Month: October 2023

Aboriginal business leaders have met with their Māori counterparts to better understand and share information about how to grow Indigenous businesses and create new jobs across the Tasman in the fourth Aboriginal Business Roundtable on Closing the Gap. 

The Looking Abroad: Aboriginal and Māori Businesses Roundtable is the first time businesses have come together in this way brought together by the NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris and NZ Consul General, Bill Dobbie. 

The roundtable deliberated on how the ‘trans-Indigenous’ trade had evolved over thousands of years and how this new era of collaboration would unlock new opportunities for indigenous businesses in a global marketplace. Participants used the opportunity to knowledge share and network with Austrade providing practical advice on how to expand businesses for export markets. 

The NSW Government recognises a thriving Aboriginal business sector is essential for economic self-determination and Closing the Gap. NSW is the only jurisdiction in Australia that has an additional priority reform to Close the Gap on employment, business growth and economic prosperity.

A key action to deliver this priority is the convening of Aboriginal business roundtables to hear directly from Aboriginal businesses on what challenges they face to enter, grow and thrive in the NSW business sector.

In 2021, 59.6% of people aged 25 to 64 years who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander were employed, compared to 75.2% of people who identify as non-Indigenous. Over 20 years this has only increased by 14.0% (45.6% in 2001).

Australian Government data shows that between 2006 and 2016, the number of Indigenous businesses has increased to 11,587. However, the rate of business ownership by Indigenous Australians is lower than non-Indigenous Australians. Indigenous businesses only represent between 0.6% to 0.8% of the 2.1 million businesses nationwide.

The NSW Government has established an Aboriginal Business Taskforce to provide independent advice, develop strategic approaches and coordinate and drive initiatives under Priority Reform 5 relating to starting, supporting and growing businesses. Expressions of Interest are now open.

October is Indigenous Business Month, with Australia’s First Nations communities being called ‘To Gather, together’.

For more information on Closing the Gap and Aboriginal Business Taskforce visit the NSW Aboriginal Affairs website.launch 

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“The NSW Government is committed to Closing the Gap.

“We acknowledge that to close the gap, Aboriginal people must determine, drive and own their own future.

“More than ever, Aboriginal people are seeking to achieve economic independence through business creation.

“Aboriginal businesses want to grow and expand into new markets, and the NSW Government is keen to support these businesses on this journey.

“This roundtable is an exciting opportunity for Aboriginal and Māori business entrepreneurs to forge connections and create business ties and networks.

“Initiatives such as this are driving change and helping close the gap in real and sustainable ways.”

The NSW Government is encouraging eligible fire-affected primary producers and landholders in 7 local government areas (LGAs) to access disaster assistance in response to recent and ongoing bushfires in those areas.

Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and will be administered through the NSW Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) to help communities and individuals directly affected by the fires.

The assistance measures available through the NSW RAA are:

• Concessional interest rate loans for primary producers and small businesses up to a maximum of $130,000, with interest rates currently set at 1.79%.
• Concessional interest rate loans for non-profit organisations up to a maximum of $25,000, with interest rates currently set at 1.79%.
• Transport subsidies for primary producers of up to 50% of the total freight cost to a maximum of $15,000 per farm enterprise per financial year.
• Donated fodder transport subsidies for the costs of donating and transporting donated fodder to affected properties or storage facilities in a central location up to a maximum distance of 1500 kilometres.

Further information, including guidelines, fact sheets and application forms can be found on the RAA’s websitelaunch or by calling 1800 678 593launch.

Fire-affected farmers and land managers in these LGAs requiring assistance with livestock assessment, animal welfare and veterinary assistance can contact the Agriculture and Animal Services Hotline on 1800 814 647launch to access support.

The 7 LGAs now able to access disaster assistance following this week’s joint Commonwealth-NSW government announcement are:

• Inverell, Kyogle and Tenterfield from 13 October
• Kempsey, Mid Coast and Port Macquarie from 16 October
• Mid-Western from 17 October.

Visit the Department of Primary Industries BushfireHublaunch for more information.

Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Regional NSW and Minister for Western NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“The NSW Government appreciates that many of our farmers are facing another significant natural event and is committed to supporting our producers as they recover once again.

“Natural disaster recovery grants and subsidies will provide immediate relief such clean-up, transport and restoration costs to eligible primary producers, small businesses, and non-profit organisations in the 7 LGAs of Port Macquarie, Mid-Coast, Kempsey, Inverell, Kyogle, Tenterfield and Mid-Western.

“The NSW Rural Assistance Authority will work compassionately with affected producers and I encourage impacted people to reach out and access the assistance available to them.”

The NSW Respect at Work Advisory Group has been established, to ensure coordinated and effective action across government and non-government leaders to address workplace sexual harassment.

Workplace sexual harassment occurs in every industry and is unacceptably common in Australia. The most recent data from the Australian Human Rights Commission found a third of Australians have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace.

Work is already underway to curb sexual harassment in the workplace in NSW, with SafeWork NSW launching a 4-year strategy to stamp out sexual harassment in the workplace.

A new, dedicated team focused on addressing gender-based harmful workplace behaviours, the SafeWork NSW Respect at Work Taskforce will lead the implementation of the strategy.

This includes educating NSW businesses on their duties to prevent and respond to workplace sexual harassment before it occurs and take appropriate enforcement action to protect workers.

The NSW Respect at Work Advisory Group will be led by SafeWork NSW and will be supported by Minister Sophie Cotsis and Minister Jodie Harrison.

The NSW Government is committed to fostering safer and more respectful workplaces in NSW.

The Respect at Work Advisory group, strategy and SafeWork will drive efforts to prevent specialise in the prevention of sexual harassment in the workplace.

The advisory group will inform the government’s approach to regulating  workplace sexual harassment and ensure efforts are coordinated with key NSW and Commonwealth government agencies working to address sexual harassment.

The advisory group is comprised of:

• SafeWork NSW 
• Anti-Discrimination Board of NSW  
• Australian Human Rights Commission 
• NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner 
• Legal Aid NSW  
• NSW Police Force 
• NSW Public Service Commissioner 
• Women NSW, Premier’s Department 
• Full Stop Australia  
• Australian Institute of Health and Safety 
• Australian Industry Group 
• Unions NSW 
• Our Watch 
• Muslim Women Australia 
• Professor Rae Cooper, AO.

The NSW Respect at Work Advisory Group will meet for the first time on Monday 24 October.

The NSW Government has resources for business and workers on how they can help prevent sexual harassment in their workplaces and what they can do if they experience workplace sexual harassment.

Minister for Industrial Relations and Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“The prevalence of sexual harassment in Australian workplaces is incredibly concerning and we believe the collaboration that the NSW Respect at Work programs will help reduce this.

“My expectation is that we listen to the feedback from the experts.”

Minister for Prevention of Domestic Violence and Assault Jodie Harrison said:

“Workplace sexual harassment has a profound impact on individuals and undermines workplace productivity.

“The establishment of the NSW Respect at Work Advisory Group is an important step in reducing the prevalence of workplace sexual harassment and making sure people can feel safe at work.

“The work the advisory group will do in prevention is absolutely key to changing the culture in workplaces to one of respect and inclusiveness.”

A recovery centre will open at Willawarrin tomorrow, Thursday 26 October, to support communities in and around the Kempsey region recover from the recent bushfires.

Bushfire-affected residents are encouraged to visit the recovery centre, which brings together NSW and local government agencies, community organisations and welfare bodies under one roof.

Multi-agency recovery centres provide access to important support services for disaster-affected individuals, families, farmers and business owners to help them heal and begin the clean-up and recovery process.

Attendees can access mental health first aid and meet with a range of not-for-profits, and government and community organisations, including:

• Service NSW, including Business Concierges
• NSW Reconstruction Authority
• Department of Primary Industries / Local Land Services
• NSW Health – Mental Health services
• Rural Financial Counselling Services
• Red Cross
• Legal Aid
• Insurance Council of Australia
• Salvation Army
• Disaster Relief Grants Assessor

Located at Willawarrin Community Hall, 24-26 Main St, Willawarrin, the recovery centre will open during the following hours:

• Thursday – 9am to 5pm
• Friday – 9am to 5pm
• Saturday – 10am to 3pm
• Monday – 9am to 5pm
• Tuesday – 12pm to 7pm

Anyone not able to attend the recovery centre can contact Service NSWlaunch for remote assistance, with customer care specialists available on the phone via 13 77 88launch. Specialist mental health bushfire recovery clinicians are also available by calling 1800 011 511launch.

Donations can be made through the NSW donation management channellaunch.

This week the NSW and Australian governments made a disaster declaration for the area, opening up access to a range of special assistance measures for bushfire-affected communities, provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Grants and loans are available for primary producers, small businesses, sporting and recreation clubs and not-for-profit organisations impacted by the bushfire.

The recovery centre is being opened by the NSW Reconstruction Authority.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“This is a challenging time for the community and serves as a tragic reminder of how dangerous bushfires are.”

“It is important that affected residents in the Kempsey region get back on their feet as quickly as possible, and a number of government agencies and Ministers have worked quickly to make sure people can access funding and find support through our recovery centre.”

“We know providing face-to-face support is crucial in the early stages of recovery, so we encourage anyone affected by the fires to visit the centre and find out what support they may be eligible for.”

Deputy CEO of the NSW Reconstruction Authority Simone Walker said:

“It’s normal to experience a range of emotions after a bushfire and we will always have someone available who can link people with additional support services such as the Salvation Army, Business Concierge, Red Cross and Rural Adversity Mental Health Program.”

“I would encourage anyone who needs assistance or support to attend the recovery centre, community members can access a diverse range of services from clean-up to mental health support.”  

The dedication, compassion and ingenuity of healthcare staff and volunteers across the state has been celebrated at the 25th annual NSW Health Awards.

Health Minister Ryan Park congratulated the winners at last night’s ceremony, held at the Sydney International Convention Centre.

“I want to congratulate the winners and sincerely thank them for their contribution to our health system. I also want to recognise all our finalists across the 12 award categories – their creativity and passion truly shows the breadth of skill and innovation from our teams across the state,” Mr Park said.

“In particular, I want to highlight the great work of Professor Josephine Chow from South Western Sydney Local Health District, named the Staff Member of the Year for her leadership as part of the COVID-19 response and to renal programs.

“Our Volunteer of the Year, Syd Dudley, from Murrumbidgee Local Health District has played a key role in attracting medical officers to the small town of Finley. He’s been there from day one, welcoming new staff and helping them settle into the local community.

“Pleasingly, 7 of the NSW Health Award winners are from rural and regional areas, highlighting the great care available to communities in the regions.”

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson presented the award for the Excellence in the Provision of Mental Health Services Awards to Naamuru.

“Naamuru is the state’s first public mental health unit that enables parents with mental illness to be admitted together with their baby, minimising trauma from separation. This is an incredibly important area of care and I want to commend Sydney Local Health District for their work in this space,” Ms Jackson said.

Minister for Medical Research David Harris extended his congratulations to the joint winners of the Health Research category – the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network and Sydney Local Health District.

“I want to recognise the innovation of our staff members across Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network and Sydney Local health District, who have made big strides in neo-natal care and organ transplantation,” Mr Harris said.

NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce praised both the winners and the nominees for their commitment to meeting the needs of patients, now and into the future.

“To each and every one of our finalists, I thank you for all you do each day to provide the best possible care to your communities across NSW,” Ms Pearce said.

“I also want to acknowledge the passion, dedication and contributions of all our healthcare staff and volunteers, who work incredibly hard every day to keep the people of NSW safe and healthy.

“It was my great pleasure to announce Welcome Baby to Bourke as the winner of this year’s Secretary Award. The ceremony, facilitated by Aboriginal Elders and staff from Western NSW Local Health District, gives babies a sense of identity and belonging, connecting them to their community, country and Aboriginal Elders.”

The NSW Health Awards recognise personalised, sustainable, and digitally enabled programs that contribute to the wellbeing of patients and the community.

The categories for the 25th annual NSW Health Awards include:

• Staff Member of the Year Award
• Volunteer of the Year Award
• Secretary’s Award
• Environmental Sustainability Award
• Excellence in Aboriginal Healthcare Award
• Excellence in the Provision of Mental Health Services Award
• Health Innovation Award
• Health Research Award
• Keeping People Healthy Award
• Patient Safety First Award
• People and Culture Award
• Transforming Patient Experience Award.

The full list of finalists and their projects is available on the NSW Healthlaunch website.

The Bus Industry Taskforce released its Directions for On-Street Transit White Paper at the Western Sydney Bus Symposium today.

The white paper outlines the key challenges and identifies a way forward in delivering a more equitable provision of bus services for passengers in Western Sydney and across NSW.

The NSW Government met with industry, unions, and other key stakeholders to discuss the steps that need to be taken to improve reliability and frequency of bus services and discuss planning for new on-road infrastructure, such as bus stops and bus lanes.

The white paper identifies 5 key moves to transform bus services across the state:

1. Evolve services and infrastructure over time: Focusing on providing essential public transport services and infrastructure ahead of growing population demand in a staged approach. Providing clearer customer information and more seamless interchanging opportunities. Developing innovative solutions for first and last mile journeys.
2. Grow network demand and capacity: Providing priority access for on-street transit when planning for population growth. Align fleet type with demand and needs of the community. Invest in technology to uplift customer experience and operations planning.
3. Deliver new permanent high-quality routes: Develop a priority list for 39 rapid bus routes that balance population growth support and developing new connections in Greater Sydney.
4. Grow the city along permanent high-quality routes: Identify on-street transit support for medium-density housing areas. Investment in upgrades to bus stop accessibility. Plan for and deliver public transport capable streets.
5. Create enabling funding and partnerships: Implement strategies to support private operator performance. Improve coordination of asset management, including depots and layovers.

The key challenges the paper aims to address includes increasing public transport access across all growing cities, improving passenger information, better reliability and priority of bus services, and tackling congestion to free up public transport movement on roads.

This new vision for transforming how we plan and develop cities across Greater Sydney, Lower Hunter and Greater Newcastle, Central Coast and Illawarra-Shoalhaven, will feed into the Bus Industry Taskforce’s interim report, to be delivered to government by 31 October.

Attendees at today’s Bus Symposium had the opportunity to have their say on the White Paper which Transport for NSW will use to create a formal policy position to be presented to government.

Consultation on the white paper will take place until 25 November 2023 and the Bus Industry Taskforce will be engaging with a range of stakeholders including bus operators, councils, planners and the public.

Read the On-Street Transit White Paperlaunch at the Have Your Say website.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:

“More than 138 million trips are taken on our bus and on-street transit network each year, we can’t grow our communities properly if our bus network isn’t meeting demand.

“The Bus Industry Taskforce has already announced measures to improve bus service delivery and this white paper highlights 5 key moves that will be considered for the successful future of our bus fleet.

“We need to look at best practices from all around the world. If other cities like Manhattan and Amsterdam can do it, so can Sydney.

“Everyone is a possible bus passenger, and I am committed to working with industry and experts to make sure on-street transit is front and centre when we talk about city planning.

“The only way we can continue to grow our cities is by supporting that growth with accessible and reliable public transport options. I thank those that came out today to provide their insights and expertise as we plan for a more connected state.”

The NSW Government is getting on with the job of providing Rouse Hill with a hospital for the future. Delivered in 1 stage, the Rouse Hill Hospital will respond to the health needs of the communities in northwest Sydney for decades to come. 

Health Minister Ryan Park visited the Rouse Hill Hospital site yesterday, confirming the government’s funding commitment of an additional $400 million to deliver an expanded scope for the development, bringing the total budget for the hospital to $700 million.

“Our government is committed to delivering a hospital of the future at Rouse Hill that will lead the way in patient-centred care, innovation and research,” Mr Park said.

“Rouse Hill Hospital will be one of the first hospitals under our government to combine the best contemporary healthcare facilities with services that support our highly skilled workforce, including childcare and health worker accommodation.”

Community members who are interested in taking part in consultation around the Rouse Hill Hospital development are invited to register their interest by completing an online formlaunch.

Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby said now is a great time for further community involvement. 

“The success of the new Rouse Hill Hospital relies on the active involvement and valuable insights of our community, ensuring its design and function is welcoming, accessible and supports the wellbeing of patients, visitors and staff,” Mr Kirby said.

A dedicated project website has also been launched to keep the community informed of progress. The Rouse Hill Hospitallaunch website will feature the latest news and updates and an opportunity to sign up to a regular newsletter.

Labor spokesperson for Kellyville, duty MLC Peter Primrose, said Western Sydney is one of NSW’s fastest growing regions and the new Rouse Hill Hospital is a vital piece of health infrastructure to meet the community’s needs.

“A key area of focus for the Minns Labor Government is in ensuring that as the communities of greater Western Sydney grow, the necessary infrastructure and services grow with them,” Mr Primrose said.

Mr Park said a key component of the Rouse Hill Hospital development will be attracting a skilled multidisciplinary health workforce. 

“As a first step in building this workforce, I am excited to announce the appointment of Julia Underwood as General Manager of the new hospital,” Mr Park said.

“With more than 26 years’ experience working for NSW Health, Julia’s most recent role was Director of Redevelopment at Campbelltown Hospital. Julia has the unique skills required to support the delivery of this state-of-the-art hospital.

“As General Manager, Julia’s focus will be on establishing the executive team at Rouse Hill Hospital as well as operational, governance and built environment plans.”

The final scope for the Rouse Hill Hospital Development will be determined through the planning process. It will adopt a full hospital campus model and is expected to include:

• an emergency and urgent care department
• in-patient beds
• day surgery unit
• short stay medical assessment services
• pathology, pharmacy and medical imaging services
• a health hub for virtual care and hospital in the home services
• prehabilitation, rehabilitation, and lifestyle medicine
• outpatient and ambulatory care services including paediatrics, renal, maternity services and women’s health
• administration, staff support and back of house services
• car parking facilities.

The design and consultation phase for the Rouse Hill Hospital will continue throughout 2023. Main works construction is on track to start in 2024.

The NSW Opposition has called out the Bus Taskforce White Paper released today as providing no new funding or solutions to the commuters of Sydney and questioning what value taxpayers are getting for the $700,000 salary of the part-time chair of the Bus Taskforce.
 
Ministers are elected to take responsibility and to make decisions, however yet again, we have the Minister outsourcing decision making to unelected bureaucrats on large salaries.
 
The White Paper provides no new funding for:

• Bus Services in Western Sydney
• Bus Driver recruitment, retention or training
• Procurement of new buses to service commuters 

The Opposition is equally concerned with the plethora of reviews underway into different transport modes that the future of public transport planning in NSW is being siloed instead of integrated planning.
 
The Opposition is calling for an immediate plan and funding right now for more drivers, more services and putting commuters at the centre of this government’s priorities, not reviews and labor-mate consultants bleeding the money out of the Government.
 
Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward commented “The Opposition will support the Government when they provide good solutions to issues, but more white papers, consultations and reviews just kicks the can down the road.”
 
“Half-baked thought bubbles from a Labor mate getting paid $700,000 for a part-time job provides no solutions for commuters.”
 
“Let’s be clear, this White Paper cost more in graphic design services than provides new funding for bus services in NSW.”