Month: February 2024

NSW’s Emergency Department (ED) Taskforce will meet for the first time today, bringing together clinical experts from across the state to improve wait times in the state’s busy EDs.

NSW EDs are under continuing pressure, with more than 3 million attendances each year, and treating more patients with serious illness than ever before.

The new Taskforce will work to ensure NSW hospitals continue to deliver timely, high-quality care to the people of NSW now and well into the future.

The Taskforce will focus on enhancing models of care and adapting workforce models across the whole hospital to improve timely access to treatment in EDs. It will also consider ways to reduce avoidable ED attendances, improve patient flow, and boost inpatient capacity through early and supported discharge from hospital where clinically appropriate.

The Taskforce will meet monthly and will be co-chaired by Clinical Director, Emergency Care Institute, Agency for Clinical Innovation, Dr Trevor Chan and NSW Health Deputy Secretary, System Sustainability and Performance, Adjunct Professor Matthew Daly.

The NSW Government is also embracing a suite of innovative initiatives to divert unnecessary presentations to hospitals and relieve pressure on GPs.

This includes:

• rolling out 25 urgent care services across the state,
• empowering pharmacists to prescribe certain medications,
• increasing the use of virtual care, and
• making it easier for doctors in regional health districts to work in both GP and hospital settings.

The Taskforce will regularly engage with workers and their unions on this important priority.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“I’ve got to be honest – people are waiting too long in emergency departments.

“I’ve visited emergency departments, met the hardworking staff in our hospitals. They do an incredible job day in and day out. 

“We’ve seen good early signs when it comes to elective surgery. I want to see the same results for emergency department wait times.

“Rebuilding our healthcare system will not happen overnight, but by removing the wages cap and implementing safe staffing in NSW hospitals we can start to turn things around.”

Health Minister Ryan Park said:

“Our hospitals and EDs are under continuing pressure and the NSW Government is committed to doing everything possible to improve the experience of care for patients and better support our dedicated frontline health staff.

“This Taskforce is one part of the NSW Government’s comprehensive strategy to address ED wait times. We are also committed to delivering 25 Urgent Care Services by mid-2025, allowing communities to access urgent healthcare in a timely way and avoid unnecessary trips to the ED.

“We are tackling issues we have right now with this Taskforce, but also looking to the future so we can continue to innovate and adapt to meet the growing health needs of our communities.

“This Taskforce will look at opportunities to streamline and deliver treatment in more strategic ways, so the people of NSW receive the best possible care.”

Clinical Director, Emergency Care Institute, Agency for Clinical Innovation, Dr Trevor Chan, said:

“I look forward to working with my colleagues from across the health system who will bring their skills and experience to the Taskforce to make a real difference in our EDs.

“We will aim to develop strategies that will improve how our EDs function, support frontline healthcare workers, and improve the experiences of care for our patients.”

NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM said:

“By bringing together expert senior clinicians from a range of disciplines with this new taskforce, we can generate new ideas and solutions to support the healthcare workers in our busy EDs and the patients they care for.”

The NSW Opposition has sought missing details from the Minns Labor Government about their signature housing policy – the Transport Oriented Development Program (TOD), amid widespread criticism from numerous Labor Mayors across Sydney.
 
Reports today have revealed that the Department of Planning expects only 10% of houses under this plan to be built in the next five years.
 
Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Scott Farlow, has used Parliament to compel the Minns Government to release all documentation outlining the selection of the eight TOD accelerated precincts and the 31 TOD precincts, including analysis of the enabling infrastructure capacity of all 305 stations across the Six Cities Region.
 
“A massive uplift in housing supply in NSW must be a top priority. The Opposition support measures, including increasing density along transport corridors, to meet ambitious housing targets, but they must be done right and in consultation with local communities,” said Mr Farlow.
 
“The Opposition has sought detail from the Minns Government today to understand the capacity of local infrastructure in areas around transit stations selected for the TOD program, and the criteria used to select individual stations.”
 
“New housing must be supported by infrastructure upgrades to build functional, liveable communities. Communities across NSW are concerned about the capacity of local schools and hospitals, congested roads and full public transport during peak hour.”
 
“The Minns Government cannot have a housing plan without a plan for upgraded infrastructure in all TOD areas. All Labor has to offer are lazy one-size-fits-all policies impacting areas from Medowie to Mollybrook and Bondi to the Blue Mountains.”
 
“The only information that the Minns Government has provided the public is a 12 page glossy document for one of the largest reforms to the planning system in years. These reforms are due to come into place on 1 April with no opportunity for proper community consultation.”
 
“Councils from across Sydney have been frustrated by a lack of detail, which has led to fanciful one month turnaround times over Christmas for desperately needed feedback. Mayors are making clear that having all the required rezonings gazetted by 1 April is unrealistic and cannot happen. Labor Mayors have been the first to speak out against the Chris Minns and his Planning Minister.”
 
“Amid complaints about a lack of detail on Government policies and inability to the Department of Planning to answer basic questions, I have written to all Mayors and General Managers in LGAs impacted by the Transport Oriented Development Program, and all Councils concerning the low and mid-rise housing reforms asking about questions and issues faced by Councils to put to the Planning Minister at the upcoming Budget Estimates. Consultation is how NSW will build more homes and alleviate the housing crisis.”
 
The Opposition believes in working with local communities to set housing targets, allowing communities to formulate their local controls and if they refuse to do so that’s the appropriate time to impose local planning controls – not at the beginning.
 
“Every community has different impacts from these policies which is why local communities should be involved in formulating the policy for their areas. A lack of consultation will end in homes simply not being built and the housing crisis getting worse. That cannot be allowed to occur.”

Bilateral opportunities between NSW and Tokyo have been strengthened today with the signing of two significant Memoranda of Understanding (MoU).

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the NSW-Tokyo Sister State Agreement, the Premier and the Governor of Tokyo, Her Excellency Ms Koike Yuriko, signed an updated agreement solidifying a continued partnership. 

It also marks Her Excellency Ms Koike Yuriko’s first official visit to NSW.

The first MoU marks a renewed commitment to progress and strengthen existing ties in the areas of education, sports, sustainable city planning, and encompasses new areas of commitment around the clean economy transition and liveability.

The second MoU aims to further enhance collaboration around the energy transition, focusing on hydrogen.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“We have a long-standing relationship with Tokyo, one which is underpinned by shared values and a long history of cooperation.

“Our Sister State Agreement was first signed in 1984 by then-Premier Neville Wran, and to this day is one of our state’s longest-standing and most highly regarded partnerships. 

“Signing an updated MoU today signifies our commitment to renewed areas of cooperation and to our ongoing collaboration with one of our largest Indo-Pacific partners.”

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe said:

“Global competition for hydrogen market share, supply chains and expertise continues to grow and we need to make sure NSW is at the forefront of discussions and opportunities.

“This partnership will open doors for bilateral investment opportunities and further enhance NSW’s position as a growing hydrogen leader.”

Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“Japan is our second-largest trading partner and it’s home to the world’s largest metropolitan city, Tokyo. This is a critical trade and investment partner for NSW.

“NSW is a part of the global battle to attract new investment and to tap new markets for our world class products and services, this agreement is an opportunity to do even more to give NSW an edge.”

Governor of Tokyo, Her Excellency Ms Koike Yuriko said:

“Since the establishment of a friendship state relationship in 1984, NSW and Tokyo have engaged in cooperation and exchange in various areas.

“It is truly a pleasure to be able to visit NSW in this very special year, which marks the 40th anniversary of our friendship state relationship, to meet with Premier Minns. And, I am very pleased that we were able to sign an agreement such as this MoU.

“All of the exchange and interaction that has taken place between our states thus far is bearing fruit in the form of today’s MoU. And, I look forward to the further development of our relationship with NSW.”

The NSW Government has introduced new legislation that will remove a major roadblock to council de-amalgamations and ensure local democracy is enshrined in the decision-making process.

The amendments to the Local Government Act 1993, introduced to Parliament today, will provide a new legal pathway for NSW councils seeking to demerge, including those that already have de-amalgamation proposals under consideration.

The amendments repeal the legally flawed section 218CC of the Act and replaces it with a clear and democratic process.

This follows years of failed policy making by the former government that left councils across NSW in limbo and failed to take into account the budgetary impacts for NSW taxpayers on proposed de-amalgamations.

Under the changes, councils wishing to de-amalgamate must develop a robust business case upfront. This must consider the financial impacts and council’s ability to fund de-amalgamation, long-term strategic plans and the service delivery capacity of the new demerged councils.

Councils will also be required to undertake community consultation on the business case.

Upon receipt from a Council, the Minister must forward a business case to the NSW Local Government Boundaries Commission.

Following a subsequent independent review by the NSW Local Government Boundaries Commission, the Minister may then approve a constitutional referendum with a compulsory vote, which would require majority support from local electors to proceed with a de-amalgamation.

In addition, the Government’s Bill provides transition arrangements for councils which have already been approved for demerger by the Minister.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig:

“The forced amalgamation of NSW councils was a failed and expensive experiment. 

“While the NSW Government strongly supports a clear process for councils and communities to exercise their democratic right to pursue de-amalgamation, we also have to be realistic about some of the challenges this brings.

“It’s why one of my main priorities as Local Government Minister has been to find a way to remove the roadblocks posed by the existing demerger process, and give communities the opportunity to decide.

“These amendments the Government has introduced provide a clear path forward for councils wishing to de-amalgamate, providing much more clarity for current and future proposals.

“However, it’s essential that local democracy is enshrined in the decision-making process so that councils and communities are fully informed of the financial and other implications of de-amalgamation.

“The amendments we have introduced are more pragmatic than other legislative proposals being put to Parliament and ensure de-mergers can be effectively managed by councils and that any new councils are financially sustainable.”

Bilateral opportunities between NSW and Tokyo have been strengthened today with the signing of two significant Memoranda of Understanding (MoU).

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the NSW-Tokyo Sister State Agreement, the Premier and the Governor of Tokyo, Her Excellency Ms Koike Yuriko, signed an updated agreement solidifying a continued partnership. 

It also marks Her Excellency Ms Koike Yuriko’s first official visit to NSW.

The first MoU marks a renewed commitment to progress and strengthen existing ties in the areas of education, sports, sustainable city planning, and encompasses new areas of commitment around the clean economy transition and liveability.

The second MoU aims to further enhance collaboration around the energy transition, focusing on hydrogen.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“We have a long-standing relationship with Tokyo, one which is underpinned by shared values and a long history of cooperation.

“Our Sister State Agreement was first signed in 1984 by then-Premier Neville Wran, and to this day is one of our state’s longest-standing and most highly regarded partnerships. 

“Signing an updated MoU today signifies our commitment to renewed areas of cooperation and to our ongoing collaboration with one of our largest Indo-Pacific partners.”

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe said:

“Global competition for hydrogen market share, supply chains and expertise continues to grow and we need to make sure NSW is at the forefront of discussions and opportunities.

“This partnership will open doors for bilateral investment opportunities and further enhance NSW’s position as a growing hydrogen leader.”

Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“Japan is our second-largest trading partner and it’s home to the world’s largest metropolitan city, Tokyo. This is a critical trade and investment partner for NSW.

“NSW is a part of the global battle to attract new investment and to tap new markets for our world class products and services, this agreement is an opportunity to do even more to give NSW an edge.”

Governor of Tokyo, Her Excellency Ms Koike Yuriko said:

“Since the establishment of a friendship state relationship in 1984, NSW and Tokyo have engaged in cooperation and exchange in various areas.

“It is truly a pleasure to be able to visit NSW in this very special year, which marks the 40th anniversary of our friendship state relationship, to meet with Premier Minns. And, I am very pleased that we were able to sign an agreement such as this MoU.

“All of the exchange and interaction that has taken place between our states thus far is bearing fruit in the form of today’s MoU. And, I look forward to the further development of our relationship with NSW.”

Retailers across the city of Sydney and south east Sydney have been targeted in a joint operation to crack down on the illegal sale of nicotine e-cigarettes (vapes).

NSW Health inspectors and NSW Police officers, working with officers from the Therapeutic Goods Administration, conducted 60 raids between 29 January and 2 February 2024.

The most recent raids seized 30,000 nicotine e-cigarettes, 118,000 cigarettes, 45kg of flavoured and loose-leaf tobacco and 284 containers of nicotine pouches worth with an estimated street value of over $1.1 million. This brings the total estimated street value of seized illegal vaping and tobacco products across NSW, since 1 July 2020 to more than $31.6 million.

Vaping products containing nicotine are only available when prescribed by a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner. and can only be legally dispensed from a pharmacy in Australia with a valid prescription.

For all other retailers in NSW, the sale of e-cigarettes or e-liquids containing nicotine is illegal. This also includes online sales. The maximum penalty for illegally selling them is $1650 per offence, 6-months in prison or both, under the Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 1966.

Retailers and individuals can also be prosecuted for selling e-cigarette products to minors, with maximum penalties:

• for individuals, up to $11,000 for a first offence, and up to $55,000 for a second or subsequent offence
• for corporations, up to $55,000 for a first offence, and up to $110,000 for a second or subsequent offence.

Once the vaping reforms are fully implemented later this year, tobacconists, vape shops and convenience stores will no longer be able to lawfully sell any type of vape. It’s important that retailers take action now to minimise financial losses and ensure they comply with the new rules.

Under Commonwealth Therapeutic Goods legislation, the TGA has issued 190 infringement notices totalling $1.71 million to 42 entities to date. A fine for illegal advertising, import or supply is currently, per offence, $3756 for an individual and $18,780 for a corporation. Court penalties can exceed $10 million and include jail terms. See TGA’s Information about infringement notices for more information.

NSW Health launched the ‘Every Vape is a Hit to Your Health’ campaign last week to encourage young people to consider the proven health harms of vaping.

This was in addition to the first meeting of the National Vaping Working Group, co-chaired by NSW Health Secretary, Susan Pearce AM, which is overseeing development and implementation of the national enforcement framework and brings together health and enforcement agencies from across Australia.

NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“The NSW Government committed $6.8 million over 3 years in the budget to invest in a crackdown on the sale of illegal vapes and increase support for young people who are addicted to vaping. We are delivering on that commitment.

“Vapes are not a safe alternative to smoking and we are doing everything we can to educate young people on the harms of vaping and to protect them from those same harms.

“More evidence continues to come to light about the dangers associated with vapes. They aren’t innocent flavoured water, they contain harmful chemicals which can also be found in weed killer and antifreeze.

“Officers have been finding some retailers have placed products in hidden rooms behind fake walls and in secret panels and drawers to hide the devices, but we have and will continue to find them.

“If you think a tobacco or e-cigarette retailing law has been broken by a retailer in NSW, you can report this via the NSW Health website.

“NSW Health will continue to work closely with our Federal counterparts and NSW Police to take the action needed to prevent vaping becoming the next public health emergency for generations to come.”

Federal Minister for Health Mark Butler said:

“Vape products are deliberately marketed to our children. We have seen that kids buy vapes from other kids at school which is a significant concern for both current and future health and wellbeing.

“The Australian Government is stamping out ways that anyone can access these harmful products by reforming the regulation of vapes, including removing loopholes in existing laws, and increasing enforcement in cooperation with states and territories.”

“On 1 January 2024, the first stage of our reforms made the importation of single use disposable vapes illegal, except in very limited circumstances.”

“Stronger controls on the importation, manufacture, supply and advertising of vapes will be progressively implemented over 2024.” 

“The Therapeutic Goods Administration will continue to work with NSW Health and Australian Border Force to stamp out the illegal importation and supply of vapes under Commonwealth and state and territory law.”