Month: February 2024

The NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE, and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan, today welcomed the release of the Australian Universities Accord Final Report, which highlights opportunities for national reform to strengthen the higher education sector.

The Australian Universities Accord is the first national review of the higher education system since the 2008 Bradley Review. It focuses on priority areas to meet Australia’s knowledge and skills needs now and into the future, including:

• improving access and opportunity, including for students from disadvantaged and equity backgrounds
• considering investment and affordability system settings
• enhancing governance and the contribution of the sector to national prosperity
• engagement and alignment between the vocational and higher education systems
• quality and sustainability, including of international education
• supporting innovation and capability in the research sector.

The Accord Final Report sets out a roadmap for future reform to help meet these ambitious goals.

Critical for NSW, and for Australia as a whole, will be expanding access to the transformative potential of world-class higher education to more students, especially those from less advantaged backgrounds who stand to benefit the most.

With nine out of 10 jobs created in the next decade requiring a post-school qualification, and half of these needing a bachelor’s degree, there is an urgent need to make the most of this opportunity, both for individual benefit and for broader community and social benefit.

The Accord Final Report includes key recommendations for widening participation, changes to funding settings including costs to students, seamless navigation between vocational and higher education, as well as supporting innovation and impact in research and industry engagement.

Read the 2024 Universities Accord report

NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan, said:

“The Universities Accord is an exciting step from the Albanese Government to give our vital higher education sector longer term certainty and a framework for extending tertiary education to more NSW residents.

“I’m particularly excited about opportunities to improve support for regional and remote students; along with students who have found access difficult in the past.

“The accord aims to build a stronger alignment between universities and vocational training. That is vital, if we are to meet the workforce needs of the future – particularly the transition to renewables and advanced manufacturing.

“We have an excellent higher education sector in NSW and I look forward to the accord and a strong Federal Government commitment giving them the certainty to build on their success.”

The 120-year-old mystery of SS Nemesis and the 32 crew members lost at sea has been solved, with the accidental discovery and subsequent identification of a shipwreck in waters off Port Kembla.

With the wreck identified, the NSW Government is hoping to connect with relatives of the crew members, including three men buried in an unmarked grave in Woronora Memorial Park at Sutherland.

Heritage NSW says members of the lost crew came from Australia, the United Kingdom and one from Canada.

The SS Nemesis departed Newcastle on the 9th of July 1904, loaded with coal and headed to Melbourne. It was last sighted in distress in rough seas off Wollongong by another ship also caught in the storm.

The loss attracted significant attention from the media and public. Over several weeks, bodies of crew members washed ashore at Cronulla Beach, as well as fragments of the ship’s steering wheel, doors and other floating wreckage.

But the location of the 73-metre-long vessel remained unknown.

More than a century later in 2022, remote sensing company Subsea Professional Marine Services stumbled across the wreck while trying to locate cargo containers lost off the coast of Sydney.

The ship was undisturbed, some 26 kilometres offshore and approximately 160 metres underwater.

NSW Heritage experts, who had spent years investigating and surveying the ocean-floor, immediately suspected they had found SS Nemesis. But identifying it was a challenge as it was so far offshore, in deep, high current water.

Additional underwater imagery captured by CSIRO provided the evidence needed to confirm the ship’s distinctive features aligned with historical photographs and sketches of SS Nemesis. Images show the iron wreck resting upright on a broad sand plain, with significant damage to its bow and stern.

It also revealed a series of clues as to why the ship sank that night. It is thought the engine became overwhelmed in the storm, and when SS Nemesis was hit by a large wave she sank too quickly for life boats to be deployed.

Those with a connection to SS Nemesis are asked to contact Heritage NSW: heritagemailbox@environment.nsw.gov.au.

NSW Minister for Environment and Heritage Penny Sharpe said:

“The loss of Nemesis has been described as one of Sydney’s most enduring maritime mysteries and has even been described by shipwreck researchers as the ‘holy grail’.

“Thanks to collaborative work with CSIRO and Subsea, using modern technology and historical records, Heritage NSW has been able to write the final chapter of SS Nemesis’ story.

“Around 40 children lost their parents in this wreck and I hope this discovery brings closure to families and friends connected to the ship who have never known its fate.”

Federal Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic said:

“Every Australian should take heart in the curiosity and persistence our scientists have shown in this project, as they do in all their work.

“I admire how determined they were to solve a century-old mystery, demonstrating once again the value of working together and backing that up with the latest know-how.

“Everyone involved should be enormously proud of this discovery and the comfort it will provide to the descendants of the 32 sailors who died aboard SS Nemesis.”

Quote attributable to Member for Wollongong, Minister Paul Scully:

“This wreck is part of the rich maritime history of the Illawarra which ranges from shipwrecks to the Dalfram dispute, which influenced Australian foreign policy during World War II.

“With only 105 of the more than 200 shipwrecks off the NSW coast having been discovered this is an important find.

“The discovery of the Nemesis shows why Wollongong continues to explore its history in what is a proud port city.”

CSIRO Voyage Manager, Jason Fazey said:

“Our technical team aboard CSIRO research vessel, RV Investigator, did an amazing job in mapping the entire site and capturing very clear vision of the wreck using one of our underwater camera systems.

“Using RV Investigator’s advanced multibeam echosounders, we were able to create a high-resolution map of the entire wreck and measure key dimensions to aid in its identification.

“Everyone aboard was honoured to be able to contribute to this project and assist Heritage NSW’s maritime archaeology experts in the successful identification of SS Nemesis to help bring closure to another one of our nation’s maritime tragedies.”

Ed Korber, Subsea Professional Marine Services said:

“It has been an absolute honour to have discovered this wreck which will now finally bring some closure to the families of its lost crew members.

“Our marine and remote operated vehicle team have navigated difficult challenges to get the first incredible footage that has allowed Heritage NSW to confirm this was indeed the Nemesis wreck.”

The NSW Government has announced the establishment of a new company to operate the world-leading viral vector manufacturing facility based at Westmead, which will produce groundbreaking and life-saving therapies.

Viral vectors are a key component of many cell and gene therapies, and vaccines, which are increasingly being used to treat cancer, genetic diseases and infections.

Viral vector technology uses viruses that are harmless to humans to carry genetic therapies to the target organs and systems that cause significant human diseases.

Establishing a commercial company with an agile, responsive operating model will provide a strong base for the sustainable, long-term success of the Viral Vector Manufacturing facility.

Stage 1 of the facility is operational for use in gene therapy research with the first clinical trial anticipated to commence in 2025 using vectors from the facility.

The Stage 2 facility is currently under construction and once completed will provide NSW with a commercial-scale viral vector manufacturing facility capable of meeting the growing demand for viral vectors.

Completion of construction works is expected by the end of 2024, with Good Manufacturing Practice  certification to follow soon after. The company is to be registered as Viral Vector Manufacturing Facility Pty Ltd. It will manufacture the vectors and supply them to specialised healthcare staff, who will deliver the therapies to patients.

Overall, the NSW Government has committed $134.5 million to establish the Facility and to manufacture viral vector products for research and clinical trials.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“NSW is a globally recognised leader in developing and delivering gene therapies, cell therapies and vaccines, and viral vectors are a key part of many of these therapies.

“This is cutting-edge, world class work happening right here in Western Sydney.

“This commercial-scale facility will allow us to meet local manufacturing demand, and further establish us as a respected leader in this field.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“My priority as health minister has been to embrace innovative initiatives in improving health outcomes for our community.

“I am so proud that NSW Health is at the forefront of this world leading treatment.

“Today’s announcement will have real life changing benefits for people suffering from genetic diseases, cancers and viral infections.

“These therapies are expanding rapidly, targeting more and more genetic diseases, cancer and infections – significantly increasing the number of patients who can and will benefit from viral vectors.

“This expansion in potential applications, treatments and patient benefits is not however matched by current manufacturing capacity, either locally or globally, which is causing a delay in us achieving these benefits.”

Minister for Medical Research David Harris said:

“This will mean researchers have a local viral vector supply for their work, and attract students and researchers from around the world.

“Investing in health precincts like this one is an important part of making sure that research can thrive and is integrated in the wider health ecosystem.”

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said:

“The facility is an important part of the Westmead Health and Innovation Precinct here in western Sydney.

“I am so proud that Parramatta is home to this facility which is at the cutting edge of medical research and treatment.”

NSW based Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are being encouraged to collaborate with universities and research organisations as part of an $11 million funding program to boost innovation. 

The Boosting Business Innovation Program (BBIP) will see SMEs partner with Publicly Funded Research Organisations (PFROs) to improve productivity across NSW over the next four years. 

Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong said the revised BBIP scheme, which now includes TechVouchers grants, is designed to connect SMEs with research organisations to fast-track idea development and accelerate the rate of innovation. 

“During consultation on the Government’s Innovation Blueprint, I’ve heard directly from stakeholders that there are big barriers for businesses looking to commercialise their great ideas, and we want to make it easier”, Mr Chanthivong said.   

“NSW should be the most attractive place in the nation for businesses aligned with areas including clean energy and waste, medical and life sciences, agriculture and advanced manufacturing, to make new product developments and achieve productivity gains.  

“In partnership with our partners, this program will help break down obstacles for innovators by providing improved access to research facilities, the latest technology, training opportunities and expert advice. 

“It will also fund collaborative research projects between SMEs and researchers through TechVoucher grants.” 

Of the total $11 million in funding, $7.15 million is allocated to delivery partners to subsidise the cost of providing facilities and services such as co-working spaces, business incubators, accelerator programs, start-up hubs, conferences, training, and access to leading experts. 

A further $3.85 million in TechVoucher grant funding is available to fund collaborative research projects between SMEs and researchers, with approved projects awarded 50% of the total eligible project costs in matched funding, up to a maximum of $50,000. 

“This program, alongside the work we are doing in developing the NSW Innovation Blueprint, will support and help accelerate the rate of innovation in NSW.” 

Macquarie University Vice-Chancellor Professor S Bruce Dowton said the BBIP has directly supported the development of its newly launched DeepTech Incubator.    

“The BBIP funding has been critical in supporting Macquarie University’s ability to bring our DeepTech offering to fruition. In providing the high-value infrastructure that is in demand by deep tech and scaleup organisations, Macquarie University is helping New South Wales drive groundbreaking discoveries to successful commercial ventures for the benefit of Australia and the world.” 

SMEs are encouraged to reach out directly to delivery partners to discuss the Program opportunities. 

For the full list of delivery partners and to learn more please visit www.investment.nsw.gov.au/bbip

Sydneysiders are invited to share their ideas on plans for a new public park which will transform 20 hectares of Moore Park South into green open space for community recreation in one of the densest parts of the city.

The consultation asks the community to comment on how they would like to use the new park and how the existing golf offering at Moore Park could be reimagined.

The Discussion Paper released by the NSW Government today outlines the plan to transform an area on the western side of Moore Park Golf Course on the north of Dacey Avenue to public open space while retaining the 9-hole golf course, driving range and clubhouse.

Currently there are 690,000 people within a 5km radius of Centennial Parklands, with the population projected to rise to almost 790,000 in 2041. This makes it one of the densest residential communities in Australia, with the majority of these people living in apartments, townhouses or terraces.

The new park will increase public access to green space which is important to improving the quality of life of nearby residents.

As our cities and communities grow, Sydney still needs open spaces to support greater density in the right places. The NSW Government is committed to well-built, well-designed, and well-located homes close to public spaces for families to enjoy the outdoor environment.

To support this, the Government is acting on a need to deliver more public open space for inner-city residents with the current operating license of Moore Park Golf course set to expire in 2026.

Consultation will be open until 10 April 2024 and will include a series of pop-up information sessions in various locations throughout March.

Get more information on the Centennial Parklands wesbite.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The NSW Government has prepared this Discussion Paper so that feedback from all communities and stakeholders can help shape the future of the new public park at Moore Park South.

“Parks are places for our diverse communities to gather, relax, exercise and connect with country. They can provide a cheap and fun outing with family and friends.

“This plan aims to strike a balance, ensuring the needs of our rapidly growing inner-city communities are met, while also retaining and reimagining golf in Moore Park.”

“We understand the importance of providing equitable access to green space for our inner-city communities as Sydney continues to grow – no one should miss out on the benefits of a backyard.

“This Discussion Paper is an important step to addressing the needs of residents living in the city’s most densely populated suburbs while allowing golf to continue in Moore Park.

“I encourage everyone to get involved and have your say to help shape this important recreational space.”

A new online hub is set to help parents and carers navigate the first five years of their child’s life, offering information on cost-of-living support, as well as ensuring their children have the best start in life and are set up for success.

The NSW Labor Government today launched the Brighter Beginnings Parent and Carer Information Hub – a website to help parents, carers and families access Government services, rebates and support for their child, from pregnancy through to the start of primary school.

Previously, parents looking for information had to navigate across disparate NSW and Australian Government websites. The Brighter Beginnings Hub brings these resources together, allowing parents to access services and support relevant to their child’s age.

For the different stages of pregnancy and a child’s life, the website includes advice and support services for health, mental health and wellbeing, nutrition, play and development, relationships, financial advice and any relevant payments or rebates.

The NSW Labor Government has prioritised the creation of this hub because the first five years of a child’s life are critical to outcomes later in life. During this period a child’s brain develops rapidly, with positive connections and experiences laying the foundations for a bright future.

With two in five children in NSW developmentally at risk or vulnerable before they start school, according to Australian Early Development Census data, the parent and carer hub is a vital part of the new support the Government is providing to bridge that gap.

This is just part of the NSW Government’s historic commitment to the early years, which includes a record $769 million investment to deliver 100 public preschools across NSW, with close to half of those new preschools in regional areas.

The NSW Government has also committed $60 million to build or upgrade 50 preschools on non-government school sites in areas of greatest educational need, and up to $29.4 million to expand the number of early childhood workers in NSW through a scholarship program, which has seen a record number of applications. The NSW Government has also provided $17 million to support capital works for early childhood services in areas of need.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“This website is a great resource for new parents. The first five years of a child’s life are incredibly important for their future.

“There is a lot of information out there and it can be overwhelming for parents and carers.

“This is about cutting confusion and giving families the support and information they need during the formative years of their child’s life.”

NSW Minister for Health and Regional Health Ryan Park said:

“This government is committed to supporting the health of children, and their families from the beginning.

“We want to ensure all families are engaged with the healthcare system in those really critical early stages and years of life.

“There are simple things you can do with your child that will make a big difference in helping them grow and thrive, and this new hub will help make finding trusted information that much easier.

“Adding a precious baby to the family is a wonderful time, but it can also be really hard and stressful, this hub will help families access the support they need.”

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“Children are the future leaders of our state and the NSW Government is committed to providing all families with support and access to critical services and information.

“This digital solution does the heavy lifting for parents and carers to help them stay on track and give their children the best possible start in life.

“The Hub was designed in consultation with the whole community, from parents and carers to early childhood educators and health professionals, ensuring families are connected to the practical support they need.”

The NSW Labor Government is today announcing $275 million in grants under the Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative, to secure NSW as the place to develop and manufacture clean technology and create new jobs in the process.

The Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative will support workers, small businesses, manufacturers and innovators to take advantage of the transformation of our energy grid. The move to net zero will also transform our economy – and these grants will ensure NSW manufacturing is part of this revolution.

The initiative will deliver more local, secure jobs across the state, and support the diversification of our regional economies.

The investment areas are aligned to the opportunity areas identified through the NSW Decarbonisation Innovation 2023 Study, released by the Office of Chief Scientist and Engineer.

This includes future energy systems and storage, transportation, built environment, biomanufacturing, power-fuels including hydrogen and agricultural technologies.

The Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative will offer the following grants:

• Renewable Manufacturing – increasing capacity to make the components for renewable energy projects, which will alleviate supply chain constraints and increase local content capability.For example, projects could include constructing a brand-new facility for the manufacture of solar cells, or supply chain parts for renewable energy transmission.
• Clean Technology Innovation – helping businesses get scalable low-emission technologies, market-ready.For example, prototypes of next generation residential batteries, or new laboratory equipment that can test a material’s ability to store hydrogen atoms.
• Low Carbon Product Manufacturing – establishing industrial facilities and manufacturing capabilities that can take advantage of investment in new and emerging low carbon industries.For example, building a new facility for the manufacture of low-carbon laminate timber, or implementing a new production line within an existing biomass facility for manufacturing bio-diesel.

The initiative will focus on already lab-proven technologies and the manufacturing of market-ready products that are ready to be scaled up and rolled out across NSW.

This will support NSW’s 5 Renewable Energy Zones and hydrogen hubs, giving them access to more materials produced in NSW.

These grants open to the public on Monday 26 February 2024.

To check eligibility and apply go to the NSW Climate and Energy Action website.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“The Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative offers funding for small and medium businesses wanting to pilot new technology within their premises.

“These grants will bolster local manufacturing in the renewables and clean-technology industries, ultimately delivering more local, secure jobs.

“This is all about supporting and backing NSW businesses, manufacturers and innovators to develop homegrown technology and products right here in the state, and securing the jobs and skills we need for a renewable energy future.”

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe said:

“NSW is undergoing a transformation of our energy grid, and this will also transform our economy.

“There are incredible opportunities for small, medium and large businesses to be a part of this.

“These grants are all about ensuring NSW manufacturing is part of this revolution. They will lead to new secure, long-term jobs that are good for the planet but also build wealth in local communities and give NSW security and sovereignty of the renewable energy supply chain.”

Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement Courtney Houssos said:

“The NSW Labor Government is committed to rebuilding our domestic manufacturing industry.

“The government can play a key role as a convenor and catalyst for the renewable industry.

“For every one job in manufacturing, three-and-a-half other jobs are sustained in the supply chain. We want those secure, well-paid manufacturing jobs to be in NSW.”

More communities across NSW will have access to up-to-date government information with an increased focus on multicultural and First Nations media outlets.

More than 190 languages are spoken at home across NSW, including Mandarin, Arabic, Cantonese and Vietnamese.

NSW also hosts almost 90 independent multicultural and Aboriginal publications and 210 radio programs, spoken in more than 56 languages, that are trusted sources of information for many linguistically and culturally diverse communities.

As part of its commitment to greater inclusion across government services, the NSW Government undertook a review of government advertising practices in the multicultural sector.

All 10 recommendations of the 2023 Multicultural Media and Policy Review Report, released today, have been adopted. The recommendations include:

• Elevating the required expenditure targeting multicultural and First Nations communities in government information campaigns from 7.5 percent to 9 percent
• Implementing more robust data collection and reporting practices to enhance understanding of media consumption behaviour within NSW multicultural and First Nations communities
• Increasing the total number of languages targeted across advertising campaigns to ensure broader reach and representation
• Annual reporting on multicultural and Aboriginal advertising spend.

The review was completed by the Department of Customer Service and Multicultural NSW and involved consultation with multicultural media outlets and government agencies.

Read the full report and recommendations

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“This report marks an important step forward in our drive for a more inclusive approach to government communications.

“The increased focus on distributing information through independent multicultural and First Nations media will help ensure government agencies are sharing important messages with the diverse communities of NSW.

“The detailed findings of this review provide a roadmap for the NSW Government to build further understanding, transparency and effectiveness of its multicultural advertising practices.”

Minister for Multiculturalism Stephen Kamper said:

“NSW has one of the most culturally, linguistically, and religiously diverse populations in the country with one in four people speaking a language other than English at home, so it is crucial NSW Government information resonates with every community.

“NSW Government advertising campaigns should be targeted to reach all communities with important messages. This was highlighted during COVID-19, where community safety relied on effective communications to all NSW residents.”