Month: May 2024

More than 670 vulnerable children were supported in safe homes following the NSW Government’s drive to increase the number of emergency foster carers across the state.

Emergency foster carers provide a safe environment for a child or sibling group at short notice and mean fewer children end up in hotels and motels.

Many emergency foster carers go on to become long term carers for children who cannot live safely with their own families.

The Liberal National government stopped recruiting foster carers 10 years ago, increasingly relying on non-government organisations to place children with foster families.

Since then, thousands of children have been placed in high-cost emergency arrangements (HCEAs), including hotels, motels and caravan parks because foster care placements could not be found.

The NSW Labor Government is determined to reduce the number of children going into these arrangements.

HCEAs, first introduced under the former government, can cost upwards of $2 million a year for each child, costing taxpayers more than $38,000 a week.

Over the past 12 months, the government has been taking urgent action to address the issue through targeted foster care recruitment campaigns.

This has resulted in the recruitment of 189 emergency foster care households, with another 145 carer households going through the eligibility process.

Already, this has seen 674 children placed in stable, loving homes instead of HCEAs, like hotels, motels and caravan parks.

Additionally, the NSW Labor government established an urgent review of the foster care system following a damning report that details the first-hand experiences of the state’s most vulnerable young people in HCEAs. It is expected to report back by the end of the year.

Get more information about becoming an emergency foster carer by emailing DCJ at fosteringwithdcj@dcj.nsw.gov.au.

Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said:

“I’m grateful to everyone who’s responded to our campaign by becoming emergency foster carers and changing children’s lives.

“I encourage people who want to help vulnerable children to become a foster carer – the lifelong impact is immeasurable.

“Foster carers can come in all shapes and sizes, and from all walks of life. They can be single or partnered, young or old, in or out of the workforce.

“As an emergency foster carer, you can look after a child in need for a couple of days, a couple of weeks or a couple of months.

“It’s so important that the community knows that there are options when it comes to foster caring and that they can be part of the solution by providing stable, loving homes to vulnerable kids.”

The NSW Labor Government has delivered a wages offer to recruit, reward and retain essential workers, with a 10.5% increase that outpaces forecast inflation, along with a cost-of-living supplement.

More than 400,000 employees would benefit from the offer to public sector workers.

It includes:

• a 10.5% pay increase over 3 years (inclusive of superannuation)
• annual $1000 ‘cost-of-living’ protection payment if inflation exceeds 4.5% in that year
• a collaborative approach to bargaining, which includes negotiating productivity gains, and the right to have the independent umpire assess and determine union and department claims.

This landmark proposal meets or is higher than public sector wage offers currently available in other states, and gives certainty to public sector workers and their families across NSW for the first time in more than a decade.

It was budgeted for in 2023 as part of the Essential Services Fund.

It is the next major step in upholding Labor’s election promise to fairly pay essential workers, including hospital staff, school staff and all other public sector employees.

This consistent approach to baseline wage increases, across the sector, will allow negotiations between Government agencies and unions to focus on identifying productivity reforms and offsets in exchange for further pay increases. This will further strengthen services for the people of NSW.

Crucially, unions and agencies can now sit down to find these mutually-agreed improvements during the life of an agreement – something unavailable under the former government.

The NSW Labor Government has now delivered on its election mandate to scrap the unfair wages cap, to build a new bargaining stream for genuine negotiation with frontline workers, and to provide recourse to an independent Industrial Relations Commission.

The offer delivers wages growth that would beat projected increases in the cost-of-living over the next 3 financial years, as measured by the Sydney Consumer Price Index.

The cost-of-living payment is unavailable to senior executives – whose salaries, along with those of members of parliament, remain frozen.

The offer includes a 0.5% structural adjustment pay rise that is not available to those who have recently entered into work value agreements.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“This is about giving certainty for hard working families across NSW, with a 3-year offer to see pay and conditions improve.

“It creates a new, fair framework that can deliver a better outcome for everyone.”

Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis said:

“We said we would scrap the wages cap – and we did. We promised to deliver certainty – and we have.

“After 12 years of neglect – of no industrial relations reforms and no award reforms – we are now fixing the system.

“The work of rebuilding essential services is now well underway.

“This baseline offer, lays the foundation for a fairer system for workers and their families in NSW.”

Aboriginal communities in regional and remote NSW will soon have better access to government services and transactions, such as driver licence and vehicle registration renewals, Seniors Card applications, and driver testing, with a dedicated Service NSW Mobile Service Centre.

The “Kangaroo Bus” is expected to hit the road in mid-June 2024 and will visit more than 40 locations as part of a regular 10-week loop, visiting 10 more communities than previous Mobile Service Centre routes.

Communities that will get a vist from the Kangaroo Mobile Service Centre are typically 30 minutes or more away from the nearest Service NSW Centre, with the new Mobile Service Centre helping people save time and money.

The full suite of 1300 NSW Government transactions and services will be available on the spot, whether it is vehicle and driving transactions, applying for a Working with Children Check, or accessing support for cost-of living initiatives.

Revenue NSW Aboriginal Outreach officers and the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages community engagement team will also be available at certain locations to provide further assistance to customers.

A Business Concierge from the Service NSW Business Bureau will also be available to provide personalised guidance on how to start and grow a business, as well as navigate relevant business regulations and licence applications. Customers can also get connected with an independent Aboriginal business advisor for free one-on-one coaching and advice on topics including business planning, selling to government, marketing and cash flow.

More information on the new Mobile Service Centre route including schedule and community locations is available on the Service NSW website.

Appointments can be made for driver testing, Business Concierge and cost of living support by calling 13 77 88.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“We are committed to ensuring all customers, from every corner of the State, can access the same high-quality service no matter where they live.”

“This dedicated Mobile Service Centre will make it easier for communities to access critical services, like driver licence renewals or getting a birth certificate, saving them time and money if they don’t live near a Service NSW Centre.”

“Service NSW already has Mobile Service Centres visiting rural and regional areas, and now the dedicated Kangaroo Bus makes government services and transactions even more accessible.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“The Kangaroo Bus seeks to make government services and transactions that bit more accessible for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in remote parts of NSW, who might not live near a Service NSW Centre.”

“The Kangaroo Bus is a great initiative that will provide additional support for government transactions like licence and registration renewals, as well as guidance to access cost of living or business support.”

“This bus is helping overcome the tyranny of distance, making sure more people can be reached with important government service delivery and support.”

People across NSW are being reminded of the essential role our dedicated palliative care health staff and volunteers play in ensuring high quality and compassionate palliative care is made available to the community when and where it is needed, this National Palliative Care Week (19 – 25 May 2024).

Health Minister Ryan Park today extended his gratitude to the many dedicated and highly regarded health staff and volunteers who support patients and their families throughout what is often the most challenging time in their lives.

The NSW Government is committed to ensuring all people across NSW have access to the highest quality palliative care, and we have introduced a range of measures to better support patients and their families living with a life-limiting illness.

This includes a $93 million investment in capital works as part of our World Class End of Life Care program, which will deliver new or redeveloped palliative care facilities at five health facilities across the state including Wyong, Westmead, Tamworth, Nepean and Orange hospitals.

The government is also committed to growing our specialist palliative care workforce, and are employing extra nurses, doctors and support staff, estimated at more than 570 additional full-time equivalent positions by 2026-27.

National Palliative Care Week is an opportunity to increase awareness about the importance and benefits of accessing end of life and palliative care services, and to begin conversations with family and friends about how one might to plan for their future requirements, including their own end-of-life care.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“High quality end-of-life and palliative care is available to all those who require it in NSW, whether it is provided at home, in residential aged care facilities, in the community, or in an inpatient environment such as a hospital.

“Whilst all Health staff might have a role to play in palliative care, people with more complex needs may well require specialist palliative care services, staffed by multidisciplinary teams who have advanced skills and knowledge in palliative care.

“I want to extend my sincere thanks to our specialist palliative care workforce, which is comprised of doctors, allied health professionals and nurses, Aboriginal Health Workers and volunteers for the compassionate care they provide to their communities every day.”

More information on palliative care services available in NSW.

Young people at Cobham Youth Justice Centre in Western Sydney are getting hands-on experience in simulated work environments that provide an avenue to the automotive industry post-release.

The donation of an MX5 motor by the Motor Trades Association (MTA) will help young people at the Putland Education and Training Unit, located within Cobham, gain useful mechanical skills, while dedicated Try a Trade Days and workshops provide further opportunities for young people to try their hand at new skills.

The MX5 motor is a readily accessible resource young people can tinker with and it complements the skills and training initiatives jointly provided by NSW Youth Justice, the Department of Education (which operates schools within each of the six Youth Justice Centres) and Training Services NSW.

In April, the Motor Trades Association ran a four-day panel workshop to provide accreditation opportunities for young people, while the Cobham Youth Justice Centre held its biggest Try a Trade Day yet, with 10 trades on offer.

Through Try a Trade, young people can experiment with concreting, hospitality, traffic control, gyprocking, bricklaying, barbering, roofing, plumbing and bike mechanics and fencing.

Try a Trade days are run across all six Youth Justice Centres and they enable young people to experience what a day in the life of a ‘tradie’ feels like, while also setting up potential business connections in the outside world.

Since December 2022, more than 200 young people have taken part in Try a Trade days and several young people have taken up trade apprenticeships upon release.

Minister for Youth Justice Jihad Dib said:

“It is important that during their time in the youth justice system, young people have every opportunity to find a more positive pathway upon release.”

“The skills and training initiatives available in these centres are a great example of the work Youth Justice is doing, in collaboration with the Department of Education and Training Services NSW, to provide new experiences and options for young people.”

“The generous donation of a MX5 motor by the Motor Trades Association gives young people in Cobham a resource they can use to hone their mechanical skills, providing a potential pathway into the automotive industry.”

“Specialised schools, such as the Putland Education and Training Unit within the Cobham Youth Justice Centre, are essential in providing pathways for young people. Through education and training, we aim to empower students to make positive contributions to society.”

“This course is more than just a training opportunity; it’s a lifeline for these students. It offers a tangible pathway to success, opening doors to apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities.”

“In creating these opportunities, we’re offering a pathway to young offenders who may not have supportive environments to return to. Here, they can flourish and thrive, building brighter futures for themselves and the community.”

NSW Ambulance has welcomed 113 new paramedic interns and trainee emergency call takers after they were officially inducted into the service at a ceremony today.

There were 15 extended care paramedics (ECPs) who were also recognised, after completing their specialist qualifications.

Minister for Health Ryan Park congratulated the 96 paramedic interns and 17 trainee emergency medical call takers, who will start in their new roles from tomorrow.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“This is the third class of NSW Ambulance interns this year and I’m proud to see them ready to serve their communities.

“Our paramedics are on the frontline of healthcare in NSW, caring for people when they are unwell and at their most vulnerable.

“I congratulate these new paramedic interns and trainee call takers for reaching this significant milestone in their careers and also extend my appreciation to the 15 extended care paramedics, who have completed a specialist course proving their dedication to serving our community.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan welcomed the new starters and ECPs, who were honoured at a ceremony at Sydney Olympic Park, attended by family and friends.

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan said:

“I know all who are graduating today have worked incredibly hard throughout their training and I thank them for their commitment and warmly welcome them into NSW Ambulance. 

“The extended care paramedics recognised today completed the 25th ECP course conducted by NSW Ambulance, and also the first course conducted at the State Operations Centre. I’d like to extend my congratulations to these specialist paramedics who are progressing their careers and playing a vital role in keeping the people of NSW safe and healthy.”

ECPs have advanced skill sets to treat eligible patients with a range of non-emergency conditions out of hospital, helping patients avoid a trip to the emergency department, where clinically appropriate.

The paramedic interns will be posted across NSW to complete the on-road portion of their 12-month internships before taking permanent positions in metropolitan and regional areas. The trainee emergency medical call takers will all be posted to Triple Zero (000) control centres in Sydney.

With a number of significant mining sites slated for closure in the coming decade, the NSW Parliament will launch an inquiry to investigate new and innovative approaches to post-mining land use.

The inquiry will help ensure these sites can continue to bring economic investment and opportunities to regional communities even after the mines close.

There are more than 50 large active mine sites across NSW, 37 of which are coal mines. There are other sites which were previously used for mining which continue to offer opportunities for new, productive uses of land.

Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos has written to Emily Suvaal, chair of NSW Legislative Council’s Standing Committee on State Development, asking her to undertake the inquiry.

A number of new post-mining land uses are already being progressed in NSW.

Earlier this year, the NSW Resources Regulator signed off on the rehabilitation of part of the old Rhondda Colliery in Lake Macquarie. The Black Rock Motor Park and Tourism Resort will take over part of the site, bringing 450 jobs during construction and 229 permanent roles.

BHP’s Mt Arthur, Idemitsu’s Muswellbrook coal mine, and Yancoal’s Stratford coal mine are investigating opportunities for pumped hydro and other clean energy uses.

The inquiry will consider how to accelerate and facilitate these uses, including through:

• the development of sites for use for advanced manufacturing, commercial and tourism use,
• reforms to the rehabilitation and planning regulatory frameworks which support mines,
• opportunities to promote the development of solar farms, pumped hydro and other clean energy industries which may be particularly suited to the form and nature of former mine sites,
• what investments in skills and training are needed to support the mining workforce,
• the potential of unlocking surrounding land for residential dwellings, amenities, environmental and educational facilities, and
• the compatibility of post mining land sites with commercial projects.

The inquiry is part of the government’s efforts to support mining communities, in particular where coal mining plays an important economic role in the region.

The NSW Labor Government has already committed $5.2 million to establish Future Jobs and Investment Authorities in four coal-producing regions across the state. The authorities will work with the Commonwealth Government’s Net Zero Authority to support workers, industries and NSW coal mining communities.

Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos said:

“Mining is a temporary use of land. We need to make sure NSW has the right policy mix to keep employment and economic opportunities even after mines close.

“I was privileged to turn the sod on the Black Rock Motor Resort earlier this year and witness the opportunities that can be created from these old mine sites.

“We will work with industry, local government and unions to bring forward these exciting opportunities.

“This is an important inquiry that will help us deliver positive community benefits in regional areas across NSW.

“We need to make sure these large mine sites can continue to be put to economically productive and efficient use long into the future.”

Chair, Standing Committee on State Development Emily Suvaal said:

“As a Hunter-based MP, I am committed to ensuring our mining communities across the state have a vibrant economic future, with secure, well-paid, local jobs.

“Exploring how we can improve the use of post-mining land is crucial for the continued success of our rural and regional communities, who have contributed so much to our state’s success.

“As chair of the State Development Committee, I am committed to conducting a robust and thorough inquiry into post-mining land use that will provide a blueprint for the economic future of our mining communities.”

A new Opal Travel widget is now available on Apple devices, showing passengers service information from their favourite stops with greater convenience and fewer clicks.

Nearly 50% of searches across trip planning apps and websites are people doing quick checks of public transport timetables. The widget helps to make these checks simpler and faster for passengers on the go.

The feature is believed to be a first of its kind to be offered by transport officials in Australia. It is now available on iOS devices and is expected to be available on Androids in the coming months.

By saving your favourite trip in the Opal Travel App, the widget automatically refreshes and shows the next three trip options with times and the platform, bus stand, or wharf number.

The new widget is one of several simple solutions introduced for Apple users in recent years, others include Apple Express Transit tap-on which allows passengers to tap on without unlocking their mobile, and disruption notifications that push updates about any network changes.

To add the widget, iOS users should update to the latest version of the Opal Travel in the App Store. Then choose a public transport route from your ‘Saved Trips’ or set up and save a new trip using the ‘Next Service’ option.

To place the widget on their home screen users should touch and hold the screen to enter edit mode, then click the ‘+’ button to locate the Opal Travel widget and follow the prompts.

Find out more about the Opal travel app. 

Transport Minister Jo Haylen:

“The Opal app has around 850,000 users each month, and this new widget acts as a shortcut, meaning they can access timetable information that bit easier.

“It’s a simple addition to our app that’s putting more travel information in the palm of people’s hands, like a personalised departure board.

“It may seem minor – but sometimes it’s the little things that can have a big impact on making our lives a little bit more convenient when we’re in a rush to get to work, school, or that first kick in the footy.”

Transport for NSW Acting Chief Technology Kurt Brissett:

“This is one of several ways we’re making it simpler, clearer and quicker for passengers to check their travel times.

“You can unlock travel information through your smart phone – but the most important is ‘where do I need to be and when?’, and you can now check that on your phone’s home screen.

“There’s no limit to the number of widgets you can add, so you can have different boards for the different legs of your train, bus, metro, light rail or ferry route.”