Month: July 2024

Justice Jane Paingakulam has been formally welcomed as Deputy President of the Industrial Relations Commission and a judge of the restored Industrial Court.

The Industrial Court covers matters from the regulation of unions, such as applications for administration, to disputes over wages, conditions and safety.

Justice Paingakulam’s experience includes the Enforcement Directorate at the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), where she contributed significantly to investigations of criminal matters including fraud, market manipulation and insider trading. 

Justice Paingakulam experienced a distinguished career in public service before coming to the bench, for which she was awarded an Australia Day Medal for Public Service.

Admitted as a solicitor in 1996, Justice Paingakulam worked for Emil Ford & Co before moving to the Office of the Employment Advocate, where she became a senior lawyer in legal and compliance.

After her work at ASIC, Justice Paingakulam joined the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC), where she led investigations into significant whistleblowing cases.

In 2009, she was called to the Bar and practised in predominately criminal and work health and safety matters. This included appearing as junior counsel in the $105 million Plutus Payroll tax fraud trial, which ran for eleven months.

A ceremonial sitting to welcome Her Honour was held at the Chief Secretary’s Building in Sydney.

Acting Minister for Industrial Relations Daniel Mookhey said:

“I congratulate Justice Paingakulam on her appointment to the Industrial Relations Commission and the Industrial Court.

“Justice Paingakulam is held in high regard by the legal profession.  Her expertise in work health and safety law will ensure the re-established Industrial Court is well placed to deal with these matters.”

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“Justice Paingakulam brings a wealth of experience to her new role – she is a committed public servant with the highest levels of integrity.

“The re-established Industrial Court will play a critical role in our state’s industrial relations framework.

“Justice Paingakulam will be essential to its success.

“I warmly welcome Justice Paingakulam to the Industrial Relations Commission and to the Industrial Court.”

The NSW Labor Government is helping take the pressure off Muswellbrook Shire Council by assuming responsibility for two local roads critical to the state’s future energy needs.

Bengalla Road and Wybong Road, between Bengalla Road and the Golden Highway, will soon be reclassified from local to state roads, opening the door to more potential investment from the NSW Government.

The reclassification comes after the former Liberal and National Government ignored the council’s requests for help and failed to deliver on its promise to reclassify 15,000 kilometres of road.

Both of these roads are important freight transport routes that have previously been tasked with handling over size and/or over mass (OSOM) vehicle movements for the mines in the Muswellbrook local government area.

With more OSOM vehicles increasingly needing to access Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) in the Central West Orana and New England Regions, the NSW Labor Government has stepped up to support council through a road reclassification and agreed to take responsibility for management of the roads given the critical role they play in securing the state’s future energy supply.

The additional support for Muswellbrook Shire Council is part of a suite of measures the NSW Government is delivering to help regional councils improve their road networks by:

• rolling out a $390 million Regional Emergency Road Repair Fund to help pay for urgent repairs
• providing a further $224.5 million in grants to councils for local and regional road maintenance and upgrades through a range of programs and subsidy arrangements
• investing $49.7 million to finish Fixing Local Roads projects announced by the former government but never delivered.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“The NSW Labor Government is proud to be getting on with the job of preparing roads in the regions for our future energy needs and supporting local councils with challenges change can bring.

“In addition to our $128.5 million investment in planning and delivering port to project upgrades announced in the budget, the ongoing investment that will be released through the reclassification will take the financial burden off Muswellbrook Council, whose ratepayers contribute so much to the wealth of our state.

“Unlike the former government who forked out a fortune on a failed road reclassification review, ignored its recommendations and kept the final report secret – the NSW Labor Government is actually delivering what councils need and not making unfunded promises.

“I thank Muswellbrook Shire Council for its advocacy, patience and commitment to working together to improve roads in the region.”

Labor’s spokesperson for Upper Hunter Emily Suvaal said:

“Residents of Upper Hunter know that certain local roads are critical to support over size and/or over mass (OSOM) vehicle movements.

“The reclassification of these roads to state roads will remove a significant financial and administrative burden on Muswellbrook Council from a planning and operational perspective, as these movements will continue for many years.

“This is a welcome and necessary step in the NSW Government’s plan to transform the way the state moves renewable energy equipment throughout the state.”

Muswellbrook Mayor Steve Reynolds said:

“Improving the current condition of our roads and bringing them to an acceptable standard before these truck movements begin is crucial.

“Council’s priority, as always, is the safety of residents and we welcome the reclassification of these roads from local to state.

“Road conditions must be fit for purpose, and strategies in place to minimise the impact on road users, such as laybacks. Continual maintenance is paramount so as our ratepayers don’t carry the burden.”

The Minns Labor Government has announced a $4.5 million funding package that will be a significant step in helping reduce and replace animals in medical research.

Images of the announcement available here.

The funding will be used to establish the Non-Animal Technologies Network (NAT-Net), a NSW-led body that will work to develop innovative alternatives to using animals and advise on the required medical research infrastructure and regulations to support these as alternatives.

Non-animal technologies, such as using human cells or tissues, are more biologically similar to the patients being treated, and so medicines being tested are less likely to fail in clinical trials. These technologies are beginning to exceed the performance of animal models in drug development and medical research.

NAT-Net will include experts from the University of NSW, University of Wollongong, University of Technology Sydney, University of Sydney and the University of Newcastle, as well as the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Children’s Medical Research Institute and the Hunter Medical Research Institute.

The funding comprises three pillars. The first, a research pillar to accelerate research progress, which will include a competitive research grant program, with recipients set to focus on developing solutions to reduce animals in medical research. The second, to develop infrastructure to establish NAT-Net and the third to set up a working group to develop regulatory approaches for non-animal technologies.

This may include complex multi-organ models, organs-on-chips, or approaches using machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Minister for Medical Research David Harris said:

“This is the first time a network of this kind has been established for non-animal technologies in NSW, and it will significantly enhance the state’s ability to make scientific breakthroughs. I am excited to announce this wonderful initiative alongside our partner institutions.

“By investing in cutting-edge, non-animal technologies, researchers may be able to better predict which therapies work in humans, accelerating discoveries that could save people’s lives.

“We know that non-animal technologies in medical research are the way forward and NAT-Net will be a driving force behind these exciting Australian-first developments led by NSW.”

The NSW Government will weigh up benefits to Central Coast commuters as it considers the final report of the Independent Toll Review handed down by Professor Allan Fels and Dr David Cousins this week.

The report exposes the full impact of toll road privatisation by the former government, and shows how Central Coast drivers could save money under the scenarios it modelled

The report highlights Sydney’s toll road network is a poorly-functioning patchwork of numerous different price structures that will cost motorists $195 billion in nominal terms in tolls over the next three and a half decades on top of the billions they have already paid.

The report notes the lack of a unified tolling system has created complexity, inefficiency, inequities and unfairness.

There are a range of recommendations presented to Government by Professor Fels and Dr Cousins for consideration including:

• Tolls should be based on a declining distance basis charged on a per kilometre basis but with the per kilometre rate declining the greater the distance travelled. This would deliver greater fairness to motorists in the Central Coast.
• Two-way tolling on the two current Harbour crossings and the Eastern Distributor, with this additional revenue gained being put into the lowering of tolls on the remainder of the network. This will also ensure a consistent tolling and traffic integration approach when the Western Harbour tunnel opens around 2028.
• Decisions on toll setting should be overseen by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).
  The NSW Government will now consider the report and respond in due course.

The NSW Government is committed to reforming Sydney’s toll network to restore fairness, simplicity and transparency to the system and put the interests of motorists above those of private investors.

The Toll Review confirms this will be a complex task but one that the state must embark on as the Government provides essential cost-of-living relief through Labor’s $60 toll cap.

Full final report of the Independent Toll Review: https://www.treasury.nsw.gov.au/toll-review

Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said:

“Central Coast commuters pay more than most, with a one-way trip into Sydney via toll roads costing close to $30 in peak times.

“The NSW Government has just received the report and we need to consider it closely before making any decisions, however I, and my fellow Central Coast Labor MPs will be working to ensure Central Coast commuters benefit from any moves to make the tolling system simpler and fairer.

“The previous Liberal Government became addicted to tolls and the Labor Government introduced toll relief, beginning with the $60 toll cap that has been helping Central Coast commuters.”

Netball NSW would like to congratulate and welcome the members of the First Nations community who have been appointed to the organisation’s Aboriginal Advisory Group.

The purpose of the Group will be to facilitate a meaningful partnership between Aboriginal people and NNSW, and to ensure that First Nations voices and needs are heard and respected within the State’s netball community.

The Group is also responsible for providing strategic advice to NNSW management by drawing on their lived experience and knowledge of current and emerging realities.

This advice will assist in the development of operational policies, including the implementation of the next stage of the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), Aboriginal employment and volunteering strategies, and training and development for the organisation as a whole.

The Group was developed in conjunction with NNSW’s RAP Working Group which previously played a critical role in the delivery of the organisation’s first Reflect RAP, the award-winning C.A.R.E Program, Premier League First Nations Round and the Koori Gala Days. In particular, NNSW would like to thank Ali Tucker-Munro, Donna Coady and Georgina Bruinsma for their cultural insights and their assistance in the development of this Advisory Group.

The seven-strong Group will be co-chaired by Lauren Chester and Steven Slee.

Chester is a passionate netballer and proud Dharawal woman with connections to the La Perouse Aboriginal community who possesses over 12 years of diverse sports management experience across the UK and Australia.

Slee, a proud Anaiwan Aboriginal man from the New England region, brings 18 years of experience in senior management, including Chief Executive roles in Aboriginal organisations, cultural advisory, policy development and national training management.

NNSW CEO Tracey Scott said the formation of the Advisory Group was a huge step forward for the game.

“While we have launched some wonderful programs in recent years, it is vital that we have a more hands-on approach when it comes to listening to and liaising with local Aboriginal communities to identify and understand issues affecting their involvement in our game.

“We know that netball is one of the most popular sports among our First Nations peoples and it is our responsibility to provide a safe and welcoming environment.

“One of the key roles of this Group is to review and provide advice and guidance in the development of culturally appropriate strategies and initiatives to enhance positive outcomes in collaboration with the Aboriginal community and to increase participation across all facets of the pathway.

“It doesn’t matter if a First Nations player or coach aims to be a NSW Swift or GIANT, or just wants to participate in Saturday netball with their mates, a universal understanding is required to ensure inclusion is at the forefront of who we are.

“As an organisation we are excited to work collaboratively with the Group to develop strategies to address these aforementioned needs, issues and interests.”   

Co-Chair Chester said:

“It’s always a privilege to represent my culture and advocate for our people. The formation of the Aboriginal Advisory Group demonstrates NNSW’s willingness to engage community, create a culturally safe environment for its participants, and signifies an important milestone in their reconciliation journey.

“The depth and breadth of talent amongst the Group is truly impressive; I’m looking forward to building connections, learning from our collective experiences, and making a meaningful contribution to the sport that’s given me so much over the years.”

Fellow co-Chair Steven Slee said:

“To see Netball NSW take the initiative to strive to become a leader of reconciliation and inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the sport of netball has been both moving and encouraging.

“Seeing first-hand the passion from Netball NSW from key personnel at the very top to not only want to ensure inclusion, but to ensure that First Nations people and communities are engaged, consulted and supported is reassuring.

“The Aboriginal Advisory Group is a massive step in the right direction which has seen immediate impact into the operations of Netball NSW’s inclusive practices as well as some new and exciting initiatives and programs that aim to encourage participation and support First Nations people in the sport moving forward.  

“I look forward to seeing the positive changes coming soon to netball in NSW that will provide greater pathways to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across all aspects of the game.”
 
Netball NSW Aboriginal Advisory Group

• Thelmerie Rudd
  
  Thelmerie a respected Darug Elder and Director at Boorooberongal Aboriginal Elders Corporation who contributes extensively to community and governance roles. As a member of the Paramatta Parklands Trustee board and various consultation groups, she applies her Traditional Custodian perspective to infrastructure projects under the NSW Connecting to Country framework.
  
  Thelmarie’s longstanding passion for netball spans coaching, umpiring, and fostering pathways for youth. She advocates for culturally respectful partnerships and pathways within Netball NSW, emphasizing community engagement strategies to encourage Aboriginal participation at all levels of the sport.

• Nezmia Hay
  
  A proud Mutthi Mutthi woman with 31 years of netball experience, deeply engaged in Penrith’s sporting community. As a Senior Project Officer, Nezima applies her strategic planning and stakeholder engagement skills to benefit Aboriginal communities in social housing.
  
  A registered kinship carer, Nezmia advocates passionately for Aboriginal children and recently contributed to Penrith Council’s Statement of Recognition workshops. She emphasizes the need for local associations to engage inclusively with Aboriginal communities, to create culturally safe spaces and ensuring pathway opportunities for young netball players.
   
• Lauren Chester (Co-Chair) 
  
  A passionate netballer and proud Dharawal woman with connections to the La Perouse Aboriginal community, Lauren brings over 12 years of diverse sports management experience across the UK and Australia.
  
  Committed to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, she focuses on using sport for reconciliation, evident in her roles at Cronulla Sharks and previous work with FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023. Lauren’s leadership extends to community involvement and her pursuit of personal growth through programs like the Emerging Indigenous Executive Leaders Program. She aims to leverage her expertise to drive impactful change.
   
• Rachal Allan
  
  Rachal is Gamilaraay yinaar from Quirindi & Tamworth in north-west NSW. She has lived and worked on Dharawal Country for the last decade, with a background in Aboriginal health and using sport as a vehicle to drive health, social, and economic outcomes for First Nations people. In 2023, she received the Charles Perkins Memorial Prize for Academic Excellence, graduating from the University of Sydney with a Graduate Diploma in Indigenous Health Promotion.
  
  She is the current co-chair of the Office of Sports RAP Implementation Team and is passionate about driving genuine, respectful, and meaningful engagement with First Nations people and cultures within sports and the wider community.
   
• Steven Slee (Co-Chair) 
  
  A proud Anaiwan Aboriginal man from the New England region, Steven brings extensive leadership and sports experience with over 18 years in senior management, including Chief Executive roles in Aboriginal organisations, cultural advisory, policy development and national training management.
  
  Currently serving as Cultural Coordinator for Callaghan District Netball Association, Steven enhances Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation by fostering inclusivity and support. His passion lies in connecting sports such as Rugby League & Netball NSW with communities to create pathways and opportunities, ensuring cultural appropriateness and empowering Aboriginal people in sports.
   
• Megan Hartog-Smith 
  
  Megan is a Gomeroi/Wiradjuri woman coming through the ranks at Narrabri Netball Association and now a proud Ku-ring-gai netball mum. Megan brings a comprehensive background in netball in player, administrator, coach, umpire, and parent roles.
  
  Professionally, she has over 20 years in the public sector, focusing on education, children and families. Megan excels in community engagement, project leadership, and strategic planning, advocating for inclusive pathways and partnerships in netball. She seeks to empower First Nations athletes through mentorship and consultation-driven improvements in the sport.
   
• Caroline Dallinger 
  
  A proud Gamilaroi/Yuwaalaraay woman, with an extensive sporting background and decades of experience designing, developing, and delivering programs for First Nations communities. With a strong advocacy for education and equity, Caroline aims to support all members of Netball NSW and the advisory group.
  
  Caroline advocates for regional athletes, urging for improved access and opportunities closer to home. She emphasizes transparency, communication, and inclusive participation in building meaningful partnerships. Dedicated to bridging gaps in First Nations pathways, Caroline seeks to amplify voices from smaller regional and remote communities, ensuring support, guidance, and understanding prevail.