Month: August 2024

The Minns Labor Government is preparing for the upcoming bushfire season with the rollout of new firefighting tankers and cutting-edge satellite technology to keep crews connected and safer during emergencies.

In a significant upgrade, RFS vehicles will now be equipped with Vehicle as a Node (VaaN) technology to ensure RFS personnel can communicate during a disaster in the most remote locations or if communication systems go down.

The Starlink satellite technology will enable the use of radios, mobile phones, and other handheld devices anywhere and at any time—even in remote areas or if communication infrastructure has been damaged during a disaster.

The upgrade will provide an important backup to communication systems and location-finding technology already in use.

It will also give crews the capability to live stream video of fires from anywhere in the state, providing command centres with the latest intelligence about an incident. More than 5,000 RFS operational vehicles will be equipped with the new technology over three years under the $69 million VaaN project.

The RFS is partnering with the NSW Telco Authority to deliver the communications upgrade, with installations beginning this year.

The satellite upgrade comes after the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) delivered 143 new and 69 refurbished firefighting tankers to brigades across the state over the past year.

Most new trucks have been deployed to regional areas across the state, benefiting communities from Balranald to Eurobodalla and Armidale to Gilgandra, with the state’s south receiving the largest uplift following the devastating 2019/20 Black Summer fires. Category 1 tankers, which are the most used on the fire front, make up the highest number of trucks dispatched across the state.

The refurbishment of 69 existing trucks will also make them safer for crews, with a halo sprinkler system for the cabin, custom-fitted heat curtains, electric hose reels, and portable Public Safety Network and fireground radio chargers.

To meet strict RFS firefighting requirements, the new trucks are being assembled locally at facilities in Kirrawee, Minto, Tomago, and South Windsor.

This follows the NSW Government’s commitment to a new contract for the aerial RFS fleet, which provides certainty and a shift to a predominantly NSW-based crew over the coming decade.

The Bush Fire Danger Period for northern parts of the state commenced on 1 August, and the statutory period for the entire state begins on 1 October.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:
“It’s important our volunteer firefighters have the right equipment and vehicles to do the job.

“These new trucks and technology upgrades will boost the protection of communities across the state.

“We are providing our first responders with communications technology they can rely on when they need it most.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:
“We only need to think back to the Black Summer fires to understand how critical our volunteers and their firefighting appliances are, and we will continue to support them with the equipment they need.

“These new and refurbished fire trucks will be welcomed by local brigades and their communities, and new connectivity technology is an important addition that will make RFS trucks even safer for crews on the frontline.”

Commissioner of the RFS Rob Rogers said:
“While the existing trucks have served our brigades well, it’s important that we safely equip members so they can best serve their communities across NSW.

“Communications blackspots are a significant obstacle for rural firefighters and can make an already challenging operation even harder. This new technology greatly enhances our network of brigades across the state and will assist communities when needed.”

Nominations for the 14 September local government elections open today and people across NSW are encouraged to put their hand up to represent their community on local council.

There are 128 councils in NSW each with between five and fifteen councillors serving as a voice for their community.

The decisions councils make have a direct impact on people’s everyday lives. The state’s councils manage $151 billion in infrastructure like pools, libraries and roads and every year spend $15 billion delivering local services.

No formal qualifications are needed to become a councillor, just a passion to work alongside fellow councillors to achieve great outcomes for the community.

If elected, councillors will receive training and guidance from the Office of Local Government.

The NSW Government is encouraging more diversity among candidates, including underrepresented groups such as women, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people with disability.

Currently 39 per cent of councillors are women, 10.1 per cent are linguistically diverse, 3.9 per cent are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and 2.2 per cent identify as having a disability.

Candidate nominations are now open and will close at midday on Wednesday, 14 August.

Find out more information on becoming a councillor and how to nominate.

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:

“Having been a Mayor for more than 30 years myself, I can confidently say that serving your community as a councillor is a great honour and a deeply rewarding role.

“I have always been a passionate believer in local government because I know what a wonderful difference effective councils with strong leadership can have on the community.

“The elections next month are an opportunity for renewal and for newly elected councils across the state to shape the future of their local area.

“We need diverse voices on council to reflect the diversity within our communities, so I encourage people of all backgrounds and ages to nominate as a candidate.

“Local government elections are an important part of democracy so I hope people will engage with the election process ahead of heading to the polls on 14 September.” 

The NSW Government has moved some of the state’s most vulnerable children out of unsuitable emergency accommodation, saving more than $125 million, after a report highlighted the confronting experiences of children and young people.

Today, the Advocate for Children and Young People (ACYP) released its final report on high-cost emergency arrangements (HCEAs), after a special inquiry commenced in September 2023.

HCEAs, which can include hotels and motels, are typically used when a young person is removed from their family and there is not a suitable placement available for them.

This can cost upwards of $2 million a year for each child; more than $38,000 a week. In comparison, a child in foster care costs a maximum of $74,000 per year.

An interim ACYP report, released in May, detailed that some children in HCEAs felt like they had been moved “from cage to cage”. In response, the NSW Government established an urgent review of the child protection system which is expected to be completed by October 2024.

A dedicated team, established to move children from HCEAs to more suitable arrangements, has achieved significant results – with the number of children in HCEAs dropping by 25% in eight months, from 506 in November 2023 to 381 on July 31.

Children can be restored to their families where safe, or matched with newly-recruited emergency foster carers.

Some of the children moved from HCEAs include Bailey* and Casey*, two Aboriginal siblings who have now been safely restored to their parents. Alex* spent over 900 days in an HCEA and is now living independently, with the support of a non-government organisation.

The final ACYP report details the heartbreaking experiences of 21 children and young people in emergency accommodation. It provides recommendations for action, which the Government accepts and has already commenced work to implement.

A copy of the report is available from: https://www.acyp.nsw.gov.au/special-inquiry

Minister for Families and Communities Kate Washington said:

“I have been working closely with the Advocate for Children and Young People to respond to this report, including meeting with some of the young people who shared their stories.

“The stories are stark and shocking and confirm what I have been saying for the last year: that the child protection system is broken and needs reform.

“Since last year, we have worked hard to get children out of these inappropriate arrangements – and the numbers have dropped significantly.

“We will continue our work to get the best outcomes for children in out-of-home care in NSW.”

*Names changed for privacy.

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to support the wellbeing of the people of New South Wales, and destigmatise conversations about mental health, particularly for men, with the inaugural Men’s Mental Health Forum being held today.

The landmark Forum, hosted at New South Wales Parliament, will bring together mental health advocates, experts and those with a lived experience of mental illness, with the aim of raising awareness of men’s mental health, reducing the stigma surrounding mental health, and working towards lowering men’s suicide rates.

New South Wales accounts for the most male deaths by suicide in Australia. In 2023 alone, there were 934 suspected deaths by suicide in New South Wales, with men accounting for 78 per cent of these tragedies.

Lead by Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson and in partnership with with the Movember Institute of Men’s Health, the event will include high profile advocates for men’s mental health, Rugby League legend Greg Inglis and former Australian cricketer and MAFS star, Cam Merchant.

The event will be facilitated by Dr Zac Seidler, Movember Men’s Health Research.

The Forum will:

• facilitate constructive discussions on men’s mental health and suicide prevention,
• enable the sharing of knowledge, ideas, and strategies to address men’s suicide and mental health,
• help guide the direction of future suicide prevention initiatives targeting men, and
• encourage networking and collaboration between men’s mental health and suicide prevention stakeholders.

This event follows the announcement that the NSW Government is working to deliver landmark whole of government suicide prevention legislation within this term of Parliament, with the process of consultation with people with lived and living experiences of suicidal distress beginning in July.

If you, or someone you know, is in a life-threatening situation please seek help immediately by calling Triple Zero (000). For those contemplating suicide or experiencing severe distress, the following helplines are available 24/7:

Lifeline:  13 11 14
13 YARN:  13 92 76
Beyond Blue:1300 224 636
Suicide Call Back Service:1300 659 467

Additionally, the NSW Mental Health Line(1800 011 511) offers round-the-clock advice on accessing local specialist mental health services. The NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511 is a 24/7 service that can advise you on appropriate local specialist mental health services for you or a loved one.

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson:

“Ensuring people who are experiencing mental health distress have access to services when they need them most is a priority for the NSW Government. Despite high levels of need for men, we know it can be especially difficult for them to ask for help when they need it.

“Today we are taking an important step along the journey to addressing male suicide and mental ill health and this groundbreaking event will help guide our work.

“It is vital that we continue to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and ensure that every man in NSW knows that help is available, and that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Together, we can make a meaningful difference and save lives.”

Professor Simon Rice, Global Director of the Movember Men’s Health Institute:

“Addressing men’s health is critically important because suicide remains the leading cause of death among Australian men aged 15-44 years, and the third leading cause of premature death among Australian men of any age.

“The Movember Institute of Men’s Health is dedicated to bridging the gap between the health sector and government, advocating for tailored support for men and ensuring that their needs are met. Contrary to the misconception that men are reluctant to seek help, our latest Real Face of Men’s Health Report reveals that many do seek care but often fall through the cracks.

“Over 50 per cent of Australian men who die by suicide each year had prior contact with a mental health provider, highlighting a significant gap in targeted support.

“Programs like Men in Mind are crucial—they offer a world-first approach to training therapists, equipping them with the skills to engage and respond to men’s unique needs effectively. By advancing these initiatives, we are working to ensure that men receive the comprehensive support they need, when they need it.”

Greg Inglis:

“As someone who has faced my own battles with mental health, I know firsthand the importance of having open, honest conversations about our struggles.

“This Forum is a crucial step in breaking down the barriers that prevent men from seeking the help they need.

“I hope from today we can change the narrative around men’s mental health and ensure that no one has to suffer in silence.”

Cameron Merchant:

“Mental health is a journey we all navigate, and it’s something I myself have had challenges with.

“It’s crucial that men feel empowered to speak up and seek help when needed.

“By coming together at this Forum today, it gives us another chance to open up another conversation and break the stigma, so people feel comfortable about talking about their struggles, their story and to be able to normalise the conversation about mental health. Ultimately working towards a future where nobody worries alone.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing its work to prioritise the safety of drivers, passengers and pedestrians on our roads, with the state’s premier vehicle safety facility to quadruple in size.

Funded through the Community Road Safety Fund, $30 million has been invested by the NSW Government to significantly expand the Future Mobility Testing and Research Centre (FMTRC) in Cudal, paving the way for new highway speed and heavy vehicle testing.

This investment follows the purchase of 100 hectares of farmland adjacent to the existing site. Planned works will include the expansion and construction of a 4.4-kilometre loop track, as well as a new heavy vehicle skid pad.

This will support the team in increasing safety testing and research. This work involves enacting real-world scenarios at the centre to test vehicle safety features that help prevent crashes.

Since being established in 2019 the facility has delivered more than 85 test and research programs.

Transport for NSW will now begin planning and community consultation for the design of the new loop track, with construction set to commence in 2025.

The Mobility Testing and Research Centre is the only Government-owned and operated testing centre of its kind in the world and is foundational in ensuring all vehicles on NSW roads are road ready and safe.

Visit the Transport NSW website to find out more about the Future Mobility Testing and Research Centre and the Community Road Safety fund.

Minister for Roads John Graham said:

“The need for a new heavy vehicle testing space in the southern hemisphere was a key finding from extensive engagement with vehicle manufacturers, developers and researchers to map the future for the Cudal site.

“As light vehicles continue to become more advanced, there is also a need to uplift testing capabilities to keep up with new, increasingly automated, technology.

“The new Cudal track will let the team test new driver assist systems in real-world scenarios, including heavy laden B-doubles travelling at highway speeds, and situations involving head-on approaches and merging safety with cars, trucks and motorcycles.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“This expansion is an investment in regional NSW, and this cutting-edge facility attracts clients from across the globe, making NSW a leader in testing road safety aspects of autonomous vehicles that will save lives.

“Vehicle safety is a critical part of making our roads safer and independent modelling has shown that vehicle safety improvements have saved more than 700 lives over the past decade.

“The Cudal centre is a part of our transport history as a former airport, and it is a vital part of our transport future, testing the next generation of safety technology.

“As the only government-owned and operated testing centre of its kind in the world, the Future Mobility Testing and Research Centre is a pillar of integrity in the safety and testing landscape.

“As more advanced safety features on vehicles become available, it’s increasingly important that these are rigorously tested so we can get them into our cars and onto our roads faster.”

Independent Member for Orange Phil Donato said:

“I’m thrilled to welcome this substantial investment in the Future Mobility Testing and Research Centre. The expansion of this state-of-the-art facility will significantly enhance its capacity to test and improve vehicle safety.

“This investment is a crucial step in ensuring that our roads remain safe for all motorists, both now and in the future.”

Labor’s spokesperson for Orange Stephen Lawrence said:

“A commitment to this Cudal site is a commitment to Central West hospitality operators, local tradespeople who service this site, and families looking for local career paths for their children.

“Although country residents make up about a third of the NSW population, they sadly make up around two-thirds of deaths on NSW roads, so I’m pleased this regional Central West site is helping to play a key role in improving road safety for all communities.”

Transport for NSW’s Director Future Mobility Evan Walker said:

“Our vision for the Future Mobility Testing and Research Centre is that it continues to grow as a world-class vehicle testing site.

“We’re acting on feedback directly from manufacturers, developers, and industry about the kind of facility they need, and addressing a growing community and government need for confidence and assurance in vehicle safety as new technologies emerge.

“Our team ensures these systems do what they claim to and identifies the best emerging safety technology that we want to encourage more of on our roads to reduce the heavy cost of crashes on our community.”

The NSW Government through the Minister for Industrial Relations has today filed an application in the Industrial Court seeking orders for the appointment of an administrator for the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) NSW Branch, Construction and General Division.

The NSW Government through the Minister for Industrial Relations has today filed an application in the Industrial Court seeking orders for the appointment of an administrator for the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) NSW Branch, Construction and General Division.

To remove any doubt about the validity of the appointment and powers of the administrator, the NSW Government will this week introduce a bill to Parliament amend the Industrial Relations Act 1996 to provide for the appointment of an administrator for the CFMEU NSW Branch, Construction and General Division.

This is necessary action and consistent with the application made by the General Manager of the Fair Work Commission last week.

The CFMEU (NSW Branch) has dual registration under both the federal and NSW industrial relations systems, as a result legal and legislative action is needed both from the Commonwealth and NSW Government in each system to ensure the effective administration of the union.

The NSW Government has made absolutely clear that there is no tolerance for criminal or corrupt behaviour in the building industry, in unions or anywhere for that matter.

The appointment of an administrator will ensure swift changes to the organisation as well as the appropriate and efficient management of the CFMEU’s funds and assets in the interests of its members and the industry.

The commencement of proceedings and the introduction of the NSW Bill to Parliament will reflect steps being taken by the Australian Government.

This includes the commencement of proceedings by the General Manager of the Fair Work Commission to put the CFMEU into administration as well as the proposed introduction of a Bill to Federal Parliament.

The NSW Bill will ensure that the administrator will be authorised to administer the CFMEU Construction and General Division in NSW, perform the functions of State Secretary and exercise all the functions of the Divisional Council under the CFMEU rules.

The provisions in the Bill will also provide for the ability to suspend office holders without remuneration, during the administrator’s appointment.

Following the passage of the Bill, the NSW Government will work alongside the Australian Government to ensure the administration scheme aligns with steps being taken in relation to the CFMEU national branch.

The administrator appointment will be for a period of up to five years.

This follows a number of steps already taken by the NSW Government to protect the integrity of the construction sector and unions in NSW including:

• Moving to suspend the NSW CFMEU Construction and General Division’s affiliation to the NSW Labor Party, to stop any donations or affiliation fees, and to appoint an independent administrator to the branch.
• Asking the Commonwealth Government to review Enterprise Bargaining Agreements in NSW which the CFMEU is party to.
• Referring all allegations of inappropriate behaviour on NSW construction sites to the NSW Government’s Construction Compliance Unit.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“The NSW Government and NSW Labor have taken a series of strong actions to clean up the construction division of the CFMEU.

“We must take the necessary action to protect honest and hardworking construction workers and union members. It is necessary to protect the integrity of the construction sector and unions in NSW.

Industrial Relations Minister Sophie Cotsis said:

“There is absolutely no tolerance for criminal or corrupt behaviour in the construction industry or unions, or anywhere in our state.

“We will work together with the federal government to ensure we are setting the CFMEU on the right path to once again effectively represent those industries’ workers in our state.”