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NSW GOVERNMENT WEEKLY UPDATE - 6 MARCH 2020

6 March 2020

BEST IN CLASS FOR NSW STUDENTS

A team of the state’s best teachers will roll out to targeted high schools to lift performance using proven and successful teaching methods.
The new ‘Best in Class’ Teaching Unit is made up of handpicked educators, chosen for being leaders and teaching experts in their respective fields.
They’ll share their classrooms skills directly with those teachers and students who need it most, while also building a new teaching package to build on existing ‘best practice’ research for NSW Schools.

LOCAL SCHOOLS LOCAL DECISIONS TO BE FINE TUNED

Local Schools Local Decisions will be improved with schools earning the autonomy to make decisions around the allocation of funds and learning programs by hitting a range of numeracy and literacy targets.
There will also be changes to alleviate the administrative burden for principals as a matter of priority. This will allow schools to focus on what they do best – educating children.
The NSW Government will consult with education stakeholders on the reforms and will agree on targets with schools by the end of Term 4 2020. The changes will be implemented on Day one Term 1 2021.

NSW GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE STAMP DUTY RELIEF FOR PEOPLE WHO LOST HOMES DURING BUSHFIRES

The NSW Government will provide stamp duty relief for people who lost their homes during the bushfires and who choose to purchase a replacement home elsewhere rather than rebuild.
Information on how to apply for a refund and eligibility requirements will be available from Service NSW and Revenue NSW websites from March 10. Eligible people who have already paid duty will be able to apply for a refund.

PLANNING CHANGES FOR BUSHFIRE-AFFECTED COMMUNITIES

Small businesses in bushfire-affected communities will be able to operate from portable offices without council approval, under the latest bushfire recovery initiative from the NSW Government.
The NSW Government is also waiving Planning Reform Fees, worth an average of $320, and is issuing free BASIX certificates which usually cost $50, for

bushfire-affected residents who need to rebuild their properties.

MORE THAN $1 MILLION IN FEE RELIEF FOR BUSHFIRE AFFECTED FISHERS

The NSW Government will provide more than $1 million in relief to support bushfire affected commercial fishing businesses and charter boat operators, with Deputy Premier John Barilaro and the Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall announcing a major fee waiver.
Commercial fishing business owners or charter boat owners with questions regarding fee relief are encouraged to contact DPI on 1300 720 662.

SEEDS OF HOPE FOR NSW KOALAS

To celebrate World Wildlife Day, the NSW Government has announced six new koala habitat restoration projects, which include planting 50,000 koala feed tree seedlings, in the Northern Rivers and Far South Coast regions.
Environment Minister Matt Kean said he was pleased to provide up to $150,000 in funding to a wide range of organisations, including Lismore City Council, Friends of the Koala, Far South Coast Landcare Association, Border Ranges-Richmond Valley Landcare Network and Bangalow Koalas to restore koala habitat.
Find out more about the NSW Koala Country website at www.koala.nsw.gov.au

$217 MILLION FUNDING BOOST FOR EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS

Communities and first responders will benefit from increased mission critical communications coverage during emergencies, with a $217 million boost to expand the Government Radio Network (GRN), and build a Public Safety Network for Emergency Services Organisations.
The funding will enable the NSW Telco Authority to accelerate the Critical Communications Enhancement Program to reach 96 per cent of populated areas.
This funding is in addition to the more than $401 million allocated to the upgrade of the GRN since 2016.

EPPING BOYS HIGH SCHOOL CLOSED DUE TO COVID-19

Epping Boys High School is closed today as a precaution after a Year 11 student of the school tested positive for COVID-19 yesterday evening.
If you or your family become unwell, call HealthDirect on 1800 022 222, contact your GP or if significantly ill call ahead to an Emergency Department to be assessed.

NSW LOWERS AGE LIMIT FOR PHARMACY FLU JABS

Families will have more access to influenza vaccinations with the NSW Government lowering the age pharmacists can administer flu jabs to children from 16 years to 10 years.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said giving families more options to protect their children against flu is sensible, with the likely convergence of a COVID-19 pandemic with winter flu.
Amendments to the Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Regulation 2008 to lower the age that pharmacists can supply and administer a private market influenza vaccine to include people aged 10 years and over, are expected to come into effect by mid-March.

CANCER RESEARCHER MARIA KAVALLARIS AM NAMED NSW PREMIER’S WOMAN OF THE YEAR

Internationally renowned scientist Professor Maria Kavallaris AM has been named the 2020 NSW Premier’s Woman of the Year – the top honour at the NSW Women of the Year awards.
For more information or biographies for winners and finalists, please visit www.women.nsw.gov.au

SCHOOL ALERTS DIRECT TO YOUR POCKET

Parents will have information relating to their child’s school at their fingertips, with the NSW Government today launching the first ever ‘School Updates app’.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the app will ensure parents receive immediate alerts if their child’s school is to be closed the following day.
Downloaded the School Updates app here:
- Apple app store

Information about non-operational schools is also available at https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/school-safety

CAUGHT ON CAMERA! PENALTIES NOW APPLY

Drivers caught on camera illegally using their mobile phone will be issued fines and demerit points.
The NSW Government’s world-first mobile phone detection cameras have been operating in warning mode since 1 December 2019, but drivers caught doing the wrong thing will now cop a $344 fine and five demerit points.
NSW Police continue to enforce illegal mobile phone use and issue infringements as part of regular operations.

NSW GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES SCOPING STUDY INTO OPTIONS FOR RESIDUAL STAKE IN WESTCONNEX

The NSW Government today announced a scoping study into the future ownership of the State’s 49 per cent stake in WestConnex.
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the scoping study would examine whether the Government should retain its stake in the motorway, or seek to utilise the capital to invest in new infrastructure across the State.
NSW Treasury will seek to appoint advisers to conduct the scoping study with a report expected to be handed to the Government in the second half of 2020.