NSW GOVERNMENT WEEKLY UPDATE - 18 DECEMBER 2020

18 December 2020
MORE JOBS TURBOCHARGE NSW RECOVERY
 
  • More than 28,000 people returned to the workforce, with participation increasing to 65.9 per cent in November, seeing NSW’s unemployment remain at 6.5 per cent.
  • Almost 90 per cent of jobs that were lost at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in NSW have now been regained.
  • Underemployment has fallen by 1.2 percentage points to 8.8 per cent and spare capacity in the labour market eased to 15.2 per cent.
 
MORE GREEN DOTS IN TIME FOR SUMMER TRAVEL
 
  • More customers are being welcomed back to the public transport network with an increase in the number of people allowed on trains, buses, ferries and light rail, in line with health advice.
  • A Waratah train will now be able to carry 86 customers per carriage, up from 68, and a typical two-door bus will be able to carry 27 customers, up from 23.
  • NSW TrainLink services are already being booked to 50 per cent capacity, with additional demand being met by supplementary coach services, to maintain physical distancing when travelling long distances.
 
RESULTS ARE IN: CLASS OF 2020 ACE HSC
 
  • 66,000 students have received their Higher School Certificate results, officially bringing an end to the 2020 HSC and the school year.
  • Despite all the hurdles, the Class of 2020 has performed on par with what we would expect in a normal year, which is an incredible achievement.
  • This year, 1,409 students received the ‘All Round Achievers Award’, for scoring in the highest possible band across 10 units of study, while 778 students received the Top Achievers award for earning one of the top places and a result in the highest band.
  • More than 17,500 students received at least one band six to be granted the ‘Distinguished Achievers Award’.
  • Congratulations to the Class of 2020 and the entire school community of NSW for all that you have achieved this year and all the best for the future.
LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE BOOST FOR COMMUNITIES
 
  • The NSW Government’s Infrastructure Grants program is supporting 28 projects across the State, to help local organisations deliver critical services in the wake of COVID-19 and bushfires.
  • This latest round of grants prioritised projects to repair and rebuild local assets and will help communities maintain sporting, social and cultural activities impacted by the pandemic.
  • The grants are made possible by the Clubgrants Category 3 Fund which re-invests profits from registered clubs’ gaming machines into a statewide funding pool for large-scale community projects.
  • The full list of funded projects is here: https://www.responsiblegambling.nsw.gov.au/funding-opportunities/infrastructure-grants.
  • Applications for the next round of funding open from Monday, 1 February 2021. To find out more information or to apply, visit responsiblegambling.nsw.gov.au
 
UNCLAIMED MONEY THE PERFECT STOCKING FILLER
 
  • NSW residents are being urged to reconnect with their money and get some extra cash to spend this Christmas, by checking for any unclaimed money held by Revenue NSW.
  • More than $461 million in unclaimed money was sitting with Revenue NSW that would be better reunited with its rightful owners.
  • It’s quick and easy to check if you have unclaimed money. Simply visit the Revenue NSW website and type your name into the free search tool. If you do find some money, lodge a claim with Revenue NSW and collect your money.
 
NEW TRAINEESHIPS FOR YEAR 12 SCHOOL LEAVERS
 
  • A new two-year infrastructure traineeship will provide the Class of 2020 with immediate employment opportunities, giving them well rounded experience in the infrastructure sector.
  • The program will offer more than 100 school leavers with traineeships in infrastructure-based roles commencing in February 2021.
  • The new traineeship is a collaboration between NSW Government infrastructure agencies and approved industry partners.
  • The NSW Government is investing $7 billion over the next four years, continuing its program to deliver more than 200 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. This is the largest investment in public education infrastructure in the history of NSW.
  • Students who want to apply can via: https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/career-and-study-pathways/infrastructure-traineeships.html
 
MORE SUPPORT FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS TO END TENANCIES
 
  • A wider range of professionals, including counsellors, social workers, and psychologists will be able to support victims of domestic violence terminating their lease immediately and without penalty under NSW Government reforms.
  • The changes will make it easier for tenants to escape domestic violence, without worrying about breaking a lease.
  • Prior to these reforms, only medical practitioners could sign off on a lease termination. Now, any registered health practitioner, social workers, child protection agents, domestic violence specialists and approved counsellors will be authorised to make a domestic violence declaration to end a tenancy.
 
RAPID ASSESSMENTS TO TURBOCHARGE NSW PLANNING SYSTEM
 
  • Assessments for state significant projects such as schools and hospitals will be cut by three-quarters in a major overhaul of the NSW planning system to make it more efficient and timely.
  • The new Rapid Assessments Framework would cut unnecessary and time consuming steps in the assessment of major projects.
  • The new Rapid Assessments Framework will include:
    • Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) summaries not be longer than 200 pages
    • Certification of EISs by an accredited professional practitioner will be required before submission
    • Initial assessment steps for more straightforward State Significant Development projects will be cut from 28 days to seven days
    • Clear guidance for assessment of “cumulative impacts” of projects
    • Streamlined lodgement processes for applicants
  • The Rapid Assessments Framework is on public exhibition until February 12, 2021 with implementation planned for mid-2021.
 
NSW GOVERNMENT ENCOURAGES YOUNG PEOPLE TO TAKE A REGIONAL GAP YEAR
 
  • While an overseas gap year might be off limits, NSW is open for business and the state government wants young people to take a gap year in Regional NSW.
  • Regional agriculture, hospitality and tourism sectors continue to face significant worker shortages so the campaign and website will be a first port of call, encouraging young people to take a gap year break in regional NSW and helping them to find work and plan ahead for a safe, fun and rewarding experience.
  • For 17 to 24 year olds who have missed out on their planned gap year in Europe, the United States or New Zealand because of COVID-19 and border closures, now is the chance to explore the local culture, history and beauty in your own backyard.
  • Visit the Regional Gap Year website at www.nsw.gov.au/regionalgapyear.

Authorised by Chris Stone, Liberal Party of Australia, NSW Division, Level 2, 131 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000.

Donations by individuals to registered political parties of between $2 and $1,500 in a financial year are tax deductible. Phone: 02 8356 0300.

Privacy Policy