PUBLIC INVITED TO COMMENT ON NEW LOTTERIES FRAMEWORK
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Gaming. Media Release.
"The NSW Government today released a regulatory issues discussion paper and called
for public submissions on the proposed regulatory framework for NSW Lotteries.
Gaming and Racing Minister Kevin Greene said changes to the current lotteries
regulation were needed to ensure appropriate controls exist for the private ownership
and operation of NSW Lotteries.
Mr Greene said the discussion paper makes 20 recommendations for changes to the
Public Lotteries Act 1996, associated regulations and license conditions.
“This process is about ensuring there are appropriate controls in place when the
transfer of NSW Lotteries to the private sector occurs.” Mr Greene said.
“We want to hear views from the business and community sectors including prospective
buyers of NSW Lotteries, consumers, lottery agents and others.
“This process will firstly ensure any prospective operator of NSW Lotteries satisfies
probity, capability and integrity requirements."

Greyhound and harness racing reforms in parliament
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Gaming. Media Release.
"The Rees Government today introduced reforms into Parliament to ensure the ongoing
integrity and viability of the harness and greyhound racing industries.
Gaming and Racing Minister Kevin Greene said the Greyhound Racing Bill 2009,
Harness Racing Bill 2009 and Racing Legislation Amendment Bill 2009 will see significant
changes to the commercial and regulatory oversight of the two racing codes.
“We are acting to implement recommendations from the Five Year Review of the
Greyhound Racing Act 2002 and Harness Racing Act 2002, and Malcolm Scott’s
Independent Review of the Regulatory Oversight of the NSW Racing Industry,” he said.
“Australia’s racing industry accepts change is necessary to meet challenges like a tough
economic climate, increasing competition and the need for modern business standards."

$2.4 MILLION TO FIGHT PROBLEM GAMBLING
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Gaming. Media Release.
"The Rees Government will today launch a new three-year $2.4 million strategy to help stop
serious gambling problems from developing and devastating people and their families.
Gaming Minister Kevin Greene will outline the strategy to more than 100 counsellors at the
NSW Problem Gambling Counsellors Conference in Sydney this morning.
“The Rees Government is committed to tackling problem gambling early, before problems
worsen, and this $2.4 million investment is a key part of those efforts,” Mr Greene said.
“This new strategy works as a whole to help people identify early signs so they can seek help
before they develop a serious problem.
“For example, right now the Rees Government funds 43 problem gambling counselling
services in more than 200 places across NSW, as well as the G-Line phone service and a
range of support materials online - and they all have different names.
“We’re acting so all these services come under one single name and logo, Gambling Help, to
make it easier for them to be found at the time when people need them the most,” he said.
John Brett from Mission Australia welcomed the strategy after regularly seeing the impact
problem gambling has on individuals, their families and the community."

NSW LIQUOR HOTSPOTS IDENTIFIED
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Gaming. Media Release.
"Comprehensive reports showing the impact of licensed venues and alcohol consumption on local communities in NSW are now online, Gaming Minister Kevin Greene said today.
Mr Greene said the free community profiles are being compiled for every Local Government Area in NSW to guide decisions on applications for new liquor licenses.
"This is about pulling together information from across Government agencies on alcohol-related crime, population and demographics, licensed venues, health and transport and putting them into one easy to read place," he said.
"This will be very useful for those proposing to build a licensed venue and further shows how the Rees Government is working to cut red tape for small business and the community.
"This also means residents, councils and police can easily use the website to make informed submissions on any proposed licensed venues in their local area."

SECURING PLAYGROUND SAFETY IN CHILD CARE CENTRES
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Community Services. Media Release.
"Minister for Community Services Linda Burney said that the Government has committed over $80,000 per annum over three years to Kidsafe NSW’s Playground Advisory Service, NSW’s principal agency for playground safety and development.
"It’s important that parents can feel confident their child is safe when they are in a child care centre or preschool," Ms Burney said.
"The Playground Advisory Service will use the funding to provide children’s services with technical, safety and design information, resources and support on playground safety issues.
"For example, the service will train staff at childcare centres, preschools and other children’s services in playground safety, inspection, maintenance and design."

New resource for working with Aboriginal people and communities
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Community Services. Media Release.
"A new, user-friendly resource to help people working with Aboriginal communities in NSW was
launched by the NSW Community Services Minister Linda Burney today.
The resource, Working with Aboriginal People and Communities, has been developed to
improve service delivery to Aboriginal people by government and non-government staff.
“This guide will help non-Aboriginal staff develop and maintain positive working relationships
with Aboriginal communities, and demonstrates the Government’s commitment to improve
outcomes for Aboriginal people,” Ms Burney said.
“It provides key facts and information relevant to working with Aboriginal communities in NSW,
including background information on the history of Aboriginal people, Aboriginal language
group names and nations and Aboriginal concepts of family and community.
It also offers advice on the use of terms such as ‘Indigenous’, ‘Aboriginal’, and ‘Torres Strait
Islander’, communication techniques and guidance on how to conduct a Welcome to Country.
A major part of the resource is devoted to Aboriginal community consultation, including how to
work with Aboriginal organisations and understanding community structures.
Ms Burney said the guide was in line with the Government’s commitment to better support
Aboriginal children and families, as outlined in its recent action plan following Justice Wood’s
report of the Inquiry into Child Protection in NSW.
“The Government’s plan, Keep them Safe, stipulates a number of strategies to reduce the
alarming number of Aboriginal children and young people in care and to improve outcomes for
Aboriginal families,” said Ms Burney."

CHILD PROTECTION LEGISLATION GIVES THE GO-AHEAD FOR CHANGE
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Community Services. Media Release.
"Ground-breaking legislation that passed last night in the NSW Parliament will usher in a new
era of reform in child protection, Minister for Community Services Linda Burney announced.
Ms Burney said the Children Legislation (Wood Inquiry Recommendations) Bill 2009 is the
blueprint for a new way of caring for the most vulnerable children and families in NSW.
“The Government received Justice Wood’s report on 24 November 2008. The Government’s
response Keep Them Safe: A Shared Approach to Child Wellbeing was released on 3 March and
the Bill was introduced on the first day of the 2009 session of Parliament.
“The Government’s swift and comprehensive response to Wood demonstrates that the
Government is serious about improving support and protection for vulnerable children,” Ms
Burney said."

NEW ASSAULT IN THE WAR ON OUTLAW BIKIE GANGS
Source: New South Wales. Premier. Media Release.
"Outlaw motorcycle gang members will be stripped of their assets and banned from working in high risk industries under tough new laws announced by Premier Nathan Rees today. Mr Rees said State Cabinet had also approved the introduction of aggressive new search warrants.
"These laws will give police the power to disrupt and ultimately dismantle bikie gangs," said Mr Rees.
"To put a stop to the sickening violence we have witnessed in recent weeks, we intend to target the proceeds of these organisations."
"We will also intend to prevent bikies from infiltrating certain high risk industries."
The new laws will also allow police to seek a court order to make membership of a declared bikie gang illegal and create an offence for its members to associate together.
NSW Cabinet today decided that the new laws will be reviewed in two years time.
Mr Rees said under the new laws the NSW Crime Commission will also be able to confiscate bikie assets.
"The Government will change the Criminal Assets and Recovery Act to allow for anyone who would be "participating in a criminal group" to come under the laws," Mr Rees said."

GUN AMNESTY TAKES GUNS OUT OF THE EQUATION
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Police. Media Release.
"Minister for Police Tony Kelly has today reported that already 796 guns have been
taken off the streets as part of the NSW Government’s three-month firearms
amnesty.
Mr Kelly said that only one month into the campaign to take guns out of the equation,
the community is getting the message – you either own a firearm lawfully or you
won’t own one at all. “Owing a firearm is a privilege, not a right and it’s about time all gun owners got that message,” Mr Kelly said.
“This amnesty is part of our ongoing commitment to do everything we can to stop
criminals from getting hold of guns."

Building the Country: Funding for local infrastructure to drive business investment
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Regional Development. Media Release.
"Minister for Regional Development, Phil Costa today called for expressions of interest from local
councils, businesses and infrastructure providers for funding for infrastructure projects linked to
business investment and jobs growth in country NSW. Mr Costa said the $52 million Local Infrastructure Support Fund will help offset the cost of critical infrastructure needed for businesses to establish, expand or relocate in country and coastal areas.
“The Rees Government is looking to fund common infrastructure projects that are linked to the
development of specific business investment and local job opportunities,” Mr Costa said.
“These projects need to involve common infrastructure that will benefit a specific business or other business users, either now or in the future.
“We want the infrastructure funding to be a catalyst for new jobs.
“This is part of the Government’s commitment to invest in country NSW.”
Types of projects that could be funded include:
• electricity supply,
• natural gas mains and pipelines,
• water supply and offsite wastewater treatment or recycling,
• sewerage connection,
• roadworks, such as access roads and modifications, and
• telecommunications such as data networks.”

NSW SMALL BUSINESS MINISTER WELCOMES NEW BATCH OF YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Small Business. Media Release.
"The NSW Minister for Small Business, Steve Whan today congratulated 16
young entrepreneurs from the Penrith region following their graduation from
the NSW Government’s Young Entrepreneurs - Stepping Up program.
Mr Whan said the graduate business owners aged between 18 and 35,
finished the training module titled winning new clients - growth strategies for
small business.
“This is a great outcome for the Penrith small business community,” Mr Whan
said.
“The NSW Government allocated $20,000 to the month-long program, which
matches business owners with more experienced business people who act as
mentors."

Project to boost manufacturing and engineering skills in the Hunter
Source: New South Wales. Minister for the Hunter. Media Release.
"HunterNet Co-operative will receive a $32,000 NSW Government grant towards a
project to build on the Hunter’s strong manufacturing and engineering skills base.
Minister for the Hunter Jodi McKay said HunterNet is working to help small and
medium sized businesses in the Hunter take advantage of opportunities to
develop skills in metals engineering, manufacturing and electro-technology.
“The project would focus on training the existing workforce in these emerging
sectors and bringing people with these specific skills to the region.
“We know one of the Hunter’s key drawcards in attracting investment is its skilled
workforce.
“These new sectors are growing and we need to make sure local businesses
remain competitive by ensuring their staff members are skilled in these areas.
“Access to appropriate skills development programs will ultimately help local
workers obtain and retain their jobs and will help businesses to remain
sustainable during these tough economic times.”

Grants open for water education projects
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Water. Media Release.
"Minister for Water, Phillip Costa, today announced $375,000 in grants for councils and
community organisations throughout greater Sydney to increase awareness of water
wise practices.
“Grants of between $5,000 and $50,000 will be made available for projects under the
NSW Government’s Water for Life education program,” said Mr Costa.
“To be eligible for funding, projects need to improve water use efficiency to reduce
demand and help the government reach its water savings target of 145 billion litres by
2015.
“This initiative is an integral part of the NSW Government’s Metropolitan Water Plan to
secure greater Sydney’s long-term water supply.”

$3.5 million research boost to cut greenhouse gas emissions and lock up carbon in soil
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Primary Industries. Media Release.
"Research into reducing greenhouse gas emissions and locking up carbon in farm soils has received a major boost with the announcement that NSW has secured more than $3.5 million in Commonwealth and industry funding, Minister for Primary Industries Ian Macdonald said today.
Minister Macdonald said the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) received funding for several projects led from Armidale under the Federal Government’s Climate Change Research Program, supplemented by additional industry funding.
"The projects have been funded as part of the national research effort to reduce agriculture’s greenhouse gas emissions," Minister Macdonald said."

"Pyrmont Pact" to promote strong future for commercial fishers
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Primary Industries. Media Release.
"A new era in economic and environmental sustainability for the state’s commercial fishing industry has been reached following the adoption of the "Pyrmont Pact", Primary Industries Minister Ian Macdonald said today.
Minister Macdonald said the new scheme is designed to promote the long-term viability of the industry.
A reform program will now be developed which will include:
• Initial restructuring with minimum shareholdings and exit grants;
• A comprehensive review of industry regulatory requirements and streamlining DPI administrative systems;
• Creating tools to provide for tradeable input and output controls so fishers will be able to choose between the type of gear used and types of catch limits and quotas;
• Moves towards a risk-based model for managing fish resources; and
• Initiating an industry development program to enhance the economic value of product to fishers and improve industry and government co-operation."

New boating safety regulations come into effect
Source: New South Wales. Minister for NSW Ports and Waterways. Media Release.
"NSW Ports and Waterways Minister Joe Tripodi says new marine safety regulations will come into force on Monday (March 30), including increased penalties for dangerous boating and operating a vessel without a licence.
Mr Tripodi said the changes build on major reforms announced last year which provide tougher penalties including big fines and jail terms for dangerous navigation and overloading a vessel.
"These new regulations are part of the biggest reforms to marine safety rules and practices in a decade and will reinforce the culture of safe boating in NSW," Mr Tripodi said."

NEW PLAN FOR GREATER COMMERCIAL COMPETITION AND VIBRANT CENTRES
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Planning. Media Release.
"Planning Minister, Kristina Keneally, today put forward a plan which is designed to promote investment and jobs in the retail and commercial development industry.
Once finalised, after public and industry feedback and a formal submissions period, the policy will ensure the supply of commercial land exceeds the market’s demand, encouraging competition by allowing space for new businesses to open.
It will also help stop uncontrolled sprawl of retail centres, a mistake which could cost Sydney alone an average of $1 billion per year over the next 20 years.
“The retail and commercial sectors are the backbone of the modern NSW economy and a key contributor to the creation of the kinds of communities in which people want to live,” Ms Keneally said."

Government to offer licence for NSW Lotteries
Source: New South Wales.Treasurer. Media Release.
"NSW Treasurer Eric Roozendaal today announced the Government’s intention to offer to the market a long term exclusive licence for the distribution of NSW Lotteries products. The brands and intellectual property of NSW Lotteries will be retained by the Government as valuable assets for the community at the expiration of the licence. "Issuing a licence for the operation of NSW Lotteries means public funds can better be directed to priorities such as health, transport and education," Mr Roozendaal said. "These funds will come from the proceeds of issuing the licence and the continuing receipt of duties.
"As a strong and resilient business NSW Lotteries is a compelling investment opportunity. We are encouraged by the high degree of interest from prospective buyers of the licence," Mr Roozendaal said."

Spouses to get estates when no wills are left
Source: New South Wales.Attorney General. Media Release.
"Spouses will automatically inherit the estates of their partners when their partners don't leave a will, under new laws to be introduced to NSW Parliament on Wednesday, said Attorney General John Hatzistergos."Changes to intestacy laws will simplify the legal process involving estateswhen a person dies who doesn't have a will," said Mr Hatzistergos.Mr Hatzistergos said currently estates of people who don't leave wills are distributed between spouses and their children. Under the new laws children will not be included in the inheritance unless they are from a previous relationship.The changes reflect a Law Reform Commission survey which found that 75% of people who have a will leave everything to their spouse."

Small business now has a new way to save money and energy
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Climate Change and the Environment. Media Release.
"The NSW Government is recruiting small businesses across NSW to participate in a $15 million program to help lower power bills and carbon pollution.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Climate Change and the Environment Carmel Tebbutt said the Energy Efficiency for Small Business Program offers an energy assessment, tailored action plan and a rebate of up to $5,000 for improvements.
“This program is an important way the Government can help the NSW community become more energy efficient,” Ms Tebbutt said.
“Under the program eligible businesses receive an onsite energy assessment and an action plan to prioritise ways to save electricity."

Special Green Skills Taskforce for NSW
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Climate Change and the Environment. Media Release.
"The Deputy Premier and Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, Carmel Tebbutt and Minister for Education and Training, Verity Firth today announced the membership of the NSW Green Skills Taskforce and an additional $5 million to encourage businesses to green up their workforce. Ms Tebbutt said the high-level taskforce would develop an action plan to drive the training of the State’s workforce in green skills and drive green jobs.
“The global financial crisis and climate change are the twin threats to our standard of living,” Ms Tebbutt said.
“New South Wales’ transformation to a low carbon economy, with an increase in ‘green collar’ jobs, provides a key part of the solution to both issues."

Industry, community asked for input into NSW Energy Savings Scheme
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Climate Change and the Environment. Media Release.
"Experts shaping the NSW Government’s ground breaking Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) are urging stakeholders to take part in a half day workshop. Deputy Premier and Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, Carmel Tebbutt, said the workshop was an opportunity for stakeholders to have input into the development of energy efficiency measures included in the scheme set to begin on July 1. “This is an important chance for energy sector stakeholders to help shape the nuts and bolts of how this scheme will operate – particularly how energy saving mechanisms will be measured and assessed,” Ms Tebbutt said. “It’s vital we get these factors right to ensure the scheme is a practical, cost effective and workable successor to our Greenhouse Gas Reduction Scheme (GGAS) and complements the Federal Government’s proposed new Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme.”

Government response to NSW Jobs Summit
Government response
Response Summary
Media Release
Source: New South Wales. Premier. Media Release.

"The NSW Government is working with business and community representatives to drive
investment in infrastructure and jobs to help build a better NSW. We currently face unprecedented economic times as Australia feels the impacts of the global financial crisis. The NSW Government is committed to minimising the impact of the crisis on families and industry. We are investing in infrastructure and supporting jobs and industries that will boost the economy to bring us out of the downturn in better shape than ever. The strength of our industries, our creative and talented workforce and the resilience of the Australian people in difficult times, will all contribute to the recovery of our economy. Unfortunately, things are likely to get worse before they get better. That’s why the NSW Government held a Jobs Summit over February 26 and 27 - bringing together more than 300 business and community leaders.
The purpose of the Summit was to hear first hand from industry the challenges posed by the downturn."

2009 Environmental Trust Grants available
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Climate Change and the Environment. Media Release.
"Deputy Premier and Minister for Climate Change and the Environment Carmel Tebbutt today called on groups around the State to apply for more than $6 million worth of grants for environmental projects. The 2009 Environmental Trust Grants program is currently open to schools, non-profit associations and Aboriginal, community and state and local government organisations. “There is up to $6.7 million worth of grants available for projects and proposals that aim to make a difference to the environment,” Ms Tebbutt said.
“These projects can take a number of forms from providing community education to innovative research ideas or proposals to restore degraded environments or protect rare habitats.”
Grants range from $2,500 for Eco Schools up to $100,000 for restoration and rehabilitation and environmental education grants. The Environmental Research Program can also fund projects up to $200,000. “There are also grants available to lead community environmental organisations to help cover administrative costs,” she said."

Water security projects get green light to proceed
Source: Minister for Environment. Climate Change and Water
Two initiatives to improve the long-term water security of the ACT have been approved by the Territory Government. The ACT Government has given the green light to the construction of the Murrumbidgee to Googong pipeline and the purchase of water from Tantangara Reservoir as required to supplement water supplies.
A project to build a pilot water purification plant has been deferred by the ACT Government