Sydney - Middle East Times Int’l: The Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a speech: “I’m pleased to say Australia will join other nations in endorsing the Leaders Pledge for Nature.

This highlights Australia's reinvigorated approach to protecting our environment and climate leadership and signals our solidarity with other world leaders in our commitment to taking strong action on the dual crises of biodiversity loss and climate change. 

Australia understands the urgency of the environmental challenges facing our planet and we're committed to being a leader in the global fight to solve them. 

Australia is one of the most biologically rich and diverse nations on Earth, one of only a few mega-diverse countries that together comprise less than 10% of Earth's surface, but are home to more than 70 per cent of its living species. 

Working together, we can better protect and conserve the world's land sea waterways and cultural heritage for future generations. Now is the time to act.”

More plastic will be recycled and turned into new products in NSW thanks to $9 million in funding to support businesses transform their operations and access the latest plastic recycling technology.

Environment Minister James Griffin said the new Circular Plastics Program, part of the Circular Materials Fund, is all about boosting the circular economy for plastics in NSW.

“This program is a game changer for our state because it means we’ll be reducing the amount of plastic going to landfill, and turning it into a valuable resource instead,” he said.

“At the moment, NSW produces about 800,000 tonnes of plastic waste every year, and about 10 per cent is recycled. That figure should be much higher and I want to see plastic being repurposed and reused as many times as possible, rather than ending up in landfill or the environment.

“Through this $9 million program, we’re giving eligible businesses the support they need to recycle and reuse more plastic when making new products.

Shocking images of plastic pollution in the ocean and a turtle choking on a plastic bag feature in a thought-provoking new advertising campaign released ahead of the NSW Government’s November single-use plastic ban.

Environment Minister Griffin said the confronting images are an important reminder about why the state is banning certain single-use plastics.

“Our new Stop it and Swap it campaign is a stark reminder about why the NSW single-use plastic bans are critical for our environment – as consumers we must all change our behaviour,” Mr Griffin said.

“About 95 per cent of the litter on beaches and waterways comes from suburban streets, and the vast majority of that litter is single-use plastic.

“The amount of plastic in our oceans is predicted to outweigh the amount of fish by 2050. That is a horrifying prediction and a call to action to ensure our wildlife, like the turtle featured in the campaign, can have a brighter future.

The NSW Government is banning more single-use plastic items from November.

Around 700 homes are expected to go under the hammer on Super Saturday today as first home buyers will soon be able to choose between paying upfront stamp duty or a smaller annual property fee. 

First Home Buyer Choice, which was announced in the 2022-23 NSW Budget as part of the Government’s integrated $2.8 billion housing package, is scheduled to start in January. 

On the busiest auction day of the year, NSW Treasurer Matt Kean said eliminating the upfront cost of stamp duty can help first home buyers shave years off the time it takes to save a deposit. 

“This is all about giving first home buyers the power to choose an alternative to upfront stamp duty,” Mr Kean said. 

“We want to remove one of the barriers to entering the property market and help first home buyers realise the great Australian dream of home ownership sooner.”

Under the First Home Buyer Choice, eligible first home buyers will have the choice of a traditional upfront payment or a smaller annual property fee for properties with a purchase price of up to $1.5 million. 

Around 84 per cent of residential property transactions across NSW are below the $1.5 million threshold.   

First home buyers who opt into the property tax will pay an annual fee of $400 plus 0.3 per cent of the land value of the property for the time they occupy the property as their principal place of residence. The property will not be locked into the scheme if it is sold.

Twenty students from across NSW today embarked on a two-week study tour throughout NSW, the ACT and Darwin as part of the 2022 Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarship.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said the Scholarships provided students with an opportunity to further develop their knowledge and understanding of the history of Australians at war.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for the Scholarship recipients to learn about the military history of New South Wales and our nation, as well as the important contributions made by Australians who served in our defence forces and paid the ultimate sacrifice,” Mr Perrottet said. 

“A highlight of the trip will be a tour of significant historic locations associated with the Second World War in and around Darwin, particularly relevant this year as we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the bombing of Darwin in 1942.

Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said the 20 successful students from Sydney and regional NSW, including Armidale, Bathurst, Young and Jindabyne, should be very proud of their excellent submissions.

“This year we had a fantastic response from some very enthusiastic students with more than 125 submissions from 103 NSW high schools from across the State,” Mr Elliott said.

“Senior Historian and Curator at the Anzac Memorial, Brad Manera, will accompany the tour group to teach students about the nation’s military past and give them an understanding of the importance of commemoration.

“The students will visit a number of significant historical sites including the Rocky Hill War Memorial and Museum in Goulburn, the Lithgow Small Arms Factory, the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, the Japanese War Cemetery in Cowra, the Sydney Jewish Museum and Garden Island Naval Heritage Centre,” Mr Elliott said.

The NSW Government is doubling family and domestic violence leave provisions for all NSW public sector workers with staff able to access 20 days of paid leave per calendar year from 1 January 2023.

The same paid leave provisions will also be provided to casual employees, while access to existing carers leave will be also extended to all employees providing support to a family or household member who is a victim-survivor of domestic violence. 

The enhanced arrangements will apply across the NSW public sector and were developed after discussion with unions, Government employers and family and domestic violence policy experts.

Minister for Women’s Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Natalie Ward said the increase of family and domestic violence leave was a key priority of the Perrottet Government. 

“As the largest employer in NSW, it is our Government’s responsibility to provide workers with the support and security to take time away from work to take the necessary steps to find safety for themselves and their family,” Mrs Ward said.

“That is why we have made this commitment to double the amount of paid family and domestic violence leave available to all public sector employees from 10 to 20 days, to give our workers greater support at a time when they need it most.

“Everyone has the right to be safe both at home and in the workplace, which is why we have made addressing the issue of women's safety and the prevention of domestic and family violence a priority with record funding to increase support across the sector.” 

Minister for Employee Relations Damien Tudehope said the new leave provisions build on other family and safety oriented measures the NSW Government had already put in place for all public sector workers.

“NSW was the first Australian jurisdiction to include specific provisions for family and domestic violence leave in enterprise agreements and awards for its public sector employees and once again we will be leading the way with comprehensive leave provisions to support victim-survivors seeking safety and care,” Mr Tudehope said.

“This new leave provison is the latest in a raft of improvements our government has put in place to improve work environments for NSW public sector workers and sets the standard for other jurisdictions and the private sector to follow.

“Already our Government has enacted nation-leading measures to ensure families, women and children are front of mind in the public sector, including new parental leave policies, and leave in the event of a miscarriage.

Leave is available to NSW Government employees who give birth to a pre-term child (prior to 37 weeks). The parent with the caring responsibility is entitled to paid special pre-term parental leave from the date of birth of the child (or children from a multiple birth) up to the end of 36 weeks.

The NSW Government today announced a half-a-billion-dollar investment to deliver targeted health and justice reforms as part of its final response to the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Drug Ice.

Illicit drugs will remain illegal, with this investment aimed at breaking the cycle of drug use. The NSW Government considers that successful implementation of a pre-court diversion scheme is only achievable when relevant services and supports have been established in the health and justice system.

The four-year $500 million investment is a key component of the NSW Government’s response to the Ice Inquiry recommendations. The NSW Government supports, or supports in principle, 86 of the Inquiry’s recommendations and notes 14 recommendations. 

“Ice can ruin lives and have devastating impacts on families and communities. We want to see real change in the community – especially vulnerable communities – when it comes to drugs and drug addiction.” Premier Perrottet said. 

NSW’s vision for addressing the impacts of alcohol and other drugs will also inform the development of a new Alcohol and Other Drug Strategy, which will ensure a unified and coordinated approach across health and community services, education and law enforcement.

Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional NSW and Minister for Police Paul Toole said today’s funding announcement bolstered the NSW Government’s existing commitment to supporting individuals and families affected by drugs.    

This funding will mean more than 30,000 people impacted by alcohol and other drug use will benefit from additional services. It will also support more than 11,000 people with AOD-related offending behaviour, and create more than 670 new jobs, with more than 63 per cent in rural and regional areas.

Minister for Regional Health and Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the investment would help people to move forward in their journey to recovery with the funding going to areas where it is needed most. 

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said today’s announcement is a further step in dealing with harm associated with crystal methamphetamine and other amphetamine-type stimulants that have a harmful effect on individuals, their families and NSW communities.

The Special Commission of Inquiry Report and the final Government response is available here: https://www.dpc.nsw.gov.au/publications/special-commissions-of-inquiry/the-special-commission-of-inquiry-into-the-drug-ice/

This New Year’s Eve 6,000 people have the chance to watch the Sydney Harbour fireworks from one of the best vantage points in town – the Cahill Expressway.

Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said those who would like a chance to enjoy the fun-filled entertainment and family friendly festivities at the New Year’s Eve Cahill Expressway 2022 party, can enter the ballot for tickets from today Thursday 22 September 2022.

“The NSW Government is pleased to be hosting this free event again which is one of the most coveted tickets in town,” Mrs Ward said.

“People can nominate their preference to attend either 9pm or midnight session. Both timeslots will have an array on offer of delicious treats, live music and fun activities for the whole family.” 

Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin says this is great a chance for people to experience an unforgettable start to 2023 with entertainment, food and exclusive views of the fireworks over the Sydney Harbour.

“The previous two New Year Eves have been impacted by COVID restrictions. But this New Year’s Eve will be an inclusive experience with a dedicated accessibility viewing area, we’ll also have options for guests to book add-ons like hampers and picnic benches,” Mr Franklin said. 

The public ballot is now open and will close 11:59pm Friday 7 October. 

To enter the ballot, visit: http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/nye-cahill-expressway-2022. 

Taxi licence holders across the State will receive an additional $500 million in assistance payments as part of a comprehensive $645 million package to fully deregulate the industry and benefit customers long term.

Treasurer Matt Kean said $145 million had already been paid out and additional payments would be made early next year, once legislation to remove taxi licence supply restrictions is passed in Parliament.

“This will create a level playing field across the sector, freeing the taxi industry to better compete, while driving improved and more innovative services for customers,” Mr Kean.

“To help existing taxi licence holders adapt to these changes, the package will provide $100,000 for each eligible Sydney metro taxi licence up to six licences per owner. It will provide up to $130,000 for each taxi licence outside of Sydney with no cap on the number of licences per owner.”

Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said he was proud to deliver a win for the taxi industry.

“I told the taxi industry that the NSW Government has their back and today is proof of that,” Mr Elliott said.

“Members of the taxi industry have suffered greatly over the past several years, financially and emotionally. I am pleased to see today that we have acted to support them by offering financial assistance which surpasses the package proposed to the industry in September last year.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the taxi industry is vitally important in regional areas, where ride share services simply aren’t available like they are in the city.

The red and yellow is back on NSW beaches with more than 20,000 surf life saving volunteers ready to welcome beachgoers as the official patrol season begins. 

Premier Dominic Perrottet joined Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke, Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) President George Shales and volunteer lifesavers at Bondi Beach today to raise the red and yellow flags for the first time this season. 

“The raising of the flags is a significant occasion for the people of NSW because it means we can get back out after a cold winter and safely enjoy all the beautiful coastline our great State has to offer,” Mr Perrottet said.  

“Please listen to the advice of our Surf Life Saving experts, don’t take unnecessary risks and always swim between the red and yellow flags to make sure you and your family enjoy the water safely.” 

Ms Cooke said $1 million worth of SLSNSW jet skis and support operations vehicles will be rolled out across the State to better support the work of volunteers. 

“The addition of 11 jet skis and 11 fully kitted out support vehicles will further enhance the ability of our lifesavers to respond to emergencies in the water and help people when they get into trouble,” Ms Cooke said.  

“Our lifesavers from the 129 clubs up and down the NSW coastline are looking forward to being on patrol every weekend and public holiday between now and Anzac Day in April.”

Patrolled beach locations, patrol times and live weather updates are available on the BeachSafe app or website.

The countdown is over - City of Parramatta’s bold new community, cultural and civic hub PHIVE, at 5 Parramatta Square, is officially open. 

With its vibrant red and orange tessellated roof, PHIVE is an eye-catching architectural icon with world-class facilities for the community to explore and enjoy in the heart of the Parramatta CBD. 

Spread across six levels, the $136 million centre boasts a new library, maker spaces, tech labs and sound studios for learning, innovating and creating. It also houses community meeting rooms, visitor services and the new Council Chambers.

To celebrate, there will be more than 100 free activities as part of a huge opening weekend program - from First Nations cultural programs, to live performances, kid’s silent disco and an opening exhibition, Green Thumbs Blue Ribbons, to mark 200 years of the Royal Agricultural Society in Parramatta.

City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Donna Davis said PHIVE is the brilliant, bold centrepiece of Parramatta Square’s $2.7 billion transformation - a place for communities to discover and explore.

“We are proud PHIVE has arrived - a landmark addition to our City,” Cr Davis said. 

“Parramatta’s dazzling new building has been years in the making, and we are so delighted PHIVE is now open for everyone to enjoy. This space has been designed with and for our communities in mind – to connect, collaborate and enjoy cultural experiences. 

Come and say hi to PHIVE – a place to find local services, create in our maker spaces and sound labs, or meet your friends for a coffee or bite to eat. It’s Parramatta’s new living room, right in the heart of our bustling CBD.”

Cr Davis said PHIVE reflects our City’s diverse communities and rich First Nations history.

“PHIVE is a much-needed community facility that will service the needs of the region’s rapidly-growing population. It’s important we have accessible, state-of-the-art facilities to support the people who live, work, study or visit Parramatta. We invite locals and visitors to come along to our fantastic free Open House weekend to explore, be entertained, learn something new and have fun.”

More than 100 workshops, live performances and cultural discovery experiences kick off PHIVE’s free Open House weekend on 24 and 25 September. The opening weekend will be followed by an action-packed school holiday program of over 70 events from 26 September to 9 October. 

The building was designed by a team led by award-winning French architect Manuelle Gautrand in partnership with Ms Gautrand’s French firm and Australian architecture firms Lacoste+Stevenson and Design Inc, represented by Richard Does and Thierry Lacoste.

Constructed by Australian group Built, the building seamlessly connects with the original heritage-listed Parramatta Town Hall. As part of its state-of-the art ‘smart’ design, the building includes a ventilation system that responds to weather conditions. 

From Woolgoolga to Murrumbateman, and everywhere in between, cricket fans in regional NSW will kick off the countdown to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup with the help of a ‘biggest hit’ virtual reality experience.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the T20 World Cup Regional Roadshow will make 11 stops over the next month and include a range of interactive activities and displays, plus a number of prizes will be up for grabs. 

“The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is the pinnacle of the sport’s most exciting format and the Regional Roadshow gives cricket fans across the State the chance to experience the buzz of the tournament first-hand,” Mr Toole said. 

“This is about giving cricket fans in the bush a taste of the action. With Sydney hosting six World Cup matches including a semi-final, the Regional Roadshow brings the action to  fans   who mightn’t otherwise be able to travel to matches and gives students a chance to get involved during the school holidays."

Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said the Regional Roadshow will start by taking the T20 World Cup silverware to northern NSW, and is an example of the benefits of the NSW Government’s 10 World Cups in 10 Years initiative. 

“Regional NSW is the heartland of cricket in our State, and the Regional Roadshow has hit the sweet spot by providing entertainment and inspiration for bush cricket fans across NSW ahead of the T20 World Cup in Australia,” Mr Henskens said.