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Special Commission of Inquiry: Acute Care Services in NSW Public Hospitals

27 November 2008

Premier Nathan Rees has today received the final report of the Special Commission of Inquiry into Acute Care Services in NSW Public Hospitals.

Mr Rees said the Government would very carefully consider the report and provide a formal response by no later than March 2009.

"I thank Commissioner Garling for producing a significant report to change and improve the delivery of acute care in NSW public hospitals," Mr Rees said.

"This is a major report recommending far reaching changes in the way we deliver health care in the face of demographic change and rising costs.

"The report provides us with an action plan to deliver improvements in the delivery of acute care across the State.

"I particularly note and welcome the Commissioner's recommendation to improve and publish more information about hospital performance including patient care.

"I am committed to a more open and transparent Government and this appears to be a sensible way to ensure the public has access to more detailed information about our hospitals.

"I want to thank the nurses, doctors and all the families who gave evidence, which I know was a difficult experience for some.

"I give them my personal assurance that we will follow through on this report with action."

Commissioner Peter Garling SC presented his 1100 page final report to the NSW Governor late this morning. It contains 139 recommendations.

Minister for Health John Della Bosca said the report will guide important long-term changes in public hospitals and the delivery of acute care.

"It's immediately apparent that Commissioner Garling has focussed his recommendations on improvements centred on patient care," Mr Della Bosca said.

"The inquiry was triggered by the tragic death of a young patient and we must use this report to learn from the past and take positive steps, particularly in the case of patients whose condition is deteriorating.

"It is heartening that Commissioner Garling described our medical personnel as ‘well-trained, skilled, caring and dedicated', who ‘provide some of the most sophisticated care available in today's world.'

"His comments about the high standard of our public hospital system are tribute to the work of these dedicated personnel.

"Equally, the Commissioner has telling observations about the system's difficulties in responding to sudden increases in demand, the pressures of rising costs, an ageing population and workforce shortages.

"There are also recommendations with serious implications for some hospitals.

"The Government will consider each of the recommendations carefully and will consult with the community and with our doctors and nurses."

New York Education Chancellor Joel Klein tours Sydney School

26 November 2008

Premier Nathan Rees and Education Minister Verity Firth today toured Sydney Secondary College with New York Education Chancellor Joel Klein.

Chancellor Klein met with teachers at the school and was given a demonstration of the SMART program, New South Wales' cutting edge student assessment software.

Mr Rees said it was great to have the opportunity to meet with Chancellor Klein and exchange information about our respective education systems.

"I am pleased that Chancellor Klein has come to Australia to talk about some of the work he is doing in New York schools and to get a better understanding of what NSW schools are achieving," Mr Rees said.

"NSW has excellent government and non government schools. We are achieving outstanding results in public tests when compared nationally and with other OECD countries.

"It is invaluable to learn of the experiences from other school systems.

"We're proud of our students and teachers but we can always find ways to improve.

"The visit of Chancellor Klein will give Australian educators a chance to exchange ideas and learn from the recent education reforms he has introduced in New York City.

"There is no doubt that providing parents with on-going information about their child's and school's progress is essential.

"In NSW, parents are provided with detailed information about their own child's results and how they compare to the state average," Mr Rees said.

"Schools publish an enormous amount of information not just test results. For example, they publish the qualifications of their teachers, attendance records of students and even numbers of parents who go to parent - teacher nights.

"We are always looking at ways to improve how we make that information available to parents and we are happy to work with the Commonwealth as part of this effort."

Ms Firth said she was pleased to show Chancellor Klein the NSW SMART software - a world leader in the use of IT to help solve learning problems.

The SMART assessment software allows teachers to monitor the success of individual students, classes and the entire school against other schools and state results.

"This is world class reporting software used by all NSW public schools," Ms Firth said.

"We can see where children are excelling and where they are falling behind - allowing us to assess what teaching practices are working, and which ones need strengthening.

"Through analysing student test results, the system will automatically identify gaps in students' learning and automatically direct teachers to targeted lesson plans.

"This is a fantastic tool that really gives teachers a chance to target their lessons to where students are struggling and will keep NSW at the forefront of educational excellence."

Premier receives Justice Wood's report into child protection

24 November 2008

Premier Nathan Rees today received the final report and recommendations from the Special Commission of Inquiry into Child Protection Services in NSW.

"Justice Wood has carried out a thorough investigation of the State's child protection system and delivered a substantial report containing 111 recommendations," Mr Rees said.

"This report provides a new direction for how Government and the community can work together to protect children and help families in need of support.

"This report is the catalyst for change."

The Premier has established a specialist unit within the Department of Premier and Cabinet to develop and coordinate a detailed Government response and action plan.

The Government's response will be released no later than March 2009.

Mr Rees said that the Government will spend the next three months working in close consultation with the non-government sector to prepare a response.

"The first meeting with peak groups and non-government agencies will be held tomorrow, including the NSW Council of Social Service (NCOSS) and the Association of Childrens Welfare Agencies (ACWA)," Mr Rees said.

"This will be followed by a meeting of senior government officials.

"There is no more important issue for the community than the safety and wellbeing of our children and young people," Mr Rees said.

Minister for Community Services Linda Burney acknowledged that the inquiry had been initiated following the deaths of young children in tragic circumstances.

"We will never forget the suffering of these children," Ms Burney said.

"Their deaths prompted a thorough re-examination of our practices and how we as a community address child protection."

Ms Burney said that like other developed countries NSW was dealing with complex underlying issues such as mental illness, substance abuse and domestic violence.

"These have become inter-generational problems. We are seeing parents who themselves received inadequate parenting and we are encountering communities where isolation and disadvantage are entrenched," Ms Burney said.

"We have also seen a dramatic growth in reports about children at risk.

"There were 303,121 reports to the Helpline in 07/08 - that's more than one and a half times the number of reports in 03/04."

Ms Burney said the report was comprehensive, extensive and far-reaching.

"The Commissioner acknowledged the Government's five year, $1.2 billion enhancement package for the Department of Community Services," Ms Burney said.

"We have nearly doubled the number of caseworkers and established an early intervention program enabling us to help more families with young children.

"We have also improved staff training and upgraded offices and IT systems.

"Despite this progress, the system is under enormous pressure and change is needed."

Mr Rees said that Justice Wood has provided the Government with the blueprint for the next stage of reform in child protection.

"To reach his conclusions, he canvassed the thoughts and experiences of hundreds of people. Six hundred submissions were received, 24 public forums were held, including 15 in rural and regional areas," Mr Rees said.

"I thank those who courageously came forward to share their stories so that they could help children and families in the future.

"I also thank workers from the sector for their honesty in sharing their stories and ideas and gathering the data and information requested by the Commissioner.

"I will not underplay the size of the task ahead but I am confident we can make the changes necessary to create a more effective child protection system."

REES DELIVERS ON WORKERS COMPENSATION DEATH BENEFITS

21 November 2008

Premier Nathan Rees today announced that the NSW Government will deliver on its commitment to increase workers' compensation death benefits.

Mr Rees said that these important changes would proceed despite global financial uncertainty.

"We will introduce legislation in the Parliament next week to ensure that the families of people who die as a result of a workplace injury or illness are provided with greater certainty and financial security," Mr Rees said.

"The reforms will also be extended to cover non dependent relatives, such as widows who may be earning an income and parents."

The Premier made the announcement while meeting with family members of people who have died as a result of a workplace injury or illness in Sydney.

"This is the least we can do," Mr Rees said.

"I know that nothing we do can ever bring back a loved one but at least we can get on with the job of delivering greater financial certainty for these families.

"They are practical reforms which will give families one less thing to worry about."

Mr Rees said in 2006/2007 New South Wales experienced a six per cent decline in employment fatalities over the previous year.

"Encouragingly, this also included a 14 per cent decline in employment fatalities involving workers under the age of 25," Mr Rees said.

"New South Wales remains on track to meet the national target of a 20 per cent reduction in work-related fatalities by 2012.

"Whilst fatality rates are declining, it is cold comfort for the families who have lost loved ones as a result of their employment."

The benefit reform package will apply to workers who died as a result of their employment on or after 24 October 2007 and include:

• increasing the lump sum payment by about 23% to $425,000;

• broadening the circumstances in which the lump sum death benefit is available by making it payable to the worker's estate; and

• ensuring that weekly payments for dependent children of deceased workers are not reduced on the grounds of their having been only partially financially dependent.

Mr Rees said that continuing to reduce the number of workplace fatalities is a top priority for the NSW Government.

"It is also a key motivator behind our efforts to improve the State's occupational health and safety performance," Mr Rees said.

"Recent uncertainty in international financial markets has had a negative impact on the Workers Compensation Scheme, however thanks to responsible financial management, reforms to death benefits remain fiscally responsible and sustainable."

Free eye-screening for all 4 year olds in NSW

19 November 2008

Premier Nathan Rees today launched a state-wide eyesight screening program for every preschooler in NSW.

Mr Rees said the State-wide Eyesight Preschooler Screening (StEPS) program will offer every four year old child in NSW free eye screening at their local preschool, day care centre or Child & Family Health Centre.

"With some eye conditions, early correction can avoid a lifetime of sight problems," Mr Rees said.

"It's a priority for my government to deliver new health care services for our children, so they can get the best possible start in life.

"We are investing just over $14 million in the StEPS program over the next four years to deliver better health services for every community.

"Specially trained nurses and staff have already begun visiting four year olds across the state to screen for any possible sight problems.

"It's about detecting problems early, so parents can get the help their child needs."

The StEPS program was developed after the success of the SWISH program, which offers free hearing tests to all newborn babies in NSW.

"If some eye problems in children are not treated before they turn eight, it's likely they'll have poor sight in that eye for the rest of their life," Ophthalmologist Dr Frank Martin said.

"It's very difficult for a parent or carer to pick up if a child has vision problems, as it can occur in just one eye and not affect their day-to-day activities.

"Research proves that if you have poor eyesight in one eye, you are two to three times more likely to lose the eyesight in your good eye, a situation we want to avoid," Dr Martin said.

NSW Minister for Health, John Della Bosca, said the program would be offered to every four year old in NSW through a staged roll-out.

"We hope to offer 84,000 children eye screening over the next year, by targeting pre-schools and child care centres," Mr Della Bosca said.

"Special needs children will also be included in StEPS and will have their sight screened using testing equipment specifically developed to suit them," he added.

For more information about StEPS, please contact your local Area Health Service or visit www.nswhealth.gov.au

NEW OSCARS WILL CREATE JOBS IN THE HUNTER

November 14 2008

Premier Nathan Rees today visited the depot where new outer suburban train carriages will be built creating around 1000 jobs in the Hunter.

The Premier was joined by Minister for the Hunter Jodi McKay during a visit to the Broadmeadow site where the new carriages will be built.

"The Hunter is one of the State's economic powerhouses and my Government will continue to find opportunities to create new jobs in our regions." Mr Rees said.

"This initiative will generate 220 jobs directly including opportunities for 30 apprentices.

"According to the Australian Industry Group, it is fair to say it will create 1000 direct and indirect jobs for the Hunter.

"Additional work will be undertaken in Taree will provide work for 60 tradespeople, including 6 apprentices.

"Furthermore, there will be a flow-on of jobs for approximately 250 contractors or sub-contactors.

"Not only does this confirm our commitment to providing local jobs for families in the Hunter it will also help address the skills shortage in the region."

Mr Rees said the State Government's mini-budget provided $370 million to be put towards building a stabling yard and additional carriages to service the Illawarra, Blue Mountains and the Central Coast.

"We're currently in negotiations to get the best deal we can for taxpayers," Mr Rees said.

"The final number of carriages is yet to be agreed but we expect a few more than 80 carriages will be built.

"This has been a difficult budget in a difficult economic climate, but the Government has acknowledged that transport is a priority.

"We want to ensure that we are stimulating growth while also providing vital public transport services for commuters.

"In addition to stimulating growth, this is about delivering more carriages so more commuters can leave their cars at home and use the public transport system instead."

Mr Rees said the new OSCAR trains would boost the safety, capacity and reliability of the entire CityRail network.

"Each carriage has enhanced security features including CCTV, comfortable seats with graffiti and fire-resistant covering, air-conditioning, accessible toilets, on-board information screens and automated announcements," Mr Rees said.

"The OSCARS have become enormously popular with passengers and I'm glad that more commuters will be able to enjoy the benefits of these great new trains too.

"It is great news for local commuters, and will increase the number of services provided by these state-of-the-art trains."

Minister for the Hunter and Member for Newcastle Jodi McKay said the new work is in addition to the construction of 626 rail carriages being built by EDI Rail at Cardiff.

"The State Government recognises and supports the world class manufacturing capabilities of the Hunter," Ms McKay said.

"This procurement of new OSCARS will be a healthy boost to the local economy and deliver job certainty for families and workers."

The construction of the OSCARS has been welcomed by the Hunter's peak manufacturing and engineering network, HunterNet, which represents more than 100 small to medium manufacturing and engineering companies.

"This is great news for the region and it's very important for jobs, skilling and new apprenticeships," HunterNet CEO John Coyle said.

"This kind of project is exactly what we needed and it could not have happened at a better time."

New Volunteer Marine Rescue Organisation

November 28, 2008

The Rees Government will establish a new volunteer marine rescue organisation to be called NSW Marine Rescue.

The formation of the new body, which was the main conclusion of the John Price report into the volunteer marine rescue movement, was jointly announced today by Ports and Waterways Minister Joe Tripodi and the Minister for Emergency Services, Tony Kelly.

"NSW currently has three voluntary marine rescue organisations, with an assortment of vessels, operational bases and hundreds of wonderful volunteers," Mr Tripodi said.

"The Price Report considered their structures, adequacy and sustainability and recommended the establishment of a new rescue group, with membership to be invited from the existing three volunteer organisations."

Mr Tripodi said ninety-three per cent of almost 800 submissions to the inquiry supported the creation of a new marine rescue group.

"I am pleased to announce the Hon Diane Beamer MP will chair a Facilitation Group to begin the implementation of NSW Marine Rescue.

"The transitional period will be 2 years as recommended.

"The Government will provide $3 million towards establishing the new organisation and will also maintain NSW Maritime's annual funding of $1.35 million during the transition period."

Mr Kelly said the submissions expressed support for ongoing government involvement in marine rescue through the NSW Police, NSW Maritime and the State Rescue Board. Submissions also called for greater recognition of the work of volunteers.

"Membership to the new body will be invited from the three existing organisations: Australian Volunteer Coast Guard, Royal Australian Coastal Patrol and Volunteer Rescue Association.

"The State Government acknowledges and values the contribution of the volunteers over many years and this new organisation will see that contribution continue well into the future for the benefit of our boating community."

The Facilitation Group will consider a range of issues stemming from the submissions received and the remaining recommendations from the Price Report including:

• Government reimbursement of fuel and oil costs;
• The provision and accreditation of training; and
• Ongoing funding.

Mr Kelly said the new service would eliminate duplication of existing resources, with the aim to standardise vessels, equipment and training.

NEW GRAFFITI LAWS PASS

Graffiti vandals caught with marker pens and etching equipment will face the same penalties as those with spray cans, under new laws passed in NSW Parliament.

NSW Attorney General John Hatzistergos said the Rees Government had delivered a tough package of measures under its new Graffiti Control Bill 2008 that broadened the scope of previous laws and brought them together under one piece of targeted legislation.

"Unsightly graffiti tags are tarnishing local communities across NSW and the Government is determined to deal harshly with the vandals who are defacing and damaging property," Mr Hatzistergos said.

"Our police will catch you, and when they do, you face serious penalties including harsh fines, community service and even jail time."

"In addition to spray cans, the new laws make it illegal to possess such implements as marker pens or etching instruments with the intention of using them to damage or deface premises or property.

"Retailers also face on-the-spot fines for failing to properly secure their spray paint can displays, or for sellling spray paint cans to persons under 18."

The maximum penalties for graffiti offences are:

• Fines of $2,200 or 6 months' jail for damaging or defacing premises or property
• Fines of $1,100 or 3 months' jail for possessing any instrument, including etching equipment or marker pens, intended for use in defacing or damaging premises or property; and
• Enabling courts to continue to impose community service work on graffiti vandals.

Offenders who inflict serious damage on property can still be charged with malicious damage under the Crimes Act, which carries a maximum jail term of five years.

Mr Hatzistergos said these new measures complement laws introduced by the NSW Government last year to prevent people under 18 defacing property:

• Requiring young people in possession of spray paint to demonstrate it is for a legitimate purpose
• Giving police the power to confiscate spray cans from young people who fail to demonstrate it is for a legitimate purpose