Thursday, 14 November 2024 17:17
GOVT ENDS TICKETLESS PARKING FINE SYSTEM
THE NSW Government’s reforms to the ticketless parking fine system to require on-the-spot notifications have passed the NSW Parliament.
The changes end the ticketless system introduced by the previous Liberal-National Government in 2020. Under the ticketless system, instead of having the infringement notice left on the vehicle, the fine was sent by post, sometimes not being received until weeks after the incident.
Soon after the introduction of the previous government’s ticketless system, the NRMA and other stakeholders raised issues with the scheme, identifying that it removed transparency and making it more difficult for motorists to contest their fine.
In 2023/24, local councils issued 822,310 ticketless parking fines, a 49% increase over the 551,441 issued in 2022/23.
The Fines Amendment (Parking Fines) Bill 2024 restores fairness and transparency to the parking fine system by:
• Requiring councils to attach an on-the-spot notification to the vehicle.
• Requiring councils to take photos of offences and make them available for Revenue NSW to provide to drivers.
• Providing limited exceptions where an on-the-spot notification is not required, for example where it may be unsafe or hazardous for a ranger to do so.
• Invalidating ‘repeat’ ticketless parking fines, where drivers can be fined multiple times for the same offence before they even become aware of the first infringement.
• Introducing data reporting rules to evaluate if further reforms are necessary.
A working group, which has representatives from stakeholders including Local Government NSW, has been established by Revenue NSW to inform the drafting of regulations and assist with implementation.
Even before the bill passed, several councils began proactively providing on-the-spot notifications to drivers.
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Thursday, 14 November 2024 17:03
FOOD, NOT FINES FOR HILLS CHRISTMAS APPEAL
HILLS Shire Library members with overdue library books now have a unique opportunity to have their fines waived as part of the Mayor’s 2024 Christmas Appeal and Library Fine Amnesty.
From Saturday, November 16, until Sunday, December 15, library members can return overdue books and have their fines waived in exchange for a non-perishable food donation. All donations will go to Anglicare’s Mobile Community Pantry.
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne said the donations provide affordable food options to individuals and families who need it most.
“This initiative supports a great cause and gives back to members of our community who are doing it tough,” Mayor Byrne said.
“It also offers Hills Shire Library members a chance to return long-overdue books. Recovering these books also allows other members of the community to enjoy the magic of reading.
“Last year, 2196 items were donated, and 167 lost books were returned to the libraries.
“Even if you don’t have an overdue library book to return, please donate to this worthy cause to help families who need it most and make their festive season a little brighter.”
Overdue books can be returned through the returns chute at any library branch during opening hours. Bring along an item from the list below to donate and present your library card or app to staff at the Customer Service desk at any of the Hills Shire Library branches in Baulkham Hills, Castle Hill, Dural and Rouse Hill.
Acceptable non-perishable food item donations include:
Christmas cake or pudding (500g or 700g).
Tinned ham or chunky soup (450g).
Tinned salmon or tuna (415g).
Tea (100pk).
Coffee (100g).
Packet of biscuits (no chocolate biscuits).
Dried pasta (500g).
Pasta sauce.
Long-life milk.
Long-life custard.
Tinned fruit and vegetables (425g).
Jam (500g).
Chocolate or chocolate-covered items will unfortunately not be accepted, as they are likely to melt.
For more information about the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal and Library Fine Amnesty, visit www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/Library
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Thursday, 14 November 2024 16:58
APPRENTICES RECOGNISED FOR DEDICATION, RESILIENCE
APPRENTICES from across NSW have been recognised for their dedication and resilience, receiving the Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarship, which offers life-changing support to those facing hardship.
This $15,000 scholarship, spread over three years, was awarded to 150 apprentices who have shown exceptional skill and commitment to vocational education and training, despite overcoming significant challenges.
The 2024 cohort of scholarship recipients includes 44 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander apprentices, 83 learners with disabilities, 57 women excelling in non-traditional trades, and 74 mature-aged apprentices.
Importantly, 113 of the recipients come from regional NSW, highlighting the program's broad reach and inclusivity.
The apprentices were awarded the scholarship for their exceptional commitment to ttrades. This scholarship will provide crucial financial support to help them succeed in their training.
The Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarships are open to all registered apprentices across NSW, including school-based apprentices, whether in metropolitan or regional areas.
Since its inception in 2014, this program has continued to be a beacon of opportunity, enabling apprentices to overcome financial barriers and achieve their goals.
Named in honour of the late Bert Evans AO, a lifelong advocate for vocational education, the scholarship continues his legacy of supporting apprentices and promoting vocational pathways as a foundation for success.
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