Here's what you need to know this morning.
Renewable energy spending promise
The state government is promising $1.2 billion for renewable energy transmission in the upcoming NSW budget.
The funding will fast-track transmission infrastructure over the next 10 years, setting up the Transmission Acceleration Facility, a fund aimed at kickstarting investment in new transmission projects.
Treasurer Matt Kean said there were about 50 large-scale renewable energy projects in development but they were unlikely to proceed unless supported by new transmission infrastructure.
He hoped the new fund could drive up to $14 billion in new developments.
Mr Kean said a transmission acceleration facility would fast-track renewable energy zones.
"Renewable Energy Zones are modern-day power stations, providing cheap and clean power for the homes and business of NSW," Mr Kean said.
"This is the State's largest-ever investment in infrastructure for renewable energy and is expected to help create 2,700 direct construction jobs across the state."
The first investment will be in the Waratah Super Battery, the largest stand-by network battery in the southern hemisphere.
Travel delays expected
Travellers jetting away for the weekend are being warned to allow plenty of time as long queues form at Sydney Airport.
Traffic has banked up outside the airport and there are queues throughout the terminal as thousands of people make the long-weekend exodus.
Sydney Airport currently has a staff shortage of 5,000 people and is on a hiring spree over the next three weeks before school holidays.
Anyone heading to the airport should allow two hours for domestic flights and three hours for international.
Women's return to work program continues
Women looking for work will be able to apply for grants of up to $5,000 to fund a new work wardrobe, technology and training thanks to a $32 million investment in the upcoming state budget.
The 'Return to Work' program was initially announced as part of the 2020-21 NSW budget in response to the number of women who lost their jobs during the pandemic.
However the government says the program was so successful it will be continued.
“The program is already helping thousands of women to meet their employment and education goals. I want this program to support as many women as possible to find secure employment,” Premier Dominic Perrottet said.
“This is an opportunity to build the confidence and financial independence for women who need it most.”
Treasurer Matt Kean said women experiencing barriers re-entering the workforce could apply for grants of up to $5,000 to help cover the cost of common financial obstacles such as work clothes or an internet connection.
Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said the more than 1,500 women had already completed the program.
“Sixty-five per cent of women secured employment, 73 per cent applied for or started education and training while an incredible 98.5 per cent found the program helpful,” she said.
Pressure on NSW to lift age of legal responsibility
The Aboriginal Legal Service has welcomed the Tasmanian government's decision to stop locking up children under 14 and is calling on the NSW government to commit to raising the age of legal responsibility to at least 14.
While Tasmania has announced moves to raise the minimum age of detention, children under 14 must also be protected from being arrested, handcuffed and dragged through court, CEO Karly Warner said.
In March, a NSW budget estimates hearing revealed 293 children aged between 11 and 13 had spent time behind bars in 2021. More than half of these children were Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
"The NSW government has made a commitment through Closing the Gap to reduce the rate of Aboriginal children and young people in detention," Ms Warner said.
"Raising the age of legal responsibility is an evidence-based path to honouring this commitment. Experts from the Australian Medical Association to the Law Society of NSW have backed raising the age."
Specialised services for menopausal women
Women struggling with menopause in NSW will soon get access to a network of specialised health services.
A $40 million allocation in the 2022-23 state budget will fund a state-wide clinical network to help address the health conditions menopausal women can face, including bone thinning, weight gain and an increased risk of heart attack, heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke.
Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said the state government would also launch an education and awareness campaign for GPs and employers focused on perimenopause and menopause symptoms.
"Women often experience very difficult symptoms of perimenopause and menopause in silence. I want them to know that they no longer need to keep calm and carry on," Ms Taylor said.
"The four new hubs and 16 services across NSW will support around 5,500 women each year, including virtual consultations for women who cannot attend a service in person."
Extra funding for palliative care
The state opposition has welcomed a decision to increase funding for palliative care and hospital units in New South Wales.
It will include $743 million for end-of-life care services and an additional $93 million for dedicated palliative care units.
State Opposition leader Chris Minns has backed the move.
"Something needed to change. I thought the Premier's honesty in relation to that was welcomed, but both sides of politics need to put time, effort and energy into the under-resourced part of the health budget."
Double demerits warning
NSW police are warning drivers that double demerit points will be in place across the state until midnight on Monday.
They are also warning drivers of slippery conditions near snowfields, as the official snow season starts tomorrow.
Some country roads have been damaged by recent floods.
Ski resorts are anticipating large crowds after heavy early snowfalls.
Deputy Premier Paul Toole urged drivers to take extra care and warned a state-wide traffic operation would run throughout the Queen's Birthday long weekend.
"The recent cold snap has ensured a great start to the season and we know it's going to be a busy time on the roads," Mr Toole said.
