NSW Premier Chris Minns has today announced that industry, innovation, trade and investment functions will return to the centre of government through the transfer of Investment NSW to the Premier’s Department.
This front door of Government will make it easier for industry, investors, and entrepreneurs to participate in major government priorities and ensure seamless co-ordination across government.
It also brings management of unsolicited proposals back to central government.
In addition, changes will be made to Department of Enterprise, Investment and Trade, to provide a renewed focus on government priorities in the arts, hospitality, tourism and the night-time economy portfolios, as well as driving the implementation of key reforms, including the vibrancy reforms.
These changes will include a new name, the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport.
The changes will come into effect on July 1, 2024, subject to the approval of the Governor-in-Council:
- Venues NSW, NSW Institute of Sport and the Office of Sport will be related agencies of the new Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport
- Investment NSW and the Office of the Chief Scientist and Engineer to join the Premier’s Department
- All remaining functions and entities that are currently part of or related to DEIT will become part of or related to the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said:
“The changes announced today bring structure and better co-ordination to important portfolios which together ensure our trade and investment is at the centre of government.
“This is a government that is focused on opening up Sydney and NSW for business, boosting the economy and creating jobs in these important sectors.”
Minister for the Arts and Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham:
“This new department structure will support the Government’s commitment to cultivating thriving creative industries and night-time economies across the state.
“The Department will oversee the state’s first arts, culture and creative industries policy. This is a key framework for investment in the creative industries and our vibrant cities agenda – creating more equitable places to work, live and play.
“Empowering our creative industries, unlocking our night-time economies and focusing on experience tourism will bring economic, social, and cultural benefit to communities across the state. This in turn creates greater employment across a range of sectors – and more economic activity across a greater proportion of the day.”
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:
“The NSW Labor Government has been clear on our goal to cement Sydney and NSW as the premier destination of the Asia Pacific.
“In bringing these agencies together we can line up sporting and entertainment offerings that drive economic outcomes for our local economy.
“Lifting the Concert Cap is a fantastic example of what is possible. This policy alone is set to deliver over $1 billion in local economic activity and increase Venues NSW revenue by as much as $210 million over the next 10 years, whilst also delivering opportunities for our local artists.”
Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said:
“There are significant benefits to bringing Investment NSW and the Chief Scientist into the centre of government. Industry, innovation and trade are critical to driving the creation of quality jobs and a more resilient state economy.
“I am focused on taking a coordinated, whole of government approach to working with industry and delivering on the NSW Government’s priorities.”
