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2019 Supporting Women in Work

Thousands of women across Australia are set for a boost with a $75 million commitment from the Morrison Government for new mid-career checks to help them pick up the work they want or to work more.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said many Australians in their thirties and forties were part of the ‘sandwich generation’ that had taken time out of their careers to start families, care for children and were often worrying about their ageing parents.
The Prime Minister said the Coalition was focused on getting more people the work they wanted with the new Mid-Career Checkpoint initiative set to support up to 40,000 Australians, particularly women, looking to return from time out of the workforce for caring responsibilities.
“Our new Mid-Career Checkpoint program is about backing the women and men who have taken family time and want to work or work more,” the Prime Minister said.
“Giving more people the choice and skills to get back into the workforce is key to our plan for a stronger economy.
“We’ve already overseen 1.3 million new jobs but backing women who have left their careers to take up the job of looking after their family, and who want to return to work, is key to achieving our ambitious target of creating an extra 1.25 million new jobs over the next five years.
“Many women in particular take a career break to start a family or care for older family members and are looking for that bit of extra help to get them back into the workforce.
“The skills and experience gained in those unpaid family roles is often not properly acknowledged, and women in these caring roles can sometimes lose confidence, as others have gone ahead at work and technology has changed roles.
“For those wanting the choice to return to work, we want to help them because tapping into their skills and talents is good for them, their families and the economy.”
The new initiative would start with a ‘checkpoint session’ to help people step back in to or step up their careers after two or more years out of the workforce to care for family:

Stepping back in: women returning to the workforce will be able to have an initial discussion with a professional who can help assess their needs and steer them in the right direction (for example, they might need assistance with interview skills, polishing up computer skills, professional development or advice on where and how to undertake specific longer-term skills training)
Stepping up: eligible women who have returned to the workforce for up to 18 months and are now at a point where they are ready to step up their career, but need a little extra advice to do so.

Minister for Women and Jobs and Industrial Relations Kelly O’Dwyer said the mid-career checks would give working women options based on their needs, interests and objectives.
“We want to help women to build their financial security by helping them to get the job they want,” Minister O’Dwyer said.
“Nothing gives someone more confidence, choices, independence and economic security than a job they love and thrive in.
“We want to ensure women with an interest in returning to the workforce have the advice they need to make that happen.”
The Mid-Career Checkpoint initiative will be targeted at women aged 30 to 45, but men aged 30-45 who have undertaken leave to care for family members will also have the opportunity to participate.
The Mid-Career Checkpoint initiative complements the Coalition’s:

Reforms to child care and early learning saving a typical family around $1300 each year
Extended access and flexibility for parental leave pay
Expansion of the no interest loans scheme to assist 45,000 additional women escaping family and domestic violence.
Career Revive initiative – a program working assist regional employers to develop action plans for their businesses to attract and retain women.
$18 million in grants through a women’s start-up fund, Boosting Female Founders, to increase entrepreneurship opportunities for women
Changes to superannuation rules, including concessional catch-up contributions, to boost super after taking time from the workforce for family responsibilities.
Capping fees and charges for low-balance superannuation accounts to ensure women retire with more savings and reuniting Australians with their lost superannuation savings through the ATO.

$9.6 million for Children’s Cancer

A re-elected Morrison Government will commit $9.6 million to ensure children with cancer have the best chance in survival through a range of clinical trials and research projects.
The funding from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Emerging Priorities and Consumer Driven Research (EPCD) initiative will be provided to the Children’s Cancer Foundation to ensure that every Australian child has access to the world’s best childhood cancer treatments and to establish both Melbourne and Australia as global leaders in childhood cancer research.
$4.8 million will fund the Hudson Monash Paediatric Precision Medicine Program, which involves the establishment of a living biobank of paediatric brain tumours and solid cancers.
This includes lab-grown ‘mini-tumours’ which replicate the patient’s original tumour – to develop personalised treatments which improve survival rates and limit side-effects for childhood cancer patients.
Through this program 150 children diagnosed with brain and central nervous system tumours will also have their tumours analysed to identify clinically relevant molecular alterations and participate in clinical trials to identify the biomarkers and best treatments for each tumour type.
The remaining $4.7 million will fund the following research projects:

$637,500 for a research project to improve the effectiveness of treatment in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia who respond poorly to or relapse following standard-of-care therapy
$1,177,055 for 2-year clinical research fellowships that will retain the next generation of oncologists in translational research skills and retaining Australian clinical research talent in this country
$176,927 for a project that will use human pluripotent stem cells to model the initiation and transformation of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
$879,750 for clinical trial that will provide access to a new drug currently unavailable to Australian children, even on compassionate grounds, to improve survival rates.
$283,328 for brain cancer medicine trials
$180,066 for clinical trials that may allow safe and effective stem cell transplant from a patient’s parent and for paediatric and adolescent patients with high-risk malignancies
$200,000 to develop a rapid and cost-effective clinical tool to determine the medulloblastoma molecular subtype
$1,205,705 for a study that aims to understand relapse, improve residual disease detection and develop pre-clinical testing models to identify better therapies for high-risk neuroblastoma patients

Brain cancer kills more children in Australia than any other disease and, despite improvements in patient care and support, survival rates for brain cancer have remained relatively unchanged for the past 30 years.
Clinical trials are the gold standard in treating children with brain cancer. New therapies tested in clinical trials will, over time, contribute to improvements in survival rates.
This commitment complements the work done by the Australian Brain Cancer Mission.
The Mission was established in 2017 by our Government with the goal of doubling survival rates and improving the quality of life of people living with brain cancer over the next decade to 2027, with the longer term aim of defeating brain cancer.
This Mission is a true partnership between the Australian Government, philanthropists, researchers and clinicians, patients and their families and has to date achieved $124.7 million in funding.

Greens Launch Plan for National Animal Cruelty Laws Saying States Have Manifestly Failed to Protect Animals

Australian Greens Senator for New South Wales and Animal Welfare Spokesperson, Dr Mehreen Faruqi, has today launched the Greens Plan for national animal cruelty laws.The Greens have obtained advice from the Parliamentary Library that the Commonwealth has the constitutional power to enact laws in a large number of areas.
Senator Faruqi has said that States and Territories had manifestly failed to protect animals. State and Territory based animal cruelty laws lack teeth and are not enforced effectively. Some are up to forty years old, making them massively out of date with community expectations. The Greens would establish a National Animal Cruelty Prevention Act that would introduce penalties for animal cruelty at a national level for the first time. These laws would be enforced by the Australian Federal Police in cooperation with animal protection organisations and State police.
Quotes from Senator Faruqi
“States have failed to protect animals and the community is rightly sceptical of whether they are serious about stopping animal cruelty at all. When people are charged with animal cruelty the penalty pales in comparison to the crime. The community expects zero tolerance for animal abuse.
“Prime Minister Scott Morrison is very quick to condemn vegan protestors, but his Government has done nothing to stop suffering of animals.
“A key area where reform is needed we need reform is needed is farmed animals and livestock owned by companies. Our advice clearly states that the Commonwealth has the power to create laws that will protect them. Currently in most states and territories, farm animals can legally be subject to excruciatingly painful procedures. This has to end.
“The Greens are committed to ending factory farming and we would use these laws to end sow stalls, battery cages and other cruel practices that make the lives of farmed animals miserable.
“Animal welfare laws are wildly inconsistent across the country. For example, aggravated animal cruelty, where an animal is killed or seriously injured by cruelty, has a maximum penalty of seven years jail in Queensland, but just two years in New South Wales. Some of these laws were drafted up to forty years ago and are completely out of touch with community expectations and animal welfare needs.
“The Greens are listening to the community and taking action to reform our laws to protect animals,” she concluded.

Woman charged following alleged stabbing – Cessnock

A woman has been charged following an alleged stabbing in the state’s Hunter region last week.
About 1am on Sunday 5 May 2019, two women, aged 25 and 33, were at a licenced premises on Vincent Street, Cessnock, when an argument broke out.
As a result, the 33-year-old woman was evicted.
A short time later, she returned as the 25-year-old woman was leaving the building.
It’s alleged the older woman then stabbed her several times in the back and face.
Bystanders flagged down a passing police vehicle, while the injured woman was taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment, she was released the following day.
Following extensive inquiries, a 33-year-old woman attended Cessnock Police Station about 5pm yesterday (Thursday 9 May 2019), where she was arrested.
She’s been charged with wound person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
She was refused bail to appear at Maitland Local Court today (Friday 10 May 2019).

LABOR HOSTS NEWCASTLE HYDROGEN ROUNDTABLE

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon and Labor’s Shadow Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy and Member for Shortland, Pat Conroy MP hosted a Hydrogen Roundtable in Newcastle today.
Ms Claydon said the event brought together researchers, industry and port representatives to discuss the potential for Newcastle to play a leading role in the burgeoning global industry, especially in light of Federal Labor’s $1.1 billion National Hydrogen Plan.
“If elected, Labor will invest $1.1 billion into development, research, demonstration and pre-commercial deployment of clean hydrogen technology. I’d like to see Newcastle and the Hunter secure as much of that as possible,” Ms Claydon said.
“Hydrogen has the potential to be a game changer for our region and our environment and could be a key driver in the local transition we need to make to a low-carbon future.”
Mr Conroy said there are significant domestic opportunities for Australia to develop a globally competitive hydrogen sector.
“Hydrogen has enormous potential to help decarbonise our planet, employ tens of thousands of Australians and produce billions of dollars of export revenue,” Mr Conroy said.
“The market potential is massive. Globally, the hydrogen market is expected to reach $215 billion by 2022 and demand is forecast to grow exponentially from there.”
Ms Claydon said Newcastle and the Hunter was uniquely placed to capitalise on the opportunities that hydrogen offers.
“Our region already has a world-class network of energy expertise and capability and is perfectly placed to capitalise on the hydrogen boom,” Ms Claydon said.
“Add this to the fact that we have a deep water port and you have the key ingredients for a prosperous hydrogen hub.”
This election is a choice between Labor’s plan for increased investment in renewables and commitment to driving a low-carbon future, or bigger tax loopholes for the top end of town under the Liberals.
Only Labor has a commitment to the industries and jobs of the future, including our $1.14 billion National Hydrogen Plan, and our commitment to 50 per cent renewables by 2030.

REGIONAL YOUTH EMPLOYMENT IN FOCUS FOR LABOR

A Shorten Labor Government will invest $450,000 into a three-year project to boost employment outcomes for young people across the Newcastle-Hunter region.
This election will be a choice between Labor, which will give students the education and opportunity they deserve, or more cuts and chaos under the Liberals.
Ms Claydon said that current employment outcomes for young people were concerning.
“A recent study found it can take two-and-a-half years for young people to gain full-time work after they finish their studies[1]. More needs to be done to help young people transition into employment,” Ms Claydon said.
“In its first year this project will provide up to 100 young people from across the Newcastle-Hunter region with intensive personalised support.”
Ms Claydon said face-to-face participation would be available in both Newcastle and the Central Coast, with online opportunities for those who find it hard to travel.
“The university will work with a range of partners including TAFE, local schools and community groups to identify prospective participants who have been out of work for six months or more.
“Participants will benefit from individual needs-assessments undertaken by career experts and support to boost their skillset and develop the personal qualities that employers are looking for. They will also get help to create effective resumes, and help preparing for interviews.”
Ms Claydon said the program would apply a new methodology based on research undertaken by the Foundation for Young Australians into ‘soft skills’ and ‘enterprise skills’.
“The program will draw on the university’s expertise in delivering and evaluating equity and enabling programs that build resilience and connections for people experiencing disadvantage. It is designed to build on and complement existing job network services.”
University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky AO said the project would reduce the gap between completing study at school, TAFE or university and moving into a full-time job.
“This project will be a real collaboration across schools, TAFE, community groups and the university to help young people gain the confidence and additional skills they need to move into the workforce,” Professor Zelinsky said.
“An outstanding education is just one ingredient to getting a job – this project will help develop the complementary skills people need when they move into the world of paid work.”
A Shorten Labor Government will uncap university places and invest $3.2 billion into TAFE, university and skills training.
[1] Foundation for Young Australians, ‘New Work Reality Report’ 2018

Fire safety issues resolved at Carrington boarding house

City of Newcastle has removed the emergency order on a boarding house in Bourke Street Carrington, allowing it to re-open seven months after regulatory action was taken to protect residents from serious fire safety breaches.
The regulatory action undertaken by the City has significantly improved the fire safety of the Carrington boarding house, City Director of Governance David Clarke said.
“The Emergency Development Control Order was issued in 2018 because of significant risks to lives in the event of a fire at the Carrington premises due to serious fire safety compliance issues and unauthorised works,” he said.
“These risks were deemed to be so significant that the emergency order required removal of all persons from the premises and substantial remedial work to make the premises compliant.”
At the time of issuing the emergency orders, the premises had a total of 36 bedrooms, of which a large number were unauthorised and non-compliant with fire safety measures.
These unauthorised bedrooms have been removed, with 16 bedrooms now able to be occupied, all of which comply with fire safety requirements.
To achieve a safe, compliant boarding house, a large number of unauthorised structures have also been removed and substantial additional fire safety measures implemented.
Self-closing fire doors with smoke seals have been installed, along with smoke detectors, an upgraded fire detection & alarm system and building occupant warning system.
A fire-isolated internal stairwell that had been compromised through unauthorised works, has also been re-instated.
Following a final inspection of the Carrington premises undertaken today to ensure these improvements comply with fire safety requirements, the City has been able to remove the emergency order.
Mr Clarke said City of Newcastle intends to issue additional orders to enable the owner to install a fire sprinkler system in the boarding house which will further improve the safety of residents at the Carrington boarding house.
In December last year, City of Newcastle allowed a Mayfield boarding house to be re-opened after the same owner complied with similar regulatory action taken as part of the boarding house compliance program.
“It has only been through our regulatory action that the owner has complied to ensure the safety of residents at both premises,” Mr Clarke said.
“While we understand the inconvenience for the men who live at the boarding houses, turning a blind eye to the serious fire safety deficiencies was never an option we could responsibly take.”

250 new Novocastrians welcomed at City Hall

Kenyan-born Zac Ekandi has vivid memories of the day he walked into Nairobi’s British Council office 17 years ago tasked with making the biggest decision of his teenage life.
Mr Ekandi, then 18, was researching options to study abroad. After telling his parents of his desire to study overseas, the family met with a British Council agent to discuss his options.
Zacinside-(1).jpg
Kenyan Zac Ekandi became a new citizen today after 17 years in Newcastle
“I remember when I went to see the British Council agent I said I don’t want to go to a big city – big cities are always full of traffic and I wanted somewhere quiet,” he said.
“The agent gave me information about studying in Manchester UK and Newcastle Australia and I applied to both universities to study Computer Science.”
When offers soon followed for places at both universities, it was the promise of a ‘quiet, coastal lifestyle at Newcastle where I’d be happy most’ that stole Mr Ekandi’s heart.
“The agent told me that I’d be most happy here, and I am.”

Today, more than 17 years after trading in Nairobi for Newcastle, the 39-year-old and 249 other people from more than 41 different countries became Newcastle’s newest citizens when they took their oaths and affirmations at City Hall.
“It’s always a great honour to welcome new citizens from all corners of the globe,” said City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes.
“Newcastle is a welcoming city for people of all cultures and religious backgrounds. We are proud to be a culturally diverse, inclusive community.”
Aboriginal elder Aunty Phyllis Darcey gave a Welcome to Country and entertainment was be provided by indigenous dance group, Wakakulang.

Mr Ekandi, of Jesmond, said becoming an Australian Citizen was a long-held goal and something that he is very proud to be achieving today.
“I am extremely excited as it was something that I wanted to do and the last part of the process that I wanted to complete,” he said.
“I think one of the things I like so much about Newcastle is the community. I’ve made a lot of friends here, and they’ve been very helpful.
“That’s the kind of community Newcastle is. It’s great.”

Record Numbers of Flu Vaccines to be Provided in 2019

Australia is on track for a record number of flu shots in 2019 following the release of 11.4 million flu vaccines to vaccine providers to date in 2019
I encourage Australians to get a flu shot to protect themselves against this year’s influenza virus.
Vaccines are now available at your GPs office and community pharmacies.
As at 30 April 2019 over 11.4 million doses of the seasonal influenza vaccines have been released into the market by the Australian Government for the 2019 Australian influenza season.
This includes over 7.4 million doses for the National Immunisation Program (NIP) and state and territory government schemes including 3.8 million doses of enhanced vaccines for those aged 65 years and over.
Vaccination is the most effective way to protect individuals and the broader community from the flu.
It’s important to get vaccinated against influenza every year, as the virus changes year to year.
Those eligible for a free flu vaccine through the NIP include people aged 65 years and over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and older and people aged sixth months or older with certain medical conditions which put them at risk of severe influenza.
Pregnant women are also eligible for a free flu vaccine – it’s safe to receive at any stage of pregnancy to protect both mother and baby.
Getting vaccinated now allows protection during the peak influenza transmission period, from around June to September in most parts of Australia.
Immunisation is critical to maintaining public health and preventing the outbreak of infectious diseases.
Last year a record 11 million Australians got a flu shot and I hope that we reach another record this year.
For more information visit the Department of Health immunisation website at: www.health.gov.au/immunisation

$19 million Investment in a New Medicine

The Liberal National Government is investing over $19 million in a new medicine to help people with a metabolic disorder, saving patients more than $90,000 a year.
The medicine Kuvan® is now being listed on the PBS for the treatment of patients with hyperphenylalaninemia – caused by phenylketonuria (PKU).
PKU is a genetic disorder requiring lifelong management that prevents the normal breakdown of a protein found in some foods.
This medicine works in combination with dietary restrictions, to help lower the amount of amino acid phenylalanine in the blood.
Without PBS subsidy, patients would otherwise pay more than $90,200 per year for this treatment.
It will now be $40.30 a script or $6.50 for patients with a concession card.
This medicine will be of particular benefit for young children with the condition who need to start treatment early after diagnosis.
Without treatment from a young age, patients can develop progressive intellectual disability and other health complications.
With treatment, children with PKU can grow and develop normally and that why this new listing is so important.
This medicine was recommended for listing on the PBS by the independent medical experts at the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee.
Since 2013, the Morrison Government has listed over 2,000 new or amended items on the PBS.
This represents an average of around 31 listings per month – or one each day – at an overall cost of around $10.6 billion.
We are listing all medicines on the PBS unlike the former Labor Government.
In 2011 when the current leader of the opposition Bill Shorten was Assistant Treasurer Labor took the unprecedented step of stopping the listing of new medicines on the PBS.
Labor’s 2011-12 Budget stated “given the current fiscal environment the listing of some medicines would be deferred until fiscal circumstances permit”. This included medicines for asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, endometriosis chronic pain and IVF amongst others.
Our commitment to ensuring that Australians can access affordable medicines, when they need them, remains rock solid.