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SCOTT MORRISON: DON’T CUT PRESCHOOL

Around 350,000 four years olds across Australia have begun their first steps of early learning in the past week, as they begin kindergarten or preschool.
This is an exciting time for families and their children in 2019.
However, under the Liberals this may be the very last year that 4 year old kids will get the opportunity to access preschool or kindy because Scott Morrison is refusing to fund the program beyond this year.
Scott Morrison has failed to extend preschool funding for four year olds beyond this school year – after his child care changes cut early education from some of Australia’s most vulnerable children.
Our children, parents and providers all rely on this critical funding, and if this cut goes ahead they will be unable to plan for the future, sign long term leases, lock in employment contracts or make budgets for 2020.
For those families with three years olds who are planning to send their children to kindy or preschool next year, under the Liberals they will lose more than $1,200 in funding per child.
Under the Liberals this could mean higher fees for families or lower quality pre-school for our children.
Not only is this funding uncertainty terrible for families, it is also terrible for providers and their staff, who have no guarantee that they will be able to survive after the end of the year.
NUMBER OF KIDS WHO MISS OUT UNDER THE LIBERALS’ CUTS:

  • More than 102,000 in New South Wales
  • More than 98,000 in Victoria
  • Nearly 70,000 in Queensland
  • More than 22,500 in South Australia
  • Nearly 37,300 in Western Australia
  • Nearly 7,300 in Tasmania
  • More than 3,850 in the Northern Territory
  • More than 7,000 in the ACT

Scott Morrison is leaving nearly 350,000 children without access to early education which shows just how out of touch the Liberals are.
In contrast, Labor’s National Preschool and Kindy Program will see the biggest ever in investment for children across Australia and deliver ongoing funding for four year olds and, for the first time, extend this to three year olds.
Labor will work in partnership with the states and territories to deliver this important reform, including in setting enrolment and attendance targets, particularly for Indigenous and vulnerable children.
The Liberals see education as a cost – that’s why they’ve cut $14 billion from public schools and left preschool funding in limbo. Labor sees it as an investment in our economic future.
Only Labor will give every child the early education opportunities they need for the best start in life.

LABOR SUPPORTING COMMUNITY RENEWABLES IN THE SOUTH COAST

People living on the Far South Coast of New South Wales will benefit from cleaner and cheaper renewable energy that will help cut the cost of power bills, with Labor’s plan to establish a Community Power Hub in the region.
This is the first location for a Community Power Hub as part of Labor’s $100 million Neighbourhood Renewables Program announced in November last year.
The program is aimed at helping renters and social housing residents benefit from cheaper and cleaner renewable energy, by supporting local community renewables projects such as solar gardens on rooftops, community wind farms, energy efficiency upgrades for social housing, and grants for community groups to pilot new projects.
Labor will work with local communities, local councils and renewable energy groups to determine the best location for the Hub, but the benefits of the Hub will be felt across the Far South Coast.
Australia is in an energy crisis under the Liberals. Electricity prices have increased by nearly 19 per cent over the past three years – three times faster than wages growth.
The Liberals haven’t been able to agree on a policy amongst themselves, and aren’t up to leading the country in the right direction.
Australians love renewable energy because they know it saves them money and it’s good for the environment. Household solar installation has sky-rocketed from 7,000 homes in 2007 to around 2 million homes today.
Labor wants to make sure that Australia embraces this future, and maximise the jobs, industry and environmental benefits of renewable energy – and most importantly Labor wants to make sure all Australians can share in these benefits, regardless of where you live.
That’s why the Far South Coast Community Power Hub is so important. It will support the development, coordination and financing of local projects to increase the uptake of renewables, including through solar pv and batteries.
The Tathra community is already ahead of the game when it comes to renewable energy. It was the birthplace of the Clean Energy for Eternity group which has focussed on encouraging individuals to invest in renewable energy sources and engaged in fundraising activities to put solar panels on community infrastructure.
Along with other community groups like Repower Shoalhaven, Southcoast Health and Sustainability Alliance, they just need a government in Canberra willing to back them in and support these impressive projects. The Hub will bring legal and technical expertise to the passion of community ideas.
The local renewables hub will be good for local households, good for the local economy and good for the environment.
Only Labor will deliver cheaper power bills, more renewables and more jobs for Australians.
The communities of the Far South Coast region can rest assured Labor will support their desire for community based clean energy with the Far South Coast Community Power Hub.

Speirs aimed at wrong target

The South Australian Liberal Government needs to stop fighting the SA Royal Commissioner and start fighting for our water if they are serious about saving the Murray, the Greens say.
“South Australian Environment and Water Minister David Speirs is in denial about the delivery of the 450GL of water promised to South Australia. The Royal Commissioner has confirmed we won’t see a drop of that water,” Greens environment and water spokesperson Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.
“Arguing with the findings of the South Australian Royal Commission is not a good look for this rookie Minister who was sold a pup by the upstream states last year. He should be fighting for the water to be delivered, not lashing out at the Royal Commissioner.
“It’s clear the SA Liberal Government have no plan to secure the water South Australia is owed and the Murray needs. The Minister should get on the phone and demand that his Canberra Liberal National colleagues lift the ban on water buybacks and secure that water this year.
“Getting New South Wales and Victoria to the negotiating table was not a win when South Australia’s Minister was squibbed out of precisely what he was supposed to be fighting for. The delivery of the 450GL of water is contingent on conditions designed to be impossible to meet.
“If Minister Speirs wants to do the right thing by South Australia and the Murray, it’s time to take the blinders off and start standing up to the upstream states that are against any water coming over the border.”

A NEW NATIONAL PARK FOR NSW

Premier Gladys Berejiklian has today announced a new national park for NSW – providing another significant boost for the State’s koala population – along with a major new package that will improve access to existing national parks.
The State’s newest national park will cover around 3680 hectares in the north of Goulburn electorate, bordering Wollondilly. The new park is centered around Tugalong Station – about 25 kilometres northwest of Bowral.

“The NSW Liberals & Nationals have been careful custodians of the State’s national parks and I am thrilled to be able to unveil a new one today,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“This new national park will ensure that a vital koala wilderness area south of Sydney is preserved. Like all national parks, it will be open to the public so they can explore the wilderness country.”
Ms Berejiklian also announced a $150 million investment to improve access to national parks across NSW – funding made possible due to the strong economic management of the NSW Liberals & Nationals.
“This includes major upgrade works in places like Sydney’s Royal National Park and in the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, making it easier for people to enjoy our wonderful natural beauty,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Environment Minister Gabrielle Upton said the new national park contains some of the Southern Highlands’ best koala habitat.
“Koalas are an iconic species and we are acting to ensure their survival,” Ms Upton said.
“The new national park will not only add to the State’s conservation lands, it is yet another example of how the NSW Government is moving to protect and preserve the koala population.”
The Government’s $150 million investment to improve access to existing national parks includes upgraded walking tracks, better visitor infrastructure and facilities and new digital tools such as virtual tours and livestreaming cameras.
This will include:
• More access – significant upgrade to the 13.6 kilometre Grand Cliff Top Walk from Wentworth Falls to Katoomba in the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area ($10 million). Also, upgrading access to iconic lookout points to a mobility impaired access standard ($9.9 million);
• Improved park visitor infrastructure and facilities – expansion of picnic areas, BBQs, water provision, facilities ($38.7 million) and increased support for families and people with restricted mobility ($45 million). This will include upgraded picnic facilities and the walking tracks at Audley Weir, in the Royal National Park.
• Safe access – Investment in making our extensive network of walking tracks and trails safer and more accessible ($36.4 million); expansion of the ‘Think before you Trek’ safety program for bushwalkers and work with other agencies to deliver other priority safety programs like  rock fishing and enhanced mobile connectivity in the parks ($1 million).
“NSW boasts some of the most majestic and picturesque coastal lookouts, outback walking tracks, camping grounds and beaches in the world and we want more visitors to experience the natural beauty and wonder of our national parks,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Ms Upton added: “As well as international and interstate tourists, we want to make it easier for families to get out there and discover the natural beauty our State.”

22 million reasons for ALP to back militant unions

Figures released today have revealed 22 million reasons why Bill Shorten continues to bend over backwards for his militant union masters.
The Australian Electoral Commission today revealed that unions donated more than $7.9 million to the Labor Party in 2017-18. In addition, they spent more than $14 million on their own campaigns in support of the Labor Party.
These figures include almost $1 million in donations to Labor from the militant CFMMEU, which currently has 78 representatives before the courts and has been fined over $16.5 million in recent years for law breaking.
“We now know why Bill Shorten continues to stand by the militant CFMMEU despite their appalling and ever-growing rap sheet of lawlessness,” Minister O’Dwyer said.
“But it’s not just the militant CFMMEU Bill Shorten and Labor continue to back. While the CFMMEU will get to axe the construction cop, the MUA will get to design their own shipping laws, and the TWU will get the return of the independent trucker destroying RSRT.”
“If you’re a militant union with cash to burn, Bill’s policy shop is open for business.”
“Bill Shorten should take a leaf out of Bob Hawke’s book, grow a backbone and stand up to militant unionists instead of making the law breakers the law makers.”
The figures released today come just a month after Bill Shorten and the Labor Party doubled-down on their support for their militant union bosses at the Labor Party National Conference, whe re they committed to:

  • Keep under wraps their secret deal with the unions to allow economy-hammering, job-risking
    industry-wide strike action, leaving workers and businesses in the dark.
  • Black ban certain lawyers and law firms that the lawbreaking CFMMEU don’t like.
  • Resurrect their disastrous, family business destroying trucker remuneration rules – only this time also extending the pain to gig economy workers.
  • Accelerate cuts to workers’ take-home pay and syphon off more of their hard-earned wages into superannuation funds, where retirement savings are drained by the rorts and rip-offs that Labor refuses to help address.
  • Examine proposals to artificially boost union membership and clout through preferential tax concessions and incentives.
  • Continue with their crazy policy to scrap the building and construction regulator, the ABCC.
  • Cost the economy $1.3 billion by giving their union mates paid holiday l eave entitlements that no other worker will get.

“Instead of helping hard-working Australians, it is clear Bill Shorten is focused on one thing and one thing only – helping his militant union bosses,” Minister O’Dwyer concluded.

Banking Royal Commission report a small step towards the reform we deserve

Today’s disappointing final report into the banking and financial services industry will slow, but not end decades of money grabbing and unethical conduct, the Australian Greens have said today.
“The enthusiasm from the Liberal and Labor parties to accept these recommendations tells you all you need to know. The financial services industry is one of the biggest donors to both old parties, and they will all be laughing all the way to the bank tonight,” Leader of the Australian Greens Senator Richard Di Natale said.
“Accepting all of these recommendations will go some way towards improving the system, but the system needs more than a tweak, it needs a complete shakeup.
“People have not only suffered from unethical conduct, they have been hurt as a result of limited competition and protected by a toothless watchdog. Under these recommendations people will continue to be locked into that rotten structure, and bankers will only be forced to rein in their profit forecasts.”
“This Royal Commission has shone a welcome ray of light on the practices of the banks, and there is undoubted political momentum for reform – but we cannot consider the job to be done,” Greens Banking spokesperson Peter Whish-Wilson said.
“The Greens would like to have seen more focus on structural reform, rather than just conduct reform. The Commission’s failure to resolve the issue of vertical and horizontal integration is a notable example of an inquiry that has been constrained.
“Sadly the Commissioner’s brief was limited from the outset, as was his time to consider detailed policy issues.
“The historical significance of today’s report depends on what unfolds from here. Will long suffering victims of financial misconduct now be appropriately compensated? Will the regulators take up Justice Haynes challenge and pursue criminal charges against the banks?
“The Greens will be watching closely and won’t be taking a backward step in holding the next government to account, and leading on the push for reform and policies that transform our economy”.
The Greens welcome the thrust of the recommendations, and are particularly pleased to see some of the Greens’ recommendations adopted, including:

  • Ending bank commissions for mortgage brokers
  • Ending grandfathered commissions that involve conflicted remuneration
  • Expanding the scope of the executive accountability regime to all APRA regulated institutions
  • Establishing a ‘regulator’s regulator’ to ensure they are doing their job properly
  • Establishing a last resort compensation scheme

However, the Greens proposal to fix Australia’s banking sector would:

  • Establish a people’s bank that offers basic products at a competitive rate, putting people before profit
  • Break up the banks, by separating retail banking, investment banking and wealth management arms
  • Cap the obscene pay packages that banking executives receive
  • Replace a weak and compromised ASIC with the ACCC to fight for the rights of banking customers

Missing 10-year-old Newcastle boy found

A boy reported missing from Newcastle has been found safe and well.
The 10-year-old boy was last seen about 8am today (Sunday 3 February 2019), leaving a rear carpark of an apartment block, on King Street, Newcastle.
Officers from Newcastle Police District were notified and commenced inquiries to locate him.
The boy was located safe and well in Medowie.
Police would like to thank media and the public for their assistance.

NEW MINISTER FOR PUBLIC SPACES, PROTECTIONS FOR PUBLIC LAND, $150 MILLION FOR NEW PARKS

For the first time, NSW will have a Minister for Public Spaces who will identify and protect publicly owned land for use as parks or public spaces, under a Liberals & Nationals Government.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the NSW Government will also provide $150 million for new and improved parklands across urban areas – an investment made possible due to the strong economic management of the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government.
The NSW Liberals & Nationals will also provide additional protections for Crown Land held for recreational use.

“Access to green and open space is crucial for communities to thrive,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“We have already worked hard to put local character at the heart of everything we do.
“Today’s announcement takes this to the next level with a dedicated champion for public spaces to be placed at the heart of Government.”
“Quality open space is so important to local communities, as a place to relax, kick a football or have a picnic or a barbecue,” Ms Berejiklian said.
The Minister for Public Spaces would have responsibility for enhancing and expanding the State’s parks and gardens and open spaces, ensuring that there is sufficient open space across NSW, and that public spaces are made welcoming and attractive.
The new Minister for Public Spaces will also have the first right to identify and protect existing Government-owned land that should be preserved as parkland or public space.
One example of land identified for protection is the Sydney Water pumping station at West Ryde. Under the Liberals & Nationals, land not required for Sydney Water operations will be preserved for community use, such as parks, commuter car parking, and community facilities.
Member for Ryde Victor Dominello, said: “This is great news for families across NSW.
“Open space strengthens communities, and promotes healthy living and participation in cultural and creative activities.”   “The Government has demonstrated right here in Ryde that you can cater for increased growth and deliver necessary community open space. As part of the Meadowbank Education Precinct, the Meadowbank Public School site will become open space, and Marsden High School will be transformed into a dedicated community sports facility.”   The $150 million in funding will create a network of connected parks and open space, and improve the quality of existing parks.
As part of this package, $50 million will be used to turn existing Government-owned land into new and upgraded parks at Penrith, Ermington, Appin, Leppington, Frenchs Forest, Carramar, Beaumont Hills and Hurstville.
A further $100 million is available to secure new parks to be developed across Sydney. This funding will be used to purchase open space in strategic locations, to improve community access to green space.
Legislation will be further strengthened to ensure Crown Land reserved for recreational purposes cannot be sold, leased or change purpose without approval by the Minister that any change is in the public interest. This is on top of changes introduced last year that have delivered the community more power than ever before over the use of Crown land held for public recreation.
Today’s announcement takes the funding of the NSW Government’s existing Open Spaces and Greener Sydney package to $340 million, which already delivered more new and upgraded playgrounds, local sporting facility upgrades and more access to school grounds for community use.

Asylum seeker children off Nauru

Every asylum seeker child has now been removed from Nauru or has had their claim processed and has a clear path off the island.
Our strong border protection policies mean we’ve been able to stop the boats and work through the backlog of cases Labor created when 50,000 people arrived on 800 boats on their watch.
There were 109 asylum seeker children on Nauru at the end of August 2018 at the time we took on our respective roles as Prime Minister and Minister for Immigration.
Since then, and as was made clear at the time, we have been working quietly and methodically through this process without compromising the integrity of Operation Sovereign Borders. There are now only four asylum seeker children on Nauru and they have all been approved for departure to the United States of America with their families.
We have got all the children Labor put in detention centres out, and we have shut down all the detention centres Labor opened, including on Christmas Island.
Australia has one of the most generous humanitarian immigration programs in the world, but we can only do it by maintaining strong borders and insisting people come the right way.
We have secured our borders, we stopped the boats and the tragic drownings at sea. And we have been supporting children compassionately without putting our strong border security at risk.
We have got the balance right.
You don’t get all children off Nauru by putting more on. That is why we must maintain the integrity of Operation Sovereign Borders. Labor’s policies will unravel the strong border protection framework we have put in place.
Labor’s laws currently before the Parliament would end offshore processing as we know it, tearing apart our strong border policies. This would only see the horror start all over again.
On our watch we will never let Australia get back into the mess Labor left us when they locked up nearly 8,000 children in detention.

Appeal for information after serious crash near Newcastle

Police are appealing for public assistance after a serious crash in Maryville today.
About 8.19am (Sunday 3 February 2019) emergency services were called to Hannell Street, Maryville, after reports, a Minivan had lost control and collided with two parked cars, a Honda Accord and a Jeep Cherokee.
The male driver of a Toyota Minivan, a 58-year-old man, from Mayfield, was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition. His female passenger, a 30-year-old Mayfield woman, sustained lacerations and a possible leg injury.
The Honda Accord and Jeep Cherokee were parked and unattended.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. Initial inquiries suggest the man may have suffered a medical episode.
Police are appealing for anyone with information or dash cam vision to come forward.