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The NSW Government is awarding more than $1 million in grants to support groundbreaking projects focused on reducing carbon emissions through electrification.

The Electrification & Energy Systems Network Seed Grant Scheme provides funding as part of the NSW Government’s Decarbonisation Innovation Hub. The Hub supports researchers, industry and government stakeholders in critical sectors to increase the uptake of new technologies in decarbonising NSW.

Funding is being awarded to exciting early-stage projects that are working to resolve the technical, economic, social and environmental challenges of electrification technology.

Grants ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 will enable collaborative projects between universities and industry.

The evaluation process, conducted independently by an Industry Advisory Board, has rigorously assessed and identified a selection of high-quality, impactful projects deserving of grants.

The awardees are:

• University of Wollongong – Identifying and Removing Barriers for Electricity System Planning.
• University of New South Wales – Develop device electrification functionality for the APVI’s SunSPOT solar and battery calculator.
• University of Technology Sydney – Cost effective wireless energy harvesting from high voltage transmission lines.
• Macquarie University – Powering E-Shuttles with Optimized Routes and Magnetised Cement Charging.
• University of Sydney – Recycling of Lithium from Discarded Battery Materials.
• Macquarie University – AI-driven energy management platform.
• University of New South Wales – Open Platform for Real-time Renewable Energy Bidding and Trading.

This initiative is funded by the NSW Environmental Trust and Network Partners: University of Newcastle, University of New South Wales, University of Wollongong, University of Technology Sydney.

For updates on these projects and other initiatives visit: https://www.decarbhub.au/networks/electrification-and-energy-systems-network/

Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe said:

“These projects are translating research-based technologies into real-life solutions to our current and future energy challenges.

“Electrification of our energy system is essential to reaching our Net Zero targets and mitigating the impacts of climate change on our environment and health. It will also ensure our community benefits from cleaner and more affordable energy.”

Prof. John Fletcher, Director Electrification & Energy Systems, NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub:

“I am delighted that we have reached this significant milestone in this early stage of the Electrification & Energy Systems Network.

“Our independent Industry Advisory Board worked hard to assess the 21 proposals and select the awardees. We now look forward to the awarded projects delivering their impact.”

Media reports today that four possible unlawful maritime arrivals found on the remote Croker Island in the Northern Territory yesterday represents the latest shocking border security failure under the Albanese Labor government.

If confirmed, this will be the eighth boat that has breached our borders and reached the Australian territory since Labor was elected, and the 23^rd attempted people smuggling venture to attempt the journey to Australia.

This comes after the Department of Home Affairs admitted at Senate Estimates last week that it was setting itself easier homework by removing the performance target for aerial and maritime surveillance of our borders from its latest annual report in the knowledge that, as in previous years, these targets would not be met.

This latest boat arrival is an unfortunate but predictable consequence of Labor’s continued neglect of our border protection architecture, which has seen a decrease in aerial flying hours of 21.4% and a decrease of 16% in ABF maritime patrol days compared to 2020-21 levels since Labor took government.

The Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke must immediately act to correct the government’s failed border policies and restore the Operation Sovereign Borders framework in full to the settings maintained by the former Coalition Government.

Australians continue to work harder and longer as they battle to keep their heads above water because of the Albanese Government’s never-ending cost of living crisis.

Employment data released today shows the unemployment rate remained steady at 4.1%, but Australians continue to work more hours.

Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor said Labor’s failure to deal with inflation at the source means families are having to make difficult decisions.

“For many Australians the only way they can continue to support their families and pay their mortgage is to take on extra shifts or a second job,” Mr Taylor said.

“This means less time spent with loved ones and more time at work.

“This comes off the back of new data revealing 26,000 new public servants have been added to the payroll since Labor came to government costing taxpayers an extra $5 billion.

“An economy where the jobs market and GDP is entirely propped up by the public sector is not how we should be dealing with the cost of living crisis.

“Labor’s bloated bureaucracy is out of control. Australia needs a strong private sector, not more public servants, because we know that is what drives a healthy economy.”

Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Senator Michaelia Cash, said Australians cannot afford life under Labor.

“It is quite obvious in these figures month after month that Australians are having to work harder and harder just to make ends meet,’’ Senator Cash said.

“What we are also seeing is that most of the jobs growth is in the public sector, jobs that are funded by the Government,’’ she said.

“The private sector is struggling to create new jobs, and this is not sustainable,’’ Senator Cash said.

“We are now seeing research from business groups showing that the majority of private sector industries are shedding jobs including in accommodation and hospitality, wholesale trade and transport,’’ she said.

“Small business operators are at their wits end and unfortunately we are seeing more and more of them closing their doors,’’ Senator Cash said.

“The Albanese Government has made life unaffordable for Australians and put extreme pressure on business operators,’’ she said.

“I struggle to find anyone who is better off now than they were when the Albanese Government came to office,’’ Senator Cash said.

The Minns Labor Government is improving access to essential mental health support for young people through a $17.1 million investment in Kids Helpline, providing greater access to free counselling services for children and young people facing emotional distress or mental health challenges.

Community organisation yourtown who runs Kids Helpline will use the funding to recruit up to 28 additional full time equivalent (FTE) counsellors based in NSW, providing greater access to the service in response to increasing demand.

The funding will upskill counsellors with additional practical skills to help them provide better support and strengthen the integration of Kids Helpline with local, area and state-wide services across mental health, child protection, education, employment and other social systems.

Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) operates 24/7 and provides age-appropriate online and phone counselling and support for young people aged 5 to 25.

Last year, the national service took more than 40,000 calls, mostly from teenagers aged 15-18.

Children and young people reach out for a range of reasons, including for support related to mental health, family problems, school and peer pressures, personal challenges or emotional distress.

Kids Helpline helps young people express their feelings and feel listened to, while providing ideas and support and often connecting them to local mental health services.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing remains the number one reason that children and young people contact Kids Helpline.

Minister for Mental Health and Youth Rose Jackson:

“This $17 million funding injection delivers on our election commitment and shows that the Minns Labor Government is delivering meaningful support to kids who are struggling with their mental health.

“Telephone helplines and online chat services are often the first point of contact for young people experiencing mental distress because they are convenient, accessible and can provide a quick response.

“By bringing new counsellors on board, as well as offering development opportunities for existing Kids Helpline staff, we are investing in a workforce that provides invaluable support to our young people when they need it most.”

Kids Helpline Manager Tony Fitzgerald:

“We are privileged to receive this very substantial funding support to continue Kids Helpline’s critical role within the wellbeing and mental health system.

“Specifically, this contribution will advance our work with up to 28 additional Kids Helpline counsellors being onboarded over the next four years to take meaningful action to improve support to New South Wales children and young people.

“We know that increasing counselling resources reduces the risk of suicide and will provide ongoing stability for the dedicated professional counsellor workforce who respond to calls, web chat conversations and email from young people.”

The Minns Labor Government has partnered with the NRL to secure regional NSW as the host of the in the first NRLW Magic Rounds, with one to be delivered each season for the next three years, as the government continues work to drive economic growth in regional communities and promote women’s participation in sport.

The inaugural regional Magic Round will be held in July 2025, with over 40,000 fans expected to flood McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle over one weekend as they host all 12 teams for every game.

In a win for the regional economy, fans are expected to travel from far and wide, spending money at local businesses, restaurants, and accommodation providers. Further, the host area will benefit from destination promotion in the lead up to the event as well as media exposure over the weekend, showcasing everything regional NSW and the area has to offer.

The NSW Government and NRL share a commitment to championing women’s involvement in sport. The weekend will include multiple community programs designed to encourage young women in regional NSW to participate in the game, including clinics at local schools.

NRLW is going from strength to strength with the 2024 season drawing record crowds, and grassroots participation at an all-time high, with 45,000 women and young girls registered in community rugby league.

2025 is expected to continue to build on the sports success, with the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs and New Zealand Warriors to join the NRLW competition for the first time, growing the competition to 12 teams.

Locations for the 2026 and 2027 regional Magic Rounds will be announced prior to each season kicking off.

Chris Minns, Premier of New South Wales said:

“This is fantastic news, for footy fans and regional communities alike. Not only will this provide an incredible experience for fans, but it will also provide a massive boost to local economies.

“It’s great to have seen the growth of women’s sport across all codes and all levels over the past few years and initiatives like this are an important way we can engage the next generation of sporting superstars regardless of postcode.

“It’s great to see the Bankstown Bulldogs join the competition this year, with double the shot at a premiership I’ve got a good feeling about with 2025 season.”

Yasmin Catley, Minister for the Hunter said:

“No one loves sport more than Novocastrians. We are so proud to host the Women’s Rugby League and we know we will see a packed house again next year.

“Everyone knows Newcastle is the heart of rugby league it could also be the home to a new generation of essential workers.

“There’s never been a better time to join the NSW Police – we’ve put a historic pay offer on the table, we’re paying recruits to train and have created a pathway for recruits to work in or near their hometown after attesting. We can’t wait to highlight all this at the Magic Round.”

Tara Moriarty, Minister for Regional New South Wales said:

“This opportunity will allow us to showcase the benefits of living and working in our regions and will also promote to teachers, nurses, paramedics and police why making the move to regional NSW makes sense.

“This partnership between the NSW Government and the National Rugby League will see regional NSW sit alongside Las Vegas, State of Origin and the Grand Final as showpiece destination events on the rugby league calendar.”

“Our Government is committed to bringing economic development and major attractions to regional NSW and showing the nation and world what a great a place it is to work and live.

“Women’s elite sport is reaching new heights and I want to make sure that our regional communities  can join that momentum and be inspired to follow in the footsteps of our new sporting heroes.

“Bringing Magic Round to regional NSW means more money spent in local restaurants, bars, tourist attractions, accommodation, shops and local businesses, which in turn generates positive flow on effects for the local economy and local workers.”

Steve Kamper, Minister for Sport said:

“NSW is the home of NRL, and Newcastle has embraced the women’s game, with last year’s Women’s State of Origin in Newcastle selling out for the first time.

“I have no doubt footy fans from around the country will once again flock to McDonald Jones Stadium to see the likes of Isabelle Kelly, Ali Brigginshaw, and Tiana Penitani, all at the same ground.

“This is a big win not just for NSW sport fans, but for our regional business community. By hosting it in our regional centres, we will inject millions of extra dollars into our regional pubs, hotels and restaurants.”

Jodie Harrison, Minister for Women said:

“This exciting partnership between the NRL and our government is great news for regional women and girls.

“Interest in women’s sport has seen a tremendous increase in recent years, and hosting the NRLW Magic Round in a regional town means we are making sure that regional women benefit from this.

“We want to empower women and girls to participate in sports at all levels. These games will provide regional women and girls opportunities to grow their interest, and perhaps inspire them to follow in the footsteps of their sporting heroes.”

Peter V’landys, Chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission said:

“Magic Round has been one of the great success stories for the game and it is wonderful to be able to replicate the carnival and fun for the NRLW Premiership,” ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys AM said.

“The Commission is invested in women’s Rugby League and NRLW Magic Round is the next important step in the growth of the game.

“All 12 teams will play across two days in Newcastle, with all the innovation and excitement of Magic Round but now with our best female players.

“I’d like to thank the NSW Government for their investment in women’s sport. Importantly, this is an investment which will directly support pathways in Rugby League while also driving economic growth and prosperity in regional NSW.”

The Teacher vacancies have been slashed in regional NSW public schools with 24 per cent fewer vacancies in Term 3 this year than the same time last year, as changes made by the Minns Labor Government result in more teachers in NSW schools.

The improvement in teacher numbers in the regions comes alongside a drop in resignations and retirements, with teaching vacancies in the regions at the lowest number start since August 2021.

Rural and remote regions, which have been traditionally difficult to staff, have all seen a surge in vacancies being filled. From Term 3 2023, vacancies have dropped 39 per cent in Rural North including Grafton, Northern Tablelands and Armidale, and 20 per cent in Rural South and West, including Orange, Griffith, and Albury.

The results follow the Government’s 2023 Temporary Workforce Transition Initiative which saw more than 4,800 temporary teachers and 4,700 temporary school support staff made permanent employees in rural, remote, and regional schools.

Having already delivered NSW public school teachers the biggest pay rise in a generation while addressing teacher workload, the Minns Labor Government is taking extra steps to ensure our state’s regions are great places to work for our teachers.

Initiatives and incentives to attract teachers to rural and remote areas of NSW include:

• Expanding the department’s Priority Recruitment Support to an additional 26 schools in regional, rural and remote areas, providing targeted support to schools experiencing specific staffing challenges
• Rural Teacher Scholarships for high-achieving university students
• Recruitment bonuses for key roles, Rental Subsidies and Retention Benefits in targeted rural areas
• Rural and Remote Relocation Support
• Stamp Duty Relief payment
• Conducting the ‘Beyond the Line’ program; a week-long rural and remote school tour for teaching students to get a taste of living and working in these areas.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“There has never been a better time to consider a teaching job outside of the major cities.

“The Minns Labor Government has pulled out all the stops to support teachers and support staff to make career moves to places where they are needed most.

“The sustained drop in vacancies shows we’re making progress on addressing the teacher shortages left by the former NSW Liberal National Government, ensuring we have qualified teachers in every classroom to support student outcomes.

The Minns Labor Government’s ongoing failures has led to the cancellation of at least 700 surgeries across the state today, as nurses and midwives stage a 24-hour strike. Only life-preserving care will remain unaffected, impacting thousands of patients awaiting important treatments.
 
The people of New South Wales are left asking what deals did Premier Chris Minns make to get elected, and why are our nurses and midwives still waiting for an outcome?
 
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said the Minns Labor Government rode to power with union backing, yet today we see the trust of those workers being dismissed.
 
“Chris Minns is now telling nurses and midwives they have to choose between improved staff ratios and higher wages – but he hoodwinked nurses to campaign for him before the election promising they’d get both,” Mr. Speakman said.
 
The government’s reluctance to negotiate with the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association has meant patients and communities suffer as a result, with surgeries postponed and emergency department waiting times set to increase.
 
Shadow Minister for Health Kellie Sloane said for nurses and midwives who keep our health system running, the Minns Labor Government’s response is a major letdown.
 
“The disruption to scheduled surgeries today could have been avoided if the government had shown real commitment to its nurses. Patients deserve better,” Ms. Sloane said.
 
The Nurses and Midwives Association told media this morning the Premier is misleading the public by claiming its demands could not be met due to the Government already funding safe staffing levels.
 
Shadow Minister for Regional Health Gurmesh Singh said the election commitment is yet to be ticked off, particularly across regional hospitals.
 
“Health services in regional areas are stretched extremely thin and staff ratios certainly haven’t been implemented at any of our hospitals,” Mr. Singh said.
  
“The Premier clearly hasn’t been upfront about his ‘one or the other’ approach, because I don’t think nurses would have agreed to vote for him if they thought staff ratios would ultimately come at the cost of their salaries.”13 November 2024Share this

The Albanese Labor Government is investing more than $150 million to deliver the Great South East Irrigation Scheme and drive economic growth in Tasmania.

The project will deliver a significant boost to the Tasmanian economy and create more than 400 jobs.

Powered 100 per cent by hydroelectricity, it will provide water to grow iconic Tasmanian produce like cherries, apples, salad vegetables, grapes, stone fruit and olives.

An extra 37GL of water every year will be available to farmers in Tasmania’s south-east – the equivalent to almost 15,000 Olympic sized swimming pools every year.

The new infrastructure will include 320km of new and upgraded pipelines, four new pump stations and new balance tanks.

After recently receiving a revised bid for funding from the Tasmanian Government, the Albanese Government will contribute more than $150 million towards the project.

The Tasmanian Government will contribute $75 million and Tasmanian Irrigation will also invest $75 million.

The funding for the Greater South East Irrigation Scheme comes on top of funding the Albanese Government has previously delivered for irrigation projects across the state – including the Northern Midlands Irrigation Scheme, Don Irrigation Scheme, and the Sassafras-Wesley Vale Irrigation Scheme Augmentation.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“Labor backs regional jobs, which is why we’re backing infrastructure like this.

“We know that water security is the key to securing economic growth in regional Tasmania.

“This will create jobs and economic opportunity, while keeping costs down for farmers.”

Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek

“Water is one of our country’s most precious resources.

“Labor knows how important increasing irrigation in Tasmania is, to provide water security for farmers and drive economic growth for the state.

“That’s why we are investing almost half a billion dollars in Tasmanian water infrastructure projects.

“It’s a win for Tassie farmers, a win for jobs and a win for the economy.”

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins

“Labor has a proud record of delivering for Tasmanian farmers, investing in irrigation infrastructure across the state.

“Our Government is already investing more on water infrastructure in Tasmania than any other state and territory and this funding will build on this.

“This is a big win for Tasmania and our world-class agriculture sector and again demonstrates that only Labor can be trusted to deliver for our farmers.”

Member for Lyons, Brian Mitchell

“This is a terrific announcement, especially since the money will be flowing as soon as possible to farmers in the south-east.

“This welcome news will provide security to get crops in ground and will ensure the south-east can continue contributing to the great Tasmanian agriculture success story. 

“The announcement adds to the hundreds of millions of dollars the Albanese Government has contributed to irrigation in Tasmania irrigation since the 2022 election.”

This week I will welcome India’s Minister for External Affairs Dr S Jaishankar to Canberra, for the 15th Australia-India Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue.

Australia and India are close partners with strong strategic, economic and community ties – almost one million Australians trace their heritage to India.

We share a vision for an Indo-Pacific region that is peaceful, stable and prosperous.

Ahead of 2025 – the fifth year of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership – the Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue is an opportunity to take stock of the progress we have made, and to chart the way forward for the next phase in our relationship.

Minister Jaishankar and I will discuss how we can advance our cooperation in important sectors – including science and technology, clean energy, trade and investment – and how we can deepen our defence and maritime security engagement.
                                 
India is the world’s fastest growing major economy, and on track to be the third largest by the end of the decade. India is an essential partner as we diversify our trade links and secure our supply chains.

Minister Jaishankar and I will also attend ‘Raisina Down Under’, the Australian iteration of India’s Raisina Dialogue. This is an important forum to share views on the trends shaping our region.

I look forward to what will be my 19th meeting with Minister Jaishankar and continuing to advance the Australia–India relationship.
 

Today, I am pleased to announce the inaugural Advisory Board of the ASEAN-Australia Centre.

The establishment of the ASEAN-Australia Centre was announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit and commenced operations earlier this year.

The Centre replaces the Australia-ASEAN Council and will strengthen people-to-people links, increase ties with national cultural institutions, support emerging leaders, drive business engagement, and deepen Australia’s trade and investment links under Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.

The following individuals have been appointed to the Advisory Board of the ASEAN-Australia Centre:

• Ms Louise Adams, Chief Operating Officer, Aurecon
• Professor Nicholas Farrelly, Pro Vice-Chancellor, University of Tasmania
• Professor Sango Mahanty, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australia National University
• Ms Audra Morrice, chef, author, television presenter and sustainability tourism champion in Southeast Asia and the Pacific
• Mr Tarun Nagesh, Curatorial Manager, Asian and Pacific Art, Queensland Art Gallery, Gallery of Modern Art
• Ms Su-Lin Ong, Managing Director and Chief Economist, RBC Capital Markets
• Professor Sharon Pickering, Vice-Chancellor and President, Monash University
• Ms Kate Russell, Chief Executive Officer, Supply Nation
• Ms Hayley Winchcombe, Engagement Manager, Mandala
• Mr John Hopkins, (ex officio) Managing Director and CEO, Export Finance Australia
• Ms Michelle Chan, (ex officio) Deputy Secretary and Head of the Office of Southeast Asia, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Chair of the Advisory Board will be announced early next year.

I would like to thank outgoing Chair Mr Glenn Keys AO and board member Ms Caroline Chan for their contributions in advancing the Australia-ASEAN Council’s work.