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City of Newcastle (CN) is on track to deliver more than 3500 metres of new footpaths and shared pathways by the end of June as part of a $1 million investment across Newcastle.

An 800 metre long, three metre wide loop around Myers Park at Adamstown is nearing completion as part of a larger staged upgrade project at the sporting facility, while a 700 metre long footpath under construction on the southern side of McCaffrey Drive at Rankin Park will provide a link between local schools, a childcare centre, and the shopping centre.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said CN was committed to investing in the expansion of the city’s footpath network, with work already completed this year in suburbs such as Beresfield, Mayfield, Jesmond, New Lambton, Birmingham Gardens and Waratah West.

“Encouraging greater participation in active transport and improving pedestrian safety are key objectives in ensuring Newcastle can thrive as a safe, active and connected city,” Cr Nelmes said.

“City of Newcastle maintains nearly 1,000 kilometres of footpath across the local government area, with an annual upgrade and maintenance program that adds to this total each year to address gaps in the network.

“We’re investing $1 million this financial year into these critical community assets, delivering three-and-a-half kilometres of new paths designed to improve pedestrian safety, enhance accessibility and create key links within local neighbourhoods.”

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said CN receives hundreds of requests for new footpaths each year and is seeking to harness that community feedback to create a framework for prioritising new pedestrian projects.

Developed as part of CN’s Walking and Mobility Plan, the Principal Pedestrian Network will provide a mapped network of existing and future pedestrian routes that support activity into and around key destinations such as neighbourhood and local centres, schools, parks, and transport stops.

Cr Clausen said community feedback is important to ensuring our pedestrian networks cater for everyone including older residents, people with mobility or vision impairments, school children, tourists and recreational pedestrians.

“We’re looking to hear from residents on the routes and destinations that are important to them,” Cr Clausen said.

“This feedback will help City of Newcastle prioritise new infrastructure where it is needed most, or where it will deliver complete paths, which will help address barriers to walking and improve the overall safety and experience of pedestrians.”

Residents can provide their feedback via an interactive storymap on the CN website until 5pm on 17 May. Visit https://haveyoursay.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/principal-pedestrian-network for more details.

Today I announce the appointment of four career public servants to lead Australian posts in Austria, Kiribati, Singapore and the Netherlands.

Our diplomats are the driver of Australia’s engagement with the world and responsible for ensuring our national interests today and into the future.

I am pleased that these highly qualified individuals will take the following positions:

• Mr Ian Biggs will be Australia’s next Ambassador to Austria, he will also be accredited to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Slovakia and Slovenia. He will also be Australia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna, the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), where he will also serve on the IAEA Board of Governors.
• Ms Karen Bray as Australia’s next High Commissioner to the Republic of Kiribati
• Mr Allaster Cox as Australia’s next High Commissioner to Singapore.
• Dr Greg French as Australia’s next Ambassador to the Netherlands.

I thank the outgoing Ambassadors and High Commissioners, for their contributions to advancing Australia’s interests.

It took to the skies in the 1970s as Australia’s only homemade helicopter, but following decades in storage, its latest journey has been completed by road after being donated to the Newcastle Museum.

The one-of-a-kind “Philicopter” took its first flight in 1971 after a decade-long project by Newcastle engineer Duan Phillips to design, build and fly his own helicopter.

Following extensive trials and more than 100 hours of flight time, it was certified by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and was later marketed at the Paris Air Show, however this prototype is the only example that was built.

The helicopter remained in a hangar at the Royal Newcastle Aero Club in Rutherford and was donated to the Newcastle Museum by Phillips’ family following his passing last year. It was recently transported by tow truck to the Museum’s off-site storage facility.

City of Newcastle Director of Museum, Archive, Libraries and Learning, Julie Baird, said Newcastle Museum plays an important role in interpreting and preserving our city’s fascinating history.

“The Philicopter will join other iconic transport objects, including the Victoria Lifeboat and Newcastle’s last surviving, first generation electric tram, as part of the Museum’s collection of 12,000 objects,” Ms Baird said.

“It will initially be housed in one of our dedicated collection storage facilities, where it will be conserved and photographed while a future display within the Museum is considered.

“We thank the Phillips family for entrusting us with this unique piece of Australia’s aviation history, which can now be professionally preserved and used to inspire, entertain, and engage Novocastrians and visitors for generations to come.”

Today, the Prime Minister and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs launched a commemorative medallion to honour those who served in the Vietnam War.

The medallion is a small but meaningful way to honour the service of Vietnam veterans and to recognise the sacrifice of those who never returned home and that of their families.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War. Some 60,000 Australians served in the Vietnam War, more than 3,000 were wounded and 523 tragically lost their lives. We must honour those who served and the families that support them.

The medallions are available for every veteran, and can be applied for by Vietnam War veterans, widows of veterans and other family members of veterans.

The launch of the medallions continues the Australian Government’s recognition of this significant anniversary throughout 2023, culminating in a national commemorative service on Vietnam Veterans’ Day, 18 August 2023.

For more details on the commemorative medallion, including how to apply, or for more information about the other commemorative events planned, visit the DVA website.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“This year, as we mark 50 years since the role of Australian troops in the hostilities in Vietnam came to a close, let us acknowledge your service and sacrifice.”

“Your experiences during and after the war are a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have served our country and the debt of gratitude we owe each and every one of you.”

“These medallions are a small but meaningful way to honour your service – to recognise the sacrifice of those who never returned home, and of those who did, and endure the scars of service.”

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh said:

“This was a war that was at times contentious at home, and for some veterans their service not recognised as it should have been.

“To each and every one of our Vietnam veterans: We honour you. We thank you.

Liberal candidates for Gosford, Terrigal and The Entrance welcome the announcement that a re-elected Perrottet Liberal Government will provide commuters with a yearly saving of up to $480 by cutting the weekly Opal cap by 20 per cent, putting more money back in the pockets of hardworking families.

Under the plan, the weekly adult cap will be cut from $50 to $40, while the cap for concession holders will be cut from $25 to $20.

Liberal candidate for The Entrance, Nathan Bracken, said this is a direct saving for all commuters – putting money back into the pockets of the people of the Central Coast.

“Locals of The Entrance electorate are among those that stand to make real savings and it’s all thanks to the Perrottet Liberal Government’s long term economic plan that will keep NSW moving forward.” Mr Bracken said.

Liberal candidate for Gosford, Dee Bocking, said this will deliver more than a thousand dollars’ worth of savings to some families who rely on public transport for their daily commute.

“Only a Perrottet Liberal Government will cut the cost of travel for the people of Gosford and across NSW thanks to our long-term economic plan to keep NSW moving forward.” Ms Bocking said.

Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, said for the average commuter who hits the cap every week and works 11 months of the year, this could provide up to $480 in transport cost relief.

“This weekly travel discount is yet another commitment a re-elected Perrottet Liberal Government will deliver to help ease cost of living pressures for families.” Mr Crouch said.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said this would make a big difference to family budgets, putting more money back in their pockets for other weekly essentials.

“We recognise there are significant household budget pressures right now and that is why we will deliver significant cost relief for commuters,” Mr Perrottet said.

“We will slash the weekly caps on public transport fares by 20 per cent, putting more money back in the pockets of hard working families.

“Commuters will be able to travel across the entire transport network – on our ferries, trains, metro, buses and light rail services – as many times as they like without paying more than $40 a week, while students and concession holders will only pay $20 a week.

Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said if re-elected a Liberal Government would introduce the discount from May this year.

“The weekly savings on public transport fares will put cash back in the pockets of everyone who uses public transport regularly – for a family of two adults and 2 kids, this could mean an annual saving of nearly $1,400 a year in the household budget,” Mr Elliott said.

“The reduced cap means Adult Opal card commuters will save $10 a week or $480 a year (based on 48 weeks of travel).

“The Child/Youth and Concession weekly Opal cap will also be reduced from the current $25 cap to $20 – a saving of $5 a week or $200 a year (based on 40 weeks travel for school/tertiary education).”

The weekly travel caps would be in place on all trains, metros, buses, light rail and ferries from 1 May 2023 to 30 June 2024 and would apply when you travel with an Opal card or credit card, debit card or linked device on public transport in the Opal network.

This weekly travel discount is in addition to $7 billion already delivered in cost of living measures including more than 70 rebates, like our $250 energy rebate, toll relief program, small business rebate, our active kids and creative kids vouchers, regional seniors travel card, first lap swim vouchers, solar for low income households program and more.

A landmark Senate report has called for a major overhaul of Australia’s workplace laws to fix the crisis affecting workers with caring responsibilities.

In the first report of its kind, the Senate Select Committee on Work and Care, chaired by Greens Senator Barbara Pocock, has released key reform recommendations supported by the majority of the committee, including Labor members. 

The report recommends:

• A right to disconnect from work outside paid hours;
• Examine the case for a shorter working week
• Moving toward 52 weeks Paid Parental Leave
• Childcare: steps towards universal, quality, early childhood education 
• Lifting pay for care workers in childcare, disability and aged care;
• A right to predictable, stable rosters;
• Paid sick, carers and holiday leave for casuals

“Australia is mired in a work and care crisis which demands bold reform to fix an economic, gender equity and workforce crisis,” Committee Chair and Greens Senator Barbara Pocock said.

“The committee’s report gives the Government the blueprint it needs to revolutionise our workplace laws so Australians, and particularly women, can find a balance between working and caring responsibilities,” she said.

“Australia is an international outlier in terms of our support for workers with caring responsibilities. We have slipped too far behind. And we are paying a price in labour supply, stressed workers, and gender inequality. 

“It is time for a new social contract, fit for the 21st Century workforce, that does not put the burden on workers juggling care responsibilities around their jobs,” Senator Pocock said.

“Our economy now relies as much on women workers as men, and we need a new approach that recognises that nearly all workers at some point in their lives will need to provide care for children, the elderly and disabled. 

“We need more than a right to work, we need a right to both work and care,” Senator Pocock said. 

Some employers are already seeing the benefits of more flexible working arrangements and are moving to give workers a bigger say in rostering and ensuring the right to disconnect.

“We heard evidence from several employers, including one conducting a trial where workers maintain their full-time wage while working a 4 day week, that giving workers greater control over their rosters can enhance productivity,” said Senator Pocock.

‘Without action, we are loading up women and carers, lowering their earnings, increasing their stress and leaving too many in poverty after a life-time of work and care’. 

‘Work-life balance is a remote dream for too many. Especially those living the nightmare of last-minute shift changes which make finding care for loved ones or kids impossible. Unpredictable ‘just in time’ shifts don’t work for workers who look after others.  

“We must recognise – and measure – the essential value of unpaid care to our economy and our wellbeing,” Senator Pocock said. “It’s worth at least half the value of GDP. The economy can’t exist without care, without reproduction of the workers of the future,” she said.

“It’s time to give new parents more paid leave when a baby arrives, and to recognise that childcare is an essential part of economic infrastructure, like the roads we use to get to work. Quality, universal care narrows inequality. At present it is too expensive and hard to find in too many places. It should be free,” Senator Pocock said.

“This report argues for a holistic not piecemeal approach. We need to look after carers better, rather than punish them with poverty and punitive work tests. And we need to respond to the changing nature of work by making sure our jobs and technology don’t eat our lives. Many other countries have put limits on working time creating the right to disconnect.

“These measures will help alleviate the pressures of working and caring in Australia. We have been moving in the wrong direction – with fraying job security and increasingly unpredictable working time for too many. It’s time for action in the opposite direction,” said Senator Pocock.

Organisations with projects that empower women and reduce barriers to entering or re-entering the workforce can now apply for funding to implement tailored programs, as part of the new $2 million Return to Work Pathways Program.

Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said funding for the Return to Work Pathways Program builds on, and complements, the successful Return to Work Program, which has already supported more than 3,700 women to enter or return to the workforce.

“The Return to Work Pathways Program funds organisations to deliver tailored wraparound supports to women experiencing enduring and complex barriers to employment, and connects women to the services, training and employment opportunities they need to thrive,” Mrs Taylor said.

“This is a real opportunity to build confidence and financial independence of women who need it most.”

Treasurer Matt Kean said the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is committed to ensuring that women who want to work receive the support they need to enter the workforce.

“This new Return to Work Pathways Program is part of the commitment made by the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government in the 2022-23 Budget to invest $16.5 billion over 10 years to level the playing field for women,” Mr Kean said.

“NSW currently has the lowest unemployment rate in the country at 3.1 per cent, in January 2023, and our women’s economic participation rate remains near record highs. But there are women who face barriers and this program will be tailored to those women who need it most.”

Organisations will be able to apply for funding from $100,000 to $250,000 depending on the project model, the number of participants to be supported, and the level and intensity of services and supports provided to participants.

Funding applications open on Wednesday, 1 March 2023 and close on Tuesday, 11 April 2023. 

The Return to Work Pathways Program aligns with the NSW Women’s Strategy 2023-2026 which fosters economic opportunity and advancement; health and wellbeing; and participation and empowerment for women and girls.

For more information and details on how to apply, go to Return to Work Pathways Program | NSW Government

More than 20,000 customers have already utilised the services at the new Bondi Junction Service Centre since it opened for business three months ago.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello joined Member for Vaucluse Gabrielle Upton today to officially open the relocated Service Centre at 19-23 Hollywood Avenue, corner of Ebley Street.

“Customers in Sydney’s eastern suburbs are set to benefit for years to come from the opening of this new state of the art Service Centre right in the heart of Bondi Junction,” Mr Dominello said.

“Customers have enjoyed a seamless transfer of services to the new centre which is a larger facility with Service NSW’s trademark modern digital-first design, just 100 metres up the street from the previous centre.

“Whether it’s applying for a Seniors Card, renewing rego or accessing maritime services, customers have given the new centre a big thumbs up with a nearly 96 per cent satisfaction rating.”

“It’s a small step for customers, but a giant leap for customer experience.” 

Member for Vaucluse Gabrielle Upton welcomed the opening of the new state of the art Service Centre which will help to cater for growing demand for Service NSW programs and services in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

“About 1800 transactions are completed each week at Bondi Junction Service Centre with driver licence renewals, Working with Children Check applications and renewals and driving tests among the most popular services,” Mrs Upton said.

“There are 120 driving test appointments available each week at the new location with four dedicated driver testing spots conveniently located on Ebley Street for when customers arrive for their test, while about 500  computer-based Driver Knowledge Tests are available weekly  at the new centre, double the amount from the previous centre location.

“I encourage residents to book an appointment with the centre’s Saving Specialist who can provide one-one-one tailored information on more than 70 government rebates and vouchers available through the Savings Finder program such as Toll Relief Rebate, Back to School NSW and Family Energy Rebate.”

The previous Bondi Junction Service Centre opened in March 2015. The new centre’s opening hours are 8.30am-5pm Monday to Friday and 8.30am-12.30pm on Saturdays.

A new Service Centre will also shortly open at Eastgardens, giving customers in Sydney’s east and south more options when they need to visit a Service NSW centre.

Since 2013, the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has opened 114 Service Centres across the state, transforming the way services are delivered and putting an end to the byzantine RTA Motor Registry service model. 

For more information, visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/service-centre/bondi-junction-service-centre

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has declared the fifth Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) in the Illawarra to ensure the region plays a central role in the State’s clean energy future.

The move makes the Illawarra the final REZ to be declared of the five zones identified under the nation-leading NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap.

Treasurer and Minister for Energy Matt Kean said the announcement is part of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s long term plan to modernise the electricity grid with renewable energy and storage, helping to drive down prices and keep the system reliable.

“The Illawarra has a proud history of manufacturing and the REZ will only build on this legacy, powering existing and emerging industries such as offshore wind, green hydrogen and green steel production,” Mr Kean said.

“The Illawarra is an ideal region to host a REZ, thanks to its existing energy, port and transport infrastructure, its highly skilled workforce and strong demand from existing industries to decarbonise.

“This is a huge win for the Illawarra with projects registering their interest showing a potential to create more than 8,300 jobs, not including the huge employment potential of offshore wind.”

The Illawarra REZ runs down the coastline from Wollongong to Shellharbour and around to Dapto capturing existing infrastructure such as Port Kembla, Dapto Substation and the Tallawarra Power Station.

There is strong commercial interest in the Illawarra region with the potential to unlock more than 17 gigawatts and more than $43 billion of private investment in wind, battery storage, pumped hydro, hydrogen and new load projects, including green steel manufacturing.

“These projects have the potential to deliver thousands of jobs in the Illawarra as the region moves to a clean energy future,” Mr Kean said.

“This is just another example of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government getting on with the job of transforming our State’s energy system, while the Labor Party develops its secret plan to nationalise the grid which will spook investment and push up power prices.

“Chris Minns has promised to provide no energy bill relief for seven years. The Liberals and Nationals will provide immediate relief of $250. Plus we are already delivering hundreds of millions in energy bill rebates.”

EnergyCo will begin the next phase of development, including continuing to engage closely with the local community, industry, councils and other stakeholders in 2023.

A re-elected Liberal and Nationals Government will create 100,000 new jobs in Western Sydney over the next five years, turbocharging the economy and ensuring Western Sydney remains a thriving place to live and work.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the Liberal and Nationals would deliver better paying jobs for the people of Western Sydney to support local businesses and futureproof the region.

“Western Sydney is one of the fastest growing regions in the country and the engine room of our state’s economy. That’s why we will deliver more better paying local jobs so the region continues to thrive,” Mr Perrottet said.

“We will deliver 100,000 new jobs in Western Sydney over the next five years across a range of sectors including construction, manufacturing, health, transport, professional services, science and more.

“Our Government has a strong track record of delivering jobs growth, with 209,100 more people employed in NSW now than before the pandemic, and that strong track record of jobs growth will only continue under the Liberal and Nationals.

“Our $116 billion infrastructure pipeline is already supporting thousands of jobs in Western Sydney, including on the new toll-free M12 motorway, Sydney Metro, and the Western Sydney Airport aerotropolis.

“Backing Western Sydney with 100,000 new jobs is only possible thanks to the Liberal and Nationals long-term economic plan to keep our state moving forward.”

Treasurer Matt Kean said creating more quality jobs will provide a significant boost to the economy.

“Western Sydney is the third largest economy in the country after Sydney and Melbourne and home to more than 230,000 businesses employing around 1 million people,” Mr Kean said.

“The state’s unemployment rate is currently 3.1 per cent which is the lowest in the country, but with so much happening in Western Sydney we know there is an opportunity to create thousands more jobs.

“This compliments our long term plan to help 95,000 women enter the workforce or take on more hours by making childcare more affordable and accessible.”

Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said this government’s record $76.7 billion investment in transport infrastructure over the next four years signals a commitment to not only boost the NSW economy and jobs creation but also deliver a first-class, fast and reliable transport network for western Sydney.

“This government will continue to deliver on their promise to create job opportunities through the delivery of our infrastructure pipeline of Sydney Metro projects,” Mr Elliott said.

“The Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport project alone is supporting more than 14,000 jobs, including 250 new apprentices in an economic boost for NSW and more than 50,000 people will have worked on the Sydney Metro City & Southwest project by the time it is completed, while Sydney Metro West will create 10,000 direct and 70,000 indirect jobs during construction. 

“We have already demonstrated our commitment to jobs creation and business opportunities for western Sydney through our investment in transport infrastructure with more than 22,000 local jobs generated with the construction and operation of the Sydney Metro North West Line.”