Month: October 2020

Homebuilder Delivering Stimulus For Tradies And Confidence For First Home Buyers

Today’s Australian Bureau of Statistics lending indicators data shows HomeBuilder is delivering the stimulus the construction industry needs, with the number of loans for the construction of new dwellings rising to its highest level in over a decade, and giving first home buyers confidence to enter the market.
In August 2020, the number of loans for the construction of a new dwelling increased by 22.9 per cent, up 34 per cent through the year.
HomeBuilder has seen first home buyers flood into the housing market with first home buyer loans rising dramatically in August to be 17.7 per cent higher, up 37.3 per cent through the year, the highest level since October 2009
The Housing Industry Association’s (HIA) Chief Economist Tim Reardon said that the data demonstrated the stimulus from HomeBuilder was emerging and protecting the jobs of tradies, quote;
“The short-term stimulus from HomeBuilder is emerging in the housing finance data released by the ABS today. This is particularly evident in the issuing of loans for the construction of new homes and in lending to first home buyers”
“There has been a substantial improvement in sentiment and confidence in the housing market.”
“It is evident in today’s data that there will be an increase in work on the ground in the December quarter this year which will protect jobs in the construction industry and the broader economy.”
Today’s results add to the growing number of leading indicators which show that HomeBuilder is delivering the support the residential construction industry needs. Recent data shows;

  • HIA new home sales data in the three months to August 2020 shows sales have risen 61.3 per cent compared to the previous quarter since HomeBuilder was announced.
  • ABS Building Approvals data shows private sector house approvals are at their highest level since February 2019, with over 9,000 approvals recorded.

The response to HomeBuilder from home buyers and tradies has been overwhelmingly positive and this data shows we are keeping the pipeline of construction flowing, which protects jobs.
The Morrison Government is committed to doing all we can to help Australians get into a home of their own as part of our Economic Recovery Plan for Australia.

WOMEN LEFT OUT AND LEFT BEHIND IN MORRISON’S RECESSION BUDGET

The 2020 Women’s Budget Statement released today by Labor shows that this year’s Morrison Recession Budget contains no measures to address significant job losses in industries dominated by women.
Since March, almost 200,000 have lost their jobs and 110,000 women have left the labour force altogether. At the peak of coronavirus restrictions earlier this year, more than 1 million women had no work whatsoever.
There is no doubt that Australian women have borne the brunt of the coronavirus pandemic and Morrison recession.
But despite racking up more than a trillion dollars in debt, the Prime Minister’s re-hashed “women’s economic statement” only allocated $240 million in new funding – 0.024 per cent.
In this year’s Budget, there is no new funding for frontline service providers to support women and their children escaping domestic violence.
There is nothing new to properly drive down the gender pay gap. There is nothing to bolster women’s superannuation or economic security in retirement.
There is no plan to lift the permanent rate of JobSeeker from $40 per day, tackle insecure work, create opportunities for women or to improve access to childcare.
There is no plan to reduce childcare fees to support women going back to work during the deepest recession in a hundred years.
At a time when women over the age of 55 are the fastest growing demographic facing homelessness, there is no plan to build more social housing or repair properties unfit for tenants to live in.
The Women’s Budget Statement was axed by Tony Abbott’s Government in 2014. Labor has produced one from Opposition every year since.

 
Labor Leader Anthony Albanese said:
“The lives of Australian women and girls matter. If we’re elected to lead Australia, we’ll reintroduce a Women’s Budget Statement to stop women from being left behind, like they are under the Morrison Government.”
“Only Labor will make sure no woman is held back, and no woman is left behind – because it’s the right thing to do.”
Shadow Minister for Women Julie Collins said:
“Women aren’t just facing many of the consequences of the coronavirus more harshly, we also know they’re doing much more of the dangerous frontline work to combat the pandemic.”
“The truth is the Morrison Government has taken no serious action on gender equality. It’s time to step up.”
Chair of the Status of Women Caucus Committee Sharon Claydon said:
“We know the things that perpetuate gender inequality in Australia. Now is the time to re-double our efforts to set about changing them – for the Morrison Government, that means equal representation and restoring budgets that support women.”

MORE FREQUENT BUSES FOR SYDNEY’S NORTH

Customers on Sydney’s Northern Beaches and Lower North Shore will benefit from more than 2,000 additional weekly bus services from later this year, including a 24/7 B-Line service.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the extra services are part of a NSW Government commitment to improve services on the corridor, and will give customers more choice when they travel.
“For the first time the B-Line will offer overnight services every 30 minutes between midnight and 4am, seven days a week from Mona Vale to the CBD,” Mr Constance said.
“More people will be able to travel to and from the city at all times of the day and night which is great news for Sydney’s vibrant night time economy which is continuing to adapt to the new COVID-normal.
“These changes will also include new services operating every 10 minutes during the day, seven days a week, on selected routes across the region.”
The new all-day frequent routes include:

  • Dee Why to Chatswood via Frenchs Forest (limited stops)
  • Palm Beach to Manly via Mona Vale and Dee Why
  • Manly to Chatswood via St Leonards
  • Mosman to the city
  • Mona Vale to the city (existing B-line)

There will also be new all-day services to the city from North Balgowlah, and additional peak services to the city from Allambie Heights.
To support the new frequent routes, there will be some changes to existing local and city express services, including Avalon, Warriewood Valley, Cromer, Narraweena and Balgowlah Heights, where higher frequency local services will connect to the new routes for travel to the CBD and major local centres.
To reduce duplication on the network, some routes will be replaced, there will be extra services on other routes and some routes will just have a number change.
The changes start in December – more information: www.transportnsw.info.

NEW RECRUITS HIT THE BEAT ACROSS THE STATE

Police Commands and Districts across NSW will be boosted with the addition of 192 police recruits after they were sworn in as probationary constables in Goulburn today.
The Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott joined NSW Police Force Commissioner Mick Fuller APM to welcome the newest recruits to the Force at a private Attestation ceremony.
Mr Elliott congratulated the attesting recruits who provide a timely boost to the Force as the State continues to face the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The recruits of Class 343 have already demonstrated personal determination and resilience in attesting during COVID-19,” Mr Elliott said.
“They join the NSW Police Force at a significant time and have shown they have what it takes to serve the community with distinction.
“During the floods, fires and now the COVID-19 pandemic, frontline police officers have taken on an unprecedented role in protecting the community.”
Last year, the NSW Government announced it was investing $583 million to introduce 1500 extra police over four years to enhance community safety across NSW.
NSW Police Force Commissioner Mick Fuller APM said the newest recruits will face unforeseeable challenges in their policing careers.
“The 130 men and 62 women of Class 343 will provide a fresh injection into our policing resources,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“They have undergone extensive training and will now be supported as they step up to face new and emerging challenges as police officers serving communities across the state.”
After completing eight months of training, the new probationary constables will start at Police Area Commands and Police Districts across the state from next Monday 12 October 2020.

$750 MILLION RPA HOSPITAL REDEVELOPMENT FAST-TRACKED

The $750 million redevelopment of Royal Prince Alfred Hospital has been brought forward by one year, after the NSW Government accelerated the project.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said early and enabling works are expected to begin in the next six months on the major redevelopment which will be a game-changer for staff and patients.
“The $750 million investment will ensure the hospital continues to serve Sydney’s growing community into the future,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Innovation will be the cornerstone of the redevelopment, incorporating new models of care including an expansion of rpavirtual, which has treated more than 4,000 patients at home and in Special Health Accommodation.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the acceleration of the project will create thousands of jobs, which is crucial to the State’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan.
“People in NSW are going through extremely tough times and we are facing some of the biggest economic challenges of our lifetime. This is yet another major construction project the NSW Government is fast-tracking to bolster jobs and re-charge our economy,” Mr Perrottet said.
The RPA redevelopment will deliver a new hospital building and refurbishment of existing spaces, including more adult inpatient beds and expanded emergency department, intensive care unit, medical imaging services, operating theatres, and maternity, birthing and neonatal services.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the $750 million redevelopment will provide the extra capacity and infrastructure required to support the RPA staff in their ongoing efforts to provide the highest quality contemporary healthcare.
“The redevelopment will enhance the world-class clinical care RPA is so well known for, along with new opportunities for teaching, research and innovation,” Mr Hazzard said.
“By fast-tracking this project the NSW Government is ensuring RPA continues to deliver world leading patient and family-centred healthcare.”
The NSW Government began the transformation of this site with the Professor Marie Bashir Centre, which opened in 2014, and the long-awaited new car park that opened in 2018, in addition to supporting the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse.
The new hospital building is expected to open to patients in 2026-27.

Hotel issued $14,400 in fines for alleged COVID-19; licensing breaches – East Ballina

A hotel on the state’s north coast has been issued six infringement notices over alleged breaches of the Public Health Order and Liquor Act.
On Sunday 27 September 2020, licensing police from Richmond Police District conducted a business inspection at a hotel in Brighton Street, East Ballina.
Officers returned to the licensed premises for another inspection on Sunday (4 October 2020).
It will be alleged on both occasions that customers were continued to be served alcohol after they were heavily intoxicated and were gathering in large groups, in breach of the Public Health Order.
Following inquiries, the hotel and its licensee were issued six infringement notices today (Friday 9 October 2020), including:

  • two $5000 notices for not comply with noticed direction re S7/8/9 – COVID 19 – corporation,
  • two $1100 notices for licensee permit intoxication, and
  • two $1100 notices for licensee fail to comply with conditions of licence.

Further business compliance inspections are planned.

Fee Hikes’ Passage More Fuel In Libs’ Uni Arson

Australian Greens Education spokesperson Senator Mehreen Faruqi has said that the Liberal National Government has condemned Australian higher education to a bleak future that will be difficult to salvage.
The costs of university education have been shifted substantially onto students and away from the Commonwealth, with dire consequences for student debt and public funding of university for years to come.
Senator Faruqi said:
“The Coalition’s hatred of public education is on full display today. Job-ready Graduates will do horrendous damage to our universities.
“One Nation and Centre Alliance have maimed our future by doing a grubby deal with the government to hurt students, staff and researchers.
“Now is not the time to lose hope. Now is the time to get angry, and get active.
“Our work for lifelong free university and TAFE, the abolition of all student debt and generational new investment in research is only made more urgent by this bill’s passage.
“We need to take a hard look at how our universities are run. Over the years we have seen a corporatisation of universities, the creeping influence of money, and power concentrated in the hands of overpaid Vice-Chancellors and management. Staff and students have been stripped of power and marginalised. This needs to change.
“The reality is cowardly Vice-Chancellors refused to go in to bat for their staff and students while presiding over devastating job losses and some of the country’s most casualised workplaces.
“We can never trust the Liberals to do right by higher education. But we should expect university leaders to fight for their communities and the value of higher education. Those who refuse to do this don’t deserve their power or positions.
“We won’t see a mass campaign for big picture reform without a restoration of university democracy that puts staff and students in control. The Greens are committed to supporting more democratic universities and building collective power on campuses.
“University management weren’t alone in their hesitation to oppose this attack on students and unis. It took Labor 75 days to confirm they would vote against these changes. I call on Labor to immediately commit to reversing these fee hikes and funding cuts should they win the next election.”

Free and Universal Early Learning

Australian Greens Education spokesperson Senator Mehreen Faruqi has said that Labor’s Budget in Reply commitment to increase child care subsidies and move towards a 90 per cent universal subsidy would be an improvement on the current system, but the party should go all the way and make early childhood education fee-free.
Senator Faruqi said:
“Early childhood education and care should be fee-free for all families.
“A universal subsidy of 90 per cent would certainly be an improvement, but why stop there?
“We don’t argue about whether public schooling should be 90 per cent subsidised or fully covered. It’s simply a public good that should be universal and free.
“At the last federal election, Bill Shorten committed to make childcare free for households earning less than $70,000. It’s really disappointing not to see the same commitment here. Those low-income families will continue to pay for childcare under Labor’s new plan.
“This year the government flirted – very briefly – with free and universal childcare. There is no reason why we can’t have it again. Today the government is passing billions of dollars worth of tax cuts through the parliament, but continuing to cry poor when it comes to early learning.”

Meeting of Environment Ministers must review lethal shark measures

Senator Peter Whish-Wilson calls on the upcoming Meeting of Environment Ministers to review lethal shark mitigation measures as a priority agenda item. This comes at the end of a whale migration season that saw an unprecedented number of whales caught in shark nets and as a coalition of NGOs announces a full costing for Queensland to transition from lethal to non-lethal measures.
Spokesperson for Healthy Oceans, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said, “The issue of shark mitigation needs to be a federally coordinated approach that advocates for evidence-based programs and consistency across states.
“That this needs to be a Federal Government-led initiative is no more evident than in our recent whale migration.
“This season, the public whale-watched from coastlines right along the east coast.
“But the whales they watched in some states and on some beaches became entangled in shark nets in Queensland and in New South Wales because of an inconsistent patchwork of shark control measures.
“The fate of our marine life can’t be in the crossing of a border.
“Last year, the Meeting of Environment Ministers addressed the negative impact of yabby nets on wildlife in light of platypus deaths.
“In a similar way, the upcoming meeting must address this urgent issue in light of whale entanglement and the deaths of countless endangered marine life in nets and drumlines.
“I chaired a Senate inquiry into shark mitigation in 2017 which recommended a nationally coordinated response, including a national summit and working group.
“There is no evidence that lethal shark control methods make ocean-goers safe.
“Time is up on outdated shark control measures now.
“The Federal Government can lead the way in developing coordinated strategies and facilitating information sharing about effective measures with the aim of ending lethal shark control programs.
“I’m sure those state governments would be grateful for the help in what is a difficult and often highly charged issue.”

Government's bill a waste without plastics and packaging reform

Due for Senate debate this week, the Government’s Recycling and Waste Reduction Bill has now been delayed until at least November. This allows more time for stakeholder and community input, as well as constructive cross-party negotiations on amendments to improve a once-in-a-generation opportunity for legislative reform that builds a circular economy and protects our oceans.
Greens spokesperson for waste and recycling, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said, “Last year our Prime Minister said that his daughter had urged him to do something to tackle the scourge of plastic pollution in our oceans. He addressed the United Nations in New York, promising Australian leadership on this most critical of marine pollution issues.
“The Government’s long-awaited legislation to fix the waste crisis, though, does not include any measures for reducing or recycling plastic packaging.
“The Greens are working constructively across party lines to fix this and have circulated a series of amendments to ban single-use plastics and legislate producer responsibility for packaging within the new product stewardship framework.
“These measures are broadly supported by key recycling industry groups, local government associations and NGOs.
“You can’t rely on voluntary, industry-led approaches to reducing plastics and increasing recycling rates. They have consistently failed in the past and the current bill does nothing to fix this.
“The waste ban in the bill will also not achieve its desired purpose of forcing Australia to build a circular economy if the confidence to invest in infrastructure, innovation and jobs is missing.
“A proper plan needs to provide business certainty for increased investment and jobs.
“This won’t happen when key recycling industry stakeholders are not on board with the Government’s proposed packaging industry-led approach.
“The Greens’ proposed measures are the obvious way forward and we are optimistic that the Government will listen to waste industry stakeholders before it brings its legislation back in November.
“The Greens won’t let this become a wasted opportunity to protect our oceans and build green jobs.”