Apprentices working on the Sydney Football Stadium have contributed to its history, taking part in the official topping out ceremony of the world-class venue.
Minister for Skills, Tertiary Education and Sport Geoff Lee said the NSW Government, along with delivery partner John Holland, is proud to have completed the highest point
of the stadium’s structure.
A long-held tradition in the construction sector, the milestone is marked by lowering a tree to the highest point of the stadium.
“Topping out is a major milestone for the Sydney Football Stadium and I am pleased this project is supporting around 800 employees and apprentices in its construction
and even more jobs when it is complete,” Mr Lee said.
The NSW Government is funding an Aboriginal pre-employment program at the construction site of the Sydney Football Stadium to encourage unemployed locals to
take up jobs in the construction industry.
“All students involved in the pre-employment program have progressed to a full-time job with three graduates from the group employed right here at the Sydney Football
Stadium.”
“There is no better training ground for an apprentice than to learn the tools of the trade on the site of a world-class stadium.”
“To further boost local jobs, local businesses have been awarded almost $300 million worth of contracts to NSW-based suppliers and contractors.”
John Holland General Manager Matthew Bourne said it was a highlight for graduates to be a part of one of the biggest milestones in the building of the stadium.
“Now we have topped out the stadium, we are well and truly on the home stretch, with the stadium on track to be completed by the NRL finals next year, Mr Bourne said.
“In partnership with the NSW Government, we’re providing unemployed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with entry level industry skills to open up career pathways they may not have considered in the construction industry.”
The next construction milestone is to build the stadium’s roof, which will involve 4,000 individual pieces of steel, most of which is manufactured in Western Sydney by the same company who built the roof of the original stadium in 1988.
For more information on pre-apprenticeship programs, visit
https://education.nsw.gov.au/skills-nsw
For more information on the construction of Sydney Football Stadium, visit:
https://www.infrastructure.nsw.gov.au/projects-nsw/sydney-football-stadium-redevelopment/
Month: May 2021
Senate supports inquiry into Disability Support Pension
The Senate has supported a Greens referral to the Senate Community Affairs References Committee to conduct a Senate inquiry into the purpose, intent and adequacy of the Disability Support Pension (DSP).
There have been a series of changes and cost-saving measures over recent years that have reduced the number of people able to access the Disability Support Program. Since then, there has been a sharp decline in people applying for and being approved for the DSP.
These changes have also seen a significant increase in sick and disabled people on other payments and having to deal with the JobActive and Disability Employment Services system. These changes also mean that many people must complete a so called Program of Support.
Labour force participation rates for disabled people have remained static for the past 20 years despite Disability Employment Services receiving significant levels of funding. This is an issue that causes a great deal of concern to disabled people.
The inquiry will shine a light on these serious issues and give disabled people and community members an opportunity to make submissions on programs and policies that have such significant impact on their lives.
Terms of reference:
That the following matter be referred to the Community Affairs References Committee, for inquiry and report by Tuesday 30 November 2021:
The purpose, intent and adequacy of the Disability Support Pension, with specific reference to:
a. the purpose of the Disability Support Pension;
b. the Disability Support Pension eligibility criteria, assessment and determination, including the need for health assessments and medical evidence and the right to review and appeal;
c. the impact of geography, age and other characteristics on the number of people receiving the Disability Support Pension;
d. the impact of the Disability Support Pension on a disabled person’s ability to find long term, sustainable and appropriate, employment within the open labour market;
e. the capacity of the Disability Support Pension to support persons with disabilities, chronic conditions and ill health, including its capacity to facilitate and support labour market participation where appropriate;
f. discrimination within the labour market and its impact on employment, unemployment and underemployment of persons with disabilities and their support networks;
g. the adequacy of the Disability Support Pension and whether it allows people to maintain an acceptable standard of living in line with community expectations;
h. the appropriateness of current arrangements for supporting disabled people experiencing insecure employment, inconsistent employment, precarious hours in the workforce; and inequitable workplace practices;
i. the economic benefits of improved income support payments and supports for persons with disabilities, their immediate households and broader support services and networks;
j. the relative merits of alternative investments in other programs to improve the standard of living of persons with disabilities;
k. any related matters.
Locking in Australia’s fuel security
The Morrison Government is taking strong action to further boost Australia’s long-term fuel security by locking in the future of our refining sector.
The Government’s fuel security package will help secure Australia’s recovery from the COVID crisis and it will help secure our sovereign fuel stocks, locking in jobs and protecting families and businesses from higher fuel prices.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Government was delivering on its commitment to maintain a self-sufficient refining capability in Australia by supporting the operation of the Ampol refinery in Lytton (Queensland) and the Viva Energy refinery in Geelong (Victoria). The package will protect the jobs of 1,250 direct employees across the two refineries and create another 1,750 construction jobs.
The Prime Minister Scott Morrison said locking in Australia’s fuel security would deliver benefits for all Australians.
“This is a key plank of our plan to secure Australia’s recovery from the pandemic, and to prepare against any future crises,” the Prime Minister said.
“Shoring up our fuel security means protecting 1,250 jobs, giving certainty to key industries, and bolstering our national security.
“Earlier investment in Australia’s ability to produce better quality fuels, including ultra-low sulfur levels, will also improve air quality and deliver an estimated $1 billion in lower health costs.
“Major industries like agriculture, transport and mining, as well as mum and dad motorists, will have more certainty and can look forward to vehicle maintenance savings and greater choice of new vehicle models.
“This next stage in our plan for Australia’s recovery will create jobs and make our country more self-sufficient and secure.”
Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said Australia’s economy is reliant on fuel and this significant package will not only lock-in our refineries, but the jobs of thousands of Australians.
“Fuel is what keeps us and the economy moving. That is why we are backing our refineries,” Minister Taylor said.
“Supporting our refineries will ensure we have the sovereign capability needed to prepare for any event, protect families and businesses from higher prices at the bowser, and keep Australia moving as we secure our recovery from COVID-19.”
The 2021-22 Budget initiatives include:
- A variable Fuel Security Service Payment (FSSP) to the refineries, funded by the Government, which recognises the fuel security benefits refineries provide to all Australians;
- Up to $302 million in support for major refinery infrastructure upgrades to help refiners bring forward the production of better-quality fuels from 2027 to 2024; and
- $50.7 million for the implementation and monitoring of the FSSP and the minimum stockholding obligation (MSO), ensuring industry complies with the new fuel security framework.
The variable FSSP has been costed up to AUD$2.047 billion to 2030 in a worst-case scenario.
This figure assumes that both refineries are paid at the highest rate over the entire nine years in COVID-19-like economic conditions, which is unlikely as the economy recovers.
Actual payments are expected to be less than this, as payments are linked to refining margins at the time and to actual production of key transport fuels.
Payments will be made between the following ranges, limiting the downside risk for refineries:
- Refineries will receive 0 cent per litre (cpl) when the margin marker hits $10.20/bbl (the collar)
- Refineries will receive a maximum of 1.8 cpl when the marker drops to $7.30/bbl (the cap).
This will mean that the refineries are only supported in downtimes, and will not receive Government support when they are performing well.
Refineries will have an option to extend the support and their commitment out to mid-2030.
The Government is also ensuring better quality fuel is provided across Australia earlier.
We will work with the refineries to bring forward improvements to fuel quality from 2027 to 2024 by co-investing with domestic refiners to undertake the necessary infrastructure upgrades for low sulfur fuel production.
Accelerating the necessary major infrastructure upgrades will create up to an additional 1,750 construction jobs, bringing flow-on benefits to the Lytton and Geelong communities.
The Government will also accelerate the industry-wide review of the petrol and diesel standard to 2021, including a consideration of aromatics levels. This aims to create a Euro-6 equivalent petrol and diesel standard that are appropriate for Australia.
The Government will work with both refineries on their plans to consider future fuel technologies and other development opportunities. This will include the refineries’ roles in the roll-out of future fuels, such as electric vehicle charging and hydrogen transport infrastructure.
The Government will introduce the Fuel Security Bill to the Parliament in the coming weeks. This Bill will implement the FSSP to ensure it can begin on 1 July 2021, and set the key parameters for the Minimum Stockholding Obligation that will commence in 2022.
This package implements the Morrison Government’s commitment to the refining sector, announced as part of the 2020-21 Budget, and complements other measures including increased onshore diesel storage and taking advantage of record low prices to store oil in the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
City's four-legged residents to benefit from further off leash area improvements
Improvements to the popular off leash area located in Islington Park will soon get underway to increase safety for local pooches and enhance usability of the park.The planned work includes improvements to fencing, the addition of seating, shade, landscaping, dog drinking water facilities, garbage bins and new park signage.
These upgrades were identified in the Dogs in Open Space Plan, a 10-year strategy for the provision, improvement and management of dog off leash areas throughout Newcastle.
City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said that the improvements will make visiting the off leash area in Islington Park a safer and more comfortable experience for pooches and their owners.
“The people of Newcastle are passionate about their dogs, which is why the City is committed to improving our off leash areas, with Islington Park our next focus area.
“With over 84,000 dogs registered in our City, it’s important that there are a variety of safe off leash options for our furry friends to run free and socialise with other pets.
Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said since adopting the Dogs in Open Space Plan in 2019, City of Newcastle has delivered a new popular fully fenced off leash area in North Lambton, and was looking at further opportunities to upgrade off leash areas.
“In addition to the works planned for the Islington Park off leash area, we are currently undertaking planning work for a fully-fenced off leash area in Maryland,” Cr Clausen said.
“We’re also exploring the potential for a fenced dog park in the Adamstown area.”
The upgrade works in Islington Park are due for completion by June 2021. During construction the off leash area will be unavailable for use.
A full list of the City’s off leash areas is available by clicking here.
NSW HEALTH BEGINS TO VACCINATE 40-49 YEAR OLDS
Members of the public in the 40 to 49-year-old category have begun to receive the Pfizer vaccine after they were invited to book an appointment.
More than 16,000 people aged 40 to 49 have been contacted to make an appointment at Sydney Olympic Park after they registered their interest to receive the Pfizer vaccine.
A further 1,000 people in this age group from the Blacktown LGA who registered their interest have also been contacted encouraging them to book an appointment at the Blacktown Hospital vaccination clinic.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said it was great to see 9,000 people in this group had already made a booking to receive their jab.
“The vaccine rollout is key if we want to open up our borders and live a normal life, that is why we are working hard to rollout the vaccine as quickly and as safely as possible,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“I’m encouraging everyone in NSW aged 40-49 to register their interest to receive the Pfizer vaccine as soon as possible”.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said there would be additional Pfizer clinics available to receive bookings for registered 40-49-year-olds in the coming weeks including in regional and rural areas.
“I encourage all who are eligible to get a vaccination as soon as possible as getting the jab builds our line of defence against this extremely dangerous virus,” Mr Hazzard said.
People aged 40-49 can register for the Pfizer vaccine here: nsw.gov.au/
People will be contacted when a booking is available.
People aged over 50 can book their AstraZeneca jab at the mass vaccination centre at Sydney Olympic Park, if they are unable to obtain the vaccination from their GP. Bookings are available here: covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility.
Additional NSW Health AstraZeneca clinics will be available for bookings for people over 50 years of age from 24 May.
In addition, there are around 1,500 GP practices across NSW taking bookings for over 50s to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine.
More than 900,000 people have been vaccinated in NSW through NSW Health and the GP network and other providers, more than any other state.
NEW CAMPAIGN AND COURSE MAKING MATHEMATICS COUNT
A new Numeracy course for Year 11 and 12 students will be available to all NSW schools to support students to build functional and practical numeracy and mathematics skills for life and work in the 21st century.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell joined Maths Ambassadors Michael O’Loughlin, Professor Nalini Joshi and Dr Matt Agnew to announce the new course and launch the 2021 Maths Trains Brains campaign.
Ms Mitchell said the new course was one element of the NSW Mathematics Strategy aimed at ensuring all students have the necessary support to develop core numeracy and mathematics skills and apply them to everyday life.
“Students who have been a part of the pilot course are more engaged in maths by up to 11 percentage points, which is a huge success and will help set them up for the future,” Ms Mitchell said.
“We’ve seen increased engagement particularly from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, students in rural and remote areas and students studying vocational education and training courses.
“Those are the results we want to see from the NSW Mathematics Strategy because every child in NSW deserves the opportunity to develop the mathematics skills and understanding necessary to succeed in life and expand their options for post-school pathways.”
The release of new course coincides with the launch of the 2021 Maths Trains Brains campaign, which aims to drive interest and engagement with mathematics.
“Mathematics is so important, and this campaign encourages everyone from students to parents and carers to engage with mathematics,” Ms Mitchell said.
AFL legend and GO Foundation cofounder Michael O’Loughlin said education and a strong mathematics understanding is crucial for young people.
“I’m a parent and advocate for empowering young Indigenous students through education. Mathematics opens doorways to success for students,” Mr O’Loughlin said.
Esteemed mathematician and the University of Sydney’s first female Professor of Mathematics, Professor Nalini Joshi said mathematics was essential for students’ understanding of new ideas and judging whether they are based on evidence.
“In the same way that learning to read as a child shapes how we communicate in our adult lives, learning how to do mathematics leads to rhythms in the way we think,” Professor Joshi said.
“I am extremely pleased to be involved in this program, by helping to communicate and show to students, parents and carers that mathematics is an essential skill we need to thrive in our fast changing, technologically sophisticated society.”
Astrophysicist, engineer and author Dr Matt Agnew has been involved in teaching students mathematics for several years, and is passionate about helping to reverse the falling interest in mathematics by students.
“Mathematical understanding and confidence is critically important to one’s confidence in and understanding of the world around us,” Dr Agnew said.
“Mathematics is everywhere and mastering it will help our students succeed in anything they choose to do.”
Parents and carers can visit the Everyday Maths Hub curated by NSW mathematics teachers, to engage with their children on mathematics in everyday life.
Visit the NESA website for more information about the Numeracy course.
NEW POLICE STATION OPENS IN INVERELL
A striking, new nearly $15 million police station has officially opened in the heart of Inverell, the 37th police station built or significantly upgraded since 2011 and the fourth this year.
The Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott, joined the Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall and NSW Police Force Commissioner Michael Fuller APM, at a formal ceremony, including the NSW Police Band, to officially open the new Inverell Police Station.
Mr Elliott said the impressive new two-storey facility houses general duties, specialist and tactical officers, including a dog handler and highway patrol officers.
“The Inverell Police Station is yet another boost to the public safety of NSW and is part of the $108 million Multipurpose Police Station Program, that is committed to upgrading smaller regional and metropolitan police station.”
“This station will house the growing number of police officers in the New England Police District, which has already added eight extra permanent positions since the NSW Government’s commitment to deliver an extra 1500 police officers over four years,” Mr Elliott said.
Mr Marshall said the station includes dedicated spaces for crime prevention and investigative units, as well as the unique inclusion of a dedicated police forensic facility within the complex.
“This station is a testament to this government’s election commitment to invest in a police station infrastructure program to support the vital work of our policemen and women,” Mr Marshall said.
“Designed to enhance connectivity with the neighbouring court complex, the facility also provides extra space and resources to support the growing number of police allocated to the region.”
Commissioner Michael Fuller welcomed the impressive new police station.
“This is a major investment in the crime fighting capabilities in the New England Police District. Fitted with state-of-the-art technology and fixtures, Inverell Police Station will give police the support they need to continue to drive down crime and keep the community safe,” Commissioner Fuller said.
The new Inverell Police Station will be staffed and operate 24 hours, seven days a week.
SAVINGS FOR DRIVERS WITH NEW PARKING TECH
Drivers across Sydney can save money when parking, thanks to a new ‘park now, pay later’ feature rolling out across the NSW Government’s Park’nPay app.
Minister for Digital and Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the technology lets drivers pay for the exact amount of time they use a parking spot through the app.
“We’ve listened to drivers who were frustrated at having to pay upfront for two hours of parking when they only ended up needing 30 minutes,” Mr Dominello said.
“This smart tech means they only pay for the time used, and they won’t have to worry about having to pay until they leave the spot.
“So far users of the app have given it 93 per cent thumbs up, and this new feature is another way we are making life easier for customers.”
According to analysis by the NSW Government, drivers could collectively save millions of dollars because a customer will typically buy 20 per cent more time than they need in a spot.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said while it’s already possible for a customer to extend their parking by topping up their payment using the app, they previously couldn’t reduce their payment if they decided to leave early.
“The great thing about this new feature is it allows customers to pay for the exact amount of time they use. They simply have to select the ‘pay later’ option and they can go about their business, indicating in the app when they’ve left the spot,” Mr Constance said.
“Using the enhanced app could provide drivers with hip pocket relief – an average session time via the meter in Liverpool Council is 118 minutes while on Park’nPay it’s 98 minutes.”
The app exists in the following councils: Liverpool, The Rocks, Burwood, Hunters Hill, Mosman, Central Coast, Port Stephens, Willoughby, Cumberland, Northern Beaches and with Park&Ride. For more information visit www.parknpay.nsw.gov.au
The first NSW Government Parking Summit will be held on Monday 17 May aimed at improving customers’ parking experiences in Greater Sydney
EAT STREET LIGHT RAIL ON TRACK
Work on Parramatta’s ‘Eat Street’ has hit a major milestone, with 50 per cent of the light rail tracks installed along the dining strip.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the team has been working hard to get the tracks laid along Church Street, between Market and George Streets, as quickly as possible, while minimising the impact to the local community.
“More than three kilometres of track have been laid along the 12-kilometre route, with track laying on ‘Eat Street’ on schedule to be completed during the middle of this year,” Mr Constance said.
“The Parramatta Light Rail team has worked more than three million hours on the project so far, with about one million hours spent on ‘Eat Street’ to get us to this significant milestone.”
Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee said crews took advantage of the quieter roads during the April school holidays to accelerate track installation, avoiding up to 26 consecutive weekends of night works.
“Innovative technology has been used during construction to identify and move 300 utilities, including a micro-tunnelling machine to build drainage and stormwater capacity while reducing noise, dust and vibration impacts above the ground,” Dr Lee said.
“We want to thank the local businesses and residents for their patience during what has been a tough period for many. We look forward to celebrating the completion of major works along ‘Eat Street’ with a range of activities during the ‘Eat Street Uncovered’ event.”
The Parramatta Light Rail will connect Westmead to Carlingford via the Parramatta CBD and Camellia, and is expected to commence services in 2023.
For more information, visit www.parramattalightrail.nsw.gov.au.
PARK’NPAY APP GOES LIVE IN NORTHERN BEACHES COUNCIL
Drivers in the Northern Beaches will be able to pay for and top up their parking online, thanks to the NSW Government’s popular Park’nPay app going live in the region.
Minister for Digital and Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the app makes life easier for drivers by putting more power in their hands.
“This is a game changer for drivers saving them precious time and allowing them to manage their parking from anywhere via the app,” Mr Dominello said. “No one should be rushing back to put money in a parking meter in 2021.
“Smart city thinking should be about making life easier for the customer and so far the 56,000 drivers using the app have given it a 93 per cent thumbs up.
“I commend Northern Beaches Council for coming on board and putting their customers first. This is a big win for the community, and a region boasting world famous beaches and popular restaurants and shops which people want to get to.”
The technology will apply to many machines and Pay and Display carparks across the peninsula’s beaches and reserves.
Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said: “Council has been keen to support the roll out of this initiative as it will benefit not just our community and visitors but also our local businesses.”
“It will promote parking turn over, reduce parking fines and ultimately provide us with information that will inform the ongoing management of parking across the Northern Beaches.”
The app also helps drivers avoid parking fines, by sending a notification when their meter is running low or their park is about to turn into a no stopping zone.
Drivers simply create an account on the app with their licence plate and payment details. Users have the option of paying with Visa, AMEX, Mastercard, Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Parking inspectors can search for licence plate details using an app on their phone to see if a meter has been paid. Parking meters will continue to accept coins and credit cards.
The app already exists in the following councils – Liverpool, The Rocks, Burwood, Hunters Hill, Mosman, Central Coast, Port Stephens, Willoughby, Cumberland and with Park&Ride.
For more information visit www.parknpay.nsw.gov.au