An Albanese Labor Government will deliver the same legislated tax relief to more than 9 million Australians as the Morrison Government.
The Shadow Cabinet and Caucus have today confirmed that Labor in government will uphold the legislated changes to personal income taxes and maintain the existing regimes for negative gearing and capital gains tax.
Labor is providing certainty and clarity to Australian working families after a difficult two years for our country and the world.
Our focus is on making sure Australia emerges from this crisis stronger and more resilient – with an economy that works for working families not the other way around.
When it comes to the economy, the next election will be about the Prime Minister’s dangerous and costly failures to manage the pandemic.
His failures on vaccines and quarantines have caused lockdowns 18 months into this pandemic, and those lockdowns are causing billions of dollars in damage to the economy.
Over eight long years in government, the Coalition’s record is clear in the lives of everyday Australians: stagnant wages, insecure jobs, increased costs for health care and childcare, longer waits to see a GP, and a trillion dollars in debt.
Their own Budget forecasts a decline in real wages over the next four years and independent analysis by the McKell Institute shows that their policies have made the average worker $13,000 a year worse off.
Improving the Budget is all about growing the economy, cracking down on waste and rorts, creating more opportunities for more Australians in more parts of the country, and creating a society that is stronger after COVID-19 than it was before.
It also means ensuring our broader tax system is fair and sustainable, especially when it comes to making sure that multinational corporations are paying their fair share of tax and we will have more to say about that.
After promising eight surpluses and delivering eight deficits – including the largest in Australia’s history – this Government’s only legacy will be generational debt without a generational dividend.
Month: July 2021
Australia secures additional Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for 2022 and 2023
The Morrison Government has secured an additional 85 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, providing access to additional booster vaccinations that will protect Australians in the future.
Through continued engagement with Pfizer-BioNTech, the Government has secured 60 million doses in 2022, and 25 million doses in 2023. Delivery will begin in the first quarter of 2022 and enable booster coverage throughout the year.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the new supply schedule that the Government had successfully negotiated with Pfizer-BioNTech would provide every Australian with a booster vaccine if required.
“We have secured an additional 85 million doses of Pfizer, which brings Australia’s total Pfizer doses to 125 million,” the Prime Minister said.
“This is a significant shot in the arm for Australia’s vaccine supply. Every Australian will have access to a booster shot if it is needed.
“This will ensure individuals, families and communities have certainty about their continued protection against the evolving threat of COVID-19 over the next two years. We have turned the corner in Australia’s vaccine programme and this is another milestone on our pathway back to a normal life.”
Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt said this reaffirmed the nation’s vaccine supply and provided additional capability to manage booster timing requirements if recommended by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation.
“These additional doses further expands and strengthens Australia’s vaccine capacity,” Minister Hunt said.
“More than 280 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have now been secured to support the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out.”
“We’ve taken this step on advice from the expert Science and Industry Technical Advisory Group.”
Charges laid over Sydney CBD protest as inquiries by Strike Force Seasoned continue
Police have received more than 5,500 reports from members of the public as they continue to investigate yesterday’s protest under Strike Force Seasoned.
A high-visibility policing operation was launched about 12pm yesterday, (Saturday 24 July 2021), to ensure the safety of all protest participants, as well as the wider community and local businesses.
General duties officers from across the Central Metropolitan Region were assisted by specialist police from the Public Order and Riot Squad (PORS), ODIN, Police Transport Command, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command and the Mounted and Dog Unit.
During the operation, 63 people were arrested.
Thirty-five people – aged between 18 and 69 – were charged with various offences, including assault police officer in execution of duty, resist officer in execution of duty, wilfully obstruct officer in execution of duty and not comply with noticed direction re 7/8/9 – COVID-19.
Of these, 20 were refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today (Sunday 25 July 2021).
Fifteen were granted conditional bail to appear at Downing Centre and Newtown Local Courts at a later date.
Additionally, strike force investigators arrested and charged two men – aged 33 and 36 – overnight. They remain before the courts.
At least 90 Penalty Infringement Notices were also issued for breaches of the public health orders.
Strike Force Seasoned has been established by the Central Metropolitan Region to continue to identify and prosecute protest participants.
Over 5,500 reports have been made to Crime Stoppers and so far, investigators have identified over 200 people.
Investigators are following up every report and have issued two court attendance notice and PINS to 16 people today.
Fatal unit fire – Stockton
An investigation is underway after a body was found following a unit fire at Newcastle this morning.
Just after 5am (Monday 26 July 2021), emergency services were called to Fullerton Street, Stockton, following reports of a unit fire.
The fire was extinguished by crews from Fire and Rescue NSW.
Following a search of the building, a body was located, which is yet to be formally identified.
There are no other reports of injuries.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District established a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Local government elections postponed
The NSW Government today announced a new date for the Local Government elections has been set for Saturday 4 December 2021.
Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said the decision, after extensive consultation with and advice from the NSW Electoral Commission and NSW Health, has been made in response to the COVID-19 situation.
“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and current Public Health Orders impacting Greater Sydney, we have made the difficult decision to postpone the Local Government elections until later this year,” Mrs Hancock said.
“We have taken this step to postpone the election to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our communities, voters, polling staff and candidates.”
The NSW Government has worked with the Electoral Commission and NSW Health to implement a comprehensive plan to allow voters to cast their ballot safely in person, by post or online.
iVote (electronic voting) will also be available for the first time in the local council elections and the NSW Government has implemented changes to pre-poll to ensure that voters have 13 days to cast their ballot, reducing congestion on polling day.
The NSW Government has made available a total of $57 million for the elections in 2021, including $37 million to deliver them in a COVID safe way.
In this election, 5.2 million voters will cast their ballots as around 5,000 candidates vie for 1,200 councillor positions across 125 local councils.
Nominations will open on Monday 25 October 2021 and close on Wednesday 3 November 2021.
Prospective candidates can find more information at the Office of Local Government website at www.olg.nsw.gov.au.
It’s time for 100,000 Australians to join, The Great Registration Race for DonateLife Week
The Australian Government is launching its 10th DonateLife Week today by calling on the country to take just one minute to join The Great Registration Race for DonateLife Week and register as organ and tissue donors.
Launching DonateLife Week today, the Minister responsible for the Australian Government’s national program to increase organ and tissue donation, Dr David Gillespie, said there are around 13 million Australians aged 16+ who are eligible to register as organ and tissue donors – but haven’t. People aged 25 and under, those born overseas, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are least likely to be registered.
“Having spent the majority of my career as a doctor, organ donation is a topic close to many clinicians’ hearts, including mine,” Minister Gillespie said.
“We know most Australians actually support organ and tissue donation, in fact, a recent poll of 60,000 Australians showed 4 out of 5 say they’d be willing to donate their organs when they die.
“So the problem isn’t that Australians are against organ and tissue donation – it’s that they’re not sure if they’re eligible to register, don’t know how to or simply haven’t got around to it.”
Last year saw a 12 per cent reduction in the number of people receiving a transplant, a 16 per cent decrease in organ donors and a 16 per cent drop in registrations due to the impact of COVID-19.
“With around 1,800 Australians on the organ transplant waitlist, including almost 40 kids and teens aged 18 and under, the demand for donors has never been greater,” Minister Gillespie said.
“I encourage every Australian to take a minute of their time and get online this DonateLife Week and register, and just as important – tell their family they want to be a donor.
“Any Australian aged 16 and over can sign up online. It doesn’t matter how old you are, your medical history, your lifestyle, what country you’re from or how healthy you are – you can still register as an organ and tissue donor.
“Don’t rule yourself out even if you think you’ve lived an unhealthy life or have suffered illness; let doctors make that decision if the time comes.
“Even if you are unable to donate your organs, you could still transform the lives of others by donating tissue, such as bone, skin or corneas which could help someone suffering burns, significant sporting injuries or facing blindness.”
The Great Registration Race for DonateLife Week runs through July and August with a big push from today for DonateLife Week, encouraging up to 100,000 more Australians to get their phone and Medicare card out to register and get involved.
“Imagine the hope this can bring to these 1,800 Australians waiting for a life-saving transplant if they see 100,000 people register as donors? This really could save and transform lives.”
DonateLife Week is the Australian Government’s key public awareness initiative to encourage people to register as organ and tissue donors and to tell their family they want to be a donor.
Registering is easy and only takes one minute at donatelife.gov.au/register
Work set to commence on $1.5 million Wallsend Active Hub
Wallsend will soon be home to a new $1.5 million recreation facility, with construction on the city’s second ever Active Hub to commence in Federal Park next month.
Wallsend Active Hub will transform Federal Park into a vibrant hive of active recreation opportunities and follows the city’s first active hub which opened in Stockton in 2019. Federal Park is located beside Wallsend Swimming Centre and caters for organised and casual sporting activities.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said that the concept plan for Wallsend Active Hub was received positively by the local community.
“Earlier this year, we asked the community to provide feedback into the concept plan for Wallsend Active Hub, and the response was overwhelmingly positive,’ Cr Nelmes said.
“With a new playspace featuring equipment for a variety of ages, pump track for bikes, scooters and skateboards, multi-sports courts allowing for basketball and futsal, rebound wall, climbing wall and fitness stations, Wallsend Active Hub is set to transform the Western Corridor’s active recreation scene.”
Ward 4 Councillor Matthew Byrne said that Wallsend Active Hub is set to attract visitors from across Newcastle and neighbouring areas, and will be a facility that all community members can enjoy.
“We heard that the community was eager to see additional shade incorporated into the plans, and in response we’ve added more shade shelters, as well as tree planting which will provide natural shade throughout the space,” Cr Byrne said.
“Wallsend Active Hub will cater for community members with accessibility requirements, with a new connecting pathway and an all-abilities spinning carousel in the playspace. A barbecue area and toilets will also be delivered as part of phase two in the future.
“Like the hugely popular Stockton Active Hub, I expect that once complete, Wallsend Active Hub will draw families from further afar who will hopefully then make a day by also shopping in the Wallsend CBD.”
Wallsend Active Hub is supported by a $500,000 grant of the NSW Government’s Resources for Regions program.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said the Resources for Regions program is all about giving back to mining impacted communities and ensuring their prosperity well into the future.
“I’m incredibly proud of this program which, since 2012, has allocated $345 million to 149 projects that revitalise towns, improve vital infrastructure like our roads and community facilities and create positive social outcomes for mining communities,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The Wallsend Active Hub is exactly the type of project this program was designed to fund. I congratulate all those who have contributed to bringing it to life including the local community, who I hope will enjoy this space for many years to come.”
Phase one construction of the Wallsend Active Hub’s active recreation areas is scheduled for completion in July 2022.
Elsewhere in the Western Corridor, City of Newcastle has recently completed the installation of an additional two fitness stations at Fletcher’s Kurraka Reserve as well as completed a new playground at Wallsend Brickworks Park which includes an all-abilities carousel, boulder climb, nest swing, rope ladder, and a slide.
Police operation – Sydney CBD protest
A high-visibility policing operation was launched in response to unauthorised protest activity in Sydney’s CBD about 12pm today (Saturday 24 July 2021), to ensure the safety of participants, as well as the community and local businesses.
Officers from across Central Metropolitan Region, assisted by specialist resources, were deployed.
So far during the operation, a number of people have been arrested.
As attendees disperse, movement out of the city will be facilitated down George Street.
Trains continue to operate and for those at the northern end, access is via Wynyard and Circular Quay Railway Stations.
For those at the southern end, access will be via Central and Redfern with limited access at Town Hall Railway Station.
St James and Museum Railway Stations are closed.
The NSW Police Force recognises and supports the rights of individuals and groups to exercise their rights of free speech and peaceful assembly, however, today’s protest is in breach of the current COVID-19 Public Health Orders.
The priority for NSW Police is always the safety of the wider community.
Two men have been charged with allegedly striking a police horse following unauthorised protest activity in Sydney’s CBD yesterday.
A high-visibility policing operation was launched about 12pm yesterday, (Saturday 24 July 2021), to ensure the safety of all protest participants, as well as the wider community and local businesses.
During the operation, officers were assaulted, and police horses were struck and pushed.
Following the protest, Strike Force Seasoned was established by the Central Metropolitan Region to investigate persons who committed offences associated with the unauthorised protest and breach of Public Health Orders.
As a result of inquiries, investigators from Strike Force Seasoned attended a unit on Marlborough Street, Surry Hills, about 11.20pm (Saturday 24 July 2021), and arrested a 33-year-old man.
He was taken to Kings Cross Police Station and charged with affray, join or continue in unlawful assembly, commit an act of cruelty upon an animal, and not comply with noticed direction re 7/8/9 – COVID-19.
Another man, aged 36, was arrested at a house in Kalang Road, Edensor Park. He was taken to Fairfield Police Station and charged with assault officer in execution of duty, commit an act of cruelty upon an animal, not comply with noticed direction re 7/8/9 – COVID-19.
Both men were refused bail and will appear today at Parramatta Local Court.
Officers attached to the Strike Force have been working throughout the night to identify those involved in the protest and further arrests are expected to be made.
Police would like to thank the community who continue to work with police and abide by the public health orders.
Police have established Strike Force Seasoned following a police operation in response to unauthorised protest activity in Sydney’s CDB today.
A high-visibility policing operation was launched about 12pm (Saturday 24 July 2021) to ensure the safety of all protest participants, as well as the wider community and local businesses.
General duties officers from across the Central Metropolitan Region were assisted by specialist police from the Public Order and Riot Squad (PORS), ODIN, Police Transport Command, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command and the Mounted and Dog Unit.
During the operation, 57 people were arrested and are currently in the process of being charged.
At least 90 Penalty Infringement Notices were also issued for breaches of the public health orders.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said he shared the community’s outrage at the actions of those present at this afternoon’s protest.
“These individuals are on notice, as they have also risked the safety of our frontline officers,” Minister Elliot said.
“They should know that a police strike force has been established and will forensically investigate all CCTV and social media footage collected over the course of the afternoon’s protest.
“Police will not hesitate to bring more charges.
“It will only take one person with COVID-19 to turn to today’s event into a super-spreader, so decent-minded Australians have every right to feel infuriated at such selfish behaviour.”
Deputy Commissioner Mal Lanyon, Metropolitan Field Operations, said the work of Strike Force Seasoned, which will comprise of at least 22 detectives, starts now.
“Our officers have already started to identify attendees and will continue for as long as required to identify and prosecute all those who broke the law today.
“I want to thank the more than 350 police who were part of today’s response. They did not go to work to be assaulted or have projectiles thrown at them – the actions of the individuals involved in those offences was a disgrace.
“I also want to thank the majority of the community who continue to work with police and abide by the public health orders.
“They are in place for a reason and police will continue to enforce them – our officers will not tolerate those who think the law does not apply to them.”
Anyone with information or vision of today’s protest activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers through the online portal or by contacting 1800 333 000. Every single report will be investigated.
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any public health order or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community by contacting Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.
Woman more than six times over legal limit – Williamtown
A woman will face court after allegedly being caught driving more than six times over the legal limit in the state’s Hunter region yesterday.
About 8.30pm (Saturday 24 July 2021) police were patrolling Nelson Bay Road at Williamtown after receiving information from the public about the manner of driving of a black Audi.
Police stopped the vehicle after they allegedly witnessed the car swerve and hit the gutter.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District spoke to the driver, a 31-year-old woman.
She underwent a roadside breath test, which returned a positive result.
The woman was arrested and taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station, where she underwent a breath analysis and allegedly returned a reading of 0.337, more than six and a half times the legal limit.
She was issued a Future Court Attendance Notice (FCAN) for drive with high-range PCA.
The woman is due to appear at Raymond Terrace Local Court on Monday 6 September 2021.
The woman’s licence was also suspended.
Greens back calls for greater support for Arts Industry
Greens Spokesperson for the Arts and Senator for South Australia Sarah Hanson-Young has backed calls today for greater support for the hard-hit industry:
“The Arts and Entertainment Industry was one of the first to be hit by Covid restrictions early last year and it continues to be pummelled by repeated lockdowns and social distancing requirements.
“Despite being one of the hardest hit industries, the Morrison Government took months to deliver any support and it continues to underdeliver.
“Our artists and entertainers, their crews, the venues they perform and exhibit in, are suffering. Some artists have been lost from the industry entirely.
“In the Festival State – South Australia – we are in the midst of a seven-day lockdown that has closed the doors on our winter events and live music scene, directly impacting artists and entertainers and the industries that rely on them – hospitality and tourism.
“The Arts Industry Council of South Australia has today called for more support for artists and arts workers by lowering the earnings threshold for sole traders and for safety nets for festivals, live performance music and cultural events. The Greens back their call.
“The Greens also again urge Arts Minister Paul Fletcher to implement a federal insurance guarantee for the Arts Industry. Gigs and festivals across the country have been cancelled or postponed and not for the first time. The industry needs to know it is insured for any losses incurred due to snap lockdowns and Covid outbreaks or it will struggle to reschedule events and recover.
“The arts and entertainment industry has given us so much during this crisis, the Morrison Government can and must do so much more to give back to it and ensure it survives and once again thrives when the pandemic is over.”