Major works are due to begin next week on the $19.5 million Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice, marking a significant milestone for the unique facility.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard and Member for Manly James Griffin MP visited the site to inspect progress ahead of the first major concrete pour.
“This incredible project is Australia’s first dedicated hospice caring for young people with life-limiting illness and will provide support to families from all over NSW,” Mr Hazzard said.
“The facility will give young people and their families a tranquil, supportive environment at the most difficult of times by providing respite care, counselling, symptom management and end-of-life care.”
Member for Manly James Griffin said the Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice will work closely with dedicated children’s hospice, Bear Cottage, to assist families to continue to care for young people as they become adults.
“Each year, about a quarter of admissions to Bear Cottage are over the age of 16 and there has been no appropriate place for them to move to,” Mr Griffin said.
“No matter where someone is from in NSW, this beautiful state-of-the-art facility in Manly will be a welcoming place for young adults who are diagnosed with life-limiting conditions.”
More than $6.5 million has been raised for this project through generous community donations, which has been boosted by an $8 million investment from the NSW Government and $5 million from the Commonwealth Government.
Health Infrastructure is working closely with the Northern Sydney Local Health District and expert clinicians to deliver the hospice, which will be located at the former Manly Hospital site on the North Head headland.
Construction is due for completion late next year.
For further information and to support the Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice, visit www.nslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/Manly.
Month: December 2021
New Temora hospital in rural health boost
Local residents will benefit from an $80 million investment in Temora Hospital under the NSW Government’s $500 million health boost for rural and regional NSW.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole, Minister for Health Brad Hazzard and Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Health and Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke today announced the investment, which will greatly improve access to health services for Riverina locals.
Mr Toole said this record spend on health infrastructure built on the enhanced health services and initiatives rolling out to help ensure regional communities like Temora have access to the quality of care they deserve.
“This will be one of the biggest ever infrastructure projects in the town’s history – an investment that will be a game changer in the delivery of health services for locals,” Mr Toole said.
“We will never stop looking for opportunities to invest in regional and rural healthcare, and while the existing Temora hospital has served the needs of locals for generations, it’s now time for a new modern, well-equipped hospital.”
Mr Hazzard said experts from the Local Health District will work with staff to develop a Clinical Services Plan for the new hospital. Ongoing engagement with the community will ensure that the right services are provided.
“This $500 million boost in regional and rural health infrastructure is a huge win for local communities across NSW,” Mr Hazzard said.
“It will create thousands of local construction jobs, deliver modern facilities closer to home and make regional communities an appealing place to live, work and invest.”
Ms Cooke said this investment would ensure Temora has a hospital that would serve the region for years to come.
“I want our patients and their families and friends to have a fantastic local hospital that will not only deliver the best health outcomes, but also attract clinicians to work here in what would be a big win for the whole community,” Ms Cooke said.
“The new Temora Hospital will continue to provide Emergency Department services, as well as modern inpatient accommodation with beds available for rehabilitation, palliative care and maternity patients.
“A state-of-the-art delivery suite and enhanced community health services, including hospital avoidance services, radiology and pathology, will make this hospital a game changer for locals.”
Health Infrastructure will oversee and manage the $80 million redevelopment of the new Temora Hospital following input from the local community and hospital staff.
Free tourism training on offer ahead of bumper holiday season
As state and national borders reopen, the NSW Government is helping the tourism sector address critical skills shortages with thousands of free training places on offer ahead of a bumper holiday season.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee today announced more than 2,700 fee-free training places initially available across 35 short courses at TAFE NSW and other registered training providers with scope to increase with demand. This includes training in specialist outdoor recreation and accommodation and customer services for businesses large and small.
Mr Lee said the training is available now to attract more workers to tourism businesses at a vital time in the sector’s recovery, as well as open the door to a new career for thousands of people.
“People from around the country are lining up to book holidays all over our great state and the NSW Government wants to help support those businesses attract enthusiastic and skilled staff,” Mr Lee said.
“Industry estimates around 600,000 staff across the country left the sector during the pandemic, which is why training opportunities like these free courses are so valuable, filling labour gaps and giving jobseekers the opportunity of a bright future in tourism.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment Tourism and Western Sydney and Minister for Trade and Industry Stuart Ayres said access to skilled workers is one of the greatest challenges facing tourism and hospitality businesses in NSW right now.
“Our tourism operators, event owners and local tourism organisations are the backbone of this industry and they need more skilled staff to rebuild. Offering fee-free training means we can support both businesses and workers, which will help grow NSW’s visitor economy,” Mr Ayres said.
A recent Tourism and Transport Forum Australia survey of more than 500 businesses reveals a third of tourism businesses who took had to let staff go during COVID-19, compared to less than ten percent in other sectors.
Tourism Accommodation Australia CEO Michael Johnson said the tourism, hospitality and accommodation sector was crying out for more skilled staff.
“This initiative is a great way to give school leavers and employees displaced over the last 18 months the skills they need to join our great industry,” Mr Johnson said.
Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) Chief Executive Margy Osmond said the free training would help to provide valuable entry opportunities for people keen to join the vibrant NSW tourism sector.
“Tourism & Transport Forum Australia is fully behind the NSW Government’s efforts to rebuild skills capacity and address gaps across the state’s tourism labour market,” Ms Osmond said.
“As the NSW visitor economy recovers, the tourism industry that can take its employees all around the state from the coast to the far west, as well as much further afield and it can also reward them with pathways to senior leadership roles over time.”
Free courses available under the program include:
- Outdoor Leadership (Basic Water Rescues, Snorkel, Lead Snorkeling, Paddle and Lead Stand Up Board on Inland Flatwater)
- Tourism Product Design and Promotion
- Hospitality (Interact with Customers, Safe Work Practices and Visitor Information, Housekeeping, Responsible Service of Alcohol, Social/Cultural Sensitivity)
- Outdoor Recreation (Vertical Rescues, Abseil, Establish Ropes and Lead Single Pitch Abseiling on Natural Surfaces)
- Bicycle Servicing
- Swimming and Water Safety Teacher
- Infection control
Today’s announcement complements the nearly 250,000 free training places being funded under the joint State and Federal JobTrainer program, and adds to the NSW Government investment in free training recently announced for the Retail and Hospitality sectors.
To explore other fee-free courses available to study, visit: https://bit.ly/32n97Vf
$8 million for more greenspace so everyone can play
More inclusive playspaces will be rolled out across the state, with $4 million to be shared between 29 councils in the fourth and final round of the NSW Government’s Everyone Can Play program.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the funding will support the delivery of 33 new or upgraded playspaces across NSW.
“All communities should have access to great public spaces, and the Everyone Can Play program is providing people of all ages and abilities with places to come together and have fun,” Mr Stokes said.
“Since 2018 we’ve invested $15 million into 108 new or improved playspaces in Greater Sydney and regional NSW. We’re thrilled to announce funding for another 33 projects, providing more and better public play facilities everyone can enjoy.
“This award-winning program asks three simple questions to inform best practice inclusive design – Can I get there? Can I play? Can I stay?”
Some of the 33 projects funded in the final round of the Everyone Can Play program include:
- Wollongong City Council: $200,000 for an inclusive playspace in Stuart Park;
- City of Canada Bay Council: $200,000 for an inclusive nature playspace in Queen Elizabeth Park;
- Goulburn Mulwaree Council: $200,000 for a new inclusive nature playspace in Marulan Village;
- Georges River Council: $200,000 for a new inclusive playspace in Oleander Reserve;
- Cumberland City Council: $75,000 for an upgrade to the Ruth Street Park playspace; and
- Upper Hunter Shire Council: $74,000 for an upgrade to the Amaroo Park playspace.
The Everyone Can Play program was established in 2018 as part of the NSW Government’s $290 million Open Spaces and Greener Sydney package. It supports the Government’s target of increasing public access to quality, walkable, green and open public space.
An additional $4 million is also up for grabs for councils across Greater Sydney as part of the NSW Government’s Metropolitan Greenspace Program.
Mr Stokes said the NSW Government will match councils dollar-for-dollar for new and improved parks, cycleways and greenspaces.
“Last year, we awarded almost $4 million to support 12 councils to deliver 13 projects and it’s now time for councils to nominate again for more projects.”
Applications for the Metropolitan Greenspace Program are open until 4 March 2022.
For further details, visit https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/metropolitan-greenspace-program
A full list of Everyone Can Play grant recipients is available at: www.planning.nsw.gov.au/EveryoneCanPlay
Streamlined processes for out of school hours care licences
Clearer and simpler processes will support quality providers to operate Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) services, following a Department of Education review and streamlining of OSHC licence agreements.
The changes allow the Department to more transparently select high quality providers that best meet the needs of schools and most benefit students, while supporting existing providers of OSHC services to make a smooth transition to new arrangements.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said the Department’s review of licence agreements identified areas of improvement were needed, including simplification of the licence categories and associated tender processes.
“We are committed to providing before and after school care services for families who need it in NSW, and we want these services to be as high quality and affordable as possible,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Changes to the licensing approach are needed to ensure the Department is following best-practice administrative law and direct negotiations guidelines, and to ensure that students and families have access to the best possible OSHC services.”
The Department is simplifying the licensing process by making Category A licences available only to P&C Associations.
Parent-run providers in this category who are not currently run by the P&C Association will be supported to transition to be incorporated under their P&C. Alternatively, providers can change to the not-for-profit Category B. Affected providers will have until at least December 2022 to finalise their transition process.
“We know how important parent-run services are to our school communities. That is why we want to work with and support them through this transition process,” Ms Mitchell said.
Government tendering guidelines require Category B and C providers to go to tender once their current licence expires.
The Department of Education will work with affected services to provide support and ensure a smooth transition into their new category.
To ensure more access to before and after school care in NSW, the NSW Government has committed $120 million to deliver a range of funded innovative solutions for the sector.
Man dies after being pulled from water – Merewether
A man has died after he was pulled from the water near Newcastle this afternoon.
About 2.30pm (Tuesday 14 December 2021), emergency services were called to Burwood Beach, Merewether, following reports a man and woman were in trouble in the water.
The 25-year-old woman made it to shore uninjured.
The 25-year-old man was sighted by a paraglider who landed and assisted the man to a rock ledge.
CPR was commenced on the swimmer prior to the arrival of emergency services. Despite their efforts, he died at the scene.
The paraglider sustained a serious injury to his knee.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District attended and will prepare a report for the information of the Coroner.
Police were assisted by members of the public and Surf Lifesaving NSW during the incident.
Australia launches National Preventive Health Strategy
The Morrison Government has today launched the National Preventive Health Strategy, a 10-year plan to improve the health and wellbeing of all Australians at all stages of life.
The Strategy seeks to improve Australia’s health system, fundamentally focused on the treatment of illness and disease, by increasing the focus on prevention – from illness to wellness, and from healthcare to health.
Chronic conditions are the leading cause of ill health and death in Australia and account for 87% of deaths.
The Strategy recognises that around 38% of the chronic disease burden could be prevented through a reduction in modifiable risk factors such as obesity, physical inactivity and the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. This figure rises to be 49% for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The Strategy strongly emphasises that preventive action must focus on the all influencing factors that impact on health to ensure health equity is achieved for priority populations – this Strategy is for all Australians.
We know Australians in good health are better able to lead fulfilling and productive lives, and can participate fully in their community, their jobs, and their education. COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of our health and the economic benefits health can bring.
Strong action in preventive health will also reduce the burden of avoidable diseases and conditions on the health system, making it more robust and agile in responding to challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
There are four broad aims in the Strategy for Australians:
- ensuring the best start in life, from conception into early childhood
- improving quality of life and extending life expectancy
- achieving health equity for priority populations, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and
- increasing government investment in prevention.
The Strategy identifies 7 key system enablers that will be integral to creating long-term, sustainable changes to the health system for all Australians, outlining seven focus areas that require critical action to reduce the risks of poor health and disease:
- nutrition
- physical activity
- tobacco
- immunisation
- cancer screening
- alcohol and other drug use;
- and mental health.
Australia’s record in prevention is already strong through immunisation, bowel and cervical cancer screening, and the reduction of tobacco use. The Strategy brings a coordinated, systems-based approach that seeks to embed prevention in the health sector and society more generally.
The Government has invested $1.9 million in 2021-22 to build the foundations of the Strategy, with the first steps for implementation are already underway.
The Blueprint for Action being developed to guide implementation and provide a roadmap for the next 10 years, to ensure the Strategy achieves success.
Other immediate priorities include creating an evidence-based Prioritisation Framework, analysing the current public health workforce, and developing consumer engagement and health literacy strategies.
The Strategy builds on other key areas of reform including the Primary Health Care 10 Year Plan and the refresh of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan.
$23.7 million boost for Australian preventative health groups
Twenty-one health groups across Australia will share in $23.7 million over three years thanks to the Morrison Government’s National Preventative Health Strategy, furthering support for the health and wellbeing of all Australians.
Organisations such as the National Rural Health Alliance, the Consumer Health Forum, and the Public Health Association of Australia will receive funding through the third round of the Health Peak and Advisory Bodies Program so they can continue engaged, robust and constructive participation in the national health agenda.
Established in 2016, the Health Peak and Advisory Bodies Program has supported, and continues to support, a wide range of organisations. A total of 39 organisations have been supported since the program began.
This grant opportunity will enable these groups to continue their important work, providing expert, evidence-based and impartial advice to inform current health policy and program development.
The program also helps support communication and consultation activities across the wider health sector, the community and government.
Within this round, there is an emphasis on support for the principles outlined in the National Preventive Health Strategy, such as multi-sector collaboration, enabling workforce and community engagement.
The Morrison Government values the role that all health organisations play in informing health policy by actively consulting with their members to ensure that the views of their sector are equally and fully represented to the Commonwealth.
This funding complements other programs and support available to health groups to deliver programs and initiatives that improve health outcomes for Australians.
The 21 organisations being supported from 2022 to 2025 are:
• Allied Health Professionals Australia
• Australasian Institute of Digital Health
• Australia Research Alliance for Children and Youth
• Australian Alcohol and Other Drugs Council
• Australian Association of Adolescent Health
• Australian Health Promotion
• Australian Men’s Health Forum
• Australian Sleep Association
• Australian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis & Sexual Health Medicine
• Australian Women’s Health Network
• Consumer Health Forum
• Deafness Forum
• Health Justice Australia
• LGBTIQ+ Health Australia
• Lung Foundation Australia
• Migration Council of Australia
• National Rural Health Alliance
• Obesity Australia
• Public Health Association of Australia
• Suicide Prevention Australia
• Vision 2020
ACCC confirms electricity prices have continued to fall under Morrison Government
Household electricity prices across the National Electricity Market (NEM) have fallen to eight-year lows under the Morrison Government, driven by key government reforms, including the default market offer price cap.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) latest report from its ongoing inquiry into the NEM confirms electricity prices have fallen substantially for both households and business customers over the past two years.
The ACCC report found the average annual cost of electricity for a residential customer in 2020–21 was $1,434, down by $128 or 8 per cent across the past two financial years. Costs for businesses have fallen even further, down 10 per cent for small businesses over the last two years, and down 12 per cent for large businesses.
The ACCC also said it expected electricity prices would continue to fall over the coming 12 months as the impact from falling wholesale costs over the last two years continue to flow through to consumers.
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the Government has a clear expectation that these falling costs are passed onto consumers, and that the energy market delivers the best outcomes for Australian households and businesses.
“The ACCC has found electricity prices are expected to fall further over the next year, due to lower wholesale costs, reflecting lower costs for coal and gas, increased supply from solar and wind generation, and lower transmission costs,” the Treasurer said.
“These findings are great news for Australian families and businesses, with lower electricity costs further supporting Australians as the economy recovers from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said government programs, such as the Default Market Offer and the “big stick” legislation for energy companies, are directly helping customers to benefit from reduced electricity costs.
“Households and businesses rely on affordable, reliable power to grow and thrive. They cannot afford a repeat of the doubling of electricity costs we saw under Labor, driven by the carbon tax and goldplating of our poles and wires.”
“This is why the Government’s plan for energy has been about putting customers first, and making sure households and businesses have more money in their hip pockets.”
“Our plan is delivering real savings for Australians, and this is yet another report, following recent reporting from the AER, the AEMC and the ABS, showing how this government’s actions are supporting sustained and substantial electricity price falls.”
“The government is committed to ensuring access to affordable, secure and reliable electricity. Australian households and businesses deserve no less.”
The ACCC’s latest report into the NEM is available at https://www.accc.gov.au/
$1 billion defence contract, sovereign defence manufacturing facility in Geelong announced
The Morrison Government has announced a $1 billion defence contract for new Self-Propelled Howitzers for the Australian Army has been awarded to Hanwha Defense Australia. The contract signing was witnessed by Prime Minister Scott Morrison and President Moon Jae-in of the Republic of Korea today.
Based in Greater Geelong, the contract will procure Self-Propelled Howitzers and Armoured Ammunition Resupply Vehicles, under the LAND 8116 Phase 1 project. The Government committed to this project in May 2019.
“Our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the Republic of Korea is underpinned by our joint commitment to defence and security cooperation. The contract with Hanwha demonstrates the value of industrial collaboration in supporting our countries in addressing mutual security challenges,” Prime Minister Morrison said.
“We are partnering with Hanwha to create an Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence in the Geelong region, which will establish a further strategic defence industry hub and future export opportunities for Australian businesses.
“This contract will create a minimum of 300 jobs spread across facility construction, acquisition and maintenance, as well as generating ongoing support opportunities for Australian industry until the late 2040s.
“My Government is securing Geelong’s place as front and centre of Australia’s defence industry.
“Australians know they can trust my Government to make the necessary decisions to secure Australia’s interests in an increasingly uncertain world, unlike Labor who delayed this project in government and then cancelled it when they took defence spending to its lowest level since before the Second World War.”
Minister for Defence, the Hon Peter Dutton MP, said this initial contract covers 30 Self-Propelled Howitzers, 15 Armoured Ammunition Resupply Vehicles, and weapon locating radars that help find enemy artillery, collectively referred to as the Huntsman family of vehicles.
“The prime ability of the new vehicles is to fire and move quickly, avoiding enemy counter-attack. This project will mean a significant increase in the level of firepower and security for Australian artillery capability,” Minister for Defence Peter Dutton said.
“We are committed to keeping our region safe, while protecting our interests in a rapidly changing global environment.
“The Self-Propelled Howitzer capability, including a strengthened industrial base, is one of several projects that will modernise the Australian Army, ensuring it continues to maintain a capability advantage now, and into the future.
“This new capability will give our soldiers the best possible chance of completing their missions and returning home safe to their families.”
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said investment in Australia’s domestic industrial base enhances our ability to sustain critical defence capabilities and further positions Australia as an exporter of military equipment and technology to our allies.
“The new facility will create hundreds of local jobs and become a national asset for military capability, supporting land combat vehicles for the Australian Army,” Minister Price said.
“Australian industry will play a vital role delivering and sustaining the Huntsman capabilities at the new facility. The announcement of this significant contract and the future facility is tremendous news for Victoria and working Australians, as well as defence companies across the country.”
Work on the new facility is expected to commence in 2022.