The Local Government elections may be over, but there’s another ballot looming for Novocastrians this month when the latest exhibition opens at Newcastle Museum.
Visitors will be asked to cast their vote for the most compelling candidates as part of the Great Baby Dinosaur Show, a paleontological peek back in time presented in the tradition of an agricultural show.
The ticketed, family-friendly exhibition showcases a range of animatronic dinosaurs including pterosaurs, triceratops and velociraptors, which Newcastle Cr Carol Duncan said will deliver a much-needed dose of fun and frivolity this summer.
“Visitors will be able to immerse themselves in the experience of the Great Baby Dinosaur Show, hearing the life-like dinosaurs roar and watching them move while carefully considering their vote for the ‘Best in Show’,” Cr Duncan said.
“The Museum’s staff have had fun preparing for this exhibition and taking on the role of judges for this giant baby competition, awarding ribbons for everything from the ‘Best Roar’ and ‘Coolest Spikes’ to the ‘Most Colourful Scales’, but now we need your help to decide who will take out the top prize, with the winner to be announced when the show finishes up on 12 March, 2022.”
Newcastle Museum Director Julie Baird said the Museum was excited to put this special dinosaur show together for the summer school holiday period.
“Dinosaur-themed exhibitions are always very popular with the community, and especially our younger residents, which is why our Museum staff were excited to be involved in curating this show,” Ms Baird said.
“While they’re here, visitors can also check out our other summer exhibition, Oh yeah, I forgot about that: A decade of change seen through the eyes of Mr Trevor Dickinson, Artist, which features more than 20 works by the much-loved Newcastle artist.”
The Great Baby Dinosaur Show opens to the public on 11 December 2021 and will remain on show until 12 March 2022, with tickets available now via the Newcastle Museum website.
A range of dinosaur products made by local producers are also on sale at the Visitor Information Centre so families can take home their own locally-generated souvenir of the exhibition.
Month: December 2021
Expanded small business relief now available
From today eligible sole traders, not-for-profit organisations and small businesses in NSW will be able to access up to $2,000 in relief to help them bounce back and get the economy firing again.
Treasurer Matt Kean said the increased and expanded grant would provide businesses with additional relief as part of the NSW COVID-19 Economic Recovery Strategy.
“From today, the Small Business Fees and Charges Rebate will increase from $1,500 to $2,000 and will now include road user tolls for business usage,” Mr Kean said.
“The rebate can be claimed against eligible NSW and local Government fees and charges that are required to run a business such as food authority licences, liquor licences, event fees and council rates.
“It’s been a tough year for sole traders and small operators and this is one more way the NSW Government is helping to keep businesses in business.”
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said 70,000 businesses had already lodged a claim under the initial scheme, saving more than $82 million since it was launched on 1 April 2021.
“The expanded Small Business Fees and Charges Rebate will be available to small businesses across the State, from your local electrician paying for their trade licence to the café on the corner setting up outdoor seating,” Mr Tudehope said.
“The expansion to cover road tolls paid since 1 March 2021 will be especially helpful to those businesses who spend a lot of time in the car, truck or van.
“Toll relief of up to $2,000 will have a significant impact on the bottom line for a small business.”
Business owners can apply for the rebate by logging into their Business Profile via the MyService NSW Account.
Once approved, businesses will be provided with a $2,000 digital voucher in their Business Profile which applicants can draw down on to offset the cost of Government expenses.
Simply lodge your proof of payment and the money will be refunded back into your bank account.
Small businesses which have already registered for the previous $1,500 Small Business Rebate program will not be required to re-register. Those businesses will receive an automatic $500 top-up to the digital voucher. New applicants will receive one $2,000 digital voucher.
Applications for the rebate from new businesses will open today. These businesses can submit claims as soon as their application has been approved.
For more information on how to apply, visit nsw.gov.au.
Greens: Reform the whole system to end political corruption
The Greens have announced a policy to reform the political system, clean up politics, and strengthen democracy. At the end of a bruising political year where the government remained unrepentant despite scandal after scandal, it’s clear a new approach is needed to restore public confidence in democracy.
The Greens have a plan to establish a strong, independent National Integrity Commission to hold politicians and public servants to account and to stop big corporations and the super rich from buying the political outcomes that favour them. Our Bill passed the Senate two years ago – in the time that has passed since, the case for an integrity commission has only gotten stronger.
But cleaning up politics is not just about weeding out corruption at the end. It’s about getting rid of the conditions that allow corruption and poor standards to flourish. The Greens will take a holistic approach to cleaning up politics by:
Cleaning up elections
- Introducing laws to stop misinformation and disinformation undermining public trust and compromising public debate
- Capping electoral spending so elections are not bought by parties with the deepest pockets
- Banning donations from dirty industries, capping all other donations, and requiring real time disclosure so people know who is funding the parties and candidates they vote for
- Initiating reforms to allow public servants and people in Australia with dual citizenship to run for election
- Implementing strategies to encourage a more diverse range of people to run for election so that our parliament better reflects our community
Cleaning up parliament
- Lifting parliamentary standards by implementing an enforceable Code of Conduct for all politicians and senior staff
- Strengthening Register of Interest disclosure requirements
- Strengthening the Lobbying Code of Conduct and publishing Ministers’ diaries, so we know who is influencing who
- Strengthening FOI laws so the public has access to information about how decisions are made
- Ensuring appointments to government agencies and advisory bodies are independent and based on merit
- Investigating new ways for public voices to be heard in parliamentary decision-making, with a new Public Interest Democracy Fund.
Cleaning up corruption
- Supporting the ANAO to audit relevant government programs to identify pork barrelling and corruption
- Introducing a strong, independent integrity commission that will:
- Have a broad remit to investigate potentially corrupt behaviour and extensive investigation powers
- Make politicians subject to the same investigation and enforcement powers as other public sector agencies
- Be able to act on tips off from the public
- Be able to investigate past behaviour of politicians
- Hold public hearings, where it is in the public interest to do so
- Provide strong protections for whistleblowers and journalists
Stopping politicians from ‘cleaning up’ when they leave parliament
- Stopping the revolving door between industry and politics with a stronger Lobbying Code of Conduct
- Preventing Ministers taking roles in industries they used to regulate within 5 years of leaving parliament
Greens deputy leader and spokesperson on democracy Senator Larissa Waters said:
“Community confidence in political leaders is at an all-time low after years of scandals. Australians no longer trust the government to act in anything other than their own interests and the interests of their dodgy mates.
“Cleaning up politics is a big job and needs to start from the ground up. We need to catch and punish corrupt politicians, but we also need to remove the conditions that allow corruption to fester in the first place.
“The Greens’ robust, comprehensive plan will restore confidence in our democracy and give Australia a parliament that reflects the community it represents and acts in the public interest, not the interests of big corporations and the super rich.
“The Greens’ National Integrity Commission is a gold standard model that will hold politicians and public servants to account, root out corruption where it occurs, and protect those who come forward to report it.
“Everyone benefits from a culture of honesty, integrity, transparency, and accountability in politics. It’s what people in Australia deserve, and only the Greens have a clear plan to deliver it.
Sports grant to improve water safety and help Aussies swim safely
The Morrison Government is investing in swimming and water safety education, encouraging more teachers into the pool to strengthen skills and save lives.
The national organisation for teaching swimming and water safety, AUSTSWIM, will receive $250,000 for its “Creating Jobs, Saving Lives” project which aims to address a shortage in swim and water safety teachers.
The project will focus on re-engaging with swimming teachers who have left the industry and support them to return to the water.
AUSTSWIM will share in $10.3 million spent on 36 new programs under Sport Australia’s Participation Grant program – providing more opportunities for Australians to connect with sport and get physically active.
Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck said the Morrison Government was proud to partner with AUSTSWIM.
“It’s estimated that COVID-19 lockdowns across Australia have resulted in more than 12 million missed swimming lessons over the past 18 months,” Minister Colbeck said.
“With restrictions easing, we want to ensure that the 162,500 children that have missed out on swimming and water safety lessons every week have the opportunity to get back in the water in a fun and safe environment.”
Federal Member for Lindsay, Melissa McIntosh, has been advocating for an intensive back to swimming program for kids across our country who have missed out on swim and survive programs and swimming lessons over the last two years due to lockdowns.
“It is extremely concerning that an estimated 250,000 swimming lessons have been missed each week as a result of the recent lockdowns in New South Wales. These are lessons that equip children with the lifelong skills they need to be safe in the water.”
“My swim school petition received thousands of signatures and I know many local schools such as Nepean Aquatic Centre and families across Western Sydney backed this important, local campaign.”
“I have strongly advocated for the Commonwealth Government to provide financial assistance to ensure our kids can access affordable swimming classes over the next two years and I will continue to fight for more support for our swim schools.”
“Having the ability to swim is an important life skill for every Australian and this grant will not only help increase participation in sport and physical activity across Lindsay but also provide employment opportunities for active licenced swimming teachers.” Said Ms McIntosh.
AUSTSWIM CEO Simon Weatherill said the initiative aims to bring the number of swim teachers back to pre-COVID levels.
“While demand for swimming and water safety lessons has recovered quickly, the training and accreditation of teachers has not kept pace, leading to a shortage in swimming and water safety teachers.”
Mr Weatherill said that funding received for the “Creating Jobs, Saving Lives” project will support 900 swim teachers by covering the costs associated with getting and maintaining their qualifications. The project will also connect teachers with local swim centres.
“Our focus is on retraining as many of these teachers as possible and getting them back in pools across Australia and delivering swim lessons. This will increase participation in swimming for Australians of all ages which will help reduce the number of preventable drownings and water related injuries.”
Sport Australia Acting CEO Rob Dalton said the Participation Grant program will help more Australians enjoy the social, personal and health benefits of being physically active.
“Through this grant program, we will support tens of thousands of Australians to get active and build a healthier and happier nation through sport.”
The Australian Government – through Sport Australia’s Participation Grant program – has invested $28.3 million over four years to support 98 sport and physical activity programs across Australia to provide more opportunities for Australians to connect or return to sport and physical activity.
More opportunities for first home buyers
The Morrison Government is backing in first home owners to enter the property market sooner with up to an extra 4,651 buyers set to benefit under the Government’s Home Guarantee Scheme this year.
The Scheme helps first home buyers and single parent families get into their own home sooner with a deposit of as little as five per cent or two per cent respectively.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Government’s Home Guarantee Scheme would reissue up to 4,651 unused guarantees for first home buyers from the 2020-21 financial year who haven’t had an opportunity to purchase their first home, including because of COVID disruptions.
“We want more first home buyers to get into the place of their dreams,” the Prime Minister said.
“The pandemic and lockdowns have interrupted the plans of many home buyers this year, so this is about ensuring we give thousands more families the opportunity they need.
“We want to help Australians into their first home or a home that they’ve had built for them and their family, and with our support first home buyers are at their highest level in nearly 15 years.”
Minister for Housing Michael Sukkar said coupled with HomeBuilder and the First Home Super Saver Scheme, more than 300,000 Australians have been helped into home ownership, including almost 60,000 Australians through the Home Guarantee Scheme.
“The Morrison Government will continue to provide Australians who have that aspiration to go and buy a home, the opportunity to go and achieve that,” Minister Sukkar said.
“The recent release of the annual Trends & Insiders Report for 2020-2021 on the Home Guarantee Scheme is further evidence that our Government is on the side of essential workers, women and young Australians as they make the leap into home ownership.”
Some of the Report’s key insights are:
- One in five First Home Loan Deposit Scheme (FHLDS) guarantees issued went to essential workers, representing almost 6,000 key workers who purchased their first home under the scheme, 34.8 per cent of which were nurses.
- Fifty two per cent of FHLDS guarantees went to women, with the market average only 41 per cent women.
- Fifty eight per cent of all buyers under the Scheme were Australians aged under 30.
- Homebuyers were able to bring their home purchases forward by an average of four years for the FHLDS, and 4.5 years for the New Home Guarantee.
The Report can be found here.
Liberal Candidate for Corangamite Stephanie Asher said the Morrison Government’s Home Guarantee Scheme had supported many families in the area into their first home, including 577 homes in Greater Geelong.
“With so many young people and families moving to Geelong, the Surf Coast and the Bellarine, this is about making it easier to make home ownership a reality,” Ms Asher said.
“It’s programs like this that will help even more people see the great lifestyle and opportunities our region has to offer.”
First home buyers will be able to apply for these guarantees from the Scheme’s panel lenders in the coming weeks. For more information, visit https://www.nhfic.gov.au/what-we-do/support-to-buy-a-home/
City of Newcastle projects receive $1.2 million funding boost
A café and community facility at Newcastle’s favourite nature reserve and an improved cycling link between the University of Newcastle and the city centre have received almost $1.2 million from the NSW Government.
Close to $900,000 has been allocated for a new community facility for Blackbutt Reserve, with City of Newcastle committed to funding an adjoining café. An additional $300,000 has been provided for the installation of traffic signals on Maud Street in Waratah, as part of the broader University to City Centre cycleway project.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes welcomed the Resources for Regions funding for these important projects, which will provide a range of benefits for the community.
“This week’s funding announcement will enable City of Newcastle to continue to deliver improvements at our city’s much-loved Blackbutt Reserve, through the construction of a purpose-built café and community facility,” Cr Nelmes said.
“As the green heart of our city, Blackbutt Reserve welcomes countless locals and visitors each year who take advantage of the picturesque walking trails, unique wildlife exhibits and family-friendly playgrounds.
“The café and community facility, which are currently in initial planning stages and will come to fruition within the next few years, will further enhance the visitor experience and complement the existing native animal exhibits and recreation areas.
“The ground floor café will include visitor information, indoor and outdoor dining areas, with the potential to be commercially leased. A new multi-function community education space will sit above the café with the capability to deliver environmental education and small events.
“The new building will be designed to suit the unique environment at Blackbutt’s Carnley Avenue Reserve and will replace the existing kiosk, which was installed as a temporary facility.
“When I was first elected to represent Ward 3 in 2008, there was a proposal to remove the staff, animals and animal shelters from Blackbutt Reserve, and to subdivide and sell off land around the Reserve for residential development. These proposals reflected the poor financial position of the Council at the time.
“Working with the Blackbutt Support Group and local community, I fought against these proposals, which were ultimately overturned. Together with the community, I led the development of a Masterplan that prioritised funding of $9 million over 10 years.
“As Lord Mayor, I’ve ensured the City’s financial sustainability to allow us to continue to provide great public services like Blackbutt. I made sure that Blackbutt had the Priority Project status it deserved and have focused the City’s resources to continue to improve and upgrade Blackbutt with new playgrounds at both Carnley Avenue and Richley Reserve, new boardwalks, a new animal arena, new amenities and disability access. Now we will add a cafe and community facility.”
Cr Nelmes said the University to City Centre cycleway project will improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists travelling between the University of Newcastle’s Callaghan Campus and the city, on a key route identified under the City’s Cycling Plan.
“We’ve also secured funding for new traffic signals to be installed on Maud Street, which will significantly improve safety and enhance connection from the suburbs through to the city,” Cr Nelmes said.
“City of Newcastle is committed to ensuring Newcastle is a cycling and pedestrian-friendly city, and the University to City Centre cycleway will provide another crucial link in our cycleway network.”
The two City of Newcastle projects are among 15 projects to share in $5.6 million in funding under round eight of the Resources for Regions program, which aims to support mining-impacted communities in regional NSW by providing economic opportunities, improved amenity and positive social outcomes.
Annual sand top ups needed for Stockton coastline
An ongoing program of sand nourishment will be the best way to provide a buffer for the coastline and beach amenity at Stockton according to a City of Newcastle evaluation, which considered a range of options for long term coastal management.
City of Newcastle presented the outcomes of the Evaluation Report to the Stockton Community Liaison Group at a community meeting in Stockton this morning, finding that following an initial mass sand nourishment effort, regular top ups will be more cost effective and efficient than structures like an artificial headland.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the evaluation process was extensive and considered performance, environmental and social factors and included a cost benefit analysis.
“Four feasible coastal management options including an artificial reef, an artificial headland, sand back passing, and maintenance sand nourishment were assessed, and mass sand nourishment supported by annual sand nourishment top ups is considered the best solution for Stockton,” Cr Nelmes said.
“The evaluation appraisal included both economic and non-economic factors to determine which scheme would best support our vision to provide an erosion buffer to Stockton, return recreational beach amenity and the sense of identity that the beach provides to the local community.
“The process included a cost-benefit analysis that demonstrated that the greatest economic value resulting from the proposed coastal management scheme is the value of improved beach amenity, which is a value that extends beyond Stockton residents to the people of Newcastle and NSW.”
With several NSW Government Agencies owning land along the northern section of the Stockton coastline, City of Newcastle is continuing to work with these stakeholders to ensure the proposed solution meets their needs.
“Support from affected agency landholders is critical to the successful implementation of the preferred solution as well as a mandatory requirement of the Coastal Management Act 2016,” Cr Nelmes said.
The community had input into the evaluation of the schemes via a survey completed earlier this year and Chair of the Stockton Community Liaison Group, Barbara Whitcher, said she believes there is broad support for ongoing sand nourishment at Stockton Beach.
“This information confirms the need for sand to be continually replenished on Stockton Beach, which we’ve known for some time, but it also prioritises this scheme over other options like an artificial headland or artificial reef to provide the buffer our coastline needs,” Ms Whitcher said.
“Some people in the community would have preferred an artificial reef or artificial headland. However, the economic benefit analysis confirms that sand nourishment is the most cost-effective scheme and is less intrusive on the environment.
“Now we want to see the preferred sand nourishment management scheme implemented as soon as possible.”
City of Newcastle consultants also presented the Community Liaison Group with results of a Coastal Inundation Report, which identifies and maps the present and future coastal inundation hazard at Stockton from tides, surge and dynamic, wave-driven water levels that lead to over wash and overtopping of coastal barriers.
The findings further highlight the need to implement the mass sand nourishment strategy, outlined in the Stockton Coastal Management Program 2020, which will mitigate this risk within the medium term.
City of Newcastle’s next step is to progress discussions about funding the coastal management scheme with the State Government, which established the Deputy Premier’s Stockton Beach Taskforce to provide advice and recommendations on issues including sand sourcing and to seek priority capital and operational funding.
In addition to managing the Stockton coastline, the newly formed Newcastle Coastal Management Working Group will consider coastal management of the entire 14 kilometres of coastline in the Newcastle local government area as well as the Hunter Estuary as Coastal Management Programs for these areas are developed in 2022-23.
Work completed by City of Newcastle over the past 12-18 months to progress coastal management at Stockton since the certification of the Stockton Coastal Management Program includes:
- Sand Movement Study
- Coastal Inundation Assessment
- Love Our Coast Community Survey – capturing beach visitation data
- Feasibility Assessment into coastal management options for the Extended CMP area
- Workshops on the four complementary management scheme options with Stockton Community Liaison Group, NSW Government Agencies, Worimi and a month-long community survey capturing broad community feedback on the four options
- Evaluation Report drafted
- Grant Applications – harbour investigations and to support the development of the extended CMP
- Investigation of harbour-based sand sources commenced
- Consultation with Port of Newcastle and relevant government agencies to confirm Stockton as the primary beneficial reuse location of suitable sand within the renewal of the Sea Dumping Permit for maintenance dredging within the harbour
- Review of Offshore Sand Assessment Report
- Advice on planning pathway offshore sand extraction and placement
- Formed and held first meeting of the Newcastle Coastal Management Working Group
- Ongoing implementation of the CMP 2020 actions including rockbags, dune works, sand scraping and renewal of accessways.
Flexible regulations will see a $3.1 billion productivity boost
An additional $3.1 billion in economic benefits are expected to be realised over the coming decade across NSW following permanent adoption of many initiatives introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Treasurer Matt Kean said most of the temporary regulations introduced to support businesses and individuals due to COVID-19 had proven to be both popular and effective and, after consultation and evaluation, it made sense to retain them.
“From allowing greater use of food trucks and dark kitchens, to giving workers more flexibility in how they take long service leave – these measures have been providing the extra support many businesses needed during COVID-19,” Mr Kean said.
“By keeping these changes, we are allowing more paper processes to be handled digitally, more meetings to occur remotely, greater flexibility for home business operations and keeping people in jobs.
“Analysis shows the net economic benefit over 10 years, as a result of these regulation reforms, is $3.1 billion in flexibility and time savings, with increased long service leave flexibility for workers delivering $1.9 billion of that.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the planning system had been an enabler for productivity and growth during the pandemic.
“The disruption of the pandemic allowed us to experiment with how the planning system can work better to drive productivity. We’re now securing those benefits in perpetuity,” Mr Stokes said.
“We know the pandemic has spurred new ways of living, working and playing, and the planning system must support those shifts and allow our communities to live better lives.”
NSW Productivity Commissioner Peter Achterstraat AM recommended in his White Paper this year that the temporary measures brought in as a result of COVID be evaluated with a view to being made permanent.
“Earlier this year the NSW Government agreed to extend temporary COVID-19 regulatory reforms for 12 months, evaluate the reforms and keep those shown to have a net public benefit,” Mr Achterstraat said.
“It’s now been proven many of the changes have positive impacts. This is how good regulatory reform works – having an experimental and flexible approach to regulation can bring positive change for the community.”
The temporary changes made permanent include:
- More flexibility for strata owners’ corporations, community land associations and incorporated associations to meet and vote electronically;
- Allowing digital display of planning documents;
- Allowing planning panels and the Independent Planning Commission to hold public hearings and meetings online or in person;
- Allowing lower-risk licensed venues, including restaurants and cafés, to sell takeaway and home delivery alcohol under the Liquor Act 2007, subject to limitations including purchase with a meal and restrictions on amount purchased;
- Greater flexibility for employees and businesses to access long service leave under the Long Service Leave Act 1955; and
- Allowing audio link or audio-visual link to conduct interviews and questioning remotely under the Fisheries Management Act 1994, Mining Act 1992,Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997, Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, Crown Land Management Act 2016, and the Water Management Act 2000.
The NSW Productivity Commission’s White Paper can be read here: https://www.productivity.nsw.gov.au/white-paper
More information available here: https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/COVID19
Penrith set to roar as Panthers Stadium to get massive upgrade
The NSW Government will redevelop Penrith Stadium as part of its commitment to turn suburban venues into world class facilities.
Work on the stadium will begin at the start of 2023 and is expected to take two years.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the announcement and confirmation of construction would give Western Sydney an outstanding landmark venue, befitting of Australia’s only global city.
“The Eastern City is getting a world class stadium, the Central City has world class stadia and now the Western City will have a world class stadium,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Penrith Stadium is a hub for Western Sydney – it’s where sporting success is celebrated, where families come together, and where our next generation of sporting superstars train.
“But this upgrade is about much more than sport, it is about bringing suburban venues to the fore and taking major events across the state.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the investment would help carry Western Sydney into the future.
“This new venue will help take Penrith to the next level in sport, entertainment and tourism,” Mr Ayres said.
“With a new international airport and metro rail line on the way in the Western Parkland City, now is exactly the right time to be investing in visitor economy assets in centres like Penrith.
“While this venue will be home to the current NRL Premiers the Penrith Panthers, it is about so much more than rugby league. This stadium will be a new major event venue for our growing population in Western Sydney.”
Minister for Sport Natalie Ward said the upgrade would ensure Sydney and NSW were well placed to host major events in years to come.
“We already have Sydney locked in as a host city for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, and now with Penrith Stadium set to become a first-class venue, the sky is the limit when it comes to events NSW can bid for,” Mrs Ward said.
Revolutionary partnership tackles digital skills demand
Technology leader Microsoft, University of Technology Sydney and Macquarie University will join forces with TAFE NSW to pilot the State’s first Institute of Applied Technology for Digital Technology, a new revolutionary education model.
Premier Dominic Perrottet today unveiled the partners of the Institute of Applied Technology (IAT) for Digital Technology, which is under construction as part of the $154 million Meadowbank Education Preccinct.
“This innovative partnership will see students merge the knowledge gained through university study with the hands-on technical skills acquired through vocational education, all in the one model,” Mr Perrottet said.
“To have a global technology leader like Microsoft as the foundational industry partner for the Institute of Applied Technology for Digital Technology is a no-brainer. It means NSW jobseekers will be getting the absolute best vocational training supported by industry leaders and world-leading universities.”
Students who study at the IAT for Digital Technology can gain credentials at all academic levels of study they undertake, including a certificate, a diploma or bachelor’s degree.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the IAT in Digital Tech will play a critical role in developing a strong and robust technology workforce in NSW and addressing industry-wide skills shortages.
“The IAT for Digital Technology will first focus on the three signature disciplines of big data, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, ensuring the next generation of IT professionals can rise to the tech industry’s rapidly changing needs,” Mr Lee said.
“These partners will create industry-led and embedded training programs, including Micro Skills and Micro-Credentials, Masterclasses, and Industry Credentialing to allow for rapid upskilling of our tech workforce.”
Minister for Digital and Member for Ryde Victor Dominello said the IAT will also deliver new ICT traineeships, which will develop and support budding IT professionals through the creation of training and employment opportunities in NSW public-sector agencies.
“This partnership will transform Meadowbank into an education and employment powerhouse and prepare local students for the jobs of the future,” Mr Dominello said.
Managing Director of Microsoft Australia and New Zealand Steven Worrall said he was proud to partner with TAFE NSW and university partners to nurture tangible skills among the next generation of homegrown talent.
“The speed at which technology evolves requires an agile approach to education – one that arms students with real-world skills that meet current workforce needs while futureproofing our nation’s technology capabilities.
“We are proud to be working with TAFE NSW and university partners to build a new educational model and student experience that is by nature flexible, scalable, accessible, and promotes greater diversity of thought across the industry.”
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Technology Sydney Professor Andrew Parfitt said the IAT will support the people of NSW by providing integrated education pathways and job opportunities driven by industry demand.
“UTS is proud to produce graduates that are next-generation leaders with real-world experience and digital transformation skills in new and emerging fields,” Mr Parfitt said.
Vice-Chancellor of Macquarie University Professor Bruce Dowton said the collaborative model would allow the IAT to be agile in responding to change across all sectors.
“Digital skills are in demand while the fast pace of technological change continues to impact the skill needs of the current and future workforce,” Mr Dowton said.
“Providing training in emerging digital technology skill areas will be vital, not only for jobs in digital technology but also for jobs across all sectors, where digital tools and new technologies are reshaping roles and the future of work.”
The IAT for Digital Technology is due to open in August 2022.