An Albanese Labor Government would provide a permanent home for Danila Dilba Health Service in Palmerston.
Labor would invest $11.6 million for a new clinic to deliver medical and wellbeing services to the Palmerston community.
Danila Dilba currently provides services to over 15,000 clients. Labor’s investment will help them meet growing demand as the First Nations population in the area they serve grows and ages.
One of the lessons of the pandemic is that well-supported local medical services in high-quality facilities are central to keeping our community healthy and safe.
Culturally safe primary health care is central to making sure we close the life expectancy gap.
Labor is committed to working with First Nations controlled organisations to Close the Gap.
Labor introduced the Closing the Gap targets, and Labor will always invest in communities to make sure Australia meets those targets.
Labor will work closely with the Danila Dilba and the Northern Territory Government to finalise the best location for them to deliver expanded primary care services in Palmerston.
The Morrison-Joyce Government treats communities in the Northern Territory as too far away to bother supporting. They failed to get First Nations communities vaccinated. They failed to provide enough PPE. They failed to provide enough tests to keep services running, let alone keep people safe.
It’s time we had a government which would make sure NT communities have the health facilities and services they deserve – an Albanese Labor government.
Month: February 2022
Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade to begin 14 March
The long-awaited revitalisation of the Newcastle Ocean Baths will kick off on March 14 with stage one works to improve the safety, water quality and accessibility of the much-loved community facility.
The $14.5m first phase will focus on the pools, lower promenade and pumping system, addressing key issues identified through detailed community engagement and engineering advice.
The Ocean Baths will be closed for the duration of the work, which is expected to be completed by mid-2023.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle (CN) had worked with the construction contractor on a program to limit the overall disruption to users and impact just one summer season.
“City of Newcastle has worked closely with the Newcastle Ocean Baths Community Reference Group and other stakeholders during the planning and design stages of this project, with improved public health and safety, accessibility, and community preferences among the key considerations,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Staff have worked closely with the contractor on a plan to limit disruption to users, including keeping the Baths open through this current summer season and aiming to open prior to summer 2023.
“With the Newcastle Ocean Baths turning 100 this November, we are committed to ensuring this upgrade meets the needs of current and future users and look forward to this project delivering significantly improved facilities, which can be enjoyed for the community for years to come.”
As part of the upgrade, the iconic bleacher seating will be retained, the boardwalk will be renewed, and a new pump system will be installed that can replace the water of the baths within six hours, significantly improving water quality.
The sand floor amenity will be retained while capping the undulating rock bottom of the pool with concrete to ensure the pool can continue to be used for walk based activities, as well as to improve safety and water quality. Sand will continue to build up on the floor by the same processes as today with sand washing into the pool via ocean waves. CN will also consider manually replacing fresh sand in the pool following its annual clean depending on forecast swell and weather conditions.
The stage one work will deliver significant improvements for people with a disability or low mobility, including ramp access and improved handrail support into the pool.
The $9.5 million recovered from the sale of CN’s Fred Ash building is helping fund the Newcastle Ocean Baths Stage One upgrade along with $3 million in funding from the NSW Government’s Public Spaces Legacy Program.
The next stage of the Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade will focus on the pavilion and surrounding public areas. This phase is subject to community consultation which is expected to start this year.
Fresh pathways into work for the next generation of agriculture
Budding agronomists, livestock managers and farmers will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a two-year employment program to get a head start in the agriculture industry.
Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said the Agricultural Pathways Program targets recent school leavers to join the managing teams of the Department of Primary Industries’ 13,000-hectare research station portfolio.
“Ag provides incredible career opportunities and a fantastic way of life, and we are looking forward to the next generation stepping into this space,” Mr Saunders said.
“From precision agriculture to drone technology and finding innovative solutions for tomorrow, there has never been a more exciting time to be in the industry.
“The best way to secure our agriculture workforce for tomorrow is to invest in the next generation today.”
Successful applicants will take on the role of Farm Assistant, with key accountabilities including general crop, pasture, animal and farm operations, horticultural activities, livestock handling, tractor and farm equipment maintenance and general farm upkeep.
The program adds to the NSW Government’s approach to supporting the future agriculture workforce of NSW, with education and skill-based programs that start in primary and secondary school, through to tertiary and post-tertiary education levels, including Indigenous Pathway opportunities and the dedicated educational institution Tocal College.
Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said it is important for the NSW Government to continue thinking outside the box when it comes to vocational education and training.
“We want to provide more opportunities for young people to get the skills they need for the jobs they want, and this program is another great example of that,” Mr Henskens said.
“By giving school leavers a foot-in-the-door, they can learn on the job and build industry connections, which in turn helps employers identify talent for ongoing roles within the sector.”
Minister for Regional Youth Ben Franklin said the program will play a key role in promoting agricultural careers in the regions for young people across the state.
“Not only does the Agricultural Pathways program offer employment and training to young people, it also encourages them to stay local instead of having to travel to a city for further education, work, or training, which is a fantastic result,” Mr Franklin said.
Applications are open for the NSW Government’s Agricultural Pathways Program. For more information visit https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/about-us/who-we-are/career-opportunities
NSW welcomes 291 paramedic interns to its ranks
The people of NSW will have close to 300 new paramedics to call on in the coming weeks following a graduation ceremony held at Sydney Olympic Park today.
Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the additional graduates are a welcome boost to the NSW Ambulance workforce, which has been doing an incredible job on the frontline throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Across the health system, we’ve seen our health workers go above and beyond during the pandemic and our wonderful NSW Ambulance paramedics are among those leading the charge,” Mrs Taylor said.
“These vital reinforcements come at a crucial time and the entire State will benefit from the surge.”
Speaking at the NSW Ambulance Paramedic graduation ceremony at Sydney Olympic Park today, Mrs Taylor congratulated the 153 new paramedic interns graduating today, with a further 80 paramedic interns beginning four weeks of intensive induction next week, and 58 already on the road.
“It is really wonderful that many of our paramedic interns were able to join today’s graduation ceremony virtually from locations across regional NSW.
“Importantly, 63 paramedics of today’s 153 graduates will be starting their new roles in rural and regional areas, including the Blue Mountains and the Central Coast.”
NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan welcomed this newest group of interns and congratulated them on achieving this milestone after completing three years at University.
“I’m incredibly proud of what our clinicians, emergency medical call takers and dispatchers have done to serve the community in what has been the busiest period in our history. What they have achieved and continue to do so is nothing short of remarkable,” Dr Morgan said.
The NSW Government has made record investments in NSW Ambulance recruiting 750 paramedics and control centre staff in the last four years as part of the State Wide Enhancement Program (SWEP).
The NSW Government has invested more than $9 billion in NSW Ambulance since 2011 including $1.4 billion in the 2021-22 budget. This includes $214 million for a new State Operations Centre at Sydney Olympic Park.
NSW Government Update To Covid-19 Settings
The NSW Government is taking a staged and flexible approach to the easing of restrictions as the State continues to take a measured response to managing COVID-19.
From the beginning of Friday, 18 February 2022, the following adjustments will be made to the current settings:
- No density limits (previously one person per 2sqm for hospitality venues);
- QR check-ins will only be required for nightclubs, and for all music festivals with more than 1,000 people. Hospitals, aged and disability facilities may use their existing systems for recording visitors;
- Singing and dancing will be permitted at all venues, except music festivals, where singing and dancing can recommence from 25 February;
- The recommendation to work from home will change and be returned to the employer’s discretion.
From the beginning of Friday, 25 February 2022, the following adjustments will be made to the settings:
- Masks will only be mandated on public transport, planes, and indoors at airports, hospitals, aged and disability care facilities, corrections facilities and indoor music festivals with more than 1,000 people;
- Masks are encouraged for indoor settings where you cannot maintain a safe distance from others and for customer facing retail staff to protect vulnerable people who must access these premises and services;
- Each State Government agency will review where it may be appropriate for public-facing staff to wear masks and will implement as necessary; and
- The 20,000 person cap on music festivals will be removed, with singing and dancing permitted. Vaccination requirements will remain for indoor music festivals over 1,000 people, with attendees required to have at least two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Hotel quarantine for unvaccinated returning travellers will be reduced from 14 to 7 days from 21 February.
With hospitalisation and ICU rates easing and booster uptake now above 50 per cent a staged return of non-urgent elective surgery across all NSW public hospitals has commenced and will be increased through February to March.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the NSW Government is continuing to adopt a flexible and measured approach to protect the community and our health system.
“We don’t want restrictions in place for any longer than necessary and with hospitalisation and ICU rates trending downwards now is the right time to make sensible changes,” Mr Perrottet said.
“As we continue to move forward out of the pandemic we are ensuring that we keep people safe and people in jobs so life can return to normal as quickly and safely as possible.”
“Our frontline health staff have done an incredible job protecting the community and we need everyone to step up and do the right thing and get their booster shots to help keep themselves, their family and the community safe.”
Deputy Premier Paul Toole said the NSW Government has worked hard to strike the right balance between re-opening the State and keeping everyone safe.
”Regional communities have already welcomed back visitors with open arms, and these further freedoms are a big win for everyone who has done the right thing to get us this far,” Mr Toole said.
“This measured response will reinvigorate our regional communities, with country shows, festivals and other major events able to return bigger than ever.”
Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said we needed everyone to play their part as we dealt with the challenges the pandemic would continue to throw at us.
“As we are moving more into the endemic stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, these changes are giving us more of our old life back but it still makes a lot of sense for us all to be cautious,” Mr Hazzard said.
“The best outcome is still to avoid getting the virus by protecting yourself, your family and the broader community.”
People aged 16 years and older can receive their booster dose at three months after receiving their second dose of any of the COVID-19 vaccines. You can book your COVID-19 vaccine or your booster shot, via www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/vaccination/get-vaccinated.
More information is available at nsw.gov.au.
Applications are now open for the small business support program
Small businesses that experienced a downturn over summer can now apply for a NSW Government support payment of up to $5,000 per week through Service NSW.
Treasurer Matt Kean said the Small Business Support Program will provide cashflow assistance to help businesses get through the current COVID-19 outbreak and keep workers employed.
“Over the summer, Omicron meant many people chose to stay at home, which hit many small businesses hard especially in the hospitality and tourism sectors,” Mr Kean said.
“Our Small Business Support Program is about making sure businesses that are viable over the medium and long term get through Omicron in good shape so we can bounce back better as case numbers fall.
“Small business is the engine of the NSW economy and this targeted program is designed to keep that engine going through this temporary economic shock.”
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the Service NSW Business Concierge team and grant assessors are standing by ready to assist customers with applications and get financial support into the hands of business owners.
“The majority of customers submitting complete and eligible applications can expect to receive payment within five to 10 business days of approval of their application,” Mr Dominello said.
Minister for Small Business Eleni Petinos said the program was part of a suite of responses to the Omicron wave and was designed to help the businesses in greatest need.
“The program will provide targeted support to businesses with an annual turnover of between $75,000 and $50 million that experienced a decline in turnover of at least 40 per cent in January 2022 and the start of February 2022,” Ms Petinos said.
“The payment for employing businesses will cover up to 20 per cent of weekly payroll, up to a maximum of $5,000 per week. Eligible non-employing businesses, such as sole traders, will receive $500 per week.
“This program is important to assist small businesses with cash flow and to continue trading.”
Funds can be used to cover business expenses such as wages, rent, loss of perishable goods, professional services and other costs.
Applications can be made online through the Service NSW MyAccount, by visiting a local service centre or by calling 13 77 88.
For more information on the support program, please visit:
https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/2022-small-business-support-program
$100 billion investment potential for hunter central coast renewable energy zone
Commercial interest in renewable generation and storage projects representing almost 40 gigawatts and more than $100 billion of potential investment have been received in the registration of interest for the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).
Treasurer and Energy Minister Matt Kean said the overwhelming result shows that the Hunter and Central Coast will continue to be the energy powerhouse of NSW long into the future.
“These results show that energy investors see the Hunter and Central Coast as some of the best investment destinations anywhere in the country, which will translate into jobs and prosperity for the region,” Mr Kean said.
“Renewable Energy Zones are vital to ensuring the future reliability and affordability of electricity in NSW as traditional coal fired power stations close down over the coming decades.”
Commercial interest has been registered in:
- 24 solar energy projects
- 13 onshore and seven offshore wind energy projects
- 35 large-scale batteries and
- eight pumped hydro projects.
Together, these projects have the potential to deliver more than 100,000 gigawatt hours of renewable energy a year – equivalent to the annual output of up to 10 coal fired power stations.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, said that the results of the registration of interest showed that the region is set to reap the jobs and investment rewards from the transformation of the energy system.
“The REZ will not only attract investment in clean energy, it will also underpin the growth of new low carbon industries such as green hydrogen, ammonia and metals production which the world is going to need as it decarbonises,” Mr Crouch said.
Member for Upper Hunter, Dave Layzell, said the renewable energy zone provide a boost to the region and set up the state to be an economic and energy superpower.
“The Hunter-Central Coast region is the perfect location for a new REZ as it has good renewable energy resources, access to transmission, transport and port infrastructure, and most importantly, a highly skilled workforce,” Mr Layzell said.
The response to the Hunter-Central Coast REZ continues the huge market interest in the Renewable Energy Zones that are being developed across NSW, following earlier processes in the Central West Orana, New England and South West regions which have attracted a combined 95 gigawatts of interest.
The Energy Corporation of NSW (EnergyCo) is in the early stages of planning the Hunter-Central Coast REZ and will be using this information to inform the timing, capacity and boundaries of the Hunter-Central Coast REZ.
EnergyCo will be engaging closely with industry, local government, local communities and other stakeholders as it progresses the design and delivery of the REZ.
It is expected that the Hunter-Central Coast REZ will be formally declared under the NSW Government’s Electricity Roadmap legislation by mid-2022.
More information can be found HERE
ADFA WELCOMES NEW TRAINEE OFFICERS AT CDF PARADE
The Australian Defence Force Academy’s (ADFA) incoming Midshipmen and Officer Cadets were formally welcomed today at the annual Chief of Defence Force (CDF) Parade.
The CDF Parade marks the culmination of the initial military training period for more than 330 first year Midshipmen and Officer Cadets and their acceptance as members of the corps of Trainee Officers at ADFA.
Acting Chief of the Defence Force, Vice Admiral David Johnston, congratulated ADFA’s newest Midshipmen and Officer Cadets on completing their initial military period.
“Over the past three weeks, the Midshipmen and Officer Cadets were introduced to life in the Australian Defence Force including activities such as drill, physical training, leadership and ethics education, and weapons handling,” Vice Admiral Johnston said.
“This is just the beginning of military life for these young men and women who are the future of our Defence Force and our partner Defence Forces.”
The new Trainee Officers will now commence university studies at the University of New South Wales Canberra, co-located with ADFA, alongside ongoing military training.
“This unique combination of university education and military training prepares Midshipmen and Officer Cadets intellectually, physically and ethically for their future roles as officers and leaders in the Navy, Army and Air Force,” Vice Admiral Johnston said.
“ADFA is just the first step in a fantastic career in the Australian Defence Force and foreign militaries for this year’s incoming class of Trainee Officers, and I will be following their progress with interest.”
Safety of coal miner’s paramount as mine reopens
As coal production begins again at Anglo American’s Grosvenor mine almost two years after a methane explosion left five miners with horrific burns the Mining and Energy Union (MEU) says all Queensland mine workers’ thoughts are with those injured in the disaster.
As the regulator, Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ), allows operations to recommence the mine operator must ensure coal production at the notoriously gassy mine is never again put ahead of safety.
An inquiry recently heard 14 potential incidents of methane exceedance were recorded at longwall 104, where the explosion occurred, in the eight weeks leading up the May 2020 explosion.
It found the mine’s gas drainage systems could not cope with the rate of production.
The inquiry also heard if coal workers reported unsafe work practices, they could lose money under so-called ‘safety penalties’ or even be sacked – completely legally.
Workers at the mine aren’t directly employed in permanent jobs by Anglo American like workers at other Anglo American mines, but by labour hire company One Key, which means they have fewer rights and can be sacked more easily.
“The labour hire arrangements at Grosvenor are at the root of the safety issues, Anglo needs to employ their workers directly in permanent jobs,” says Stephen Smyth, Queensland District President of the Mining and Energy Union.
“We welcome RSHQ decision to allow the mine to reopen, but significant trust issues remain and we call on Anglo American and One Key to support the workforce and be transparent about all issues.
“Since the incident the workers have formed a union lodge which means they will have a stronger unified voice when it comes to safety, rostering, pay and other issues.
“We are so proud of their resilience and strength; they won’t be taking a backward step on safety.
“Union safety inspectors will be keeping a close eye on operations, and we call on the regulator to keep a close eye as well.
“Anglo American and One Key have a history of putting production before safety, this must stop.
“Anglo American and One Key were warned many times about safety issues at the mine, they need to start listening.
“It’s so important to the workers, their families, and coal workers all over Queensland we don’t see a repeat of the catastrophic explosion of May 2020.
‘I note the RSHQ’s investigation of the incident was also referred to the Work Health and Safety Prosecutor for consideration of potential charges, the union is hoping those responsible for the explosion feel the full force of the law.”
Health, business and aid leaders unite to call on PM to help address ‘dangerous’ global vaccine inequity
More than 70 of Australia’s leading epidemiologists, GPs, global health, business, development and aid organisations have signed on to an open letter calling on the Prime Minister to make a Budget commitment to accelerate the global vaccination effort and prevent the emergence of another COVID variant of concern.
It comes after US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken on Monday convened foreign ministers from around the world on Monday to coordinate additional leadership, political will, capacity, and resources, to achieve specific targets in the global COVID-19 response.
The letter was initiated by the End COVID For All in December as Omicron broke out and has now grown to include the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), the Business Council of Australia, the Burnet Institute, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) and World Vision Australia.
Their joint letter outlines “grave concern regarding the state of global vaccine inequity” and highlights the opportunity “Australia has to help address this vital issue affecting us all”.
The letter calls on the Australian Government to take three critical steps:
- Continue to add our weight to tackling global vaccine inequity by committing an additional $250 million to the COVAX AMC Facility
- Use our partnerships to tackle vaccine hesitancy by committing $50 million from the existing $532 million Vaccine Access and Health Security Initiative into addressing vaccine hesitancy in the Indo-Pacific
- Reduce the chance of future outbreaks, variants and pandemics by committing $100 million to the CEPI replenishment
End COVID For All spokesperson and CEPI chair Jane Halton said the return on these investments far outweighs the cost.
“We are dangerously behind our targets to vaccinate the world. Less than six per cent of people in low-income countries are fully vaccinated and case numbers are increasing,” Ms Halton said.
“This not only puts these countries in a perilous position but is a significant threat to Australia.
“The emergence of Omicron in a region with dire vaccination rates proves, just as Delta did, that when left unchecked, COVID will mutate into more transmissible and deadly forms.”
End COVID For Allspokesperson and Burnet Institute director Professor Brendan Crabb said the Australian Government can help save lives by ramping up its contribution to the global vaccination effort.
“1,582 people died from COVID across Australia in January alone. We cannot simply wait for another variant to arrive and wreak havoc on our lives, our health system, aged care and economy,” Professor Crabb said.
“The International Monetary Fund estimates the cost may rise beyond $US12.5 trillion by the end of 2024. That’s a very large slice of a circa $100 trillion global economy.
“Investing in COVAX, tackling vaccine hesitancy in the Indo-Pacific and backing CEPI to reduce the chance of future outbreaks is a small ask to help stem the damage, save lives and end COVID for all.