Month: May 2022

An Albanese Labor Government will support families to learn and build connections through play with funding to help playgroups recover from COVID and expand their network across Australia. This will mean more mums and dads can be part of a playgroup and connect with other parents, children and community members.

Playgroups shut down around the country during the pandemic, taking away an important source of connection, community and support for new mums and kids.

Playgroups are great for mums and dads – helping new parents connect with others on a similar journey, build support networks and learn more about raising kids – and they’re fantastic for children, boosting social, emotional and physical development.

Labor will invest $11 million over the forward estimates to:

• Support Playgroups Australia and Toy Libraries Australia to grow their membership, offer free playgroups and set up new playgroups in regional and remote areas. 
• Upgrade facilities and purchase new materials, like toys and books, for playgroups and toy libraries across the country.
• Help expand intergenerational playgroups – like those seen in the television series ‘Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds’ – many of which are yet to return to normal after COVID.

Around 1 in 3 children attend one of the 6,000 playgroups around Australia in the years before they start school. Community playgroups are often a child’s first educational experience outside the home, where they learn through social play with other children and adults.

Research shows children who are part of a playgroup are more likely to start school ready to learn with better communication, language and cognitive skills than those who aren’t part of a playgroup. This is particularly the case for children from remote parts of Australia.

Playgroups are also a valuable source of social support for parents and care-givers. 87 per cent of parents say one of the benefits of attending their playgroup is social support.

Anthony Albanese, Leader of the Australian Labor Party said: 
 
“We know that over 90 per cent of human brain development occurs in the first five years. Playgroups play a critical role in that development with kids learning together and developing social skills, as well as creating a vital network for parents. 
 
“On Mothers’ Day, I can’t think of a better way to come out of the pandemic than by strengthening the communities that are built for mums and kids through increasing funding to grow and support playgroups all over the country.” 

Amanda Rishworth, Shadow Minister for Early Childhood Education and Development said:

“Labor knows how important playgroups are for families with babies and young children. Becoming a parent is one of the happiest but most challenging times in life.
 
“Playgroups help new mums forge new friendships and share experiences, and dads alike. 
 
“And the evidence shows children who go to playgroups do better on the key development indicators.
 
“Labor wants to help playgroups bounce back from COVID, and to reach more families.
 
“We also want older generations to share in the joy of playgroups by supporting the expansion of playgroups into aged care. 
 
“This is another way Labor is committed to a better future for Australian families.”

Nadene Lee, Playgroup Australia spokesperson said:

“Playgroup organisations nationally have long delivered intergenerational play programs that improve the health and wellbeing of older Australians, and provide rich learning experiences for families and young children. 

“Investment in Timeless Play intergenerational groups would support expansion of a range of program and service models, both digitally, at aged care sites and in community. 

“This would occur with Playgroup’s network of partners including aged care providers, universities, innovation specialists, technology companies and early childhood organisations, and serve as a collaborative commitment to enacting critical and meaningful impact for older Australians, families and communities.”

The Morrison Government will slash the costs thousands of Australians face on their IVF journey as part of a $53 million package to help mums and dads-to-be with reproductive services, pregnancy planning and postnatal care.

Around 50,000 patients received Medicare-funded Assisted Reproductive Technology services in 2020-21 including through IVF, and now patients with cancer or people at risk of passing on genetic diseases will have their egg, sperm or embryo storage subsidised for the first time.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he understood the hurdles and difficulties many Australians faced in trying to have children after his own family’s IVF journey.

“I want to help thousands more Australians achieve their dream of becoming parents,” the Prime Minister said.

“For people battling cancer or staring down the risk of genetic diseases it’s already a difficult battle, and this new subsidy will help give them more options about their aspirations to become parents.

“Right when these aspiring mums and dads need help the most, we’ll be there.

“Our plan for a strong economy isn’t just about the dollars and cents of a Budget, it’s about being able to make investments like this that help Australians who need it most.”

One in six Australian couples face difficulty trying to start a family and it can be even more difficult for those suffering from cancer or at high risk of passing on genetic diseases or conditions to their children.

Commencing 1 November 2022, the Morrison Government will commit $14.4 million to help support Australians with fertility issues. The Government will subsidise the costs of storage of eggs, sperm or embryos for patients with cancer and people at risk of passing on genetic diseases or conditions who have already undergone Medicare-funded genetic testing:

• $9.9 million will be committed to support patients with cancer to preserve their future fertility by paying the costs of storage. This will assist an average of 4,200 patients per year, saving them approximately $600 per year.
• $4.5 million will be committed to support people who have undertaken Medicare-funded pre-implantation genetic diagnosis testing and have been identified as being at high risk of passing on genetic diseases or conditions to their children. This will assist an average of 2,000 patients per year, saving them approximately $600 per year.

Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt said the Government would also deliver more support to parents planning pregnancy and in those first 12 crucial months.

Minister Hunt said $13.7 million would help streamline access to information and services to support new parents from during the pregnancy planning stage until the baby is 12 months old by expanding the Birth of a Child Life Event Service pilot program, updating clinical pregnancy care and postnatal guidelines, and strengthening advice to government on improving maternity services for families in rural areas.

“Whether it’s supporting more Australians with IVF services or in their planning and those precious first few months of caring for a child, our Government is investing to improve the lives of new and hopeful parents,” Minister Hunt said.

“Thinking about having a child, let alone those first few months of a newborn’s life, can be overwhelming and we want to do what we can to make it that bit easier.

“These investments build on the $330.6 million we committed to women’s health in the Budget and will build on the five priority areas of the National Women’s Health Strategy 2020–2030 to improve long term health outcomes for all Australians.”

The early postnatal period is a time of great emotional change for most women, with one in three women identifying a traumatic birthing event.

Minister for Government Services Linda Reynolds said the expansion of the Birth of a Child Life Event Service would now make it significantly easier for parents to enrol their newborn child with Medicare and Centrelink.

“Parents who opt in will simply provide their details once to the hospital, which shares this information with Services Australia to enrol their newborn with Medicare and Centrelink for family assistance,” Minister Reynolds said.

“A process that used to take weeks will now only take a few days, so rather than have to fill out endless government paperwork, parents can spend more time with their new baby.”

Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention David Coleman said a re-elected Morrison Government would deliver 20 new Gidget Foundation Australia perinatal mental health and wellbeing services across the country through a $25 million investment over four years.

“We know around 100,000 Australian parents are touched by perinatal depression and anxiety each year and the Gidget Foundation Australia have the experience and skills for interventions that work,” Assistant Minister Coleman said.

“We want to make sure that all new parents know they don’t have to go it alone, that there is specialist support available and that it can be accessed by all new and expecting parents, no matter their situation or where they live.

“Gidget has a long track record of supporting thousands of women and families each year and these additional locations will mean trusted support is available to more Australians, right across the country.

“Our Government is committed to the task of ensuring every Australian gets the help they need to overcome mental ill health and that means ensuring high-quality support is available to those who need it.”

Through the 2021-22 and 2022-23 Budgets, the Government is investing a record $3 billion into the Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan to drive this reform.

Unlike the Labor Party, which cut mental health funding when last in Government and has not given Australians any detail on their plans for mental health, the Morrison Government will continue to ensure that all Australians can access information, advice, counselling, or treatment, when and where they need it.

Anyone experiencing distress can seek immediate advice and support through Lifeline (13 11 14), Beyond Blue (1300 224 63), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), or the Government’s digital mental health gateway, Head to Health (www.headtohealth.gov.au).

The PANDA Helpline, which is for women, men, and their families affected by or at risk of perinatal mental illness can be accessed at 1300 726 306 from 9:00am to 7:30pm (AEST/AEDT) from Monday to Friday.

The Morrison Government is investing in Indigenous tourism businesses’ recovery from the economic effects of the pandemic, as part of our $40 million Indigenous Tourism Fund.

A re-elected Morrison Government will run a second round of grants under the Indigenous Tourism Fund so Indigenous tourism operators can take advantage of increasing tourist numbers now domestic and international borders have reopened.

$6 million will be available under the second round, after the first round successfully administered $3 million to 60 Indigenous businesses across the country.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM, MP, said Indigenous tourism businesses were crucial to providing visitors with a uniquely Australian experience.

“The Indigenous Tourism Fund has a proven track record of assisting Indigenous-owned businesses and Indigenous community organisations increase their capacity and capability.

“As a direct result of the first grant round we have seen many examples of Indigenous-owned companies taking their business to the next level, from expanding their offerings to pivoting their operations to include virtual experiences in tandem with on-Country experiences.

“The fund was co-designed with the sector and is tailored for local needs. It is an example of how we’re working differently with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, delivering the support people need according to their priorities.

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, the Hon Dan Tehan MP, said the National Indigenous Tourism Mentoring Program would help build stronger businesses with more professional offerings.

“Indigenous tourism is a key pillar of our Government’s plan to grow the value of the visitor economy to $230 billion by 2030 and create jobs and opportunities for all Australians,” Mr Tehan said.

“Australia is home to the world’s oldest enduring culture and there is international and domestic demand for Indigenous-led tourism experiences.

“Our Government is supporting the respectful recognition of our Indigenous heritage as central to our tourism sector and we are working to increase job opportunities and improve skills for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people working in tourism.“The Labor Party has not revealed their plans, if any, to support Indigenous tourism businesses.”

The Greens will today outlined plans for a $15 billion “Made in Australia” Bank and manufacturing fund – bolstering Australia’s capacity to produce components needed for the transition to clean, cheap renewable energy.

Australian Greens Senator for WA Dorinda Cox will today be joined by Greens candidate for O’Connor Giz Watson in Kalgoorlie – a region with endless sunshine and huge potential as a renewable energy superhub.

The Greens’ plan will provide a massive boost to the local Goldfields economy and provide a much-needed buffer against the ‘boom and bust mining’ cycles that the region has experienced for decades. 

A $15 billion ‘Made in Australia’ manufacturing bank would support greater metals processing, manufacturing, innovation, industrial decarbonisation and re-localisation of supply chains as the world transitions to a pollution free economy. For places like Kalgoorlie, it means creating jobs and adding value right here from these minerals instead of just sending it all offshore.  

This manufacturing bank would have a similar structure to the existing Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), meaning it would provide direct grants, equity investment, financing and concessional loan options depending on the corporate structure of applicants. $3 billion in direct grants would also be available for co-investment.

The Kalgoorlie region is perfectly situated for Australia’s ‘manufacturing renaissance’. It can generate plenty of renewable energy to bring down the cost and emissions of manufacturing, making Australian made products much more attractive, while also decarbonising our economy and exports.

There are great opportunities to be harnessed here in supply chains for batteries and electric vehicle components, wind turbines and public transport infrastructure made with emissions-free steel. 

Many local mining companies have been actioning their decarbonising journey, with Agnew Gold Mine near Leinster for example, largely generating renewable energy to run its operations – bringing down both emissions and overhead costs. Miners would have much more reason to accelerate their plans for zero-emissions operations if they were encouraged to do so by Government policy – something that has been completely absent from successive Liberal Governments. 

The Greens have long championed a strong transition to clean, green renewable energy industries in regional hubs like Kalgoorlie. In 2013, then-Greens Senator for WA Scott Ludlam pitched Kalgoorlie as a solar hub that would take advantage of funds supplied by the Federal Government’s CEFC.

Dorinda Cox, Australian Greens Senator for WA said:

“Clean, cheap abundant energy from our vast sun and wind resources will be Australia’s competitive advantage in net zero global trade, but only if we seize it. With such abundance of sun and wind energy, we can drive energy costs close to zero, which will see the return of manufacturing to hubs like Kalgoorlie. 

“This future can happen if we rapidly transition to a clean economy powered by renewable energy and export the rest of it to the world.”

Giz Watson, Greens candidate for O’Connor said:

“With the mining industry being one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases, it makes sense for the industry to be motivated to change that. We know that miners want to transition to renewables and electric machinery because it also makes sense for their workers’ health and bottom line. It’s better for workers not to breathe in diesel fumes and to reduce reliance on expensive, dirty fossil fuels – we just need the right policies and encouragement for them to accelerate those plans. The Greens’ plans do exactly that.

“Kalgoorlie industries, powered by renewable energy, can play a leading role in supplying the rapidly expanding international market for batteries and electrical vehicle components.”

Australian Greens Animal Welfare spokesperson Senator Mehreen Faruqi has panned Labor’s apparent swift backflip today on its promised phase-out of live sheep export.

Senator Faruqi said:

“Federal Labor should grow a spine and unequivocally recommit to this important policy, which they took to the last election. But it seems they can’t even do that.

“Animal welfare advocates have been campaigning for years to put an end to this cruel trade. This will be incredibly disappointing for them, but given Labor’s track record, perhaps not surprising.

“Sheep routinely die horrific deaths or suffer immense heat stress because of the live export trade. “The Greens have already been clear that in the balance of power, we will keep pushing Labor to bring live sheep export to an end.

“Does Labor stand for anything?”

Secure, well-paid jobs will be a key part of Labor’s Better Future for Tasmania.  
 
Labor will invest in the future of Tasmanian jobs and manufacturing – with $26 million pledged to create jobs and ensure Tasmania is a state that makes things.  
 
Over the last decade under the Liberals, 85,000 manufacturing jobs have been lost. Australia ranks last in the OECD when it comes to manufacturing self-sufficiency. Our manufacturing sector is less than half the size it was in the 1990s. 
 
Today Labor is announcing new partnerships with local industry to secure existing jobs and support new jobs and opportunities: 

• $5 million to help kick-start LINE Hydrogen’s George Town Project – using co-located solar panels to produce green hydrogen to replace diesel in Tasmanian trucks and busses.  
  • The first stage of the project is set to include hydrogen production and 24 hydrogen trucks that will be leased to industrial partners.  
• $2 million to help expand Costa’s East Davenport Berry Distribution Centre – supporting as many as 140 jobs year-round. 
• $11 million to partner with Ingham’s to implement a carbon zero certified business model – protecting more than 120 local jobs and pioneering sustainable manufacturing in the poultry sector, which can be scaled up across Australia. 
• $2 million to support a feasibility study and early development costs for Westcoast Renewable Energy’s proposed Whaleback Energy Park. 
  • This has the potential to use the west coast’s abundant wind and water resources to produce green hydrogen for use in Tasmania, as well as export to the mainland and the world.  
  • If fully operational, the Whaleback Energy Park could create over 4,500 jobs in construction and over 550 full-time permanent jobs. 

This is on top of the $6 million Labor announced earlier in the week to secure the future of the Waverley Mills, supporting textile manufacturing and 120 ongoing jobs.  
 
Labor will grow Tasmanian industry and boost local manufacturing. We will work with industry to protect and grow jobs, as well as attract private investment to Tasmania. 
 
Local businesses will also be able to access equity and loans through Labor’s $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund.  
 
This will help create new capabilities and opportunities to innovate in transport, defence, resources, food and beverage processing, medical science, renewables and low emission technologies, manufacturing and value-adding.  

All Australians should have the chance to enjoy iconic sporting events live and free, rather than behind the paywalls of multinational streaming companies.

That’s why an Albanese Labor Government will review the anti-siphoning scheme and give working families the chance to watch, for free, events of national and cultural significance.

Working families and Australians more broadly face the triple whammy of interest rate rises, skyrocketing costs of living and falling real wages, and too many still don’t have reliable broadband access. 

We can’t afford to have our sporting heroes disappear onto costly subscription streaming services.

Labor also wants to ensure our local TV services, which broadcast the Australian content, sports, news and emergency broadcasting Australians rely on, are easy to find on connected TV platforms, like smart TVs.

We will legislate a prominence regime to ensure Australian TV services can easily be found on connected TV platforms.

An Albanese Labor Government will back our local media sector so it can compete and thrive in the era of big tech, global streaming services.

The Morrison Government has dropped the ball when it comes to protecting free access to sports and easy access to Australian TV on connected devices. 

Scott Morrison’s track record shows he simply can’t be trusted to put free content and services for ordinary working Australians first:

• Failing to review the anti-siphoning list before it was due to sunset last year (April 2021), and failing to commence a public review of the scheme ahead of the expiration of the list early next year (April 2023).
• Publishing a consultation paper on modernising TV regulation that didn’t even mention the anti-siphoning rules.
• Creating a Future of Broadcasting Working Group that didn’t hold its first meeting until the last business day of the 46th Parliament.
• Handing $40 million of taxpayer funds to Fox Sports which put more sports behind a paywall. 
• Trying to boot Community TV off-air, despite there being no alternative use of the spectrum for local services that broadcast grassroots sports programs. 
• Cutting ABC funding which contributed to the end of the ABC’s almost 70-year run as the official non-commercial Olympic Games radio broadcaster. 

An Albanese Labor Government will conduct consultative review processes as a priority that provide all relevant stakeholders, including media and sports, the opportunity to share their views. 
 
Anthony Albanese, Leader of the Australian Labor Party said: 

“Every Australian should get to see major sporting events. 
 
“For a whole lot of Australians, free to air TV is essential to seeing those moments which lift us up as a nation, that inspire us, that help define who we are. 
 
“Major sporting events should be on free to air TV.” 
 
Don Farrell, Shadow Minister for Sport and Tourism said: 
 
“You can’t be what you can’t see. 

“It’s imperative that future generations can see their heroes in action, live on free TV.

“Labor is committed to ensuring Australia’s sporting traditions are upheld and accessible to everyone.”

 Michelle Rowland, Shadow Minister for Communications said: 

“Labor is committed to a sustainable media industry that can get major cultural and sporting events into every Australian lounge room.

“An Albanese Government will give the industry the certainty it needs to continue to deliver for Australian families.”

A re-elected Morrison Government will invest $22 million to support new environmental, river restoration and recreational projects across the iconic Swan and Canning Rivers.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said a strong economy meant the Government could commit to important projects to restore and revitalise the Swan and Canning Rivers.

“This means cleaner rivers and more community facilities for some of Perth’s best natural assets,” the Prime Minister said.

“West Australians love the outdoors and our investment will protect and conserve our environment and improve some of Perth’s most popular spots along the riverfront.

“We won’t just be bringing more fish and wildlife to the area, we’ll invest in the facilities that are going to make our riverfronts even more popular for people to get together and enjoy.”

Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley said the projects would remove sediment and weeds, plant trees, restore riverbanks and protect habitats for native animals, birds and fish.

“This investment will deliver action on the ground and in Perth’s waterways,” Minister Ley said.

“We’ll improve the health of Perth’s two major rivers and upgrade some of the recreational facilities from the Eastern Hills to where the Swan River meets the Indian Ocean.

“This will transform Perth’s waterfronts and make a real difference.

“Since 2019 we have committed more than $6 billion to protect the environment across Australia through native species recovery, habitat restoration, marine conservation, Landcare, environmental science and partnerships with community groups and Traditional Owners.

“Our plan will deliver a stronger future for Perth’s rivers and waterfronts.”

The Morrison Government will invest:

• $10 million for the Canning River Restoration – This project will work with City of Gosnells, City of Canning, City of Armadale and Landcare Groups to deliver a Canning Waterways Restoration Plan. The project includes retrofitting drainage systems along the river, sediment removal, revegetation and restoration of the banks

• $3.6 million for the Swan River catchment recovery – Works to improve the health of the Swan River system including the middle and upper estuary and its tributaries in the Eastern Perth Hills. The project will improve water quality by reducing nutrient and sediment runoff into the estuary with ‘living drains’

• $6 million for Kent Street precinct environment and parks infrastructure – Tree planting and native garden displays as well as an events pavilion, upgraded parking facilities, lighting and CCTV upgrades

• $2.5 million for the Kent Street play space – A play area with environmental and Indigenous themed elements as well as new BBQ facilities, shelters and toilets

The projects will be delivered in partnership with local NRM groups, local governments, Indigenous Rangers and community environmental groups.

Liberal candidate for Swan Kristy McSweeney said the local investments would deliver benefits for the community and the environment.

“These projects will mean our community can keep enjoying our rivers and local parks,” Ms McSweeney said.

“I’ve worked closely with the WA Liberal Team to ensure the Environment Minister understands how important these rivers are in my plan for our communities so we get the investment they need.

“We have some of the most vibrant rivers of any capital city and these investments will secure their future.

“This isn’t just about fish and wildlife and the local environment, it’s about investing in the riverfronts where our local community live, work and play.”