February 2023 – Page 17

Energy Bill Relief for NSW families

A re-elected NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will slash energy bills by $250 and help households unlock up to $400 in further savings by switching to a better deal.

The NSW Energy Bill Saver program will allow households to receive $250 off their energy bills by simply comparing their current energy deal. They could also unlock up to $400 in further savings by switching energy plans to a lower deal.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the Liberal and Nationals will deliver energy bill relief to hardworking NSW families.

“We know households are feeling the pinch right now and that’s why we will provide immediate bill relief as well as help families get a better energy deal,” Mr Perrottet said.

“This is $250 in short-term energy savings whilst at the same time ensuring NSW households can slash their bills into the future.

“This is all part of the Liberal and Nationals long-term economic plan to support NSW families and keep our state moving forward.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the initiative will offer much-welcomed relief for families.

“This program isn’t just for today, it’s a simple way families right across NSW can save money long-term, by assessing their provider,” Mr Toole said.

“The hard-working people of NSW deserve to keep more of their hard-earned money and this initiative will help develop habits which will go well beyond the $250 payment.”

NSW Treasurer Matt Kean said this instant energy bill relief was part of a broader Liberal and Nationals focus on cheap and clean power.

“We are modernising the energy system with a landmark $32 billion roadmap that will turbocharge the transition and deliver cheap energy for generations to come,” Mr Kean said.

“NSW Labor is putting that at risk, focusing on the election rather than electrons, and Labor’s talk of nationalising the network is a ‘lights out’ policy that will spook the industry and drive up prices.”

Eligibility will be open to every household in NSW, including existing rebate recipients. The comparison tool will be provided by Service NSW and households will still receive $250 off their energy bill even if they don’t switch plans.

Households are encouraged to shop around for a better deal right now by heading to the Energy Made Easy website. Switching providers between now and 1 July won’t prevent households from being eligible for the $250 if they search again when the program launches.

Up to two million households are expected to take up this program, with the Liberals and Nationals committing $500 million to the NSW Energy Bill Saver.

The NSW Energy Bill Saver will be available from 1 July through to 31 December 2023.

Green Light Given for all Nine Sydney Metro West Stations

The NSW Government’s vision to transform Sydney’s west with a world-class metro network is coming to life with planning approval received to build all nine new vibrant station precincts as part of the Sydney Metro West mega project.

Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said the new transport-orientated hubs would reinvigorate communities at station locations in Westmead, Parramatta, Sydney Olympic Park, North Strathfield, Burwood North, Five Dock, The Bays, Pyrmont and Hunter Street in the Sydney CBD.

“Sydney Metro is a once-in-a-century project and the station precincts planned for Sydney’s west will become destinations, and landmarks in their own right, linking together one of the fastest-growing regions in this city,” Mr Elliott said.

“All nine new metro stations will become thriving hubs with fast and reliable metro transport at their heart, they will connect communities and slash travel times in Western Sydney like never before.

“We’re talking about 20 minute metro journeys from Parramatta to Hunter Street in Sydney’s CBD, eight minute metro trips from Five Dock to Hunter Street – travel times you couldn’t match in a car, not even without traffic.”

Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said plans for all nine stations for the 23 kilometre Sydney Metro West line were on public display last year, with stakeholder feedback helping to refine plans for how these station and precincts would look, feel and operate.

“Each station will integrate with current and future planned transport, including Sydney Trains, buses, light rail and ferries,” Mr Roberts said.

“These precincts will bring communities to life with planned new green spaces and meeting areas to bring people together, opportunities for local business and new commercial centres delivering an economic boost for the area.”

Additionally, planning approval has also been received for rail infrastructure, the essential elements needed to bring Sydney Metro online and operational in 2030, including a stabling and maintenance facility at Clyde, set to become the powerhouse behind the fully automated Sydney Metro West.

Construction for Sydney Metro West stations, their precincts and rail infrastructure is planned to commence from 2025.

Further planning assessments are underway for over and adjacent station development at Parramatta, Sydney Olympic Park, Pyrmont and Hunter Street.

Construction started on Sydney Metro West in 2020, with the project on track to be completed by 2030. In 2030, Sydney will have a network of four metro lines, 46 stations and 113 kilometres of new metro rail.

Better sporting facilities for local women

The Perrottet Government’s $25 million Female Friendly Sport Facilities and Lighting Upgrades Program will help make local sporting facilities more inclusive.

Liberal candidate for Coogee, Dr Kylie von Muenster, said it is vitally important that local sporting facilities accommodate girls and women that want to participate in sport.

“Playing sport is a very important part of our community’s social fabric, and a lack of female change rooms and amenities and adequate lighting can serve as a serious barrier to participation,” Dr von Muenster said. “This great program will improve our sporting facilities to cater for the growing number of women’s and girls’ sporting teams.”

Liberal candidate for Vaucluse, Kellie Sloane, said the Government had committed more than $1 billion since 2017 to deliver new and upgraded community sporting facilities.

“The Perrottet Government recognises the importance of good local sporting infrastructure in keeping our communities healthy and active,” said Ms Sloane. “By ensuring that local fields and courts have facilities and changing rooms that are welcoming for female players, this program will help boost female participation, in turn helping to build up their health and confidence.”

Liberal candidate for Sydney, Phyllisse Stanton, said that Trumper Oval will be getting more than three hundred thousand dollars for a complete renewal of changerooms, toilets, showers and coaching areas.

“This funding will improve the Oval’s accessibility and safety for female and disabled members and community users,” Ms Stanton said. “From gender equitable showers and toilet areas to privacy screens at the changeroom entrances, Trumper Oval will become an even better home for local Aussie Rules.”

Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said major events including the recent FIBA Women’s World Cup and upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup are creating enormous excitement and inspiring the next generation of female sporting stars.

“Whether it’s on the court, field or track, we continue to be inspired by our homegrown talent like Ellyse Perry, Lauren Jackson and Madison de Rozario, who are captivating the nation with their extraordinary athleticism and passion,” Mr Henskens said.

“The Liberal and Nationals Government’s investment in community sport infrastructure is improving facilities for women and girls, and boosting female participation in sport, in line with our Her Sport Her Way strategy.”

NSW Liberals oppose the extension of PEP-11

NSW Liberal candidates have jointly called on the Albanese Labor Government to oppose the extension of PEP-11 offshore mining and ensure that the project is stopped.

The NSW Government has been steadfastly opposed to PEP-11, and had taken a clear stand against offshore coal and petroleum exploration and mining due to its many potential negative impacts.

Premier Dominic Perrottet has written to, and had a discussion with the Prime Minister, reaffirming the NSW Government’s opposition to the extension of PEP-11.

“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government opposed the extension of PEP-11 in 2022, and although a decision has yet to be made by the Federal Court of Australia, I reaffirm our opposition as we have done over a number of years. The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will always stand up for the best interests of our communities.”

Liberal Member for Manly, James Griffin MP, called on the Albanese Labor Government to show their conviction and back the Perrottet Government.

“I have loudly opposed PEP-11 for many years as the Member for Manly, and on behalf of my community, I wholeheartedly support the Premier’s letter to the Prime Minister,” Mr Griffin said. “It’s clear that coastal communities like ours will not stand for offshore drilling in NSW.”

Liberal Member for North Shore, Felicity Wilson MP, has been unceasingly championing her community’s opposition to the project.

“We have steadfastly opposed PEP-11 for years, and I stand beside my community in defence of our marine ecosystems and our coast. We will not be giving up this this fight to protect our local communities and environment.”

Liberal Candidate for Pittwater, Rory Amon, said the Northern Beaches community have made it clear that PEP-11 should not go ahead.

“We are clear that this project does not have community support, and the Premier’s resolute stand shows how he’s always had our community’s back,” said Mr Amon. “PEP-11 was issued and renewed under a Labor Government, while the Liberals fought it every step of the way and have stood up against exploration in our coastal waters.

Liberal Candidate for Wakehurst, Toby Williams, said the community is united behind Dominic Perrottet’s stand.

“I’m so glad the Premier is working hard to stop this application, supporting us to preserve our beautiful coastal communities. Our community doesn’t want this to go ahead, and the Premier is backing us all the way.”

Record investment of $40.6 million for animal welfare and rehoming

The Liberal and Nationals Government today announced a record investment of $40.6 million in funding to improve the welfare of animals across the State.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the major funding boost will provide greater outcomes for animal rehoming organisations and crack down on animal abusers who violate the Governments strict animal cruelty laws.

“The past few years have shown just how important companion animals are to the wellbeing of families and households across the State,” Mr Perrottet said.

“These programs will increase capacity of those organisations that support rehoming and animal welfare to ensure more companion animals are given a safe and secure place to call home.”

The funding includes:

· $20.5 million for the RSPCA NSW to expand enforcement of animal cruelty laws

· $5.5 million Animal Welfare League to expand enforcement of animal cruelty laws

· $12 million to support the construction of new facilities for companion animal rehoming at the Sydney Dogs and Cats Home at Kurnell

· $1.5 million to the Cat Protection Society to deliver cat desexing programs

· $750,000 for Lucy’s Project, an organisation which improves access to support for people with animals experiencing domestic and family violence

· $350,000 to Greyhound Rescue to support the rehoming of greyhounds

Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman said the funding package follows a review of animal rehoming practices, focused on actions to reduce unnecessary euthanasia and to increase the rehoming of companion animals.

“This record investment by the Liberals and Nationals will ensure that unclaimed or abandoned cats and dogs can be quickly adopted by new families and into their forever home,” Mrs Tuckerman said.

“This Government has made major investments in shelters across the State to fast-track upgrades and worked closely with metropolitan, rural and regional councils to better understand rehoming practices.

“We’ve also introduced free lifetime pet registration for people who adopt a rescue dog or cat from shelters or pounds, another cost-saving incentive to adopt your next family pet.”

Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders welcomed the funding boost for animal welfare enforcement.

“It’s important that RSPCA NSW and the Animal Welfare League have the resources they need to continue to do their important work to stamp out animal cruelty in NSW,” Mr Saunders said.

“The NSW Liberals and Nationals have a strong track record when it comes to animal welfare in NSW, following the implementation of some of the most severe penalties for animal welfare in the country.”

RSPCA NSW CEO Steve Coleman said the enforcement capacity boost accelerates the organisation’s plans centred around the Inspectorate to achieve its mission of reducing animal cruelty.

“This funding unlocks growth in our enforcement agency so we can continue prosecuting those who cause harm, while implementing prevention programs that reduce animal cruelty across the state.” Mr Coleman said.

General Manager of the Sydney Dogs & Cats Home Melissa Penn said this capital funding will help build a new shelter in Kurnell to address Sydney’s surge of unwanted pets now and into the future. Having been at risk of closure, this permanent facility secures the future of Sydney Dogs & Cats Home.

“After almost 80 years of service, Sydney Dogs & Cats Home has been an essential service supporting over 1.1 million Sydneysiders. We have the experience and expertise and with a permanent facility securing our future, we can scale up and help even more lost, abandoned and unwanted pets,” Ms Penn said.

“Thank you, Minister Tuckerman, for funding 60% of our new purpose-built shelter in Kurnell and supporting us to continue our essential community service. This is a critical first step to not only helping us save thousands of animals every year, but to growing our community programs and support, creating a lifeline to both the animals we care for and those in the community who need it most.”

Member for Cronulla Mark Speakman said the future of the Sydney Dogs and Cats Home was secure thanks to the Liberals and Nationals in Government.

“My family adopted our beautiful Golden Retriever Lucy from the Sydney Dogs and Cats Home in 2018, and she has brought my family so much love and joy. I’m proud to be part of a Government which is ensuring this organisation can continue to do their amazing work and bring the same joy to future families and pets.” Mr Speakman said.

GOVERNMENT MUST RULE OUT TOXIC OFFSHORE GAS PROJECT PEP-11

The Albanese Government must immediately rule out granting an extension permit to fossil fuel project PEP-11 after the Morrison Government’s decision to stop the project looks set to be overturned by the Federal Court.

Greens spokesperson for healthy oceans, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said:

“Disregarding the way in which he went about it, which was typically shocking, stopping PEP-11 was potentially the only good thing Scott Morrison ever did during his time in office.

“This project is toxic. The community doesn’t accept it, the NSW Government doesn’t want it, and even Scott Morrison proved he’d go to extraordinary lengths to kill it.

“During last year’s election campaign Anthony Albanese publicly opposed PEP-11, but talk is cheap. Now his government has the power to stop it, he should put a proper end to this destructive project.

“When parliament was last in session I introduced the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Amendment (Fight for Australia’s Coastline) Bill to the Senate. If passed, this legislation would set a precedent for permanently stopping destructive offshore oil and gas exploration in our oceans.

“If the Government remains serious about stopping PEP-11 it should bring on and vote for the Greens’ Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Amendment (Fight for Australia’s Coastline) Bill, which would stop PEP-11 beyond any doubt, and prohibit any future petroleum exploration or production in the area for good.

“Approving this project would put our marine wildlife at unacceptable risk, and threaten the thousands of livelihoods along the NSW coastline that depend on healthy oceans.

“If the Albanese Government doesn’t rule out PEP-11 it can expect to feel the full wrath of a community that considered this battle already won.”

NUCLEAR INDUSTRY CAN’T BE TRUSTED TO KEEP US SAFE

South Australians are increasingly concerned about the prospect of a Radioactive Waste Dump in their state following the incident in WA where a tiny radioactive capsule was lost in transit from a mine site in the Pilbara.

Greens Senator for South Australia, Barbara Pocock, says constituents are expressing concern about the dangers of storing intermediate level waste at the proposed location near Kimba on the Eyre Peninsula. “There’s clearly a need for stronger safeguards and stiffer penalties if we are to have any faith in the protective regimes around nuclear materials,” she said.

“People were already concerned about this proposed waste facility prior to this incident but I’m now receiving messages from constituents who are alarmed about what’s happened,” Senator Pocock said.

“This incident exposes a major failure in the management of nuclear material in Australia and highlights the dangers that radioactive products pose to the community,” she said.

“People are frightened by the very thought that this kind of radioactive product can just fall of the back of a truck and not be discovered for days or weeks after it happened.

“Clearly, the code of practice for the safe transport of radioactive material has failed to protect the people of Western Australia and frankly, many South Australians are not prepared to take that risk,” Senator Pocock said.

“With an industry that produces waste that can be lethal to humans for thousands of years, failing to meet its own safety standards, how can we have faith that it won’t happen here?” She said.

There are many farmers on the Eyre Peninsula who are worried about the consequences that an incident like this could have on their crop markets. The European Union has implemented strict regulations governing the importation of food originating in third countries regarding exposure to radiation.

The Federal Labor Government is persisting with the LNP proposal to build a nuclear waste facility in South Australia despite widespread community opposition and a concerted campaign by First Nations custodians, the Barngarla people, who have instigated court proceedings to stop the dump.

“There was a piece of radioactive material the size of a tic-tac, lying on the side of the road in the Pilbara for the past two weeks and nobody had a clue where it was or how it was lost,” Senator Pocock said.

“Australia’s intermediate level radioactive waste should stay where it is at Lucas Heights until long term storage technology is available to keep everyone in Australia safe from nuclear radiation,” she said.

Government delivers on expanding the Pacific workforce – six months early

The Albanese Government has reached a major milestone – six months ahead of schedule – with more than 35,000 Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) workers now in Australia.

In the October 2022 Budget, the Government committed to reaching 35,000 workers by June 2023. Latest data shows the milestone was reached in December.

When the Government came to office the total number of PALM workers in Australia was just over 24,400, as at the end of May 2022. As a result of the Government’s work to expand and improve PALM, the total number of workers has risen to over 35,100, as of the end of December 2022. This is an increase of 44 per cent in just seven months.

Reaching this milestone early demonstrates the Government’s commitment to immediately addressing long-standing workforce issues across key sectors in the Australian economy.

PALM workers are earning incomes, developing skills and filling workforce shortages across 28 industries, including agriculture, food processing, accommodation and hospitality and aged care.

The scheme is vital for filling workplace shortages in regional Australia, ensuring businesses can continue supporting their communities when there are limited local workers available.

Workers are employed under the same industry awards and legislation as Australian workers. PALM Approved Employers must meet stringent criteria to participate, including compliance with workplace regulations and health and safety laws.

Workers from nine Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste are participating in the scheme, which is boosting economies and lifting families out of poverty. In a region where more than one third of people live on less than $1,000 per year, long term PALM workers send home an average of $15,000 each.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“My Government is delivering on its commitment to reform and expand PALM and is already six months ahead of schedule.

“I was pleased to meet with PALM workers when I visited Fiji in July of last year, seeing firsthand the people who will make significant contributions to Australia’s workforce.

“This scheme is a practical measure that shows our respect for the Pacific and will build a stronger Pacific family.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong said:

“The PALM scheme is improving lives, mitigating critical skills shortages and contributing to the economic resilience of the region.

“We will continue to work with Pacific partners to achieve our shared aspirations.”

Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Tony Burke said:

“The wellbeing and working conditions of Pacific and Timorese workers in the PALM scheme is of central importance to the Australian government.”

“Site visits, a 24-hour PALM support line, and regular employer reporting are features of the compliance framework, with additional compliance activities funded in the Fair Work Ombudsman.”

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt said:

“Reaching our commitment of 35,000 PALM scheme workers in Australia six months early demonstrates our commitment to immediately addressing the long-standing workforce issues in the agricultural industry.

These workers are now providing important skills and labour in our agricultural sector, helping Australian farmers and meat processors fill gaps in their workforce.”

Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy said:

“With the money they’re earning in Australia these workers are building new homes, putting children through school and kick-starting businesses in their home countries. It’s been heartening to see the impact on the ground – from Solomon Islands to Vanuatu.”

“The Albanese Government is making a significant contribution to Pacific economies, over and above our development program – which is highly valued by the leaders I’ve met across the Pacific.”

Urgent care clinic promise abandoned

Prime Minister Albanese’s announcement today has reaffirmed that Labor has once again broken a promise – this time, to deliver 50 ‘urgent’ care clinics within their first 12 months in government.

On the eve of the election, the Prime Minister’s own Finance Minister, Katy Gallagher promised that an elected Labor Government would have 50 urgent care clinics up and running across Australia “within the first year”.

This promise has been consistently reiterated on the floor of Parliament and during the last Budget Estimates, despite the Government being unable to confirm even the locations of the clinics.

Now, the Prime Minister has announced Expressions of Interest for only three of the 50 urgent care clinics.

With the EOI period set to end on 24 March 2023, only two months before it was promised they would have all the clinics ‘up and running’, it is clear that the Government will not even be able to deliver the first three urgent care clinics within the timeline promised to the Australian public.

The Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care, Senator the Hon Anne Ruston said, “This is not only another disrespectful broken promise to the Australian people, but it also leaves our hard-working and under-pressure hospital and healthcare staff in an ongoing state of complete uncertainty.”

“First, the Labor Government broke their promise to reduce electricity bills by $275, and then they disregarded their commitment to fund the aged care pay rise in full. Now, they are deferring their signature election promise aimed at supporting state and territory health systems, at a time when we are seeing ramping at an all-time high, concerning levels of deferred elective surgeries, and a crisis in general practice.”

“The Labor Government continues to prove that it is all headline and no delivery. They were willing to make headline promises to get elected, and they are just as prepared to abandon those promises now that they are in government,” Senator Ruston said.

Australians deserve better from this Government. It is time for the Prime Minister and the Minister for Health to deliver on their promises to support Australia’s under-pressure health system and implement tangible measures to support our healthcare professionals.

$5 million tech network to prepare NSW for future fires and floods

A new network dedicated to creating stronger connections between first responders, businesses and researchers will develop cutting-edge technology and help NSW better prepare for fires and floods.

Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Alister Henskens said the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will invest $5.2 million to establish the Bushfire & Natural Hazards Technology Network, which will connect companies developing innovative technologies with emergency services, researchers and experts.

“NSW is already a world leader in bushfire technology and this new network of experts will build on that strong foundation to ensure we continue to develop cutting edge solutions that have the potential to save lives,” Mr Henskens said.

“On top of that, R&D and innovation in this space will create new jobs and cement NSW as Australia’s economic engine room and a global innovation powerhouse.”

The Network forms part of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s $28 million Bushfire Response R&D Mission, which aims to help the State better prepare for future natural hazards, as well as position NSW as a global leader in the commercial development and export of bushfire technology and services.

Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke said the Network builds on the recently announced Bushfire and Natural Hazards Research Centre.

“Undertaking research and developing new technology will pay dividends for the State’s emergency services who will be better able to respond to the natural disasters we will inevitably face into the future, keeping our local communities safer and stronger,” Ms Cooke said.

More details and grants application can be online.