Today’s release of the Industrial Relations Taskforce Terms of Reference is a further demonstration of the NSW Labor Government’s wrong priorities, as they continue to put unions ahead of our state’s economic security and NSW families.
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said, “by inviting the Industrial Relations Commission to increase public sector wages in NSW to match those of the highest paying States, the NSW Labor Government would be feeding inflation, abandoning budget restraint and risking our triple A credit ratings.”
“Before the election, Chris Minns said his public sector pay rises wouldn’t cost taxpayers a cent – he has broken this promise – and now we know that over the next four years it will cost at least $2.5 billion, and up $3.4 billion if the proposed HSU deal is extended to other workers.”
“Before the election, Chris Minns said his Government would identify productivity savings to meet union demands – he has broken this promise – as there are no productivity savings in sight.”
In addition to these broken promises, the Government is yet to reach an agreement with the Health Services Union who continue to threaten industrial action that would weaken our state’s healthcare system.
“Since coming to Government, Chris Minns and Daniel Mookhey have consistently talked down our economy – and have shown no indication that they are interested in preserving our Triple A credit rating,” Mr Speakman said.”
“For this Terms of Reference to state that the IRC should merely ‘consider the finances of the government while supporting efficient service delivery’is farcical – this Government simply can’t be trusted to manage our states finances and maintain our strong economy.”
“Chris Minns and Daniel Mookhey must guarantee that any wage rise beyond the current wages policy is fully offset by productivity gains. Otherwise the Government will have no choice but to increase taxes, increase debt or cut essential services and cost of living programs.”
“Today’s announcement is a further demonstration of the Government’s broken promises and wrong priorities, and it’s the households and families of NSW who will continue to pay the price.”
Australia will provide 30 additional Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles to Ukraine, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to their defence against Russia’s aggression.
The contribution expands on Australia’s previous commitment of 90 protected mobility vehicles, taking Australia’s provision of Bushmasters to Ukraine to 120. This takes Australia’s total military assistance provided to over $710 million and Australia’s overall assistance to Ukraine to approximately $890 million.
This announcement follows the recent gifting of 70 assorted highly capable military vehicles, a supply of critical 105mm ammunition and a $10 million contribution to the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund announced by Australia in late June.
This also builds on the Government’s commitment earlier this week to deploy a Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail aircraft to Germany for approximately six months from October to help protect a gateway of international humanitarian and military assistance to Ukraine. This deployment includes up to 100 crew and support personnel.
The aircraft will provide early warning in the event of any threats outside of Ukraine against the gateway for humanitarian and military assistance.
Along with our international partners, Australia continues to look for practical ways to assist the Ukraine Government and people and help bring about a rapid conclusion to the immoral and unprovoked invasion by Russia.
Prime Minister, the Hon. Anthony Albanese MP said:
“I am pleased to have met President Zelenskyy again today and to inform him of Australia’s decision to gift 30 additional Bushmasters to Ukraine.
“Australia remains steadfast in its commitment to support Ukraine.
“We are proud to provide additional Bushmaster vehicles to assist the brave men and women fighting for their home and their nation’s sovereignty.
“Russia unilaterally launched this illegal and immoral invasion and should withdraw its troops and end the conflict immediately.”
Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. Richard Marles MP said:
“From the start of this invasion, Australia has stood by Ukraine in the face of Russia’s aggression, which is a gross violation of international law.
“The gifting of further military support is a tangible sign of our nation’s ongoing commitment to Ukraine and the rules-based international order.
“We call on Russia to end to this appalling war so peace can be restored as quickly as possible.”
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said:
“Australian Bushmasters have been used extensively by the Ukrainian Armed Forces and our additional contribution of 30 vehicles will bolster Ukraine’s capabilities.
“We are providing sustainable and meaningful support to Ukraine, including through our humanitarian assistance and through our diplomacy.
“Russia’s attack on Ukraine is an attack on us all. It is an assertion that a larger country is entitled to subjugate a smaller neighbour.
“We again call on Russia to cease its illegal, immoral war on Ukraine.”
The Albanese Government has officially declared an offshore wind zone in the Pacific Ocean off the Hunter, paving the way for energy and job security in a region that has helped to power Australia for generations.
This is the second officially declared Australian offshore wind zone – and being in a heartland of heavy industry, will support future onshore manufacturing and energy security in NSW for decades to come.
The strong, consistent winds off the coast, along with the region’s skilled energy and manufacturing workforce, make the Hunter an ideal location for an offshore wind industry.
The final area was declared after two months of public consultation with a smaller footprint than the originally proposed zone – balancing the views of the local community, local industry and sea users.
The declared area, stretches over 1,800 km2 between Swansea and Port Stephens and could generate up to 5GW of wind energy, enough to power an estimated 4.2 million homes and power local industries into the future.
The revised zone will be 20 km from the coast in the north and over 35 km from the coast in the south.
These changes enable continued safe management of shipping and other sea industries. Offshore infrastructure will also be limited to a height of 260 metres to address aviation safety.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said the declaration was another big step for Australia to reap the huge benefits of offshore wind.
“The Hunter is undergoing significant economic change, and the prospect of creating new job opportunities for decades to come through a new offshore wind industry is a game changer,” Minister Bowen said.
“Today’s declaration opens the door for a new industry in the Hunter, which could create over 3,000 construction jobs and another 1,560 ongoing jobs.
Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon MP said this was an exciting opportunity for Newcastle to diversify its economy, while becoming home to a new offshore wind industry.
“The Albanese Labor Government has listened to community feedback and revised the offshore wind zone accordingly to ensure it coexists alongside whale migration, bird and sea life, and our shipping industry.”
“This is an important part of a suite of measures which will position Newcastle and the Hunter as a clean energy hub, including an $100 million investment to ensure hydrogen readiness at the Port of Newcastle. Newcastle has a bright future.”
Feasibility licence applications for offshore wind projects in the Hunter area will open from 8 August until 14 November 2023.
During the feasibility licence stage, developers will be required to undertake further consultation on individual proposals, including detailed environmental assessments and impacts on other marine users.
Construction can only begin after feasibility stage is completed, and environmental and management plan approvals are gained.
Our diplomats are the driver of Australia’s engagement with the world. Today I announce new appointments that strengthen Australia’s diplomatic capability and its prosecution of our national interests around the globe.
I am pleased that these highly qualified individuals have been appointed to lead Australia’s posts in the Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Qatar, and Tuvalu, and to the roles of Ambassador for Arms Control and Counter-Proliferation, and the Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York:
The appointment of Australia’s first resident High Commissioner in Malé, Maldives demonstrates Australia’s increased engagement in the Indian Ocean, including through the Indian Ocean Rim Association.
I thank the outgoing Ambassadors and High Commissioners for their contributions to advancing Australia’s interests.
A $10 million indoor aquatic facility at Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre is part of a tender the City of Newcastle has placed on public notice, for the operation of Newcastle’s five swimming pools.
Proposed upgrades by BlueFit Pty Ltd, who have been managing Lambton Swimming Centre since 2014, will also include a gym, new kiosk and new changerooms.
BlueFit has also committed to building accessibility facilities at each of the city’s five pools at Lambton, Wallsend, Beresfield, Stockton and Mayfield.
Under the proposed lease of seven years with two possible seven-year extensions and currently on public notice, BlueFit would commit $5 million as part of their successful tender to operate the city’s pools.
A decision on whether to award BlueFit the contract to manage Newcastle’s local pools will not be made until August following a public notice process that invites comments on the proposed lease.
CN staff have also developed a business case for the internal operation of the pools, which will be considered alongside the external tenders, prior to a final decision by the CEO in August.
The proposed upgrades at Lambton Swimming Centre would see 10 new or improved facilities:
A new 25m indoor warm water pool for improved programs and year-round operations
A new indoor toddlers’ pool and changerooms for year-round operations
Refurbishment of the amenities block and changerooms
Accessible change facilities
New health and fitness facilities
New accessibility features for pool access
Upgraded kiosk and cafe
Upgraded Swimming Centre entrance
Improved administration facilities
New multi-purpose room
City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said a year-round indoor facility at Lambton Swimming Centre was the key request from community consultation on its 20-year pools strategy, adopted in May.
“BlueFit has done preliminary work on an indoor aquatic facility as part of their tender proposal and we are sharing the images to help the community gain a sense of what these improvements at Lambton could look like,” he said.
“BlueFit’s proposal also includes freezing entry fees at all local pools this Summer season, ensuring that Newcastle pools remain the region’s most affordable. Beresfield Pool, which has long had the lowest entry fee of any local pool, will see its general admission fee further reduced to $2.90 when it reopens at the end of September.
“BlueFit has also confirmed that if they are awarded the contract to manage our local swimming pools, local private swimming school operator Joy Of Water will be able to continue to provide swimming lessons from Beresfield Pool as they have done for the past few years.”
Lambton, Mayfield, Wallsend and Stockton Swimming Centres have been operated by BlueFit since 2014. Beresfield has been managed under a hybrid arrangement with the pool managed in-house and BlueFit operating the turnstiles and kiosk since 2017.
Mr Bath said that the decision to place the proposed lease on public notice follows a detailed review by him of the proposal and financial modelling, as well as six weeks of further consultation with key stakeholders including councillors, unions, local MPs and staff.
“During the past six weeks I’ve reached out to multiple stakeholders, including councillors and unions. An invitation was extended to the State Member for Wallsend; however, I received no response,” Mr Bath said.
“My decision to place the lease on public notice was also influenced by the fact that the four local pools managed by BlueFit for the past nine years enjoy significantly lower entry fees than pools operated by other local councils.
“Part of my review during the past six weeks was to determine if ratepayers would be better off if City of Newcastle returned to managing its five local swimming centres, rather than BlueFit.
“This review found that if City of Newcastle were to once again manage its pools, the cost to ratepayers would be up to $39 million more than when compared to the cost of BlueFit managing them.
“This cost will send Council’s budget into deficit in at least two of the next five years. To avoid this impact, management would need to consider options such as increasing entry fees or re-prioritising other services or projects.
“The four swimming centres already managed locally by BlueFit enjoy a customer satisfaction rating of 85%, which is higher than the region’s many other public and private swimming centres.”
BlueFit’s tender provides value for money to ratepayers.
Customer service outcomes will be enhanced via the construction of a year-round aquatic facility at Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre including new indoor pools, a gym and new changerooms, as well as installation of accessible facilities at all five sites.
The contract does not involve the sale or disposal of the pools, noting Mayfield and Lambton are on Crown Land and cannot be sold.
BlueFit operated local swimming centres enjoy extremely high customer satisfaction ratings.
Pool users will financially benefit from BlueFit’s decision to freeze or reduce pool entry fees this season.
BlueFit’s $5 million capital investment favourably benchmarks with other outsourced pool contracts in NSW, the ACT and Queensland.
BlueFit’s tender is consistent with CN’s adopted Inland Pools Strategy 2043.
BlueFit is a responsible employer with a remuneration structure that exceeds the relevant award.
External management of our local pools by an industry-leading organisation reduces risk to ratepayers.
CN has undertaken a robust tender process, which has been overseen by an independent probity advisor.
Submissions in writing should be addressed to The City of Newcastle, Inland Pools Lease, PO Box 489, Newcastle, 2300 and be received by close of business Monday 31 July 2023.
Projects and organisations supporting women, children and other high priority groups who are at risk of, or experiencing sexual violence will receive a share of more than $10.5 million in joint NSW and Commonwealth Government funding.
NSW Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said 14 projects have received between $100,000 and $1.5 million each through the Sexual Violence Project Fund grants program. This program supports the delivery of actions under the NSW Sexual Violence Plan 2022-2027.
“Sexual violence has a devastating impact on victim-survivors and those around them. Early intervention is critical to reducing the prevalence of sexual violence and improving responses,” Minister Harrison said.
“These grants will fund intervention initiatives that support specific groups at higher risk of experiencing sexual violence, including women and children, First Nations people, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTIQ+ people, older women and people with disability.
“This means greater access to services and support for victim-survivors to enable a trauma-informed and inclusive response.”
One in 3 women has experienced physical violence since the age of 15, and 1 in 6 has experienced sexual violence. A 2021 study by Monash University indicated that 1 in 3 migrant and refugee women had experienced some form of family and domestic violence.
Federal Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said the grants program was delivered as part of the Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence Responses National Partnership Agreement 2021-27 and aligned with the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022-2032.
“Sexual violence does not discriminate. It targets victims of all colours and faiths, from all backgrounds and socio-economic groups,” Minister Rishworth said.
“The Commonwealth is committed to doing everything it can to stop sexual violence, and to better support victim-survivors to ensure improved outcomes.
“We are working in partnership with the NSW Government, as well as other states and territories and community organisations, to end the cycle of violence and provide additional on the ground support.”
Domestic Violence NSW CEO Delia Donovan said the projects funded under the Sexual Violence Project Fund will support community organisations to deliver trauma-informed initiatives that have been co-designed with victim-survivors to enable greater inclusivity in response to sexual violence.
“As an organisation, we want to see an end not just to sexual violence but also the systemic violence that re-traumatises victim-survivors navigating their own personal road to recovery,” Ms Donovan said.
“Sexual violence is pervasive and insidious, demanding a holistic and accessible response. Every victim-survivor’s story is unique, and our systems of support must be equipped to listen and accommodate that.
“The initiatives funded through the sexual violence grant program will allow a more intersectional response across government and non-government partners to change the narrative and break the cycle.”
CEO of the Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS) Jorge Aroche said programs supporting refugee victim-survivors of sexual violence are vital.
“Dislocation and displacement are synonymous with the refugee experience because of this, women and girls are particularly vulnerable to sexual violence, our job is to create culturally acceptable supports that resonate.
“Our team maintains strong relationships with the refugee community, this funding allows us to extend our work with young people, adults and parents, to build awareness, knowledge, and essential supports.”
Penrith in Sydney’s west has been selected as the location of the first Community Cabinet of the Minns Government.
The Community Cabinet meeting will provide a unique opportunity for the Penrith local community to hear directly from the NSW Government’s key decision-makers and offer insights into life in Western Sydney.
The meeting will be held on Monday 31 July at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre and is open to all residents, business owners and stakeholders of the Penrith area.
“Community Cabinet is a critical forum for us to develop a strong understanding of how to deliver services and projects that meet the needs of communities across the state.
“It has been a high priority for me to re-instate this valuable meeting swiftly since taking government.
“Penrith is only the beginning for us. I plan to hold Community Cabinet meetings regularly throughout the next 4 years to ensure we are listening to the unique challenges and strengths of communities across NSW.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:
“There is nowhere else in the world quite like Western Sydney – it is home to the most incredible, diverse and strong communities.
“The only way to grasp the culture or demands of the region is to actively listen to the local community on what matters most to them.
“I am thrilled to be inviting the Premier and my fellow ministers to meet in Penrith for our first Community Cabinet together to ensure our priorities align with the Western Sydney community.”
Elderly patients who remain in hospital waiting for aged care placements could now be discharged sooner under a plan to ease the impact of residential aged care shortages in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.
Up to 35 temporary aged care beds are being made available across the Illawarra Shoalhaven region, under a joint state and federal funding agreement which will help free up beds in local public hospitals.
NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park said the funding agreement between the NSW Government and the Commonwealth will enable additional beds in the Illawarra Shoalhaven to open under the Transitional Aged Care Program.
“This will make it possible for more patients to be safely discharged from hospital to another care facility while they wait for a residential placement to become available,” Mr Park said.
“Under the agreement, the NSW Government will contribute around 75% of the funding required to open 20 additional transition beds in Illawarra, which will equate to around $5 million annually.
“We will also jointly fund an additional 15 transitional beds in the Shoalhaven, with 4 already in place in Nowra.
“This is an exceptional result for the local community and is especially welcome news for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD), which has been facing unprecedented challenges with the flow of patients through local hospitals because of the impact of residential aged care bed shortages.”
An average of 92 local hospital patients every day in the Illawarra Shoalhaven have been classified as ready for transfer to a residential aged care facility over the past 12 months.
Mr Park said that number was previously between 30 and 40 patients per day.
“This no doubt creates a level of uncertainty for patients and their loved ones because they are forced to wait in hospital,” Mr Park said.
“It also impacts access to beds for other patients needing admission to our public hospitals.
“This relief package will enable more elderly patients, who are well enough for discharge, to be cared for in a more appropriate facility while at the same time making more hospital beds available.
“This will significantly improve access to hospital beds from emergency departments.”
Staff recruitment is underway and the Illawarra Shoalhaven LHD is currently negotiating with Figtree Private Hospital to enable the opening of a 20-bed ward within its facility.
Federal Member for Cunningham, Alison Byrnes, said the collaborative agreement with Federal Aged Care Minister Annika Wells would help public hospitals transition elderly patients into more appropriate care.
“Both Minister Wells and I see it as a priority to work cooperatively with government and the sector to achieve effective solutions that will reduce pressure on our hospitals; while delivering the care that older Illawarra residents need, when they need it and in a form that meets their care needs,” Ms Byrne said.
“Locally, we are committed to developing these solutions that is why I speak regularly with Federal Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells MP, NSW Health Minister Ryan Park MP, ISLHD CEO Margot Mains and private providers about solutions.
“The Federal Government is committed to improving the attraction, retention and the sustainability of the care workforce by delivering a 15% pay rise on award wages for aged care workers, having at least 1 registered nurse available to care for residents at all times – 24 hours a day, every day of the week; and developing an Industry Labour Agreement to streamline the recruitment of qualified direct care workers to work in the aged care sector.”
The additional transition aged care beds will open over the next few months.
NSW renters will soon have a strong voice to government with the announcement today that sector leader Trina Jones will be the first NSW Rental Commissioner.
The commissioner will work with the government to design and implement changes that rebalance the rental market, making it fairer and more modern.
In her role as NSW Rental Commissioner, Ms Jones will be a voice for renters and work with the government and stakeholders to get moving on the reforms open for consultation now, including:
making it easier for renters to have pets in their homes
ending ‘no-grounds’ evictions
implementing a portable bonds scheme that allows renters to transfer bonds from one property to another
improving the protection of renters’ information and privacy.
Beyond these proposed changes, the rental commissioner will also be responsible for identifying and investigating other issues that are impacting the NSW rental market.
The commissioner will examine rental affordability and supply, encourage longer term rental agreements, investigate ways to improve energy efficiency for renters, develop educational resources for renters and owners, and monitor current tenancy laws.
Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:
“The government’s appointment of NSW’s first rental commissioner is an important step to addressing some of the issues facing renters and importantly giving them a voice.
“Anyone who rents in NSW knows just how anxious and challenging the process can be to find suitable accommodation, not to mention the rent increases and cost of living pressures.
“I’m looking forward to working with the new commissioner to make our state a fairer place for both renters and owners.
“We can’t fix years of problems in the rental market overnight, but we have already made a start and we are determined to do more.”
Minister for Fair Trading and Better Regulation Anoulack Chanthivong said:
“Renters are almost a third of the state and they deserve secure and fair housing, Trina’s job will be to advocate and drive meaningful change.
“The housing challenge isn’t just about affordability, it’s about amenity too – and we need rules that let renters get on with their lives with the rights and security they need.
“We’re consulting now on changes to improve stability and fairness in the rental market, I’m looking forward to working with Trina to bring this work together by the end of the year.”
Incoming NSW Rental Commissioner Trina Jones said:
“In taking on the role of rental commissioner, my mission is to amplify the voice of renters, help strengthen their rights and improve the fairness of the rental market.
“I look forward to working closely and productively with government, industry, renters and owners across our state as we collaboratively search for solutions to our housing challenges.”
The Albanese Government has agreed to a major defence export deal with Germany, signing an in-principle agreement for Australia to supply more than 100 Boxer Heavy Weapon Carrier vehicles, built in Brisbane.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese witnessed the signing of the agreement by Ambassador to Germany Philip Green and Mr Benedikt Zimmer, State Secretary, Federal Ministry of Defence, during his visit to Berlin.
Once finalised, the deal would see Rheinmetall leverage its production capacity at its Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence in Redbank, Queensland to supply the vehicles to Germany.
The deal represents one of Australia’s largest ever defence export contracts, worth over $1 billion to the Australian economy in the production and supply of vehicles, supporting approximately 1,000 local Australian jobs and providing a significant boost to our sovereign defence industry.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:
“This is one of the biggest defence sales in Australia’s history and is worth over $1 billion to the Australian economy in the production and supply of these vehicles.
“The agreement will boost Australia’s sovereign defence industry, secure local jobs and contribute to Australia’s economic growth.
“This deal secures well-paid jobs in Queensland and across the country.”
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said:
“The Defence relationship between Australia and Germany is growing significantly, and we are excited about this in-principle agreement for Rheinmetall to build Boxers for the German Army in Brisbane.
“This is a significant investment for our local defence industry; securing local jobs and contributing to Australia’s economic growth.
“I look forward to seeing this significant deal between our two countries continue to progress.”
Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said:
“We are excited that Boxers made in Brisbane, using Australian suppliers, will be used by the German Army.
“This export opportunity highlights the world-leading skills and capabilities within Australia’s defence industry.
“This deal will support hundreds of well-paid, high skill jobs and grow the defence relationship between Australia and Germany.”
