Month: July 2023

Consultation begins on future of coal cap

The NSW Government is beginning formal consultations with the coal industry to navigate a future beyond the state’s temporary coal cap, which is set to expire on 1 July 2024.

In the lead up to the 2023–2024 State Budget, the government is writing to relevant parties inviting feedback on the future of the cap.

The government is considering all options at the conclusion of the cap, including modernising the coal royalty system to ensure it remains fit for purpose.

In particular, the government is inviting input to help it:

  • Review the impacts of the Coal Market Price Emergency directions on the coal industry and electricity market.
  • Understand the likely impact on domestic coal and electricity prices from 1 July 2024 when the directions are due to expire.
  • Consider whether potential alternative policy options are necessary to minimise the impacts on electricity bills once the directions expire.
  • Understand the effects of a possible new coal royalty rate system, or adjusting existing royalty rates, to respond to market conditions.

The emergency directions introduced in December 2022 capped the price of coal sold to domestic power stations at $125 a tonne for 18 months.

It was implemented following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine when the price of coal surged beyond $500 a tonne.

The NSW Government is inviting key stakeholders, including in the NSW coal sector, to participate in the consultations. These stakeholders include 16 coal mining companies, 4 power station operators, 2 unions and our key trading partners.

The consultation will include face-to-face meetings as well as written submissions. The information received will be used to help inform the government’s priorities in the second half of the year.

The current system will remain unchanged until the expiration of the coal cap.

NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“We have begun the critical work of engaging all stakeholders to navigate a future beyond the temporary coal cap.

“In the lead up to the budget, we are focused on helping families with the cost of living, funding essential services and repairing the budget position.

“The NSW Government will consider all options to keep downward pressure on electricity bills as we approach the end of the coal price cap on 1 July 2024.”

Minister for Finance and Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos said:

“We will be engaging closely with the mining industry as we consider how to best provide relief to families and households from increasing electricity prices.

“We are committed to a clean energy future, but we understand the important role coal plays today in our energy mix and for our state’s economy.

“We will form a considered view on these issues and are committed to ensuring the ongoing stability of the NSW mining sector.”

Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe said:

“The NSW Government understands we need longer-term solutions to support households and small businesses with cost-of-living pressures – particularly electricity prices.

“The coal cap has shielded NSW households and small businesses from the worst flow-on effects of last year’s coal price surge. We are now working to identify the most efficient, equitable way to maintain downward pressure on electricity prices.

“The NSW Government will seek feedback from all stakeholders – coal suppliers, power stations and key trading partners – as we navigate a future beyond the cap.”

$25 million boost to support those living with hard to treat cancers 

People living with hard to treat cancers will soon have better access to new treatment pathways, thanks to a $25 million investment from the NSW Government.

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said PrOSPeCT, or Precision Oncology Screening Platform enabled Clinical Trial, is a joint initiative by the Commonwealth, the NSW Government and industry partners that will strengthen clinical trial capacity and expertise in NSW.

Mr Park said the $25 million funding boost will see more NSW patients connected to the PrOSPeCT program, supporting those living with ovarian and pancreatic cancers, sarcomas, and advanced and metastasic cancers to access new and emerging treatments.

“PrOSPeCT will screen 23,000 people Australia-wide, with 9000 in NSW,” Mr Park said.

“The program will undertake comprehensive genomic sequencing of people with cancer and unmet clinical need, mapping their individual DNA profile to help link them to appropriate clinical trials happening in Australia.

“While 1 in 2 people in NSW will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, every cancer is unique, and precision genomics gives clinicians the ability to match treatments more effectively to the needs of individual patients – this research project promises real progress in how we treat cancers.

“One of my ministerial priorities is to embrace innovative and world-leading treatments and methods.

“I am excited by the opportunities that this initiative presents in tackling difficult to treat cancers.”

Minister for Medical Research David Harris said the NSW Government is committed to investing in medical research that improves health outcomes for the people of NSW.

“We are continuing to build a dynamic health and medical research ecosystem through investments in programs like PrOSPeCT that accelerate innovation for treatments and infrastructure that seek to improve health outcomes,” Mr Harris said.

NSW Health Deputy Secretary Clinical Innovation and Research, Dr Jean-Frederic Levesque, said PrOSPeCT will change clinical trial practice by selecting patients based on the genetic profile of their disease rather than its location in their body – offering new hope to patients.

“This program will open new and personalised treatment paths for Australians with difficult to treat cancers and allow NSW to tap into the global cancer research market,” Dr Levesque said.

“I am so proud that this cutting edge research against difficult to treat cancers is taking place right here in our local community,” said Marjorie O’Neill, Member for Coogee.

PrOSPeCT is a $150 million joint initiative by the Commonwealth, the NSW Government and industry partners aimed at improving cancer research and care Australia-wide.

The project will be led by not-for-profit organisation Omico, which has an established nationwide network of research and treatment centres that facilitate, support and promote genomic cancer medicine.

The organisation focuses on the use of molecular screening for the prevention and treatment of cancer.

Providing tailored care to Antiochian Seniors

Aging members of Sydney’s Antiochian Orthodox faith community have welcomed the opening of a new nursing home thanks to a $8.5 million NSW Government investment.

Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper today opened the St Nicholas Senior Care Centre’s new 80-bed facility at Punchbowl in Sydney’s southwest.

Parishioners and community members also made significant contributions to help pay for the purpose-built, $26 million centre.

It is the first aged-care centre in NSW designed and completed in accordance with the recommendations of the Aged Care Royal Commission.

Census data reveals that more than 10,000 NSW residents identify as followers of the Antiochian Orthodox faith.

Canterbury-Bankstown Local Government Area boasts the greatest number of followers in the Greater Sydney region, with 3,182 parishioners.

NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:

“The opening of this centre means that older members of the Antiochian Orthodox faith community can remain close to family and friends.”

“The tailored care they receive is aligned with their cultural traditions and faith, and delivered by those who love and understand them.”

NSW Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said:

“Our older residents have spent their lives paving the way for younger generations to reach their aspirations, so it’s only appropriate that we provide them with the care and support they require in their twilight years.”

“By investing in culturally appropriate care we can ensure these trailblazers can age in dignity.”

Member for Bankstown Jihad Dib said:

“It is great to be here for the opening of this facility, I have watched it from the very beginning when the first sod was turned to evolve into the wonderful precinct we have today. It a great addition for the Antiochian Orthodox faith community who contribute to the wonderful diversity we have in our local area.”

His Eminence, Metropolitan Basilios-Archbishop of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines said:

“With support from the NSW Government and Multicultural NSW, and the good will and generosity of our congregations, we are delighted to provide a loving environment for the elderly in our community.”

“St Nicholas Seniors Care Centre will be a place of loving care and support with modern, state of the art facilities designed to make life comfortable and enjoyable for our residents.”

“God’s guiding hand has helped us deliver an important community asset, and we give Him thanks and praise.”

Two new women’s crisis refuges to be delivered in Sydney

Works on 2 new women’s refuges to offer crisis accommodation are now underway. Construction has already commenced on the Northern Beaches site with plans to deliver the second site in Canterbury-Bankstown in train.

Made possible through a $6 million capital funding grant under Tranche 2 of the NSW Government’s Core and Cluster program, the refuges will be delivered in partnership with Women’s Community Shelters and community housing providers – Link Wentworth Housing and Bridge Housing.

The Northern Beaches and the Canterbury-Bankstown local government areas (LGAs) will house the new refuges and were selected as they both demonstrated significant need for additional crisis support in the domestic violence space which is now being met through this initiative.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said securing safe housing remained a critical hurdle to overcoming domestic violence and was a key factor in the ability of victim-survivors to leave violent relationships.

“Ensuring women and children escaping domestic violence have access to a safe and secure home is crucial to creating better outcomes for people in crisis,” Minister Jackson said.

“Domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness across NSW and the country. We must do everything we can to support people in vulnerable situations and getting them into safe accommodation with wrap-around support is where we need to start.

“The Core and Cluster programs, across all 3 tranches, once completed, will enable crisis accommodation and support for an additional 2900 women and their children every year.”

Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said both the Northern Beaches and Canterbury-Bankstown projects are due to be completed in late 2023 and will provide victim-survivors with not only accommodation but the wrap-around support they need to rebuild their lives.

“We are seeing unprecedented reports of domestic and family violence,” Minister Harrison said.

“The NSW Government has invested hundreds of millions of dollars to counter domestic violence through perpetrator intervention, remand programs, safe rooms, and law reforms.

“The expansion of women’s refuges through the Core and Cluster program is a critical part of the system giving women and children a safe place to go to when they need it. The model provides safety for women and children escaping domestic violence, and the new design means women and their children have greater privacy and independence within self-contained units, and they can even bring their pets with them.”

Women’s Community Shelters CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM said delivering the refuges under the Core and Cluster model ensured victim-survivors had access to all of the support services they would need to get help, stay safe and plan for the future.

“Specialist domestic and family violence services are a lifeline for women and children fleeing abuse,” Ms Daniel said.

“Women’s Community Shelters is committed to pursuing innovative opportunities to continuously evolve our service delivery model, informed by the lived expertise of our residents.

“This partnership represents true collaboration between the NSW Government, the domestic violence and housing sectors, amazing local communities and philanthropy.”

Women’s Community Shelters also partners with the NSW Government in the operation of their existing shelters in the LGAs of Mid Coast, Ku-ring-gai, The Hills, Northern Beaches, Penrith, Bayside, Parramatta and Camden.

The Unintended Consequences of Western Australia’s Cultural Heritage Laws on Farmers

Introduction

Western Australia’s controversial new cultural heritage laws have sparked anger and frustration among hundreds of farmers and landowners. The legislation has faced significant backlash due to its vague and confusing nature, potentially costly land surveys, and fears of accidental breaches. It is essential to consider the unintended consequences these laws may have on the agricultural sector and rural communities before they were passed, with support from the opposition, by parliament

The most concerning aspect of these laws is the Western Australia government’s announcement today they will need change. Why is that concerning? Because federally the Labor government is wanting to enshrine an Aboriginal Voice to parliament in the constitution, and that cant be changed. It means that unlike in Western Australia, any federal laws like the Heritage Act can’t be undone.

Passed with Merry Applause and Assistance from Liberal and National Parties

In an astonishing turn of events, these cultural laws were passed with the support of the Liberal and National Parties. This Labor/Liberal/National coalition can only be stopped if members of parliament are elected from Pauline Hanson’s One Nation who will hold the grand coalition to account.

Proposal to Change Laws

In an astonishing about-face, the WA government has only recently admitted they may have to change these laws. One Nation will keep the pressure on the West Australian government to ensure that these laws are off the table, and not just mashed up and re-presented in the same way.

What we do know, is that the Liberal Party and National Parties can’t be trusted to scrutinise any changes.

The Problem of Vague and Confusing Laws

One of the primary criticisms voiced by farmers is the vague and confusing nature of the cultural heritage laws. The legislation’s complex three-tiered system, requiring permits for various routine activities on land, has created uncertainty and confusion. Farmers are concerned about the potential consequences of unknowingly breaching these laws, which could lead to hefty fines and even jail time. The lack of clear guidelines and communication from the government has left farmers feeling anxious and unsure about how to proceed with their everyday activities.

The Burden of Costly Land Surveys

Another significant concern for farmers is the financial burden imposed by the requirement to conduct cultural heritage surveys on their land. Farmers argue that they should not bear the entire cost of these surveys. The fees charged by Local Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Services (LACHS) for assessments and consultations can be exorbitant, putting additional strain on already struggling agricultural businesses. The prospect of paying thousands of dollars for cultural heritage surveys, even on land that has been cleared for decades, is simply untenable for many farmers.

Lack of Meaningful Consultation and Representation

Farmers also express feelings of frustration and betrayal over what they perceive as a lack of meaningful consultation during the legislative process. Many argue that their voices were not adequately heard, and they were not given the opportunity to contribute to the development of these laws. It is not uncommon for large governments with super majorities to be arrogant, and Labor’s governing style is certainly emblematic of an out-of-touch government.

A Call for Dialogue and Reevaluation

Rather than pushing forward with laws that have caused unrest and division, there is a clear need for open dialogue and re-evaluation. The Labor/Liberal/National laws must be scrapped in their entirety.

There can be no way forward other than to totally unscramble this egg.

Conclusion

During their life, a person may need the help of a doctor a few dozen times, an electrician half a dozen, and your hairdresser once every 8 weeks. But a farmer, a farmer is a person we rely on to give us nutrition morning, noon, and night, from when we wake to when we fall asleep.

We can’t live without farmers. And these cultural laws are making life for farmers impossible.

Western Australia’s cultural heritage laws were introduced by an arrogant government that rarely thinks of the unintended consequences of their actions. Their implementation has created a deep rift between the government and the agricultural community. The concerns raised by farmers and landowners are valid and warrant serious attention.

Expansion of Quality Teaching Rounds Program

A successful program that helps teachers learn from each other about best classroom practices has been expanded thanks to almost $5 million in funding from the Albanese Government.

The Quality Teaching Round program developed by the University of Newcastle will be expanded across the country after starting in NSW and following successful trials in Queensland and Victoria.

It involves groups of four teachers observing each other and analysing each other’s teaching practices.

The evidence from the trials has shown that this helps teachers learn from each other and improves outcomes for students.

An additional 1,600 teachers are set to benefit and from Term 3 more early career teachers will be able to access the program.

Quality Teaching Rounds is one part of the National Teacher Workforce Action Plan that Education Ministers agreed to last year to address the national issue of teacher workforce shortages.

Minister for Education Jason Clare said:

“Our teachers are experts at what they do – and who better to learn from than each other. Over a decade of data shows this program works.

“It supports new and experienced teachers, and the evidence shows it helps improve students’ reading and maths.

“In the past nine years, it’s helped more than 4,700 teachers and benefited at least 785,000 students.”

Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon said:

“Quality Teaching Rounds, co-created by renowned Laureate Professor Jenny Gore and Dr Julie Bowe from the University of Newcastle is revolutionising teacher professional development.

“This additional funding from the Albanese Government will ensure more teachers benefit from this ground-breaking program, while also further establishing the University of Newcastle as a leader in education and professional development.

“This is a great outcome for teachers, students and our community.”

New eInvoicing Hub for Hunter businesses

A new eInvoicing Hub has been established for businesses in the Hunter region of New South Wales to help boost efficiency and combat scams.

The Hub, launched in Newcastle today, is a collaboration with local business groups. It aims to provide businesses with an opportunity to learn about the technology and help them realise the benefits of eInvoicing.

eInvoicing is a new standardised way to send and receive invoices via a secure network – using existing small business accounting software and apps.

It enables faster payments that can improve cash flow, and has in-built security, which helps to reduce the risk of invoice fraud and scams.

Adoption is growing, with more and more cost-effective solutions becoming readily available.

Over 33,000 businesses are registered for eInvoicing in Australia, including Bunnings, Woolworths and BOC Gas, and over 400,000 eInvoices have been delivered on the network.

Commonwealth Government agencies are also enabled, which allows us to offer 5‑day payment terms for our suppliers using eInvoicing under our Pay on Time or Pay Interest policy.

Together, with the support of local business groups, we want to create opportunities for local trading partners to exchange eInvoices and unlock the benefits of the technology.

Engagement activities will continue across the region in the lead up to and during NSW Small Business Month over October.

The Government encourages businesses and business advisers in the region to make the most of the initiative and find out more about how eInvoicing can help them.

If you want to find out more about eInvoicing, and how you can get started, visit ato.gov.au/eInvoicing.

Minister for Small Business, Julie Collins MP said:

“The Albanese Government is committed to ensuring small businesses are paid on time because we recognise how important cash flow is to small businesses, and eInvoicing is one of the tools that will help to achieve this.”

“Digital innovation such as eInvoicing means safer, faster and easier payments to small businesses allowing them to focus more on their core business and less time on administration.”

“We are committed to supporting small businesses in this community and across the country to improve their cash flow, utilise digital solutions and build their resilience.”

Assistant Treasurer, Stephen Jones MP said:

“The new eInvoicing hub is a great initiative for small businesses. I would like to congratulate the Hunter for blazing the trail and the Hub business and software partners for their support”.

“eInvoicing can make a real difference for Australia’s small businesses – improving their resilience to online scams and helping improve productivity by saving them time and money”. 

“As scams become more sophisticated, small businesses need to arm themselves with the tools and technology to protect their business and consumers.  With built-in security to disrupt scammers, eInvoicing will give small businesses an additional layer of protection against invoice fraud”.

Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon MP said:

“Newcastle and the Hunter have been at the forefront of innovation throughout history so it’s wonderful to be leading the way as the first regional e-invoicing hub for the business community.”

“I congratulate local business groups, Business Hunter, HunterNet and The Business Centre who worked with the ATO to successfully launch the Hub. I encourage Newcastle businesses to learn about the technology and realise the benefits of eInvoicing.”

SENATE INQUIRY INTO ADHD CARE TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARING IN PERTH

As the Senate inquiry into Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Assessment and Support Services in Australia enters a critical phase, a groundbreaking public hearing is scheduled to take place in Perth on Monday, 24th July. 

The hearing will provide a platform for West Australians with lived experiences of ADHD, ADHD advocacy bodies, First Nations organisations, healthcare professionals, and education advocates to present crucial evidence to the committee.

Approximately one million people in Australia are directly impacted by ADHD, a neurodevelopmental disability that is often misunderstood that can cause significant impairment and dysfunction in the lives of those affected. 

Lines attributable to Senator for WA Jordon Steele-John, Australian Greens spokesperson on Disability Services, Health and Mental Health. 

“People with ADHD have been left behind in this country for far too long. Over the past year of engaging closely with ADHDers, I’ve heard countless stories of people experiencing barriers around cost, wait time and stigmas associated with seeking ADHD assessment and support services.

“I am proud to be bringing the committee to WA. It’s clear that too many people in our community can not afford a diagnosis, and if they can, they’re being met with closed-books and long waitlists. The wait times are deplorable, and are leading to significant impacts on the quality of life for so many West Australians. 

“Particularly concerning is the impact on children and their families, with some children waiting up to two years to see a paediatrician to begin their journey of an ADHD diagnosis and support. 

“We are hearing from the community that more supports are needed following a diagnosis; including the need to have healthcare funded through Medicare and support hours available through the NDIS. 

“The goal of this inquiry is to create community-led recommendations that address the common barriers people encounter while seeing ADHD assessment and care. As this crucial inquiry advances, I remain optimistic that the committee’s findings will pave the way for a more accessible and compassionate system that benefits all ADHDers.”

MURRAY NEEDS ACTION, NOT DELAY

Responding to the announcement that the Murray Darling Basin Plan will not be delivered on time, Greens spokesperson for Water and the Environment, South Australian Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said:

“We need a plan for action, not a plan for delay to save the Murray Darling.

“The failure to deliver the Murray Darling Basin Plan on time is a broken promise to every South Australian and risks breaking our river Murray.

“Years of rorts, water theft and delays under the Liberal-Nationals had left our precious river in a precarious position. The Albanese Government had promised to deliver the Murray Darling Basin plan on time and in full.

“For years upstream states and big cotton have dragged the chain on ensuring South Australia gets the water it needs and has been promised.

“Our Murray needs an urgent recommitment to action not a go-slow on saving the River.

“Delaying further action on the plan for three more years is simply not an option if we want to preserve our river and the ecosystems that depend on it.

“We are in a climate crisis and facing what experts predict will be another summer of extreme heat. We cannot afford to delay the actions we know are urgently needed to protect our river.

“The Albanese Government needs to stand up to the big irrigators and the upstream states and deliver on the water that was promised for South Australia and for the environment.

“With Labor Governments in every Basin state, it’s time for real action to protect our river and to finally deliver the Murray Darling Basin Plan in full, including the 450gL for South Australia.

“The Greens are willing to work with the Government on reforms that are needed to ensure that more water is delivered but we cannot support continuing to kick the can down the road. We need a plan to deliver the water before the next election.”

Appointment of ACIAR Chief Executive Officer

Today I announce the appointment of Professor Wendy Umberger as Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).

ACIAR is Australia’s premier international agricultural research body. It plays a critical role in supporting research partnerships that achieve productive, profitable and sustainable farming systems in developing countries.

Previously, Professor Umberger established and led the Centre for Global Food and Resources at the University of Adelaide, which engaged with policymakers and industry to make positive change in agriculture, food and resource systems.

Professor Umberger is currently President of Australia’s Policy Advisory Council for International Agricultural Research and an Independent Director of Grain Producers South Australia.

I thank outgoing CEO Professor Andrew Campbell for his dedicated service and leadership of ACIAR since 2016.

Professor Umberger will commence her five-year term on 14 August 2023.