October 2023 – Page 4

Complex and confusing bill exposed in Senate hearing

The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations appearance at a Senate Estimates hearing has been characterised by a series of complex and confusing explanations of the Government’s so-called Closing the Loopholes Bill.

A phalanx of departmental officials was required to explain various parts of the controversial Bill. It often took two or three officials to contribute to the answer to a single question.

Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Senator Michaelia Cash said: “One thing that was made very clear was that, despite what the Government keeps claiming, service contractors are not excluded from the labour hire provisions in the Bill.”

A departmental official told the hearing: “It is not a strict prohibition against the inclusion of services contractors.”

Senator Cash said: “It has been plainly obvious to everyone that service contractors are not excluded and now we have confirmation of this from the department which drafted the Bill.”

On the complexity imposed on business in the Bill, Senator Cash said: “A question and follow-up on the definition of a casual and the effects of that definition took over 15 minutes to explain. I think many in the room were more confused at the end of the explanation than at the start.”

“I’m not sure how small and medium business operators are expected to work their way through these changes and understand what they can and can’t do,’’ Senator Cash said.

“The information provided today raises even more questions which we will be exploring through the ongoing committee inquiry and also in the Senate when the Bill reaches the chamber,’’ she said.

“At one point an official admitted that ‘loophole is not defined in the bill’ and ‘it’s a broad-brush way of referring to the measures in the bill to give it a short title’,” Senator Cash said.

“If it wasn’t so serious it would be laughable,’’ she said.

“At the start of the day we learnt how even the Department got it wrong when it came to paying their own staff. They underpaid 99 staff by over $60,000 and it has cost them nearly $200,000 so far in legal and other fees to rectify the situation,’’ Senator Cash said.

“If the Department responsible for employment and workplace relations can’t get it right on paying their staff how can businesses navigate this whole system and the changes proposed?’’ she said.

City of Newcastle brings community together for World Stroke Day

Stroke prevention will be on the menu next week when City of Newcastle (CN) serves up its annual community morning tea with world-leading researchers from the Hunter.

CN is partnering with Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) to host the annual Lord Mayor’s World Stroke Day event, which provides the community with an opportunity to hear from renowned local researchers on the latest in stroke prevention and symptom awareness.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said CN was proud to help showcase the world-class research being undertaken locally to help raise community awareness to reduce the risk of stroke.

“Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide and the leading cause of long-term adult disability in Australia,” Cr Nelmes said.

“More than 6,000 people are currently living with the effects of stroke throughout the greater Newcastle region, which is why this annual event is a vitally important opportunity to help educate the local community on the risks and preventive measures available, based on the latest research.”

Hunter Research Medical Institute Professor Beata Bajorek said progress had been made in stroke prevention, in part, thanks to events like the Lord Mayor’s annual morning tea.

“Our partnership with City of Newcastle is extremely important in raising awareness in the community – that awareness is the crucial first step in taking action to reduce the risk of stroke,” Professor Bajorek said. “Medicines and healthier lifestyle measures can then be adopted to maintain good health and control any stroke risk factors.”

“At HMRI, we have been researching the community’s needs and preferences about medicine use and medication management – we know that many people don’t fully understand the role of medicines in preventing stroke, and sometimes they have difficulty managing medicines.

“We’re working with our community of people who have experienced stroke to see how we can support them better with their medication.”

The Hunter Stroke Research Register is the only register in Australia that is dedicated to consumer engagement in research.

Hunter Research Medical Institute Consumer and Community Involvement Lead Gillian Mason said more research is needed to understand the 20 per cent of strokes that cannot be prevented with the current knowledge available.

“We know we need more research on how to help stroke survivors live their best lives. At HMRI, we work alongside people with stroke in Newcastle who are actively involved in co-designing this research,” Ms Mason said.

“Our recent work around post stroke fatigue is a great example of this. We surveyed people with stroke and they told us that fatigue is the thing they wanted help with. We’re working to understand both the biological mechanisms for fatigue and more about drug treatments that work in some cases but also look at treatments and strategies for people who the drugs don’t seem to work for.

“This annual morning tea brings people together from all over the community and gives us the space and time to connect over a cup of coffee. By partnering with City of Newcastle, it shows that stroke is not just seen as a research or medical issue, it’s acknowledged as whole of community issue.”

The Lord Mayor’s World Stroke Day Morning Tea will be held on Monday 30 October at 10am at Newcastle Museum.

To RSVP visit https://events.humanitix.com/lord-mayor-annual-stroke-day-morning-tea

Fans say let it be in Newcastle as McCartney highlights benefits of major events

Newcastle’s reputation as a major events destination took centre stage this week as almost 30,000 fans packed McDonald Jones Stadium to watch Paul McCartney’s historic first concert outside an Australian capital city.

The show, which was secured as part of City of Newcastle’s Major Events Partnership with Venues NSW, has injected an estimated $9 million into the local economy.

Almost 30,000 fans watched on as Paul McCartney performed his historic show in Newcastle on Tuesday night at McDonald Jones Stadium. Picture courtesy of Venues NSW.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the capacity crowd and booked out accommodation across the city were testament to the benefits of CN’s strategic investment into major events.

“Events deliver both an immediate and ongoing benefit for the community and economy,” Cr Nelmes said.

“When Elton John toured here earlier this year, his concerts were watched by almost 50,000 music fans, with more than 75 per cent of people coming from outside of Newcastle and Newcastle’s accommodation occupancy rates almost double compared to the same period the year prior.

“Accommodation providers were similarly inundated with bookings to coincide with Paul McCartney’s concert, reaffirming the essential role major events play in boosting tourism, as well as encouraging repeat visitation in the future.”

The former Beatle and Wings frontman also shone a spotlight on the tourism potential of events, asking the crowd during his show who had travelled from outside of Newcastle and surrounding areas. The cheer from visitors from beyond was by far the most rapturous within the stadium.

“Well, on behalf of the tourist board we welcome you,” McCartney said.

A report to next Tuesday’s Council meeting highlights CN’s commitment to attracting and hosting major events in line with its Destination Management Plan 2021-2025. The report also notes the key role the Newcastle 500 played in attracting significantly more major events, including those with international reach, to the city.

“The Newcastle 500 was the first major, multi-day, international event hosted by Newcastle and has led to the city cementing its reputation as a premier tourism and major events destination,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Since the inaugural Newcastle 500 in 2017, Newcastle has played host to a suite of significant events including Van Gogh Alive, the AFC Asian Cup, Oceania Super Moto, Elton John and Paul McCartney concerts and a number of international women’s football matches including the record-breaking Matildas clash with Brazil. Together with the Supercars events, these have been attended by almost one million people.

“City of Newcastle is now regularly approached by event promoters about potential major and major events, and we look forward to securing new and exciting events for our community and as a key economic and tourism driver for the region.”

$500,000 investment boosts engineering training at TAFE NSW Griffith

The Riverina’s welding and metal fabrication sector has received a boost with the completion of the $500,000 upgrades to training facilities at TAFE NSW Griffith.

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said the investment comes amid strong demand for qualified metal fabricators and welders in the region, with several major infrastructure projects – including the $250 million Griffith Base Hospital redevelopment.

“Skilled engineers play a critical role in building the future of communities like Griffith, and it’s great to see TAFE NSW creating a pipeline of homegrown welders and metal fabricators,” Mr Whan said.

“The investment in these engineering facilities, which includes new welders and a hydraulic press, will ensure graduates continue to have the job-ready skills and experience to support local industry, the economy, and the community.

“Additionally, communities like Griffith will be the beneficiaries of the recently signed landmark National Skills Agreement between the Commonwealth and NSW Government.

“The five-year agreement places TAFE NSW at the heart of the vocational education and training sector, providing up to $3.81 billion in funding for NSW to help expand access to skills training in communities across New South Wales, including the Riverina.

TAFE NSW Griffith Head Teacher of Metal Fabrication and Welding Franc Prestia said Griffith’s manufacturing sector supported around 3000 jobs, while TAFE NSW engineering graduates were also highly sought after in the local agriculture and food processing industries.

“We are in constant contact with local industry to ensure we meet their training needs,” Mr Prestia said.

“TAFE NSW Griffith has seen solid growth in engineering apprentice numbers in recent years, and the upgrade to our workshop will ensure we continue delivering the job-ready skills employers expect and deserve.”

New leadership for the State Library of NSW’s next chapter

The NSW Government has today announced the appointment of Dr Caroline Butler-Bowdon as the new State Librarian.

Dr Butler-Bowdon, a published author in architectural and urban history, brings with her over 20 years of leadership experience in large public institutions. Her career ranges from the museum and heritage space to most recently the activations in our streets, centres and open spaces.

Dr Butler-Bowdon has a consistent track record of supporting creative communities, building partnerships across government.

Dr Butler-Bowdon is currently Acting Deputy Secretary, Cities and Active Transport at Transport for NSW and has previously held leadership roles at the Historic Houses Trust of NSW, overseeing programs and initiatives for some of Australia’s most important museums and institutions including Hyde Park Barracks, Museum of Sydney, Rose Seidler House and Vaucluse House.

Dr Butler-Bowdon will take over from Dr John Vallance, who is retiring after six years at the helm of the State Library of NSW as State Librarian, and a distinguished career in the arts and academia.

The State Library of NSW is the oldest library in Australia, with more than six million items in its collection, and receives almost a million readers and visitors every year.

Dr Butler-Bowdon will commence in the role on Wednesday 15 November 2023.

Dr Butler-Bowdon’s appointment means five of the six leaders of the state’s cultural institutions will be led by women.

Minister for the Arts John Graham said:

“I want to thank Dr John Vallance for his contributions and the legacy he leaves behind.

“The State Library of NSW is one of our most beloved institutions and I’m thrilled to have Dr Caroline Butler-Bowdon bring her profound expertise and demonstrated excellence in cultural, creative and place leadership to this important institution.

“Caroline Butler-Bowdon has a passionate commitment to cultural leadership for the widest audience. I look forward to seeing the State Library of NSW continue to flourish under her drive to engage and inspire communities in the joys and power of ideas and culture.

“The State Library has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade, with accessibility improvements and a new multi-purpose space, making it a more inclusive place for people to enjoy the collections.

“I look forward to working with Dr Butler-Bowdon in making the State Library an even more welcoming and diverse institution for readers and visitors to experience.”

Library Council President, The Honourable George Souris AM said:

“I want to thank Dr John Vallance for his leadership over the past six years – he brought a wealth of knowledge to the role through his many years in the arts and academia, and the State Library is a better place for his service.

“We welcome Dr Caroline Butler-Bowdon to the role of State Librarian – she will be an incredible asset to the team and has an unbridled passion for our cultural institutions.”

Incoming NSW State Librarian Dr Caroline Butler-Bowdon said:

“Libraries, like parks, are at the very bedrock of the best democracies, global cities and states.

“I look forward to playing a part in the future of this wonderfully storied institution, championing the work of its loyal and creative staff, its globally significant collections, and its state-wide reach.

“The State Library of NSW is an important cornerstone in our community. Its location, its position, its deep and rich collections, its global reach coupled with its statewide brief fill me with genuine excitement.

“One of the keys to success will be balancing the focus on the physical library with the opportunities to work in western Sydney, and of course regionally through the Public Libraries network.

“Together we will ensure that every citizen has access to this great library and its public network across NSW, as places of experience, learning, research, connection and community.”

Minns Labor government halves overdue planned surgery list

The Minns Labor government has halved the state’s overdue planned surgery list, according to the Surgical Care Taskforce interim report.

On his first full day in the job, Minister for Health Ryan Park announced the formation of the Surgical Care Taskforce to reduce the number of planned surgeries waiting longer than clinically recommended.

Between March and September 2023, this number was slashed from 14,067 to 7010.

One of the ways the taskforce was able to achieve this was by expanding the category of some procedures eligible for same day surgery when clinically appropriate, and by increasing the capacity for NSW Health to undertake surgeries.

The taskforce identified common (or high volume) procedures typically undertaken with a 1-night stay and has identified surgery types that can be increasingly conducted as same-day procedures.

The taskforce’s next steps will focus on building capacity in the NSW public health system to ensure a sustainable surgical service into the future.

The initiative will reduce wait times as well as demand for overnight beds.

The taskforce has brought together some of the state’s leading clinical experts, working in both the public and private health sectors.

Members include surgeons, anaesthetists, nursing and allied health clinicians from regional and metropolitan locations as well as Local Health District, Specialty Health Network, Ministry of Health and NSW Health Pillar organisation executives.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“I’m so proud of the work and progress made by the taskforce in halving the planned surgery wait list.

“I see the thousands of patients in our community waiting for life changing surgery, often in pain and discomfort.

“We have brought together some of the state’s leading clinicians to find and embrace innovative solutions, to improve the delivery of health care, and ultimately improve health outcomes for the people of this state.

“I thank NSW Health staff for their tremendous efforts throughout this period of high planned surgery activity across NSW, as these results are a testament to their hard work, dedication, and determination to get access to care for our patients.

“I also thank the private hospital partners who have played a very important role in achieving this outcome.”

Clinical Dean Western Sydney University and Taskforce Co-Chair Professor Neil Merrett said:

“Focusing on improving same-day models of care delivers faster access to care and reduces pressure for overnight beds in public hospitals.

“These combined strategies will mean patients get access to surgery sooner using internationally recognised best practice.

“More patients will be able to safely go home sooner and be provided with appropriate support where required.

“These models increase convenience for patients while also delivering the same or improved clinical outcomes.”

NSW’s 170,000 teachers celebrated on World Teachers’ Day

On World Teachers’ Day, the Minns Labor Government is celebrating NSW teachers for their tireless support of the state’s students and their contribution to our communities.

Today, schools and communities will take time to say thank you to the state’s 170,000 teachers who educate students across Government, Catholic and Independent schools.

It can also be a day to reflect on how to support teachers, whether it is getting involved in your local school community, or providing a personal “thank you” to a special teacher for the extra work they put in.

The effect of quality teaching extends well beyond the classroom, shaping the minds and lives of students long after they complete school.  

Education is at the heart of the NSW Government’s agenda, and the Minns Labor Government has made significant progress working to restore respect to this vital profession.

This includes scrapping the unfair wages cap, giving public school teachers the biggest pay rise in a generation, and delivering on our election commitment to offer 10,000 temporary teachers permanent positions.

This work is crucial after teachers were treated with contempt for 12 years by the Liberals and Nationals, who denied the state was in the grips of a teacher shortage crisis, refusing to properly invest in our children’s educational futures.

The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) is encouraging school communities to share kind messages on its NSW Teaching Gems Map, where many messages have already shown the high regard in which the state’s teachers are held.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Prue Car said:

“Today we can all take a moment to value our passionate and hardworking teachers.

“Teaching is one of those rare professions where you have the opportunity to transform young lives.

“It’s that commitment to enriching young minds that makes teaching both a vocation and a profession, and World Teachers’ Day is the perfect opportunity to let teachers know how grateful we are.”

Historic pay rise for NSW teachers lands in accounts as Minns Government takes steps to stem teacher shortage

This week NSW teachers are enjoying more money in their bank accounts, as the state’s educators see the benefits of a historic pay rise delivered to teachers by the Minns Labor Government.

Last month, the Minns Labor Government secured a deal with the Teachers Federation giving a once-in-a-generation pay rise to all of NSW’s 95,000 teachers.

The agreement, endorsed by the Teachers Federation Council, saw teachers’ starting salaries increase from $75,791 to $85,000, and salaries for top-of-the-scale teachers go from $113,042 to $122,100.

This agreement benefits every teacher in NSW, and the new establishment of a 7-step scale ensures all educators are progressing more rapidly through the system, seeing ongoing recognition for their hard work educating the state’s students.

Striking this pay deal was a key election promise of the Minns Labor Government, and is vital to restoring respect to the teaching profession and, crucially, key to attracting more teachers to the profession.

The pay rise took effect from the first pay period after 9 October, and increased salaries from this pay period will be paid into those accounts from this week.

Recently, the NSW Government reached a key target of converting 16,000 temporary teaching and school-based support staff roles from temporary to permanent positions, with more to come.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“Pay is a mark of respect and I am thrilled that this week teachers have woken up to an increased pay packet landing in their bank accounts.

“This pay rise was desperately needed and I am proud the Minns Labor government was able to deliver this major achievement within our first months in office.

“Striking this deal was vitally important, so our hardworking teachers can see they are respected by their government, and being paid adequately for the hard work they are doing to educate the state’s students.”

Second ratings agency affirms state’s triple-A status

Fitch Ratings has affirmed NSW’s triple-A credit rating with a stable outlook, becoming the second global agency this week to acknowledge the Minns government’s 2023–2024 Budget approach to stabilising the state’s finances.

It follows the decision by Moody’s on 24 October to reaffirm its triple-A credit rating, reflecting the Minns government’s strong financial management and the state’s diversified economy.

The state’s fiscal position had weakened in recent years, exacerbated by the former government’s reckless $27 billion spend in the 9 months leading up to the last election and their legacy of a $7 billion black hole of unfunded programs.

Since taking office, and through the September budget, the Minns government has begun the work of budget repair, including through the Comprehensive Expenditure Review (CER).

The CER identified $13 billion in budget improvements. These funds are being reinvested into unfunded programs and essential services to help keep the state’s overall expenses at a manageable level.

As a result, the 2023–2024 NSW Budget projects a surplus of $844 million in 2024–2025.

The government has also begun the work to reduce the impact of the Debt Retirement Fund and the Transport Assets Holding Entity on the state’s balance sheet. Gross debt is projected to be $173.4 billion by June 2026, which is $14.8 billion below the 2023 Pre-election Budget Update.

Net debt is now projected to peak at 12.6% of gross state product by June 2027, around 1.4 percentage points lower than at the 2023 Pre-election Budget Update.

Fitch Ratings noted its view that the strength of the NSW economy, coupled with disciplined financial management, will enable the state to withstand further global economic pressures.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“NSW is one of two states in Australia with triple-A credit ratings and Fitch has reaffirmed this position, highlighting the successful plan the government set out in the 2023–2024 Budget.

“The state’s credit ratings were under significant threat but the September budget began the repair work of reducing debt and rebuilding our essential services.

“This task continues as we work towards the 2024–2025 Budget.”

Great ways to celebrate on Grandparents Day

NSW Grandparents Day on 29 October is a great opportunity to celebrate the nonnas and the poppas, grans, nans and grandpas around the state.

Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said no matter what names we give our grandparents, they all make a tremendous contribution to family life.

“Grandparents play a special role in many NSW families, supporting busy mums and dads with the family juggle, teaching valuable life lessons to their grandchildren and keeping families connected,” Minister Harrison said.

“We should ensure we are celebrating grandparents every day of the year, but Grandparents Day is a particularly great time to acknowledge their past, present and future contribution to their families and communities.

“Others in our families or communities may sometimes also play the role of grandparents in our lives and they too should be celebrated on this day.”

This year, with funding provided by the NSW Government, the NSW Public Libraries Association has invited libraries across the state to host events to mark Grandparents Day.

“There are many activities on offer this weekend in libraries across the state, or you could simply curl up with a good book together,” Minister Harrison added.

“Grandparents hold a unique place in our families so I encourage families to take this opportunity to spend some quality time with your older loved one this Grandparents Day.”

For ideas on ways to celebrate and which local library is hosting events for Grandparents Day, visit the NSW Grandparents Day webpage.