Indigenous Cultural Heritage Laws in tatters following disastrous WA lesson

Labor’s planned Indigenous cultural heritage laws are in tatters following explosive revelations at Senate Estimates that the reforms have been delayed indefinitely.

In the evening session of the Senate Environment and Communications Estimates hearing on Monday, representatives from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water admitted that it was “unclear” whether the cultural heritage law reforms would be finished before the end of the current term of parliament.

This is despite Labor’s 2022 election commitment to introduce standalone cultural heritage reforms and follows the Western Australian Labor Government’s disastrous handling of similar laws that were ultimately scrapped following community and industry backlash.

Shadow Environment Minister Jonno Duniam:

“The Government’s environment and cultural heritage reform program is a joke.”

“We know that the Labor Government’s EPBC Act reforms are well behind schedule. Now we hear that their revamped cultural heritage laws may not even be introduced this term.”

“It’s another significant setback at the hands of Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek following her year-long delay to the promised EPBC Act reforms that are meant to be introduced by the end of this year.”

“Labor have bungled these reforms that they put to the Australian people at the last election. This is no coincidence following the backlash to the laws introduced by their West Australia Labor Government that drew wide condemnation.”

“How can they commit to reforms with an unlimited timeframe when they might not even be in government next term? It’s an empty promise and shows a lack of urgency, secrecy and delay that are typical of the Albanese Government.”

Funding increased for community sport

In a massive boost for community sport, the NSW Government has today announced that sport clubs across NSW can now apply for more funding under the Local Sport Grant Program.

The program provides $4.65 million funding to NSW sporting organisations with $50,000 available per electorate and grants up to $20,000 available to individual clubs.

In 2022 and 2023, $3.5 million was awarded for 592 projects, including development clinics, uniforms and sporting equipment.

This follows the Minns Government’s significant investment in grassroots sporting organisations including:

  • $30 million to providers of grassroots sport through the Level the Playing Field Program to support the continued growth of women’s and girls’ sport and recreation
  • a 4-year $14.5 million Football in Schools Program to partner with A-League clubs Western Sydney Wanderers and Macarthur FC to provide football, education and wellbeing programs in local schools.

NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“The NSW Government understands the vital role community sport plays in keeping people healthy, active and socially connected.

“Never was this more evident than during recent natural disasters and the pandemic.

“This program will provide vital funds to community sport groups to purchase new equipment, improve facilities and deliver programs that enable people of all ages and abilities to participate and enjoy the benefits of sport and active recreation.

“So, if there is a project or program your club has been wanting to deliver, I encourage you apply for a grant and take advantage of this fantastic opportunity.”

Applications in the 2023 and 2024 Local Sport Grant Program close 27 November 2023.

Get more information on the Local Sport Grant Programlaunch.

Bringing motorists up to speed on the M5 South-West

The speed limit eastbound on the M5 South-West between Belmore Road at Riverwood and King Georges Road at Beverly Hills will be returned to 100km/h from the current 80km/h limit next week, benefiting the journeys of 84,000 motorists a day.

The eastbound limit in the area had been reduced to 80km/h prior to the opening of the M8 in 2020 and will be restored by Tuesday.

The change comes as Transport for NSW prepares a number of improvements to the motorway network. The Rozelle Interchange – the final piece of WestConnex – will open by the end of the year and following that the WestConnex speed limit will be adjusted from 80km/h to 90km/h, expected in the first quarter of 2024.

Restoration of the 100km/h speed limit on the section Riverwood to Beverly Hills section of the M5 will mean an uninterrupted stretch of 20kms at the same, higher speed limit.

Work to alter speed signs will take place Monday night, weather permitting, to limit disruption for motorists and to ensure safety of workers.

Temporary lane closures and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h will apply during work.

The 100km/h speed limit between Belmore Road, and King Georges Road will be in effect on Tuesday 24 October, weather permitting. The on and off ramp speed at those entry and exit points will remain at 60km/h.

NSW Roads Minister, John Graham said:

‘We are taking the first step in our plan to get commuters home faster, as we speed up our motorways.

“Safety is always our number one priority and this change follows a rigorous safety review that found it is appropriate to raise the speed limit.

“The initial speed reduction was a temporary measure to mitigate potential safety risks caused by queuing traffic onto the motorway as motorists adjusted to the new part of the network.

“Over 84,000 motorists use the M5 eastbound each day, and this action will get motorists back up to speed on their daily commute.

“Where we can increase speed limits safely, we will look to do so, so that people can get to work, home or study faster. On the flipside, the NSW Government also works with community’s and local councils on lowering speed limits in the name of safety and amenity.”

Disaster assistance following severe bushfires across NSW

Disaster assistance is now available in several parts of NSW to help communities recovering from severe bushfires.

Jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), the assistance has been activated for the InverellKyogle, and Tenterfield local government areas (LGAs) (for bushfires on 13 October 2023 onwards) and Mid-Western LGA (for bushfires on 17 October onwards).

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Senator the Hon Murray Watt said the bushfires caused significant damage.

“The Australian Government is supporting impacted communities with this early assistance, so recovery can begin as soon as possible for those directly affected,” Minister Watt said.

“While we move quickly to activate this early assistance, we also continue to work alongside the NSW Government to collect information and fully understand the impact of these fires.”

NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said bushfire-impacted communities, landowners, farmers, and primary producers will be supported in their clean-up and recovery.

“The NSW Government is committed to seeing communities get back on their feet as quickly as possible, which is why we’ve worked swiftly to make sure directly impacted people can access this funding and start their recovery,” Minister Dib said.

“We remain dedicated to NSW communities in the face of hazards and will be there long before a disaster strikes and long after the disaster has passed.”

Assistance available under the DRFA may include:

  • help for eligible people whose homes or belongings have been damaged (eligibility criteria apply)
  • support for affected local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets
  • concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers and non-profit organisations
  • freight subsidies for primary producers.

For information relating to financial assistance, replacing lost documents, location of your nearest recovery centre and more, please contact Service NSW on 137 788launch or visit nsw.gov.au.

To apply for a concessional loan or primary producer grant, visit the NSW Rural Assistance Authoritylaunch website or call 1800 678 593launch.

Further information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assistlaunch website.

Triple-A credit rating reaffirmed by Moody’s

Global ratings agency Moody’s has affirmed NSW’s triple-A credit rating with a stable outlook, following the Minns Government’s 2023-24 plan to stabilise the State’s finances.

The State’s fiscal position had weakened in recent years but the Government’s Comprehensive Expenditure Review identified $13 billion in budget improvements, revenue and reprioritisation measures to help stabilise the fiscal position.

These funds will be reinvested into essential services to help keep the State’s overall expenses at a manageable level. As a result, the 2023-24 NSW Budget projects an improved surplus of $844 million in 2024-25.

The Government has also taken steps to reduce the impact of the NSW Generations Fund and Transport Asset Holding Entity on the State’s balance sheet, with gross debt 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 per cent of GSP by June 2027, around 1.4 percentage points lower than at the 2023 Pre-election Budget Update.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“The Minns Government has begun the task of repairing the budget, reducing debt and rebuilding our essential services, as well as supporting families and providing targeted cost-of-living relief.

“We are still in the early stages of setting NSW’s finances on a sustainable footing. We look forward to continuing this work in the next budget.”

True impact of teacher shortages in NSW public schools revealed: nearly 10,000 lessons without a teacher each day

Students in almost 10,000 lessons every day are being left without adequate instruction in disruptive class arrangements, due to a 42% shortfall in the number of casual teachers available to teach classes, a new survey by the NSW Department of Education has found.

Public schools across NSW have been left short on average 3000 casual teachers every day – nearly half of what is required to meet the state’s educational demand – after 12 years under the former Liberal National government, which denied there was a problem and refused to collect data on it.

In the state’s primary schools, 40% of the lessons unable to be covered by a casual teacher resulted in merged or collapsed classes. In high schools, students in nearly 30% of uncovered classes were left to their own devices with minimal supervision.

The numbers were significantly worse in parts of Sydney’s west and south-west, rural and remote areas and at schools for specific purposes – but the issue was widespread with almost 90% of schools across the state reporting a shortfall in casual teachers on a given day.

The survey is the first of its kind to gather data on the true extent and impact of the teacher shortage faced by NSW public schools. It provides damning evidence of the gravity of the issue inherited by the Minns Labor government.

On average, NSW’s casual teacher shortage looks like:

  • A daily shortfall of more than 3000 teachers, or 42% of what is required to fill classes.
  • More than 9800 lessons without a teacher across the state every day.
  • 87% of NSW public schools impacted by a shortage of casual teachers each day.
  • Worse at schools in the metropolitan south and west (47%), rural north (47%), rural south and west (59%), Connected Communities (72%) and at schools for specific purposes (68%).
  • 40% of primary school lessons requiring alternative supervision arrangements covered by merging/collapsing classes.
  • 28% of high school lessons without a teacher covered by minimal supervision.

The survey also reveals how the severe shortfall in casual teachers results in a domino effect – including cancellation of library lessons, programs providing additional support to those most in need and time set aside for professional development.  

The Minns Labor government is delivering on its promise to listen to teachers and parents and take action to turn around the teacher shortage crisis that has been failing NSW public school students for years. 

Since being elected in March, the Minns Labor government has taken steps to reduce teacher workload, delivering teachers their largest pay rise in a generation, and making more than 16,000 teachers and support staff on temporary engagements permanent.

A number of other programs and recruitment initiatives are in place or under development to attract more teachers to areas where they are particularly in demand.

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

“We already knew from listening to teachers and parents that NSW has been facing a teacher shortage crisis leaving huge numbers of students without quality teaching every single day – but the former government told teachers it was a ‘lie’ they had made up.

“This survey lays bare the extent of the crisis that the former Liberal National government denied and ignored while they claimed teachers weren’t working hard enough to get a pay rise.

“Even to this day the former government is in denial about their legacy. The Minns Labor government was elected on a mandate to fix this mess and we are addressing it head on.

“It is vital for a child’s education that they have a qualified teacher in front of them for every lesson, and that is what we’re working towards.”

FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NATIONAL APOLOGY TO VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS OF INSTITUTIONAL CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

Sunday 22 October 2023 marked the fifth anniversary of the National Apology to Victims and Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse.

The National Apology was delivered in response to a five-year Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse initiated by former Prime Minister, the Honourable Julia Gillard AC.

More than 17,000 victims and survivors bravely came forward in response to the Royal Commission and nearly 8,000 victims and survivors recounted their horrendous abuse in private sessions.

The apology that followed honoured the courage of victims, survivors and advocates who spoke out to expose abuse in institutions, often at great personal cost, by having to re-live the trauma.

Their courage also paved the way for ongoing initiatives that seek to prevent and respond to all forms of child sexual abuse and provide support to victims and survivors.

The Australian Government continues to prioritise implementing recommendations of the Royal Commission, and supporting initiatives that stemmed from this inquiry, which included the establishment of the:

  1. Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation
  2. National Office for Child Safety
  3. National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Child Sexual Abuse
  4. National Redress Scheme
  5. National Centre for Action on Child Sexual Abuse.

Since the Redress Scheme was established in 2018, over $1 billion dollars in redress payments has been paid to survivors. There are more than 600 non-government organisations now participating in the Scheme, covering more than 71,000 sites such as churches, schools, homes, charities, and community groups, across Australia.

Prime Minister Albanese said:

“Five years ago, the Government apologised on behalf of Australians for the appalling institutional abuse experienced by children and young people, and our failure to protect them.

“We acknowledge the 5th anniversary of the apology and reaffirm the Government’s commitment to establish a world in which our children and young people are safe, and victims and survivors receive the support they deserve.

“The Royal Commission broke the silence surrounding institutional child sexual abuse and the National Apology marked the end of one era and the beginning of a more hopeful one.”

the Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said:

“This year also marks the fifth year of the National Office for Child Safety, and two years since the launch of the National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Child Sexual Abuse 2021-2030.

“The National Office oversees implementation of the National Strategy across Commonwealth, state and territory governments, to prevent and respond to child sexual abuse, and support and empower victims and survivors.

“The Government is increasing awareness of child sexual abuse and taking steps to introduce practical initiatives that support the community to respond to child sexual abuse.

“This work includes launching a national awareness raising campaign to help all Australians understand child sexual abuse is preventable, and we all have a role to play”.

Federal Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said:

“Our focus remains on the wellbeing of survivors and ensuring they have access to redress for the harm and trauma they endured, through the National Redress Scheme.
“We cannot take away the pain of survivors, but we are committed to supporting them and working to repair our communities. There is still much work to be done.

“There have been over 30,000 applications to the Scheme from some of the most vulnerable members of our community, which shows the widespread and enduring impact institutional child sexual abuse has had on our nation.
“The Government is also supporting the National Centre for Action on Child Sexual Abuse, fulfilling the recommendation of the Royal Commission to prevent child sexual abuse, by creating a viable evidence base and providing essential training to workers to identify child sexual abuse in settings where it may occur.”

***If you or someone you know needs assistance, contact the National Redress Scheme on 1800 737 377 or visit the National Redress Scheme website***

***For 24/7 support you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14; 1800RESPECT; or 13YARN (13 92 76) for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander crisis support.
Blue Knot Foundation supports anyone affected by complex trauma, and is available Monday-Sunday 9am-5pm AEDT***

MICROSOFT INVESTMENT IN AUSTRALIAN INNOVATION

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced that Microsoft will make an additional $5 billion investment in Australia, helping our nation become a world-leading digital economy by significantly investing in skills and training to help equip a new generation of Australians for the jobs and opportunities of the future. 

This Microsoft investment will enable expansion of its Australian hyperscale cloud computing and artificial intelligence infrastructure over the next two years. This will grow its local data centre footprint from 20 to 29 sites in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne.

This will position Australia as a global leader in cloud computing, with demand expected to almost double by 2026. 

A new Microsoft Data Centre Academy will open in 2024 in NSW in partnership with TAFE NSW, focusing on building applied data centre skills. 

The academy will provide alternative employment pathways into Australia’s tech sector, with a focus on under-represented groups including women and Indigenous Australians. The new data centres will use low-carbon materials during construction as well renewable energy. 

Microsoft has committed to support programs to train an additional 300,000 Australians through its global skills program. These programs are designed to help Australians gain the skills and capabilities to thrive in the digital economy.

Microsoft will also collaborate with the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) on the Microsoft-ASD Cyber Shield to harden Australia from cyber threats to individuals, businesses and governments.

The Microsoft-ASD Cyber Shield will improve joint capability to identify, prevent and respond to cyber threats, which are growing in both frequency and severity. It will be one of the first steps that we are taking as part of the 2023-2030 Cyber-Security Strategy, to become a world-leading cyber secure and resilient nation by 2030.

The Prime Minister welcomed the landmark investment while in the United States, with science and technology a focus of the official visit. 

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“This is a major investment in the skills and workers of the future, which will help Australia to strengthen our position as a world-leading economy.

“A priority for my Government is to ensure all Australians benefit from economic growth. This means that we need to provide the skills to enable Australians to succeed in the jobs of the future.

“A strong economy requires protection from cyber threats. I welcome Microsoft’s collaboration with the Australian Signals Directorate to enhance cybersecurity for households and business.”

the Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic said: 

“This is a big deal for our tech sector.

“Australia is one of the world’s most advanced users of cloud technologies and this investment will keep us at the forefront.

“This significant investment from Microsoft recognises the Albanese Government’s focus on supporting and growing our tech sector, including our target of 1.2 million tech jobs by 2030.”

SHARON CLAYDON LAUNCHES 2023 PHOTO COMPETITION

For the third year running, Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon has today launched the 2023 Newcastle Photography Competition, calling on all photographers, whether amateur, hobbyist, or professional, to capture the essence of Newcastle on camera.

“The winning photograph will be showcased on my annual Christmas card that will be sent to every household in the city as well as businesses and community groups in our area and dignitaries such as Members of Parliament, Ambassadors, the Prime Minister, and the Governor-General.” Ms Claydon said.   

“The winner will also receive a $150 voucher to spend at MacLean’s Booksellers or any one of the dozens of creative, independent and locally owned Makers and Traders Newcastle businesses. And $50 vouchers will go to three runners up!”

Ms Claydon said the photo must be taken in the electorate of Newcastle by a Novocastrian.

“I’ll be keeping my eye out for iconic images that capture the essence of Newcastle – our people, our landmarks and natural beauty, our sense of humour, daily life, or festive cheer.”

“The photo can be taken on any sort of camera, smartphone or drone, but it must have been taken in 2023” Ms Claydon said.

“You’ll need to get in quick because entries close in a few short weeks on Friday 10 November 2023.”

“After the success of previous years, I really look forward to seeing this year’s entries”.

“This competition is always a highlight, it really showcases the creativity and unique vision of Novocastrians”

For more information or to upload your photo visit: https://woobox.com/5suqjf

Delivering a historic expansion of Paid Parental Leave

The Albanese Labor Government is keeping its commitment to improve the lives of Australian families with the introduction of the Paid Parental Leave Amendment (More Support for Working Families) Bill 2023.

The Bill finalises settings for the Government’s significant expansion of Paid Parental Leave announced in the October 2022-23 Budget, increasing the scheme to 26 weeks by July 2026.

With this Bill, the Government is committing to providing each parent four weeks of reserved leave from July 2026 when the full scheme is implemented which will encourage shared care and send a strong signal that both parents play a role in caring for their children.

This Bill also introduces concurrent leave – meaning that from 2026 both parents can take four weeks of leave at the same time if they choose to, providing flexibility to families in how they arrange their care.

These changes reflect the additional advice on PPL sought by government from the Women’s Economic Equality Taskforce and represent the largest investment in Paid Parental Leave since the scheme was introduced in 2011.

It delivers more support for working families, improves outcomes for children and advances gender equality.

The Bill follows changes commencing 1 July 2023 to make the scheme more accessible, flexible and gender equitable. These important structural changes laid a strong foundation for our expansion to 26 weeks. 

Minister for Women Katy Gallagher said that through the Jobs and Skills Summit and the Employment White Paper, the Government had heard loud and clear that support for families to balance care is critical to ensuring women’s long term economic equality.

“We know that good women’s policy is also good economic policy, and this investment will promote parenting as an equal partnership while boosting the economy,” Minister Gallagher said.

“This is all about making sure that every family has more choice and better support.”

Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said the changes to the scheme better address the needs of working Australian families and provides greater security as they adjust to life with a newborn or adopted child.

“The roughly 180,000 families who receive Paid Parental Leave each year will benefit from a more generous scheme that supports maternal health and wellbeing, encourages dads and partners to take leave, and gives families flexibility to choose how they share care,” Minister Rishworth said.

“Not only will this help families to better balance work and care, but it will also support participation and productivity over the longer term, providing a dividend for the Australian economy.

“These changes will provide better security and choice for families. They strike the right balance between supporting our working families, encouraging greater gender equality, and supporting greater workforce participation.” 

Pending its passage through Parliament, two additional weeks of payment will be added each year from 1 July 2024, increasing the overall length of the Paid Parental Leave scheme by six weeks by July 2026.

The Bill increases the number of weeks reserved for each parent to four weeks in order to encourage sharing of care and household responsibilities.

The Bill also increases the number of weeks parents are able to take at the same time, increasing flexibility for families and supporting both parents to take time off work together after a birth.

The Government’s changes will benefit over 180,000 families each year, at a cost of $1.2 billion from 2022-23 to 2026-27.

More information on the changes to the Paid Parental Leave scheme can be found on the Department of Social Services website.