February 2024 – Page 18

GREENS SAY PARLIAMENT’S CONTINUED BACKING OF ISRAEL’S INVASION “UNFORGIVABLE”

History will condemn Labor’s backing of a massive humanitarian catastrophe, the Greens say, after the government voted with the opposition to double down on its support of the State of Israel’s invasion of Gaza.

The vote occurred as the death toll in Palestine climbs towards 30,000 people, millions of Palestinians are displaced and facing starvation, dehydration and death from disease, and Israeli troops turn their sights on the city of Rafah.

The International Court of Justice has said there is a plausible basis to claims of genocide, commencing an investigation that the Australian Government has also refused to support.

Adam Bandt MP, Leader of the Australian Greens said:

“As the death toll rises and civilians are slaughtered, it is unforgivable that Labor continues to back the invasion of Gaza,” Mr Bandt said.

“Even after 27,000 deaths, widespread humanitarian catastrophe and orders from the International Court of Justice to prevent genocide, Labor has doubled down on its backing of Israel’s invasion of Gaza.”

“International pressure is crucial to securing a permanent ceasefire, but Labor keeps backing the invasion.

“Labor should join the growing global push for a permanent ceasefire, the release of the hostages and an end to the occupation of Palestine.”

Senator Jordon Steele-John, Greens spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Peace said:

“There is no room for equivocating on the crime of genocide. Labor is trying to present this as complicated – there is nothing morally complex about opposing an invasion which has killed tens of thousands of innocent people,” Senator Steele-John said.

“Now that the International Court of Justice believes there is a plausible basis to claims of genocide in Gaza, ignorance is not an excuse. Continued silence as the death toll mounts and evidence of genocide builds amounts to complicity in what is going on in Gaza.

“Every day, we see horrifying new evidence of what the State of Israel’s invasion means: mass graves, schools and hospitals turned into rubble, all backed by Israeli officials using genocidal language.

“Labor has abandoned everyone in the community who are pushing for a permanent ceasefire, the release of all hostages and an end to the occupation of Palestine.

City of Newcastle kicking goals with strategic approach to sports facilities

More than $20 million has been invested into upgrading and expanding Newcastle’s sporting facilities during the past three years as City of Newcastle (CN) moves forward with the delivery of its Strategic Sports Plan.

Representatives from sporting codes across the city were updated on the progress of the Plan during last night’s third annual Sports Summit, which was established by CN in 2022 to support a more collaborative relationship with local sporting groups.

Cr Margaret Wood, Cr Peta Winney-Baartz, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Cr Elizabeth Adamczyk, CN Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy and CEO Jeremy Bath attend the 2024 Sports Summit

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said CN was kicking goals in the implementation of its 10-year Strategic Sports Plan, which was designed to address future demand and inform the ongoing supply, maintenance and upgrade of sporting infrastructure across the Local Government Area.

“City of Newcastle is committed to upgrading sporting facilities across the community for the benefit of all, which is why we’ve invested more than $20 million during the past three financial years to enhance our sportsgrounds and amenities,” Cr Nelmes said.

“This includes everything from field layout, drainage and irrigation upgrades to major projects such as the stage one redevelopment and stage two planning and design of No.1 Sportsground and a $1.25 million upgrade at Myers Park.

“We’re also delivering on our promise to develop more inclusive, accessible and female-friendly facilities and amenities, with upgrades completed at Lugar Park and major grandstand redevelopment projects almost complete at Darling Street Oval and Passmore Oval.

Chair of CN’s Sports Infrastructure Working Party, Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz, said that implementation of the City’s Strategic Sports Plan, adopted in 2020, is progressing well.

“Since adopting the Plan, I’m pleased to say that we’ve implemented or are progressing 84 per cent of its 93 recommendations, working collaboratively with sporting clubs across the City to ensure we cater for the needs of our community now and into the future.”

Cr Winney-Baartz said CN also provides funding to assist sporting codes with minor capital works projects.

“With ongoing changes to representatives on sporting committees it’s important to hold regular workshops and forums with the sporting community to keep them up to date with City of Newcastle processes,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“This includes educating them on future funding opportunities such as CN’s Recreation facilities grants, which allow groups to apply for grants of up to $10,000 to help upgrade existing facilities or develop new ones.

“Nine projects will be delivered in 2023/24 following on from successful grant applications last year, including new artificial turf wickets at Ballast Park in Stockton, new grandstands for the New Lambton Eagles at Alder Park, as well as creating the region’s first 18-hole disc golf course at Beresfield.

“We’re proud to work closely with our sporting clubs to ensure our community has continued access to high quality sporting and leisure opportunities.”

Councillor Margaret Wood, co-chair of CN’s Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee, said the Strategic Sports Plan 2020 also aligns with CN’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan.

“This plan ensures that City of Newcastle commits to advocating for the equal rights of all, providing services, programs, events and facilities that are respectful and inclusive of people with disabilities, their families and carers,” Cr Wood said.

CN manages 63 sportsgrounds venues, which are home to 152 fields that span over 370 hectares.

The Sports Summit brought together representatives from all codes that utilise CN’s outdoor facilities, providing an opportunity for them to learn about council processes relating to fees and charges, ground allocation, project works and grants.

NSW Government introduces integrity reforms

The NSW Government is set to introduce reforms to help restore public trust and improve public integrity, transparency, and accountability.

The reform package will include amendments to the Independent Commission Against Corruption Act 1988 to make it a legislative requirement for the Government to respond to recommendations of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) directed to the Government.

The NSW Government is also moving to address recommendations made by the ICAC in Operation Witney and Operation Keppel.

Operation Witney was an investigation into the former Member for Drummoyne and allegations concerning improper influence and breach of public trust.

In response to the investigation’s findings, a draft regulation will be tabled in Parliament proposing to:

expand the interests required to be disclosed by Members of Parliament
require Members to disclose new matters including conflicts of interest
require all Members to make disclosures on an ongoing basis instead of periodically, for publication on the NSW Parliament website.

The draft regulation, if made, will implement recommendations 1 and 4 of the Operation Witney report and bring NSW into line with the disclosure obligations in other Australian jurisdictions, including the Commonwealth. The Government intends to introduce the proposed changes on 1 July 2024 after consultation with relevant Parliamentary Committees.

In response to Operation Keppel, which concerned the former Member for Wagga Wagga, the Government will amend the preamble to the NSW Ministerial Code of Conduct to include principles and guiding values recommended by the ICAC.

Further reforms include guidelines for the preparation and funding of business cases in respect of grant applications by non-government entities, and boosting education programs to ensure Ministers are aware of their integrity obligations.

The package of reforms reaffirms the Government’s commitment to the highest standards of integrity. This builds upon recent announcements including a ban on political parties accepting donations from clubs which have gaming machines and the tightening of government grant regulations.

NSW Government delivers on commitment to tackle skills shortage

The NSW Government is continuing to reskill the state with applications now open for the NSW Public Sector Apprentices and Trainees Program, delivering on the Government’s commitment to employ 1000 extra apprentices.

The $93.5 million investment, committed during the state election, will provide an opportunity for up to 1000 apprentices and trainees to join more than 30 government agencies and state-owned corporations.

Under the former government the NSW skills sector was undervalued and neglected, which lead to a 33% decline in apprenticeship and traineeship commencements since 2011.

But the NSW Labor Government understands how important a strong vocational education system is for skills and training in NSW.

With broad skills shortages across the State, apprentices and traineeships provide a unique mix of on-the-job training with formal study that makes them vital additions to the future NSW workforce.

Under this program specific industries which have significant skills shortages, including in transport, electricity, water, IT, and cyber security will be targeted.

Over 3 years of training, until June 2026, successful applicants will be able to:

earn and learn on the job
have access to excellent career opportunities and industry experience
gain support from highly experienced and skilled industry professionals
build hands-on, practical experience
earn nationally recognised qualifications.

There are more than 50 qualifications available in the program with more than half of the roles based regionally.

Get more information about the initiative and register interest on The 1000 NSW Public Sector Apprentices and Trainees Program.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“The NSW Government is committed to giving more young people opportunities to learn new skills, to get good paying jobs and to begin to fill the skills shortage.

“Prior to the election we committed to addressing the shortage of skilled workers in NSW, following 12 years of underfunding and neglect.

“Under the former government we saw apprentice and trainee numbers plummet, as NSW lost out on vital skilled workers in priority areas like transport, electricity and IT.

“This is an important step in reversing that trend and rebuilding the skilled workforce NSW needs.

“Today we are proud to be delivering on a major election commitment by increasing the skilled workforce in NSW by 1000 and we won’t just train them, we’ll hire them too.”

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“A job in the Department of Customer Service (DCS) can be incredibly rewarding, supporting the people of NSW with important frontline and digital services through leading Government agencies like Service NSW.

“Service NSW personnel do a great job for the people of NSW and I encourage those interested to apply for these opportunities and do an apprenticeship or traineeship with Service NSW or any of the NSW agencies involved.

“Service NSW is the one-stop-shop for government services and these new roles will open the door to career pathways, giving candidates vital workplace experience and employment opportunities in an organisation that is making services more accessible to everyone.”

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said:

“The NSW Labor Government is directly tackling the skills shortage by investing in and training the next generation of workers to build a highly skilled and resilience workforce.

“We’re not just plugging gaps; we’re launching careers. If you’re a recent high school graduate or an adventurer seeking a new path, you should seize this opportunity and make the most of it.

“If you are a recent high school graduate, or if you’re considering a new career, I strongly encourage you to you to apply and become and apprentice or trainee in the public service.

“Today’s investment in apprentices and trainees is tomorrow’s investment in a thriving NSW economy. Apprentices and trainees will gain on-the-job work experience and emerge with a nationally recognised qualification that will absolutely broaden their career opportunities.

The program will also position the NSW public sector as a leader in the employment of apprentices and trainees as we build capacity within our own agencies.”

NSW Government’s Operation Victa stops fire ants at the border

The NSW Government has continued to take a hardline approach to the threat of imported red fire ants, as the Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty announced the successful results of Operation Victa over the past weekend.

Over the first weekend in February, Operation Victa activated another wave of security checks on heavy vehicles at the border between New South Wales and Queensland, turning back any non-compliant vehicles.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and NSW Police, supported by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, stopped 100 high-risk vehicles at Chinderah to check loads and ensure biosecurity requirements were met.

Of the 100 vehicles stopped, 55 vehicles originated from the Red Imported Fire Ant infested zone in southeast Queensland.

Four vehicles did not comply with the requirement to hold relevant biosecurity documentation and were not permitted to enter the state.

These vehicles also failed to have a clean truck and clean equipment to ensure all fire ant carrier materials had been removed.

Additional investigations will determine if additional enforcement actions are required.

Breaching the emergency biosecurity order carries penalties of up to $1.1 million for an individual and up to $2.2 million for a corporation.

All vehicle operators stopped at the border were questioned on their knowledge of the Biosecurity (Fire Ant) Emergency Order (No 1) 2024 during the inspection process. Importantly, the vast majority demonstrated their awareness and responsibility.

Operation Victa is ongoing and will continue to target commercial movements of fire ant carrier material and specific heavy vehicle types to improve biosecurity compliance.

The first wave of Operation Victa in September 2023 stopped 99 vehicles and directed 7 to return to Queensland, as they failed to comply with biosecurity requirements.

In December 2023, the second wave operation resulted in 75 vehicles stopped with all vehicles found to be compliant.

The government is working closely with the National Fire Ant Eradication Program to undertake tracing and surveillance activities, after fire ant nests were discovered and destroyed at South Murwillumbah and at Wardell, south of Ballina.

NSW Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Regional NSW, Minister for Western NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“The NSW Government takes the threat of red fire ants seriously and is committed to continuing to take a hardline approach to protect NSW and our agricultural industry from their impacts.

“I thank the NSW Department of Primary Industries, the NSW Police and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator for their coordinated response over the weekend.

“We require businesses supplying and transporting potential fire ant materials to understand the rules and we are providing information through many channels.

“The NSW contribution to the National Fire Ant Eradication program was increased from $15 million under the former National Liberal NSW Government to $95 million under our government because we take biosecurity seriously.

“This increase in resourcing and funding has meant the NSW Government’s fire ant response teams are well equipped to respond to fire ant nest sightings with the necessary urgency.”

Safety first as NSW public schools trial new purpose-built AI tool for students

A new purpose-built generative artificial intelligence (AI) app designed by the NSW Department of Education will begin to be trialled this term in 16 NSW public schools.

The app, called NSWEduChat, is built for use in education and suitable for school-aged children, unlike many commercially available AI apps.

Designed to be safe and ethical for use in schools, NSWEduChat is also directly relevant and appropriate for NSW classrooms, in line with key principles outlined in the Australian Framework for Generative Artificial Intelligence in Schools, which all Education Ministers agreed to in October.

Staff and students from 16 NSW public schools – 10 high schools, four primary schools, one School for Specific Purposes and one Environmental Education Centre – will participate in the trial of NSWEduChat over the first two terms of 2024.

Teachers will decide how they use the tool in their classrooms and students will also have access to the app via the department’s student portal.

Trial participants will receive assistance and support from subject matter experts, professional learning and technical resources and a virtual staffroom.

The trial will be monitored and reviewed with the results to help inform the future direction of AI in NSW public schools.

Key safety and security features of the app include:

Data security

The app is privately secured which ensures data is controlled by, and only visible to, the department. This safeguards against potential breaches of data security and privacy issues associated with the use of publicly available generative AI apps.
Department control of NSWEduChat app means that the responses generated are aligned with NSW and Australian curriculums and the department’s values and policies.

Embedded safeguards

The app only responds to students’ questions that relate to school activities and education-related topics and uses content filtering and topic restriction. It has embedded safeguards to monitor and remove inappropriate content.
It does not reveal full answers to students. NSWEduChat encourages critical thinking by asking guided questions and inviting students to reason on the outcome of their questions, instead of providing direct answers.
It also provides higher-quality, more accurate support for free that is currently only available through premium-paid AI tools.

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

“Generative AI is rapidly evolving and offers both challenges and opportunities – and, like many sectors, education is already seeing the impact of new AI tools and practices. 

“As one of the world’s largest providers of public education, I’m proud that NSW has developed NSWEduChat, a safe and secure tool with great potential to enhance learning and give students valuable hands-on experience with this game-changing technology.

“This trial is an important first step in safely navigating generative AI for use in schools, while upholding safety, security and best practice for our students and teachers.”

NSW Government continues to engage with GPs on payroll tax

The NSW Government continues to engage with GPs and stakeholders as it finds a solution to payroll tax issues.

The NSW Government has not imposed additional payroll tax obligations on GPs and GP practices.

In August 2023, following uncertainty in the sector and engagement with practices, the Australian Medical Association (AMA) and Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP), the NSW Labor Government legislated a 12-month pause to payroll tax audits on GPs.

It also brought in a 12-month pause on tax penalties and interest accrued on outstanding payroll tax debts.

In 2018, the Chief Commissioner of State Revenue issued a payroll tax assessment to a clinic concerning payroll tax. That assessment was the subject of legal challenges through to 2022.

The 12-month pause also gave time to see the impact of the increase in funding to Medicare rebates by the Federal Labor Government.

Recent Medicare data shows an uptick in bulk-billing rates in NSW, bringing optimism about the relief of cost pressures to the sector.

When the 12-month pause was legislated, the RACGP welcomed the time it gave to find an outcome. RACGP NSW/ACT Chair Professor Charlotte Hespe called it “a positive step in the right direction for the future of GP care in NSW.”

The NSW Labor Government continues to actively engage with GPs, practices and industry stakeholders while the 12-month pause is in effect to find an outcome.

Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos said:

“We understand that families, households and businesses across NSW are feeling the pinch of a once-in-a-generation cost-of-living crisis.

“This is yet another legacy issue from the former NSW Liberal-National government. Their inaction on this issue dates back to 2018 and we have been left to clean up their mess.

“In August 2023, the NSW Government instituted a 12-month pause on payroll tax audits for GPs and GP practices, and a 12-month pause on tax penalties and interest accrued on outstanding payroll tax debts.

“Since August, I have met with a number of GPs and their representatives to understand what challenges they’re facing.

“The true cause of the pressure on GPs is the disastrous decision by the former federal Liberal-National government to freeze the indexation of bulk-billing rates.

“The Federal Labor government’s increase to bulk-billing came into effect in November.

“When we announced the pause in August 2023, we said we wanted to see the impact of the federal Government’s changes to the bulk-billing incentive. It’s clear those effects are starting to flow through to practices to ease cost pressures on GP practices and patients.

“I will continue to consult with GPs, practice owners and stakeholders over the coming months.”

Graduating cadets provide major boost to Districts Aboriginal workforce

Four NSW Aboriginal Nursing and Midwifery Cadets at Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) have completed their training and taken up ongoing positions across the District.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park welcomed the four new staff as an important boost to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce in NSW.

“I’m really pleased the NSW Health Aboriginal Nursing Cadetship Program continues to see more and more graduates, ultimately leading to improved health services for Aboriginal communities,” Mr Park said.

“As Regional Health Minister, two of my key focus areas is building up our regional workforce and improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This program delivers on both.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said initiatives like the cadetship program are an important part of closing the gap.

“The cadetship program shows the NSW Government’s commitment to closing the gap in health outcomes,” Mr Harris said.

“We know for health outcomes to improve, Aboriginal people need Aboriginal nurses working in hospitals, community and senior management positions and this group of graduates will play a vital role in caring for our communities.”

Jackie Corliss, WNSWLHD Graduate Programs and Traineeship Manager, said the NSW Health Aboriginal Nursing Cadetship Program aims to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurses across the state, and improve health services for Aboriginal communities.

“We currently have nine Aboriginal cadets across our District and four cadets are graduating from the program,” Ms Corliss said

“The program is designed to financially assist Aboriginal Nursing Cadets during their study, while also providing academic assistance and supporting their transition into the workplace.

“We’re delighted to have offered these cadets ongoing employment within the District as graduates.”

Tony Martin, WNSWLHD Executive Director Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing, said the initiative aligns with the District’s Reconciliation Action Plan, launched last year with a commitment to increase the Aboriginal workforce.

“Providing career opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the field of nursing can make a significant positive impact on the health of our Aboriginal communities,” Mr Martin said.

The benefits of the cadetship program include 12 weeks paid employment in the clinical setting in addition to the clinical experience and knowledge gained as undergraduate nursing students, enhanced job readiness and support from the District’s staff including an Aboriginal mentor.

The four graduates will be taking up positions in Bathurst, Cobar, Mudgee and Dubbo this year, while the remaining five cadets are expected to complete their training over the next couple of years.

WSNWLHD is also in the process of recruiting a further four cadets to start later this year.

Apply for the NSW Health Aboriginal Nursing and Midwifery Cadetship Program – Nursing and midwifery scholarships

Local workforce to re-engine Emerald Mark IIs

Sydney’s three Second Generation Emerald Class vessels will be fitted with new, heavier duty engines ensuring safer, smoother and more frequent journeys along the city’s most popular ferry route.

Balmoral was removed from passenger service on 4 February for about 10 weeks for the new engine to be fitted. Once the Balmoral is back in service the Clontarf will be taken out of service, with the Fairlight planned to undergo an engine change in late August.

Transdev Sydney Ferries is starting the re-fitting program after the busy summer holidays. Each vessel will be dry-docked one at a time, to reduce timetable disruption.

The F1 Manly service will continue operating the extended summer timetable with two Freshwater class vessels and two Emerald Class.

The re-engine program will be carried out at the Balmain Shipyard by Transdev Sydney Ferries, with around 30 people working on the project. The cost of the re-fitting program will be paid for by Transdev Sydney Ferries.

Once the engines are installed, Transdev will conduct extensive sea trials with Health and Safety Representatives and industry regulators.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:

“These overseas-built ferries had a challenging start to their time on the harbour, but these new engines will mean the ferries will spend less time out of service and more time serving passengers.

“By re-fitting the vessels with hydrogen fuel capable equipment, we are also moving forward on future proofing the Sydney ferry fleet.

“Passengers can still enjoy a trip on the Harbour between Manly and Circular Quay on the iconic Freshwater Class vessels which are now running twice as often, offering more choice and increasing capacity on the popular F1 route.”

All Sydney families to have access to co-ed public high schools from 2025

The NSW Government is continuing to deliver on its election commitment to ensure every family in NSW has the option of choosing a co-ed public high school, with thousands of families across Sydney set to benefit from next year.

Committed to during the election, the NSW Government has completed a review of intake areas in Sydney suburbs where students previously only had a single-sex public high school.

As a result, the intake boundaries of 20 co-educational high schools have been adjusted.

This review included extensive consultation with the community, staff and students from more than 120 schools and more than 300 parents and carers of students.

In adjusting intake areas, the Department of Education considered:

enrolment trends
public transport access, holding discussions with Transport for NSW
capacity of the co-educational high schools
student numbers across catchment areas

As demand for co-education continues to grow the NSW Government has also commenced work to ensure children in all intake areas outside of Sydney have a guaranteed option to attend a co-educational public high school by 2027.

The final intake areas and a summary of the community feedback can be found on the Department of Education website.

A full list of the single sex school intake areas which will have a guaranteed co-educational high school option by 2025 can be found below.

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

“The NSW Labor Government is delivering on its commitment to provide guaranteed access to co-educational high schools.

“There is growing interest in co-education, and no family should have to face leaving their local area to access a co-educational high school.

“These changes have been made in consultation with local communities to provide guaranteed access to coeducational high school education for the first time.”

Member for Summer Hill Jo Haylen said:

“For years, kids in Ashfield and Canterbury High School catchments have had no co-educational high school options.

“Life is co-ed, and parents and students should have access to a co-ed school option.

“Under our Government’s new boundaries, families across my electorate of Summer Hill will now have access to two brilliant co-educational high schools, Dulwich High School of Visual Arts and Design and Marrickville High School.

“Inner West families have been campaigning for this change for years, and today our Government is delivering on this important election commitment.”

Single sex school intake areas which will have a co-educational option by 2025:

Ashfield Boys High School
Auburn Girls High School
Bankstown Girls High School
Belmore Boys High School
Beverly Hills Girls High School
Burwood Girls High School
Birrong Boys High School
Birrong Girls High School
Canterbury Boys High School
Canterbury Girls High School
Granville Boys High School
Homebush Boys High School
James Cook Boys High School
Moorefield Girls High School
Punchbowl Boys High School
Strathfield Girls High School
Wiley Park Girls High School