The NSW Opposition is calling on the Minns Labor Government to guarantee that Sydney Metro West will open on time in 2032.
Following the Metro Review, the Minns Labor Government announced a two-year delay of Sydney Metro West to 2032 commenting “The project will be reset to a more sustainable timeline, with the project expected to be completed by 2032.”
This morning in Budget Estimates embattled Minister for Transport Jo Haylen walked the commitment back, referring to the delivery date as only an ‘ambition’ and failed to provide any guarantees on the date or further information on when the project will be complete.
The position follows Premier Chris Minns’ admission earlier this week that the MOU with the Australian Turf Club, which includes a possible new station along the Sydney Metro West at Rose Hill may not eventuate.
In farcical scenes, Jo Haylen also admitted she had not seen the MOU signed by her Government prior to attending the press conference for the announcement.
Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward commented “This is Labor 101, promise infrastructure and then delay after delay.
“Chris Minns promised to deliver Sydney Metro West before the election, then delayed it and now his Transport Minister is saying promises on delivery dates are only ‘ambitions’.
“The only things that is clear is that taxpayer’s ambition for a Labor government’s infrastructure agenda will be disappointed time and time again.”
“It is farcical that the Transport Minister can announce something without having seen it, what confidence can commuters have, if the Minister responsible is kept in the dark on her own projects.”
Month: February 2024
GOVERNMENT CRACKS DOWN ON SCAMS
Every day, scammers are ripping money out the pockets of hard-working Australians, and the Albanese Government is fighting back.
People across Newcastle have experienced the persistent calls, texts, and social media accounts attempting to scam them out of money.
Today the Assistant Treasurer, Stephen Jones MP, will visit Newcastle for a community Scams Forum. The forum will be an opportunity for people to learn ways to protect themselves from scams, know what to do if they are targeted by a scam, and hear about the steps the government is taking to crackdown on this crime.
Australians lost over $3 billion to scams in 2022 alone.
That is why the Government is implementing an ambitious anti-scam agenda to combat scams and protect Australians.
The first phase was standing up the National Anti-Scam Centre in July last year, which was part of an $86.5 million investment to fight scams and online fraud in the May Budget.
This announcement included:
- $58 million for the ACCC to establish the National Anti-Scam Centre (NASC)
- $17.6 million for ASIC to bust fake investment websites that promote fake scams
- $10 million for ACMA to establish and enforce an SMS sender ID registry to stop scam texts
The Government’s crackdown on scams has already shown signs of success. In the six months since the NASC was created, reported losses to scams reduced by 29 per cent compared with the same period in 2022.
By last week, ASIC had taken down 4,220 investment scam websites, with another 540 in the works. And early data in 2024 shows overall scam losses reported are around 40% lower than the same period in 2023.
The NASC means that the people of Newcastle can look to a trusted, centralised point within Government for information and education to protect themselves from scams.
It is more important than ever that the Newcastle community is alert to scams and are aware of how to protect themselves.
Member for Newcastle said:
“Our community and local businesses are more protected from scammers than ever before with the establishment of the National Anti-Scams Centre.”
“Every day, scammers are ripping money out the pockets of hard-working Novocatrians. The Government is fighting back.”
“If an offer seems too good to be true or suspicious, it probably is.”
“If you or anyone you know receive a suspicious call, text or email take these steps to protect yourself:
- Stop – take your time before giving money or personal information.
- Think – ask yourself if the message or call could be fake?
- Protect – act quickly if something feels wrong. Contact your bank and report scams to Scamwatch”
Two years on, Australia stands with Ukraine
Two years on since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Australia mourns Ukraine’s losses, and we stand unwavering in our support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Australia remains steadfast in supporting Ukraine to defend itself, and to holding those responsible for Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion to account.
Today the Australian Government has imposed further targeted financial sanctions and travel bans on 55 persons, and targeted financial sanctions on 37 entities.
The new sanctions target those involved in Russia’s deportation of Ukrainian children from regions under temporary Russian control. This follows the International Criminal Court’s decision to issue arrest warrants for President Putin and Russia’s Commissioner for Children’s Rights Maria Lvova-Belova for the war crime of unlawful deportation.
We have also sanctioned targets in Russia’s defence, energy, media and minerals sectors, as well as targets involved in Russia’s procurement networks in Belarus, Iran and North Korea. These sanctions reflect the Australian Government’s position that those supporting Russia’s illegal war will face consequences.
Australia has now imposed more than 1,200 sanctions in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Today’s sanctions build on last week’s announcement that the Albanese Government is providing $50 million to the International Fund for Ukraine, directly supporting the procurement of priority military capabilities. This contribution takes Australia’s overall support to Ukraine to approximately $960 million, including $780 million in military support.
Australia again calls on Russia, and its supporters, to immediately end this senseless war.
Today and every day, Australia stands with Ukraine and its people.
Australian support for our region’s trade and development
Ahead of the 13th World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference (MC13), the Australian Government has announced more than $20 million to support our region’s trade and development needs.
Working with Indo-Pacific partners to build resilience and grow their economies through trade enhances regional stability and prosperity.
The additional funding is consistent with the priorities of Indo-Pacific countries, and will support:
- capacity building in e-commerce and the digital economy
- trade financing
- enhancing intellectual property systems
- and identifying ways trade can bolster national climate adaptation plans.
Australia will provide $10.3 million to the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Office in Geneva to support its WTO engagement.
We also continue to support Timor-Leste to achieve its aspirations and obligations as a new Member of the WTO, including through our existing $8.6 million (2022-26) package to assist Timor-Leste to meet WTO and ASEAN accession requirements.
Leading sustainable development research organisations in Geneva will also receive $2 million to help developing countries in our region advance their climate and development priorities through trade.
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong said:
“There is no sustainable long-term economic growth without trade. Being serious about helping our neighbours become more economically resilient means supporting their development as trading nations.”
Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator the Hon Don Farrell said:
“Australia’s support helps our Indo-Pacific partners to step up their involvement in international economic institutions like the WTO and benefit from the trade opportunities they generate.”
More Labor lies on affordable healthcare
It has never been harder or more expensive to see a doctor than under the Albanese Labor Government, as the data continues to point to a primary care system at crisis point.
It was reported in the Guardian on Thursday that Australians have lost access to more than 400 dedicated bulkbilling GP clinics over the past 12 months.
The number of Australians accessing bulk billed GP appointments is currently at the lowest level in a decade, and now this sobering new statistic makes it clear that access is only getting worse.
The Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care, Senator Anne Ruston, said that affordable healthcare has never been more important than during the current cost-of-living crisis, but bulk billing is still collapsing despite all the taxpayer funds the Government has thrown at it.
“Once again, the Government clearly prioritised headlines with their bulk billing incentive measure, instead of delivering real and practical solutions like addressing the current workforce crisis.
“We know that 1.2 million Australians avoided seeing a doctor last year due to cost, as they were forced to choose between putting food on the table and paying their bills or visiting their GP.
“Mark Butler is misleading Australians about the Government’s success on affordable healthcare, but the statistics tell the real story,” Senator Ruston said.
Right now, the GP bulk billing rate right now under Labor is 77.7% – This compares to 84% under Peter Dutton as Health Minister and 88.5% when the Coalition left office.
Australians cannot afford for the Government’s inaction on this crisis to continue. Not only is it pushing up out-of-pocket costs for struggling households, but a weakened primary care system will also place additional pressure on already over-burdened hospitals.
NSW Government to keep the party going with extended trading hours for Mardi Gras
Celebrations for the 2024 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival will continue well into the night with licensed venues in NSW granted Special Event Extended Trading to kick on into the early hours.
Eligible venues across both inner Sydney and the city’s east will be able to trade later this weekend for the Bondi Beach Party and Sissy Ball. Extended trading hours will also apply for the Mardi Gras parade on Saturday, 2 March.
As the year progresses, the NSW Government expects to list additional special events, further enriching NSW’s nightlife and cultural offerings across the regions.
Find out more about the full list of special events and more information on extended trading
Find out more about the NSW Government’s Vibrancy reforms
Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said:
“Mardi Gras brings tens of thousands of visitors to the city from around the state, across the country and overseas to join in the celebration.
“Every year, the Mardi Gras parade transforms Oxford Street and the surrounding precincts. It’s a wonderful embodiment of the intentions behind the NSW Government’s Vibrancy reforms.
“Special event extended trading will provide more options for people to enjoy our live music and celebrate together for longer.”
Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:
“Local bars and clubs play a vital role in our community, especially in Sydney’s inner and eastern suburbs.”
“The NSW Government is committed to creating additional opportunities for hospitality venues during special events.
“These extended trading hours will help facilitate great experiences for patrons, with a wider array of options to enjoy sporting and cultural events.”
Special Events and Related Conditions
‘Relevant venues’ includes Hotels, General Bars, Clubs, Small Bars and Dedicated Live Music & Performance Venues.
| Special event | Extended trading period | Class of premises to which extended trading period applies |
|---|---|---|
| Mardi Gras – Bondi Beach Party | Midnight on Saturday 24 February 2024 to 1am on Sunday 25 February 2024 | All eligible licensed premises in Waverley, Bondi, Bondi junction, North Bondi in the Waverley local government area |
| Mardi Gras – Sissy Ball | Midnight on Saturday 24 February 2024 to 1am on Sunday 25 February 2024 | All eligible licensed premises in Sydney, Darlinghurst, Surry Hills, Potts Point in the Sydney local government area and Paddington in the Woollahra local government area |
| Sydney Mardi Gras Parade | Midnight on Saturday 2 March 2024 to 1am Sunday 3 March 2024 | All eligible licensed premises in Sydney, Darlinghurst, Surry Hills, Potts Point in the Sydney local government area and Paddington in the Woollahra local government area |
Dust Diseases Board appointments
The NSW Government welcomes the newest appointments to the Dust Disease Board, who will give new focus and perspective to the allocation of grant funding for research and support services for people affected by dust diseases.
Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Work, Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis appointed three new Board members, Ms Kate Cole OAM, Mr Peter Tighe and Professor Emeritus Malcom Sim AM.
Minister Cotsis has reappointed Board members, Professor Sanchia Aranda, Professor David Currow FAHMS, Ms Sylvia Kidziak AM, Mr Ray Petty, Ms Natasha Flores. Ms Sherri Hayward and Mr John Walsh AO (Chair) continue their appointments to the Board.
The Dust Diseases Board, which is a scheme within icare, has been funding grants since 1983 with the aim of reducing the risk of dust diseases and improving outcomes for people who have a dust disease, and their families.
A total of 55 grants with a funded value of over $13 million were approved by the Dust Diseases Board between 2016 and 2023.
Board members include representation from: employers; employees; support, advocacy or awareness groups or organisations; persons involved in research into dust diseases or in academic matters relating to dust diseases; health professionals; and an independent chairperson.
Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Work, Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:
“I’m really pleased to appoint Peter Tighe to the Dust Disease Board, who has been a staunch advocate for trade workers coming into contact with asbestos. It’s important to have a broad cross-section of representation on the board.
“Kate Cole OAM is a health industry expert, who will bring further workplace prevention perspectives to the board, thanks to her work as an occupational hygienist who specialises in the prevention of dust diseases like silicosis.
“Professor Malcolm Sim AM has worked in research fields relating to dust diseases in the workplace for more than 30 years, including at Monash University’s School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine. His expertise in this field will be invaluable.
“I want to thank the re-appointed and continuing board members for their continued service to address dust diseases affecting workers in New South Wales, and for their dedication to public service.
“Finally, I want to thank the outgoing members, Ms Abha Devasia, Ms Merylese Mercieca and Mr Barry Robson for their hard work during their tenure. Their important contribution to the administration of the board is greatly appreciated.”
Applications open for industrial court judges
Expressions of interest have opened for the appointment of a President and Deputy Presidents for the new Industrial Court of New South Wales.
The Industrial Relations Amendment Act 2023 delivered on the NSW Government’s commitment to end the wages cap and provide essential workers access to a fair and independent umpire.
The Industrial Relations Commission and the new court will be the central industrial tribunal and court for hearing all NSW Government industrial relations matters, setting remuneration and other conditions of employment, resolving industrial disputes and work, health and safety (WHS) matters.
The Industrial Court will be a superior court of record with equivalent status to the Supreme Court and the Land and Environment Court.
To be eligible for appointment as President of the Industrial Court, a candidate must be an Australian lawyer with at least seven years’ experience or currently hold or have held a judicial office in Australia.
The judges will be appointed by the Governor of NSW on the recommendation of the Attorney General. The appointments will be on a full-time basis until retirement age.
Minister for Industrial Relations, Sophie Cotsis said:
“We promised meaningful industrial relations reform, and this is being delivered.
“The blunt instrument of the former government’s approach has been replaced by genuine, meaningful bargaining overseen by a fair and independent court and commission.
Attorney General Michael Daley said:
“The Labor Government is taking time to conduct a national search for the best people to lead and re-establish the Industrial Court in NSW. Working people in NSW deserve nothing less.
“The new Industrial Relations Court will help ensure that our hard-working paramedics, nurses, school teachers and admin staff, emergency service workers and police are paid appropriately.”
All systems go for the Central West’s regional transport co-ordination centre
A new Central West control centre designed to deliver better transport outcomes during major events and emergencies is getting its first live test during the Bathurst SuperFest celebration.
The Parkes Customer Coordination Centre (CCC) is a dedicated space for Transport for NSW experts and those from partner organisations to gather — at short notice, if needed — and deliver fast, evidence-based and efficient decision-making to benefit users of the regional transport network.
During planned major events, the CCC will help make journeys smoother and safer for motorists and commuters, while during emergencies it could be where life-saving decisions are made about how to ensure people are moving safely around the region.
The Central West CCC is the first of five regional centres to be rolled out across regional NSW and it will be operational this weekend for the Bathurst 500 Supercars event.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:
“The Parkes CCC will help improve the Transport response to Central West events and emergencies, leading to better journeys for motorists in times of great stress and need.
“Previously CCCs were only in the big cities but we know when we have local experts driving decision-making we get better results on the ground locally and more broadly so that’s why the NSW Labor Government is proud to be investing in the creation of CCCs like the one in Parkes.
“During major events, we know it is important to have a single source of decision-making and oversight of traffic and transport management issues.
“This is especially important during sudden and rapidly evolving emergencies such as fires or flood, when decisions around traffic management can be of critical significance.
“During planned events such as Bathurst SuperFest, the CCC will ensure LiveTraffic NSW has the most up-to-date information for motorists, seek to minimise traffic disruptions for people not attending the event, and support event organisers, local councils and other stakeholders to help them deliver a successful event.
“During emergencies the CCC will better support efforts to ensure motorists and members of the public are kept a safe distance from hazards. It will help allow easier establishment of alternative transport routes and services where needed, while helping to support a seamless transition from response to recovery once the threat has passed.”
Labor’s secrecy causes stress and uncertainty for aged car sector
The Albanese Labor Government continues to shroud the future of the aged care sector in secrecy as more than two months have passed since the Government received their sustainability report.
Senate Estimates confirmed that the final report from their Aged Care Sustainability Taskforce was completed and provided to the Government before Christmas. However, despite being months behind on their deadline, Labor continues hiding the report from the Australian public.
The level of secrecy around the outcome of the Taskforce is astounding, with even the Government’s own acting Inspector General of Aged Care revealing that he has not received a briefing on the report despite requesting one.
Labor’s continued refusal to be transparent with the report has reaffirmed suspicions that it is concealing plans for financing the aged care sector until after the Dunkley by-election.
This deliberate delay creates additional stress for providers, who already have to grapple with serious financial pressures caused by an unaddressed workforce shortfall.
Over the last quarter, we have only seen an additional 44 nurses enter the aged care workforce, which means almost 6,000 additional nurses are needed before October 2024 to implement new mandated staffing requirements.
Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care, Senator Anne Ruston, said that the Coalition understands the pressures aged care provider face under Labor.
“Estimates revealed that 30% of aged care providers are already failing to meet current care requirements, and we are seriously concerned that this will only get worse from October as the Government continues to sit on their hands.
“The fact that Labor has not managed to reduce the staffing shortfall by even 1% shows critical failings in their approach to the current challenges.
“The last thing that aged care providers need when they are trying to care for our older Australians is for the Government to inflict even greater uncertainty on them regarding their future financing and sustainability,” Shadow Minister Ruston said.
The Coalition is calling on the Albanese Labor Government to be transparent about their plans for the aged care sector by releasing the Taskforce’s report. Otherwise, we are left to ask – What are they hiding?