Month: August 2024

New Director-General of the Australian Signals Directorate appointed

The Australian Government is pleased to recommend to Her Excellency, the Governor-General, that Abigail Bradshaw CSC be appointed as the new Director-General of the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD), succeeding Rachel Noble PSM.

Subject to approval by the Federal Executive Council, the change will take effect on 6 September 2024.

Ms Bradshaw has served with distinction as Deputy Director-General ASD and Head of ASD’s Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) since March 2020. The ACSC is the Australian Government’s technical authority on cyber security. It provides an avenue for organisations large and small to partner with Government and adopt a security framework to protect their information technology and operational technology systems, applications, and data from cyber threats.

Ms Bradshaw has played a pivotal role in developing partnerships between Government and industries domestically and internationally. She has led ASD’s response to nationally-significant cyber security incidents and has spearheaded the Government’s cyber security partnership with industry, forging critical partnerships which underpin Australia’s national resilience.

Ms Bradshaw brings with her a wealth of experience in cyber security, intelligence and Australia’s national security, including roles in the Royal Australian Navy, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Department of Home Affairs and Department of Immigration and Border Protection.

The Government thanks Rachel Noble PSM for her leadership of the Australian Signals Directorate over almost five years. During her time as Director-General, Ms Noble oversaw the growth of the Australian Cyber Security Centre, enabling it to better protect Australian businesses and community, and continued improvements to Australia’s offensive cyber and signals intelligence capabilities. 

The first female to head an Australian statutory intelligence agency, Ms Noble also oversaw the development and delivery of ASD’s transformation under the REDSPICE program – the largest ever investment in Australia’s signals intelligence and cyber capability.

A new head of ASD’s ACSC will be appointed in due course.

Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister

“I congratulate Abigail Bradshaw on her appointment as Director-General of the Australian Signals Directorate.

“At a time of increasingly complex geostrategic challenges, Ms Bradshaw’s expertise in both cyber and national security matters will be critically important in leading ASD to continue protecting our nation.

“Rachel Noble has led ASD with distinction over almost five years and I would like to thank her for her service to our country.”

Richard Marles, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence

“Abigail Bradshaw’s experience in cyber, national security, crisis management and incident response uniquely equips her to lead the Australian Signals Directorate as it continues to defend Australia against global threats and advance our nation’s interests.

“As Head of ASD’s Australian Cyber Security Centre, Ms Bradshaw has strengthened relationships with cyber security leaders and private network owners in Australia and internationally, including our Five Eyes partners.

“Her appointment demonstrates the Albanese Government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring our national intelligence community remains at the forefront of global efforts to bolster national defence and security against increasingly sophisticated malicious cyber activity.

“I would like to thank Rachel Noble for her leadership and foresight, which has seen ASD significantly expand its cyber and intelligence capabilities over recent years, including under the REDSPICE program, and I wish her well into the future.”

Abigail Bradshaw CSC

“It is an absolute privilege to be appointed as the next Director-General of the Australian Signals Directorate. I look forward to leading the incredible mission-focused team at ASD as we continue to advance Australia’s national interests.

“ASD’s focus will remain steadfast on continuing our proud history of support to the Australian Defence Force, collecting foreign signals intelligence, conducting cyber offensive operations and protecting Australians from cyber threats.”

Trains may run to a changed timetable. Buses replace some trains

Incident activity

  • Today, 10:00pm – Tomorrow, 2:30am
  • Tomorrow, 10:00pm – Aug 28, 2:30am
  • Aug 28, 10:00pm – Aug 29, 2:30am
  • Aug 29, 10:00pm – Aug 30, 2:30am

Details

Monday 26 to Thursday 29 August 

  • Nightly from 10pm to 2.30am, trains may run to a changed timetable due to trackwork between Strathfield and Central.
  • Tuesday to Friday, buses replace the 01:47 Central to Newcastle Interchange service from Central to Hornsby.
  • Buses leave Central earlier than the normal train timetable.
  • Replacement buses may be impacted by driver shortages. We are doing all we can to minimise the impact to your journey and provide a safe service, however cancellations or delays may occur.
  • Plan your trip before you travel for up-to-date real time information. You can also subscribe to planned trackwork alerts.

Bus route92T9 Central, then Hornsby (Tuesday to Friday in that direction only)

Routes affected

  • CCNCentral to Newcastle via Strathfield or Gordon
  • CCNNewcastle to Central via Strathfield or Gordon

Emergency services alerted to earthquake near Muswellbrook

NSW Police and other emergency services have been alerted to an earthquake in the Hunter Valley today (Saturday 24 August 2024).

The earthquake recorded a magnitude of 4.7 at 4.31pm near Muswellbrook.

Officers from Hunter Valley Police District have not been made aware of injury or damage to infrastructure.

Residents are advised to alert their local relevant authorities of any injury or damage.

Eighty-six patient flow concierge officers to be deployed to reduce emergency department pressure

The NSW Government will rollout 86 dedicated patient flow concierge officers across the state.

In a speech to the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue, Health Minister Ryan Park will announce that 18 of them will be deployed in Western Sydney.

It forms part of the Minns Labor Government’s budget investment of $53.9 million to improve patient flow and support discharge planning by identifying patients that are suitable to be discharged home with the appropriate supports in place.

These roles will support clinical staff to facilitate patient flow and better co-ordinate the discharge processes.

This will enhance patient communication and experience, including for patients awaiting discharge who are National Disability Insurance Scheme recipients or residential aged care residents.

This is just one of a range of measures included in the Minns Labor Government’s $480.7 million emergency department relief package announced in the state budget in June.

The ED relief package also included $15.1 million for an Ambulance Matrix that provides real time hospital data to enable paramedics to transport patients to emergency departments with greater capacity and reducing wait times.

The nation-leading initiative is making strong progress with rigorous testing of the “NewGen” matrix commencing next month.

Other measures in the ED relief package include:

  • $171.4 million to introduce three additional virtual care services helping 180,000 avoid a trip to the ED;
  • $100 million to back in our urgent care services to become a mainstay and key instrument of the health system in providing a pathway to care outside of our hospitals for an estimated 114,000 patients;
  • $70 million to expand emergency department short stay units to improve patient flow to reduce ED wait times by nearly 80,000 hours; and
  • $31.4 million to increase Hospital in the Home across the state allowing over 3,500 additional patients each year to be cared for in their home rather than a hospital bed.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“Having people and their loved ones waiting around in our hospitals for lengthy periods of time is not good for them, our staff, or other patients.

“Today we can announce that we will rollout 86 dedicated patient flow concierge officers, and 18 of them will be deployed in Western Sydney.

“Discharging patients from hospital is often an admin-heavy task, taking clinicians away from seeing patients.

“We’ve created this new role to help get patients home as soon as possible once they’re ready to be discharged – freeing up our doctors, nurses and other staff to get on with seeing patients.  

“And today, I’m also pleased to announce that nation-leading initiative real time ambulance matrix is making strong progress with rigorous testing of the “NewGen” matrix commencing next month.

“The growth in presentations in Western Sydney and South Western Sydney emergency departments has outpaced the state average over past 10 years.  I know this pressure is tough on the system but it’s also tough on our staff.

“The benefits of these key initiatives will be most strongly felt right here in Western Sydney.”

Health staff celebrated at 2024 western NSW Awards

Western NSW Local Health District’s (WNSWLHD) dedicated staff have been recognised at an annual awards ceremony held at the Dubbo Rhino Lodge overnight.

The WNSWLHD Awards recognise the hard work and outstanding success of teams, projects and health professionals across the region. The Awards program recognises, supports and promotes innovation in the provision of quality care, patient experience and clinical care, while providing an opportunity for the workforce to connect, learn and celebrate achievements together.

The 2024 Awards were presented across 18 different team, project and individual categories, following the District’s annual symposium which featured presentations from all the categories’ finalists.

The Symposium also provided an opportunity for attendees to vote for the People’s Choice Award, while the Chief Executive’s Award and the Board Choice’s Award have also been presented.

2024 WNSWLHD Award recipients:

  • Staff Member of the Year Award: Jasmin Jones (Registered Nurse, Grenfell Multipurpose Service) and Tammy Jones (Support Services Manager, Narromine Health Service)
  • Volunteer of the Year Award: Elizabeth Allen (Dubbo)
  • Chief Executive’s Award: Circular recycling program Orange
  • Board’s Choice Award: First experience, lasting impression – Paediatric clothing pool Dubbo
  • People’s Choice Award: Occupational Therapy in the Emergency Department
  • Senior Leader of the Year: Jo Lemmich (WNSWLHD Patient Safety Manager)
  • Agency for Clinical Innovation (ACI) Rural Innovation Award: Public Health Analytics Dashboard
  • Excellence in Aboriginal Healthcare Award: Right time, Right place: Innovative collaboration to connect women from Western NSW to world-class cancer treatment
  • Health Innovation Award: Scan – Reuse – Reduce
  • Inspiring Teams Award: Mudgee Health Service, food service team
  • Keeping People Healthy Award: Cervical screening during pregnancy Dubbo
  • Excellence in the Provision of Mental Health Services Award: Tuning in to kids
  • Transforming Patient Experience Award: Oral health waiting list reform
  • Patient Safety First Award: Changing the slippery slope of deteriorating patients
  • People and Culture Award: Allied Health Rural Graduate Program
  • Health Research Award: Intrapleural fibrinolytic therapy in regional NSW hospital
  • Excellence in the Provision of Multicultural Healthcare Award: Arogya: Co-designing solutions to healthcare disparities in Dubbo’s migrant community
  • Environmental Sustainability Award: Excess PPE Management Success

More information, including profiles of all Award recipients and finalists, is available on the WNSWLHD website.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“Western NSW is unique as a Local Health District, and with a huge geographic footprint which includes some of the most remote towns and most vulnerable populations in the state, the workforce faces different challenges every single day.

“However, our dedicated staff continue to rise to those challenges and provide innovative, world-class care to the people of western NSW, doing so with incredible drive and commitment.”

Labor Spokesperson for Dubbo Stephen Lawrence MLC:

“These awards are an opportunity to celebrate the valuable contributions these special individuals give to our health system all over western NSW.

“I wholeheartedly congratulate all of Western NSW Local Health District’s Award recipients and finalists who are thoroughly deserving of this recognition, and I also want to thank the entire workforce for their ongoing dedication.”

WNSWLHD Chief Executive Mark Spittal:

“Every year this event allows us to see and appreciate the amazing work our staff do right across our District. Importantly, it gives us an opportunity to come together to celebrate and recognise those achievements.

“I look forward to seeing and hearing from our finalists at the Symposium every year, the passion they have for their projects, improvement and above all the communities they are engrained in is nothing short of inspiring.

“I thoroughly congratulate all our winners and finalists, there were so many worthy projects that were submitted for consideration across the District. Our entire District is so proud of our staff’s work and the care they provide.

“We are truly grateful to have such dedicated healthcare professionals in western NSW, of whom our communities can be justifiably proud.”

New refuge supports Walgett victim-survivors of domestic & family violence

A new refuge – Walgett Women’s Safe House – opens today, providing crisis accommodation and support for women and children fleeing domestic violence in the local area.

With a $4.6 million investment by the government, the complex has been delivered by Maas Constructions and local community Elders will be invited to give each building an Aboriginal name.

There is an urgent need for safe housing in Walgett which has the highest rate of reported domestic violence assault incidents in NSW.

A priority group for this refuge is Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children who will have access to culturally appropriate supports and connections within their community.

The NSW Government is working hard to address this crisis of domestic and family violence in the state through our $245.6 million domestic violence package.

The Government is also committed to our Closing the Gap target of reducing family violence and abuse against Aboriginal women and children.

Walgett Women’s Safe House is one of the many initiatives the NSW Government is implementing to respond in a meaningful and sustained way to reduce the high number of Aboriginal women and children impacted by family violence.

This refuge comprises 5 houses and an on-site office where residents will have access to specialist domestic and family violence case worker support.

Mission Australia will manage the safe house and deliver support services to residents, including counselling and legal assistance.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“Domestic and family violence is one of the main causes of homelessness in women and children.

“The NSW Government is committed to addressing this issue, with $5.1 billion in our most recent budget to build safe, accessible and affordable housing, with half of them prioritised for people escaping abusive relationships.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“Closing the Gap is a top priority of the NSW Government and strong, local and culturally sensitive services are so important to healing and recovery for women and children who are experiencing domestic and family violence.

“This refuge will boost on-the-ground housing and specialist support services in Walgett and provide vital whole of community care for its residents.”

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:

“The NSW Government is committed to supporting victim-survivors of domestic violence and ensuring women and children can live safely and freely in their own communities.

“Walgett Women’s Safe House will provide a home for women and children fleeing abusive relationships, and a place where recovery is encouraged and supported, including holistic healing and wraparound support for Aboriginal women and families.”

Independent Member for Barwon Roy Butler MP said:

“Having a safe place to come home to at night is a basic human right. Women in Barwon who are affected by domestic violence currently have a shortage of places where they can take refuge. This safe house at Walgett will provide a much-needed secure refuge for women escaping domestic violence.”

Labor spokesperson for Barwon Stephen Lawrence said:

“The Labor Government has identified the need for this vital service and is taking concrete action.

“The Women’s Safe House Walgett is a crucial addition to supports for women and children escaping domestic violence and an essential service in this regional community.”

Mission Australia Executive Ben Carblis said:

“As people struggle to access affordable housing across the region, refuges and women’s safe houses are vital beacons of safety and security.

“The combination of housing with the provision of onsite wraparound services at the Walgett Women’s Safe House ensures that women and their children can remain connected to their communities while being supported by Mission Australia staff as they start to rebuild their lives.”

New scorecard highlights strengths and opportunities for NSW innovation sector

New analysis of the state’s innovation system shows NSW leads the nation when it comes to harnessing opportunities from new investment, ideas, industries and talent.

The NSW Innovation and Productivity Council’s 2024 Scorecard compares NSW against domestic and international jurisdictions using a range of data sources and metrics to highlight opportunities for the state to perform even better.

The report card shows that NSW outperforms the rest of the nation in new startup and spinout companies arising from universities and research institutes, and tops Canada, Germany and Japan on venture capital investment as a share of Gross State Product (GSP) or Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

While NSW beats other Australian states when it comes to economic and productivity growth the report card finds there is room for NSW to improve productivity growth when it comes to international comparisons.

The scorecard has been released as the NSW Government continues to work on its Innovation Blueprint, which will set a clear framework for the way businesses, universities and government work together.  

View the NSW Innovation and Productivity Council’s 2024 Scorecard Dashboard and accompanying Companion Report.

Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“The ability to innovate across the economy will be crucial to creating the jobs of the future and tackling our biggest challenges, including rebuilding manufacturing in NSW.

“The scorecard shows that NSW is a national and global leader but there’s much more to do to ensure government, industry and communities are working together for maximum impact.

“The NSW Innovation and Productivity Scorecard highlights the strengths of our innovation system but also gives us a good indication of where we should be focussing our efforts to capture new opportunities or improve outcomes.

“We’ll be using this work to strengthen the Innovation Blueprint and putting in place a clear strategic direction for growing and supporting the NSW innovation sector.”

NSW Innovation and Productivity Council Chairman Charlie Taylor said:

“Our latest Innovation and Productivity Scorecard is a comprehensive analysis of NSW’s place in the global innovation context and outlines where we can sharpen our focus to achieve long-term success.

“NSW has a highly educated and skilled workforce underpinned by our world-class universities and researchers.

“We also have a wealth of ambitious startups, supported by strong venture capital, that are developing innovative products and services.

“These ingredients combined with meaningful support for innovators through collaborative and effective programs will optimise NSW innovative capacity based on good evidence ensuring a meaningful relationship between the Government, industry and the innovation ecosystem.”

Investment NSW Deputy Secretary Rebecca McPhee said:

“The NSW innovation system is evolving and government policy is evolving alongside it.

“To continue to mature and take advantage of new opportunities, we need a strong strategy. We’re working across the innovation system on a NSW Innovation Blueprint which draws on the best available evidence, such as the 2024 Scorecard, to chart a clear course forward for our state.”

Forest Alliance: Exit native forest logging

The peak body for NSW native forests has called for Premier Chris Minns to consult with them on a clear strategy to exit native forest logging in this term of Government. The Forest Alliance NSW has informed the Government that they expect to be consulted on the soon to be announced future of forests plan. Their 5 demands include a roadmap for the end of native forest logging, an industry transition plan, and inclusion of forest ecology experts on any formal advisory panel.

Greens MP and spokesperson for the environment Sue Higginson said “The environment and forest movement in NSW is united behind the calls for an urgent end to native forest logging in NSW, and the Forest Alliance has laid out our expectations in this statement,”

“We expect that the Government will be announcing their promised roadmap for forests and forestry in the coming weeks, but we will not accept an industry led process that continues the destruction of native forests. Our forests simply cannot afford for logging to continue past this term of Government,”

“There is a genuine concern that the Minns Labor Government is planning to continue the unprofitable and extinction-driving logging of our public native forests, making them more susceptible to intense fire, while attempting to greenwash the practice – just like the former Coalition Government,”

“The high profile logging of threatened species, including the Greater Glider and Koala, is costing the people of NSW a future that has healthy forests and access to iconic and critical forest dependent species. The Forestry Corporation has proved themselves to be bad faith and untrustworthy custodians of natural heritage, and so-called ‘sustainable’ native forest logging a sick joke that costs us millions of dollars every year,”

“There must be an interim plan for communities to apply for an exemption from logging for critical native forests, to ensure that the Forestry Corporation cannot double down on logging in areas that are the last foothold for biodiversity. The logging within the Great Koala National Park, and forests like the proposed Kiwarrak Flora Reserve show that the rogue Forestry Corporation will not stop their destruction without immediate Government intervention,” Ms Higginson said.

New EV fast chargers come online across Canberra

New electric vehicle (EV) chargers continue to come online across Canberra thanks to funding from the ACT Government.

Minister for Water, Energy and Emissions Reduction Shane Rattenbury said the new DC fast chargers are now operational in Calwell, Curtin, Jamison Plaza, Braddon and Hobart Place in the City.

“The new DC fast chargers in these areas brings the total amount of public chargers in the ACT to 170, which means we are well on track in reaching our goal of 180 by 2025,” Minister Rattenbury said.

“It’s exciting to see more fast chargers installed in areas we know have been asking for more infrastructure, and it’s great we’ve been able to see the rollout progress throughout the Territory with more chargers in the north, the south, and the inner city.

“Government funding continues to support the rollout of a mix of DC fast chargers and slower AC chargers. This gives the community flexibility on how they would like to charge their vehicle, whether it’s a quick top-up while heading into the shop or cafe, or a longer stay when they are at work or school.

“We now have an established EV charger network in the ACT, which means government funding can support new chargers that fill gaps in the existing network. More EV chargers will be coming soon in strategic locations across Canberra that are supported by the ACT Government’s Public EV Charging Infrastructure Fund. 

“Transport currently accounts for over 60% of ACT emissions, but more and more Canberrans are making the switch to electric, with the ACT having the highest update of EV ownership in the country.

“We are continuing to support Canberrans making the transition to an electric vehicle through stamp duty exemptions, lower registration, and interest free loans,” said Minister Rattenbury.

The new public chargers are operated by Evie Networks. Seven public chargers received support from ACT Government. Two additional public chargers, one each at Jamison Plaza and Calwell, have been installed with the support of funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). This brings the total number of chargers at the five sites to nine.

Find out more about public charging in the ACT on the Everyday Climate Choices website.

Adrian Salinas, Knowledge Sharing Manager – Transport Portfolio of ARENA:

“The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is supporting the rollout of charging infrastructure under the Driving the Nation Program to support projects that reduce road transport emissions through EV uptake by improving access to advanced EV charging infrastructure.

“Grants are expected to deliver innovative charging solutions for Australians such as those living in apartment blocks and in our remote and regional communities.

“This investment will help ensure Australia’s EV charging infrastructure is accessible and modern, and will inform regulation that will make it easier to install and operate chargers.”

Geoff Brady, Chief Operating Officer of Evie Networks:

“We’re excited to further expand the Evie fast charging network in the ACT thanks to the invaluable support from the ACT Government and ARENA.

This demonstrates our ongoing commitment to making electric vehicle charging convenient, sustainable and widely available.”

Elizabeth O’Neill Journalism Award 2024

I congratulate Hamish MacDonald and Rully Kurniawan, the recipients of the Elizabeth O’Neill Journalism Award for 2024.

Mr MacDonald is a co-host of ABC Radio National Global Roaming program and a Walkley Award winner. Mr Kurniawan is a senior correspondent for CNN Indonesia with over 19 years’ experience in broadcast media.

They have each demonstrated a commitment to furthering their understanding of Indonesia and Australia respectively.

The Award will support Mr MacDonald to spend two weeks in Indonesia and Mr Kurniawan to spend two weeks in Australia. They will engage in specialised programs to deepen their understanding of contemporary issues in each country.

The Award commemorates the distinguished career of Elizabeth O’Neill OAM, who died while serving her country in Indonesia on 7 March 2007. It continues the legacy of Ms O’Neill, who was passionate about fostering mutual understanding of Australia and Indonesia through informed media coverage.

The Award is open to high-achieving journalists from print, radio, television and online media organisations across Australia and Indonesia.