Month: November 2024

National Asbestos Awareness Week – a reminder to always be vigilant

The Minns Labor Government is renewing calls for employers, employees and home renovators across the state to remain vigilant to the dangers of asbestos.

With asbestos still present in one-in-three Australian homes, as well as in public and commercial buildings and more than 4,000 Australian lives claimed annually, National Asbestos Awareness Week serves as a timely and important reminder to access information and register for safety courses before working with asbestos or any building material which might contain asbestos,

Worth $4.5 billion, December 2024 marks the 20-year anniversary of the biggest compensation agreement ever struck in Australia on behalf of people with asbestos-related illnesses directly caused by the actions of the building-products manufacturer, James Hardie.

It was the Carr Labor Government that instituted the judicial inquiry into James Hardie. It was the findings of this inquiry and the subsequent public pressure on the company which resulted in the establishment of the compensation fund for the victims of their deadly product.

The 2004 deal struck with James Hardie was a landmark agreement, and its benefits have resonated across the country, raising awareness, education and investment in medical research into asbestos diseases. The agreement also ensured current and future victims of asbestos-related diseases would be fully compensated for years to come.

Some practical steps to follow when it comes to dealing with the toxic material include:

  • If the home or building you are working on was built before 1990, then it is likely to contain asbestos.
  • If you’re not sure whether asbestos might be present at a site, don’t do anything until you’ve had it checked by a licensed asbestos professional.    
  • If you’re working on a commercial building that was built before December 2003, ask to see a copy of the asbestos register before doing any work.
  • For renovators and tradies working with asbestos or removing small amounts of asbestos        (less than 10sq m), SafeWork NSW has launched an online asbestos awareness and safety course which will help meet your training obligations and provide workers the skills they need to stay safe when working with asbestos.

To find out more about the SafeWork NSW asbestos safety course, Register Here.

For more information about asbestos safety, visit the SafeWork NSW asbestos page.

Minister for Work Health and Safety, Sophie Cotsis says:

“Employers must ensure their workers follow safe processes when working with asbestos to prevent exposure.

“Equally, DIY renovators should be aware of the potential risks, stay educated and leave it to the experts.

“All workers have the right to go home to their loved ones at the end of their workday.”

Head of SafeWork NSW Trent Curtin says:

“If asbestos is disturbed, it can release dangerous fine particles of dust containing asbestos fibres which can cause serious and fatal illness when inhaled.

“This National Asbestos Awareness Week, it’s important to remember that if your home or commercial building was built or renovated before 1990, it may contain asbestos. If in doubt, contact a licensed asbestos assessor or refer to the SafeWork website which offers further guidance, resources and information on the asbestos awareness and safety course.”

Shoppers urged to avoid retail black spots this Black Friday and holiday shopping season

Shoppers are being urged to know their rights and to shop smart ahead of the busy holiday shopping season.

The annual Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Christmas shopping, Boxing Day, and January sales can give consumers many opportunities to snap up a bargain if they shop carefully, but shoppers need to do their research and be on the lookout for scams.

Last financial year (FY) online shopping complaints to NSW Fair Trading surged by 70 per cent to 18,232, with retail complaints in clothing, footwear, accessories, and jewellery recording a notable jump from 796 in FY 2023, to 2742 in FY 2024.

Complaints also rose in categories such as electrical goods (1,473 in FY 2024 compared with 982 in FY 2023), and furnishings (1,157 in FY 2024) indicating ongoing consumer concerns with product quality and delivery delays.

Fair Trading has a range of compliance and enforcement options available to help protect consumers.

These options include education, public warnings, and/or enforcement action including penalties up to a maximum of $22,000 for individuals, and $1.1 million for companies.

Consumers are urged to follow these key tips to protect themselves this festive shopping season:

  • Know your rights during sales: Under Australian Consumer Law, consumers are entitled to a refund, repair, or replacement if a product or service doesn’t meet the description. This applies to both online and in-store purchases. Make sure you ask for a receipt and keep it somewhere safe.
  • Research before you buy: Take the time to compare prices, read reviews, and confirm that a sale really is a bargain before making a purchase. Some businesses may offer discounts that don’t always represent true savings.
  • Check delivery and returns policies: Make sure you understand the store’s return policies, particularly for sale items. Businesses are not legally required to provide refunds if you change your mind, but many do so as a courtesy. When purchasing online, check delivery cut-off dates to ensure your items arrive on time.
  • Beware of scams: Scammers often take advantage of busy shopping periods by creating fake websites or ads. Always check that the website is secure, ensure the web address is correct, and save copies of your receipts or confirmation emails for any future disputes.

For more information on your rights and tips for staying safe this shopping season visit: https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/buying-products-and-services.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong:

“With the holiday shopping season upon us, shoppers need to know their rights and be on guard for dodgy products and scams.

“Under Australian Consumer Law, consumers are entitled to a refund, repair, or replacement if a product or service doesn’t meet the description, and these rights apply to both online and in-store purchases.

“Fair Trading has a range of compliance and enforcement options available to help protect consumers.

“These options include education, public warnings, and/or enforcement action including penalties up to a maximum of $22,000 for individuals, and $1.1 million for companies.”

Financial Year Total Complaints
FY 2018FY 2019FY 2020FY 2021FY 2022FY 2023FY 2024
7,9657,5179,63110,4299,81910,56818,232
Top 5 Product NameFY 2018
Retail – Clothing\Footwear\Accessories\Jewelry886
Retail – Mobile\Smart phones and\or accessories702
Other Services – Travel\Tourism580
Retail – Electrical, Electronic, Whitegoods and Gas Appliances438
Retail – Ticket Selling\Re-selling Platform411
Top 5 Product NameFY 2019
Retail – Clothing\Footwear\Accessories\Jewelry851
Retail – Electrical, Electronic, Whitegoods and Gas Appliances604
Other Services – Travel\Tourism604
Retail – Furniture\Furnishings\Manchester483
Retail – Ticket Selling\Re-selling Platform381
Top 5 Product NameFY 2020
Other Services – Travel\Tourism1629
Retail – Clothing\Footwear\Accessories\jewelry978
Retail – Entertainment (Incl bookings)732
Retail – Furniture\Furnishings\Manchester486
Retail – Electrical, Electronic, Whitegoods and Gas Appliances457
Top 5 Product NameFY 2021
Other Services – Travel\Tourism2109
Retail – Clothing\Footwear\Accessories\Jewelry900
Retail – Furniture\Furnishings\Manchester817
Retail – Electrical, Electronic, Whitegoods and Gas Appliances590
Retail – Homewares498
Top 5 Product NameFY 2022
Other Services – Travel\Tourism1035
Retail – Furniture\Furnishings\Manchester989
Retail – Clothing\Footwear\Accessories\Jewelry942
Retail – Electrical, Electronic, Whitegoods and Gas Appliances776
Retail – Ticket Selling\Re-selling Platform511
Top 5 Product NameFY 2023
Other Services – Travel\Tourism1624
Retail – Electrical, Electronic, Whitegoods and Gas Appliances982
Retail – Clothing\Footwear\Accessories\Jewelry796
Retail – Ticket Selling\Re-selling Platform769
Retail – Homewares730
Top 5 Product NameFY 2024
Retail – Clothing\Footwear\Accessories\Jewelry2742
Other Services – Travel\Tourism1830
Retail – Electrical, Electronic, Whitegoods and Gas Appliances1473
Retail – Furniture\Furnishings\Manchester1157
Retail – Homewares840

BreastScreen NSW introduces machine reading technology in an Australian first

BreastScreen NSW is Australia’s first population-based screening program to introduce cutting-edge technology to support radiologists in interpreting a select range of mammography images.

The integration of machine reading technology will ensure BreastScreen NSW can continue to deliver a world-class service, while meeting the needs of NSW’s growing population.

Successfully used in similar international population-based screening programs, BreastScreen NSW undertook a world-first study to extensively evaluate the accuracy and efficacy of this new technology.

The study showed the technology produced comparable results to the existing screening program, without compromising cancer detection rates.

At least one radiologist will continue to read every woman’s image to look for the early stages of breast cancer, with machine reading technology providing additional analysis.

The new technology will complement the expertise of radiologists.

The use of this new technology will have no impact on womens’ breast screening experience.

For women aged 50-74, a breast screen every two years is the best way to detect breast cancer early – before it can be seen or felt. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are recommended to screen from age 40.

Early detection not only significantly increases a person’s chance of survival it can also greatly reduce the need for invasive treatment like a mastectomy.

Any woman who has noticed a change in their breasts, like a lump, should see their doctor without delay.

For more information and to make an appointment at a local BreastScreen NSW clinic or mobile van, call 13 20 50 or book online at http://www.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au/.  

Health Minister Ryan Park

“NSW is proud to lead the way in the introduction of cutting-edge technology to ensure the sustainability of the life-saving BreastScreen NSW program.”

“Planning for the needs of our growing population is critical and this is just one of the ways NSW is using new technology to complement and support the capabilities of our highly skilled, but globally in demand workforce.”

“At the same time, reducing the devastating impact of breast cancer on women is a priority and I’d like to thank the BreastScreen NSW team for their world-leading work.”

Chief Cancer Officer and Chief Executive Cancer Institute NSW Professor Tracey O’Brien AM

“In partnership with our expert radiologists, BreastScreen NSW is driving ground-breaking research and innovation that will ensure women have the best chance at detecting and treating cancer in its earliest stages.”

“By combining the strength of technology with the world-class expertise of our specialist radiologists, machine reading will help support the thousands of women accessing our state’s breast screening services, now and into the future.”

“We have seen record numbers of women book breast screening, with October the biggest month for bookings in the history of the BreastScreen NSW program. There are still far too many people who are overdue for their two-yearly screen and I urge all eligible women to book in their breast screen today.”

BreastScreen Clinical Director Dr Nalini Bhola

“BreastScreen NSW is focused on supporting our expert clinical workforce with the latest technology to facilitate the interpretation of mammograms across NSW.”

“The rollout of this technology was guided by our radiologists to ensure we maintain our excellent cancer detection rates and BreastScreen NSW can continue to deliver a world-class experience for our clients.”

“We are introducing the technology in a way that will allow close monitoring, to ensure we maintain our excellent standards of clinical quality.”

Net Zero Economy Authority Chief Executive Officer appointed

The Australian Government has today announced Mr David Shankey will be appointed as the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of the Net Zero Economy Authority.

The appointment comes as the Government’s Future Made in Australia legislation passes Parliament, a major step forward in making Australia indispensable to the global net zero transformation.

Mr Shankey brings significant senior leadership experience in energy and climate policy and a track record of delivering future-focused reforms with local communities front and centre.

The Net Zero Economy Authority will ensure Australian workers, industries and communities share the benefits of the net zero transition.

The Authority is central to the Government’s vision for a Future Made in Australia, and ensuring the regions that power the nation will do so for decades to come.

The Authority will work with communities, state, territory and local governments, regional bodies, unions, industry, investors and First Nations groups to take advantage of the opportunities presented by global decarbonisation.

As Deputy Director-General at Queensland’s Department of Energy and Public Works, Mr Shankey led the development of the state’s 10-year Energy and Jobs Plan.

Mr Shankey will work closely with Dr Iain Ross AO, Chair of the Net Zero Economy Authority.

The Chief Executive Officer and Chair will be supported by an independent Board, which will be appointed shortly.

Mr Shankey’s appointment follows a competitive, merit-based recruitment process.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“Australia is one of the best placed countries on earth to achieve the energy transition. We are home to every metal and critical mineral essential to net zero.

“That’s why it’s so important we have a plan for a Future Made in Australia.

“Our workforce is skilled and valued, our safety standards are the highest in the world and we have a proven track record as a reliable producer and exporter of energy and resources.

“The Net Zero Economy Authority is key to unlocking our potential as a renewable energy superpower, and ensuring Australia’s regions and workers realise the benefits of the emerging global net zero economy.

“I congratulate David Shankey on his appointment, and look forward to working with him as inaugural Chief Executive Officer of the Authority.”

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen

“These regions will see enormous benefits flowing from a pipeline of well-paid jobs now and in the coming years as our industries and power systems transition to renewables. NZEA ensures they aren’t left to sit on their hands waiting for jobs that might or might not eventuate under the Coalition’s nuclear scheme in twenty years’ time.

“This is a good for Australia’s future. But it’s great for workers, our industries, and the regions they both help thrive.

“David Shankey has the right experience and approach to make sure the Net Zero Economy Authority delivers on the potential available as our regions transform to take advantage of the global push to decarbonise.”

Assistant Minister for a Future Made in Australia Tim Ayres

“The establishment of the Net Zero Economy Authority and the Albanese Government’s Future Made in Australia plan provides us with an unprecedented opportunity to strengthen our regional centres.

“By building the industrial capability to solve national challenges – like the transition to net zero – we will create secure and meaningful jobs in our regional communities as power stations close and industries change. 

“The work of the Net Zero Economy Authority is enabling the investment in the people and the places now, in order to build a Future Made in Australia.

“We welcome David Shankey as the Authority’s Chief Executive Officer – I look forward to working with you to support our regions.”

Fatal two-vehicle crash – Muswellbrook

A woman has died in a two-vehicle crash at Muswellbrook.

About 5.30pm today (Saturday 30 November 2024) emergency services were called to Denman Road, Muswellbrook, following reports of a crash.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District attended and found two sedans had collided.

A woman – who was the driver of one of the vehicles – could not be revived and died at the scene.

Four other people – two males and two females aged in their 20s – are being treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics.

Police established a crime scene and commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

Denman road is closed in both directions. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and check Live Traffic for updates.

Appeal to find teen missing from Maitland area

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teen missing from the Maitland area.

Ezekiel Ginn, 13, was last seen in MacGowan Street, East Maitland, about 6.15pm yesterday (Friday 29 November 2024).

When he did not return home and could not be located, officers attached to Port Stephens Hunter Police District were notified and commenced inquiries to find him.

Family and police hold concerns for Ezekiel’s welfare as his disappearance is out of character and he lives with a number of medical conditions.

Ezekiel is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall, of thin build, with dark brown hair.

He was last seen wearing a white school shirt and navy-blue long pants and black shoes.

Police believe Ezekiel might have caught a train to Sydney.

Anyone who may have seen Ezekiel, or may know of his whereabouts, is urged to contact Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Appeal for information after alleged sexual touching – Lake Macquarie

Police are appealing for public assistance after an alleged sexual touching in the state’s north.

About 10.30pm on Sunday 20 October 2024, police were called to Fassifern Railway Station, following reports of a sexual touching.

Upon arrival, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were told an unknown man allegedly approached a 15-year-old girl and inappropriately touched her.

As inquiries continue, officers attached Police Transport Command North Central are hoping to speak with a man who may be able to assist with the investigation.

The man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, early 30s, with a thin build, and a brown/orange beard.

He was last seen wearing a black jumper, white t-shirt, black shorts, black shoes, and carrying a black tote bag.

Crucial supports for Aboriginal victims of family violence in the Hunter region

Aboriginal victim-survivors of family violence and their children will receive crucial, early intervention supports following the NSW Government’s roll-out of the Safe and Strong program in the Hunter region.

Safe and Strong demonstrates the government’s commitment to ending domestic and family violence and preventing the cycle of abuse in the community.

Safe and Strong is funded through a $13 million investment under the National Partnership Agreement with the Commonwealth Government.

It uses a dual model of early intervention support for both victim-survivors and their children who are experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, family violence.

Service providers will deliver specialist early supports such as counselling, family capacity building, and supported playgroups.

Caseworkers will help families to identify early signs of violence in their homes, and deliver therapeutic, trauma-informed and culturally safe support focusing on the needs and experiences of victim-survivors and their children.

Eleven Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) will deliver Safe and Strong in 10 priority locations across NSW, including:

Maitland and Cessnock: Mindarriba Aboriginal Land Council – a social, health and learning hub for the local Aboriginal community. Mindarriba is dedicated to connecting with members of the community and is focussed on helping those who need it most.

Port Stephens: Warlga Ngurra – a specialist early intervention and homelessness service for women and their children operating throughout the Hunter including Raymond Terrace and Karuah. Warlga Ngurra empowers vulnerable individuals, enabling them to fully participate in the social and economic aspects of life in the local community.

Aboriginal-led, trauma-informed and culturally safe strategies recognise the importance of culture, connection to Country and the role of men’s and women’s business in responding to and healing from family violence.

This project is funded for 12 months and will be independently evaluated to measure its impact and effectiveness.

Safe and Strong demonstrates the NSW Government’s ongoing commitment to addressing family violence within our communities and aligns with the objectives of the NSW Domestic and Family Violence Plan 2022-2027.

Federal Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said:

“To achieve our goal of ending gender-based violence in one generation, we need to provide genuine support for our young men and boys now.

“That’s why the Albanese Labor Government has worked to elevate the voices of children in the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children.

“We have invested $4 billion to deliver the National Plan and our Government is proud to invest in supports that will lead to long-term change and provide meaningful support to young men and boys to help them break the cycle of violence, as well as support victim-survivors.”

Minister for Families and Communities and Member for Port Stephens, Kate Washington said:

“Evidence shows that early intervention supports can have a direct impact in building resilience for children and young people who are experiencing family violence.

“Any child experiencing family violence is one child too many. We are doing all we can to tackle this abhorrent horror in the Port Stephens and Hunter community by delivering supports that are aimed to help victims heal and recover.

“This is an important program to help Aboriginal families and communities in the Hunter stay safe and end the cycle of abuse in their homes.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Member for Maitland, Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Safe and Strong funding is a welcome addition to the outstanding supports delivered by Mindaribba Local Aboriginal Land Council to families and individuals in the Maitland area.”

“It was great to see that Mindaribba had been identified as one of the eleven Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations to be listed in the top 10 priority locations in NSW.”

“Making sure that Aboriginal People in Maitland can access culturally appropriate and sensitive supports driven by their own communities is a priority that can now be met with increased efficiency.”

“At a time when domestic and family violence is at a critical high, the delivery of these funds through the Department of Communities and Justice adds another layer of recognition to the rights of men, women and children to live safely in a violence-free environment.”

Chief Executive Officer Mindaribba Local Aboriginal Land Council, Tara Dever said:

“The Safe and Strong funding marks a significant shift in the way the NSW Government is addressing and listening to Aboriginal Voices.

“As Aboriginal People we have long sought the opportunity for Mob to be able to access community driven trauma informed supports in a culturally safe space.

“All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, men and women have the right to live with full human dignity in a safe, violent free environment, including one free of family violence.

“The Mindaribba Local Aboriginal Land Council is elated to now be able to deliver a wraparound service that is driven by community for community.”

Manager Warlga Ngurra Women and Children’s Refuge, Belinda Reed said:

“We are deeply honoured and excited to receive the Safe and Strong funding from the Department of Communities and Justice.

“This support will enable Warlga Ngurra to strengthen our vital work with Aboriginal women and their children, providing early intervention and support for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence.

“Our community faces unique challenges, and this funding will help us deliver culturally safe, responsive services that empower women, children, and families to heal, thrive, and break the cycle of violence.

“Together, we can create stronger, safer futures for our people.”

Greens Statement on Cuts to Art & Music Therapies

The Australian Greens are deeply concerned about the impact of hasty changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

The Government has recently announced changes that will significantly reduce disabled people’s access to music and art therapies.  

The Greens are calling for the NDIS to establish its Evidence Advisory Committee prior to implementing wholesale changes to the therapies that are widely utilised by participants. The EAC will have a role in providing advice on the evidence base for therapeutic supports accessed through the NDIS, including assessment of outcomes and value.

Senator Jordon Steele-John, Greens Spokesperson for Disability Rights and Services:

“I am deeply concerned about the changes that are being rushed through by the NDIA. 

“I have heard from NDIS participants that being able to undertake art and music therapies is very meaningful to them and that they have seen improvements in their wellbeing, their motor skills, and their capacity to communicate with others. 

“Engaging in any type of therapy requires significant time and energy. Nobody wants those therapies to succeed more than us, as disabled people. Implying that disabled people are purposefully engaging in therapies to waste time and money – greatly disrespects our agency.

“I have heard from providers that they feel like the rug has been pulled out from under them. They are shocked by this significant change to their industry and are demanding that these changes do not proceed.

“Defining all music and art-based therapy as “not evidence-based” is yet another ignorant assumption about disability support, made by this government.

“Disabled people are tired of this Labor government’s untested ignorant assumptions, defining the supports we can receive, without the opportunity for meaningful consultation.

“The NDIS Review recommended the establishment of an Evidence Advisory Committee (EAC) to examine and evaluate evidence. This committee won’t be established until mid-2025. The Greens are calling for the government to properly assess the therapies available through the NDIS, rather than this rushed job that meets their budgetary goals while leaving disabled people worse off.”

Background: 

  • The NDIA is enabled to make these decisions based on the legislation that was passed by the major parties in October 2024. The changes to music and art therapy will not come back to the parliament. 
  • Music & art Therapy is currently funded through the Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living category, meaning that providers of music & art therapy can charge up to $193.99 an hour under the NDIS pricing guide.
  • Yesterday (26/11/24) the NDIA & Bill Shorten announced that art & music therapy will now only be available through the Community Participation Budget, meaning providers can charge up to $67.56 for one on one session, or $193.99 for a group session.
  • This will be enforced through a new Operational Guideline that will be released on 2 December 2024, and will come into effect on 1 February 2025
  • For people who have art or music therapy as a stated support in their plan, they can continue to access it as normal (and providers can still charge them the higher rate).
  • The stated reason for the change is that there isn’t sufficient evidence that art & music therapy can help participants improve or maintain their functional capacity.

Greens secure $500 million for social housing upgrades; no coal, oil and gas funding in Future Made In Australia, end commercial financing of fossil fuel projects overseas; Greens will pass Future Made In Australia and other bills this week

After constructive negotiations, Australian Greens have secured life-changing upgrades to 50,000 social homes across the country, who will have their homes electrified and save approximately $1,800 a year on power bills.   

The Greens have also secured significant amendments to the Future Made In Australia Bills which will ensure that no support will be provided to coal, oil and gas under Future Made in Australia and commercial investments and programs of Export Finance Australia.

The deal is part of an agreement with the government on a package of amendments and reforms to secure the passage of over 20 bills through the Senate including some of the Future Made in Australia Bills, Treasury Bills including Build to Rent, and other Bills.

An additional $500 million will be allocated to expand the Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative to upgrade public and community homes to lower power bills for tenants. It will be proportionally distributed to the states without requirement of co-contributions from the states, meaning 50,000 social homes will be retrofitted with energy efficient upgrades such as air conditioning, insulation and shading; electric hot water water systems, cooktops and ovens; and solar panels and batteries. An estimated quarter of all social homes across the country could be retrofitted under the program.

Amendments to the Build to Rent legislation will increase the minimum lease term that must be offered to tenants in new developments from three to five years.

The government has also agreed to support Greens amendments to retain the government’s power to override the Reserve Bank where there is disagreement. The ability of the Reserve bank to direct the lending activities of banks will also be retained.

Agreement on a large number of other amendments to an agreed list of other bills has also been reached.

The new investments in social housing and energy upgrades builds on the previous $3 billion for social housing and $1.7 billion for household electrification previously secured by the Greens.

The Greens have secured the following package of changes in good faith negotiations with the government this week:

  • Future Made in Australia funding will be closed off for coal, oil and gas projects.
  • Export Finance Australia will now be legally prevented from financing any domestic or overseas fossil fuel projects on their balance sheet. Around $1.5 billion of coal, oil and gas projects have been financed by EFA since 2009 – this kind of financing will now not be possible.
  • $500 million for the Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative to lower power prices for tenants. It will be proportionally distributed to the states without requirement of co-contributions from the states, meaning  an additional 50,000 social homes will be retrofitted with energy efficient upgrades such as air conditioning, insulation and shading; electric hot water water systems, cooktops and ovens; and solar panels and batteries. Current federal funding for the program is $300 million so an additional $500 million more than doubles federal funding. This takes the total social homes to be retrofitted to 110,000, a quarter of the 446,000 social homes in Australia.  If states choose to contribute matching funding the program could expand to up to $1 billion. This program was initially secured by the Greens in previous negotiations with the government and will now be massively expanded. 
  • Government will support the Greens amendments to retain existing powers for governments to overrule the RBA and for the central bank to be able to direct commercial banks where to direct credit. 
  • Extend the lease period from 3 years to 5 years on Build to Rent leases, meaning every lease under this scheme will have long term lease security. 
  • Portfolio level agreed amendments within the list of bills below.

Greens Leader Adam Bandt:

“Thanks to the Greens, people in 50,000 public and community homes will receive life-changing upgrades and save approximately $1,800 a year on power bills.

“The Greens have secured $500m to electrify Australian homes starting with those most in need, cutting power bills and pollution at the same time.

“In negotiations on Future Made in Australia, the Greens have stopped billions of dollars of public money going into coal, oil and gas projects, here or overseas.

“Australia’s export finance agency has shamefully invested around $1.5 billion in coal, oil and gas projects overseas on their commercial account. That’s not possible any more.

“Greens pressure works. Having delivered good outcomes that will help people, the Greens now turn to keeping Peter Dutton out and pushing for cheaper rents, cheaper groceries and no new coal and gas in a coming minority parliament.  

“We can’t keep voting for the same two parties and expecting a different result.”

Greens spokesperson for Housing and Homelessness Max Chandler-Mather MP:

“The Greens have more than doubled federal funding for a government program that will see life improving upgrades to a quarter of all public and community homes across Australia, saving social housing tenants approximately $1,800 a year on their power bills.

“This means insulation, air conditioning, shading, and bill saving rooftop solar and batteries for hundreds of thousands of people living in social housing who are often forced to suffer through brutal summers and winters in homes in desperate need of basic repairs.

“We said from the start the Greens were ready to work constructively, and in just one week we have agreed to pass Labor’s two housing bills and secured $500 million for social housing upgrades, adding to the $3 billion we have already secured for social housing.” 

Greens spokesperson for Treasury Senator Nick McKim:

“The Greens are using our power in Parliament to fight for renters and mortgage holders. I’m relieved to see the Treasurer agreed to retain the power to cut interest rates. The Greens are fighting for mortgage holders and the government should do the same.

“Labor and the Liberals are still on a unity ticket about unlimited rent increases, new coal and gas approvals and letting the supermarkets price gouge.

“The Greens are here to push for better. Get outcomes. Make the government fix the problems, not just tinker around the edges.

“Right now times are tough for a lot of us, but nothing changes unless your vote does.

“Putting more Greens in the parliament means we keep Peter Dutton out and we have more leverage to push Labor to get outcomes on housing, climate and cost of living.”

The Greens will now pass the following Bills through the Senate this week:

Treasury 

Attorney General

Future Made in Australia 

Other portfolios: