LABOR WILL TURN THE VOLUME UP ON AUSTRALIAN MUSIC

A Shorten Labor Government will introduce the most comprehensive contemporary music policy by an Australian government.
From encouraging more Australian children to learn and play music, to assisting young bands reach overseas markets, to more support for live music and ensuring fans aren’t being ripped off when they buy tickets – Labor wants to see more Australians making music, listening to music, and seeing music live.
The music industry contributes nearly $6 billion to the Australian economy each year. According to ARIA, the Australian music industry will be worth $100 billion globally within a decade. Live music alone supports around 64,000 jobs in Australia. More Australians attend live music than sport.
Labor wants to make sure the live music industry continues to grow, and to see more Australians with stable jobs in a thriving local industry.
Labor’s music policy all comes back to one single objective: We want to inspire the next generation of Australian artists and to see more international success stories.
Labor wants to make sure Australian kids have the chance to learn music, regardless of where they live. While many Australian kids are lucky enough to have parents who encourage them to learn an instrument at a young age, more and more kids now rely on their school to learn to play an instrument. To help schools facilitate learning, a Shorten Labor Government will provide $7 million in extra support for music education and music teachers. The funding will go towards expanding school programs such as SongMakers which brings musicians into schools, and Song Room, dedicated to providing music and art lessons to disadvantaged kids.
One of the biggest barriers for younger musicians is having a space to practice together. Labor will provide $5 million in grant funding to establish and grow music hubs around the country. This funding will provide support to councils, schools, neighborhood centres or community spaces to set up a music hub where students and musicians in the local area can come, learn, collaborate and practice. Funding could be used for soundproofing, equipment, instruments, acoustic assessments or refurbishments.
Labor wants more emerging artists to have the opportunity to record an album for public release and to play at live music venues. Labor will commit over $10m to the “new Sounds Australia” to deliver the functions of the office of live music to help them work with local governments to remove barriers for live music venues around the country. This means more places for young musicians to play, but also more venues for music lovers to see live performances locally. Labor will also double the funding to the New Recordings program to help a further ten new Australian artists record an EP. The current program allows for ten albums to be recorded a year, and has helped artists such Courtney Barnett and Alex the Astronaut gain an audience.
One of the key foundations of Sounds Australia is to showcase Australian music overseas. Labor’s commitment to the new Sounds Australia will expand its reach and build on the 1500 Australian groups that have been showcased at international events in over 23 countries. This means more musicians have a pathway to staying in the industry and more Australian music is heard here and around the world. Part of showcasing our music overseas will be small grants that are made available to help promote emerging Australian bands around the world, particularly in new markets such as Asia. Sounds Australia and the Association of Artists Managers will work together and, when needed, provide modest grants to assist with practical measures to help bands get a foothold including costs of airfares, local management and connections and assistance with booking venues. These grants could mean the difference between a new band making it in a new market or not.
Labor’s music policy will also include measures such as:

  • cracking down on ticket scalping websites such as Viagogo
  • increased funding for music and mental health programs.

The policies we are announcing today are aimed at boosting every aspect of Australian music. We want Australian music to be heard, Australian artists to stay in the industry and the next generation to be inspired. And we want to make it easier for music fans to buy tickets to the bands they love.
We believe in what our songwriters, musicians, performers and music industry do. We think it matters. Our Australian soundtrack matters. Let’s turn up the volume.
More information on Labor’s policy can be found here.

ENDING THE RIP OFF – LABOR WILL CRACK DOWN ON TICKET GOUGING

Labor will give Aussie sports and music fans a fair go, cracking down on ticket gouging which locks fans out of major events.
Labor will introduce a national ban on the use of ticket-buying bot software, which flood ticket websites to purchase the most tickets possible, causing ordinary consumers to miss out.
It is estimated bots account for as much as 30 per cent of the traffic to primary ticketing sites in the moments after a major event goes on sale.
We will also introduce a national cap on the resale price of tickets at 110 per cent of the initial face value.
This will mean fans will get a fair go on accessing tickets to sporting blockbusters, as well as concerts, musicals and theatres.
Ticket scalping is a growing scourge – instead of the sales going to our footy clubs and local businesses, artists and the music industry, fraudsters are building profit models and forcing consumers to pay exorbitant prices for tickets, or missing out completely.
Labor will act. A Shorten Labor Government will introduce a cap of 110 per cent of initial face value price for any resold tickets and make sure laws are consistent across all states and territories through federal legislation.
This crackdown will aim to cut the business model for websites like ViaGogo, which relies on selling tickets to music and sports fans at exorbitant, inflated prices and can often leave consumers stranded with useless tickets that have been sold multiple times.
Labor will also ban the use of ticket-buying bot software, which prevents ordinary consumers from accessing popular concerts and major events.
This will ensure genuine fans get fair access to tickets, and won’t have to compete with sophisticated software designed to buy as many tickets as possible when popular events go on sale online.
A Labor Government will also boost consumer protection by:

  • Strengthening disclosure requirements for all ticket sellers; and
  • Allowing for the fair resale of tickets, preventing primary ticket sellers cancelling legitimately purchased on-sold tickets
  • A national ban on speculative ticket listing

The ACCC will conduct a review of these measures after twelve months of operation, with a view to further strong action if required.
We understand that consumers need the ability to easily on-sell tickets if they need to, and others may want to purchase tickets at the last minute. These reforms won’t prevent that – they will simply mean that ticket sellers can’t significantly profit from desperate fans.
The Liberals have been too paralysed by their own instability to take action on this issue, only introducing disclosure requirements for resellers last month and failing to act on ticket gouging at all.
Labor will prioritise Australian sports and music fans to make sure consumers get an overdue fair go.

Greens back young people striking for climate action

South Australian Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young stands in solidarity with the young people striking for climate action in Adelaide today.

“The young people striking today give me great hope that the planet will be in good hands in the future, but we need to pass on something worth fighting for,” Senator Hanson-Young said.

“Queensland is on fire, Sydney is under water and farmers are facing extreme drought. Young people are showing more leadership on climate change than the Morrison Government.

“While young people strike, the WWF has concluded that Australia has the worst biodiversity management record out of 100 nations. We have a responsibility to future generations, to our unique flora and fauna, and to the rest of the world to lead the charge on saving this planet.

“Our nation is experiencing the effects of climate change here and now. If we want the young people protesting in Adelaide to have a bright future on a liveable planet, politicians need to do their jobs now.”

Greens announce $10m per year for HIV prevention and $1m per year for stigma

The Australian Greens have announced $10 million per year of funding into ending HIV in Australia, with a further $1 million for national campaigns that break down HIV discrimination and stigma, ahead of World AIDS Day on Saturday 1 December.
“We have the chance to end HIV in Australia. The Greens will invest $10 million a year into organisations that do the incredibly important work of combating and preventing HIV,” said Senator Richard Di Natale, leader of the Australian Greens and a doctor.
“We welcome the government’s announcement of HIV self-testing on the Therapeutic Goods Administration – a move that will go some way towards reducing the harm that stigma causes, but it doesn’t yet go far enough.”
“While Australia has had some success in reducing the transmission of HIV, we need to plan a process that will result in ending HIV.”
“We’re also committing an additional $1 million per year into national campaigns that break down HIV stigma and discrimination, encourage safer sex and encourage regular testing,” said Senator Janet Rice, Australian Greens LGBTIQ+ spokesperson.
“We know that reducing stigma and discrimination will lead to more people getting tested which is essential to eliminating HIV.”

Critical incident investigation launched following single-vehicle crash – Cessnock

A critical incident investigation has been launched following a single-vehicle crash in Cessnock.
During Thursday 29 November 2018, officers from Hunter Valley Police District were making inquiries to locate a 60-year-old man.
About midday, it’s believed the man driving a Nissan Navara, saw police on Richmond Vale Road, Cessnock, and drove off at speed, before hitting a tree.
Officers commenced CPR on the driver – and sole-occupant of the vehicle – until the arrival of NSW Ambulance paramedics, but he died at the scene.
A crime scene was established and will be forensically examined by Crash Investigation Unit officers.
Newcastle City Police District officers will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
That investigation will be subject to an independent review and will be monitored by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.
Anyone that has information that may assist is urged to come forward.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

Sixth Comanchero OMCG member charged over alleged extortion

Strike Force Raptor have charged another member of the Comanchero outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG) following an investigation into an alleged extortion attempt in the state’s west.
In August, the Criminal Groups Squad’s Strike Force Raptor North commenced an investigation following reports a 51-year-old man had been seriously assaulted and his house set on fire as part of an alleged extortion.
Following inquiries, Raptor North, with the assistance of officers from Orana Mid-Western Police District, Western Region Operational Support Group, and Hunter Valley Police District, executed 10 search warrants at properties across Mudgee, Dubbo, Gulgong, Yarrawonga, and Muswellbrook, just after 7am yesterday (Wednesday 28 November 2018).
Investigators seized several items from these locations, including 14 firearms, of which three were allegedly stolen from a home in Ruse in December 2017, ammunition, prohibited drugs, mobile phones, and OMCG paraphernalia.
Five men were charged during the operation and remain before the courts.
Following further inquiries, a 50-year-old Mudgee man was arrested at Mudgee Police Station today (Thursday 29 November 2018).
He was charged with demand money with menaces with intent to steal, assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company, and participate in criminal group contribute criminal activity.
Police will allege in court the man, who is a member of the Comanchero OMCG, assaulted the 51-year-old man and demanded a large amount of cash in July 2018.
He was granted strict conditional bail and is due to appear at Mudgee Local Court on Wednesday 9 January 2019.
Investigations are continuing.
Strike Force Raptor was established in 2009 and conducts proactive investigations and intelligence-based, high-impact policing operations to prevent and disrupt conflicts, and dismantle any network engaged in serious organised criminal activity.

PAUL KEATING AND LUCY TURNBULL HEAD LANDMARK REVIEW OF MACQUARIE STREET EAST PRECINCT

Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Treasurer Dominic Perrottet today announced two of NSW’s most prominent Sydneysiders will work together to develop a long-term vision for the historic Macquarie Street East Precinct on the eastern fringe of the CBD.
Former Prime Minister Paul Keating will join forces with the Chief Commissioner of the Greater Sydney Commission, and former Lord Mayor of Sydney, Lucy Turnbull to work on the landmark project.
The review will look at ways to improve the amenity and public usage of one of Sydney’s most historic precincts, which includes Hyde Park Barracks, State Library, Sydney Hospital and NSW Parliament.
“I am delighted two of the most passionate advocates for Sydney have agreed to work together on ways to enhance what is already one of the jewels in this city’s glittering crown,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Our aim is to make this area, with its historic buildings and beautiful gardens, an even more vibrant place for locals and tourists to enjoy.”
Mr Perrottet said Mr Keating and Mrs Turnbull were both strong advocates for Sydney, with a keen desire to improve the city and make it more welcoming and accessible for everybody.
“The Macquarie Street East Precinct is home to some of Sydney’s most important public buildings and iconic open spaces,” Mr Perrottet said.
“With two such passionate people working together on this project I am sure we will be able to make the area even better, unlock potential for new ways to connect the precinct to the rest of the CBD, and improve the public’s experience and usage.”
Mr Keating and Mrs Turnbull both welcomed the opportunity to provide ideas and direction for the Macquarie Street East Precinct.
“This precinct is of central importance to the city and there is scope for rationalisation in the further dedication of public space,” Mr Keating said.
Mrs Turnbull said as Sydney continued to grow it was important to ensure the use of open space evolved and adapted.
“I feel very privileged to be given the opportunity to help create a long term vision for a precinct that encapsulates so much history, beauty and cultural relevance dating back tens of thousands of years,” Mrs Turnbull said.
“It has long deserved better connections and access, so that more Sydneysiders and visitors can enjoy this precious precinct.”
An initial report from Mr Keating and Mrs Turnbull is expected to be completed by mid-2019.

NSW CREATIVE KIDS PROGRAM A STEP CLOSER

NSW families will soon be able to access the new $100 Creative Kids voucher unlocking the creative abilities of a new generation across the State from 1 January 2019 when the program takes effect.
Minister for Finance, Services and Property Victor Dominello and Treasurer Dominic Perrottet today called on relevant providers to register with Service NSW so they can participate in the program.
Parents will be able to use one voucher for every school-age child per year to help meet the cost of structured creative and cultural activities, such as music lessons, languages, coding, drama and theatre, photography and graphic design.
“The NSW Government has returned more than $200 million to households this calendar year through various cost of living incentives. Creative Kids will provide parents with even more hip pocket relief,” Mr Dominello said.
“There are thousands of organisations out there who could be eligible for the program. We are calling on them to register with Service NSW so that parents can claim their $100 vouchers with them in the New Year.”
Mr Perrottet said: “This is a fantastic initiative that is only made possible because of our strong economic management.”
“We can afford to deliver real savings that help the working families of NSW and reduce barriers to healthy activity.
“This program compliments the hugely popular Active Kids voucher and for a family with two children, Creative and Active Kids combined will save you $400 a year.”
Creative Kids is one of a raft of NSW Government initiatives helping to ease cost of living pressure for households. Others include cheaper Green Slips and refunds, free car registration for regular toll users and the FuelCheck app.
Further information including guidelines for providers is available at www.service.nsw.gov.au/creativekids

NEARLY 1000 EXTRA NSW SCHOOLS TO BE AIR CONDITIONED

Tens of thousands of students will have new air conditioning systems installed in their classrooms and libraries, with the NSW Government today announcing the first schools to benefit from the Cooler Classrooms Fund.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Education Minister Rob Stokes today announced more than 900 schools would be the first to receive funding under the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government’s record $500 million program – the largest investment of its kind in NSW history.
“We’re thrilled to be delivering on our commitment to provide healthy learning environments in which our students and teachers can thrive, no matter the weather,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“From Tumbarumba to Mullumbimby, Bathurst South to Cecil Hills, students and teachers around NSW will benefit from new air conditioning in their school.
“Delivering air-conditioning to more schools than ever before is only possible due to the strong economic management of the Liberals & Nationals Government.”
Schools in areas like Penrith, Camden, and Dubbo – that have an average maximum January temperature of 30 degrees or more – will now automatically receive air conditioning in their classrooms and libraries, while all other schools can apply for funding under the Cooler Classrooms Fund on a needs basis. Previously only schools with an average maximum January temperature of 33 degrees or more were air conditioned.
The first round of applications took place throughout Term 3 this year. A second round will open in the new year.
Mr Stokes said, unlike Labor’s plans, the NSW Liberals & Nationals’ Cooler Classrooms program was both economically and environmentally sustainable.
“We’re installing solar panels and ‘smart systems’ alongside the air conditioning units, so schools can offset their additional energy use and efficiently heat and cool their schools,” he said.
In addition to the hundreds of schools benefiting under the Cooler Classrooms program, air conditioning will be delivered in all new and upgraded schools under the Government’s record $6 billion school building program over the next four years.
“Every one of our 170 new and upgraded schools, including more than 2000 new classrooms, will also receive the new sustainable air conditioning systems,” Mr Stokes said.
Schools that will have their classrooms and libraries air-conditioned under round 1 are attached, including:
Regional

  • Mullumbimby High School
  • Batemans Bay High School
  • Moss Vale Public School
  • Albion Park High School
  • Tomaree Public School
  • Glenroy Public School
  • South Wagga Public School
  • Kelso Public School
  • Narrabri High School
  • Anson Street School

Metro

  • Randwick Public School
  • Picnic Point High School
  • Engadine West Public School
  • Hurstville South Public School
  • Cecil Hills High School
  • Parramatta East Public School
  • Mount Druitt Public School
  • Blaxland High School
  • Canterbury Girls High School
  • Georges River College: Penshurst Girls and Oatley Senior Campus

School principals are encouraged to apply to the second round of the Fund, which will open on Day 1 of Term 1 next year. More information can be found at www.schoolinfrastructure.nsw.gov.au.

TAP AND GO YOUR TRAIN JOURNEY FROM TODAY

In an Australian-first innovation, customers catching a train on the Opal network can now choose to tap on and off with their credit or debit card, in a new way to pay for their fare.
Following a successful trial on light rail and ferries, Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance announced that from today contactless transport payments will be available to customers across the entire Sydney Trains network and on any NSW Train Link Opal service.
“Integrating contactless transport payments into the Opal ticketing system is about choice and convenience, giving customers another option for accessing public transport and the ability to pay as you go without ever having to wait in a queue at the station,” Mr Constance said.
Fares purchased with credit cards will be the same cost as the standard Opal distance-based fare, which is a win for regular commuters, especially those who have simply forgotten their Opal card but want to get straight on a train.
“Contactless payments will also make purchasing higher one-off fares a thing of the past for occasional train customers and visitors to NSW,” Mr Constance said.
Mobile wallets on smartphones, tablets and wearable devices linked to an American Express, Mastercard or Visa card, can also be used to tap on at train station Opal readers.
Mr Constance reaffrimed the introduction of contactless payments is not in any way about replacing the Opal card, which remains the foundation of digital payments.
“Opal is not going anywhere and is still the most affordable way to pay for your fares, this is the NSW Government providing greater flexibility and convenience.”
Opal, which is used to complete almost 14 million trips a week, will continue to be the product that provides frequent users the most savings, as well as serving students, concession holders and senior Opal Gold card holders.
Contactless customers will also be entitled to daily, weekly and Sunday travel caps but the weekly travel discount, concessions and the transfer discount will still only be available through Opal.
The contactless transport payment trial will continue to run through 2018 with the expansion to the bus network earmarked for mid-2019. Transport for NSW is also working with EFTPOS to consider how they can be included in the trial.
For more information about the contactless transport payments visit transportnsw.info