Morrison Government's Plan to Support People with Disability

The Morrison Government is backing Australians with disability, their families and carers.
We understand that people with disability want to participate fully in the social and economic life of our community. We recognise that such participation is good for them, good for their families and good for the nation.
If people with disability want to work, we will support them to find and keep a job. Keeping the economy strong is vital. It is only by building a stronger economy that we can guarantee the essential services that people with disability, their families and carers rely on and deliver them the jobs they deserve.
The Morrison Government proudly supports the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), which is transforming the lives of people with disability, their families and carers. It is important we get it right.
In the next term of a Morrison Government we must finalise the rollout of the NDIS and set it up for long term success. A re-elected Morrison Government will:

  • Continue to ensure the NDIS is fully funded by building a stronger economy and keeping the budget in the black.
  • Rollout new NDIS participant planning pathways – making sure people with disability have a single point of contact with the NDIS, and can choose to be on a longer NDIS plan of up to 3 years if their disability is stable.
  • Expand the NDIS community connectors program to support and assist hard to reach communities – including Indigenous Australians, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities and ageing parents of children with disability – to navigate the NDIS and get the services they or their children need.
  • Introduce a new NDIS Participant Service Guarantee from 1 July 2020 – setting new standards for shorter timeframes for people with disability to get an NDIS plan and to have their plan reviewed, with a particular focus on children, and participants requiring specialist disability accommodation and assistive technology.

We recognise that the NDIS was never intended to be the only support provided to people with disability, their families or carers. A re-elected Morrison Government will:

  • Commit $45 million to develop a national disability information gateway, including a website and 1800 number, to assist all people with disability and their families to locate and access services in their communities.
  • Introduce a new 7 per cent employment target for people with disability across the Australian Public Service (APS) by 2025.
  • Provide $2 million to support people with autism to find and keep a job, including a $1.5 million national expansion of the successful Dandelion Program in partnership with DXC Technology.

We will be implementing these initiatives in close consultation with people with disability, their families, carers and supporters.

LABOR REELS IT IN FOR ANGLERS

A Shorten Labor Government will ramp up support for the recreational fishing industry with a $55.5 million investment to renew ageing infrastructure, replenish native fish stocks in our rivers and create the first ever Prime Ministerial Roundtable on Recreational Fishing.
Around 3.4 million Australians engage in recreational fishing each year, directly contributing an estimated $1.8 billion to the economy and supporting around 90,000 Australian jobs.
Labor will provide a $45 million boost to improve recreational fishing infrastructure all across Australia. This new investment builds on our previously announced $10 million commitment.
We will focus on upgrading existing and building new boat ramps, pontoons and jetties to help improve safety and amenity for people launching their vessels.
Many existing boat ramps are in bad need of an upgrade – they are often single lane, resulting in long queues and often dangerous competition for spots on the launches.
Labor will invest $10 million into native fish breeding and stocking across Australia, replenishing 10 million native fish a year into Australia’s rivers.
We will work closely with similar state programs and in consultation with recreational fishing groups to determine which species and breeds should be priorities.
A further $500,000 grant will be provided to the Give Back to Habitat campaign to support on the ground efforts to protect and restore fish habitats. Recreational fishers are some of Australia’s most committed conservationists, and Labor wants to offer practical help.
In addition to this funding, a Shorten Labor Government will establish the first Prime Ministerial Roundtable on Recreational Fishing.
Industry leaders and recreational fishing groups will be invited to meet annually and discuss issues with the prime minister, and minister responsible for fisheries.
The annual roundtable will be held in regional Australia – for example North West Tasmania, the North Coast of New South Wales, or Central or North Queensland: areas in Australia where recreational fishing is a major pastime. For the first time, recreational fishing groups will be able to take issues directly to the prime minister.
A Shorten Labor Government will also:

  • Ensure the small pelagic fishery is protected from large-capacity factory freezer trawlers, preventing the use of super trawlers
  • Continue to support the national Recreational Fishing Council and give our recreational fishers a seat at the decision-making table

This election is a choice between Labor’s plan to invest in communities around Australia, or bigger tax loopholes for the top end of town under the Liberals.
After six years of Liberal cuts and chaos, our united Labor team is ready.

LABOR TO DELIVER A RENEWABLE FUTURE FOR NORTH WEST TASMANIA

Labor will establish a Renewable Energy Zone in North West Tasmania, and we will take the next steps in establishing Tasmania as the Battery of the Nation – bringing investment in renewable energy, related industries and new jobs for the West Coast of Tasmania.
Tasmania’s got all the potential not just to lead Australia in clean energy generation – but to lead the world. What the state needs is leadership to get it there – and only Labor has the vision to grow jobs, grow investment and cut energy bills.
Labor will support the next phase of the Marinus Link feasibility study with $56 million contribution. If the Marinus link stacks up, then Labor’s $5 billion Energy Security and Modernisation Fund will be available to help finance the project.
The initial feasibility study for the Marinus Link and Battery of the Nation project made clear that this Tasmanian energy vision only stacks up if Australia commits to a “High Emission Reduction Scenario”, which is consistent with Labor’s 50 per cent 2030 renewable commitment. The Liberals’ refusal to support a renewable energy future will sabotage not only Marinus link, but also the Battery of the Nation project and Tasmania’s renewable future.
A crucial part of Tasmania’s renewable future lies in taking advantage of the world-class renewable resources in Tasmania – not just hydro, but wind and others. That is why Labor will make North West Tasmania a Renewable Energy Zone.
Labor will also support the Renewable Future project, at the heart of supercharging Tasmania’s renewable industry. This includes:

  • The Whale Back Ridge Wind Farm (WWF) that will see a new large-scale wind farm of up to 500 turbines generating 1,500 MW of electricity to supply the Battery of the Nation project, hydrogen production for export, and the energy needs of Tasmania. This project will create 2,000 construction jobs, and 50 permanent jobs.
  • Tasmania West Coast Energy Park (WCEP) that will develop a large scale energy park incorporating, the Whale Back Ridge Wind, an industrial scale hydrogen production export facility, wave energy generation of up to 100 MW, battery storage of up to 100 MW, industrial scale greenhouse facilities for hydroponic organic food production, and a commercial scale solar farm to augment hydrogen production. This project will create 2,000 construction jobs, and 200 permanent jobs.
  • Tasmanian Renewable Energy Research and Development Centre (TREND) that will undertake research in renewable energy focused on wind, wave, pumped hydro, temperate solar, hydrogen, and transport and storage technologies. It will also involve education with Tasmanian primary and secondary student training sessions on renewable energy, options for advanced study at UTAS or TasTAFE level, residential skills training and upskilling with TasTAFE at diploma level, and tertiary study up to PhD level through UTAS. Further research, development and commercialisation of renewable technologies will occur in collaboration with CSIRO, UTAS, TasTAFE and industry. The centre will also partner with WWF and WCEP to facilitate educational and research and development outcomes. This project will create 500 construction jobs and 75 permanent jobs.

A Shorten Labor Government will provide $5 million to make the Renewable Future Project a reality. This will provide the necessary seed funding to produce the Masterplan for WWF, WCEF and TREND. It also includes initial seed funding for studies into wind, water, wave and environmental aspects of the project.
The Renewable Future project will help deliver stability to the national electricity grid and support Labor’s commitment to deliver 50 per cent renewables by 2030. It will also complement Labor’s commitment to develop a new hydrogen industry through our $1 billion Hydrogen Plan, to develop hydrogen for use in industry and transport, both here and abroad.
It will also create a world-class educational, research and development facility focussed on temperate climate renewable technology education, research, development and commercialisation, boosting Tasmania’s role in the energy transition underway.
This project is about supporting an energy transition, new industries and jobs, and skill and research development, but it will also provide a significant economic stimulus for the West Coast region that also broadens the economic base of Tasmania, in particular creating new opportunities for West Coast townships such as Zeehan and Rosebery. The project will deliver a total of 4,500 construction and 325 permanent jobs for the region.
Labor’s Energy Plan will secure a clean, affordable, renewable energy future and the new industries, jobs and skills that will deliver sustainable prosperity to Tasmania and the entire country.
Only Labor has a plan to invest in renewable energy, modernise the electricity system, and bring power prices and pollution down.
The Liberals have nothing but a record of increasing prices and pollution and baseless scare campaigns.
This election is a choice between Labor’s plan for increased investment in renewables, or bigger tax loopholes for the top end of town under the Liberals.
After six years of Liberal cuts and chaos, our united Labor team is ready.

LABOR’S RENEWABLE ENERGY JOBS BOOM

A Shorten Labor Government will help create up to 70,000 new jobs and support more young Australians train in the jobs for the future, with a $75 million Renewables Training Package – including support for 10,000 apprentices in the renewable and clean energy industries.
Renewable energy means more jobs, more investment, cheaper energy and lower pollution.
Labor’s commitment to 50 per cent renewables by 2030 will see up to 70,000 jobs created.
Australians already know the benefits of cheaper, cleaner renewable energy. The number of households with rooftop solar has grown from 7,000 in 2007 to more than two million today.
To support this renewables revolution, Labor will support 10,000 apprenticeships in renewable energy-related fields and will upgrade TAFE campuses around the country.
Labor will invest $45 million in 10,000 additional Apprentice Incentives for apprentices in the renewables industry. Employers will be able to access up to $8,000 take on an apprentice and apprentices will get $2,000 to assist with the costs of their education. This is part of Labor’s commitment to an additional 150,000 Apprentice Incentives.
These Apprentice Incentives will be available for apprentices working on renewable energy projects and for clean energy businesses. This includes wind and solar, battery manufacture and installation, pumped hydro and transmission.
Labor will also invest $30 million to upgrade TAFEs and train locals for the 70,000 jobs our renewable energy policies will help generate:

  • $20 million Renewable Industries TAFE Upgrades – to make sure apprentices and TAFE students have the opportunity to train on industry standard equipment, including batteries, solar panels, turbine and grid components. This will also support building, construction and design students to integrate renewables into their studies and make sure TAFE is at the forefront of renewables innovation and education.
  • $10 million in a Clean Energy Training Fund – to support industry partnerships for the training and upskilling of workers in clean energy industries, from solar and battery installers to energy management system professionals. Labor will work with TAFEs, RTOs, unions, and industry on the implementation of this fund.

There will be thousands of opportunities for apprentices and TAFE students because of Labor’s investment in Solar Schools, Household Battery Program, doubling of the CEFC’s capital, and commitment to delivering 50 per cent renewables by 2030.
Investment in renewable energy is good for Australian jobs and good for the Australian economy.
Scott Morrison and the Liberals are hopelessly divided on climate change – all they have are baseless scare campaigns and no plans to bring down power bills for Australian households and businesses.
The Liberals and Nationals have pushed up power prices and pollution by undermining investment in renewable energy and backing power privatisations – and their chaos and division means industry can’t adequately plan and invest in the future.
Only Labor will deliver real action on climate change and lower pollution, lower power prices and build a stronger economy.
This election is a choice between Labor’s plan for better investment in renewable energy and skills, TAFE and apprenticeships, or bigger tax loopholes for the top end of town under the Liberals.
After six years of Liberal cuts and chaos, our united Labor team is ready.

Greens will move to declare ‘climate emergency’ in next Parliament following UK Parliament climate emergency declaration

Greens climate and energy spokesperson Adam Bandt MP has welcomed the UK Parliament’s declaration of a climate and environment emergency. Mr Bandt said the Greens would seek to move and pass a similar motion as soon as possible in the new Parliament after the election.
“The UK Parliament has recognised the world is facing an existential climate crisis and that we all need to act urgently,” Mr Bandt said.
“I will seek to move a similar motion to the UK and have a state of climate emergency declared here as soon as the new Parliament returns after the election.
“It’s time to act as if our house is on fire, because it is.
“This election is a climate election and the Greens are the only party that supports emergency action. The Australian people have an opportunity to show their support for emergency action by voting Greens.”

Greens condemn violent racist vandalism

The Australian Greens condemn the vile racism behind vandalism of Greens SA Senate candidate Major Moogy Sumner’s election poster.
“This racism is not acceptable. We need First Australians in our Parliament and they need to be able to participate without these kinds of attacks,” Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.
“This does not represent South Australia. Moogy is a beloved and respected leader in our state. People on all sides of politics respect him, love him and I know wish him well for this election.
“I am so proud to have such a distinguished aboriginal elder standing shoulder to shoulder with me in this election campaign.
“Our Parliament and our state would be all the richer with Moogy Sumner in the Senate.”
Moogy Sumner, Ngarrindjeri elder, said:
“My face is well known in Adelaide. People know who I am and what I stand for,” he said.
“It is disappointing to see this crop up in our community, but it won’t stop me from standing up for what we believe in. Here I am, you’re not going to scare me away.”

Officer and man charged over assault – Northern Region

Two people, including a police officer have been charged over an alleged assault in the Port Macquarie region.
It’s alleged on Saturday 23 March 2019, an off-duty female officer, attached to the Northern Region, and a 43-year-old man, assaulted a 53-year-old man during an incident at a licensed premises on Owen Street.
Following inquires, the 42-year-old senior constable was served with a Future Court Attendance Notice for the offences of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and fail to quit licenced premises.
The man was served a Future Court Attendance Notice for the offences of assault and fail to quit licenced premises.
Both are due to appear at Port Macquarie Local Court on Wednesday 19 June 2019.

LABOR TO FUND NEWCASTLE MUSIC HUB

Budding young musicians and rockstars in the making will get a new Music Hub in Newcastle to jam and record if Labor is elected.
This election is a choice between a Shorten Labor Government with a plan for vibrant local communities, or more cuts and chaos from the Liberals.
Senator Kristina Keneally joined Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon to announce the funding for a Music Hub in Newcastle on behalf of Shadow Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke.
Senator Keneally said Atwea College had been awarded $350,000 to create a rehearsal area, live performance space and recording studio at The Creative Arts Space on Beaumont Street, Hamilton.
“The facilities will be accessible to community members and disadvantaged young people who don’t have access to anywhere they can practice,” Senator Keneally said.
“This funding will allow for soundproofing and electrical works, upgraded lighting and a stage extension. It will also fund some fabulous new equipment like speakers, amps and instruments.”
Ms Claydon said the project was a perfect fit for Newcastle.
“Live music has long been the lifeblood of Newcastle, but it’s getting harder and harder for young people to find the space to hone their skills,” Ms Claydon said.
“Atwea will also provide professional musicians who will be on hand to give mentoring, training and support to the next generation of artists and to connect them to Newcastle’s music community.”
Atwea College Executive Director Rowan Cox said the funding would help foster Newcastle’s music culture and provide much-needed updates to the Creative Arts Space in Hamilton.
“The Newcastle Music Hub will give young Novocastrians access to professional equipment and give them the skills and experience to pursue their musical ambitions,” Ms Cox said.
“The jam spaces and recording studios will be available for young members of the community to book time in.  In the recording studio, they will be offered supervision and support by Atwea trainers. Atwea also plans to restart Open Mic Nights and Battle of the Bands to create more opportunities for live performances for local artists.”
Music Hub funding is provided under Labor’s Soundtrack Australia policy – 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 live music.

City opens $500k funding programs

City of Newcastle has opened this year’s grants and sponsorship funding round worth half a million dollars to support events and initiatives such as Newcastle’s first homegrown comedy festival.
As the opening night of the four-day Newcastle Comedy festival nears, the City invites community groups keen to stage events in the next financial year to apply for $280,000 in funding under its Event Sponsorship Program (ESP).
The inaugural rib tickler was awarded more than $15,000 under last year’s ESP to deliver a barrel of laughs at Civic Theatre, pubs and live venues across the City from Thursday 23 May.
Comedyfestpicinside.jpgLord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes with Newcastle Comedy Festival crew (bottom left) Chris Wedlock,
(top left) Andrew Milos, (top right) Alan Parry and (bottom right) Grant Gibbons

Festival director Andrew Milos, of the aptly named Big Dog Pod, said the funding was crucial to getting a locally produced event off the ground.
“I’m really glad we’ve got the backing behind us to do this because if I didn’t do it then someone from Sydney would have,” he said.
“It’s helped give us some breathing room to secure local comedy acts, such as Raw finalist Cameron James, and we’ve been able to approach second year sound engineering students from Newcastle University to help us out.
The ESP, applications for which are now open, provides funding for Community Events, Major Community Events, Major Destination Events, Commercial Events and Business Events. More than 35 events were sponsored under last year’s program, extending from local community based festivals through to international competitions such as the Port to Port Mountain Bike event.
The ESP will be followed by another $210,000 worth of grant funding through Economic Development ($70,000) Community ($60,000) and Recreational Facilities ($80,000) grant programs over the next few months.
2701_CamJames_Studio11782_editinside.jpgTriple J Raw Comedy finalist Cameron James will be a local hit at the upcoming comedy festival
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the grants open the door for new ventures and groups to provide a welcome community contribution, or for existing organisations to build on their previous success.
“It’s the aim of the grant funding to support local talent and community groups as they evolve into successful organisations delivering outcomes year-in, year-out,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Last year’s funding across our range of sponsorship and grant programs has contributed to projects with a direct expenditure of $1.25 million and provided support for business growth and employment while encouraging innovation, community capacity building, placemaking and developing the visitor economy.
“I know in speaking with the organisers of the Newcastle Comedy Festival that they have big plans to grow the local comedy scene so it’s very important that we help them.”
Fore more information on the City’s sponsorship grants, visit http://www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Community/Grants-Sponsorships

Library to host innovation festival highlights

Virtual and augmented reality demonstrations, an Internet of Things workshop and an intro to borrowable podcasting equipment will feature at Newcastle Library during the upcoming Hunter Innovation Festival.
City of Newcastle has partnered with festival organisers to help Hunter residents explore innovation in a friendly, hands-on environment as part of strategic smart city strategy adopted by Council in 2017.
“The City of Newcastle is proud to be on board with the Hunter Innovation Festival as Festival Partner in 2019, supporting an expanded program and providing the Library as a festival hub,” Lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
HIF-with-blurb-(1).png“Newcastle has a long history of producing world-class innovation in heavy industries and we’re also punching above our weight in emerging industries, such as robotics and advanced manufacturing.
“Our smart city infrastructure and platforms are now attracting international attention and we’re working hard to diversify the local economy through a range of public works and economic initiatives.
“Social inclusion is an important part of this, so I’m delighted that library members will soon be able to borrow tech to create professional podcasts and that our libraries in general are spearheading the smart city charge – through virtual and augmented reality and even hosting school holiday STEM programs.”
The festival follows adoption of Newcastle Libraries’ 2019-2029 Strategy, which aims to deliver a world-class library for a smart, liveable and sustainable city.
“The Library is a gateway to understanding the knowledge economy, supporting an inclusive approach for the benefit of all citizens,” Newcastle Libraries Manager Suzie Gately said.
“A key part of our new strategy is partnering with stakeholders in the smart city ecosystem to promote initiatives to improve liveability, sustainability and local innovation.
“The Hunter Innovation Festival is a great event to show the integral role libraries play in introducing the community to new technology and providing resources and programs to bridge the digital divide. “
Festival highlights at Newcastle Region Library on Laman Street include:

  • Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) Demonstrations – learn how the City uses VR for destination marketing and AR to bring its heritage collections to life
  • Data is the new oil – a talk looking at the relationship between smart cities and data
  • Get involved in your smart city – a workshop on how to incorporate the Internet of Things (IoT) into your daily life.
  • Podcasting 101 – with the library soon to make podcasting tech available for loan, this workshop will help story tellers transform ideas it into great sounding audio
  • Idea to Execution with SheStarts – a workshop for entrepreneurial women looking to take the plunge and start their own business
  • Technology and Backyard Food Production – a look at how you can use smart tech to increase the productivity of your veggie patch and garden
  • Six kids’ workshops including two Family Maker Labs and a Mars Rover Challenge

The festival runs from May 6 to 17 and will include more than 40 events in Newcastle and the Hunter including a Hackathon, Pitch Night, Business Bootcamp, a Humans v Robots debate, Hunter Research Foundation Centre’s Economic Breakfast with an international guest speaker, a Flash Mob, an interactive lighting installation in Civic Park and more.
Visit the HIF websit here for more.