Month: December 2024

Medical settlement concierges to support senior doctors relocating to Hunter and New England regions

Hunter New England Local Health District has appointed two inaugural medical settlement concierges, as part of a new initiative helping doctors and their families settle when they move into new communities. 

The first-of-its-kind program within the District will offer personalised support to newly recruited doctors, including international medical graduates, ensuring a smooth transition into both their professional roles and local communities.

Located in Tamworth and Taree, the concierges will provide individualised support and guidance to the incoming doctors, including sourcing housing, schools, childcare, transportation and sporting clubs.

The medical settlement concierges are currently supporting more than 40 interstate and overseas doctors through the recruitment and relocation process, with these doctors expected to arrive in the region in 2025.

Family members will also benefit from assistance in searching for local employment by connecting them with external providers.

To further ease their transition, the concierges will maintain ongoing contact with the doctors, including regular check-ins to ensure they feel welcomed and supported in their new environment.

The creation of the new medical settlement concierge roles is part of a broader suite of initiatives underway to attract and retain senior doctors across HNELHD health facilities, with other measures including overseas recruitment campaigns, subsidies for tertiary studies and incentive packages.

Additional recruitment efforts by the Minns Labor Government include the recent doubling of the Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme for the hardest to fill and critical roles, investing an additional $200.1 million in key worker accommodation and a Rural Generalist Single Employer Pathway.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“These medical settlement concierge roles are an innovative solution to help attract and retain top medical talent, particularly in our rural and regional areas.

“With extensive local knowledge and strong community ties, the concierges are well-positioned to assist doctors and their families settle into new towns across the District.

“Recruitment is one of the biggest challenges facing rural and regional hospitals across NSW, and the Minns Labor Government is committed to building a more supported regional health workforce.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley:

“We’re making sure doctors and their families feel fully supported as they settle into the Hunter. It’s not just about their jobs – it’s about helping them feel at home in the community.

“When we support these new doctors and their families, everyone benefits. It creates jobs, builds connections, and helps the whole community flourish.”

Labor Spokesperson for Myall Lakes, Emily Suvaal MLC:

“Relocating to a new area, especially from overseas or interstate, can be daunting. This personalised medical settlement concierge service will help doctors and their families with the moving logistics and lead to a more welcoming experience.”

Labor Spokesperson for Tamworth, Anthony D’Adam MLC:

“This initiative will also directly contribute to the growth of Hunter New England Local Health District ’s medical workforce and improve access to healthcare for people living in regional areas.”

Jody Ekert, Medical Settlement Concierge, Tamworth:

“We’re excited to welcome more senior doctors to our Hunter New England Local Health District health facilities and are dedicated to making their move as smooth as possible.

“We’ve already started connecting doctors with local services and organisations, to ensure they feel at home in their new communities from the moment they arrive.”

HNELHD Executive Director Medical Services, Dr Paul Craven:

“This initiative demonstrates our commitment to supporting not just the professional, but also the personal wellbeing of our doctors and their families.

“Our focus is on creating a welcoming and supportive environment that encourages long-term retention of senior doctors across our region.”

$50 million investment boost for regional communities

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to ensure regional communities thrive, with $50 million in grants becoming available for initiatives that promote regional economic development and support employment creation and retention.

Businesses, consortiums, local governments, associations, Aboriginal corporations, not for profits and other eligible applicants are encouraged to apply for a share of the $50 million Community Investment Program, delivered by the NSW Government’s $400 million Regional Development Trust.

Grants of between $500,000 and $5 million will be available for infrastructure projects and capital investments to create jobs and economic opportunities.

Between $250,000 and $1 million will be available for regional programs to improve service delivery and community connection and capacity building.

This is the second round of funding to be released from the NSW Government’s $400 million Regional Development Trust, this targeted investment has been guided by the Regional Development Advisory Council and informed by several roundtables with rural communities hosted by the Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty.

Projects funded under this round will align with the Regional Development Trust’s key focus areas of:

  • Sustainable regional industries
  • Aboriginal economic development and enterprise
  • Community connection and capacity building
  • Improving regional service delivery

This funding follows the NSW Government recently passing an update to the Regional Development Act, to ensure it reflects the needs of modern rural and regional NSW, expanding investment opportunities and enshrining integrity in the system.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development will host community information sessions, inviting eligible applicants to learn about the program, how to apply, and what projects and initiatives are eligible for targeted investment.

Applications open today, 6 December 2024, and close at 5pm on Thursday, 20 February 2024.

For more information: nsw.gov.au/regionaldevelopmenttrust

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“This latest initiative under the Regional Development Trust makes more funding available for regional and rural communities and will build on the Minns Labor Government’s positive track record in providing strategic investment for local projects that deliver real change in a timely manner.

“I have listened to people and businesses from around regional NSW, and so we are responding accordingly with a funding program that enables applicants to apply for investment for projects that are ready to go.

“I encourage businesses, consortiums and organisations to apply for this funding if you have a good idea on how to expand economic activity in a community or region.

“This funding will kick-start productive projects and initiatives across regional NSW, supporting the creation of needed infrastructure, new economies and also supporting the attraction of key workers to the regions.”

Expanded support for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence in Central Coast

The Minns Labor Government is working to create a safer Central Coast for victim survivors of domestic and family violence, with one of 10 new refuges for women and children across regional areas to be delivered in the region by 2026.

Under round three of the Core and Cluster program, $83.4 million has been invested across NSW to support more than 500 women and children a year fleeing domestic and family violence.

This is the third round of the Core and Cluster program, which has to date delivered 39 refuges across the state.

Combined, all refuges delivered under the Core and Cluster program are estimated to assist an additional 2,900 women and children across NSW.

Locations are selected on the basis of community need. In addition to Central Coast, refuges will be delivered across Wingecarribee, Goulburn-Mulwaree, Wollongong, Coonamble Shire, Glen Innes, Clarence Valey, Walgett Shire, Lake Macquarie and Wollondilly LGAs.

The Core and Cluster refuge model promotes independent living by providing self-contained accommodation located next to a ‘core’ of support that facilitates access to services such as counselling, legal assistance, education, and employment support.

This forms part of the NSW Government’s ongoing work to address domestic and family violence across New South Wales, at all stages, by investing in primary prevention, early intervention, crisis responses and recovery.

Support

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN on 13 92 76.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“We’re doing everything we can to address the scourge of domestic violence – from strengthening bail laws, to prioritising half of new social and affordable housing builds for people fleeing violence and funding more refuges.  

“Women and children leaving violent family relationships need a safe place to go.

“The Central Coast facility is among 10 new refuges being provided by this latest funding, which combined will be open and ready to house up to 500 vulnerable women and children a year by the end of 2026. 

“The $426 million program will ensure up to 2,900 additional women and children can find a safe place to call home.”

Minister for the Central Coast and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“It is critical that victim survivors of domestic and family violence have a safe place to go and I am pleased the NSW Government is funding a new refuge for women and children on the Central Coast as part of a NSW-wide roll out.

“It is also pleasing the new Core and Cluster refuges will have a focus on assisting Aboriginal Women, with four of the 10 projects being run by Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.”

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

“The Core and Cluster model provides accommodation but also hope for the future through tailored support to help victim-survivors heal.

“As part of this third round, our focus has been to expand the Core and Cluster program to regional NSW and harder-to-reach communities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The model ensures they receive culturally responsive supports that acknowledge the devastating impacts and accumulation of trauma across generations.

“The Central Coast Core and Cluster refuge will ensure victim-survivors in the region have access to holistic wraparound support when they make the courageous decision to leave.”

Member for the Entrance David Mehan MP said:

“Family and domestic violence is a tragic reality experienced by too many in our community.

“The Central Coast Core and Cluster refuge will provide a safe haven for women and children to rebuild their lives free from violence.

“I’m proud to be part of a Labor Government committed to addressing critical social issues and breaking the cycle of domestic and family violence.”

Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch MP said:

“Everyone deserves to be safe in their homes and leaving a violent family relationship takes courage. After women and children make this courageous decision, it is critical that they have a safe place to go.

“The NSW Government is committed to addressing the scourge of domestic violence across the board, through bail reform, investment in social and affordable housing, early intervention, and much more.

“The Core and Cluster model is an important aspect of this, providing tailored support for victim-survivors, while providing a safe and healing space to go when escaping domestic and family violence.

“This Central Coast Core and Cluster refuge is so important to ending the cycle of violence, allowing women and children to rebuild their lives.”

Following community request, NSW Government grants extension for community consultation on opals report

The NSW Government is committed to taking steps to protect the interests of both the opal mining industry and landholders and minimise land conflict.

As part of broader reforms to the opal mining industry, the Minns Labor Government commissioned former Land and Environment Court Judge and NSW Attorney General, Terry Sheahan AO to undertake an independent review of the industry.

The independent review’s 81 detailed recommendations are currently being considered by a working group, chaired by the NSW Government’s Special Envoy for Opal Mining Stephen Lawrence MLC.

The working group has held five sessions to date and includes representatives from the opal mining industry, landholders, First Nations representatives and other key stakeholders.

Following a request to provide additional time, Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos has agreed to extend the working group’s timeline. This will allow their discussions to continue and for them to provide advice on each of the report’s 81 recommendations.

The independent review is the first major report into the industry for more than a decade and follows the discovery that 3,343 minerals claims in Lightning Ridge and White Cliffs were invalidly issued over eight years.

The NSW Government is committed to ensuring that any changes to the framework meet the needs of landholders, small-scale miners and the broader community, to allow the co-existence of both farming and small-scale opal mining in NSW. 

A further update will be provided next year once the NSW Government has completed its response.

Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos:

“I was pleased to meet the working group and hear directly from participants about their key priorities and potential challenges arising from recommendations made by the Independent Review.

“I have heard the feedback from stakeholders about the need to take more time to allow the working group to continue its deliberations as the government considers the recommendations.

“I understand that some stakeholders are eager for a quick resolution. The Government’s priority is to ensure that miners, landholders and community members on the ground are given a full opportunity to inform the government’s response.

“I look forward to visiting Lightning Ridge in the new year to hear more from the community.”

NSW Government’s Special Envoy for Opal Mining Stephen Lawrence MLC:

“The working group meetings have been productive as we work through the 81 recommendations in the Independent Review.

“It’s crucial we listen to the community in Lightning Ridge and give them the time they need to inform the government’s response to provide certainty for miners and landholders.”

Member for Barwon Roy Butler MP:

“The mining reforms are an opportunity to reduce conflict between landholders and miners and ensure that NSW Resources is adequately equipped to do its job.

“The review process should not be rushed, which is why I wrote to Minister Houssos to request an extension. This will ensure better engagement and greater understanding of the problems and solutions for all stakeholders.

“I thank the Minister for her quick response and commitment to improving outcomes for miners and landholders.”

Largest class of new police officers in a decade sworn into the NSW Police Force

Today, the NSW Police Force (NSWPF) proudly welcomes 298 new Probationary Constables, marking a historic moment as the largest class to graduate in a decade. 

This is an important step in the Minns Labor Government’s long-term plan to rebuild our essential services, including addressing the recruitment and retention crisis of frontline workers.  

The graduation of this record-breaking class not only strengthens the NSWPF but also ensures the safety and security of communities across New South Wales.  

By prioritising the recruitment of highly skilled individuals, the Minns Government is laying the foundation for a more robust and responsive police force – one that reflects the growing needs of a modern and dynamic New South Wales. 

Class 364 will attest at the Goulburn Police Academy after completing eight months of training in the Constable Education Program (CEP).  

The program includes four months of distance learning followed by four months of intensive training at the Academy. 

Following their graduation, the recruits will embark on 12 months of on-the-job training and will be deployed across metropolitan and regional communities from Monday: 

  • Central Metropolitan Region – 64
  • Northwest Metropolitan Region – 59
  • Northern Region – 57
  • Southwest Metropolitan Region – 67
  • Southern Region – 24
  • Western Region – 27 

Class 364 comprises of 218 men and 80 women aged between 18 and 52, with five recruits receiving awards for outstanding academic or physical achievements.  

This is the third class to benefit from the NSW Government’s paid study allowance during their training at the Academy.  

The Minns Labor Government’s work to support NSW Police officers and address the chronic shortage of police officers presided over by the former Liberal National Government has also included:  

  • abolishing the wages cap; 
  • setting up a historic new scheme to pay students to study to become an officer, which has already seen applications surge by 50 per cent over the previous year; and 
  • two recently announced programs specifically aimed at attracting both experienced officers and regional recruits.  

Additionally, the Police Mobility Program, which welcomes officers from other jurisdictions, has already resulted in almost 30 applications, showcasing its success in attracting experienced talent to the NSW Police Force. 

Complementing this initiative, the recent acceptance of the Minns Labor Government’s historic four-year pay agreement, which includes highly competitive salaries, further demonstrates the Government’s commitment to backing the NSWPF. 

Looking ahead to 2025, more than 1,000 recruits are expected to attest, further strengthening the ranks of the NSWPF. 

While progress has been made, the journey is far from over, and the NSW Government remains steadfast in its commitment to achieving more. 

The Minns Labor Government was elected with a mandate to rebuild public services and reinvest in our front-line workforce and ensure we provide support when people in NSW need it most. 

It’s part of our plan to build a better NSW. 

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:  

“Congratulations to Class 364, who today begin their journey in one of the most challenging yet rewarding careers there are. 

“Today is the combination of eight months of hard work and training. And it’s also the beginning of an incredibly exciting career in New South Wales Police Force. 

“While we still have more to do, the fact this is the largest class in a decade shows that the programs we have implemented are working.” 

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said:  

“This is a monumental day for the NSW Police. Class 364 is the largest attesting class in a decade – strong evidence the tide is turning on recruitment. Next year is set to be even bigger, with more than 1,000 recruits attesting. 

“The NSW Government backs our police to the hilt. We are focused on retaining experienced officers and recruiting new ones which is why we’ve secured a historic pay deal, we’re paying recruits to train and offering recruits from the bush a pathway to work in or near their hometown after attesting.  

“Congratulations to Class 364. Today marks the start of what I hope is a long, rich and rewarding career with the NSW Police Force.” 

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb APM said: 

“I want to congratulate our newest 298 probationary constables for demonstrating the resilience and determination needed to succeed in the NSW Police Force. 

“The graduation of Class 364, the largest in 10 years, is a significant milestone in rebuilding our organisation and reflects the hard work of everyone involved. 

“With application numbers on the rise, I look forward to welcoming even larger classes in 2025 as we continue strengthening our ranks.” 

Rest area upgrades delivering safer journeys for truckies

The Minns Labor Government is continuing to work to improve road safety by providing truck drivers in the state’s south access to upgraded rest areas as part of a statewide $11.9 million improvement initiative.

Five rest areas that cater to heavy vehicles have recently been completed at Berry Jerry rest area on the Sturt Highway, as well as Beckom, Bundure, and the Marsden northbound and southbound rest areas on the Newell Highway.

The upgrades provided solar-powered lighting for the toilet blocks and surrounds to improve safety for all users, and new picnic shelters to allow truckies to take a short break.

Transport for NSW also installed improved roadside signage at a number of service centres along the Hume, Sturt and Newell highways to assist heavy vehicle drivers to better identify rest stops.

The upgrades have been delivered as part of the governments $11.9 million Heavy Vehicle Rest Stop Minor Works Program. Earlier this year Transport also completed upgrades to Seven Trees and Curlwaa rest areas on the Silver City Highway and Bundjalung rest area on the Pacific Highway as part of the statewide program.

More information is available at www.transport.nsw.gov.au/hvrsimprovements

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“Driver fatigue is one of the top four contributing factors to fatal crashes on NSW roads, highlighting the importance of adequate rest and rest stop facilities for all drivers.

“The Minns Labor Government is working closely with, and listening to the road freight industry, as we improve the quantity and quality of heavy vehicle rest stops.”

Independent Member for Murray Helen Dalton said:

“When our heavy vehicle drivers are safe, it contributes to safer roads for all road users.

“It’s good to see investments going to upgrade facilities for truckies in the Murray region.

“Rest areas support truck driver health, safety and wellbeing, and compliance with mandatory rest breaks for fatigue management.”

NSW Labor’s spokesperson for Cootamundra, Stephen Lawrence MLC said:

“These upgraded facilities will go a long way in supporting truck drivers to find safe and reliable areas to park, rest, and access services on what can be long trips in this part of the state.

“I’m pleased to be part of a government rolling out these investments in our regional communities.”

Appointment of new Secretary of the Department of Social Services

I am pleased to announce the Governor-General has accepted my recommendation to appoint Mr Michael Lye as Secretary of the Department of Social Services.

Mr Lye has had an extensive career in the Australian Public Service and has a proven track record of implementing complex reforms, particularly in the area of social policy.

He has served as Deputy Secretary, Ageing and Aged Care, at the Department of Health and Aged Care since 2019, and has previously held senior positions at the Department of Social Services from 2013 to 2019.

Mr Lye’s five year appointment will commence on 11 December 2024. His appointment as Secretary of the Department of Social Services follows a publicly advertised, merit-based selection process.

The current Secretary of the Department of Social Services, Mr Ray Griggs AO CSC, will retire on 10 December 2024, having served as Secretary since 2021.

Mr Griggs has had a long, decorated career in the public sector and Australian Defence Force, as Chief of Navy, Vice Chief of the Defence Force and the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of the National Indigenous Australians Agency.

On behalf of the Australian Government, I thank Mr Griggs for his dedication, leadership and service to the Australian community.

Additional support for rare earths refining for a Future Made in Australia

The Albanese Labor Government is delivering vital support to Australia’s critical minerals sector by providing up to $475 million in additional finance to develop the Eneabba Rare Earths Refinery project in Western Australia.

This project is Australia’s first integrated rare earths refinery and will support 900 jobs at its peak during construction, and an additional 250 secure, well-paid jobs once operational.

This investment will boost global rare earths supply chain resilience, while unlocking Australian deposits of key critical minerals which are essential in a range of defence and renewable energy technologies like electric vehicles, wind turbines and mobile phones.

Australian company Iluka Resources is delivering the project which ensures more value is captured onshore, and more Australians benefit from our unique minerals endowment.

This additional support reinforces Australia’s commitment to supporting secure and sustainable critical minerals supply chains, making us an indispensable part of the global net-zero economy.

The Government’s support ensures Iluka will deliver additional outcomes to maximise project benefits in Australia’s national interest including additional commitments from Iluka to diversify supply chains and deliver broader community benefits aligned with the new Future Made in Australia Act.

The support will be provided by Export Finance Australia (EFA) through the Government’s $4 billion Critical Minerals Facility (CMF).

Australia’s rare earths refining sector will also benefit from the Critical Minerals Production Tax Incentive which will provide a tax offset for eligible critical minerals processing costs.

The Albanese Government’s commitment to a Future Made in Australia is all about seizing the vast economic and industrial opportunities from the global net zero transformation and strengthening our economic resilience.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“Critical minerals are the building blocks for a clean energy future and we are determined to seize this economic opportunity to support local businesses and local jobs.

“A strong resources sector means a healthy economy and good, well paid local jobs.

“We will back WA’s resources sector, through our plan for a Future Made in Australia and our Production Tax Credits.”

Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell

“Our Government is committed to becoming a renewable energy superpower, not just to tackle the global challenge of climate change but also to harness the opportunity to create significant high paying, secure jobs for Australians.

“Our country is blessed with an abundance of critical minerals and the Albanese Labor Government wants Australians to benefit from this emerging sector.”

Minister for Resources and Minister for Northern Australia Madeleine King

“Supporting our critical minerals and rare earths industry is about Australia taking responsibility to lead on critical minerals globally.

“Not only are critical minerals and rare earths key to the energy transition, they are essential to the defence industry and our national security.

“We stand at an important moment in time where the world wants what we have and we just happen to have the most advanced mining sector in the world.”

Labor refuses to assess climate impacts of three proposed coal projects, Greens urge Albanese to reject them

The Australian Greens have said Labor has again capitulated to the big corporations after the federal government refused requests to consider the climate impacts of three proposed coal mining projects.

The ‘reconsideration requests’ were made by the Environment Council of Central Queensland, represented by lawyers from Environmental Justice Australia. However, it was revealed today that the government has rejected those requests.

The three proposed coal mine projects – Boggabri, Caval Ridge and Lake Vermont Meadowbrook – will now await a final decision by the government without a prior assessment of their climate harm.

The refusal to assess climate risk comes a week after Labor caved to big mining corporations and refused to agree with the Greens on laws to protect nature and forests.

The Greens say Labor must reject these projects if it is serious about climate change.

If the three projects are approved, Idemitsu’s Boggabri coal project in NSW would produce 242.86 million tonnes of carbon emissions, BHP Mitsubishi’s Caval Ridge coal project in central Queensland would produce 473 million tonnes, and Jellinbah Group’s Lake Vermont coal project in Queensland would produce 347 million tonnes.

Leader of the Australian Greens, Adam Bandt MP:

“Twice in two weeks, Labor is doing the bidding of the coal and gas corporations. 

“Emissions are higher under Anthony Albanese than Scott Morrison, Labor has approved 28 new coal and gas projects since coming to power, and the government has pushed setting 2035 climate targets back until after the next election.

“Scientists say new coal and gas must be stopped to protect Australia from dangerous climate change. Pacific leaders are demanding Australia stop approving new coal and gas to give their islands a fighting chance.

“Labor is too afraid to stare down the coal billionaires and polluters, and as a result climate pollution is up, new coal and gas mines are getting approved and our communities are at risk from worsening fires, floods, and extreme weather. 

“Anthony Albanese and Tanya Plibersek must immediately reject these three new coal projects.”

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young is Greens spokesperson for the Environment & Senator for South Australia:

“This is the latest reminder that Labor has failed to fix Australia’s broken environment laws

“The Environment Minister’s job is to protect the environment, not cave in to the fossil fuel and logging lobby. The Albanese Government should reject these coal mines and work with the Greens to fix our broken environment laws.

“A climate trigger and an end to native forest logging is desperately needed if we are to stop the worst impacts of the climate crisis.

“The Greens will make this election a referendum on nature and a rejection of the coal and gas lobby.”

Labor refuses to consider impacts on climate from coal

The Federal Labor Government has issued a notice today confirming that the Boggabri Coal Mine Modification 8 will not be assessed for the impact it will have on climate change as part of its assessment under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. The notice comes 5 days after the NSW Labor Government received the first Annual Report from the State’s Net Zero Commission that stated new coal mines “pose a major challenge” to reducing emissions in line with the law.

Greens MP, environmental lawyer and spokesperson for the Environment, Planning and Climate Change, Sue Higginson, said “Labor is lost when it comes to acting on climate change and protecting the environment. We have already hit 1.5 degrees of global heating, we are not on track to meet our emissions reduction targets here in NSW and now federal Labor refuses to consider the impacts of climate change from the continuation of mining coal on the environment,”

“Climate change is the single biggest threat that we face, and is a primary driver of the biodiversity and extinction crises, and yet Labor still refuse to consider the impacts on the climate from waving through massive new coal expansions,”

“The decision by Labor to disregard the impacts of the Boggabri Coal mine on climate change has cleared the path for the project to be approved before the new year, a truly terrible outcome for our emissions reduction targets in NSW,”

“If the mine is approved for expanded operations, an additional 62 million tonnes of coal will be dug up and burnt in Australia and overseas. Labor cannot expect to be trusted when they say they want to act on climate while pushing ahead massive mines like Boggabri to be expanded,”

“It’s not too late for the NSW Labor Government to take action and to halt this project from going any further. NSW has the power to intervene and stop projects from going ahead where there is a clear need to do so. If tens of millions of tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions generated from expanded mines isn’t a good reason, while we face another summer of record breaking heat waves, then Labor shouldn’t be taken seriously when they say they want to act on climate change,” Ms Higginson said.