February 2023 – Page 2

Building Back Better in Newcastle

Roads in Newcastle will be built back better after recent floods, with almost $8 million to be spent locally on upgrades.

Following last year’s devastating floods, $312.5 million was committed by the Albanese and NSW governments to help rebuild damaged roads and transport infrastructure for 26 disaster-declared councils in NSW, with 2 successful projects announced in the electorate of Newcastle:

Project Name	Project Description	Funding amount	Administered by
Betterment of HW10 Pacific Highway Seg 80 to Seg 8010 and Seg 8110 New England Highway Hexham – Repair and upgrade transverse drainage	Drainage improvements	$4,000,000	Transport for NSW
Betterment of Old Maitland Road Hexham – Road Renewal	Renewal of Old Maitland Road Hexham including shoulder reconstruction on both sides.	$3,957,265.00	City of Newcastle

Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon MP welcomed the local funding and said better quality roads had been on locals’ wishlists for some time.

“These roads really copped it during the floods. It’s great to see the government listen, and provide money to fix them up and actually make them better,” she said.

“This funding provides the opportunity to look at roads that have been damaged in the past and see if raising them or using different materials will stop them from flooding, or at least reduce the impact.

“This will ensure communities are safer, while also reducing repair costs in the future.”

A total of 57 projects that will improve the resilience of roads, bridges and causeways have been successful under this package, which will greatly benefit local communities now and into the future.

Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt said under this program, roads and transport infrastructure will be rebuilt to a higher standard, making them more resilient to future disasters.

“We saw a lot of towns cut-off because of the floods, and that created concerns around accessibility, evacuation plans and supply chains,” Minister Watt said.

“Straight after the floods, the Commonwealth and NSW Governments activated disaster recovery funding to help councils with emergency repair work, to help regions get back on their feet. But we know that longer-term support to build back better is really important to make sure communities are better prepared for future natural disasters.”

Further information about the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package, including the full list of successful projects, is available here: https://nswroads.work/rrtrp

COAL AND GAS TO BLOW SAFEGUARD ACCORDING TO NEW CLIMATE ANALYTICS REPORT

Greens Leader Adam Bandt says a new report showing coal and gas emissions will overwhelm the government’s Safeguard Mechanism underlines the need for the government to stop opening new coal and gas mines.

The report released by Climate Analytics today found the government has substantially underestimated projected emissions from Australia’s existing and committed coal and LNG production, and that in 2030 these projects alone would exceed the total permitted emission limits of the government’s proposed Safeguard Mechanism. The report shows emissions from gas could in fact increase by 36% and from coal by up to 116% by 2030.

Greens Leader Adam Bandt MP said:

“This report shows new coal and gas will break the Safeguard Mechanism.

“The numbers are here in black and white.

“Labor needs to get real. You can’t tackle the climate crisis while opening up new coal and gas mines.”

Climate Analytics Report available HERE

Visit to Malaysia and India

This week I will travel to Malaysia and India to advance Australia’s bilateral relationships and promote Australia’s interests in a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

My visit to Malaysia will reaffirm our shared priorities under our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

I look forward to holding introductory meetings with members of the new Malaysian Government, including the Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Economy.

These meetings will focus on advancing our significant trade and economic links, cooperation on defence and regional security, and the close ties between our peoples.

Australia is committed to working with Malaysia to support ASEAN’s vital contribution to regional peace and security.

This will be my first visit to India as Foreign Minister, and I look forward to meeting my counterparts at the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi.

Australia strongly supports India’s G20 Presidency and welcomes India’s ambitious, action oriented G20 agenda, under the theme ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’.

I look forward to working with my counterparts on how we can address contemporary international challenges, including strengthening the multilateral system, food and energy security, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

While in New Delhi, I will also attend the 2023 Raisina Dialogue, India’s premier forum for addressing the most challenging issues facing our regional and global community.

This year is an important milestone in Australia’s bilateral relationship with India, with many high-level Ministerial visits between our two countries.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell and Minister for Resources Madeleine King will travel to India over the next month, and later this year Australia looks forward to hosting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he attends the Quad Leaders’ meeting.

First home buyers to have choice for life

A re-elected NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will give first home buyers the opportunity to ditch stamp duty for the rest of their lives, saving them tens of thousands of dollars on each home purchase.

Under the plan, the Liberal and Nationals popular First Home Buyer Choice program will be expanded so that:

· Home owners who choose to pay a small annual fee on their first home instead of a large upfront stamp duty will be able to opt in to the annual fee on future property purchases, until they choose to pay stamp duty;

· Buyers who purchased a property after 11 November 2022 and received stamp duty exemptions or concessions under the First Home Buyer Assistance Scheme will also have the option to choose a small annual fee instead of stamp duty on future property purchases;

· The $1.5 million price threshold on eligible properties will increase by $50,000 each year starting from 2023-24, widening the range of properties that can be purchased.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said this was all about giving families more choice throughout their home ownership journey so they can live in the right home at the right time of their life.

“We know that stamp duty is a significant barrier to home ownership, particularly for young people and families trying to break into the market for the first time,” Mr Perrottet said.

“We’re making it easier for first home buyers, many of whom are families, to reach the dream of home ownership sooner as well as give them more choice into the future.

“This expansion gives families more choice when buying their next home, making it easier to upsize, move closer to loved ones, or relocate for a new job or when the kids start school.

“Backing first home buyers is only possible because of the Liberal and Nationals long-term economic plan to keep our state moving forward.”

Treasurer Matt Kean said first home buyers had already been flocking to the Liberal and Nationals’ scheme since it opened on January 16.

“Almost 1500 first home buyers have opted to ditch stamp duty for a small annual fee despite Labor’s desperate and dishonest scare campaign,” Mr Kean said.

“In fact, Chris Minns’ very own constituents have rejected his spin with Bayside LGA having the second highest uptake of First Home Buyer Choice to date.

“Under our policy, a family who buys their first home in Western Sydney for $1 million, sells it after five years and buys their second home for $1.5 million could save more than $90,000 over their first decade as home owners.

“Under Labor, that same family will have to pay more than $106,000 in stamp duty.

“Labor’s obsession with scrapping First Home Buyer Choice and forcing young people to pay stamp duty is a threat to thousands of families’ dreams of home ownership.”

Under the proposed expansion of the First Home Buyer Choice scheme, owners can only hold two properties at any given time. If they buy a third home, they will need to pay stamp duty on the purchase price.

Since the FHBC program opened, almost 1,500 buyers have opted in, saving a combined $56.2 million in stamp duty.

New Bondi Junction Service Centre hits the mark

More than 20,000 customers have already utilised the services at the new Bondi Junction Service Centre since it opened for business three months ago.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello joined Member for Vaucluse Gabrielle Upton today to officially open the relocated Service Centre at 19-23 Hollywood Avenue, corner of Ebley Street.

“Customers in Sydney’s eastern suburbs are set to benefit for years to come from the opening of this new state of the art Service Centre right in the heart of Bondi Junction,” Mr Dominello said.

“Customers have enjoyed a seamless transfer of services to the new centre which is a larger facility with Service NSW’s trademark modern digital-first design, just 100 metres up the street from the previous centre.

“Whether it’s applying for a Seniors Card, renewing rego or accessing maritime services, customers have given the new centre a big thumbs up with a nearly 96 per cent satisfaction rating.”

“It’s a small step for customers, but a giant leap for customer experience.”

Member for Vaucluse Gabrielle Upton welcomed the opening of the new state of the art Service Centre which will help to cater for growing demand for Service NSW programs and services in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

“About 1800 transactions are completed each week at Bondi Junction Service Centre with driver licence renewals, Working with Children Check applications and renewals and driving tests among the most popular services,” Mrs Upton said.

“There are 120 driving test appointments available each week at the new location with four dedicated driver testing spots conveniently located on Ebley Street for when customers arrive for their test, while about 500 computer-based Driver Knowledge Tests are available weekly at the new centre, double the amount from the previous centre location.

“I encourage residents to book an appointment with the centre’s Saving Specialist who can provide one-one-one tailored information on more than 70 government rebates and vouchers available through the Savings Finder program such as Toll Relief Rebate, Back to School NSW and Family Energy Rebate.”

The previous Bondi Junction Service Centre opened in March 2015. The new centre’s opening hours are 8.30am-5pm Monday to Friday and 8.30am-12.30pm on Saturdays.

A new Service Centre will also shortly open at Eastgardens, giving customers in Sydney’s east and south more options when they need to visit a Service NSW centre.

Since 2013, the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has opened 114 Service Centres across the state, transforming the way services are delivered and putting an end to the byzantine RTA Motor Registry service model.

For more information, visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/service-centre/bondi-junction-service-centre

Five out of five – Illawarra REZ declared

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has declared the fifth Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) in the Illawarra to ensure the region plays a central role in the State’s clean energy future.

The move makes the Illawarra the final REZ to be declared of the five zones identified under the nation-leading NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap.

Treasurer and Minister for Energy Matt Kean said the announcement is part of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s long term plan to modernise the electricity grid with renewable energy and storage, helping to drive down prices and keep the system reliable.

“The Illawarra has a proud history of manufacturing and the REZ will only build on this legacy, powering existing and emerging industries such as offshore wind, green hydrogen and green steel production,” Mr Kean said.

“The Illawarra is an ideal region to host a REZ, thanks to its existing energy, port and transport infrastructure, its highly skilled workforce and strong demand from existing industries to decarbonise.

“This is a huge win for the Illawarra with projects registering their interest showing a potential to create more than 8,300 jobs, not including the huge employment potential of offshore wind.”

The Illawarra REZ runs down the coastline from Wollongong to Shellharbour and around to Dapto capturing existing infrastructure such as Port Kembla, Dapto Substation and the Tallawarra Power Station.

There is strong commercial interest in the Illawarra region with the potential to unlock more than 17 gigawatts and more than $43 billion of private investment in wind, battery storage, pumped hydro, hydrogen and new load projects, including green steel manufacturing.

“These projects have the potential to deliver thousands of jobs in the Illawarra as the region moves to a clean energy future,” Mr Kean said.

“This is just another example of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government getting on with the job of transforming our State’s energy system, while the Labor Party develops its secret plan to nationalise the grid which will spook investment and push up power prices.

“Chris Minns has promised to provide no energy bill relief for seven years. The Liberals and Nationals will provide immediate relief of $250. Plus we are already delivering hundreds of millions in energy bill rebates.”

EnergyCo will begin the next phase of development, including continuing to engage closely with the local community, industry, councils and other stakeholders in 2023.

100,000 new jobs for Western Sydney

A re-elected Liberal and Nationals Government will create 100,000 new jobs in Western Sydney over the next five years, turbocharging the economy and ensuring Western Sydney remains a thriving place to live and work.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the Liberal and Nationals would deliver better paying jobs for the people of Western Sydney to support local businesses and futureproof the region.

“Western Sydney is one of the fastest growing regions in the country and the engine room of our state’s economy. That’s why we will deliver more better paying local jobs so the region continues to thrive,” Mr Perrottet said.

“We will deliver 100,000 new jobs in Western Sydney over the next five years across a range of sectors including construction, manufacturing, health, transport, professional services, science and more.

“Our Government has a strong track record of delivering jobs growth, with 209,100 more people employed in NSW now than before the pandemic, and that strong track record of jobs growth will only continue under the Liberal and Nationals.

“Our $116 billion infrastructure pipeline is already supporting thousands of jobs in Western Sydney, including on the new toll-free M12 motorway, Sydney Metro, and the Western Sydney Airport aerotropolis.

“Backing Western Sydney with 100,000 new jobs is only possible thanks to the Liberal and Nationals long-term economic plan to keep our state moving forward.”

Treasurer Matt Kean said creating more quality jobs will provide a significant boost to the economy.

“Western Sydney is the third largest economy in the country after Sydney and Melbourne and home to more than 230,000 businesses employing around 1 million people,” Mr Kean said.

“The state’s unemployment rate is currently 3.1 per cent which is the lowest in the country, but with so much happening in Western Sydney we know there is an opportunity to create thousands more jobs.

“This compliments our long term plan to help 95,000 women enter the workforce or take on more hours by making childcare more affordable and accessible.”

Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said this government’s record $76.7 billion investment in transport infrastructure over the next four years signals a commitment to not only boost the NSW economy and jobs creation but also deliver a first-class, fast and reliable transport network for western Sydney.

“This government will continue to deliver on their promise to create job opportunities through the delivery of our infrastructure pipeline of Sydney Metro projects,” Mr Elliott said.

“The Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport project alone is supporting more than 14,000 jobs, including 250 new apprentices in an economic boost for NSW and more than 50,000 people will have worked on the Sydney Metro City & Southwest project by the time it is completed, while Sydney Metro West will create 10,000 direct and 70,000 indirect jobs during construction.

“We have already demonstrated our commitment to jobs creation and business opportunities for western Sydney through our investment in transport infrastructure with more than 22,000 local jobs generated with the construction and operation of the Sydney Metro North West Line.”

New fire station to guard Sydney’s South West

Sydney’s newest fire station at Oran Park is now fully operational with the $6.1 million facility significantly enhancing emergency response capability in the south west growth corridor.

Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke joined Member for Camden Peter Sidgreaves, Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies, Camden Mayor Therese Fedeli and Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Paul Baxter today to officially open the new station.

“This state-of-the-art station will have a permanent crew of firefighters operating 24 hours a day to protect the people of one of the fastest growing regions of our State,” Ms Cooke said.

“It includes separate amenities and rest areas for both female and male firefighters, designated ‘clean firefighter’ areas to eliminate carcinogen contamination, training areas and fitness facilities.

“It also has two firefighting appliances with specialised HAZMAT capability which are able to respond to dangerous chemical, biological or other toxic incidents.”

Mr Sidgreaves said Oran Park Fire Station has been strategically positioned to protect growing communities.

“This new station is going to stand communities of the south west in good stead for years to come, joining Fire and Rescue NSW stations at Narellan and Camden to provide a strong network of protection,” Mr Sidgreaves said.

“We’ll also see the addition of 32 permanent firefighting jobs which will be a huge boost to our local economy and I’m thankful that despite the pandemic and wet weather impacts, we now have a fantastic facility to make our community safer and stronger.”

Commissioner Baxter said the station’s engine bay caters for a Hazmat fire pumper as well as a heavy Hazmat appliance.

“The inclusion of major Hazmat capability here provides an added layer of protection for the people of south west Sydney,” Commissioner Baxter said.

“The layout includes environmentally-friendly measures including a solar-power array, LED lighting and it was designed to face the north-west to lower the total cooling load on its air conditioning system. I’m certainly impressed seeing this project come to life and it will provide firefighters with a station they can be proud of for decades to come.”

Liberal and Nationals Government Delivers 14,000 Extra Commuter Car Spaces

Catching public transport is now easier and more convenient for commuters in Sydney’s south-west following the official opening of the new Revesby Commuter Car Park.

The Liberal and Nationals Government has delivered more than 14,000 commuter car spaces across Sydney since 2011 with around 4000 additional spaces on the way.

Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott today officially opened the new car parking spaces with Member for East Hills, Wendy Lindsay.

Mr Elliott said major upgrade works to construct additional levels to the existing Revesby multi-storey commuter car park, delivered commuters access to more than 375 new car parking spaces, including nine accessible.

“Commuter car parks play a critical role in improving access to public transport and delivering a more convenient and seamless journey, particularly in middle and outer metropolitan areas like Revesby,” Mr Elliott said.

“This project is being delivered as part of the Commuter Car Park Program which has committed more than $351 million over the next four years to provide more convenient access to public transport at key interchanges.”

Member for East Hills, Wendy Lindsay said the construction of hundreds of additional parking spaces delivered a significant improvement for commuters within the community.

“Key benefits of the upgrade works include extension of the lifts, stairs and internal ramps to the additional upper levels, additional accessible parking spaces, Park&Ride boom gates and provision for future electric vehicle charging spaces,” Ms Lindsay said.

“The project required 3504 cubic metres of concrete and 437 tonnes of steel with a total of 86,300 hours of work carried out by 900 workers across the lifespan of this project.”

Other features include rooftop solar panels as well as CCTV, lighting and wayfinding for improved safety and security.

The Liberal and Nationals Government has also committed more than $350 million over the next four years to see the delivery of more than 2000 additional car parking spaces for the surrounding communities in Beverly Hills, Como, Emu Plains, Edmondson Park North and Riverwood.

PRIME MINISTER’S CYBER SECURITY ROUNDTABLE

Today the Prime Minister led a Cyber Security Roundtable, focused on the whole-of-nation effort required to protect Australians and our economy, with the aim of making Australia the most cyber secure nation by 2030.

We invited leaders from the public service and our intelligence agencies, and independent experts from business, industry and civil society, to share their expertise and experience.

We discussed ideas including incentivising best practice cyber behaviours, growing Australia’s cyber security sector and raising national cyber awareness, to shape a new strategy. One that will give Australian businesses and families confidence, stability and security, in the face of rapidly evolving threats.

The Albanese Government also announced it will establish a Coordinator for Cyber Security, supported by a National Office for Cyber Security within the Department of Home Affairs, to ensure a centrally coordinated approach to deliver Government’s cyber security responsibilities.

Input from today’s roundtable will inform the development of Government’s 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy. That Strategy will be led by the Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security, Clare O’Neil, the first Cabinet Minister to hold the portfolio of Cyber Security.

The Cyber Security Strategy Expert Advisory Board, appointed by Minister O’Neil, has released a public discussion paper seeking feedback on the development of the 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy.

The Prime Minister and Minister O’Neil thank today’s leaders for their roundtable input, and encourage all Australians to share their views in the discussion for a safer cyber world.

The discussion paper can be found here.

Prime Minister, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP said:

“Strengthening Australia’s cyber security is a fundamental priority for our government because we recognise it is essential to the way every Australian lives and works and trades and learns and communicates.”

“This is a fast-moving, rapidly-evolving threat and for too many years, Australia has been off the pace. Our government is determined to change that. “

“I want to thank those who participated in the Roundtable for their innovative ideas, considered feedback and constructive approach to addressing the cyber security challenges facing our nation.”

“For businesses these days, cyber security is as important and essential as the shop having a lock on the door. We need all Australian businesses to be able to protect themselves and – just as importantly – protect their customers.”

the Minister for Cyber Security, the Hon Clare O’Neil MP said:

“Getting our cyber security settings right will take time, and Australians should be prepared for more cyber incidents in the coming years. However, it is clear that Australians expect more from businesses holding their sensitive data, and Government has a central role to play to ensure everyone is pulling their weight.”

“As a nation, we cannot sleepwalk into our cyber future. I want Australia to be the world’s most cyber secure country by 2030. I believe that is possible, but it will take a concerted effort from industry and Government alike.”

“Industry needs to put cyber security at the heart of its business decisions and practices, and Government needs to walk the talk and work with industry as genuine partners to build a nationally consistent approach.”

“Today’s roundtable demonstrated the potential for a truly national approach. I want to thank those who attended the roundtable for their willingness to contribute to Australia’s cyber security, and for their constructive feedback on the direction of the 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy.”