March 2024 – Page 2

Historic legislation to establish the Net Zero Economy Authority

The global shift to net zero emissions is Australia’s opportunity to become a renewable energy superpower.

That is why today the Albanese Government has introduced legislation to establish the Net Zero Economy Authority to ensure Australian workers and regions realise and share the benefits of the net zero economy.

The Government is also announcing $189.3 million over four years from 2023-24 (and $53.3 million per year ongoing) in resourcing for the Authority.

The Authority will support the economy-wide net zero transformation that is underway by acting as a catalyst for private and public investment, major project development, job creation and transition, and skills and community development.

Global efforts to reduce emissions have already started transforming traditional industries, creating new opportunities to broaden Australia’s industrial base and strengthen our sovereign capability.

The Albanese Government is already delivering a strong policy agenda to reduce emissions by 43 per cent on 2005 levels by 2030 and net zero by 2050.

This Authority will be pivotal to delivering this goal and realising the broader benefits for our nation.

Today’s legislation is another step forward in our plan for a net zero economy.

The Net Zero Economy Authority, an independent statutory body housed in the Prime Minister’s portfolio, will:

Facilitate public and private sector participation and investment in emissions reduction and net zero transformation projects across Australia, including working with established investment funds.
Support workers in emissions-intensive industries to access new employment, or acquire skills to improve their employment prospects, including an Energy Industry Jobs Plan to help workers in closing coal-fired power stations transition to new jobs.
Support communities – including First Nations communities – to participate in, and benefit from, the economic shift to net zero emissions.
Share information about Australia’s transformation to net zero economy, educating communities and supporting social licence for the transition.
Promote coordination and consistency across government policies and programs.

It will play a key role in our plan to make Australia a renewable energy superpower, building on more than $40 billion in job-generating investments.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“There is no nation on earth better placed than Australia to achieve the energy transition here at home and power it in the world.

“We are home to every metal and critical mineral essential to net zero. Our workforce is skilled and valued, our safety standards are the highest in the world and we have a proven track record as a reliable producer and exporter of energy and resources.

“The Net Zero Economy Authority will play an important role in one of the most significant economic events in Australian history and position us as a renewable energy superpower.

“We are committed to working across governments, with regional communities and industries, and our international partners, to secure the opportunities of Australia’s net zero future.”

Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen

“Neither government funding nor private capital alone can meet this challenge. It will take both, working together, to secure the opportunities of Australia’s net zero future.

“Our local and regional communities are at the forefront of the economic shift. Through this new body, we can better support them to seize the opportunities of a net-zero economy.

“We will work in genuine partnership with business, unions and communities to help make sure no one is left behind as we seize on this once in a generation opportunity.”

Resolution of wine dispute with China

The Australian Government has been notified that, from 29 March 2024, China will remove its duties on Australian bottled wine.

We welcome this outcome, which comes at a critical time for the Australian wine industry.

The re-entry of Australian bottled wine into the Chinese market will benefit both Australian producers and Chinese consumers.

This outcome affirms the calm and consistent approach taken by the Albanese Labor Government and follows the success of the similar approach taken to remove duties on Australian barley.

Since 2020, China’s duties on Australian wine effectively made it unviable for Australian producers to export bottled wine to that market. Australia’s wine exports to China were worth $1.1 billion in 2019.

We acknowledge and thank Australian grape growers and wine producers for their fortitude and support during a challenging period.

The removal of duties means that Australia will discontinue its legal proceedings at the World Trade Organization.

The Australian Government’s approach is to cooperate with China where we can, disagree where we must and engage in our national interest – the outcomes on barley and wine reflect that approach.

We will continue to press for all remaining trade impediments affecting Australian exports to be removed, which is in the interests of both Australia and China.

Trade diversification is a key element of the Government’s trade policy strategy. The Government will continue to support Australian businesses to sell their world-class products on the global stage.

Solar Sunshot for our regions

The Albanese Government’s $1 billion investment in the Solar Sunshot program will supercharge Australia’s ambition to become a renewable energy super power at home and abroad.

The significant new commitment follows today’s introduction of legislation establishing the Net Zero Economy Authority to help catalyse investment in a clean energy future made in Australia’s regions.

Solar SunShot will help Australia capture more of the global solar manufacturing supply chain through support, including production subsidies and grants.

This will help ensure more solar panels are made in Australia, including in the Hunter Region, where the Prime Minister made the announcement at the site of the former coal-fired Liddell Power Station.

While one in three Australian households have solar panels – the highest uptake in the world – only 1 per cent of those have been made in Australia.

In parallel with Solar Sunshot, the NSW Labor Government is delivering the NSW Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative, with the $275 million first round now open to support workers, small businesses, manufacturers and innovators to take advantage of the transformation of our energy grid.

In the second round, the NSW Labor Government will work with industry to leverage government procurement to offer offtake agreements to local manufacturers of renewable products and low carbon materials.

Initiatives like Solar SunShot and the NSW Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative, mean the regions that have long powered this country will continue to prosper in the net zero economy by deepening the industrial; base, largely located in the regions.

The $1 billion federal investment in the Solar Sunshot program builds on over $40 billion of investment committed by the Australian Government to make Australia a renewable energy superpower.

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) will now work with industry to design and deliver this initiative, along with the Australian Government. ARENA will look at the entire supply chain from ingots and wafers to cells, module assembly, and related components, including solar glass, inverters, advanced deployment technology and solar innovation. The consultation is expected to commence in mid-April.

This complements other processes underway such as the Hydrogen Headstart program also administered by ARENA.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“Australia should not be the last link in a global supply chain built on an Australian invention.

“I want a future made in Australia. And I want a future made in our regions. Places like the Hunter that have powered our nation for more than a century will power our future.

“We have every metal and critical mineral necessary to be a central player in the net zero transformation, and a proven track record as a reliable energy producer and exporter.

“We can also invest in strategic manufacturing capability, particularly in components critical to the energy and economic transition, like solar panels.

“Historically, Australia has been good at going from the mining pit to port, and long may this continue. But the Australian Government will also invest in the path from pit to panels and capture more value for our economy and workforce.”

Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen:

“Australian research helped invent the modern solar panel – today’s announcement is about creating Australian jobs to help manufacture them.

“We know that the world’s climate emergency is Australia’s jobs opportunity, $1 billion to support Australian manufacturing in solar technology will help seize that opportunity.”

Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic:

“Solar panels were our idea, we should be making them here and that’s what we’ll do. Aussie know-how is creating Aussie jobs, that’s what a future made in Australia is all about.”

NSW Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe:

“This will see NSW households putting NSW made solar panels on their roofs to deliver long term energy bill savings and a strong domestic renewable manufacturing sector.

“It’s great to be able to align NSW and Commonwealth funding to support clean energy manufacturing, with this fund bolstering our $275 million investment in Net Zero Manufacturing that’s currently open for NSW innovators and businesses.”

NSW Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement Courtney Houssos:

“We will leverage our government procurement spend to build in offtake agreements with local solar manufacturers and foster the industry’s growth.

“For every job created in manufacturing there are a further three-and-a-half jobs sustained in the supply chain.

“The NSW Labor Government is committed to rebuilding the domestic manufacturing sector and bringing jobs back to NSW.”

Driver charged after fatal single-vehicle crash – Cardiff

A man has been charged following a fatal single-vehicle crash in Cardiff last year.

About 7.50am on Friday 3 November 2023, emergency services were called to Munibung Road, Cardiff, following reports of a single-vehicle crash.

At the scene, police were told that a sedan had collided with a power pole between Pendlebury Road and Torrens Avenue.

The driver – a 35-year-old man – and passenger – a 19-year-old man – were freed by Fire and Rescue NSW.

The men were treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before they were taken to the John Hunter Hospital in critical condition.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District established a crime scene which was examined by the Crash Investigation Unit.

The 19-year-old man later died in hospital on Tuesday 14 November 2023.

Following inquiries, the 35-year-old man was arrested at Newcastle Police Station on Thursday 21 March 2024.

He was issued a court attendance notice for dangerous drive occasioning death and negligent driving occasioning death, and his license was also suspended.

He will appear at Belmont Local Court on Wednesday 15 May 2024.

Grants to help seniors stay water safe and connected

A NSW government funded program with Royal Life Saving NSW is helping seniors in the Hunter region learn to stay safe and build confidence in the water, while socialising with others in the pool.

It is one of 21 organisations across NSW to receive funding under the $600,000 Connecting Seniors grants program which aims to help older people stay connected.

The Royal Life Saving Active Adults program has been running in Lake Macquarie during the Seniors Festival and new programs have been released for Maitland, Central Coast and Bateman’s Bay. The sessions comprise three, one-hour sessions covering CPR and a review of health factors to consider when exercising, an in-pool water-safety session and a swimming or water activity.

The Connecting Seniors grant program builds on previous grants, which have been proven to reduce social isolation for thousands of seniors in NSW.

The recipients include 16 not-for-profit organisations and five local councils organising a variety of activities to cater to all interests. More than half of the projects will support seniors living in regional NSW and about one-third will assist Aboriginal people over 50 and seniors with disability.

The grants deliver on the Ageing Well in NSW: Seniors Strategy 2021-2031, with the Government committed to creating a more inclusive community and addressing isolation and loneliness.

For more information about the grants program and the full list of recipients, visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/connecting-seniors-grant-program

To find out more about the Royal Life Saving program, visit: www.drowningprevention.org.au/active-adults

Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said:

“The Connecting Seniors Grants support activities which can provide a social lifeline for seniors, especially those who live alone.

“The NSW Government is pleased to be partnering with Royal Life Saving NSW in this program, which not only provides seniors with a refresher in water safety to help them stay active, it also contributes to their wellbeing as they connect with others in and out of the pool.

“As our population ages, we want to make sure we provide our seniors with opportunities to socialise while enjoying engaging experiences.”

Minister for the Hunter and Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley said:

“This is a great opportunity for Hunter seniors to get out and try something new.

“Getting in the water is a part of the lifestyle here as anyone from the Hunter knows. That should be for everyone.

“This grant supports an important program run by Royal Life Saving NSW, making sure we support our seniors to enjoy the water with their families.”

Royal Life Saving NSW Manager for the Hunter Tanya Brunckhorst said:

“Building your fitness and confidence around the water as you age is as important as it was when you first learned to swim as a child, and we are calling all older adults to seek out new ways to get active.

“Last year, the leading contributing factors in drownings among Australians over 65 included low levels of fitness, trips or falls, lack of swimming and survival skills and underlying health conditions. The 65 to 74 year age group is one of our most vulnerable populations, representing 30 per cent of those who drowned last year.

“Any regular, structured activity helps build fitness, improves your ability to manage in the water and offers fantastic social community benefits.”

Beachside crossing upgrade to enhance access for pedestrians and cyclists

City of Newcastle is improving access to one of its most popular coastal precincts.

Councillors last night unanimously endorsed plans to upgrade the pedestrian crossing on Memorial Drive, which will make it easier for pedestrians and cyclists to access Bar Beach.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen navigates Memorial Drive at the current pedestrian crossing, which will be upgraded to provide safer, easier connectivity in this busy coastal precinct.

The new raised crossing will create a safer connection between Empire Park and the busy coastal precinct, increasing visibility of pedestrians and removing confusion caused by the current staged crossing and refuge island.

Councillor Carol Duncan said the upgrade would deliver on City of Newcastle’s commitment to support active transport options.

“We’ve listened to the community and are working to deliver solutions that ensure they are able to safely and easily navigate our footpaths, cycleways and road networks,” Cr Duncan said.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the multi-stage project would improve safety and accessibility in the precinct for pedestrians and cyclists.

“The precinct surrounding Bar Beach is heavily utilised by community members accessing Empire Park, the Cooks Hill Surf Club, Bathers Way and the beach itself,” Cr Clausen said.

“This upgrade will make the road crossing between these destinations shorter and more accessible for pedestrians.

“It will also enhance the cycling network in the area, with the second stage of the project including a new shared pathway from the Memorial Drive crossing to Bar Beach Avenue, which will create an off-road link that allows cyclists to travel easily between Bathers Way and Parkway Avenue.”

Almost 90 per cent of community members who responded during the public exhibition period were in favour of the upgrade, which also includes landscaped kerb extensions and a new narrow median to create a safer and more streamlined solution for all road users in this area.

Following the Council’s endorsement, the project will move into a detailed design stage ahead of future construction works, with the project to be delivered over two stages.

Newcastle youth take centre stage for week of celebration and self-expression

Ice skating, hip hop and graffiti workshops, and an evening museum ‘takeover’ are among the activities on offer for the city’s teens and young adults during Youth Week 2024.

City of Newcastle (CN) is hosting and supporting a diverse program of youth-led events as part of the annual state-wide celebration, which highlights the contribution young people make to the community.

Up & Up graffiti workshop

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said that this year’s program, from 11 – 21 April, has been designed by young Novocastrians and will be delivered in co-operation with community organisations.

“Self-expression and celebration are at the heart of Youth Week, which is why we support Newcastle’s young people to organise inclusive, diverse and fun activities for people their own age,” Cr Nelmes said.

Councillor Deahnna Richardson said CN has worked with the Newcastle Youth Council Advisory Committee through the Youth Week grants program to support a broad range of initiatives.

“City of Newcastle is proud to support our young people with opportunities to express themselves, their ideas, raise issues and develop strategies through their chosen events,” Cr Richardson said.

“Every year we support activities that promote cultural diversity, social inclusion, arts and culture, mental health and wellbeing while highlighting the contribution that young people make to the Newcastle community. This year’s packed program is no exception.”

CN and the New South Wales Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) have provided more than $10,000 in funding towards six main activities that will take place during Youth Week.

The feature event of the program will see 13 to 17-year-olds “takeover” Newcastle Museum for a lock-in, parent-free night of fun including live music, DJs, collaborative music workshops, open-mic opportunities and mystery tours with the curator.

An all-ages youth band night coordinated by Headspace and an inclusive art projection, food and entertainment evening put on by Wesley Mission and young LGBTQIA+ artists will satisfy the creatives, while a full day of ice skating co-ordinated by Hunter Multicultural Centre and the HMC youth group will be perfect for active types.

Participants of the Create Your Place at Youth Week event at Museum Park will be able to unleash their artistic sides while honing their skills in graffiti art and hip hop thanks to Up & Up.

Young people with multicultural backgrounds will be taking part in a storytelling self-portrait process co-ordinated by And Then Photo Agency. The images will be displayed on digital screens in Wallsend Library and available to view all throughout the week.

Future Jobs and Investment Authorities stakeholder engagement comes to Illawarra

More than 40 stakeholders from mining companies, unions, energy producers, industry groups, manufacturers and universities today joined the Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos at a roundtable conversation.

The event was an opportunity for local stakeholders to discuss the region’s core priorities as the NSW Government continues to establish Future Jobs and Investment Authorities in coal-producing regions in NSW.

The stakeholders provided their insights on how their sectors should be supported into the future as the region becomes less reliant on the coal industry.

It was a valuable opportunity for local stakeholders to discuss the region’s core priorities, including future employment and economic opportunities.

The Illawarra roundtable follows successful events in the Hunter and Central West in 2023. It is an important step as the NSW Government establishes authorities in the Central West, Hunter, Illawarra, and North West.

The NSW Labor Government has committed $5.2 million over 4 years to establish these local authorities. They will work with the Commonwealth Government’s Net Zero Authority to support workers, industries and NSW coal mining communities.

A further roundtable will be held in the North West next month as the government finalises the Future Jobs and Investment Authorities model.

Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos said:

“This roundtable is a great opportunity to consult with workers, the community and industry about how to tailor the local authorities for the Illawarra.

“The NSW Labor Government is committed to making sure that coal-producing regions, like the Illawarra, are supported to find new opportunities.

“We’re working closely with local stakeholders to identify ways we can help workers and their families prepare for a strong and prosperous future.

“We only have one chance to get the framework right to support workers and communities. The feedback from these conversations will provide important input as we create it.

“Our future productivity will rely on the workforce planning and economic diversification we do now. The best way we can support coal producing regions like the Illawarra into the future is to get the right supports in place.

“The NSW Labor Government is committed to ensuring we get this right, and that only comes from listening to the workers, the industry, and communities.

“The coal sector as we know it in NSW is changing. As part of this consultation I have heard a wide range of views from local stakeholders as to how we can best support new economic opportunities and new industries in the Illawarra region.”

Minster for the Illawarra & South Coast Ryan Park said:

“Beyond its natural beauty, the Illawarra is a hub of economic activity and jobs from a diverse range of industries.

“The NSW Government is determined to ensure our region and its families continue to prosper, remain agile and seize on the opportunities of the future.”

Fixing the long-running crisis in NSW Cemeteries and Crematoria

The NSW Government has today acted to fix the long-running crisis in NSW cemeteries and crematoria sector with improved consumer protections for customers and communities while providing long-term certainty for the sector.

Under the former government, the cemeteries and crematoria sector were severely mismanaged, allowing indecision and infighting to trump the needs of people at their most vulnerable when they have just lost a loved one.

Instead, they let a problem evolve into a crisis that left multiple religious groups set to run out of burial space within 3 years, crown cemetery operators accumulating more than $300 million in debt, and rogue operators left largely unregulated in the sector to prey on vulnerable individuals.

The former government failed to implement key recommendations from the Statutory Review of the Cemeteries and Crematoria Act 11th Hour Report, including to ensure the sustainability of Crown operators, which was handed down in 2020.

The NSW Government is addressing this crisis by acting on the recommendations of the IPART review and the Statutory Review’s 11th Hour Report. The priority areas identified in the strategic statement include:

strong consumer protection for customers and communities
supporting sustainable burial practices and identifying more cemetery land, and
providing certainty for managing Crown cemeteries by finalising a two-operator model.

Changes being implemented in response to the reports are focused on strengthening the industry regulator Cemeteries & Crematoria NSW (CCNSW), allowing it to proactively address bad operators, improve consumer protections and manage risks for the government and community.

To support this the government will implement a recommendation from IPART and the Statutory Review of the Cemeteries and Crematoria Act to expand the former Government’s Interment Industry Levy from Crown cemeteries to all active industry operators, driving equity and levelling the field in the sector. Revenue from the levy will be no higher than that required to provide the regulator with the resources it needs required to protect consumers at a particularly vulnerable time.

This change will come into effect on 1 July 2024. Cemeteries and Crematoria NSW will begin consulting with industry shortly through in-person workshops and webinars commencing 9 April 2024.

To give further confidence, the government will also:

Develop a contemporary approach for the perpetual maintenance of cemeteries so enough funding is set aside by cemeteries to keep them adequately maintained into the future.
Investigate legislative changes that can further modernise and streamline the Cemeteries and Crematoria Act 2013 to better support consumers and industry.

CCNSW is also currently rolling out a statewide licensing scheme for cemeteries and crematoria – the first ever for NSW – that sets new performance standards and consumer protections.

This new scheme will benefit consumers by providing more transparency around pricing and contracts, setting standards for maintenance and customer service and ensuring compliance with religious, cultural and spiritual requirements.

These standards will be further strengthened through clear rules and support to ensure cemeteries and crematoria remain financially sustainable and are operated and maintained in a consistent, transparent, and accountable way.

Operators will be required to have clear language and standard terms and conditions for contracts, which will also minimise the likelihood of rogue operators gouging vulnerable people.

The strategic statement has been published on the Cemeteries and Crematoria NSW website.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“We need a strong cop on the beat, for too long cemeteries were neglected by previous governments leading to a critical lack of supply for burial space in Sydney, with bad operators left unregulated and customers left vulnerable.

“We want all people in NSW to have access to sustainable and affordable burial and cremation services that are respectful of culture and faith, and which are provided in a compassionate, consistent, transparent, and accountable way.

“Losing a loved one can be the most difficult time in a person’s life. We need to lift the bar with stronger regulation and better planning to ensure cemetery and crematoria operators and the public have transparency around pricing, service quality and future certainty.

“The sector has joined us on this transformation, and we thank them for their contribution, and we will continue to engage in genuine consultation on this journey as we shape the future of internment services to better serve the people of NSW.”

$11.6 million upgrade of Corowa Saleyards strengthens Riverina’s farming future

The $11.6 million upgrade of the Corowa Saleyards, one of NSW’s largest sheep markets, has today been offically opened by NSW Minister Tara Moriarty.

The NSW Government is prioritising the resilience of our agricultural industry, and this upgrade will ensure the saleyard continues to play a critical role in supporting the industry and local communities across the Riverina.

About 600,000 head of sheep pass through the saleyards annually, generating average sales of more than $81 million.

The upgrade has been jointly funded by the NSW Government ($10.1 million) and the Federation Council ($1.5 million). It will provide a safer, more efficient, and more attractive facility for livestock buyers, sellers and the general public.

The government’s upgrade project to the 60 year old saleyards include:

multi-purpose learning centre and administrative building for localising skill pathways
new roof, which will better protect stock, staff and visitors from extreme weather conditions
water catchment system and upgraded lighting system
truck wash to provide improved biosecurity protections.

The upgrades will draw additional traders and visitors into Corowa and surrounding centres, spending money in local stores and providing downstream benefits for businesses and suppliers.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“Corowa Saleyards is already one of the biggest saleyards in NSW, and the government’s funded expansion will ensure it goes from strength-to-strength.

“It’s important to have major hubs like this facility in our regions because they futureproof our agricultural sector, support local economies and create opportunities for training and work.

“The flow-on impacts from the upgrades benefit sheep and lamb producers, as well as the transport and logistics and the education and training sectors.”

Federation Council Mayor Patrick Bourke said:

“The Corowa Saleyards redevelopment project has been a significant project for council to deliver and has resulted in our overall masterplan for the site coming to fruition.”

“This project has a strong focus on animal welfare, environmental responsibility, growth, and safety, and upon delivery will allow further future opportunities for the Corowa Saleyards to be unlocked in a holistic and strategic manner.

“This delivery of the new Corowa Saleyards precinct will not only improve the Saleyards facility moving forward but will go a long way in supporting the resilience of our local economy and wider agricultural trading market.”