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Grants to support the Australia-ASEAN relationship

Today, we announce the Australian Government will be supporting 38 community, university and business projects to strengthen collaboration between Australia and ASEAN members.

These innovative projects have been awarded funding through the Australia-ASEAN Council and the Australia-Indonesia Institute.

Australia and the countries of Southeast Asia share a region and we share a future.

This year we celebrate 50 years since Australia became ASEAN’s first formal Dialogue Partner, and welcome ASEAN leaders and delegations to Melbourne for the ASEAN‑Australia Special Summit.
We are laying the groundwork for the next 50 years of our cooperation, as we develop a partnership for the future, across governments, the private sector and the community, including through Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Strategy to 2040.
The successful Australia-ASEAN Council grants include:

Australia-ASEAN Youth Summits for high school students from across Australia and Southeast Asia to walk in the shoes of country leaders and have a voice on regional issues;
support for the University of Sydney to develop workshops and online exhibitions, support museums in ASEAN and Australia to interpret and communicate our shared maritime histories; and
support for Deakin University to deliver a series of workshops to accelerate the energy transition in Malaysia, Vietnam and Australia.

The successful Australia-Indonesia Institute grants include:

workshops and training by the New South Wales Rural Doctors Network in Maluku, Indonesia, to enhance community health capacity in remote areas; and
programs to empower women entrepreneurs through mentorship, capacity-building, and networking, including the ‘Shehacks’ program to support women-led startups in Indonesia, fostering global connections and knowledge transfer.

We are also pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Alfira O’Sullivan to the board of the Australia-Indonesia Institute.

Ms O’Sullivan brings diverse experience to support the objectives of the Institute. An accomplished artist and educator, Ms O’Sullivan has led contemporary dance workshops in Indonesia and across the globe and has long been an advocate for forging cultural connections.

I am also pleased to announce the reappointment of Emeritus Professor Greg Fealy as Board Chair, and the reappointment of board member Professor Nicholas Anstey for another term. I thank outgoing member Ms Noni Purnomo for her contribution over many years.

Established in 1989, the Australia-Indonesia Institute has a long history of fostering people-to-people links and underpins our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Indonesia.

For more information and a list of the successful grants, visit the Australia-Indonesia Institute and Australia-ASEAN Council websites.

Labor’s hidden price hike revealed

The Albanese Government has prioritised politics over people, as it is confirmed they were waiting until after the Dunkley by-election to announce increases to private health insurance premiums.

The announcement today marks the longest time in 15 years that Australians have had to wait to find out how much more they will need to fork out for private health cover.

In the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, it is completely unacceptable that the Prime Minister would purposely provide Australians with less time to prepare for a price hike.

The Prime Minister tried to hide from accountability last week by saying they were negotiating for ‘the best deal possible,’ but clearly this was not the case.

In comparison to the 3.03% increase announced today, PHI premiums were at the lowest level since 2001 at 2.7% when the Coalition left government, a change which we were able to announce during the prior December.

The Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care, Senator Anne Ruston questioned whether Minister Butler really expects us to believe he was at the negotiating table over the weekend in the middle of a by-election.

“The Prime Minister had an opportunity to be honest with the Australian public last week, but instead we saw more lies from Anthony Albanese.

“He has blatantly delayed this announcement, with no apology to the more than 14 million Australians who need to prepare for this additional cost as they already struggle to pay the bills under Labor.

“We also know that the increase announced today is only based on the average industry price, so some consumers will be paying substantially more – with less time to budget or shop around.

“Australian families just cannot afford this Government’s wrong priorities. They will always be paying more under Labor, and this hidden price hike is just another example.” Senator Ruston said.

The Opposition remains strongly committed to supporting the role of private health insurance in our healthcare system. During our time in Government, we supported the more than 14 million Australians to take out private health cover at the lowest rate in more than twenty years.

Visitor numbers surge as community embraces revitalised Newcastle Ocean Baths

Visitation to the Newcastle Ocean Baths has skyrocketed since the refurbished pool was reopened to the public, with almost 56,000 swimmers taking a dip in the past two months.

The figure represents visits that have occurred during the lifeguard patrolled hours at the facility since 21 December. It is almost five times higher than the number of swimmers using the Ocean Baths during the corresponding period in 2021/22, before the pool and promenade areas were upgraded.

NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully and Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes unveil a plaque commemorating the completion of stage one upgrade works at the Newcastle Ocean Baths.

NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully joined Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes this morning to unveil a plaque officially commemorating the delivery of stage one of the Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade.

Minister Scully said it was fantastic to see so many members of the community embracing the newly refurbished facility.

“It’s great to see this historic public asset restored for the community to continue enjoying for many years to come,” Minister Scully said.

“Newcastle Ocean Baths represent the rich history of the region, and this significant upgrade has increased safety and accessibility, returning it to its former glory.

“Upgrades such as this are an important reminder of how great, quality public spaces can bring communities together and increase liveability.”

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said, “I’m committed to restoring and investing our public infrastructure, the popularity of the Ocean Baths was testament to City of Newcastle’s once-in-a-generation undertaking to restore the much-loved Newcastle icon.

“We worked closely with the Newcastle Ocean Baths Community Reference Group and other stakeholders during the planning and design stages of this project to ensure it meets the needs of current and future users,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The huge increase in swimmers using the Ocean Baths since they reopened reflects the importance of this upgrade and the significantly improved facilities we have delivered.

“The Newcastle Ocean Baths have played an important role in our city’s history for more than 100 years and their revitalisation will ensure they remain accessible to all Novocastrians for generations to come.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the Baths have never looked better.

“Having the Newcastle Ocean Baths open made it feel like summer again and I know people can’t wait to swim here through autumn,” Minister Catley said.

“The reopening in December gave us back a favourite place to swim. It’s even better today. The City of Newcastle has delivered a perfect restoration and the NSW Government is proud to help fund it.”

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully, City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath and City of Newcastle staff at the Newcastle Ocean Baths.

City of Newcastle Acting Executive Director City Infrastructure, Robert Dudgeon said that work is continuing to progress designs for stage two of the project, with Principal Design Consultant Tonkin Zulaikha Greer preparing concepts for the upgrade of the pavilion buildings, including the heritage façade.

“We will continue to engage with the Newcastle Ocean Baths Community Reference Group and the wider community as the designs are developed,” Mr Dudgeon said.

“We plan to share the concept designs and open a conversation with the community in the coming months.”

Accessibility improvements will again be a key consideration in the design of stage two, informed through consultation with community members and specialist consultants.

“During the development of the design for stage one we heard loud and clear from the community that improvements to accessibility needed to be prioritised, and we continue to listen to this feedback and refine our approach accordingly,” Mr Dudgeon said.

“As with any community facility, there are mixed requirements and preferences amongst users, which also need to be balanced with the operational requirements for managing and maintaining the facility.”

The $9.5 million recovered from the sale of City of Newcastle’s Fred Ash building helped fund the Newcastle Ocean Baths stage one upgrade along with $3 million in funding from the NSW Government’s Public Spaces Legacy Program.

The NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program is an investment in high quality public open space and delivers vital infrastructure for communities to love the place they live.

Pharmacy trial surpasses 12,000 consultations

The NSW Government’s pharmacy trial has this month surpassed 12,000 total consultations, relieving pressure on GPs and making it easier for people to access basic medications.

The trial allows trained community pharmacists to manage urinary tract infections (UTI) and provide treatment medicines if needed, as well as resupply the oral contraceptive pill (the pill).

Since May last year, when the UTI stage of the trial began, to 15 February 2024, 11,296 consultations occurred across 937 pharmacies around the state..

Since September last year, when the pill stage of the trial began, 854 consultations have occurred across 342 pharmacies.

The trial first began in May last year with almost 100 pharmacies participating. It has now expanded to around 1,200 consented pharmacies across the state, surpassing the 1,000 pharmacies originally projected to participate.

The NSW Government will soon announce the expansion of the trial to include medications for the treatment of minor skin conditions.

The trial continues to undergo evaluation for efficacy, safety and ethical soundness.

Find your closest participating pharmacist

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“We know that it is becoming increasingly difficult to find an appointment with a GP.

“Empowering pharmacists to safely prescribe and dispense basic everyday medications will save people time as well as relieve pressure on our GPs.

“It’s encouraging to see this trial is progressing well and the take up is better than expected.

“We want to ensure this is done safely, and we are determined to get it right.

“We are constantly assessing how we can deliver health care more efficiently as well as safely, and I am excited about the opportunities to expand this initiative elsewhere.”

One million ‘Introduction to AI’ scholarships available to Australians

Artificial intelligence (AI) ‘scholarships’ are now on offer to one million Australians, in a bid to increase the nation’s literacy of the technology estimated to be worth $4 trillion to the economy by the early 2030s.

The free ‘Introduction to Artificial Intelligence’ microskill course is provided by the Institute of Applied Technology Digital, a technology-focused institute at TAFE NSW, and the National AI Centre (NAIC), coordinated by Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO.

The course will provide a non-technical introduction to AI fundamentals and is designed for people at the beginning of their AI literacy journey.

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan today welcomed the announcement which is an ideal opportunity for workers seeking to upskill, those starting their career in AI, and small to medium business owners.

The microskill is available now through the TAFE NSW Institute of Applied Technology – Digital. Working in collaboration with TAFE NSW, Microsoft, Macquarie University, and the University of Technology Sydney, the Institute of Applied Technology Digital designs and delivers market-leading training that rapidly adapts to industry needs.

The two-and-a-half-hour course will cover:

what AI is
common AI terminologies
the challenges and risks of using AI
common misconceptions
real-world applications of AI
Australian AI case studies
advice from industry experts to start your career in AI

NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE, and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan, said:

“Artificial Intelligence is already transforming our economy, workplace, education system, and community. This is an exciting opportunity for people nation-wide to advance their AI understanding.

“It’s great to see TAFE NSW collaborating with the National AI Centre to provide students from all backgrounds with a start to develop their AI literacy, so they can access the jobs of tomorrow.”

Director, National AI Centre, Stela Solar said:

“SMEs make up over 98 per cent of Australia’s economy, and ‘Introduction to AI’ is their opportunity to learn how they can use this revolutionary technology to enhance their operations, services, and market competitiveness.”

CEO, Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA), Luke Achterstraat, said:
“Small businesses are a main source of innovation in Australia – they are entrepreneurs who try new ideas, test new products, and usually back themselves with their own capital.

“This microskill course will help build confidence and competency for small businesses as they navigate the AI landscape.”

Major upgrade to bring Liverpool Boys and Girls High Schools together into new co-educational school

The NSW Government will deliver a new co-educational high school in Liverpool by bringing together the two existing single-sex high schools into a brand new school build, following extensive consultation with the community.

Liverpool Boys and Girls High Schools, which are currently co-located on adjoining sites, will come together within the area’s new health and education precinct, as part of the NSW Government’s $3.5 billion commitment to new and upgraded schools in Western Sydney.

The brand new school will cater for up to 2000 students, with facilities including new teaching spaces and specialist facilities, a new library.

Community consultation, undertaken in 2022, found support for co-educational schooling in the area, particularly among future high school parents.

Among future parents surveyed, 56 per cent stated a preference for a co-educational high school, contrasted with 18 per cent who said they would prefer a single-sex school.

The new co-educational school will offer an expanded range of subjects for students, with purpose-built facilities to deliver specialised pathways into health and higher education. 

In recognition of the preferences of some students and families, the co-educational schools will also provide opportunities for single-sex-focused classes and activities.

The new school will form part of the Liverpool Health and Education Sub Precinct, in collaboration with NSW Health, TAFE NSW and the Liverpool City Council.

Planning for the new school build is underway, with concept designs to be shared in coming months.

As the schools come together, they will work with local primary schools to ensure a strong transition process from primary to high school for local students.

The NSW Department of Education will update the community as the project progresses. 

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car, said: 

“This is a huge investment in a rapidly growing community, ensuring working families have access to a world class public education. 

“The majority of families in this area expressed a preference for co-education, with the increase in student population at the school to expand the range of subjects and extra-curricular activities available for students.

“For the new high school to be part of the new health and education precinct is exciting, offering more learning and career opportunities for students in the area.” 

Member for Liverpool Charishma Kaliyanda said:

“One of my goals as the local member has been to create pathways for our young people’s futures right here in Liverpool. Today’s announcement is a significant step in realising that vision.

“The consolidation of Liverpool Boys and Girls into a single, brand-new co-educational campus is an essential milestone in creating a ‘cradle-to-PhD’ education precinct in the Liverpool CBD.

“Liverpool’s population surge has caused us to assess the suitability of our existing local schools. This redevelopment is about creating state-of-the-art secondary schooling for our modern city.”

Wi-fi trial sees visitors diving into connectivity at Yarrangobilly Caves thermal pool

The NSW Government has partnered with Wagga Wagga-based company Zetifi to trial new wi-fi technology at Yarrangobilly Caves thermal pool, providing visitors to the popular destination with free internet access.

Powered by solar energy, the wi-fi system uses satellite and cellular internet technology to keep people visiting the the Kosciuszko National Park site connected and able to call for help in an emergency.

In the past, mobile coverage at the site has been inhibited by natural features such as the steep Yarrangobilly River Valley and the towering Eucalyptus trees that surround the thermal pool.

The technology being trialled has been installed in an elevated location to leverage both satellite and cellular internet connections, transmitting internet via wi-fi to the thermal pool area. The wi-fi can easily be accessed by the public by scanning a QR code on the walk in.

The project was coordinated by the NSW Telco Authority and the Office of the Chief Scientist & Engineer (OCSE) as part of the NSW Small Business Innovation & Research (SBIR) program’s Connectivity Challenge.

The program aims to strengthen communication networks in regional and remote areas by supporting businesses to find solutions to connectivity challenges.

Find out more about the NSW SBIR program

Find out more about visiting the Yarrangobilly Caves thermal pool walk

Minister for Climate Change and the Environment Penny Sharpe said:

“This is a terrific example of a technological solution improving safety and visitor experience in a remote area of Kosciuszko National Park which is popular in both summer and winter.

“It will benefit not only visitors to the spring-fed natural pool, but also rangers and emergency services personnel when they’re working in the area.

“The NSW Government is committed to improving infrastructure in our national parks to ensure a wonderful experience for people getting out and about in nature.”

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“This wi-fi trial helps visitors to the Yarrangobilly Caves thermal pool stay connected, which is important over the busy summer period when more people will be making the most of this picturesque destination.

“This technology could make all the difference in an emergency when a call for help needs to be made.

“As well as assisting thousands of visitors to the people expected to visit the Yarrangobilly Caves thermal pool over summer, the trial is boosting a regional business by enabling it to test and showcase its product.”

Yarrangobilly Caves thermal pool wi-fi key data:

Approximately 2,100 unique connections have been made since the free wi-fi trial began in December, an average of just over 40 connections per day.
Peak usage has been during weekends seeing between 90-120 connections per day, compared to only 20-40 on weekdays.
Since the trial began 400GB of data has been used, equating to almost 8GB of usage per day.

$1 million to invest in women’s health, wellbeing and empowerment

The latest round of the Investing in Women Funding Program opens today, with up to $1 million available to organisations to fund projects that advance the role, status and contribution of women and girls in NSW.

Eligible organisations can apply for grants of between $25,000 and $100,000 for annual projects, or up to $250,000 for multi-year projects. Funding is open to registered not-for-profits, local councils and private sector industry bodies working in partnership with communities and government.

Projects should aim to have lasting impacts on communities of women and girls in the areas of health and wellbeing, and participation and empowerment.

House to Grow, a not-for-profit, was 1 of 22 organisations that received funding under the program in 2023. It used its $50,000 grant to provide a space for women to ignite their business ideas and kickstart their projects into market opportunities. Female entrepreneurs were also supported with business education.

Additionally, Surfing NSW received almost $100,000 to work with 53 affiliated Surf Schools across NSW to identify and provide a nationally accredited coaching certification, on-the-job training, mentorship and employment to 150 women. This boosted the number of women in the coaching network in regional areas and increased the opportunities for part-time and flexible work options to match the growing demand of those wishing to engage with surfing.

The Investing in Women Funding Program grant applications open 5 March 2024 and close 8 April 2024. Find out more information on the grant program and details on how to apply.

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“The NSW Government is committed to improving the lives of women and girls across the state. Through the Investing in Women Funding Program, we are working in partnership with organisations to deliver on the NSW Women’s Strategy 2023-2026 to boost women’s economic opportunities and advancement, promote their health and wellbeing and support participation.

“This program is for women of all backgrounds and really sets the foundation for success for generations to come.

“Over the years, more than 100 organisations have received grants under the Investing in Women funding program and have used that funding to help women overcome barriers and empower them to take charge and achieve their aspirations.

“I urge eligible organisations to get their grant applications in and play a part in contributing to these important goals.

CEO at House to Grow Pilar Lopez said:

“We have enrolled over 200 women from different backgrounds so far in our Watering Women’s Tree Program, including participants with original ideas and other start-ups ready to grow.

“Our holistic accelerator program has played a significant role in the creation and development of more than 100 businesses in NSW, with some now operating on an international scale.

“The flexibility of this project has enabled women with family commitments, those with casual jobs or studying to pursue their projects, contributing to strengthening the female entrepreneurial fabric but is also fostering women’s leadership development and creating more sustainable women-led businesses and families.

“Our project aims to empower women entrepreneurs, enhancing their independence and security but also reducing risks such as exploitation and vulnerability to violence, thereby building a sustainable future for themselves and their families.”

Surfing NSW spokesperson Kathy Walton said:

“Through Surfing NSW’s coaching certification program, we’re proud to significantly enhance gender equality in surfing. By accrediting and mentoring women, we’re not just increasing female representation; we’re inspiring a new generation of women and girls to embrace surfing, both recreationally and professionally.

“Our initiative opens new doors for women in the surfing industry, offering them both training and employment opportunities to develop their life-saving and ocean education skills, and our programs have particularly been focused on the growth of regional surfing communities.

“Sadly 86 people have drowned in Australia since December 2023. Empowering 150 women with Surfers Rescue 24/7 techniques, CPR, First Aid and trauma response is at the heart of our organisation and programs. This not only upskills them as coaches but also equips them to save lives in and out of the ocean, enhancing safety within the surfing community.”

Australia-Singapore Annual Leaders’ Meeting

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met today with the Prime Minister of Singapore, His Excellency Lee Hsien Loong, for the 9th Australia-Singapore Annual Leaders’ Meeting.

Australia and Singapore share a partnership that is remarkable in its breadth and depth, grounded in trust and respect.

The Prime Ministers discussed current regional and global security issues and reaffirmed their commitment to work together to promote peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific region. They underlined the importance of an open, inclusive, rules-based and resilient Indo-Pacific region, which promotes free trade and open markets and where differences are resolved peacefully in accordance with international law.

In the lead-up to the 10th anniversary of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2025, Leaders discussed initiatives to shape the next phase of the Australia-Singapore relationship.

Under our landmark Green Economy Agreement, Leaders announced agreed principles for cross-border electricity trade. These principles will provide clarity and predictability to businesses and create jobs in the clean energy sector.

Leaders also announced the next step towards a green and digital shipping corridor between Australia and Singapore, an agreement between our respective port authorities. This will ensure our maritime industries are fit for the future and provide an avenue for the export of Australia’s renewable energy.

To support this initiative, Leaders welcomed progress in implementation of the Australia-Singapore Initiative on Low-Emissions Technologies for maritime and port operations.

The two Prime Ministers announced the first group of Australian and Singaporean small and medium-sized businesses to receive grants under the $20 million Go-Green Co-Innovation Program, which will facilitate co-innovation between our two countries and support the development of sustainable products and services.

Additional grant funding was announced to encourage collaborative research between Australian and Singaporean scientists on sustainability, innovation and food technology.

Prime Minister Albanese and Prime Minister Lee also announced a new agreement between border agencies to increase cooperation on border security and help to combat cross-border crime.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“Today, Prime Minister Lee and I charted the course for the next ten years of the Australia Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
“Australia is fortunate to have a strong partner in Singapore, and an ambitious agenda for the future of our relationship.
“I congratulate Prime Minister Lee on his two decades of service to Singapore and to the region, and I thank him for his unwavering support of our bilateral relationship.”

$2 billion investment facility to support business engagement with Southeast Asia

The Albanese Government is establishing a $2 billion investment financing facility to boost investment in Southeast Asia as part of a suite of economic initiatives announced at the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in Melbourne.

Australia’s two-way investment with ASEAN was worth $307 billion in 2022. Two-way trade with ASEAN accounted for $178 billion in 2022, accounting for 15 per cent of Australia’s trade, which is greater than our trade with Japan or the United States.

The intiatives fulfil recommendations from Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, which was launched last year by Prime Minister Albanese to deepen Australia’s economic engagement with the region and ensure our shared prosperity.

Addressing 100 Australian and Southeast Asian CEOs at the Special Summit today, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveiled a package of focussed initiatives that represent the next phase of the Government’s response to recommendations in the Southeast Asia Economic Strategy, including:

A $2 billion Southeast Asia Investment Financing Facility (SEAIFF). Managed by Export Finance Australia, the SEAIFF will provide loans, guarantees, equity and insurance for projects that would boost Australian trade and investment in Southeast Asia, particularly in support of the region’s clean energy transition and infrastructure development.
$140 million over four years to extend the Partnerships for Infrastructure Program. The Program will support efforts to improve regional infrastructure development and attract more diverse, quality infrastructure finance – including from the Facility. The program has been running since 2021 and has assisted partners to accelerate transport connectivity, the clean energy transition and telecommunications reforms.
Appointing 10 Business Champions to facilitate greater commercial links between Australia and the economies of ASEAN. The Champions are senior Australian business leaders who will ensure Government and the private sector work in tandem to boost our two-way trade and investment.
The launch of regional technology ‘Landing Pads’ in Jakarta and Ho Chi Minh City. The new Landing Pads will provide on-the-ground support for Australian businesses to boost technology services exports to Southeast Asian markets, following the establishment of the initial ‘Landing Pad’ in Singapore in 2017.
Improving visa access for Southeast Asia. Business Visitor visas will be extended from three to five years. The ten-year Frequent Traveller stream will be extended to eligible ASEAN Member States and Timor-Leste.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“Australia’s economic future lies in our region.
“I am proud to lead a Government that is strengthening our trade and investment ties with Southeast Asia, directly contributing to our shared economic prosperity.
“These initiatives represent further investments in our future and ensure we are working with Southeast Asia as it continues to grow in economic size and reach.
“When our region prospers, Australia prospers.
“Our work internationally is delivering for Australians – for jobs, for our economy and for our people.”