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Online hub to become one-stop-shop for parents from pregnancy to the start of school

A new online hub is set to help parents and carers navigate the first five years of their child’s life, offering information on cost-of-living support, as well as ensuring their children have the best start in life and are set up for success.

The NSW Labor Government today launched the Brighter Beginnings Parent and Carer Information Hub – a website to help parents, carers and families access Government services, rebates and support for their child, from pregnancy through to the start of primary school.

Previously, parents looking for information had to navigate across disparate NSW and Australian Government websites. The Brighter Beginnings Hub brings these resources together, allowing parents to access services and support relevant to their child’s age.

For the different stages of pregnancy and a child’s life, the website includes advice and support services for health, mental health and wellbeing, nutrition, play and development, relationships, financial advice and any relevant payments or rebates.

The NSW Labor Government has prioritised the creation of this hub because the first five years of a child’s life are critical to outcomes later in life. During this period a child’s brain develops rapidly, with positive connections and experiences laying the foundations for a bright future.

With two in five children in NSW developmentally at risk or vulnerable before they start school, according to Australian Early Development Census data, the parent and carer hub is a vital part of the new support the Government is providing to bridge that gap.

This is just part of the NSW Government’s historic commitment to the early years, which includes a record $769 million investment to deliver 100 public preschools across NSW, with close to half of those new preschools in regional areas.

The NSW Government has also committed $60 million to build or upgrade 50 preschools on non-government school sites in areas of greatest educational need, and up to $29.4 million to expand the number of early childhood workers in NSW through a scholarship program, which has seen a record number of applications. The NSW Government has also provided $17 million to support capital works for early childhood services in areas of need.

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

“This website is a great resource for new parents. The first five years of a child’s life are incredibly important for their future.

“There is a lot of information out there and it can be overwhelming for parents and carers.

“This is about cutting confusion and giving families the support and information they need during the formative years of their child’s life.”

NSW Minister for Health and Regional Health Ryan Park said:

“This government is committed to supporting the health of children, and their families from the beginning.

“We want to ensure all families are engaged with the healthcare system in those really critical early stages and years of life.

“There are simple things you can do with your child that will make a big difference in helping them grow and thrive, and this new hub will help make finding trusted information that much easier.

“Adding a precious baby to the family is a wonderful time, but it can also be really hard and stressful, this hub will help families access the support they need.”

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“Children are the future leaders of our state and the NSW Government is committed to providing all families with support and access to critical services and information.

“This digital solution does the heavy lifting for parents and carers to help them stay on track and give their children the best possible start in life.

“The Hub was designed in consultation with the whole community, from parents and carers to early childhood educators and health professionals, ensuring families are connected to the practical support they need.”

$275 million investment sparks Net Zero manufacturing and jobs

The NSW Labor Government is today announcing $275 million in grants under the Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative, to secure NSW as the place to develop and manufacture clean technology and create new jobs in the process.

The Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative will support workers, small businesses, manufacturers and innovators to take advantage of the transformation of our energy grid. The move to net zero will also transform our economy – and these grants will ensure NSW manufacturing is part of this revolution.

The initiative will deliver more local, secure jobs across the state, and support the diversification of our regional economies.

The investment areas are aligned to the opportunity areas identified through the NSW Decarbonisation Innovation 2023 Study, released by the Office of Chief Scientist and Engineer.

This includes future energy systems and storage, transportation, built environment, biomanufacturing, power-fuels including hydrogen and agricultural technologies.

The Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative will offer the following grants:

Renewable Manufacturing – increasing capacity to make the components for renewable energy projects, which will alleviate supply chain constraints and increase local content capability.For example, projects could include constructing a brand-new facility for the manufacture of solar cells, or supply chain parts for renewable energy transmission.
Clean Technology Innovation – helping businesses get scalable low-emission technologies, market-ready.For example, prototypes of next generation residential batteries, or new laboratory equipment that can test a material’s ability to store hydrogen atoms.
Low Carbon Product Manufacturing – establishing industrial facilities and manufacturing capabilities that can take advantage of investment in new and emerging low carbon industries.For example, building a new facility for the manufacture of low-carbon laminate timber, or implementing a new production line within an existing biomass facility for manufacturing bio-diesel.

The initiative will focus on already lab-proven technologies and the manufacturing of market-ready products that are ready to be scaled up and rolled out across NSW.

This will support NSW’s 5 Renewable Energy Zones and hydrogen hubs, giving them access to more materials produced in NSW.

These grants open to the public on Monday 26 February 2024.

To check eligibility and apply go to the NSW Climate and Energy Action website.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“The Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative offers funding for small and medium businesses wanting to pilot new technology within their premises.

“These grants will bolster local manufacturing in the renewables and clean-technology industries, ultimately delivering more local, secure jobs.

“This is all about supporting and backing NSW businesses, manufacturers and innovators to develop homegrown technology and products right here in the state, and securing the jobs and skills we need for a renewable energy future.”

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe said:

“NSW is undergoing a transformation of our energy grid, and this will also transform our economy.

“There are incredible opportunities for small, medium and large businesses to be a part of this.

“These grants are all about ensuring NSW manufacturing is part of this revolution. They will lead to new secure, long-term jobs that are good for the planet but also build wealth in local communities and give NSW security and sovereignty of the renewable energy supply chain.”

Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement Courtney Houssos said:

“The NSW Labor Government is committed to rebuilding our domestic manufacturing industry.

“The government can play a key role as a convenor and catalyst for the renewable industry.

“For every one job in manufacturing, three-and-a-half other jobs are sustained in the supply chain. We want those secure, well-paid manufacturing jobs to be in NSW.”

Culturally and linguistically diverse communities to benefit from increased media focus

More communities across NSW will have access to up-to-date government information with an increased focus on multicultural and First Nations media outlets.

More than 190 languages are spoken at home across NSW, including Mandarin, Arabic, Cantonese and Vietnamese.

NSW also hosts almost 90 independent multicultural and Aboriginal publications and 210 radio programs, spoken in more than 56 languages, that are trusted sources of information for many linguistically and culturally diverse communities.

As part of its commitment to greater inclusion across government services, the NSW Government undertook a review of government advertising practices in the multicultural sector.

All 10 recommendations of the 2023 Multicultural Media and Policy Review Report, released today, have been adopted. The recommendations include:

Elevating the required expenditure targeting multicultural and First Nations communities in government information campaigns from 7.5 percent to 9 percent
Implementing more robust data collection and reporting practices to enhance understanding of media consumption behaviour within NSW multicultural and First Nations communities
Increasing the total number of languages targeted across advertising campaigns to ensure broader reach and representation
Annual reporting on multicultural and Aboriginal advertising spend.

The review was completed by the Department of Customer Service and Multicultural NSW and involved consultation with multicultural media outlets and government agencies.

Read the full report and recommendations

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“This report marks an important step forward in our drive for a more inclusive approach to government communications.

“The increased focus on distributing information through independent multicultural and First Nations media will help ensure government agencies are sharing important messages with the diverse communities of NSW.

“The detailed findings of this review provide a roadmap for the NSW Government to build further understanding, transparency and effectiveness of its multicultural advertising practices.”

Minister for Multiculturalism Stephen Kamper said:

“NSW has one of the most culturally, linguistically, and religiously diverse populations in the country with one in four people speaking a language other than English at home, so it is crucial NSW Government information resonates with every community.

“NSW Government advertising campaigns should be targeted to reach all communities with important messages. This was highlighted during COVID-19, where community safety relied on effective communications to all NSW residents.”

Metro West 2032: Further delays flagged

The NSW Opposition is calling on the Minns Labor Government to guarantee that Sydney Metro West will open on time in 2032.

Following the Metro Review, the Minns Labor Government announced a two-year delay of Sydney Metro West to 2032 commenting “The project will be reset to a more sustainable timeline, with the project expected to be completed by 2032.”

This morning in Budget Estimates embattled Minister for Transport Jo Haylen walked the commitment back, referring to the delivery date as only an ‘ambition’ and failed to provide any guarantees on the date or further information on when the project will be complete.

The position follows Premier Chris Minns’ admission earlier this week that the MOU with the Australian Turf Club, which includes a possible new station along the Sydney Metro West at Rose Hill may not eventuate.

In farcical scenes, Jo Haylen also admitted she had not seen the MOU signed by her Government prior to attending the press conference for the announcement.

Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward commented “This is Labor 101, promise infrastructure and then delay after delay.

“Chris Minns promised to deliver Sydney Metro West before the election, then delayed it and now his Transport Minister is saying promises on delivery dates are only ‘ambitions’.

“The only things that is clear is that taxpayer’s ambition for a Labor government’s infrastructure agenda will be disappointed time and time again.”

“It is farcical that the Transport Minister can announce something without having seen it, what confidence can commuters have, if the Minister responsible is kept in the dark on her own projects.”

GOVERNMENT CRACKS DOWN ON SCAMS

Every day, scammers are ripping money out the pockets of hard-working Australians, and the Albanese Government is fighting back.

People across Newcastle have experienced the persistent calls, texts, and social media accounts attempting to scam them out of money.

Today the Assistant Treasurer, Stephen Jones MP, will visit Newcastle for a community Scams Forum. The forum will be an opportunity for people to learn ways to protect themselves from scams, know what to do if they are targeted by a scam, and hear about the steps the government is taking to crackdown on this crime.

Australians lost over $3 billion to scams in 2022 alone.

That is why the Government is implementing an ambitious anti-scam agenda to combat scams and protect Australians.

The first phase was standing up the National Anti-Scam Centre in July last year, which was part of an $86.5 million investment to fight scams and online fraud in the May Budget.

This announcement included:

$58 million for the ACCC to establish the National Anti-Scam Centre (NASC)
$17.6 million for ASIC to bust fake investment websites that promote fake scams
$10 million for ACMA to establish and enforce an SMS sender ID registry to stop scam texts

The Government’s crackdown on scams has already shown signs of success. In the six months since the NASC was created, reported losses to scams reduced by 29 per cent compared with the same period in 2022.

By last week, ASIC had taken down 4,220 investment scam websites, with another 540 in the works. And early data in 2024 shows overall scam losses reported are around 40% lower than the same period in 2023.

The NASC means that the people of Newcastle can look to a trusted, centralised point within Government for information and education to protect themselves from scams.

It is more important than ever that the Newcastle community is alert to scams and are aware of how to protect themselves.

Member for Newcastle said:

“Our community and local businesses are more protected from scammers than ever before with the establishment of the National Anti-Scams Centre.”

“Every day, scammers are ripping money out the pockets of hard-working Novocatrians. The Government is fighting back.”

“If an offer seems too good to be true or suspicious, it probably is.”

“If you or anyone you know receive a suspicious call, text or email take these steps to protect yourself:

Stop – take your time before giving money or personal information.
Think – ask yourself if the message or call could be fake?
Protect – act quickly if something feels wrong. Contact your bank and report scams to Scamwatch”

Two years on, Australia stands with Ukraine

Two years on since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Australia mourns Ukraine’s losses, and we stand unwavering in our support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Australia remains steadfast in supporting Ukraine to defend itself, and to holding those responsible for Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion to account.

Today the Australian Government has imposed further targeted financial sanctions and travel bans on 55 persons, and targeted financial sanctions on 37 entities.

The new sanctions target those involved in Russia’s deportation of Ukrainian children from regions under temporary Russian control. This follows the International Criminal Court’s decision to issue arrest warrants for President Putin and Russia’s Commissioner for Children’s Rights Maria Lvova-Belova for the war crime of unlawful deportation.

We have also sanctioned targets in Russia’s defence, energy, media and minerals sectors, as well as targets involved in Russia’s procurement networks in Belarus, Iran and North Korea. These sanctions reflect the Australian Government’s position that those supporting Russia’s illegal war will face consequences.

Australia has now imposed more than 1,200 sanctions in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Today’s sanctions build on last week’s announcement that the Albanese Government is providing $50 million to the International Fund for Ukraine, directly supporting the procurement of priority military capabilities. This contribution takes Australia’s overall support to Ukraine to approximately $960 million, including $780 million in military support.

Australia again calls on Russia, and its supporters, to immediately end this senseless war.

Today and every day, Australia stands with Ukraine and its people.

Australian support for our region’s trade and development

Ahead of the 13th World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference (MC13), the Australian Government has announced more than $20 million to support our region’s trade and development needs.

Working with Indo-Pacific partners to build resilience and grow their economies through trade enhances regional stability and prosperity.

The additional funding is consistent with the priorities of Indo-Pacific countries, and will support:

capacity building in e-commerce and the digital economy
trade financing
enhancing intellectual property systems
and identifying ways trade can bolster national climate adaptation plans.

Australia will provide $10.3 million to the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Office in Geneva to support its WTO engagement.

We also continue to support Timor-Leste to achieve its aspirations and obligations as a new Member of the WTO, including through our existing $8.6 million (2022-26) package to assist Timor-Leste to meet WTO and ASEAN accession requirements.

Leading sustainable development research organisations in Geneva will also receive $2 million to help developing countries in our region advance their climate and development priorities through trade.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong said:

“There is no sustainable long-term economic growth without trade. Being serious about helping our neighbours become more economically resilient means supporting their development as trading nations.”

Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator the Hon Don Farrell said:

“Australia’s support helps our Indo-Pacific partners to step up their involvement in international economic institutions like the WTO and benefit from the trade opportunities they generate.”

More Labor lies on affordable healthcare

It has never been harder or more expensive to see a doctor than under the Albanese Labor Government, as the data continues to point to a primary care system at crisis point.

It was reported in the Guardian on Thursday that Australians have lost access to more than 400 dedicated bulkbilling GP clinics over the past 12 months.

The number of Australians accessing bulk billed GP appointments is currently at the lowest level in a decade, and now this sobering new statistic makes it clear that access is only getting worse.

The Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care, Senator Anne Ruston, said that affordable healthcare has never been more important than during the current cost-of-living crisis, but bulk billing is still collapsing despite all the taxpayer funds the Government has thrown at it.

“Once again, the Government clearly prioritised headlines with their bulk billing incentive measure, instead of delivering real and practical solutions like addressing the current workforce crisis.

“We know that 1.2 million Australians avoided seeing a doctor last year due to cost, as they were forced to choose between putting food on the table and paying their bills or visiting their GP.

“Mark Butler is misleading Australians about the Government’s success on affordable healthcare, but the statistics tell the real story,” Senator Ruston said.

Right now, the GP bulk billing rate right now under Labor is 77.7% – This compares to 84% under Peter Dutton as Health Minister and 88.5% when the Coalition left office.

Australians cannot afford for the Government’s inaction on this crisis to continue. Not only is it pushing up out-of-pocket costs for struggling households, but a weakened primary care system will also place additional pressure on already over-burdened hospitals.

NSW Government to keep the party going with extended trading hours for Mardi Gras

Celebrations for the 2024 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival will continue well into the night with licensed venues in NSW granted Special Event Extended Trading to kick on into the early hours.

Eligible venues across both inner Sydney and the city’s east will be able to trade later this weekend for the Bondi Beach Party and Sissy Ball. Extended trading hours will also apply for the Mardi Gras parade on Saturday, 2 March.

As the year progresses, the NSW Government expects to list additional special events, further enriching NSW’s nightlife and cultural offerings across the regions.

Find out more about the full list of special events and more information on extended trading

Find out more about the NSW Government’s Vibrancy reforms

Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said:

“Mardi Gras brings tens of thousands of visitors to the city from around the state, across the country and overseas to join in the celebration.

“Every year, the Mardi Gras parade transforms Oxford Street and the surrounding precincts. It’s a wonderful embodiment of the intentions behind the NSW Government’s Vibrancy reforms.

“Special event extended trading will provide more options for people to enjoy our live music and celebrate together for longer.”

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

“Local bars and clubs play a vital role in our community, especially in Sydney’s inner and eastern suburbs.”

“The NSW Government is committed to creating additional opportunities for hospitality venues during special events.

“These extended trading hours will help facilitate great experiences for patrons, with a wider array of options to enjoy sporting and cultural events.”

Special Events and Related Conditions

‘Relevant venues’ includes Hotels, General Bars, Clubs, Small Bars and Dedicated Live Music & Performance Venues.

Special event	Extended trading period	Class of premises to which extended trading period applies
Mardi Gras – Bondi Beach Party	Midnight on Saturday 24 February 2024 to 1am on Sunday 25 February 2024	All eligible licensed premises in Waverley, Bondi, Bondi junction, North Bondi in the Waverley local government area
Mardi Gras – Sissy Ball	Midnight on Saturday 24 February 2024 to 1am on Sunday 25 February 2024	All eligible licensed premises in Sydney, Darlinghurst, Surry Hills, Potts Point in the Sydney local government area and Paddington in the Woollahra local government area
Sydney Mardi Gras Parade	Midnight on Saturday 2 March 2024 to 1am Sunday 3 March 2024	All eligible licensed premises in Sydney, Darlinghurst, Surry Hills, Potts Point in the Sydney local government area and Paddington in the Woollahra local government area

Dust Diseases Board appointments

The NSW Government welcomes the newest appointments to the Dust Disease Board, who will give new focus and perspective to the allocation of grant funding for research and support services for people affected by dust diseases.

Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Work, Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis appointed three new Board members, Ms Kate Cole OAM, Mr Peter Tighe and Professor Emeritus Malcom Sim AM.

Minister Cotsis has reappointed Board members, Professor Sanchia Aranda, Professor David Currow FAHMS, Ms Sylvia Kidziak AM, Mr Ray Petty, Ms Natasha Flores. Ms Sherri Hayward and Mr John Walsh AO (Chair) continue their appointments to the Board.

The Dust Diseases Board, which is a scheme within icare, has been funding grants since 1983 with the aim of reducing the risk of dust diseases and improving outcomes for people who have a dust disease, and their families.

A total of 55 grants with a funded value of over $13 million were approved by the Dust Diseases Board between 2016 and 2023.

Board members include representation from: employers; employees; support, advocacy or awareness groups or organisations; persons involved in research into dust diseases or in academic matters relating to dust diseases; health professionals; and an independent chairperson.

Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Work, Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“I’m really pleased to appoint Peter Tighe to the Dust Disease Board, who has been a staunch advocate for trade workers coming into contact with asbestos. It’s important to have a broad cross-section of representation on the board.

“Kate Cole OAM is a health industry expert, who will bring further workplace prevention perspectives to the board, thanks to her work as an occupational hygienist who specialises in the prevention of dust diseases like silicosis.

“Professor Malcolm Sim AM has worked in research fields relating to dust diseases in the workplace for more than 30 years, including at Monash University’s School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine. His expertise in this field will be invaluable.

“I want to thank the re-appointed and continuing board members for their continued service to address dust diseases affecting workers in New South Wales, and for their dedication to public service.

“Finally, I want to thank the outgoing members, Ms Abha Devasia, Ms Merylese Mercieca and Mr Barry Robson for their hard work during their tenure. Their important contribution to the administration of the board is greatly appreciated.”