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The Housing Crisis

Economist Chris Richardson, during his appearance on ABC’s program Q&A, stated that immigration is exacerbating the housing market’s troubles in Australia. One Nation has consistently argued that the housing crisis stems from excessive immigration without the parallel construction of new homes—a point frequently raised by the party.

Richardson acknowledged a connection, noting that Australia’s mismanagement of housing over the past four decades suggests a need to reconsider immigration policies. “For 40 years, we’ve transformed housing into a source of anguish, marking a profound national failure,” he asserted.

Whenever there’s support for the call to reduce immigration, One Nation feels compelled to share this development widely.

Richardson’s remarks came with a caveat: “Ideally, I’d prefer not to limit migration, but our colossal national mishandling means we must temporarily address immigration as part of the solution.”

The discussion with Richardson honed in on establishing a condition (perhaps legally) between immigration and housing availability.

One Nation’s stance is to address the backlog in housing demand before contemplating a rise in immigration. Furthermore, the party maintains that the economy should be able to finance and establish the infrastructure necessary to support housing people, including educational institutions, hospitals, and law enforcement. Additionally, One Nation says that Australia should achieve full employment before considering an increase in immigration levels.

ICAC heads to the Hunter as rural and regional outreach program returns

The NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) will visit the Hunter and Central Coast regions next week when it resumes it rural and regional outreach program to bring anti-corruption initiatives and training to centres across the state.

The visit, to be based in Newcastle and the Central Coast, marks the first time the program has been conducted since it was put on hold in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This will also be the first outreach visit for the Commission’s current Chief Commissioner, the Hon John Hatzistergos AM, who said he is very keen to see this important initiative resume.

“The Rural and Regional Outreach program is an important way for the Commission to connect with public officials and communities outside the metropolitan area, in a way that is more personable than remotely tuning in to workshops and talks,” Chief Commissioner Hatzistergos said.

“While we are, of course, now in an age when having that remote connectivity is very important and a way of life, I believe that the experience of sharing information in person is invaluable. The Commission will conduct workshops as part of this visit to help state and local government agencies learn the latest ways to prevent corrupt conduct. We will also be conducting activities to help raise awareness in the broader community about corruption risks and the roles and functions of the ICAC, and as part of that I am looking forward to hosting my first Community Leaders Forum in Newcastle next Tuesday morning.”

The community leaders’ forum on 28 November will feature a panel discussion with Chief Commissioner Hatzistergos, NSW Ombudsman Paul Miller PSM and Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) Chief Commissioner Peter Johnson SC. The agency leaders will discuss the roles of their organisations, and how the community can contribute to helping oversight agencies fulfil their functions.

Workshops scheduled for this visit include corruption prevention for managers, which focuses on developing an understanding of the nature of corruption, how and why it occurs, and what managers can do to prevent it; fact-finder, which is an introductory workshop for those who may be required to conduct an internal fact-finding investigation into a complaint or allegations of staff wrongdoing, including misconduct or corruption; corruption prevention in procurement and contract management, which aims to assist managers and staff responsible for procurement to identify where systems weaknesses and corruption opportunities may lie; corruption prevention and grant administration; and corruption prevention for Local Aboriginal Land Councils.

The NSW Ombudsman is responsible for promoting public awareness and understanding of the Public Interest Disclosures Act 2022 (“the PID Act”) which came into effect last month. The Ombudsman’s Office will conduct workshops that will provide an outline of the new PID Act, focusing on the importance of a “speak up” culture as well as the key elements of the new public interest disclosure framework in NSW.

The Ombudsman’s office will also hold workshops on managing unreasonable conduct by a complainant, fundamentals of complains handling and administrative law in the public sector.

Approximately 70 people will attend the community leaders’ forum, including elected representatives and senior staff from local and state government agencies and community interest groups.

The Outreach program will run for two weeks, with workshops and visits to be held or undertaken in locations including Newcastle, Raymond Terrace, Swansea, Williamtown, Speers Point, Muswellbrook, Maitland, Scone, Singleton, Gosford and Wyong. In the lead-up to the program next week, school visits were undertaken last month in Newcastle, Hamilton, Erina, Erina Heights and Fletcher.

The ICAC rural and regional outreach program has proved highly successful since its inception in 2001. Previous visits have included to the Illawarra, western NSW, the south-east, the central west, the north coast, the northern inland, the south coast, the far west, Riverina Murray and the Blue Mountains. The Commission’s rural and regional outreach program was scheduled to visit the Hunter and Central Coast in 2020, but it was put on hold due to the pandemic. The last visit to the region was to the Central Coast in 2011, and Newcastle in 2008.

GREENS CALL FOR GREATER AMBITION IN CLOSING PUBLIC SCHOOL FUNDING GAP

The Greens have backed Australian Education Union calls for Commonwealth, states and territories to close the public school funding gap, but have called for greater ambition and urgency.

A new report shows the public system will continue to be underfunded by $6 billion a year under current agreements. The AEU has called for full funding to all public schools by 2028, but the Greens say funding should be delivered at the start of the next National School Reform Agreement (NSRA), in January 2025.

A recent Greens-commissioned poll found that almost two-thirds of Australian parents believe the public school system is underfunded, while half of all private school parents would move their children to a public school if the system was properly funded.

Greens Education (Primary & Secondary) spokesperson, Senator Penny Allman-Payne said:

“A free and high-quality public education should be a bedrock of any thriving democracy, not a nice-to-have that’s conditional on who’s in government or which way the political winds are blowing.

“The 2011 Gonski reforms were held up as the solution to end funding inequities in the school system, but it was undermined by Labor from the start, which capitulated to the Catholic and Independent school sectors, and further eroded under a decade of Coalition rule.

“Declining student engagement, teacher shortages, falling scores, school can’t, disruption in the classroom – these are all directly linked to the fact that teachers do not have the resources and support they require to give kids the attention and care they need.

“Public schools have been underfunded for decades. Why should students, parents, carers and teachers wait another five years for the bare minimum resources they deserve?

“With the new NSRA due next year, and Labor in power federally and in every mainland state and territory, this is the perfect opportunity to end decades of decline and fully fund the public education system.

“Labor must deliver 100% funding to all public schools at the start of the next NSRA in January 2025.”

STATEMENT ON OPTUS CEO RESIGNATION

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young is Chair of the Senate Inquiry into the Optus outage and Greens spokesperson for communications:

“I’d like to thank the former CEO of Optus for fronting up in person to the Senate Inquiry last week to answer questions. 

“This was never about which individual is CEO, this is about ensuring millions of Australians have access to what is an essential service; including the ability to call 000 in an emergency, access government services, contact loved ones, and make and take essential payments. 

“The Senate Inquiry will continue to focus on solutions, including stronger regulations for telecommunications companies, so that in the evident of outages and network failures the community can have confidence that their public interests and safety is protected.”

LABOR NOW HAS A CLEAR CHOICE ON PRRT

The Liberals’ list of demands to pass the government’s PRRT reforms makes Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ choice even more stark, the Greens say.

Greens Economic Justice Spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said:


“Labor’s choice is now abundantly clear: work with the Greens and deliver fairer tax returns from gas corporations and more budget revenue, or work with the Liberals to cut a sweetheart deal for the gas cartel.”

“The Liberals’ demands would require Labor to squib on the agreement they made with the Greens on the Safeguard mechanism, and wind back critical consultation mechanisms with First Nations people.”

“The Liberals demanding such an outrageous deal for their gas cartel mates is simply taking the piss, and Mr Chalmers must hold the line.”

“The Liberals’ proposed changes would put industry interests over the public good.”

“The gas industry has paid barely any tax on billions of profits for years. It’s time that they paid more tax and the Greens stand ready to work withMr Chalmers to deliver that.”

Greens portfolio holder for First Nations, Resources, Trade, Tourism and Sport, and Yamatji Noongar woman, Senator Dorinda Cox said:

“The Liberals new demands on the PRRT reforms show they are in bed with the gas cartel and hell bent on giving companies who pay very little tax, more power to continue environmental and cultural destruction.

“Any talk about ‘restarting offshore gas investment’ and ‘overhauling assessment regulations’ needs to be seen for what it is – an attempt to boost the gas cartel’s profits and destroy cultural heritage and rights of First Nations people.

“The cultural and environmental impacts of the gas industry must be considered, and we have seen several Federal Court cases lead to injunctions, all with similar themes that ‘consultation’ must include the relevant people who will be affected by the project and hold the stories for land and sea country; this also means free, prior and informed consent has been obtained.

“Governments are  cosying up with the mates in the fossil fuel industry hatching this plan, aided by the Coalition wringing their hands and salivating for a new deal to pass this legislation. We see this at a state level in WA, and at a federal level too, and clearly the Liberals are singing from the same ‘State Capture’ songbook.”

Visit to India for second 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministerial consultations

This week the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles and Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong will travel to India to meet with their ministerial counterparts and attend the second India–Australia 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in New Delhi.

The Australia–India relationship has never been more consequential. We are working together through our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, as Quad partners and beyond to promote a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

The 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue is a cornerstone of our relationship and an opportunity to progress our work together to shape the type of region we want.

Ministers will advance cooperation on our shared regional interests, including in defence, security, renewable energy and technology. They will also discuss deepening trade and investment ties.

The Deputy Prime Minister will represent the Australian Government at the ICC World Cup on Sunday evening, where Australia will take on India in the final.

Deputy Prime Minister Marles will also meet his counterpart, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, to discuss ways to continue driving forward the Australia–India defence relationship and discuss the shared challenges facing our region.

Foreign Minister Wong will meet with her counterpart Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar for the long-standing annual Australia–India Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue.

The Deputy Prime Minister will then travel to the United Arab Emirates to meet with his ministerial counterparts between 21 and 22 November.

This is the first visit to the region by an Australian Defence Minister in five years and the first visit by the Deputy Prime Minister. This sends an important signal that Australia remains committed to Middle East stability. Australia supports the ongoing efforts of international partners, including the UAE, to prevent the Hamas-Israel conflict from spreading.

The Australian Government is sincerely grateful for the UAE’s assistance as we undertook assisted-departure flights for Australians affected by the situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and for the UAE’s ongoing support in hosting Australian Defence Force personnel.

While in the UAE, the Deputy Prime Minister will have the honour of meeting with the President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The UAE is Australia’s most significant regional defence partner, and largest trade and investment partner with two-way trade valued at $9.2 billion in 2022.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP said:

“India is a top-tier security partner for Australia and our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is one of practical, tangible actions that directly benefit the Indo-Pacific region.

“This year has seen a number of firsts in our defence relationship, including an Indian submarine visit to Perth and Australia’s hosting of Exercise Malabar, demonstrating the growing closeness of our defence and security partnership.

“Our cooperation with India is at the heart of Australia’s approach to ensuring the Indo-Pacific remains open, inclusive and resilient.

“Australia remains committed to maintaining our close bilateral defence and economic relationship with the UAE through dialogues, training and industry cooperation.”

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

“The India–Australia partnership is central to the stability and prosperity of our shared region.

“Along with our deepening defence and security cooperation, Australia is committed to partnering with India more closely for the benefit of our region, in the Indian Ocean, in Southeast Asia and in the Pacific.”

Green light at the start of the tunnel: Western Harbour Tunnel stage 2 dig underway

A 100 tonne roadheader begins cutting through Sydney sandstone this morning, marking the start of tunnelling on the second stage of the Western Harbour Tunnel.

Weighing as much as 27 adult African elephants, the roadheader has commenced its journey from Cammeray excavating south towards the Warringah Freeway and onwards towards the harbour at Waverton.

The Western Harbour Tunnel project will create almost 7000 jobs and eventually take traffic pressure off the Sydney Harbour Bridge and tunnel by linking the Warringah Freeway with the soon to open Rozelle Interchange.

It will save drivers up to 20 minutes between North Sydney and Sydney Olympic Park or Leichhardt.

The roadheader will cut through 1000 tonnes of rock a day, excavating a distance of 20 to 25 metres per week before a tunnel boring machine takes over to tunnel under the harbour.

Over the course of construction of stage 2 of the Western Harbour Tunnel, 10 roadheaders will be used.

Through the hard work of more than 800 workers involved in stage 2 to date, 23,000 tonnes of material has already been excavated and over 1482 cubic metres of concrete poured in preparation for tunnelling.

Western Harbour Tunnel is a 6.5km tunnel, which will provide motorists a seamless connection from Warringah Freeway at North Sydney to the Rozelle Interchange, making it easier, faster and safer to get around Sydney.

As the first new road crossing of the harbour in over 30 years, Western Harbour Tunnel will deliver time-saving benefits to motorists, easing traffic on some of Sydney’s key arterial roads.

The tunnel’s twin 3-lane motorways are expected to reduce traffic on the Western Distributor by 35%, the harbour tunnel by 20% and the harbour bridge by 17%.

Stage 1, which is already underway, involves creating the 1.7km southern section of the tunnel from Rozelle to Birchgrove and is expected to be complete in 2025.

Stage 2 includes construction of the northern end of the tunnel, connections to the Warringah Freeway, tunnelling underneath Sydney Harbour and the complete tunnel fit out and is expected to take approximately 5 years.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“This is a milestone for the Western Harbour Tunnel project.

“This project will deliver almost 7000 jobs.

“Building this road, we will help ease congestion for drivers who use the harbour bridge, harbour tunnel, Anzac Bridge or Western Distributor.

“We’ll be keeping this important road in public hands.”

Minister for Roads John Graham said:

“The start of tunnelling at Cammeray is a major milestone for this project, bringing motorists a step closer to benefiting from Sydney’s third harbour crossing.

“The new Western Harbour Tunnel will provide time-saving benefits not only for those connecting to the Rozelle Interchange, but for motorists across Sydney’s wider road network.

“Once completed, the Western Harbour Tunnel is a critical part of the NSW Government’s plan to bring traffic relief to arterial roads in the Inner West, where we know that we will have traffic issues along the Western Distributor and Victoria Road.”

$250 million Drought Ready and Resilient Fund

The Minns Labor government is investing in the readiness and resilience of the state’s agriculture industry, with the creation of a $250 million Drought Ready and Resilient Fund (DRRF).

This fund will allow eligible primary producers to apply for low interest loans of up to $250,000 to fund a broad range of operational products, activities and services to prepare and respond to the impacts of drought.

According to research by the NSW Rural Assistance Authority, these loans, which can be paid off over 5 or 10 years, are estimated to save farmers on average $40,000 over a 5-year loan, when compared to other similar loans.

Importantly, for the first time the DRRF will allow farmers to access loans for other core activities like the purchasing of fodder and transport of livestock to protect their welfare, not just capital investments.

It ensures the NSW Government is working with the sector to provide an innovative and proactive response as parts of the state enter into drought conditions.

For those in regions not yet experiencing drier conditions, the DRRF also incentivises participation in the vital planning and preparedness phase of drought management and climate variability mitigation, improving response and recovery outcomes for farming businesses.

Unlike previous funds which are designed to support capital investment, DRRF can be used for essential items such as:

  • purchasing fodder
  • feeding equipment
  • stock transportation costs
  • veterinary and professional nutrition and welfare advice
  • fencing for rotational grazing
  • exclusion and cluster fencing
  • construction of containment feeding pens
  • stock shade structures
  • planting of trees
  • stock and domestic water (including its transportation).

The Minns Labor government is committed to supporting rural and region Australia in times of drought.

It’s why this fund comes in conjunction with the refocusing of the $120 million Farm Innovation Fund, to the Drought Infrastructure Fund, offering loans of up to $1 million, at a low interest rate of 2.5%.

The Drought Infrastructure Fund is designed to promote capital investment in on-farm infrastructure that assists farmers in transitioning their farms to become more resilient, productive and sustainable.

By establishing these 2 types of funds the government is opening up options and flexibility for farmers, depending on their needs and circumstances, and ensuring the viability of agricultural operations – livestock, cropping or horticulture – across NSW.

Applications are welcome now for the Drought Infrastructure Fund, and for the Drought Ready and Resilient Fund applications are open from 1 December 2023. Information at the Rural Assistance Authoritylaunch website.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“We know that NSW does not thrive unless our regions and agricultural industries thrive.

“This is a significant investment that demonstrates our commitment to the resilience of farmers across our state, particularly as they enter drier and warmer weather conditions.

“We know disaster prepared is more important than ever before. This is a commonsense initiative that allows farmers to get ahead of the dry season and protect their livelihoods.” 

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“The NSW Government is committed to supporting our agriculture sector and this is an important investment in the resilience of this vital industry throughout the emerging dry conditions.

“The aim of this government initiative is to give farmers access to operational funding so they can get assistance to work through a challenging period.

“This is a common sense approach to ensuring farmers and livestock producers across NSW have the resources they need in the event of drought.

“We will continue to monitor the drought indicator closely and ensure that farmers receive the support they need.

Drought information

NSW DroughtHublaunch is the one-stop online destination for information on a vast range of services and support available to primary producers, their families and communities.

Casinos to pay more tax

The NSW Government can announce that both The Star and Crown Casino have now agreed to increased tax arrangements.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey signed the agreements last night.

Under the new casino agreements:

  • Table rates for The Star and Crown will rise, backdated to 1 July 2023.
  • The Star will pay a transitional levy on poker machines until a new duty regime commences on 1 July 2030.
  • Thousands of jobs at The Star will be protected.

No changes have been made to the agreements Crown signed with the previous government.

Today the government will introduce legislation to create a jobs guarantee at The Star, protecting the livelihoods of more than 3000 workers over the next 6 years.

Casino tax increases were first announced by the former government in December 2022 without consultation with Sydney’s 2 casinos. 

The increases were not legislated but were written into the NSW Budget.

Consultation from the Minns Labor government has now resulted in both casinos agreeing to comply with the increased tax obligations.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“The previous government had bungled their casinos policy. It was one of the most difficult challenges I inherited. These arrangements will see both casinos pay higher taxes.

“The government can now proceed with legislation which will see more than 3000 workers have their jobs protected at The Star.

“I note Crown has made it clear that recent job losses arise from their trading conditions. 

“The government will continue to engage with Crown and The Star, as well as worker representatives, on their operating models and regulatory frameworks – especially as both are remediating their businesses.”

WORKING TOGETHER TO BUILD 4,000 NEW HOMES

The Albanese Government’s Social Housing Accelerator will build around 4,000 homes for Australians who need them.

The Government is today releasing final implementation plans for the $2 billion Social Housing Accelerator that shows how many homes each state and territory government will deliver with funding from the Commonwealth.

The Commonwealth funding for these homes must be committed in full by state and territory governments by 30 June 2025.

This is another example of the Albanese Government working with states and territories to build more homes.

The $2 billion Social Housing Accelerator is in addition to our new $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund.

Today’s announcement builds on the agreement by National Cabinet to deliver the most significant housing reforms in a generation.

This agreement includes a new national target to build 1.2 million new well‑located homes, the National Planning Reform Blueprint, and A Better Deal for Renters.

At National Cabinet, the Albanese Government also committed a further $3 billion to the New Homes Bonus to incentivise states and territories to undertake the reforms necessary to reach the 1.2 million well‑located homes target.

A new Housing Support Program will provide another $500 million to help local and state and territory governments deliver new housing supply in well‑located areas.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“Australians in every part of the country deserve the security of a roof over their head.

“Working with every state and territory government, our $2 billion Social Housing Accelerator will make a huge difference for thousands of Australian families.

“My Government has an ambitious housing agenda, including the delivery of 30,000 affordable and social homes through our $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund.”

Minister Julie Collins said:

“We recognise Australia is facing housing challenges, which is why we’re taking immediate action with our $2 billion Social Housing Accelerator.

“This new funding, and the homes we are announcing today, will mean more Australians will have a safe and affordable place to call home.

“The Social Housing Accelerator is just one part of our ambitious housing reform agenda, which is already making a real difference right across the country.”