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MEDICARE BULK BILLING STRENGTHENED AS LARGEST INVESTMENT IN 40 YEARS TAKES EFFECT

The Albanese Government is making it easier to see a bulk billing doctor for more than 11 million Australians, with the largest investment in bulk billing in the 40-year history of Medicare.

From today, the incentive that general practitioners receive to bulk bill children under 16, pensioners and other Commonwealth concession cardholders will be tripled for most common GP consults.

It will be easier to find a bulk billing doctor for around 5 million children and their families and 7 million pensioners and other concession cardholders.

Together, these patients account for around 3 out of 5 visits to the GP.

At the 2023-24 Budget, the Albanese Government also announced a $1.5 billion indexation boost to Medicare payments, with the increase also taking effect today.

Together, the indexation boosts in July and November have delivered the largest increase to Medicare payments since Paul Keating was Prime Minister, delivering a larger increase in one year than the former government delivered over seven years.

The indexation boost and tripling of the bulk billing incentive provides a significant increase to the Medicare payments that GPs get to bulk bill eligible patients.

In our major cities, a doctor will get 34% more for a standard bulk billed consultation of under 20 minutes (a Level B consultation), taking the Medicare payment for eligible patients to $62.05.

In regional and rural Australia, a doctor will get around 50% more for the same visit, taking the Medicare payment to between $72.80 and $81.10, depending on location.

A new Medicare rebate for GP consultations of 60 minutes or longer will also commence today, giving patients a rebate of $191.20 and doctors the time to provide better care for people with complex physical and mental conditions.

Patients registered with MyMedicare will now be able to access Medicare rebates for longer telephone consultations from their registered practice.

MyMedicare is the foundation upon which a stronger, more personalised Medicare will be built, with patients to get more tailored quality care from their regular general practice, doctor and primary care team.

Since voluntary registration for MyMedicare opened to patients on 1 October, more than 150,000 people have registered with their preferred general practice and will now get access to longer telehealth consults.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“We’re delivering the biggest investment in Medicare in over 40 years, with more incentives for bulk billing and 58 new Urgent Care clinics across Australia.

“These changes to the Medicare bulk billing incentive will make it easier, and cheaper for more than 11 million Australians to visit a doctor.

“Combined with our cheaper medicines policy, electricity bill relief, cheaper child care and increased rent assistance, we’re continuing to deliver targeted cost of living relief without adding to inflation.”

Health Minister Mark Butler said:

“The tripling of the bulk billing incentive will help over 5 million children and their families, and more than 7 million pensioners and concession card holders to see a bulk billed GP.

“Doctors’ groups have called this a ‘game-changer’ and GPs right around the country have said this will help them maintain and even shift back to bulk billing.

“Peter Dutton froze the Medicare rebate when he was Health Minister 10 years ago – a freeze that remained in place for six long years and led to a very substantial decline in bulk billing in general practice.

“Bulk billing is the beating heart of Medicare and Labor will always strengthen it.”

STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF DEBORAH CHEMKE

After a long illness, Deborah Chemke passed away last night.

Our first thoughts today are with Mark Dreyfus, her beloved husband of 44 years, their children Joe, Tom and Laura, and their grandchildren.

Everyone who knows Mark knows he adored Deborah. She was his most trusted source of advice and his constant inspiration. Above all, she was Mark’s great love.

From a chance encounter on a Sydney beach grew an enduring relationship built on love, respect, admiration and profound devotion.

Deborah was a skilled linguist and a woman of great intelligence and inner strength. That she came to this country from her native Chile was very much Australia’s good fortune.

No one considered themselves more fortunate than Mark. In each other they found their own universe.

All of us who count Mark as a friend know Deborah’s illness has been an incredibly difficult time for their family. Yet through it all Deborah, Mark and their loved ones showed extraordinary grace and courage.

Our deepest sympathies to all who mourn for Deborah Chemke today. May you always carry the glow of her in your hearts.

And may she rest in eternal peace.

FANCY TV COMMERCIALS WON’T FIX TEACHER SHORTAGE

The Greens say that while 98% of public schools remain underfunded a new government advertising campaign to encourage people to pursue a teaching career will do little to reverse the mass exodus of teachers from the profession.

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

“If Labor’s advertising campaign encourages more people to consider teaching as a career, and to remind the community of the vital role that teachers play in society, then that’s good.

“But what awaits these new teachers when they enter the classroom? A lack of resources and support staff, mountains of paperwork, and a workload that is impossible for many teachers to sustain.

“Teachers aren’t leaving the profession because they’re not getting enough nice TV commercials made about them – they’re leaving because the conditions are appalling, and they’re not able to do the jobs they love.

“If the government wants to attract and keep teachers in the classroom it needs to make sure they have the resources and support they need to actually teach. Because right now, only 1.3% of public schools receive the bare minimum funding they need.

“With the new National School Reform Agreement (NSRA) due next year, and Labor in power federally and in every mainland state and territory, there has never been a better time to end decades of decline and fully fund the public education system.

“Every public school in the country must be funded to 100% of the Schooling Resource Standard at the start of the next NSRA, in January 2025.”

PRODUCTIVITY COMMISSION SUPPORTS BUYBACKS AS SENATE INQUIRY HEARS BOGUS IRRIGATION PROJECTS SHOULD BE SCRAPPED

Key elements of today’s report from the Productivity Commission call for more water buybacks and accountability measures, as a Senate Inquiry into the Murray Darling Basin hears today that bogus & expensive irrigation infrastructure projects should be scrapped. The Greens, who are in balance of power on the amendment to the Water Act, have welcomed elements of the PC report.

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young is Greens Spokesperson for the Murray Darling Basin and the Environment said:

“‘Buy more water for the environment and stop funding expensive, dodgy irrigation projects’ is what we’ve heard today from the Productivity Commission and the Senate Inquiry. It’s a message the Government should heed.

“The Greens can not rubber stamp the Government’s amendment to the Water Act as it stands. The Bill must include a guarantee that the water promised for the environment and South Australia will be delivered on time and not delayed again.

“The Productivity Commission has today said the current plan is failing to deliver water for the environment and that more water buybacks are the most cost effective way to protect the Murray Darling Basin from vested interests.

“Today’s Senate inquiry has also heard from almost all witnesses that the bogus and costly irrigation infrastructure projects which have failed to deliver water should be scrapped, and money should instead be used for buybacks. The Productivity Commission has also clearly recommended that a range of dodgy and expensive water supply projects should be scrapped.

“We can’t afford another decade of delay, broken promises and political buck-passing on the Murray Darling Basin. As we head into a hot, dry, El Niño summer, the Murray Darling Basin is at serious risk.

“A river system dies from the mouth up – which is why it’s crucial that the Coorong, lower lakes and Murray mouth get the water science says is needed.”

City of Newcastle charging towards environmental legacy

City of Newcastle is taking responsible action to reduce pollution by powering up electric alternatives for fuel-based vehicles and equipment as part of its landmark Newcastle Environment Strategy.

The Strategy, which was adopted at tonight’s Council meeting, provides a 10-year roadmap for a sustainable Newcastle based on the priority areas of climate change, nature-based solutions and the circular economy.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Strategy would ensure CN continues its decades-long action and advocacy to protect and improve our environment.

“The Newcastle Environment Strategy is our definitive roadmap for achieving our progressive environmental ambitions,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Through this strategy, we are sending a signal to the community that we are strongly committed to protecting and enhancing Newcastle’s natural environment today, and for future generations of Novocastrians.”

Fifteen key actions have been identified to be delivered by CN or in partnership with state and federal governments, business and the community within the first four years, including renewable energy initiatives, city-wide electric vehicle charging infrastructure, connected wildlife corridors and sustainable construction materials.

CN will continue its drive towards net zero emissions with a range of activities, including the development of a vehicle, plant and equipment transition plan.

This will guide the implementation of low emissions and electric alternatives to slash the use of fossil-based liquid fuels, such as diesel and unleaded petrol, in CN cars, trucks, plant and equipment. City of Newcastle was the first Council in NSW to use 100% renewables in its operations, delivered in part through the construction of a council owned 5MW solar farm at Summerhill Waste Management Centre.

The transition plan will build on successful trials of electric vehicles within CN’s fleet, as well as a recent roll-out of electric plant and equipment to help maintain the city’s natural environment.

“While we’ve been successfully trialling the use of electric vehicles within our fleet for a number of years, we’ve also recently purchased around 50 pieces of electric equipment, including hedge trimmers, chainsaws, blowers, pruners, shears and an electric mower,” Cr Nelmes said.

“These pieces of equipment have been fit for purpose for use by our City Greening and Natural Areas teams, as well as at Blackbutt Reserve and Summerhill Waste Management Centre, offering a range of benefits alongside important carbon emissions reductions by being quieter, lighter, faster to start and easier to maintain.

“This initiative is just one example of how City of Newcastle is continuing to invest in progressive actions to ensure we create an environmental legacy for future generations.”

Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 31 October 2023 

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 31 October 2023. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Lord Mayoral Minutes

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People of the City of Newcastle

A Lord Mayoral Minute was supported that recommits to the 1998 Statement of Commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People of the City of Newcastle, noting that 53% of Newcastle residents voted ‘Yes’ to constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through a Voice to Parliament, with Newcastle receiving the highest ‘Yes’ vote outside of a capital city.

Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that acknowledges the work of the Royal Commission over the last four years with the release of the Report of the Disability Royal Commission and commits to the continued implementation of the Disability Inclusion Action Plan over the next two years.

New Annual success

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that noted the recent conclusion of the highly successful New Annual, Newcastle’s flagship arts and cultural festival and recognises New Annual’s success over the last three years in attracting 95,000 visitors.

Ordinary business

Authorisation for signing of the financial statements

Council received the draft Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2023 and unanimously voted to authorise the signing of City of Newcastle’s statements by Councillors and Management as required.

Tabling of Register of Disclosures of Interest annual report

Council noted the tabling of the Register of Disclosures of Interest for the financial year 2022/2023 by the Chief Executive Officer.

Adoption of Newcastle Environment Strategy

Council voted to adopt the Newcastle Environment Strategy 2023, repealing and replacing the Newcastle Environmental Management Strategy 2013.

Conservation agreement for Black Hill wetland

Council unanimously voted to endorse the establishment of a Conservation Agreement over 185D Lenaghans Drive, Black Hill.

Draft Newcastle City Centre Heritage Conservation Areas Review report

Council unanimously voted to exhibit for a minimum of 28 days the Draft Newcastle City Centre Heritage Conservation Areas Review Report, which recommends ways to preserve and protect the cultural heritage in the Newcastle City Centre.

Adamstown Park Masterplan

Council unanimously voted to adopt the Adamstown Park Masterplan, which has been developed to guide the future vision and renewal of the precinct over the next 15 years.

Adoption of Crown Land Plan of Management 2023 and application to the Minister

Council voted to adopt the Crown Land Plan of Management 2023 following public exhibition and endorsement by Crown Lands, and to make an application to the Minister for Local Government for consent to grant a lease as per the Local Government Act following the CEO’s decision to award a tender for the operation of City of Newcastle’s inland swimming pools.

Draft Council Property Lease and Licence Policy

Council unanimously voted to place the Draft Council Property Lease and Licence Policy on public exhibition for a period of 28 days. It would establish a framework for optimal use and utilisation of Council Property based on community need, equitable access, and affordability.

Newcastle Show Day 2024

Council voted to make an application to the Minister for Industrial Relations seeking the proclamation of Show Day for Friday 1 March 2024 as a Local Public Holiday, and if that is not approved by the Minister, request their approval for it to be proclaimed a Local Event Day as set out in the Public Holidays Act 2010 (NSW).

Release of easement at New Lambton Heights

Council unanimously voted to support the request to release an existing easement for drainage and create an easement to drain water at 13 Grandview Road, New Lambton Heights.

Public positive covenants in Lambton

Council unanimously voted to support the release of the two public positive covenants currently burdening 79A Young Road, Lambton.

Major events update

Council voted to support City of Newcastle’s commitment to attracting and hosting major events, as well as an amendment to prioritising universally accessible experiences for every person, for every event. Council also voted to support Cessnock City Council’s effort to retain Supercars in the Hunter with the proposed Wine Country 500.

Executive monthly performance report

Council received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for September 2023.

Cell 9 stage 2 upper batter contract

Council unanimously voted to accept a tender for the construction of the Cell 9 Stage 2 upper batter component of the Cell 9 landfill at Summerhill Waste Management Centre.

Notices of Motion

Hillcrest Tennis Club

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that congratulated the Hillcrest Tennis Club, Mayfield on celebrating its 85th anniversary and committed to the protection of the Hillcrest Tennis Courts and continued partnership with Tennis NSW and the Tennis Club in the development of a Tennis Strategy as an action of the 10-year Strategic Sports Plan.

Newcastle Mines Grouting Fund

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that called on the NSW Government to restore the Newcastle Mines Grouting Fund, noting the fund had minimal impact on the State Budget, but provided significant benefits and assurance to the redevelopment and revitalisation of Inner-City Newcastle.

Community preparations to ensure a safer summer

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that intends to ensure the safety of the community during the upcoming summer season and empowers residents with the knowledge and resources necessary to protect themselves, their families, and properties from the potential risks and threats posed by heatwaves, bushfires, and storm activity.

Recognition of carers

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that recognises the contribution of informal and family carers in caring for loved ones across our community and supports the creation of a national carer advisory body to provide advice on the development and implementation of a National Carer Strategy.

Past privatisation agreements to be publicly released

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey has delivered on a key promise for transparency in NSW by starting the process for releasing privatisation agreements signed by the previous government.

Mr Mookhey is writing to ports and energy companies notifying them he expects to make information about their agreements available to the public.

Where required, he has requested the consent of the relevant authorities to release the documents.

This includes the commitment deeds for Port Botany, Port Kembla and the Port of Newcastle.

The key agreements relate to the privatisation and long-term leases of:

Port Botany, Port Kembla and Port of Newcastle
Ausgrid, Transgrid and Endeavour electricity networks
Liddell, Bayswater, Colongra, Eraring, Shoalhaven, Mt Piper, and Vales Point power stations.

Subject to consent where required, the documents will be tabled in parliament.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“The people of NSW deserve to know exactly what is in the agreements made when public assets were privatised.

“This will provide an opportunity for NSW citizens, for the first time, to be able to access important documents that set out what the state’s existing assets, rights and liabilities are from past privatisations.

“People should not have to wait until next century to learn what has been agreed to. The previous government should have revealed these details earlier.”

Driver animations make Rozelle Interchange a virtual reality

Motorists can start preparing for driving conditions inside the final piece of WestConnex, with the release of animations to help navigate the more than 16km of new tunnels that make up the Rozelle Interchange.

The animated in-car videos show motorists how to negotiate the underground interchange which links the M4 and M8, Anzac Bridge, City West Link, the toll-free Iron Cove Link, as well as the future Western Harbour Tunnel.

With Rozelle Interchange opening before the end of the year, the animations give an early glimpse inside, including signage in the tunnels and on adjoining surface roads, while a flyover video gives a useful overview of how Rozelle Interchange connects west and south-west of Sydney with the CBD and inner west.

About 100,000 vehicles a day are expected to travel through Rozelle Interchange every day and the Minns Labor Government wants them to do so with confidence from day 1.

The ongoing final phase of work to complete the interchange is testing the incident response, ventilation and IT systems to ensure the highest possible level of safety is delivered for motorists.

On Tuesday 7 November, the Crescent overpass will open to traffic to improve access from Annandale and Glebe to Victoria Road and the Anzac Bridge. Drivers can access the overpass via Johnston Street or Link Road to travel over City West Link and onto Victoria Road or the Anzac Bridge.

There will be a temporary no left turn from The Crescent onto City West Link for approximately 4 weeks to allow for final elements of construction at the intersection.

NSW Roads Minister, John Graham said:

“Rozelle Interchange is a complex feat of Australian engineering, which has become a reality due to the hard work of a skilled local workforce, and we look forward to opening to traffic soon.

“Now is a good time for drivers to start thinking about their journeys and how they may change after the opening of the interchange. These videos provide a preview of the new connections and will help in planning.

“When a major piece of road infrastructure like Rozelle Interchange opens, we expect drivers will take time to adjust to the new roads and route options, but these videos will give a head start.

“We are expecting an increase in congestion along Victoria Road and the City West Link as well as some queuing on the new M4 exit ramp in the AM peak until road users adapt and establish new travel patterns.

Transport for NSW Coordinator General Howard Collins said:

“Rozelle Interchange is close to completion, and we look forward to opening 16.6km of new roads to give Sydney motorists more options to get where they want to go across our growing city.

We know from the opening of other major road infrastructure projects that motorists can take time to adjust to changes on the road network.

“These driver animation and flyover videos will help people familiarise themselves with the new routes as motorists familiarise themselves with the interchange and its various connection points.

“These new additions to the road network will require a change of behaviour for drivers and we are eager to help the public as much as possible before the green light goes on for Rozelle Interchange.”

The public can view the driver animation and flyover videos on the Transport for NSW website.launch

Police recruitment breakthrough – trainees will be paid to become officers

The NSW Government is continuing to rebuild our frontline services today announcing an historic breakthrough agreement to address the ongoing critical shortfall in police numbers by paying Student Police Officers while they study at the Goulburn Police Academy.

This is an important workforce incentive to encourage more people to take up a career in the NSW Police Force.

From March 2024, Student Police Officers will be paid to study at the Goulburn Police Academy. Student Police Officers will be employed as clerk grade 1/2 administrative employees on a temporary fixed term contact.

They’ll receive a total salary of approximately $30,984 over the 16-week study period.

That works out to be $1,360 per week plus superannuation and an estimated $380 in award-based allowances.

At the end of their studies, they will be employed and paid as Probationary Constables, as is the current arrangement.

This initiative also brings NSW in line with other states and territories who already offer students extra allowances.

To ensure the current classes are not worse off, they will receive a scholarship administered by their education provider – Charles Stuart University.

Class 360 will receive a pro-rata scholarship from the date of today’s announcement.
Class 361 will receive a $21,760 scholarship.
NSW Police is being severely strained by a huge shortfall in police numbers.

We are currently carrying more than 1,500 vacancies – a legacy of the previous government’s mismanagement of police recruitment and retention.

These vacancies are placing significant strain and an increased workload on serving officers. It is critical that something is done to address this.

The scheme, combined with NSW Police’s Associate Degree level qualification that police recruits earn at Goulburn Academy will make NSW the most attractive jurisdiction in Australia to train as a police officer.

This will unlock opportunities for a more diverse range of recruits including mature age students who have existing financial responsibilities, women, particularly women with families, and people from low-income households who simply can’t afford to study for four months with no income.

Our plan to rebuild essential services is only possible because of the careful and responsible approach to repair the budget without privatising our essential assets or imposing an unfair wages cap on our workforce.

We are a government with a clear focus – managing our finances responsibly so we can provide support when you need it most and improve the essential services that we all rely on, now and into the future.

This is an important workforce incentive to encourage more people to take up a career in the NSW Police Force.

They’ll receive a total salary of approximately $30,984 over the 16-week study period.

That works out to be $1,360 per week plus superannuation and an estimated $380 in award-based allowances.

At the end of their studies, they will be employed and paid as Probationary Constables, as is the current arrangement.

This initiative also brings NSW in line with other states and territories who already offer students extra allowances.

To ensure the current classes are not worse off, they will receive a scholarship administered by their education provider – Charles Stuart University.

Class 360 will receive a pro-rata scholarship from the date of today’s announcement.
Class 361 will receive a $21,760 scholarship.

NSW Police is being severely strained by a huge shortfall in police numbers.

We are currently carrying more than 1,500 vacancies – a legacy of the previous government’s mismanagement of police recruitment and retention.

These vacancies are placing significant strain and an increased workload on serving officers. It is critical that something is done to address this.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“We owe a great debt of gratitude to NSW Police and this announcement makes it clear that the NSW Labor Government backs our police officers 100 per cent.

“I’m committed to improving working conditions, stopping our frontline workers quitting and attracting more people to these vital roles – that’s why we are introducing this new incentive for future police officers.”

“Police do an incredible job to keep us safe, but the truth is they are stretched and overworked, and we can’t fix that if we don’t recruit and retain more officers.

“We want to attract a diverse new cohort of NSW Police Officers, my message to anyone who has considered joining the NSW Police is that now is the time to apply.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“This is a historic day. NSWPF recruitment has been in the doldrums for years.

“I’m incredibly proud to be part of the team, along with Commissioner Webb, that has delivered this landmark reform for our trainee police.

“I want to thank the Police Association of NSW which has advocated tirelessly for this reform and been a huge support to me and the Government in seeing it delivered.”

“This will be an enduring legacy of my time as Minister and Karen’s as Commissioner. We’re both very proud of it.”

“I’ve heard many stories of people wanting to change careers and join the NSW Police Force but who simply cannot afford to train for four months without income. I’m thrilled that’s about to change.”

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said:

“This announcement is a game changer for our organisation. Post covid, recruitment in policing has suffered in Australia and across the world. Breaking down the barriers for people to leave one job and start with us without being financially disadvantaged is the most attractive incentive we’ve been able to offer for many years.”

“I can’t think of a more exciting announcement for the NSW Police Force and it comes at a time when I know all our current hard working, dedicated officers will be very relieved. The calvary is coming!”