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NSW Government takes next steps towards Future Jobs & Investment Authorities in coal-producing regions

The Minister for Natural Resources, Courtney Houssos, the Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe, and the Mayor of Cessnock, Jay Suvaal, on Tuesday hosted a Roundtable as the NSW Government begins establishing Future Jobs & Investment Authorities in coal-producing regions.

New authorities will be established in the Hunter, Illawarra, Central West and North West to create jobs, where necessary re-skill workers and advance economic diversification. This is a key priority for the Minns Labor Government.

The authorities will work with the Commonwealth Government’s Net Zero Authority to support workers, industries and communities to seize transformational opportunities. The NSW Government is also considering how they will work with existing Royalties for Rejuvenation Regional Expert Panels.

More than 60 stakeholders from mining companies, unions, energy producers, industry groups and universities joined Tuesday’s meeting in Cessnock to provide their insights, share their perspectives on how the authorities should operate, and discuss the region’s core priorities.

The Roundtable is an important first step to creating the authorities and will be followed up with further discussions in the Hunter, as well as stakeholder roundtables across the state.

During the meeting, participants spoke of a commitment to work together to create opportunities to secure a strong future for the Hunter Region.

Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos said:

“It is vital we consult with workers and industry to better understand what support they will need. We want to ensure no-one gets left behind and that they are well prepared for the opportunities in the future.

“We only have one chance to put in place the right structures, policies and supports for communities to flourish in the post-coal era. The Minns Labor Government is committed to getting it right.

“We know our future productivity will rely on the economic diversification and workforce planning that we do now. That’s why we are working with local stakeholders to identify ways we can help workers and their families in mining regions prepare for a strong future.

“We recognise there is strong interest to explore how new industries can develop on mined land following mine closures.There is a great deal of energy and good will to make this happen and it was great to hear such a wide range of views as to how we can support these new economic opportunities.”

Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe said:

“The coal sector in NSW is changing. It is vital we work with coal communities to take action now to ensure NSW’s economy and these communities continue to grow and prosper.”

“We are committed to collaborating with local communities, industry and workers to develop bespoke plans which prioritise future industry and workforce needs.

“We know there is already substantial work underway and clever ideas being generated from the Hunter, and so it’s timely that the NSW Government listens and learns from our important Hunter stakeholders to bring together and build on what has already been done.”

Mayor of Cessnock Jay Suvaal said:

“The government’s work to promote economic diversification requires a sustained and authentic local engagement, and hosting the first Roundtable in Cessnock shows how serious the NSW Government is about getting this right.

“This is about supporting our communities, and supporting our workers and their families, while ensuring they have every opportunity as the area moves towards new and emerging industries.”

BHP NSW Energy Coal Vice President Adam Lancey said:

“We welcome the opportunity to consult on the creation of the authorities and look forward to future engagement around how we can work together towards a brighter future.

“We are currently exploring what might be possible when mining ends at Mt Arthur Coal so we can leave a positive legacy in the Hunter Valley.”

MEU Northern Mining and NSW Energy District President Robin Williams said:

“The mining and energy industries in the Hunter have made the region an economic powerhouse for NSW, but our economy is changing which has real implications for regional jobs in the years and decades ahead.

“I commend the NSW Government for bringing stakeholders together for a practical discussion about the investment we will need to ensure Hunter residents can continue to access quality, skilled jobs and the region has a bright future.”

Minns government forgets its rental commissioner

Today marks one month since the Minns Labor Government announced the appointment of Rental Commissioner Trina Jones, but they have yet to provide any details on the appointment.

Shadow Minister for Fair Trading Tim James said it wasn’t surprising that the Commissioner has not been able to achieve anything for renters, since the Government seems to have forgotten to gazette or legislate the appointment.

“NSW residents still have no idea what her powers will be or the exact nature of the role,” Mr James said. “There’s no public accountabilities or targets and nothing concerning the role has been made public – it seems that the Minns Labor Government that has been breaking promises every month wants us to take this on trust.”

“We are calling on the Minns Labor Government to urgently articulate the Commissioner’s powers and functions.”

“Millions of renters across the state are desperate for this government to act to relieve the impact of the current rental crisis that is adding to the stress caused by Labor’s cost of living crisis.”

“The Government must ensure this appointment wasn’t just paying lip service and will deliver tangible and immediate outcomes for renters.”

“The Opposition wished the Commissioner well on her appointment and welcomed the added voice for renters, but it appears the Minns Labor Government was only interested in the announcement and not the hard work of solving this crisis – just like their backflip on secret bidding.”

“Submissions on the government’s consultation paper on NSW rental laws close this week. The government must urgently clarify the Commissioner’s role in relation to this consultation process and the input she will have on shaping the government’s future reforms to residential tenancy laws.”

Minns must come clean on pay rises as “ceasefire” declared

Shadow Minister for Health Matt Kean has declared the Government’s latest union pay ‘deal’ nothing more than a band-aid solution that will lead to more budget blowouts and industrial action, calling on Chris Minns to come clean on the true cost of their public sector pay rises.

“Labor are running around patting themselves on the back while nurses and midwives warn that this is merely a ‘ceasefire’ in their fight for a pay rise that exceeds the rate of inflation,” Mr Kean said.

“Nurses and midwives have every right to feel dudded by Chris Minns, who before the election promised huge pay increases, and now has walked away from keeping this promise. The fact that only 58% of members voted for this ‘deal’ shows there are still major problems before the Minns Labor Government.”

It was reported today that NSW Nurses and Midwives Association is set to continue campaigning for a pay rise that is “at least more than inflation”.

“The chickens are coming home to roost for Chris Minns, who’s quickly realising that he has to keep his word and come true on his election commitments. We don’t know how much a pay rise in excess of inflation would cost, and Chris Minns is refusing to be upfront and honest about the impact on the Budget, or how he’ll pay for these pay rises,” Mr Kean said.

“Before the election Chris Minns said any pay increases would be paid for by productivity gains, now we know that this was a lie and that the cost to the Budget is in excess of $3 billion and rising.”

“That’s why Chris Minns and his ministers are looking to cut essential cost of living support, limit energy relief and delay or cancel vital infrastructure projects across NSW.”

Health Services Union paramedics have also walked away from negotiations over Government’s pay offer, last week announcing that members would refuse to be on standby at some major sporting events.

“This is a health crisis of Chris Minns’ own making, he should spend less time trying to spin his way out of this mess on social media, sit down with paramedics, nurses and midwives and be true to his word,” Mr Kean concluded.

NATIONAL CABINET MEETING

National Cabinet will next meet in Brisbane on 16 August 2023.

The key priority for the meeting is to discuss progress on housing and planning reforms, including proposals to increase housing supply and affordability.

Consistent with National Cabinet’s 2023 priorities, First Ministers will also discuss health reform ahead of a dedicated health meeting planned for later in 2023.

Prime Minister Albanese said:

“I am looking forward to meeting with First Ministers this month for positive and constructive discussions on Australia’s national priorities.

“Our key priority for this meeting is increasing housing supply and affordability across Australia.

Appeal to locate missing man – Cessnock

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man reported missing in the Hunter Valley area.

Robert Pagan, aged 45, was last seen leaving a home on Sixth Street, Cessnock, about 12pm today (Wednesday 9 August 2023).

When he was unable to be located or contacted, he was reported missing to officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District, who commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for his welfare.

Robert is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 185cm tall, of solid build, with blonde hair and unshaven.

He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, black pants and a black bum bag.

Anyone with information into Robert’s whereabouts is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Hume Community Housing preserves social housing with purchase of multiple villas in East Maitland

Hume Community Housing today announced the purchase of seven villas in East Maitland. The sale represents an important move by the community housing provider to preserve social housing in a region experiencing one of the tightest rental markets in NSW.

The sale was a rare opportunity to purchase a full line of properties centrally located close to shops and amenities. The seven single-level, 2-bedroom attached villas were held by a private owner and head leased to Hume, who managed tenancy of the properties. The villas have provided long-term social housing to local families over many years.

According to Hume’s CEO Brad Braithwaite, the decision to purchase was important in that it would retain desperately needed social housing stock, rather than see the properties lost to the private market.

“We want to help solve the housing crisis by contributing to the supply of affordable rental housing, particularly in the Hunter. Tonight, seven households are sleeping soundly in the knowledge they will retain their tenancies under Hume and will not be adding to the growing line of people waiting to secure a rental they can afford.”

According to a recent Real Estate Institute of NSW’s (REINSW) Vacancy Rate Survey, the Hunter region saw declines in the number of available residential rentals over June with the vacancy rate dropping by 0.3 per cent to 2 per cent. The problem is compounded with an estimated 35.2% of Maitland residents reported as experiencing rental stress. “It is a perfect storm, and with the ongoing cost-of-living pressures more families are approaching organisations like Hume in desperate need of housing support, that’s why every property we can safeguard for social housing matters.’

The villas, built in 1998, are earmarked to undergo a program of repair and maintenance. “These homes, along with another 400 plus homes in the Hunter region that Hume manages, are currently receiving upgrades. Our goal is to provide housing that is safe, secure and that people are proud to call home,” said Braithwaite.

The announcement comes amid National Homelessness Prevention Week 2023 taking place from Monday August 7 to Sunday August 13. The theme for Homelessness Week 2023 is “It’s time to end homelessness”. You can find out more at Homelessness Week – Homelessness Australia.

About Us

Hume is one of the largest providers of community rental housing solutions in Australia. With over 30 years’ experience, we provide homes and services to more than 9,000 customers across NSW. In fact, one in every thousand NSW residents resides in a Hume managed home. We believe a safe, secure, and affordable home is a human right and is the cornerstone to ensuring a prosperous future.

Hume’s comprehensive range of rental housing solutions are targeted to meet the needs of a diverse customer base. With government support Hume provides housing for those who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, fleeing domestic violence along with low to moderate income earners. Our rental programs span crisis, temporary and transitional housing, through to community and affordable housing and specialist disability accommodation (SDA).

Hume also builds and develops new properties in conjunction with Government and partners. We are experts in property management and maintenance services and are a trusted partner with proven large scale property transfers and muti-story residential and precinct developments. Hume is also one of the largest Specialist Disability Accommodation providers in NSW, managing and developing homes in conjunction with the NSW Government. Today Hume has more than 500 NDIS customers living in Hume group homes. www.humehousing.com.au

Further charges laid over fatal bus crash – Greta

Further charges have been laid over a fatal brush crash that occurred in the state’s Hunter region in June 2023.

Just after 11.30pm on Sunday 11 June 2023, emergency services were called to the roundabout on Wine Country Drive near the Hunter Expressway off ramp at Greta, after reports a coach had rolled.

The driver of the bus – a 58-year-old man – was charged with ten counts of dangerous driving occasioning death – drive manner dangerous, and negligent driving (occasioning death).

The Maitland man first appeared at Cessnock Local Court on Tuesday 13 June 2023 where he was granted conditional bail.

Today the man was charged with a further 52 offences at Newcastle Local Court (Wednesday 9 August 2023).

The additional charges are:

25 counts of cause bodily harm by misconduct, in charge of motor vehicle
Nine counts of negligent driving (occasioning death)
Nine counts of dangerous driving occ GBH- drive manner dangerous
Nine counts of negligent driving (occasions grievous bodily harm)

The matter will next be before Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday 4 October 2023.

Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash are ongoing.

CCTV released as investigation into armed robbery continues – Hunter Region

Robbery and Serious Crime Squad detectives have released CCTV footage as they continue to investigate an alleged armed robbery in the state’s Hunter region last year.

Shortly after 12.15am on Friday 30 September 2022, officers from Hunter Valley Police District were called to a licensed premises on Cessnock Road in Weston, about 10km east of Cessnock, after reports of an armed robbery.

Police were told two unknown males – both armed with machetes – entered the business and confronted patrons, before there was a physical altercation.

One of the patrons – a 48-year-old man – was struck with a machete, causing a laceration to his arm.

The males allegedly threatened staff and stole cash, before fleeing the scene on foot along Station Street.

The injured man was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics, before being taken to John Hunter Hospital where he underwent surgery and his since been released.

Local police conducted initial inquiries, before the matter was referred to State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad under Strike Force Rubus.

As investigations continue, strike force detectives have released CCTV footage of the incident and an image of a vehicle of interest.

The males are depicted wearing dark-coloured clothing with their faces covered. The vehicle was seen in the area following the incident, and is described as being a small, dark-coloured hatchback.

Investigations under Strike Force Rubus are continuing.

Appeal to locate girl missing from Wallsend

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a girl missing from the Newcastle area.

Angel Baker, aged 13, was last seen on Tyrell Street, Wallsend, about 1.40pm on Monday (7 August 2023).

Unable to be located since, Angel was reported missing to officers attached to Newcastle City Police District on Tuesday (8 August 2023), who commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Police hold serious concerns of Angel’s welfare due to her age.

Angel is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 150cm tall, with a thin build, with red hair and green/hazel eyes.

She was last seen wearing grey pants, white shoes, and a lavender crop top.

She is known to frequent the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie areas.

Anyone with information into Angel’s whereabouts is urged to contact Newcastle City Police District or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Australia’s new International Development Policy and Development Finance Review

The Albanese Government’s new international development policy will advance Australia’s interests in a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific and ensure we are a partner of choice for our region.

The new long-term policy – the first in almost a decade – will drive the Government’s aid investments in tackling regional challenges like poverty, economic growth, healthcare, infrastructure investment, climate change and gender equality.

It will deliver a development program that is effective, responsive, transparent and accountable: fit for the challenges and opportunities of our times.

Australia will invest more in locally-led solutions, creating local jobs and economic opportunities and building genuine, respectful partnerships. A new fund will be established to provide direct support to community organisations in the region and drive local development outcomes.

The Government’s commitment to gender equality and climate action will be at the heart of the development program. New targets will ensure Australian development assistance tackles climate impacts and improves the lives of women and girls.

The new policy will underpin the Government’s record international development investments, which are delivering $1.7 billion in new spending over five years and a commitment to long-term growth of the development program.

A new performance and delivery framework will guide the implementation of the new policy and measure the effectiveness of our efforts.

The Government will also improve development skills and expertise in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, after nine years of Coalition cuts and neglect.

At the same time, the Government has released the Development Finance Review, conducted by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, accepting all eight recommendations.

This will boost the Government’s partnerships with impact investors and philanthropists, encouraging greater flows of private finance towards development outcomes in the Indo-Pacific.

As recommended by the Review, the Government will establish Australian Development Investments, a new vehicle providing up to $250 million as a catalyst for private impact investment in the Indo-Pacific.

The new development policy and Development Finance Review were informed by extensive consultations in Australia and across the Indo-Pacific. We thank all who participated for their important contributions.

They are part of the Albanese Government’s commitment to rebuild and revitalise Australia’s development program to ensure our aid investments are delivering a better future for our region.

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

“Australia is using all elements of our national power to advance our interests and shape the world for the better.
“Development and prosperity underpin peace and stability.
“This new policy reflects who we are. Australia is there, not only in times of crisis, but is working with the region to strengthen its resilience and to help deliver its aspirations.
“The new policy will guide how Australia’s development program works alongside our diplomatic, defence and economic engagement.”

Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP said:

“The Albanese Government is rebuilding and reinvesting in Australia’s development program after the Liberals and Nationals slashed $11 billion and neglected development expertise.
“We are responding to the priorities of our partner countries and helping to lift people out of poverty, building resilience and strengthening relationships in our region.
“We will invest in local solutions that deliver a double dividend – creating local jobs and delivering direct economic benefits on the ground, while also improving the development impact of Australia’s investments.”