The NSW Government has released the terms of reference for the Industrial Relations Taskforce.
The taskforce will be looking into a more consultative bargaining stream through reform to the Industrial Relations Act 1996. The review aims to identify opportunities for reform that will attract and retain public sector workers, delivering better outcomes in health, education and transport services.
For the past 12 years, the Industrial Relations system in NSW has been systematically eroded by the previous government, which has left workers and employers worse off.
The taskforce will also be reviewing the powers of the Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) in NSW and making recommendations on the current ability of the IRC to resolve industrial disputes.
The taskforce will engage key stakeholders including employer bodies, unions, public sector agencies, local government and the legal profession, to create a new, cooperative interest-based approach overseen by the IRC.
Currently the IRC considers the state economy when awarding pay increases. The taskforce will examine how to consider the finances of the government while supporting efficient service delivery.
The taskforce will be led by former Deputy President of the Fair Work Commission Anna Booth and former President of the NSW Industrial Relations Commission Roger Boland. It will report back to Cabinet with recommendations.
Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis said:
“The terms of reference of the Industrial Relations Taskforce further emphasise our government’s commitment to implement a modern and cooperative industrial relations framework.
“This taskforce will help set the framework for a more inclusive, collaborative industrial relations system that this state so desperately needs.
“We said we’d fix the recruitment and retention crisis in essential services, and this is a step closer to achieving just that.
“We can’t fix 12 years of wage stagnation and pay caps in a single years pay increase. We were upfront about this before the election.”
Young people are being given the opportunity to learn new skills to help them transition back into the community thanks to a partnership between Youth Justice NSW and Training Services NSW, which is rolling out the ‘Try a Trade’ program.
The first ‘Try a Trade’ day was held at Cobham Youth Justice Centre in late 2022 with 10 workshops held across a range of trades including carpentry, painting, mechanical, landscaping, bricklaying, welding, barbering, plumbing, warehousing, and barista.
Meanwhile a second session ran at the Riverina Youth Justice Centre on 29 June with 5 businesses, all in different trades, visiting the boys to teach them a range of skills including plumbing, carpentry, painting, traffic control and mechanics.
At the sessions, young people had the opportunity to try different trades and see what they enjoyed, as well as build real-life community connections and supportive links that will still be there once a young person leaves custody.
‘Try a Trade’ days will be run across all 6 Youth Justice Centres around the state throughout the remainder of 2023.
Youth Justice NSW runs a number of skills and trades programs in Youth Justice Centres with several young people continuing their education and training upon release.
Minister for Youth Justice, Jihad Dib said:
“Whether it is gaining carpentry or painting skills and one day owning a construction business, or becoming a barista and managing a café, we are giving young people a chance to reach their full potential through the ‘Try a Trade’ program.
“We don’t want to see anyone, no matter their age, spend time in a justice centre but where they do we want them to have the skills they need to start over upon their release.
“The program, while still early, is already yielding success with a young person who left Cobham Youth Justice Centre recently taking up a plumbing apprenticeship with a local plumbing company involved in the program.
“This is the type of inspiring story that shows the impact of ‘Try a Trade.”
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Tim Crakanthorp said:
“When someone leaves a justice centre we want to give them the best possible chance to seize opportunities and thrive.
“No matter their background, everyone deserves the chance to learn a skill and contribute to their community.”
Women and children escaping domestic and family violence, disaster victim-survivors, rough sleepers and couch surfers are just some of the vulnerable people across the state who will now be able to access temporary accommodation for a longer period with the NSW Government expanding support for those seeking assistance.
Temporary accommodation is emergency housing support that is provided to people experiencing homelessness.
The reforms mean that people in need can now access an initial period of 7 days temporary accommodation, instead of just 2 days under the previous government.
This change marks a significant shift in how we support people in vulnerable situations across NSW.
The Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) have revised eligibility requirements for people requesting temporary accommodation raising the asset cap to $5000 instead of $1000 and removing this requirement altogether for those fleeing domestic or family violence.
Under the changes, people who contact Link2home can initially access 7 days of temporary accommodation.
Clients will continue to receive temporary accommodation while seeking longer-term accommodation options, providing they keep engaging with support and accommodation services and take up options for accommodation.
This announcement builds on the NSW Government’s commitment to addressing homelessness. We have committed to:
30% social and affordable housing.
A 2-year extension of Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS) contracts. The end date for these contracts has changed from 30 June 2024 to 30 June 2026. Providing stability and continuity for some of the state’s most vulnerable people.
People in temporary accommodation are no longer required to complete a Rental Diary to demonstrate they are actively looking for housing. Women and children escaping domestic violence and flood victims are just some of the people in temporary accommodation.
The 12-month freeze on the requirement to complete seeker diaries started on Saturday 1 July 2023 as we thoroughly review and assess this scheme.
Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) Housing staff are available to assist people in temporary accommodation to access the Specialist Homelessness Services that can help them find stable housing.
Residents can visit their local housing office or call the Housing Contact Centre on 1800 422 322launch.
If you or someone you know is experiencing or at risk of homelessness, help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling Link2home on 1800 152 152launch.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said:
“Everyone in NSW should have access to safe and secure housing.
“The NSW Government is committed to increasing housing supply and delivering solutions to help break cycles of homelessness.
“I don’t want to see a situation where a woman fleeing domestic and family violence has to pick up and leave every 2 days. This is an important change for people in some of the most vulnerable situations.”
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:
“This is about bringing humanity and dignity back to the housing system in NSW and sends a clear message that this government cares about our homeless community and people in crisis.
“Two days just isn’t enough time for someone experiencing housing insecurity to organise their next steps. We want to ease the burden on people trying to find stable accommodation, not add to it.
“Part of rebuilding our housing system includes giving people in temporary accommodation more time to find their feet, get connected with the services and access stable housing from the safety of a motel.
“Homelessness is not a personal failing. Many people are one bad job, one bad relationship, one climate disaster away from facing homelessness. We need to strengthen our safety net to ensure people don’t fall through the cracks and find themselves unable to access shelter.”
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:
“Access to temporary accommodation is crucial for women and children escaping domestic violence and sexual assault. Not knowing what will happen, especially where they are going to live, often becomes a barrier for women who leave a violent relationship.
“Access to an initial period of 7 days temporary accommodation instead of 2 provides women with peace of mind so they can access other support services they need to leave a violent partner.”
Manager of Policy and Research for Homelessness NSW Kate Davies said:
“These sensible changes are the right thing to do, prioritising people, not processes, and their pathway out of homelessness. Emergency accommodation is critical in a crisis, but we must see investment in frontline support services and social housing to give people a safe home and the support to keep it.
“These changes are another step in the right direction to helping people exit the cycle of homelessness for good.”
NSW, like the rest of Australia, is in the midst of a domestic violence crisis and the NSW Opposition is calling for the Government to act urgently on the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission review and support the Opposition’s Private Members Bill to make women and children safer in their homes.
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman welcomed the Government’s announcement of increased support for women and children escaping domestic and family violence, and others who require access to temporary accommodation.
The Opposition notes that the Government has retained the 28 day temporary accommodation provided through the department of Communities and Justice, while increasing the ‘initial period’ from two to seven days.
We also welcome the revised eligibility requirements, lifting the asset cap from $1,000 to $5,000 and the removal of this requirement for those fleeing domestic or family violence.
“Today’s announcement builds on the former Coalition Government’s strong investment in Specialist Homelessness Services, with an increase of approximately 185% in funding to Temporary Accommodation, the Link2home program and the NSW Homelessness Strategy,” Mr Speakman said.
“The former Government also invested $426 million to deliver 39 new refuges, designed in the Core and Cluster model, which is an innovative approach that provides independent living and access to critical services such as counselling, legal; assistance and further education.”
“Just a few weeks ago the LECC’s review of NSW Police Force responses to family and domestic violence incidents made a number of important recommendations.”
“The Police Minister needs to urgently release the Government’s response to these recommendations and put them into action.”
Shadow Minister for Women and Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Leslie Williams called on the Labor Government to support the Opposition’s Private Members Bill to reform the Crimes Act and other relevant legislation so that all renters, and particularly women, are protected in the event of relationship breakdown.
On 10 May in BA v The King, the High Court found a former tenant not guilty of the crime of breaking and entering. The former tenant had kicked down the door of his old apartment when his ex-girlfriend refused to let him in, he shook her, yelled at her, and seized her mobile phone – but because his name was still on the lease, the Court found that he had a legal right to enter and so did not commit the crime of break and enter into the premises.
“As well as investing in shelters and support, the Government needs to help keep women safe in their own homes when relationships break down,” Ms Williams said.
“The High Court decision has shown an urgent need for the NSW Parliament to amend our criminal law.”
“We are calling on the Labor Government to support the Opposition’s Private Members Bill which reforms the Crimes Act and other relevant legislation so that all renters, particularly women, are protected in the event of relationship breakdown.”
Today’s release of the Industrial Relations Taskforce Terms of Reference is a further demonstration of the NSW Labor Government’s wrong priorities, as they continue to put unions ahead of our state’s economic security and NSW families.
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said, “by inviting the Industrial Relations Commission to increase public sector wages in NSW to match those of the highest paying States, the NSW Labor Government would be feeding inflation, abandoning budget restraint and risking our triple A credit ratings.”
“Before the election, Chris Minns said his public sector pay rises wouldn’t cost taxpayers a cent – he has broken this promise – and now we know that over the next four years it will cost at least $2.5 billion, and up $3.4 billion if the proposed HSU deal is extended to other workers.”
“Before the election, Chris Minns said his Government would identify productivity savings to meet union demands – he has broken this promise – as there are no productivity savings in sight.”
In addition to these broken promises, the Government is yet to reach an agreement with the Health Services Union who continue to threaten industrial action that would weaken our state’s healthcare system.
“Since coming to Government, Chris Minns and Daniel Mookhey have consistently talked down our economy – and have shown no indication that they are interested in preserving our Triple A credit rating,” Mr Speakman said.”
“For this Terms of Reference to state that the IRC should merely ‘consider the finances of the government while supporting efficient service delivery’is farcical – this Government simply can’t be trusted to manage our states finances and maintain our strong economy.”
“Chris Minns and Daniel Mookhey must guarantee that any wage rise beyond the current wages policy is fully offset by productivity gains. Otherwise the Government will have no choice but to increase taxes, increase debt or cut essential services and cost of living programs.”
“Today’s announcement is a further demonstration of the Government’s broken promises and wrong priorities, and it’s the households and families of NSW who will continue to pay the price.”
Australia will provide 30 additional Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles to Ukraine, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to their defence against Russia’s aggression.
The contribution expands on Australia’s previous commitment of 90 protected mobility vehicles, taking Australia’s provision of Bushmasters to Ukraine to 120. This takes Australia’s total military assistance provided to over $710 million and Australia’s overall assistance to Ukraine to approximately $890 million.
This announcement follows the recent gifting of 70 assorted highly capable military vehicles, a supply of critical 105mm ammunition and a $10 million contribution to the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund announced by Australia in late June.
This also builds on the Government’s commitment earlier this week to deploy a Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail aircraft to Germany for approximately six months from October to help protect a gateway of international humanitarian and military assistance to Ukraine. This deployment includes up to 100 crew and support personnel.
The aircraft will provide early warning in the event of any threats outside of Ukraine against the gateway for humanitarian and military assistance.
Along with our international partners, Australia continues to look for practical ways to assist the Ukraine Government and people and help bring about a rapid conclusion to the immoral and unprovoked invasion by Russia.
Prime Minister, the Hon. Anthony Albanese MP said:
“I am pleased to have met President Zelenskyy again today and to inform him of Australia’s decision to gift 30 additional Bushmasters to Ukraine.
“Australia remains steadfast in its commitment to support Ukraine.
“We are proud to provide additional Bushmaster vehicles to assist the brave men and women fighting for their home and their nation’s sovereignty.
“Russia unilaterally launched this illegal and immoral invasion and should withdraw its troops and end the conflict immediately.”
Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. Richard Marles MP said:
“From the start of this invasion, Australia has stood by Ukraine in the face of Russia’s aggression, which is a gross violation of international law.
“The gifting of further military support is a tangible sign of our nation’s ongoing commitment to Ukraine and the rules-based international order.
“We call on Russia to end to this appalling war so peace can be restored as quickly as possible.”
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said:
“Australian Bushmasters have been used extensively by the Ukrainian Armed Forces and our additional contribution of 30 vehicles will bolster Ukraine’s capabilities.
“We are providing sustainable and meaningful support to Ukraine, including through our humanitarian assistance and through our diplomacy.
“Russia’s attack on Ukraine is an attack on us all. It is an assertion that a larger country is entitled to subjugate a smaller neighbour.
“We again call on Russia to cease its illegal, immoral war on Ukraine.”
The Albanese Government has officially declared an offshore wind zone in the Pacific Ocean off the Hunter, paving the way for energy and job security in a region that has helped to power Australia for generations.
This is the second officially declared Australian offshore wind zone – and being in a heartland of heavy industry, will support future onshore manufacturing and energy security in NSW for decades to come.
The strong, consistent winds off the coast, along with the region’s skilled energy and manufacturing workforce, make the Hunter an ideal location for an offshore wind industry.
The final area was declared after two months of public consultation with a smaller footprint than the originally proposed zone – balancing the views of the local community, local industry and sea users.
The declared area, stretches over 1,800 km2 between Swansea and Port Stephens and could generate up to 5GW of wind energy, enough to power an estimated 4.2 million homes and power local industries into the future.
The revised zone will be 20 km from the coast in the north and over 35 km from the coast in the south.
These changes enable continued safe management of shipping and other sea industries. Offshore infrastructure will also be limited to a height of 260 metres to address aviation safety.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said the declaration was another big step for Australia to reap the huge benefits of offshore wind.
“The Hunter is undergoing significant economic change, and the prospect of creating new job opportunities for decades to come through a new offshore wind industry is a game changer,” Minister Bowen said.
“Today’s declaration opens the door for a new industry in the Hunter, which could create over 3,000 construction jobs and another 1,560 ongoing jobs.
Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon MP said this was an exciting opportunity for Newcastle to diversify its economy, while becoming home to a new offshore wind industry.
“The Albanese Labor Government has listened to community feedback and revised the offshore wind zone accordingly to ensure it coexists alongside whale migration, bird and sea life, and our shipping industry.”
“This is an important part of a suite of measures which will position Newcastle and the Hunter as a clean energy hub, including an $100 million investment to ensure hydrogen readiness at the Port of Newcastle. Newcastle has a bright future.”
Feasibility licence applications for offshore wind projects in the Hunter area will open from 8 August until 14 November 2023.
During the feasibility licence stage, developers will be required to undertake further consultation on individual proposals, including detailed environmental assessments and impacts on other marine users.
Construction can only begin after feasibility stage is completed, and environmental and management plan approvals are gained.
Our diplomats are the driver of Australia’s engagement with the world. Today I announce new appointments that strengthen Australia’s diplomatic capability and its prosecution of our national interests around the globe.
I am pleased that these highly qualified individuals have been appointed to lead Australia’s posts in the Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Qatar, and Tuvalu, and to the roles of Ambassador for Arms Control and Counter-Proliferation, and the Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York:
The appointment of Australia’s first resident High Commissioner in Malé, Maldives demonstrates Australia’s increased engagement in the Indian Ocean, including through the Indian Ocean Rim Association.
I thank the outgoing Ambassadors and High Commissioners for their contributions to advancing Australia’s interests.
A $10 million indoor aquatic facility at Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre is part of a tender the City of Newcastle has placed on public notice, for the operation of Newcastle’s five swimming pools.
Proposed upgrades by BlueFit Pty Ltd, who have been managing Lambton Swimming Centre since 2014, will also include a gym, new kiosk and new changerooms.
BlueFit has also committed to building accessibility facilities at each of the city’s five pools at Lambton, Wallsend, Beresfield, Stockton and Mayfield.
Under the proposed lease of seven years with two possible seven-year extensions and currently on public notice, BlueFit would commit $5 million as part of their successful tender to operate the city’s pools.
A decision on whether to award BlueFit the contract to manage Newcastle’s local pools will not be made until August following a public notice process that invites comments on the proposed lease.
CN staff have also developed a business case for the internal operation of the pools, which will be considered alongside the external tenders, prior to a final decision by the CEO in August.
The proposed upgrades at Lambton Swimming Centre would see 10 new or improved facilities:
A new 25m indoor warm water pool for improved programs and year-round operations
A new indoor toddlers’ pool and changerooms for year-round operations
Refurbishment of the amenities block and changerooms
Accessible change facilities
New health and fitness facilities
New accessibility features for pool access
Upgraded kiosk and cafe
Upgraded Swimming Centre entrance
Improved administration facilities
New multi-purpose room
City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said a year-round indoor facility at Lambton Swimming Centre was the key request from community consultation on its 20-year pools strategy, adopted in May.
“BlueFit has done preliminary work on an indoor aquatic facility as part of their tender proposal and we are sharing the images to help the community gain a sense of what these improvements at Lambton could look like,” he said.
“BlueFit’s proposal also includes freezing entry fees at all local pools this Summer season, ensuring that Newcastle pools remain the region’s most affordable. Beresfield Pool, which has long had the lowest entry fee of any local pool, will see its general admission fee further reduced to $2.90 when it reopens at the end of September.
“BlueFit has also confirmed that if they are awarded the contract to manage our local swimming pools, local private swimming school operator Joy Of Water will be able to continue to provide swimming lessons from Beresfield Pool as they have done for the past few years.”
Lambton, Mayfield, Wallsend and Stockton Swimming Centres have been operated by BlueFit since 2014. Beresfield has been managed under a hybrid arrangement with the pool managed in-house and BlueFit operating the turnstiles and kiosk since 2017.
Mr Bath said that the decision to place the proposed lease on public notice follows a detailed review by him of the proposal and financial modelling, as well as six weeks of further consultation with key stakeholders including councillors, unions, local MPs and staff.
“During the past six weeks I’ve reached out to multiple stakeholders, including councillors and unions. An invitation was extended to the State Member for Wallsend; however, I received no response,” Mr Bath said.
“My decision to place the lease on public notice was also influenced by the fact that the four local pools managed by BlueFit for the past nine years enjoy significantly lower entry fees than pools operated by other local councils.
“Part of my review during the past six weeks was to determine if ratepayers would be better off if City of Newcastle returned to managing its five local swimming centres, rather than BlueFit.
“This review found that if City of Newcastle were to once again manage its pools, the cost to ratepayers would be up to $39 million more than when compared to the cost of BlueFit managing them.
“This cost will send Council’s budget into deficit in at least two of the next five years. To avoid this impact, management would need to consider options such as increasing entry fees or re-prioritising other services or projects.
“The four swimming centres already managed locally by BlueFit enjoy a customer satisfaction rating of 85%, which is higher than the region’s many other public and private swimming centres.”
BlueFit’s tender provides value for money to ratepayers.
Customer service outcomes will be enhanced via the construction of a year-round aquatic facility at Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre including new indoor pools, a gym and new changerooms, as well as installation of accessible facilities at all five sites.
The contract does not involve the sale or disposal of the pools, noting Mayfield and Lambton are on Crown Land and cannot be sold.
BlueFit operated local swimming centres enjoy extremely high customer satisfaction ratings.
Pool users will financially benefit from BlueFit’s decision to freeze or reduce pool entry fees this season.
BlueFit’s $5 million capital investment favourably benchmarks with other outsourced pool contracts in NSW, the ACT and Queensland.
BlueFit’s tender is consistent with CN’s adopted Inland Pools Strategy 2043.
BlueFit is a responsible employer with a remuneration structure that exceeds the relevant award.
External management of our local pools by an industry-leading organisation reduces risk to ratepayers.
CN has undertaken a robust tender process, which has been overseen by an independent probity advisor.
Submissions in writing should be addressed to The City of Newcastle, Inland Pools Lease, PO Box 489, Newcastle, 2300 and be received by close of business Monday 31 July 2023.
Projects and organisations supporting women, children and other high priority groups who are at risk of, or experiencing sexual violence will receive a share of more than $10.5 million in joint NSW and Commonwealth Government funding.
NSW Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said 14 projects have received between $100,000 and $1.5 million each through the Sexual Violence Project Fund grants program. This program supports the delivery of actions under the NSW Sexual Violence Plan 2022-2027.
“Sexual violence has a devastating impact on victim-survivors and those around them. Early intervention is critical to reducing the prevalence of sexual violence and improving responses,” Minister Harrison said.
“These grants will fund intervention initiatives that support specific groups at higher risk of experiencing sexual violence, including women and children, First Nations people, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTIQ+ people, older women and people with disability.
“This means greater access to services and support for victim-survivors to enable a trauma-informed and inclusive response.”
One in 3 women has experienced physical violence since the age of 15, and 1 in 6 has experienced sexual violence. A 2021 study by Monash University indicated that 1 in 3 migrant and refugee women had experienced some form of family and domestic violence.
Federal Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said the grants program was delivered as part of the Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence Responses National Partnership Agreement 2021-27 and aligned with the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022-2032.
“Sexual violence does not discriminate. It targets victims of all colours and faiths, from all backgrounds and socio-economic groups,” Minister Rishworth said.
“The Commonwealth is committed to doing everything it can to stop sexual violence, and to better support victim-survivors to ensure improved outcomes.
“We are working in partnership with the NSW Government, as well as other states and territories and community organisations, to end the cycle of violence and provide additional on the ground support.”
Domestic Violence NSW CEO Delia Donovan said the projects funded under the Sexual Violence Project Fund will support community organisations to deliver trauma-informed initiatives that have been co-designed with victim-survivors to enable greater inclusivity in response to sexual violence.
“As an organisation, we want to see an end not just to sexual violence but also the systemic violence that re-traumatises victim-survivors navigating their own personal road to recovery,” Ms Donovan said.
“Sexual violence is pervasive and insidious, demanding a holistic and accessible response. Every victim-survivor’s story is unique, and our systems of support must be equipped to listen and accommodate that.
“The initiatives funded through the sexual violence grant program will allow a more intersectional response across government and non-government partners to change the narrative and break the cycle.”
CEO of the Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS) Jorge Aroche said programs supporting refugee victim-survivors of sexual violence are vital.
“Dislocation and displacement are synonymous with the refugee experience because of this, women and girls are particularly vulnerable to sexual violence, our job is to create culturally acceptable supports that resonate.
“Our team maintains strong relationships with the refugee community, this funding allows us to extend our work with young people, adults and parents, to build awareness, knowledge, and essential supports.”
