End of COVID-19 restrictions sees NCC Budget return to surplus alongside mega infrastructure spend

City of Newcastle believes the financial hit from COVID-19 is largely in the rear-view mirror and is predicting a decade of record infrastructure spending and balanced budgets.

The Council will next week place its 2022-23 Budget on public exhibition for community feedback.

The $424 million budget is the largest in its history and includes a record $132 million on infrastructure projects including the long-awaited expansion of the Newcastle Art Gallery, the much-needed revitalisation of the Newcastle Ocean Baths, the construction of two new major recycling facilities in Wallsend and a record spend on new cycleways.

The draft Budget forecasts a modest surplus of $1.2 million, and is a return to the black following a $40 million hit to the Council’s income over the past two years from lockdowns and COVID-19 restrictions that forced the closure of many of its facilities including City Hall, the Civic Theatre and its fleet of parking meters.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the draft Budget represented a commitment to deliver services and infrastructure that support our city and natural environment while also returning the budget to surplus.

“Our track record of strong financial management meant that during the pandemic we were able to dip into our savings to stimulate the local economy and generate hundreds of jobs when many other employers were forced to lay people off,” Cr Nelmes said.

“This budget continues our commitment to stimulating the local economy, with independent modelling showing our record infrastructure program will create up to 740 new jobs while providing the local economy with a $325 million boost.

“We’re increasing our capital works program by almost 30 per cent to deliver a record $132 million investment across a range of projects, which are fundamental to improving the way our community works and lives, as well as ensuring we continue to be an attractive destination for visitors and investment.

“The budget includes more than $50 million being invested across four city changing projects that will deliver key outcomes for the community.

“Five million dollars will be allocated towards planning a plastic, glass and paper recovery facility and $9.4 million to begin construction of an organics processing facility, which will allow our food waste to be recycled to a commercially saleable product at the Summerhill Waste Management Centre.

“We will kick off construction of the Newcastle Art Gallery expansion with a $17.4 million investment, while we will also spend $18.6 million to protect the RAMSAR-listed Hunter Wetlands by remediating and improving environmental management of the former Astra Street landfill site in Shortland.

“Investment in services and facilities across the city remains a key priority under this Budget, with $5.8 million to continue the Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade, $16 million for upgrades to local roads, bridges and footpaths, and $7.9 million for coastal, city and urban centre revitalisation projects including upgrades at our much-loved Blackbutt Reserve.”

Other highlights of the 2022/23 budget include:

  • $17.8 million for our cultural and recreational facilities including libraries, parks, aquatic centres and civic venues, with $1.5 million for the all-abilities playground at Foreshore Park and $2.3 million to upgrade the Darling Street Oval grandstand
  • $8.3 million for environmental sustainability projects including $2.1 million to continue the rehabilitation of Ironbark Creek and $1.5 million for street and park trees to address urban heat island impacts
  • $5.9 million on stormwater upgrades to address flooding to property and businesses
  • $4 million to enhance economic development, tourism, smart city initiatives and improve customer experience
  • $4.4 million for improving Newcastle’s cycleway network
  • $2.1 million for community infrastructure and amenities including public toilets, community buildings and caravan parks
  • $1.3 million to continue implementing actions from the Stockton Coastal Management Plan.

CEO Jeremy Bath said getting the budget back in surplus is the result of prudent financial management and the expectation that lockdowns and COVID-related restrictions on local entertainment and hospitality venues will not be repeated.

“Despite the economic challenges of the pandemic, we are continuing to build on our past financial management by returning this Budget to surplus after several years of COVID-influenced deficits.”

Mr Bath said the greatest challenge to the Budget was the spiralling cost of construction, which last year increased by 7.3% and is likely to be more than 10% this year.

“Ratepayers will be spared the full force of recent inflation with rates forecast to rise by just 2.5% if the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) approves our rate application,” Mr Bath said.

“For some local councils IPART has set their rate increase at just 0.7%, which can’t be described as anything other than a spectacular error that is going to cause significant financial problems for some councils.

“Despite our $132 million infrastructure spend in this budget, the average ratepayer will see their rates increase by just $40.35 next year, which given the current inflation rate, is an acceptable outcome.

“The NSW Government sets out a series of financial metrics that allow the community to understand the financial sustainability of a council. I’m proud to inform the public that City of Newcastle comfortably passes each of the six financial metrics next year and in fact ever year for the next decade.

“This means that we can continue to employ our 1300 staff, continue to fund the construction of new infrastructure projects, and continue to improve the liveability of our city, year by year, week by week, day by day.”

Councillors will consider the draft Budget at next Tuesday’s Council meeting and vote to place it on public exhibition for four weeks to allow for community feedback.

New funding for war memorials across NSW

From Lismore to Thirroul, Gundagai to Kogarah, more than 16 local government areas across NSW will benefit from new funding for conservation work to their local war memorials.  
 
More than $125,000 will be invested in the protection and repair of local war memorials, under the Community War Memorials Fund 2021/22, which commemorate the sacrifice of service men and women.
 
Minister for Transport and Veterans David Elliott today announced the successful projects for the latest round of the community grants which support the conservation, repair and protection of local memorials.
 
“This Anzac Day, people across NSW will gather to pay respect and honour our diggers so it is vitally important we also protect our local war memorials so that young people understand the sacrifices made during the war,” Mr Elliott said.
 
“A total of $125,160 was awarded in this round, with grants ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 so all communities should review the status of their local war memorials and apply for funding if any restoration work is needed.”
 
The recent grants will support a variety of conservation projects including: an arborist assessment of Newman Park Great War Memorial Avenue of Honour in Orange; repairs to the Corowa First and Second World Wars Memorial Clock; and the restoration of the St Andrew’s Anglican Church War Memorial Gates in Lismore.
 
Lismore Parish representative Dr Ross Lehman said the funding had come at an important time as they were working to engage more with the community to encourage people to take the time to remember the service and sacrifice of our veterans.
 
“We are very thankful to be the recipients of the NSW Government grants. Importantly we are looking forward to relocating the Honour Roll and Plaque to honour the veterans from the First World War.” Dr Lehman said.
 
Mr Elliott also called for applications for the latest round of the Community War Memorials Fund. “I encourage all communities who believe their local memorials needs repair or restoration to apply”.
 
The next round of the Community War Memorials Fund opens on Anzac Day and closes at 5pm on Monday 25 July 2022.
 
To be eligible for funding, the memorial must be listed on the NSW War Memorials Register. A list of recipients, program information and the application form is available here

Red tape cut to mobilise interstate tradies

Working in NSW is about to become easier for interstate tradespeople, with the Government rolling out the welcome mat to ease construction industry labour shortages.
         
From 1 July, NSW will recognise a range of interstate building and construction qualifications and registrations, with certain tradespeople no longer needing to apply for a NSW licence, or pay additional registration or renewal fees.
 
Treasurer Matt Kean said more electricians, plumbers, and building workers coming to NSW would help the Government accelerate the repairs of homes, businesses, and schools damaged by the recent floods.
 
“We’re making it easier and cheaper for interstate sparkies, chippies, plumbers, and brickies to come to NSW and help with the flood recovery effort,” Mr Kean said.
 
“We’re cutting red tape to ensure that if you are an eligible qualified and registered tradie from any participating state, you can work in NSW. This means interstate tradies can now come and work in the Northern Rivers regions to help through the recovery phase.”
 
The changes follow extensive public consultation and form part of a national move to make it easier for tradespeople to work across borders under the Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR) scheme.
 
Mr Kean said it’s expected these changes will allow a more timely response to any future natural disasters.
 
“Our preference is always for local businesses to fill these jobs first. But improving the mobility of skilled workers across borders is particularly important in building the infrastructure we need to recover from the floods and build resilience to future natural disasters,” Mr Kean said.
 
“This scheme will deliver an estimated $2.4 billion increase in economic activity over ten years from savings to workers and businesses, productivity gains, and quicker responses to future natural disasters.”
 
Minister for Small Business and Minister for Fair Trading Eleni Petinos said the NSW Government had worked closely with industry to ensure proper protections for tradies and their customers are in place.
 
“Industry stakeholders were engaged to ensure that participating interstate tradies meet the necessary qualification standards,” Ms Petinos said.
 
“We’ve erred on the side of caution when deciding which licenses would be included to maintain the highest standards for consumers in NSW.
 
“Recognising interstate registration reduces administration costs faced by tradespeople – many of whom are small business owners – who want to grow their businesses and move to where the work is.
 
“This will boost competition, which can deliver lower prices, greater choice, and improved service quality for consumers.”
 
NSW, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, the Northern Territory, and the Australian Capital Territory are participating in the Automatic Mutual Recognition Scheme. Western Australia will join the scheme on 1 July 2022.
 
More information on AMR can be found here: Making it easier for registered professionals to work interstate | NSW Government

Vouchers break redemption records over Easter

The people of NSW have embraced the NSW Government’s voucher programs over the Easter long weekend with more than $25 million injected into businesses across the State during the four-day break.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said it was tremendous to see the crowds out and about enjoying the voucher programs, just one of over 70 ways to save offered by the NSW Government. 

“It’s heartening to see so many people taking advantage of the long weekend to shake off the shackles of the pandemic and spending their vouchers with those businesses needing it most,” Mr Perrottet said.

“We have saved families around $5.8 billion since 2017 through our Savings Finder, and this is another way the NSW Government is helping you get a boost for your budget.

“With more 266,000 vouchers redeemed over the Easter long weekend, the Dine & Discover NSW program enjoyed its biggest uptake since Christmas providing a $12.3 million boost to the economy and Stay NSW also set a redemption record with people enjoying the sights of this beautiful State to the tune of $10.3 million.

“With the Anzac day long weekend coming up and more than $550 million in vouchers sitting in digital wallets ready to be spent, we want people to get out again and take advantage.”

Around a quarter of the long-weekend’s redemptions were in the City of Sydney followed by Wollongong, the Central Coast, Newcastle and then the regions.

The uptake of Parents NSW vouchers set a new redemption record with 32,558 used on Good Friday alone, making it the single biggest day in the history of the program since launching in February.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the people of NSW had embraced the nation-leading digital delivery of the vouchers.

“Over the holiday weekend, more than 117,000 Parents NSW Vouchers were spent, totalling $5.8 million in voucher redemptions,” Mr Dominello said.

“This is about getting money to where it’s needed without people or businesses having to wade through red tape and allowing everyone to enjoy a great long weekend.

“With an average customer spend of $96 for every $50 voucher, Parents NSW is providing the perfect stimulus for registered Discover NSW and Stay NSW businesses, injecting more than $10.3 million into the economy over Easter.”

If people don’t have the Service NSW app, please visit a NSW Service Centre or call 13 77 88 and it will all be organised for you.

With more than 70 ways to save, customers can explore the full range of options available through Savings Finder, which include the voucher programs, by visiting www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/savings-finder

Millions of free Rapid Antigen Tests for vulnerable groups

The NSW Government will provide millions of free Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) to vulnerable cohorts, including people with disability, children and young people in out-of-home care, vulnerable multicultural communities and Aboriginal communities to support early identification and treatment for COVID-19.

Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Services Natasha Maclaren-Jones said up to 7.9 million RATs will be available to ensure protection for some of the most vulnerable in our community.

“We want to ensure that rapid antigen tests are easily accessible to those who need it most, to keep them safe against COVID-19 through the coming winter period,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.

“Given the higher risks for some cohorts, including people with disability if they contract COVID-19, ensuring early diagnosis and treatment is vital.”

The free RATs are now being progressively rolled out at locations across the state.

Those who are eligible will be able to access tests through their disability service provider or directly through statewide neighbourhood centres funded by the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ).

Vulnerable people who test positive for COVID-19 on a RAT are reminded to confirm the result with a PCR test to enable timely access to anti-viral medications and medical support, should it be required.

The program will initially run for four months, with a review to determine whether it should be extended toward the end of winter.

Physical Disability Council of NSW CEO Serena Ovens said people with disability, their support workers, carers, and family deserved access to free RATs to ensure they were not being forgotten.

“We need to protect those who are among the most at risk from COVID-19, particularly as we enter the winter months to ensure that people with a disability can safely get back to doing what they love,” Ms Ovens said.

National Disability Services Senior Manager State & Territory Operations Karen Stace said they welcomed the much needed distribution of free RATs for people with disability.

“It is great to see the Government making it a priority to protect some of the most vulnerable in our community by allowing people with disability to access as many RATs as they need, particularly as we head into the winter months,” Ms Stace said.

Additional Sanctions on Russia

The Australian Government has imposed targeted financial sanctions on a further 147 individuals in response to Russia’s illegal war, comprising Russian senators and family members of President Putin and Foreign Minister Lavrov.

This brings to nearly 750 the total number of individuals and entities we have sanctioned in response to the illegal invasion. We will continue to increase costs on Russia, in coordination with partners, targeting those who bear responsibility for Russia’s unjustified and unprovoked aggression in Ukraine or hold levers of influence.

This round of sanctions targets 144 Russian senators who provided support to President Putin by approving the illegitimate recognition of independence of the Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Luhansk on 22 February 2022. On 24 February 2022, Putin used this vote to justify his illegal, unprovoked and wholly unjustifiable invasion.

Australia, at the outset of the invasion, listed 338 Duma MPs for their vote for this illegitimate recognition of independence.

These sanctions are also applied to two daughters of President Putin and one daughter of Foreign Minister Lavrov. President Putin and Minister Lavrov were themselves listed for sanctions on 27 February 2022. These listings are consistent with our approach to those who have benefited from the Russian regime, including immediate family members of those in power. The three individuals have been sanctioned by likeminded partners of Australia.

The Australian Government again reiterates our strongest support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and for the people of Ukraine. We again call upon Russia to withdraw its military forces immediately from Ukraine.

The Greens Plan to Care for Country on Earth Day

“First Nations people are the first knowledge holders. Caring for Country is our birthright,” said the Greens spokesperson for First Nations: Gunnai, Gunditjmara and DjabWurrung Senator Lidia Thorpe.

“Successive governments have undermined Aboriginal land rights and heritage protections to favour big corporations, who often make big donations to the Liberal and Labor parties. It’s time to hand decision-making about what happens on Country back to First Nations people.”

The Greens have announced a Caring for Country policy that will:

  • Strengthen laws to protect First Nations tangible and intangible heritage, knowledge, and intellectual property
  • Expand Indigenous Protected Areas that are owned, cared for and managed by First Nations people 
  • Triple funding for First Nations ranger programs as Ranger programs deliver up to $3 worth of environmental and socio-economic value for every dollar spent. This is a $767m commitment

“We need better laws to protect First Nations heritage and Country. The Greens will legislate environmental personhood to areas of First Nations significance. Environmental personhood is giving nature, or parts of nature (like mountains, rivers, and lakes) rights in the same way that humans have rights.

“Environmental personhood reconfigures our relationship to the lands we inhabit through an Aboriginal lens. We rely on our lands, waters and sky to survive. Likewise, our lands, waters and sky rely on us to survive. Our policy reflects this connection to Country.”

“Billionaires, big polluters and big corporations will foot the bill. They have profiteered off stolen lands for decades. It’s about time they Pay the Rent and work with us to heal Country, for everybody’s benefit.” Said Thorpe.

Labor exempts coal mines, reality from climate policy

In an incredible act of climate deceit, the Labor party has revealed that they would exempt every coal mine from their emissions safeguard mechanism. This would mean that coal mines would be exempted from reducing pollution, with no requirement to manage methane emissions, reduce on-site fossil fuel use or even purchase offsets

Coal is the biggest single cause of climate change and Australia is its second biggest seller globally. To leave exempt coal from a climate plan exposes it as a fraud.

Greens Leader, Adam Bandt said:

“The ABC Voter Compass data shows that climate change is the top issue this election, but on the very same day, Labor has again joined the Liberals in backing coal over climate.

“Exempting coal mines from a climate policy is like exempting hospitals from a health policy.

“In balance of power, the Greens will kick Scott Morrison out and push the next government to stop opening coal mines.

“Labor chasing Scott Morrison on coal is not working for them politically. People want climate action and they know coal and gas have got to go.

“The most recent IPCC report made it crystal clear that global coal consumption will need to fall by up to 82% by 2030 if we’re to stop the climate from going over the 1.5 degree climate cliff. 

“Australia’s biggest coal markets are all getting out of coal fast, making Labor and Liberal’s opening up and propping up of coal mines economically reckless as well.

$428 million investment in airbase upgrades to create jobs and keep Australians safe

The Morrison Government’s economic plan will deliver significant operational capability upgrades to defence airbases around Australia, creating jobs while ensuring Australians are kept safe in an increasingly uncertain global environment.

Up to 600 jobs will be created from a $428 million investment to upgrade RAAF airbases Amberley (QLD), Pearce (WA), and Richmond (NSW), and HMAS Albatross (NSW) that will maintain critical airfield infrastructure.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said job creation was at the heart of the Government’s economic plan, with this project maintaining and upgrading critical defence airfield infrastructure to keep our nation safe.

“Our $270 billion defence investment is keeping Australians safe, building our sovereign defence capabilities and creating jobs while securing a strong economy and a stronger future,” the Prime Minister said.

“In these uncertain times it’s vital that we take steps to invest in our defence force and ensure our ADF have the best technology and facilities, so that Australians are protected.

“Only by ensuring we have a strong economy can we afford to invest in the defence and national security capabilities we need to keep our nation safe.”

Minister for Defence Peter Dutton said that these upgrades would ensure that the ADF can continue to provide critical capabilities.

“Upgrades to these airfields will ensure that the men and women of the ADF can continue to provide the operational capability needed to keep our nation safe, whether that be Super Hornets and Growlers at Amberley, C-130 Hercules at Richmond, our pilot training at Pearce, or our Romeo Helicopters at Nowra,” Minister Dutton said.

“Importantly, our $270 billion defence capability investment over the decade ensures that all of the essential enabling capabilities are also funded – you have to look after your bases to ensure that the men and women of our Defence Force have the tools they need to keep us safe.

“When Labor was in Government, they neglected our Defence base upkeep because of their cuts to the Defence budget – down to the lowest level since before the Second World War – leaving our national security exposed.”

Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the significant investment by the Morrison Government would provide benefits to the Queensland, Western Australian and New South Wales economies, maximising the opportunities for both local and Indigenous businesses.

“Since 2019, our Government has committed to 33 capital infrastructure and facilities projects worth over $6.2 billion, which have supported over 11,000 jobs,” Minister Price said.

“We are ensuring that local industry is prioritised and local tradies have the opportunity to work on this significant Defence investment. Importantly, this investment has ensured that our estate works contractors have committed to an average of 78 per cent local industry content, with some committing to up to 100 per cent.

“Small and medium businesses are key to supporting the local economy and over 1000 small and medium businesses have been engaged on Defence capital infrastructure and facilities projects since 2019.

“Supporting Indigenous-owned businesses is also important in our Government’s commitment to Closing the Gap. Defence’s Indigenous Procurement policy assists businesses to participate in the economy and grow. Of the 33 projects committed to since 2019, 13 are Indigenous-owned, which is a significant achievement and has resulted in a commitment of over $195 million to those businesses.”

The airbase upgrades include aircraft runway and pavement improvements including resurfacing asphalt, replacing concrete and remediating contamination; replacing end of life electrical equipment and infrastructure associated with the provision of airfield lighting; and ensuring aviation safety and WHS requirements are met.

Construction is planned to commence in late-2022 and is expected to finish in late-2024.

More support for veterans with 14 new veteran wellbeing centres

The Morrison Government’s economic plan will provide more support for veterans, defence personnel and their families right around Australia with a commitment to establish 14 new Veteran Wellbeing Centres, connecting veterans to health and other support services.

$70 million will support the creation of 14 Wellbeing Centres, based in locations with a significant veteran population.

The centres provide a one-stop-shop, in partnership with ex-service and community organisations, to better help connect veterans to the extensive support and advocacy already available, with a strong focus on health and wellbeing.

They provide a place where communities can partner with and support veterans, Defence members and their families at the local level, while drawing on national integrated veterans support services.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Australia was proud of every single veteran.

“We must look after our vets and their families and provide support for the men and women who have served in our Australian Defence Force and put their lives on the line for our nation, our values and our way of life,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.

“This new commitment builds on almost $400 million of support provided in the Budget for our veterans and their families, in recognition of the service and sacrifice they’ve made to keep our nation safe and secure.”

Minister for Defence Peter Dutton said the investment was just one way to recognise the service of veterans, ADF members and their families.

“Just as it is important to provide our ADF with the best equipment and facilities, we also know it is equally important to recognise the unique challenges our veterans can face,” Minister Dutton said.

“Investment in these new centres, and new models of operation, offers an opportunity for local communities to work together and tailor their support services to support veterans, serving ADF members and their families.”

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Andrew Gee said the Veteran Wellbeing Centres already delivered by the Government had been incredibly successful.

“Around Australia, I have seen firsthand the positive effects that our wellbeing centres have on our veterans, Defence personnel and their families,” Minister Gee said.

“They are welcoming places that build community connections and give those in need essential support and easy access to the services available.

“Whether it be mental or physical health support, help finding a job, assistance in lodging claims, or just providing a friendly place for a chat and a coffee, the organisations running these centres are working tirelessly to help our veterans and their families.

“Our servicemen and women, veterans and their families have given so much for our nation and, in return, it is our duty to provide them with the very best support we can.”

Up to $5 million will be available to ex-service and community organisations to establish Veteran Wellbeing Centres in the following 14 new locations with a significant veteran population:

New South Wales

  • Greater Sydney
  • Western Sydney at the Scheyville Veterans Centre in partnership with the Hunter Anzac Memorial
  • Mid-north coast region
  • Newcastle/Hunter region
  • Wagga Wagga region

Queensland

  • Mackay region
  • Wide-Bay Burnett region
  • Sunshine Coast region
  • An additional centre in the South-East Queensland region

Western Australia

  • Northern suburbs of Perth

Victoria

  • Greater Melbourne and surrounds
  • Geelong/Surf Coast region
  • Mornington Peninsula

ACT

  • Capital region

This will build on the success of our network of Veteran Wellbeing Centres in Townsville, Darwin, Perth, Adelaide, Wodonga and Nowra, established in partnership with ex-service organisations. The network is also being extended to include a hub-and-spoke model in Tasmania and we are also partnering with Lives Lived Well to establish a centre in the Moreton Bay area.

The Morrison Government has a strong track record when it comes to ensuring that our veterans and their families have access to health and wellbeing services when and where they need them.

An additional targeted investment of $2.6 million will establish a pilot program to provide early intervention specialist child and adolescent mental health support for children of current and former ADF members, focused on members with service in the Special Operations Command.

This will meet an evolving need to provide specialist military-aware support that is critical to their wellbeing, development and a positive ADF family dynamic, particularly given the unprecedented period of critical stressors in the special forces community.

This investment will be rolled out over two years in the three high-need locations of Sydney, Perth and Brisbane to cover Holsworthy, Campbell and Gallipoli Barracks. It is expected to benefit up to 43,800 children of current and former members of the ADF and their families.

A re-elected Coalition Government will also expand and diversify the help provided to veterans and their families with a $1.9 million investment in a new pilot of a Chaplaincy Support program for at-risk veterans transitioning from the ADF, focusing on spiritual health and wellbeing and treatment of emerging conditions such as moral injury.

This approach aligns with the recommendation by the Interim National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide in the Preliminary Interim Report to provide “a holistic and tailored approach that can adapt to the diverse needs of all veterans” and reflects the fact that chaplains have long been a feature of the Australian military, with around 15 per cent of regular serving ADF members accessing chaplaincy support.

Ex-service organisations play an important role in supporting the wellbeing of veterans and the Government will invest an additional $2 million to enable veteran-led mental health charity Swiss 8 to continue to offer its proactive health and wellbeing app free of charge to veterans. The app currently has around 5,500 veteran users and is designed to reduce anxiety and depression.

The Coalition recognises current and former ADF members are national assets and $38.1 million will be provided over the next three years to establish a National Veteran Volunteer Service program in partnership with Disaster Relief Australia (DRA).

This innovative program will increase the engagement of veterans and their families in disaster resilience, recovery and relief operations, and community service projects throughout Australia. In doing so, this will improve the health and wellbeing of veterans and their families and their long-term employment outcomes. It builds on our $3 million investment in DRA in 2019.

The transition from the ADF to a post-service life is a unique and challenging experience and a re-elected Coalition Government will invest a further $10 million to extend assistance to support ex-service and community organisations to deliver tailored, innovative support to help veterans find meaningful civilian employment once they’ve transitioned out of the ADF.

This investment will build on the $16.2 million in funding provided in 2019 for innovative veteran employment programs by Soldier On, the Returned and Services League and Disaster Relief Australia (formerly Team Rubicon).

The Government recognises the importance of ensuring the service and sacrifice of Australians and $10 million will be provided to expand the successful Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants program, so local communities can continue to commemorate the service and sacrifice of Australians in war.

Following a successful pilot program that we established in 2019, an additional $3.7 million will be invested to establish an ongoing grant program to mark the private graves of First World War veterans who died after the war and are resting in civil cemeteries. Our pilot program saw the placement of 1,189 markers and this new investment will enable this important work to continue.

$400,000 will be provided to support the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway in inner-west Sydney, a living memorial and commemoration site for Second World War veterans.

The Coalition Government has a strong track record of delivering services and support for our veterans and their families. Our Government invests more than $11.5 billion a year to support around 340,000 veterans and their families, widows and children.

Only the Coalition can be trusted to deliver for veterans and their families.