Scott Morrison and Josh Frydenberg have been reluctantly dragged to announce a child care policy, after leaving Australian women behind since they were elected.
Disappointingly, the Treasurer has yet again missed an opportunity to fundamentally and permanently reform child care, provide a significant boost to women’s workforce participation and a boost to the economy.
Under Scott Morrison’s proposal, hundreds of thousands of families will miss out on relief compared to Labor’s Cheaper Child Care Plan.
The Government’s child care proposal will only lift the child care subsidy rate for families who have a second or subsequent child under five years old in the system.
By only providing increased subsidies for a second or subsequent child in the system, the announcement will make an already complicated system more complicated, and will cause confusion for families as to whether this reform will leave them any better off.
In comparison, Labor’s Cheaper Child Care Plan lifts the subsidy and smooths the taper rate across the board, regardless of how many children the family has or how old they are – leaving 97 per cent of families – or more than one million families – better off. By assisting 1 million families instead of 250,000, Labor’s child care plan would provide a bigger boost to the economy.
Three quarters of the families benefiting from Labor’s Cheaper Child Care Plan will miss out on any increase in their child care subsidy under the Liberals’ plan.
In addition, the many Australian families struggling under the cost of out of school hours and vacation care will not benefit at all from the Morrison Government’s lift in subsidy.
Families desperately need immediate relief from soaring child care costs, yet these changes are not even set to come in for over a year.
This is a Government that has been dragged kicking and screaming to any child care reform, after years of calls from Labor, Australian women and families, business leaders, economists and the early learning sector.
Less than a year ago Scott Morrison denied that child care costs were a barrier to workforce participation and boosting the economy.
The Government has failed to recognise families are struggling with the cost of child care now under the system that Scott Morrison designed has completely failed families in less than three years.
ABS data released last week showed out of pocket child care costs are at record highs and are now higher than they were under the previous system
In addition, the Treasurer’s announcement today does nothing to guarantee costs will remain low for families into the future.
The proposal misses an integral part of Labor’s plan, which is for the ACCC to investigate price regulation to ensure all benefit goes into the pockets of families.
Today’s announcement also neglects Labor’s clear ambition to move to a universal 90 percent subsidy, which would deliver long-term, meaningful reform.
Labor’s Cheaper Child Care Plan is a carefully considered, researched and widely endorsed policy that will benefit almost 100 per cent of Australian families in the system.
Even the Business Council of Australia proposed a policy almost identical to Labor’s last week due to the anticipated benefit for our economy.
The Morrison Government should have set their pride aside and adopted Labor’s policy, rather than this rushed and half-hearted attempt at child care reform.
Author: admin
AUSTRALIA’S LONGEST ROAD TUNNEL PROPOSED FOR GREAT WESTERN HIGHWAY UPGRADE
Investigations are now underway to make an 11-kilometre tunnel the central component of an upgraded Great Western Highway between Katoomba and Lithgow, forming the longest road tunnel in Australia.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the proposed tunnel would transform the state by better connecting the Central West to the East Coast.
“We have already committed to tunnels at Blackheath and Mount Victoria – this proposal would see those tunnels joined together, creating the longest road tunnel in the country,” Mr Barilaro said.
“This is an immensely complex and ambitious plan, but we’re working hard to make it happen because we know what a difference it will make to the lives of commuters, to regional businesses who need access to Sydney and vice versa, to freight companies, to families visiting relatives and to holiday makers.
“The NSW Government is committed to building a safer and stronger regional NSW and this corridor will enhance the state, significantly cutting travel times between the city and the bush.
“Completing the Katoomba to Lithgow section would deliver the final stage of a 130 kilometre upgrade, delivering dual carriageway on the Great Western Highway, a multi-decade program of works, making a safer, more resilient corridor.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the solution would link the two tunnels already determined for Blackheath and Mount Victoria to deliver a safer, more reliable connection through the Blue Mountains.
“The NSW Government knows how important this upgrade is to the people who use the Great Western Highway every day and in improving connections between Sydney and the Central West, which is why we committed $2.5 billion to deliver a once-in-a-generation upgrade to this key corridor,” Mr Toole said.
“As part of this upgrade, we’ve already committed to a 4.5-kilometre tunnel to bypass Blackheath and a 4-kilometre tunnel underneath Victoria Pass, one of the steepest roads in NSW.
“We’re now investigating connecting those two proposed tunnels into one longer tunnel. This would be a history-making project, delivering Australia’s longest road tunnel and
allow motorists to avoid all the current pinch points from Blackheath in the east to Little Hartley on the western side of Victoria Pass.
“It will also mean less disruption for local residents and businesses during construction and a smoother, safer journey for those travelling underneath Blackheath and Mount Victoria as well as those travelling above.”
Mr Toole said the eastern entry for the proposed tunnel will be on the outskirts of Blackheath to minimise impacts on local homes and be built in a section of National Park land to the south of Evans Lookout Road.
“At the Western end, the portal location in Little Hartley has been modified to improve safety and reduce property impacts in the valley.”
Transport for NSW is engaging with National Parks about the upgrade’s impacts on land adjacent to the proposed portals. Neither portal would impact the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.
Mr Toole said heavy traffic over the Easter weekend had reiterated the importance of the Great Western Highway Upgrade and safe, reliable connections over the mountains for locals and travellers alike.
“This is an immensely challenging project but, once complete, it will deliver dual carriageway in both directions for over 100 kilometres,” Mr Toole said.
“Should our investigations into a long tunnel determine that it isn’t viable, the community can be assured that we would proceed with a tunnel at Blackheath and a tunnel at Mount Victoria.”
Construction on the Great Western Highway Upgrade is expected to start at Medlow Bath in 2022, with the full upgrade expected to be completed within 8 to 10 years.
Mr Toole said the community would continue to shape the design of the upgrade as it moves towards construction.
“Later this year, Transport for NSW will consult with the community on the entire upgrade, including the proposed Blackheath to Little Hartley Tunnel.
“Between now and then, residents will see plenty of investigation work going on to make sure we have all the information we need to reduce the environmental impacts of the project.”
For more information on the Great Western Highway upgrade between Katoomba and Lithgow, visit nswroads.work/greatwesternhighway
FEMALE CHANGEROOMS ARE TOP PRIORITY IN $100 MILLION FUND FOR REGIONAL NSW
Female sporting teams across regional NSW will benefit from new and improved facilities and regional towns will soon see even more investment in community infrastructure and programs that will make a big difference to everyday life in the bush, thanks to the $100 million Stronger Country Communities Fund.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro, Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor and Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said applications are now open for Round Four and communities are encouraged to apply.
“Up to $50 million is dedicated to the delivery of female sports facilities and programs, to encourage greater female participation in all levels and codes across regional NSW,” Mr Barilaro said.
“This NSW Government funding will make a big difference in the bush by delivering new and improved facilities as well as programs for female sports teams and is another step towards levelling the playing field for girls and women in remote, rural and regional communities.”
Ms Mitchell visited the Upper Hunter today to officially open the newly refurbished Scone netball courts at Bill Rose Sporting Complex and announced that applications for Round Four of the Stronger Country Communities fund are now open.
“A lack of adequate amenities, especially for females, can often be a barrier to participation. By improving and building purpose-fit facilities and developing programs, girls and women will feel more welcome, safe and encouraged to regularly participate in sports and active recreation,” Ms Mitchell said.
Mrs Taylor said getting facilities up to date, particularly women’s change rooms, will ensure all female athletes are supported to take part in a wide range of sports, including once male dominated codes.
“Facilities designed exclusively for women should be standard and this funding will help women all over rural and regional NSW overcome a major hurdle and feel empowered to play the sports they love with comfort and confidence,” Mrs Taylor said.
“We’re supporting female athletes of all ages and backgrounds to participate in sport, from grassroots to elite level and the Stronger Country Communities Fund is all about building a safer, stronger NSW for everyone.”
The Stronger Country Communities fund is part of the NSW Government’s $2 billion Regional Growth Fund. Applications for Round Four open 1 May 2021 and close on 25 June 2021. For more information, go to: www.nsw.gov.au/SCCF
Appeal following robberies – Kotara
Police are appealing for public assistance following two robberies in Newcastle at the weekend.
About 2.15pm on Saturday (1 May 2021), a 23-year-old man was seated in a park on Lexington Parade, Kotara, when he was approached by three unknown men.
The group demanded the man’s phone, wallet and backpack before he was punched in the face.
The group then left the scene before one of the men approached a 15-year-old boy on Park Avenue and threatened him with a knife.
He demanded his phone before fleeing with the remainder of the group.
Both incidents were reported to police a short time later and officers from Newcastle City Police District commenced an investigation.
Australian childhood immunisation rates continue to break records
Australian parents continue to show their confidence in vaccinations, with record rates of childhood immunisations in the first quarter of 2021.
For the fourth consecutive quarter, the coverage rate for five year olds has increased to a historic 95.22 per cent.
This surpasses our national aspiration of 95 per cent, and gives Australia the herd immunity needed to stop the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases.
It is also well above the estimated World Health Organization international average immunisation coverage rate of 86 per cent for five year olds, making Australia a world leading vaccination nation.
Each year, the Australian Government invests more than $400 million in the National Immunisation Program.
The Childhood Immunisation Education Campaign contributed to the growth in immunisation rates across the country, including in areas where there has been some vaccination hesitancy.
Across Australia, the coverage rate for one year olds has increased to 94.91 per cent for the 12 months to March 2021. Two year old children have a coverage rate of 92.53 per cent.
The highest coverage rate continues to be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children at five years of age – an impressive 97.26 per cent.
The vaccination rate for two year old Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children increased to 91.73 per cent, while for one year olds it was 93.70 per cent.
These high childhood coverage rates also reflect the trend of the 2020 influenza season, where more than 17.6 million flu vaccines were made available on the Australian market, including through the National Immunisation Program.
It’s particularly pleasing to see immunisation rates climbing as Australia and the world continue to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parents continue to show their confidence in the expert medical advice and in Australia’s independent medical regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration, to protect their children.
| State | Percentage |
|---|---|
| New South Wales | 95.04 |
| Victoria | 96.18 |
| Queensland | 94.72 |
| South Australia | 95.60 |
| Western Australia | 94.18 |
| Tasmania | 94.99 |
| Northern Territory | 94.66 |
| Australian Capital Territory | 95.60 |
Making child care more affordable and boosting workforce participation
To cut the cost of living for around a quarter of a million families and to help boost workforce participation, the Morrison Government will make an additional $1.7 billion investment in child care as part of the 2021-22 Budget.
The investment will add up to 300,000 hours of work per week which would allow the equivalent of around 40,000 individuals to work an extra day per week and boost the level of GDP by up to $1.5 billion per year.
The changes deliberately target low and middle income earners with around half the families set to benefit having a household income under $130,000.
Importantly it lowers the structural disincentive to take on an additional day or two of work for many families.
For example, under the Government’s changes, a single parent on $65, 500 with two children in four days of long day care who chooses to work a fifth day will be $71 a week better off compared to the current system.
Under the current arrangements the maximum child care subsidy payable is 85 per cent of child care fees. The level of child care subsidy is also tapered so that those families that earn the least receive the most.
These subsidies apply at the same rate per child, no matter how many children a family may have in child care. As a result, for families with more than one child in care this means that their child care costs double when they have a second child.
Additionally, families with combined incomes above $189,390 face a child care subsidy cap of $10,560 per child per year. As a result, these families start paying full fees towards the end of the year which reduces their incentive to participate in the workforce.
As part of the 2021-22 Budget, and starting on 1 July 2022 the Government will:
- Increase the child care subsidies available to families with more than one child aged five and under in child care, benefitting around 250,000 families
- Remove the $10,560 cap on the Child Care Subsidy, benefitting around 18,000 families
For those families with more than one child in child care, the level of subsidy received will increase by 30 percent to a maximum subsidy of 95 per cent of fees paid for their second and subsequent children.
These changes will ensure half of Australian families will receive a 95 per cent subsidy for their second and subsequent children.
Under these changes, a family earning $110,000 a year will have the subsidy for their second child increase from 72 to 95 per cent, and would be $95 per week better off for four days of care.
A family with three children on $80,000 would have the subsidy increase from 82 to 95 per cent for their second and third child and be $108 per week better off for four days of care.
The Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the investment builds on the $10.3 billion the government is already investing in child care this year.
“These changes strengthen our economy and at the same time provide greater choice to parents who want to work an extra day or two a week.”
“This is a targeted and proportionate investment that simultaneously makes child care more affordable, increases workforce participation and boosts the Australian economy by up to $1.5 billion per year.”
Minister for Education and Youth Alan Tudge said the measures would further ease the cost of child care and encourage workforce participation, particularly for larger families.
“Our child care system provides the most support to those who need it most,” Minister Tudge said.
“These measures will help remove the barriers for parents, particularly mothers, to return to the workforce or to increase their hours, as their family grows.”
The measures build on the Morrison Government’s 2018 Child Care Package which has kept out-of-pocket child care costs low for Australian families.
There are now 280,000 more children using child care than when we came to office
Minister Payne said this significant investment in the Child Care Subsidy would mean there is greater choice for Australian women and men as they balance their family and work responsibilities.
“For women in particular, it opens the door for those choosing to work or to work more, which is critical to their own economic security and a prosperous Australian economy,”
“Increasing the Child Care Subsidy is an important measure that will help reduce the disincentives for women to participate in the workforce to the full extent they choose.”
Minister for Women’s Economic Security Jane Hume said these measures will see more women back in the workforce sooner, helping to further close the pay and participation gaps.
“The measures announced today are specific and targeted; designed to help women who have had a second child return to the workforce so they can continue to progress their own careers and contribute to Australia’s economy.”
BENEFIT FOR FAMILIES WITH TWO CHILDREN IN CHILD CARE FOUR DAYS
| Family income | Current out of pocket child care cost per week | Current subsidy | New 2nd child subsidy | Future out of pocket child care cost per week | Total better off per week |
| $40,000 | $124.60 | 85% | 95% | $83.20 | $41.60 |
| $80,000 | $149.18 | 82% | 95% | $95.39 | $53.79 |
| $110,000 | $232.38 | 72% | 95% | $136.99 | $95.39 |
| $140,000 | $315.58 | 62% | 92% | $190.78 | $124.80 |
| $180,000 | $416.00 | 50% | 80% | $291.20 | $124.80 |
*Based on: average hourly centre-based day care rate of $10.40 per hour for a 10-hour session
Tax relief for small brewers and distillers to support more jobs
Small brewers and distillers will benefit from $255 million in tax relief to support more jobs and investment as part of the 2021-22 Budget.
Under our plan to support jobs in this growing sector, small brewers and distillers will benefit from a tripling of the excise refund cap for small brewers and distillers from $100,000 to $350,000 per year.
From 1 July 2021 eligible brewers and distillers will be able to receive a full remission of any excise they pay, up to an annual cap of $350,000. Currently, eligible brewers and distillers are entitled to a refund of 60 per cent of the excise they pay, up to an annual cap of $100,000.
This will align the benefit available under the Excise Refund Scheme for brewers and distillers with the Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) Producer Rebate.
There are around 600 brewers and 400 distillers across Australia, with around two thirds operating in rural and regional areas. The announced changes will allow these brewers and distillers to keep more of what they earn, helping them to invest, grow and support around 15,000 Australians that are currently employed in the sector.
Additional support to brewers and distillers across the country will also serve as much-needed relief for those businesses severely impacted by COVID-19.
Today’s announcement builds on the Morrison Government’s track record of supporting small brewers and distillers including by enabling them to automatically receive excise duty remissions when they lodge excise returns; providing them with record investment incentives; and fast tracking the reduction in the small company tax rate to 25 per cent by 1 July 2021.
The Morrison Government is committed to assisting local manufacturing businesses to grow, create jobs and support Australia’s economic recovery.
Appeal to locate man missing from Hunter region
Police are appealing for assistance to locate a man missing in the state’s Hunter region.
Allan Bentley, aged 63, was last seen about 12pm on Monday 26 April 2021 in the Tea Gardens area.
He was reported missing to officers from Port Stephens Hunter Police District, who commenced an investigation into his whereabouts.
Police are concerned for his welfare after he failed to attend pre-arranged appointments and his regular game of lawn bowls yesterday (Saturday 1 May 2021), at a bowling club on Old Maitland Road at Hexham, which is out of character.
Allan is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 179cm tall, of medium build with short brown and grey hair and a beard.
It is believed he may be driving a white coloured Holden combo van, with NSW registration UQG-146, which has ‘catering’ written on the side.
Anyone who may have information regarding Allan’s whereabouts is urged to contact crime stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Australia must step up for our neighbour
Greens MPs today are calling on the Federal Government to step up and redouble its efforts for the people of India and provide much needed assistance as the country battles millions of current cases.
India is currently facing a tragic second wave of COVID19 with a record 349,691 new cases on Sunday and 2,767 deaths. Hospitals are running out of medical supplies including oxygen and basic medicines, there aren’t enough hospital beds or ventilators. Cremation and burial sites are over capacity for the first time in recent memory.
Australia has announced it will send oxygen, ventilators and personal protective equipment to India as part of an immediate support package.
The Australian Government must engage with the Indian diaspora in Australia to continue to assess ongoing needs and ensure relief is comprehensive, sustained and delivered with utmost transparency.
The following list of urgent needs has been provided by Mercy Mission (MM) which is a coalition of NGOs based in Bengaluru that has come together to fight COVID.
1) Liquid Oxygen Cylinders and Jumbo cylinders which can be used by hospitals to increase procurement and use as demand has increased 4 to 5 fold and there is low transport and storage capacity at hospitals. As per reports, there is adequate generation capacity of Oxygen in industries, but the supply chain and transport / storage equipment is inadequate which will help immediately ease the situation.
2) Oxygen Concentrators of capacity 5L to 10L per min, which can be used by individuals in their homes.
3) Oxygen generating plants of sizes of 1KL that can be installed at individual hospitals and related equipment to build/ install the same.
4) Ventilators (invasive and non-invasive) and HFNC (High flow nasal cannula) machines that can be distributed to small hospitals to address critical patients.
5) At this moment, there is a shortage of Remdesivir and Tocilizumab medicines, which are being prescribed by doctors for moderate/ severe patients resulting in high demand.
Senator Janet Rice, Australian Greens Foreign Affairs spokesperson, said:
“We in Australia are in the unique situation of having COVID-19 well under control, and we should use this opportunity to help others.
“I’ve worked closely with groups from the Indian diaspora in Australia and they’re so distressed about what’s happening there and are calling on Australia to step up.
NSW Greens MP David Shoebridge said:
“Australia talks big about the relationship with India when it comes to trade, this needs to extend to providing support when it is so desperately needed.
“In recognition of the risk of the crisis there, the Government has acted to limit arrivals from India but this must be balanced with a hand outstretched to help.
“Our assistance with oxygen, ventilators and medication right now could save thousands of lives, communities here deserve to know we have done what we can,” Mr Shoebridge said.
Travel arrangements to be strengthened for people who have been in India
The Government will implement a temporary pause on travellers from India entering Australian territory if the passenger has been in India within 14 days of the person’s time of departure.
The temporary pause follows today’s meeting of National Cabinet and was based on advice about the worsening COVID-19 situation in India. The pause will come into effect at 12:01 am on Monday, 3 May 2021.
The risk assessment that informed the decision was based on the proportion of overseas travellers in quarantine in Australia who have acquired a COVID-19 infection in India.
Failure to comply with an emergency determination under the Biosecurity Act 2015 may incur a civil penalty of 300 penalty units, five years’ imprisonment, or both.
The temporary pause will be reconsidered on 15 May by the Government following advice from the Chief Medical Officer (CMO). The CMO will consider the epidemiology in India and likely impacts on Australia’s quarantine capacity, and provide a further expert assessment of the public health risk to Australia to inform a proportionate response.
The Government does not make these decisions lightly. However, it is critical the integrity of the Australian public health and quarantine systems is protected and the number of COVID-19 cases in quarantine facilities is reduced to a manageable level.
India has been reporting more than 300,000 new cases of COVID-19 every day for the past week. The total number of cases in India is now close to 19 million and more than 200,000 people have died.
Our hearts go out to the people of India – and our Indian-Australian community. The friends and family of those in Australia are in extreme risk. Tragically, many are contracting COVID-19 and many, sadly, are dying every day.
Following consultation with the Indian Government, Australia has agreed to provide emergency medical supplies.
The initial package of support includes more than 1,000 non-invasive ventilators, with capacity to deploy up to a total of 3,000 ventilators.
The Government has offered to supply a significant package of personal protective equipment (PPE), including one million surgical masks, 500,000 P2/N95 masks, 100,000 surgical gowns, 100,000 goggles, 100,000 pairs of gloves and 20,000 face shields.