Following Standard & Poor’s (S&P) reaffirming its AAA credit rating today, Australia remains one of only nine countries around the world to hold a AAA credit rating from all three major credit rating agencies.
Despite a once in a century pandemic, which “wreaked havoc on the global economy and government balance sheets around the world”, S&P has reaffirmed Australia’s AAA credit rating following the release of the Morrison Government’s Economic Recovery Plan to create jobs and secure Australia’s future.
In its report, S&P notes that the Morrison Government’s “balance sheet was strong before the pandemic” and that “Australia’s budget improved in recent years on the back of tight fiscal discipline, strong labour market conditions, and high commodity prices.”
S&P further states that “Australia’s typically strong fiscal performance remains a credit strength for the rating” and that “Australia’s economy is beginning to recover from its first recession in almost 30 years” and will “rebound strongly once borders open”.
Today’s decision by S&P is a further vote of confidence in the Morrison Government’s response to the health and economic crisis caused by COVID-19. The record levels of economic support we have provided has helped save 700,000 jobs.
The Government has been able to do this because we entered this crisis from a position of economic strength and had brought the Budget back to balance for the first time in 11 years. This gave us the fiscal firepower when we needed it most.
Our economic support has been provided in a temporary, targeted and proportionate manner. By doing so we have protected the structural integrity of the Budget, with over 90 per cent of the spending committed in response to the crisis occurring over the next two years.
There is still a long way to go in recovering from this health and economic crisis but the Australian economy is fighting back with around 60 per cent of the 1.3 million people who lost their job or were stood down on zero hours in April now back at work.
Next calendar year, the economy is forecast to grow by 4.25 per cent, and unemployment to fall to 6.5 per cent by the June Quarter 2022. Our economic and fiscal strategy sets out the path to grow the economy, stabilise debt, and then reduce it over time.
Consumer confidence increased 11.9 per cent in October, the largest increase in a Budget month on record since the series began in 1974 with Westpac Chief Economist, Bill Evans, commenting that it was “an extraordinary result” and that “such a development must be attributable to the response to the October Federal Budget.”
The Morrison Government’s Economic Recovery Plan is focused on job creation, rebuilding our economy and securing Australia’s future.
City’s Special Business Rate Forum Facilitates Collaboration and Creativity
Local business embraced the benefits of new connections and sharing ideas at City of Newcastle’s Special Business Rate (SBR) Collaboration Forum.
City of Newcastle brought together the recipients of its latest $935,000 round of SBR funding for the City Centre Darby Street precincts on Thursday at the event, designed to foster business-to-business collaboration and the opportunity to partner and strengthen project concepts.
Special Business Rates are collected by City of Newcastle for the promotion, beautification and development of Newcastle’s business precincts.
The SBR program provides funding for unique and engaging events, activities and creative projects that breathe life into the city centre and encourage people to spend locally.
The forum encouraged cooperation and provided Newcastle’s small business community the opportunity to network and make connections with City of Newcastle staff.
SBR funding recipients shared their project concepts designed to activate public spaces and strengthen the city’s reputation as a destination for tourism, business and events.
Despite the challenges presented by COVID-19, Newcastle’s business and creative community adapted and is developing resilience building solutions to ensure the local economy thrives.
Normal operating hours resume at Fort Scratchley
Fort Scratchley will reopen to the public six days a week, between 10am and 4pm, from Sunday 1 November.
The community can enjoy a COVIDSafe historical experience with tunnel and gun emplacement tours, daily gun firings at 1pm, and access to external grounds, galleries and static exhibitions each day except Tuesday.
Bookings are not required for free general admission; however, visitors will need to scan a QR code on entry for contact tracing purposes.
Prepaid bookings can be made online for tunnel tours with a maximum of six people per group.
Visit the Fort Scratchley or City of Newcastle websites to learn more about how we are keeping you safe while welcoming you back to the Fort.
Gender lens on Budget shows up government
The Greens condemn the Morrison Government for failing to include a gender lens in the Budget, instead leaving it to a non-profit women’s organisation to do their homework for them.
“Women are once again mopping up after the Morrison Government by applying a gender lens to the Budget, something which should have been done by government itself,” said Greens Leader in the Senate and spokesperson on Women, Senator Larissa Waters.
“The National Foundation of Australian Women’s analysis released today unsurprisingly finds that when you don’t apply a gender lens to budgeting, women miss out.
“NFAW found that by investing in the care economy – increasing employment and wages in the childcare, aged care and disability sector – GDP would increase by 1.64% by 2030 and women’s workforce participation would be turbo-charged.
“This follows earlier analysis by the Australia Institute showing that more jobs would be created for both men and women if the government invested in health and education rather than championing male-dominated fields with the blokey recovery we have seen proposed to date.
“The 2020 Budget is bad for women. It has no new money for childcare, housing or frontline domestic violence services, the tax cuts are worth twice as much for men as women, and the women’s economic security statement is a mere 0.04% of the Budget.
“The embarrassing government talking points trying to claim roads as a win for women is reminiscent of Tony Abbott citing his top achievement as Minister for Women being repealing the carbon price so women would pay less when ironing.
“The Budget disproportionately helps men in a year that has disproportionately disadvantaged women, perhaps because only one woman sits on the Expenditure Review Committee.
“There has been no Women’s Budget Impact Statement since Abbott axed it in 2014, and this year a hastily patched-together Women’s Economic Security statement was released three hours after the Budget. Women are an afterthought to this government and it shows,” concluded Senator Waters.
Greens say Government have wilfully ignored opportunity to reform punitive and racist Community Development Program with its reintroduction next week
The Greens have condemned the Government’s reintroduction of the discriminatory remote work-for-the-dole scheme Community Development Program (CDP) that disproportionately impacts First Nations peoples.
“It’s very disturbing to hear anecdotal claims from employment providers saying that the increase to income support is leading to more drinking and anti-social behaviours”, Greens spokesperson on Family and Community Services Senator Rachel Siewert said.
The increase in income support has lead to people being able to feed their families, buy essential items and pay bills.
Government should be investing in addressing the barriers people face to employment such as poverty, housing and ill health, particularly for young people who have a higher probability of being penalised.
There clearly need to be more in jobs creation in remote communities, particularly in the care economy.
The CDP program is a top down punitive approach that is not even close to being in line with closing the gap objectives of self-determination and community control.
CDP cannot continue to keep running as it was before its suspension as part of the response to COVID19.
It is a punitive and discriminatory program that sees work-for-the-dole participants, who are largely First Nations peoples having to do work hours and have participation requirements that are far higher than those in the Jobactive program.
Why should people in remote regions, the vast majority of whom are First Nations peoples have to be subjected to a work-for-the-dole scheme that is far harsher and more punitive than their city counterparts.
We need employment and support programs designed and led by First Nations peoples and they have to be funded for the long term. CDEP should never have been dropped in the first place.
APONT has put forward an employment model that has been ignored by the Government.
The Government’s own 2019 evaluation of the program articulates what is well known, that First Nations peoples are more likely to be penalised and are penalised more often than their city counterparts.
CDP has to go.
Community invited to envision libraries of the future
Community members are being encouraged to share their visions of how Newcastle Libraries’ spaces and services might be made even better in the future.
City of Newcastle is conducting early engagement to inform the development of a Contemporary Libraries Infrastructure Plan (CLIP) to meet the community’s evolving needs and expectations for libraries for the future.
The Library Satisfaction and Infrastructure Survey opened today and aims to measure current satisfaction levels with the Libraries’ online and branch services, understand expectations around access to help and expert advice, as well as how the community accesses library services both now and into the future, including ideas for co-location and pop-up venues across the city.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said libraries were no longer a place to simply borrow items, but a place to gather and exchange ideas and information, foster lifelong learning and preserve information and culture for future generations.
“Our Libraries are multi-functional community spaces where you can research a history project, borrow the latest books and DVDs on-the-go, and access cutting-edge technology like the 3D printer and digital story wall available at the City’s newest Digital Library at the City Administration Centre,” Cr Nelmes said.
“In addition, the City’s expansive e-Library collection and large range of information and learning databases complement the Newcastle Libraries App and Home Library Service, which means your library is available 24/7 – anytime, anywhere.
“Feedback from this survey will help guide future projects and initiatives in line with Newcastle Libraries’ adopted 10-year strategic plan to 2029, which identifies the need for new and refreshed infrastructure to support the Libraries’ evolution.”
Manager Libraries and Learning, Suzie Gately, said the survey would also identify factors that would encourage people to use library services more often.
“Our aim is to better understand the needs, experiences and behaviours of those who currently use our libraries, as well as those who currently do not but who might in the future,” Ms Gately said.
“This aligns with our strategic plan to create vibrant, safe and active public places for all. So, tell us, what does your library of the future look like?”
The Library Satisfaction and Infrastructure Survey is open until Tuesday 3 November. Visit the website to have your say.
COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS EASED
Gatherings in outdoor public spaces and group bookings at restaurants will be increased to 30 people under a relaxation of COVID-19 rules.
From this Friday, 23 October:
- 30 people can gather outdoors in public spaces (previously this was 20);
- 30 customers per booking, and 30 customers per table at hospitality venues (previously the rule was a maximum of 10);
- In addition, as of last Friday 16 October, corporate functions of up to 300 people can now be held at any appropriate premises, including at restaurants, subject to a COVID-Safe plan (previously just function centres).
Additionally, from 1 December, the number of people who can attend weddings will be lifted to 300 people subject to the four square metre rule indoors and two square metre rule outdoors.
This will allow people to make plans and book venues knowing the capacity ahead of time.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the NSW Government remains focused on managing COVID-19 and opening up the economy in a COVID-Safe way.
“These changes will provide a big boost to our hospitality venues,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“As we ease restrictions and find new ways to get businesses moving it is vital that customers and venues continue to be COVID-Safe.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said this was another important step in driving our economic recovery while returning to life in a COVID-Safe way.
“We continue to remain focused on stimulating the economy, keeping businesses in business and people in jobs,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The easing of restrictions and safely increasing capacities will lead directly to more jobs and more opportunities for businesses across NSW, which is integral for the State’s recovery.”
Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said lower case numbers are a good sign but we are by no means out of the woods.
“It is vital as we ease restrictions people continue to do the right thing, stay home if unwell and get tested, even with the most minimal of symptoms,” Mr Hazzard said.
Minister for Jobs, Investment and Tourism Stuart Ayres said the NSW Government remains focused on creating jobs and stimulating the economy, key goals of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan.
“We want to see NSW get back on track in a COVID-safe way and this is another important step,” Mr Ayres said.
NSW Health Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said people still need to continue to follow the personal hygiene recommendations, maintain physical distancing and wear masks in indoor settings where you cannot physically distance.
“As we ease restrictions, we all need to maintain COVID-safe behaviours and practices,” Dr Chant said.
Businesses wishing to take advantage of the relaxed restrictions must use electronic methods, like QR codes, to record and keep contact details.
SCHOLARSHIPS TO SUPPORT STUDENT STUDIES
Young people in out-of-home care or living in social housing can now apply for a $1,000 scholarship to help cover their educational and training costs in their final years of high school.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said the Department of Communities and Justice Scholarships program aims to improve educational outcomes for some of the state’s most disadvantaged students.
“We want to give young people every opportunity to achieve their education goals so that they can break the cycle of disadvantage,” Mr Ward said.
“Students can use the funds for educational expenses such as text books, laptops, tutoring and course costs, to help ease the financial burden.
“The scholarships help remove some of the barriers vulnerable students may face, so they can focus their attention on the classroom instead.”
Scholarships are available to students in Year 10, 11 and 12 at a NSW high school or TAFE equivalent. They are open to young people completing a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship, or studying a VET subject at school in 2021.
To be eligible students must either be a social housing tenant, a social housing applicant, be living in crisis accommodation, or be living in out-of-home care.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said the scholarships would support vulnerable students through the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Many families are feeling financial pressure right now and it is important that our most vulnerable students remain connected to education and are given the best possible chance to succeed,” Ms Mitchell said.
“We need to support young people nearing the end of high school to develop work readiness and these scholarships will provide a hand up for vulnerable young people during this incredibly challenging time.”
Applications close of 19 February 2021, with successful students to be announced in Term 2. For more information, visit https://www.facs.nsw.gov.au/families/support-programs/all-families/dcj-scholarships.
EARLY PAYMENTS MADE FOR AFFECTED EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES
Not-for-profit community and mobile preschools and not-for-profit long day care services across the State who have been affected by the challenges of 2020 will benefit from early payments of the NSW Government’s Quality Learning Environments program.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said the Quality Learning Environments program helps to support the delivery of quality early childhood education for children across NSW.
“Between bushfires and COVID-19 our communities have faced a number of challenges. Early learning services play a critical role in supporting children and families, and this funding is being made available to support the work of these services,” Ms Mitchell said.
“The NSW Government is committed to strengthening education for early learners, and we are showing this support by making these payments early to services who need them.”
The Quality Learning Environments program provides grants of up to $15,000 to eligible early childhood services to purchase resources and activities which improve physical or educational learning environments.
Early payment is being made available to those services that have indicated an urgent need for funding. This may include quality improvement initiatives to meet the needs of services impacted by bushfire and recent severe weather events or other emergency situations such as COVID-19.
Further grant applications not requiring early payment will be progressed in December 2020.
For more information on the 2020 Quality Learning Environments program, visit the Department of Education website.
SEA EAGLES READY TO FLY HIGH WITH NEW CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE
Rugby League is ready to soar to new heights on the Northern Beaches with construction beginning today on the $33.1 million Manly Sea Eagles Centre of Excellence and Northern Grandstand at Brookvale Oval.
Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said the new 3000 seat grandstand and high performance Centre of Excellence will be the envy of other clubs.
“This project will create more than 300 jobs and provide a major boost to the construction industry on the Northern Beaches,” Mr Lee said.
“It’s one of the most iconic grounds in rugby league and this project will ensure the Northern Beaches community continues to love coming to Brookie Oval.”
ADCO Constructions will build the project and the Manly Sea Eagles aim to have it completed in time for the start of the 2022 NRL season.
Member for Wakehurst Brad Hazzard said the project is a win for the entire community.
“On the Beaches we love our sport and we love our Sea Eagles, and the Centre of Excellence will allow the club to expand its community programs and initiatives so that everyone benefits from the new facilities,” Mr Hazzard said.
Member for Manly James Griffin said the Sea Eagles Centre of Excellence will ensure future generations of young players have access to the best facilities.
“This is fantastic news for everyone on the Northern Beaches who is passionate about sport and our Sea Eagles,” Mr Griffin said.
“Our professionals will have access to the best facilities in the state and will also help our grassroots teams to dream big and aspire to play for a proud club like ours.”
Senator for New South Wales Andrew Bragg said this is yet again another great collaboration between the Morrison Government and the NSW Government to deliver for the people of the Northern Beaches.
“The Federal Government is tipping $12.5 million dollars towards this project from the Community Development Grant Funding stream further strengthening our commitment to a world class facility for the Northern Beaches,” Senator Bragg said.
Manly Sea Eagles Chairman Scott Penn said getting to this day has been a culmination of hard work from the Manly board and significant investment from the NSW Government and Federal Government.
“The Sea Eagles Centre of Excellence will be a world-class facility that will serve the community for decades to come,” Mr Penn said.
“It is one of several exciting developments that will transform Brookvale Oval into a world-class sporting venue and community facility and we thank the State and Federal governments for their generous support.”
The Sea Eagles Centre of Excellence will include high performance, training and administration facilities for the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles men’s and future women’s NRL teams, as well as pathway participants.
Dedicated and multipurpose community facilities will also allow the club to expand its community programs and initiatives.