A FUTURE MADE IN AUSTRALIA: A PLAN FOR GOOD, SECURE JOBS

An Albanese Labor Government will rebuild the nation’s manufacturing industry with a comprehensive plan to create jobs, boost vital skills, bring industry expertise back onshore and supercharge national productivity.
As part of his budget reply speech in Canberra tonight, Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese unveiled A Future Made in Australia ­– Labor’s blueprint for local manufacturing jobs and skills – which includes:

  • A National Rail Manufacturing Plan to see more trains built in Australia by local workers and ensure every dollar of federal funding spent on rail projects boosts local jobs and industry;
  • A Defence Industry Development Strategy to leverage our $270 billion investment pipeline, develop sovereign industrial and research capabilities and build skills and expertise within the Australian workforce; and
  • An Australian Skills Guarantee to give apprentices, trainees and cadets a foot in the door when it comes to work on major Commonwealth projects.

This will build on the jobs that will flow from Labor’s plans for an Australian Centre for Disease Control and a social housing repair program to get tradies back on the tools.
Labor’s National Rail Manufacturing Plan will undertake a national audit of passenger train capacity and condition, develop our rail procurement and manufacturing strategy, assess how we can grow jobs, bolster research and development and collaborate with innovation initiatives and organisations.
Importantly, it will reinstate the important role of the Rail Supplier Advocate cut by the Liberals in 2013 – to help small and medium-sized businesses identify export opportunities and get a foot in the door with government purchasing bodies.
The Defence Industry Development Strategy will put Australian industry, workers and security first with a framework to maximise and publicly disclose local content for all major defence material procurements and local defence contracts.
Finally, an Australian Skills Guarantee will ensure that one in 10 jobs on major federally funded infrastructure projects are given to apprentices, trainees or cadets.
This work will be supported by Jobs and Skills Australia – announced by Mr Albanese last year – an independent body designed to bring together the business community, states and territories, unions, education providers and regional organisations to match skills training with the evolving demands of industry.

Tailored Careers Support For School Leavers

A new targeted support package for young people is helping to tackle the uncertainty around leaving school and choosing the right career pathway.
The National Careers Institute (NCI) has launched the School Leavers Information Kit and the School Leavers Information Service.
Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, said these initiatives provide invaluable support and assistance for school leavers.
“Australian school students in Years 10, 11 and 12 have shown unwavering resilience in the face of COVID-19 and they deserve the best possible support as they consider their next steps,” Minister Cash said.
“These initiatives will help young people finishing school to find the education, training and employment options that best suit them, now and into the future.
The Australian Government has invested $13.8 million in the Enhanced Support for School Leavers measure.
Assistant Minister for Vocational Education, Training and Apprenticeships, the Hon Steve Irons MP, said the online kit and the information service complement the recently launched Australian Government careers website, Your Career.
“I am pleased that these initiatives are available at such an important time to support our school leavers in taking their next step towards pursuing their career pathway in 2021,” Assistant Minister Irons said.
The School Leavers Information Kit Your Career: What’s next for you? is available on the Your Career website at YourCareer.gov.au.
The School Leavers Information Service is available by calling 1800 227 337or emailing schoolleavers.nci@dese.gov.au.
For more information about the work of the NCI, visit www.nci.dese.gov.au.

Australian Government finalises University of Queensland-CSL COVID-19 vaccine agreement

The Australian Government is investing a total of $2.3 billion to support home-grown researchers and manufacturers to develop and produce a COVID-19 vaccine, while engaging in strategic international partnerships to support access for Australia and our region.
Under its COVID-19 Vaccine and Treatment Strategy, the Australian Government is investing $1.7 billion to pre-order 84.8 million doses of vaccine with leading Australian manufacturer CSL Limited (Seqirus) and UK-based AstraZeneca.
On 7 September 2020, the Australian Government announced that should promising trials prove successful for the University of Oxford/Astra Zeneca and the University of Queensland vaccine candidates, more than 80 million doses of the two potential COVID-19 vaccines would be made available for the Australian population, almost entirely manufactured in Melbourne.
This followed from the execution of a binding Heads of Terms between the Australian Government and CSL/Seqirus for the University of Queensland vaccine candidate.
The Government has now entered a final supply agreement with CSL/Seqirus around the supply of 51 million doses of the University of Queensland (UQ)-CSL COVID-19 vaccine candidate, including key terms to support clinical and technical development activities for the vaccine candidate.
Phase IIb/III trials of the UQ vaccine candidate are scheduled to start in early December 2020 in numerous countries and over more than 100 sites. The study will evaluate efficacy, immunogenicity and safety in adults aged 18 years and above.
The Australian Government has also joined the COVAX facility, providing access to a large portfolio of COVID-19 vaccine candidates and manufacturers across the world. The Government’s upfront payment of $123.2 million guarantees we receive offers to purchase a number of vaccine candidates from around the world as they become available, meeting safety and effectiveness standards.
This is Australia’s second commitment to the COVAX facility, with $80 million donated in August to the COVAX Advance Market Commitment – a collaborative effort to provide doses to developing countries, enabling more countries to protect their most vulnerable groups.
Australia’s contribution supports a global coordination effort to ensure equitable and affordable access to COVID-19 vaccines, which is essential to reinvigorate the global economy.

Tenders called for Newcastle Ocean Baths pool upgrade

City of Newcastle is progressing the well-needed upgrade to Newcastle Ocean Baths, with tenders being called to restore the unique sand-bottomed pool and its promenades.
The Baths upgrade is a staged project, with the first piece of work being to restore the pools and lower concourse, while consultation and assessments continue for the upper concourse and pavilion.
Newcastle-Ocean-Baths-2.jpgDeputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the pools upgrade had been guided by engagement with the Newcastle Ocean Baths Community Reference Group and broader public, with construction expected mid-2021.
“November marks Newcastle Ocean Baths’ 98th anniversary, and the signs of ageing are really showing around her pools and promenades,” the Deputy Lord Mayor said.
“Deterioration around the pools has become impossible to miss, with sections of the lower promenade literally falling into the ocean in recent storms.
“We’ve had some great feedback from the community about what’s important to them as we undertake these essential upgrades to Newcastle Ocean Baths’ pools, like retaining the iconic boardwalk, maintaining the historic sand bottom, and improving accessibility.
“We’ll be making some practical improvements like relocating the pool pumps so our staff can safely access them for maintenance, while ensuring that historic elements like the pump house remain in place.”
Acting CEO Ken Liddell said the immediate focus for the City was to deliver a safe and efficient upgrade to Newcastle Ocean Baths’ pools, while continuing assessments to inform the second stage of the project.
“The City commenced community consultation on the upgrade to the Baths in November 2019 and formed a community reference group (CRG) to help guide the project in March 2020,” Mr Liddell said.
“We have since had three formal CRG meetings since March, with an additional two focus groups delving into key issues including change rooms and the café/kiosk and community spaces.
“We’ve received feedback from members of the CRG that meeting digitally under COVID-19 restrictions has been challenging and has constrained open discussion and collaboration.
“The CRG has also recommended a multi-criteria needs analysis be undertaken on the site to guide conversations with the community and to ensure the upgrade delivered meets the needs of future generations.
“Based on this feedback and the importance of an informed, successful co-design process with the CRG for the Stage 2 pavilions restoration, we will continue investigations such as the needs analysis and more detailed condition assessments prior to resuming face-to-face engagement on Stage 2 when it’s safe to do so.
“In the meantime, we’re focussed on working with the CRG to share information and limit the disruption caused by the important Stage 1 upgrade to the pools.”
City of Newcastle has committed to funding the renewal of Newcastle Ocean Baths in full, and will direct the $9.5 million recovered from the Fred Ash building sale to the project.
The tender will be available on City of Newcastle’s website from tomorrow www.tenderlink.com/newcastle.

MORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR REDFERN STUDENTS

A $64 million construction project in Redfern has received fast-tracked approval under the NSW Government’s Planning System Acceleration Program.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the new 18-storey building in the heart of Redfern would be home to more than 400 students, create 240 construction jobs and provide a groundfloor retail area.
“This is another example of a major shovel ready project being given fast-tracked approval to keep the NSW economy ticking throughout the pandemic,” Mr Stokes said.
“This uniquely designed tower will provide high quality housing for students and keep more of our construction workers in jobs, while reflecting Redfern’s indigenous heritage.
“The building will include Aboriginal artwork, creative open public spaces, and it’s a just a short hop to Redfern station and many public transport options.
“Now is the time to support construction jobs so that new accommodation will be online when students return as our borders reopen”
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said affordable student accommodation was a priority for the NSW Government.
“This development adds to the mix of affordable housing on offer for both domestic and international students close to nearby universities and other tertiary educational institutions,” Mr Lee said.
“The Government’s approval of this project is also a show of confidence in the future when we will overcome the COVID-19 pandemic and university life in NSW will flourish again.”
University of Sydney Vice-Chancellor and Principal Dr Michael Spence said: “We welcome with open arms any increase of affordable student accommodation within the Redfern area, to help relieve pressure for our students and make it easier to find beds they can afford that are close to our Camperdown campus.”
The Redfern development is one of 11 projects in the sixth tranche of the NSW Government’s Planning System Acceleration Program. To date, the program has created opportunities for more than 50,000 direct jobs and more than $25 billion of economic investment.

MARITIME CASH SPLASH CREATES HUNDREDS OF JOBS

A $205 million investment in maritime infrastructure and safety upgrade projects will create nearly 1300 jobs across the state.
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said the stimulus funding to improve access and amenities was particularly important with boating activity at an all-time high.
“We’ve seen a rising number of people getting out and enjoying our waterways and foreshores as we all look to holiday closer to home,” Mr Constance said.
“The great thing about this stimulus package is it will not only improve infrastructure such as wharves, breakwalls and amenities but it will also create jobs and assist the state’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 crisis.”
The funding will go to priority areas, including:

  • Regional maritime infrastructure
  • Regional dredging
  • Ferry wharf upgrades
  • Maritime property improvements.

The $205 million stimulus will come from the Waterways Fund, which is made up of fees collected from boating licences and registrations, wetland leases and mooring licences.
Member for Manly James Griffin said $25 million will be used to upgrade Manly Wharf 3.
“Currently, if you’re in a wheelchair or pushing a pram, catching a ferry at this wharf is just not possible. The existing old timber wharf is also showing signs of wear and tear from the continual wave and tidal movements it is exposed to,” Mr Griffin said.
“Also at Manly, $9 million in work will ensure the Transport for NSW owned former Manly Sea Life site is stripped back to prepare it for its future use after 60 years as an aquarium.
“Planning for both of these projects will require careful consideration of potential local environmental impacts, including the protected Little Penguin colony and sea grasses endemic to the area.”
The ferry wharves at Double Bay, Darling Point and Greenwich Point are among those being made safer and accessible with a $37 million funding allocation.
Mr Constance said $16 million will help fund construction of the Kamay ferry wharves, currently being planned to connect La Perouse and Kurnell, providing a boost to local tourism and transport.
A commitment of $8 million will fund dredging work to ensure safe navigation of channels and entrances, particularly in regional waterways.
While a further $29 million will fund additional regional maritime infrastructure and foreshore work in locations from Tweed Heads to Eden.

$341 MILLION CONCORD HOSPITAL BOOSTS CAPACITY

Concord Hospital’s $341 million redevelopment is on track for completion, with the eight-storey Clinical Services Building set to transform healthcare in the inner west.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard and Member for Drummoyne John Sidoti visited the site for a traditional topping out ceremony to mark the building reaching its highest point.
Mr Hazzard said the Clinical Services Building will have more than 200 inpatient beds, with just over 550 beds across the campus, an increase of more than 100 from previously.
“The NSW Government’s $341 million commitment to Concord Hospital has created more than 700 construction jobs to build this modern, state-of-the-art facility,” Mr Hazzard said.
“Not only does it house the nation’s first dedicated veterans’ health service, a comprehensive cancer centre and an aged care centre, over two-thirds of the new inpatient beds in the new Clinical Services Building are in single rooms with daybeds for carers.”
Mr Sidoti said the National Centre for Veterans’ Healthcare has been successfully operating as a pilot service since August last year.  To date 128 people have been referred to the service and 54 have completed their care.
“This Centre is critical to our veteran community and continues Concord Hospital’s proud 80-year history of supporting veterans and their families,” Mr Sidoti said.
Concord Hospital’s new Clinical Services Building will include:

  • The Rusty Priest Centre for Rehabilitation and Aged Care;
  • National Centre for Veterans’ Healthcare;
  • A comprehensive Cancer Care Centre with 28 beds and 48 chemotherapy, infusion and haematology chairs; and
  • A new concourse linking the new building to the existing hospital, providing direct access to operating theatres, radiology and emergency care.

Construction of a new $32.4 million multistorey car park will begin following the completion of the Clinical Services Building expected in late 2021.
The NSW Government also spent $1.3 million in 2019 refurbishing two theatres at Concord Hospital that are now fully digitally integrated.

WOMEN LEFT OUT AND LEFT BEHIND IN MORRISON’S RECESSION BUDGET

The 2020 Women’s Budget Statement released today by Labor shows that this year’s Morrison Recession Budget contains no measures to address significant job losses in industries dominated by women.
Since March, almost 200,000 have lost their jobs and 110,000 women have left the labour force altogether. At the peak of coronavirus restrictions earlier this year, more than 1 million women had no work whatsoever.
There is no doubt that Australian women have borne the brunt of the coronavirus pandemic and Morrison recession.
But despite racking up more than a trillion dollars in debt, the Prime Minister’s re-hashed “women’s economic statement” only allocated $240 million in new funding – 0.024 per cent.
In this year’s Budget, there is no new funding for frontline service providers to support women and their children escaping domestic violence.
There is nothing new to properly drive down the gender pay gap. There is nothing to bolster women’s superannuation or economic security in retirement.
There is no plan to lift the permanent rate of JobSeeker from $40 per day, tackle insecure work, create opportunities for women or to improve access to childcare.
There is no plan to reduce childcare fees to support women going back to work during the deepest recession in a hundred years.
At a time when women over the age of 55 are the fastest growing demographic facing homelessness, there is no plan to build more social housing or repair properties unfit for tenants to live in.
The Women’s Budget Statement was axed by Tony Abbott’s Government in 2014. Labor has produced one from Opposition every year since.

 
Labor Leader Anthony Albanese said:
“The lives of Australian women and girls matter. If we’re elected to lead Australia, we’ll reintroduce a Women’s Budget Statement to stop women from being left behind, like they are under the Morrison Government.”
“Only Labor will make sure no woman is held back, and no woman is left behind – because it’s the right thing to do.”
Shadow Minister for Women Julie Collins said:
“Women aren’t just facing many of the consequences of the coronavirus more harshly, we also know they’re doing much more of the dangerous frontline work to combat the pandemic.”
“The truth is the Morrison Government has taken no serious action on gender equality. It’s time to step up.”
Chair of the Status of Women Caucus Committee Sharon Claydon said:
“We know the things that perpetuate gender inequality in Australia. Now is the time to re-double our efforts to set about changing them – for the Morrison Government, that means equal representation and restoring budgets that support women.”

COVID-19 update: Three PINS issued in state's south

Two people have been issued infringement notices over alleged breaches of the Public Health Act in the state’s south.
Officers from Riverina Police District commenced an investigation after receiving information about a 20-year-old woman who was allegedly not self-isolating after returning to The Rock, in the state’s south west, from an address in Melbourne last week.
Police allege the woman, who held a border region resident permit, never resided at her nominated address, and had travelled to locations in Victoria that were outside the designated border region.
Following inquiries, officers attended a home in The Rock and spoke to the woman on Sunday 4 October 2020.
She was issued two infringement notices under the Public Health Act for providing false information with COVID-19 Border Control and failing to comply with noticed direction with COVID-19.
In an unrelated incident, a 22-year-old man was stopped by police after attempting to enter New South Wales on the Sturt Highway at Buronga about 10.30pm yesterday (Wednesday 7 October 2020).
Police allege the man was unable to provide a permit and was directed to return to Victoria; however, he allegedly attended a second checkpoint in Curlwaa a short time later and attempted to cross into NSW, without a valid permit.
The South Australian man was issued a $1000 PIN for failing to comply with noticed direction with COVID-19.
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

Four PINS issued after repeated attempts to cross the border without permits

Four South Australian men have been issued Penalty Infringement Notices after making three attempts to cross the border without valid permits.
Just before 5am yesterday (Thursday 8 October 2020), officers attached to Operation Border Closure stopped a white Holden Commodore at the Tooleybuc checkpoint.
Police spoke with the four male occupants – aged 17, 18, 19 and 21 – who said they were travelling from South Australia to Sydney for a holiday; however, they had travelled through Victoria without a permit.
They were refused entry to NSW and returned to Victoria.
About 2pm, the same vehicle was stopped at the same checkpoint, and the occupants stated the GPS had taken them through Victoria without warning.
The group were advised that without a permit they would not be allowed to enter NSW and were directed to return to Victoria.
Subsequent checks revealed the group had made the earlier attempt to cross the border and a warning was circulated amongst the checkpoints.
Just after 3.30pm, the vehicle was stopped by police at the Euston checkpoint and the occupants told police they were travelling into NSW to visit a dying relative but did not have valid permits.
After suspecting the occupants may have been that as mentioned in the warning from the Tooleybuc, officers conducted checks, which revealed it to be one and the same.
The men were each issued a $1000 PIN for failing to comply with noticed direction with COVID-19 before they were directed to return to Victoria.
Police are aware of recent changes allowing NSW residents to transit into South Australia via Victoria with relevant documentation.
At this point in time, there have been no changes for anyone wishing to enter NSW from Victoria.
To enter NSW from Victoria, regardless of the state you are from, you must hold a valid permit. For more information about exemptions or to apply for a permit, please visit: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-covid-19-nsw-border-entry-permit
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.