Free Higher Education Essential for Jobs of the Future

Australian Greens Senator for NSW and Education Spokesperson, Senator Mehreen Faruqi, has said free higher education is the key to ensuring equitable access to jobs of the future. An Alphabeta ‘Future Skills Report’ has found that Australians will need new skills to adjust to the future of work and will need to spend an additional three hours a week in education and training and that the average Australian worker will likely change jobs 2.4 times over the next two decades.
Details of the Greens free higher education package for universities and TAFEs can be found here.
Senator Faruqi said:
“Technology is rapidly changing the way we work and learn. Students graduating today will be working in industries we haven’t even imagined yet. If we are to take advantage of automation and technological change, we need to ensure that people are able to retrain and re-skill without incurring crushing debts over and over again.
“Automation offers incredible opportunities but if we do not properly plan for it, we are open to the risk of leaving huge numbers of people behind. We know that learning, upskilling and reskilling are essential for workers to be able to thrive in the jobs of the future, particularly those whose industries will be disrupted by technology.
“Removing fees for higher education will mean people will be able to move seamlessly between jobs and careers without the threat of huge debts. It’s time to make education free again,” she concluded.

Research demonstrating marriage equality postal survey was harmful to LGBTIQ+ people not a surprise, Greens

New research showing the harm caused to LGBTIQ+ people by the marriage equality vote including elevated levels of depression, anxiety and stress, is not a surprise, say Greens.
“We all knew the postal survey was going to cause harm to LGBTIQ+ people – everyone from medical experts, mental health organisations, community groups and LGBTIQ+ people continuously warned against it,” said Senator Janet Rice, Australian Greens LGBTIQ+ spokesperson.
“This research reiterates that we never should have had a public vote to determine something that we already knew – that the vast majority of Australians support marriage equality.”
“Instead of politicians doing the job we were elected to do, Malcolm Turnbull capitulated to the hard right of the Liberal party and put LGBTIQ+ communities through months of torment.”
“The postal survey legitimised homophobia and transphobia, it gave a platform to hateful views and speech that would normally not be acceptable in our community.”
“There must never again be a public vote on a matter of human rights.”
“I’m relieved that we finally achieved marriage equality, but LGBTIQ+ people remain under threat. The anti-LGBTIQ+ movement have now turned their attention to further entrenching discrimination in our schools.”
“Schools, indeed our society, must be discrimination-free zones for all LGBTIQ+ people.”

Man charged after alleged $220,000 worth of fraudulent charges on company-issued card

A man will face court for alleged fraud committed against a cinema company over seven years.
It’s alleged between 2010 and 2017, a 40-year-old man used a company-issued credit card to fraudulently create and register three businesses, accumulating over $220,000 worth of fraudulent charges.
The man was employed by the same cinema company between 2006 and his resignation in 2017, at the locations of Tuggerah Lakes, Lake Macquarie, Glendale, and Kotara.
On 12 December 2017, the company launched an internal investigation after discovering charges to company accounts, before it was raised with police at Sydney Police Station two days later.
The matter was referred to detectives from Newcastle City Police District who commenced an investigation.
Following inquiries, on Tuesday 22 January 2019, police spoke with the 40-year-old man, before issuing him a Future Court Attendance Notice for the offence of dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception.
He is due to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 14 March 2019.

NSW NOT SAFE AS HOUSES

The Coalition government is due to return Australia to surplus from next financial year.
Despite the improving financial standing of the nation, the Labor Party proposes to hit the economy with $200 billion in new taxes.
Labor will turn Australia into a high tax paradise. There will be brand new taxes on houses, shares, superannuation funds, trusts and there will be higher personal income taxes for millions.
Small businesses, typical “mum and dad” investors and the economy at large will suffer from this swag of unnecessary taxes.
One of the worst new taxes is Labor’s housing tax.
The housing tax has two elements: (1) a ban on negative gearing on existing homes and (2) a reduction on the capital gains discount for assets held for more than one year from 50 to 25 per cent.
This proposal will end the practice of deducting investment costs (such as loan interest) against wage and salary income unless the investment is a new house. This overturns a fundamental principle that expenses are deductable for tax purposes.
There are three significant problems with this new tax.
Firstly, this will do nothing to boost housing affordability – indeed it will likely increase rents.
Labor’s attack focuses on the evils of negative gearing exercised by “property barons” and have promised to improve housing affordability.
Labor says: “this policy will see a boost in new housing and will provide young families with the chance to find a home, and will take pressure off inner city housing markets that are predominantly made up of existing dwellings”
Any link between banning negative gearing and increasing affordability is totally confused.
How would increasing housing taxes which reduces investment in housing create more homes?
With studies showing the policy will dry up investment into both new and existing houses, it is more likely we will end up with fewer houses which are worth less with higher rents.
Cadence Economics’ study for the Master Builders Association shows the housing tax will reduce supply of housing in Australia:
“Changes to limit negative gearing to new dwellings and reduce the CGT discount to 25% are estimated over the next five years to reduce new dwelling starts by between 10,000 and 42,000.”
Meanwhile according to housing market experts Corelogic Data, the prospect of misguided tax policies are already impacting the supply of new homes:
“Potentially investor sentiment is being weighed down by the potential for changes to taxation policies related to housing should there be a change of government.”
Secondly, Labor’s housing tax is poorly targeted.
Australians with more modest assets will suffer the worst consequences. The policy cancels the ability to deduct investment expenses against wages but not against non-wage income.
70 per cent of people using negative gearing have one property and have a net rental loss of less than $10,000.
Treasury says people earning less than $100,000 will be able to claim on average 28 per cent of their investment costs (unless they invest in new housing). Whereas people earning more than $109,000 will be able to keep claiming 86% of their investment costs in existing housing.
Big wig investors will be able to use income derived from non-wage income such as investments in other houses or complicated investment schemes.
Property tycoons win out whilst the nurses, teachers and police investors miss out.
The Centre for Independent Studies has said: “the proportional benefit of negative gearing is substantial at low income levels. This could include non-working spouses holding negatively geared property. Abolishing negative gearing will disproportionately hurt the lower income earners.”
Thirdly, it is unclear what the purpose of this policy is; and when it starts.
On purpose, despite the policy being likely to reduce housing supply and therefore affordability, its confused stated aim is to improve housing affordability by reducing investment.
Even one of Labor’s key budgetary advisers Bob Officer says “What is the social cost associated with home ownership or investment in housing? As a generality there is none. In fact, one could argue for a social benefit in that providing housing encourages better citizenship and social cohesion.”
Why would any political party want to reduce investment in housing?
In reality, it is a populist exercise which has the illusion of smashing rich people when it simply reduces opportunities available to all working Australians.
Surely now that Sydney and Melbourne house prices are falling by 9 and 6 per cent respectively, even Labor will not maintain the lie this policy will increase affordability.
On timing, Labor’s official website says:  “Labor will limit negative gearing to new housing from a yet-to-be-determined date after the next election.”
Newspaper reports claim the Opposition Leader is “unsure” when the policy would start. Sound good? Only if you don’t want to buy a house, rent a house or invest for the future.
Australia is soon to be back in surplus and cannot afford amateur hour economic management.
Andrew Bragg is the Liberal Senate camdidate for NSW

LIFESAVING FUNDING BOOST TO PROTECT BEACHGOERS

Beachgoers will be safer across the state, thanks to a major funding increase for Surf Life Saving NSW from the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Emergency Services Troy Grant said Surf Life Saving NSW will receive an extra $16 million over four years for new jet skis and vehicles, additional emergency response beacons, community engagement officers and an innovative new beach wi-fi project to educate tourists.

“This investment is another major boost for Surf Life Saving NSW,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“Surf Life Saving NSW’s volunteers and staff do an amazing job keeping our beaches safe and this latest increase to their funding will enable them to save more lives.
“We have invested heavily to ensure that Surf Life Saving NSW and our volunteers have got all the tools and technology they need to do their jobs.”
Mr Grant said, “Our lifesavers do an outstanding job across our coastline each year, and the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government has been a very proud supporter of their efforts.”
“This funding would strengthen that support, and lead to new staff across a number of areas including East Ballina, Warriewood, Nowra, Tathra and Tighes Hill in the Hunter region.”
Community engagement staff work in the community and run programs to help educate people about beach safety.
Mr Grant said the investment announced today will also enable Surf Life Saving to improve safety at more remote locations.
“As part of the package, 10 new Emergency Response Beacons (ERBs) will be installed at coastal black spots to better protect swimmers,” Mr Grant said.
“This new technology has already been a great success, and allows beachgoers to access help in secluded, unpatrolled areas, with the beacon sending a quick alert to have support dispatched during emergencies when any time saved could mean a life saved too.”
Mr Grant said funds will also be allocated for an exciting beach wi-fi trial to better communicate with and educate swimmers, particularly international visitors.
“This will involve real-time safety alerts being issued to beachgoers’ digital devices within the red and yellow flags, translated into seven different languages,” Mr Grant said.
“These crucial updates could prevent drownings, especially for people who may not speak English and aren’t as familiar with the conditions.”
Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steve Pearce welcomed the Government’s pledge and said it will also provide major operational support across the organisation’s 129 clubs.
“This would allow us to purchase more jet skis and the wetsuits, lifejackets and helmets needed to operate them safely, while also increasing our training efforts,” Mr Pearce said.
“More jet skis in the water, more emergency vehicles on the land, and more training for staff all equals better outcomes for coastal communities, and ultimately more lives saved.”
Today’s investment comes on top of strong support for Surf Life Saving NSW and water safety initiatives:

  • Over the 3 years from 2016/17, the NSW Government has committed more than $9 million in water safety funding including:
    • $4 million over three years to enhance rescue capabilities, $220,000 of which ensured all Surf Life Saving branches had a new jet ski;
    • $1.7 million annually to provide essential lifesaving services; and,
    • $202,000 over three years for a pilot program to install emergency markers at key risk areas along the NSW coastline.
  • $4 million to upgrade and build new Surf Life Saving Clubs – a doubling of the previous funding.
  • Investments in new technology, such as drones, to assist lifeguards and prevent drownings.

EXTRA HIGH VISIBILITY STREET POLICE TO HIT THE BEAT

Communities across Greater Sydney will benefit from having extra police on the beat, with 100 high visibility officers set to join the ranks as part of the NSW Government’s historic investment in frontline policing.
The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government is investing a record $583 million to deliver 1,500 extra police – the biggest single increase for the NSW Police Force in more than 30 years.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Minister for Police Troy Grant and NSW Acting Police Commissioner Gary Worboys announced today that 100 of these new officers will be deployed to high visibility foot patrols across NSW – including many in Sydney – ensuring that communities are even safer places to live and work.

“These new high visibility street teams will provide a reassuring presence right across our suburbs and play a vital role in disrupting and preventing crime and anti-social behaviour,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“The NSW Government is delivering record breaking frontline services for schools, hospitals and our emergency services. Our careful economic management is allowing us to deliver the improvements that will make a real difference for everyone in NSW.”
Along with providing high visibility foot patrols, the new officers announced today will also be deployed to major events, transport hubs and busy areas.
Mr Grant said the boost in resources would also give police greater capacity for ongoing local community and business engagement.
“They call it the thin blue line – but that’s hardly the case with more and more officers on our streets serving the community and proactively targeting crime,” Mr Grant said.
“Having this highly-visible deployment means police can gather more intelligence to tackle emerging crime trends head-on, and increase community confidence in local policing by addressing any concerns from retail owners, residents or other community members.
“The presence of more men and women in blue will also make criminals think twice before breaking the law. With more eyes on them, there’s more chance of being caught and charged by police.”
Acting Commissioner Worboys said modern policing is not just about making people safe, it’s also about making people feel safe.
“That’s why a highly-visible presence in our major city is so important,” Acting Commissioner Worboys said.
“We know New York, Paris and London have moved towards a highly-visible presence. It’s only natural the largest city and biggest economy in Australia would follow.”
The high visibility street teams will operate across five  NSW Police Force regions, with a large contingent of 40 extra police set to be deployed across the Central Metropolitan Region.
The officers will be specifically trained in intelligence gathering so they can proactively identify conflicts ranging from local level issues to the most serious indicators of violent extremism.
They will work closely with Police Area Commands and Districts across their respective regions while also complementing the work of specialist officers across the Force.
Along with today’s announcement, all 58 Police Area Commands and Police Districts will receive an Elder Abuse Prevention Officer and a Child Protection Register Officer.
A further 91 officers will be deployed to Region Enforcement Squads and Raptor Units to fight serious and organised crime.

RECORD NUMBER OF INTERN DOCTORS IN 2019

More than 1000 medical graduates this week start their hospital ward rounds across NSW – the largest intake ever – as part of the Government’s internship program.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Health Minister Brad Hazzard said $107 million has been invested in the internship program to support 1021 junior medical positions.

“The new crop of interns is the next generation of talented professionals at the frontline of our health care system which is one of the best in the world,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“Thanks to this Government’s strong financial management, we can deliver record investment into to new hospitals as well as hospital staff. I am incredibly proud that the Liberals & Nationals Government has invested close to three-quarters of a billion dollars since 2011 to boost the internship program in NSW.
“Under Labor, the investment in the program was just $63 million in 2010. This year we will invest $107 million and offer 251 more places to interns than under Labor.
“Our health credentials are unmatched and this builds on the additional 16,000 frontline health workers we have already employed since coming to government , an increase of 23 per cent.”
Mr Hazzard said NSW offers more funding and internships than any other state or territory, and leads the nation in efforts to improve the wellbeing of young doctors.
“A lot of work has been done over the past 18 months since we held the JMO forum about how we can better support our junior medical officers,” Mr Hazzard said.
“Change will take time as we are turning around a cultural way of thinking prevalent in the profession worldwide but we are committed to supporting those who support us.
During their first year, graduates will complete compulsory terms in the specialties of medicine, surgery and emergency. The second year focuses on consolidating professional practice and experience in different clinical settings. The interns will rotate through a network of metropolitan, regional or rural hospitals, as well as GP practices.

LABOR’S PLAN TO REJUVENATE GREAT KEPPEL ISLAND

A Shorten Labor Government will invest $25 million to rejuvenate Great Keppel Island, helping to grow tourism, create jobs and deliver an $80-million-a-year boost to the region’s economy.
Great Keppel has amazing, untapped tourism potential but it is held back by a lack of basic infrastructure, including drinking water and a reliable power supply.
Federal Labor’s investment – which matches the Queensland Government’s investment – will deliver new infrastructure for permanent and reliable electricity and water supply on the Island.
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten will visit Great Keppel Island on Wednesday morning to make the announcement.
“I’m taking a hands-on approach to job creation in Central Queensland,” Mr Shorten said.
“This is a beautiful part of Queensland with massive potential. You just need a government in Canberra that listens and acts.
“Russell Robertson has been on the phone to me about how important this investment is. He’s done a fantastic job advocating for Great Keppel Island and the entire region.”
Shadow Minister for Regional Services Stephen Jones said water quality and reliable power supply presents significant challenges for island businesses and residents.
“The island relies on diesel-powered generators as the main source of power, and access to drinking water is through rainwater harvesting or bottled water from the mainland. This is costly and time consuming, and is holding Great Keppel back,” Mr Jones said.
“This funding will see key infrastructure built on the island, including a permanent and reliable supply of power and drinking water. Our investment will aim to grow tourism on Great Keppel and the surrounding region, supporting existing tourism operators, residents, and future tourism development projects.”
Shadow Minister for Tourism Anthony Albanese said with improved infrastructure, it is expected that the island will accommodate about 860,000 visitors, workers and residents a year, and contribute more $83 million per annum to the local economy.
“We know tourism operators need reliable water and power, and the lack of these basic services is a barrier to investment. Labor’s commitment will allow for sustainable development, meaning more visitors, more jobs and more money going to local businesses,” Mr Albanese said.
Labor Candidate for Capricornia Russell Robertson welcomed Labor’s investment to rejuvenate Great Keppel Island.
“This is a great day for the Capricorn Coast. I’ve been working for months to secure this investment for our region, and now we know a Shorten Labor Government will deliver it,” Mr Robertson said.
“I’ve been calling on both Bill Shorten and Scott Morrison to make this commitment, but Bill is the only one who has listened.
“Michelle Landry has been too caught up in the chaos in Canberra to secure this funding. She’s forgotten Great Keppel Island exists at all.
“Great Keppel is the most beautiful on the Great Barrier Reef. Everyone knows that infrastructure funding for Great Keppel Island will mean more visitors, more jobs and more money going into our local economy.
“As your local member, I’ll make sure Great Keppel gets the investment, infrastructure and jobs it deserves.”
Mr Shorten said only Labor is committed to rejuvenating Great Keppel Island.
“I believe in a fair go for all Australians, and that means a fair go for Central Queenslanders.
I’m determined to deliver job-creating infrastructure for Central Queenslanders, and I can pay for it because I will make multinational companies pay their fair share of tax.”

Governments Must Support Communities Says Greens Senator After Visit to Williamtown and Bobs Farm to Talk PFAS Contamination and Sand Mining

Australian Greens Senator For NSW, Dr Mehreen Faruqi, has visited the Port Stephens area and heard first hand from local residents about their concerns over multiple threats in the Williamtown, Saltash and Bobs Farm areas, including PFAS contamination and a proposed massive increase in sand mining.
On the PFAS contamination issue, Senator Faruqi said:
“Residents are sick and tired of having to fight the federal government for compensation for the pollution of their land and water by the Department of Defence. They have been fighting a David versus Goliath battle for years.
“I’m concerned to hear that there has been no ‘off-base’ clean up and remediation of contaminated water and soil, especially in the drains.
“I sat on the Senate Inquiry into the issue and I strongly believe that there needs to be a proper compensation package. Importantly it must include buybacks of properties that have been significantly affected.
“The Federal Government caused the PFAS pollution so they must take full responsibility for it. The community has waited long enough. Communities have suffered enough. It’s time to take concrete action to help them. And it’s time concrete action is taken now.
On the proposed sand mine in Bobs Farm, Senator Faruqi said:
“The proposal for a huge new sand mine at Bobs Farm is very concerning and has the potential to impact on the water supply for nearby farms and will involve significant clearing of bushland. Parents at the nearby school are really worried about the pollution from the mining as well as the nearly 200 truck movements a day right past the school.
“This project clearly doesn’t have community support and has significant environmental risks. I’ll be making a submission opposing the proposal” she concluded.

Man charged over the alleged misappropriation of NSW RSL funds

A former Returned Services League (RSL) NSW State President has been charged with fraud following an investigation by the Financial Crimes Squad.
In December 2016, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Financial Crimes Squad established Strike Force Whitbread to investigate reports of the misappropriation of funds within the NSW RSL.
Strike force detectives obtained large volumes of documentation early in the investigation, which have undergone forensic accounting analysis.
Following extensive inquiries, police met with a 70-year-old man at Armidale Police Station about 9am today (Wednesday 23 January 2019).
He was charged by way of a Future Court Attendance Notice for two counts of dishonestly obtain a financial advantage or cause disadvantage by deception.
The man is due to face Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday 7 March 2019.