Author: admin

Aluminium to forge Australia’s manufacturing future

The Albanese Labor Government is Building Australia’s Future with a record $2 billion investment in the Australian-made aluminium industry, securing more well-paid jobs for Australian workers in our regions and suburbs.

Supercharging the local metals industry, a new Green Aluminium Production Credit will provide targeted support to Australian aluminium smelters switching to reliable, renewable electricity before 2036.

Facilities will be eligible for support for every tonne of clean, reliable Australian-made aluminium they make over a period of 10 years.

This Credit will provide local aluminium smelters with confidence to invest, paving the way for more secure Australian jobs in our world-class aluminium industry.

Labor’s plan for a Future Made in Australia is very clear: we want Australian workers to make more things here.

We’ve got all the ingredients right here for a world-leading metals industry – from the best solar and wind resources, to the critical minerals and facilities, as well as a highly skilled workforce.

From Gladstone to Portland and Bell Bay to Tomago – Australia is already the sixth largest producer of aluminium in the world and we want to see that continue to grow.

Increasingly the world is looking to import clean, reliable metals – like Australian-made aluminium – which represents a massive opportunity for growth in a decarbonising global economy.

Australia’s entire aluminium supply chain is uniquely located on shore – from bauxite mining to finished products, all produced from generations of Aussie know-how.

Not only will this deliver for economic wins for Australia, it will help significantly reduce emissions at the same time.

Securing the future of the Australian-made aluminium industry is a direct investment in jobs and skills across the country – all the way from Central Queensland to Northern Tasmania.

This is what Building Australia’s Future looks like and only a Labor Government will deliver it.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“Labor’s plan for a Future Made in Australia is very clear: we want Australia to make more things here.

“Investing in the Australian-made aluminium industry is a massive opportunity – to create well-paid jobs in our regions and suburbs, and set Australia up for the future.

“We’ve got the resources, the workers, and the know-how – the only thing we don’t have is time to waste.

“We are building Australia’s future, not taking Australia backwards.”

Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic:

“Jobs up, emissions down and a secure future for our world-class aluminium industry – that’s what today’s announcement provides.

“With an entire aluminium supply chain uniquely located right here in Australia, we’re well positioned to capture the rewards of the global green energy transition.

“Communities and businesses rely on aluminium smelters, and we have an opportunity to partner with the private sector to support these secure well-paying jobs into the future

“Backing our strengths, playing to our advantages and building a future for all Australians.”

Assistant Minister for Future Made in Australia Tim Ayres:

“The aluminium sector is a critical value-add industry for Australia and a crucial part of the Albanese Government’s Future Made in Australia plan.

“This package guarantees good blue collar jobs in the Hunter, Central Queensland, Northern Tasmania, Western Australia and Victoria.

“We know that Peter Dutton’s risky nuclear reactor plan requires the closure of Australian electricity-intensive manufacturing like aluminium refining.

“The biggest risk to aluminium and regional manufacturing is Peter Dutton’s Liberals.”

New Future Industries Facility for Newcastle

A $20.7 million investment for the Future Industries Facility in Newcastle will further establish the city as a hub for innovation.

The Albanese Government has today announced the University of Newcastle is a successful recipient under its regional Precincts and Partnerships program to construct two industrial scale spaces for technology innovation.

The facility will enable the university to provide a problem-solving centre for community and small businesses at a purpose-built innovation facility within its Next Gen Precinct.

It will accommodate up to 16 academic-industry partnerships for rapid technology co-development from research to market across the energy, resources and manufacturing sectors, and the net zero economy.

Focusing on accelerating resource sustainability, workforce training and productivity solutions, the facility will contribute an estimated 740 direct and indirect jobs.

It will also provide students the experience of working on prototyping products for manufacture, and give small to medium sized enterprises the ability to collocate and test technology.

This project showcases the Government’s commitment to listening to and working with local communities and addressing regional needs.

It is funded through the Albanese Government’s regional Precincts and Partnership Program, which is investing $47.9 million to support the transformation of seven precincts across New South Wales.  

The regional Precincts and Partnerships Program is providing investment to transform regional, rural and remote places. For more information, visit: Regional Australia.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“My Government is building Australia’s future, today announcing we will deliver more than $20.7 million for the Future Industries Facility at the University of Newcastle.

“This project will boost education, employment and training opportunities for Newcastle and the surrounding region.”

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

“The Future Industries Facility will build on Newcastles vital role as an industrial powerhouse and source of skilled workers.

“Our investment will train the next generation in the latest practices in energy, resources and manufacturing, preparing them for a net-zero future.”

Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon:

“The Albanese Labor Government is supporting our city with this new facility set to bolster the University of Newcastle.

“Focusing on accelerating resource sustainability, workforce training, and productivity, the Future Industries Facility will contribute an estimated 740 direct and indirect jobs.

“This investment will secure a bright future for our region, strengthening partnerships between the university and local industry, and equipping graduates with the latest skills and practices, as we prepare for the net zero economy.”

One million safe drivers rewarded with a demerit point removed

One million drivers who remained offence-free on the road over the past 12 months are being rewarded for their contribution to safety with a demerit point scrubbed from their licence.

 

The results of the second year of the Government’s demerit point return scheme show drivers in car-reliant areas of Western Sydney and regional NSW are the biggest beneficiaries this year.

The scheme provides a rare ‘carrot’ for people to drive safely as a counterbalance to the longstanding ‘stick’ of fines, double demerits and the loss of licence.

 

Almost 1.5 million drivers were eligible to have a demerit point removed when the second year of the trial started on January 17, with just over one million drivers (1,003,610) remaining offence-free. 

There are now more than 420,000 drivers who have had a demerit point wiped two years running. Topping the list of suburbs was Blacktown where more than 6000 drivers are getting a point wiped. Castle Hill, Merrylands, Auburn, and Maroubra round out the top five suburbs, each with 4500 or more drivers to benefit. 

Regional drivers were also doing the right thing in great numbers with motorists in Orange, Dubbo, Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour notching up over 16,000 demerit points removed. 

Motorists will begin to see their licence demerit tally updated from the second quarter of 2025. 

As the scheme enters its third year, the NSW Government is making an important adjustment to the end date of the 12-month period which will in future run to 31 January starting in 2026. This means that drivers who are close to benefiting with a point will need to drive safely and offence-free throughout the critical month of January which has in the past been marred by holiday crashes and deaths. 

There are 1,483,926 drivers eligible to benefit if they stay within the rules until 31 January 2026.

 

The NSW Government introduced a range of new road safety measures in 2024 which will continue or expand in 2025. 

They include: 

    – The trial of average speed cameras for light vehicles in 2025

    – Doubling roadside enforcement sites used for mobile speed cameras, with an additional 2,700 new sites where a camera can be deployed. Total enforcement hours will remain the same 

    – Seatbelt enforcement via the state’s existing mobile phone cameras

    – Removing a loophole to force all motorists driving on a foreign licence to convert to a NSW licence within six months 

    – Implementing recommendations from the Demerit Point Integrity Taskforce to stamp out rorting of the system by mainly visiting foreign nationals 

    – Releasing more ratings for bicycle helmets as part of the star rating system 

    – Signing the National Road Safety Data Agreement with the Commonwealth 

The demerit point reward scheme is open to eligible unrestricted and professional licence holders with active demerit points.

Man charged after pursuit; weapons located – Merewether

A man has been charged after an alleged pursuit near Newcastle today.

Just before 2.30pm (Monday 20 January 2025), officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were conducting patrols of the Merewether area when they attempted to stop an Audi allegedly speeding.

When the driver allegedly failed to stop, a pursuit was initiated.

The pursuit was soon terminated, due to safety concerns.

A short time later, officers attached to Newcastle City Traffic and Highway Patrol located the vehicle on Wilton Street, Merewether, where it crashed into a brick wall.

The driver, a 23-year-old man, was uninjured and arrested nearby after a short foot pursuit.

During a search of the vehicle and the man, officers allegedly located and seized a knife, a firearm and machete.

He was taken to Newcastle Police Station where he was charged with,

  • police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously,
  • hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty,
  • acquire etc pistol-subject to firearms prohibition order,
  • possess unregistered unauthorised pistol in public place,
  • not keep firearm safely – pistol,
  • not stop at stop line (intersection with no lights),
  • possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit,
  • use prohibited weapon contrary to prohibition order,
  • custody of knife in public place, and
  • carry cutting weapon upon apprehension.

He was bail refused to appear before Newcastle Local Court tomorrow (Tuesday 21 January 2025).

$1 billion to build critical Western Sydney infrastructure

Today the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are taking another important step in building Australia’s future, announcing $1 billion to better connect Western Sydney to the word.

Jointly funded by both governments, the project will upgrade Fifteenth Avenue to create a critical transit corridor from Liverpool to the new Western Sydney International Airport.

Over 22,000 vehicles per day travel along the congested two-lane Fifteenth Avenue, with around 8 per cent of those being trucks. Liverpool City Council predicts a significant increase in housing in the areas immediately around Fifteenth Avenue, which could see as many as 63,000 additional people living there by 2041.

Fifteenth Avenue will connect the new Bradfield city centre, the new Metro, and the airport, enabling multi-modal travel including fast and easy public transport along the route.

It will also unlock jobs and housing in key growth areas and provide better access to education and opportunities for Sydney’s growing west.

Western Sydney is the fastest growing region of New South Wales, and this funding is part of both governments’ ongoing investment in the future of the region. This adds to existing major investments in Western Sydney, including the $10.4 billion Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport, $2 billion M12 Motorway, $1 billion Mamre Road Stage 2 Upgrade and $800 million Elizabeth Drive – Priority Sections Upgrade.  

The Australian and NSW governments are each committing $500 million to this project.

The Australian Government is investing nearly $18 billion towards transport infrastructure projects in Western Sydney. 

For more information on projects funded under the Government’s Infrastructure Investment Program, visit https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au. 

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“My Government wants Western Sydney to be a gateway to the rest of the world.

“We want it to thrive as the engine room for jobs, economic growth and opportunity.

“This half a billion dollars’ worth of new funding from the Australian Government is part of our commitment to delivering more resilient infrastructure for all Australians.”

Premier of NSW Chris Minns:

“This critical investment is a game changer for Western Sydney that will connect thousands of jobs at Western Sydney Airport and the Aerotropolis with Liverpool.

“We promised to deliver fifteenth avenue and I’m very proud that together with the Albanese Federal Government – we are delivering this project.

“The Aerotropolis has the opportunity to transform Western Sydney and this road link is critical to delivering the jobs of the future in Australia’s fastest growing region.

“Without this critical road we couldn’t deliver the growth and jobs the Aerotropolis has the potential to deliver.”

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

“We’re connecting Sydney to Western Sydney, and Western Sydney to the world, by investing in infrastructure that will boost jobs, unlock housing, and shape the way we live. 

“From Liverpool to Parramatta, Bankstown to Cabramatta, we’re not just building roads, we’re building Australia’s future.”

NSW Deputy Premier Prue Car:

“Together with the Commonwealth Government, the Minns Labor Government is committed to building better communities in Western Sydney and connecting our local community.

“We are investing in the suburbs where the former Liberal National government allowed development to occur but failed to deliver essential roads and infrastructure.

“We are ensuring the necessary investments to improve access to the new airport, which is a key part of Western Sydney’s economic future.”

NSW Minister for Roads John Graham:

“The jobs and investment being brought by Western Sydney Airport will be squandered if Fifteenth Avenue remains a two-lane road from a time gone by.

“With this substantial investment in the road infrastructure of Western Sydney we are building a highway to economic opportunity.”

Member for Werriwa, Anne Stanley:

“I have been advocating for an upgrade of 15th Avenue for more than 15 years from the time that Austral Housing developments were approved by Liverpool Council and the NSW government.

“Now with the opening of the Western Sydney Airport less than 2 years away, it has taken a Federal and State Labor Government working together to deliver the much needed upgrade.

“More than 10 years of Liberal governments did not recognise how important this upgrade was, and it has meant that residents have been putting up with long delays in traffic jams because development has far outstripped the road network upgrades.”

Regional NSW community to have a say on proposed coach timetable

The regional NSW community is invited to have a say on proposed NSW TrainLink coach timetable changes that are due to come into effect in mid-2026 to better meet the needs of the travelling public.

NSW TrainLink is the state’s long distance regional public transport provider.

Its coach network services an area including the state’s north coast, north west, western NSW and southern NSW, connecting communities and providing links to rail services and larger centres.  

The proposed changes to NSW TrainLink coach services include adjusted timetables to meet passenger needs, new routes, additional services on some existing routes, new stops to improve local access and connections to rail and reduced travel times.

The planned changes are based on extensive community and stakeholder feedback from a range of sources including regular customer and operator feedback, and the NSW Bus Taskforce. The proposed coach timetable would not impact train times or services. 

Following public consultation, a final service plan will be developed and coach operators will be able to apply for new NSW TrainLink contracts that are proposed to take effect from mid 2026. 

Community members can find details of the proposed routes and provide feedback at haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/trainlink-coach-network-review until Friday, 14 February. 

Across the NSW TrainLink network there are currently 571 coach services each week across 39 routes, with over 420,000 passenger journeys made each year.  

Man charged with attempted murder over assault, hit-run crash – Cardiff

A man will face court today over an alleged assault and hit and run crash in the Lake Macquarie region on Friday.

About 1.20am Friday (17 January 2025), emergency services were called to Harrison Street, Cardiff, following reports a man had been located injured.

On arrival, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District located a 36-year-old man injured on the roadway.

He was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital, where he remains.

Initial inquiries suggested the man was struck by a vehicle, which failed to stop.

Police established a crime scene and commenced enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident, with the assistance of specialist officers attached to the Crash Investigation Unit.

Following enquiries, police located the vehicle believed to have been involved in the incident on Devon Street, Wallsend. It was seized for forensic examination.

A 24-year-old man was also arrested at the location and taken to Waratah Police Station, where he was charged with attempt murder, dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm – drive manner dangerous, fail to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing grievous bodily harm, proceed through red traffic light (not toll booth), drive motor vehicle while licence suspended and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

He was refused bail to appear before Parramatta Local Court today (Sunday 19 January 2025).

Police will allege in court the younger man assaulted the older man before striking him with a vehicle and leaving the scene.

Appointment of Ambassadors and Consul-General

Today I announce the appointment of three highly qualified individuals to lead Australian posts in Brussels, Belgrade and Lae.

I am pleased to announce the following appointments:

Australia’s representatives overseas prosecute our national interests and through their diplomatic engagement help uphold the norms and rules that have underpinned decades of peace and prosperity.

General Campbell will also serve as the Ambassador to the European Union (EU), the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and Luxembourg. His experience as Chief of the Defence Force from 2018 until 2024 will help deepen Australia’s peace and security cooperation with NATO, both in the Euro-Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific.

I thank the outgoing ambassadors and consul-general for their contributions.

Visit to the United States

Today I will depart for the United States to attend the inauguration of President Donald Trump in Washington DC.

The invitation to attend is a demonstration of the steadfast alliance between Australia and the United States and I look forward to representing Australia.

The United States is our vital ally, closest global partner, and most important strategic relationship. The US is also Australia’s most significant economic partner and, together, we continue to boost each other’s prosperity.

While in Washington DC, I will meet with members of the Trump Administration and Congress.

I look forward to discussing how we can advance the benefits of our strong economic and security partnership and expand our cooperation.

The Foreign Ministers of India and Japan will also attend the inauguration. I look forward to engaging with my Quad counterparts. We share an unwavering commitment to a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.