Higher Taxes, Higher Spending and Families Left Behind

Today’s Final Budget Outcome reveals Labor’s is taxing more, and spending more, than any government in history.

Labor’s high taxing, high spending strategy is delivering no dividend to Australian families. Australian family budgets can’t win: facing higher taxes, and higher prices due to Labor’s inflationary spending.

Compared to before the election, Labor raised $104 billion in additional income in 2023-24 from higher taxes on households ($43 billion) and businesses ($54 billion). Tax receipts increased by 0.2% of GDP over the financial year, while spending grew in real terms by 2.9%.

Labor’s claims of spending less are false. Labor spent more last year than was spent at the peak of the COVID pandemic when our economy needed it most in an unprecedented global health and economic crisis.

Despite record terms of trade, low unemployment, and a recovering economy after the COVID pandemic, Labor has squandered the strong economy it inherited from the Coalition. With productivity going backwards and Australia now 18 months into a household recession, Labor is claiming credit for one of the smallest surpluses delivered as a share of the economy.

With the strong economic conditions Labor inherited, a drover’s dog could have delivered a surplus over the last two financial years.

The reality is Australians are facing a decade of deficits under Labor. Despite two surpluses, debt is higher under Labor and growing, with interest payments taking up a bigger share of the economy.

This is a consequence of a Labor Government that has abandoned strong fiscal guardrails, and waged war with anti-business policies on the very industries that drive our prosperity. Labor is out of touch and out of its depth on economic management.

Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor said Labor’s entire Budget strategy is to take from hard-working Australians to bolster its own bottom line.

“Australians can see straight through this Treasurer’s spin. This is the biggest spending, biggest taxing government in Australian history.

“Household budgets are in tatters because of Labor. Living standards have collapsed, and families are in an entrenched recession. This is a disastrous situation for them.

“Labor is relying on higher taxes from higher commodity prices and insidious bracket creep caused by Labor’s high inflation.

“All Labor has done is make the structural deficit worse. The consequence is these Budget surpluses will be short lived, with deficits as far as the eye can see.”

Shadow Finance Minister Senator Jane Hume said Labor’s failure to address structural pressures on the Budget and new baked-in spending will simply make life harder for Australians.

“The Finance Minister admitted today that Labor’s lower spending has absolutely nothing to do with their Budget management.

“Labor hasn’t done any hard work, in fact the opposite – payments are down due to lower demand in programs and Labor’s failure to manage its payments to the States.

“Hardworking Australians are suffering under Labor’s fiscal mismanagement. Labor is responsible for the inflation and higher interest rates pain continuing far longer than it needs to. Labor has no plan to end the cost of living crisis they have perpetuated.”

Only a Coalition Government can deliver strong back to basics economic management that gets Australia back on track.

Fire and Rescue NSW firefighters agree to interim pay deal

The NSW Government and firefighters’ union have reached an agreement that will see an interim pay rise of 3 per cent, industrial action cease and the independent industrial umpire resolve the remaining issues in dispute.

The pay increase for 6,800 Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) firefighters will be backdated to February and follows a 4.5 per cent pay rise (inclusive of super) delivered to firefighters last year, the highest in more than a decade.

The deal comes ahead of formal arbitration on new awards in the Industrial Relations Commission and will help firefighters manage cost of living pressures while also stipulating a pause on industrial action to ensure public services are not disrupted.

This agreement reaffirms the NSW Government’s commitment to a fair, modern and sustainable wages policy for firefighters and helps undo the damage caused by 12 years of pay neglect by the former Coalition government.

The Minns Labor Government’s work to rebuild essential services and the industrial relations system is well underway.

This includes introducing a new bargaining framework and re-establishing the independence of the Industrial Relations Commission to assess and determine union and departmental claims. It also includes scrapping the Liberals and Nationals unfair wages cap.

The Minns Labor Government also committed $189.5 million in the 2024-25 NSW Budget to guarantee the jobs of 286 permanent firefighters that were left unfunded by the former government.

Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis said:

“I welcome the agreement for NSW firefighters and I thank the firies for their advocacy, patience and support.”

“This is a good step forward but we still have work to do.”

“We appreciate their commitment and service to the people of NSW.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“This agreement with the union shows a commitment to working together to achieve practical outcomes for frontline responders and the community.”

“We continue to work towards an outcome that is fair and sustainable for Fire and Rescue NSW firefighters and the people of NSW.”

“After more than a decade of stagnant wages under the Coalition Government, the Minns Labor Government is delivering for the essential workers of NSW, including these workers on the frontline of rescue and emergency response.”

Health insurers rorting public hospital beds

Private health insurers are skipping out on the cost of public hospital beds their members use, costing taxpayers and boosting their bottom line by $140 million a year.

Currently, NSW public hospitals are heavily subsidising some private health insurers – a burden our health system can no longer shoulder.

NSW Health estimates the average cost of a hospital bed at $1,075 per day.

Last year, NSW Health charged private health insurers below cost, at a rate of $892 per hospital bed, per day – a 17 per cent subsidy.

Many insurers are doing the right thing and paying for the full cost of services they use. However, a select group of private health insurers are not paying their fair share – many only contributing $474 per hospital bed, per day – a 56 per cent subsidy from the people of NSW.

Private health insurers skipping out on the costs of public hospital beds is costing NSW hospitals $140 million every year – for the last five years.

This could employ an additional 1,000 senior nurses.

Thankfully, 44 of 53 private health insurers have agreed or are currently paying their fair share. But some of the largest insurers have held out, refusing to pay their fair share to the public health system while raking in record profits.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey:

“The refusal of private insurers to pay their bills is robbing the public system of critical funds.

“This has been a very reasonable request to private health insurers to simply resume paying their fair share.

“I commend those smaller and not-for-profit insurers who are doing the right thing.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“So many not-for-profit insurers have managed to do the right thing, including the health funds for police, nurses, navy and teachers.

“I commend those insurers who have paid their bills in full as well as those who have indicated they will resume paying in full.

“But we’re seeing some of the largest for-profit insurers, who enjoy billions of dollars in profit each year, sticking taxpayers with the tab.

“This really is not sustainable.”

Paramedics to work alongside emergency department teams in innovative new trial

An innovative, 10-week trial starting today will see paramedics working alongside doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals to improve access to care in regional healthcare settings.

Mudgee Hospital’s emergency department (ED) will be the first in the state to participate in the Integrated Paramedic Workforce Model Pilot, which will see paramedics integrate into the multidiscplinary team within the ED and support existing staff to provide care.

The trial will see up to three NSW Ambulance paramedics rostered on in the ED, in addition to the regular, full suite of ED staff at Mudgee.

During the trial, triage will continue to be performed by a Registered Nurse in the ED, and hospital staff will inform patients if a paramedic is involved in their care.

How a paramedic works with existing ED staff as part of the multidisciplinary team in treatment areas will depend on each patient’s individual needs.

The trial, which was open to NSW Ambulance paramedics across the state, will demonstrate how paramedics may be able to complement existing workforces in healthcare settings, with a second rural health service participating in the pilot in the coming weeks.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“Integrating paramedics into emergency departments is something which has been done effectively overseas, and this trial will give us insight into how it could be done in NSW to complement our regional health workforce.

“Our EDs across NSW are grappling with unprecedented pressure, which is why the NSW Government is investing in a range of measures including creating alternative pathways to care, all with the goal of relieving our busy and stretched emergency departments.

“Paramedics will provide additional support by working alongside our dedicated doctors, nurses and allied health teams to provide treatment, and improve access to care.

“Attracting and retaining healthcare workers in regional settings is a longstanding challenge faced by every state and territory in Australia, and the NSW Government is committed to building a more supported regional health workforce through innovative initiatives like the Integrated Paramedic Workforce Model Pilot.”

Labor Spokesperson for Dubbo Stephen Lawrence:

“We know that regional and rural health services face unique pressures, and this trial is all about exploring innovative solutions.

“This collaborative effort is an important step to see how we can improve access to care for patients in our regional communities.”

WNSWLHD Chief Executive Mark Spittal:

“As a large rural centre, the wide range of presentations we see at Mudgee Hospital will see paramedics utilise their extensive skillsets in the ED setting, within their scope of practice.

“Clinical procedures have been rigorously reviewed and adjusted for the pilot. We have worked together with NSW Ambulance to investigate how and when paramedics will provide support, to ensure all patients receive appropriate care from appropriate staff.

“Patients will know if a paramedic is involved with their care. Hospital staff will let patients know, but NSW Ambulance paramedics involved in the trial will also be in different uniforms to ED staff, making paramedics identifiable.”

“This is an exciting opportunity for our award-winning ED team at Mudgee Hospital, and for our Local Health District as a whole. To be selected for this trial reflects our willingness and capability to support innovation which could help regional healthcare settings across NSW in the future.”

Maitland Hospital welcomes new staff

Maitland Hospital has welcomed an influx of new team members including nurses, midwives, doctors and allied health professionals, as part of a major boost to workforce capacity in the region.

Between July 2023 and September 2024, the hospital increased its number of full-time equivalent (FTE) staff by 10 per cent, growing by 121 FTE and bringing the total to 1,095 FTE.

The staffing increase reflects Maitland’s growing appeal as a place to live and work, supported by the region’s expanding healthcare sector and the $470 million Hospital on Metford Road, which opened in March 2022.

Maitland Hospital has worked hard to improve staff retention, build a supportive work environment, and focus on growth and development opportunities – including through training and education, upskilling into specialty positions, pathway programs and leadership development.

The Minns Labor Government has introduced a broad suite of initiatives to further strengthen the state’s regional health workforce, including:

  • Implementing the Safe Staffing Levels initiative in our emergency departments
  • Providing permanent funding for 1,112 FTE nurses and midwives on an ongoing basis
  • Abolishing the wages cap and delivering the highest pay increase in over a decade for nurses and other health workers
  • Doubling the Rural Health Workforce Incentives Scheme – from $10,000 to $20,000 to fill to attract, train and retain health workers in some of the hardest to fill critically vacant positions in rural and regional NSW.
  • Beginning to roll out 500 additional paramedics in regional, rural and remote communities.
  • An investment of an additional $200.1 million to deliver more health worker accommodation in regional, rural and remote communities.

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park

“I’d like to warmly welcome Maitland’s newest team members and thank them for choosing a fulfilling career with NSW Health.

“Attracting and retaining healthcare workers in regional settings is a longstanding challenge faced by every state and territory in Australia. and the Minns Labor Government is committed to building a more supported regional health workforce.

“Hunter New England Local Health District’s success in growing its staff is a positive indication that we’re addressing this issue directly and that our workforce initiatives are making a difference.”

Member for Maitland, Jenny Aitchison

“Maitland’s reputation as a great place to live, work, and raise a family is clear.

“The significant increase in staffing at Maitland Hospital reflects the confidence that healthcare professionals have in Maitland’s future and the exceptional quality of life our region provides.

“We know there have been significant improvements needed at Maitland Hospital for years, it’s great that the Minister and the entire Minns Labor government are listening and acting to improve this fantastic facility for patients, nurses, doctors, ancillary staff and the broader community.”

Acting General Manager Maitland Hospital, Jenny Martin

“The Maitland region is a fantastic place to live and work, and we look forward to welcoming more colleagues and their families into our vibrant community.

“The growth in staff numbers, including a nine per cent increase in nurses and midwives, 17 per cent in doctors, and five per cent in allied health professionals, reflects our commitment to both excellent patient care and supporting our colleagues in their professional careers.”

Maitland Hospital Senior Resident Medical Officer Oncology, Sharmila K C

“I moved to Maitland from Bendigo, Victoria, in February and was drawn to Hunter New England Local Health District’s strong reputation for mentorship, training, and commitment to education.

“Maitland Hospital offers an incredibly supportive environment for both patients and staff, with a close-knit collaborative team culture that focuses on empathy and communication.

“It’s an exciting time to be part of this community and contribute to the growth of health services in the Maitland region.”

Red tape to be cut from cemeteries and crematorium

Planning reforms to fast-track minor works in cemeteries across the state, come into effect from today, scrapping more planning red tape.

The amendment to the Transport and Infrastructure State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) removes the need for a Development Application (DA) on low impact minor works and maintenance activities in cemeteries.

The streamlined pathway will mean cemetery operators and crematoria will not need to submit a Development Application (DA) for minor works like monuments, demolition activities, internal roads and maintenance sheds.

A DA will still be required for development beyond the boundary of an existing cemetery, or development that cannot comply with the proposed controls. It also does not include changes to the number of burial plots or operational hours.

These changes will reduce development assessment timeframes and will also help free up resources in councils, making sure our planners are doing the work they need to do to help speed up the planning system.

The NSW Government has prioritised cutting unnecessary red tape in the state’s planning system after inheriting a system that was as confused as it was confusing.

Many areas of the planning system still have thresholds and triggers that are based on outdated priorities and are not servicing communities in the most effective way. These reforms are just one of the many changes the Government is introducing to make sure the planning system is fit-for-purpose.

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) has worked closely with Crown Lands and Cemeteries and Crematoria NSW to ensure the reforms align across all of government.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Cemeteries play a crucial role in our community and are a place that each of us will interact with throughout our lives to honour our loved ones.

The amendment to the Transport and Infrastructure State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) removes the need for a Development Application (DA) on low impact minor works and maintenance activities in cemeteries.

The streamlined pathway will mean cemetery operators and crematoria will not need to submit a Development Application (DA) for minor works like monuments, demolition activities, internal roads and maintenance sheds.

A DA will still be required for development beyond the boundary of an existing cemetery, or development that cannot comply with the proposed controls. It also does not include changes to the number of burial plots or operational hours.

These changes will reduce development assessment timeframes and will also help free up resources in councils, making sure our planners are doing the work they need to do to help speed up the planning system.

The NSW Government has prioritised cutting unnecessary red tape in the state’s planning system after inheriting a system that was as confused as it was confusing.

Many areas of the planning system still have thresholds and triggers that are based on outdated priorities and are not servicing communities in the most effective way. These reforms are just one of the many changes the Government is introducing to make sure the planning system is fit-for-purpose.

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) has worked closely with Crown Lands and Cemeteries and Crematoria NSW to ensure the reforms align across all of government.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Cemeteries play a crucial role in our community and are a place that each of us will interact with throughout our lives to honour our loved ones.

“It is imperative that cemeteries can continue to operate effectively now and into the future. Operators should not be spending their time on simple DAs in existing cemeteries.

“These new tailored pathways recognise the unique role cemeteries play and provide simple operational and functional requirements for them to operate effectively.”

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“The Minns Labor Government has been taking action to address the crisis in our cemeteries since day one.

“Once again, we are taking the necessary action to ensure we can meet the future needs in our cemeteries sector through responsible planning, finding more space for burials, and ensuring they are maintained, accessible, and respectful spaces to serve our communities.

“We want all people of all cultures and faiths to have access to sustainable and affordable burial and cremation services, and we will continue to clean up the mess the Coalition left behind.”

“These new tailored pathways recognise the unique role cemeteries play and provide simple operational and functional requirements for them to operate effectively.”

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“The Minns Labor Government has been taking action to address the crisis in our cemeteries since day one.

“Once again, we are taking the necessary action to ensure we can meet the future needs in our cemeteries sector through responsible planning, finding more space for burials, and ensuring they are maintained, accessible, and respectful spaces to serve our communities.

“We want all people of all cultures and faiths to have access to sustainable and affordable burial and cremation services, and we will continue to clean up the mess the Coalition left behind.”

Special envoy to combat Islamophobia

The Albanese Government today announces the appointment of Aftab Malik as Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia in Australia.

Every Australian, whatever their race or religion, should be able to feel safe and at home in any community, without prejudice or discrimination.

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to deeply affect communities across Australia.

The appointment of Mr Malik is a crucial part of the Government’s strategy to ensure all Australians feel safe and included, and follows extensive consultation with the community.

The Special Envoy will listen to and engage with members of the Muslim community, religious discrimination experts and all levels of government on the most effective ways to combat Islamophobia.

Mr Malik is recognised as a global expert on Muslim affairs by the UN Alliance of Civilisations, and has spent almost a decade working in the New South Wales Premier’s Department, promoting social cohesion and countering hate and extremism.

Today’s announcement follows the appointment of Ms Jillian Segal AO as the Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism.

Mr Malik has been appointed for a three-year term, starting on the 14th of October, and will report directly to the Prime Minister and the Minister for Home Affairs, Immigration and Multiculturalism, and Cyber Security.

The appointment of Mr Malik will bolster the Government’s $90 million investment in initiatives to tackle the ongoing impacts of the Hamas-Israel conflict in Australia, demonstrating the Government’s firm commitment to listening to and working with affected communities.

Minister for Home Affairs, Immigration and Multicultural Affairs and Cyber Security Tony Burke

“Bigotry is always wrong. You should be able to live safely and freely in Australia, regardless of who you are or what you believe.”

Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia Aftab Malik

“Promoting social cohesion and fighting against hate in Australia is more important today than it’s ever been.

“I look forward to working with Muslim leaders and the broader community to promote peace, understanding and inclusivity.”

Helping Australians get fairer supermarket prices through stronger protections and greater competition

Today the Albanese Labor Government is taking decisive action to help consumers get fairer prices at the supermarket checkout, in stores and online.

Misconduct in the supermarket and retail sector is unfair, unacceptable and makes cost-of-living pressures worse for Australians.

We don’t want to see ordinary Australians, families and pensioners being taken for a ride by the supermarkets, and we’re taking steps to make sure they get a fair go at the checkout.

The Government is boosting funding to the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) so it can undertake a crackdown on misleading and deceptive pricing practices and unconscionable conduct in the supermarket and retail sector.

Funding of around $30 million will help the ACCC conduct more investigations and enforcement in the supermarket and retail sectors.

This will enhance the regulator’s ability to proactively monitor behaviour and investigate pricing practices where there are concerns about supermarkets and retailers falsely justifying higher prices.

This follows last week’s announcement that the ACCC is taking legal action against Coles and Woolworths for allegedly misleading customers through discount pricing claims on hundreds of everyday products.

In addition to this crackdown, the Treasurer will work closely with states and territories through the Council on Federal Financial Relations to reform planning and zoning regulations, which will help boost competition in the supermarket sector by opening up more sites for new stores.

Current planning and zoning frameworks, including land use restrictions, zoning laws and planning regulations, are acting as a barrier to competition by inhibiting business entry and expansion.

They potentially allow for land banking, preventing competition and pushing up prices in our local communities.

Today’s announcements come in addition to a series of actions undertaken by the Albanese Labor Government to protect Australians at the checkout, in stores and online.

  • Last week the Government released for consultation a new mandatory Food and Grocery Code, to ensure Aldi, Coles, Woolworths and Metcash are subject to multi-million-dollar penalties for serious breaches of the Code.
  • CHOICE has also released its second Albanese Government-funded price monitoring report, giving Australians accurate data on where to get the cheapest groceries.
  • We’ve banned unfair contract terms and increased penalties for breaches of competition and consumer law, and are delivering the most significant merger reforms in Australia in almost 50 years, and working with the states and territories to revitalise National Competition Policy.
  • The next phase of the ACCC Supermarkets Inquiry will see the ACCC conduct public hearings with the supermarket sector later in the year.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“Today we are announcing a crackdown on dodgy supermarket practices.

“We don’t want to see ordinary Australians, families and pensioners being taken for a ride by the supermarkets, and we’re taking steps to make sure they get a fair go at the checkout.”

Treasurer Jim Chalmers

“We’re taking decisive action to help Australians get fairer prices at the supermarket checkout, in stores and online.

“More funding for the ACCC will help to make pricing fair, boost competition and make sure that there are significant consequences for supermarkets who do the wrong thing.”

Two men charged following alleged home invasion – Lake Macquarie

Police have arrested two men following an alleged home invasion on the state’s north.

About 3.30am this morning (Monday 30 September 2024), two men entered a home in Macquarie Hills.

Two occupants of the home, a female and a male, aged 34 and 35, were allegedly assaulted with a knife shortly after the men entered the home.

The men left the scene prior to police arrival.

The 35-year-old suffered a stab wound to his shoulder and was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics at the scene before being taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The 34-year-old suffered a minor injury and treated at the scene.

Detectives attached to Lake Macquarie Police District established a crime scene and commenced an investigation.

Following inquiries, two men, aged 27 and 28, were arrested and taken to Toronto Police Station where they were both charged with enter building/land with intent commit indictable offence and assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company of other.

They were both refused bail to appear before Belmont Local Court tomorrow (Tuesday 1 October 2024).

Step into September school holiday events and activities

Families are spoilt for choice with City of Newcastle set to host a wide range of activities across its venues during the upcoming September school holidays.

The events and activities cater to the interests of kids, teens and parents, from hands-on science shows and creative workshops at our libraries to the vibrant cultural celebrations of New Annual festival.

NEW ANNUAL

As part of the city’s annual flagship arts festival, New Annual, there will be a host of kid-friendly events.

From 4-6 October experience SWING, a thrilling nine-metre-tall swing that’s sure to bring joy to all ages. Be sure to join New Annuals Global Gathering on October 5 to celebrate Newcastle’s rich cultural diversity with food, art, and performances. 

Part game, part performance, Wondercity is a unique audio-led interactive adventure traveling through a series of activated sites across the CBD, featuring live performances, soundscapes, film, and installation art. Presented by Tantrum Youth arts running from 4-6 October, this event will take visitors on a journey to uncover surprising realities, and imagined futures of our city.

New Annual will be running until 6 October, for more information on New Annual festival, see here.

NEWCASTLE MUSEUM

At Newcastle Museum, step back in time and join museum scientist Catherine and dive into Planet Earth Science Shows and explore the mysteries of earthquakes, volcanoes, and dinosaurs on selected days from October 1 – 10.

For budding engineers, the Excellent Engineers marble run and maze-building activity offers a fun introduction to engineering and physics for budding engineers on 2 and 11 October.

Creative kids can join Marbling and Marble Painting workshops where you’ll explore vibrant colours and create unique, one-of-a-kind artworks on 4 and 11 October.

For more information on Newcastle Museum events, see here. 

BLACKBUTT RESERVE 

Spring is the perfect time to visit Blackbutt Reserve and meet the newest members of our animal family. How many new arrivals will you be able to spot? Don’t miss the daily animal feeding sessions, where you can watch wombats, birds, nocturnal animals, and koalas at their most active.

In addition, as part of the new multipurpose community facility and café project, two new shelters – Redgum and Mahogany – will be available for booking starting 1 October via Blackbutt website. Four picnic tables and chairs next to the shelters will also be available, these can not be reserved.

For more information on booking a shelter, see here. For Blackbutt feeding times, see here.

LIBRARIES

At our Wallsend and City Library locations crafty kids can get involved in mystery craft activities to unleash their imagination, make flower crowns or create vibrant paper recycled butterflies to celebrate the spring season.

For gaming enthusiasts, there is a coding workshop where kids can learn through a fun, interactive project, or they can join a Nintendo Switch gaming event to enjoy some friendly competition and connect with fellow gamers.

Board game lovers won’t be left out, with a dedicated board games day and an introduction to the exciting world of the role-playing game Dungeons and Dragons.

For more information on Library events, see here.

CIVIC THEATRE

Step in time to Civic Theatre to see the beloved stage production of Mary Poppins, offering a magical theatrical experience for all ages during the holidays.

For more information on Civic Theatre shows, see here.