Major milestone reached in METRONET for WA

The Prime Minister, Premier of Western Australia and Western Australian Transport Minister have today marked the completion of the entire elevated rail structure as part of the historic METRONET Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal Project.

The Level Crossing Removal Project will improve safety, reduce congestion and improve travel times in the area, while also creating more than 4300 jobs for Western Australians.

The Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal Project represents the most significant upgrade ever undertaken on the 131-year-old Armadale Line and will ease congestion for road commuters, while creating six hectares of new public open space for the community.

The project is already delivering positive outcomes for the community with six level crossings removed at intersections at Mint/Archer Street, Oats Street, Welshpool Road, Hamilton Street, Wharf Street and William Street.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“We value Western Australia and want this beautiful city to have the world leading infrastructure it deserves.

“As a heavy lifter of the nation’s economy it is critical that we see benefits flowing back into Perth and Western Australia.

“It’s great to be back in Perth to mark this important infrastructure milestone with the Premier that’s creating more than 4300 jobs for West Australians.”

Premier of Western Australia Roger Cook

“Everywhere you look across Perth, METRONET is transforming our suburbs.

“Our elevated rail along the Armadale Line is changing the face of the south-eastern suburbs, delivering new public open space and the quality modern facilities local communities deserve.

“This is what METRONET is all about – better public transport, affordable travel, and creating local jobs across the city.”

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

“METRONET is creating jobs, boosting safety and efficiency, and transforming Perth.

“The Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal and the completion of elevated rail is another significant milestone in this exciting project.”

Western Australian Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti

“It’s been incredible to see the speed at which this structure has been delivered, which is testament to the enormous amount of planning and preparation that has gone into delivering this project.

“The community can see this elevated train line emerging before them, while the massive benefits are already being felt with a number of level crossings already removed along the Armadale Line.

“People who live along the Armadale Line corridor will very soon have access to modern train stations, and new public open spaces and community facilities.

“We know there is significant benefit on the horizon, and we thank the community for their continued patience as we complete the next critical steps for this game-changing project.”

Federal Member for Swan Zaneta Mascarenhas

“The people of Swan, and Perth more broadly, will see the fruits of this massive investment in METRONET for generations.

“The removal of these level crossings will improve commute times, while the addition of new stations will increase the take up in public transport, removing even more traffic from our roads.

“It’s a win for everyone.”

State Member for Cannington Bill Johnston

“This is a really exciting project for our community and it’s incredible to see the progress that has been made.

“With elevated rail structure now in place, people can see how this project is going to deliver great outcomes in the years ahead with modern stations and new public open space.”

State Member for Victoria Park Hannah Beazley

“I am thrilled to see the entire elevated structure now in place, but more importantly, I am thrilled to see how much new space has been opened up for the community.

“We’re planning to deliver some incredible facilities in the new public open space, which will create a more vibrant and active community for all to enjoy.”

Stellar line up for Cessnock NSW Seniors Christmas Concerts 

Cessnock seniors will be ringing in the festive season this November with singing sensations Amy Lehpamer from the musical & Juliet, Arlo Sims, Liz Player and Emily Kate, from The Voice, and Will Skarpona from the Conservatorium of Music.

The stars will feature in two free concerts as part of the NSW Seniors Christmas Concerts taking place at the Performance Arts Culture Cessnock on Thursday 12 December 2024 at 10am and 1pm.

The regional concerts are an annual highlight of the Christmas period and an opportunity for seniors to get together to enjoy a spectacular show and sing along to festive favourites.

Cessnock is one of three regional centres this year to host the NSW Seniors Christmas Concerts, with other shows taking place in Broken Hill and Moree.

The concerts are part of the NSW Government’s wider celebration of seniors and their contributions, that include the annual Seniors Festival, Gala Concerts and Expo. Our vision is that all people in NSW experience the benefits of living longer and enjoy opportunities to participate in, contribute to and be included in their communities.

Free tickets to the NSW Seniors Concerts will be available from Tuesday 15 October 2024. For further information go to: seniorsfestival.info/christmasconcerts

Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said:

“The annual Seniors Christmas Concerts bring the spirit of the festive season to regional NSW, featuring some of our best talent and fresh new faces.

“The NSW Government is proud to deliver these free shows to seniors which are sure to put them in the mood to celebrate the season.

“It’s our thank you for all your contributions, so mark the date in your diaries and get your friends and family together for an entertaining show.”

Member for Cessnock Clayton Barr said:

“It is great to see the NSW Seniors Christmas Concerts coming to Cessnock, Broken Hill and Moree.

“What a great way to spread the Christmas cheer, it wonderful to see the great venue of the Performance Arts Culture Cessnock (PACC) host two NSW Seniors Christmas Concerts.”

“I encourage all seniors in the local area to apply for tickets and enjoy this spectacular show and don’t forget to sing along to your favourite Christmas tunes.” 

Performer Will Skarpona said:

“I can’t wait to bring some seasonal cheer to Cessnock with the Seniors Christmas Concerts.

“We have a solid line up of talent performing all the songs seniors know and love in a show that is sure to thrill and delight. The theme of this year’s show is ‘Time to shine’. We cannot wait to see you there.”

Visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly high level week

This week, I will travel to the United States to lead Australia’s delegation to the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The United Nations is where the world comes together to agree and uphold the rules.

These rules are the foundation of international peace and security. At a time of global conflict, many are being broken.

Australia will be using this week to press the need to for all countries to uphold these laws and norms, including the adherence to the international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians and aid workers.

I will also have a number of engagements about the conflict in the Middle East and advancing a two-state solution.

This year the UN General Assembly commences with the Summit of the Future where countries will endorse new commitments for a stronger UN and to enhance development, security, and human rights for all.
Reform of the UN system is needed, and Australia is committed to being constructive and engaged partner in this process, advocating for our region and responding to the needs of developing countries.

I look forward to engaging with a broad range of partners on the priorities of Australia and our region, including at the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

Moody’s maintains Triple-A credit rating

Global ratings agency Moody’s has maintained NSW’s Triple-A credit rating with a stable outlook, despite the state’s $11.9 billion GST hit from the Commonwealth Grants Commission.

The determination follows the NSW Government’s ongoing work to stabilise the state’s debt.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey announced in the 2024-25 Budget that gross debt is projected to be $9.3 billion lower under this government by June 2026.

In its credit opinion, Moody’s cites the state’s strong governance and management as a factor in its determination.

The stable outlook reflects Moody’s expectation that the large and diverse NSW economy will remain resilient “despite slower growth and higher interest rates, continuing to underpin its capacity to service the state’s growing debt burden.”

Further rationale includes:

  • A mature and strong institutional framework within the Commonwealth, including partnership programs.
  • A proven history of fiscal resolve and strong liquidity.

Moody’s is clear that considerable challenges remain to the state holding its Triple-A credit rating. 

It states that new recurrent spending and inflation pressures will continue to hinder a return to a net operating surplus.

In addition, Moody’s notes that infrastructure spending will see fiscal deficits persist.

The NSW Coalition delivered the biggest deficits in the state’s history and handed over a record debt that was on track to reach $188 billion.

The Minns Labor Government continues the work of bringing the state’s debt under control.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“This determination is an acknowledgment of the difficult work that has been done to wrangle the state’s debt back under control.

“We accept that stress remains on the Triple-A rating and Moody’s provides a sobering reminder of the work still ahead.”

Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos said:

“The Minns Labor Government will continue to rebuild the state’s finances while delivering targeted cost-of-living relief to families and households across NSW.

“We will maintain our fiscally disciplined approach as we build a better NSW, working hard to repair the public services our communities rely on.”

Work set to begin on Stage 2 of Manning Base Hospital Redevelopment in 2025

Early works for Stage 2 of the Manning Base Hospital Redevelopment is set to begin next year, with a project team recommencing work to deliver the redevelopment. 

The NSW Government is investing $180 million in the Lower Mid North Coast Health Service project, bringing together the Manning Hospital Redevelopment Stage 2 and Forster-Tuncurry health facility projects to boost health services for communities across the region. 

Detailed design is completed for Stage 2 of the Manning Base Hospital Redevelopment and the scope includes refurbished and improved inpatient accommodation, improved connectivity across the campus and extended telehealth services.

The Hunter New England Local Health District is undertaking further clinical services planning for the Lower Mid North Coast Health Service project, and recently commenced consultation with staff and stakeholders to support this planning. 

Pending the appointment of a contractor, early works for the redevelopment is expected to start in 2025. This will involve the demolition of the current Administration Building to make way for the construction of the new inpatient accommodation building. 

Some hospital administration staff will be relocated to allow commencement of the demolition works.

The project is being delivered by Health Infrastructure in partnership with Hunter New England Local Health District.

For more information about the project, email HI-manningforster@health.nsw.gov.au or visit hneinfra.health.nsw.gov.au/projects/manningforster.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park

“The recommencement of the project team for the Manning Base Hospital Redevelopment is an important step, and we are excited to see the Lower Mid North Coast Health Service project moving forward.

“As Regional Health Minister, I’m deeply focused on improving access to care in our regional, rural and remote communities and I’m so thrilled we’re recommencing work on this important project.

“As the project progresses, there will be continuing opportunities for staff, clinicians and the broader community to have input in helping shape the redevelopment.” 

Labor Spokesperson for Myall Lakes Emily Suvaal:

“The investment in the Lower Mid North Coast Health Service Project will enable delivery of modern hospital and health facilities that will help meet the future health needs of communities in Taree and the wider Manning Valley region, including Forster-Tuncurry.

“The Minns Labor Government remains committed to delivering on the health infrastructure and technology our NSW communities so desperately need and deserve.”

Low interest loan to help Central Coast business grow jobs and revenue

A Central Coast business is among one of the first seven NSW food and beverage manufacturers to win a NSW government low interest loan to help boost productivity, create jobs, and deliver advanced manufacturing capabilities.

The loans, delivered as part of the Government’s Regional Development Roadmap, will help boost productivity, create jobs, and deliver advanced manufacturing capabilities. 

East Coast Beverages based in Kulnura, is one of the only family-owned and operated juice companies left in Australia suppling its products to Woolworths, Coles, IGA, SPAR, and Foodworks.

The company will use the loan to install automated technology including high speed conveyors, bottling equipment, and advanced line cleaning systems.

Under the $5 million pilot program, the loans can be used for projects such as installing automated production lines, upgrading bottling lines, or buying equipment that will enable products to be exported more efficiently.

The NSW Government is assisting good businesses grow so they can increase demand for local produce, add value to their products, boosting revenue and creating jobs into their regions.

The food and beverage manufacturing sector is a major employer in regional NSW, which is already home to companies such as Nestle, Ferrero, Stone and Wood, Sanitarium and Simplot Foods.

Last year the sector across NSW had an annual turnover of $42.5 billion and employed more than 66,000 people.

Find out more about the Regional Development Trust Fund.

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“East Coast Beverages is one of the region’s success stories and the Government is committed to helping businesses like this grow, create more jobs and benefit local producers and the community.

“Across the state we are committed to strengthening the farming sector and regional economies by encouraging and assisting local businesses.

“We are always willing to support businesses that add value to local produce, expand their production capacity and employ locals.”

Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said:

“East Coast Beverages is a fantastic family-owned business based in the highly productive Central Coast hinterland, who will continue to go from strength-to-strength with this NSW Government support.

“They are just one of the businesses helping grow the Coast’s considerable renown as a region that produces, manufactures and exports fine food and beverages and adds to the vibrant local foodie scene.”

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said:

“East Coast Beverages is a symbol of all that is wonderful about our Central Coast hinterland, producing high quality products, while creating local jobs and boosting our local economy.

“It has been fantastic to see the rise of East Coast Beverages from a small family-owned and operated local juice company to a dominate player in the Australian juice market and we all love buying their products from outlets across the Central Coast and beyond.

“The NSW Government is committed to supporting our local food and beverage manufacturers such as East Coast Beverages to continue to move from strength to strength with the award of a NSW Government low interest loan.”

New technology to help communities stay connected following disasters

Communities impacted by bushfires, floods or severe weather events will be able to stay connected after natural disasters, with a $5 million fleet of new technologies being rolled out by the NSW Government.

In a significant step forward as the bush fire season nears, the technologies will provide backup connectivity for communities and emergency responders.

Cells on Wheels

This includes four Cells on Wheels units, which connect to the internet by satellite to provide free public Wi-Fi access.

Each asset can provide Wi-Fi coverage up to 500 metres away, while units can be linked to cover an even wider area.

Self-powered and mounted on trailers, the units can be dispatched in a matter of hours to provide temporary Wi-Fi connectivity to communities when regular telecommunications infrastructure is damaged or destroyed.

This will provide essential internet access to people so they can contact family, apply for support, access documents, or lodge insurance claims, even when local networks are down.

The Cells on Wheels, also known as COWs, are due to be delivered this summer following the NSW Telco Authority awarding the contract to regional communication specialist Pivotel.

The delivery of the COWs delivers on a Minns Labor Government election commitment as part of the Western Sydney Floods Resilience Plan.

Portable Connection Units

Additionally, Service NSW has introduced eight Portable Connection Units which will provide Wi-Fi internet access in disaster recovery centres for staff and locals.

These are easily transportable and can switch between local mobile networks to provide internet connection for up to 100 devices.

Satellite-enabled Service NSW vehicle

A new satellite-equipped Service NSW vehicle has now hit the road.

Using Starlink satellite technology, this allows a mobile service centre to be established anywhere at any time, with its own independent broadband connection, ready to help customers.

Along with allowing Service NSW to set up temporary offices anywhere, locals will be able to connect to the internet via a public Wi-Fi hotspot.

Public Safety Network

In addition to keeping the community online, the Government is also delivering new technologies to help emergency services personnel get on with their vital work.

The Public Safety Network is the communications network used by emergency services and is critical for keeping emergency and essential services connected during a crisis.

Public Safety Network sites are similar to a mobile phone base station, typically featuring a tower and an equipment shelter.

To quickly restore Public Safety Network outages caused by natural disasters damaging infrastructure, three fire-resistant portable communications shelters can now be deployed.

These will be able to replace destroyed shelters within around a fortnight, greatly reducing the time needed to fully restore a site.

The NSW Telco Authority will also position 18 new trailer generators across the state, ready to be transported to Public Safety Network sites which have lost power in an emergency.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“Telecommunication networks can be limited, damaged or destroyed during emergencies – at a time when they’re needed most.

“We know this adds to stress, with people unable to connect with family members, or access post-emergency information.

“This technology will help people contact loved ones and stay connected in times of need.”

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“When an emergency or natural disaster occurs, connectivity is crucial, and the new technology we are rolling out will make it easier for people to contact loved ones, access support and even commence insurance claims.

“We already have a reliable radio communications system for first responders, but natural disasters can damage this infrastructure. The NSW Government is delivering innovative technologies including COWs and PCUs to provide an important backup when traditional networks are down.

“Whether it’s flooding, fires or extreme weather events, these solutions can be rapidly deployed to impacted areas, helping communities stay connected and get back on their feet.”

Managing Director of NSW Telco Authority Kylie De Courteney said:

“NSW Telco Authority is committed to bringing people and communities back online faster than ever when disaster strikes.

“This investment into innovative technologies means the NSW Government can now better respond during and after a crisis and restore connectivity for community and emergency services alike.”

Chief Executive of Pivotel Peter Bolger said:

“We are immensely proud to be awarded this contract to deploy our broadband Cell on Wheels solution and we commend the NSW Government for leading this groundbreaking initiative in Australia.

“Engineered for rapid deployment, Pivotel’s advanced mobile communication units are critical in bridging the communication gap during disasters like floods and bushfires, ensuring access to continuous and reliable communication services when they’re needed most.”

Australia’s alliance with the United States

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with the President of the United States Joseph R. Biden Jr. ahead of the Quad Leaders’ Summit in Delaware.

Leaders discussed the strength of the Australia-United States alliance and depth of cooperation across defence and security, economic ties and climate and clean energy.

Today’s meeting builds on the progress Australia and the United States have made over the past two years in turning our decades-long alliance to face the future.

Our two nations have long stood together in the cause of peace and stability. We have worked together for eight decades to promote freedom and prosperity around the world.

Now we are modernising our alliance to focus on new challenges and vital interests – including clean energy, critical minerals and addressing climate change.

And of course, the biggest single investment in Australia’s defence capability in our history – the AUKUS agreement.

Today, President Biden and Prime Minister Albanese discussed ongoing bilateral defence and security cooperation, including in the Indo-Pacific. They reaffirmed their commitment to the AUKUS partnership and noted the ongoing and bipartisan support for AUKUS across the alliance. They welcomed the significant progress that has been made this year, including in building Australia’s capabilities to steward and operate its own fleet of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines from the early 2030s.

Leaders discussed the strength of our economic ties, and the importance of working together to act on the global challenge of inflation and to address supply chain resilience.

Leaders noted the close engagement on climate and clean energy, underpinned by the Australia-United States Climate, Critical Minerals and Clean Energy Transformation Compact. Prime Minister Albanese and President Biden also discussed ongoing work—including under the Australia-United States Critical Minerals Taskforce – to support resilient, diverse critical minerals supply chains.

Leaders looked forward to a productive Quad Leaders’ Summit, along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, focused on promoting stability and delivering practical outcomes for the Indo-Pacific.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“I thank President Biden for hosting the Quad Leaders’ Summit in Delaware.

“This is the 11th time President Biden and I have met as leaders, and it highlighted how productive and important our partnership has been during a time of unprecedented global economic and security challenges.

“We are facing our decades-long alliance to the future, strengthening our economic ties and investing in the security of our shared region.

“Australia and the United States continue to cooperate closely on climate and clean energy and remain committed to our shared goal of expanding and diversifying critical mineral supply chains.

“I look forward to meeting with my Quad partners to discuss important challenges facing the Indo-Pacific and strengthening the Quad’s cooperation.”

Quad leaders launch Cancer Moonshot initiative to save lives

The Leaders of Australia, the United States, India and Japan have together launched the Quad Cancer Moonshot initiative, with the aim of saving lives and preventing cervical cancer in the Indo-Pacific.

Australia is on track to be the first country in the world to eliminate cervical cancer, yet women in the Pacific die of the disease at up to 13 times the rate of women in Australia.

The ground-breaking human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to prevent cervical cancer was invented and developed at the University of Queensland by Australian of the Year Professor Ian Frazer.

Australia will contribute to the Quad Cancer Moonshot initiative by expanding our Elimination Partnership in the Indo-Pacific for Cervical Cancer Program.

This program works with our partners in the region to implement a comprehensive cervical cancer elimination strategy. This includes introducing and expanding their HPV vaccine immunisation programs.

The partnership will help more governments get HPV vaccine programs up and running in Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, Timor-Leste, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Tuvalu, Fiji, Nauru and beyond.

The Australian Government will contribute $16.5 million to this partnership, with Andrew and Nicola Forrest’s Minderoo Foundation providing an additional $13.1 million.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“Australia is proud of the leading role we’ve played preventing cervical cancer worldwide. Today I am pleased to expand Australia’s regional cervical cancer elimination program in the Indo-Pacific.

“This announcement will save the lives of women in our Pacific family.

“The Quad Cancer Moonshot demonstrates that we can achieve more together than on our own.”

Dr Andrew Forrest, Founder of Minderoo Foundation:

“It is a true privilege to stand beside Prime Minister Anthony Albanese today and announce Team Australia’s contribution to the Quad Cancer Moonshot.

“Minderoo Foundation envisages an Indo-Pacific – and indeed a world – where cervical cancer is consigned to the history books.

“It is the role of philanthropy and government to work in partnership to take advances in health to scale, democratising access to life saving health innovations.

“I think it is fitting that this announcement was made at the Quad, which is all about making a positive contribution to the Indo-Pacific by delivering practical outcomes that respond to the region’s priorities.”

Productivity Inquiry into early childhood education recommends a Universal free sector

This week the Federal Government tabled the final report of the Productivity Commission’s inquiry into early childhood education and care (ECEC) Read here

Member for Ballina Ms Tamara Smith MP and NSW Greens Spokesperson for Early education welcomed the report and said that all children deserve the best possible education from early childhood right through to university. For this to happen according to the Report, all governments need to commit to free universal early childhood education and care.

Ms Smith said, “It was reported that one-in-four three-year-olds and one-in-ten four-year-olds are not enrolled in any ECEC partly due to lack of suitable and available options particularly in regional or remote areas.”

“It is heartening to see reflected what early educators have been saying for decades that the biggest change you can make in a child’s life trajectory is invest heavily in years 0-6 years.”

“The inquiry found that in regional and remote Australia, there are many communities with limited or no local early childhood educational services, and I certainly experienced that as a single mum working as a teacher in outback NSW a few decades ago. To think that this is still the case when we know the game changer that early childhood education is not just to a child’s life chances but for broader society is chilling.”  

“As long as these inequities continue, we will see regional and rural Australian communities continue to go backwards in important indicators of health and wellbeing and economic success. Highly educated and happy children make for highly successful and happy communities – it is that simple.”

“I welcome in particular the Report recommendation to ensure that at least 30 hours or three days a week of quality ECEC is available for 48 weeks of the year for all children aged 0–5 years.” said Ms Smith

“Having a high-quality universal early childhood education and care system not only improves outcomes for children in regional and rural communities but can also play a critical role in engaging parents in the labour force.”

“The Greens have consistently called for free, universally accessible childcare for decades, and while we recognise and support the recommendations of this critical report, we need action not words from Federal Labor before another generation of children in regional and rural Australia fall through the cracks.”