Government boosts Regional Development with legislation passed by Parliament

The Minns Labor Government has passed legislation today that will greatly enhance the delivery of regional economic development and to build stronger communities across rural and regional NSW.

Significant changes to the Regional Development Act by the Government, have lifted community confidence in how taxpayer funds will be used in regional NSW following years of porkbarrelling and mismanagement by the former Nationals/Liberal Government.

The NSW Government is committed to delivering change and ensuring government investments are targeted and will make a real positive difference to people and communities.

The modernised Regional Development Act reflects the community feedback and 232 submissions received in response to the community engagement on the Bill.

This engagement also included hearing from rural and remote council Mayors and general managers, regional Councils, the NSW Aboriginal Land Council, Business NSW, NSW Farmers, Regional Development Australia, regionally located Universities and the NSW Aboriginal Women’s Advisory Network.

The new legislation provides a robust framework for how the Government’s $400 million Regional Development Trust supports community needs and economic development in the communities it is designed to serve.

The changes introduce independent accountability, greatly improve cooperation between all levels of government and provide greater transparency in funding arrangements for regional development projects.

The Regional Development Act has now been modernised with:

  • Updated objects of the Act to reflect the contemporary needs of rural and regional NSW and encourage cooperation and collaboration with all tiers of government including local government
  • Broader types of financial investment that can be provided from the Regional Development Trust to better respond to the challenges and opportunities in rural and regional NSW
  • Reinvestment enabled into the Regional Development Trust by government, private sector and non-for-profit organisations
  • Strengthened accountability and transparency through new governance and reporting provisions requiring the publication of an annual report, investment strategy and governance framework so the public have a clear understanding of the focus and investment of the Regional Development Trust
  • A mandate that the Minister must establish a Regional Development Advisory Council so that independent expert advice is a constant component of the administration of the Regional Development Trust.

As part of the modernised Regional Development Act, the Regional Development Advisory Council will provide independent advice and oversight on investments from the Regional Development Trust.

Community members interested in shaping the future prosperity of regional NSW are encouraged to apply to become part of the NSW Government’s Regional Development Advisory Council.

Expressions of Interest for the new Advisory Council opened on 11 September 2024 and close on 11:59PM Wednesday 9 October.

For more information about the Regional Development go to: www.nsw.gov.au/regional-nsw/regional-development-roadmap

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“Updating the Regional Development Act is an important milestone that ensures investments into rural and regional communities from the Government’s $400 Regional Development Trust are strategic and provide real benefits for regional communities.

“This new Act represents the full delivery of the Regional Development Roadmap to update our regional development framework. This is in addition to the establishment of the regional development advisory council and the investment of $400m into the regional development trust.

“The Trust will invest where it is needed most and support projects that deliver meaningful benefit to regional communities.

“With these changes, regional communities can have full confidence that investments are made in a fair and transparent way underpinned by independent expert advice.”

NSW Ambulance staff recognised for extraordinary care

NSW Ambulance staff who have provided exceptional care to their communities have been honoured at public events held across NSW to celebrate Ambulance Appreciation Day.

More than 150 NSW Ambulance staff were recognised for commendable acts of courage and going above and beyond in their role in saving lives across the state.

NSW Ambulance Appreciation Day events were held at the State Operations Centre and ambulance stations across the state, including Central Sydney, Liverpool, Woy Woy, Blacktown, Hamilton, Kingscliff, Wagga Wagga and Bathurst to publicly recognise and celebrate our paramedics and ambulance staff members for their achievements and extraordinary care they have provided.

NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM attended the event at Central Sydney Ambulance Station and acknowledged the dedication and compassion of NSW Ambulance staff.

Among those recognised today were Cameron Edgar, Associate Director Helicopter Operations, Guy Blanchard, Duty Aeromedical Manager and critical care paramedic Garth Thomson who all started with NSW Ambulance on the same day 30 years ago.

Other awards presented include the Commissioner’s Commendations for Courage and Service, Commissioner’s Unit Citations for Courage and Service, and service recognition clasps to dedicated staff with more than 30 years of continuous service.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“The outstanding care paramedics and NSW Ambulance staff provide to the community is second to none and today we recognise a special cohort who have gone beyond the call of duty for the people of NSW.

“Those receiving awards today have shown exceptional care to the community and remarkable courage, but I also want to acknowledge all NSW Ambulance staff who put patient care at the centre of everything they do.”

NSW Health Secretary, Susan Pearce AM:

“NSW Ambulance Appreciation Day is a great opportunity to celebrate the professionalism and specialised skills of NSW Ambulance staff and recognise the important work they do around the state in the pre-hospital setting.

“I am immensely proud of all the paramedics, doctors, nurses, control centre staff, corporate staff and volunteers who are being acknowledged and awarded today.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive, Dr Dominic Morgan:

“Today is about celebrating the remarkable achievements of NSW Ambulance staff from across the state and recognising their hard work and exceptional skills.

“I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our staff on the road, in the air, at our stations, airbases, control centres, offices and State Operations Centre for your dedication in providing excellent care to the NSW community.”

Focus on transparency, simplicity and support for local jobs in government response to procurement inquiry

The Minns Labor Government will support all nine recommendations from the NSW Parliament’s inquiry into government procurement, paving the way for more transparent, fair and effective practices.

Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement Courtney Houssos referred the matter to the parliamentary inquiry in response to concerns about the decline in local manufacturing and a lack of local content policies under the previous Liberal-National Government.

The NSW Government welcomes all of the report’s recommendations which will see:

  • An expanded definition of ‘value for money’ so that opportunities for job creation and local industry support can be factored into government spend,
  • The amending or removal of obstacles to opportunities for small and medium size enterprises to bid for government contracts,
  • Improved compliance and assurance with procurement policies and directions,
  • New measures to ensure timely feedback is offered to all parties involved in a competitive tender bid.

Under the previous Liberal-National Government, thousands of jobs and billions of dollars of major contracts were sent abroad. What came back were delays, cost blowouts and, ultimately, inferior products.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to reforming government procurement to encourage the development of local industries and remove barriers to local growth.

The inquiry’s recommendations complement the suite of reforms already commenced by the NSW Government, including:

  • Mandating that agencies engage with local NSW suppliers before tendering for contracts worth more than $7.5 million, and if the contract is awarded to a supplier outside NSW, to undergo a ‘please explain’ outlining why it wasn’t,
  • Revoking rules which made it unlawful for NSW government agencies to seek, or even consider, local employment and business growth opportunities at any stage of the procurement process,
  • Slashing red tape for small and medium enterprises who contract with the NSW Government, and increasing the threshold for direct engagement to $250,000,
  • Announcing plans to legislate a Jobs First Commission which will mandate local tender weightings and minimum skills requirements, and monitor their implementation,
  • Announcing plans to create a debarment scheme to ban dodgy suppliers from engaging with the NSW Government.

Last year the NSW Government spent approximately $42 billion on goods and services.

Chaired by the Hon Dr Sarah Kaine MLC, the inquiry received 64 submissions from a range of stakeholders including industry, unions, associations and councils, academics and members of the public. It held a series of public hearings to hear first-hand from industry professionals, key stakeholders and government agencies. 

The inquiry’s first report, and the full NSW Government response are available on the NSW Parliament website at <https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/inquiries/Pages/inquiry-details.aspx?pk=3014>.

Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement Courtney Houssos:

“We have the opportunity to be smarter with our procurement dollars, better leveraging them to deliver better outcomes for businesses and workers across NSW.

“The inquiry’s report made it clear that there is significant reform required to ensure the effective operation of the procurement framework to maximise value-for-money for taxpayers.

“By reforming the way the government spends its precious procurement dollars we can unlock new opportunities for local suppliers and small businesses.

“The inquiry’s findings demonstrate that the reforms we have already put in place have us on the right path. There’s clearly more work to be done to make sure more of the NSW Government’s $42 billion spend can go to support local jobs and local industries.

“I thank the committee for their work and look forward to receiving their final report.

inquiry chair Dr Sarah Kaine MLC:

“This is an important inquiry, given the vital role government procurement plays in the NSW economy. With almost $42 billion spent each year, we need to make sure that this spend factors in the overall impact and cost to our community not just the ticketed price.

“I am pleased the Government will be supporting all nine recommendations, it highlights this Government’s commitment to ensuring our procurement system is fit for purpose, and to leverage the power of government procurement to promote local jobs and foster our local manufacturing industry.”

Tough new strata laws pass Parliament

Strata managing agents face tough new laws that crack down on secret kickbacks through greater transparency and higher penalties for agents doing the wrong thing.

Strata laws put owners’ corporations in charge of making key decisions on the buildings and common property of townhouses and apartments, usually with the assistance of a strata managing agent.

The new laws will ensure tough action against agents who don’t properly declare conflicts of interest.

Key changes include:  

  • increasing the maximum penalties and penalty infringement notice amounts for existing agent obligations to disclose information about commissions
  • strengthening the conflict-of-interest disclosure requirements
  • banning agents from receiving a commission on insurance products when they don’t play a role in finding the best deal for residents
  • strengthening NSW Fair Trading’s enforcement and compliance powers.

The higher penalties, greater transparency and new enforcement powers follow an $8.4 million investment in more resources for NSW Fair Trading to tackle issues in strata and property services in this year’s budget.  

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“Building more high quality, higher density housing is a key pillar of the Government’s comprehensive plan to build a better NSW so we need people to have confidence to invest and live in strata schemes.

“The Government has wasted no time in tightening controls to respond to community concerns about accountability and conflicts of interest in the strata industry.

“These changes will help to restore the confidence of the 1.2 million people already living in strata schemes and change the perception that strata managing agents can take advantage of owners without consequences.”

Work getting underway on Queensland’s biggest ever social and affordable housing project

Work is planned to start next week on Queensland’s biggest ever social and affordable housing project, jointly funded by the Albanese and Miles Labor Governments.

The big housing build will deliver 490 homes in Woree and will be the biggest social and affordable housing project to be built in Queensland.

It’s aimed at older Queenslanders who are looking to downsize from their current home, and will in turn free up larger homes for families.

The complex will include 245 social, 223 affordable and 22 specialist disability apartments.

The purpose-built, architecturally-designed precinct features modern, low maintenance and energy efficient one and two-bedroom homes for people over 55 and those with disability, and is set among landscaped gardens and picnic grounds.

The Woree site has direct access to transport routes, the Bruce Highway, the local shopping centre and the Woree Aquatic Centre.

The project is being funded through the Miles Government’s Housing Investment Fund, as well as lending from Housing Australia, the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) and ANZ as well as a capital grant from the National Housing Infrastructure Facility.

Community Housing Limited (CHL) and Tetris Capital are joining forces to deliver and manage the homes with construction undertaken by FCC Construction Australia and Modscape.

Adopting innovative construction methodologies to help solve the housing crisis, FCC Construction Australia will be joined by local modular housing supplier, Modscape, to help deliver the impressive package of works, with most of the materials and labour planned to be Australian sourced.

Once complete and tenanted, CHL will provide onsite staff and work with support partners to deliver lifestyle programs aimed at reducing social isolation and encouraging active lifestyles.

Construction is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2026, weather and construction conditions permitting.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“Housing changes lives, and my Government is determined to work with the Queensland Government to deliver more homes all across the state.

“In spite of the No-alition of the Liberals, Nationals, Greens and One Nation we are determined to increase housing supply.

“This project will deliver hundreds of homes in regional Queensland, while complementing our plan to deliver thousands of homes through our Housing Australia Future Fund all around Australia.”

Premier of Queensland Steven Miles

“Every Queenslander deserves a safe place to call home.
“One of the most important things a government can do is build homes for the most vulnerable – something I’m proud to be doing every day.

“In Woree, this 490-home precinct is the biggest housing build in our state. That’s our Homes for Queenslanders plan in action.  

“I have a plan to build more homes, faster while supporting first home buyers, renters and the most vulnerable, and I will do what matters every day to relieve the housing pressures we face while also planning for the future.”

Minister for Northern Australia Madeleine King

“Every Australian needs a roof over their head and a place to call home.

“I’m very proud to be part of a Government that is taking practical steps to build more homes for more Australians.

“This project is a great example of how the Northern Australia Investment Facility is supporting social infrastructure and making lives better for people living in the North.”

Housing Minister Clare O’Neil

“This is about reducing housing stress for Queenslanders and Australians everywhere, because the more homes like these that we build, the more affordable housing becomes.

“This is a fantastically innovative project that shows the Commonwealth is back in the game of partnering with States, Territories and the housing sector to build housing at scale, and to make housing more affordable.”

Queensland Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon

“To build more homes faster, we’re partnering with community housing providers and rolling out hundreds more modular homes. This project in Cairns does both.

“Our Homes for Queenslanders plan is delivering – whether it’s building or buying more social homes, working with community housing, helping first homeowners, supporting renters and those sleeping rough.”

State Member for Cairns Michael Healy

“It’s the Miles Government that has been doing what matters for the Far North – with $1,000 off power bills, 20 per cent off car rego and building more homes locally.

“I’ve fought hard for more homes to be built – because it’s what matters to our community – and I’m excited to see what is the largest social and affordable housing project in the state get underway in Cairns.”

Industrial action to disrupt NSW train services

Passengers are advised that industrial action this week may cause disruption to NSW train services.  
 
Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink have been notified about a range of industrial actions from the Rail, Tram, and Bus Union.  
 
The rail agencies continue to bargain in good faith with the Combined Rail Unions for a new enterprise bargaining agreement.
 
We have had two full day bargaining sessions with the Combined Rail Unions this week including yesterday, Tuesday 17 September, and today, Wednesday 18 September.
 
This industrial action could cause train services to be cancelled at short notice and impact the ability to respond to operational incidents on the rail network.  
 
In addition, weekend rail services may operate at lower frequency and there may be impacts on planned track work and special event transport services.  
 
Train service plans for the major events this weekend are under development, and we will update passengers as soon as possible.
 
We apologise for the inconvenience this industrial action may cause and ask passengers to plan ahead, leave extra travel time, and keep updated about any changes to services by using the Trip Planner, checking travel alerts and our social media channels. 

Hybrid Power and Propulsion System among Newcastle Engineering Award winners 

The region’s most innovative engineers and engineering projects have been named at the 2024 Engineers Australia Excellence Awards – People and Projects Newcastle, held at Merewether Surfhouse last night.


“Honouring the trailblazers of the engineering world, the Engineers Australia Excellence Awards celebrate both individual achievements and the broader influence of the profession. By recognising these contributions, we not only elevate their work but also lay the groundwork for the next generation to continue this legacy,” said Engineers Australia General Manager – Newcastle, Helen Link.

Local winners will go on to represent their division at the national awards’ gala dinner on 21 November at the Brisbane City Hall.

Newcastle Project of the Year
Hybrid Power and Propulsion System for Maritime Vessels – Ampcontrol
In collaboration with Ampcontrol, Steber International, and the University of Newcastle, the project designed, constructed, and demonstrated a 600kW hybrid power system for a 43-foot boat. This innovative solution addresses critical challenges in reducing carbon emissions in the maritime sector, supporting the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. The project’s collaborative approach and cutting-edge engineering solutions have set a high standard for the maritime industry, with the potential for scalable applications both locally and internationally.

Newcastle Professional Engineer of the Year: 
Amanda Kerr – AECOM

Amanda Kerr is recognised for her impactful career as an environmental engineer and leader. As AECOM’s Area Manager for the Hunter Region, she leads a team of over 100 engineers and scientists, delivering critical projects and driving sustainability initiatives. Her expertise in project management, health and safety, and environmental impact assessments has resulted in the successful completion of projects across various sectors. Amanda’s leadership in AECOM’s Sustainable Legacies strategy and her dedication to diversity and inclusion through volunteer work and outreach programmes have made her a highly deserving recipient of this award.

Newcastle Emerging Professional Engineer of the Year
Cameron Denecker – Aurecon

Cameron Denecker is recognised for his exceptional early-career achievements and leadership in engineering. As an Associate at Aurecon and a Chartered Engineer, he has managed complex projects, including a $90 million programme for the Department of Defence. His work on Aurecon’s modular bridge system has reduced construction risks and costs. His commitment to sustainability and diversity is evident in his projects, where he actively recruits graduates and Indigenous students while promoting inclusive work environments. He was also awarded the 2022 National Future Leader by the Australian Institute of Project Management.

Events like these are not possible without the support of our Excellence Awards category partners: 

•            Edith Cowan University – Emerging Professional Engineer of the Year 

•            Bluebeam – Professional Engineer of the Year 

•            Department of Transport and Main Roads – Engineering Associate of the Year 

•            Metecno – Project of the Year 

Engineers Australia:  As Australia’s national engineering body, we champion our 127,000 plus members, providing resources, connections and growth for high-value work in our communities.

Inmates from across NSW Prisons call for free phone calls and education rights in largest inmate only petitions tabled in NSW State Parliament

Inmates from across NSW Prisons call for free phone calls and education rights in largest inmate only petitions tabled in NSW State Parliament

Greens MP and spokesperson for justice Sue Higginson has today tabled two inmate led, inmate only paper petitions in the NSW Parliament. The petitions collected the signatures of over 1,000 inmates from ten of the 32 correctional centres across NSW and call for NSW Labor to provide free phone calls and access to information technology devices so that inmates can access educational programs.

Education Petition

Currently, there are a limited number of Tertiary Education programs available for inmates in this state, but due to a lack of internet access, computers or email services, it is virtually impossible for inmates to enrol in these courses or complete their coursework. In 2016 the privatisation of Corrective Services Education resulted in an 86% reduction in qualified teachers in NSW Prisons, who still have not been replaced. The number of prisoners who reoffend within 12 months of their release date has increased from 20.8% in 2016 to 23.4% in 2022.

Phone calls Petition

In June 2023 NSW Labor scrapped a service which provided low-cost calls to mobile phone numbers, effectively increasing the cost of a ten-minute phone call from $0.25 to $2.59. Inmates currently receive $16-18 per week, meaning the cost of one phone call is now equivalent to approximately 15% of their weekly income.

Comments attributable to Sue Higginson MLC

Greens MP and spokesperson for justice Sue Higginson said, “NSW Corrective Services have been operating in the shadows for far too long. People on the inside are screaming out to be heard and now they are asking the Minister for Corrections to respond to their demands directly,”

“It can cost up to $100 a week for an inmate to stay connected to their loved ones. This cost is crippling to most people. To an inmate making less than $1 a day, it is a cruel and impossible price to place on connection,”

“Right now inmates in this state are suffering from “Disconnection Disorder”. They can’t connect to the people they love, because punitive policies in this state won’t let them,”

“Connection and education are two of the most effective factors in reducing recidivism. By denying basic access to technology and educational programs the Minns Labor Government is ripping away the path to rehabilitation inmates in this state have,”

“The voices of these inmate petitioners represent just a fraction of the daily calls begging for reform from inside the hellholes that our prisons. NSW Labor and Corrections NSW must take accountability for its appalling treatment of some of our most vulnerable people,”

“Pro-business” PM too busy sucking up to mining lobby to care about the environment

The Prime Minister’s “pro-business” comments at a CEO big business event overnight show he is backing big corporations over the environment, say the Greens. Last night marked the second CEO dinner the Prime Minister has attended in a week. 

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young is Greens manager of business in the Senate, spokesperson for Environment:

“The Prime Minister may think he is pro-business and pro-worker, but he sure isn’t pro- environment. 

“The Prime Minister is so busy trying to please the mining lobby and big business, that he’s given up on the environment. 

“Mr. Albanese used to care about the environment and climate, but now he doesn’t even want to talk about it. 

“It’s disappointing to see the Prime Minister backing big corporations over our environment and climate.

“Australians didn’t vote for another bulldozer in our Parliament or in our native forests. When Australia turfed Scott Morrison there was hope of a better, more collaborative Parliament. What we’ve seen recently is disappointing.

“The PM should spend less time with fossil fuel and banking CEOs and more time negotiating with the Senate crossbench to deliver outcomes which protect nature.”

The Government’s Nature Positive legislation is currently before the Senate with the Greens and crossbench calling for an end to native forest logging and climate damage to be considered in environmental approvals.

Greens ask when will Labor finally deliver on universal childcare

The Australian Greens have called on the Government to take immediate action on reforming Australia’s early childhood education and care system, following the release of the Productivity Commission’s report A path to universal early childhood education and care today.

Australian Greens Early Childhood Education and Care spokesperson Senator Steph Hodgins-May welcomed the Productivity Commission’s support for a universal system that has been championed by the Greens for decades and said there’s no excuse for any further delay.

Greens Early Childhood Education and Care spokesperson, Senator Steph Hodgins-May:

“The Productivity Commission report lays a roadmap on how to fix Australia’s broken early years education system and move towards universal childcare. Now the question is: When will Labor finally deliver? 

“With rents nearly doubling the rate of wages, food prices rising nearly 20 percent in the last four years – families need as much support as they can get right now. 

“The Albanese Government has had the draft report in its hands since 28 June. Every day that Labor delays implementing these critical early childhood education reforms, kids miss out on early education and parents miss out on important paid work.

“The Australian Greens welcome the report’s calls for all children aged 0-5 years to have at least 30 hours of care per week, increased access for the most disadvantaged and remote communities, removal of the punitive childcare subsidy activity test, and greater inclusivity. These are essential steps towards universal, early years education, which the government could implement today.

”But let’s be clear – early years education is a fundamental right and should be completely free, just like primary and secondary school.

“The Greens have consistently called for free, universally accessible childcare for decades, and while we recognise and support this critical pathway towards universal care as an immediate first step, we must go further.”