Supporting those who need it most on their pathway to electrification

Public housing tenants and low-income renters and owner occupiers have reported improvements to wellbeing, comfort, climate resilience and energy costs in an evaluation report, released today, on the ACT Government’s Home Energy Support Scheme.

The ACT Government’s Home Energy Support Scheme started in March 2022, providing a range of rebates and support for lower-income tenants and homeowners on the pathway to electrification.

This program is part of the ACT Government’s commitment in 2020 to implement a 5-year $50 million program to improve energy efficiency and sustainability for community and public housing, low-income owner occupiers and the lowest energy efficiency performing rental properties.

The Home Energy Support Scheme evaluation reports are available on the Everyday Climate Choices website.

Minister for Water, Energy and Emissions Reduction Shane Rattenbury:

“We want everyone to have a comfortable home that is affordable to heat and cool.

“Low-income households spend a relatively high amount of their income on energy and feel the brunt of rising energy prices more than most.

“It is important that we support Canberrans most in need to transition their homes, so we can make sure all Canberrans experience the benefits of the energy transition.

“We’re hearing great feedback from participants that they are saving money and feeling more comfortable in their homes and are protected from extreme temperatures.

Ada, a participant of the Home Energy Support Scheme – Community Housing Program:

“Last winter I spent most days confined to one small room of my house with a newborn, as it was simply too expensive to heat the main living areas. This winter I was able to play with my son in the living room without worrying about breaking the bank.

“My energy bills this winter are 35% of what they were last winter (from $1,100 to less than $400), and the house has been considerably warmer throughout.”

Josh Vaughan, Director – Mission, Communications, Fundraising & Partnerships, Marymead CatholicCare Canberra & Goulburn:

“Marymead CatholicCare Canberra & Goulburn are pleased to have been recipients of energy upgrades across 13 properties housing diverse and vulnerable Canberrans, including the installation of insulation and replacing gas appliances with electric appliances.

“As a Community Housing Provider with the interests of meeting community need at the heart of everything we do, this has helped to make our homes the most comfortable environments possible; has further tailored our homes to the individual health and accessibility needs of tenants and has reduced energy costs.”

Labor dancing to Dutton’s tune on aged care

The Greens say Labor is dancing to the Opposition’s tune on aged care with reports that the Coalition is putting the brakes on a deal for a new Aged Care Act.

Greens spokesperson for Older People Senator Penny Allman Payne:

“Labor is letting the Coalition dictate terms on aged care. They caved on care minutes, they caved on criminal penalties and now they’re letting the opposition delay a long overdue reform.

“Labor is boxing at shadows. They’re so desperate to avoid Peter Dutton’s attacks that they’re letting him set the policy agenda – from the census questions debacle, to pulling the plug on promised religious discrimination reforms, and now keeping millions of older Australians waiting for a new Aged Care Act.

“This is a government that’s lost its way, and older Australians and the LGBTQI+ community are paying the price.”

Chalmers must act now to bring down interest rates

The Greens are urging Treasurer Jim Chalmers to use his powers to bring down interest rates, which continue to smash mortgage holders and renters across Australia.

“High interest rates are crushing mortgage holders and renters. Jim Chalmers needs to step in now to give them relief,” Greens Economic Justice Spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

“According to Jim Chalmers himself, the Reserve Bank has smashed the economy. Dr Chalmers has the power to reduce interest rates, and he must act before more damage is done.”

“Given the Coalition’s decision today, and Dr Chalmers’ comments,  the Greens are ready to engage in good faith with the Treasurer.”

“We are very motivated to see Section 11 of the RBA Act and Section 36 of the Banking Act retained.” 

“While the Greens are willing to work with the Treasurer, it’s crucial for the power of a democratically elected government to override decisions of the RBA to be maintained.”

“Removing democratic oversight over the RBA would be Labor’s final capitulation to the power of capital, and to the neoliberal agenda.”

“Section 11 gives the Treasurer the ability to intervene to override the Reserve Bank when necessary. Dr Chalmers should use that power now to reduce interest rates and retain it so it can be used in the future.”

“Section 36 allows the RBA to direct funds to productive areas of the economy like clean energy, rather than just the continued pumping of money into housing speculation.”

”Labor’s Future Made in Australia will involve the Government direct capital into productive parts of the economy, so the Treasurer should be comfortable with the Reserve Bank using its levers to do the same.”

“Knee Jerk”: social media ban for young people lacks evidence say Greens

The Greens have criticised the Prime Minister’s plan to ban teenagers from social media, labeling it “knee jerk politics that lacks evidence and expert support”.

They have called on the Federal Government to instead better regulate the tech giants and ban their use of predatory algorithms, data harvesting and advertising that target young people.

Greens Spokesperson for Communications and Deputy Chair of the Joint Select Committee on Social Media and Australian Society, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said:

“The Greens do not support banning young people from social media because we have listened to the experts. Parents are worried about the safety of their kids, but the Government’s knee jerk policy lets the big tech giants off the hook.

“We have participated in the Government’s own Inquiry set up to examine an age limit ban in good faith. The PM on the other hand hasn’t bothered to listen to any experts and instead is following Peter Dutton’s lead once again. 

“We urge the PM, stop following Dutton and his dangerous policies and be a leader in real reform that tackles the scourge of unregulated global platforms profiting off the suffering of everyone, not just our kids.

“Expert after expert is coming out today warning that a ban will not keep our young people safer or make platforms safer, and may actually cause more harm.

“Not even the e-Safety Commissioner supports a ban – the Government’s own online safety expert.

“We don’t ban kids from going to the beach – we teach them how to swim and make sure they swim between the flags. There are safety measures put in place to keep them safe –  flags, lifeguards, adult supervision and swimming lessons.

“We need to teach children how to use social media and understand there are many positive benefits, particularly for marginalised kids, to being online.

“If the PM wants to make social media safer then he should get on with tackling the harmful business practices of the digital platforms. 

“Social media giants should be banned from targeting our kids with algorithms and advertising, and from data harvesting, especially of private information. 

“Our online spaces should be safe for everyone and they should be safe whatever age young people get online. The EU and other countries have led the way and it’s time Australia followed. This is the evidence the Inquiry has overwhelmingly heard so far and it should be listened to.

Labor and Coalition Block Bill to End Native Forest Logging

Labor and the Coalition have today voted together to block Greens’ legislation to end logging of Australia’s native forests.

The Greens’ legislation sought to repeal Regional Forest Agreements (RFAs), which have allowed logging corporations to continue destroying native forests without having to comply with federal environmental laws.

“Labor and the Coalition have turned their backs on Australia’s forests, our wildlife, and our future,” Greens forests spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

“Today’s vote – which had the support of key crossbenchers Senator Pocock and Senator Payman –  shows that the only thing standing in the way of ending native forest logging is the Labor Party.”

“They’re choosing to protect the interests of logging corporations over the environment and the long-term survival of threatened species like the Leadbeater’s possum and the Swift parrot.” 

“The evidence is clear – native forest logging has to end if we are serious about protecting biodiversity and addressing climate change.”

“These forests are home to endangered species, and their destruction is accelerating the extinction crisis and driving climate change.”

“The fact that Labor and the Coalition can continue supporting these destructive exemptions is indefensible, reckless, and completely out of touch with community expectations.”

“The Greens won’t stop fighting until native forest logging is history.”

“Nature is under unprecedented attack around the world, and there is simply no excuse to continue logging precious native forests while the climate is breaking down and ecosystems are crumbling.”

“We’re standing up for Australia’s forests and the species that rely on them, and we’ll keep building pressure to ensure these crucial ecosystems are protected for future generations.”

Major grants boost to help Newcastle’s most vulnerable

City of Newcastle is providing almost $240,000 to fund activities that will strengthen the community by helping to alleviate food insecurity, create social connections, and support women’s health.

The funding pool received a $100,000 boost thanks to a Lord Mayoral Minute, which was unanimously supported by the elected Council in May to strengthen the Social Inclusion grant program in light of the cost-of-living crisis.

Twenty-four applications will share in the funding, with grants ranging from $2500 up to $20,000.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes at City Hall with recipients of City of Newcastle's Social Inclusion grants.Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes at City Hall with recipients of City of Newcastle’s Social Inclusion grants.Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle’s grants and sponsorship program plays an important role in the community.

“Our Social Inclusion grants often support not-for-profit organisations that become overwhelmed during periods of economic uncertainty,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Those organisations provide vital community services such as outreach programs, assisted community living and pop-up food services.

“Our grants also support activities that strengthen our diverse communities by increasing connection, social inclusion, and access for our most vulnerable citizens.

“This aligns with City of Newcastle’s Social Strategy 2030, which aims to remove barriers to inclusion and equal opportunity, celebrates our social and cultural diversity and strengthens community health and wellbeing.”

A range of the successful applicants are aiming to tackle food insecurity, including Grainery Care, which will increase its capacity to provide a safe place and free meals for people who are struggling with mental health, disabilities, and social isolation.

Reach Newcastle Limited will expand its successful weekday breakfast program to include weekend services in Hamilton, while the Hamilton Seventh Day Adventist Church will upgrade its kitchen, which provides equitable access to healthy, free, nutritious meals. The renovation is expected to help the program increase its capacity from 60 to at least 120 people per week.

Enhancing social wellbeing is at the heart of a successful application by NSW Rugby Union, which will look to emulate the success of a well-established program in Coffs Harbour by starting ‘Rugby in the Park’ in Newcastle, allowing homeless people to make important connections while supporting their physical and mental wellbeing.

Hunter Homeless Connect will create a Pay it Forward model for raising funds to provide information for people experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable members in our community.

Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities will receive a range of support from City of Newcastle grants through initiatives such as the Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot, where Newcastle’s first Community Supporter Group will provide 12 months of practical support to a newly arrived refugee family.

The Shared World Collective will promote the health and well-being of newly settled Afghan refugee women.

Co-Director Katrina Gulbrandsen said the City of Newcastle grant will help them launch Shodan Fit: A Health and Well-Being Program for Afghan Women.

“Shodan Fit offers women-only gym memberships and social outdoor fitness activities to support the physical and mental well-being of Afghan refugee women in our community,” Ms Gulbrandsen said.

“Shared World Collective was also able to secure another Social Inclusion grant to deliver intercultural workshops that foster intercultural dialogue and empower CALD women leaders.

“Through creative storytelling, participants will enhance communication, leadership, and peacebuilding skills, while developing intercultural understanding and strengthening their social and professional networks.”

Surfing the Spectrum will provide free learn to surf lessons at Nobbys Beach for neurodivergent individuals, promoting water safety to vulnerable groups in Newcastle, while Curious Legends will use theatre and parkour to improve the social development of high school students who have faced trauma, disability, mental health conditions or social disadvantage.

For more information about City of Newcastle’s Grants and Sponsorships program visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/community/grants-and-sponsorships

Newcastle proves fit for a queen (or six) with blockbuster musical to debut in 2025

City of Newcastle will be rolling out the red carpet for a much-anticipated royal visit next year, with global phenomenon SIX The Musical set for a three-week reign at the Civic Theatre.

Since debuting on the West End in 2019, global audiences have been losing their heads for the fast-paced, award-winning production, which tells the extraordinary story of the six wives of King Henry VIII as they step out of the shadow of their infamous husband and reclaim their own narratives.

SIX The Musical announcementLord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Civic Theatre Manager Leonie Wallace in the royal box overlooking the stage, where the SIX Queens will make their Newcastle debut in 2025.

The Australian production is currently playing in Melbourne as part of a national tour. SIX will make its first Australian appearance outside of a capital city with an extended run in Newcastle from 10 April, 2025.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said SIX will be the crowning glory for the Civic Theatre’s growing national reputation, providing a cultural, economic and tourism boost to the city. 

“Enjoyed by more than 3.5 million worldwide each year, this spectacular production is a major coup secured by City of Newcastle,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The show is a cultural sensation, with over 32 million views on TikTok alone and a combined streaming figure of over one billion.

“The success of Come From Away and The Rocky Horror Show, which both broke box office records at the Civic Theatre, clearly demonstrates the demand for high quality, touring productions.

“There’s no doubt this will continue with SIX The Musical, which will be the hottest ticket in town when it hits the stage in Newcastle next year.

“Major events are a clear economic driver for our city. By attracting such high calibre shows, the Civic Theatre provides a significant drawcard that delivers considerable benefits for Newcastle’s visitor economy.”

Tickets for the three-week season will be available to buy later this month, with keen fans encouraged to sign up to the waitlist via civictheatrenewcastle.com.au to secure pre-sale access.

Written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, this modern pop-inspired musical brings to life the historical figures of Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anna of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Catherine Parr, portraying them as fierce and influential pop stars in their own right. 

Producer of the Australian production, Louise Withers, said they were thrilled to be bringing this innovative and influential musical to Newcastle.

“SIX is truly a global phenomenon and in Australia has enjoyed rapturous acclaim by both critics and audiences alike,” Ms Withers said.

“We are beyond thrilled that SIX will be coming to Newcastle and we look forward to making more fans and breaking more records when we arrive there in 2025!”

SIX has won 35 major international awards, including two Tony Awards for Best Original Score and Best Costume Design, and a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theatre Album.

The musical has garnered international recognition with productions in Australia, Canada, the United States, Europe and South Korea. New productions have also been announced in Singapore, the Philippines and Japan.

SIX will be on stage at the Civic Theatre Newcastle from 10 April to 4 May 2025. Visit civictheatrenewcastle.com.au for more information.

Opening Night! Red carpets to roll out across NSW to launch local film festivals

From anime to celebrations of multicultural groups or science fiction flicker fests – film aficionados and local film festivals organisers across the state are set to benefit from a new funding program that supports opening nights.

The new Community Film Festival Opening Night Fund will offer grants of up to $5,000 for established community film festivals to bring communities together in country cinemas and suburban centres to celebrate and connect through film.

Culturally diverse, regional, emerging, and genre-specific communities will be supported to grow the reach and impact of their established film festivals through the new $200,000 program announced by the Minns Labor Government. The fund will assist film festivals across the state to host opening night celebrations for their community. 

The new program is designed to complement the existing funding available for film and community festivals in the state, including Screen NSW’s Audience Development Fund and other government support Destination NSW’s Regional Event Fund.

The Community Film Festival Opening Night Fund will open for applications today, 11 September 2024. For further information visit the Screen NSW website at screen.nsw.gov.au

Minister for the Arts, Music and Night-Time Economy, Jobs and Tourism John Graham said:

“Every June for the last 71 years, Sydney’s State Theatre rolls out the red carpet for the opening night of the Sydney Film Festival. We want to do the same thing and roll out red carpets for opening nights right across NSW for these community film festivals.

“Community film festivals are often run on small budgets, driven by the sheer passion of a community. We know rising costs are making it harder to put on events. This fund will help ease some of that burden, and allow these communities to continue to celebrate their stories.

“Film festivals with a strong community base have the ability to introduce and attract new audiences to the cinema, in an era of streaming from the couch. The opening night is an important moment to celebrate, as it presents an unmissable experience.

“This program is focused on enriching the experience of community connection, growing audiences and the appreciation of stories, and celebrating the way we see ourselves.

Polish Film Festival Director, Magdalena Ambrozkiewicz said:

“Polish Film Festival welcomes the introduction of this new funding opportunity. Film festivals like ours play a vital role in strengthening the cultural fabric of our community, ensuring diverse stories and traditions are celebrated and preserved for future generations. Government backing for such festivals is essential for sustaining and expanding these events, particularly in the face of rising costs and the ongoing challenge of recovering pre-COVID attendance levels. As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Polish Film Festival this year, we look forward to continuing our mission of showcasing Polish culture and the rich narratives of Polish cinema to inspire and connect our community.”

Background

  • There are over 70 different film festivals run right across NSW. The new funding program greatly expands the number of small film festivals receiving NSW Government support.
  • New Community Film Festival Opening Night Fund offers grants of up to $5,000 for established community film festivals to engage with their communities via an Opening Night celebration, which is a key opportunity to maximise audience impact and reach.
  • This new fund complements existing Screen Audience Development Fund grants, which range from up to $10,000 for a single year to $10,000 – $50,000 p.a. in multi-year funding.
  • Eligible festival organisers will be able to apply for funding of up to $5,000 to cover specified costs outlined in their budget. Approved activities and costs may include:
  • venue hire,
  • equipment costs,
  • marketing and promotion,
  • subsidising tickets for select community representatives,
  • AusLan interpreters
  • transport and travel costs and other associated costs.

Productivity Commission report released into housing supply challenges faced by New South Wales

The Minns Labor Government has welcomed today’s release of the Productivity and Equality Commission’s latest housing report Review of Housing Supply Challenges and Policy Options for New South Wales.

This report was commissioned by Premier Chris Minns who tasked Productivity Commissioner Peter Achterstraat with investigating and providing evidence-based recommendations about the barriers impacting housing supply, including in the construction industry.

The Commissioner was also asked to investigate barriers which are holding up the delivery of different housing and development types that are sought by renters and owner-occupiers.

The Review made 32 recommendations grouped into four key themes:

  1. Free up construction capacity to build more homes quicky: Prioritise capital spending; rapidly remove barriers to density in the most feasible locations; and be sparing with subsidies for developers. 
  2. Streamline the development process: legislate a mechanism to resolve bottlenecks, including after DAs have been approved; retain and improve infrastructure contributions; and create a pro-housing regulatory environment.
  3. Help the construction sector to deliver: shift the migration intake and recognise worker skills; grow the construction workforce and build capacity; and support innovation and productivity. 
  4. Ensure a diverse and equitable supply of homes. 

The NSW Government is now considering the report and will develop an action plan that will identify which recommendations the Government can take up immediately with a priority placed on recommendations that will help unblock bottlenecks and support increased housing supply.

The review builds on critical analysis by the Productivity and Equality Commission in previous housing reports looking into how density can be done well and ideas on better land use.

Today’s report provides new insight into why doing nothing is not an option. This follows the Commissioner stating in his last housing review, “If we don’t act, we could become a city with no grandchildren.”

The paper found that between 2016 and 2021, Sydney lost twice as many people aged 30 to 40 as it gained. 35,000 came to Sydney, but 70,000 left.

It also found that while Sydney has among the highest average wages in Australia, over recent years it has consistently lost population to other states and regional NSW.

While there is more to do, the Minns Labor Government has made bold strides to reform the planning system in NSW.

This includes:

  • Creating fairer housing targets. We’re rebalancing growth with a focus on well-located homes close to existing infrastructure.
  • $253.7 million to continue the overhaul of the planning system and planning reforms.
  • The largest rezoning in NSW history and the largest ever investment in the state’s history with $5.1 billion dedicated to delivering social and affordable housing.
  • An international pattern book design competition to support our low-rise and mid-rise reforms and fast track pre-approved designs.
  • A land audit of vacant government owned land that will unlock 30,000 homes including 8,400 public homes built by the government.
  • Established a $2.2 billion infrastructure fund to make sure key infrastructure is in place to support development.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to confronting the housing crisis head on and that means ensuring we have more supply.

The NSW Government thanks Commissioner Peter Achterstraat for the work in this latest report.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“We won’t back away from the challenge ahead of us – building thousands of new homes near existing infrastructure for a generation of young people locked out of housing.

“The Commissioner warned in his last report that we’re at risk of being a city with no young people.  Doing nothing is not an option.

“This means honestly assessing the conditions we are working in, and thinking innovatively about what we can do better like this report does.

“I want to thank Commissioner Peter Achterstraat for the work on this report.”

NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“As it cites in its foreword, this report is ‘about looking our housing challenge in the face – it is also about practical solutions.

“We welcome the latest insights from the Productivity and Equality Commissioner and look forward to working through his recommendations.”

NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The NSW Government is confronting the housing crisis head on – and that means making sure we create changes to help increase housing supply.

“We’ve already introduced some of the biggest planning reforms in NSW history and are keen to consider and act on recommendations from important reviews like this from the Commission.”

$150,000 boost for the Lebanese Muslim Association

The Lebanese Muslim Association will deliver an enhanced suite of community preventative health and wellbeing initiatives, thanks to a $150,000 grant from the NSW Government.

The initiatives include information campaigns, workshops, forums, referral pathways and health screening opportunities, across a range of areas including cardiovascular and other chronic diseases, cancer screening and early intervention, and obesity and healthy weight programs with a focus on children, young people and diabetes.

The funding will also help the Lebanese Muslim Association tackle vaping and shisha use in the community, enhance aged care and dementia programs, treat chronic mental health conditions, and create early childhood school readiness programs.

The Lebanese Muslim Association was founded in 1962 and has more than 1000 members. The Association funds more than 400 initiatives including the Australian Multicultural Aged Nursing Program and a free culturally and religiously sensitive community-based psychology service.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“The Lebanese Muslim Association has long been a pillar of the NSW community and provides invaluable health support to its many members. I’m glad this funding will help continue that service into the future.

“Sydney in particular has a large Muslim population, and the NSW Government is committed to ensuring this community stays healthy.”

Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper:

“NSW is proud to be one of the world’s most successful multicultural states. The Lebanese Muslim Association plays a vital role in our community, and this program is designed to promote well-being and raise health awareness in-language, ensuring our community stays informed and healthy.”

Member for Canterbury Sophie Cotsis:

“This is an important partnership which will enhance access to the latest health information that will help our diverse community members better understand the benefits of preventative health measures.”

Member for Bankstown Jihad Dib:

“The Lebanese Muslim Association has a longstanding record of supporting the community, and this funding will further enable that work by ensuring people have access to services that will benefit them.

“The Lebanese Muslim Association will work with the community to provide invaluable assistance to help access health support and care in their native language.”

Lebanese Muslim Association President Hafez Alameddine:

“With this funding support over the next 12 months, the Lebanese Muslim Association will implement preventative health and wellbeing measures to address chronic diseases such as diabetes within our community.

“These initiatives will provide essential resources and education to empower individuals to take control of their health, fostering a healthier and more resilient community.”