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Cervical screening partnership celebrated this Women’s Health Week

Tens of thousands of women across NSW have accessed free, cervical screening thanks to a life-saving partnership between the Cancer Institute NSW and local health districts.

Over 10 years, the NSW Government through the Cancer Institute NSW has contributed close to $3 million towards pathology costs of Cervical Screening Tests conducted by women’s health nurses based across Local Health Districts including Central Coast, Far West, Hunter New England, Illawarra Shoalhaven, Mid North Coast, Murrumbidgee, Northern NSW, South Eastern Sydney, Southern NSW, and Western NSW.

The partnership is ensuring specialist women’s health nurses are supported to deliver cervical screening, particularly to rural and regional communities, working closely with Aboriginal medical services and Primary Health Networks to help deliver accessible, safe, and culturally sensitive care.

The Cervical Screening Test is the best way to prevent cervical cancer. It is a quick and simple procedure which looks for a viral infection called human papillomavirus (HPV).

There are two options for the test, one is to have a healthcare provider collect a cervical sample, the other is for an individual to collect their own sample. Both are equally effective.

Anyone aged between 25–74 who has a cervix and has ever been sexually active, is encouraged to get the Cervical Screening Test every five years.

Thanks to efforts taking place in NSW and beyond, Australia is on track to eliminate cervical cancer by 2035, in line with the National Strategy for the Elimination of Cervical Cancer in Australia.

Minister for Health and Regional Health Ryan Park:

“As Minister for Regional Health, it is one of my priorities to improve access and remove barriers women face in accessing healthcare services, particularly in rural and regional communities.”

“Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers and this partnership is ensuring that every opportunity is taken to offer screening.”

“It’s expected that regular screening will reduce cervical cancer rates and deaths by 30 per cent.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison:

“Cervical cancer claims the lives of hundreds of Australians each year. This week – being Women’s Health Week – we’re encouraging women to put their health first and, if eligible, take advantage of life-saving cancer screening.”

“Cervical cancer is preventable – the test is free, it’s quick, it’s simple and it’s easy. Early diagnosis can improve the chances of treatment being successful so it’s vital women make it a priority.”

NSW Chief Cancer Officer and CEO Cancer Institute NSW, Professor Tracey O’Brien AM:

“While Australia has one of the lowest cervical cancer rates in the world, more than 70 per cent of cervical cancers occur in women who have never been screened or are not up-to-date with their cervical screening.”

“Supporting women to take part in regular screening is key to saving lives, which is why we’re proud to partner with women’s health nurses, who through their expert and compassionate approach, are helping break down barriers and supporting women to stay healthy and well.”

For more information on cervical, breast and bowel cancer screening, visit www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/prevention-and-screening/screening-and-early-detection

NSW startups get a new home away from home in Southeast Asia

Startups and innovators in NSW have new opportunities to grow and expand into lucrative Southeast Asian markets with the Minns Labor Government inking new agreements with International Landing Pads in Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Landing Pads give startups access to workspace, networks and services that help them scale up innovative ideas and get them into the market.

The International Landing Pad in NSW, which opened late last year, provides temporary desk space in the Startup Hub for global businesses looking to enter NSW and make domestic connections.

Under the new reciprocal deals with Saigon Innovation Hub (SiHub) in Vietnam, Living Labs in Indonesia and Common Grounds in Malaysia, NSW businesses get the chance to work across jurisdictions, share ideas and make the connections needed to succeed.

In the next 12 months, Investment NSW will work with SiHub, Living Labs and Common Grounds to pilot the program. Up to nine NSW companies will be given the opportunity to base themselves in either Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur, while three qualified companies from each of the reciprocal nations will be based here.

The deals follow a similar arrangement put in place with India’s National Association of Software and Services Companies (Nasscom) earlier this year.

The announcement was made by Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong as he welcomed business leaders from across the region at the Australia-ASEAN Business Forum.

The Forum celebrates the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Australia and the ASEAN member states and serves as a platform to strengthen NSW’s growing trade and investment relationship with the region.

For more information on the ILP and how to submit an application visit: https://www.investment.nsw.gov.au/innovation/international-landing-pad/

Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“NSW is the epicentre of startups and innovation in Australia and the region.

“By getting these agreements in place, we’re making sure that the International Landing Pad doesn’t just open the door to companies who want to invest in NSW, it lets NSW businesses scale-up and expand on an international level.

“One of the most exciting aspects of these arrangements is the ability for nine NSW-based companies to spend time in our partners’ facilities in Southeast Asia. This will allow them to deepen their understanding of those markets and build the relationships critical to their expansion.

“The NSW Government has made expanding trade in the ASEAN region a priority, and this is another step in diversifying our trade footprint.

“The Landing Pads are part of a suite of activities the NSW Government is implementing to support the innovation sector, increase investment and boost exports.”

Further boost to Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine workforce

The Albanese Government is today announcing a new Jobs for Subs program for 200 young workers required to make Submarine Rotational Force – West (SRF-W) a success.

The Nuclear-Powered Submarine Graduate, Apprenticeship and Traineeship initiative is a Government-funded recruitment and upskilling program for graduates, apprentices and trainees within ASC Pty Ltd.

This initiative from the Albanese Government will allow the ASC Pty Ltd to recruit around 200 additional entry-level personnel over the next two years across high priority disciplines and trades essential to the nuclear-powered submarine enterprise, building the workforce we need in the west to sustain and maintain Australia’s future nuclear-powered submarines.

These roles, predominantly in Western Australia, span fabrication and machining, engineering and project management, and supply chain and operations qualifications.

As Australia’s sovereign submarine partner for sustainment of our nuclear-powered submarines, ASC Pty Ltd plays a critical role in developing the required skills, workforce, knowledge and capability. This initiative seeks to enhance the ability to attract entry-level personnel to critical skills and career pathways, retain valued personnel at entry-levels and grow the workforce available across the Defence industry.

Already, the Albanese Government has committed to invest up to $8 billion in infrastructure to enable SFR-W from 2027 and to operate Australia’s own Virginia class conventionally armed, nuclear‑powered submarines from the early 2030s.

Across Australia, the nuclear-powered submarine program is expected to create around 20,000 highly skilled jobs for Australians for decades to come, including supporting around 3,000 jobs in the west alone.

Over the last two weeks, ASC Pty Ltd has been developing Australia’s sovereign sustainment workforce, in support of the Submarine Tendered Maintenance Period (SMTP) currently underway at HMAS Stirling.

The STMP is an important milestone in the pathway by which Australia will acquire a nuclear-powered submarine capability and is the first time Australian personnel have directly participated in the maintenance of a nuclear-powered submarine in Australia.

During the STMP, Royal Australian Navy personnel have been directly participating in maintenance work on USS Hawaii (SSN 776), a Virginia class submarine, at HMAS Stirling.

In addition, workers from ASC Pty Ltd are providing essential support services to USS Hawaii, and are observing maintenance activities to continue their learning.

During this STMP, no active radiological work is being conducted and no low level radiological material will leave the US ships.

Today’s announcement builds on the more than 4,000 additional Commonwealth supported university places the Albanese Government announced and the work we are doing with the states and territories to grow the skilled workforces we need.

The Albanese Government is investing in the workforce we need to deliver Australia’s nuclear-powered submarines and a future made in Australia.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“It is an honour to visit HMAS Stirling and see the finest of Australia’s workforce becoming stronger through the strength of the AUKUS partnership.

“We are announcing a new graduate, apprenticeship and traineeship program to train an additional 200 West Australians to work on Submarine Rotational Force- West program.

“We want to keep Australians safe. That’s why WA will play a key role in building AUKUS. This will help promote peace and deterrence in the region and support local jobs.”

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles

“Today’s announcement is another important step in growing the workforce to be equipped with the skills and training we need to acquire Australia’s nuclear-powered submarines.

“We welcome the crews of USS Hawaii and USS Emory S. Land to Western Australia, for this milestone. We welcome our US friends to our shores, and welcome home the Australians that have been embedded with them.

“We are seeing during this visit the first Australian personnel participating in the maintenance of a US nuclear-powered submarine at HMAS Stirling, the home of Australian submarines.”

Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy

“This is a further boost to the development of ASC’s sustainment workforce and follows the first cohort of workers departing for training at Pearl Harbour Naval Shipyard in July.

“Australian industry is integral not only to Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine program, but also to supporting the future building, sustainment and maintenance of the submarines of our AUKUS partners.

“We are seeing real progress being made to develop the workforce of thousands of highly-skilled scientists, engineers, project managers, operators, technicians, welders, construction workers, electricians, metal fitters and builders that will be needed to support this nation-building endeavour.”

Revised construction option selected to build a viaduct over the Hunter River on M1 Pacific Motorway extension project

A revised construction method has been selected to build the over-water section of the 2.6-kilometre viaduct across the Hunter River as part of the M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace project.
Transport for NSW Regional Director North Anna Zycki said the method was revised following extensive community consultation.
“It was clear from the consultation that community members were concerned about potential flood impacts but also wanted reduced environmental impacts and faster delivery of the project,” Ms Zycki said.
“The project team will now use a single 80-metre temporary rock platform on the western side of the river, which removes the need for any dredging.
“Barges will be used to build the deep-water section of the viaduct on the eastern side of the river and these will be supported by a temporary 15-metre rock jetty that will allow material to be loaded and unloaded as the barges move across the river throughout the viaduct build.”
During the consultation process Transport for NSW hosted five community information sessions in Millers Forest, Raymond Terrace, and Tarro, engaging over 170 residents.
“These sessions provided an opportunity for the community to give feedback on proposed bridge construction methods,” Ms Zycki said.
The first option proposed the use of two small rock jetties of approximately 25 metres, dredging and large barges in the Hunter River as originally contained in the Environmental Impact Statement. The second option involved the use of two temporary rock platforms in the Hunter River of up to 180 metres, built consecutively.
“We had feedback from around 100 residents, some expressed concerns over the options and we listened, using their feedback to select this revised option,” Ms Zycki said.
“The use of barges in the deeper section of the river eliminates the need for dredging in the shallow section, which best addresses the issues of minimising flood effects and reducing environmental impacts.
“It provides safety advantages too by reducing the time it takes to build this viaduct by up to four months, which minimises the period for risk of increased flood impacts to properties, without the need for dredging in the river.”
The project team will continue proactive engagement with the community about potential flood impacts and mitigation options, including arranging meetings with individual property owners upon request. Construction will start immediately on the new viaduct with girder lifts for the bridge’s approach underway.
The consultation summary report, including detailed responses from Transport to the feedback received from the community and stakeholders, is now available on our website at https://nswroads.work/m12rt-bridgeconstruction
More information about the project is available at: https://nswroads.work/m12rtportal
The M1 extension includes upgrades to the surrounding road network, such as the Hexham Straight Widening, and is funded by the Australian and NSW governments. It will feature a 15-kilometre extension of the motorway, removing five sets of traffic lights and cutting nine minutes from travel times during peak periods.
There will be new interchanges at Black Hill, Tarro, Tomago and Raymond Terrace, the Main North Rail Line, and the New England Highway, and is expected to be open to traffic in 2028.

Central Coast & Newcastle Line

Incident activity

Ongoing – Until further notice

Details

A limited number of buses are replacing trains between Epping and Hornsby due to a tree in the overhead wiring at Normanhurst. Some services may end and start at Hornsby or run via the North Shore Line. Check transport apps for service changes. Delay travel if possible, make other travel arrangements or allow plenty of extra travel time.

$1 billion Solar Sunshot program

Australia is a step closer to manufacturing more reliable renewables at home, with the Albanese Government’s $1 billion Solar Sunshot program now open.

Australia has always been a solar powerhouse – the ideas invented here have lit the way for the global energy transformation underway.

But while one in three Australian households have solar – the highest take-up in the world – only one per cent of those solar panels have been made in Australia.

That’s why we’re investing in Australia’s solar capability with targeted funding to support a Future Made In Australia, create quality jobs for Australian workers and a more resilient supply chain.

The International Energy Agency estimates 1300 manufacturing jobs for each gigawatt of solar PV production, meaning a supercharged domestic industry will create thousands of jobs in Australia.

Initiatives like Solar Sunshot will build capability in the energy supply chains of the future, and support more manufacturing opportunities across the country driven by our renewable transformation.

The first $550 million, administered by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), will support the commercialisation of Australian solar photovoltaic (PV) innovations and scale up Australian solar PV manufacturing. This includes:

Round 1A: $500 million to support solar panel manufacturing, here in Australia, with a focus on modules, inputs to modules, and deployment systems.
Round 1B: $50 million to fund solar PV manufacturing studies, including feasibility and engineering.

As the Treasury’s National Interest Framework sets out: the high concentration of supply chains for critical energy technologies poses risks to Australia’s energy security and economic resilience.

These technologies are critical to Australia’s energy security through the net zero transformation.

We know there is strong interest from business to work with the Government to make more critical energy hardware here including high tech Australian start-ups, local fabricators and material suppliers, and international investors.

Community benefit principles – including for supply chains, diverse workforces and secure jobs – are central to Government investment through Future Made In Australia.

The Solar Sunshot program reflects this intent and will encourage investment in the people, communities and regions that will drive solar PV supply chains and the broader net zero transformation.

For more information and to apply for funding, visit https://arena.gov.au/funding/solar-sunshot/

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“I want a future made in Australia. And I want a future made in our regions. Places like the Hunter, Gladstone, Rockhampton and the Spencer Gulf.

“Because Australia can do what other countries cannot. We have that combination of resources, skills, workers, space and sunlight to co-locate those links in the value chain.

“Solar Sunshot is about building on those strong foundations, building resilience into Australia’s renewable energy supply chains, and building a Future Made in Australia.”

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen:

“When it comes to powering Australia’s future nothing will beat our sun and our solar knowhow. That’s why bringing solar manufacturing to our shores is so critical for unlocking our future as a renewable energy superpower and securing the job of the future.

“Diverse, secure and resilient supply chains – supported by more onshore manufacturing across more of the value chain – are too important to our security and success to leave to hope.

“Now is the time to take advantage of some of the best solar resources and renewable energy expertise in the world.

“Only the Albanese Government is backing businesses across the country to seize the opportunity of a Future Made in Australia, powered by reliable renewables.”

PARTNERSHIPS ENABLING NEW HOMES IN THE HUNTER REGION

A partnership between Homes NSW and Hume Housing will see 13 new homes built in Raymond Terrace through a land deal and funding from the Federal Government’s Social and Affordable Accelerator Fund (SHAF).

The innovative arrangement will see Homes NSW contribute land where three ageing dwellings currently sit. Hume Housing will manage the project transforming the site into six two-bedroom social homes, and seven new affordable townhouses – an uplift of more than four times the homes previously at the site.

Hume Housing will manage both the affordable and social homes, with the social homes to remain owned by Homes NSW.

The partnership is made possible through the Community Housing Providers (CHP) Direct Dealing Policy which provides CHPs opportunities to partner with Homes NSW in delivering more, better quality, fit for purpose and modern homes for people in need.

The Raymond Terrace project is the first to commence under the policy and Hume Housing will receive a $1.5 million grant from the SHAF to support the project’s delivery.

This project is supported by Port Stephens Council Raymond Terrace Masterplan which brings together State and Local Government and the Community Housing Sector in addressing the housing crisis through the delivery of greater housing diversity and affordability in Regional NSW.

Hume Housing worked closely with Port Stephens Council on their Development Application (DA) which was lodged last week.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said

“This partnership marks a significant milestone in addressing housing needs in the Hunter Region.

“Through strategic collaborations like this, Homes NSW is proud to facilitate the transformation of underutilised spaces into vibrant communities.

“This project alone is growing the supply of homes in Raymond Terrace with the number of households who will benefit with a new place to call home increasing from three to thirteen.

“By working together with Hume Housing, we are not only revitalising the community of Raymond Terrace but also setting a precedent for innovative housing solutions.”

State Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said:

“This shows what can be achieved when all levels of government work together, alongside our community housing partners, to deliver more homes for local families.

“This desperately needed project will be the biggest investment in social housing in Port Stephens for more than a decade.”

Federal Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson said:

“Funding from the Albanese Labor Government in partnership with the State, and local provider Hume Housing will deliver 13 new homes in Raymond Terrace. A great initiative and worthy project for our region. A step toward addressing the housing crisis for people in need.”

Hume Housing Chief Executive Officer Brad Braithwaite said:

“Hume Housing is excited to be working alongside Minister Jackson and Homes NSW on developing innovative models for building strong communities and delivering more high quality affordable and social housing in the Hunter.

“Although Hume is a non-profit community housing provider, we are investing in this pilot project using our cherished reserves because we see it as a model with great potential for providing more significant and diverse housing solutions at scale for this region in the future.

“This is a relatively small pilot project, but we are very hopeful that from little things big things come. This collaboration demonstrates the impact of councils, state government, and community housing providers working together to tackle the housing crisis.”

For more information on the CHP Direct Dealing Policy visit: www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/land-and-housing-corporation/plans-and-policies/community-housing-providers-direct-dealing-policy

Pressure builds for PM to help free Captain Paul Watson

The Prime Minister has been implored to use diplomatic channels in any way possible to help free Captain Paul Watson, in a letter signed by the Greens’ entire federal party room.

Captain Paul Watson was arrested in Greenland on 21 July 2024 on an extradition request from Japan. The basis of the extradition relates to events in 2010 when Captain Paul Watson was in the Southern Ocean, protecting whales from being slaughtered by the Japanese.

At the time of the 2010 events the Australian Government proved to be a fierce ally for cetaceans through the International Whaling Commission and other diplomatic forums, and successfully instituted proceedings against Japan in the International Court of Justice. This resulted in Japan being ordered to stop whaling in the Southern Ocean and set the scene for Japan’s withdrawal from whaling in Antarctica in 2018.

Pressure is now building for the Australian Government to continue its advocacy for the protection of whales, and use its influence to secure the release of Captain Paul Watson.

Greens spokesperson for healthy oceans, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson:

“Across the globe calls for the release of Captain Paul Watson grow louder – including from French President Emmanuel Macron – yet here in Australia our government remains notably silent.

“Australia fought for whales in 2010 in the International Court of Justice and we fight for whales today by ensuring their full protection in Australian waters – but more must now be done to uphold our legacy on the world stage.

“Captain Paul Watson is an ocean conservationist who has saved hundreds of whales, calling for his freedom should be uncontroversial.

“The pressure is on. The Greens implore the Prime Minister to use diplomatic channels in any way possible to help free Captain Paul Watson.”File

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Forests forgotten, Minister unaware of logging influence

Questions from the Greens in Budget Estimates have revealed that the Minister for the Environment was unaware of the details for the newly announced Independent Forestry Panel prior to the appointment of a former Forestry CEO. The new panel is set to advise the Government on the timber industry and environmental commitments, despite having no qualified forest scientist appointed.

Greens MP and spokesperson for the environment Sue Higginson said “It’s a slap in the face to the 70% of NSW that support the end of native forest logging in this state, that the Government has appointed a former CEO of the Forestry Corporation to this panel and no expert in forest ecology,”

“That the Minister for the Environment couldn’t confirm that she even knew a former forestry executive was going to be appointed as the chair of this panel is deeply concerning and has given weight to the already low community trust in this process,”

“It’s not a criticism of the intelligence or ability of the panel members to question why the protection of native forests is not being represented. Both the Premier and the Minister have defended this decision but have not given any weight to the importance of genuine forest ecology qualifications,”

“We have already seen through the increased logging in the proposed Great Koala National Park that the Government is failing their environment commitments, this latest panel and industry plan is entrenching the political failure of the Minns Labor Government,”

“As long as the position of the Minister for the Environment is that native forest logging should take precedence over environment protection, forest dependent species will continue to be driven towards extinction,”

“If the Minister was not told about a former Forestry Executive being put forward for this panel, I have genuine concerns about how this information has been handled and how the decision on the Panel has been made by the Government. Was it intentional that they have not promoted Peter Duncan’s history in native forest logging, or is this just another industry vehicle to allow native forest logging to continue?” Ms Higginson said.

Labor’s international student cap will be a disaster for NSW

NSW Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Deputy Greens Leader and spokesperson for Higher Education, is urging the Labor government to scrap its international students cap.

The cap of 270,000 new enrolments will hit several NSW universities particularly hard, with thousands of fewer enrolments expected and jobs put under pressure.

Senator Mehreen Faruqi:

“Minister Clare’s terrible international students cap, which is migration policy disguised as an education bill, is a direct hit on NSW. It will cost jobs and damage the international reputation of NSW universities.

“Labor’s just done a backflip on the terrible decision not to count LGBTQIA+ people in the census. They should do the same on this bad policy to cap international students.

“Labor is just coming in with a sledgehammer to smash universities to bits.

“The university sector is saying it’s bad policy. State governments are saying it’s bad policy. Just listen and admit this was a terrible mistake.

“We’re in the midst of a cost of living crisis, people are struggling to get by, and Labor’s priorities are dog whistling, targeting international students and playing politics to distract us from their failures. It won’t work.”