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Minns government pockets tax increases as CBD businesses die

As Sydney CBD businesses face an increased rate of insolvencies, the Opposition points to the failure of the recent State Budget to deliver any meaningful support for small businesses despite record levels of taxation – including for payroll tax and land tax that directly affect the bottom line for many struggling businesses.

“Total taxation over the four years of this Budget is a whopping $43 billion higher than the total taxation in the four years covered by the Coalition’s Pre-Election Budget Update. By 2027-28 Labor will be taxing the families and businesses of NSW over $55 billion – a massive 43% higher than the tax collected in the last year of the Liberal and National Government”, said Shadow Treasurer Damien Tudehope.
“Despite already set to receive $88 billion in property taxes – transfer duty and land tax – the greedy Minns Labor Government has abandoned the indexation of the land tax threshold to raise and additional $1.5 billion. This will mean many struggling small businesses will be hit with a rent rise that may tip them over the edge into insolvency,” Damien Tudehope said.
“The previous Coalition Government raised the payroll tax threshold from $750,000 in 2018 to $1.2 million in 2021. The Minns Government ignored a call from the business sector to raise it to $1.3 million and drop the rate to below 5%,” Damien Tudehope said.
“All this extra tax is going straight to settle billions of dollars of public sector wage rises on Labor’s union mates – $9 billion and counting with current demands from just four unions totalling a further $6 billion. This is why there was nothing to support struggling businesses in the Budget,” Damien Tudehope said.
“The Minns Government cancelled the successful Open for Lunch and Noel Sydney events, It cut the budget for Destination NSW. The recent Vivid was managed so poorly that small business stall holders lost money through their participation,” Wendy Tuckerman, Shadow Minister for Small Business said.

“The previous Coalition Government used a range of measures to support small businesses, including the popular dine and discover vouchers as we emerged from the Covid-19 pandemic. The Minns Government lacks both the commitment and the imagination to deliver for small businesses, including those Sydney CBD businesses currently doing it tough,” Wendy Tuckerman said.

Swearing in of the 28th Governor-General

I begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we meet, and I pay my respects to elders past, present and emerging.

It is such a pleasure to be here with you on this momentous day.

I thank all the members of the diplomatic corps and all members of the Australian Defence Force who have joined us.

I also thank my parliamentary colleagues and, of course, the reason we are here: our new Governor-General, Sam Mostyn, and her husband, Simeon Beckett.

The swearing in of a Governor-General is a bright moment in the life our nation, but it is not one we approach lightly.

We are a young nation on an ancient continent – yet the democracy that has defined us for 123 years is numbered among the world’s oldest, and the Governor-General has always been at the heart of it.

It is high office, but it is not lofty. For all the pomp of its origins, the role of Governor-General is one that has become firmly rooted among the Australian people.

In the course of their duties, a Governor-General meets so many Australians from so many different walks of life, and in so many different circumstances.

A Governor-General stands by us, celebrating our good times, and offering comfort and quiet strength during our times of trial.

And while guided by tradition, it is not blind to the future.

Over the years, we have seen different Governors-General applying an emphasis of their own choosing, whether it was Sir Ninian Stephens with his touch of healing, Sir Zelman Cowen’s vision of the Governor-General as interpreter of a nation, or Dame Quentin Bryce and her desire “to strike a balance between observing traditions and protocol and being thoroughly contemporary”.

Over the past week, we have expressed our admiration for the retiring Governor-General and Her Excellency, Mrs Hurley, and the great calibre of their contribution. They go with the thanks of a nation.

Today, we begin a new chapter with Australia’s 28th Governor-General, Sam Mostyn.

We share the great fortune of living in a modern and optimistic nation.

A nation made generous and courageous by its people.

In Sam Mostyn, our nation has the right leader.

Sam, you are a person of intelligence and compassion. Of loyalty and integrity.

You have clear eyes and a big heart – and both have shaped your vision of who and what we can be as a nation.

Throughout your life, and across your great breadth of experience in the worlds of law and business and sport, in corporate Australia and the not-for-profit sector, you have always been ready to put yourself forward for others.

They are the qualities that she will bring to representing our nation as Governor-General.

You have walked the talk, a human catalyst with an unrelenting capacity for making things happen.

You have blazed so many trails for women. You have pushed open the doors of opportunity and equality.

You have made a real difference for Indigenous Australians.

You have added to the environmental and cultural health of our nation.

For decades you have been driven by a desire to make a difference in the lives of your fellow Australians – now, and for future generations.

The very sense of fairness that is the beating heart of our identity as Australians is something you embody.

In 1999, the Australian Financial Review described you as “bound for glory”.

Yet glory is something you have never sought.

In 2019, your good friend, the playwright Suzie Miller, had this to say of you: “She inspires me. I wish she would be less modest.”

While Suzie’s wish may never be granted, she is one more reminder of how profoundly you value and nurture friendship – and everything that true friendship means.

I am glad you have Simeon with you on this journey. As a public law barrister who has worked in many crucial realms, he too has made a positive difference in the lives of so many.

Together, you are a truly wonderful partnership.

Your Excellency, you have lived your life in the service of a powerful Australian principle: when more people have the opportunity to fulfil their potential, our nation is a better place.

With you as Governor-General, our future is in good hands.

Hunter communities’ big winners in Active Transport funding

Eight councils across the Hunter will share in $60 million to boost walking and cycling, with $10 million across the state dedicated to supporting active travel to and from schools, as part of the NSW Government’s Get NSW Active program.

Of the 88 projects, 51 are in regional NSW including 14 around primary schools, which will be funded under this latest round of the grant program to build crucial pathways and cycleways that promote walking and bike riding as an easy, safe, and convenient way for people to get around.

The 16 Hunter projects, worth a total value of $13.4 million, include:

Singleton Council – $5.074 million to construct a 1.55km long walking and bike riding connection along Combo Lane and Wilkinson Boulevard. The project will deliver entirely new transport options for people living in Singleton Heights and Hunterview. The construction of a bridge over the Hunter River will provide a quiet route along Combo Lane to connect people directly to the Singleton CBD and make walking and bike riding a safe and attractive choice for day-to-day travel.
Lake Macquarie City Council – $3.657 million to design and partially construct an active transport link from Charlestown to the Fernleigh Track.
Lake Macquarie City Council – $650,000 to construct a 3km shared path, including a bridge, from the Soldiers Road shared pathway from Pelican and the service road at Pelican Airport. This path will provide Pelican residents and visitors a connection to Marks Point and the Fernleigh Track.
Maitland City Council – $647,441 to design and construct a shared pathway along Raymond Terrace Road between Settlers Boulevard and Hillgate Drive, Thornton, for active transport. It will provide safe crossing and link up to 12,500 people to existing recreation, commercial and community infrastructure.
Cessnock City Council – $586,919 to construct a 1.8km walking path from Anderson Avenue to Main Road Paxton to connect to the existing path to Paxton Public School. This will provide a walking and cycling track to and from school.
City of Newcastle – $500,000 to construct the Memorial Drive shared crossing to improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians. It will connect the 6km Bathers Way shared path to sporting facilities and the broader cycling network.
City of Newcastle – $500,000 to construct a shared path in King Edward Park along Reserve Road to replace the existing footpath between the Terrace and York Drive.
MidCoast Council – $467,000 to construct a sealed footpath from the Coolongolook Public School to the existing path in King Street that links to bus stops.
Cessnock City Council – $424,216 to replace the existing dilapidated path with a 3-metre wide shared path at East Esplanade Weston from Fourth Street to Third Street.
MidCoast Council – $396,000 towards building a sealed footpath along Marine Drive to allow tourists and residents to easy access the Tea Gardens foreshore.
Port Stephens Council – $112,300 to construct a raised pedestrian crossing across Tarean Road, Karuah and provide safer access to school and sporting facilities.
Muswellbrook Shire Council – $100,625 to design a shared path between Thompson and Kamilaroi Streets and Cassidy Avenue, South Muswellbrook. It will provide access to the Calvary Retirement community and retail businesses on Rutherford Road.
Lake Macquarie City Council – $93,280 to design the extension and expansion of Toronto Greenway, the pathway connecting Toronto Foreshore with Fassifern Train Station.
Port Stephens Council – $88,320 to design a new footpath to connect existing footpaths on Strathmore Road in Mallabula. This missing link will connect the town centres of Tanillba Bay and Lemon Tree Passage.
Port Stephens Council – $73,440 to plan a new footpath to connect existing footpaths on Campbell Avenue in Anna Bay. It will connect the existing path on Campbell Avenue to the town centre.
Port Stephens Council – $73,440 to plan a new footpath that connects existing footpaths on President Wilson Walk in Tanilba Bay. This missing link will connect the town centre of Tanilba Bay to the local primary school.

This most recent round of the Get NSW Active program received 345 applications from councils with a total request worth $287.6 million which shows the strong desire for infrastructure that supports people who choose to walk or ride to their destination.

The next step will be to confirm the award of funding to councils so they can begin construction or planning phases of their projects.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:

“It’s exciting to see the wide range of active transport projects that will soon come to life, positively impacting potentially hundreds of thousands of people across the state.

“This year, of the amount shared, $10 million will be dedicated to delivering infrastructure that supports walking and riding to school, which received an overwhelming amount of interest from councils.

“I want to thank councils across the state for their commitment to making it easier for people to safely walk, cycle and scoot around their communities.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

“I’m thrilled the Hunter has received more than $13 million to fund new active transport projects.

“These pathways and cycleways will not only make it safer for our community to get around but help us stay connected to local schools, businesses and of course stay healthy while travelling there.

“We know more people are moving to our great region and it’s vital we have the infrastructure in place to support them.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“The communities of the Hunter will benefit greatly from this investment.

“I’m thrilled that more than half of the projects successful in this year’s round of funding is going to regional NSW to provide active transport options for local communities to enjoy.

“It’s this type of infrastructure that makes our communities happier and healthier.

“There is a strong movement towards active transport corridors in our regional communities and it’s great to be part of a government which is funding the development and delivery of infrastructure to envisage this.”

Predicted population increase drives changes to Social Infrastructure Strategy

City of Newcastle will conduct a review of how it delivers and maintains valuable community assets to ensure it can cater for a predicted population boom.

Under new housing targets set by the NSW Government, Newcastle will welcome more than 86,000 new residents by 2041, which would see the city boast more people than the current population of the Northern Territory.

Councillors voted to review City of Newcastle’s draft Social Infrastructure Strategy which was developed with community feedback and stakeholder engagement.

The Social Infrastructure Strategy was originally designed to cater for a predicted population of just over 201,000 but that figure is now expected to top 256,000, with Broadmeadow set to accommodate up to 40,000 of those new residents.

Councillor Elizabeth Adamczyk said the Social Infrastructure Strategy plays a significant role in enhancing the lives of people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.

“City of Newcastle plays an important role in providing facilities and spaces for the community,” Cr Adamczyk said.

“Our network of social infrastructure contributes to inclusion and cohesion and is used by all Novocastrians at some point in their lives, often on a daily basis.

“These assets help the community to be happy, safe and healthy, to learn, and to enjoy life.”

Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy said City of Newcastle is committed to providing inclusive and welcoming social infrastructure that is designed, managed and programmed for everyone to enjoy.

“Social infrastructure comprises a range of assets including community centres, libraries, museums, art galleries, parks and sporting fields,” Ms Duffy.

“City of Newcastle will continue to review its strategies and key planning documents against population and housing targets to ensure Newcastle remains a liveable, sustainable, inclusive, global city.”

The NSW Government has handed down two reforms that will lead to the population increase, starting in December last year with the proposal for transport-oriented development of higher-density homes around selected railway stations.

The State Environmental Planning Policy decision will see thousands of extra residents added near stations at Adamstown, Newcastle Interchange, Hamilton and Kotara.

In May this year the Government increased housing targets across the state with Newcastle asked to provide more than 11,000 new homes by 2029, more than double the number completed in the city between 2017 and 2022.

This new target translates to an annual population growth rate of approximately three per cent a year, triple Newcastle’s 10-year average.

On top of these reforms, City of Newcastle and the NSW Government have developed the draft Broadmeadow Place Strategy, which will guide future development in the area and provide the opportunity for additional housing, jobs and population growth.

That draft strategy, which is now on public exhibition, features a proposal for an additional 40,000 people and 20,000 dwellings over the next 30 years.

Funding boost for Coonamble Aboriginal Health Service

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in western NSW will soon have better access to health and wellbeing support, thanks to a $132,000 funding boost for the Coonamble Aboriginal Health Service (AHS).

Coonamble Aboriginal Health Service operates primary care health clinics in Coonamble, Dubbo and Gilgandra, delivering culturally appropriate programs and health and wellbeing services to communities across western NSW.

The funding boost will increase access for community members to connect with skilled workers about the supports available to them in a safe place.

Regional Health Minister Ryan Park:

“I’m very pleased to announce $132,000 in new funding for the Coonamble AHS to provide support services to the local community.

“This new funding will support Coonamble AHS’s Fair Dinkum Choices program, which encourages community members to start conversations about mental health and emotional wellbeing, capitalising on yarning with community to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris:

“The Service already provides a range of important supports to the local community at its clinics, including population health, family health, suicide prevention and dental health services.

“The increased funding will also help upskill Coonamble AHS staff to engage in face-to-face conversations with clients where they live, creating a culturally responsive and safe environment for those seeking support.”

Member for Barwon Roy Butler:

“Coonamble AHS plays an important role in providing health services, and much more, to the local community.

“This injection of funding will allow them to continue that great work and to provide community members with an environment where they can talk freely, openly and in comfort about matters relating to their health.”

Coonamble AHS Chief Executive Officer Phil Naden:

“This opportunity has afforded Coonamble AHS to work closely with community and partner with other service providers including the Western NSW Local Health District.

“Coonamble AHS thanks the NSW Government for this important funding.”

Celebrating 45 years of women in paramedicine

NSW Ambulance has recognised 45 years of women in paramedic roles at an induction ceremony today welcoming 65 new paramedic interns and trainee emergency medical call takers into the service.

Forty-five women are among this class of 37 paramedic interns and 28 trainee emergency medical call takers.

The new starters join an organisation where women already make up more than 50 per cent of the workforce, after becoming the first emergency service in the state to reach gender parity in its ranks last year.

Dedicated and skilled women work across NSW Ambulance in many roles, including as paramedics, aeromedical crews, nurses, doctors, specialist rescue crews, call takers and dispatchers, and corporate and support staff.

NSW Ambulance implements a range of support programs to ensure a welcoming and inclusive workplace, including tailored training programs, mentoring initiatives, and ongoing professional development opportunities.

The paramedic interns will be posted across NSW to complete the on-road portion of their 12-month internships before taking permanent positions in metropolitan and regional areas.

The trainee emergency medical call takers will be posted to Triple Zero (000) control centres across NSW.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“Today is about acknowledging the incredible contribution women make across all areas of the NSW ambulance service.”

“For the past 45 years, women in paramedic roles have contributed their skills and dedication to NSW Ambulance, and we are incredibly grateful for their service to their communities.”

“As we welcome many new paramedic interns and trainee emergency medical call takers today, I want to pay tribute to Lee Clout, who in May 1979 joined the ranks at Wagga Wagga Ambulance station starting what is a very long and proud history of women in paramedic roles in NSW.”

Minister for Women, Jodie Harrison:

“Our paramedics are on the frontline of healthcare in NSW, caring for people when they are unwell and at their most vulnerable.”

“As we celebrate 45 years of women in paramedicine, it’s worth noting that NSW Ambulance was also the first NSW emergency service to reach gender parity in its ranks. It’s important that our essential services should reflect the communities they serve and NSW Ambulance should be really proud.”

“Congratulations to all the women – the trailblazers – who have helped grow NSW Ambulance into the respected, skilled and diverse organisation it is today.”

Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis:

“Diverse and inclusive workplaces are beneficial to all employees, not just women, and NSW Ambulance has proven over the past 45 years, the positive impact diversity has had on the organisation as a whole.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive, Dr Dominic Morgan:

“I’d like to welcome the new starters who were honoured today and thank them for their commitment to NSW Ambulance, you will be playing a vital role in keeping the people of NSW safe and healthy.”

“Women make up 50 per cent of the NSW Ambulance workforce. I hope our new paramedic interns and trainee emergency medical call takers find this inspiring and I wish them well for their future careers.”

Building Commission expands its quality operations to the Illawarra

Builders considering cutting corners on construction sites in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven should think again with Building Commission NSW establishing a permanent presence in the region from Monday.

Following the establishment of the Commission in December 2023, it has moved quickly to broaden its focus to one of the state’s busiest building and construction hubs, south of Sydney.

There are more than 4,000 active construction sites in the Illawarra Shoalhaven area making it the ideal location to pilot the Commission’s strategy to create more dedicated regional teams, as part of its commitment to work where homes are being built.

A local presence will enable inspectors to audit more sites, more often and closely monitor all active projects while also reacting faster to complaints and intelligence.

The Illawarra-focussed compliance inspectors will join a growing Commission with the power to issue a range of building orders for serious defects and track their repair before a project can be signed off. As more people move to the regions, it’s essential there is no difference in the quality of homes being built, compared with metropolitan areas.

New resources in the region will go hand in hand with tools like iCIRT that independently rate building professionals and give consumers confidence about their financial, legal and compliance history. There are more than 100 iCIRT rated builders already operating in NSW.

To kick off the Commission’s engagement in the region, a roadshow for industry and government stakeholders about the Commission’s regulatory priorities and key focus areas is being held early next week.

Minister for Building Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“The Illawarra region is booming with building activity, expanding faster than any other regional location in NSW. Establishing Building Commission NSW’s first regional office here was not a difficult decision.

“As the NSW Government works to build the homes our state needs, Wollongong has been given a housing target of 9,200 new well-located homes by 2029.

“The Building Commission will support delivery of this target by ensuring the building industry delivers quality homes and apartments for residents.

“Our new recruits will be local boots on the ground who can show up on site anytime, anywhere and ensure that the local community can be confident in the quality of the new housing stock being built.

“Quality and quantity can go hand in hand if Government and industry work together and it is exactly what needs to happen if we are to meet the housing needs of the people of NSW.”

Paul Scully, Member for Wollongong said:

“I am pleased that the lobbying of the Minister by myself and Deputy Lord Mayor Tania Brown has resulted in establishing a local presence of the NSW Building Commission in the Illawarra.

“Of late we have had a number of buildings and builders who have not been meeting the standards that we expect of them and that needs to change.

“As Planning Minister I am determined to confront the housing crisis which means building more new homes but tackling this challenge must not come at the cost of quality.

“When people buy a newly built home, they expect it to be of a modern standard and I’m pleased that a permanent presence of the NSW Building Commission in the Illawarra will remind dodgy builders and dodgy developers that cutting corners on home builds is unacceptable.”

Assistant Building Commissioner Matt Press said:

“Our inspectors have been regular visitors to the Illawarra region in the past two years but with this move we’re establishing ourselves as a full-time member of the local community.

“This is just the beginning of the first of many regional teams for Building Commission NSW. We want everyone to know that the regulator will be turning up everywhere that homes are being built, not just Sydney.

“It’s pleasing to see there are a number of iCIRT rated builders now operating in the Illawarra and they are starting to show what a more capable and trustworthy construction industry can produce.

“We want to be supporting those who are championing best-practise and focussing our attention on the small number of risky players who ruin the reputation of the entire industry.”

Mascot Towers owners finally free to move on

The Minns Labor Government-brokered deal to resolve the Mascot Towers saga concludes this weekend, with all owners finally free to move on.

The NSW Labor Government charged Building Commissioner David Chandler with bringing the Mascot Towers debacle to an end, culminating in a deal last month to settle with more than 100 lot owners.

From 30 June, financial support initiated as “emergency payments” more than five years ago ends for impacted owners.

The initial Mascot Towers assistance package, launched in 2019 by the previous government, included payments of up to $400 per night to help cover the cost of what was then called ‘temporary’ accommodation.

In addition, the Mascot Towers owner investor package approved in July 2022 and back dated from June 2019 offered up to $1,000 per week to help cover the cost of lost rental income.

Since the evacuation of Mascot Towers five years ago, the two assistance packages have paid out $24.52 million to impacted residents, owners, and investors in need.

After the 2023 election, the NSW Government tasked Building Commissioner David Chandler with finalising the Mascot Towers saga to give owners closure.

In May 2024, a deal was settled with 123 lot owners to sell their properties and free themselves of Mascot Towers related debt.

Under the terms of the deal owners also received the sale price of their unit and their share of around $8.2 million in means tested support from the Minns Labor Government to let them resolve Mascot Towers related debts and move on.

The 18 eligible owners who opted not to sell will now work with the private consortium and Bayside City Council on the future of the building.

Minister for Building Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“This closes the book on one of the darkest chapters in building in this state.

“Every cent of support spent to help keep owners afloat was worth it but in the future bad builders should pay these costs, not the taxpayer.

“The NSW Minns Labor Government is working every day to lift standards in the building sector and reduce the risks of another Mascot Towers.

“I want to thank Building Commissioner David Chandler for his work to resolve the Mascot Towers situation.”

Woman charged following unauthorised protest – Hunter Valley

A woman has been charged following an unauthorised protest in the Hunter Valley this morning.

About 8.10am (Saturday 29 June 2024), police were called to the rail corridor at Branxton following reports a woman had allegedly entered the rail corridor and were causing obstruction to trains.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District, with assistance from Police Rescue, attended the site and arrested a 24-year-old woman.

The woman was taken to Singleton Police Station where she was charged with cause obstruction to railway locomotive or rolling stock, enter inclosed non-agricultural lands serious safety risk, enter inclosed land not prescribed premises without lawful excuse, cause/attempt to cause train or tram in motion to be stopped, and interfere with etc equipment etc without permission.

She was bail refused to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Sunday 30 June 2024.

Man charged following unauthorised protest – Newcastle

A man has been charged following an unauthorised protest in Newcastle overnight.

About 6.45pm (Friday 28 June 2024), police were called to the rail corridor at Sandgate following reports a number of people had allegedly entered the rail corridor and stopped an eastbound train.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District, with assistance from Police Rescue, attended the site and arrested a 59-year-old man who allegedly climbed into an open carriage.

He was taken to Waratah Police Station where he was charged with enter inclosed non-agricultural lands serious safety risk and cause obstruction to railway locomotive or rolling stock.

He was refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court today (Saturday 29 June 2024).