META COSTING AUSTRALIAN MEDIA JOBS, THREATENING PARLIAMENT AMID NINE CUTS: GREENS

Responding to today’s job cuts at Nine and evidence from Meta executives at the Parliamentary hearing into social media, the Greens have criticised Meta (parent company of Instagram and Facebook) for refusing to pay for news and journalism content. The Greens say Meta is effectively blackmailing the Australian Parliament by threatening to ban all news, as they’ve done in Canada.

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young is Deputy Chair of the Joint Select Committee into Social Media and Australian Society, Greens spokesperson for Communications:

“My thoughts are with all Nine journalists, media workers, and their families today for this devastating news.

“On the same day that up to 200 media workers at Nine have been told they don’t have a job due to declining advertising revenue, the Parliament heard concerning evidence from the Meta executives who refuse to pay for news and journalism from companies like Nine.

“Meta is trying to blackmail the Parliament by refusing to rule out banning all news on their platforms Instagram and Facebook, should they be Designated under the News Media Bargaining Code.

“It is clear that we need stronger laws that protect Australians from the predatory business models of Meta and other social media platforms. This could include requirements to carry news and information in the public interest and be taxed properly for their activities and revenue made here on Australian soil.

“I’m concerned these giant tech corporations are ripping off news content, costing Australian jobs and damaging our democracy.

“We need to tackle the toxic business models and secret algorithms of these social media giants with algorithm transparency reforms.”

GREENS PREVENT CUTS TO NDIS PLANS AND PARTICIPANTS IN THE SENATE

Today the Australian Greens have helped prevent millions of dollars in cuts to the NDIS and ensured that the government amendments to the NDIS Bill are thoroughly scrutinised and that the States and Territories are given the opportunity to give evidence.

The process and goals of this bill has been flawed since day one and will see millions in funding ripped from the scheme and participants left worse off.

Minister Shorten should have been engaging with the genuine concerns of the disabled community, reached out to the States and Territories and delivered on his promise not to make cuts to the scheme.

Instead the Minister has resorted to cheap stunts, expensive messaging guides and speeches to try and sell a deeply unpopular and damaging policy change.

Senator Jordon Steele-John, Greens Spokesperson for Disability Rights and Services

“I’m proud that the Greens have continued again and again to take the voices of disabled people into our parliament and fight for the scheme that has made such a difference in their lives.”

“Minister Shorten would do well to remember that politics is not a game and the issues of our community can not be reduced to zingers, expensive messaging guides and cheap stunts.”

“It’s this type of politics that turns people off trying to make a difference in their community and is well below a Minister who is supposed to be supporting disabled people, not cutting their services.”

“The NDIS has made such a meaningful impact in so many people’s lives and every day Labor’s flawed and damaging policy is not passed and is undergoing proper consultation saves millions of dollars in essential services for disabled people.”

“Bill Shorten made a pledge in parliament that there would be no cuts to the NDIS under this government. I and the disabled community really hope he keeps his promise.”

Responding to Minister Shorten’s announcement of https://www.outoftouchwithcostofliving.com/ Senator Steele-John said:

“Every dollar on that clock is a dollar not cut from essential services for disabled people and their families in a cost of living crisis.”

“All this stunt does is demonstrate the speed and severity of the cut that Labor is planning for the NDIS.”

Energy crusader hoping to spark change in Newcastle

City of Newcastle is leading the charge towards a net zero emissions city, inviting world renowned entrepreneur, author, and inventor Dr Saul Griffith to share his passion for power with Novocastrians.

Dr Saul GriffithDr Saul GriffithThe free event known as Electrify Everything will take place at City Hall on 25 July where the community will learn about an ambitious action plan to electrify Newcastle, while creating new jobs and a healthier environment.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Dr Griffith has inspired communities across the USA and Australia.

“City of Newcastle is committed to achieving net zero emissions so we’re incredibly fortunate to have Dr Griffith visiting our city,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Among his long list of achievements, he created and led the non-profit organisation Rewiring America that helped to shape the US Inflation Reduction Act, the largest ever investment in energy transition and electrification in the world.

“Inviting Dr Griffith to our city aligns with a top priority from our Newcastle Environment Strategy, which is delivering community and business engagement programs that focus on renewable energy and electrification.”

Dr Griffith said electrifying our cars and our homes is the critical action all Australians can take this decade that will save money and our children’s future.

“I’m always energised after meeting passionate community groups driving change in the climate and energy space,” Dr Griffith said.

“We need community initiatives like this where local leaders are encouraging residents to be part of the solution to achieving a clean energy future.

“Communities have the most to benefit from an electrified future powered by our abundant solar energy – local jobs, healthier streets and lower energy bills.

“Households and small businesses are the heroes of this energy transition. It’s time Australia had an energy system that put them first.”

The evening will be part of a series of three events called Empowering Newcastle to be held at City Hall across July and August.

On 8 August, City of Newcastle will host a roundtable to discuss electric vehicles and low emissions transport.

A host of stakeholders will be invited, including Transport for NSW, the Australian Electric Vehicle Association, the University of Newcastle, Business Hunter and Port of Newcastle to discuss the challenges and opportunities of transitioning to electric vehicles and low emissions transport in Newcastle.

On 17 August City of Newcastle will invite the community to join NSW Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Heritage Minister Penny Sharpe and the Lord Mayor to hear about the renewable energy transformation in the Hunter and opportunities for all residents to be part of our net zero future.

“City of Newcastle is committed to achieving net zero with measures such as an accelerated uptake of solar and batteries, electric or zero emissions transport and buildings, as well as community renewable energy and battery storage projects,” Cr Nelmes said.

“We want to empower the people and business owners in Newcastle to be part of the solution to climate change.”

To secure tickets visit https://www.trybooking.com/CSVXK

NSW Government comes to the Walgett pool party

The starter’s gun has been fired on the redevelopment of Walgett Memorial Swimming Pool after the NSW Government announced it would provide $250,000 towards planning and design work for a new facility.

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper announced the funding when he met with Walgett Shire Council General Manager Megan Dixon, Mayor Councillor Jasen Ramien and local pool users today.

The funding will be used to conduct a needs analysis, site assessment, options development, feasibility, business and funding plan as well as detailed design and planning approvals.

Walgett Memorial Swimming Pool, which was built in the 1960’s, is reaching the end of its life cycle and has been identified by Council as in need of redevelopment.

At the completion of these works, Walgett Shire Council will be in the position to seek additional funding for the redevelopment of the pool under its Outback Aquatic Revamp project.

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“Swimming pools in regional NSW are like an oasis that bring communities together.

“Walgett Memorial Pool is a great example of this and the groups that use the pool for fun, fitness and water safety, including Walgett Swimming Club, Walgett Learn to Swim and Walgett Water Safety can testify to the sense of community it creates.

“The NSW Government is excited to contribute to the Walgett Olympic Pool Outback Aquatic Revamp project and look forward to the future plans for the facility.”

Member for Barwon, Roy Butler said:

“The announcement of the $250,000 for Walgett Memorial Swimming Pool is an acknowledgement by the NSW government of the importance of pools in regional communities.”

“More than just infrastructure, pools provide an environment that helps to build cohesive and social networks. They also offer the added benefits of fitness, safety, and relief from very high summer temperatures. The community of Walgett and I welcome this news.”

Walgett Shire Council’s Mayor Jasen Ramien said:

“A massive thank you to the NSW Government and Minister Kamper for recognising the importance of the Walgett Pool to our community.

“With summer temperatures reaching up to the high 40s, the pool is essential for keeping everyone cool and safe.

“We are excited to begin the first steps in ensuring that Walgett residents and visitors have a space that not only offers relief from the heat, but promotes fitness, water safety and a sense of community.”

President of the Walgett Amateur Swim Club, Kate Murray said:

“This news is welcomed by the Walgett Area Swimming Club and the entire community of Walgett.

“The Walgett Swimming Pool brings together our whole community over an entire 6 months of the year. It is the beating heart over the warmer months, providing a welcome space for fun, laughter and connection.

“Importantly, it also provides the opportunity for the ongoing training of survival and swimming techniques for the children of our region, which is so essential in the country we live in.”

Train repair blitz underway to boost commute times as rail repair plan is completed

Work to improve train services for millions of passengers is being bolstered by the Minns Labor Government launching a Train Repair Plan following the successful completion of the Rail Repair Plan that has resulted in fewer incidents and more reliable journeys.

Announced in June last year, the Rail Repair Plan means passengers are now spending 35% less time dealing with train delays related to infrastructure failures.

Sydney Trains engaged 2500 workers to fix 2116 defects, resurface 468km of track, replace 1163 train stop rams and remove 193 temporary speed restrictions.

Building on this successful model, the Minns Labor Government is today launching a $35 million Train Repair Plan that will upgrade more than 2000 cars, which make up 372 trains, in line with modern standards.

This 12-month plan is now underway and is the largest coordinated program of train maintenance ever undertaken in NSW.

In the past year, train faults have increased 28 per cent compared with the last financial year – resulting in 595 service cancellations and 2445 delays.

Using existing Sydney Trains budget and engaging workers in-house, the program includes improving technology, communications and operating systems, and critical repairs to doors, brakes, windows, air conditioning and CCTV cameras.

The Train Repair Plan has key targets to:

  • Remove 2,037 train defects
  • Upgrade all 11 models of trains
  • Clear 306 train maintenance backlog repairs
  • Clean and paint 1,622 train carriages
  • Accelerate 68 reliability projects, including toilet upgrades, air conditioning, engine replacements, technology system upgrades, brakes, doors and windows
  • Complete life extension work for diesel fleets including the XPT, Endeavour and Xplorer

The Train Repair Plan was a key recommendation from the Rail Infrastructure and Systems Review, which found fleet performance was well below targets for availability and reliability.

The program is distinct from the $447 million Tangara life extension work announced in the 2024-25 Budget, which will ensure that this iconic fleet remains fit for service as the Government forges ahead with building the next generation of Tangaras here.

The fleet maintenance work will be complimented by the introduction of the Mariyung fleet, which is on track to be delivered by the end of the year, enabling 50-year-old V Sets to progressively retire.

The former government’s mismanaged procurement and delivery of the Mariyung fleet has created challenges with bringing these new services online, but the NSW Government is making progress to get the job done.

This is all part of a plan to build better, well-connected communities for NSW to ensure people have reliable access to the essential services they rely on.

A plan to build a better NSW.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“On a rail network the size and complexity of ours, carrying millions of people every day, it’s critical we continue to focus on essential upgrades to minimise headaches for commuters.

“Incidents on the rail network are inevitable, but keeping our fleet in top shape is our key priority to reduce delays and cancellations.

“The workers and apprentices on this project will be learning vital skills to not only maintain trains here in NSW, but to build our capacity to deliver the next generation of Tangaras.”

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:

“Our Rail Repair Plan was a success in bringing the trackwork backlog under control and giving passengers smoother journeys – it’s only logical we apply that same strategy to our train fleet.

“Fleet defects are a significant driver of delays. We need to make sure our existing trains are healthy, strong and reliable, which is why we’re accelerating two years of work into the next 12 months.

“Around 800 Sydney Trains staff will be working around the clock – 24 hours, 7 days a week – on the Train Repair Plan and I want to thank every one of them for undertaking this massive job.”

Sydney Trains Chief Executive Matt Longland said:

“With some of our train fleet over 50 years old, passengers are feeling the brunt of our ageing assets.

“Sydney Trains is working hard ensure the impact on passengers is minimised during this work, which will see some minor timetable adjustments to services with lower patronage.”

Urgent Care Service boost for Armidale

The Armidale community is able to access non-emergency healthcare in a more timely way, and avoid unnecessary trips to the emergency department, with a new Urgent Care Service opening its doors to patients today.

The Armidale Urgent Care Service is now open 365 days a year from 12pm to 8pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday, with the potential for opening hours to further expand as demand increases. Healthcare provided at Armidale Urgent Care Service is bulk billed.

The service is staffed by General Practitioners and nurses with important diagnostic services on-site including radiology and pathology and is well-supported to treat a range of illnesses and injuries that are deemed urgent, but not life-threatening. This includes minor wounds needing stiches, suspected broken bones and skin infections.

Patients should call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 to access the service. A registered nurse will assess the patient’s condition and then discuss with the patient the best place for their care needs. This may include an appointment at the Armidale Urgent Care Service, a telehealth appointment with the virtualKIDS or virtualGP services or escalating their care to other services like NSW Ambulance if required.

The Armidale Urgent Care Service is being delivered in partnership with the Hunter New England Central Coast Primary Health Network.

The Minns Labor Government is working to improve access to care and reduce wait times, through our emergency department relief package which will invest an additional $100 million to fund urgent care services for a further 2 years, providing a pathway to care outside of our hospitals for an estimated 114,000 patients once fully implemented.

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“Armidale Urgent Care Service will provide the community with access to timely care for conditions which can be safely and effectively treated outside of the ED.”

“This new service will improve access to care, reduce wait times and take pressure off our local hospitals.”

“I’m committed to increasing availability of healthcare to communities through urgent care services just like this one, which are aimed at bridging the gap between primary care and emergency care, ensuring that patients have fast access to the care they need.”

Labor Spokesperson for Northern Tablelands, Peter Primrose:

“I really welcome access to an urgent care service for the residents of Armidale and surrounding communities.”

“Armidale’s new Urgent Care Service is a win for the community, and for the health system – in that it will provide an alternative pathway to care for patients with urgent conditions and it will take pressure off our hospitals.”

Hunter New England Central Coast Primary Health Network Chief Executive Officer Richard Nankervis:

“The new service gives the community a genuine alternative outside of a busy ED for urgent – but not life-threatening – illnesses and injuries.”

“The Armidale Urgent Care Service will ensure people in the region have better access to fast medical attention for their urgent care needs, whilst also relieving pressure on our EDs.”

Toasting future success as TAFE NSW Griffith brings back critical wine industry courses

The NSW Government is investing in the future of the largest wine producing region in NSW, by re-introducing critical laboratory operations courses at TAFE NSW Griffith.

A Certificate III in Laboratory Skills and a Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques are now being offered at TAFE NSW Griffith after a 10-year hiatus, while a Diploma of Laboratory Technology will be offered for the first time in 2025.

Griffith is at the heart of New South Wales’ largest producing wine region, responsible for about 60 per cent of the state’s total grape crush.

Laboratory operations courses provide technical skills wine makers need to accurately measure, test and report on wine properties, critical components of the complex wine making process.

The re-introduction of the courses follows extensive consultation with the local wine industry and demonstrates how TAFE NSW is meeting the skills needs of local industries and communities.

TAFE NSW Griffith also offers a Certificate III in Wine Industry Operations, and a laboratory skills course will be offered to local high school students in 2025, giving them a running start into the industry.

Former laboratory manager and winemaker at Casella Wines, Nichole Clarke, has joined TAFE NSW to teach the courses, utilising her strong industry knowledge and connections to give learners the job-ready skills and experience to gain employment.

An industry-standard laboratory is located at TAFE NSW Griffith, including a microbiology room and a chemical preparation room.

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said:

“My previous roles as Minister for Primary Industries, CEO of the National Irrigators’ Council and director of Murrumbidgee Irrigation in Griffith have given me insight into the critical importance of the wine industry to the Riverina economy.

“Like many industries, wineries in Griffith are struggling to attract and retain qualified staff and these courses at TAFE NSW Griffith will ensure a pipeline of qualified laboratory technicians, ready to enter the workforce and meet industry demand.

“This is yet another example of how the NSW Government is rebuilding TAFE NSW and supporting the industries and communities it serves.”

De Bortoli Wines Human Resource Manager, Paul Foley said:

“Our business is most pleased to see the re-establishment of accredited laboratory operations courses at TAFE NSW Griffith.

“The absence of suitable technical training for our laboratory staff has been a major concern for our business over the past few years.

“With the availability of these programs on our doorstep, we are in a far better position to expand the technical depth and breadth of capability within our workforce, the broader industry and the local community.

“We look forward to our staff engaging in these programs to assist us in meeting the ever growing technical, compliance and reporting challenges in the wine industry.”

Central West residents encouraged to shape future of $40m Housing Program

The NSW Government will embark on a program of community engagement sessions in the Central West to ensure residents impacted by the 2022 floods have their say on the design and delivery of the $40 million Central West Housing Program.

The Program aims to build stronger, safer communities with measures that help households most at risk from future floods by increasing the resilience of their home or removing themselves from harm’s way.

Following the NSW school holidays, from Tuesday 23 July, the NSW Reconstruction Authority will hold 12 information sessions across three weeks in Cabonne, Forbes, Lachlan and Parkes Local Government Areas to gather feedback on participation requirements, proposed Program measures and their suitability.

At each session, residents can view flood risk information, talk directly with flood experts about how the prioritisation maps were developed and share their feedback on the proposed approach for the Program.

Proposed measures include grants for a range of resilience measures, such as raising and retrofitting, home rebuilds and home relocations and a voluntary scheme to buy back properties in the highest flood risk zones.

For residents impacted by the 2022 floods, free in-home assessments will also be offered.

Feedback from the community information sessions will be used to finalise the guidelines for the Program.

The Resilient Homes Program is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and State Governments under the $100 million Central West Recovery and Resilience Package.

For more information about the Community Information Sessions, click here

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully:

“We want to make sure the Program is informed by the knowledge and experience of flood-affected communities in the Central West.

“What people want most is to get back into their homes as quickly and safely and get on with their lives, and we are committed to helping them do just that.

“There are no simple fixes, but we are committed to supporting and working with communities as they recover. We are in this for the long haul.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“We know how important community-led recovery is and that’s why we’re asking for feedback to help finalise the design of this Program which has been shaped through engagement with community leaders.

“This Program has the potential to change the future of the region and we look forward to local input in supporting communities across the Central West now and into the future.”

Member for Orange Phil Donato said:

“Communities across the Central West are known for their strength and grit in the face of hardship.

“We want to keep these communities together and the best way to do that is to ask them for their help.

“I’m pleased to say that from 23 July, we’ll be asking residents for their feedback, so we can design a program that meets the needs of our region.”

Surge in participation has renewed Local Land Services boards to support, protect and develop regional land use

Following a significant rise in participation, thirty-four people across the state have been elected as members to the 11 local boards that work with the NSW Local Land Services to determine local delivery priorities for important services including pest control, land protection and assistance for productive land use.

Eligible landholder voters elected the group of 34 to the positions, with a 23% increase in the number of voters compared to the 2020 election.

16 women have been elected to the boards which is a 100% increase over 2020, demonstrating that the plan by the NSW Government to diversify participation has been successful. In total, 116 candidates contested the 11 local board elections.

The elected members join appointed members on the boards and play a crucial role identifying priorities and working within their communities to help shape plans, programs and services.

The local boards will prioritise and monitor services including:

  • providing best practice advice to manage pest animals and pest control activities
  • managing and improving natural resources on-farm for a healthy environment
  • a network of district veterinarians who offer advice and services on biosecurity, livestock disease surveillance, and animal emergency management
  • offering the latest information and guidance to improve agricultural productivity and support landholders through times of drought.

The board elections were run in accordance with the Local Land Services Act 2013 and Local Land Services Regulation 2014.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“The NSW Government was elected to renew services for regional and rural communities and to ensure local voices were listened to. The surge in voting for local land services boards and the significant increase in woman nominating are wins for local communities.

“The 11 Local Land Services boards play an important role on the frontline of agriculture across NSW and it’s important that we have attracted a broad spectrum of the community to nominate, vote and participate in that work.

“Board members provide valuable connection points between farmers and government by promoting services, fostering partnerships, and creating productive and positive relationships with landholders.

Recently elected Local Land Services regional board members:

  • Benjamin Watts (Central Tablelands)
  • Anna Shaw (Central Tablelands)
  • James Dellow (Central Tablelands)
  • Rae Craft (Central West)
  • Nina Hooper (Central West)
  • Elise Stokes (Central West)
  • Richard De Abreu Lourenco (Greater Sydney)
  • Linda Smith (Greater Sydney)
  • Sean Hooper (Greater Sydney)
  • William Stacy (Hunter)
  • Patrick Ryan (Hunter)
  • Fred Paton (Hunter)
  • Amanda Barlow (Murray)
  • Andrew Hermiston (Murray)
  • Melinda McCrohon (Murray)
  • David Dawson (North Coast)
  • Bruce Lyle (North Coast)       
  • Gordon Mack (North Coast)
  • Vera Reardon (North West)
  • Rebecca Collins (North West)
  • Christopher Chaplain (North West)
  • James Jackson (Northern Tablelands)
  • Peter Parnell (Northern Tablelands)
  • Alana Marcus (Northern Tablelands)
  • Elizabeth Stott (Riverina)
  • Robert Matthews (Riverina)
  • Alison Hamilton (Riverina)
  • Nicola Burton Taylor (South East)
  • Steven Hogan (South East)
  • Pam Kensit (South East)
  • Anita O’Connor (Western)
  • Garry Hannigan (Western)
  • Michael Davis (Western)
  • Jessica Murray (Western)

Find out more about Local Land Services boards

Gold medal investment in our elite athletes

The Albanese Government has delivered the largest ever investment in Olympic and Paralympic sports to help our brilliant athletes achieve glory on world stages.

A record $283 million in new money will flow to our elite athletes, coaches and support staff over the next two years in a historic show of support on the path to Brisbane 2032.

This investment represents a 50 per cent increase on the previous Government’s 2021- 2022 high performance funding.

It also represents a doubling of the investment the previous Government made for Paralympic athletes.

This new funding is in addition to our $102.8 million annual grant funding and brings the Government’s total high-performance investment to $489m over two years.

The funding package for Paralympians is the biggest ever, as the Albanese Government addresses systemic and structural barriers to performance for para athletes that had been ignored for too long.

The investment will be a major boost for Aussie spirits ahead of Paris next month, and will strengthen Australia’s hopes for gold at LA in 2028, Brisbane in 2032, Winter and Commonwealth Games events.

The funding will create more opportunities and better development pathways for high performance athletes to thrive while inspiring the next generation of Australians to be more active.

The historic investment includes:

  • An increase of $17.6 million to the Direct Athlete Investment Support Grants (dAIS) program to address cost of living pressures for athletes.
  • A major uplift in direct sport funding.
  • Access to more domestic and international competitions to regularly compete against the world’s best in preparation for major sporting events.
  • Extra training, well-being and preparation support, including access to world-leading coaches and performance support staff.

Investment in our Paralympic athletes and sports will more than double, with $54.9 million in additional funding – the biggest ever Paralympic spend by an Australian Government.

The funding increase will deliver better classification opportunities, access to fit-for-purpose training environments and specialised coaching and performance support.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“We’re cheering on all our athletes heading to Paris. We are so proud of them and my Government is backing Aussie athletes with record funding.”

Minister for Sport Anika Wells

“This is the biggest investment any government has made in our Olympic and Paralympic sports and will help athletes achieve glory on world stages.

“Today’s commitment brings the Albanese Government’s sport announcements in this Budget to $753.1m, including the $249.7 million investment to revitalise the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) campus in Canberra.

“We have also committed $200m to the Play Our Way fund, the biggest infrastructure program ever for women and girls sport, and invested more than $20m in the Netball World Cup and Women’s Asian Cup.

“We’re giving our future Olympic and Paralympic teams what they need to succeed with upgraded training facilities, the best coaching and support staff and cost-of-living assistance.

“We’ll all be cheering on the Green and Gold in a few weeks when Paris 24 begins and this funding again proves the Albanese Government is committed to sport – from playground to podium.”

Australian Olympic Committee President Ian Chesterman

“We have said many times that a successful home Games needs a successful home team, so this injection of funds at this time is fundamentally important to that outcome.

“The additional money direct to the sports is very good news while the lift in dAIS funding to cover more athletes is critical to giving them the confidence that they can focus on putting in the huge amount of work that is necessary to represent Australia on the international stage.

“It further builds on the investment in the AIS announced recently by Sports Minister Wells to again make that facility a hub of sporting excellence.

“The Prime Minister clearly gets what the Olympic sports do for this country so we thank him his commitment to helping our sports and our athletes.

“This funding increase is a very important start to help our athletes be their best, inspire the generations to come and to build a strong sports system to support them all.

“The AOC also welcomes the lift in Paralympic funding which will benefit the sports which run both Olympic and Paralympic programs.”

Paralympics Australia President Alison Creagh

“This new investment from the Federal Government will bring about monumental generational change for Para-sport in Australia.

“Paralympics Australia commends the Federal Government, in particular the Prime Minister and Federal Sports Minister, for their visionary leadership and for recognising the immense impact that this investment can deliver.

“Since 2000, Australia’s investment in Para-sport has fallen well behind many of our rivals, allowing them to catch up. This funding marks a much-needed reset, positioning Australia to regain its competitive edge in time for the Paralympic Games in 2028 and our Games at home in 2032.”