​Non-government schools and religious charities targeted in proposed tax grab

The Coalition is urging the Albanese Labor Government to rule out adopting recommendations from a draft Productivity Commission report which threatens to rip funding from non-government schools and charities.

Commissioned by Treasurer Jim Chalmers in February, The Future Foundations for Giving Report has issued draft recommendations for deductible gift recipient (DGR) status to be scrapped for non-government primary, secondary, childcare, aged care and other religious organisations.

It also calls for the ending of “basic religious charity” status – increasing red tape and reporting requirements for almost one in five Australian charities – including those which support schools and religious education.

This is a slap in the face for the non-government sector, at a time when more Australians are turning to religious charities and organisations for support.

It comes amid surging enrolments for non-government schools which are responsible for more than 35 per cent students across Australia.

The changes have the potential to devastate non-government schools which have enjoyed DGR support since 1954.

Shadow Treasurer, Angus Taylor, said it was just another example of a government with the wrong priorities.

“At a time when Labor is taxing Australians at record levels, Jim Chalmers’ own review is calling to increase taxes on non-government schools,” Mr Taylor said.

“This will just pass on costs to families struggling with the cost of living and leave non-government schools deprived of vital infrastructure.

“This is a cynical, political, and divisive proposal from a government which has spent a year dividing Australians with ideological distractions.

“Rather than address cost-of-living, Labor is attacking non-government and religious schools. Dr Chalmers and Education Minister Jason Clare must rule out this recommendation and rule it out urgently.”

Shadow Minister for Education, Sarah Henderson, said the proposal would have far-reaching consequences.

“This proposed school building tax is a direct, ideological attack on independent and faith-based schools and must immediately be ruled out by the Albanese Government,” Senator Henderson said.

“This would be catastrophic for low fee-paying non-government schools which depend on DGR status to construct new school buildings and other vital infrastructure.

“With the vast majority of students at non-government schools from low and middle-income families, this proposal is another cruel blow for struggling families.

“After attacking religious freedom in schools and delivering discriminatory teaching scholarships, this is further evidence of Jason Clare’s hostility towards the non-government sector. Parents have no interest in Labor’s insidious class warfare.

“Not only do non-government schools support parental choice, but they also play a vital role in taking funding pressure off the government school sector.

“The government has a responsibility to protect the funding mechanisms which are critical to the viability of low fee-paying schools particularly in regional and remote Australia where student numbers are reduced and capital is scarce,” Senator Henderson said.

Lifesavers on standby as new jet skis help protect our beaches

Volunteer lifesavers and lifeguards are reminding people to take care on our waterways and swim at patrolled locations, with more than 646 rescues conducted since Christmas eve.

Since the start of the patrol season in September, Surf Life Saving NSW volunteers have conducted 1360 rescues, with almost half (646) of those since 24 December 2023 during the busy holiday period.

As people head to coastal waterways over the warmer months, the NSW Government is also urging people to practice water safety like swimming at patrolled beaches and between the flags.

To support lifesavers, 14 new jet skis have been deployed to NSW beaches, following the Minns Labor government’s record $23 million investment in Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW).

Accounting for roughly 13% of rescues conducted by SLSNSW volunteers last year, jet skis play a key role in keeping people safe. The arrival of these new jet skis supports an expected surge in beachgoers this summer.

Jet skis can be used in a range of rescue missions, including offshore searches for missing persons and rescues in proximity to rock platforms.

In September 2023, the NSW Government announced the biggest funding commitment ever made to SLSNSW, pledging an additional $23 million over 4 years to help keep NSW beaches safer.

As part of this package, $18 million will be allocated through the NSW Rescue Capability Grant for additional resources and equipment, including 67 new jet skis to be delivered over 4 years.

The new jet skis will replace a large part of the current fleet, ensuring standardisation across NSW and providing modern watercraft for surf life savers.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“The festive season is one of the busiest times of the year for surf lifesavers, and I’d like to thank our volunteers who help keep beach goers safe.

“We want to ensure a day at the beach is safe and enjoyable, and I’d encourage swimmers to follow the advice of lifesavers and swim at patrolled locations.

“With 14 new jet skis, our 300 trained Surf Life Saving NSW jet ski operators will also be better equipped to keep our shores safer during the festive season and beyond.

“As more and more people head to the beach, the Minns Labor government is committed to helping volunteer organisations like Surf Life Saving NSW focus on their important work.”

Surf Life Saving NSW Chief Executive Steve Pearce said:

“We’re just really urging potential beachgoers to take heed of those basic safety messages; don’t swim at unpatrolled locations – look for the red and yellow flags because if our lifesavers can’t see you they can’t save you, and understand your limits when entering the ocean.

“Jet skis are the backbone of our support operations response capability, especially away from patrolled locations and in search and rescue situations.

“It’s great to see our operator numbers expanding and in particular more female jet ski drivers coming on board.”

Beach safety tips

  • Always swim between the red and yellow patrol flags, for your nearest patrolled beach check the BeachSafelaunch app or website
  • Read the safety signs for information about the beach and ask a lifesaver or lifeguard for safety information.
  • Always swim with someone else so you can look out for each other, and always supervise children around the water.
  • Never swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • If you need help in the water, stay calm and attract attention by raising one arm.
  • In an emergency, dial Triple Zero (000).

For information about patrol times, weather, and beach locations visit the Beachsafelaunch website or download the applaunch.

The new jet skis will be stationed at key locations across the NSW coastline, including:

  • Brunswick Heads
  • Nambucca
  • Scotts Head
  • Blackhead
  • Pacific Palms
  • Hunter – Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie
  • The Lakes
  • Dee Why
  • Freshwater
  • Malabar
  • Coledale
  • Windang
  • Tuross Beach
  • Tathra.

The numbers are in: hundreds of thousands tapped into extra public transport services over New Year’s Eve

Public transport was the way to go to ring in the new year, with data from Transport for NSW revealing more than 700,000 journeys were made to and from Sydney’s CBD on train, bus, ferry and light rail services for the big night.

With most harbour vantage points not ticketed this year, Sydneysiders and travellers flocked into the city to watch the world-class New Year’s Eve fireworks. 

The vast majority of revellers caught public transport to and from the CBD, as passengers took the operational advice to leave the car at home, leave plenty of travel time,  and hop on services to get  where they needed to go.

Transport for NSW had an extra 1000 trains running day and night on New Year’s Eve, plus an extra 1200 buses, and light rail services were running every 10 minutes until 4am.   

Metro services  doubled in frequency with services running until 4am.

Key statistics

From 4am on 31 December 2023 to 4am on 1 January 2024, there were 416,049 trips into Sydney’s CBD and surrounding precincts, based on Opal data:

  • Bus – 59,873
  • Ferry – 22,158
  • Light Rail – 44,794
  • Train – 289, 224
  • Total – 416,049

From 4am on 31 December 2023 to 4am on 1 January 2024, there were 325,613 trips out of Sydney’s CBD and surrounding precincts, based on Opal data:

  • Bus – 46,510
  • Ferry – 22,279
  • Light Rail – 45,443
  • Train – 211,381
  • Total – 325,613

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:

“New Year’s Eve is by far the biggest day on the Transport calendar. This year, we saw a 20% increase in the number of people arriving into our city by train, compared to last year’s celebrations.

“Moving hundreds of thousands of people in and out of the city over a small period of time isn’t easy, but everyone was patient, in good spirits and listened carefully to our staff on the ground.

“I want to thank the thousands of Transport for NSW staff at stations, on trains, buses, ferries and light rail who kept people moving. I also want to thank the Maritime teams who were out on our harbour, ensuring everyone on the water could enjoy the incredible display safely.

“New Year’s Eve was a big test for Sydney’s public transport and follows months of important work our Government has been doing to improve reliability and performance. I’m thrilled to say our New Year’s Eve public transport network, like the incredible fireworks display, was a roaring success.”

Secretary of Transport for NSW Josh Murray said:

“The big crowds that built up over more than 12 hours on Sunday were safely dispatched home in around an hour and a half from city stations, with 1000 extra trains and 1200 extra buses.

“Revellers overwhelmingly caught public transport and we want to thank our passengers for leaving the car at home, for treating our transport workers with patience and respect as they worked through the night to get everyone to their parties or vantage points and back again.”

Stay safe from mosquitoes this holiday season

NSW Health is reminding people to protect themselves from mosquitoes when they are out and about during the summer holidays.

NSW Health’s Acting Director of Environmental Health, Paul Byleveld, said with more people spending time outdoors, it was important to take steps to reduce mosquito bite risk.

“Mosquitoes thrive in wet, warm conditions like those that much of NSW is experiencing,” Byleveld said.

“Mosquitoes in NSW can carry viruses such as Japanese encephalitis (JE), Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE), Kunjin, Ross River and Barmah Forest. The viruses may cause serious diseases with symptoms ranging from tiredness, rash, headache and sore and swollen joints to rare but severe symptoms of seizures and loss of consciousness.

“People should take extra care to protect themselves against mosquito bites and mosquito-borne disease, particularly after the detection of JE in a sentinel chicken in Far Western NSW.

The NSW Health sentinel chicken program provides early warning about the presence of serious mosquito borne diseases, like JE. Routine testing in late December revealed a positive result for JE in a sample from Menindee. 

A free vaccine to protect against JE infection is available to those at highest risk in NSW and people can check their eligibility at NSW Healthlaunch.

People are encouraged to take actions to prevent mosquito bites and reduce the risk of acquiring a mosquito-borne virus by:

  • Applying repellent to exposed skin. Use repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Check the label for reapplication times.
  • Re-applying repellent regularly, particularly after swimming. Be sure to apply sunscreen first and then apply repellent.
  • Wearing light, loose-fitting long-sleeve shirts, long pants and covered footwear and socks.
  • Avoiding going outdoors during peak mosquito times, especially at dawn and dusk.
  • Using insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units and mosquito coils to repel mosquitoes (mosquito coils should only be used outdoors in well-ventilated areas)
  • Covering windows and doors with insect screens and checking there are no gaps.
  • Removing items that may collect water such as old tyres and empty pots from around your home to reduce the places where mosquitoes can breed.
  • Using repellents that are safe for children. Most skin repellents are safe for use on children aged three months and older. Always check the label for instructions. Protecting infants aged less than three months by using an infant carrier draped with mosquito netting, secured along the edges.
  • While camping, use a tent that has fly screens to prevent mosquitoes entering or sleep under a mosquito net.

Remember, Spray Up – Cover Up – Screen Up to protect from mosquito bite. For more information go to NSW Healthlaunch.

Man charged following alleged armed robberies – Hunter Valley

A man has been charged following an investigation into three alleged armed robberies in the Hunter Region earlier this week.

About 4.45pm on Monday (1 January 2024), police were called to a service station on Nelson Bay Road, Salt Ash, following reports of an armed robbery.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were told a man entered the service station before allegedly demanding money.

The man fled the scene in a vehicle with an amount of cash and cigarettes. There were no reports of injuries.

About 4.30pm on Tuesday (2 January 2024), police were called to a service station on Cessnock Road, Weston, following reports of an armed robbery.

At the scene, police were told a man entered the service station before allegedly threatening an employee and demanding money.

In a separate incident, about 7.15pm, a man has entered a service station on Cessnock Road, Neath, and allegedly threatened an employee before demanding money.

On each occasion the man fled the scene in a vehicle with an amount of cash and cigarettes. Neither of the employees were injured.

A short time later about 8.15pm, police have been told a man has attended a service station on Wollombi Road, Cessnock, filling his car with petrol before entering the service station and allegedly demanding money.

The man was unsuccessful in obtaining proceeds and fled the scene without paying for the petrol. There were no reports of injuries.

A joint investigation with officers from Hunter Valley Police District and Sydney City Police Area Command was established.

Following inquiries, a 36-year-old man was arrested on Harrington Street, The Rocks, by officers attached to Sydney City Police Area Command about 4.30pm yesterday (Wednesday 3 January 2024).

The man was taken to Surry Hills Police Station where he was charged with two counts of robbery while armed with dangerous weapon, robbery, demand property with menaces with intent to steal, dishonestly obtain property by deception and possess prohibited drug.

He was refused bail to appear before Parramatta Local Court today (Thursday 4 January 2024).

Labor undermining Australia Day

The Albanese Labor Government is undermining Australia Day and it’s paying dividends with 81 councils refusing to conduct citizenship ceremonies on our national day.

The Prime Minister says he has no plans to change Australia Day but judge him on his words not his actions.

The Albanese Government changed the rules to allow locals councils to cancel their citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day, and 81 councils have now taken up that offer, according to new data published today.

The Coalition believes that new citizens should have the opportunity to become Australians on our national day.

Labor is undermining the significance of Australia Day and is laying the groundwork to abolish January 26 as Australia Day.

If the Prime Minister wants to change Australia Day he should be upfront with the Australian people instead of working in the shadows to change the date.

The Prime Minister’s hand-picked ambassador to the United Kingdom has already cancelled a long-running charity event held on Australia Day.

The Labor Government is sending the message that January 26 is no more special than any other day of the year.

Australia Day is a proud day for the many thousands of people who will join our multicultural family and become Australian citizens, it should be respected.

​Education minister Jason Clare’s botched university support scheme sets a debt trap for struggling students

Education Minister Jason Clare has set a debt trap for struggling university students after dramatically weakening his ‘support for students’ scheme which fails to deliver the safeguards he promised, Shadow Minister for Education Sarah Henderson has warned.

“The support for students scheme, adopted under the cover of darkness the week before Christmas, is now so weak that universities have no obligation to proactively identify and support students at risk of failing their studies,” Senator Henderson said.

“By axing the safeguards offered by the 50 per cent pass rule, Labor has set a debt trap for thousands of vulnerable students and shown a reckless disregard for the cost-of-living pressures so many young Australians are facing.

The former Coalition government’s 50 per cent pass rule protected students, failing more than 50 per cent of their subjects after enrolling in eight or more units, from leaving university with large student debts and nothing to show for it.”

Under the rule, failing students who faced losing their Commonwealth supported place (CSP) could apply for an exemption on compassionate grounds or move to a restricted study plan such as part-time study or a changed course structure. As revealed in a Senate inquiry into the Higher Education Support Amendment (Response to the Australian Universities Accord Interim Report) Bill 2023, the vast majority of students did not lose their CSP.

“Minister Clare’s claims that more than 13,000 students were ‘hit’ with the rule is a blatant misrepresentation,” Senator Henderson said.

“On the evidence available, most failing students made changes to their university studies to help them succeed, as the policy intended.

“After releasing draft guidelines which were onerous and unworkable reflecting the government’s lack of consultation, Minister Clare has done an about-face and introduced a farcical ‘support for students’ scheme which fails to deliver any additional support for students.

“This is a policy shambles from a floundering minister which is why the opposition opposed the scheme from the beginning.

“Under the draft guidelines, higher education providers were required to implement a policy which ‘must include’ processes to identify and support students at risk of failing their studies including those in need of targeted literacy and numeracy support.

“The final version has been dramatically watered down, with universities now only required to publish on a website ‘information describing’ their current set of student support policies.

“Under the scheme, universities are no longer required to report on the academic outcomes of students requiring support including HECS loans accrued for failed units of study.

“There are no minimum standards of support that universities must provide including for those who are victims of sexual violence or suffer mental health challenges. The scheme has also been delayed until 1 April 2024, with reporting dates for policy outcomes pushed back to the first quarter of 2025.

“While universities have a range of policies to support students, they are not doing enough to stop vulnerable students falling through the cracks. Only 41 per cent of undergraduates are completing their four-year degree in that time, with 21 per cent dropping out altogether.

“For indigenous students, it’s much worse – the four-year completion rate is just 26 per cent while more than a third drop out.

“Labor’s scheme also does nothing to safeguard students from inadequate or bad university policies. It is all puff and no substance from Minister Clare who is not tough enough to hold the universities to account, further underlining how this government is failing to put students first,” Senator Henderson said.

​Ukraine latest to feel Albanese Government’s unreliability

Revelations that the Albanese Government is sitting on a request for more coal shipments from Australia are another sign of Labor’s unreliability hurting Australia’s reputation.

Given Australia provided coal to help with Ukraine’s energy needs ahead of their last winter, a commitment made by the previous Coalition Government, the Albanese Government should have offered months ago to continue this support.

Having failed to be proactive, the least the Albanese Government could have done was to give a quick yes when Ukraine was forced to ask in early December for this assistance to continue.

Due to the Albanese Government’s tardiness there’s every chance Ukraine’s winter could be over before Australian energy assistance can arrive.

As late as it is, the Albanese Government should immediately commit to continue crucial energy support to Ukraine, whose war to defend their sovereignty from Russia’s illegal invasion is also a significant test of democratic nations’ resolve to defend international rules.

Under Labor, Australian support for Ukraine had already slowed, with our nation no longer being the leading non-NATO contributor.

This is a further blow to Australia’s international reputation for being willing to act in defence of our values and principles, with the Albanese Government also in recent months:

Failing to provide a naval ship requested by the United States to join an international effort to keep the Red Sea open to freight in the face of attacks from Iranian backed Houthi rebels.

Diminishing Australia’s strong support for Israel’s right to self-defence by voting for an inadequate ‘ceasefire’ motion at the United Nations, which if adopted would only allow Hamas terrorists the opportunity to rearm and repeat their terror attacks against civilians.

Dragging its feet compared with likeminded nations on the implementation of sanctions, including against Hamas leaders and human rights abusers.

Failing to raise at the highest levels Australian concerns at the actions of Chinese PLA naval vessels endangering Australian Navy lives.

When Australia should be standing up to be counted, the Albanese Government is increasingly failing to act, showing weakness instead of strength.

New year’s message – 2024

Happy New Year Australia.

I hope you’ve had the chance to celebrate with friends and loved ones.

There’s no doubt 2023 was a challenging year.

Yet, right around our country, Australians rose to meet those challenges – as they always do.

We achieved a great deal as a nation – and we achieved it together.

That is the Australian spirit.

In these times of global uncertainty, it’s worth reflecting on what we have as a nation.

We are a people of optimism, determination and, above all, fairness.

We have the unique privilege of being home to the oldest continuous culture in the world.

And our society has been enriched and enlarged by people of every faith, background and tradition.

We have so much to cherish.

Let that guide us in 2024 as we make the greatest country on Earth even better.

All the very best to you and loved ones for a safe and happy year.