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Premier extends warm welcome to Tokyo Governor’s inaugural trip to NSW

Premier of NSW Chris Minns will welcome the Governor of Tokyo, Her Excellency Ms Yuriko Koike, making her inaugural visit to NSW on Monday, 5 February.

The focus of Governor Koike’s two-day visit will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of the NSW-Tokyo Sister State Agreement which was first signed in 1984 by then-Premier Neville Wran, and on bolstering trade and economic ties between the two states.

Tokyo is the world’s second-largest metropolitan economy and an important trade and investment partner for NSW.

In 2022-23 Japan was the state’s second largest two-way trading partner valued at $46.5 billion and in 2022 it was Australia’s third-largest source of foreign direct investment valued at $133.8 billion.

Australia and Japan also share a deep partnership underpinned by shared values, economic, social and people-to-people links, and a long history of cooperation.

Governor Koike will visit Sydney and Newcastle during her stay. Like NSW, Tokyo is transitioning to reliable, secure and renewable energy and this will be a key focus of Governor Koike’s engagements.

More snow chain bays on the way for Snowy Mountains Highway

Work will start this month on 2 new snow chain fitting bays to improve the safety of motorists travelling along the Snowy Mountains Highway during the snow season.

The NSW Government has announced it will invest up to $4.5 million to build 2 new bays along the Snowy Mountains Highway where motorists can safely stop and fit snow chains to their vehicles. 

The 2 new bays will be in the Kiandra area, with one near Sawyers Hill and the other near Denison Campground.

Each bay will feature a dedicated slow lane off the highway to enter and designated parking for up to 10 vehicles. 

The snow bays will service traffic from Adaminaby to Selwyn, offering motorists a safe place to stop and fit chains.

Chain bays will be open throughout the snow season when required. Motorists will be provided with advanced warning by electronic signs and can check the Live Traffic NSW website for updates.

Work to install the new chain bays will be carried out between 7am and 6pm on weekdays, and on occasion between 7am and 1pm Saturdays, from 5 February to 30 April, weather permitting.

Single lane closures and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h will be in place for the safety of motorists and workers, while motorists should allow an additional 10 minutes’ travel time.

All 2-wheel drive vehicles are required to carry snow chains between the June and October long weekends on Kosciuszko Road from the Kosciuszko National Park boundary at Thredbo River to Perisher Valley, Alpine Way between Thredbo and Tom Groggin, and Island Bend/Guthega Road for its full length.

Snow chains are recommended on Alpine Way between Jindabyne and Thredbo, and on Snowy Mountains Highway, and for 4WD and AWD vehicles during winter, especially if the drivers are not used to alpine roads affected by snow and ice.

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

“The Minns Labor Government is proud to be investing $4.5 million in new snow chains bays, which we hope will lead to a safer snow season for all.

“Completing this work now means the next snow season will be a safer one and motorists can travel with confidence knowing there’s more infrastructure in place to help them safely reach their destinations.

“We have seen increased traffic headed to the snow in recent years and the new bays are critical to ensure all motorists have access to a safe place to pull over and fit their chains.

“This additional investment in our region reinforces the Minns Labor Government’s determination to improve road safety and deliver smoother journeys for motorists.”

Labor cheats on school infrastructure test

The Minns Labor Government is once again taking credit for the Liberal and Nationals’ education plan, trying to claim it is responsible for “new and upgraded learning facilities” that have opened for the start of Term 1.

Almost all of the 18 projects “announced” by the Minns Government this morning were already funded by the former Liberal and Nationals Government.

Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said Premier Chris Minns is trying to reap the rewards without doing any of the groundwork.

“Today is an important day for students and families across NSW, as they embark on a new school year,” Mr Speakman said.

“Thanks to extensive planning and the funding that was set aside by the former Liberal and Nationals Government, thousands of students are able to start this journey with new or upgraded facilities.”

“Chris Minns is up to his old tricks, claiming the credit for classrooms and buildings that he had nothing to do with.”

In the Liberal and Nationals’ 2022-023 Budget (Infrastructure Statement pages 2-6 and 2-7) money was allocated for the following schools in various stages of delivery:

  • Gulyangarri Public School
  • Jerrabomberra High School
  • Budawang School
  • Nirimba Fields Public School
  • Melonba High School
  • Tallawong Public School
  • Muswellbrook South Public School
  • Liverpool West Public School
  • Fort Street Public School
  • Bletchington Public School
  • Oran Park Public School
  • John Palmer Public School
  • Hastings Secondary College
  • Glenwood High School
  • Mosman High School
  • Seven Hills High School
  • Millthorpe Public School
  • Bangalow Public School

Shadow Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said construction had already begun on 14 of the 18 schools before Labor was even elected.

“The announcement by Chris Minns today is extremely disingenuous. Labor has taken the money we set aside and is opening the projects we had already started and parents deserve more transparency,” Ms Mitchell said.

““I personally attended the sod turn to mark the start of construction for a number of the school projects they are trying to take credit for today. The fact the Premier can stand at a school like Jerrabomberra High, which was well underway before he even became the Premier, is remarkable. He needs to tell the truth.”

“During our time in Government, the Liberal and Nationals delivered $9.1b in new and upgraded schools since 2017, with an additional $8.6b in the pipeline for future projects, which amounts to more than $17.7 billion worth of school infrastructure across the state.”

Celebrating 40 years of world-leading Medicare

Today marks the 40th anniversary of Australia’s universal health insurance system — Medicare.

Since 1 February 1984, Medicare has been the world-class foundation of our modern health system.

Its architects were some of our nation’s distinguished leaders — notably the Hon Dr Neal Blewett AC, the late Professor John Deeble AO and the late the Hon Bill Hayden AC.

On the 40th anniversary, we acknowledge and remember their contribution to delivering a major social reform — a simple, fair and affordable insurance system, that helps all Australians.

Medicare gives Australian citizens and permanent residents access to a wide range of health and hospital services at no cost or low cost. Through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, the cost of medicine for most medical conditions is also heavily subsidised.

Because of Medicare, Australia’s health system is one of the best in the world. Australia ranks highly among OECD countries for many key indicators, including life expectancy.

The way Australians access Medicare has changed since the opening of the first Medicare office at Bankstown on 1 February 1984.

Cheques and physical paperwork are no longer our main way of doing business – today Medicare processes almost half a billion services a year, with most claims made on the spot at the doctor’s.

Australians go online to access and manage their Medicare account through myGov, and My Health Record helps to securely store all their health data.

The Labor Party built Medicare and it is the Labor Party that will continue to ensure it serves all Australians in the future.

the Prime Minister said:

“Every day, everywhere I go, people talk to me about healthcare and how important it is to their lives.

“We are so lucky to have a system like Medicare in this country and we owe a great debt to people like Gough Whitlam and Bob Hawke who fought so hard to deliver it.

“My Government is delivering on its commitment to strengthen Medicare and make it easier and cheaper to get quality healthcare, by tripling the bulk billing incentive and making medicines cheaper.”

Minister for Health, the Hon Mark Butler said:

“As we mark the 40th anniversary of Medicare, it is also vital that we keep strengthening Medicare to work towards ensuring Australians can access the right care, at the right place and the right time.

“In 2023, Australians saved more than $250 million on the price of their medicines, with even greater savings expected in 2024.

“It was a Labor Government that built Medicare and it is only a Labor Government who will continue to protect and strengthen Medicare”

Minister for Government Services, the Hon Bill Shorten said:

“Medicare’s 40th anniversary is a nationally significant milestone. It’s a time to reflect on how far we’ve come and look ahead to what’s next.

“To celebrate, we’re releasing a commemorative Medicare card design. If you’re due to get a replacement card between 1 February and 31 December 2024, it’ll be a special 40-year anniversary edition. All digital Medicare cards will also be updated with the new design from 9 February.

“Evolving over the last 40 years from paper forms and fax machines to today’s digital claims, Medicare continues to streamline and adapt service delivery for both customers and health providers.

“In the last year alone, Services Australia processed over $77 billion in Medicare-related payments and took nearly 11 and a half million calls for Medicare-related enquiries.”

BULK BILLING ON THE RISE IN THE HUNTER THANKS TO ALBANESE GOVERNMENT 

People in the Hunter region have seen some of the largest increases in bulk billing in Australia, since the Albanese Government tripled the bulk billing incentive.

The landmark Budget initiative is a key part of the Government’s $6.1 billion Strengthening Medicare reforms and is the largest investment in bulk billing in Medicare’s 40-year history. 

In October, before the incentive was tripled on 1 November, 66.4% of all GP visits were bulk billed across the Hunter. By December that increased by 3.4 percentage points to 69.8%.

The increase in the bulk billing rate means an estimated 10,800 additional trips to the GP were bulk billed in the Hunter in November and December, saving locals an estimated $450,000 in gap fees and helping to ease the cost-of-living.

Bulk billing had been falling after a decade of cuts and neglect to Medicare by the former Government that began when Peter Dutton froze Medicare rebates as Health Minister.

Thanks to the Albanese Government, bulk billing has now stabilised and begun to rise again, enabling GPs to bulk bill more patients who need care the most.  

The bulk billing incentive is paid on top of the standard Medicare benefit when doctors bulk bill children under 16, pensioners and other Commonwealth concession card holders.

The GP bulk billing rate throughout NSW has increased by 1.7 percentage points to 82.3%, saving residents across the state more than $3.6 million in gap fees in just two months.

Nationally, the GP bulk billing rate has risen by 2.1 percentage points to 77.7%.

The GP bulk billing rate measures the proportion of all GP visits that involved no patient payment.

Minister Butler said:  

“Doctors’ groups have called our tripling of the bulk billing incentive a ‘game changer’ – and clearly it is. 

“The Albanese Government committed to making it easier for people to see a bulk billing doctor – and the first two months of data show that is exactly what is happening right around the country, and particularly in the Hunter region.” 

Minister Conroy said:

“This is a win all round for our community – for patients, doctors and the health system – and it is helping make Medicare stronger than it has ever been since Labor introduced it 40 years ago. 

“Every extra bulk billed visit to a GP means one less gap fee, taking pressure off household budgets.”

Sharon Claydon MP said:

“Eligible patients account for around 3 out of 5 visits to the GP, and in some communities much more than that, meaning changes to the bulkbilling incentive have brought important relief to pensioners, concession card holders and children under 16.

“I want to see the GP uptake of this incentive continue to rise in Newcastle to ensure Novocastrians have access to affordable healthcare.”

Meryl Swanson MP said:

“People in the Paterson electorate are some of the biggest winners from the Albanese Government’s investment in bulk billing.

“This is delivering significant cost of living relief for people in our community.

“The increase in bulk billing reflects our commitment to ensuring that quality medical care remains within reach for all.”

Dan Repacholi MP said:

 “It was Labor which introduced Medicare and only Labor can be trusted to strengthen and protect it.

“People in the Hunter are finding it easier to see a bulk billing doctor because of Labor’s efforts to strengthen Medicare.”

PRIVATE SCHOOLS SHOULD HAVE PUBLIC FUNDING STRIPPED: SURVEY

With most students returning to school around the country today, Australian parents have sent a clear message to Labor to end school funding inequality, with new survey data showing that 70% believe government funding should be stripped from private schools while the public system remains underfunded.

Half of all parents surveyed believe that private schools should receive no government support at all.

Only 1.3% of public schools in Australia currently receive their bare minimum funding, which means 2.5 million students are returning this year to under-resourced schools that are not able to deliver them the education they deserve.

Meanwhile, 98% of private schools receive more government funding than they are supposed to.

The Lonergan Research poll of 1005 Australian parents of public and private school children, commissioned by the Greens, also found:

  • 3 in 5 parents, including 48% of private school parents, believe the Australian school system is designed to benefit wealthier families
  • two thirds of parents, including 52% of private school parents, think that private schools that receive public funding should not be able to charge fees
  • Three quarters of parents, including 54% of private school parents, said that private schools receiving government funding should not be able to pick and choose which students they accept
  • 69% of parents believe that private schools have too much money

Greens spokesperson on Education (Primary & Secondary) Senator Penny Allman-Payne said:

“This poll shows that Australian parents know that the school system is inherently unfair and that public schools are copping a raw deal.

“Even parents of private school kids acknowledge that the system is rigged in their favour.

“Under Labor and the Coalition, elite private schools have for decades been subsidised with billions of dollars of government largesse, while the public system – which is responsible for educating more than 80% of our most disadvantaged kids – has languished. Labor’s own review into the school system called out this shocking disparity. 

“While the richest schools in the country are building gleaming monuments to their privilege, schools in our poorest and most remote communities slide further and further into decline.  

“If Labor is genuine about leaving no one behind then fully funding public schools is a great inflation-neutral way to reduce the cost burden on families and give our kids a brighter future.

“The new National School Reform Agreement and bilateral deals are being negotiated right now. With Labor in power federally and in every mainland state and territory they have absolutely no excuse not to deliver 100% of the Schooling Resource Standard to every public school by January 2025.”

School polling table

Lonergan methodology statement

PUBLIC SCHOOL PLAN LOCKS IN UNDERFUNDING

Today’s so-called “deal” between the federal and WA Labor governments on school funding looks more like a stitch-up for public school kids than an end to the inequality crisis in our schools, the Australian Greens say.

Greens spokesperson on Education (Primary & Secondary), Senator Penny Allman-Payne said:

“There is no new deal for full funding of public schools in WA, or anywhere else in the country for that matter.

“What’s been announced today is an agreement to make an agreement to keep public schools underfunded into the future.

“States and territories are able to claim 4% in non-school costs as part of their contribution to public school funding. That means that even if this deal-to-make-a-deal produces actual funding reforms, the WA school system will only receive 96% of its bare minimum funding. 

“If this is the model that the federal education minister is looking to roll out to the rest of the country then Labor is leaving 2.5 million public school kids short changed. Again.

“To fix the teacher shortage crisis, ensure all schools have the resources they need, and end schooling inequality, Labor must deliver 100% full SRS funding to all public schools by the start of the next National School Reform Agreement, in January 2025.”

Australia–New Zealand Ministers Consultations

Australia will host the inaugural Australia–New Zealand Foreign and Defence Ministers Consultations (ANZMIN) in Melbourne on 1 February.

Australia and New Zealand are the closest of friends – we share the bonds of history, geography and community.

We also share a common strategic outlook and vision for a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.

ANZMIN 2024 is an opportunity to strengthen our partnership, advance our shared interests with Pacific partners, and deepen our defence interoperability.

Our relationship has never been more important and our two countries are most effective when we work together.

Ministers will also meet for their respective Defence Ministers’ Meeting and Foreign Ministers’ Consultations.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP said:

“We look forward to hosting Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters and Minister Judith Collins in Melbourne for the inaugural ANZMIN meeting.

“As our region is being reshaped, Australia and New Zealand are committed to ensuring our alliance evolves in line with our strategic circumstances, is responsive and fit-for-purpose, and that we listen and work with our Pacific partners.

“This visit will build on Australia and New Zealand’s shared security interests, long-standing links between our people and the enduring spirit of Anzac.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong said:

“Australia sees New Zealand as family. As we face sharper strategic challenges and a more complex world, our partnership is indispensable.

“As allies and partners in the region, we rely on each other for the security and wellbeing of our citizens, and our Pacific neighbours count on us to deliver for our shared interests.

“ANZMIN 2024 will chart a course for this new phase of our strategic partnership.”

Industry and academic experts collaborate with NSW Government to help shape our digital future

The NSW Government is rebooting the state’s digital strategy, with industry leaders coming together at a roundtable in Sydney today to explore new ways to harness technology to improve service delivery, enhance inclusion and boost the economy.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib joined digital experts and representatives from industry and academia to discuss the future of digital to ensure it is meeting the needs of people, communities and businesses across NSW. 

The new State Digital Strategy will reset the digital ambition for NSW in the context of emerging technology opportunities and evolving community needs, with the roundtable helping develop the blueprint for digital services and collaboration.

Digital resilience and inclusion, improved frontline services, and harnessing AI responsibly are among the key priorities for the new strategy, which will investigate how technology can enable better outcomes for NSW residents in focus areas such as frontline services, housing and the environment.

NSW is a leading jurisdiction when it comes to digital innovation, particularly in developing a secure Digital Identity for citizens, with the roundtable an opportunity to ensure progress continues to be made. 

In an Australian first, NSW residents can now renew their Working with Children Check online using verifiable credential technology, setting the foundation for further uses of the technology to make government services and transactions more accessible.

As digital and technology trends continue to evolve, the roundtable will help Digital.NSW capture up-to-date feedback from the sector to inform the new strategy, targeted for release later this year.   

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“Today’s conversation is a valuable opportunity to work with industry experts as we shape the new State Digital Strategy to best meet the evolving needs of our communities.”

“The strategy is intended to help guide investment to deliver on government priorities and allow more people across the state to benefit from digital initiatives.”

“As technology evolves, it will also help ensure the NSW Government is ready to meet the resulting changes and challenges so we can continue to deliver safe, resilient services and build a digitally innovative future.”

“The digital economy is an important source of employment in NSW and a growth sector we are keen to see benefit from a strong focus across the public sector.”  

“Bringing together industry and academic leaders at today’s roundtable will capture input from experts across the sector and allow us to share the government’s research and thinking.”

Make the Move puts regional NSW on the map for essential workers

The NSW Government is today launching the Make the Move Campaign, spotlighting the stories of nurses, police, teachers, firefighters and midwives who have made the move from metropolitan NSW to regional NSW.

This is one element of the NSW Government’s commitment to boost the number of essential workers in regional NSW.

The campaign targets those living in Sydney. First responders, healthcare workers and educators featured in this series will share how moving to regional NSW has provided lifestyle benefits and fresh opportunities to pursue new interests and hobbies outside of work.

The Make the Move campaign captures the everyday experiences and benefits that regional living can provide, such as swapping long city commutes for more time walking the dog, taking a dip before dinner, or coaching a junior sporting team. Over the next few months these stories will be shared on radio, print, digital and social media channels and bus shelters.

The campaign hopes to encourage essential workers currently living in Sydney to consider a move to regional NSW to help boost the local workforce to ensure communities have the best services and care possible.

The campaign will also target audiences in Adelaide to encourage South Australian essential workers to consider moving to nearby regional NSW communities, such as Broken Hill.

Part of the Essential Worker Attraction Program, the Make the Move campaign is among a suite of NSW Government initiatives aimed at encouraging essential workers to move to the regions, such as The Welcome Experience, which provides essential workers and their families with practical and tailored support to help them relocate and connect with their new communities.

This comes off the back of the NSW Government announcement this week that rural health worker recruitment and retentions have surged by a fifth in just the last 6 months, after the NSW Government doubled the support available under the Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme from $10,000 to $20,000.

Find practical information about how to Make the Move.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“The NSW Government is serious about ensuring the people of regional NSW have access to quality critical services. A robust regional workforce is a vital part of that.

“Regional NSW has so much to offer, and this campaign aims to show essential workers the opportunities and benefits that become available when they make the switch from the city.

“Moving to a new place can be daunting, but this campaign is part of a broader program that is helping essential workers relocate to the regions with practical support to help them settle into their new communities.”

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“Regional NSW residents are already aware of the great lifestyle benefits of living in the regions, and the Make the Move campaign is all about spreading the word to our peers in metro areas.

“This campaign shows that there is much more to living in regional NSW than fresh air, easy commutes and wide-open spaces. There are great cafes and restaurants to explore, art and cultural events to enjoy and sporting clubs ready to roll out the welcome mat.

“Make the Move shares the experiences of those who have already taken the leap and found the change has given them more time to do the things they are passionate about, as well as the opportunity to have a big backyard and raise a family within a close-knit community.

“With more than a third of the state’s population living in regional NSW, boosting the workforce to ensure regional communities have better access to quality services is really important.

“Part of our Essential Worker Attraction Program, the Make the Move campaign makes a compelling case for living and working in the regions while promoting regional NSW as a great place to escape the rat race, get ahead and be part of a supportive community.”

Firefighter and casual special needs teacher living in Goulburn Mr Jason McPherson said:

“We love calling Goulburn home. My wife and I made the decision to return after 4 years in Sydney as we really value the affordable lifestyle, as well as the space and strong sense of community that a country upbringing could offer our kids.

“We escaped the skyrocketing city house prices to buy our own home as well as some land, we enjoy easier commutes, and thanks to the quieter lifestyle of regional living we have more time to spend together as a family to focus on the important things in life.

“Our kids are involved in various sporting clubs, they learn guitar at the local conservatorium and we know there are so many great options out there to help them stay active and pursue their passions, whether it be through sport, the vibrant creative arts scene, or signing up to the local theatre group.

“As a busy family of 6, we love the quality of life that regional NSW has to offer and we’d recommend it to anyone seeking a refreshing tree change.”