Labor ministers caught out by their own spin on ‘industry growth program’

Today, as Australian small businesses are being smashed by cost pressures, the Albanese Government has claimed its Industry Growth Program is ‘open for business’.

Industry Minister Ed Husic has taken a break from freelancing on foreign policy to team up with Small Business Minister Julie Collins, to declare this new government initiative will ‘turbocharge innovation’, ‘back small business’ and that ‘the Albanese Government is supporting businesses to grow’.

It can be revealed that this rosy assessment made by two of Labor’s worst performers does not accord with the assessments made by their public servants behind the scenes.

The Government’s own analysis contained in an FOI’d Senate Estimates brief, states that:

  • Recently, Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) conditions have fallen further below the conditions for all businesses than at any other time recorded.
  • For the smallest SMEs (turnover between $2-3 million) the effect is even greater.
  • Almost three-quarters of SMEs continue to report significant difficulty finding suitable labour and cost pressures remain elevated. These economic circumstances are affecting conditions for SMEs more than their larger counterparts given their relatively higher operating costs and thinner margins.

Who are we to believe, two hapless ministers or their own public servants?

Irrespective of the spin in press releases from Labor Ministers, Australian small businesses are suffering in a ‘cost-of-doing-business-crisis’ and the Albanese Government is simply not doing the work to relieve the pressure.

Instead of taking strong action on power prices, easing supply chain disruptions and lowering the cost of doing business we see another taxpayer-funded grant program unlikely to be open for months and which most small businesses will not know about, nor have time to apply for.

What’s worse, as Australians get hammered by cost of living increases and interest rates rises, there are signs it will get even harder for small businesses.

The Visa Australia Spending Momentum Index (SMI) dropped by 1.4 points to 91.9 in October as consumers continued to respond to rising fuel costs, sticky inflation and high interest rates. According to Visa, 51 per cent of Australian cardholders reduced their spend last month compared to a year ago, the highest share recorded this year. The data suggests increased spending on petrol is having an impact and may be displacing spending in other categories. Critically, it also anticipates that elevated inflation and interest rates will further hit consumer spending, making it even harder for small businesses over coming months.

We do not need more Labor ministers backslapping, we need a proper plan on inflation and sound economic management.

Anthony Albanese is failing at every turn.

Exploring modular housing to deliver more social homes sooner

A new cross government taskforce will meet for the first time today to provide expert industry advice to the NSW Government to explore the use of modular housing to deliver much needed social homes for people in NSW.

Modular housing has been successfully used in NSW, other states and around the world to provide quick and easy housing solutions.

Additionally, the cost of building modular housing is expected to decrease as we scale up and achieve efficiencies of scale in manufacturing.

The NSW Government is committed to looking at how we can use these innovative new ways to build more social housing and help strengthen the safety net for those experiencing housing insecurity.

At the recent state budget, an initial investment of $10 million was set aside at part of a $224 million Essential Housing Package to address the historic neglect of new social housing supply and trial innovative solutions to get people off the social housing waitlist.

That process begins today with the cross-industry taskforce of representatives from peak bodies including PreFab Aus, Shelter NSW, Community Housing Industry Association Local Government NSW, Property Council of Australia, Government Architects, Industry suppliers and union representatives. alongside people with lived experience of social housing.

The taskforce will among other things:

  • investigate innovative modern methods of construction (MMC), including modular housing
  • advise on the role MMC could play in delivering new housing sooner
  • examine the highest standard designs in line with the NSW Land and Housing Corporation’s (LAHC) best-practice guidelines
  • investigate a wide range of innovative, high-quality, high-durability and eco-friendly modern construction products.

Modular housing is especially suitable to regional areas as planning regulations are already in place and the offsite construction of modular housing can reduce costs and increase speed of construction.

The taskforce will also actively work with local councils to determine sites for the modular housing.

Exact locations are yet to be settled but there are several local councils who have expressed interest to be a part of this exciting project.

There is also the potential to use surplus public land identified as part of a statewide audit, identifying land that be rezoned for housing and associated uses.

The advisory task force will operate for up to 2 years and be managed by Homes NSW, and forms part of its ongoing work to deliver more homes and better homes for people in need.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“Everyone deserves access to safe and secure shelter.

“The NSW Government is committed to exploring new ways we can better support people in some of the most vulnerable situations.

“With a growing population and an already extended waitlist for housing, we need to get moving.

“Whether its social or affordable housing, or creating more supply, we are working across the government to address the housing challenge we have in the state.”

NSW Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“We need to deliver more and better homes for people in need that are fit for purpose, in line with current demand needs and in the right location.

“Addressing the state’s housing crisis is our top priority and we need to explore new ways to boost housing as quickly as possible and I’m confident that modular housing will be a vital tool to achieve this.

“This taskforce aims to foster innovation and partnerships across government, industry, and community housing providers (CHPs) to leverage expertise across the sector and explore new and MMC to deliver new homes.

“Collaboration across government and the MMC sector is crucial to further develop the housing sector, boost economic growth, and create more jobs in NSW.”

Transport link to waterfront precinct taking shape as community has first look

Travel to the Barangaroo precinct will soon be even easier, with the new metro station making strides ahead of fast and reliable metro services starting on the Sydney Metro City and Southwest line next year. 

Construction of the station platforms and concourse area are nearing completion, with the platform screen doors and terrazzo flooring on both levels now installed. Station signage is being fitted on both levels and Opal gates are in place and being commissioned.

The new station opened its doors today for a community open day, allowing passengers to have their first look before the station opens in 2024.

In this fully accessible station, all 10 escalators are currently undergoing testing and commissioning. Two of the 5 lifts are working and ready to go, while the remaining 3 are finishing off testing, ready to take customers 25 metres underground to the platform levels.

More than 7700 Sydney sandstone panels have been installed throughout the station, along with the artwork on the cladding by artist Khaled Sabsabi called ‘In time we shall’. The artwork relates to the native tree species used in the Barangaroo headland.

Above ground, upgrades are progressing on nearby Hickson Road and the public domain surrounding the station with new footpaths, landscaping, lighting and bike facilities.

To date, more than 5000 people have worked over 1.3 million hours to build the new station.

This new transport link will provide unrivalled access to the exceptional art, entertainment and cultural offerings of this new precinct.

By 2036, it is anticipated thousands of customers will exit the metro station daily to explore Barangaroo with the surge in visitors supporting job creation and providing an economic boost for businesses in the area.

When metro services start next year, this key part of the city will be unlocked with fast travel times – Barangaroo to Martin Place in 2 minutes and under the harbour to Victoria Cross in the city’s north in just 3 minutes.

Find out more about Barangaroo station.launch

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:

“We’re delivering Barangaroo’s first-ever rail connection, linking passengers to Sydney’s growing waterfront precinct and providing high-quality public transport access to Sydney Harbour.

“This station will be a game-changer for workers, visitors and residents, who will benefit from a world-class metro at their doorstep with improved connectivity to wider Sydney.

“From 2024, Barangaroo station will alleviate congestion at Wynyard and Martin Place train stations and improve access to the northern part of the Sydney CBD and The Rocks for locals and tourists alike.

“It’s wonderful to welcome the community into this fantastic new station to see for the first time what it will look like when it opens to passengers in 2024.”

Summer-ready Queenscliff returns to the harbour

After an early retirement in October 2021, the Queenscliff has made a spectacular return to the Circular Quay to Manly run following months of careful restoration work.

After an early retirement in October 2021, the Queenscliff has made a spectacular return to the Circular Quay to Manly run following months of careful restoration work. 

Returning the Queenscliff to the F1 Manly to Circular Quay route was a key part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to return as many Freshwater Ferries to service as possible, to restore capacity on the route during the busy summer months.

The work is being delivered as part of $114 million investment into Sydney’s ferry fleet in the NSW Budget. $71.1 million has been allocated to the extensive refurbishments of the Freshwater fleet.

The extensive refurbishment has involved expert navel engineers, electrical engineers, shipbuilders, painters, plumbers and more all working here in NSW.

The refurbishment included:

  • more than 650sqm of new ceiling panels
  • more than 7kms of new cabling
  • more than 4000L of paint
  • more than 750sqm of new flooring
  • every interior seat was re-covered, and new seats were installed
  • new bathroom facilities.

The works included an engine refit. The main engine is 32 times more powerful than an average car and sits in an engine room bigger than a basketball court.

Two new 2.5 metre-wide propellors were installed on the Queenscliff during it’s time in the Garden Island drydock. The dry-dock’s crane hoisted the 4.5t propellers into place with 6 expert engineers guiding it into place.

Extra services from Saturday 16 December 2023 to Sunday 28 January 2024 to accommodate summer rush:

  • F1 Manly –  Queenscliff will serve alongside Freshwater, providing a service every 60 minutes throughout the Summer season. The vessels’ capacity of 1100 passengers will mean passengers can spend less time queuing and more time enjoying the harbour.
  • F2 Taronga Zoo – there will be an additional 10 services each weekday, running to a 15-minute frequency throughout summer, getting people from the quay to the zoo.
  • F3 Parramatta River – there will be an additional 14 services each weekday and 26 extra services each weekend, increasing the number of ferries between Sydney Olympic Park and Circular Quay by an additional 96 weekly services a week.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:

“Today is a hero’s welcome for the Queenscliff, as it returns to our Harbour for the busier summer months, alongside the Freshwater.

“These vessels are beloved and reliable, and it is exciting we are in the final stretch in getting the Queenscliff back on the F1 Manly to Circular Quay route.

“They are not only a great option for everyday commuters and tourists looking for an iconic trip across the harbour but can also carry around 1000 passengers per trip.

“We are standing by our election commitments with passengers to be enjoying the upgraded ferry by the summer holidays.

“We know the Australian-made Freshwaters are steeped in NSW history and we are doing all we can to ensure they remain part of our iconic harbour scenery.”

Consumer Affairs Ministers committed to protecting consumers

Commonwealth, State and Territory Consumer Affairs Ministers met on Friday 24 November 2023 with a renewed commitment to collaboration across borders and to strengthen consumer protections.

Ministers attending the meeting, chaired by New South Wales Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading, the Hon Anoulack Chanthivong, discussed and agreed on priorities for future work, which include:

  • consumer guarantees and supplier indemnification provisions
  • protecting consumers and small business from unfair trading practices across the economy
  • improved collaboration to combat scams and online fraud
  • establishing a designated complaints mechanism within the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission for consumer and small business advocacy groups to raise systemic issues under consumer law
  • implementation of the unfair contract terms reforms and Australian Consumer Law penalties harmonisation.

“Ministers are committed to ensuring that consumers will benefit from improvements to protections, at a state, territory and national level, as part of a nationally coordinated approach,” Minister Chanthivong said.

“It is important that we remain focused on progressing reforms to the Australian Consumer Law to strengthen protections for consumers and small business and improve consumer confidence.”

“The agreed priorities for 2024 build on the important enhancements to consumer protections that have been delivered in 2023, such as strengthening Unfair Contract Term Protections, increasing penalties for breaches of the competition and consumer laws, and establishing the National Anti-Scam Centre.”

Ministers heard from the Consumers’ Federation Australia, the peak body for consumer organisations in Australia, about key issues impacting consumers and possible areas for policy and law reform.

Ministers welcomed the impending release of the 2023 Australian Consumer Survey, which contains insights from consumers and businesses into existing consumer issues, including lessons to be learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. Results from the survey will be published on the Australian Consumer Law website (https://consumerlaw.gov.au/launch) in coming weeks.

Ministers further welcomed work to develop industry codes outlining the responsibilities of the private sector in relation to scams.

Australian Ministers also committed to improving transparency for consumers by supporting the introduction of country-of-origin labelling requirements for seafood in hospitality settings.

Australian Ministers further agreed to allow tobacco legislation currently administered under the Australian Consumer Law to be consolidated under a more streamlined national tobacco control legislation.

Ministers look forward to continuing to work together closely on progressing these issues.

Attendees to the meeting included:

  • Commonwealth Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services, Stephen Jones
  • Queensland Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Yvette D’Ath
  • South Australian Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs, Andrea Michaels
  • Tasmanian Minister for Workplace Safety and Consumer Affairs, Madeleine Ogilvie
  • Victorian Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gabrielle Williams
  • Western Australian Minister for Commerce, Sue Ellery.

Senior departmental officials from the Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory were also in attendance.

Over 100 people charged following police operation – Newcastle 

More than 100 people have been charged following a police operation in Newcastle yesterday.

As of 4pm (Sunday 26 November 2023), the Form 1 relating to an authorised assembly in the Port of Newcastle expired.

Police will allege in court that a number of protesters purposely entered the harbour channel after this time despite appropriate warnings and directions by police.

Subsequently, 109 people – including 49 males, 60 females, five of which were juveniles – were arrested.

Of those arrested, 18 people were taken to Newcastle, Waratah and Toronto Police Stations and 86 people were taken to a nearby port facility. They were all issued court attendance notices for operate vessel so as to interfere with others use of waters.

Two men, aged 23 and 65, were refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Monday 27 November 2023), while the remainder will appear on Thursday 11 January 2024.

The five juveniles were released and will be dealt with under the Young Offenders Act.

Second Meeting of States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons

Australia will be represented as an observer, by Ms Susan Templeman MP, at the second Meeting of States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) in New York.

The Government’s decision to again observe the Meeting of States Parties illustrates Australia’s renewed commitment to a world without nuclear weapons.

Although Australia is not a State Party to the TPNW, we share this goal with parties to the Treaty and are engaging constructively to identify realistic pathways for nuclear disarmament and to reduce the risks posed by nuclear weapons.

Australia is considering the TPNW systematically and methodically as part of our ambitious agenda to advance nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament.

Australia’s attendance at the Meeting will provide insights into how States Parties intend to address questions about the Treaty, including:

  • the adequacy of the TPNW’s verification and enforcement regime;
  • the TPNW’s interaction with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) which the Australian Government considers to be the cornerstone of the international disarmament and non-proliferation regime; and
  • how States Parties will work to achieve universal support for the TPNW, especially that of nuclear weapons states.

Newcastle Ocean Baths pump tests signal progress toward swim-ready water

Swimmers are one step closer to being back in the water at the Newcastle Ocean Baths, with the testing and commissioning of the newly installed pump system about to kick off.

Water will be pumped back into the Baths during the two-week process, before the pool is emptied for the final touches to be completed. Construction work on the pool surrounds will also continue during this time.

City of Newcastle Executive Manager Project Management Office, Robert Dudgeon, said this final stage of testing is a critical step toward reopening the Baths for swimmers.

“The testing that commences today will run for approximately two weeks to confirm everything is working as it should when the baths are filled with water from the ocean, and also to provide training opportunities for our staff,” Mr Dudgeon said.

“Once the testing phase is complete, we will drain the pool so that the finishing touches can be applied, and we will then re-fill the pool ahead of the recommencement of swimming.

“We know the community are excited to return to the pool, and it’s really important that we complete the required testing to ensure the pool is safe and ready for swimming.”

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said he looked forward to the Baths reopening soon.

“The Newcastle Ocean Baths have been a treasured part of our community for the past 100 years, so it’s exciting to have reached this milestone in their revitalisation,” Cr Clausen said.

“We anticipate swimming will be given the green light sometime next month and should be in a position to announce the reopening date in the coming weeks.”

The new pump system was recently installed in a purpose-built wet well next to the old pumphouse structure.

The pumps have the capacity to completely replace the water in the baths within six hours. This is a significant improvement on the old system, which was dependent on tidal movement to refill the baths after cleaning.

A series of preliminary tests were conducted on the new system with the specialised manufacturer in Europe, ahead of the equipment being shipped to Australia for installation earlier this year.

The remaining components of the system were sourced from a local Newcastle supplier, who will help CN maintain the new system moving forward.

Work to restore the bleacher seating is also nearing completion, including application of the iconic teal green colour while sections of the boardwalk are being lifted into place.

Progress is being made on stage two of the project, following community input into preliminary options for the pavilion buildings earlier this year. Principal Design Consultant Tonkin Zulaikha Greer is working to prepare concepts for the upgrade of the pavilion buildings, including the heritage façade.

The $9.5 million proceeds from the sale of City of Newcastle’s Fred Ash building is helping fund the Newcastle Ocean Baths stage one upgrade along with $3 million in funding from the NSW Government’s Public Spaces Legacy Program. The NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program is an investment in high quality public open space and delivers vital infrastructure for communities to love the place they live.

Western Sydney to join the State’s best swimming destinations

A new ‘beach’ in Penrith, soon to be added to the list of NSW’s most iconic places to swim, will ensure people in Western Sydney have a place to cool off over summer.

In 2020, Penrith earned the title of the hottest place on earth with residents sweltering under a baking 48.9 degrees Celsius and in any heat wave it can be up to 10 degrees hotter than the east.

But access to outdoor swimming spots for Western Sydney residents is limited. It’s 40km to get to Lake Parramatta, 63km to Bondi Beach and 75km to either Cronulla or Manly.

The beach will be open 7 days a week from late December to early March 2024 with the exception of Christmas and New Year’s Day.

The same length as Bondi Beach, Penrith Beach will offer an unmatched waterside experience in the heart of Western Sydney where people of all ages and backgrounds can safely enjoy the water for free.

Lifeguard services and first aid will be available in the designated and patrolled swimming zone.

This is backed by a $1.7 million investment from the NSW Government for vital construction and safety work to get this major new swimming spot at Penrith Lakes ready to swim over the hottest months of the year.

The site will be managed by the Department of Planning and Environment after an agreement signed with Western Sydney Lakes.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“Penrith Beach is a gamechanger that gives the people of Western Sydney all the benefits of living in the west, with the addition of easy access to their very own beach.

“This is about fairness. For too long Western Sydney locals were neglected as the Liberals and Nationals focused all their energy on investment in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

“The Minns Labor Government made a decision to create this magnificent recreation facility to give Western Sydney residents their fair share with the same access to swimming as Sydney’s east.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“As temperatures rise, access to water near where you live has never been more important –regardless of age, ability, or postcode – everyone should have access to a safe place to cool off.

“Penrith broke records for being the hottest place on earth and another sweltering summer is ahead of us, so a place to swim is important to support public health.

“We’ve always said that communities need infrastructure to support their growth. We took this decision to support the people of Western Sydney.

“This is a location of which the people of Western Sydney can be proud and which will make the rest of Sydney a little bit jealous!”

Member for Penrith Karen McKeown said:

“I have lived in the Penrith community for over 35 years, so I know what a sweltering summer’s day feels like here.

“Since the day I was elected I have been advocating that this gem is open up for our community.

“I know just how much local residents are going to embrace and enjoy this new swimming spot close to home over Christmas and the school holidays.

“It’s an incredible amenity for families and friends to come and cool off, with the backdrop of the beautiful mountains, and I’m so proud to see this project come to life.”

NSW Government responds to detection of Red Imported Fire Ants in northern NSW

The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) have confirmed the detection of three red imported fire ant nests – with surveillance ongoing – in South Murwillumbah in north-eastern NSW, 13 km south of the Queensland border.

This is the first fire ant detection in Northern NSW and presumed to be the most southern report of fire ants from the Queensland infestation.

The detection in NSW triggers the National Fire Ant Eradication Program response which is part of the $600 million eradication plan developed by the Australian governments.

The NSW Government is working closely with the Commonwealth and the Queensland Governments, plus Tweed Shire Council. Experienced teams are on site chemically eradicating the infestation across a radius of 200m from the found sites.

Following detection of the fire ants the National Plan releases four subsequent actions – eradication, control, tracing and communications.

NSW DPI are leading the control, tracing, and communications by implementing an emergency biosecurity order across a radius of 5km from the site in South Murwillumbah.

All businesses and residents within that radius are restricted in how they can move potential fire ant carrier materials without permission. The following types of materials are restricted: mulch, woodchips, compost, sand, gravel, soil, hay and other baled products.

NSW DPI Officers and detection dogs are working on determining the extent of the infestation, undertaking genetic testing of the fire ants, and searching all properties within the control radius.

To date, NSW DPI fire ant preparedness activities have involved stakeholder engagement and training to 67,000 industry and community stakeholders in the northern border zone of NSW, through face-to-face engagements, electronic direct mail and letterbox drops.

Fire ants are dark reddish-brown with a darker black-brown abdomen and range in size from 2 to 6mm. Their ant nests are distinctive mounds of loose, crumbly or fluffy looking soil with a honeycomb appearance, up to 40cm high, with no obvious entrance holes.

Red imported fire ants can damage electrical and agricultural equipment, sting people, pets and livestock, kill native plants and animals, and damage ecosystems beyond repair.

Those who breach the emergency biosecurity order could face significant penalties with fines for breaches reaching up to $1.1 million for an individual and up to $2.2 million for a corporation.

Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Regional New South Wales and Minister for Western New South Wales, Tara Moriarty said:

“We are prepared for this discovery of fire ants in northern NSW and have immediately implemented our response plan which is part of the $600 million national program.

“I have spoken with my counterpart in Canberra, Senator Watt, and local parliamentary representatives across governments so that we are all aligned and actioning our prepared plans.

“I am in contact with our teams on the ground who are enforcing the emergency control order, tracing where this infestation may have originated from and monitoring the immediate chemical eradication of the fire ants.

“Our teams are focused on limiting further spread, and encouraging reporting and compliance through a targeted communications campaign.

“Red imported fire ants are a terrible invasive pest, which cause serious social, economic, and environmental harm, which is why the Minns Government this year committed $95 million towards the National Fire Ant Eradication Program.

“Biosecurity is a shared responsibility, and as our fire ant response ramps up in northern NSW, I encourage everyone to continue to check their properties for these pests. With the Christmas cross-border travel season approaching, we all must be careful of what we’re moving and where.

“Finding fire ants early and alerting NSW DPI, just like the community member has done in this instance, will increase our chances of a successful eradication effort.

“We will continue to keep the community informed of progress and will continue working closely with industry, the local community and our state and federal counterparts.”

Fire ant information

For more information about red imported fire ants, visit the NSW DPI websitelaunch.

Residents and businesses in northern NSW should report any sign of fire ants to NSW DPIlaunch or call 1800 680 244launch.