Interest rates higher for longer thanks to Labor

Many Australian households will be struggling with the news of today’s interest rate rise, which takes the cash rate to its highest level since 2011.

Australians with a mortgage of $750,000 will now be paying almost $2,000 more each month. That’s $24,000 more a year that they will need to find.

Acting Shadow Treasurer, Senator Jane Hume said that this interest rise is going to put further pressure on already strained family budgets.

“Last week’s ABS data showed that mortgage costs are having a significant impact on the living costs for Australian families, and this interest rate rise is going to make it even harder for those households already doing it tough to make ends meet.

“We know that every time there is an interest rate rise, there is an increase in the number of Australians accessing hardship programs from their energy providers, and seeking assistance from charities to help put food on the table.

“This rate rise is the consequence of a government that has spent the past 17 months with the wrong priorities, without a plan to tackle inflation and without a plan to lower the cost of living.

“Instead, while the RBA has its foot heavily on the brake trying to cool the economy, Labor has added $188 billion of new spending, which is only going to keep inflation higher for longer.

“The Albanese Labor Government’s lack of a plan to tackle inflation is gambling with Australians money and with our economy.

“As a result, interest rates are going to be higher for longer and its hardworking Australians who are paying the price.”

Turn the beat around: first live music audit is part of venue revival

The Minns Labor government is tuning in to the challenges faced by musicians, artists and venue providers as part of its commitment to revive a thriving music scene in NSW.

For the first time, the NSW Government will conduct a survey of artists and professionals working in the music industry in a bid to build a picture of the challenges faced and what can be done to restore the live scene to a position of strength in our cultural fabric.

NSW has lost half its live music venues over the past decade, with just 137 remaining, according to current Liquor and Gaming data.

As part of the music revival, the government will seek to ensure the survival of these venues as the recently established Sound NSW begins its work with the live music industry.

Launching during Australian Music Month, participants will be asked to assess the strengths of the industry as well as the factors that might be holding the industry back, from noise restrictions, venue closures, COVID-19 and cost of living pressures.

The survey forms part of a wider research project that will combine economic analysis, venue mapping data and audience research to inform the NSW Government’s first ever strategic policy for contemporary music and create a vision for a vibrant arts and cultural scene in NSW.

The survey is completely anonymous, with no personal information collected.

The data will lead the decision-making process to revolutionise the live music industry in the state and spearhead new policy that centres on supporting and invigorating NSW’s music scene.

People working in the industry are strongly encouraged to provide insights, including artists, managers, promoters, venue operators, roadies, audio engineers, lighting and technical teams, ticket and merchandise retailers and more. This feedback will shape policy decisions and have a direct impact on the future of the sector.

Participate in State of the Scene – Live Music Surveylaunch. The survey will be open until 15 January 2024.

Minister for Music John Graham said:

“The NSW Government is committed to reviving live music across NSW.

“The last decade of lockouts and lockdowns has led to a grassroots music venue crisis in this state. We know the live music sector is facing many challenges, and this research will help identify from firsthand experience of musicians and industry participants themselves what those challenges are.

“From artists and music workers to record labels, promoters, and managers, if you work in music, we want to hear from you. This consultative research will help us tune in to the policy priorities that will restore live music in NSW.

“I encourage all music industry professionals to share their ideas and insights to help us put together an evidence-based strategy for the future.”  

Acting Head of Sound NSW, Emily Collins said:

“Sound NSW’s mission is to see a new era when NSW’s musicians, live music venues and festivals can thrive, creating greater job opportunities, injecting vibrancy to our state, and exporting NSW-grown music across Australia and to the world.” 

“The data and insights from the Live Music Survey will help us better understand and support venues.”

“Following the launch of the NSW Arts, Culture and Creative Industries policy later this year, Sound NSW will develop and deliver the state’s first-ever 10-year contemporary music strategy. Just as Screen NSW does for film and TV, this is about bringing a cohesive and coherent government approach to growing the sector.”

Fee-free training for water operations staff

The NSW Government is rolling out up to 900 fee-free vocational training placements across the state to tackle the shortage of skilled water operators in NSW.

Over the next four years there is expected to be a deficit of 1,476 qualified water technicians but this program will help to bridge the gap. The investment ensures there are trained staff to manage our water and sewerage systems, avoiding taps running dry, toilets not flushing, or water services being disrupted.

This program also supports our regional workforce, by delivering ongoing opportunities to train, upskill and secure quality employment, while ensuring skilled operators remain at the helm of our critical water and sewerage infrastructure.

Training Services NSW has already invested in training for 683 leaners at a cost of over $4.7 million to support the $32.8 million Town Water Risk Reduction Program run by the Department of Planning and Environment.

The fee free placements cover a range of programs, including: Certificate III traineeships; Certificate IV placements; school-based traineeships; choice of elective subjects as a single unit of study; Aboriginal placements; pre-employment skills programs and trade pathways for experienced workers.

Find out more about water skills and traininglaunch

Minister for Water Rose Jackson said:

“The water skills shortage is an ongoing challenge for remote areas and even larger regional areas like Dubbo.

“Water operations staff are the unsung heroes of their local towns and cities, working quietly in the background so residents and businesses have continuous access to safe, clean drinking water and reliable wastewater services.

“During the 2022 floods, there were regional water operators in NSW who slept at water and sewage treatment plants, away from their families, to support residents and businesses which is an extraordinary example of community service.

“It doesn’t matter what corner of the state you live in we want to make sure there are enough skilled technicians available on the ground to fill vacant spots and help improve water quality and security in NSW.”

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

“Fee-free placements remove the financial barriers for people to access the training they need to do their jobs.

“The program is designed to boost opportunities for regional NSW school leavers, Aboriginal students, industry trainees and workers, along with existing water operators.

“There are some great regional employment opportunities in this sector – councils, water authorities, and irrigation districts all crying out for trained staff. Labor’s approach is all about addressing training needs and building our future workforce.”

Chair of the Orana Water Utilities Alliance in Western NSW, Doug Moorby said:

“We desperately need to upskill more people in water operations. Everyone is always scratching for skilled staff, there are currently vacancies across the board that we are struggling to fill which is why we need more training.

“Orana councils already support each other by providing operators when there are shortages. For example, this month we had an operator from Narromine support Cobar and a technician from Brewarrina pitch in to help Walgett.”

“But at the end of the day, this is not enough to fill the gaps. It will make a huge difference having the NSW Government on our side by addressing the issues that are impacting the water utilities workforce in regional NSW.”

Expanded program to fast-track housing infrastructure

The NSW Government is expanding its Urban Development Program (UDP), which includes a housing insights dashboard, following a successful pilot program.

The expanded UDP is aimed at helping to boost housing supply by prioritising infrastructure for development-ready land, removing roadblocks and enabling more homes to be built in the right places, faster.

The dashboards are already operating successfully in the Lower Hunter, Newcastle, Central Coast, Illawarra-Shoalhaven and the Western Parkland City.

The program is now being introduced to the Central River City and will be expanded to the Eastern Harbour City next year.

Through online dashboards, the program monitors housing supply in each area, tracking key housing data and supporting annual audits of land for housing.

It also helps inform the NSW Government’s new infrastructure contributions scheme which better connects housing growth and state infrastructure delivery, including schools, hospitals, roads, and parks.

For more information, visit the NSW Planning Portallaunch.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The Urban Development Program helps to unlock more housing land and helps put the right infrastructure in the right places at the right time.

“The program is key to the delivery of infrastructure so that people moving into a new home are also moving into a well-connected community with supporting infrastructure.

“Timely delivery of schools, hospitals, roads, and parks is critical to the success of suburbs and regions and this program helps ensure we have a robust development pipeline in NSW.

“The program uses detailed, current and accessible data on housing, land supply, development activity and constraints to housing delivery.

“Regional audits will capture detailed information on the status of land identified for future housing and allow it to be tracked as it progresses through the housing supply pipeline.”

Minister orders operational review of icare as next phase of reform begins

The Minns Labor Government has launched an operational review into icare to cut excessive spending, waste and salary costs.

The review comes after the NSW Government had to top up the insurer with a $669 million transfer shortly after coming to government.

The number of senior executives and their remuneration will be scrutinised as part of the review, in line with the NSW Government’s commitment to freeze the pay and cut the number of senior executives across the government. Medical, income and other support provided to injured workers are not impacted by this review.

The review will be led by Treasury, after the Minns Government passed new laws to provide it with powers to obtain information and records on icare spending.

Savings identified in the review will flow through to individuals and businesses across New South Wales by putting downward pressure on workers compensation premiums and protecting benefits to injured workers.

The review is expected to report in time for icare to identify permanent savings in its net cost of operations by 1 March 2024. 

The review follows previous reforms to icare implemented by the Minns Government, including the passage of new laws in August to put worker and business representatives onto the icare board.

Minister for Work Health and Safety, Sophie Cotsis said:

“Sadly, it will take years to correct the workers compensation mess that we inherited and I don’t want to give anyone false hope.

“We will remain unrelenting in our pursuit of best practice and best governance at icare, this review continues the long but necessary road of reform that began within weeks of Labor coming to government.

“Businesses need access to a scheme with affordable premiums and workers need to be supported when things go wrong at work”.

$5.25 million available for surf club upgrades

With summer only a few weeks away, NSW Surf Life Saving Clubs can apply for up to $5.25 million for new and improved facilities following the opening of the NSW Government’s Surf Club Facility Program.

This program has also just been boosted with an additional $5 million in funding in the 2023-2024 NSW State Budget, with a total of $16 million allocated to the program over 4 years.

Clubs can receive grants up to $1 million for the upgrade, restoration or construction of these critical surf life saving facilities.

The program not only keeps Surf Life Saving Clubs modern and accessible but also helps surf life savers better protect beachgoers.

The program features 3 categories with Category 1 closing on Monday 11 December 2023 and Categories 2 and 3 closing on Wednesday 31 January 2024.

For further information and to apply visit the Office of Sportlaunch website.

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“NSW Surf Life Saving Clubs deliver a world-class service, protecting swimmers in the water and keeping people safe at the beach.

“That’s why we have increased funding for this program, to ensure our Surf Life Saving Clubs are modern, inclusive and accessible, enabling people from all sections of the community to participate.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“Rain, hail or shine, surf lifesavers never waver in their commitment to protecting the community and the NSW Government will continue to support them in the incredible work they do.

“With more people enjoying our beautiful beaches during the warmer months, we are investing in these facility upgrades to support our dedicated lifesaving volunteers.”

President of Surf Life Saving NSW Peter Agnew said:

“We are pleased to see the NSW Government acknowledge and support the amazing contribution made by our volunteer lifesavers and surf clubs in NSW.

“Our lifesavers and Nippers deserve safe, secure facilities in which to train and store vital rescue equipment, as well as somewhere accessible which welcomes the community in to be part of our great and iconic movement.”

Ensuring integrity in water management

The NSW Government is taking action to ensure the principles of the Water Management Act 2000 are being applied effectively following the findings of a long overdue Section 10 review.

While Section 10 of the Act requires the government to undertake a review every five years to ensure its principles are being considered in the decision-making process, this was the first review undertaken since 2011.

The Section 10 review identified areas of success as well as issues that need to be addressed including uncertainty amongst staff about how to apply the principles in their work and the need to adjust the method of delivering these reviews in the future.

These findings were supported by the Natural Resources Commission (NRC) who were added as an independent panel member to ensure a rigorous review. The NRC also provided some additional recommendations including making future reviews independent and revising policies, processes, and procedures to ensure they align with the principles in the Act.

In response to the review and the NRC recommendations the department has developed a corrective action plan to address identified actions to help promote the principles of the Act, improve assurance and enable more efficient reviews and reporting.

As part of the plan the Department is developing a detailed framework which will deliver guidance for staff on the principles, a quality management process and an updated review method to ensure they are completed every 5 years.

The Water Management Actlaunch is the overarching legislation that guides water policy in NSW and includes general principles, as well as specific principles for water sharing, and other functions.

View the Section 10 report and departmental response here. launch

NSW Minister for Water, Rose Jackson said:

“This review is vital to ensure transparency and accountability around water management in NSW.

“The former Government dropped the ball, eroding trust in water management and letting down local communities.

“With El Nino declared for this summer, we know another drought is not far off, so having strong public confidence in how we manage water is critical.

“The Minns Government is committed to enabling decision making that is guided by science and the principles of the Water Management Act to provide sustainable management of NSW water resources that benefits present and future generations.” 

STATEMENT ON JOINT OUTCOMES OF THE CHINA-AUSTRALIA ANNUAL LEADERS’ MEETING

  1. At the invitation of H.E. Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, The Hon Anthony Albanese MP, Prime Minister of Australia, undertook an official visit to China from November 4 to 7, 2023, to mark the 50th anniversary of the first visit to China by an Australian Prime Minister, the Hon Edward Gough Whitlam.
  2. During the visit, H.E. Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, met Prime Minister Albanese. Premier Li Qiang and Prime Minister Albanese jointly held talks on 7 November. H.E. Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, also met Prime Minister Albanese. The leaders had an in-depth exchange of views on China-Australia relations, as well as on regional and international issues. Both sides welcomed the successful recommencement of the Annual Leaders’ Meeting between Premier Li and Prime Minister Albanese.
  3. The leaders reaffirmed their support for the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and reiterated the importance of a stable, constructive bilateral relationship. The two sides reiterated the importance of the 1972 Joint Communiqué on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the People’s Republic of China and Australia and restated their commitment to their respective national policies and positions contained therein, including mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit, stable development and Australia’s commitment to its one-China Policy. They agreed that both nations could grow the bilateral relationship and uphold their respective national interests if they navigated their differences wisely.
  4. The two sides acknowledged the importance of political dialogue and welcomed the continuing stabilisation and development of the bilateral political relationship. They agreed that a series of meetings between the leadership and ministers of both countries since 2022 as well as the resumption of key foreign policy and economic dialogues were in the interests of both countries.
  5. The two sides reaffirmed the importance of the UN Charter and compliance with their WTO commitments and agreed to continue to work together in the United Nations, G20, APEC, East Asia Summit and other multilateral platforms. The two sides attached importance to cooperation under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP).
  6. The two sides welcomed the contribution of people-to-people exchanges to the bilateral relationship, including the increasing exchanges of students, tourists and business people following the lifting of border measures. They welcomed the resumption of the China-Australia High-Level Dialogue.
  7. The leaders agreed to continue or expand engagement in:
    • Political dialogue, including through resuming the Annual Leaders’ Meeting between the Chinese Premier and the Australian Prime Minister, the Foreign and Strategic Dialogue, the Strategic Economic Dialogue, the Joint Ministerial Economic Commission, as well as other government-to-government mechanisms;
    • Bilateral trade by reaffirming the importance of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and agreeing to the facilitation of trade and economic links, including through holding the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement Joint Commission meetings in Australia at an early date, holding China-Australia CEO Roundtable meetings, reaffirming commitment to the Authorised Economic Operator Mutual Recognition Arrangement, progressing the implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, and working towards MOUs on standards, measurement, intellectual property, competition, education and food safety;
    • Climate change, energy and environment, including through recommencing the bilateral climate change and energy dialogues, and commencing technical cooperation on soil carbon testing and climate-smart agriculture practices;
    • People-to-people links, including through the 15th Implementation Program under the 1981 Agreement of Cultural Cooperation, and exchanges in culture, sports, education, innovation, academia, aviation, health and tourism; and
    • The facilitation of exchanges, including the agreement to provide access to three to five year multi-entry visas for visitors and business people on a reciprocal basis.
  8. China welcomed the invitation of the Australian side for Chinese leaders to visit Australia at a mutually convenient time.

DIALOGUE KEY TO RELATIONS WITH CHINA

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has concluded an official visit to the People’s Republic of China, a significant step forward in stabilising relations between Australia and China.

This visit demonstrated Australia’s commitment to dialogue as the most effective way to deliver our national interests.

In Shanghai, the Prime Minister attended the China International Import Expo to showcase Australia’s world-leading exports.

In Beijing, Prime Minister Albanese held meetings with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang and Mr Zhao Leji, Chairman of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee.

The Prime Minister discussed the full range of Australia’s interests during his visit, including trade, consular, human rights, regional and multilateral issues. He underlined our enduring commitment to pursuing Australia’s national interest, and the vital importance of open dialogue.   

Leaders agreed to resume engagement and dialogue between Australia and China at the highest levels and between officials, important aspects of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The Prime Minister spoke to President Xi and Premier Li about where we can cooperate on areas of mutual interest. Both sides agreed to pursue greater practical cooperation, including on trade and economic issues, agriculture, climate change and education.

Trade continues to be an important part of our bilateral relationship. Australia and China have benefited enormously from trade – it has improved living standards, helped Australian businesses grow and generated well-paid jobs for Australian workers.

The Government’s steady engagement has already resulted in the removal of trade impediments in coal, barley, hay and other products. The Prime Minister used this visit to advocate for the removal of remaining barriers.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“I am pleased to conclude a successful visit to China, the first by an Australian Prime Minister since 2016. This visit was an important step in stabilising relations with China, our largest trading partner.

“While there are differences between us, both Australia and China benefit from cooperation and dialogue.

“I used this visit to advocate for Australia’s interests including on trade, consular, human rights and regional and global issues.

“I thank President Xi and Premier Li for hosting me, and look forward to continued engagement on areas of mutual interest, such as trade and climate change.”

52ND PACIFIC ISLANDS FORUM LEADERS’ MEETING

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will travel to Cook Islands from 7-9 November 2023 for the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders’ Meeting.

This will be his first visit to Cook Islands as Prime Minister and his second time attending a PIF Leaders’ Meeting.

Australia is a proud founding member of the PIF, which has brought the Pacific’s leaders together annually for more than 50 years to discuss shared challenges and regional solutions.

The PIF Leaders’ Meeting will bring together leaders from 18 Pacific countries and territories to discuss important issues affecting the region, including climate change and regional security.

The Leaders will agree steps to deliver the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, endorsed in 2022.

The Prime Minister will be joined by the Minister for International Development and the Pacific Pat Conroy.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“It is important I join with fellow Pacific leaders in Cook Islands for the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting

“I thank Cook Islands and Prime Minister Mark Brown as Chair for hosting this meeting.

“Australia sees the Pacific as family and none of us can achieve the future we want alone.

Working together, through the Pacific Islands Forum, is vital to securing a shared Pacific that is peaceful, safe and prosperous”.