Business Bureau launched at Service NSW

The Minns government has today bolstered its plan to support businesses in NSW with the launch of the Service NSW Business Bureau, a leading initiative dedicated to breaking down the barriers to make doing business easier.

The Service NSW Business Bureau will give small business owners a seat at the table with a commitment to tackling unproductive red tape, helping businesses navigate government and boosting growth opportunities.

The Service NSW Business Bureau will make it even easier for businesses to connect with specialised support, with a major upgrade to the Service NSW Business Bureau App. The app will provide businesses with support and a new range of features, including:

  • Tracking and saving licences associated to their business and employees in one place
  • Booking expert advisors based on their unique business needs
  • Viewing voucher payment summaries, transaction reports and bank details.

All with just a few taps.

No matter the stage of their business journey, the Service NSW Business Bureau connects businesses with free, personalised support to understand and access government programs to grow their business, alongside digital tools to manage transactions and licences.

From guidance on government regulations, processes and programs, to one-on-one advice on topics such as business planning, marketing and cash flow, the Service NSW Business Bureau will connect businesses with the support they need.

The NSW Government has begun working on the development of a Charter for Small Business, which will provide a framework for engaging with and supporting small businesses.

The Service NSW Business Bureau will be responsible for oversight of the Charter for Small Business, as well as the provision of advice and recommendations on further actions to support small businesses.

There are more than 840,000 small businesses in NSW which make up 98% of all NSW businesses. NSW small businesses employ 1.8 million people in the private sector, which is around 45% of the state’s private sector workforce.

For more information about the Service NSW Business Bureau, visit the Service NSWlaunch website.

Minister for Small Business Steve Kamper said:

“I’m passionate about small business. I’ve lived it my whole life and understand how important it is to work with business owners to find solutions which make being in business easier.

“The Service NSW Business Bureau will boost support for small business owners with customised advice, no matter where they are on their business journey.

“Service NSW Business Bureau is there for every small business, there is no wrong door and we will work together to tackle unproductive red tape, break down barriers and build a stronger future.

“Whether it’s getting a business idea off the ground, growth opportunities or support in times of need, the Business Bureau is there for small businesses every step of the way.”

Minister for Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“I know how busy life can get and how precious our time is, which is why Service NSW has developed this enhanced business app to make it easier than ever to access the advice, information and support every small business owner needs, to help them spend more time focused on their business.

“The new Service NSW Business Bureau App brings together support and services that were previously, only available through our website, such as tracking and saving licences and connecting with our Business Concierge team, making the app as nimble and versatile as your small business.

“To have a Service NSW Business Concierge available on your phone and on the go via the business app will be a game changer for small business owners across the state, as well as the people who work for them.”

Business NSW CEO Daniel Hunter said: 

“Business NSW members across the state say dealing with paperwork is often the most time-consuming, unproductive and difficult part of running a business.

“We see the Service NSW Business Bureau as a way to decipher paperwork and ultimately let mum and dad business owners get on with what they do best – growing their business.

“We welcome the government’s approach to navigating red tape and its commitment to reduce it. It’s everyone’s business to ensure small businesses can go big.

“Providing business support for both winning government tenders and exporting will also play a key role in growing small businesses. What’s good for business is good for NSW.”

NSW Government allows aerial shooting to reduce wild horse population in Kosciuszko National Park

The NSW Government has adopted an amendment to the Kosciuszko National Park Wild Horse Heritage Management Plan, which authorises aerial shooting as an approved method of reducing the number of wild horses in the park. The change is essential to protecting the park’s threatened native wildlife and ecosystems.

The amendment allows the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service to use aerial shooting in addition to existing control methods – such as ground shooting, and trapping and rehoming – to reach the legally required wild horse population target of 3000 by mid-2027.

The proposal to amend the plan was put on exhibition for community input and attracted 11,002 submissions. Advice from the Wild Horse Community Advisory Panel and National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council was also considered.

Of the submissions that commented on aerial shooting, 82% expressed support for the control method being included in the plan.

Following careful consideration of submissions, Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe has determined the amendment is necessary to help save endangered and vulnerable species and their habitat, protect soil and waterways and conserve cultural heritage.

The minister noted the Senate Environment and Communications References Committee Report, which found effective control of wild horses could be the difference between survival and extinction for up to a dozen threatened species found only in the Australian Alps.

As part of the decision, the NSW Government is releasing a summary of submissions. The Review of Environmental Factors and a carcass management plan will be finalised and released. The 2023 population survey undertaken in October will be peer-reviewed and made publicly available.

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will undertake a short, preliminary program that will refine the standard operating procedure for aerial shooting in Kosciuszko National Park. The preliminary program has been developed with input from an independent wildlife veterinarian and RSPCA NSW, which will observe and evaluate.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service staff are highly trained and undergo rigorous testing to be approved to carry out aerial shooting on a range of invasive species, including deer and pigs.

Read the summary of representations at the Department of Environment and Planninglaunch website.

Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe said:

“There are simply too many wild horses in Kosciuszko National Park. Threatened native species are in danger of extinction and the entire ecosystem is under threat. We must take action.

“I want to make sure our National Parks staff have all the options they need to reach the population target and protect this precious alpine environment.

“This was not an easy decision. No one wants to have to kill wild horses. I have carefully considered all the options, and I thank everyone who took the time to make a submission.

“Aerial shooting, when carried out by highly trained personnel in accordance with rigorous standards, delivers the best possible animal welfare outcomes.

“I know this decision will upset some members of the community. I empathise with those who feel distressed that we must undertake control programs. My commitment is that I will always be open and honest with the community about these matters, without risking safety to visitors and staff.”

Further information

The need to reduce wild horse numbers

In 2018, the NSW Threatened Species Scientific Committee determined habitat degradation and loss by feral horses as a key threatening process, identifying more than 30 adversely affected NSW and Commonwealth-listed threatened species and communities.

These include the critically endangered southern and northern corroboree frogs, the endangered Alpine she-oak skink, the vulnerable broad-toothed rat, the critically endangered blue-tongued greenhood, and the critically endangered fish stocky galaxias. Soil, waterways and limestone caves are also under threat.

The wild horse population

The November 2022 survey of wild horses in Kosciuszko National Park showed an estimated population of 18,814, with a 95% confidence interval of 14,501 to 23,535 wild horses.

The 2023 population survey conducted during October will be peer-reviewed and results will be made publicly available as soon as possible.

Submissions

The proposed amendment to the plan was shared with the community for input, and 11,002 submissions were made by individuals and organisations between 8 August and 11 September 2023.

Eighty-seven per cent of all submissions commented on aerial shooting. Of these, 82% expressed support for aerial shooting being included in the plan. The most frequently raised reasons in support of aerial shooting were:

  • inadequacy of existing control methods
  • acceptability of animal welfare outcomes
  • accuracy of population estimates
  • safety of aerial shooting.

For those opposed to aerial shooting, the most common points raised were related to concerns around animal welfare and the accuracy of wild horse population counts.

Authorised control methods for future management of wild horses under the plan

  • mustering or passive trapping, followed by rehoming
  • mustering or passive trapping, followed by transporting to a knackery or abattoir
  • ground shooting
  • shooting or euthanising in trap yards
  • aerial shooting (additional method now added).

Preliminary aerial shooting program

There will be a preliminary program using aerial shooting as a control method. It has been developed in consultation with an independent wildlife veterinarian and RSPCA NSW.

After the preliminary program and with full consideration of independent animal welfare advice a standard operating procedure will be finalised. It will be followed in any future wild horse aerial shooting programs and remain under ongoing review.

Managing safety

Relevant areas of Kosciuszko National Park will be closed when aerial shooting occurs.

The safety of the community and staff is and will always be primary considerations for any shooting operations.

NPWS will continue to take a zero-tolerance approach to threats against its staff.

Managing carcasses

A carcass management plan is being prepared taking account of issues raised by stakeholders and an environmental assessment, and in consultation with the Environment Protection Authority. The plan will be subject to ongoing refinement, as required.

Carcasses will not be left in or close to major waterways or within 400 metres of busy visitor areas such as campgrounds. Carcasses will be moved if necessary to meet the requirements of the carcass management plan.

Protecting the heritage value of wild horses

The plan requires 3000 wild horses to be retained in 32% of the park to protect their heritage value. The proposed amendment to the plan does not change this requirement. Horse riding will continue in Kosciuszko National Park.

New Metro Station at Waterloo nears completion

The Opal gates are installed and train testing is underway as Waterloo Station prepares to open its doors to passengers next year.

Waterloo is one of eight stations that make up the transformative Sydney Metro City & Southwest line that spans from Chatswood in the north, before heading under the harbour, through Sydney’s CBD and onto Sydenham.

Work at Waterloo, one of the six brand new stations is 95% complete.

The station’s four lifts and seven escalators are commissioned and ready to move passengers between street level and the platforms which sit 25m below ground. The last of the station signs are being fitted to ensure easy navigation for commuters at the brand-new, fully accessible station.

The focus for the 100 workers on site each day will now turn to completing the main station entrance on the corner of Cope and Raglan Streets.

6,000 people an hour are expected to pass through Waterloo Station during morning peak when it opens to the public. It will take pressure off Redfern and Green Square stations and provide fast, safe and reliable journeys to Central in 2 minutes, Barangaroo in 8 minutes and to North Sydney in 11 minutes.

More information about Waterloo Stationlaunch

Jo Haylen, NSW Transport Minister said: 

“World-class metro services will start at Waterloo Station next year making this growing pocket of Sydney more connected than ever before.”

“A metro service every four minutes at Waterloo Station will significantly reduce traffic on our inner-city roads and alleviate pressure at nearby Redfern and Green Square stations.”

“Progress at Waterloo Station is well-advanced, and it is exciting to see what journeys will look like for passengers when transformative metro services start through the city.”

STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF FORMER PREMIER OF THE STATE COUNCIL OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA, H.E. MR LI KEQIANG

I was saddened to learn of the passing of former Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, H.E. Mr Li Keqiang.

During Mr Li’s period in office, significant strides were made in our bilateral relationship including the conclusion of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement. When we met last year in the margins of the East Asia Summit, we discussed the importance of these ties and our desire to see them develop further.

On behalf of the Government and the people of Australia, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and to the people of China.

STATEMENT ON THE NAMING OF BRUCE LEHRMANN AS THE MAN CHARGED WITH TOOWOOMBA RAPE

I believe women. 

We know that an alarming number of people still disbelieve or victim-blame survivors of assault. Partially because of  this, almost 9 in 10 incidents of sexual assault nationally are not reported to the police. 

I salute the strength of anyone who seeks justice through the courts for sexual violence, as it is often retraumatising and horrific for victim-survivors of gendered violence. 

To change the unacceptable rates of sexual violence and end Australia’s culture of sexual violence, harassment and abuse, we need to support victims to come forward, and dismantle the power imbalances and gender stereotypes that deter them from doing so. 

Work must continue to identify problems with criminal justice responses to sexual violence, and to strengthen trauma-informed approaches, wrap-around services and where appropriate, restorative justice approaches. 

And we need to believe women.

Senator Larissa Waters
Greens spokesperson on Women

Additional assistance for urgent humanitarian needs in Gaza

Australia will provide an additional $15 million in humanitarian assistance for civilians affected by the conflict in Gaza, the West Bank and across the region.

This funding will be delivered through trusted partners to help address immediate and emerging needs including food, water, medicine and other essential services.

The funding will be allocated as follows:

  • $6 million for the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to provide life-saving assistance including food, water and medical care.
  • $2 million to UNICEF for the provision of emergency water, sanitation and hygiene services.
  • $2 million to UN agencies to preposition supplies and to support those who have been displaced by the conflict.
  • $2 million to UNFPA to provide urgent women’s health services.
  • The remainder will be provided to trusted partners to address emerging needs.

This funding is in addition to the $10 million already committed by the Australian Government, and brings our total package of assistance to $25 million since 7 October.

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

“Australia has consistently called for safe, unimpeded and sustained humanitarian access, and safe passage for civilians from Gaza.”

“There has been access in recent days but nowhere near enough. Humanitarian pauses are essential to ensure this assistance and that of our partners flows into Gaza.”

“The way Israel exercises its right to defend itself matters. It matters to civilians throughout the region, and it matters to Israel’s ongoing security.”

Complex and confusing bill exposed in Senate hearing

The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations appearance at a Senate Estimates hearing has been characterised by a series of complex and confusing explanations of the Government’s so-called Closing the Loopholes Bill.

A phalanx of departmental officials was required to explain various parts of the controversial Bill. It often took two or three officials to contribute to the answer to a single question.

Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Senator Michaelia Cash said: “One thing that was made very clear was that, despite what the Government keeps claiming, service contractors are not excluded from the labour hire provisions in the Bill.”

A departmental official told the hearing: “It is not a strict prohibition against the inclusion of services contractors.”

Senator Cash said: “It has been plainly obvious to everyone that service contractors are not excluded and now we have confirmation of this from the department which drafted the Bill.”

On the complexity imposed on business in the Bill, Senator Cash said: “A question and follow-up on the definition of a casual and the effects of that definition took over 15 minutes to explain. I think many in the room were more confused at the end of the explanation than at the start.”

“I’m not sure how small and medium business operators are expected to work their way through these changes and understand what they can and can’t do,’’ Senator Cash said.

“The information provided today raises even more questions which we will be exploring through the ongoing committee inquiry and also in the Senate when the Bill reaches the chamber,’’ she said.

“At one point an official admitted that ‘loophole is not defined in the bill’ and ‘it’s a broad-brush way of referring to the measures in the bill to give it a short title’,” Senator Cash said.

“If it wasn’t so serious it would be laughable,’’ she said.

“At the start of the day we learnt how even the Department got it wrong when it came to paying their own staff. They underpaid 99 staff by over $60,000 and it has cost them nearly $200,000 so far in legal and other fees to rectify the situation,’’ Senator Cash said.

“If the Department responsible for employment and workplace relations can’t get it right on paying their staff how can businesses navigate this whole system and the changes proposed?’’ she said.

City of Newcastle brings community together for World Stroke Day

Stroke prevention will be on the menu next week when City of Newcastle (CN) serves up its annual community morning tea with world-leading researchers from the Hunter.

CN is partnering with Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) to host the annual Lord Mayor’s World Stroke Day event, which provides the community with an opportunity to hear from renowned local researchers on the latest in stroke prevention and symptom awareness.

Lord-Mayor-s-World-Stroke-Day-Morning-Tea-2022-1.jpg

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said CN was proud to help showcase the world-class research being undertaken locally to help raise community awareness to reduce the risk of stroke.

“Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide and the leading cause of long-term adult disability in Australia,” Cr Nelmes said.

“More than 6,000 people are currently living with the effects of stroke throughout the greater Newcastle region, which is why this annual event is a vitally important opportunity to help educate the local community on the risks and preventive measures available, based on the latest research.”

Hunter Research Medical Institute Professor Beata Bajorek said progress had been made in stroke prevention, in part, thanks to events like the Lord Mayor’s annual morning tea.

“Our partnership with City of Newcastle is extremely important in raising awareness in the community – that awareness is the crucial first step in taking action to reduce the risk of stroke,” Professor Bajorek said. “Medicines and healthier lifestyle measures can then be adopted to maintain good health and control any stroke risk factors.”

“At HMRI, we have been researching the community’s needs and preferences about medicine use and medication management – we know that many people don’t fully understand the role of medicines in preventing stroke, and sometimes they have difficulty managing medicines.

“We’re working with our community of people who have experienced stroke to see how we can support them better with their medication.”

The Hunter Stroke Research Register is the only register in Australia that is dedicated to consumer engagement in research.

Hunter Research Medical Institute Consumer and Community Involvement Lead Gillian Mason said more research is needed to understand the 20 per cent of strokes that cannot be prevented with the current knowledge available.

“We know we need more research on how to help stroke survivors live their best lives. At HMRI, we work alongside people with stroke in Newcastle who are actively involved in co-designing this research,” Ms Mason said.

“Our recent work around post stroke fatigue is a great example of this. We surveyed people with stroke and they told us that fatigue is the thing they wanted help with. We’re working to understand both the biological mechanisms for fatigue and more about drug treatments that work in some cases but also look at treatments and strategies for people who the drugs don’t seem to work for.

“This annual morning tea brings people together from all over the community and gives us the space and time to connect over a cup of coffee. By partnering with City of Newcastle, it shows that stroke is not just seen as a research or medical issue, it’s acknowledged as whole of community issue.”

The Lord Mayor’s World Stroke Day Morning Tea will be held on Monday 30 October at 10am at Newcastle Museum.

To RSVP visit https://events.humanitix.com/lord-mayor-annual-stroke-day-morning-tea

Fans say let it be in Newcastle as McCartney highlights benefits of major events

Newcastle’s reputation as a major events destination took centre stage this week as almost 30,000 fans packed McDonald Jones Stadium to watch Paul McCartney’s historic first concert outside an Australian capital city.

The show, which was secured as part of City of Newcastle’s Major Events Partnership with Venues NSW, has injected an estimated $9 million into the local economy.

Almost 30,000 fans watched on as Paul McCartney performed his historic show in Newcastle on Tuesday night at McDonald Jones Stadium. Picture courtesy of Venues NSW.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the capacity crowd and booked out accommodation across the city were testament to the benefits of CN’s strategic investment into major events.

“Events deliver both an immediate and ongoing benefit for the community and economy,” Cr Nelmes said.

“When Elton John toured here earlier this year, his concerts were watched by almost 50,000 music fans, with more than 75 per cent of people coming from outside of Newcastle and Newcastle’s accommodation occupancy rates almost double compared to the same period the year prior.

“Accommodation providers were similarly inundated with bookings to coincide with Paul McCartney’s concert, reaffirming the essential role major events play in boosting tourism, as well as encouraging repeat visitation in the future.”

The former Beatle and Wings frontman also shone a spotlight on the tourism potential of events, asking the crowd during his show who had travelled from outside of Newcastle and surrounding areas. The cheer from visitors from beyond was by far the most rapturous within the stadium.

“Well, on behalf of the tourist board we welcome you,” McCartney said.

A report to next Tuesday’s Council meeting highlights CN’s commitment to attracting and hosting major events in line with its Destination Management Plan 2021-2025. The report also notes the key role the Newcastle 500 played in attracting significantly more major events, including those with international reach, to the city.

“The Newcastle 500 was the first major, multi-day, international event hosted by Newcastle and has led to the city cementing its reputation as a premier tourism and major events destination,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Since the inaugural Newcastle 500 in 2017, Newcastle has played host to a suite of significant events including Van Gogh Alive, the AFC Asian Cup, Oceania Super Moto, Elton John and Paul McCartney concerts and a number of international women’s football matches including the record-breaking Matildas clash with Brazil. Together with the Supercars events, these have been attended by almost one million people.

“City of Newcastle is now regularly approached by event promoters about potential major and major events, and we look forward to securing new and exciting events for our community and as a key economic and tourism driver for the region.”

$500,000 investment boosts engineering training at TAFE NSW Griffith

The Riverina’s welding and metal fabrication sector has received a boost with the completion of the $500,000 upgrades to training facilities at TAFE NSW Griffith.

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said the investment comes amid strong demand for qualified metal fabricators and welders in the region, with several major infrastructure projects – including the $250 million Griffith Base Hospital redevelopment.

“Skilled engineers play a critical role in building the future of communities like Griffith, and it’s great to see TAFE NSW creating a pipeline of homegrown welders and metal fabricators,” Mr Whan said.

“The investment in these engineering facilities, which includes new welders and a hydraulic press, will ensure graduates continue to have the job-ready skills and experience to support local industry, the economy, and the community.

“Additionally, communities like Griffith will be the beneficiaries of the recently signed landmark National Skills Agreement between the Commonwealth and NSW Government.

“The five-year agreement places TAFE NSW at the heart of the vocational education and training sector, providing up to $3.81 billion in funding for NSW to help expand access to skills training in communities across New South Wales, including the Riverina.

TAFE NSW Griffith Head Teacher of Metal Fabrication and Welding Franc Prestia said Griffith’s manufacturing sector supported around 3000 jobs, while TAFE NSW engineering graduates were also highly sought after in the local agriculture and food processing industries.

“We are in constant contact with local industry to ensure we meet their training needs,” Mr Prestia said.

“TAFE NSW Griffith has seen solid growth in engineering apprentice numbers in recent years, and the upgrade to our workshop will ensure we continue delivering the job-ready skills employers expect and deserve.”