New leadership for the State Library of NSW’s next chapter

The NSW Government has today announced the appointment of Dr Caroline Butler-Bowdon as the new State Librarian.

Dr Butler-Bowdon, a published author in architectural and urban history, brings with her over 20 years of leadership experience in large public institutions. Her career ranges from the museum and heritage space to most recently the activations in our streets, centres and open spaces.

Dr Butler-Bowdon has a consistent track record of supporting creative communities, building partnerships across government.

Dr Butler-Bowdon is currently Acting Deputy Secretary, Cities and Active Transport at Transport for NSW and has previously held leadership roles at the Historic Houses Trust of NSW, overseeing programs and initiatives for some of Australia’s most important museums and institutions including Hyde Park Barracks, Museum of Sydney, Rose Seidler House and Vaucluse House.

Dr Butler-Bowdon will take over from Dr John Vallance, who is retiring after six years at the helm of the State Library of NSW as State Librarian, and a distinguished career in the arts and academia.

The State Library of NSW is the oldest library in Australia, with more than six million items in its collection, and receives almost a million readers and visitors every year.

Dr Butler-Bowdon will commence in the role on Wednesday 15 November 2023.

Dr Butler-Bowdon’s appointment means five of the six leaders of the state’s cultural institutions will be led by women.

Minister for the Arts John Graham said:

“I want to thank Dr John Vallance for his contributions and the legacy he leaves behind.

“The State Library of NSW is one of our most beloved institutions and I’m thrilled to have Dr Caroline Butler-Bowdon bring her profound expertise and demonstrated excellence in cultural, creative and place leadership to this important institution.

“Caroline Butler-Bowdon has a passionate commitment to cultural leadership for the widest audience. I look forward to seeing the State Library of NSW continue to flourish under her drive to engage and inspire communities in the joys and power of ideas and culture.

“The State Library has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade, with accessibility improvements and a new multi-purpose space, making it a more inclusive place for people to enjoy the collections.

“I look forward to working with Dr Butler-Bowdon in making the State Library an even more welcoming and diverse institution for readers and visitors to experience.”

Library Council President, The Honourable George Souris AM said:

“I want to thank Dr John Vallance for his leadership over the past six years – he brought a wealth of knowledge to the role through his many years in the arts and academia, and the State Library is a better place for his service.

“We welcome Dr Caroline Butler-Bowdon to the role of State Librarian – she will be an incredible asset to the team and has an unbridled passion for our cultural institutions.”

Incoming NSW State Librarian Dr Caroline Butler-Bowdon said:

“Libraries, like parks, are at the very bedrock of the best democracies, global cities and states.

“I look forward to playing a part in the future of this wonderfully storied institution, championing the work of its loyal and creative staff, its globally significant collections, and its state-wide reach.

“The State Library of NSW is an important cornerstone in our community. Its location, its position, its deep and rich collections, its global reach coupled with its statewide brief fill me with genuine excitement.

“One of the keys to success will be balancing the focus on the physical library with the opportunities to work in western Sydney, and of course regionally through the Public Libraries network.

“Together we will ensure that every citizen has access to this great library and its public network across NSW, as places of experience, learning, research, connection and community.”

Minns Labor government halves overdue planned surgery list

The Minns Labor government has halved the state’s overdue planned surgery list, according to the Surgical Care Taskforce interim report.

On his first full day in the job, Minister for Health Ryan Park announced the formation of the Surgical Care Taskforce to reduce the number of planned surgeries waiting longer than clinically recommended.

Between March and September 2023, this number was slashed from 14,067 to 7010.

One of the ways the taskforce was able to achieve this was by expanding the category of some procedures eligible for same day surgery when clinically appropriate, and by increasing the capacity for NSW Health to undertake surgeries.

The taskforce identified common (or high volume) procedures typically undertaken with a 1-night stay and has identified surgery types that can be increasingly conducted as same-day procedures.

The taskforce’s next steps will focus on building capacity in the NSW public health system to ensure a sustainable surgical service into the future.

The initiative will reduce wait times as well as demand for overnight beds.

The taskforce has brought together some of the state’s leading clinical experts, working in both the public and private health sectors.

Members include surgeons, anaesthetists, nursing and allied health clinicians from regional and metropolitan locations as well as Local Health District, Specialty Health Network, Ministry of Health and NSW Health Pillar organisation executives.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“I’m so proud of the work and progress made by the taskforce in halving the planned surgery wait list.

“I see the thousands of patients in our community waiting for life changing surgery, often in pain and discomfort.

“We have brought together some of the state’s leading clinicians to find and embrace innovative solutions, to improve the delivery of health care, and ultimately improve health outcomes for the people of this state.

“I thank NSW Health staff for their tremendous efforts throughout this period of high planned surgery activity across NSW, as these results are a testament to their hard work, dedication, and determination to get access to care for our patients.

“I also thank the private hospital partners who have played a very important role in achieving this outcome.”

Clinical Dean Western Sydney University and Taskforce Co-Chair Professor Neil Merrett said:

“Focusing on improving same-day models of care delivers faster access to care and reduces pressure for overnight beds in public hospitals.

“These combined strategies will mean patients get access to surgery sooner using internationally recognised best practice.

“More patients will be able to safely go home sooner and be provided with appropriate support where required.

“These models increase convenience for patients while also delivering the same or improved clinical outcomes.”

NSW’s 170,000 teachers celebrated on World Teachers’ Day

On World Teachers’ Day, the Minns Labor Government is celebrating NSW teachers for their tireless support of the state’s students and their contribution to our communities.

Today, schools and communities will take time to say thank you to the state’s 170,000 teachers who educate students across Government, Catholic and Independent schools.

It can also be a day to reflect on how to support teachers, whether it is getting involved in your local school community, or providing a personal “thank you” to a special teacher for the extra work they put in.

The effect of quality teaching extends well beyond the classroom, shaping the minds and lives of students long after they complete school.  

Education is at the heart of the NSW Government’s agenda, and the Minns Labor Government has made significant progress working to restore respect to this vital profession.

This includes scrapping the unfair wages cap, giving public school teachers the biggest pay rise in a generation, and delivering on our election commitment to offer 10,000 temporary teachers permanent positions.

This work is crucial after teachers were treated with contempt for 12 years by the Liberals and Nationals, who denied the state was in the grips of a teacher shortage crisis, refusing to properly invest in our children’s educational futures.

The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) is encouraging school communities to share kind messages on its NSW Teaching Gems Map, where many messages have already shown the high regard in which the state’s teachers are held.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Prue Car said:

“Today we can all take a moment to value our passionate and hardworking teachers.

“Teaching is one of those rare professions where you have the opportunity to transform young lives.

“It’s that commitment to enriching young minds that makes teaching both a vocation and a profession, and World Teachers’ Day is the perfect opportunity to let teachers know how grateful we are.”

Historic pay rise for NSW teachers lands in accounts as Minns Government takes steps to stem teacher shortage

This week NSW teachers are enjoying more money in their bank accounts, as the state’s educators see the benefits of a historic pay rise delivered to teachers by the Minns Labor Government.

Last month, the Minns Labor Government secured a deal with the Teachers Federation giving a once-in-a-generation pay rise to all of NSW’s 95,000 teachers.

The agreement, endorsed by the Teachers Federation Council, saw teachers’ starting salaries increase from $75,791 to $85,000, and salaries for top-of-the-scale teachers go from $113,042 to $122,100.

This agreement benefits every teacher in NSW, and the new establishment of a 7-step scale ensures all educators are progressing more rapidly through the system, seeing ongoing recognition for their hard work educating the state’s students. 

Striking this pay deal was a key election promise of the Minns Labor Government, and is vital to restoring respect to the teaching profession and, crucially, key to attracting more teachers to the profession.

The pay rise took effect from the first pay period after 9 October, and increased salaries from this pay period will be paid into those accounts from this week.

Recently, the NSW Government reached a key target of converting 16,000 temporary teaching and school-based support staff roles from temporary to permanent positions, with more to come.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“Pay is a mark of respect and I am thrilled that this week teachers have woken up to an increased pay packet landing in their bank accounts.

“This pay rise was desperately needed and I am proud the Minns Labor government was able to deliver this major achievement within our first months in office.

“Striking this deal was vitally important, so our hardworking teachers can see they are respected by their government, and being paid adequately for the hard work they are doing to educate the state’s students.”

Second ratings agency affirms state’s triple-A status

Fitch Ratings has affirmed NSW’s triple-A credit rating with a stable outlook, becoming the second global agency this week to acknowledge the Minns government’s 2023–2024 Budget approach to stabilising the state’s finances.

It follows the decision by Moody’s on 24 October to reaffirm its triple-A credit rating, reflecting the Minns government’s strong financial management and the state’s diversified economy.

The state’s fiscal position had weakened in recent years, exacerbated by the former government’s reckless $27 billion spend in the 9 months leading up to the last election and their legacy of a $7 billion black hole of unfunded programs.

Since taking office, and through the September budget, the Minns government has begun the work of budget repair, including through the Comprehensive Expenditure Review (CER). 

The CER identified $13 billion in budget improvements. These funds are being reinvested into unfunded programs and essential services to help keep the state’s overall expenses at a manageable level.

As a result, the 2023–2024 NSW Budget projects a surplus of $844 million in 2024–2025. 

The government has also begun the work to reduce the impact of the Debt Retirement Fund and the Transport Assets Holding Entity on the state’s balance sheet. Gross debt is projected to be $173.4 billion by June 2026, which is $14.8 billion below the 2023 Pre-election Budget Update. 

Net debt is now projected to peak at 12.6% of gross state product by June 2027, around 1.4 percentage points lower than at the 2023 Pre-election Budget Update.

Fitch Ratings noted its view that the strength of the NSW economy, coupled with disciplined financial management, will enable the state to withstand further global economic pressures.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“NSW is one of two states in Australia with triple-A credit ratings and Fitch has reaffirmed this position, highlighting the successful plan the government set out in the 2023–2024 Budget.

“The state’s credit ratings were under significant threat but the September budget began the repair work of reducing debt and rebuilding our essential services.

“This task continues as we work towards the 2024–2025 Budget.”

Great ways to celebrate on Grandparents Day

NSW Grandparents Day on 29 October is a great opportunity to celebrate the nonnas and the poppas, grans, nans and grandpas around the state.

Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said no matter what names we give our grandparents, they all make a tremendous contribution to family life.

“Grandparents play a special role in many NSW families, supporting busy mums and dads with the family juggle, teaching valuable life lessons to their grandchildren and keeping families connected,” Minister Harrison said.

“We should ensure we are celebrating grandparents every day of the year, but Grandparents Day is a particularly great time to acknowledge their past, present and future contribution to their families and communities.

“Others in our families or communities may sometimes also play the role of grandparents in our lives and they too should be celebrated on this day.”

This year, with funding provided by the NSW Government, the NSW Public Libraries Association has invited libraries across the state to host events to mark Grandparents Day.

“There are many activities on offer this weekend in libraries across the state, or you could simply curl up with a good book together,” Minister Harrison added.

“Grandparents hold a unique place in our families so I encourage families to take this opportunity to spend some quality time with your older loved one this Grandparents Day.”

For ideas on ways to celebrate and which local library is hosting events for Grandparents Day, visit the NSW Grandparents Day webpage.

ENHANCING COOPERATION IN EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has visited the United States Federal Emergency Management Agency to recognise the courage, skill and dedication of emergency management personnel and to discuss further cooperation on disaster resilience and management.

With over 100 years of mateship, Australia and the United States have a proud history of helping each other in times of need, including when faced with natural disasters.

Most recently, the United States provided significant firefighting support to Australia during the Black Summer bushfires, and Australia provided a large firefighting air tanker to Idaho to assist in firefighting across six states.

In May, Australia’s National Emergency Management agreed strengthened arrangements with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. These arrangements will increase collaboration to improve our emergency response, including through formal sharing of best practice, employee exchanges and other mutually beneficial programs across the full spectrum of natural disasters.

This complements the Climate, Critical Minerals, and Clean Energy Transformation Compact, which will see Australia and the United States collaborate to address domestic and regional climate risks, including increasingly frequent extreme weather events.

Prime Minister Albanese met with FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“I am pleased to visit the United States Federal Emergency Management Agency and meet with Administrator Criswell.

“Our communities are already experiencing the devastating impacts of climate change, from wildfires in Hawai’i to bushfires in Victoria and NSW.

“As our recent Climate Compact demonstrates, Australia is committed to addressing the domestic, regional and international challenges of a changing climate with our partners.”

SALMON FARMING EXPANSION DECISION UNDER REVIEW

A 2012 decision to expand salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour is currently under review by the federal environment department. 

Under questioning from Senator Peter Whish-Wilson at Senate Estimates last night, the department’s Head of Environment Approvals Division, Bruce Edwards, said three submissions to review the controversial federal environmental approval had been made, with the department now considering its legal options. 

Mr Edwards noted the case was complex, but if matters relating to the environmental approval are determined to be “live”, the federal environment minister would have jurisdiction to intervene. A decision is expected before the end of the year. 

Greens spokesperson for healthy oceans, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said: 

“The federal government’s 2012 decision to expand salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour was made with the proviso it would not significantly impact the Maugean skate – but scientists now warn the endangered species is fighting for survival precisely because of a decline in water quality attributed largely to salmon farming in the Harbour. 

“If the federal environment minister does have the jurisdiction to reverse the 2012 decision to rapidly expand salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour then she absolutely should.

“The regulation of salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour has been a disaster. It’s a cop out for successive federal environment ministers to continue to watch on as salmon industry regulators and the Tasmanian government fail spectacularly to protect and prioritise the environment, including matters of national environmental significance like the sad decline and imminent extinction of the Maugean skate.

“There is no job more important for an environment minister than protecting a species from extinction. Minister Plibersek has a critical mandate to protect the Maugean skate and she must pull every lever available to her to ensure its survival.”

** Jump to the 20:17:24:00 mark of this clip from Senate Estimates for the exchange between Senator Whish-Wilson and Mr Bruce Edwards.

GREENS CALL FOR THE MELBOURNE CUP TO BE WHIP-FREE IN WAKE OF BAN ON GLOBAL JOCKEY

Australian Greens Deputy Leader and spokesperson for animal welfare, Senator Mehreen Faruqi, has called for the Melbourne Cup to be whip free after news that a global jockey has been banned from the race after he breached Britain’s whipping rules.

Public momentum to ban the Melbourne Cup has grown significantly since the campaign began, as witnessed in the recent cancellation of The Melbourne Cup Parade following successful animal welfare campaigns and the #NupToTheCup campaign. 

Senator Faruqi said: 

“The next Melbourne Cup needs to be whip-free, this is the least that can be done to protect horses from the pain and cruelty of racing.

“If that jockey was whipping the horse in a race in Australia, he may have faced no penalties at all as the whipping rules here are even worse than in Britain! This speaks volumes to how little the horse racing industry cares about their animals. 

“I welcome the ban of the jockey for breaching British whipping rules. But I ask the question — why do we still not have a ban on whipping? Jockeys have no limits on whipping in the final 100 metres of a race. That is horrific. 

“Another festival of cruelty is around the corner and calls to end the race have never been louder. The public has been listening to animal welfare groups and protesters who have fought long and hard to end the cruelty and to end horse racing.

“We should ban the use of whips, but even that won’t go far enough to protect horses. Ending commercial horse racing is the only way.

“We will not stop until this cruel celebration is binned altogether. The race is losing its credibility fast. People don’t want to participate in a celebration of animal cruelty and the toxicity of gambling. It’s time to cancel the race.

“The Cup’s days are numbered. We are winning the fight against this cruel and callous horse racing industry.”

Background

British racing rules permit 6 whips maximum per race. In contrast, Australian rules state that there is a limit of 5, with unlimited whipping permitted in the last 100 metres. 

Racing Victoria has even been vocal in their support to reduce whip use in Australian horse racing to maintain “the sports social license,” but still believes whips are not a welfare issue. 

A senate committee recommended entirely banning whipping in horse racing over 30 years ago, saying that it could not condone the use of the whip to inflict pain on a horse. In 2023, banning the whip is long overdue. 

University of Sydney research revealed that a horse’s flank skin is not only thinner, but potentially more sensitive to pain than a human’s. It also pointed out horses have evolved to hide their pain rather than react to it.

A poll completed by the RSPCA in 2017 found that 74% of Australians agreed that whips should be banned in horse racing. 

Underpaid DEWR staff still waiting for their money

The Department of Employment and Workplace has not yet reimbursed 99 staff who were underpaid over $60,000 in wages, despite the underpayment being discovered more than four months ago.

It has so far cost the Department almost $200,000 in legal and consultant fees to rectify the errors.

During questioning by Senator Michaelia Cash in a Senate Estimates hearing Department Secretary Ms Natalie James revealed staff could expect the money in this week’s pay run.

Ms James revealed the total amount to be repaid to the 99 staff was $62,926.52, which includes an indexation payment. The average repayment was $635.25, while the highest repayment is $4051.07.

She also revealed that legal advice about the underpayments had cost the Department $119,625 so far and eternal consultants were paid a further $75,866 for data analysis.

Ms James blamed the underpayment on the machinery of Government changes following the 2022 election. She told the hearing the “arrangements for pay and conditions became a little more complex as a result of the machinery of Government change.”

Ms James said she was told of the underpayment on June 15 after an internal query identified an issue on June 5. She informed Employment and Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke on July 25. The Staff were told on August 11.

Senator Cash said: “This has been quite an extraordinary episode. If the Department responsible Employment and Workplace Relations struggles to pay its staff correctly what hope do small businesses have?’’

“Ms James admitted that complexity was the issue – which is exactly the challenge facing tens of thousands of small and medium businesses in this country,’’ Senator Cash said.

“This Government is only making the Workplace Relations system more complex and confusing with their radical industrial relations laws,’’ she said.

“Unfortunately, most businesses do not have the resources to pay lawyers and consultants tens of thousands of dollars to sort through such issues,’’ Senator Cash said.

“It is a most graphic example of why this nations’ workplace laws need to be simplified not complicated further,’’ she said.