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Do nothing Premier looking for excuses

Premier Chris Minns claims that “12 years of financial mismanagement” is the reason NSW can’t bid to save the Commonwealth Games.

The claim is false. Chris Minns needs to be honest with the people of NSW.

Here are the facts of the former Liberals and Nationals Government’s financial management:

  • At the end of 2018-19, before the once in a century COVID-19 pandemic and unprecedented natural disasters, the Budget showed a $4.2 billion surplus and net debt was in the black at $11.2 billion.
  • Prior to the election, the surplus was forecast to reach $601 million by 2024-25.
  • Last November, global ratings agency Fitch reaffirmed NSW’s triple-A credit rating with a stable outlook. NSW is the only state in Australia with two triple-A credit ratings, with Moody’s also assigning a triple-A rating in September. S&P Global maintained the State’s double-A plus rating with a stable outlook.
  • The State’s net debt is projected to stabilise at about 14 per cent of Gross State Product by June 2026, compared with a projected 26.5 per cent for Victoria at 30 June 2026.

In fact, it is Labor financial mismanagement in Victoria that has led to its humiliating and reputation-trashing decision to cancel its Games bid.

If Chris Minns insists on talking down the NSW economy he must immediately identify what he would have done differently. Would NSW Labor have:

  • Not delivered COVID-19 pandemic assistance to businesses and households?
  • Not delivered assistance following record bushfires, drought and floods?
  • Not delivered the nation’s biggest infrastructure program including record investment in hospitals and schools?
  • Not delivered record investment in teachers, nurses and doctors?

Chris Minns and his ministers have no problem basking in Coalition Government’s achievements, cutting the ribbons of projects our government funded and delivered, but continually talk down our economy and prospects.

The truth is NSW Labor won’t even investigate hosting the Commonwealth Games, and are increasingly a do-nothing government cancelling cost of living support and infrastructure, because they lack vision and ambition for this state and have unfunded promises to union bosses and a public sector wage increase blowout. 

Labor can’t have it both ways. It’s time for the Premier to be honest with the people of NSW.

Labor must rule out cuts to preschool and childcare

As parents across the state struggle with Labor’s cost-of-living crisis, the NSW Labor Government is adding to this burden by failing to deliver Coalition reforms to make childcare and preschool more affordable and easier to access. 

Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said the Minns Government should not use federal childcare subsidies as a smokescreen to shortchange NSW parents.

“The NSW Coalition Government committed more than $15 billion over 10 years to make early childhood education and care services more affordable and accessible for parents and carers. This included the $5 billion Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund and a year of free pre-Kindergarten for all children,” Mr Speakman said.

“The Labor Party refused to match our support for working parents prior to the election, and given their record for slashing cost-of-living programs the Government is laying the groundwork to cut this essential funding as well.” 

Shadow Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said that childcare costs act as a tax on working families with young children, and not investing in early childhood education and care sets children up to fail later in life.

“As a working mum with young children, I have been a tireless fighter for better access to preschool, early childhood education and care for families across our state. That’s why we’re calling on the Government to confirm no cuts to childcare funding ahead of the September Budget,” said Ms Mitchell. 

“Many women feel they can’t return to work, or have to work reduced hours, because of the barriers to accessing quality and affordable early childhood education and care near their home or work. Caring for children is the number one reason mothers say they are not working more.”

“Even with the Commonwealth subsidies, access to childcare for thousands of families will be better supported with state funding and ripping that away would have a devastating effect and may force many women out of work.”

“So far, the Minns Labor Government have been silent on this issue. We have yet to see any movement on the rollout of the Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund and there is no financial support flowing to families.”

“Labor have also only committed to 100 new preschools this term – one fifth of the 500 preschools the Coalition had earmarked – and won’t confirm a timeframe for delivering a year of free pre-Kindergarten for all children. They have also short-changed the early childhood workforce with a mere $22 million package, which pales in comparison with the $282 million that was being rolled out by the Coalition to support early childhood teachers and educators.”

“The evidence is clear that the first five years of a child’s life is critical for their social, emotional and cognitive development. That’s why we were investing record amounts in the early years because we know how important it is to set kids on the right trajectory.”

“Under Labor, family budgets will be shortchanged and thousands of children will miss out on the crucial early childhood education they need.”

“Our children deserve better than what Chris Minns and his team is offering.”

Andrews hits Australia’s sporting reputation for six

This week we’ve all heard a lot about the cancellation of the 2026 Commonwealth Games by Victorian premier Dan Andrews.

This debacle reeks of cynical vote-buying and rank political dishonesty. Andrews and his government worked hard on the games bid, the success of which was announced in an election year. The decision to host the event in regional centres rather than Melbourne appears to have been motivated by Labor’s need to shore up its electoral support in crucial regional seats. 

Now that the election has been won, Andrews doesn’t need the Commonwealth Games anymore. It was only eight weeks ago that $2.6 billion for the event was in Victoria’s Budget. Andrews claims the cost has blown out to more than $6 billion in just eight weeks. 

Premiers from other states raced to get in front of TV cameras to rule out stepping in to host the event. I think that is very telling: for them, the costs and economic benefits don’t stack up. Andrews must have been aware of this. 

The key question this raises about the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games is whether or not the Palasczcuk government has done the math on costs versus benefits. We already know the cost of upgrading the Gabba has blown out to almost $3 billion. What other nasty Olympic surprises are in store for Brisbane and Queensland between now and 2032? 

Whatever is to come, the fact remains the Victorian premier has done immeasurable harm to his nation’s reputation for sport and hosting significant international events, all for a vote-buying exercise. He is accountable for this embarrassing debacle and should resign, but Dan Andrews – the architect of the world’s harshest and longest pandemic lockdown – has never considered himself especially accountable to the people of Victoria. 

PM VISIT TO NEW ZEALAND

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will travel to Wellington, New Zealand from 26 – 27 July to meet with the Prime Minister of New Zealand, The Rt Hon Chris Hipkins, for the annual Australia-New Zealand Leaders’ Meeting.

Australia and New Zealand are close partners and allies. The leaders will discuss strengthening trans-Tasman cooperation in a range of areas including trade and investment, security and defence, our shared commitment to the Pacific region, and deepening connections between our people.

This visit follows the most recent Australia-New Zealand Leaders’ Meeting hosted by Prime Minister Albanese in Sydney in 2022.

This year Australia and New Zealand are celebrating 80 years of diplomatic relations, 50 years of the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement, and 40 years of our Closer Economic Relations Free Trade Agreement.

The visit will take place during the FIFA Women’s World Cup, jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

This will be the Prime Minister’s first official visit to New Zealand.

Prime Minister Albanese said:

“I am delighted to visit New Zealand to meet with Prime Minister Hipkins for our third bilateral meeting this year.”

“Australia and New Zealand share close ties and will mark important milestones this year in our trans-Tasman relationship.”

“I look forward to continuing to work with Prime Minister Hipkins on ways to strengthen the special relationship Australia and New Zealand share.”

$11 million to boost recycling in NSW

The Federal and NSW Labor governments are co-investing $11 million to transform the recycling industry in NSW.
 

Nine new projects will create almost 100 jobs and improve recycling infrastructure across metropolitan and regional NSW.

The projects boost NSW’s ability to remanufacture plastic, paper, cardboard and tyres and will increase waste processing capacity by more than 20,000 tonnes each year.

The funding round has been strongly supported by industry which will contribute an additional $18.5 million to these important projects.

All Australian environment ministers have committed to working with industry to design out waste and pollution, keep materials in use, and foster markets for a circular economy by 2030.

Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek MP said:

“Labor wants to see a circular economy in Australia – more local jobs to support recycling, and less waste going to landfill.

“We know that for every 1 job in landfill there are 3 jobs in recycling. Every bit of rubbish that ends up in landfill is a missed opportunity.

“We also know people want to do the right thing and recycle their waste. This funding is supporting new recycling infrastructure as well as helping regional communities in NSW recycle more of their waste.

“We want to better protect nature and reverse decline for our kids and grandkids – and that takes all levels of government working together.”

NSW Minister for the Environment, Energy, Climate Change and Heritage Penny Sharpe MLC said:

“The 9 businesses receiving this support are playing an instrumental role in our transition to a circular economy.

“These industry leaders will allow NSW to recycle more waste and use less plastic.

“It’s not only a win for the NSW recycling industry but for our economy, creating almost 100 jobs.

“The NSW Government is committed to reducing plastic waste to protect our natural environment and reduce harm to our marine animals.”

Read more about the Recycling Modernisation Fund at the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Waterlaunch.

Read more about Remanufacture NSW at NSW Environment and Heritage.launch

More than $600,000 awarded to multicultural grassroots festivals and events

The NSW Government announced the 81 community organisations across NSW that were successful participants of the Multicultural NSW Stronger Together Festival and Event Grant program. 

These community organisations will share in more than $630,000 to host grassroots festivals and events over the next 8 months. 

The Festival and Event Grants Program invests in communities and celebrates cultural diversity across NSW as a precious part of our identity and way of life in one of the most diverse States in the world. 

This round of the program will see organisations such as Dubbo’s Oriscon, the Albury Wodonga Ethnic Communities Council and Mt Druitt’s St Mary’s Ethiopian Women’s Association hold festivals and events that engage with a broad range of communities. 

The Festival and Events Grants range from $5000 to $15,000. 

Get more information on Multicultural NSW Grantslaunch.

$13 million to tackle feral pig problem

The NSW Government is ramping up efforts to tackle rising feral pig populations across the state, providing an $8 million boost to help fund a new coordinated control program.

The 1-year program will be delivered by the Department of Regional NSW through Local Land Services, implementing the latest technologies and control methods to reduce feral pig populations. The program will include:

  • landscape scale aerial shooting and ground control activities 
  • building landholder capacity and capability to control feral pigs through training and extension
  • establishing a NSW State Feral Pig Coordinator to oversee the delivery of control activities and landholder support.

The 1-year program will bring the NSW Government spend on control of feral pig populations to $13 million in the 2023-24 financial year.

Consecutive favourable seasonal conditions with flooding and wet weather have created ideal conditions for pigs to breed and this has led to the growth and expansion of feral pig populations. 

Over the past 12 months, Local Land Services has culled more than 97,000 feral pigs after delivering its largest coordinated pest animal control campaign, across multiple land tenures, in its history.

Feral pigs can carry and transmit a range of both animal-related and zoonotic diseases, such as leptospirosis and Brucellosis. 

Under the Biosecurity Act 2015, all landholders have a responsibility to manage pest animals on their land.

Local Land Services plays a leading role in the coordination of wide-scale, cross-tenure pest animal control operations that help reduce pest animal populations and can support landholders to meet their general biosecurity duty. 

Premier Chris Minns said:

“When we were elected, we committed to addressing biosecurity threats as a priority and today, we are delivering on that commitment.

“The feral pig population has increased substantially over recent years, causing millions of dollars worth of damage in lost agricultural production and environmental degradation. 

“This funding boost will allow for the delivery of a sophisticated and coordinated control program to help reduce feral pig numbers across NSW. “

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“The impact of pest animals, particularly feral pigs is enormous, whether it’s damaging native flora and fauna and attacking native species or destroying pasture, crops and fences.

“This new program will build off the incredible work undertaken by Local Land Services over the last year, with the findings from that body of work guiding this new control program. 

“On top of aerial shooting operations, this new program will also deliver practical training for landholders to help control feral pigs on their properties and provide subsided feral pig bait, to promote an integrated approach to control. 

“We all have a role to play in tackling the threat of biosecurity in this state, so the more landholders we have taking part in coordinated control programs, the more effective they are.”

New school upgrades open as students head back to school with more permanent teachers and classrooms

As students head back to school on the first day of Term 3, the NSW Government is getting on with the job of putting students into permanent classrooms and giving teachers a stable future.

Premier Chris Minns, Deputy Premier and Education Minister Prue Car, and Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby inspected progress on a major upgrade to John Palmer Public School in Sydney’s north-west growth area today, as they welcomed students and teachers back to the classroom.

By the end of this year, 20 demountable classrooms will be removed from the school, and a new 3-storey building will house 8 new teaching spaces.

The school will also have a new library, additional support learning spaces, an expanded hall and improved outdoor play and learning space.

The school’s capacity will increase from 917 to 1012 students, and the upgrade will also add new staff facilities and new amenities.

The Premier, Deputy Premier and local MP also took time to read books with students as part of the NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge.

It comes as the government pushes forward with its election commitment of converting 16,000 teaching and support staff roles from temporary to permanent positions.

In under 4 months, more than 8500 teachers and support staff have accepted offers to convert their temporary contracts into permanent roles.

Across NSW, students at 4 upgraded schools also launched back into learning on the first day of Term 3 in new and upgraded classrooms following the completion of works, including:

  • Darlington Public School: The upgrade has delivered a new 3-storey building with 19 learning spaces and 3 preschool classrooms, as well as new core facilities.
  • Edmondson Park Public School: A second upgrade has delivered 16 additional teaching spaces, a preschool, play areas, and landscaping.
  • Mosman High School: The upgrade has delivered 16 new learning spaces, a library, multipurpose gym and hall, among other core facilities and outdoor upgrades.
  • Young High School: The major upgrade includes a new joint use library and community facility, funded under a partnership with Hilltops Council, which houses a range of specialised learning spaces and facilities to benefit the whole of the Hilltops community.

Students at Chatswood Public School can also look forward to the completion of their school upgrade, which includes 60 permanent classrooms, in week 3.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“On the first day of Term 3 it is great to see children will soon be out of demountables at this north-western Sydney school.

“This major upgrade will make a world of difference for students, improving how they learn every single day of the school week.

“We are also so happy to see thousands more teachers and support staff are taking up our offer to convert from temporary to permanent roles.”

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

“It is so exciting to be here with the premier and local member Warren Kirby, as the government gets ready to get these students out of demountables and into permanent classrooms.

“The number of demountable classrooms ballooned under the former government’s 12-year term by more than a third, and we are committed to addressing this issue.

“We are also so excited that more than 8500 temporary teachers and support staff have embraced our election commitment and are taking up permanent positions.

“This government knows how important it is to secure the careers of our educators, so we can safeguard our children’s futures.

“The first day of term is always a great day and I wish the students and teachers here at John Palmer Public School and across the state a happy and successful term of learning.”

Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby said:

“This school upgrade is vital for local families in The Ponds, and it has been keenly watched by our community.

“I am so delighted to hear it will be completed by the end of this year.”

John Palmer Public School Principal Lisa Crawford said:

“I’m so happy to welcome NSW Premier Chris Minns, Deputy Premier Prue Car and local MP Warren Kirby here to John Palmer Public School today.

“It’s so exciting for the students and our whole school community to watch our new school buildings being built.

“We are very proud of our school, and we look forward to celebrating the completion of these works and moving into our new facilities.”

Training the next generation of doctors in NSW

Junior Medical Officers from Australia and overseas are invited to develop their medical careers within the country’s largest public health system, with NSW today opening applications for the 2024 Junior Medical Officer (JMO) recruitment campaign.

Each year, NSW Health oversees a highly successful recruitment campaign for Junior Medical Officers who have completed their first 2 postgraduate years of medical practice.

As Australia’s largest health system, our Junior Medical Officers have the opportunity to work with some of the most experienced and skilled medical professionals in a variety of clinical settings. 

NSW Health offers a wide variety of vocational and non-vocational positions and specialty training programs, where Junior Medical Officers can gain valuable experience and progress their professional careers.

The recruitment campaign offers these junior doctors positions in a range of specialties including general medicine, intensive and emergency care, pain management, psychiatry, pathology and more. 

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said it is an exciting opportunity for JMOs to advance their medical careers in NSW Health.

“NSW employs more than 170,000 people in public hospitals across the state – making us the largest health system in Australia and an attractive choice for young doctors looking to train in a diverse range of clinical settings,” Mr Park said.

“Junior Medical Officers who work in NSW Health gain valuable experience working with world-class senior clinicians, and have the opportunity to train in rotations across different settings and geographic locations, working within state-of-the-art facilities.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Regional Health Dr Michael Holland said the NSW Government is committed to growing the health workforce of the future.

“In 2023, NSW Health employed more than 6100 Junior Medical Officers through the annual recruitment campaign and we hope to see similar results this year,” Dr Holland said.

“The NSW Government is focused on supporting postgraduate education and training for the state’s Junior Medical Officer’s to ensure that our medical workforce has the skills to meet the changing health needs of the people of NSW.”

The main round of Junior Medical Officer recruitment opens 18 July 2023 and closes 8 August 2023.

Second round advertising will open 3 October 2023 and close 19 January 2024. Junior doctors recruited will start in their new positions in February 2024.

Find more information on 2024 Junior Medical Officer recruitmentlaunch on the NSW Health website.

$60 million in grants to transform plastics recycling

NSW businesses are being encouraged to apply for a grant under a new $60 million national program to transform plastic waste into valuable products.

The Australian Government’s Recycling Modernisation Fund (RMF) Plastics Technology stream will boost existing recycling infrastructure and uncover new methods of processing plastics that are difficult to recycle.

NSW businesses can apply for grants of between $1 million and $20 million per project.

There will be a focus on projects that take hard-to-recycle plastics, including soft plastics like shopping bags, bread bags and cling wrap, and recirculate them back into the economy in a safe and sustainable way.

Projects can include new infrastructure or improvements to existing machinery, equipment, technology and processes.

This program will help NSW drastically reduce its reliance on plastic and progress towards NSW’s target of tripling the recycling rate by 2030.

For further information on the program and application process visit the NSW Environment Protection Authoritylaunch.

NSW Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe said:

“NSW generates around 800,000 tonnes of plastic waste every year, but only 10% is currently recycled. This is significantly below recycling rates for all other types of waste.

“This funding aims to triple the plastic recycling rate by 2030.

“By recycling plastic, we’re not only limiting impacts on the environment, but we can also transform waste materials into valuable assets.

This Federal Government investment will support NSW to take another huge step forward towards the circular economy we’re striving for.”  

Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP said:

“Australians use about 3.8 million tonnes of plastic a year and dispose of about 2.7 million tonnes.

That’s about 50 times the weight of the Sydney Harbour Bridge being thrown out each year.

“And we’re only recycling about 13% of it.

“We can do better. That’s why we’re investing $60 million to boost Australia’s recycling and recovery rates for hard-to-recycle plastics.

“The funding will invest in exciting technologies that could help solve challenges in recycling plastic waste like soft plastics going into landfill.

“Labor is driving the transition to a circular economy by 2030. It’s good for the economy and great for the environment.”