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Get set for NSW Small Business Month in October

The seventh NSW Small Business Month will be held in October 2023 and will feature hundreds of events to support small businesses.

Local business chambers, industry associations, not-for-profits and local councils are invited to apply now for a grant to host an event, or they can apply to be a Small Business Month collaboration partner.

This comes as the NSW Government continues to support small business across NSW, having committed to:

developing the NSW Business Bureau, to provide businesses with a direct line to the NSW Government to address key issues affecting the sector.
creating the NSW Small Business Charter, to enshrine our commitments to small business in legislation.
increasing local investment, raising the local small business procurement targets for government from 12% to 30%.

The theme of this Small Business Month is “My Small Business”, with events tailored to help small business owners and operators learn new skills and strategies to improve their business across seven key areas:

My Small Business Brand
My Small Business Cyber Security
My Small Business Health
My Small Business Online
My Small Business Resilience
My Small Business Team
My Small Business Trade.

Small Business Month events are held across the cities, regions and online, featuring business experts from the private and government sectors, industry leaders and successful small business owners. Many events are also an opportunity for small-business people to come together, connect and collaborate.

Grants to fund the hosting of events are decided through a merit-based, competitive selection process. The collaboration partner program is open to all organisations provided they deliver a suitable event or Small Business Month promotion.

Grant applications close on 1 August 2023 and collaboration partnership applications close on 6 October 2023.

To start an application and for more information visit smallbusinessmonth.nsw.gov.aulaunch

Minister for Small Business Steve Kamper said:

“Today, 27 June, is International Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Day, an appropriate day to launch grants for NSW Small Business Month.”

“NSW small businesses employ 1.7 million people and generate $465 billion a year in sales and services income. Small Business Month is a unique opportunity for them to hear from a range of experts and leaders on how to make their business better.”

“As someone who has run a small business and represented small businesses throughout my commercial career, I know the importance of good information and advice.”

“I encourage organisations large and small to support our small business sector by participating in Small Business Month 2023.”

Opposition call on government to answer key questions

The Opposition has called on the Premier and the Police Minister to provide a full explanation of the many inconsistencies and gaps that have emerged since the community first learned about the tasering of a 95-year-old grandmother.

The Opposition have given notice in Parliament today calling on the Government to release communications between the Premier, Minister for Police, NSW Police and public officials that were being exchanged at the time.

Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said “today in Question Time the Police Minister deflected, dissembled and refused to answer direct questions about her actions as the Minister”.

“The Police Minister has repeatedly failed to provide any transparency and give the public any confidence that she is on top of this situation or her portfolio,” said Mr Speakman.

“Her Excellency the Governor told police graduates last week that ’public trust in the police serves as the bedrock of its legitimacy’. However, the Police Minister is currently undermining that trust by failing to exercise her responsibilities as Minister as she continues to avoid questions and any scrutiny into her actions,” said Shadow Police Minister Paul Toole.

The Government must immediately answer the following questions:

1. If the Police Minister’s explanation for why it took so long to inform the public is that the family needed to be told, why did it take a further 19 hours after the family met the Critical Incident Team before a release about the use of a taser was issued?

2. Why did the Minister mislead the public and Parliament by failing to share this information?

3. Had the aged care facility or the police already informed the family of the incident before the meeting with the Critical Incident Team? If so, when did the Minister and police know this and why was the use of a taser not then disclosed to the public?

4. As the Minister has admitted to being briefed about the incident on 17 May, why did she ignore her duty to correct the public record when the police media release stated that no further information was available?

5. What efforts did the Minister make to keep herself up to date with developments after the original briefing on 17 May?

6. When did the Minister know the family had been informed? What steps did she take or what enquiries did she make after that, to ensure the public were told as soon as possible?

7. What knowledge did the Premier and his office have, and what role did they play, in communications to the public about the incident?

Local manufacturing policy all spin, no substance and a broken promise

The Opposition has called out today’s ferry announcement as another broken promise, saying it falls short of the Labor Government’s commitment to build public transport vehicles in NSW.

Earlier this year, Transport Minister Jo Haylen said Labor’s ‘Made in NSW’ domestic manufacturing policy meant that “We need to build our trains, trams, buses and ferries right here.”

The announcement that the ferries will now be built in Tasmania is clearly yet another embarrassing broken promise by the Labor Government.

Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward said “Firstly, this investment in providing world-class public transport services was secured under the former Liberal and Nationals Government.”

Shadow Minister Ward continued, “This is a great deal for Tasmanian workers, but workers in NSW are getting shafted by a Premier who is now sending jobs he promised them to another state.”

“Manufacturing elements of the Sydney Ferry fleet in Tasmania is not a revolutionary step in domestic manufacturing, the previous Government utilised the capability during our time in office.” Mrs Ward said.

In 2015 the Liberals and Nationals Government awarded Incat Tasmania a contract to build six new ferries in its Hobart Shipyard.

In addition, in 2020 the Liberals and Nationals Government announced three new Emerald class ferries were to be completed in Port Macquarie with 70% Australian content for the ferries including all the design, procurement, engineering, and project management for the project.

“This announcement is a smokescreen by the Government to cover up for the facts that they haven’t delivered on their election commitments and can’t guarantee when the jobs they promised will be available.” Mrs Ward said.

AUSTRALIA PLEDGES FURTHER SUPPORT TO UKRAINE

The Australian Government will provide a new $110 million assistance package to Ukraine. This assistance will help Ukraine defend and support itself against Russia’s illegal, immoral and unprovoked invasion.

Australia has stood with Ukraine since Russia’s brutal invasion 16 months ago. We are continuing to work with the government of Ukraine to provide assistance that addresses Ukraine’s needs and complements support provided by our partners. This package responds to Ukraine’s requests for vehicles and ammunition, and will make a tangible difference on the battlefield. It includes:

70 military vehicles, including: 28 M113 armoured vehicles, 14 Special Operations Vehicles, and 28 MAN 40M medium trucks and 14 trailers.
Supply of 105mm artillery ammunition.
$10 million to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, who manage the Ukrainian Humanitarian Fund, to help meet needs for shelter, health services, clean water and sanitation.

Ukrainian families, the elderly and children have borne a terrible cost from Russia’s invasion. Australia’s $10 million contribution to the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund will support their needs.

In addition, Australia will extend duty-free access for goods imported from Ukraine for a further 12 months, to support its recovery and trade opportunities.

These commitments announced today bring Australia’s total contribution in support of Ukraine to $790 million, including $610 million in military assistance.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“This latest package of support demonstrates that Ukraine can count on Australia.

“We support international efforts to ensure Putin’s aggression fails and that Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity prevails.

“Australia is unwavering in our resolve to condemn and oppose Russia’s actions and to help Ukraine achieve victory.”

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said:

“Ukraine has demonstrated strength, resilience and courage in defending against Russia’s unjust invasion. Australia is proud to be one of the largest non-NATO contributors in support of Ukraine, and will continue to support Ukraine to end the war on its own terms.

“Ukraine has highlighted the utility of Australian vehicles on the battlefield.

“This package will continue to support Ukrainians on the front line.”

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said:

“We pay tribute to the extraordinary courage and resolve of the Ukrainian people, and stand with them.

“Ukrainian families, children and the elderly have borne a terrible cost from Russia’s invasion, and Australia is providing funding to support them.

“Russia cannot be allowed to infringe upon another country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

World-leading First Nations health infrastructure for University of Newcastle

Newcastle will be the home of new world-leading medical research infrastructure to help close the gap in health outcomes for First Nations people, thanks to $3 million in funding from the Albanese Government.

The innovative project from the University of Newcastle, in partnership with the Lowitja Institute, will help ensure culturally safe health and medical research for First Nations people, by establishing a national ethics committee to provide advice and guidance on future research projects.

The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research Human Ethics Committee will be co-designed with First Nations people to ensure Indigenous Australians have a say in the research projects that affect them.

The project is spearheaded by Wiradjuri woman and NHMRC Early Career Research Fellow, Associate Professor Michelle Kennedy.

The funding is part of the National Critical Research Infrastructure Initiative, a 10-year, $650 million Australian Government investment from the Medical Research Future Fund. The Initiative funds facilities, equipment, systems and services that support world-class health and medical research.

Minister Butler said:

“We cannot close the gap in life expectancy and health outcomes, unless we consult First Nations people about the policies – and research projects – that affect them.”

“Better outcomes come through consultation, and the co-design process that the University of Newcastle will undertake in developing a dedicated First Nations ethics committee will lead to better outcomes.”

“The Albanese Government is supporting innovative research to help improve the health of all Australians.”

Sharon Claydon MP, federal Member for Newcastle said:

“The University of Newcastle has always punched well above its weight when it comes to world-leading research and this innovative study is further proof of that.”

“I’m delighted to see our talented researchers recognised by the Medical Research Future Fund, further cementing Newcastle as the home of innovative health and medical research.”

“This funding is testament to the extraordinary work of Michelle Kennedy and her team to deliver health research that’s appropriate, engaging and meaningful for First Nations people.”

Associate Professor Michelle Kennedy, Assistant Dean Indigenous Strategy & Leadership, University of Newcastle said:

“All research involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be deemed safe and respectful by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”

“All research involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled health ethical approvals. However, there is limited state-based infrastructure and no national infrastructure to support this.”

“This project will use a co-design process to establish the much-needed body and contribute to transformative change in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.”

Grant details:

$2,925,197 – Establishing a National Aboriginal Health Research Human Ethics Committee

This project will use a co-design process to establish a National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research Human Ethics Committee to help improve health outcomes for First Nations people by streamlining culturally safe health and medical research.

Institute: The University of Newcastle

Humanitarian support to Myanmar and Bangladesh

The Australian Government will provide an additional $12.5 million to meet urgent humanitarian needs in Bangladesh and Myanmar following Tropical Cyclone Mocha.

Tropical Cyclone Mocha caused widespread damage across Myanmar and Bangladesh when it struck on 14 May, affecting an estimated 2.4 million people and compounding an already serious humanitarian situation.

In Myanmar, Australia will provide $10.5 million to support 1.6 million affected people, through the United Nations-led response plan. This assistance will be provided to UN agencies and humanitarian partners to ensure that it does not directly benefit or legitimise the military regime.

In Bangladesh, Australia will provide $2 million to humanitarian partners, primarily to support Bangladeshi communities in the most severely affected areas.

This brings Australia’s contribution towards the Tropical Cyclone Mocha relief efforts to $13.5 million, following Australia’s initial $1 million contribution. Our initial support focused on the rapid delivery of humanitarian supplies and impact assessments.

The additional contributions build on our ongoing support for the humanitarian response in Myanmar and Bangladesh, now totalling $145 million in 2022-23.

We continue to urge the military regime in Myanmar to provide safe and unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance.

Demerit point return scheme to reward safe drivers, sooner

More than 1.7 million drivers will be eligible to have a demerit point scrubbed from their licence record as the NSW Government’s trial to encourage safer driving comes into effect six months sooner than flagged.

Drivers who have maintained a clean record since January 17 this year will need to continue that spotless behaviour until January 17 next year to qualify to have a demerit point removed from their record.

Announced during the state election, the trial had originally been slated to start on July 1, but the Minns Government is determined to allow drivers who do the right the chance to shed a demerit point sooner.

Transport for NSW will take a ‘snapshot’ of the demerit point register as it stood on January 17 this year – the day the initiative was announced – to identify all unrestricted and professional licence holders with active demerit points recorded against them.

Under the 12-month trial, eligible motorists who have at least one demerit point on their record from January 17 but remain offence-free for 12 months to January 17, 2024, will have one demerit point removed from their driving record. It normally takes three years for a demerit point to be expunged.

It is expected to take about three months to finalise offences, so eligible driver will start seeing one demerit point removed from their records starting in mid-April 2024.

Learner and provisional licence holders are not included in the trial given they are subject to strict conditions of the Graduated Licensing Scheme.

NSW Premier Chris Minns, said:

“Reducing the road toll and rewarding safe driving across the state is the aim of this trial and we hope it gives drivers that little bit of extra incentive to achieve a spotless record.”

“It’s time we put safety back at the centre of our road rules, not revenue raising.”

“This is an appropriate way for good drivers to earn a point back.”

“Our message couldn’t be clearer: drive safely and you’ll get a point scrubbed from your licence. The more people who qualify for a point, the safer our roads.”

Minister for Roads, John Graham, said:

“Drivers in NSW are very much used to the stick approach, so this demerit trial is an important carrot for them to maintain a clean record over a 12-month period to the benefit of all motorists, pedestrians, and communities.”

“Under the previous government, there were almost a million demerit points on records, yet the road toll was rising. Now is the time to try the carrot approach and reward good behaviour.”

“We need everyone to work together to create a safer driving environment and ultimately push road trauma to zero.”

“The 12-month trial will be closely examined to assess its impact on road safety and the effectiveness of the demerit point changes.”

VALE SIMON CREAN

I am deeply saddened and shocked by the sudden death of Simon Crean during a work visit to Europe. Simon Crean gave a lifetime of service to his nation, and in particular to the labour movement.

Simon rose from leadership in the Storemen and Packers Union to ACTU President, and then to a distinguished parliamentary career as the member for Hotham, Cabinet Minister in the Hawke, Keating, Rudd and Gillard Governments, and leader of the Federal Parliamentary Labor Party.

Simon’s many achievements in portfolios that ranged from trade to employment, from primary industries and energy to the arts, were characterised by a focus on the national interest, engagement with stakeholders, and always acting with principle and determination.

The common threads running through his long career were his courage and his principled action, qualities that came so powerfully to the fore when he opposed the Iraq War. Yet his opposition to the war was backed by his unwavering respect for the members of the Australian Defence Force, a respect he showed when he went to address the troops ahead of their deployment.

History has vindicated Simon’s judgment, but at the time his stance was deeply counter to the prevailing political and media climate.

Simon retained his abiding sense of humanity, and he was respected by all who had the privilege of working or interacting with him.

After Parliament, Simon continued to work for Australia’s interests, most notably as chairman of the European Australian Business Council.

Simon was a great servant of the Labor Party and of the broader labour movement. Above all he was a thoroughly decent human being who was kind, generous and always of good humour. This brought him respect across the political spectrum.

As Labor Leader, I benefitted from Simon Crean’s advice and wisdom. I will greatly miss engaging with him.

The hearts of all of us in the Labor family go out to Simon’s beloved wife Carole and to all of his family and thousands of friends.

May Simon rest in peace.

Crucial rental reforms pass the Parliament

The passage of the Rental Fairness Bill means the Minns Labor Government has:

Closed existing loopholes and extended the ban on soliciting rental bids so it applies to third-party platforms and owners, not just real estate agents,
Empowered the NSW Rental Commissioner to gather pricing data from agents, allowing them to advocate for renters and provide quality advice to government, and;
The powers needed to get on with designing and implementing a portable bond scheme that will deliver significant financial relief to renters.

After 12 years without a voice, the Government has heard renters and is acting to boost their rights and deliver relief.

When designed and in place, a portable bonds scheme will deliver critical financial relief to renters by making sure they don’t have to pay twice.

Closing loopholes and providing the NSW Rental Commissioner with the powers needed to find solutions across government will pave the way for further action.

Aside from rental reforms, the Minns Government is taking steps to increase housing supply across the state and ease pressure on the rental market, including creating a pathway for faster planning decisions and incentives for developers to include affordable housing in their plans.

The NSW Government has also begun an audit into surplus public land that could be rezoned for housing, it has included housing supply in the Sydney Metro review and the Government will establish a Building Commission to make sure NSW is building good quality, affordable homes.

Minister for Fair Trading and Better Regulation Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“Our focus is on getting the balance right with responsible reforms that deliver better rights for renters and changes to get new homes built to drive down rents.

“In the existing system, a renter paying $550 per week faces a bond cost of $2,200 if they want to move.

“A portable bonds scheme will end the system that sees the average renter forced to spend the equivalent of 11 weeks’ groceries to move from home A to home B.

“Today’s reforms are the first step, not the last. We’re already working on the next tranche of changes to deliver relief, including making it easier to have pets in rentals and ending no-grounds evictions.”

Minns Government lowers poker machine entitlements in NSW, reduces cash feed-in limit on new machines

The NSW Government has reduced the number of poker machines able to be operated in the state by more than 3000.

The NSW Government is delivering on its ongoing commitment to gaming reform, reducing gambling harm and preventing money laundering.

Under regulation, pubs and clubs need to have sufficient gaming machine entitlements to legally operate poker machines, and these entitlements can be traded between venues.

The government has lowered the state’s cap on poker machines entitlements available to pubs and clubs across NSW by more than 3000, limiting it to entitlements currently in circulation.

The Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority has also approved a tenfold decrease in the cash feed-in limit for all new poker machines entering service from 1 July.

The new limit will be $500, down from $5000, reflecting the government’s pre-election commitment.

These announcements follow on from the government’s ban on external signage for gaming rooms, which will come into effect on 1 September 2023.

Venues have until then to remove signs like ‘Dragon’s Den’, ‘VIP Lounge’ or other names that allude to gambling.

The government has also already passed legislation that bans political parties accepting financial donations from clubs with gaming machines from 1 July 2023.

Prior to the election, the NSW Government committed to a number of changes to curb gambling harm and prevent money laundering, including:

increasing the forfeiture of gaming machines entitlements
implementing a cashless gaming trial of 500 machines
establishing an independent panel to oversee the cashless gaming trial.

For more information about gaming machine entitlements (GME), visit Liquor and Gaming NSWlaunch.

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

“We promised the people of NSW that we’d reform the gaming sector in a way that reduced gambling harm while future-proofing the industry.

“One of these commitments was to reduce the number of poker machines in this state – and this is an important step forward.

“Further down the track, we’ll also be changing the GME forfeiture scheme so that for every 2 entitlements traded, 1 will be forfeited – which will see numbers drop at a faster rate.

“It’s important that as we navigate through these changes, we engage with industry so that we can ensure vibrancy of our hospitality and gaming industries.”