Sneaky Albo’s secret small business tax grab

It has been revealed that the Albanese Government is secretly reaping hundreds of millions of dollars from tens of thousands of Australian businesses through a compulsory tax, the ‘Skilling Australians Fund’ levy, which should be being allocated to specific skills projects with state and territory governments but is instead being banked to Labor’s Budget bottom line.

The Skilling Australians Fund was established as an ongoing arrangement by the Coalition Government in 2017 to ensure the businesses that benefit from employing migrants also contribute to skilling Australians. It established a direct link between the levy and skills projects that have benefitted hundreds of thousands of Australians to gain in-demand skills.

If a business wants to bring in a skilled migrant they are required to pay up to between $3000 and $5000 dollars per worker once off or between $1200 and $1800 yearly through the levy. This funding is then allocated to specific skills projects to support Australians to gain training for in-demand jobs.

The Fund was managed through the National Partnership on the Skilling Australians Fund between the Commonwealth and states and territories which ran from 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2022 when it lapsed. Over a year after the agreement concluding a new agreement has not been reached.

The Albanese Government has confirmed it is still collecting money through the levy and is banking the money in to consolidated revenue.

Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Shadow Minister for Skills and Training and Shadow Minister for Small and Family Business, Sussan Ley said the revelations confirm thousands of hard-working Australian business owners are being ripped off by Anthony Albanese in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis.

“Australian business owners will be rightly outraged to know that Anthony Albanese is using a levy they pay in good faith to prop up Labor’s budget bottom line – this money is supposed to be guaranteed to go towards skilling Australians not paying for Labor’s pet projects,” the Deputy Leader said.

“The Coalition will always stand for skilling Australians, today businesses see yet again that when Labor can’t manage money, they come after yours – this is very sneaky stuff from Anthony Albanese.”

This revelation comes as the Albanese Government’s recently released review: A Migration System for Australia’s Future, refuted complaints from small businesses about the costs of the levy, arguing the levy could be “justifiably higher”.

According to official Government figures the levy raised over $73 million in the final quarter of 2022 alone and over $250 million over 2022.

Labor’s immigration mess gets worse, as they punish regional and rural Australia

Communities across regional Australia will be left without critical workers like nurses, aged care staff, teachers, mechanics, and chefs because of Labor’s changes to the visa system.

And more migrants will move to Australia’s capital cities, further worsening housing shortages and the rental crisis.

According to media reports today, Labor will allow migrants on temporary work visas to leave their jobs in rural Australia and move to the cities to work. This at a time Labor is bringing 1.5 million people into Australia over five years through their Big Australia by stealth policy.

Labor will sever the connection between migrants, the businesses that sponsor them and the regional communities in which they operate.

Labor will also index increases to the Temporary Skilled Migration Threshold, which will lock out regional and rural businesses from sponsoring skilled workers, because their costs and wages are lower due to their location.

Because of Labor, businesses that sponsor temporary workers to live and work in regional Australia expect to lose key staff, impacting their ability to operate. Labor’s changes will be a disincentive for them to sponsor skilled migrants because they will all end up in the cities.

Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Dan Tehan said Labor always made a mess of immigration.

“Labor want the 1.5 million people they are bringing to this country to all live and work in our major capital cities as part of their Big Australia by stealth policy,” Mr Tehan said.

“Labor’s changes will see Australians in regional communities lose access to key services while people living in capital cities will face higher rents, worse congestion, and more demand on government services, like hospitals and schools.

“When the local mechanic closes because they have no workers to fix cars, and the corner pub closes because they have no cooks to keep the kitchen open you can blame Labor. Why would a business spend money, time, and effort to recruit workers to fill skills shortages if that worker can leave on day one and move to the city?

“Labor isn’t listening to regional businesses and they’re not listening to regional communities. We want a better Australia not Labor’s Big Australia.”

City of Newcastle takes next step towards final stage of Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade

City of Newcastle is moving forward with the Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade, with Council to vote at its meeting next week on appointing the Principal Design Consultant to oversee designs for the pavilion buildings.

The consultant will prepare detailed proposals for the upgrade of the pavilion buildings including the heritage façade, following community input into preliminary options earlier this year.

Executive Manager Project Management Office, Robert Dudgeon said City of Newcastle will continue to engage with the community as planning progresses for the future of this much-loved public facility.

“Appointment of the Principal Design Consultant is an important next step for the project, bringing together feedback from the community and the findings of technical studies to develop more detailed options for the upgraded pavilion buildings,” Mr Dudgeon said.

“The intention is to deliver a facility that welcomes all visitors in an accessible and inclusive way, is sensitive to the site’s heritage, and resilient to coastal inundation and predicted sea level rise.

“Exploring options for community space at the Baths site is part of CN’s vision of providing an equitably distributed, sustainably managed and inclusive network of public places and spaces, as outlined in our draft Social Infrastructure Strategy.

“We will continue to engage with the Newcastle Ocean Baths Community Reference Group and the wider community throughout this process, as the designs are developed.”

Progress has also continued on construction of the renewed pool and promenade areas, with swimmers set to be back in the water this summer.

Work to restore the iconic bleacher seating is nearly complete, the new shade structure is taking shape, and finishing touches to the pool including painting the pool walls are underway.

Mr Dudgeon said that construction of the wet well area to support the new pumps had been a key focus in recent months, with the new pumps to be installed ahead of testing and commissioning before the pool is re-opened for swimming.

“The new pool deck is nearly complete, and key features such as the Art Deco curved stairs leading from the pool up to the pavilion area, and the restoration of the bleacher seating are also progressing,” he said.

“Retaining these heritage features has been a priority, with installation of the wider timber boardwalk and painting the bleachers to return the iconic teal colour to occur in coming weeks.

“We know that the baths are unique and treasured by locals and visitors. A number of methodologies and materials have been tested for restoration of the bleachers, ensuring they remain structurally sound and able to be enjoyed for many more decades to come.”

The $9.5 million recovered from the sale of City of Newcastle’s Fred Ash building is helping fund the Newcastle Ocean Baths stage one upgrade along with $3 million in funding from the NSW Government’s Public Spaces Legacy Program. The NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program is an investment in high quality public open space and delivers vital infrastructure for communities to love the place they live.

Amenities upgrade to ensure new swim season is accessible for all

Construction of a new accessible changeroom is underway at Wallsend Swimming Centre as City of Newcastle continues to enhance its public swimming pool facilities for the new season.

Swimmers will be welcomed back in the water at the city’s five inland pools on Saturday, following the earlier season re-opening of Lambton War Memorial Swimming Centre last month.

Community members will be greeted with refreshed and upgraded facilities, with safety improvements, extensive re-painting, and maintenance of the pool tiles and promenades completed across the swimming centres during the closure period.

Construction of the new accessible changeroom at Wallsend is also progressing and is expected to be completed by the end of October.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said improving access to the city’s pools was a priority under CN’s adopted Inland Pools Strategy 2043.

“City of Newcastle is committed to maintaining and investing in our network of inland swimming centres to ensure they continue to meet the expectations and evolving needs of more than 320,000 people who visit them each year,” Cr Nelmes said.

“That’s why we developed our Inland Pools Strategy 2043, which sets out an investment plan for Newcastle’s network of public swimming pools to ensure they are fit-for-purpose in the long term and made accessible to all members of the community.”

Councillor Margaret Wood, co-chair of CN’s Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee, welcomed the addition of an accessible changeroom at Wallsend Swimming Centre.

“The new changeroom at Wallsend Swimming Centre will be a welcome addition to this popular community facility. This work will ensure all five of our inland swim centres provide accessible amenities, with more work to come including hoists for access to the pools,” Cr Wood said.

City of Newcastle has invested more than $5 million upgrading and $2 million maintaining the city’s public pool network during the past few years.

Work on the new grandstand at Lambton is expected to be completed in November, while additional tiered seating structures have been installed at Lambton, Mayfield, Stockton and Wallsend Swimming Centres.

A new playground has been installed at Beresfield, with a new shade sail to enhance the comfort and enjoyment of the community out of the water, while Stockton lap swimmers will benefit from new lane ropes this swimming season.

Plans to regulate the water temperature at the Wallsend and Mayfield pools are also moving forward. City of Newcastle will increase its investment to around $1.5 million to allow for significant electrical upgrades to accommodate the heat pumps, which will be used alongside rooftop solar thermal matting to provide warmer water at the start and end of the swimming season.

Timelines for the project are subject to external approval for changes to the electrical infrastructure, however the upgrades are expected to be completed in coming months at Mayfield and early in the new year at Wallsend.

The swimming season at Mayfield, Wallsend, Stockton and Beresfield pools will run from Saturday 23 September until 28 April 2024, with Lambton remaining open until 26 May 2024. City of Newcastle lifeguards will also begin their summer season along the coastline this Saturday with patrols at Stockton Beach, Nobbys Beach, Newcastle Beach, Bar Beach, Dixon Park Beach and Merewether Beach, as well as the Merewether Ocean Baths.

Newcastle coastline to make major Air Show debut

Almost one hundred thousand spectators are expected to line Newcastle Harbour to catch a glimpse of thrilling aerial displays and flypasts as part of the Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023.

City of Newcastle has partnered with the Royal Australian Airforce (RAAF) to host the one-off event on Saturday 18 November, with a RAAF aircraft flying display at 10am to 12.30pm and again at 1.30pm to 4pm.

Port Stephens Council, Deputy Mayor, Councillor Leah Anderson, RAAF Head of Air Shows Air Commodore Micka Gray, Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and RAAF Williamtown Senior Australian Defence Force Officer, Group Captain Anthony Stainton at the Williamtown RAAF base today.

Formation and aerial displays will feature heritage and vintage aircraft like the Harvard, Winjeel, Spitfire, Mustang and Canberra in addition to flypasts from F/A-18F, EF/A-18G Super Hornet and the Growler.

City of Newcastle will host free viewing areas at Nobbys Beach, Foreshore Park and Stockton, featuring family-friendly activities to create a festival atmosphere at the free community event.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the spectacular community event was not to be missed, offering something for both die-hard aviation enthusiasts and families looking for a fun weekend out.

“City of Newcastle is proud to partner with the RAAF to deliver the Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Newcastle’s spectacular coastline will be on display for tens of thousands of visitors to see all the action over Newcastle Harbour, Nobbys Beach, Foreshore Park and Stockton.

“Attracting major events of this calibre is a testament to Newcastle’s growth as a world-class events and cultural city and indicative of a thriving local economy.

“Newcastle continues to shine as a destination and we look forward to welcoming locals and visitors to both air displays on Saturday 18 November and showcasing the diversity of what our city has to offer including its rich heritage, natural scenery and vibrant cultural scene.”

A Park and Ride facility will operate from McDonald Jones Stadium with parking available at Stockton located within an easy walk to prime vantage points.

“We encourage spectators to make the most of public transport options available to ease traffic congestion with the crowd numbers we are anticipating,” Cr Nelmes added.

A ticketed premium viewing area at Fort Scratchley will provide access to the only licenced viewing site for both air shows, with a variety of food and beverage options available to purchase. Tickets are on sale now and are restricted to patrons 18+.

Tickets to the RAAF Open Day at Williamtown on Sunday 19 November will go on sale on 1 October.

For more information about the Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023, 18 to 19 November 2023, visit www.visitnewcastle.com.au/air-show-2023 or www.airforce.gov.au/news-and-events/newcastle-williamtown-air-show-2023

High schools move to co-education following community consultation

Three new co-educational high schools will increase co-ed learning opportunities in Sydney’s eastern suburbs and Georges River area. 

From 2025, Years 7 to 12 at Randwick Boys and Girls High Schools, currently co-located on adjoining sites, will combine to form a co-educational high school in Randwick.

Also from 2025, the two single-sex campuses at Penshurst Girls and Hurstville Boys in the Georges River College will each become co-educational schools.  The years 11 to 12 Oatley Senior campus is already a co-ed school.

The decision comes after comprehensive Department of Education consultation in the eastern suburbs and Georges River school communities.

The consultations found strong support for co-education, with a majority of parents and carers supporting the change. Support from future parents was particularly strong, with three quarters of parents of primary school students in both areas stating they would prefer to send their child to a co-educational school.

In recognition of the preferences of some students and families, the co-educational schools will also provide opportunities for single-sex-focused classes and activities.

Planning will now start to prepare the current Hurstville Boys and Penshurst Girls campuses for the transition to co-education from 2025.

At Randwick, $42 million will be invested at the current adjoining sites to make the new co-educational high school a modern, fit-for-purpose facility.

The interim name for the school will be Randwick High School. A consultation process with students, parents and staff will determine the final name for the co-educational high school.

The school communities will be supported through the transition.

Separately to these community consultations, the Minns Labor Government will be providing an update in Term 4 to other communities across NSW which currently don’t have a co-ed high school option.

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

“The transition these schools to co-education reflects the preferences of the majority of parents in these local communities.

“The larger student populations will help increase the range of subjects and extracurricular opportunities for students.

“The investment in the sites will provide all students with the best possible learning environment.”

$1 million in Aboriginal cultural grants to help Close the Gap

$1 million in grants is now open for Aboriginal Community Organisations to apply to stage events and activities that celebrate and promote traditional and contemporary expressions of Aboriginal culture. Grants from $500 to $20,000 are on offer over two rounds. 

The grants program is just one of the key initiatives funded in the first Minns Labor Budget with $131.4 million over the next four years to support the continued implementation of the co-developed Closing the Gap initiatives.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said the program would help deliver a key priority of the Closing the Gap agreement that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people enjoy high levels of social and emotional wellbeing.

“Closing the Gap is a key priority of the Minns Labor Government and confirmed in our first budget. This program is essential in creating in creating a sense of belonging, wellbeing and healing with Aboriginal communities in NSW and I am proud to support it,” Mr Harris said.

“Aboriginal communities will be able to come together to share cultural knowledge and skills between generations and that is something to be supported and celebrated.”

The previous Cultural Grants program in the financial year 2022/23 supported 91 projects across NSW, totalling just over $1.5 million in funding.

“Previous events and activities funded under the Program have been as varied and vibrant as the communities they represent,” Mr Harris said.

“From digital installations showcasing Aboriginal history, to camps connecting young people to culture, to events honouring the achievements of community members – the opportunities to celebrate culture, community and country are endless.”

The Program will be delivered in two rounds of $500,000. Round 1 closes on 9 October 2023 and Round 2 opens from 15 January 2024 to 26 February 2024.

Applicants can apply anytime from 28 August 2023 via the online grants program Smarty Grantslaunch

For more information visit the Aboriginal Affairs websitelaunch or contact the Aboriginal Affairs Cultural Investments team on grants@aboriginalaffairs.nsw.gov.aulaunch

Pipeline of skilled workers secured as $93.5 million invested in hiring 1000 new apprentices and trainees

One thousand new apprentices and trainees will soon have jobs as the Minns Labor government commits $93.5 million to building a pipeline of skilled workers for NSW.

This initiative is part of the NSW Government’s plan to tackle skills gaps in the state’s economy in priority industries, including in critical services of transport, electricity, water, IT and cyber security.

The program involves NSW Government departments, state-owned corporations, and other public service employers looking for opportunities to hire 500 apprentices and 500 trainees. This will include those who already hire apprentices and trainees, as well as those who have not traditionally taken on those workers.

This vital $93.5 million investment through the 2023-2024 NSW Budget marks the delivery of an election commitment and is part of the Minns Labor government’s long-term plan to rebuild the essential services.

The government has a clear focus on responsibly managing finances to provide opportunities where people need them most, to improve the essential services, now and into the future.

Training Services NSW will work alongside TAFE NSW and other quality training providers to ensure apprentices and trainees are highly-qualified and can meet the needs of their employers.

All 1000 apprentices and trainees will join the NSW Government workforce by mid-2026.

Hiring early career, or upskilling mid-career workers, will ensure the government has access to a talented pool of workers in a competitive labour market.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“It is vital the NSW Government is plugging skills gaps, including with hardworking apprentices and trainees.

“Our government is focused on building a strong workforce to deliver essential services for our community.

“This includes delivering on our election commitment to make sure we recruit 1000 apprentices and trainees in fields where they are needed.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Prue Car said:

“It is so wonderful there will be an opportunity for 1000 people to get a job as an apprentice or trainee with the NSW Government.

“Choosing a traineeship or an apprenticeship is an important path to a career and this announcement creates more certainty in training and upskilling workers across the state.

“This initiative will see apprentices and trainees given a leg up in their career, and I look forward to seeing these apprentices working across NSW.”

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:

“We’re building up our state’s transport sector by delivering on the Minns Labor government’s commitment to deliver more trainees and apprenticeships.

“Encouraging public sector organisations like Sydney Trains to train and upskill their workforces, locks in our state’s next generation of mechanics, engineers and frontline staff and sets our network up for the future.”

NSW Government investing in Sydney koalas

$80 million is being invested by the NSW Government to protect koalas and secure their habitat in south-west Sydney.

The 2023-24 NSW Budget provides $48 million to help establish a new national park along the Georges River between Long Point and Appin, which will eventually cover up to 1830 hectares. The suburbs of Long Point, Ingleburn, Minto Heights, Kentlyn, Airds, St Helens Park, Gilead and Appin will host the new park.

The investment will accelerate the addition of more than 1000 hectares of public land to the NSW national park system within the next 3 years. The transfer and reservation of these lands will deliver long-lasting conservation benefits for Sydney’s largest and one of the state’s healthiest koala populations.

The NSW Government is also providing $26 million to create koala-friendly crossings in south-west Sydney. Two will allow animals to cross below Appin Road, and a third will cross a canal.

$5.7 million will go towards koala care in the Macarthur area, to look after local populations of the iconic animal.

This $80 million dollar package for koalas in south-west Sydney is part of the new $172 million investment by the NSW Government for the conservation of koalas in the wild.

Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe said:

“Koalas are Australia’s most iconic animal and need connected habitat to have any future in Sydney.

“The NSW Government is delivering on its commitment to protect koala habitat in the city’s south-west, which is home to the only disease-free koala population in the Sydney basin.

“Establishing a national park and putting more money into infrastructure to keep koalas safe around roads will ensure generations to come will still be able to see koalas in the wild.”

Member for Macquarie Fields Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“I’m proud to be part of a government taking action to protect and conserve the healthy koala population in our region. This is a special part of our community and it’s something worth safeguarding for the future.

“We’re acting on our commitment to the environment and to keeping our koalas safe, healthy and protected.”

Member for Campbelltown Greg Warren said:

“Koalas are a much-loved part of the Campbelltown community. I know local conservation organisations have been concerned about this population, and today’s announcement gives them and the rest of the community confidence.

“Investing in road crossings and securing habitat is a win for the conservation of koalas. Once they’re gone, they’re gone forever, and we’re taking action now to save them.”

Member for Camden Sally Quinnell said:

“The NSW Budget commitment to create a national park in and around Camden will go a long way to securing our koala population and the green spaces they rely on.

“It will reduce fragmentation of bushland, allowing them to move freely along the edge of the Georges River.”

$600,000 in grant funding to keep seniors connected

NSW seniors will have more opportunities for social activities and learning new skills thanks to a $600,000 NSW Government initiative.

Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said the Connecting Seniors grant program would fund projects aimed at engaging older people and keeping them engaged with their communities.

“These grants support activities which can provide a social lifeline for seniors, especially those who live alone,” Minister Harrison said.

“Our population is growing older and we want to make sure our seniors age well by providing opportunities for them to socialise while enjoying engaging experiences.”

The grant program, which opens today, is divided into 3 categories.

Not-for-profit community organisations can apply for:

  • Category 1: Creation grants for new projects, with $20,000 awarded to 5 innovative projects with an overall value of $100,000.
  • Category 2: Enhancement and/or expansion grants for existing projects, with $30,000 each for 10 different organisations with an overall value of $300,000.

Local councils are only able to apply for:

  • Category 3: Local council grants for local council projects, with $40,000 each for 5 different councils with an overall value of $200,000.

The Connecting Seniors grant program builds on previous grants, which have been proven to reduce social isolation for thousands of seniors in NSW.

Some grant-funded initiatives include a family history research project, dancing lessons, art classes and wellness workshops.

“I am looking forward to seeing what fantastic ideas evolve from the Connecting Seniors grant program and I encourage eligible organisations to apply,” Minister Harrison added.

The Connecting Seniors grant program delivers on the Ageing Well in NSW: Seniors Strategy 2021-2031, with the government committed to creating a more inclusive community and addressing isolation and loneliness.

Grant applications will close on 25 October. Successful projects will commence in early 2024.

For more information go to Connecting Seniors grant program.