Families set to save with voucher swap scheme

Parents will have more choice when it comes to cost of living support thanks to the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s Active Kids and Creative Kids voucher swap initiative.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said families would be able to use the two vouchers interchangeably from Term 2, letting kids do more of what they love.

“Our Active Kids and Creative Kids vouchers have been incredibly popular with parents across the state, with almost 7 million vouchers already downloaded and redeemed saving families $694 million,” Mr Perrottet said.

“We want to give our kids the opportunity to do more of the things they love the most, which is why we’re making our voucher program more flexible to better suit each family’s needs.

“Only a Liberal and Nationals Government can take pressure off family budgets thanks to our long-term economic plan to keep our state moving forward.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the change would allow families to lean in to the activities their kids loved.

“Whether it’s playing netball, footy or the violin, we want kids to be able to extract the most out of every day. Helping families with costs like these means they can focus on seeing their kids grow and kick goals, no matter what they love doing,” Mr Toole said.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said families across the State could use the digital voucher in just a few clicks through the Service NSW app.

“Under a re-elected NSW Liberal and Nationals Government, parents will be able to switch an unused Active Kids voucher for a Creative Kids voucher, or vice versa,” Mr Dominello said.

“This is all part of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s commitment to supporting families with more than 70 waysto save across the Savings Finder program.”

The voucher swap program will commence from the start of Term 2 (26 April) and only apply to:

· $100 Active Kids voucher for sport and recreation costs including school holiday programs.

· $100 Creative Kids voucher for arts and cultural activities costs including school holiday classes and workshops.

Families can download their child’s vouchers via the Service NSW app or website and by calling 13 77 88.

For further information, visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/services/concessions-rebates-and-assistance/vouchers

$1.2B boost for hospitals and health facilities

A re-elected Liberal and Nationals Government will inject $1.2 billion in critical health infrastructure to build and upgrade 20 hospitals and health facilities, providing a major boost to communities right across state.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said this investment would improve the quality of healthcare facilities delivered across the state.

“Since 2011, the Liberal and Nationals have delivered more than 180 health infrastructure projects across NSW, with more than 130 projects currently underway,” Mr Perrottet said.

“This major $1.2 billion investment will see a further 20 hospitals and health facilities built or upgraded right across the state, future-proofing our health system and ensuring our communities continue to have access to world-class healthcare.

“As part of this investment, $260 million will be allocated for stage two of the Concord Hospital redevelopment, which is already transforming patient care in Sydney’s inner west following the completion of stage one earlier last year.

“These critical investments in health infrastructure are only possible thanks to the Liberal and Nationals long-term economic plan to keep our state moving forward.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government had driven the biggest investment in regional hospitals and health services in the State’s history to deliver better care closer to home.

“With these new projects in the pipeline, we are on track to have built or upgraded more than 150 hospitals and health services in the regions by 2027 including in some of our most remote communities like Wentworth and Buronga,” Mr Toole said.

“At the last election, Labor threw everything at blocking the new $723.3 million Tweed Valley Hospital, the single largest hospital project ever seen in regional NSW. The Liberal and Nationals knew it is what the community needed and look where we are now – on track for it to be treating patients later this year. Labor can’t be trusted when it comes to regional health.”

Regional Health Minister Bronnie Taylor said only a re-elected Liberal and Nationals Government can guarantee that regional health projects are delivered.

“While Labor plan on dumping the Regional Health portfolio, the NSW Liberal and Nationals in Government are focused on improving health outcomes for our regional, rural and remote communities,” Mrs Taylor said.

“It is only the NSW Liberal and Nationals that are committed to future-proofing health care in the bush – that is our track record. We will continue to ensure our rural and regional communities have the health facilities they need and deserve.

“We are also investing in our workforce, with regional communities reaping the rewards of our $883 million incentive scheme. Thousands of health workers have taken up the package and they will be the ones working in our new hospitals and health facilities that are being delivered by this government.”

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said since 2011, the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has more than tripled Labor’s previous annual health infrastructure spend.

“These world class facilities are only as good as the people who work there, which is why last year we also announced the largest workforce boost in the nation’s history of 10,148 staff for our metropolitan and rural/regional hospitals,” Mr Hazzard said.

“The physical surroundings in which you spend your working life can be an important source of job satisfaction, productivity and wellbeing but especially so for health staff.

“Building new health facilities plays a big part in helping to attract and retain health workers and ensuring better health outcomes for patients.

“Unlike Labor, every hospital and health facility that our Government has promised to build, has been delivered or is in progress and planning.”

The $1.2 billion investment includes $260 million to deliver stage two of the Concord Hospital redevelopment, and $243 million for two new integrated health hubs recently announced for south west Sydney, which will help ease pressures on local hospitals by providing many of the same services closer to home.

It also includes $114 million announced for the Manning Base Hospital redevelopment, $66 million for a major upgrade of the Warren Multipurpose Service and $7.5 million for improved health services at Milton-Ulladulla Hospital.

#CRACKINGTHECODE this NSW Women’s Week

Raising awareness about menopause, more opportunities for regional and rural women, and promoting careers for young women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) are among the issues being tackled this NSW Women’s Week.

Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said this year’s theme is #CrackingTheCode, with the focus on promoting gender equality and celebrating the social, cultural and political achievements of women.

“The 2023 NSW Women’s Week is an important celebration of women from every corner of NSW. So many incredible women and girls call NSW home, and this week we are putting their achievements in the spotlight,” Mrs Taylor said.

“Driving forward gender equality is pivotal for the future of NSW and we are leading the country with the delivery of the biggest blueprint in the state’s history to level the playing field for women, investing $16.5 billion over 10 years to empower women’s economic opportunities and child development.”

The 2023 NSW Women’s Week is set to be the biggest ever, with events including a Menopause Mixer, One to Watch Awards, Engineering Your Future Summit, and a networking event for women from regional and rural NSW.

Mrs Taylor said women from all ages and walks of life will be celebrated in the schedule of events.

“The NSW Liberals and Nationals are committed to supporting women through every lifestage – from the introduction of a universal pre-Kindergarten year, free menstrual hygiene products in every NSW public school, making it easier and more affordable to have IVF, helping women enter and re-enter the workforce, supporting small business owners and entrepreneurs, to raising awareness about menopause – we are here with you,” Mrs Taylor said.

“We know that women thrive, everyone thrives.”

NSW Women’s Week runs from Monday, 6 March to Sunday, 12 March. International Women’s Day is on 8 March and the NSW Women of the Year Awards is on 9 March.

45 organisations across NSW have received $200,000 in funding from the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government to host events during NSW Women’s Week.

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is committed to supporting women’s economic opportunities, health and wellbeing, and participation and empowerment.

For more information about events in your area this NSW Women’s Week, please visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/womens-week

MINISTER OPENS NEW MUSWELLBROOK GREYHOUND FACILITY 

The Minister for Hospitality and Racing the Hon. Kevin Anderson has today officially opened the new multi-million dollar Muswellbrook Greyhound Racing facility in the NSW Upper Hunter Valley.

The Minister, the Member for the Upper Hunter David Layzell, and Greyhound Racing NSW Chief Executive Officer Rob Macaulay attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil the upgraded facility – including latest safety measures – to enable imminent TAB race meetings.

“Muswellbrook is a greyhounds heartland and this funding will ensure the long-term success of the club and the health and safety of greyhounds,” Mr Anderson said of the $1.2 million investment the NSW Government has made to the project through the Capital Grants Fund.

“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has worked hand in hand with the greyhound industry to support track upgrades, including the one at Muswellbrook.

“I first visited the track back in 2021 and the club was concerned about the future of greyhound racing in the region. There was a real risk that the doors would close on Muswellbrook greyhound racing.

“How far we have come in the last two years. I know that Muswellbrook is buzzing with excitement at the return of TAB quality race meets here in the Upper Hunter.

“Right across Regional NSW there are major track safety upgrades being delivered in places like, Gosford, Gunnedah, Goulburn, Kempsey and Grafton, with more to come. The support for these safety measures has meant NSW is leading the way in greyhound safety and welfare management.”

GRNSW purchased the track from the Greyhound Breeders, Owners & Trainers Association back in 2021 with the target of rebuilding the facility, and the focus of the rebuild at Muswellbrook – as it is with all track upgrades – has been firmly on safety.

Among the work conducted at the track has been a full refurbishment with the remediation and re-profiling of the track and the turf surface, a new safety rail, safety padding on the turns and in the catching pen, and the installation of a Safechase lure system has all been installed.

The kennels have new insulation and air conditioning installed, new starting boxes and new synthetic mats at the boxes are in place, and a new swabbing bay and stewards’ room have been built.

Mr Macaulay said the new track is something Hunter locals can be proud of, as a venue and economic driver for the region.

“Muswellbrook is the latest major investment into track facilities in the State. The strong support of the NSW Government, Minister Anderson and local MP Dave Layzell have made this possible,” Mr Macaulay said.  

“We are all excited about what it means to the Upper Hunter. We estimate the facility will bring an additional $20 million into the Muswellbrook economy, and 20 additional jobs.

“This is what greyhound racing does within local communities, it supports livelihoods of participants and flow on benefits throughout the towns.

“The reason why we are investing in these tracks around the State is to bring all of our racetracks up to the safest standard for our greyhounds, and we have done exactly that here at Muswellbrook.

“The safety and welfare of our animal is paramount and that is not just rhetoric.”

Mr Macaulay said the first TAB meeting at Muswellbrook, which had earlier been scheduled for March 11, would be rescheduled.

“Unfortunately nature has intervened, and the grass laid on the track has not completely knitted,” he said. “It’s one of those things out of our control, but as a result, because the track isn’t yet 100% ready, we will not compromise for the sake of scheduling. I look forward to announcing the new date shortly.”

Mr Macaulay also pointed out that it hasn’t been and won’t be just industry participants who have benefited from the rebuild of the Muswellbrook track.

“The local community will see an influx into the economy from those coming to race, and, as part of a new GRNSW policy initiated last year, local suppliers are the preferred supplies for work,” he said.

“Among the works which local suppliers have been used for, include track and turf including ongoing maintenance, kennels, wash bays and the tower, consultancy, irrigation and onsite security.”

The completion of the upgrade at Muswellbrook will offer participants another state-of-the-art venue in the region to race at, as well as The Gardens in Newcastle and the Maitland track.

Man missing from Lake Macquarie area found safe and well 

A man reported missing from the Lake Macquarie area has been located safe and well.

The 59-year-old was last seen by a friend at West Wallsend about 9.20pm yesterday (Friday 3 March 2023).

When he didn’t return home and could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Following a public appeal and a geotargeting message sent to the West Wallsend area, the man has been located safe and well at West Wallsend.

Police would like to thank the public and the media for its assistance.

A SERIOUS PLAN FOR SUPER COULD FUND DOUBLING RENT ASSISTANCE

The Greens have called on the government to strengthen their proposed superannuation plan to meaningfully address wealth inequality and fund measures to address the cost of living crisis by preventing people from accessing any superannuation tax concessions above $1.9m, the current level of the transfer balance cap originally set by then Treasurer Scott Morrison.

Costings by the PBO show that the Greens’ plan would raise $54.6 billion over the next decade, which could be a down payment on raising income support above the poverty line or pay for an immediate doubling of Commonwealth Rent Assistance.

Senator Nick McKim, Greens Economic Justice Spokesperson said:

“Labor’s minimalistic plan is not enough to curb wealth inequality, especially if they do not ditch the Stage 3 tax cuts.

“Fiddling at the margins on superannuation tax concessions while proceeding with Stage 3 tax cuts is just a money-go-round scheme for the rich.

“Labor is basically proposing to rob Peter to pay Peter.

“The transfer balance cap – introduced by Scott Morrison – makes it clear that people do not need public handouts once they have $1.9m in superannuation.

“The Greens want Labor to eliminate all superannuation tax concessions above $1.9m.

“If Labor gets real about tackling inequality, we can raise serious money to help address the cost of living crisis, like ending handouts to the top 1% to fund an increase in income support or doubling rent assistance.

“Our plan would only affect the top 1%, but it would start earlier, and tax twice as many people twice as hard as Labor’s.

“Instead of waiting until 2025, our proposal would take effect from 1 July this year.

“We also urge Labor to direct revenue from curbing these concessions towards helping those who need it most.

Senator Janet Rice, Greens spokesperson for Community affairs said:

“People with more than $1.9m of superannuation don’t also need massive tax breaks. People are doing it really tough and we need to make sure government help is going to the people who need it most.

“There are more people sleeping rough every night in this country than there are people impacted by Labor’s super plan. This money could be a down payment on increasing social security payments above the poverty line.”

Assistance to Vanuatu

The Australian Government will deploy a rapid assessment team to survey cyclone damage at the request of the Government of Vanuatu.

The 12-person team and an initial assistance package will be transported to Vanuatu on a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) aircraft as soon as weather conditions allow.

The team includes officers from federal, state and territory partners with a range of disaster, health, infrastructure, power and humanitarian assessment capabilities.

The rapid assessment team will survey the impact of Tropical Cyclone Judy, and Tropical Cyclone Kevin.

RAAF aircraft will also assist the Government of Vanuatu with aerial damage assessments.

Australia’s initial package of assistance includes shelters, water purification supplies and other essential items for impacted communities.

The Australian Government is working closely with partners such as France and New Zealand to support the Government of Vanuatu’s response.

Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP said:

“The Australian Defence Force as a part of the whole-of-government effort is coordinating closely with the Pacific family to provide the best support possible to the Ni-Vanuatu people.”

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

“We are providing rapid assistance to support those who have been affected by this disaster.

“We are committed to working with the Govt and people of Vanuatu to support the recovery.”

Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP said:

“Our thoughts are with the people of Vanuatu at this difficult time. Australia stands with the Pacific family during this crisis – now and into the future.

“The deployment of this rapid assessment team builds on our longstanding disaster preparedness and humanitarian assistance activities in Vanuatu and across the region.”

Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Murray Watt said:

“Australia is proud to be sharing the experience and expertise of our emergency responders to support Vanuatu.

“I thank the Australian personnel who are stepping up to assist the Pacific family in this time of need.”

City turns up the heat on inland pool upgrades

Swimmers will be able to dip more than just a toe in the water during the cooler months of the swimming season with water heating upgrades planned for Wallsend and Mayfield Swimming Centres.

Thirty kilowatts of rooftop solar panels and heat pumps will be installed at both Wallsend and Mayfield pools to regulate pool water temperatures to around 25 degrees.

Blue Fit staff members Emma Preece and Hannah Richardson, Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen, Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, regular Mayfield Swimming Centre user Leanne Sanderson and City of Newcastle Acting Executive Manager Community and Recreation Donna McGovern celebrate the announcement of heating upgrades at the Mayfield and Wallsend pools.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle is committed to maintaining and investing in our local swimming pools to ensure the community members, sporting clubs and visitors can continue to enjoy the highly valued recreational facilities each year.

“Newcastle’s aquatic facilities play an important role in our community and City of Newcastle is committed to investing in quality upgrades to our local pools,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Our inland swimming centres are utilised 30 weeks per year, from the start of the September school holidays through to the end of the April school holidays, and enhance the lives of community members, sporting clubs and visitors that enjoy our facilities for sporting and leisure, active living and social connection.”

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said City of Newcastle is committed to using renewable energy for its inland pool operations, working to achieve net zero emissions by 2030 as part of the City’s adopted Climate Action Plan.

“Currently, the pool heating systems at Wallsend and Mayfield Swimming Centres are ageing and ineffective, which impacts the way patrons utilise our facilities throughout the season,” Cr Clausen said.

“City of Newcastle is investing $400,000 in pool heating upgrades as part of projects approved in this year’s budget. Rooftop solar panels generate electricity, which support the power needs of the heat pump, as well as supply additional power to the facility’s energy needs, with any excess energy returning back to the grid.”

The installation of rooftop solar panels and heat pumps at Wallsend and Mayfield Swimming Centres are scheduled for completion before they reopen in September.

City of Newcastle remains committed to providing high quality aquatic facilities at Lambton, Wallsend, Beresfield, Mayfield and Stockton. The City continues to advocate to the NSW Government and Opposition for funding for a year-round aquatic facility, requesting that both sides of Government commit funding to match the significant pool announcements made elsewhere in NSW in recent weeks.

NSW Liberals to support Parramatta’s growing Maronite community

A re-elected Perrottet Liberal Government will invest $5 million to assist the growing Maronite community in Parramatta by supporting the continued refurbishment and upgrade of the Our Lady of Lebanon Co-Cathedral precinct.

The NSW Government had previously invested $7 million into the community’s Aged Care & Wellness Centre, and in the next term of government, an additional $5 million will go towards completing current projects along with a new precinct forecourt.

The Maronite College will also receive an additional $100,000 from a re-elected Perrottet Government for the installation of solar panels, to help reduce the school’s energy bills and make it more environmentally sustainable.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said this investment would help the tens of thousands of Maronite community members visiting the area.

“These facilities are a critical community hub, and our investment will help the Parish accommodate the growing Maronite community,” Mr Perrottet said.

Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure said the Maronite community has always contributed to the state since the 1800s to make it a great place to live.

“Whether it be through charities, community organisations or volunteering, the Maronite community is a remarkable representation of our multicultural and multi-faith society, and this is our investing back,” Mr Coure said.

NSW Liberal Candidate for Parramatta Katie Mullens said this is a big win for the local Maronite community.

“Only the Perrottet Liberal Government has a plan and vision to help support our growing communities,” Ms Mullens said. “Our strong economic management allows us to invest in community facilities and services for our community, with the experience and leadership needed to make sure they are delivered.”

“The Maronites have played a huge part in Parramatta’s history and development. This investment will help realise our vision for this important community precinct.”

The Maronite Eparch, His Excellency Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay, welcomed the announcement and added, “Funding will help us to continue serving the Maronite community in Harris Park and surrounds, and will enable us to meet the needs of our growing community.”

Funding available for scientific researchers

Scientific researchers and organisations will soon be able to apply for $7 million to support projects that aim to replace the use of animals in experimentation and to rehome animals who have been used in medical research.

Competitive grants will be available through two new programs:

· Replacing Animals in Medical Research Grants – $4.5 million to support science-based research that replaces or significantly reduces the use of animals in experimentation; and

· Rehoming Animals who have been used in Medical Research Grants Program – $2.5 million for charitable or rescue organisations who are rehoming animals who have been used in medical experimentation.

Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Alister Henskens said the grants build on the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s record funding for scientific research, innovation and technological development.

“NSW is already leading the nation in this space, but we want to continue to grow our economy and be a world leader when it comes to research and development,” Mr Henskens said.

“We want to back our cutting-edge researchers to develop their ideas and translate their work into real-world solutions that help grow our economy in line with the Liberal and Nationals long-term economic plan.

“This work builds on our record investment which is already delivering the world’s first RNA Research and Pilot Manufacturing Facility at Macquarie Park and driving an unprecedented level of R&D in universities and research institutions across NSW.”