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The concrete slab has been poured and the first of 12,000 tonnes of structural steel has been installed in a major milestone for the construction of the state’s biggest museum Powerhouse Parramatta.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the Parramatta Powerhouse would become a Western Sydney landmark and the cultural institution the region had been crying out for. 

“It took the long term economic plan of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government to transform an idea like the Powerhouse Parramatta from a thought bubble to a reality, that will be cherished by generations of Western Sydney residents,” Mr Perrottet said.

“This project isn’t just creating a world-class cultural institution but is also creating jobs, with more than $200 million in contracts awarded to NSW businesses by construction partner Lendlease.”

Minister for Infrastructure Rob Stokes said Western Sydney was the big winner, with Lendlease setting a target for 70 per cent of the construction workforce to be Western Sydney locals.

“Our record $116 billion infrastructure pipeline is powering the state’s economy and Western Sydney workers are reaping the benefits, with $75 million in contracts from the Powerhouse Parramatta project awarded to local businesses,” Mr Stokes said.

“Contractors like Azzurri Concrete are the foundation of this project, with the Wetherill Park business completing a 1000-cubic-metre concrete pour – the equivalent of 160 concrete trucks – in one day.”

Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin said the project would hold one of the most extraordinary collections in Australia.

“Once complete, this incredible museum will see Parramatta become the home of arts, design, science and technology, bringing two million visitors from across Australia and around the world to Western Sydney each year,” Mr Franklin said.

“Powerhouse Parramatta will be the largest museum in NSW, sharing more of the Powerhouse Collection than has ever been seen before. The state-of-the-art exhibition spaces will host international travelling exhibitions, bringing the very best of the world to Parramatta.”

Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee said Powerhouse Parramatta was the biggest investment in arts and culture since the Sydney Opera House and will be the cultural icon Western Sydney deserves.

“I know my community in Parramatta and across Western Sydney will be thrilled by this city-defining museum that will become a cultural anchor within the wider Parramatta precinct,” Mr Lee said.

Liberal candidate for Parramatta Katie Mullens said Parramatta was being transformed by the Liberals and Nationals record infrastructure pipeline.

“Whether it’s Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Light Rail, Commbank Stadium or Powerhouse Parramatta – our city has been transformed by this record infrastructure investment and residents will continue to benefit for generations,” Ms Mullens said.

In an Australian-first all cranes on site are now powered by renewable diesel – directly contributing to a reduction in emissions and helping achieve greater sustainability outcomes without any impact on productivity. 

Powerhouse Parramatta will be a 6 star green star building with net zero operations from the day it opens, with the project on track for construction completion in late 2024. For more information visithere.

Other Western Sydney Businesses engaged on the project to date include:

· Fredon Industries (electrical services) – Silverwater

· Planet Plumbing – Campsie

· Ultrasafe Fire Protection – Smithfield West

· Marr Contracting (cranes) – Sefton

· Bestbar Reinforcement – Prestons

Liberal candidate for Maroubra Bill Burst has welcomed the announcement that a re-elected NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will invest $10 million over four years to boost safety and security for faith communities.

Mr Burst said the funding would be put to good use for various faith communities who make a valuable contribution to the Maroubra area.

“There is a long history of many faith communities making valuable and significant contributions to the Maroubra area,” Mr Burst said.

“This investment in community safety will be put to good use to boost security and support religious institutions. We have a thriving community in Maroubra and cultural diversity is a big part of that.”

Through a $10 million grants program, faith organisations will be supported to strengthen safety and security at religious institutions where there is a demonstrated risk, including places of worship, schools, community centres, and buildings with religious symbols.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said everyone across NSW should be able to follow and practice their faith freely and without fear or concern for their safety and wellbeing.

“No matter where you’re from, what language you speak, or the faith you follow, everyone deserves tolerance and respect in our state,” Mr Perrottet said.

“This commitment will build on this principle to protect communities, increase tolerance and ultimately help people feel safer.”

The $10 million program will provide capital and operational funding for a range of safety measures to strengthen preparedness and response to safety risks, including security and detection software and systems, communal security services, lighting, fencing, CCTV, training staff, and well-being programs for community members. Importantly, support for guards and management of security at high-risk venues or particularly at-risk sites will also be eligible for funding, as assessed by NSW Police.

Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure said this investment will empower faith groups and organisations to do what they need in order to keep their communities safe.

“We have worked incredibly hard over the years to foster a multicultural and multi-faith society built on mutual respect, understanding and harmony. This investment forms part of our vision to ensure that continues,” Mr Coure said.

Welcoming the announcement, NSW Jewish Board of Deputies CEO Darren Bark said anti-Semitic incidents are at their highest levels NSW has ever seen.

“An attack on one faith is an attack on us all, and this much-needed funding will go a long way to keeping all communities in NSW safe from harm,” Mr Bark said.

“Hate leads to violence, and today’s announcement ensures faith communities are equipped to deter violent attacks, and assists authorities with the prosecution of the offenders.

We thank the NSW Government and the members of the Religious Communities Advisory Council, who have made this a reality.”

Australian National Imams Council President Sheikh Shadi Alsuleiman also welcomed the announcement.

“Islamophobia and other faith-based hate is on the rise, and all of our institutions need ongoing support in order to be protected,” Mr Alsuleiman said.

“Safety and security was identified as a priority when the Council was formed, and with increasing threats to our communities from right-wing extremists. We are very grateful to the NSW Government for this important funding.”

This commitment complements a range of measures implemented by the NSW Liberals and Nationals to improve community safety and social cohesion, including prohibiting the public display of Nazi symbols and creating a new offence of publicly threatening or inciting violence against people on several grounds, including race and religious affiliation.

The NSW Government consulted with the new Religious Communities Advisory Council on safety and security during its inaugural meeting on Monday, 23 January 2023.

A re-elected Liberal and Nationals Government will guarantee that there will be no new taxes on households and small businesses in the next term of government.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said this guarantee would provide certainty to businesses and family budgets.

“Families and businesses are already better off today and paying less tax than they were under the last Labor government,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Since 2011, our Liberal and Nationals Government has made 33 tax cuts, putting $10.5 billion back in the pockets of those who need it most.

“We’ve slashed payroll tax nine times saving thousands of businesses over $5 billion. We’ve also increased the taxable income threshold by $522,000 to $1.2 million, meaning small businesses are no longer burdened with any pay payroll tax and medium-sized businesses are saving $28,500 a year.

“Our landmark stamp duty reforms, which give first home buyers the choice of paying a small annual fee instead of a large upfront stamp duty payment, will save families $900 million over the next four years.

“We are making a commitment to families and businesses across the state that there will be no new taxes in the next term of government under the Liberal and Nationals, providing them with financial certainty as they manage their budgets.

“Only a Liberal and Nationals Government can commit to no new taxes thanks to our long-term economic plan to keep our state moving forward.”

Treasurer Matt Kean said only the Liberal and Nationals Government has the budget discipline and track record to grow the economy, create jobs and deliver vital services for NSW.

“Taxes will always be lower under a Liberal and Nationals Government,” Mr Kean said.

“Committing to no new taxes in our next term of government gives families and small businesses reassurance as they manage their budgets.  

“During their last term of government, NSW Labor introduced or increased taxes at least two dozen times. When Labor can’t manage their budget, they come after yours.”

List of Taxes Abolished or Decreased since 2011

Stamp duty: introduce First Home Buyer Choice for properties up to $1.5m giving first home buyers a choice between larger upfront stamp duty or lower annual payment

Land tax: extending principal place of residence exemption for building or renovating a home

Payroll Tax waiver of 50% in 2021-22 for businesses with Australian wages less than $10m

Stamp Duty waiver on Electric Vehicles sold for up to $78,000

Payroll Tax rate reduction from 5.45% to 4.85% in 2020-21 and 2021-22

Accelerate Payroll Tax threshold to $1 million from 1 July 2020

Payroll threshold increased from $1 million to $1.2 million

Payroll Tax waiver of 25% in 2019-20 for businesses with Australian wages less than $10m

Payroll Tax exemption for additional wages arising from JobKeeper

Transfer Duty reduction for one year for first home buyers purchasing new homes valued between $650,000 and $1 million

Freeze of indexation rates for heavy vehicles

Extension of the rebate for Primary Producer Heavy Vehicle registration

Emergency Drought Relief through one-year relief from Local Land Services annual rates and Farm Innovation Fund loan interest relief

Broadened Toll relief Program

Indexing Transfer Duty thresholds to CPI

Free registration on Primary Producer Heavy Vehicles

Emergency Drought Relief Package that includes free registration to agricultural vehicles, waiving local land services rates and waiving interest loans under the NSW Farm Innovation Fund

Introduced new $1 million Payroll Tax threshold

Caravan motor vehicle weight tax reduced by 40%

NSW Tolling Reward Plan: Introduced free motor vehicle registration for large toll consumers

Abolish insurance duty on commercial vehicle insurance for small businesses

Abolish Insurance Duty on professional indemnity insurance for small business

Abolish Insurance Duty on product and public liability insurance for small business

Abolish Insurance Duty on lenders mortgage insurance

Abolish Insurance Duty on crop and livestock insurance

Transfer duty exemption for first home buyers on new and existing homes valued up to $650,000, with discounts up to $800,000

Lowering NSW wagering tax rates to match Victoria’s

Abolition of stamp duty on business mortgages

Abolition of stamp duty on unlisted marketable securities

Abolition of transfer duty on non-real assets

Payroll tax threshold increase from $689,000 to $750,000

Raise the property value cap on first home buyer stamp duty concessions for new homes from $600,000 to $650,000

Payroll tax rebate for workers with a disability

Patients in the Milton-Ulladulla region requiring a CT scan will no longer need to be transported outside the area, with Liberal candidate for South Coast Luke Sikora welcoming plans unveiled for a new medical imaging facility.

“This is great news for patients across the South Coast community who will not need to travel to get the CT scan they need,” Mr Sikora said.

“It is a considerable investment into the health of locals and means doctors will have state of the art equipment to make a diagnosis.

“Having Minister Hazzard here today to make this significant announcement shows the Perrottet Liberal Team’s commitment to healthcare on the South Coast.

“These investments are only possible from the NSW Government’s strong financial record and long term plan to keep our state moving forward.”

Mr Sikora also welcomed investment into the master planning for Milton Ulladulla Hospital.

“This funding is part of the continued investment in health services across South Coast so patients can feel comfortable that they receive the best possible care,” he said.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said a purpose-built facility at Milton will house the new CT scanner as part of a $7.5 million investment to deliver new and expanded services.

“This commitment under a re-elected NSW Liberals and Nationals Government is about bringing the best health services closer to home for the community,” Mr Hazzard said.

“Having a new CT scanner on-site will not only save patients a trip to Nowra but importantly, it will help doctors make a fast, accurate and earlier diagnosis to begin treatment, which can result in improved patient outcomes.”

A CT scan is painless, state-of-the-art medical imaging that can identify a wide range of clinical problems and may eliminate the need for exploratory surgery and biopsies.

In addition to the new CT scanner and medical imaging facility, $1.5 million of the allocated funding will go towards upgrading the Community Cancer Services Centre.

Mr Hazzard said a further $500,000 of the total $7.5 million investment earmarked for the region, will also see master planning commence for the Milton Ulladulla Hospital.

“These three complementary health initiatives are a win for the local community which is growing in size and welcoming more holiday makers every year,” Mr Hazzard said.

“Undertaking master planning of the hospital site will ensure the Local Health District can identify health service requirements needed to support the community into the future.”

Member for South Coast Shelley Hancock welcomed the investment and said it is a hallmark of the Liberal and Nationals Government, future-proofing the health system.

“In our first decade in Government, we invested more than $18 billion on building and redeveloping hospitals and health facilities across NSW that Labor never touched.”

A re-elected NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will give first home buyers the opportunity to ditch stamp duty for the rest of their lives, saving them tens of thousands of dollars on each home purchase.

Under the plan, the Liberal and Nationals popular First Home Buyer Choice program will be expanded so that:

· Home owners who choose to pay a small annual fee on their first home instead of a large upfront stamp duty will be able to opt in to the annual fee on future property purchases, until they choose to pay stamp duty;

· Buyers who purchased a property after 11 November 2022 and received stamp duty exemptions or concessions under the First Home Buyer Assistance Scheme will also have the option to choose a small annual fee instead of stamp duty on future property purchases;

· The $1.5 million price threshold on eligible properties will increase by $50,000 each year starting from 2023-24, widening the range of properties that can be purchased.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said this was all about giving families more choice throughout their home ownership journey so they can live in the right home at the right time of their life.

“We know that stamp duty is a significant barrier to home ownership, particularly for young people and families trying to break into the market for the first time,” Mr Perrottet said.

“We’re making it easier for first home buyers, many of whom are families, to reach the dream of home ownership sooner as well as give them more choice into the future.

“This expansion gives families more choice when buying their next home, making it easier to upsize, move closer to loved ones, or relocate for a new job or when the kids start school.

“Backing first home buyers is only possible because of the Liberal and Nationals long-term economic plan to keep our state moving forward.”

Treasurer Matt Kean said first home buyers had already been flocking to the Liberal and Nationals’ scheme since it opened on January 16.

“Almost 1500 first home buyers have opted to ditch stamp duty for a small annual fee despite Labor’s desperate and dishonest scare campaign,” Mr Kean said.

“In fact, Chris Minns’ very own constituents have rejected his spin with Bayside LGA having the second highest uptake of First Home Buyer Choice to date.

“Under our policy, a family who buys their first home in Western Sydney for $1 million, sells it after five years and buys their second home for $1.5 million could save more than $90,000 over their first decade as home owners.

“Under Labor, that same family will have to pay more than $106,000 in stamp duty.

“Labor’s obsession with scrapping First Home Buyer Choice and forcing young people to pay stamp duty is a threat to thousands of families’ dreams of home ownership.”

Under the proposed expansion of the First Home Buyer Choice scheme, owners can only hold two properties at any given time. If they buy a third home, they will need to pay stamp duty on the purchase price.

Since the FHBC program opened, almost 1,500 buyers have opted in, saving a combined $56.2 million in stamp duty.