Fine relief for safe drivers

A re-elected Liberal and Nationals Government will waive the fines on a range of minor driving offences for motorists who have a three year clean driving record.

From 3 April, eligible motorists will be able to apply to have the fine waived for low level offences including speeding offences under 10km/hr or driving in a bus or transit lane.

School zone, heavy vehicle, red light, mobile phone and speeding offences above 10km per hour will not be eligible under the scheme given the serious safety risks involved.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the initiative struck the right balance, recognising safe driving by providing the one-off waiver for the lowest range road offences.

“For those motorists who have a history of safe driving, this initiative will save them potentially hundreds of dollars if they commit a minor road offence,” Mr Perrottet said.

Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said enhancing road safety was at the core of the policy.

“To be eligible, motorists have to have a clean driving record for three years. This Liberal and Nationals policy rewards good drivers and provides a real incentive to put safety first, unlike Labor’s policy which focuses on helping serial offenders at risk of losing their licence,” Mrs Ward said.

Minister for Finance Damien Tudehope said greater awareness of the scheme will encourage positive behaviour change.

“Receiving a fine can come as an unwelcome shock but under this policy, motorists will have cause to reflect on how an extended clean driving record can bring relief,” Mr Tudehope said.

“The average NSW licence holder drives 12,000 km per annum and maintaining a clean driving record over three years should be recognised and rewarded.”

In 2021, there were 227,500 fines issued for low level offences to motorists with a three year clean driving record, totalling $39.2 million in fines.

HISTORIC ROAD SET FOR CRITICAL SAFETY UPGRADES

One of New South Wales’ most historic roads is set for an overhaul, with the Australian Government committing $100 million for safety works on Bells Line of Road.

The funding will allow for safety upgrades, such as overtaking lanes, making for a safer journey for the thousands of locals and tourists who use the scenic route between the Blue Mountains and Richmond each day.

Stretching from Richmond in the east to Bell in the west, the road was heavily impacted by extreme weather in March 2021 and subsequent bouts of record rainfall.

This funding injection comes as Transport for NSW continues to undertake investigation and repair work following the damaging weather events.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“Bells Line of Road is an important part of the history of Greater Western Sydney, and remains a vital piece of infrastructure for locals, transport operators, and tourists exploring the beautiful Blue Mountains.

“Today’s announcement means a safer journey for everyone using Bells Line of Road, and will help ensure its future.”

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said:

“Bells Line of Road goes through the heart of the beautiful Blue Mountains and is critical to residents who live in this region. Sadly, it has taken an absolute battering from the weather in recent years and is in desperate need of urgent safety upgrades.

“These upgrades will ensure local residents, primary producers and tourists will be able to travel safely along Bells Line of Road into the future.

“This is demonstration of the Commonwealth and the NSW Government working together to deliver world-class and safer roads across our state.”

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said:

“The impacts of extreme weather on Bells Line of Road have taken a serious toll, and the funding we’re announcing today will make it safer in the short-term and restore it for the longer term.

“This is another example of the Australian Government working collaboratively with our state counterparts to deliver projects that make a real difference to our communities.”

NSW Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said:

“The Bells Line of Road is a critical route over the Blue Mountains, connecting Greater Sydney to regional NSW.

“This upgrade compliments our commitment towards improving safety along this major corridor and supports our plans to upgrade Richmond Bridge for the people of Sydney’s North West.”

Hidden mental health toll of worsening climate disasters on Australians revealed with new national poll

NEW POLLING by the Climate Council, supported by Beyond Blue, has revealed the profound impact more frequent and intense disasters are having on the mental health of Australians.

The survey of 2,032 Australians found that since 2019, the majority (80%) reported they had experienced, at least once, heatwaves (63%), flooding (47%), bushfires (42%), droughts (36%), cyclones or destructive storms (29%) or landslides (8%).

Half of Australians said their mental health had been detrimentally affected by the extreme weather event they experienced and one in five reported a major or moderate impact.

A follow-up community-level survey with people who had experienced a disaster found the most common mental health symptoms were anxiety, followed by symptoms of depression and PTSD.

More than one-third of survey participants (37%) said there was too little mental health support available to them.

Climate Councillor, climate scientist at the Australian National University and author of Humanity’s Moment: a Climate Scientist’s Case for Hope, Dr Joelle Gergis said: “The results of this poll are confronting. It’s heartbreaking to realise that many Australians are living with significant levels of distress related to the reality of our changing climate. It shines a light on this invisible mental health crisis that is undermining the stability of our local communities all over the country.

“We need to have a national conversation about climate change adaptation and listen to the experiences of people who have lived through these disasters.

“Extreme weather events are going to escalate as our planet continues to warm, so the impacts we have witnessed in recent years are really just the tip of the iceberg. We urgently need to develop plans that protect and support our local communities as climate change-fuelled disasters continue to upend the lives of countless Australians.”

Beyond Blue’s Lead Clinical Advisor A/Prof Grant Blashki – who supported development of the mental health-related survey questions – added: “It’s clear that climate change is not just a physical threat, but a mental health threat as well. And yet, despite the high levels of need, many people affected by climate disasters find it difficult to access the mental health assistance they need.

“We must strengthen our mental health systems to cope with the demands of these extreme weather events. This involves the whole system approach rather than piecemeal band-aid approaches during a crisis. We need to prepare the mental health system for early support of those affected, and co-opt a more diverse workforce, from local mental health first aid all the way through to highly specialised mental health care.”

“By acknowledging and addressing the mental health impacts of climate change, we can build stronger and more resilient communities, better able to weather the storms – both literal and figurative – that lie ahead. It’s time to put the mental well-being of our communities front and centre as we respond to the public health challenges of climate change.”

A/Prof Grant Blashki added: “We wanted to better understand people’s personal experience of disasters and undertook a separate in-depth survey of almost 500 people who had been caught up in extreme weather events since 2019.

“It’s as much about broken spirits as damaged buildings. People say they have been left feeling helpless, have experienced symptoms of anxiety and depression, trouble sleeping, and have children who worry when it rains, or the wind picks up. It’s important we get on top of these issues early and get people the appropriate support at the right time.”

For support please contact Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36 or explore the Phoenix Australia’s Disaster Mental Health Hub online with some excellent resources or check in with your GP or local mental health services.

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About the research

The National survey data comes from a National YouGov Poll conducted from 2-16 December 2022. The sample covered Australians aged over 18 including representatives of different genders, generations, geographies (states, city/rural, etc.), education levels, income levels, voting habits, and other characteristics.

From 1-16 December, in parallel with the national survey, the Climate Council and Beyond Blue invited Australians to share their experiences of climate-fuelled disasters with a Community Survey. This was by way of an online qualitative survey, advertised through the Climate Council and Beyond Blue respective networks.

GREENS URGE LABOR TO ACT ON CALLS TO RAISE JOBSEEKER IN MAY’S BUDGET

Australian Greens spokesperson for social services, Senator Janet Rice, is again urging Minister Jim Chalmers to heed calls from the Greens, academics, peak bodies and the millions of Australians currently living below the poverty line, to raise the rate of income support in May’s budget.

Senator Rice said:

“After calls from ACOSS and other members of the government’s own economic inclusion advisory committee to raise the rate of Jobseeker, we’re hearing the same absurd lines from Jim Chalmers today as we heard ahead of last year’s October budget – that Labor would love to help struggling Australians, but it’s just so difficult to find room in the budget.

“New research from Oxfam shows Australian billionaires’ wealth is 61% higher than it was before the pandemic, and the richest 1% of Australians now have a combined wealth of nearly $236 billion. It’s infuriating that Labor found plenty of room in the budget to give them another $9000 a year in tax cuts, but baulk at the idea of raising Jobseeker above the poverty line.

“The cost of living crisis has only worsened in recent months. People on income support can’t cover their most basic needs and a third of Australian households are struggling to put food on the table.

“A government has a moral responsibility to ensure its citizens aren’t left starving. Poverty is a political choice.

“Labor should scrap the stage 3 tax cuts and invest that money into raising all income support payments above the poverty line and building a proper social safety net for all Australians.

“Parliament must respond to the cost of living impacts for people on starvation wages and income support. The Greens are fighting for a livable income guarantee that would raise payments to $88 a day, above the poverty line.

Thousands of women to receive fertility treatment rebate

Women who have IVF or other assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments in private clinics can now claim a $2,000 rebate in an Australian first thanks to the NSW Government.

The $80 million expansion to the NSW Affordable IVF Initiative, announced as part of the NSW Government’s 2022-2023 Budget, will extend rebates for pre-IVF fertility testing, introduce a new $2,000 rebate for fertility treatment, increase the number of IVF treatment places in publicly-supported clinics and increase fertility preservation services for patients with a medical need.

The new $2,000 fertility treatment rebate is estimated to help about 12,000 women with out-of-pocket costs associated with fertility treatments.

Treasurer Matt Kean said the $80 million investment will see fertility treatments become more widely accessible to NSW families.

“The high costs of fertility treatment can be a hurdle and add stress to those experiencing fertility issues but the NSW Government is helping to lower these costs for families wanting to have a baby,” Mr Kean said.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the cash rebate is the first of its kind in Australia and eligible women can apply now for the rebate through their MyService NSW account or in person at a Service NSW Service Centre.

“This rebate will make NSW one of the most affordable places in the world to have IVF treatment, easing the burden of out-of-pocket costs families face to access fertility treatments to have a baby,” Mr Hazzard said.

To be eligible for the $2,000 rebate you must:

· be a resident of NSW

· have incurred an out-of-pocket cost from a registered private provider

· have accessed the treatment from 1 October 2022.

Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said that 16 per cent of all couples will face fertility issues and the NSW Government is committed to easing the financial burden families face as they embark on their journey to start or grow a family.

“Costs associated with fertility treatments can often be prohibitively expensive and this rebate is going to make a big difference to that,” Mrs Taylor said.

“I am incredibly proud of our continued commitment to making the road to parenthood smoother for anyone in NSW struggling with infertility.”

Professor Luk Rombauts, President of the Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand, welcomed the NSW Government’s commitment to supporting people who need medical assistance to start or expand their families.

“The extra financial support available through this rebate is an opportunity to provide more equitable access to fertility treatments and help more people across NSW fulfil their dreams of having children,” Professor Rombauts said.

The available rebate is separate to the existing rebate for pre-IVF fertility testing, and is not available for lower cost treatments provided by one of the existing NSW publicly supported IVF clinics.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said customers could apply through the Service NSW website or in Service NSW Centres.

“The rebate is available through Service NSW and ready to apply for now,” Mr Dominello said.

“It’s as simple as logging into your Service NSW account and uploading a completed Fertility Treatment Declaration form and evidence of out-of-pocket costs.”

More information on how to submit an application form for the rebate is available on the Service NSW website here.

The $80 million extension and expansion to the NSW Affordable IVF initiative over four years (2022-23 – 2025-26) also includes:

· extending rebates for pre-IVF fertility testing

· expanding statewide access to lower cost IVF treatment through publicly-supported clinics

· boosting fertility preservation services for patients with cancer and other medical needs

· providing up to five days’ paid fertility treatment leave for teachers, nurses and other public servants across NSW.

Further information on how the NSW Government is working to improve affordability and access to IVF services in NSW is available online here.

SENATOR SPONSORS TWO IRANIANS ON DEATH ROW

Australian Greens Senator Barbara Pocock has announced her sponsorship of two Iranian prisoners recently sentenced to death after they participated in protests against Iran’s morality police.

Two young men, Arshia Takdastan, 18 and Javad Rouhi, 35, are now awaiting execution following what supporters say were sham trials where forced confessions were used to convict them. Both men were charged with ‘spreading corruption on earth’ and sentenced to death on 3 January 2023.

Senator Pocock has written to the Iranian Ambassador to declare her political sponsorship of both men and urging that their death sentences be revoked. Iran is bound by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Senator Pocock requested that the men be granted fair and unbiased trials, pointing out that Mr Rouhi has a mental illness that may have affected his capacity to make decisions.

“If this was happening in Australia I, and many of my friends who attend, organise and support public protests, would likely be in jail potentially facing the death penalty,” Senator Pocock said.

“The international community, including Australia, need to increase pressure on the Iranian regime to bring these show trials to an end and stop the unjust killing of innocent Iranians,” she said.

Senator Pocock is working with the Iranian community in South Australia to provide support and advocacy for the two men. “Many Australian-Iranians are deeply distressed about the treatment of their friends and families in Iran and are desperate to enlist support for their cause,” Senator Pocock said.

“Contempt for international law and indeed for the most elementary principles of fairness and legality will further diminish the standing of Iran in the public opinion of other nations,” she said.

Mr Takdastan is accused of being a leader of the riots in Nowhahr and was convicted on the basis of a confession extracted under torture, according to his supporters in Iran. “Sentencing an 18 year old to death for participating in a protest with no more evidence than a forced confession is intolerable behaviour in any country,” Senator Pocock said.

The Australian Greens are calling on the Federal Government to expand sanctions against the Iranian regime and respond to calls from Iranian people around the world to list the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp as a terrorist organisation.

MINISTER IGNORES REALITY OF INTERMEDIATE NUCLEAR WASTE

Last week on Thursday, Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King visited the Kimba community to discuss her plan – mirroring the LNP’s previous plans – to store toxic nuclear waste in clean, green, prime farming country at Kimba.

It is important that Labor visits, hears and listens to the voices that have so far failed to be heard by successive Federal governments: farmers, the Barngarla people, and the many locals who oppose the dump.

Unfortunately, Minister King failed to acknowledge that the proposed waste dump for radioactive material at Kimba includes temporary storage of dangerous intermediate level waste, for which there is currently no long-term storage solution. This waste will ultimately need to be moved from temporary storage at Kimba to be safely stored elsewhere for thousands of years. There is currently no plan for this long term ‘disposal’. The current plan kicks the cost and planning for this down the road to future generations.

Senator Barbara Pocock said in response to Minister King’s visit: “This ‘solution’ is far from a safe, long-term way of managing Australia’s nuclear waste and it ignores the opposition of so many local South Australians.”

Intermediate waste must be safely stored for 10,000 years, and this proposal involves long distance transport of highly toxic, intermediate nuclear waste and its temporary storage on prime, productive South Australian farmland, with no say for the vast majority of South Australians.

“I’ve spoken with concerned farmers in that region who oppose this toxic waste dump and they tell me they fear for their livelihoods if produce from the region should be banned from international markets due to regulations around radioactive waste,” Senator Pocock said.

There is no social license for this dangerous proposal.

Senator Pocock said: “Federal Labor is continuing an expensive, long-winded process begun by the previous LNP Government – a process which has divided the Kimba community and is strongly opposed by the Barngarla people, the traditional First Nations custodians of the land in and around Kimba.

“Minister King should follow the lead of South Australian Labor Premier, Peter Malinauskas, who has clearly stated his intention to listen to the Barngarla people and to accept and support their opposition to the dump.

“Minister King should be consulting with all South Australians who, to date as a community, have had no say about the proposal to place a highly toxic waste dump in our state. South Australians have historically clearly indicated their opposition to nuclear waste in the state,” Senator Pocock said.

“There are many ways to diversify the economy of Kimba and its surrounds that do not involve the creation of a nuclear waste dump on prime farming land. No South Australian community should have to take nuclear waste in order to get basic community infrastructure like a health facility.

“The Labor Government should listen to Barngarla people in a year where creating a voice for First Nations people is one of its most important priorities. The first rule of a voice for First Nations people is to do no further harm – to listen and respond to the wishes of First Nations people. Minister King and Labor should suspend all activities at the Kimba site, and find a safe, long-term solution for nuclear waste disposal, one that reflects the views of ALL citizens,” Senator Pocock said.

New Ambulance Station for Berkeley Vale

Liberal candidate for The Entrance, Nathan Bracken, welcomed the Perrottet Government’s announcement of a new ambulance station for Berkeley Vale.

“This community will be getting its first ambulance station, a major frontline emergency care boost, which will give the locals faster access to necessary support,” Mr Bracken said.

“The Entrance has really benefited from the Perrottet Government’s investment in our health care and services, and this is another great example of its work to make the lives of this community better.”

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said it is a big win for the region and will ensure locals continue to receive quick access to emergency care when and where they need it most.

“This is an exciting day for Berkeley Vale and the wider Central Coast region. Along with new ambulance stations earmarked for Lisarow and Kincumber and a rebuild of the Woy Woy ambulance station, the NSW Liberals and Nationals in Government are ensuring the emergency health needs of the people of the Central Coast are met now and into the future,” Mr Crouch said.

“The exact location for the new ambulance station will be determined following further planning and consultation with key stakeholders including Council and our local emergency services personnel.

The construction timeline will be determined once a site has been confirmed.

“The new station will feature internal parking for emergency ambulance vehicles, vehicle wash facilities, staff parking, multipurpose spaces to support staff education and rest, logistics and storage spaces, an office area for administration as well as staff amenities,” Mr Crouch said.

Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the announcement forms part of a record $1.76 billion NSW Government investment which will transform NSW Ambulance services over the next four years with more than 2,000 extra staff, including 1,858 paramedics, and 30 new ambulance stations across NSW.

“Ambulance services are experiencing unprecedented demand across rural and regional NSW, and these three ambulance stations for the Central Coast will keep us ahead of the curve,” Mrs Taylor said.

“The investment will bring more jobs to the local area and provide a better working environment for our amazing paramedics who are giving their utmost to serve communities across our great state.”

The new ambulance stations for the Berkeley Vale, Lisarow and Kincumber communities are being delivered as part of the $615.5 million NSW Ambulance Infrastructure program and will support local paramedics to provide the best emergency medical care now and into the future.

The Perrottet Government is committed to increasing the capacity of NSW Ambulance. In total, more than $1 billion is being invested across three major NSW Ambulance infrastructure programs, with more than 100 projects announced since 2014.

The Government’s $1 billion investment in NSW Ambulance infrastructure includes:

• Sydney Ambulance Metropolitan Infrastructure Strategy ($184 million) – 19 projects – 18 projects completed to date with one due for completion late 2023. Program began 2014

• NSW Ambulance Infrastructure Program ($615.5 million) – 30 projects – 8 in early planning. Program announced in 2022-23 State Budget.

• RAIR program Stage 1 & 2 ($232 million) – 54 projects – 39 complete, 15 underway. Program began 2015.

Authorised by Chris Stone Liberal Party of Australia, NSW Division Level 2, 131 Macquarie Street Sydney, NSW 2000.

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Driving growth and investment across the Central Coast

More than $23 million is being invested by the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government to unlock housing, jobs, and opportunities for the Central Coast.

The Central Coast Strategy for Economic Growth will be released today, together with the Draft Central Coast Regional Transport Plan, supporting the NSW Government’s vision to drive growth and investment across the region.

Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport Rob Stokes said the Central Coast Strategy for Economic Growth had a particular focus on unlocking land for employment.

“We know the Central Coast is an incredible place to live and play. We’re now investing in unlocking key employment sites to create the jobs and opportunities for the future, strengthening the local economy and improving lives,” Mr Stokes said.

“The Central Coast will thrive as part of the NSW Government’s Six Cities vision. With commitments for faster rail at Wyong and a new university campus at Gosford, we’re backing the Central Coast to grow a stronger economy, invest in better services, and make lives easier for local families.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the Draft Central Coast Regional Transport Plan has also identified 80 initiatives which include an upgraded interchange on the M1 at Ourimbah and more connected neighbourhoods.

“The Central Coast is a region on the move – with increasing tourism, expanding employment areas and a population that’s set to grow by 70,000 people by 2041,” Mr Farraway said.

“The draft plan highlights the initiatives worth investigating to ensure the Central Coast continues to be well-connected by a safe, efficient and accessible transport network.”

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Adam Crouch said the community’s feedback would continue to be critical.

“We’re already in the process of delivering some of these projects including an upgrade to the Pacific Highway at Lisarow, accessibility improvements to Tuggerah Station and changes to the intersection of Ocean Beach Road and Rawson Road,” Mr Crouch said.

“These changes will secure the future growth of a region which is already a great place to live, work and play.”

The Central Coast Strategy for Economic Growth was informed by community consultation beginning in 2020 and can be viewed here. Its delivery will be further supported by the Six Cities Region Plan, to be developed during 2023.

Transport for NSW is asking residents and stakeholders to contribute to the Central Coast Regional Transport Plan by making their submissions by Friday, 24 February at future.transport.nsw.gov.au/CCRTP

$1 billion for critical Western Sydney roads

Western Sydney is set for a major boost with the NSW Liberal National Government announcing a $1 billion investment from the WestInvest fund to upgrade critical roads across the region.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the Government was backing the people of Western Sydney with this major investment in the road network to keep people moving, reduce congestion and boost flood resilience.

“Western Sydney is booming and we are making sure that families who live across this fast growing region have the very best roads and infrastructure to keep them moving,” Mr Perrottet said.

“This $1 billion investment in critical upgrades to major roads across the region is a game changer and will make sure that Western Sydney continues to grow and thrive.

“We are backing Western Sydney communities by making their roads safer, making sure they spend less time and getting tradies and other business to where they need to go quicker.

“This is all part of our long-term economic plan for Western Sydney, which includes targeted cost of living measures including toll relief, $16 billion for critical transport infrastructure, more than $480 million on local hospitals and health services, and the construction of new schools.”

Treasurer Matt Kean said the $1 billion investment was made possible because of the NSW Government’s strong economic management.

“This investment will not only ensure people get to spend more time with family and friends instead of in traffic, but it will significantly improve the safety profile of these critical corridors,” Mr Kean said.

“The increased productivity which results from these road improvements will inject millions of dollars into the state’s economy which benefits every single person across NSW.”

Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said the improvements are also targeted to improve flood evacuation routes for families in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley and around Pitt Town.

“We are working towards widening Garfield Road East to a four-lane divided road, providing a flood evacuation route with increased capacity as well as a better connection to the communities of Marsden Park, Box Hill, Richmond, Schofields and Rouse Hill,” Mrs Ward said.

“The Pitt Town Bypass is also a project the community has been calling for so I’m incredibly pleased we can deliver it, significantly increasing the community’s resilience to flooding events.”

The funding will support a range of significant road projects across 15 Local Government Areas, including:

· $200 million for safety improvements on Elizabeth Dr at critical sections between Devonshire Rd and Western Road, Kemps Creek;

· $100 million to construct the Pitt Town bypass which has been identified as a crucial project following recent flooding events in the Hawkesbury-Nepean valley;

· $100 million to enable the upgrade of a 3.4 kilometre section of Garfield Road East between Piccadilly Street, Riverstone and Windsor Road, Box Hill;

· $600 million for roads infrastructure upgrades to be delivered within the 15 eligible WestInvest Local Government Areas, to be determined.