New trial to encourage more women to enter construction

An Australian-first Culture Standard will be piloted at NSW construction sites to improve facilities, working conditions and boost the number of women in construction.
 
New ways of working will be tested at the new Wentworth Point High School and Mulgoa Road upgrade stage 1 construction sites to address cultural issues that can lead to poor mental health, high rates of family breakdown and a lack of diversity in the industry.
 
NSW Treasurer Matt Kean said piloting the Culture Standard is an additional measure to the $20.2 million funding allocation in this years’ budget, to attract more women into the construction industry.
 
“With a record-breaking $112.7 billion infrastructure pipeline, it’s critical that we are doing everything we can to make our worksites work for everyone,” Mr Kean said.
 
“The NSW Government is committed to trialing new ways of doing things to boost productivity and secure brighter futures for the 369,500 construction workers across NSW.”
 
Minister for Infrastructure Rob Stokes said the pilot was focused on improving wellbeing and work-life balance, boosting construction efficiency and productivity all without impacting project timeframes. 
 
“Construction sites will be happier, healthier and more productive places to work when there is better work-life balance and diversity, and more access to wellbeing and mental health support,” Mr Stokes said.
 
“The industry has one of the worst gender pay gaps in the country at around 30 per cent so we’re going to trial the publication of that data so we can work towards women being fairly paid for their equal contribution.”
 
Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said this is the first of many initiatives aimed at boosting the number of women in construction to 15 per cent by 2030.
 
“The sad reality is that women on construction sites can be subject to sexist slurs, offensive graffiti and second-rate amenities that don’t accommodate their needs, including a lack of sanitary bins or private spaces,” Mrs Ward said.
 
“The Culture Standard sets out a basic roadmap to making sites more inclusive because when sites work better for women, they work better for everyone.
 
“We also know another key barrier is construction work is typically a six day, 50 plus hour a week job, which is why this program will seek to improve flexible working conditions for women who are juggling family commitments.”
 
The program is led by the Construction Industry Culture Taskforce – a collaboration between the NSW and Victorian governments, the Australian Constructors Association and industry leaders. The pilots will include measures such as:

  • No offensive material on site
  • Ensuring appropriate amenities are provided, including toilets for women, sanitary bins and safe changerooms
  • Identifying and disclosing of gender pay gaps across roles, as well as implementing plans to reduce gender pay gaps
  • Providing mental health first aiders on site
  • Setting clear targets for the appointment of women
  • A Monday to Friday working program, or when this is not viable ensure all workers are working a 5 in 7 program to give workers adequate rest and recovery time.

 
Outcomes of the pilot will bolster research and the contemporary evidence base of how to best generate cultural change on site and across the construction sector.
 
The NSW Government involvement in the program is being led by Infrastructure NSW and will support its ongoing collaboration with industry, construction firms, sub-contractors, and trade unions to make the construction sector a more inclusive workplace for everyone.
 
You can read the draft Culture Standard and the proposed elements here.

Storm truck ready for wild weather season

A new state-of-the-art Medium Storm Vehicle will be deployed on the Northern Beaches to bolster the NSW State Emergency Service’s (SES) response to the upcoming storm season.

Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery joined Member for Manly James Griffin and SES Deputy Commissioner Daniel Austin at the Manly SES Unit today to officially hand over the keys to the $245,000 purpose-built truck.

“This fully equipped vehicle has been delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $116 million investment in SES fleet replacement, giving our volunteers the vehicles they need to serve their communities to the best of their ability,” Ms Cooke said.

“The truck includes a ladder loader and ladder, power tools, front and rear anchor points and stowage for an Ark Angel rescue craft. It will help volunteers better respond to a range of incidents, including storm damage operations and flood rescues.”

Mr Griffin said the Medium Storm Vehicle is a welcome boost for the Manly SES Unit which has responded to more than 500 incidents in the past year.

“It’s been an incredibly busy period for our volunteers around Manly with the unprecedented rainfall Sydney has experienced this year,” Mr Griffin said.

“This new asset has arrived at the perfect time, allowing our 136 volunteers from the Manly SES Unit to better protect the community, with the official storm season fast approaching on 1 October.”

Deputy Commissioner Austin said the new vehicle will equip volunteers to carry out critical life-saving tasks.

“It is a significant boost for the area, offering greater response capability for land and in-water flood rescues, storm events and complex storm damage operations,” Deputy Commissioner Austin said.

NSW the top state for economic growth

NSW has recorded the strongest quarterly economic growth amongst all states with State Final Demand (SFD) rising by 1.9 per cent in the June quarter, according to the ABS National Accounts released today.   
 
On an annual basis, the quarterly national accounts showed NSW SFD, a measure of economic activity, rose 4.1 per cent over the year to June 2022.
 
This is much higher than the increase in Australia’s gross domestic product of 0.9 per cent in the June quarter and 3.6 per cent over the year to June 2022.
 
Treasurer Matt Kean said the figures demonstrated the State’s economy was continuing to rebound strongly despite economic challenges including supply chain issues, exacerbated by the Russia-Ukraine war and China’s zero COVID policy.
 
“NSW recorded the strongest economic growth of all states in the June quarter showing the NSW economy is going from strength to strength following last year’s pandemic-related impacts,” Mr Kean said.
 
“Our government’s continued investment in NSW is propelling Australia’s strong economic performance.
 
“Today’s report showed household consumption rose 2.5 per cent in the June quarter, which drove the State’s increase in State Final Demand.
 
“Spending on hospitality, transport and recreation and culture have all increased as households spend more freely post-COVID restrictions.”
 
Business investment also grew by a strong 4.1 per cent in the quarter, with firms investing in machinery and equipment as demand increased.

CHEAPER SCRIPTS FOR MILLIONS

For the first time in its 75-year history, the maximum cost of general scripts under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) will fall.

Under a Bill tabled by the Australian Government today, from 1 January 2023 millions of Australians will pay almost 30 per cent less for PBS scripts, with the maximum general co-payment dropping from $42.50 to $30.

This means that someone taking one medication a month could save as much as $150 every year, or for two or three medications as much as $300-$450 a year.

The maximum cost to general patients for PBS medications has doubled since 2000. This change fulfils the Government’s election promise to cut the cost of medicines and ease cost of living pressures for Australians.

National President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia Professor Trent Twomey said “patients continue to tell community pharmacies of the increasing pressures of having to choose between food on the table and medicine for their family.”

“Community pharmacies around the country thank and welcome the action taken by the Government to cut the out of pocket cost patients pay for medicines on the PBS,” Professor Twomey said.

The Prime Minister said:

“I’m really pleased that we’re introducing this legislation to make many medicines cheaper for Australians.

“My Government is serious about delivering on our election commitments and easing the cost of living pressures left by the former government.”

Minister Butler said:

“The ABS advises that the high costs of medications meant close to 1 million Australians delayed or didn’t fill their medications in 2019-20. We must do better than this and we will.”

“Cutting their price by nearly one third will mean more people can afford to get the medications they need to stay healthy – without worrying so much about the price.”

“This change will put close to $200 million back in the pockets of Australians each year.”

AUSTRALIA AND TIMOR-LESTE UPDATE DEFENCE TIES

Australia and Timor-Leste today signed a reciprocal Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA).

The DCA is a status of forces agreement that sets out the reciprocal protections, responsibilities and privileges each country will grant the military personnel of the other in its territory.

The DCA was signed by Defence Ministers following a meeting between Prime Minister the Hon Anthony Albanese MP and President Dr Jose Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste.

President Ramos-Horta is visiting Australia this week as a Guest of Government, hosted by His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d), Governor-General of Australia.

The DCA will allow Australia and Timor-Leste to increase defence and security cooperation, especially in the maritime domain, given our shared border and adjacent maritime zones.

It will enhance our ability to operate together as required, conduct exercises and training, and cooperate on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

The Agreement means Timorese military members operating, exercising or training in Australia will receive the same protections, responsibilities and privileges as Australian personnel will receive in Timor-Leste.

During their meeting, Prime Minister Albanese and President Ramos-Horta also discussed common security, economic cooperation, labour mobility and skills, the green economy and Australia’s support for Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership bid.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“Australia and Timor-Leste share a special relationship as neighbours with a shared history and deep ties.

“We have been working towards a DCA for over a decade and today’s signing is a significant step forward in our partnership.

“I was pleased to meet with President Ramos-Horta to discuss how we can strengthen cooperation, including Australia’s continued support for Timor-Leste’s development.

“I look forward to meeting my counterpart, Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak, at an early opportunity.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles said:

“The signing of the DCA heralds a new chapter in Australia’s close relationship with Timor-Leste.

“We are neighbours with a shared maritime domain, namely the Timor Sea.

“I look forward to seeing how the DCA will help enable joint maritime patrols between Australia and Timor-Leste.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator Penny Wong said:

“As a close friend and neighbour, Australia is committed to supporting Timor-Leste’s security and sovereignty, including through our enduring defence cooperation.

“Australia welcomes this DCA and the opportunity it provides to deepen our close defence and security partnership with Timor-Leste.

“This is a key milestone as we continue working together to maintain a stable, prosperous region.”

PARLIAMENTARY JOINT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE AND SECURITY MEMBERSHIP

The Parliament of Australia has appointed members to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) in the 47th Parliament.

The PJCIS has elected Peter Khalil as its Chair.

The members of the Committee are:

  • Peter Khalil MP [Chair]
  • Andrew Wallace MP [Deputy Chair]
  • Karen Andrews MP
  • Senator Simon Birmingham
  • Senator Raff Ciccone
  • Andrew Hastie MP
  • Julian Hill MP
  • Senator James Paterson
  • Senator Marielle Smith
  • Senator Jess Walsh
  • Josh Wilson MP

Mr Khalil has dedicated his career to advancing Australia’s interests and national security, including in roles at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Department of Defence and as a foreign policy and national security adviser to former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.

The PJCIS performs a critical role in providing oversight of Australia’s intelligence agencies, ensuring their effective operation as they work to keep Australians safe.

The PJCIS also reviews national security bills introduced to Parliament, and ensures national security legislation remains necessary, proportionate and effective.

At a time when regional and global security challenges are becoming increasingly complex, the work of the Committee is as important as ever.

Man dies following shooting – Hamilton South

Police will speak with the media following the death of a man after a shooting in Newcastle overnight.

About 11pm (Tuesday 6 September 2022), emergency services were called to a unit on Fowler Street, Hamilton South, after reports of a shooting.

Upon arrival, police located a 57-year-old man at the front door of a premises suffering a gunshot wound.

The man was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics, however, he died at the scene.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District established a crime scene and have commenced Strike Force Alcheringa to investigate the circumstances surrounding the man’s death.

Initial inquiries suggest this is a targeted incident.

Greens: It’s time for Lowe to go

Philip Lowe should resign as Governor of the Reserve Bank for misleading Australians about interest rate rises, the Greens say.

“Dr Lowe induced hundreds of thousands of Australians into taking out massive mortgages by effectively saying that interest rates would not rise until 2024,” Greens Treasury and Economic Justice spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

“Having failed to keep that commitment, he should now resign.” 

“The preconditions that Philip Lowe set for increasing rates have not been met.”

“Australians are in a cost of living crisis that is being driven by global supply problems and corporate profiteering, not wages.”

“Today’s rate increases will not clear supply chains or bring down energy prices, but it will smash small business, mortgage holders and renters who are not responsible for the problem.”

“And instead of highlighting record high corporate profits, Philip Lowe has called for workers to shoulder the load and brace for further cuts to real wages.”

“The RBA Governor should not be jawboning down wages.”

“Philip Lowe has been captured by corporate interests.”

“The RBA themselves have said that inflationary pressures may be transitory.”

“Consumer sentiment is very low.”

“People are already walking on eggshells.”

“They don’t need to be hit with a sledgehammer.”

“There is no need for the RBA to blindly follow the US Federal Reserve.”

Greens get Government first steps on native forest burning

During the Climate Change Bill negotiations, the Greens secured a commitment from the government to look at the destructive practice of burning wood from native forests and counting it as renewable energy under Federal legislation. The practice was legislated under Tony Abbott and was opposed by the Greens and Labor at the time.

The Senate Committee enquiring into the Climate Change Bill heard evidence of damage being done to both forests and climate through the burning of native forest wood for energy and a majority of the Committee (both Labor and Greens Senators) recommended that the Minister review the use of native forest wood waste for renewable energy and undertake further consultation.

This morning in an interview with Tom Connell on Sky, Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen accepted the recommendation and announced that the government would release a consultation paper on the matter.

Greens Leader Adam Bandt MP: said

“It’s time to end Tony Abbott’s practice of burning wood from native forests and calling it ‘renewable energy’.

“The Greens have secured important first steps from the Government, but we won’t rest until this terrible practice stops.

“I welcome the Minister starting this consultation process, but with our environment under threat and the climate crisis increasing, the only logical conclusion is to stop burning native forests. The Greens and Labor opposed this practice under Tony Abbott and it needs to end now.

“The Greens will continue to fight alongside Traditional Owners and land defenders to stop trashing songlines and endangering totems by burning native forests.”

Senator Janet Rice, Greens spokesperson for forests said:

“I welcome the government committing to review the use of native forest wood for renewable energy beginning with the release of a consultation paper on the issue.

“The Senate committee heard clear evidence that the burning of wood from native forest for energy is far from renewable and that in fact it actually creates more pollution than burning coal.  

“Our forests are worth far more standing both for our environment and for  soaking up carbon than being destroyed to fuel forest furnaces.”

“However I know that the fight’s not over, and we shouldn’t need a consultation paper to remind the ALP what their position was 2011 and 2015. We’ll make sure it’s not just talk: the government must take action to protect our forests, not allow them to be burnt for fake renewable energy.”

Treasurer fails to defend Stage 3 tax cuts

In response to a simple question from the Greens Member for Brisbane during Question Time – “How are Labor’s Stage 3 tax cuts actually good for the economy?” – the Treasurer today failed to outline even one economic benefit of the tax cuts.

Greens MP for Brisbane, Stephen Bates said:

“The Treasurer can’t make even one argument in favour of Labor’s Stage 3 tax cuts.

“The Treasurer has just confirmed Labor’s Stage 3 tax cuts deliver no benefit to the economy.

“Labor is spending $243b on tax cuts for the wealthy without offering even one argument in support.

“It’s a massively expensive exercise that not even the government can justify. Labor’s Stage 3 tax cuts must be axed now.

“Instead of giving tax cuts to billionaires and the wealthy, Labor should spend this money providing cost of living relief by getting dental and mental health into Medicare and wiping student debt.”