New and existing workers across the defence and aerospace sector are set to benefit from a suite of new training initiatives to help meet industry demand and create a pipeline of skilled and job-ready workers.
Speaking at the Hunter Defence Conference, Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade Alister Henskens said 40 per cent of Australia’s defence and aerospace industry call NSW home, with the Hunter hosting key Air Force and Army establishments.
“The defence and aerospace sector is a priority industry for NSW and is underpinned by our world-class advanced manufacturing capabilities, and our workforce deserves to have the necessary, and latest tools to take advantage of all opportunities in this sector,” Mr Henskens said.
“To train people in this critical industry, the NSW Government is bolstering TAFE NSW’s capability by investing $2 million in high-tech training assets, which will enhance the educational experience for welding students, grow the economy and secure a brighter future for NSW.”
The Hunter Defence Conference provides a platform for NSW small and medium enterprises to showcase their products, skills and innovative ideas to representatives from across the defence sector.
Australian Industry and Defence Network CEO Brent Clark welcomed the investment in training for the industry.
“We need more people getting the skills they need for jobs in the defence industry and it’s great to see the NSW Government proactively addressing future skills needs to fill jobs now and into the future,” Mr Clark said.
For more information visit, https://www.investment.nsw.gov.au/living-working-and-business/sector-opportunities/defence-and-aerospace-in-nsw/.
$45 million to accelerate pumped hydro
NSW’s pumped hydro future is being fast tracked as five projects, with a combined capacity of almost 1.75 gigawatts (GW), have been awarded funding under the NSW Pumped Hydro Recoverable Grants Program.
Treasurer and Minister for Energy Matt Kean said the program provides recoverable grants to pumped hydro developers to help cover upfront costs and lower investment barriers for the private sector.
“Funding agreements are already in place with five applicants who have received a total of $44.8 million to support pre-investment activities, establish project feasibility and develop a strategic business case,” Mr Kean said.
“If these pumped hydro projects proceed to construction, they are expected to create more than 2,300 jobs and attract $4.4 billion of private investment, which will help grow the economy and support the regions.
“NSW has the most ambitious renewable energy policy in the nation, which is needed to replace ageing coal fired power stations and build a clean energy future for NSW.”
Mr Kean said pumped hydro is a key component of the State’s renewable energy plans, providing clean, reliable power and creating infrastructure jobs right across regional NSW.
“This is a win for NSW as these grants will be repaid to the Government if a project reaches financial close, meaning that these same funds could be used to support even more projects in future,” Mr Kean said.
Pumped hydro acts like a giant battery for the electricity system. It works by using surplus renewable energy to pump water up a hill when it is sunny and windy, and releasing the water back down the hill through giant turbines that create electricity when it is still and dark.
NSW has a target to build at least 2GW of new long duration storage by 2030, and the Government has committed $97.5 million to accelerate pumped hydro projects that could meet that target. This includes funding for private projects as well as funding to undertake site investigations for pumped hydro potential on existing WaterNSW dams.
ID support NSW adds new layer of protection against online scams
The nation-leading ID Support NSW team is helping save customer information from malicious actors by identifying credentials which have been stolen from personal devices by malicious software (malware) attacks and posted on the dark web.
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the Department of Customer Service ID Support NSW team was working closely with Cyber Security NSW, the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) and NSW Police to monitor the dark web.
“We are in a war with cyber criminals and in most instances customers wouldn’t be aware their details had been stolen from their phones or laptops and put on the dark web,” Mr Dominello said.
“This can happen when malware is inadvertently installed on a device after visiting a dodgy website or clicking on an unsafe link.
“We set up ID Support NSW to ensure we could streamline the process to remedy compromised credentials in the instance they had been stolen or misused.
“In a national first, where ID Support NSW does find information on the dark web, they will now proactively notify people and work with them to remove the malware, remedy their credentials and protect their information.”
NSW Chief Cyber Security Officer Tony Chapman said personal information can find its way to the dark web through scam emails, fake websites and malware being installed on browsers.
“We are monitoring illegal marketplaces on the internet for data sets that contain personal information of NSW customers that could be used for identity misuse or fraud,” Mr Chapman said.
“Details such as passwords that have been saved on personal computers or stored on key chains by individuals are particularly vulnerable.
“Please be cautious when opening emails and text messages. If you are unsure the message is legitimate, contact the sending organisation using details listed on the organisation’s website.”
ID Support NSW encourages customers to avoid saving their log-in credentials and passwords unless they have a trusted password manager system.
ID Support NSW also provides education and advice to raise awareness of identity theft and is working to expand its services in 2022 to help with other personal information.
Customers who fear they have had their information stolen are encouraged to contact ID Support NSW’s free call number 1800 001 040 which is available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, NSW time or you can also use the online form 24-hours a day.
Customers can get advice and guidance on how to deal with compromised documents, how to keep their information safe, and how to access additional support such as counselling.
For more information on ID Support NSW visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/id-support-nsw
OUTCOMES OF THE JOBS AND SKILLS SUMMIT
The Jobs and Skills Summit has brought Australians together to agree on immediate actions to help build a stronger economy and a stronger Australia.
Government, employers, unions and the broader community will take forward initiatives to help build a bigger, better trained and more productive workforce, boost real wages and living standards, and create more opportunities for more Australians.
The Albanese Government will ensure full employment, productivity growth and equal opportunities for women are central objectives of its economic and fiscal policy.
We will work towards reducing barriers to employment so that all Australians have the opportunity to participate to their full potential.
Working with industry, unions and other stakeholders at the Summit, the Albanese Government has agreed to 36 immediate initiatives including:
- An additional $1 billion in joint Federal-State funding for fee-free TAFE in 2023 and accelerated delivery of 465,000 fee-free TAFE places;
- A one-off income credit so that Age Pensioners who want to work can earn an additional $4,000 over this financial year without losing any of their pension;
- More flexibly utilising $575 million in the National Housing Infrastructure Facility to invest in social and affordable housing, and attract financing from superannuation funds and other sources of private capital;
- Modernising Australia’s workplace relations laws, including to make bargaining accessible for all workers and businesses;
- Amending the Fair Work Act to strengthen access to flexible working arrangements, make unpaid parental leave more flexible and strengthen protection for workers against discrimination and harassment;
- Improving access to jobs and training pathways for women, First Nations people, regional Australians and culturally and linguistically diverse people, including equity targets for training places, 1,000 digital apprenticeships in the Australian Public Service, and other measures to reduce barriers to employment;
- An increase in the permanent Migration Program ceiling to 195,000 in 2022-23 to help ease widespread, critical workforce shortages; and
- Extending visas and relaxing work restrictions on international students to strengthen the pipeline of skilled labour, and providing additional funding to resolve the visa backlog
We thank those who stepped up and spoke up at the Summit and the more than 100 roundtables held prior to the Summit in communities across the country, for their fresh ideas and open and constructive approach to addressing our nation’s big economic challenges.
Many of the ideas and suggestions raised will be explored further over the next 12 months as part of the Employment White Paper, which will further help shape the future of Australia’s labour market.
The Albanese Government will release the terms of reference for the White Paper and begin accepting submissions later this month.
The Summit and roundtables have proven there is a genuine desire across our country to come together to have a mature, forward-looking debate and to look for common ground.
The Albanese Government will seek to maintain this spirit of cooperation and collaboration in the months and years ahead.
The Jobs and Skills Summit outcomes document can be viewed in full at www.treasury.gov.au/employment-whitepaper/jobs-summit
GIVING OLDER AUSTRALIANS THE OPTION TO WORK AND EARN MORE
Age and Veterans Pensioners will be able to earn an additional $4000 over this financial year without losing any of their pension due to the Albanese Labor Government providing a one-off income credit designed to give older Australians the option to work and keep more of their money.
Following the successful Jobs and Skills Summit in Canberra, an immediate $4000 income credit will be added to the income banks of Age Pensioners from December to be used this financial year.
The temporary income bank top up will increase the amount pensioners can earn from $7800 to $11,800 this year, before their pension is reduced.
The measure is designed to enable pensioners who want to work to immediately boost the supply of labour to help meet shortages.
Pensioners will be able to do so without losing their pension, either in short stints or over the course of a year.
The $4000 temporary credit will be available until June 30, 2023, subject to the passage of legislation.
The Government will also look to strengthen legislation to ensure pensioners who are working don’t get unnecessarily kicked out of the social security system.
The Government will expedite legislation to ensure pensioners don’t have to reapply for payments for up to two years if their employment income exceeds the income limit. Currently their connection to social security is cancelled after 12 weeks of exceeding the income limit.
Pensioners will also retain access to their Pensioner Concession Card and associated benefits for two years.
These changes will give older Australians the option to take up work if they wish to do so.
This is an important measure to ensure older Australians have the option to remain in the workforce if they wish to without losing access to their pension and benefits.
It will mean if they wish to work for short periods of time they can also, broadening their choices.
Greens welcome ACTU & BCA support for our PPL Policy
The Greens welcome the joint agreement of business groups and unions, and support the ACTU and Business Council of Australia in urging the government to expand paid parental leave to 26 weeks.
The Greens’ PPL plan called for 26 weeks with payments that match salaries up to $100k pa, super paid on leave, and ‘use it or lose it’ incentives built in to encourage shared parenting, and we’re glad to see these groups coming onboard.
Greens deputy leader and spokesperson on women Senator Larissa Waters said:
“The Labor government knows that we need a fairer paid parental leave scheme. They have made the right noises in the past, but have no current plans to extend leave, increase payments, add superannuation, or incentivi\se shared care. If they are genuine about increasing women’s workforce participation and closing the gender pay gap, we need action on this now.
“The current parental leave scheme tends to lock mums into the role of primary carer and the loss of work opportunities that comes with it. We need to do much more to encourage both parents to share the parenting load, and to normalise working arrangements that help families juggle work and caring responsibilities.
“We know from the experience in other countries that more equitable parental leave, coupled with free childcare, has a significant impact on women’s workforce participation. It also helps to shape long term sharing of childcare and unpaid household tasks.
“The current system allows parents to share parental leave, yet only 1 in 20 dads takes more than two weeks. “Use it or lose it” provisions create real incentives for both parents to take leave. We know that it works because when countries like Sweden and Iceland introduced “use it or lose it” they saw a huge jump in shared care and that has been sustained for more than a decade.
“Childcare is still not free, care work is still undervalued, and the minimum wage and income support payments, which more women than men receive, are still too low.
“The Greens’ plan will reduce the amount of time women are missing a pay cheque and provide families with more incentives, and more support, to share caring responsibilities more fairly.
Newcastle’s development boom continues to skyrocket
Merewether, New Lambton and Mayfield are Newcastle’s top three suburbs when it comes to renovations according to City of Newcastle.
$1.85 billion in new development was assessed by City of Newcastle (CN) during the last 12 months with more than 1,650 development applications (DAs) determined, in addition to state significant developments, which is up 25 per cent from just two years ago.
Homeowners in Merewether, Mayfield and New Lambton are improving their properties with residential alterations and additions, whilst Adamstown ($92.04 million) and Merewether ($61.78 million) lead the way in terms of the highest value DAs approved, including projects like the Merewether Golf Club seniors living redevelopment estimated at $76 million.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes says development in Newcastle is showing no signs of losing momentum despite challenging market conditions.
“Significant levels of residential and commercial development continue to unfold right across our city, which is great news for the local economy, construction industry, and the creation of thousands of direct and indirect jobs,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Newcastle continues to be a hot spot when it comes to homeowners injecting cash into bricks and mortar, despite climbing inflation levels, stagnant wage growth, tighter borrowing conditions, and material and labour shortages.”
City of Newcastle Manager Regulatory, Planning and Assessment Michelle Bisson said Newcastle is growing in popularity as an attractive gateway city to live, work and play, which is driving the development boom.
“Through multiple market cycles, Newcastle is considered a steady growth area to invest in, with ongoing revitalisation transforming the city and making Newcastle a highly desirable location to both homeowners as well as developers and investors,” Ms Bisson said.
“Migration growth in Newcastle has increased seven per cent year-on-year since the start of the pandemic, with more people relocating from Sydney and Melbourne than ever before, and at a faster rate than almost anywhere else in Australia, driving development across the city.
“With millennials making up the vast majority of those relocating to Newcastle, the demand for residential housing remains strong with prices still cheaper than major Australian capital cities.
“The second half of 2022 is tracking just as strongly with some significant developments in the pipeline.”
Bush Fire Danger Period begins with new warning system
The official Bush Fire Danger Period starts today in 12 regions across NSW, as the new national Fire Danger Rating System takes effect across Australia.
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the upcoming bush fire season will be the first to incorporate the updated Fire Danger Rating System.
“The existing six ratings are being replaced with four – Moderate, High, Extreme and Catastrophic – so that the community can better understand the risks and make potentially life-saving decisions,” Ms Cooke said.
“The new system of ratings was developed using community research and updated fire behavior science, which until now, has remained unchanged for more than 50 years.
“Grass fires can move three times faster than bush fires and are our greatest threat this season, which is why all communities in regional and rural NSW should take the necessary steps to become familiar with the Fire Danger Rating System.”
The 12 regions commencing their Bush Fire Danger Period today are Clarence Valley, Coffs Coast, Far North Coast, Far South Coast, Hunter Valley, Liverpool Range, Lower North Coast, Mid Coast, New England, Northern Rivers, Northern Tablelands and Shoalhaven.
NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Rob Rogers said continuous, heavy rainfall across many parts of NSW has led to an increase in the growth of fuel loads.
“Over the coming weeks and months, we are particularly concerned about the likelihood of grass and crop fires as the State starts to dry out,” Commissioner Rogers said.
Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Paul Baxter urged residents to familiarise themselves with the new fire danger ratings system to protect the irreplaceable.
“Our main priority is to protect life. So please help us to help you and know what actions you will take if a bush fire does threaten your life and property this season,” Commissioner Baxter said.
National Parks and Wildlife Service Executive Director Naomi Stevens reminded residents to be aware of fire danger ratings especially if planning on bush walking or camping in national parks.
“It’s important to know the risk of where you live and also where you’re visiting, and be aware of any closures to parks on days of increased fire danger,” Ms Stevens said.
Forestry Corporation Chief Forester Ross Dickson said many people love to get out of the house and enjoy nature over the warmer months, like four wheel driving, walking dogs and taking picnics.
“Please take some time to plan ahead, be aware of the conditions especially as the weather warms up and remember during total fire bans no flames are allowed in the state’s forests,” Dr Dickson said.
Landholders who want to light a fire during the Bush Fire Danger Period are required to obtain a permit, in addition to notifying their local fire authority and neighbours 24 hours before lighting up.
Information about fire permits, required notifications and hazard reduction burning is available at: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/BFDP.
To make a bush fire survival plan, visit: www.myfireplan.com.au.
NSW Government calls on Jobs and Skills Summit to prioritise hospitality
NSW Minister for Hospitality and Racing Kevin Anderson has joined with key stakeholders to ensure the staffing crisis facing the hospitality sector is a priority at the upcoming Jobs and Skills Summit in Canberra.
Mr Anderson said the hospitality sector was one of the hardest hit by the COVID pandemic and as we look to the future, solving the staffing crisis must be a priority.
“I welcome the Jobs and Skills Summit being held in Canberra and am calling on the Commonwealth Government and all in attendance to address the staffing issue in hospitality as a matter of priority,” Mr Anderson said.
“These businesses suffered the most during the COVID pandemic and now, as the community is regaining the confidence to return to venues, we need to find a solution to issues around staffing and empower them to stay open and continue serving their communities.”
Australian Hotels Association NSW CEO John Whelan said the hospitality sector in NSW has been suffering from worker shortages.
“There’s been a chronic shortage of hospitality workers in NSW for a long time – and that’s only been exacerbated by the pandemic,” Mr Whelan said.
“It’s good to see the issue on the national agenda after years of inaction and particularly pleasing to see the AHA representing the hotel sector at the summit.”
Clubs NSW CEO Josh Landis said worker shortages are hurting clubs in NSW.
“There are tens of thousands of vacant hospitality jobs across the country and the worker shortage is having a devastating impact on not-for-profit clubs,” Mr Landis said.
“Clubs are crying out for workers, with many having to close their restaurants or alter their opening hours because they simply don’t have enough staff to operate at full capacity.
“This matter is urgent and it requires decisive action by the Federal Government. Overseas job seekers should be allowed to complete their application and appointment process prior to arriving in Australia in order to provide relief to hospitality businesses, fast.
“While we welcome this week’s jobs and skills summit, if we don’t find a solution to get workers here soon, it will have been for nothing.”
Restaurants and Caterers Association CEO Belinda Clarke staffing shortages are hurting the hospitality sector and called on the Summit to address the issue.
“The Jobs and Skills Summit needs to come back with practical solutions that will alleviate one of the worst staffing shortages this country has faced in decades,” Ms Clarke said.
“Whilst we’re concerned about the lack of hospitality voices at the summit, we are all still hoping that there will be more action than talk when it comes to tackling this enormous skills and staffing crisis the industry faces.
“We will need to see more support for local jobs as well more support for people looking to come to this country from overseas to work here or we will risk losing more and more businesses and all the problems that brings.”
Trial on song for late night music lovers
Venues offering live entertainment will be able to stay open later, as part of a three month trial of the State’s first special entertainment precinct at Enmore Rd in Sydney’s inner west.
Minister for Hospitality and Racing Kevin Anderson said Inner West Council’s trial will run from September to November and aims to support live music and further promote Enmore Rd to be a thriving entertainment and cultural precinct.
“The NSW Government is pleased to support this trial which will see venues in the Enmore Rd precinct that offer live music and other entertainment, able to stay open an extra 30 minutes,” Mr Anderson said.
“Liquor & Gaming NSW has partnered with the council to extend liquor trading for participating venues, ensuring patrons can indulge in their favourite tipple as they enjoy listening to a live band or singer later into the night.”
Some venues may also be eligible for a 60-minute liquor trading extension, if they already have planning approval to keep their doors open later.
Mr Anderson said the trial is all about getting more people out enjoying live entertainment in this precinct later at night.
“We want to see the NSW night-time economy grow while ensuring it’s diverse safe and inclusive. A strong, vibrant live music scene is critical to a strong, vibrant night time economy,” Mr Anderson said.
Mr Anderson said special entertainment precincts are part of a new pilot program with input from the Department of Planning, Hospitality and Racing, Office of Local Government, Office of the 24-Hour Commissioner and NSW Police.
“All live music and performance venues are eligible for an 80 per cent discount on their annual liquor licence fees, under the 24-hour economy reforms, providing thousands of dollars in savings,” Mr Anderson said.
Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said this announcement builds on a series of recent changes made to the planning system to boost entertainment and live music across the State.
“From extending alfresco dining measures for another 18 months, allowing businesses to host performances without additional approval and making it easier to convert shops into small art venues – we are committed to giving the hospitality industry greater certainty to recharge the economy and lift community spirits,” Mr Roberts said.