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Backing sporting equality for women and girls

Women and girls across NSW will have access to more inclusive sporting facilities, thanks to the NSW Government’s $25 million Female Friendly Sport Facilities and Lighting Upgrades Program.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said 94 community sport facilities are set to be transformed, delivering female-friendly change rooms, amenities and lighting upgrades, which is one of the biggest barriers that prevent women and girls from playing sport.

“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government recognises the critical role local sport infrastructure plays in keeping our communities healthy and active,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Community sport is where it all begins, and by investing in our local communities to help boost female participation, we will ensure any young girl or woman who wants to shoot a hoop, score a try or kick a goal, can do so in a supportive environment.”

Treasurer Matt Kean said since 2017 the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has committed more than $1 billion to deliver new and upgraded community sport facilities.

“Women’s sport is booming in NSW and this program will deliver the facilities women and girls need and deserve,” Mr Kean said.

“This groundbreaking program will level the playing field by improving facilities that for decades have been predominately used by men, but now cater for a growing number of women’s and girls’ sporting teams.”

Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said major events including the recent FIBA Women’s World Cup and upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup are creating enormous excitement and inspiring the next generation of female sporting stars.

“Whether it’s on the court, field or track, we continue to be inspired by our homegrown talent like Ellyse Perry, Lauren Jackson, and Madison de Rozario who are captivating the nation with their extraordinary athleticism and passion,” Mr Henskens said.

“The Liberal and Nationals Government’s investment in community sport infrastructure is improving facilities for women and girls, and boosting female participation in sport, in line with our Her Sport Her Way strategy.”

Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said we know that when women and girls feel comfortable, they are more likely to stick with their chosen sport.

“Some of the biggest barriers faced by women and girls are the lack of female change rooms and amenities,” Mrs Taylor said.

“I am so thrilled that more than 90 projects will be funded through this program, with more than half of those in our regional communities. This means more women and girls in the bush will have equal opportunity to play their favourite sport.”

More information about the program and the list of successful recipients is available online.

Stop Labor’s tax on the sick

It is imperative that we support our hardworking healthcare providers and protect their ability to provide essential services to their communities. One Nation strongly advocates for an exemption for general practices (GPs) in Queensland who are facing a new patient tax imposed by the Palaszczuk’s Labor government.

The Labor government’s new interpretation of payroll tax laws has resulted in a 4.75% increase in total billings for doctors who work as contractors. This tax is not only burdensome, but it is also unjust as the cost will be passed onto patients with already stretched budgets. Healthcare services, as a basic human need, should be exempt from taxes, especially when public hospitals are exempt from payroll tax.

The RACGP conducted a survey, which showed that 87% of practices would have to pass on the tax to patients, while only 3% of practices could absorb it. This tax would lead to the end of bulk billing and result in increased out of pocket costs for patients by as much as 15%. It would have a negative impact on the most vulnerable members of our community who have the lowest income and are at most risk of adverse health outcomes.

The state’s already strained hospital system won’t be able to cope with this new influx of patients who have no recourse but to turn up at their local accident and emergency. This tax would break general practices, increase bed block, and make it impossible for GP practices to support their patients.

Labor’s new patient tax is unjust and detrimental to the wellbeing of our communities. We call for a tax exemption for GP practices and for the government to fulfill their 26 pre-election promises of no new or increased taxes. Let’s work together to ensure that patients have access to affordable and quality healthcare services.

Update 3/2/2023:

Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick has claimed he has ‘averted disaster’ by agreeing to delay the tax until after the next Queensland Election (Courier-Mail 3/2/2023). The tax will still go ahead, Mr Dick is just kicking the can down the road.

One Nation strongly opposes payroll tax, especially a tax on the sick, vulnerable and aging, such as this.

APPOINTMENT OF NEW SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

I am pleased to announce that the Governor-General has accepted my recommendation to appoint Mr Tony Cook PSM as the Secretary of the Department of Education.

Mr Cook is currently Deputy Secretary, Higher Education, Research and International at the Department of Education. He has held a range of senior public servant positions at the Commonwealth and State levels, including as Director‑General of the Queensland Department of Education and Deputy Secretary at the Victorian Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.

Mr Cook brings to his new appointment significant policy experience and strong stakeholder relationships, particularly in the education sector. He was awarded a Public Service Medal in 2014 in recognition of his work on school policy and funding reform.

Mr Cook’s five-year appointment will commence on 4 April 2023. I congratulate Tony on the appointment and look forward to working with him in this new capacity.

I would like to thank Dr Michele Bruniges AM for her service as Secretary of the Department of Education since April 2016. Dr Bruniges has made a significant contribution to education policy at the Commonwealth and state levels over a number of decades and I wish her well for the future.

A list of departmental Secretaries is available on the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet’s website.

BIG FOUR REAP BIG REWARDS FROM BIG DONATIONS

The Big 4 consultancy firms are amongst the biggest corporate donors to the LNP and the Labor Party over the last financial year. Together, PwC, Deloitte, EY and KPMG donated almost $860,000 to the two major parties.

PwC donated more than $246,000 to the major parties in 2021-22 and received Government contracts worth almost $600 million in the same financial year.

PwC was embroiled in a scandal in recent weeks after a senior partner, now no longer with PwC, was deregistered as a Tax Agent after sharing confidential information obtained while being consulted by the Australian Tax Office on changes to the tax system.

“These political donations are more than just a case of you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours,” said Greens Finance Spokesperson, Senator Barbara Pocock. “It’s more like you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours and give you a Maserati!” She said.

“We’ve got to have a close look at the whole regime of outsourcing government work to private consultancy firms.

“What confidence can Australians have in companies who make large donations to political parties and then receive major government contracts?” Senator Pocock asked.

“There are obvious conflicts of interest when the firms you hire as consultants are also major donors to your political party,” she said. “We need to regulate political donations so that Australian voters can be confident that there are no conflicts of interest amongst companies taking Government contracts.

“Without such action how can Australians be confident that our democracy is not for sale?” Senator Pocock said.

Last week Senator Pocock called for a review of the Government’s use of consultants and wants Labor held to its promise to reduce spending on external consultants.

GREENS TO PUSH LABOR FOR MINIMUM WAGE FOR ARTISTS

Labor’s reported backtrack on a minimum wage for artists adds more weight to the Greens’ call for a Senate Inquiry into the Government’s National Cultural Policy launched on Monday.

The Greens pledged support ahead of the 2022 election for legislating a minimum performance fee to provide stability for live performers. They also called for an Artists Wage pilot program which would pay minimum wage for up to 10,000 established or emerging artists for a full calendar year. The initiative would ensure artists are able to create without added pressures of living costs, and would give back to the economy through the work they create.

Greens Spokesperson for the Arts Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said:

“I announced the Greens will be moving for a Senate Inquiry to examine the detail of the National Cultural Policy. Today we have another example of why it is important that the policy be fully examined, gaps identified and recommendations for improvement made.

“A National Cultural Policy is very welcome, but we have an opportunity to make it the best it can be.

“Artists and creatives are confused to hear this backtrack on a minimum wage after comments by Labor to the contrary.

“If we truly value our artists and creatives as workers then they must be guaranteed payment for their work.

“The Greens have backed calls for a minimum performance fee for artists performing at publicly funded events to be legislated. This will ensure live performers are recognised and remunerated for their work, and help provide some stability for artists. This fee reflects industry standards for payment as determined by industry bodies, and supports the call from key stakeholder, including Musicians Australia and the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance for the Government to uphold the same standards.

“Australia also shouldn’t just sit by and watch the Basic Income for the Arts scheme being trialled in Ireland, we need to get on with our own. There will be immediate benefit from a trial for artists, our economy and our communities and it will be far more relevant for our own arts and culture ecosystem.

“The Greens will keep pushing Labor to deliver the best arts and culture policy we can have in this nation, with adequate funding and timely delivery.”

COAL AND GAS DONATIONS WROTE THE SAFEGUARD LEGISLATION, NEW AEC DONATIONS DATA REVEALS

Political donations data published today by the Australian Electoral Commission shows that the Liberals, Nationals and Labor raked in a combined $241 million in donations in the 2021-22 financial year, with millions contributed by coal and gas corporations and their lobby groups.

Woodside, whose Burrup Peninsula gas project Scarborough has been supported by both sides of politics and was the subject of recent protests, donated $68,150 to the ALP, $21,700 to the Nationals and $20,080 to the Liberal Party. Gas lobby APPEA gifted $54,250 to the ALP, followed by $31,000 to the Liberals and $28,720 to the Nationals. Serial tax avoiding gas corporation Santos donated $83,360 to the ALP, followed by $38,000 to the Liberals and $32,300 to the Nationals.

Gas corporation Tamboran Resources donated $200,000, of which $138,000 went to the Coalition and $62,000 went to Labor. In the same financial year, Tamboran Resources received a $7.5m grant from the Coalition for natural gas exploration at the Beetaloo. The Greens attempted to disallow the grant in the Senate, but ALP supported the grant.

The Greens say the financial relationship between the fossil fuel sector and the Labor Party explains why Labor’s Safeguard Mechanism backs more coal and gas, which in its current form contravenes International Energy Agency and the UN Secretary General advice by allowing every planned new coal and gas project from the Morrison government to proceed. Reporting today indicates the Liberal Party are likely to vote against the Safeguard Mechanism in the Senate and the government will likely need the support of the Greens. Greens Leader Adam Bandt has previously said new coal and gas projects will be the sticking point for any negotiations.

Late last year, Senator Larissa Waters re-introduced a bill to ban donations from coal and gas corporations and other sectors with a track record of buying influence, and cap all other political donations at $1,000 per year.

Greens Leader Adam Bandt MP said:

“These dirty donations explain why Labor is allowing new coal and gas in the safeguard mechanism.

“Woodside and Santos donated more to the ALP than the Liberals and Nationals combined, and they’ve been repaid with free reign to open new projects and trash the climate.

“Labor is taking money from the coal and gas corporations causing the climate crisis and then proposing laws that allow new coal and gas projects to go ahead.

“It has become clear today that Labor’s climate plan was paid for by coal and gas. Labor’s plan for more coal and gas means floods, fires and food supply problems will get worse.

“The coal and gas donors’ fingerprints are all over Labor’s safeguard legislation.”

Greens leader in the Senate and spokesperson on democracy Senator Larissa Waters said:

“Today’s data once again shows that money talks, with more than $241 million pocketed by the major parties in the last financial year.

“Coal and gas projects, energy companies and mineral and resource councils all feature heavily. Is it any wonder the fossil fuel sector continues to benefit? The Albanese government handed out $42.7 billion over ten years of fossil fuel subsidies in the last budget, turbo charging climate destruction.

“Santos, which is pushing to frack the Beetaloo basin, received $16 million in public money for its Moomba Carbon Capture and Storage Project and gave $154,000 to the major parties. That’s a pretty good return on investment!

“The Minerals Council, who recently threatened to ‘unleash an ad campaign against Labor unless it rules out windfall profits tax’, gave nearly a quarter of a million to the major parties in 2021-22. And there is still no windfall profits tax on the horizon.

“These are only the donations that Australians are told about. More than a third of all donations fall below the $14,500 disclosure threshold, and many ‘membership fees’ and cash-for-access event fees are not classed as donations so stay hidden from public view.

“The Greens have legislation to cap political donations to $1,000 per year no matter who the donor, and to ban donations from dirty industries with a track record of seeking to buy policy outcomes, including the fossil fuel sector.

“We will continue to use our balance of power in the Senate to push Federal Labor to cap political donations and ban them from influential industries, including the fossil fuel sector, gambling, banking, defence, and pharmaceuticals.

“The Greens have been campaigning for decades to clean up our democracy. It’s time for Labor to come to the table and work with us to ensure politicians work in the public interest, not the interest of their donor mates.”

New service NSW Centre coming to The Hills District

Residents from across Baulkham Hills, Carlingford, Northmead, West Pennant Hills, and surrounding suburbs will soon have access to a new state-of-the-art Service NSW Centre in North Rocks Shopping Centre when it opens in mid-2023.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the new Service Centre would be located at Shop 50-56, North Rocks Shopping Centre, 328-336 North Rocks Road, North Rocks and will offer more than 1000 NSW Government transactions, including up to 180 driving tests per week.

“The North Rocks Service Centre will make it easier for customers to access important NSW Government services and transactions, including vehicle registration, Working with Children Checks, Seniors Card applications, trades licences, driver licences and driver testing,” Mr Dominello said.

“North Rocks will add to our driver testing capacity across the Hills and Parramatta region, making it more convenient for learner drivers and others needing to book in for their practical examination.

“Customers will also be able to sit computer-based driving examinations such as the Driver Knowledge and Hazard Perception tests at this location.”

Mr Dominello said the new Service Centre would be open six days a week and would offer enhanced digital offerings and a concierge service to assist and guide customers as they step through the doors.

“Customers are busy people and they don’t need to spend hours waiting in line. This is a one-stop-shop where customers can come in and complete their transactions faster and more conveniently,” he said.

“There will also be a Savings Specialist on hand to help customers apply from more than 70 government savings and rebates, with customers across the State saving on average about $750 per appointment with the Savings Finder program.”

North Rocks will become the 116th Service Centre opened across the State since 2013 and eighth new Metro Service Centres to open in Sydney since 2019, with another two due to open in 2023.

In addition to the recent metropolitan Sydney expansion, 24 new Service Centres were opened across regional and remote NSW as part of a $20 million expansion of the network between 2017 and 2019.

$268 million for WestInvest projects in the Blue Mountains and Penrith

New state-of-the-art sporting facilities, walking and cycling tracks to connect communities and a range of arts and environmental projects will be funded through the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s $5 billion WestInvest program.

Premier Dominic Perrottet and Treasurer Matt Kean today announced more than $268.9 million for councils and community groups in the Blue Mountains and Penrith to deliver 30 transformational infrastructure projects.

The announcement takes the total projects funded through the $1.6 billion WestInvest Community Project Grants – Competitive Round to 51 with further successful projects to be announced in the coming weeks.

The 30 projects announced in the Blue Mountains and Penrith today include:

· $106.7 million for the Penrith City Council to deliver a huge new indoor multi-sports arena in Claremont Meadows.

· $40 million for The Salvation Army (NSW) Property Trust to deliver the Greater West Sydney Oasis – a collaborative community arts and cultural hub in St Marys.

· $24.4 million for the Blue Mountains City Council for four active transport projects that provide missing links to encourage more people to walk and cycle around the beautiful world heritage-listed asset:

o $14 million to deliver 24km of active transport links, improving connections between 27 towns and villages in the Blue Mountains.

o $5.6 million to add 1.9km between Kiah and Echo Point to the Great Blue Mountains Trail providing the missing link from Leura Station to Scenic World and the Katoomba Golf Course Precinct.

o $2.6 million for a new 3.8km off-road shared path link along Singles Ridge Road, Yellow Rock, between Vendetta Road and Yellow Rock Road in Winmalee.

o $2.2 million to add 2km to the Great Blue Mountains Trail on Cliff Drive between Narrow Neck Road and Acacia Street in Katoomba.

· $9.1 million for We Help Ourselves (WHOS) to deliver the West Multi Function Alcohol and other Drug Centre in St Marys.

· $8.2 million for Penrith City Council to deliver the City Park Urban Retreat project for a new 7000sqm green heart in the city centre featuring gardens, water features, public art and natural shade for people to relax, play and be active. 

· $5 million for the Penrith City Council to upgrade the Penrith nursery to help green the city and protect threatened ecological communities including the Cumberland Plain Woodland.

· $815,827 for The Eleanor Dark Foundation to help deliver an architect-designed cultural hub for workshops, literary events and writing groups in the Blue Mountains.

· $427,500 for the Mulgoa Valley Landcare Group Inc to support the Mulgoa Creek Connecting Community with Healthy Habitats project to restore local biodiversity and habitat with a special focus on protecting the platypus.

Mr Perrottet said the exciting new projects will secure a brighter future for local communities.

“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government created WestInvest to deliver local infrastructure that will improve livability in Western Sydney and that is exactly what we are doing,” Mr Perrottet said.

“We are making a huge array of projects in the Blue Mountains and Penrith a reality, helping to deliver the playgrounds, cultural centres, sporting fields and facilities the people of Western Sydney deserve.”

Mr Kean said many of the projects funded in the Blue Mountains focus on better connecting the much loved and world-renowned area.

“The Blue Mountains is one of our most treasured natural attractions and these projects will ensure more locals and visitors can explore and enjoy its beauty,” Mr Kean said.

“The four active transport projects will connect towns and villages and encourage more people to walk and cycle around this spectacular area.”

Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres said the projects announced today provide a huge boost to sporting organisations.

“The new state-of-the-art indoor sports arena in Claremont Meadows will deliver eight new multi-sports courts to accommodate just about every kind of indoor sport you can imagine,” Mr Ayres said.

“This project will provide a cool, all-weather facility to support netball, basketball, volleyball, futsal, squash, roller skating and so much more. This arena will encourage young people to take up and excel in new sports, supporting a healthy lifestyle.”

Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies said the $427,500 for the Mulgoa Valley Landcare Group Inc will ensure they can continue to undertake critical work in restoring the riparian corridor of Mulgoa Creek, with a special focus on protecting the platypus.

“The Mulgoa Valley Landcare Group has been rehabilitating a 10km stretch of Mulgoa Creek for more than 27 years,” Mrs Davies said.

“This WestInvest funding will help them to continue their incredible work to restore biodiversity and habitat within the Mulgoa Valley by delivering interpretive signage to educate and engage community along the riparian corridor of Mulgoa.”

More than 680 applicants submitted a WestInvest application to the value of more than $7.9 billion. The successful projects were announced after a comprehensive assessment process outlined in the WestInvest Community Project Grant Guidelines. All unsuccessful applicants will be offered a 1:1 feedback session.

A full list of projects announced today can be found at www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/westinvest

Greater support for child sexual abuse victims

A nation-leading program that reduces the trauma of court processes for children who are victims of sexual abuse will be expanded across the state, providing greater support to more young people.

Premier Dominic Perrottet and Attorney General Mark Speakman today announced the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will invest $64.3 million over four years to expand the Child Sexual Offences Evidence Program (CSOEP) to every District Court and Police District in NSW.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said this important program reduced the difficulties and stress endured by our most vulnerable victims as they navigate the justice system.

“Child sexual abuse is one of the most heinous crimes and those children who have already endured the unimaginable should not have to suffer further at the hands of a justice system designed for adults,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Under this program, young people are able to pre-record their evidence and are provided with intermediaries to assist them during police interviews and hearings, as well as supports to spare them the trauma of facing their alleged attacker in court.

“Our Government led the nation when we piloted this program and now we want to make sure that every child – no matter where they live in our state – can access this support.”

Attorney General Mark Speakman said the program will further strengthen the state’s criminal justice response to child sexual abuse.

“Re-traumatising a complainant does not advance justice,” Mr Speakman said.

“We need to do all we can to ensure that children and young people who have been sexually abused are supported through the court experience, so they can begin the process of rebuilding their lives.

“The NSW Government was nation-leading in piloting the CSOEP, nation-leading in making it a permanent program and is now nation-leading in extending it state-wide.”

The CSOEP commenced in 2016 as a pilot in two court locations – the Sydney (Downing Centre) District Court and Newcastle District Court – as well as in the corresponding South-West Metropolitan, Central Metropolitan, and parts of the Northern Police Districts.

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government invested more than $28 million in 2018 to make the program permanent in these locations.

This followed an independent assessment by the University of NSW that found that the CSEOP received very strong support from participants, reduced stress for children and resulted in a better quality of evidence from child witnesses.

It also followed the release of the landmark final report by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in 2017, which made seven recommendations about the importance of pre-recording witness evidence and using intermediaries in child sexual offence prosecutions. The CSOEP is consistent with those recommendations.

The expanded program will be rolled out across NSW from 1 July 2023 to every District Court. A list of these locations is at: https://www.districtcourt.nsw.gov.au/district-court/court-lists-and-sitting-dates/district-court-sittings—criminal-jurisdiction.html

Final connection made between Sydney Metro lines

The final tracks have been laid connecting the new Sydney Metro City and Southwest line with the existing North West line at Chatswood, completing a major component of the project.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the new City and Southwest metro line would revolutionise the city’s public transport network.

“This marks a major milestone in the delivery of Australia’s biggest public transport project with the final tracks now laid to connect these two metro lines,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Once complete, the new City and Southwest metro line will revolutionise how Sydneysiders travel by providing fast, reliable services at seven new stations under the Sydney CBD and in the city’s north.

“Our long term economic plan is delivering major rail projects for the future and will support communities as they grow.”

Transport Minister David Elliott said the Northern Connection now links the Sydney Metro City and Southwest line to the existing Metro North West line marking another significant construction breakthrough in this State.

“The NSW Government is delivering Australia’s biggest public transport project right before our eyes. This milestone is another promise delivered by the Liberal and Nationals,” Mr Elliott said.

“Across the Sydney Metro City and Southwest, more than 5,000 people are currently employed; and 50,000 people will have worked on the project by the time it is complete.” 

“From 2024, passengers can travel from Tallawong in Sydney’s north, into the city in under 50 minutes, Castle Hill to Barangaroo in 33 minutes and Chatswood to Martin Place in 11 minutes on a fast and reliable metro service.”

Member for Willoughby Tim James said the Northern Connection is a 200-metre section of rail corridor connecting the northern suburbs to the Southwest.

“This major connection was constructed over two years with workers installing tracks and operational services in the 15.5-kilometre twin tunnels between Chatswood and Sydenham,” Mr James said.

“Six teams and more than 200 workers worked around the clock over one weekend to make the final connection. It was a mammoth effort.”

A rigorous testing and commissioning program along the new alignment will commence later this year, ahead of passenger services starting through the Sydney CBD in 2024.

New stations at Crows Nest, Victoria Cross, Barangaroo, Martin Place, Pitt Street and Waterloo, along with new underground platforms at Central Station will open next year.