TAX REFORM NEEDED TO TACKLE INFLATION, NOT INTEREST RATE HIKES

Greens Treasury spokesperson, Senator Nick McKim, has responded to the release today by the RBA of their quarterly Statement of Monetary Policy.

“The RBA has today admitted that inflation is not happening because people are buying more things.”

“This is supported by ABS figures also out today showing that retail volumes grew only 0.2 per cent in the September Quarter.”

“The RBA states that retail inflation is ‘mainly driven by price increases rather than higher volumes’.”

“But having made this pertinent insight, in the next breath the RBA says that it needs to guard against possible wage claims that might arise because workers need more money to pay these higher prices.

“This circular logic reveals the extent to which the RBA has been captured by corporate interests.”

“The RBA is fear mongering about non-existent wage increases citing its dodgy business liaison program.”

“But businesses have complained about wages through the entire history of capitalism.”

“Instead of parroting the corporate lines, the RBA should be upfront about the limits of monetary policy in tackling the current bout of high inflation.”

“Increasing interest rates will bring down inflation only by smashing household incomes and this will most affect those who are already doing it tough.”

“The government needs to pull its finger out and engage in genuine tax reform.”

“The government should be taxing company super profits and unearned wealth, and funding cost-of-living relief for those that are most in need.”

Church Walk Park

City of Newcastle (CN) has collaborated with community members to highlight a hidden green oasis in the heart of Newcastle’s CBD.

New signage has been installed at the entry points to Church Walk Park, which explores the history of the area and provides visitors with an insight into the vast ecosystem that exists within the compact public space.

CN worked closely with volunteers from The Friends of Church Walk Park on the project, with the aim of increasing awareness of the park’s significant heritage with respect to civic history, transport and coal mining and encourage visitors and residents to explore the space.

The park is known for its eclectic range of plants which reflect the age and changes in the park’s design and function since its development in 1924. Earlier plantings in the eastern end of Church Walk Park are European in character with large camphor laurels and date palms. In the 1960s, plants including hibiscus and other exotic ornamental species were introduced. Australian native species of flora were the focus of planting up until the end of the 20th century and the 21st century saw the inclusion of native plants local to Newcastle. City of Newcastle has provided and planted a selection of plants endemic to the Newcastle and Hunter region with these species thriving throughout Church Walk Park.

It has entry points located on the corner of Church Street and McCormack Street as well as an entrance located on King Street. A winding path throughout allows visitors to discover the variety of plants and animals hidden within.

Church Walk Park is conserved by the community group, The Friends of Church Walk Park, who meet regularly and are involved in the maintenance of the park including the removal of deadwood, weeding and planting of new flora.

If you would like to get involved with the Friends of Church Walk Park, please click here.

Colourful career of former Commonwealth Meat Inspector celebrated with Freeman of the City honour

A former campaigner to improve health and safety conditions for those working in abattoirs is the latest honouree to be conferred as a Freeman of the City of Newcastle.

Fletcher resident Phil Mahoney became the 16th recipient of the lifetime achievement award at Newcastle City Hall on Friday, in recognition of his work throughout the 1970s and 80s as a Commonwealth Meat Inspector, changing the way the industry responded to zoonotic diseases, such as Q-Fever, brucellosis, and leptospirosis.

Phil-Mahoney-at-today-s-Freeman-of-the-City-ceremony-with-Lord-Mayor-Nuatali-Nelmes-and-guests.JPG

Mr Mahoney was also lauded for his significant contributions to the entertainment industry as a performer, children’s show host and mentor, his past and current mentees including homegrown international country music star Morgan Evans and Derek Redfern of Young Talent Time fame, who travelled from Melbourne to perform for dignitaries and guests at the award ceremony.

Mr Mahoney’s achievements don’t end there, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said, with Camp Quality, the Australian Heart Foundation, No Kids Hungry Australia, Black Dog Institute, Melanoma Institute, and Foster Carers Association all benefiting from his extensive charity work.

“Phil has worked tirelessly over many decades to improve the lives of others, raising the first funds for The Calvary Mater hospital’s oncology clinic and revolutionising cancer treatment for local patients by reducing travel to Sydney,” the Lord Mayor said.

“I am proud to present the city’s highest honour to such a worthy recipient who has dedicated his life’s work to these important causes.”

Mr Mahoney said it was a privilege to receive the award among friends, family and supporters.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Lord Mayor and the people of Newcastle for bestowing this honour upon me,” Mr Mahoney said.

“I’m thrilled to share this moment with those who have been part of the journey. My colourful career wouldn’t be half of what it is without their support, and I look forward to continuing to give back to the community and entertainment industry.”

Visit City of Newcastle’s website for further information about the Freeman of the City award program, including past recipients.

New courses to target future skills needs

New short courses focused on the advanced manufacturing skills of the future will be rolled out in Western Sydney, with the aim of unlocking the half-a-trillion dollar global semiconductor market.
 
Semiconductors are the building blocks of modern computing and power almost all electronic devices, from smartphones to military communication and medical devices.
 
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade and Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said three new semiconductor micro-credentials would be rolled out under the NSW Government’s $37 million New Education Training Model (NETM).
 
“The global semiconductor shortage in recent years has affected all manufacturers of electronic goods, including computers, smartphones and cars,” Mr Henskens said.
 
“NSW is perfectly positioned to capitalise on the opportunity that the semiconductor industry presents, but to truly cement our spot in the market, we need future-focused skills and knowledge.
 
“These new micro-credentials will be driven by what industry needs and will teach local people how to design and test semiconductors, fostering innovation, creating jobs and securing a brighter future for Western Sydney.” 
 
The University of Sydney, along with Cadence, a leader in electronic systems design and computational software, have developed three micro-credentials, or short courses, which will build knowledge, skills and experience in designing semiconductors.
 
Western Parkland City Authority Chair Jennifer Westacott said the NETM is being delivered by the Authority in collaboration with industry, universities, vocational education and training providers and government.
 
“As we attract new industry and create skilled new jobs in the Western Parkland City, giving people access to the right skills, training and education will be critical to taking advantage of these new high quality, high paying jobs,” Ms Westacott said.
 
“The NETM is industry-led and designed to fill the gaps in traditional training quickly. It allows businesses to create micro-credentials that plug gaps in their workforce training and lets them expand and grow into new and emerging industries.”
 
The launch of the new micro-credentials follows the NSW Government’s recent $4 million investment to establish the Semiconductor Sector Service Bureau (S3B) which will build capability and talent in the semiconductor industry.
 
S3B Director Dr Nadia Court said by 2025, the leading use of semiconductors is expected to be in smartphones, especially as these devices support advanced technologies like 5G and extended reality.
 
“The use of semiconductors in the automotive industry is also expected to triple with an increase in autonomous driving and e-mobility,” Dr Court said.
 
“It’s so great to see two leaders in their fields, Cadence and University of Sydney come together to deliver three amazing micro-credentials to design semiconductors.”
 
By 2025, the NETM will develop 100 micro-credentials providing more than 7,000 training opportunities. Some of the courses currently on offer include practical foundations of biology, microbiology, organic and inorganic chemistry, technical drawing and additive manufacturing.
 
For more information about the NETM visit, https://www.wpca.sydney/delivery/netm/.

Find your path in NSW national parks

The first ever joint National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and Destination NSW tourism campaign has been launched, encouraging Australians to ‘find your path’ in the State’s magnificent natural landscapes.
 
Minister for Environment James Griffin said the advertising campaign showcases some of the most diverse national parks on the planet.
 
“From the crystal clear waters of Tomaree National Park, to other-worldly rock formations in the Warrumbungles, Australia’s best snow at Kosciuszko, and ancient cultural landscapes of Mungo and Mutawintji, we are so lucky to have an incredibly diverse range of landscapes right here in our backyard,” Mr Griffin said.
 
“With more than 890 diverse national parks are reserves, we know that NSW is the national parks capital of Australia, but research suggests that our national parks aren’t quite as well known as parks in other states.
 
“If you don’t know, you won’t go, so in collaboration with Destination NSW, NPWS has created a campaign to showcase our magnificent national parks to Australia and the world – from our icons to our hidden treasures.
 
“Our aim is for visitors to fall in love with our spectacular regions, arriving at our national parks as tourists and leaving as conservationists.
 
“Our national parks aren’t just brimming with natural wonders, they also support 74,000 jobs and contribute $18 billion in visitor expenditure to our economy annually, with 75 per cent of the economic benefits delivered in rural and regional NSW.”
 
The campaign will reach millions of people as it rolls out across television, digital media, billboards and outdoor media in Victoria, Queensland, the ACT, Sydney and regional NSW from 4 November.
 
Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin said the first major National Parks and Wildlife Service and Destination NSW campaign aligns with the NSW Government’s ‘Feel New’ brand.
 
“Our ‘Feel New’ material creates an emotional connection to our
State unlike any previous campaign,” Mr Franklin said.
 
“Visitors to our national parks can bask on sunlit coastlines, walk among World Heritage-listed rainforests, make snow angels atop Australia’s highest mountain, and connect with Country on stunning desert landscapes.
 
“Tourism is the lifeblood of many regional and rural communities, and our national parks are perfectly positioned to support regional economic recovery and assist communities that have endured drought, bushfires, flooding and a pandemic.”
 
NSW is the ‘National Park State’ of Australia, with 890 spectacular parks and reserves, including the second oldest national park in the world Royal National Park, in Sydney.
 
Earlier this year, Lonely Planet reported that one of the prevailing trends in travel is the continued surge of interest in hiking.
 
NSW is one of the best places in the world to hike, and the NSW Government is determined to make it even better, with 755 kilometres of new and upgraded walking and mountain-biking tracks, 61 new or improved picnic and visitor areas, and 36 campground upgrades.
 
To make sure the experience in NSW national parks is as spectacular as the parks themselves, the NSW Government is delivering the largest investment in national parks history, with $450 million dollars for more than 200 visitor infrastructure projects across the State by 2024.
 
Learn more: Nature And Parks NSW – Plan a Holiday – National Parks & Wildlife (visitnsw.com)

FuelCheck goes live in the nation’s capital

Motorists visiting the Australian Capital Territory will now be able to search and compare petrol prices in real-time, with the nation leading FuelCheck app expanding across the NSW border again.
 
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the app would display prices for the 60 plus service stations in the ACT to help motorists get the best price at the bowser.
 
“We know how porous the ACT and NSW border is so this is a win for residents of both NSW and the capital territory.  I congratulate the Chief Minister and his Government for embracing this technology,” Mr Dominello said.
 
“Today’s announcement builds on the Tasmanian Government utilising this marvelous technology in 2020.
 
“There is often more than a 20-cent per litre difference in the price of petrol between service stations and using FuelCheck regularly can save you in excess of $800 per year.
 
“Since it went live in NSW in 2017, the app has had more than 2.2 million downloads, with 93 per cent of motorists giving it the thumbs up.
 
“I look forward to the app being adopted by other states on the eastern seaboard for the mutual benefit of our citizens”.
 
The app will list prices for Unleaded and Ethanol and Premium fuel types as well as Diesel. The technology will be initially piloted for six months in the ACT.
 
FuelCheck is one of more than 70 ways households can save money and boost their budget through the NSW Government.
 
For more information on FuelCheck and to download the app visit:  https://www.fuelcheck.nsw.gov.au/app 

$4.8 million cycleway to connect Sydney’s North West

The NSW Government is funding a crucial active transport link at Winston Hills in Sydney’s north-west connecting dozens of suburbs and vital pieces of infrastructure, including the 24km north-west T-way.
 
Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport Rob Stokes said the funding, part of the $110 million Get NSW Active program, would create real active transport solutions for people and families in and around the Parramatta and Cumberland Local Government areas.
 
“Funding this critical missing link will connect residents north of the Cumberland Highway to several key pieces of infrastructure including Toongabbie East Public School, the Westmead Health and Innovation District and the north-west T-way, 24km of uninterrupted cycleway from Parramatta to Blacktown and Rouse Hill.”
 
“By unlocking a safer, easier way to travel to school we’re providing families with greater choice on how they get around and giving them the opportunity to leave the car at home and save on fuel.”
 
Member for Seven Hills Mark Taylor said the cycleway will also connect Old Windsor Road, Constitution Hill, with Briens Road, Northmead, providing a separated cycling connection that is accessible to people of all ages and cycling abilities.
 
“Children will be able to safely ride their bikes to school with mum or dad, local workers at Westmead, Toongabbie and Parramatta will have an entirely new option for their commute and members of the community will have a new way to explore their suburbs,” Mr Taylor said.
 
The path will cross over the Cumberland Highway and a new bridge will be built over Toongabbie Creek with construction due to commence in 2023.
 
The first two of three tranches of Get NSW Active funded 55 metropolitan and 67 regional projects across the Six Cities.
 
The final tranche for the year will be announced in its entirety in coming weeks.

Major Investment to Modernise the Rail Network at Central Station

The NSW Government has committed a further $180 million to continue modernising the rail network at Central Station’s Grand Concourse providing commuters with more frequent and reliable services, while reducing wait times and overcrowding.
 
The next stage of the More Trains, More Services program will also deliver critical railway infrastructure works to station platforms to accommodate new fleet and allow up to 15 trains every hour to access rail platforms at Central Station’s Grand Concourse.
 
Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said the multi-million dollar investment represented the future of our rail system.
 
“The More Trains, More Services initiative will simplify and bring our rail network into the 21st century, creating high capacity, turn up and go services for commuters,” Mr Elliott said.
 
“We are committed to future-proofing the existing rail network and ensuring it remains in the best shape for generations to come. The investment will upgrade rail infrastructure and improve signalling to increase reliability, resilience, and frequency of services.
 
“Updating ageing critical signalling assets with new-generation technology means the rail network can recover faster after extreme weather or technical failures, leading to fewer delays and cancellations for our commuters.
 
“The program will further simplify and modernise the rail network, while supporting service changes from 2024 to integrate Sydney Metro City & Southwest services with the heavy rail network.”
 
The additional funding is on top of the NSW Government’s existing investment of more than $5.3 billion in the More Trains, More Services program, which has already delivered 41 new Waratah Series 2 trains and more than 1700 additional weekly services since 2017.

More affordable housing on the way for Lismore

Lismore is set to get as many as 64 new affordable units in a $20 million boost to the city’s housing supply.
 
The plan to build additional affordable homes for Lismore is the result of a partnership between the NSW government and Lismore City Council.
                                                                                                
Minister for Families and Communities Natasha Maclaren-Jones said Landcom has entered into an MOU with the council to develop up to 24 units on Bristol Circuit in Goonellabah and 40 units on Cynthia Wilson Drive in Goonellabah in partnership with a Community Housing Provider (CHP).
 
“This project will help ease housing pressures for people at risk of homelessness in Lismore,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
 
“Greater access to affordable housing and support pave the way for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to secure a brighter future.
 
“We know that safe and stable accommodation is vital for people to get back on their feet and the NSW Government is committed to delivering more affordable housing to those in our community who need it most.”
 
Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said that this is just one of the new projects being rolled out as part of Landcom’s expansion into the State’s regions.
 
“It is important we work with local government on innovative ways to unlock land and build homes,” Mr Roberts said.
 
“I look forward to the momentum this project creates as the NSW Government works to meet the growing demand for new homes in the regions.”
 
Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said the project would go some way to easing the housing crisis in Lismore, particularly after the devastating February and March floods.
 
“This is a great outcome for our community after the devastation we experienced during the floods. This partnership will mean there is more affordable housing in the Lismore area for those who really need it,” Mr Krieg said.
 
Lismore Council has committed to providing a long term lease and to help fund the development at 44 Bristol Circuit site, Council will provide a 50+ year lease to a CHP.
 
The Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation is contributing $2.5 million towards these new proposed developments.
 
Council will contribute the land for the 69 Cynthia Wilson Drive site and the Department of Communities and Justice will provide $5 million to support the development.
 
Under the MOU, Landcom will support the design and development application process. The yet-to-be appointed CHP will be responsible for the delivery and ongoing management of the project.

DISASTER ASSISTANCE FOR FLOOD IMPACTED PRIMARY PRODUCERS IN NEW SOUTH WALES

Primary producers affected by ongoing flooding in New South Wales can apply for recovery grants of up to $25,000 as part of the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

The grants are now available for eligible primary producers in the Local Government Areas that have been disaster declared from the most recent storm and flood event.

The assistance is available for the immediate clean-up and recovery costs to repair extensive damage to properties.

A full list of eligible LGAs can be viewed on the NSW Rural Assistance Authority’s (RAA’s) Declared Natural Disasters webpage.

Primary producers are encouraged not to self-assess and should consult with their local Rural Financial Counselling Service or apply for the scheme so that the RAA can determine eligibility.

For more information, or to lodge an application, visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au or call the RAA on 1800 678 593. If you are a farmer or a member of the community requiring an emergency response regarding livestock or animals, call 1800 814 647.

The Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese said:

Recent floods and storms across NSW have had a real and devastating impact on local farming communities.

The Australian Government is working closely with the NSW Government to provide financial support so people can start to repair the damage caused by recent events.

Our thoughts are with the people of NSW who have been doing it tough but continue to show immense courage and resilience.

New South Wales Premier, Dominic Perrottet said:

Sadly, many communities remain underwater, herds and crops have been swept away and the full extent of the damage is yet to be revealed.

We have expedited the availability of this grant to ensure primary producers can readily access financial support as soon as it is required.

This will ensure producers can get back on their feet and operational as soon as possible, and we will be ready with more assistance as required.

Minister for Emergency Management, Senator Murray Watt said:

Farmers and growers have been hit hard by the current severe weather, many at a critical time in their season.

These grants will support farmers with their immediate needs and I would encourage anyone who’s been impacted to get in touch with their local Rural Financial Counselling Service and see what help is available.

We are wholeheartedly committed to supporting the recovery, and ultimately the survival, of farming communities impacted by this disaster.

New South Wales Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery, Steph Cooke said:

This funding will help kickstart the clean up effort for farmers impacted by this severe flooding, many of whom haven’t been able to fully recover from previous storms and floods.

While there’s a long road to recovery ahead, these grants will give famers immediate support to begin cleaning up and start the rebuilding process.

New South Wales Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Western New South Wales, Dugald Saunders said:

Throughout the course of this year, primary producers and regional communities have been tested again and again by the excessive rain and catastrophic floods which have severely depleted production capacity.

This onslaught has had a major impact on the incredible food and fibre that we see all year round and now we need to stand together and support the individuals and businesses that our State has become so reliant on.