$5 million tech network to prepare NSW for future fires and floods

A new network dedicated to creating stronger connections between first responders, businesses and researchers will develop cutting-edge technology and help NSW better prepare for fires and floods.

Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Alister Henskens said the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will invest $5.2 million to establish the Bushfire & Natural Hazards Technology Network, which will connect companies developing innovative technologies with emergency services, researchers and experts.

“NSW is already a world leader in bushfire technology and this new network of experts will build on that strong foundation to ensure we continue to develop cutting edge solutions that have the potential to save lives,” Mr Henskens said.

“On top of that, R&D and innovation in this space will create new jobs and cement NSW as Australia’s economic engine room and a global innovation powerhouse.”

The Network forms part of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s $28 million Bushfire Response R&D Mission, which aims to help the State better prepare for future natural hazards, as well as position NSW as a global leader in the commercial development and export of bushfire technology and services.

Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke said the Network builds on the recently announced Bushfire and Natural Hazards Research Centre.

“Undertaking research and developing new technology will pay dividends for the State’s emergency services who will be better able to respond to the natural disasters we will inevitably face into the future, keeping our local communities safer and stronger,” Ms Cooke said.

More details and grants application can be online.

Boost for multicultural domestic violence support groups

Multicultural groups will receive an extra $2 million in funding as part of a record investment by the Liberal and Nationals Government to address domestic and sexual violence.

Minister for Women’s Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Natalie Ward said the funding will ensure faith based and community response services can assist more people than ever before.

“Domestic violence does not discriminate and every victim survivor should be able to receive the help they need regardless of their background,” Mrs Ward said.

“We know there are victim-survivors in diverse communities who are reluctant to seek mainstream support because of their visa status, the absence of a trusted social network in Australia or language and cultural barriers.

“These grants will increase the capacity of our response services across NSW and provide more targeted support for victim survivors in diverse communities.”

Eligible faith and multicultural community based applicants can apply for a one-off grant from a minimum of $20,000 up to $150,000.

Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure said that in a culturally diverse society like NSW, everyone must have the means to respond and be safe from domestic violence.

“Domestic violence is not unique or isolated to any one community, which is why we all must rally together to bring an end to it,” Mr Coure said.

“We know that no two communities are the same, and that is why we are providing the investment to grassroots groups and organisations that know their communities best to deliver meaningful outcomes.

“This is about empowering local groups to respond to domestic and family violence in their communities in a way that is inclusive, culturally respectful, and accessible.”

The Government is investing record funding of over $700 million in initiatives to support Women’s Safety including:

  • $426.6 million to expand the Core and Cluster initiative, to deliver and operate new women’s refuges that will support up to an additional 2,900 women and children escaping domestic and family violence each year. This is the largest funding commitment ever made to the domestic violence sector;
  • Landmark laws to criminalise coercive control in intimate partner relationships
  • Nation-leading affirmative consent laws, which commenced on 1 June 2022.
  • Facilitating the immediate termination of a tenancy to escape violence;
  • The ‘Right To Ask’ scheme where people can find out if their partner has a history of domestic violence offences;
  • $20 million over two years for up to 200 additional electronic monitoring devices;
  • Providing 24/7 support via the NSW Domestic Violence Line to help victims find a safe place to stay, or transport for them and their children; connecting them to police, courts, lawyers and counsellors; and help with a safety plan;

If re-elected, the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has also committed to:

  • Reviewing all NSW sentences for domestic violence related offences;
  • Funding a specialist Domestic and Family Violence List across three local courts and funding a surge of five additional magistrates to ensure cases are heard earlier in the next term of Government.
  • Waiving the Rentstart Bond Loan eligibility criteria for people leaving domestic violence;
  • Providing access to First Homer Buyer Choice and First Home Buyer Assistance schemes to victim survivors;

Grant applications will open on 13 February and close on 27 March.

Funds will be released in June 2023 following the grant assessment and approval process and must be expended by 30 June 2024.

Further information is available here – https://www.dcj.nsw.gov.au/service-providers/grants/domestic-family-sexual-violence-multicultural-community-grant.html

New careers adviser to link language students with employment opportunities

The NSW Government has appointed a new specialist careers adviser who has been tasked with showing the employment opportunities available to the state’s multi-lingual young people and boosting its interpreting and translating ranks.

A first-of-its-kind in Australia, the new adviser will work with students fluent in another language across high schools, community language schools, and universities to show them the opportunities to work as interpreters and translators.

Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure said this new role will be a big win for multi-lingual young people and the NSW Government’s language services. 

“The NSW Liberals and Nationals are committed to supporting our multicultural state. But, to do that, we need to increase our interpreting ranks, especially with people that speak languages from new and emerging communities that weren’t prevalent five or ten years ago,” Mr Coure said. 

“Through this new adviser, we will be able to strengthen our language services while also connecting young people with opportunities that are available simply for being fluent in another language, whether as a professional interpreter or as a means to earn money while undertaking further study.” 

Identified students will have the opportunity to secure a partial or full interpreting and translating scholarship, where those who complete the program can access employment, mentoring and professional development opportunities with Multicultural NSW. 

“With more and more people speaking a language other than English at home and people needing help accessing services or information, we should be empowering those that can speak a second or third language with these opportunities,” Mr Coure said. 

“Thanks to an $8 million investment into the NSW Government’s language services, we will provide 450 scholarships a year to people wanting to become interpreters and translators. 

“While this will give opportunities to people to find employment using their language skills, it will also mean we have more people to call on to help make sure our services and information are accessible to everyone.”

Chief Executive of SydWest Multicultural Services Elfa Moraitakis hailed the new initiative as a great investment into the state’s multicultural future. 

“Speaking a second language myself and being very passionate about language and culture, I am very pleased to see the level of investment that has been made into increasing the opportunities for young people to use these skills as a profession,” Ms Moraitakis said. 

“Recognising the importance of speaking another language will give our youth a sense of pride and belonging. It is a skill that is not easily obtained, and it is great to see that it is appreciated and valued.”

Over the past four years, the NSW Government has provided more than 400 Scholarships to budding interpreters covering more than 55 different languages. 

In December, the NSW Government announced that HSC language students who achieved a Band 6 score in targeted extension languages would also be eligible for scholarships to become interpreters or translators.

To find out more about the NSW Government’s language services and Interpreting Scholarship Program, visit www.multicultural.nsw.gov.au. 

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.