New national road safety grants now open

Media Release from The Hon Carol Brown MP, Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport

Media Release | Friday 28 July 2023

Applications are now open under the first two focus areas of the Australian Government’s new National Road Safety Action Grants Program. 

The grant program, announced in the 2023-24 Budget, will provide vital funding to non-infrastructure road safety projects and programs across the country.  The launch of the program comes at a time where more Australians are being killed on our roads than in years before, with the road toll sitting at 3.2 per cent higher than this time last year. 

Grants of between $20,000 and $1.5 million are available for the Community Education and Awareness, which includes workplace road safety, as well as the Vulnerable Road Users focus areas. Grant funding is available for projects up to 2025-26 and anyone seeking funding for, or completing, road safety activities over the next three years are encouraged to now apply.

The Community Education and Awareness stream will fund campaigns, programs or other education and awareness initiatives to support young or disadvantaged drivers to get their licence and have a safer start on our roads, reduce risky behaviours such as drink driving, improve workplace road safety, increase compliance with road rules, and ensure safer interactions between heavy and other vehicles. 

The Vulnerable Road Users stream will support projects that improve road safety for pedestrians, people with a disability, young children, older Australians, motorcyclists, and cyclists. This can include developing technology and research that support these vulnerable road users to safely access our roads, as well as initiatives encourage other road users to better share the roads with them.  

The Government has committed $43.6 million for the program, which will deliver grants across a total of five key focus areas critical to reducing deaths and serious injuries on Australia’s roads.  The program is open to a range of organisations including not-for-profit and research, as well as Local, State and Territory Governments. Applications for these first two focus areas close at 11.59pm on 25 August 2023. The next two focus areas, First Nations road safety and Technology and Innovation, are expected to open for applications later this year – with the final focus area of Research and Data set to open early 2024. 

For more information, including the grant guidelines to check your eligibility and apply, visit www.roadsafety.gov.au or GrantConnect. 

Nearly $1.8 billion relief for disaster impacted councils

Joint Media Release from The Hon Kristy McBain MP, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories; Senator Tony Sheldon, Special Envoy for Disaster Recovery; and Councillor Linda Scott, President, Australian Local Government Association (ALGA)

Media Release | Friday 30 June 2023

Councils across Australia will be able to fast-track local repair works following two devastating years of floods, fires and cyclones, with the Albanese Government to advance nearly $1.8 billion in disaster payments to the states. The payments will help all levels of government get on with the massive job of repairing roads and essential public assets after years of disasters.

Since January 2022, jointly funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) have been activated for 65 disasters in 332 unique Local Government Areas (LGA). This represents over 61 per cent of Australia’s 539 LGAs recognised by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

Advance payments totalling almost $1.8 billion will be paid to the majority of states under the Commonwealth and state funded DRFA. The funding program was offered to all disaster-impacted states with reconstruction costs passing the threshold for Commonwealth contribution, with most accepting the offer.

Under the DRFA, payments are generally made after a state has submitted an audited claim for financial assistance, following reconstruction works.However, in the last two years we have seen compounding, concurrent natural disasters across every state in Australia, with recovery hampered by COVID and all the challenges that have come with it. In recognition of these exceptional circumstances, the Albanese Government is making these funds available up front. The payments represent 40 per cent of the estimated amount the Albanese Government would contribute under the DRFA for 2021-22 and 2022-23.

Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Kristy McBain said the funding allocation was in response to calls from the states, local governments and peak bodies. “During the Australian Council of Local Government conference in Canberra this month, mayors and council representatives were clear about the growing need for more up-front help, and I’m very pleased the Albanese Government has been able to deliver that so quickly,” Minister McBain said. “Councils are on the frontline of disasters, and we need to ensure they are adequately supported both in planning for and recovering from disasters.”

Special Envoy for Disaster Recovery, Senator Tony Sheldon said the one-off advance payment would assist all levels of government to focus on community recovery. “With many communities suffering from reoccurring disasters, it’s clear the financial burden is weighing on flood-impacted regions,” Senator Sheldon said. “When I visit communities, undoubtedly the recovery workload, and the costs associated with that are creating challenges for local councils – they’re finding it particularly difficult to keep up with repairs to roads and other infrastructure such as bridges, culverts, levees, bike lanes and footpaths.

“The Albanese Government has listened to local councils, and in close partnership with the states, we will assist regions to access the support they need, when they need it. These payments have already been delivered to the states, and we’ve made it clear that we expect it to be hitting the ground quickly. I want to thank the states for taking up this offer and jointly recognising the real community need on the ground. Having safe and functional infrastructure is important, and we will continue to work with all levels of government to ensure that the assistance on offer is fit for purpose.”

Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) President Councillor Linda Scott said the advance payments would be welcomed by disaster-impacted councils, especially in regional and remote areas. “This fast-tracked federal funding will play a key role in helping our disaster-impacted communities recover and rebuild,” Cr Scott said. “We have consistently advocated for the need for faster disaster recovery payments, and we are thrilled that the government has heard our call and responded with this once-off advance payment. It’s also fantastic to see this announcement is a direct and positive response to the Government re-establishing the Australian Council of Local Government.”

An independent review, commissioned by the Albanese Government, is currently underway into disaster funding arrangements. More information about the Review is available here: Independent Review into Commonwealth Disaster Funding | NEMA

Customer Service Guarantee for fixed voice set to continue

Media Release from The Hon Michelle Rowland MP, Minister for Communications

Media Release | 07 June 2023

The Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, today announced her intention to continue the Customer Service Guarantee (CSG), which regulates the timeframes for connection, repairs and appointments for fixed telephone services.
 
The Minister will now develop new instruments in consultation with the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to give effect to this decision. The intention to continue this long-standing retail consumer protection follows a thematic review of the CSG undertaken earlier in the year, which was due to sunset on 1 October 2023.

Continuing the CSG for a minimum of three years, with necessary updating and some minor revisions, will give consumers on Telstra’s legacy networks ongoing protections. At the same time, complementary protections at the wholesale level will be bedded down while longer-term arrangements are being considered.

Submissions to the thematic review set out the varying perspectives of stakeholders on the CSG but agreed that timeframes for connections, repairs and appointments remain important for telecommunications consumers. This is clearly the case where Telstra is providing services on its legacy copper and wireless networks outside NBN Co fixed line footprint.
 
The submissions also placed a strong emphasis on these matters being dealt with effectively at the network or wholesale level, with mixed views about the long-term need for retail CSG arrangements in this future environment. The Government will continue to consider the long-term regulatory consumer safeguards framework.
 
Submissions and information on the thematic review of the CSG can be found at Thematic Review of the Customer Service Guarantee (CSG) | Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts

Have your say on changes to rental laws in NSW

Do you live in, rent out or manage a rental property in NSW? The NSW Government is now seeking feedback about changes to rental laws. The changes aim to deliver on the NSW Government’s key election commitments to improve the renting experience. 

Share your views on changes that would require a reason to terminate a lease, make it easier for renters to keep pets, protect renters’ personal information and privacy and make it easier to transfer rental bonds from one property to another, as well as other ways to make the system fairer.

Click the button below, to have your say by completing a survey or uploading a submission. You can also find out more information and access the consultation paper. Your feedback will help improve rental laws and make renting fairer for all in NSW.

Have your say by 5pm Friday, 11 August 2023

The AgTech Revolution - exploring the transformative power of technology in Australia's agricultural sector

Episode 1 of The AgTech Revolution, a new online series exploring the transformative power of technology in Australia's agricultural sector, is available to watch now. Episode 1 features Chief Scientist Professor David Lamb, alongside Ben van Delden (Deloitte), Andrew Bate (SwarmFarm), and John Harvey (AgriFutures). 

Call for comments on disaster-resilient communications in peri-urban communities

SUBMISSIONS CLOSE: 16th AUGUST2023

Local communities, councils and telcos are encouraged to have their say on new guidelines to improve mobile coverage on the urban fringes of communities across Australia.

The $20 million Peri-Urban Mobile Program Round 2 (PUMP) targets longstanding mobile coverage and connectivity issues for impacted peri-urban communities by co-investing with mobile network operators on local projects.

Peri-urban fringes – where the bush meets the edges of the suburbs – create significant challenges for communications infrastructure and natural disaster risks for those living and working in those communities. 

PUMP complements other initiatives helping to increase telecommunications and broadcasting disaster resilience across Australia, including through its $20 million Broadcasting Resilience Program to safeguard ABC broadcast towers and its $15 million Mobile Network Hardening Program.

• Have your say: PUMP Round 2 guidelines

• Submissions close: 5:00PM (AEST) Wednesday 16 August 2023

ABC Heywire Competition - NOW OPEN

Heywire is a chance for regional and rural young people to have their voices heard. This annual storytelling competition, run by the ABC, showcases what it’s like to live in regional, rural and remote Australia. If you’re aged between 16-22, this is your opportunity to share with the nation what life is like in your part of the world. Up to 40 winners from across Australia will work with ABC producers to have their story told on the ABC and see the impact their story can have.

Entries are open now and close on Friday 1 September 2023.

Order of Australia Awards - Nominations Open

The Order of Australia is our nation’s highest honour for outstanding achievement and service. It belongs to all Australians, and it’s uniquely ours.

Every year, hundreds of Australians are celebrated through the Order of Australia. People from all backgrounds, all parts of Australia and who have contributed in all areas are honoured and celebrated through the Order.

By nominating, we have a say in who is celebrated, and the types of service and achievements that matter to us – in our local communities and beyond. Don’t leave it to someone else – have your say today by nominating someone you know who goes above and beyond, inspires and has an impact locally, nationally and/or internationally. Visit www.gg.gov.au today to nominate someone you know who makes a difference. Order of Australia nominations can be submitted at any time.

2024 Australian of the Year Award Nominations

Nominations for the 2024 Australian of the Year Awards  are open until 31 July 2023. If you know an amazing Aussie doing great things in their community let us know.

The Department of Home Affairs partners with the National Australia Day Council and supports active citizenship by sponsoring the Local Hero category in the Australian of the Year Awards. The Local Hero Award acknowledges extraordinary contributions made by Australians in their local community.

 Please note: Nominations are open all year round - nominations received after 31 July 2023 will be considered for the 2025 Australian of the Year Award.

Roxy Community Theatre – Works continue with Local Trades Stepping Up

Image from Leeton City Council website Roxy Community Theatre – Works continue with Local Trades Stepping Up Leeton Shire Council | (nsw.gov.au)

Media Release from Leeton City Council

MEDIA RELEASE | 21 JULY 2023

Council is pleased to announce that construction works on the Roxy Community Theatre are set to continue with local trades stepping up to complete the remainder of the build under the direction of Council’s newly formed Roxy Project Management Office (PMO).

After the news of the Lloyd Group's voluntary liquidation, Council was faced with the challenge of picking up the pieces. An interim PMO was set up to carry out extensive inspections across all disciplines to assess where the build was at, estimate the cost to complete, and recommend how best to move forward. In May 2023, Council determined to proceed as Principal instead of procuring a new Head Builder as this would have added significantly to the cost.

From there, significant effort was focused on re-engaging local contractors, with repricing of over 45 different trades being undertaken. Council is delighted that the local trades required for the redevelopment project will continue to work with Council. Council has also sourced some new local trades for elements that were previously being done by companies in metropolitan Australia.

In addition, the Roxy PMO has been working extensively towards implementing a construction sequence that considers the complexities of restoring the Roxy – a heritage-listed building of scale.

“Demolition works to create openings for adjoining buildings will be one of the first tasks undertaken. During this delicate operation, the Structural Engineer will be on-site to ensure that the demolition sequence is strictly adhered to,” explained Construction and Contract Manager, Peter Salisbury.

Mayor Cr Tony Reneker said that Work, Health & Safety (WHS) and financial accountability to the community are Council’s top priorities in assuming the role of Principal for the Roxy Redevelopment Project.

“We have gone to great lengths to ensure that our contractors will be working in a safe yet productive environment,” said Mr Reneker.

Project Manager Gideon Vos said a key focus has been on developing WHS plans and ensuring all legislative requirements are being met. “In addition to this, SafeWork will undertake on-site audits to ensure compliance in all areas and provide suggestions for improvements where necessary,” said Mr Vos. It is anticipated that works will commence the week after SafeWork has visited.

This WHS risk mitigation will also include the implementation of Traffic Management Plans around the Roxy (both Wade Avenue and Roxy Lane) which will be amended as required to reduce any lengthy disruptions. “We understand that this will be an inconvenience at times but want to thank the community for their support and understanding in getting this project to its long-awaited completion,” said Mr Vos.

Mayor Cr Tony Reneker is looking forward to seeing the Roxy building site become a hive of activity again. “I would like to express my gratitude to our local trades and businesses who have enabled us to get this significant community project back on track. They have all demonstrated their unwavering commitment to the community in these difficult and unprecedented circumstances with their typically unassuming ‘let’s get the job done’ attitude,” he said.

Deputy Mayor and Portfolio lead for Arts & Culture, Cr Michael Kidd, said that Council will keep the community abreast of the project’s progress via regular updates on social media, Council’s website and the newspaper.

“We hope to soon be able to invite the community back on site once we are given the safety all clear – the tours were popular before and we look forward to giving residents the chance to view the progress in person,” he said.

Provided all works going ahead as planned and there are no hiccups along the way, the build is expected to be completed by May 2024.

The full Roxy Redevelopment project value – with Council assuming the role of Principal – remains $12,182,407 with Council’s contribution being the same as it was previously ($5,284,000).

Council will also continue to seek additional grant funds to make up for elements of the project that have currently been value-managed out to keep the project within the initial voted budget.

Farming Biodiversity for a more sustainable future

Dr Louisa Mamouney, Executive Director of the Credits Supply Taskforce - NSW Department of Planning and Environment, spoke recently at workshops held in Wagga Wagga and Dubbo, on the topic of ‘Farming biodiversity for a more sustainable future’.

The workshops were the result of collaboration with NSW Farmers and Landcare NSW. In the workshops held with farmers, both the environmental and financial benefits of establishing a Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement were discussed and farmers in attendance learnt about the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme and the NSW biodiversity credits market.

A follow-up article regarding tehse workshops was published by The Farmer Magazine recently, and can be viewed by clicking ‘The Farmer Magazine - Article ‘.

Unemployment rate at 3.5 per cent in June

Media Release from Australian Bureau of Statisitics

Media Release | 20/07/2023

The unemployment rate remained at 3.5 per cent in June (seasonally adjusted), in line with the updated figure for May, according to data released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Bjorn Jarvis, ABS head of labour statistics, said: "with employment increasing by around 33,000 people and the number of unemployed decreasing by 11,000 people, the unemployment rate remained at 3.5 per cent.

“The rise in employment in June saw the employment-to-population ratio remain at a record high 64.5 per cent, reflecting a tight labour market in which employment has recently increased in line with population growth.

“In addition to there being over a million more employed people than before the pandemic, a much higher share of the population is employed. In June 2023, 64.5 per cent of people 15 years or older were employed, an increase of 2.1 percentage points since March 2020.”

The participation rate fell 0.1 percentage point to 66.8 per cent from last month’s record high. It fell 0.2 percentage points for women, to 62.5 per cent, and rose 0.1 percentage point to 71.3 per cent for men.

First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group finalising initial recommendations for closing the digital divide

Joint Media Release from The Hon Michelle Rowland MP, Minister for Communications and Ms Dot West OAM, Chair of the First Nations Digital Advisory Group

MEDIA RELEASE | Wednesday 12 July 2023

The Albanese Government’s First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group met in Sydney yesterday and considered proposals to support progress towards Target 17 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap – delivering equal levels of digital inclusion for First Nations Australians by 2026.

Yesterday's meeting focused on the outcomes of the Advisory Group’s initial engagement with communities and stakeholders, including gaps in existing effort and ways to ensure better alignment across government, industry and the not-for-profit sector. The Group reiterated its commitment to place-based solutions as the foundation for making sure First Nations Australians have access to affordable and reliable connectivity, and the digital ability required to navigate the online world safely and effectively.

The proposals will form the basis of the Advisory Group’s initial report to the Australian Government, which the Group hopes to finalise shortly.

Initial policy priorities include digital mentoring in remote communities, improving support for First Nations communities to access connectivity grant opportunities, trialling emerging technologies in remote communities, and improving the national collection and use of data.

Attendees at yesterday’s meeting were the Minister for Communications and the full membership of the First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group, including: Ms Dot West OAM (Chair), Associate Professor Lyndon Ormond-Parker (Deputy Chair), Professor Bronwyn Carlson, Ms Naomi Moran, and Ms Talei Elu.

The Digital Inclusion Expert Panel, which supports the Advisory Group, were also in attendance, including Ms Gillian Mailman, Dr Scott Winch, Ms Lauren Ganley, Mr Che Cockatoo Collins, Professor Ellie Rennie, Dr Daniel Featherstone and Mr Neil Turner.

For more information on the Advisory Group, visit here. Contributions to the work of the group are welcome and can be sent to FirstNationsDigitalInclusion@infrastructure.gov.au.

Nurturing First Nations languages and arts

Joint Media Release from The Hon Tony Burke MP, Minister for the Arts and The Hon Linda Burney MP, Minister for Indigenous Australians

MEDIA RELEASE | Wednesday 12 July 2023

The Albanese Labor Government is continuing to support First Nations cultural expression by investing more than $5.1 million in community-based organisations delivering vital languages and arts activities around the country.

44 organisations will share in the funding from 2023-24, which is being delivered through the Government’s Indigenous Languages and Arts program.

The program supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to express, preserve and maintain their cultures through Indigenous languages and arts activities.

Recipients include:

• Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation - $200,000 over two years to develop a suite of digital and physical learning resources to inspire and foster intergenerational learning of the Wunambal and Gaambera languages, from the far north Kimberley region of Western Australia.

• Darumbal People Aboriginal Corporation - $156,000 over two years to produce story books, flashcards, website material and other educational resources to strengthen and share the Darumbal language from Queensland’s Rockhampton area.

• Iwiri Aboriginal Corporation - $77,350 to produce a collection of 10 traditional bedtime stories in Pitjantjatjara – 9 audio and one animated – and make them accessible online.

• Gujaga Foundation Ltd - $55,930 to establish a Dharawal Community Language Team in New South Wales, who will develop accessible educational materials and support community to learn complex aspects of Dharawal grammar.

• Marrugeku Inc - $90,000 to deliver workshops showcasing and encouraging participation in First Nations dance practice across 9 communities in regional New South Wales and remote Western Australia.

Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said the funding would promote the conservation and revitalisation of First Nations languages.

“First Nations languages have carried stories, songs and knowledge from generation to generation since the first sunrise. It’s vital we work to safeguard and strengthen these languages and the cultural expression they enable – and that’s what this funding does.”

Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney said the funding will help organisations continue the crucial work they’re doing in their communities to keep languages strong. “Indigenous languages are integral to the identity and connection with culture for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and I look forward to seeing the positive results of these innovative projects.”

Learn more about what the Albanese Labor Government is doing to centre First Nations stories in our arts and culture through its National Cultural Policy, Revive: https://www.arts.gov.au/what-we-do/new-national-cultural-policy

Roundtable prioritises reducing risky road use in Australia

Media Release from The Hon Carol Brown MP, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport

MEDIA RELEASE | Tuesday 11 July 2023

Reducing road trauma in Australia by driving down risky road behaviours was the key priority for an industry roundtable held in Adelaide today by the Australian Government.

Chaired by Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Carol Brown, the roundtable brought together representatives from 20 organisations that directly support or rely on advancing road safety.

These included road safety research, transport industry, alcohol and drug, First Nations health, youth advisory, insurance, and motoring and cycling organisations.

Productive discussions were held on a number of critical areas to understand how we can improve seatbelt use, reduce drink and drug driving, and minimise other risky road behaviours such as distracted driving and speeding.

Reducing risky road use on Australian roads is one of nine priorities included in the National Road Safety Strategy 2021-30, a nationally agreed plan to reduce road fatalities by 50 per cent by 2030.

For more information on the strategy and its priorities, visit: www.roadsafety.gov.au/nrss.

Telstra announces agreement with Starlink

Media Release | 3 July 2023

Telstra today announced it had signed an agreement to become the first provider in the world to offer voice-only and voice plus broadband powered by Starlink to rural and remote Telstra customers in Australia.

Telstra CEO Vicki Brady said the Starlink agreement was part of Telstra’s T25 strategy commitment to launch a satellite product with the voice and broadband options being avaliable to consumer and business customers.

“Telstra is always looking to invest in new and better connectivity options for our customers. We know that collaborating with the right partners is one of the best ways to help unlock a digital future, in this case for people in rural and remote Australia looking for an improved voice or broadband service,” Ms Brady said.

“Our teams have been out across the country testing and trialling Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology to ensure we understand where it’s the best solution for our consumer and business customers. What will set our offer apart if the addition of Telstra voice service, a professional install option and the ability to get local help with your set up if needed.”

In addition, this agreement will also provide connectivity options for our business customers in Australia and overseas, as a higher bandwidth business grade option in areas without fixed and mobile connectivity. Telstra will announce pricing and device details closer to launch, which it expects will be in late 2023.

Telstra currently uses a mix of technologies to provide voice and broadband services in rural and remote locations where distance and terrain make it difficult to reach with existing networks.

One of the benefits of LEO satellites are that they are much closer to Earth, allowing them to send and receive signals much faster. This makes them a great option for services that need low-latency, like voice and video calls for providing backhaul to mobile networks.

Telstra and OneWeb seal deal on delivering new satellite solutions.

Media Release | 19 June 2023

Telstra and OneWeb today announced an agreement to deliver one of the world’s largest rollouts of OneWeb Low Earth Orbit (LEO) backhaul for a commercial mobile network.

Telstra and OneWeb have agreed commercial terms and later this year will begin moving hundreds of existing remote mobile base stations currently using satellite backhaul to OneWeb’s LEO solution. Telstra will also use OneWeb LEO services for future sites where satellite backhaul is the preferred or only viable option.

The strategic agreement will see up to 25Gbit/s of LEO capacity being delivered to Telstra’s most remote mobile sites across Australia overtime, helping enhance the customer experience when using real-time applications such as voice and video calling.

Nikos Katinakis, Telstra Group Executive Global Networks and Technology, said Telstra was excited to have finalised the long-term partnership with OneWeb and the positive impact it would have for customers.

“Part of our T25 strategy was to assess evolving satellite technologies and use them to deliver better services for customers, especially in rural and remote Australia”.

“The deal with OneWeb will help us to improve our options for our consumer, small business and enterprise customers living or working in rural or regional Australia - especially those in remote areas that require added redundancy in the instance of a power or transmission incident.” Mr Katinakis said.

“Our initial focus is using the service as a backhaul medium to connect remote mobile base stations. In time, it will also offer us capability to deliver voice and fixed broadband services to regional Australia.”

Mr Katinakis said the capability will help Telstra expand its regional coverage and supports the T25 commitment to deliver an additional 100,000 square kilometres of mobile coverage be the end of FY25.

“We plan to extend the testing program for additional use cases including network backhaul resilience, such as a back-up to fixed backhaul for selected critical sites. As well as into emerging use cases for business, enterprise and government customers like IoT and connectivity on the move for the emergency services agencies, mining, oil and gas sector,“ he said.

David Thorn, Vice President, APAC at OneWeb, said this was the start of a growing reciprocal relationship between the two companies.

“This is a first for us in terms of its scale and integration. For the first time in Australia, we’re working with a major partner to deliver OneWeb’s service across an entire continent for the benefit of remote users including consumers, enterprises and government agencies.”

“From our perspective, its one of the largest single rollouts of LEO satellite capacity for mobile backhaul worldwide. Telstra will also be pivotal in collaborating with us on future generations of OneWeb product development.”

Telstra has been working with OneWeb to test its latest technology and will continue providing input into OneWeb’s future products and capabilities. OneWeb has more than 630 satellites in orbit today, with global coverage on track for the end of the year. OneWeb’s services are anticipated to begin in Australia mid-year, with worldwide service available in early 2024.

The partnership complements Telstra’s T25 ambition to grow and extend its network leadership position and extend mobile coverage across the country.

It's Your Move - Regional Australia's Biggest Ever Recruitment Drive

Nearly half of all urban workers would move to regional Australia for a better salary

Media Release | 4 July 2023

• Regional Australia Institute is launching the biggest regional recruitment drive in Australia’s history

• There are over 91,000 jobs on offer in the regions equating to $1.7 billion in untapped wages

• New data shows nearly half of all city workers could be persuaded to move to the regions for a better-paying job with cost-of-living pressures driving job dissatisfaction in all major capital cities

Regional Australia Institute (RAI) is embarking on the nation’s biggest ever recruitment drive to showcase the 91,000 compelling, fulfilling, and well-paying jobs on offer in regional Australia. 

Right now, there are more than $1.7 billion in untapped wages in our regions, with jobs in some of the most idyllic locations Australia has to offer. Filling these vacancies would provide regional Australia with an instant economic boost of more than $1.2 billion.

The demand for regional workers comes at a time when the number of jobs available in capital cities is sharply declining and job dissatisfaction is at an all-time high.  A recent study commissioned by RAI reveals more than 1 million urban workers are dissatisfied with their job. The main factor driving job dissatisfaction is the fact that salaries are failing to keep up with the soaring cost of city living. 

In a win for the regions, nearly half (46 per cent) of all city workers said a salary increase would persuade them to take a job in regional Australia, with 2 in 5 saying they’d be convinced to move to regional Australia if a financial incentive (e.g. recruitment bonus or relocation payment) was involved. To support Australians looking for a better-paying regional job, RAI has assembled a coalition of leading industry bodies, large and small business, and local governments to highlight the plethora of opportunities on offer.

RAI’s ‘Move to More’ website has been updated in partnership with SEEK, to host a dedicated jobs page, showcasing every regional opportunity on offer in the one place, making it easier for regionally-curious job seekers to find their dream job.

CEO of the Regional Australia Institute Liz Ritchie says from Kangaroo Island to Kalgoorlie, from Bendigo to Byron Bay, there has never been a better time to take a job in regional Australia. There’s never been a more important time for regional Australia’s biggest ever recruitment drive. The “It’s Your Move” is an important initiative within our “Move To More” project, which was established in 2019 to inspire Australians to make the move from the city to our beautiful and prosperous regions.

“In 2023, regional migration is up 17 per cent and it’s continuing to grow especially as the economic downturn prompts Australians to search for a more affordable lifestyle. While this is encouraging for regional Australia’s population growth, many regions are still catching up when it comes to infrastructure, services and housing. We’re embarking on regional Australia’s biggest ever recruitment drive to encourage Australians to consider a job in regional Australia and help build the skilled workforce to service our hospitals, schools and businesses that keep Australia moving.”     

“A job in regional Australia can offer fast-tracked career progression, life-changing experiences and a compelling salary package. With a plethora of fulfilling, exciting and meaningful jobs on offer in the regions and the lifestyle to match, now is the time to consider a career in regional Australia.”

Joining forces with RAI is Master Builders, whose Chief Executive Denita Wawn says: “Moving to regional Australia offers tradies the opportunity to tap into a growing market with high housing and infrastructure development demand. Tradies who move to the regions will play a vital role in building the communities of tomorrow and contribute to the economic growth this country desperately needs.”

Tony Mahar, Chief Executive of National Farmers Federation adds: “The career opportunities in agriculture are limitless. There is a job for everyone, and every skill set right now in our farm sector. From mustering cattle in the top end to donning a white coat in a lab developing the next drought-resistant wheat variety. If you don’t love your job in the city, think agriculture and think regional Australia.”

Jacqueline Emery, CEO of Royal Far West concludes: “The early years are the most crucial time in every child’s life.  The foundations established in our early years influences the rest of our lives. Our country kids also face the burden of distance when it comes to finding the support. As Australia’s only national charity dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of country children, we know that working in rural and remote Australia as an allied health clinician can change a child’s life.”

To find out where your career could take you, click the LEARN MORE button below.

Inland Rail - Albury to Parkes Enhancements EOI Now Open

Martinus has been appointed Principal Contractor for Inland Rail Albury to Parkes (Albury to Illabo & Stockinbingal to Parkes) Enhancement Project.

Martinus is calling for Expression of Interest (EOI) from local business's interested in participating on the project. 

Some of the services required include:

• Concrete Supply

• Cranage Services

• Draining Install

• Electrical Services

• Haulage/Transport Services

• Rail Welding Services

• Waste Management/Septic Pumpout Works/Bins

• Lighting - Solar Street Lighting

• Geotech Services

• Labour Hire Services

• Traffic Management Services

The Industry Growth Program supporting innovative SMEs to commercialise and grow

The recently announced Industry Growth Program aims to support innovative SMEs across Australia to get great ideas to market, overcome barriers to scale and achieve their potential through multilayered support. The program will provide advice and matched grant funding to businesses in the priority areas of the National Reconstruction Fund (NRF), part of delivering on the Government’s commitment to rebuild Australia’s industrial capability. The Industry Growth Program is scheduled to commence later in 2023 and will support innovative SMEs across Australia to get their innovative ideas off the ground and grow their businesses.

The program will complement the NRF by driving early-stage investment in the 7 NRF priority areas. Only projects aligned with these areas will be eligible to participate in the Industry Growth Program. The NRF priority areas are:

1.       value-add in resources

2.       value-add in the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sectors

3.       transport

4.       medical science

5.       renewables and low emission technologies

6.       defence capability

7.       enabling capabilities.

The Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR) will engage expert advisers located across Australia to work with participating businesses to directly help them achieve their potential. Program participants will also have access to specialist sectoral advice through industry partner organisations. Some innovative SMEs will also be able to apply for grants under the program, ranging from $50,000 to $5 million.

Public consultation on the final design and development of the Industry Growth Program is underway. Through the consultation the Department of Industry, Science and Resources is seeking a wide range of views on the design and implementation of the program. This includes questions around program governance, eligibility of applicants and projects and reaching a diverse range of businesses across Australia, including in regional and remote areas.

Input on the design of the Industry Growth Program can be made until 30 July 2023 through https://consult.industry.gov.au/industry-growth-program or by contacting the Industry Growth Program team at IndustryGrowthProgram.consultation@industry.gov.au .