Public release of submissions to postal services modernisation consultation

The Albanese Government has today released submissions received as part of its public consultation on modernising of postal services and supporting the long-term financial stability of Australia Post.
 
Over 1,000 submissions – including from individuals, community organisations, charities, businesses, and all levels of government – outlined views and opinions on how postal services are currently used and what is needed for the postal service in the future.

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Sara Johnston
The Barrel is back! | McWilliam’s Wines reopens the doors of its newly refurbished Hanwood Cellar Door

One of Australia’s most recognised wine names, McWilliam’s Wines, has just announced the grand reopening of its newly refreshed Hanwood Cellar Door, with doors of the iconic ‘barrel’ opening on August 11. As one of an exclusive few oversized tourist landmarks around Australia, McWilliam’s expansive barrel-shaped cellar door was first opened in 1973, and this year celebrates its 50th anniversary.

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Sara Johnston
Thousands take up new uncapped satellite broadband in rural and regional Australia

Almost half of all Sky Muster Plus customers in rural and regional areas have taken up new uncapped satellite broadband made possible by the Albanese Government’s investments to deliver a better NBN.
 
Since its launch on 1 June, more than 21,000 homes and businesses have signed up to the new Sky Muster Plus Premium service which offers customers uncapped data 24 hours a day and faster speeds of up to 100 Mbps.

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Sara Johnston
National Housing and Homelessness Plan | Issues Paper

The Australian Government, in collaboration with state and territory governments, is developing the  National Housing and Homelessness Plan (the Plan) to help more Australians access safe and affordable housing.

The Plan will set out a shared national vision to improve housing outcomes and help address homelessness  in Australia, and identify reforms needed across the responsibilities of different levels of government to achieve this vision.

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Sara Johnston
Innovate with NBN back for another year

Applications are now open for the latest round of the Innovate with NBN grants program, which supports individuals, businesses and organisations across regional and remote Australia to take their technology-led ideas to the next level.
 
Delivered by NBN Co in partnership with the Regional Australia Institute, the grants will support innovators and entrepreneurs deliver game-changing projects that enhance the digital capabilities of communities and businesses.
 

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Sara Johnston
Albanese Government officially launches BetStop

Australians at risk of experiencing gambling harm will now be able to self-exclude from all licensed interactive wagering services following the launch today of BetStop – the National Self-Exclusion Register.
 
BetStop covers all Australian licensed interactive wagering service providers, – both online and telephone-based – and will mean they are not allowed to open an account or accept a bet from self-excluded individuals, or send them marketing material.

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Sara Johnston
New technology making drivers and pedestrians safer

Australian drivers will have access to new life-saving technology, which will help improve the safety of other drivers and pedestrians when using or around roads.

From 1 November 2027, all new vehicles must be fitted with reversing technologies that will provide drivers with the best possible line of sight when reversing.

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Sara Johnston
Review of the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy underway

The review of the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy has commenced, following agreement with state and territory infrastructure and transport ministers.

The Strategy is a holistic, coordinated and multi-modal approach to increase the safety, productivity and resilience of freight and supply chains, agreed by all jurisdictions. It sets an agenda for government and industry action across all freight modes to 2040 and beyond.

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Sara Johnston
$22 million to deliver pioneering Wodonga TAFE heavy vehicle technology precinct

The Albanese Government is delivering $22 million towards a nation-leading Heavy Vehicle Training and Experimentation Precinct in Wodonga, Victoria - as part of its $80 million investment in the Albury Wodonga Regional Projects (AWRP).

The innovative facility at Wodonga TAFE Logical Innovation Precinct will transform how heavy vehicle operators are trained, improving safe driving practices and better equipping them for the rapidly evolving transport and logistics industry.

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Sara Johnston
Free broadband initiative extended until April 2024 in cost-of-living boost

More eligible families across Australia will have the opportunity to benefit from 12 months free NBN following an extension to the nomination period, under the Albanese Government’s School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI).

Funded through the October 2022-23 Budget to narrow the digital divide and promote greater inclusion for disadvantaged families, the SSBI identifies eligible families through third-party nominating organisations who work with vulnerable communities.

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Sara Johnston
Applications open for new $50 million program to boost telco resilience during disasters

The Albanese Government’s new $50 million Telecommunications Disaster Resilience Innovation (TDRI) program will accelerate the development and deployment of new and innovative solutions to address communications issues during natural disasters. Applications are now open for projects that improve the resilience of telecommunications network during natural disasters, particularly in rural, regional, remote and First Nations communities.
 

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Sara Johnston
Griffith's Southern Industrial Link now open

Transport operators are facing smoother and safer journeys with the official opening of the Griffith Southern Industrial Link (GSIL).

The project has been rolled out in stages since 2017 and is around 11.7 kilometres long connecting Thorne and Bromley Roads southwest of Griffith, around the town centre to Kidman Way and Irrigation Way.     

The GSIL, which was officially opened by NSW Premier Chris Minns on Monday 7 August, now provides a direct link for transport operators to access key local freight networks of Kidman Way, Irrigation Way and Burley Griffin Way and while bypassing the Griffith CBD. 

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Sara Johnston
Motherland Village Scholarship Fund Launches | Supporting rural mums experiencing financial hardship

Motherland is thrilled to announce the launch of the Motherland Village Scholarship Fund, which will enable rural mothers who are experiencing financial hardship to access the charity’s mother’s group program. Motherland Village is a six-week personalised program delivered entirely online that matches rural mums to their own small support group. The initiative mobilises mothers from across the country and enables them to form meaningful connections and friendships.

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Sara Johnston
Have your say on new policy for arts, culture & creative industries

The NSW Government is working towards the State’s first Arts, Culture & Creative Industries Policy, and they want to hear from you. 

NSW needs an inclusive, sustainable and ambitious approach to arts and culture. The NSW Government are calling on artists, creative industry practitioners, musicians, organisations and community members to contribute their insights.

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Sara Johnston
The EMDG refocus survey closes this Friday

The EMDG refocus survey closes this Friday!

To have your say, complete our online survey by Friday 11 August 2023, 5:00 pm AEST.

The findings from this consultation and previous reviews to inform advice to the government on the EMDG program.  Thank you - we greatly appreciate your time and input.

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Sara Johnston
Applications open for Regional Level Crossing Upgrade Fund

State and territory governments are invited to apply for funding for new and upgraded railway crossings under the Australian Government’s Regional Level Crossing Upgrade Fund (RLCUF).

The Australian Government has committed $40 million annually over four years ($160 million total) for infrastructure projects under the RLCUF, to improve railway crossing safety in regional areas across the nation.

This funding will help make railway crossings safer by investing in safer protections such as making passive controls active (meaning drivers are actively warned of an approaching train), improving line markings, speed humps, speed reductions and increasing sight distances around railway crossings.

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Sara Johnston