Putting words into action to safeguard Indigenous languages

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

MEDIA RELEASE | Wednesday 23 August 2023

The Albanese Labor Government has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving and promoting First Nations languages with the release today of Australia’s Action Plan for the International Decade of Indigenous Languages 2022-2032.

The Plan was jointly launched by First Nations leaders on the Directions Group for the International Decade and Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, at the PULiiMA Indigenous Language and Technology Conference on Larrakia Country in Darwin.

Titled Voices of Country, the Plan was developed in partnership between the Directions Group and the Australian Government, and will guide Australia’s participation in the International Decade.

It acknowledges the critical and precarious state of First Nations languages across Australia and the coordinated effort needed to safeguard them for the future.

The Plan is guided by the UNESCO Global Action Plan of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages and aligns with the National Cultural Policy, Revive, which recognises and respects the critical place of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories at the centre of Australia’s arts and culture – putting First Nations First.

Voices of Country also supports the Government’s commitment to Closing the Gap by listening to First Nations people and communities and being led by them to strengthen languages.

The Government will outline and report on measurable commitments to support the priorities set out in Voices of Country.

Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said support for First Nations culture, stories and languages is crucial.

“At its heart there’s no such thing as true translation. Every language contains words, ideas, concepts and emotions that only live within that language.

“It’s up to us to provide the support to make sure that those words and concepts — that describe stories going back to the first sunrise — will always be preserved and cherished on this land.”

Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney, said Indigenous languages are integral to the identity and connection with culture for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

“This Plan sets out the framework for us to maintain and strengthen First Nations languages for future generations,” Minister Burney said.

“We look forward to working with communities to put the Plan into action.”

The Plan builds on the Government’s existing efforts to support First Nations languages in partnership with communities, including investing more than $27 million each year to support First Nations cultural expression through the Indigenous Languages and Arts program.

The Government is also investing $14.1 million over four years in community-led partnerships to support the learning and teaching of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages in local primary schools. 

The United Nations General Assembly declared the period between 2022 and 2032 as the International Decade of Indigenous Languages to draw attention to the critical status of many indigenous languages across the world and encourage action for their preservation, revitalisation and promotion.

Read Voices of Country – Australia’s Action Plan for the International Decade of Indigenous Languages 2022-2032 here.

For more information on the International Decade, visit International Decade of Indigenous Languages 2022–2032 | Office for the Arts.

For more information on the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, visit: https://www.closingthegap.gov.au/

Cyber Wardens Pilot event held in Wagga Wagga

Cyber Wardens pilot event was held in Wagga Wagga in 4 August 2023.

Cyber Wardens helps small business owners improve their cyber security skills and provides training to defend against digital break-ins and keep cyber criminals out of their business. With cyber-crime on the rise, it is essential that small business review their current cyber security. This program provides free training and a simple education tool to build a cyber-smart small business workforce.

Find out more about the program below.

Murray Region Forestry Hub celebrates National Forestry Day

National Forestry Day 2023 ( photo from Murray Region Forestry Hub )

Media Release | 22 August 2023

This year’s National Forestry Day was celebrated at National Foresters’ Grove, Lavington, today Tuesday 22 August.

The day was hosted by the Murray Region Forestry Hub (MRFH) and Softwoods Working Group (SWG) and marked by a tree-planting ceremony followed by morning tea at National Foresters’ Grove, Wagga Road, Lavington.

A dinner was held at Huon Hill, Wodonga, last night (Monday), which the chair of MRFH and SWG Peter Crowe OAM, said provided a great opportunity for the forestry industry to engage in insightful conversations and foster connections within the industry.

“Both gatherings bring together like-minded professionals to discuss ways to ensure the growth and advancement of an industry that can not only help solve the national housing shortage by supporting the industry which supplies the materials, but also fight climate change through carbon storage,” Mr Crowe said.

Albury Mayor Kylie King also attended the National Foresters’ Grove celebrations.

Mr Crowe said National Foresters’ Grove, a bicentennial project where more than 300 native trees have been planted in honour of past and present foresters, was the ideal place to celebrate the timber industries’ achievements.

“National Forestry Day celebrates the forest industries’ great work fighting climate change, providing jobs, and creating sought-after products such as house frames, cardboard boxes, and even paper straws, from a renewable source,” he said.

Mr Crowe said Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) figures show Australia’s forest industries contribute $24 billion annually to the economy and support around 80,000 direct jobs nationally and another 100,000 indirectly, many of which underpin rural and regional communities.

“The trees that make up Australia’s total plantation forestry estate store vast amounts of carbon, which AFPA figures show equates to the same amount of carbon created by more than 56 million cars being driven for a year,” he said.

“Australia has a $2 billion trade deficit in wood products. The Albanese Government aims to plant one billion more production trees by 2030 to help make our nation far less dependent on timber imports.”

High Speed Rail Authority Board meets in Newcastle

Joint Media Release from the Hon Catherine King, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government and Local Development and Sharon Claydon MP, Federal Member for Newcastle

MEDIA RELEASE | Friday 25 August 2023

The Australian Government’s vision for an east coast high-speed rail network has taken another important step forward today, with the Board of the High Speed Rail Authority (HSRA) meeting in Newcastle for the first time. 

The Board’s meeting in Newcastle follows on from its detailed briefing with New South Wales transport officials yesterday regarding the existing rail corridor between Sydney and Newcastle.

HSRA commenced operations on 13 June 2023 to lead, plan, develop, coordinate, oversee and monitor the construction and operation of a high-speed rail network in Australia.

High-speed rail will revolutionise interstate travel on the east coast, providing a fast alternative for people to move between cities and regional centres, promoting sustainable settlement patterns, and generating and spreading economic benefits beyond the outskirts of major capitals.

HSRA Board is committed to working transparently within a framework of high standards of governance and accountability.

The Board is enthusiastic about the important foundational and planning activities currently underway, and is working to build the HSRA with a strong leadership team, organisational capability, positive culture and transparent processes and decision making. 

Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“High-speed rail will be instrumental in improving the lives of Australians by supporting shifts in population settlement, better connecting skilled workers with major job centres and be a key enabler of achieving our ambitious carbon reduction targets.

"It is essential the HSRA takes the time now to establish a robust foundation on which to build and this means the planning has to be done properly and in detail.

“Given the size and scale of building an east coast high-speed rail network, it must be based on meticulous planning, good governance and highly effective project management.

“High-speed rail is still in its early days and we acknowledge this project will take time.

"We have a vision about how we want to see Australia develop, not just next year or next decade but decades from now.”

Hyne Timber Partners to Support Ngarigo Culture Reserve

MEDIA RELEASE | 24 August 2023

Hyne Timber is pleased to announce, a 12-month partnership with the Ngarigo Toomaroombah Kunama Namadgi Indigenous Corporation to support the development of the Ngarigo Culture Reserve in Tumbarumba.

The Ngarigo Culture Reserve is the first of its kind for the town and is already attracting busses of visitors despite the development being in early stages.

Ngarigo Elders, Uncle Craig Wilesmith, Aunty Sandra Casey and Uncle John Casey, supported by many other Ngarigo people and volunteers are proudly informing the Reserve development in respect of their ancestors.

Ngarigo Elder, Uncle Craig said the Reserve is located at an area of spiritual, cultural significance,

“This Reserve at Murrays Crossing Road ‘5 ways’ is traditionally where the five main song lines of the regional Indigenous people met. In other words, the most accessible ways across our landscape which more recently informed the road network. Each year in November, around 600 Indigenous people congregated at this very place.

“Our people met here for Corroboree’s, yarning and trade.

“It was also the site of our Message Tree where message sticks were exchanged. The Message Tree was sadly destroyed in the bushfires and had to be removed but has since been replaced with a rock monument.

“We still have more work to do but have been overwhelmed with the community and business support we are already receiving, including most recently, from Hyne Timber coming on board as a partner,” Uncle Craig said.

There are many volunteers and contributing businesses helping to develop the Culture Reserve including both yarning and Burra circles, a scar tree, and the Message Tree monument. The two circles are joined by a rainbow serpent walkway, lined with painted rocks by the local primary school as part of their cultural learning and engagement.

The Burra circle also has a striking ‘centre piece’ which wouldn’t have traditionally featured but represents traditionally favoured food. This is a hand carved, wooden, long neck turtle carved by Ngarigo man, Justin McCulland.

Hyne Timber’s General Manager Stakeholder Engagement, Katie Fowden visited the site with Ngarigo Elders Uncle Craig and Aunty Sandra Casey to understand first-hand, the scale and plans for the development,

“People want to understand and engage with our Indigenous heritage. This includes here in Tumbarumba with the visitors already flocking to this Culture Reserve still under development.

“We can’t tell the stories of our Indigenous heritage but we can help fund the logistics so their story can be shared more widely, educating people in an appropriately respectful, engaging and informative way for all ages and abilities.

“In addition to the cultural elements, a carpark is being installed along with BBQ facilities, bathroom amenities, educational signage and a bituminised Culture Trail to connect with the ever-popular Rail Trail.

“Anyone can visit the site now and sit amongst the yarning circle, surrounded by the trees and sounds of the kookaburras and nature. It is already an immersive experience despite the project being in its infancy. 

“We entered into a longer-term partnership as opposed to simply supplying one-off funding so we can continue to support the Elders and volunteers with this historically significant project through to fruition.” Ms Fowden said.

The project continues to raise funds from the community and local businesses with bituminisation of the Culture Trail yet to receive funding and get underway.

Supporting businesses and organisations include Hyne Timber, a Snowy Hydro grant, Aboriginal Affairs, Warren Hulm and Sons and Bald Hill Quarries with the Snowy Valleys Council also supporting the development as a preserved area of spiritual significance.

If you would like to support the project in some way, you can contact the Ngarigo Toomaroombah Kunama Namadgi Indigenous Corporation by emailing tknic8520@gmail.com

Guidelines release for transformative regional partnerships program

Media Release from The Hon Catherine King MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government

MEDIA RELEASE | Thursday 24 August 2023

The Australian Government’s $400 million regional Precincts and Partnerships grants program is now open for applications.

The regional Precincts and Partnerships Program (rPPP) will provide grant funding for precincts that seek to deliver transformative investment in regional, rural and remote Australia based on the aims of unifying regional places, growing their economies and serving their communities.

The program will focus on a partnership approach, bringing together governments and communities to deliver regional precincts that are tailored to local needs and have a shared vision for how that precinct connects to the region.

Regional precincts or ‘places of purpose’ are areas with a specific shared need or theme. They support better land-use integration and ensure infrastructure investment considers and complements the broader region, its surrounding communities, spaces, transport and activities.

The Government has allocated $400 million to the rPPP over three years, with $100 million available for 2023-24, and $150 million for each of 2024-25 and 2025-26.

The program will be delivered through two streams supporting both the development of precincts and delivery of construction-ready precinct projects:

• Stream One: Precinct development and planning. Grants of between $500,000 to $5 million will be available for master planning, consultation, design, business cases and partnership establishment.
   

• Stream Two: Precinct delivery. Grants of between $5 million and $50 million will be available to help deliver one or more elements of a precinct. This could be enabling public infrastructure (roads, pathways, underground infrastructure), open spaces between elements, or a building that catalyses or complements other investment within the precinct.

Applications are open to state, territory and local government agencies or bodies, regional universities (which may be for-profit), and incorporated not-for-profit organisations.

With the program now open for applications, the first tranche of successful applicants will be announced later in the year.

The program design for the urban Precincts and Partnership Program (uPPP) is currently underway and will be available to applicants who are not in the statistical boundary for the rPPP. Together, these two programs will work to deliver precincts across the nation.

Further information on the program, including the Grant Opportunity Guidelines for streams one and two, is available on the GrantConnect website.

Commonwealth Changing Places Initiative

The Department of Social Services is offering up to one-third of the cost to build Changing Places facilities in Local Government Areas (LGAs) that currently do not have one.

Changing Places are accessible toilets with extra features and more space to meet the needs of people with disability and their carers.

This funding offer can supplement other sources of funding, including from various levels of government, community grants and private enterprises.

Applicants are encouraged to consider including a Changing Places facility in upcoming community infrastructure plans.

Learn more: Changing Places and fact sheet (below)

Contact: Changing.Places@dss.gov.au

Industry projects to drive heavy vehicle safety with $5.5 million investment

Joint Media Release from Senator the Hon Carol Brown, Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport and Sal Petroccitto, National Heavy Vehicle Regulator Chief Executive Office

MEDIA RELEASE | Tuesday 22 August 2023

Twenty-one new industry-led projects will receive vital funding from the Australian Government through the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s (NHVR) Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI).

$3.8 million will be invested into 12 heavy vehicle safety initiatives through Round 8 of the HVSI program, including for roadside health and wellness screening, driver training and increasing vulnerable road user safety.

A further nine projects have been selected to receive funding as part of $1.7 million in once-off funding to Chain of Responsibility (CoR) training and education projects.

The new projects under Round 8 address key issues in the transport and logistic sector and provide workable solutions, to reduce road trauma and save lives.

The CoR projects will help organisations develop training content and resources that will help participants improve the safety of their heavy vehicle transport activities and meet their obligations under the law.

Successful projects include the development of CoR training targeting executives and managers, training tailored for international freight forwarding and logistics, and training aimed at businesses that are not transport companies, but that send and receive goods using heavy vehicles.

The Government has invested in 132 other HVSI projects since the program began in 2016, delivering safety benefits to the heavy vehicle industry and other road users.

• For more information on the HVSI program, visit www.nhvr.gov.au/hvsi

• For more information on CoR, visit www.nhvr.gov.au/cor

Public release of submissions to postal services modernisation consultation

Joint Media Release from The Hon Michelle Rowland MP, Minister for Communications and Senator The Hon Katy Gallagher, Minister for Finance, Women, and Public Service.

MEDIA RELEASE | Friday 11 August 2023

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.
 
The Government launched its discussion paper and consultation process earlier this year to ensure Australia Post continues to provide quality services for small businesses, is well-adapted to changing consumer trends, supports its workforce, and meets the needs of both metropolitan and regional communities.
 
Australia Post is a cherished national and publicly-owned institution that provides essential services and supports stable employment for tens of thousands of Australians.
 
The consultation highlighted that the way many Australians use postal services continues to evolve, and change is needed ensure that a high quality and sustainable letters service is maintained.
 
The responses indicated broad support for a package of reforms that continue to support the delivery of traditional postal services, supports growing the business and providing new products and services in the competitive parcels business, and underpins the long-term financial sustainability of Australia Post.
 
These submissions will help inform the Government’s next steps in considering options to modernise postal services in Australia, which will include further consultation with stakeholders.
 
For more information about the submissions to the consultation visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say/postal-services-modernisation
 

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

Media Release | 21 August 2023

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.

The ambitious project breathes new life into the much-loved wine destination with extensive upgrades to its interiors and exciting new wine experiences for guests to enjoy.

McWilliam’s Wines Cellar Door was designed by Glen McWilliam 50 years ago to the precise scale of a wine barrel and a fig tree was planted at the front of the building. Whilst these two features remain today, its new owners, the Calabria family, have worked with a team of local designers and suppliers during the past 12 months to oversee the extensive renovations that were completed by Bill Calabria.
For over a century, McWilliam's Wines has played an integral role in Australia's winemaking legacy, particularly in the craft of fortified wines. The Hanwood Estate, where vines were first planted in 1913, and was the pioneering force in establishing the Riverina wine region.

“Many people associate the name McWilliam’s with the Barrel and the many fond memories of rich fortified tastings inside it. The building has become a landmark in the Riverina and was a hub for much of the great history behind the McWilliam’s name. This reopening feels like a new era for us and a great opportunity to reconnect with friends and visitors with some incredible new wine experiences,” second generation Winemaker & Managing Director Bill Calabria, AM said.

Elevated interiors inside the barrel

While maintaining the iconic barrel-stave shell, extensive upgrades have transformed the interiors into a modern, lodge-style haven which the McWilliam’s team deems its ‘fortified house’ style. Generous seating, including cozy deluxe leather lounges and a long 16-seater table, allows the space to accommodate up to 35 guests comfortably. The centrepiece of the sophisticated fit-out is the 360° Cheminee Cast Iron Fireplace from Sculpt Fireplaces, perfect for warming up and unwinding with a glass of Shiraz.

The space also includes an exclusive private tasting room; the ‘Friar Room' pays homage to the winery's retro novelty Friar mascot, offering groups an intimate setting for private tasting experiences. The new custom tasting bar allows visitors to engage with their knowledgeable hosts while sampling McWilliam’s diverse selection of premium wines.

An extended menu of premium drops

The newly curated cellar door wine menu allows visitors to indulge in an extensive array of top-tier offerings from the family winery, including its 660, Alternis, Single Vineyard,  and 1877  collections, as well as the winery’s pinnacle release Eliza Jane Shiraz. The menu also boasts an impressive range of aged fortified, and limited cellar door releases like Topaque, Apera and Ruby Reserve.

For those after a light bite to complement their wines, an assortment of snacks and shareable food items, including dips and cheese platters, are available.

Unforgettable new experiences

The new cellar door experiences reflect McWilliam’s Wines’ wealth of fortified winemaking expertise and give visitors a taste of Australian wine history.

 The ‘Fortified Discovery Tasting Experience’ is a new winemaker-led vertical tasting showcasing a line up of aged tawny to include, 5, 10, 20 & 30 year old.

For cocktail connoisseurs, the ‘Fortified Cocktail Made to Mix Experience’ explores cocktail-ready tawny paired with various tonics to create the ideal flavour combinations.

Finally, guests looking for something a little sweet can indulge in the self-guided  ‘Fortified & Cuvee Chocolate Flight’ exploring a four fortified styles paired with Cuvee chocolates.

Booking information

The newly renovated McWilliam's barrel is located on Jack McWilliam Road, Hanwood, NSW, and will officially be reponed from August 11 and will be open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Wine enthusiasts are encouraged to secure their tasting experiences in advance by booking online at mcwilliams.com.au.

For more information about McWilliam’s Wines, visit www.mcwilliams.com.au.

Follow McWilliam’s on Instagram at @mcwilliamswines.

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

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

MEDIA RELEASE | Tuesday 22 August 2023

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.
 
The service responds to increasing demand for more data and faster speeds from satellite users caused by the growing use of video streaming, and people working and studying from home.
 
The uncapped service has been enabled by the Albanese Government’s $480 million investment to upgrade the NBN Fixed Wireless network. The upgrades are moving around 120,000 premises from satellite to fixed wireless, freeing up capacity on Sky Muster.
 
The Sky Muster Premium product complements the Albanese Government’s commitments to improving NBN technologies in regional areas, including by investing $2.4 billion to expand full-fibre NBN to an additional 1.5 million premises – over 660,000 of which will be in regional areas.
 
The product was launched following a trial over 10,000 Sky Muster Plus customers earlier this year that reported greater user satisfaction when customers could access increased evening speeds and uncapped data.
 
NBN Co is now consulting with industry on the introduction of more uncapped data plans at lower price points and further improvements to speeds.

Further information about Sky Muster Plus Premium product is available at www.nbn.com.au/skymusterplus

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.

A consultation process has started, as the Government works with stakeholders to identify areas of focus for the Plan. An Issues Paper has been also released as part of this process.

Read: National Housing and Homelessness Plan Issues Paper

Have your say: Make a submission

Submissions close: 11:59PM AEST Friday 22 September 2023

Help: HousingandHomelessnessPlan@dss.gov.au  

Innovate with NBN back for another year

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

MEDIA RELEASE | Monday 21 August 2023

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.
 
Successful grant recipients will receive up to $15,000 to support their innovative projects, with the overall champion to receive $20,000. The total prize pool for this round is $125,000.

Grant categories include Health, Agriculture, Tourism, Arts, Education, Indigenous Business and Women in Business – with winners to demonstrate the outstanding digital creativity and vision.

Previous rounds have supported projects like regional Victoria’s TerraLab who developed the STA Logger, an innovative system to digitally manage invasive weeds on farms.

Applications open on 21 August, and close at midnight on Friday 29 September 2023.
 
The Albanese Government is committed to improving the digital capability of individuals and businesses in regional and remote Australia. The Government has invested $2.4 billion to expand full-fibre NBN access to an additional 1.5 million premises – including over 660,000 in regional areas.
 
For more information on the program and to apply for a grant: www.nbnco.com.au/campaigns/innovate-with-nbn-grants-program. 

Albanese Government officially launches BetStop

Joint Media Release from The Hon Michelle Rowland MP, Minister for Communications and The Hon Amanda Rishworth MP, Minister for Social Services

MEDIA RELEASE | Monday 21 August 2023

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.
 
Australians will be able to self-exclude from a minimum of 3 months to a lifetime, by registering free-of-charge and in a single interaction.
 
Wagering service providers must promote BetStop, including on their websites and apps, and via marketing material to customers. A public awareness campaign will be run by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to promote BetStop.
 
BetStop is the final measure of the National Consumer Protection Framework for Online Wagering. Two other measures – consistent gambling messaging and training for wagering staff – came into effect on 30 March of this year.
 
The Commonwealth will continue to work with states and territories on what comes next to reduce harm caused by online wagering.
 
The ACMA will be responsible for regulating BetStop, which is operated by IXUP Limited. BetStop has been subject to extensive testing and trialling to ensure it provides a secure and trusted environment for users.
 
Complementing the launch of BetStop, the Government will also introduce mandatory customer pre-verification, requiring wagering service providers to verify a customer’s identity when they register for a new account and before they can place a bet.
 
This will replace the existing requirement to verify a customer’s identity within 72 hours, and enhances protection for citizens, including underage or newly registered individuals who have self-excluded through BetStop.
 
This requirement is expected to be in place by the end of September 2023.
 
The two measures – BetStop and customer pre-verification – form part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to harm minimisation, and were recommended in the final report from Parliamentary inquiry into online gambling and its impacts on those experiencing gambling harm handed down in June.
   
The launch of BetStop and introduction of customer pre-verification build on the Albanese Government’s commitment to ban the use of credit cards for online wagering, and strengthen classification of gambling-like features in video games, including loot boxes and simulated gambling.
 
The Government has also already implemented mandatory monthly activity statements so those engaging in online wagering can easily see their wins and losses, nationally consistent staff training and new evidence-based taglines to replace ‘Gamble Responsibly’.

For more information or to register, visit www.betstop.gov.au

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.

These aids include reversing cameras and motion sensors, and must be fitted to all new types of light, medium and heavy vehicles, from everyday cars through to heavy goods trucks.

The standard for all new vehicles is called Australian Design Rule 108/00 – Reversing Technologies.

To learn more about this new rule, go to: Saving lives on and around roads

Review of the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy underway

Joint Media Release from The Hon Catherine King MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government

MEDIA RELEASE | Wednesday 16 August 2023

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.

Australia’s supply chains are critical to our future economic success and to strengthening the connections between our regions and urban centres.

That is why infrastructure and transport ministers across Australia have responded to calls from industry to commence the first review of the Strategy.

The review will ensure the Strategy remains fit-for-purpose for the Australian freight and supply chains industry.

We know this industry has experienced unprecedented and compounding disruptions over the past four years including a global pandemic, extreme weather events, geo-political tensions, skills shortages and more.

The review is a critical opportunity to take stock of what has changed and what has been achieved since 2019. It will help build a more effective Strategy that is better equipped to address Australia’s growing and changing freight task.

The review will assess if there are gaps in the Strategy’s goals and identify priorities for the next five-year National Action Plan.

Stakeholder engagement will be an important part of identifying these gaps and priorities. The review will undertake stakeholder consultation and consider public submissions. In late August, I am looking forward to hosting a round table to hear directly from industry how the strategy can be strengthened.

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts will lead the review in close collaboration with industry and state and territory governments.

Ministers will consider the recommendations of the review by the end of this year.

For more information, including to make a submission to the review, visit: www.freightaustralia.gov.au/2023-review.

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

Joint Media Release from The Hon Kristy McBain MP, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, the Hon Carol Brown, Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, The Hon Harriet Shing MP, Victorian Minister for Regional Development, and Phil Paterson, Wodonga TAFE Chief Executive Officer

MEDIA RELEASE | Thursday 17 August 2023

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.

This investment will support construction of a heavy vehicle obstacle circuit, a heavy vehicle repair and maintenance workshop, a main client building and car park, along with upgrades to external infrastructure, and the installation of a state-of-the-art cyber range for simulated courses.

The upgraded facility will support Wodonga TAFE to expand its Heavy Vehicle Technology Program, which is expected to attract up to 1,200 students in four years, and generate more than $70 million in gross regional product.

The Victorian Government also backed the project, with funding of $450,000 delivered last year through Regional Development Victoria, to support Wodonga TAFE fast track the necessary planning.

Construction of the facility will commence in 2024, and is expected to be completed in 2026.

It is just one of eight projects funded through the AWRP initiative, with the Albanese Government also investing:

• $20 million towards infrastructure that supports better health outcomes

• $15 million towards housing and accommodation for essential workers

• $10 million for the Albury Entertainment Centre redevelopment

• $5 million for the Albury Airport expansion

• $5 million towards the Gateway Island and the Murray River Experience

• $1 million to support First Nations priority projects

• $2 million for advanced manufacturing to accelerate the region’s economic development

The Australian Government will continue to work closely with the New South Wales and Victorian Governments, the City of Wodonga and Albury City Councils, and key regional stakeholders to implement these transformative projects.

For more informaiton on the Heavy Vehicle Training and Experimentation Precinct project, visit: Logical Innovation Precinct (wodongatafe.edu.au).

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

Joint Media Release from The Hon Michelle Rowland MP, Minister for Communications and Senator The Hon Murray Watt, Minister for Emergency Management

MEDIA RELEASE | Thursday 17 August 2023

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.

To provide these organisations the best opportunity to offer this assistance amid continuing cost of living pressures, the period for which families can be nominated for a free service has been extended until 30 April 2024.

Over recent months, a number of additional organisations across Australia have joined the SSBI to identify and nominate families who could benefit from free internet at home.

This demonstrates the strong cross-sector support for SSBI, including state and territory governments, education authorities, community organisations in regional and low socioeconomic areas, social housing providers, right down to individual schools.

Over 1,500 families are now connected – up from 1,000 in July 2023 – with the connection milestone helping more students get the educational opportunities they deserve.

NBN Co is leading the implementation of the initiative. To be eligible, a family must:

• Have a child living at home that is enrolled in an Australian school in 2023.

• Be referred by a nominating organisation.

• Have no active broadband service over the NBN network.

• Live in a premise where they can access a standard NBN service. 

Eligible families receive a voucher from a nominating organisation that they can use at a participating internet retail provider to receive 12 months of free internet. The 12 months of free service begins from the day the service is activated and is available across all NBN technologies.

For more information about the SSBI, visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/SSBI

City of Wagga Wagga | Have your say on the Community Roadmap for Net Zero Emissions

Wagga Wagga City Council is urging residents to have their say on its Draft Community Net Zero Emissions (NZE) 2050 Roadmap which is now on public exhibition.

The Draft Community Roadmap was endorsed by Council at its Ordinary Meeting on Monday and went on exhibition Friday 11 August 2023.

Members of the public will have 42 days to make a submission.

Net zero refers to the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere within our Local Government Area being equivalent to the amount that are absorbed. When an equal balance is reached, net zero has been accomplished.

The Roadmap outlines key pathways that local individuals, businesses, and groups may choose to follow and participate in achieving the community net zero emissions targets.

This document is not a policy or a basis for consideration for future fees, charges or planning documents, rather the Roadmap is a guide only, that Council welcomes all community members to read and provide feedback on.

Members of the community can view these initiatives to discover more about their options to contribute to climate action at home, in their community, and in their workplace.

The Draft Community NZE 2050 Roadmap  is on exhibition until Friday 22 September 2023.

For more information regarding the City of Wagga Wagga’s Community Roadmap for Net Zero Emissions, click Learn More.

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

Joint Media Release from The Hon Michelle Rowland MP, Minister for Communications and Senator The Hon Murray Watt, Minister for Emergency Management

MEDIA RELEASE | Monday 14 August 2023

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.
 
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.
 
There are two concurrent rounds under the TDRI that are now open for applications:

• The $30 million Power Resilience Round will fund solutions that reduce the impacts of power outages – the leading cause of telecommunications disruptions during natural disasters. This includes stand-alone off grid power solutions, deployable power supplies, and technology to extend how long backup power gives to telco infrastructure; and
   

• The $20 million Innovation Round will fund innovative earlier-stage technologies to improve the resiliency, redundancy and availability of telecommunications during disasters. This includes new or enhanced satellite connectivity – like Low Earth Orbit Satellites (LEOSats) – and new ways to monitor networks and share critical information with emergency services.

Grants are generally available for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), Mobile Network Infrastructure Providers (MNIPs), NBN Co, or companies with an ABN with relevant expertise or experience.
 
Reliable communications is vital in emergencies and natural disasters to ensure Australians can contact Triple Zero, receive emergency information, and stay in touch with family and friends.
 
The TDRI program is part of the Albanese Government’s $1.1 billion Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia. The Plan includes $656 million to improve mobile and broadband connectivity and resilience in rural and regional Australia.
 
This new program complements work taken by the Albanese Government to boost the resilience of ABC broadcasting towers across Australia through its $20 million Broadcasting Resilience Program, and work to boost the resilience of mobile networks under the $15 million Mobile Network Hardening Program (MNHP).
 
Applications for both streams of the TDRI program are open until 5:00pm AEDT Friday 20 October 2023.
 
For more information on the Power Resilience and Innovation Rounds of the TDRI program, please visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/media-communications-arts/phone/telecommunications-disaster-resilience-innovation-program