ACCC accepts revised NBN Co Special Access Undertaking variation

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

MEDIA RELEASE | 17 October 2023

The decision by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to accept NBN Co’s Special Access Undertaking (SAU) is a positive outcome for households, NBN Co and industry.
 
The Government hopes this significant development enables NBN Co and retail providers to look forward with renewed determination to improve connectivity for Australians.
 
The SAU provides the foundation for regulating pricing on the National Broadband Network (NBN). The now accepted SAU ensures broadband access remains affordable, and that NBN Co remains a commercially viable business that can meet Australia’s evolving connectivity needs now and into the future.
 
The SAU will support better outcomes for consumers and industry. It will provide greater certainty, phase out CVC pricing, create baseline service standards and processes to enable future service quality improvements, and drive efficiency by establishing robust processes to assess NBN Co’s expenditure.
 
The revised service and pricing arrangements in the SAU variation are expected to be implemented through a new Wholesale Broadband Agreement between NBN Co and retail service providers from 1 December 2023.
 
The ACCC has made this decision as the independent regulator, having regard to the long-term interests of end-users.
 
The Albanese Government thanks the ACCC, NBN Co and the industry for their extensive engagement, patience, and willingness to create space for problem-solving.
 
This was the stated desire of Shareholder Ministers when they wrote to NBN Co and the ACCC to support the withdrawal of the SAU variation proposal lodged in March 2022.
 
That proposal, lodged under the former Coalition Government, allowed price increases of inflation plus three per cent a year on some products, with no prospect of acceptance by the ACCC.
 
This situation required a change of government to reset the regulatory process, along with a genuine focus on the long-term interests of Australians consumers.
 
The Albanese Government is delivering a better NBN for all Australians, and today’s decision enables NBN Co to continue driving that mission.
 
For more information on the accepted SAU, visit: www.accc.gov.au/by-industry/telecommunications-and-internet/national-broadband-network-nbn-access-regulation/nbn-co-sau-variation-august-2023/final-decision

Landmark National Skills Agreement between Federal and NSW state governments

Media Release from the NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education

MEDIA RELEASE | 17 October 2023

The Federal and NSW state governments have signed a landmark agreement that will deliver billions of dollars to build the skills and prosperity of NSW.

The landmark 5-year National Skills Agreement (NSA) – which will take effect from January next year – was developed under principles agreed by National Cabinet and will embed national cooperation and strategic investment in the NSW vocational education and training sector.

NSW is set to benefit from over $3.81 billion of investment from the Albanese Government, supporting investment by the Minns Government to expand and transform access to the VET sector.

The 5-year agreement places TAFE at the heart of the VET sector, providing the funding certainty required to support quality training and implement reforms to address critical skills needs. 

The NSA will provide for $1.055 billion of additional funding to NSW, enabling NSW to complete significant reform to the skills and training sector. This will support the Minns Government’s commitments to investing and rebuilding TAFE NSW and the broader skills sector. 

This includes investing in TAFE Centres of Excellence, boosting foundation skills in language, literacy, numeracy and digital literacy and Closing the Gap in educational outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

In an historic first, a new national stewardship model will coordinate strategic investment in skills across the economy and support delivery of skills needed in national priority areas, as well as providing states and territories with flexibility to meet local industry skills needs.

Nationally, the $12.6 billion investment by the Commonwealth includes an extra $2.4 billion in flexible funding to support state and territory skills sectors with capacity to deliver skills for critical and emerging industries. Priorities include:

• clean energy and Net Zero transformation of the economy.

• Australia’s sovereign capability, including advanced manufacturing skills, national security, food security and construction.

• care and support services.

• ensuring Australia’s digital and technology capability

This new investment is on top of $414 million already committed nationally for the delivery of 300,000 fee-free TAFE places from 2024.

Try a Trade giving young people in custody a chance for transition

Media Release from the NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education and the NSW Minister for Youth Justice

MEDIA RELEASE | 17 October 2023

Young people in custody are being given the opportunity to learn new skills to help them transition back into the community thanks to the Try a Trade program, jointly run by Youth Justice NSW and Training Services NSW.

The young people at Frank Baxter Youth Justice Centre in Kariong can try a range of trades including bricklaying, plastering, barbering, mechanics, carpentry, warehousing and plumbing.

Local businesses such as Colonial Painting and Decorating Service at Gosford have volunteered to teach participants plastering and painting to build connections with a potential new workforce.

The first Try a Trade day was held at Cobham Youth Justice Centre with 10 workshops held across a range of trades including carpentry, painting, and landscaping.

A second session ran at the Riverina Youth Justice Centre, where 5 businesses across different trades visited the centre to teach a range of skills including plumbing, carpentry, painting, traffic control and mechanics. 

As a result of the previous Try a Trade days at Cobham and Riverina Youth Justice Centres, 10 young people have gained employment in their chosen pathway, 2 young people have commenced apprenticeships, and over 30 have identified a set trade as a career option when they hadn’t previously done so.

Try a Trade days will be run across all 6 youth justice centres around the state throughout the remainder of 2023. These are in addition to the skills and trades programs already running in youth justice centres.

The Virtual Clinical Care Centre reducing demand for ambulances and ED treatment

Media Release from the NSW Minister for Health

MEDIA RELEASE | 12 October 2023

NSW Ambulance has today launched a major recruitment drive to boost capacity within the state’s Virtual Clinical Care Centre (VCCC).

Health Minister Ryan Park said the VCCC helps NSW Ambulance respond to Triple Zero (000) calls more effectively, operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and providing expert clinical and medical secondary triage capability.

“A significant number of calls made to Triple Zero (000) do not require a paramedic response, and that’s where our expert clinical staff in the VCCC step in,” Mr Park said.

“The VCCC was created during the pandemic at a time of unprecedented Triple Zero (000) call volumes and showed it was more than capable to manage this extreme demand and keep patients safe.

“During the devastating 2022 floods where some people requiring medical attention were isolated by flood waters, VCCC clinicians were able to provide ongoing clinical care to these patients virtually while they were waiting to be rescued.

“Expanding the VCCC ensures patients right across NSW will continue to receive the care they need regardless of where they live while also reducing demand on our ambulances and hospital emergency departments.

"The VCCC saved more than 12,000 patients from attending the emergency department last year, reducing demand on the hospital system.

“VCCC clinicians had contact with more than 100,000 Triple Zero (000) callers during this period to triage or provide support for 46,000 patients, who didn’t require urgent care by offering secondary health services available within the community.”

NSW Ambulance Commissioner Dr Dominic Morgan said the VCCC has assisted with tens of thousands of Triple Zero (000) calls since it was launched 2 years ago.

“The VCCC started with a small number of specialist clinicians on duty 16 hours a day. Two years on, it’s a 24/7 operation, which will have more than 100 staff over the next 3 years,” Dr Morgan said.

“As part of the VCCC expansion NSW Ambulance is seeking experienced registered nurse and/or registered paramedic triage clinicians, clinical nurse consultants and specialist physicians to join the fast-growing multidisciplinary team.”

In the 2 years since being established the VCCC has been successfully diverting very low acuity cases away from hospital emergency departments to more appropriate care pathways. VCCC staff also provide call backs to some patients who call Triple Zero (000) to assess them clinically and determine if the response needs to be upgraded.

NSW Government acts on initial bus safety recommendations

Media Release from Senator the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, Minister for Communications

MEDIA RELEASE | 13 October 2023

The NSW Government is working to improve safety on buses and coaches, accepting all 5 recommendations from the Bus Taskforce First Safety Report, that was ordered following the Hunter Valley tragedy.

The initial report addresses a number of key areas, including a new safety campaign to promote seatbelt usage and possible speed restriction mandates for school buses, as well as addressing risks for passengers standing on buses, travelling in speed zones over 80 km/h.

Transport for NSW has begun work to implement the recommendations, prioritising awareness around seatbelt compliance.

Immediately following the devastating bus incident in the Hunter Valley on 11 June 2023, the Transport Minister instructed the taskforce to expand its scope to examine the safety and regulatory arrangements of bus operations in NSW.

Transport for NSW will launch the new safety campaign from this week, aimed at educating passengers about the importance and legal requirements of wearing a seatbelt on a bus where one is available. Wearing a seatbelt doubles the chance of surviving a crash and reduces the risk of injury.

The campaign will initially appear on buses and coaches to ensure people buckle up when they travel. A second awareness campaign will appear later this year to coincide with peak holiday travel period.

The government looks forward to the findings of future reports, which will make further recommendations to address safety concerns that arose from the tragedy.

Recommendations from the First Safety Report of the Bus Industry Taskforce:

1. That the NSW Government and Transport for NSW complete the current implementation of the NSW Rural and Regional Seatbelts Program as soon as possible.

2. That a road safety campaign be implemented to promote compliance with seatbelt laws on buses, including by school children.

3. That Transport for NSW consider how bus operators can be best assisted to comply with their obligation to inform passengers about the mandatory use of seatbelts. This could include additional guidance material, or regulatory or contractual amendments.

4. That Transport for NSW conducts a thorough examination of the risks associated with standees on buses and explores potential risk mitigation approaches.

5. That Transport for NSW consider whether the 80km/h rule for dedicated school bus services with standing passengers could be rolled out across all services and examine ways of reducing risks for standees on buses travelling over 80 km/h.

Read the full first safety reportlaunch on the Transport for NSW website.

850,000 reasons to care during National Carers Week

Media Release from the NSW Minister for Seniors

MEDIA RELEASE | 15 October 2023

More than 850,000. unpaid carers around the state are being recognised this week as the NSW Government, service providers and the community celebrates National Carers Week.

Minister with responsibility for Carers Jodie Harrison said this year’s theme – ‘Millions of Reasons to Care’ – acknowledges the important role carers play helping others.

“Caring for a loved one takes enormous dedication and strength, and this is a week to highlight the vital work carers do,” Minister Harrison said.

“There is no job description for a carer. They do whatever needs to be done. This can include helping people perform their daily routines, cooking, cleaning or driving them to medical appointments.

“These selfless individuals in our community don’t look for public thanks and praise but their incredible efforts need to be recognised and celebrated.”

In NSW, carers support people for a range of reasons, including disability, mental health conditions, chronic illness, age, dementia or drug and alcohol dependency. Caring is nearly twice as prevalent in Aboriginal communities and almost 80,000 carers are young people 25 years or younger.

Carers NSW CEO Elena Katrakis said it is important carers look after their own health and wellbeing and for people to know there is support available if they need it.

“Many people don’t think of themselves as ‘carers’. They simply see themselves as a husband, wife, father, mother, son, daughter or friend looking after someone they love,” Ms Katrakis said.

“It can be incredibly rewarding work, but tough. So, taking time to look after yourself is the best way to be able to take care of others.”

As part of the 2023-24 Budget, the NSW Government is investing $5.1 million in targeted programs and supports for carers, including funding for programs under the NSW Carers Strategy 2020-2030 and funding for initiatives operated by Carers NSW, such as the Young Carers Program.

If you are a carer, there is a range of resources and supports available for you. Find out more at www.carergateway.gov.au or call 1800 422 737.

National Carers Week runs from Sunday 15 to Saturday 21 October 2023 and there are plenty of activities across NSW to celebrate carerslaunch.

Albanese Government proposes new rules to improve mobile coverage in new developments

Media Release from Senator the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, Minister for Communications

MEDIA RELEASE | Wednesday 11 October 2023

The Albanese Government has today opened consultation on draft planning rules to include consideration of mobile coverage in new housing developments.
 
The proposed amendments to the Telecommunications in New Developments (TIND) policy would place an expectation on developers to actively consider the inclusion of mobile infrastructure in new developments, in a similar way as other services – such as water and electricity – are currently considered.
 
The current planning policies focus on providing land-line telephone and broadband services. However, a significant number of people living in new communities report inadequate or no mobile coverage after moving into their new homes, and this can remain the case for years.
 
Not including mobile coverage in the design of new developments or expanding suburbs risks leaving residents in those areas behind when it comes to digital connectivity and inclusion.
 
In addition to expanding the scope to include mobile connectivity, the proposed amendments are intended to improve engagement between developers, carriers and other interested stakeholders.
 
Feedback on the proposed changes will inform decisions on the expansion of TIND policy to include mobile infrastructure.
 
Interested parties are encouraged to have their say on the draft amendments to the TIND Policy by 5pm AEDT on Wednesday, 8 November 2023 by emailing new.developments@infrastructure.gov.au.
 
To view the draft TIND policy or to make a submission, please visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say/

Early childhood workers given $12 million boost to strengthen sector into the future

Media Release from the NSW Minister for Education and Early Learning

MEDIA RELEASE | 9 October 2023

NSW’s early childhood sector workforce has been given a welcome boost of more than $12 million as the Minns Labor Government delivers its election commitment to provide scholarships to the educators of the state’s littlest learners. Funding of $12.2 million to provide scholarships to the early childhood education and care (ECEC) workforce was secured in the NSW Budget, beginning the practical work to create a pipeline of educators for this vital sector.

A target of 1700 scholarships will be made available from today, to those already working in the sector wanting to upskill, those wanting to become early childhood educators, and those wanting to gain Outside School Hours Care (OSCH) skills, growing the workforce.

These incentives will expand the ECEC workforce and help retain those already working as early childhood educators.

Applications for scholarships for early childhood educators and those interested in joining the sector are open now.

Funding includes:

• scholarships of up to $25,000 for ECEC teachers studying a Bachelor or Master degree in teaching with an early childhood education specification

• scholarships of up to $15,000 for relevant Graduate Certificates or Graduate Diplomas

• scholarships of up to $5000 for ECEC educators studying a relevant Diploma in ECEC or School Age Education and Care

• scholarships of up to $3000 for students earning a Certificate III in ECEC, OSHC.

The process of applying for scholarships has also become easier as the Minns Labor Government scraps application rounds, allowing current and prospective students to apply freely throughout the year.

A targeted stream has also been created for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students wanting to apply.

This funding is just part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to boost the Early Childhood and Care workforce, and comes in addition to our maintenance of the $5 billion Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund and $5.7 billion to work towards universal preschool.

More information about available scholarships can be found on the NSW Department of Education websitelaunch.

A new home for Pro Patria Centre - Wagga Wagga

Image sourced from: Pro Patria Centre

Wagga Wagga and the wider Riverina region is home to a significant number of current and former Australian Defence Force personnel, many of whom have returned from active service. It is also a region with a significant number of current and former Police, Paramedics and other emergency services members.

Pro Patria Centre is an innovative multidisciplinary facility focused on developing self-agency in veterans, first responders, and their families to manage their own well-being and health.

In late August 2023, the Pro Patria Centre secured the use of a former monastery in Wagga Wagga. The property is a unique, peaceful, family-friendly location and the newly elected Board of Directors and committee are aiming to develop it into a hub for serving and ex-serving and their families.

Have Your Say | NSW Vocational Education and Training Sector

NSW Education are reviewing the NSW Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector and are seeking your feedback as part of the review. They are looking, in particular, at the current landscape of VET in NSW, including TAFE and other VET providers.

The review will identify the strengths, gaps and opportunities for improvement in skills development and training to support our students and workforce.

Submissions close 24 November 2023

$10 million for Aboriginal organisations to Close the Gap

Media Release from the NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty

MEDIA RELEASE | 29 September 2023

Expressions of interest are now open for Aboriginal organisations to apply for the next round of Community and Place Grants.

$10 million funding for the grants, to deliver immediate and tangible on-ground activities to support Closing the Gap, were confirmed in the first Minns Labor budget handed down on Tuesday 19 September.

In launching the grant round, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs David Harris said Aboriginal controlled organisations could apply for up to $250,000 in funding for new programs, infrastructure, equipment and vehicles.

“Aboriginal organisations know what their communities need to thrive and that is why this grants program is so important,” Mr Harris said.

“It gives Aboriginal communities a direct say and direct access to funding to make tangible differences on the ground.

“We know that to close the gap, Aboriginal people must determine, drive and own the desired outcomes in partnership with government and that is exactly what this program is all about.

The Closing the Gap NSW Implementation Plan 2022– 2024launch commits to drive tangible change against all 5 Priority Reform areas and 17 Socio Economic Outcome targets agreed in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. Community and Place grants support communities to deliver locally led solutions. $10 million in funding is available in this round.

Applications will be assessed via a 2-step process:

• Stage 1: EOI from Monday 2 October to 30 October 2023. EOI applications will be assessed for eligibility and program alignment, with applications being approved to provide a full application by AANSW Deputy Secretary.

• Stage 2: Full applications from 4 December 2023 to 29 January 2024.

• Projects must be delivered between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025. 

Closing the Gap is a top priority for the Minns Labor government. The first Minns Labor government budget delivers $1.5 billion in targeted programs across the whole of government to Close the Gap and empower Aboriginal communities across NSW.

“We know that when Aboriginal people have a direct say on issues that affect them, we get better outcomes, and that is what we intend to do in government,” Mr Harris said.

Details of the grant program can be found at Aboriginal Affairs NSW: Grantslaunch.

Fire season officially commences as weather heats up

Media Release from NSW Minister for Emergency Service

MEDIA RELEASE | 1 October 2023

With hot weather predicted across NSW for the week ahead, fire agencies have signalled the start of the fire danger period across most of the state with a call to households to prepare.

Today marks the official start of the 2023-24 bushfire season in areas including Greater Sydney, the Central Coast, the Illawarra and the Central West. This follows weeks of unseasonably warm weather that has kept NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) firefighters on high alert.

The RFS has responded to more than 2,000 bush and grass fires across NSW in September alone, as firefighters prepare for what is predicted to be a warm and windy summer.

Due to the conditions today nine total fire bans are in force across NSW with further bans likely this week.

The statutory Bush Fire Danger Period (BDFP) begins for most local government areas (LGAs) today. Thirty-eight LGAs have already been in this danger period for at least a month, including 11 that entered it earlier than usual due to warm and dry conditions.

Firefighting personnel and volunteers across the state continue to train for fire and emergency response, but communities are reminded that they have a role to play in bushfire preparedness as well.

Residents are urged to undertake simple measures such as downloading the Hazards Near Me NSW app, checking the RFS websitelaunch, having a plan in place if a fire approaches (even if it is knowing whether to stay or leave early), and carrying out the following around your home:

• Trim overhanging trees and shrubs.

• Mow grass and remove the cuttings. Have a cleared area around your home.

• Remove material that can burn around your home, such as door mats, wood piles and mulch.

• Clear and remove all the debris and leaves from the gutters surrounding your home.   

• Prepare a sturdy hose or hoses that will reach all around your home.

As a result of the prolonged wet weather across NSW, around 25 per cent of planned hazard reduction work was completed up to July this year. While more work is needed, the RFS and other agencies have made progress in hazard reduction treating more than 40,000 hectares since the beginning of July.

The onset of hot, windy and dry conditions is expected to affect further hazard reduction as the window to undertake burns begins to close.

To assist in preparation the NSW Government has invested $9 million in a Chinook helicopter, the first of its kind to be permanently based in Australia. With the capacity to carry up to 10,000 litres of water or retardant this summer, the Chinook will increase the RFS’s aerial firefighting capabilities and will lessen our reliance on aircraft borrowed from overseas.

The statutory BFDP commences on 1 October 2023 and runs through to 31 March 2024. Nine LGAs will commence BFDP on 1 November and these include Albury, Berrigan, Coolamon, Greater Hume, Junee, Lockhart, Wagga Wagga and Snowy Valleys.

Bush Fire Survival Planslaunch and information on preparing your property and family are available on the RFS websitelaunch.

Trial grants program launched to improve flexibility in early childhood education and care

Media Release from the NSW Minister for Education and Early Learning

MEDIA RELEASE | 03 October 2023

The Minns Labor Government has launched a $20 million trial grants program aimed at improving working families’ access to early childhood education and care when and where they need it most.

Offering providers a pool of up to $20 million over two years, the Flexible Initiatives Trial will provide grants to support existing ECEC services to expand and innovate, to better meet the needs of children and families and allow parents to enter the workforce or increase their hours.

New or adapted operating models will include:

• extending hours of care beyond traditional working hours  

• providing flexible pick-up and drop-off times    

• improved access to ad hoc care arrangements outside scheduled hours

• establishing new family day care services in remote areas.

The Flexible Initiatives Trial includes funding to ensure the workforce is supported to deliver flexible models of ECEC. It is one of a suite of ECEC programs to be delivered by the NSW Government in 2023-24, which aim to improve affordability and access.

As part of its recent Budget, the Minns Labor Government affirmed a $5 billion investment in the Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund (the Fund) to boost the early childhood workforce and make ECEC affordable and accessible for more families.

The Fund will help deliver on new initiatives that directly support those who need it most –  children, families and the early childhood education workforce.

It will also be used to provide $500 per child of fee relief to 3-year-old children attending eligible preschool programs in long day care centres, effective from early 2024.

Additional programs will be made available over the coming months.

All eligible ECEC service provider types are invited to apply for the Flexible Initiatives Trial, with funding to support family day care services on offer for the first time.

Applications are now open for the first round of the program, and close on 1 December 2023.

Visit the NSW Department of Education website for more information, including the program guidelines, eligibility and upcoming information sessions.

Freight transport driving towards net zero

Media Release from the NSW Premier, NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, NSW Minister for Transport

MEDIA RELEASE | 3 October 2023

The NSW Government has today taken an important step towards achieving net zero by 2050, with the release of a new net zero emissions policy for heavy road and rail freight.

The Towards Net Zero Emissions Freight Policy focuses on reducing the carbon footprint created by heavy road vehicles and rail freight. Freight accounts for 25% of total transport greenhouse gases in NSW, and with demand projected to rise by 34% by 2061 the time to act is now.

The new policy will see the NSW Government work together with industry to support the transition to low and zero emission technologies, and to ensure our transport network is ready to adapt as technology and solutions evolve.

The first step will see a 2-year trial to give extra mass zero emission heavy vehicles, which weigh more due to their batteries, access to the state road network. This means the industry can invest in the technology without sacrificing the payloads that underpin the freight business.

An online comparison tool has also been developed to support the transition, providing a free resource for the freight industry to source accurate information on the cost and environmental benefits of low and zero emission vehicles.

The Towards Net Zero Emissions Freight Policy is a significant step towards reducing emissions in the transport sector, with the NSW Government working to remove barriers to accelerate uptake, while balancing the freight sector’s challenging operating environment.

Fire and Rescue NSW works with multicultural communities to deliver key fire safety messages

Media Release from NSW Minister for Emergency Services

MEDIA RELEASE | 07 October 2023

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is continuing to work with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities to deliver key home fire safety messages as the weather warms up.

FRNSW attended the Canterbury-Bankstown Safety Expo on October 7th, with firefighters from Arabic, Greek and Vietnamese backgrounds spending time with locals to discuss fire safety in their native language.

More than 27% of NSW residents were born overseas, and 1 in 3 households speaks a language other than English.

Engaging CALD communities through education initiatives is an important way FRNSW is preparing residents for any emergency, helping overcome knowledge and awareness barriers that might put these communities at risk of home fires.

While fires are more likely to occur during winter, the risk remains year-round with working smoke alarms and cooking safety perennial concerns for firefighters. 

As the weather warms up, residents living near bush and grass land are urged to be aware of the fire risk in their area and to heed the advice and warnings of authorities.

Barbecue use is more popular during warmer months, but it carries a heightened risk on hot days and residents are urged to observe limitations on barbecue use during total fire ban days.

Translated fire safety fact sheets and videos are available in several languages on the Fire and Rescue NSW websitelaunch where you can also book in a free home safety visit from your local station.

Turning up the volume - on Live Music Australia funding

The Live Music Australia program aims to bring music to more Australians, supporting organisations and businesses to professionally stage original live music in regional communities.

Round 7 is now open for applications and Australian live music festivals presenting home-grown music can apply for assistance towards a range of activities and equipment such as sound, lighting, staging costs, mosh pits, accessible facilities, marketing and noise attenuation.

• Learn: Live Music Australia 

• Apply: Live Music Australia Round 7 

• Closes: 11:30PM (AEDT) 17 October 2023 

• Need Help: music@arts.gov.au / 02 6271 1711

Fee-Free Certificate IV in Leadership and Management [BSB40520]* | 2024 Face to Face Workshops – Griffith

Certificate IV in Leadership and Management [BSB40520]*  | 2024 Face to Face Workshops – Griffith *FEE FREE TRAINING

Another round of the excellent and very popular Cert IV in Leadership and Management training, run in workshop form where most of the assessment is done during the workshops as a group, is starting up again for 2024. Expressions of Interest (EOIs) are now open, and can be made by clicking the “Express Your Interest” button below. Expressions of Interest (EOIs) close 15 November 2023.

This Leadership and Management program is delivered through specialised workshops to engage and motivate workplace leaders. The workshops focus on communication, teamwork and best practice to develop leaders who contribute to improved and more effective workplaces. Practical activities are adopted to ensure there is always conversation, shared knowledge and considered reflection. This course is designed for people with 2 years’ work experience, currently in a leadership capacity or looking to pathway to a leadership position. To accommodate working professionals, study units are clustered into a 3 day workshops, to significantly reduce post workshop study load.

A “Leadership Discovery Day “ will be held on the 22 November 2023 – 9am to 12pm, at TAFE NSW Griffith for those interested in undertaking this course in 2024

Units of Study are broken down into four (4) Streams , and scheduled for the following dates:

STREAM ONE: Leadership at Work

20, 21 and 27 February 2024 – 9am to 4:00pm
Developing leaders with a focus on staff engagement, effective communication and emotional intelligence.

BSBLDR411 Demonstrate leadership in the workplace
BSBLDR413 Lead effective workplace relationships
BSBXCM401 Apply communication strategies in the workplace

STREAM TWO: Lead Effective Teams

4, 5 and 11 June 2024 – 9am to 4:00pm
Understanding interpersonal styles, communication barriers and coaching techniques to lead difficult conversations and wellbeing, whilst developing strong working relationships.

BSBCMM412 Lead difficult conversations
BSBPEF401 Manage personal health and wellbeing
BSBXTW401 Lead and facilitate a team

STREAM THREE: Creativity and Innovation

3, 4 and 10 September 2024 – 9am to 4:00pm

Embracing diversity where innovation, ideas and suggestions are accepted as contributors to positive change and opportunities for better ways of working.
BSBCRT411 Apply critical thinking
BSBLDR521 Lead the development of a diverse workforce
BSBSTR401 Promote innovation in a team environment

STREAM FOUR: Planned Operations and Continuous Improvement

12, 13 and 19 November 2024 – 9am to 4:00pm

High performing leaders achieve through operational planning for teams, a focus on lessons learned and continuous improvement.
BSBOPS402 Coordinate business operational plans
BSBSTR402 Implement continuous improvement
BSBLDR414 Lead team effectiveness

*FEE FREE TRAINING ELIGBILITY CRITERIA

·       An Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, humanitarian visa holder or NZ citizen

·       No longer at school

·       Living or working in NSW

·       Aged 15 years or over

Facilitating safer trucks in Australia

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

MEDIA RELEASE | Thursday 28 September 2023

The Australian Government has made changes to the national road vehicle standards to facilitate the supply of safer trucks in Australia, to help reduce road trauma while bolstering freight productivity.

It is estimated the changes will provide a net benefit of over $500 million to the Australian economy.

These safety features include devices to reduce blind spots, electronic stability control, advanced emergency braking, a lane departure warning system, better reflective markings, and side guards to stop pedestrians and cyclists from being caught up under the rear wheels of trucks.

Trucks fitted with these safety features will save lives and prevent serious injuries to vehicle occupants, cyclists and pedestrians.   

Allowing wider trucks on our roads will also reduce the number of road freight trips businesses will need to take, saving them money and lowering their environmental impact.

Additionally, a number of safety devices and sensors will be able to be fitted to trucks without counting towards the width and length measurements.

This includes front and kerb view mirrors to better see around the front-left corner of the vehicle, external parts of camera monitor systems for improved indirect vision, blind spot sensors, and cross-view mirrors to see in front of bonneted vehicles.

This will ensure manufacturers and owners are not disadvantaged by fitting trucks with these road safety technologies.

The overall width limit for buses and trailers won’t change, however they will also benefit from more safety devices being excluded from width and length measurements.

While this change will allow manufactures to design and supply these safer trucks in Australia, operators should continue to engage with their registration authority to determine whether road access permits are required.

Changes under the Safer Freight Vehicles package will begin to come into effect from 1 October 2023.

Aviation White Paper – a flight plan for innovation and growth in the sector

Local communities, councils and airport operators are encouraged to have their say on the Aviation White Paper which will set the long-term policies to guide the next generation of growth and innovation in the aviation sector.

As part of the process to develop the White Paper, the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts  recently released the Aviation Green Paper.

 The Green Paper outlines challenges and opportunities for Australia’s aviation sector to 2050 and options to respond to them. The Green Paper seeks stakeholder’s feedback to inform development of the Aviation White Paper. A stakeholder pack with more information is attached.

Learn more: Aviation White Paper

 Have your say: Aviation Green Paper

Submissions close: 30 November 2023

The Department is undertaking a 12-week consultation period on the Green Paper, which opened on 7 September.  A series of roundtable sessions will also be held both in-person and virtually throughout October and November 2023.

 An expression of interest process is open for stakeholders who would like to nominate for attendance at a roundtable session. Please note, due to capacity requirements, an expression of interest does not guarantee attendance and an invitation will be sent to confirmed attendees following the process.

If you have any questions on the Aviation White Paper, please email aviationwhitepaper@infrastructure.gov.au 

A roadmap for the oil and gas infrastructure industry

The Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR) is undertaking consultations to develop a roadmap for an oil and gas infrastructure decommissioning industry, with the key objectives of: 

• growing a decommissioning industry in a safe and ethical way, which also benefits adjacent industries

• creating a safe and high skilled jobs environment which supports indigenous opportunity and gender equality

• creating a shared long-term vision between Government, industry and workers.

Based on the location of existing decommissioning service providers, and the location of existing offshore oil and gas facilities, many of the onshore jobs may be located in regional areas. An issues paper, as well as information on how to provide written feedback via the Consultation Hub, can be found here. 

• Learn: about offshore oil and gas

• Help: decomroadmap@industry.gov.au

• Closes: 20 October 2023