Next steps to beat plastic pollution in NSW

Media Release from the NSW Minister for Environment and Heritage

MEDIA RELEASE | 29 October 2023

The NSW Government is ramping up efforts to tackle plastic pollution by inviting the public to have its say on helping to prevent 800,000 tonnes of plastic waste produced each year from causing harm to the environment and human health.

Industry, businesses and the community are encouraged to share their feedback on the ‘NSW Plastics: Next Steps’ discussion paper as we move to reduce plastic litter by 30% by 2025, curb the impact of microplastics and align with other states and territories. 

Plastics are an important part of many products we rely on, but not all plastics are essential. Often, they are produced in unsustainable ways to be used only once and then discarded.

Only 12% of plastic waste is recycled and once thrown away, these products don’t disappear. Instead, they pollute the environment, harm wildlife, pose a risk to human health and contribute to climate change.

‘NSW Plastics: Next Steps’ identifies and addresses items and materials that:

• are frequently littered or release microplastics into the environmentNSW

• contain harmful chemical additives

• are regulated or proposed to be in other states and territories.

Items containing plastic such as lollipop sticks, cigarette butts, bread tags and heavyweight plastic shopping bags are some of the problematic products that could be redesigned or phased out.

Consultation is open for 14 weeks from 29 October 2023 to 4 February 2024.

To participate in the future of plastics, visit NSW Environment Protection Authoritylaunch

All feedback will inform further actions to tackle problematic and unnecessary plastics.

Federal Government launches consultation to modernise the Universal Service Obligation

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

MEDIA RELEASE | 30 October 2023

The Federal Government has opened a broad consultation with industry and the community on the delivery of a modern and more fit-for-purpose Universal Service Obligation (USO).
 
The USO is a longstanding telecommunications safeguard that ensures all Australians can access fixed phone services and payphones, regardless of where they live. The USO is currently delivered by Telstra, and relies on ageing copper wire that is increasingly expensive to maintain.
 
New and emerging technologies present new opportunities to deliver voice services in Australia.
 
By the end of next year, more than 97 per cent of Australian premises will be able to access to high-speed, fixed line or fixed-wireless broadband over the NBN network that can support quality voice services. Commercial mobile networks now reach up to 99.6% of the population.
 
The continued deployment of satellites and other technologies also shows promise for providing people in the most remote areas of Australia greater options for accessing voice services.
 
The consultation process will explore options to deliver better communications outcomes – particularly for rural and regional, and First Nations communities who currently rely on fixed phone services to stay connected.
 
The Government has yet to make a decision on how best to modernise the USO, and feedback from communities, industry and interested parties will help inform next steps.
 
A discussion paper has been developed to inform the consultation process.
 
Alongside this initial consultation, the Government will commence work to establish a clear, independent and transparent body of evidence to help inform whether emerging technologies are capable of delivering suitable levels of service for the USO, with trials expected to commence in 2024.
 
Further consultation will also start next year to seek views on sustainable, long-term funding of services in rural and remote areas, incorporating a review of the Regional Broadband Scheme legislated to commence by mid-2024.
 
Submissions close 1 March 2024. To make a submission, or to view the discussion paper, visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say

$30 million On Farm Connectivity Program now open for applications

Media Release from the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, Minister for Commuications and Senator The Hon Murray Watt, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

MEDIA RELEASE | 27 October 2023

Applications are now open for Round 1 of the Albanese Government’s new On Farm Connectivity Program (OFCP) to increase the uptake of agtech to boost productivity, growth and sustainability of Australia’s primary producers.
 
The $30 million OFCP – funded through the October 2022-23 Federal Budget – will enable primary producers in agriculture, forestry and fisheries to extend connectivity further onto their properties and take advantage of connected machinery and sensor technology.
 
The program will provide 50 per cent rebates for the cost of smart farming technology that can help to optimise soil quality and nutrient levels, monitor livestock, improve efficiency of water use, streamline farm logistics and boost customer connections throughout the world.
 
Following an expression of interest process earlier this year, 79 equipment suppliers have signed on to the program and will be able to apply for rebates of between $3,000 and $30,000 for eligible equipment purchased by primary producers.
 
Rebates will be available for a wide range of technology including external antennas, repeaters, boosters, sensors, automated tank systems and pump controllers, animal movement tags and relevant installation and training costs.
 
Rebates to fund connected machinery upgrades will provide a significant boost to these producers and will help drive growth in the sector.

The OFCP is part of the Albanese Government’s $656 million Better Connectivity Plan which is improving mobile and broadband connectivity and resilience in communities across the country.

For more information on the OFCP, visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/ofcp

New password technology making online transactions more secure

Media Release from the NSW Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government

MEDIA RELEASE | 26 October 2023

The NSW Government is taking even more steps to help residents stay protected against cyber breaches with a new feature that informs people if their login credentials may have been compromised. 

With new enhancements to credential technology, holders of a MyServiceNSW account will be automatically notified if their email address and password are found in a third-party breach. They will then be encouraged to update their password and enable multifactor authentication.

Service NSW is working closely with trusted global technology and security vendors to identify if a customer’s account login information may have previously been disclosed in a third-party data breach or leak.

Customer information remains secure and protected during the scan and customers do not need to sign-up or opt-in to the service. 

This is one of several initiatives the NSW Government has undertaken to help protect NSW residents online and build cyber security awareness.

This complements the new Password Strength Tester, launched earlier this month, which helps people create strong passwords and check whether their password has previously been disclosed in a data breach or leak. The Password Strength Tester can also test how long it would take a hacker to crack the password and provides a rating based on the strength of the password.

There are more than 2.7 million logins to MyServiceNSW accounts every month to complete thousands of NSW Government transactions including driver licence renewals and vehicle registrations, as well as access disaster recovery or cost of living support. Customers must also have an active MyServiceNSW account to use the Service NSW app and access popular voucher programs.

Security breaches and cybercrimes can cost Australians both financially and in time taken to recover their identity. If anyone believes their identity may have been stolen, Service NSW and ID Support NSW can help people restore their documents and improve security of their personal information.

$500,000 investment boosts engineering training at TAFE NSW Griffith

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

MEDIA RELEASE | 26 October 2023

The Riverina’s welding and metal fabrication sector has received a boost with the completion of the $500,000 upgrades to training facilities at TAFE NSW Griffith.

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said the investment comes amid strong demand for qualified metal fabricators and welders in the region, with several major infrastructure projects – including the $250 million Griffith Base Hospital redevelopment.

“Skilled engineers play a critical role in building the future of communities like Griffith, and it’s great to see TAFE NSW creating a pipeline of homegrown welders and metal fabricators,” Mr Whan said.

“The investment in these engineering facilities, which includes new welders and a hydraulic press, will ensure graduates continue to have the job-ready skills and experience to support local industry, the economy, and the community.

“Additionally, communities like Griffith will be the beneficiaries of the recently signed landmark National Skills Agreement between the Commonwealth and NSW Government.

“The five-year agreement places TAFE NSW at the heart of the vocational education and training sector, providing up to $3.81 billion in funding for NSW to help expand access to skills training in communities across New South Wales, including the Riverina.

TAFE NSW Griffith Head Teacher of Metal Fabrication and Welding Franc Prestia said Griffith’s manufacturing sector supported around 3000 jobs, while TAFE NSW engineering graduates were also highly sought after in the local agriculture and food processing industries.

“We are in constant contact with local industry to ensure we meet their training needs,” Mr Prestia said.

“TAFE NSW Griffith has seen solid growth in engineering apprentice numbers in recent years, and the upgrade to our workshop will ensure we continue delivering the job-ready skills employers expect and deserve.”

Funding for low-cost innovative safety solutions for regional Australia's level crossings

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

MEDIA RELEASE | 25 October 2023

Six projects will share in $2.8 million under Round 1 of the Research and Innovation Grants component of the Regional Australia Level Crossing Safety Program (RALCSP).

Currently most level crossings in regional Australia are passively controlled with either Give Way or Stop signs, particularly where there is no reliable electricity source.

To address this, I’m pleased to announce the successful projects will trial a range of technologies including rumble strips and flashing posts, solar powered wireless technology and data monitoring.

One of the projects will also deliver research into improving how reflective, bright and colourful signage is at level crossings as well as how to bolster the visibility of trains.

The results of the trials will be shared with the National Level Crossing Safety Committee to inform ongoing activities under the National Level Crossing Safety Strategy.

The Research and Innovation Grants will deliver a total of $4.7 million over two rounds to support research and trials of low-cost, innovative level crossing safety technology and improvements.

It is a component of the $180.1 million RALCSP, which aims to improve level crossing safety in regional areas. To do this, the RALCSP is also providing funding to deliver infrastructure upgrades such as rumble strips or boom gates, improve data, and promote safe behaviours around level crossings.

I look forward to seeing these innovative grant projects get underway to deliver much-needed trials and research to advance level crossing safety in regional Australia.

ENGIE’s Community Information Hub Opens

ENGIE has opened a new community information centre for The Plains Renewable Energy Park project, located at 165 Lachlan Street, Hay.

ENGIE is excited to launch its new Community Hub in Hay - a central space for people meet with the team and learn more about the project with displays, factsheets, photo-montages, and a new interactive map. There’s also an educational hub for kids and local school groups to learn more about renewable energy.

A member of the team will be at the Community Hub from 9am – 2.30pm on:

Thursday, 26 October

Friday, 17 November

Tuesday, 28 November

Tuesday, 19 December

If you can’t make it or would prefer to meet outside these times, please reach out to the team on:

phone: 1800 845 067  email: theplainsenergypark.au@engie.com

NSW Regional Development Advisory Council established

Media Release from the Minister for Regional NSW and the Minister for Western NSW

MEDIA RELEASE | 20 October 2023

Under the new regulation up to seven interim members will be appointed for an initial period of 12 months so that work can begin as soon as possible to provide the Trust’s independent evaluation process for funding projects.

Members will be recommended to the Minister based on relevant skills and experience in a range of areas such as: regional and rural economics, regional service delivery, climate adaptation and resilience, finance and public administration, and natural resource management.

The Council will always include at least one Aboriginal representative with knowledge and experience in economic development for Aboriginal communities.

Minister Moriarty has also written to her federal counterpart, Minister McBain seeking a nominee from the Commonwealth to foster a coordinated approach to regional investment between New South Wales and the Commonwealth.

The Regional Development Advisory Council will provide a fresh approach for regional grants decision making by providing independent advice to the Minister for Regional NSW to ensure valid projects and rural communities are at the centre of government decision making.

Recommendations to support greater digital inclusion for First Nations Australians

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

MEDIA RELEASE | 23 October 2023

The Albanese Government has today released the initial report of the First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group (FNDIAG) that outlines positive steps towards narrowing the digital divide for First Nations Australians.
 
The report recommends practical measures to support greater digital inclusion in line with Target 17 in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. It aims to ensure First Nations people have access to information and services that enable participation in decision-making on matters that affect their own lives.
 
Digital inclusion is a deeply complex issue, with access, affordability and digital ability all playing a role in the extent to which First Nations people and communities are digitally included.
 
Digital inclusion enables a range of benefits, including supporting economic participation, access to government services, social connectedness, and enjoyment of entertainment and leisure activities.
 
Recognising this, the report provides a basis for the Australian Government’s continued investment and collaboration with First Nations people around three key issues:

• the delivery of targeted measures to improve access to connectivity, making sure it is affordable and fit for purpose, and that First Nations people are aware of their connectivity options and have the digital skills they need to be safe online;

• improving the national collection and use of data so that we can better assess the impact of measures delivered in community, as well as broader progress towards Target 17; and

• ensuring genuine engagement and collaboration with First Nations people and communities, and supporting their access to government programs and opportunities.

The recommendations in the report were informed by extensive engagement with stakeholders and First Nations communities, as well as the goals and priorities set out in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and the First Nations Digital Inclusion Plan 2023-2026, released earlier this year.
 
The report will be considered by the Government as it continues to work in partnership with First Nations people to remove the barriers to full participation in our digital society.
 
To read the full report, visit www.digitalinclusion.gov.au/reports

For more information on the First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group, visit https://www.digitalinclusion.gov.au/.

Government to scope emergency mobile roaming capability during natural 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 | 20 October 2023

The Albanese Government will work with industry to scope an emergency mobile roaming capability to keep Australians connected during natural disasters, following a new report from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) released today.
 The ACCC’s Regional Mobile Infrastructure Inquiry final report outlines key challenges when it comes to providing reliable, accessible and resilience communications in regional Australia.
 
Importantly, the report examined the feasibility of temporary roaming services to enable Australians to connect to any available mobile network during natural disasters and other emergencies.
 
The ACCC found that temporary emergency roaming was technically feasible, but further work was needed to design and develop the capability. Ensuring coordination between government and mobile network operators would also help mitigate risks such as network congestion.
 
Ministers have tasked the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts (DITRDCA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) with progressing this next step in collaboration with mobile carriers and to report back to Government by March next year.
 
The report makes the case for a review of existing regulation that governs access to mobile towers and associated infrastructure in regional areas to deliver better outcomes for consumers.
 
It highlights that encouraging carriers to deploy mobile infrastructure in areas without a commercial incentive through current grant programs is a significant challenge, and industry collaboration through infrastructure sharing may be the key to coverage improvements in these areas.
 
It found that infrastructure sharing can reduce costs to deploy new mobile sites and that the public benefits flowing from these grant programs would outweigh possible competition concerns. 
 
The report will help inform the Government as it considers next steps to address these challenges, building on the work already underway as part of its $1.1 billion Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia.
 
The Government also recently launched a new Public Safety Mobile Broadband Taskforce to help deliver fast, secure voice, video and data communications specifically for emergency services.
 
The Regional Mobile Infrastructure Inquiry final report can be accessed at www.accc.gov.au/inquiries-and-consultations/regional-mobile-infrastructure-inquiry-2022-23
 

Simple steps for small businesses to stay cyber secure

Media Release from the NSW Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, and the NSW Minister for Small Business

MEDIA RELEASE | 20 October 2023

The NSW Government is marking Cyber Security Awareness Month and Small Business Month this October with a new resource for small businesses to help them prevent identity theft and data breaches.

There is a growing need for businesses to better understand their risks online and to be proactive against scams, email attacks, and malicious software.

ID Support NSW has developed a webpage containing information and tips on how to stay cyber secure, as well as free interactive learning modules and printable checklists to help businesses regardless of their size or budget.

ID Support NSW also runs a free fortnightly webinar where business owners can learn directly from experts on how to keep customers’ personal information safe.

Digital technology gives small businesses a unique opportunity to expand their reach, communicate with customers, track trends and allocate resources. However, if not managed appropriately, it can also open the door to cyber criminals and allow them to access private and personal information.

According to an Australian Cyber Security Centre survey released in 2020, 62 per cent of small businesses across Australia have experienced a cyber security incident.

Almost half of those surveyed also rated their cyber security understanding as ‘average’ or ‘below average’ and had poor cyber security practices.

Cyber security incidents are often costly to business owners and challenging to recover from. In the national Annual Cyber Threat Report, it was found that more than $98 million was lost because of business email compromise in 2021/2022 and customers took 34 hours on average to recover their identity. 

For more information on how small businesses can stay cyber secure visit small business.

Connecting over 50s to the digital world

Joint Media Release from the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, Minister for Communications, The Hon Amanda Rishworth MP, Minister for Social Services and the Hon Stephen Jones MP, Assistant Treasurer, Minister for Social Services

MEDIA RELEASE | 20 October 2023

The Federal Government is committed to ensuring older Australians are connected to and safe in the modern digital world and will today announce $42 million to extend the successful Be Connected program.

Be Connected supports Australians over the age of 50 to boost their online skills. With access to free digital literacy training and devices, the program also ensures older Australians can safely use technology and online platforms.

The funding extension – announced during Get Online Week – will guarantee more older Australians will benefit, and ultimately be more informed and included digital citizens. It’s expected to extend direct support to an additional 300,000 older Australians through 3800 community organisations.

Through Be Connected, Australians aged over the age of 50 are supported to learn the basics of technology. This includes support to access essential services that have transitioned to the digital space, such as online banking, shopping, telehealth appointments, and government services.

The program also includes an intergenerational initiative – Young Mentors – enabling secondary school students to take on the role of digital mentors, allowing them to develop their teaching, communication, and problem solving skills while making a valuable contribution to the digital inclusion of older people.

The Be Connected Program has been built on the earlier success of the Broadband for Seniors Program which ran from 2008 with the aim of supporting seniors to gain digital confidence. In September 2017, the Broadband for Seniors Program was replaced by the Be Connected Program. Since then, the Be Connected program has directly supported over 470,000 people via a Be Connected Network Partner.

The program was due to end in July 2024 but the Government’s investment will see it extended through to 2028.

Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth emphasised the necessity of targeted digital literacy programs to tailor support to older Australians who may need it, as Australia becomes increasingly reliant on technology.

“Many aspects of daily life have shifted to the digital world; banking, bill paying, telehealth appointments, job hunting and accessing government services for example. Technology changes so rapidly, it is vital that no-one is excluded,” Minister Rishworth said.

“Increasing digital literacy can also help people feel more connected. Social media can help Australians to stay in touch with friends and loved ones who may live far away, reducing loneliness and isolation.”

Support will be made available across the country as the Government, through a Network Partner, continues to work with local libraries, community groups, retirement villages and aged care facilities.

“Lack of access to training has been a barrier to many older Australians becoming digitally literate. They also suffer the biggest financial losses due to scams. This expansion of support will help get more people online, be safe online and help bridge the digital divide,” Minister Rishworth said.

Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland said said extending the BeConnected program was critical to narrow the digital divide.

“Improving digital literacy for all Australians is key to making online spaces safer,” Minister Rowland said.

“That’s why the Albanese Government is providing ongoing funding to this important initiative, including to eSafety as a major delivery partner for the BeConnected Program.

“The Young Mentors in particular is helping connect Australians of different ages to build their digital skills and confidence, and encourage genuine connections across generations”.

Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services, Stephen Jones emphasised the importance programs like BeConnected to help Australians protect themselves against scams.

“In 2022 the ACCC reported Australians aged over 45 lost more than $300 million to scammers. These figures are staggering,” Mr Jones said.

“Australians who are digitally literate, alert and educated to the risk of scams will be make them less attractive targets to scammers.”

“Through important initiatives like BeConnected and the National Anti-Scams Centre, our Government is helping Australians stay safe online.”

More information about the Be Connected program is available on the Department of Social Services website.

To boost your digital literacy skills and find a network partner near you, visit the Be Connected website.

More information about Get Online Week, organised by the Good Things Foundation to close the digital divide, is available on the Get Online Week website.

NSW government turning up the live music, under statewide vibrancy reforms

Media Release from the NSW Deputy Premier, NSW Minister for Gaming and Racing, NSW Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, and NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces

MEDIA RELEASE | 19 October 2023

The Minns Labor government is removing red tape to bring back live music and encourage local entertainment zones that are as vibrant and diverse as traditional precincts like the Sydney CBD – especially at night. The government is also overhauling regulatory frameworks to prevent single complainants from shutting down venues.

A package of reforms to be introduced to Parliament will put the age of lockouts and over-regulation behind us, with venues that host live music empowered to trade 2 hours longer under streamlined licensing laws. The vibrancy package will strip back the current tangle of red tape to allow just one set of laws for noise disturbance complaints against live music and performance venues, with higher hurdles imposed for complaints to progress and no avenue for a single complainant to close venues.

Currently, there are 7 agencies that accept noise complaints. The government’s proposed changes will streamline the process by making Liquor and Gaming NSW the lead in managing noise complaints against licensed venues. The 'order of occupancy' will be made a central consideration in disturbance complaints to address the situation in which newcomers to a neighbourhood work to shut down or wind back the entertainment offerings and/or operating hours of established venues.

The changes will be delivered through 6 areas of reform:

• Sensible venue sound management

  A single noise complainant will no longer be able to shut down a venue. Liquor and Gaming NSW becomes the lead regulator of formal entertainment sound-related complaints for licensed premises, removing complex and highly subjective noise tests.

• Vibrant, coordinated precincts

  The success of the Enmore Road Special Entertainment Precinct, now rated one of the best going-out districts in the world, will be expanded to other areas via a new framework for councils that makes it easier for them to deliver vibrant, safe going-out destinations supported by adequate and reliable transport and good lighting.

• An activated outdoors

  The reforms will permanently relax the rules for outdoor dining allowing venues to make the most of their outdoor space with a quicker, light-touch application process. Councils will also be supported to ease the way for creatives and community groups to stage pop-up events and festivals, including street closures and global pre-approvals for event sites.

• Empowering the 24-hour economy commissioner to deliver a sustainable, thriving night-time economy.

  NSW is the first jurisdiction in the world to appoint a 24-hour economy commissioner, and the role will now be made a statutory appointment with an expanded remit beyond Greater Sydney, to include Newcastle, Wollongong and the Central Coast to make this a permanent priority for the government.

  The statutory appointment solidifies the night-time economy’s standing within government and allows the commissioner to work across government to ensure these reforms benefit a range of industries across the sector. The commissioner will continue to be responsible for ensuring that as these reforms are implemented, fun doesn’t come at the expense of a safe night out.

• Licensing

  A common-sense approach to risk will be adopted in relation to liquor regulation, removing outdated rules, and beginning work to streamline planning and licensing processes. More efficient consultation will make it easier for venues to open and diversify, and for communities to have their say. Plus, meaningful incentives for venues to feature live music and performances will drive new employment opportunities for creatives and entertainment options for audiences.

• Improving the night-time sector for workers

  The amenity of the city shouldn’t be reduced because of the hours people work. The 24-hour economy commissioner will develop a plan to make our state a better place to work for those who don’t work 9 to 5. Existing legislation will be amended to support the NSW Government’s Vibrancy Reforms, including the Liquor Act 2007, the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997, the Local Government Act 1993, and the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

A new Bill will be introduced for the statutory appointment of the 24-hour economy commissioner. The NSW Government is spending in excess of $58 million in 2023–2024 on supporting this work and will be seeking co-funding from the hospitality and entertainment sector.

First Aboriginal Languages Week celebrated across the state this October

Media Release from the NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty

MEDIA RELEASE | 19 October 2023

Aboriginal communities across the state will be celebrating the nation’s first ever Aboriginal Languages Week thanks to a new NSW Government grants program. 

NSW Aboriginal Languages Week, to raise awareness about Aboriginal languages and increase support for language revitalisation, is being held for the first time in NSW from Sunday 22 October to Sunday 29 October.

The NSW Aboriginal Languages Trust and the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, David Harris will kick off the first Aboriginal Languages Week with a festival on Saturday 21 October at the National Centre for Indigenous Excellence in Redfern. 

$78,620 has been awarded to 16 organisations to promote and celebrate language revitalisation work in their communities. 

Events include:

• a cultural tour in Fingal Head

• language activities at La Perouse public school

• interactive language lessons with Elders in McLean

• workshops in Lambton

• Anaiwan language camp in Armidale

• a day long festival in Mogo.

The theme of the Aboriginal Languages Week 2023 is “Languages Alive, Culture Thrives”.

Events and activities have been supported by a new grants program administered by the Aboriginal Languages Trust. 

Aboriginal Languages Week will be celebrated annually to coincide with the passing of the Aboriginal Languages Actlaunch into law on 24 October 2017. NSW is the only jurisdiction in Australia, with legislation in place to preserve and enhance Aboriginal languages.

Get more information about the Aboriginal Languages Week and a list of events on Aboriginal Languages Trust website.launch

Make your mark - BikeSpot 2023

Joint Media Release from Senator the Hon Carol Brown MP, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport; Dan Kneipp, CEO of Amy Gillett Foundation and Anthony Aisenberg, CrowdSpot Funder and Director

MEDIA RELEASE | 19 October 2023

Australia’s largest ever crowd-sourcing bike safety project – BikeSpot 2023 – was launched today at Parliament House in Canberra. The project is a collaboration between the Amy Gillett Foundation and CrowdSpot, as part of the Australian Government’s Safe Roads for Safe Cycling Program.

BikeSpot is a map that allows every Australian to say where they feel safe or unsafe while riding their bike. By making a mark on the interactive map, everyone can contribute to making cycling safe.

People on bikes can head to bikespot.org to drop a pin and answer a few questions about why they feel safe or unsafe in that location. The feedback could be positive, such as a separated bike lane that feels safe and is enjoyable to ride on. Or the feedback could identify areas that need improvement, such as a narrow-painted bike lane, high traffic speed, or missing connections in bike routes.

The information collected by BikeSpot will be made freely and publicly available to local governments, researchers and anyone else involved in road design.

Monash University has found more than three-quarters of people are interested in riding a bike, but only when separated from cars, such as on off-road paths or protected bike lanes. Previous research has also shown that the key barrier to getting more people on bikes is how unsafe they feel when riding, particularly around cars.

Active transport is increasingly a priority for governments, locally and globally. Active transport reduces traffic congestion, and improves the social, economic and environmental health of communities.

Our streets need to be shared and accessed by all – the more we know, the safer our journey. Let’s share our knowledge to build happier, healthier communities.

The nationwide project is now open and will run through to January 2024. Let’s make cycling safe. Make your mark at bikespot.org.

ACCC to monitor Australia's air passenger services

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

MEDIA RELEASE | 18 October 2023

The Albanese Government will direct the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to monitor domestic air passenger services to help ensure Australians see the benefits of a competitive airline sector.

This will complement the ACCC’s monitoring role in relation to certain airports, as well as their continual engagement with the aviation sector in the delivery of their core consumer protection function.

We want a safe, sustainable and efficient aviation sector that provides a high standard of service, good prices and better consumer protections for Australians.

A competitive airline industry helps to put downward pressure on prices and deliver more choice for Australians facing cost-of-living pressures.

ACCC market scrutiny will help ensure airlines compete on their merits, bring to light any inappropriate market conduct should it occur, and provide continued transparency at a time when new and expanding airlines are still trying to establish themselves.

The direction will be issued under section 95ZE of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 and will require the ACCC to monitor prices, costs and profits in the domestic air passenger sector.

Key areas will include the level of capacity the airlines are putting on each route as well as industry performance, including on cancellations and delays.

Providing better accessibility for people with a disability will also be a priority for the sector.

The former government scheduled the end of monitoring for June 2023, but we’ve found a better way to restart it.

The 12 reports under the previous government found declining service standards and higher prices but were not acted on.

In contrast, the Albanese Government will use ACCC monitoring to help inform the Aviation White Paper which is setting the policy direction for the sector out to 2050.

We will ensure healthy competition plays a key role in shaping the future of the sector.

The Treasury Competition Taskforce is working with the Aviation White Paper team on competition reforms needed to build a more robust and resilient airline industry.

The White Paper will also consider strengthening consumer protections, and improvements to complaint handling processes.

The direction will apply for three years and commence before the end of the year with reports released quarterly.

 The Albanese Government will continue to act in Australia’s best interests by supporting our airlines to be competitive, cost-effective and commercially viable into the future.

A stronger, more diverse and independent community sector

image source: A stronger, more diverse and independent community sector | engage.dss.gov.au

As part of the Australian Government’s election commitment for a stronger, more diverse and independent community sector, the Department of Social Services is exploring opportunities to better support Australian communities through the design and administration of grants to the sector, including more meaningful working partnerships and options for greater innovation.

This issues paper aims to reflect what the department has already heard from community sector organisations about current challenges and ideas for how the Australian Government could support a stronger, more diverse and independent community sector.

Using this issues paper as a guide, the department would like your feedback to help inform a package of recommendations for government consideration, on innovative approaches to grant funding that will support both short and longer-term reform to the operation of grants.

Submissions responding to the issues paper close on Tuesday 7 November 2023.

Real-world data to shine a light on vehicle fuel use and emissions

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

MEDIA RELEASE | 18 October 2023

The Australian Government’s $14 million Real-World Testing of Vehicle Efficiency program is shining a light on the running costs and emissions of popular vehicle models.

The program provides consumers with clearer information on how much fuel their vehicle is likely to use on the road.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King, Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen as well as Managing Director of the Australian Automobile Association (AAA), Michael Bradley, were in Canberra today to discuss the program ahead of the release of data for the first vehicle models tested.

Run by the AAA, the program will test between 150 and 200 vehicle models in total and aims to cover the majority of vehicles sold in Australia by market share.

It will complement the laboratory test data currently available through the Green Vehicle Guide and help shape future improvements to vehicle regulations.

While laboratory testing allows consumers to compare the relative efficiency and emissions of different vehicles on a common basis, it doesn’t always accurately indicate how they’ll perform under on-road conditions.

This is because fuel consumption and emissions can also be affected by traffic, weather and how the vehicle is being used and maintained.

By testing these vehicles in a real-world setting, this program will ensure consumers have access to clearer information on how much fuel a vehicle is likely to use on the road.

It will also give consumers a better understanding of how much a vehicle will cost to run before they purchase it, and the amount of emissions it will produce.

For more information on the program, visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure-transport-vehicles/vehicles/vehicle-safety-environment.

Grant outcomes for election commitments to improve mobile coverage

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

MEDIA RELEASE | 19 October 2023

The Albanese Government has today announced successful grant outcomes to fulfil election commitments to improve mobile coverage and quality in identified locations across regional Australia.

A total of $37.2 million in Commonwealth funding has been awarded under the Improving Mobile Coverage Round (IMCR). The IMCR attracted $28.8 million in industry co-investment.

The grants will build 41 new base stations to improve mobile coverage at 42 target locations identified as having unreliable service by the now-Government when in Opposition.
 
Grant applications were independently assessed by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts (the Department) against the Program’s Grant Opportunity Guidelines.
 
The Minister has accepted all value for money recommendations made by the Department.
 
The IMCR did not result in solutions for 12 target locations, however four of these locations are expected to receive coverage improvements through projects that are already approved and funded across the Regional Connectivity and Peri-Urban Mobile Programs, or through commercial solutions.
 
Of the 12 target locations not addressed by the IMCR:

• Five locations did not receive applications;

• Four locations received applications which the Department assessed as being too expensive and not delivering value for money; and

• Three locations received applications that did not satisfy the technical coverage or solution requirements of the guidelines.

Within the remaining $2.8 million in grant funding for the IMCR, options are being considered to further test industry solutions for two of the three locations that did not meet technical coverage requirements, but where Departmental advice indicates there is a reasonable prospect that a value for money solution may exist.
 
This dedicated round was funded in the October 2022 Federal Budget and delivers on the Government’s election commitments to co-invest with Mobile Network Operators and Infrastructure Providers to deploy new mobile infrastructure at target locations across Australia.
 
In addition to this dedicated election commitment round, the Albanese Government is working to improve regional coverage through its $1.1 billion Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia.
 
The Plan commits $400 million to expand mobile coverage and improve communications resilience, including investment to fund future rounds of the Mobile Black Spot Program, and $200 million to fund place-based communications solutions through additional rounds of the Regional Connectivity Program.
 
Under the Plan, the Government is also conducting an independent audit of mobile coverage to better identify mobile coverage black spots to guide future investment. A request for tender for the audit was recently opened.
 
A full list of funded locations under the IMCR is available at www.infrastructure.gov.au/mbsp. The rollout schedule will be published on the carriers’ websites once the contracts have been

New Centre makes it easier for eligible families to connect to free NBN

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

MEDIA RELEASE | 18 October 2023

The Albanese Government is making it easier for eligible families to access 12 months free broadband over the NBN, with the launch of a new National Referral Centre to support the ongoing rollout of the School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI).
 
The SSBI – launched in January this year – fulfils an election commitment to help to narrow the digital divide for families who otherwise have no access to broadband at home. The initiative aims to connect up to 30,000 families nationwide.
 
The new National Referral Centre – led by Anglicare Victoria – now allows families to nominate themselves for the program directly, making it easier than ever for households in need to get connected.
 
To date, NBN Co has been partnering with more than 50 community organisations that work with vulnerable cohorts to identify eligible families.
 
More than 4,000 households around Australia have been connected through the initiative. An additional 18,700 connection vouchers have been issued to eligible families. Eligible families are issued a voucher they can redeem with a participating internet provider to redeem their free connection.
 
To be eligible, a family must:

• Have a child living at home and enrolled in an Australian school.

• Be referred by a nominating organisation or self-nominate through the National Referral Centre

• Have no active broadband service over the NBN network.

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

Families can contact the National Referral Centre on 1800 954 610 (Mon-Fri, 10am-6pm AEDT), by visiting www.anglicarevic.org.au/student-internet or emailing studentinternet@anglicarevic.org.au.
 
For more information on SSBI, visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/SSBI