NSW Government announces landmark industrial reforms

Joint Media Release from the NSW Minister for Industrial Relations, and the NSW Minister for Work Health and Safety

MEDIA RELEASE | 23 November 2023

Nurses, paramedics, police, child protection workers, firefighters, cleaners and many more essential workers are set to benefit from landmark industrial reforms that will be introduced into Parliament today.

The reforms will remove the power to cap wages for good, future proofing the New South Wales industrial system against wage suppression.

The reforms will bring in a “mutual gains” model of negotiation, where agencies and unions will be required to sit down together to find mutually agreed improvements to the working lives of essential workers.

It will be supported by the Treasury’s productivity unit to link pay rises to improvements in public services.

The Industrial Relations Commission will instead be required to take into consideration the Government’s fiscal position and outlook.

The Industrial Relations Commission will also facilitate improvements to conditions while taking into account the fiscal position and outlook of the state.

As part of the reforms, an Industrial Court will have the power to bring unions and government agencies together at the negotiating table to resolve disputes.

Specialised judges will be appointed to hear and resolve workplace health and safety matters and underpayments. As of 18 October, 49 people have already died in workplaces in NSW, more than one death a week.

The reforms will lead to safer and more productive workplaces for every person in New South Wales.

Summary of Industrial Relations Amendment Bill 2023

• Abolish section 146C which provides the government the power to regulate a wages cap.

• Require the Industrial Relations Commission to consider “the fiscal position and outlook of the New South Wales Government”.

• Establish a specialised Industrial Court and Commission, whose jurisdiction will include:

  • Issuing orders to resolve a dispute and issuing fines to ensure parties comply with those orders

  • Workplace health and safety

  • Underpayments

• Establish a cooperative model of negotiation – “Mutual Gains Bargaining”.

• Introduce a new objective for the Commission to consider attraction and retention issues.

What is Mutual Gains Bargaining?

Mutual Gains Bargaining is a new cooperative negotiation model for the government and the unions which represents the state’s workforce. It will be supported by the Treasury’s productivity unit to link pay rises to innovation and productivity in the delivery of essential public services.

Mutual Gains Bargaining is defined under the Act:

• Mutual gains bargaining is to be a collaborative approach to bargaining

• Parties to the bargaining are to identify and communicate their key needs to reach an agreement that maximises common interests and reconciles conflicted interests

• The negotiations as consensus-seeking and the parties work together to solve problems

• The bargaining aims to create, maintain or strengthen good relationships between parties

National Ministerial forum discusses reforms to prevent child sexual abuse

Media Release from the NSW Minister for Families and Communities

MEDIA RELEASE | 25 November 2023

Federal, state and territory governments have met to discuss a national information sharing scheme to better combat child sexual abuse.

Participants at the one-off National Ministerial Forum on Child Safety on Friday reaffirmed commitment to nationally consistent child safety reforms in response to the shocking allegations brought to light in August by Operation Tenterfield.

The Australian Federal Police investigation led to a former childcare worker being charged with 1623 child abuse offences against 91 children. The alleged offences took place in New South Wales, Queensland and overseas.

Following the revelations, the NSW Premier Chris Minns, NSW Minister for Families and Communities Kate Washington and the Queensland Government called for a meeting to discuss ways to strengthen national information sharing arrangements, and to deliver better outcomes for children and young people. 

The National Ministerial Forum on Child Safety was hosted by the Commonwealth Attorney General, Mark Dreyfus.

At the Forum, NSW led discussions seeking jurisdictions’ agreement to improve information sharing across agencies and jurisdictions, as recommended by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

Minister Washington highlighted the need to work towards national reform and consistency to improve child safety across Australia.

The NSW proposals were unanimously supported by all jurisdictions at the Forum.

Jurisdictions reaffirmed commitment to a suite of child safety reforms, emphasising the need to ensure national consistency to protect Australia’s children. This included:

• prioritising working with children check harmonisation, ensuring this work complements broader worker screening reforms

• adoption and alignment of reportable conduct schemes

• renewed commitment to embedding the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations in legislation, as NSW has done with amendments to the Children’s Guardian Act 2019

• raising awareness and understanding of child safety issues

• possible legislative and administrative arrangements for an information sharing scheme as recommended by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

It is essential that all jurisdictions partner together to educate, prevent and respond to child protection matters.

The Ministerial Forum provided an opportunity to prioritise and shape future policy discussions. This includes commitment to aligning existing reforms to ensure national consistency, and tasking officials to consider additional reforms.

Exploring modular housing to deliver more social homes sooner

Joint Media Release from the NSW Premier, and NSW Minister for Housing

MEDIA RELEASE| 27 November 2023

A new cross government taskforce will meet for the first time today to provide expert industry advice to the NSW Government to explore the use of modular housing to deliver much needed social homes for people in NSW.

Modular housing has been successfully used in NSW, other states and around the world to provide quick and easy housing solutions.

Additionally, the cost of building modular housing is expected to decrease as we scale up and achieve efficiencies of scale in manufacturing.

The NSW Government is committed to looking at how we can use these innovative new ways to build more social housing and help strengthen the safety net for those experiencing housing insecurity.

At the recent state budget, an initial investment of $10 million was set aside at part of a $224 million Essential Housing Package to address the historic neglect of new social housing supply and trial innovative solutions to get people off the social housing waitlist.

That process begins today with the cross-industry taskforce of representatives from peak bodies including PreFab Aus, Shelter NSW, Community Housing Industry Association Local Government NSW, Property Council of Australia, Government Architects, Industry suppliers and union representatives. alongside people with lived experience of social housing.

The taskforce will among other things:

• investigate innovative modern methods of construction (MMC), including modular housing

• advise on the role MMC could play in delivering new housing sooner

• examine the highest standard designs in line with the NSW Land and Housing Corporation’s (LAHC) best-practice guidelines

• investigate a wide range of innovative, high-quality, high-durability and eco-friendly modern construction products.

Modular housing is especially suitable to regional areas as planning regulations are already in place and the offsite construction of modular housing can reduce costs and increase speed of construction.

The taskforce will also actively work with local councils to determine sites for the modular housing.

Exact locations are yet to be settled but there are several local councils who have expressed interest to be a part of this exciting project.

There is also the potential to use surplus public land identified as part of a statewide audit, identifying land that be rezoned for housing and associated uses.

The advisory task force will operate for up to 2 years and be managed by Homes NSW, and forms part of its ongoing work to deliver more homes and better homes for people in need.

Hay swimming like never before

Joint Media Release from the Hon Kristy McBain, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories; Deborah O’Neill, Senator for New South Wales; and Carol Oatway, Hay Shire Council Mayor

MEDIA RELEASE | 27 November 2023

The Albanese Labor Government continues to support Hay Shire Council deliver high priority local road and community infrastructure projects, with the replacement of the amenities building at the John Houston Memorial Swimming Pool in Hay now complete.

The new building will provide modern amenities with dedicated areas, including:

• private change rooms

• swimming club area

• canteen

• kitchen

• medical room

• an office

The replacement was made possible with over $712,000 in funding from the Albanese Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program.

It is part of $2.7 million committed to Hay Shire Council under LRCI – which is supporting a range of projects that create local job opportunities and have long-lasting benefits in this region.

The Government has committed $3.25 billion to the LRCI Program over four phases, with every local government in all 150 electorates across Australia supported through this funding.

For more information on the LRCI Program, visit: https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/about/local-initiatives/local-roads-and-community-infrastructure-program.

Tens of thousands more fee-free TAFE places for NSW

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

MEDIA RELEASE | 23 November 2023

The Federal and State governments today announced a further 147,400 fee-free TAFE places will be available in NSW over the next 3 years, giving more people the opportunity to study for future jobs in areas where the economy needs them most.

The places are made possible through Commonwealth Government funding of $130 million, as the governments partner-up to address persistent skills shortages.

The investment also builds on the success of Fee-Free TAFE in 2023, which attracted record enrolments in NSW. As at 30 June 2023, there were:

• over 20,700 enrolments in the care sector  

• over 6400 enrolments in the technology and digital sector

• over 5800 enrolments in the construction sector, and

• over 5200 enrolments in agriculture.

Fee-Free TAFE has resulted in considerable savings for students in NSW. 

Students studying a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or a Certificate III in School Based Education Support could save up to $1600, and those looking to build a career pathway through a Certificate III in Individual Support could save up to $1450.  

The investment comes less than a month after a national agreement between the Albanese and Minns governments was reached that will unlock 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 NSW vocational education and training sector.

The Albanese government is prepared to invest $3.8 billion, to support the Minns government to expand and transform access to the VET sector, support quality training and implement reforms to address critical skills needs.

New program puts consumers in the driver's seat for safer vehicles

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

MEDIA RELEASE | 23 November 2023

The Commonwealth Government has committed $16.3 million to ANCAP Safety to deliver the Australian Government’s New Car Safety Ratings stream, supporting consumers to choose safer vehicle models.

The Car Safety Ratings Program supports independent vehicle safety assessments, which provide information for consumers on the level of safety provided by both new and used vehicles.

Focusing on new vehicles, ANCAP safety ratings show how well a vehicle performs in protecting its occupants from death or serious injury, should a crash occur, and in crash avoidance.

Over the next five years, the program will support ANCAP’s core star ratings for new vehicles including EVs, hybrids and other alternative-powered vehicles.  It will also support new safety gradings for commercial vans and large utility vehicles.

Having published its first safety ratings in 1993, ANCAP is the independent vehicle safety assessment and rating organisation for Australia and New Zealand, conducting crash tests and performance assessments on vehicle safety features and technologies.  This year marks its 30th Anniversary.

The Car Safety Ratings Program is supported by an Australian Government commitment of $16.5 million over five years from 2023-24.

For more information on ANCAP safety ratings visit www.ancap.com.au.

Albanese Government takes major steps forward to improve online safety

Media Release from the Hon Michelle Rowland, Minister for Communications

MEDIA RELEASE | 22 November 2023

The Albanese Government will strengthen its online safety expectations and review the effectiveness of existing laws regulating digital service providers, to ensure these protections are fit-for-purpose in a rapidly evolving online environment.
 
The Online Safety Act empowers the online safety regulator, the eSafety Commissioner, to keep Australians safe online. The Act includes the Basic Online Safety Expectations (BOSE) which sets out the Government’s expectations of industry with regard to user safety, and improves transparency and accountability through mandatory reporting.
 
The Government will publicly consult on amendments to the existing BOSE Determination to ensure it remains relevant in response to new and emerging harms.
 
The expanded BOSE Determination will include – among other things:

• Ensuring the best interests of the child is a primary consideration for all services used by children, and that services should implement measures to prevent children accessing age-inappropriate content;

• An express focus on minimising the creation and amplification of unlawful or harmful material through generative artificial intelligence;

• Developing processes for detecting and addressing hate speech which breaches a service’s terms of use; and

• That service providers publish regular transparency reports to explain steps being taken to keep Australians safe online.

The aim is to better protect Australians – including vulnerable groups – from harmful content, while ensuring industry plays its role to keep Australians safe.
 
The consultation on the BOSE Determination complements the Government’s broader work into Safe and Responsible AI, led by Minister Ed Husic. Earlier this month, Australia – alongside 27 countries – signed the Bletchley Declaration affirming that AI should be designed and developed in a manner that is safe, human-centric, trustworthy and responsible.
 
The Government will also bring forward the legislated review of the Online Safety Act as part of a holistic assessment of the framework, with public consultation to commence in early 2024.
 
The Government has appointed Ms Delia Rickard PSM to lead the review. Ms Rickard was Deputy Chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission for more than a decade and has extensive experience in regulating consumer harms.
 
Government invites individuals, civil society groups and industry to have their say on the effectiveness of Australia’s online safety laws through these processes.
 
Public consultation on amendments to the BOSE Determination open today and conclude on 16 February 2024.  To make a submission, visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say/online-safety-basic-online-safety-expectations-amendment-determination-2023
 

Have your say on Wagga Wagga's cultural, creative and economic future!

PROJECT A: New regional entertainment and conferencing venue (Photo Credit: Wagga Wagga's Cultural, Creative and Economic Future | Have Your Say Wagga Wagga (nsw.gov.au) )

PROJECT B: Expansion of the Civic Theatre project (Photo Credit: Wagga Wagga's Cultural, Creative and Economic Future | Have Your Say Wagga Wagga (nsw.gov.au) )

What public venue do you want in Wagga Wagga for events, shows and conferences to make our city an even better place to live?

That is the question Wagga Wagga City Council is asking the community to answer through its Cultural Precinct Engagement survey, launched in the city today (Wednesday 22 November 2023).

Our city is growing, and we have two big ideas that will create opportunities in entertainment, conferencing and cultural life as we move toward our future.

There are two potential projects that would provide increased access to arts, entertainment, conference, and cultural experiences while generating jobs and providing significant economic benefits to the community.

PROJECT A: A new regional scale entertainment centre that supports larger entertainment opportunities as well as conventions and conferences with configurable space options and incorporates a First Nations cultural centre, located at Riverside.

PROJECT B: An expansion of the Civic Theatre at the Wollundry Lagoon that adds two new venue spaces to support more performances, theatre, live music concerts and workshops.

The aim of the engagement process is to find out which of these concepts is seen as the highest priority by local residents. Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout said it is an important decision for the future direction of culture and entertainment in the city.

“We've listened to past engagement and now we need our community’s help to determine what cultural infrastructure will meet the future needs and potential for our city,” Cr Tout said. “We really want to see the community get involved in this process and let us know which concept they want us to pursue first. Both opportunities being put forward are relevant to our growing population which is forecast to reach 80,000 in the next 20 years.”

“As one of the leading regional centres in NSW, Wagga Wagga needs facilities which provide both lifestyle and economic benefits for the community at a regional scale.”

Cultural, business conferencing and entertainment venue – Est. $102.5 million

In June 2023, Council obtained NSW Government funding to develop a business case for a major entertainment and conferencing centre incorporating a First Nation’s cultural centre within the Riverside Stage 3 precinct.

The project would create a regionally significant venue on the current Cross Street carpark site adjacent to the river, that would attract and host concerts, business conferences, trade shows and exhibitions and provide a premier space for gala dinners and award nights.

In addition, the precinct would include a First Nations Place Keeping Facility and Cultural Centre to allow the stories of Aboriginal people to be told through high quality exhibitions, education and public engagement activities.

The Riverside Precinct would be a place of celebration, storytelling, teaching, learning, reflection and will complete the final stage of our Riverside Masterplan.

Expansion of the Civic Theatre – Est. $55.6 million

A draft masterplan has been created to explore expanding the theatre by adding two more performance and event spaces to the current 491 fixed-seat theatre, one with 328 seats and the other with 119 seats, including an option to open up to the adjoining park to cater to a larger audience.

All of this would increase the capacity of the theatre on any one night, boosting night-time economy in a bustling performing arts centre.

General Manager Peter Thompson said our community has been the biggest advocate for these projects through past community engagement.

“They would both be great additions to our city and surrounding region, generating jobs and stimulating the economy for decades to come,” Mr Thompson said.

“However, as it is highly unlikely we would be able to get external funding to pursue both projects at the same time we are seeking to understand the community's priority at this point in time.

“By giving us your feedback on the two options, it will help to direct Council’s efforts in seeking this crucial funding support.

“I encourage our residents and businesses to get involved in this consultation; now is the time to have your say on how you would like to see the heart of our city grow and transform into the future.”

“Our staff will be heading out to locations and events over the next 28 days to chat with you and answer your questions face-to-face, so keep an eye on our socials to find out where and when our ‘pop-up’ information stall and drop-ins will be in your area.”

Read more about the two proposals, see some artists’ impressions, and complete the survey at www.haveyoursay.wagga.nsw.gov.au

Have Your Say | Energy Policy Framework

Your feedback is needed to help develop a sustainable renewable energy industry in NSW. Renewable energy is critical to meeting our state’s target of net zero emissions by 2050 and ensuring a secure, affordable electricity supply.

The energy policy framework is on public exhibition until Monday 18 December 2023. You can view all the documents that make up the framework and have your say via the NSW Planning Portal. Your feedback will help ensure renewable energy development meets the needs of NSW and its communities.

A  community meeting, to discuss the energy policy framework,  will be held  at the Griffith Leagues Club (Southside) on Monday  4 December 2023 at 11.30AM - 1.30PM

If you are unable to attend the in-person session, then register for the online information  session, to be held on Wednesday 6 December 2023 from 1.30-2.30PM

Regional organisations come together to celebrate National AgDay 2023

National Agriculture Day is held on the third Friday of November each year, giving us all a chance to celebrate an industry that’s part of our lives every single day.

For the past 6 years, RDA Riverina has hosted an AgDay event in collaboration with Charles Sturt University, AgriPark and AgriFutures Australia.

This year’s event was a BBQ lunch held on the Charles Sturt University Wagga Wagga Campus.

This year we heard from a variety of speakers including: the Honourable Michael McCormack MP (Federal Member for Riverina); Harriet Mellish (General Manager, Global Innovation Networks, AgriFutures Australia); Rachel Whiting (CEO and Director of Regional Development, RDA Riverina); Nick Morgan (Operations & Partnership Manager, Southern NSW Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub); and Samantha Beresford (Strategic Advisor, Government Relations & Regional Engagement, Charles Sturt University).

Rachel Whiting, CEO and Director of Regional Development, RDA Riverina

The Honourable Michael McCormack MP, Federal Member for Riverina

Dr Shawn McGrath, Charles Sturt University Lecturer

The highlight of the lunch was a presentation by Charles Sturt University Lecturer, Dr Shawn McGrath, who is leading a major project for successfully managing mixed farming systems through drought.

We look forward to continuing this initiative in 2024.

L - R: The Hon. Michael McCormack MP, Dianna Somerville (Chair RDA Riverina), Rachel Whiting (CEO and Director of Regional Development RDA Riverina), Dr Shawn McGrath (Lecturer Charles Sturt University), Harriet Mellish (General Manager Global Innovation Networks AgriFutures Australia), and Samantha Beresford (Strategic Advisor Government Relations & Regional Engagement Charles Sturt University).

L - R: Rebbecca Huggett (Assistant Communications RDA Riverina), Ray Willis (Board Director RDA Riverina), Sara Johnston (Communications Coordinator RDA Riverina), Melanie Renkin (Research Officer RDA Riverina), Rachel Whiting (CEO and Director of Regional Development RDA Riverina), Dianna Somerville (Chair RDA Riverina), Amanda Capello (Operations Manager RDA Riverina), Jayadev Ajayakumar (Riverina Backbone Coordinator, RDA Riverina).

Innovative Models of Care (IMOC) Program Grant

The Innovative Models of Care (IMOC) program aims to attract and keep health professionals in Australia’s regional, rural and remote communities.

IMOC also encourages:

• health professionals working to their full scope of practice

• multidisciplinary team-based models of care

• different employment models for healthcare professionals

• sharing of healthcare resources between small, connected communities.

The program will trail new multidisciplinary primary care models to identify more effective ways to delivery primary health care to people living outside major centres.

These models will also help to address distance and access issues, plus workforce shortages to delivery better health outcomes.

• Closing date: 2:00PM (AEDT) Tuesday 5 December 2023

• Learn: definitions of rural or remote communities using the Modified Monash Model

• Apply: GrantConnect.

• Help: grant.ATM@health.gov.au / 02 6289 5600

Top pickings for National AgDay

Media Release from the NSW Minister for Agriculture

MEDIA RELEASE | 17 November 2023

This National AgDay, the NSW Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty has thanked the farmers and fishers of NSW for the commitment and resilience they have shown over the past 12 months and congratulated them on their achievements.

In delivering world-renowned food and fibre to consumers, last year NSW primary industries recorded the second highest gross value of production (GVP) on record, with a value of $21.2 billion during the 2022-2023 financial year.

In the same period, NSW primary industries’ exports increased 15% to a new record high of $13.1 billion.

The minister paid tribute to NSW producers first-hand during a visit to a cherry orchard in the state’s Central West, where she was able to sample some of the early-season fruit and learn more about the initiatives underway to continue to drive industry growth.

One such example is a new national communications and extension program for the cherry industry, which will see best practice information on biosecurity, resource availability, sustainable production, labour and climate change shared through grower-led trials, demonstrations, orchard walks, newsletters, training events and the soon-to-be-launched Cherry Picked podcast.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) will lead the program in partnership with Hort Innovation, drawing on expertise from Cherry Growers Australia, Fruit Growers Tasmania, South Australian Research and Development Institute and the Victorian Cherry Association.

With the theme for this year’s National AgDay being 'Grow you good thing', this new communications and extension program will be the cherry on top of a promising season for growers.

Further information on the economic value of NSW primary industries can be found at the DPI's Performance Data and Insights websitelaunch.

Further information on the new cherry communications and extension program is available on the Hort Innovation websitelaunch.

New laws to restore trust and integrity in building

Joint Media Release from the NSW Premier, NSW Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading and the NSW Minister for Building

MEDIA RELEASE | 19 November 2023

The NSW Government is today announcing a major increase in the powers and resources of the NSW Building Commission to deliver quality homes for people in NSW, cracking down on poor practices in the building sector and boosting enforcement powers.

While the NSW Government is committed to tackling the NSW housing supply crisis after over a decade of inaction, the government will not allow quantity of homes to come at the expense of quality.

Laws set to pass parliament next week will mean that for the first time since the Building Commissioner was appointed, he will have the power to enter any apartment or free-standing home in NSW.

The Commissioner will also have the power to uncover defects before completion of buildings and compel builders to get them fixed.

Building Commission NSW will also receive a $24 million boost, allowing it to scale up to ensure quality buildings are being delivered in NSW.

Supercharging the regulator’s powers will ensure that as the state meets the urgent need for more homes, buyers can be confident about the quality of the home they’re buying.

The new laws also make critical changes to improve compliance and enforcement systems across the industry, including:

• New measures to prevent and penalise intentional phoenixing activities in the construction industry by cancelling or refusing licenses

• Introducing new responsibilities across the building products supply chain of, ensuring that all products used in buildings are safe, compliant, and suitable for their intended use.

The changes come as the NSW Government continues its crackdown on dishonest or fraudulent elements in the building sector, with the licenses of four building certifiers cancelled this year:

• On 4 July 2023, Fair Trading found that Mr Glenn Levick engaged in unsatisfactory professional conduct and contravened a law with respect to fraud or dishonesty.

• On 30 August 2023, Fair Trading found that Mr Orlando Da Silva engaged in unsatisfactory professional conduct, contravened the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act and engaged in conduct that fell short of expected standards.

• On 14 September 2023, Fair Trading found that Mr Paul Gearin engaged in unsatisfactory professional conduct, contravened the certification legislation and engaged in conduct that fell short of expected standards.

• On 6 October 2023, Fair Trading found that Mr Joseph Hallal engaged in unsatisfactory professional conduct, contravened the certification legislation and engaged in conduct that fell short of expected standards.

The additional powers and resources are further supported by the NSW Government’s commitment this week to develop a pattern book of endorsed housing designs for low-rise and mid-rise (up to six storeys) buildings that will also enhance continuity of quality standards across new developments.

$250 million Drought Ready and Resilient Fund

Joint Media Release from the NSW Premier and the NSW Minister for Agriculture

MEDIA RELEASE | 20 November 2023

The Minns Labor government is investing in the readiness and resilience of the state’s agriculture industry, with the creation of a $250 million Drought Ready and Resilient Fund (DRRF).

This fund will allow eligible primary producers to apply for low interest loans of up to $250,000 to fund a broad range of operational products, activities and services to prepare and respond to the impacts of drought.

According to research by the NSW Rural Assistance Authority, these loans, which can be paid off over 5 or 10 years, are estimated to save farmers on average $40,000 over a 5-year loan, when compared to other similar loans.

Importantly, for the first time the DRRF will allow farmers to access loans for other core activities like the purchasing of fodder and transport of livestock to protect their welfare, not just capital investments.

It ensures the NSW Government is working with the sector to provide an innovative and proactive response as parts of the state enter into drought conditions.

For those in regions not yet experiencing drier conditions, the DRRF also incentivises participation in the vital planning and preparedness phase of drought management and climate variability mitigation, improving response and recovery outcomes for farming businesses.

Unlike previous funds which are designed to support capital investment, DRRF can be used for essential items such as:

• purchasing fodder

• feeding equipment

• stock transportation costs

• veterinary and professional nutrition and welfare advice

• fencing for rotational grazing

• exclusion and cluster fencing

• construction of containment feeding pens

• stock shade structures

• planting of trees

• stock and domestic water (including its transportation).

The Minns Labor government is committed to supporting rural and region Australia in times of drought.

It’s why this fund comes in conjunction with the refocusing of the $120 million Farm Innovation Fund, to the Drought Infrastructure Fund, offering loans of up to $1 million, at a low interest rate of 2.5%.

The Drought Infrastructure Fund is designed to promote capital investment in on-farm infrastructure that assists farmers in transitioning their farms to become more resilient, productive and sustainable.

By establishing these 2 types of funds the government is opening up options and flexibility for farmers, depending on their needs and circumstances, and ensuring the viability of agricultural operations – livestock, cropping or horticulture – across NSW.

Applications are welcome now for the Drought Infrastructure Fund, and for the Drought Ready and Resilient Fund applications are open from 1 December 2023. Information at the Rural Assistance Authoritylaunch website.

Honouring lives lost: World Day of Remembrance for traffic victims

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

MEDIA RELEASE | 19 November 2023

Each Australian killed on our roads is a tragic event sending shockwaves through our communities.

Today marks World Day of Remembrance for Traffic Victims, serving as a reminder of the human toll exacted by traffic incidents, and highlighting the impact on families and communities. As we reflect, the importance lies in awareness about road safety, and renewing our collective commitment to making sure every road user gets home safely.

Over the course of the twelve months (October ’22 – October ’23), there were 1,247 fatalities on Australian roads. Australian communities have suffered immensely this year, with countless families and communities facing the unthinkable.

The National Road Safety Action Plan 2023-25 prioritises the implementation of measurable actions with clear responsibilities and timelines, emphasising the alignment and connection between the National Road Safety Strategy and Action Plan.

The National Road Safety Action Plan 2023-25 forms part of our Government’s steadfast commitment to Vision Zero. Road safety is a shared responsibility, and I am confident that together we can reach our target of Vision Zero, that is zero deaths and serious injuries on our roads by 2050.

After a year of horrific trauma on our roads, I ask all Australians to take a moment today to reflect on the profound impact of road trauma on individuals, communities, and our nation.

Significant boost for road safety

Joint Media Release from the Hon Catherine King MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; The Hon Kristy McBain MP, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories; Senator the Hon Carol Brown, Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport; and Senator the Hon Anthony Chisholm, Assistant Minister for Regional Development

MEDIA RELEASE | 19 November 2023

The Albanese Government is strengthening its commitment to road safety with significant increases in funding and changes to programs to reduce the administrative burden on local councils.

Roads to Recovery funding will rise gradually from $500 million to $1 billion per year, and Black Spot funding will increase from the current annual commitment of $110 million to $150 million per year.

This additional investment in the Commonwealth’s two cornerstone local roads investment programs will lead to safer and more productive roads across Australia.

We are also committed to delivering the funding local councils need to improve road safety and in a way that reduces the burden on them, allowing more money to be spent on projects and less on administration.

We will merge the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program (HVSPP) and the Bridges Renewal Program (BRP) into a new Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program.

The amount of funding for the new program will also gradually increase such that $200 million will be available per year, up from the current $150 million total annual investment in the HVSPP and the BRP.

The changes have been recommended by the Independent Strategic Review of the Infrastructure Investment Program and the increases in funding will be phased in over the forward estimates to avoid putting pressure on inflation, supply costs and the construction labour market.

We will be working with local government stakeholders in the lead-up to the Budget to ensure that changes to the programs respond to their feedback and funding gets spent where it is needed more quickly.

The Government recognises that local governments require more funding to manage the rising costs and increased pressure on transport infrastructure due to climate change and extreme weather events.

These changes will also help ensure funding is stable, predictable and fair into the future.

The Albanese Government is committed to investing more money in the projects and programs that deliver real benefits to Australians across the country.

Regional Refugee Settlement: Learning from the Past, Preparing for the Future.

Regional Refugee Settlement: Learning from the Past, Preparing for the Future, features 16 key recommendations about the settlement of humanitarian migrants in regional Australia,

Released in August 2023, this report guides the development of progressive policies for regional refugee settlement in Australia. Addressing the preparation and resourcing of communities, meeting the needs of humanitarian migrants, and fostering a collective future for enhanced social, cultural, and economic opportunities in regional settlement.  

Choiceless: The plight of parents in accessing regional, rural and remote early learning and care

The ParentHood is an independent not-for-profit advocacy organization who are working to make Australia the number-one place in the world to be a parent. The ParentHood believe that when parents and caregivers are supported their children will thrive.

Their latest report – Choiceless: the plight of parents in accessing regional, rural and remote early learning and care focuses on the struggle that faces many parents in regional, rural, and remote areas, and that is the inability to access childcare in order to return to the workforce.

The ParentHood are urging all levels of government to address their reports findings   and are advocating for equitable access to early childhood education and care (ECEC) for all families.

If you have your own story to share, regarding the struggles you have faced in accessing ECEC for you r children, the ParentHood are currently collecting stories on regional, rural, and remote early learning access.  

Nation-building infrastructure for a better Australia

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

MEDIA RELEASE | 16 November 2023

The Albanese Government is committed to delivering the infrastructure Australia needs, creating jobs and growing the economy while not increasing pressure on inflation.

The independent strategic review found that the Infrastructure Investment Program inherited from the former Coalition Government was undeliverable.

Following consultation with the States and Territories, we now have a forward plan of projects that are properly planned and targeted to unlock significant economic, social and environmental objectives.

Over the next ten years more than 400 individual ongoing projects are expected be completed or substantially developed, including:

• North South Corridor - Torrens to Darlington

• Logan - Gold Coast Faster Rail

• M1 Pacific Motorway Extension to Raymond Terrace

• METRONET

• Tanami Road in Central Australia

• New Bridgewater Bridge

Through this investment we can grow the economy, improve productivity and take pressure off inflation.

The independent review found while local government programs are a critical funding mechanism for local roads and infrastructure, they are administratively burdensome and lack sufficient funding or certainty. The Commonwealth Government’s response to these recommendations will be announced in coming days.

The Government has also acted on the review recommendations to improve efficiency and flexibility in project deliverability on nationally significant road and rail corridors.

Many projects located along strategic national freight routes are now grouped into corridors. This approach will allow State and Territories to more flexibly manage project delivery schedules according to their priorities.

The Albanese Government has guaranteed $27 billion for a range of strategic freight and road safety corridor upgrades in regional Australia, including the Newell, Princes and Bruce Highways. We will work in partnership with States and Territories to deliver these corridors in a way that maximises the benefit of our shared investment.

As part of responding to the findings of the review, the Government has made necessary decisions to no longer provide funding at this time to some projects.

This includes projects that were not realistically going to be delivered with the funding available, have made little to no progress over a significant amount of time, and projects that do not align with Commonwealth or state and territory priorities.

We also know that there continue to be significant cost pressures in the system and we will work collaboratively and proactively with the states and territories to manage these.

Our Infrastructure Policy Statement defines the Commonwealth’s role, objectives and expectations for our significant investment in land transport projects.

From now on the Australian Government’s investment in infrastructure will focus on productivity, sustainability, and liveability.

This is the long-term reform for the benefit of the nation that is the hallmark of a Labor Government.

The Albanese Government will continue to work with all levels of Government to make it easier to get around our cities and suburbs and unlock the potential of our towns and regions.

We will also deliver infrastructure that makes driving on our roads safer and that sees more people on more trains.

The Albanese Government is committed to delivering infrastructure that builds Australia.

The review report's executive summary, the Final Report of the Independent Review of the National Partnership Agreement on Land Transport Infrastructure Projects and a summary of changes to projects funded under the Infrastructure Investment Program are available at Publications | Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.

Knowledge is the key to driving safer consumer choices for used cars

Joint Media Release from Senator the Hon Carol Brown, Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport; Professor Stuart Newstead Professor and Director; and Jerome Carslake, Program Director.

MEDIA RELEASE | 15 November 2023

The Australian Government is partnering with the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) to deliver the Used Car Safety Ratings program.

Through this program, the Government has committed $250,000 to MUARC to deliver the Used Car Safety Ratings stream over the next five years.

This funding will continue the vital work done in developing the annual updates to the Used Car Safety Rating. Through the annual update, the program aims to influence used car buyers to choose the safest vehicle available and thereby increase the safety of all road users.

The Used Car Safety Ratings program collects and analyses the most up to date crash and vehicle fleet profile data.

The data sourced for the Used Car Safety Ratings report is determined through the independent analysis of the latest real-world crash statistics. In 2023, the ratings have been expanded to focus on not only how a vehicle protects the driver, but also its impact on other road users in a crash and its crash avoidance technology. Each of these components is rated out of five, with a new Overall Safety star rating showing the combined results. 

Used Car Safety Ratings are determined through research analysis of millions of vehicles involved in police-reported crashes across Australia and New Zealand.

Importantly, demographic factors, such as who was driving at the time of the crash and the crash circumstances are considered, with ratings adjusted based on several factors such as: driver gender, crash location, driver age, crash year, number of vehicles involved, and the speed limit at the crash location.

The annual reports include a ‘SAFER PICK’ marking on vehicles which provide good protection for the driver, are less likely to result in serious injuries to other drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists and have a lower risk of being involved in a crash (including reversing crashes).

The Car Safety Rating Program, backed by a Government commitment of $16.5 million over five years from 2023-24 to 2027-28, supports the priority area of safe vehicles under the National Road Safety Strategy and Action Plan. 

The 2023 Used Car Safety Rating Report can be viewed here: USED CAR SAFETY RATINGS 2023