A Shared Responsibility: The plan to begin addressing the housing crisis in NSW

Joint Media Release from the NSW Premier, and the NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces

MEDIA RELEASE | 7 December 2023

The NSW Government is delivering on its commitment to address the housing crisis by rebalancing housing growth across the state with a focus on well-located homes close to transport, jobs and existing infrastructure.

The Housing Crisis

Housing is the biggest single cost of living pressure people are dealing with right now, with mortgage payments or rent the largest expense for most households.

But housing supply isn’t keeping up with demand.

 Last year NSW recorded fewer overall completions than Victoria – despite NSW’s higher population, producing about 6 homes for every 1000 people each year, compared to 8 in Victoria and 9 in Queensland.

Despite NSW having the largest population, the largest expected increase in population, the highest rents and the highest medium house prices, NSW is last on the east coast when it comes to housing completions.

NSW completed 48,000 new buildings in 2022. This was behind Victoria with 59,000 completions – despite our state’s higher population.

The NSW Labor Government also inherited development application processing times that had slowed to an average of 116 days in March 2023.

The housing supply shortfall is behind Sydney unit rents increasing by 24% over the year to the end of September 2023, along with house rents lifting by 11%.

Back in the early 1980s, the average house in Sydney cost $78,900, or about 5 times a full-time average wage. Now, the price of a typical Sydney house is 17 times more expensive and is 14 times the average income.

The NSW Government believes if we are going to tackle this crisis, to create more housing supply that will drive down the cost of renting or make buying a home more affordable, we need more homes, our city will have to change.

Transport Orientated Development Program

Tier One – Accelerated Precincts

The Minns Labor Government has identified eight Sydney transport hubs for accelerated rezoning for the delivery of up to 47,800 new, well located, high and mid-rise homes over the next 15 years.

Bankstown, Bays West, Bella Vista, Crows Nest, Homebush, Hornsby, Kellyville and Macquarie Park will all undergo rezoning by November 2024 to provide significant uplift and support new homes within 1200m of these Metro and rail stations.

To speed up the delivery of homes over the next 5 years, developers will be able to access a new State Significant Development pathway for proposals of $60m or more, and construction will be required to start within two years of approval.

Affordable housing held in perpetuity will make up to 15% of homes in these locations to make sure essential workers like health workers, teachers and hospitality workers can live closer to work.

Tier Two – Rezonings

The Minns Labor Government is also announcing it will snap rezone 31 locations across NSW allowing for 138,000 new homes to be created within 400m of Metro or suburban rail stations and town centres to make residential flat building permissible in all residential zonings.

The stations are: Adamstown, Ashfield, Banksia, Berala, Booragul, Canterbury, Corrimal, Croydon, Dapto, Dulwich Hill, Gordon, Gosford, Hamilton, Killara, Kogarah, Kotara, Lidcombe, Lindfield, Marrickville, Morisset, Newcastle Interchange, North Strathfield Metro, North Wollongong, Rockdale, Roseville, St Marys Metro, Teralba, Tuggerah, Turrella, Wiley Park and Wyong.

These locations have been identified as being capable of accommodating new homes within existing enabling infrastructure.

Low and Mid Rise Reforms

Today’s announcements build on the changes the government announced last week that will also allow for different housing types like residential flat buildings, manor houses, terraces, and duplexes in these locations.

Currently, each local council has its own rules for what kind of homes can be built in their area.

Mostly, these rules don’t allow the types of homes that can add density to local town centres and transport hubs.

As a result, the State government is setting the expectation for councils so that more homes of different types are built in areas close to transport.

This will also mean that councils can't say no to certain types of buildings, like terraces, residential flat buildings, manor houses, duplexes, and semi-detached houses in locations that are zoned for them.

If a council changes its rules to match the new state rules, then the state government's rules won't apply to them anymore. 

But if a council doesn't change its rules, then the State government's rules will continue to apply to confront the housing crisis.

These changes are in addition to the recently announced pattern book approach which will provide planning certainty through agreed housing designs.

Pre-approved designs, selected through the pattern book will access an accelerated pathway allowing for faster delivery of much needed housing and greater certainty for developers.

Building well connected communities

The NSW Government knows that growing communities deserve well-designed suburbs close to schools, healthcare, shops, transport, parks and jobs.

To make sure that homes are built in places where people want to live, the NSW Government is providing $520 million within the Tier One Accelerated Precincts for community infrastructure, such as critical road upgrades, active transport links and good quality public open spaces.

Developing new entertainment hubs including restaurants and cafes, including outdoor dining, and live entertainment venues will also help create vibrant and active precincts with great amenity.

The Government will use the already legislated Housing and Productivity Contributions system to ensure some of the value created by Government investments will fund future infrastructure.

Government’s response to the ACCC’s major competition and consumer recommendations for digital platforms

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

MEDIA RELEASE | 7 December 2023

Today, the Government has published its response to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s September 2022 Digital Platform Services Inquiry interim report.

The Government recognises the extensive work by the ACCC throughout the Digital Inquiry, and agrees that stronger measures are warranted to protect consumers and businesses from harms on digital platforms. 

In the report, the ACCC observed that “Australian consumers and small businesses often find it hard to achieve quick and easy resolution of complaints and disputes with digital platforms.” They highlighted the suspension or termination of a user’s accounts, and scam content, harmful apps and fake reviews as areas where disputes can arise.

As a result, further work will be undertaken by Treasury and the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, to consider options to improve the dispute resolution processes available to users of digital platforms. As a first step, the Government is calling on members of the digital platforms industry to develop voluntary internal dispute resolution standards by July 2024.

The ACCC also presented a strong case for the development of a new ex ante digital competition regime to address anti-competitive behaviours of certain digital platforms. Treasury will consult on the design of a potential ex ante digital competition framework in 2024.

This response complements other major consumer-first work the Albanese Government has underway.

The Government is fighting back against scammers through the new, world-leading National Anti-Scam Centre, and is currently consulting on mandatory industry anti-scam codes.

In 2022, the Government passed laws to ban unfair contract terms, and is considering options to address unfair trading practices.

The Albanese Government is on the side of Australian consumers, and is committed to ensuring Australia has the right regulations to be a leading digital economy.

The full response is on Treasury’s website.

Major new investment to boost digital connectivity in regional Australia

Joint Media Release from the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, Minister for Communications and Senator the Hon Malarndirri McCarthy, Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator for the Northern Territory

MEDIA RELEASE | 11 December 2023

More than one hundred communities and locations across rural and regional Australia will benefit from significant communications upgrades made possible by $170.2 million in Commonwealth investment through the Albanese Government’s Regional Connectivity Program (RCP) and Mobile Black Spot Program (MBSP).
 
These programs – funded in the October 2022 Budget – aim to narrow the digital divide in rural and regional communities, providing investment to improve mobile coverage issues, fund public Wi-Fi, and deliver fibre upgrades.
 
The latest program rounds attracted $106.25 million in co-investment to deliver 136 projects across both streams.

Importantly, this combined opportunity will deliver $54.8 million in funding for 44 projects for improved telecommunications services in First Nations communities. 

These projects will support progress towards achieving Target 17 of the Closing the Gap initiative, which commits to First Nations people having equal levels of digital inclusion by 2026.
 
RCP Round 3 is awarding $115.23 million for 74 connectivity projects across Australia, through three separate funding streams:

• $7.1 million for 7 projects that target First Nations communities in Central Australia;

• $16. million for 6 projects that target First Nations communities across the rest of Australia; and

• $91.7 million for 61 projects targeting connectivity across Australia including 12 projects in First Nations communities, valued at $17.6 million.

The overall MBSP Round 7 is awarding Telstra, OneWifi and Optus:

• $41.3 million for 43 new mobile base stations across Australia; and

• $13.6 million for 19 new mobile base stations specifically targeting First Nations communities.

These new mobile base stations will deliver new and improved mobile coverage to these communities and improve highway coverage. It will also fund 25 new OneWiFi neutral host base stations that support multi-carrier outcomes, with Optus confirmed to offer services from the base stations.

All successful applications were assessed and recommended for funding by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, in accordance with the Program Guidelines. 

This funding was delivered as part of the Albanese Government’s $1.1 billion Better Connectivity Plan. The Plan commits $400 million to expand mobile coverage and improve communications resilience, and $200 million to fund place-based communications solutions through the RCP.

Full lists of funded projects under RCP Round 3 and MBSP Round 7 are available at www.infrastructure.gov.au/rcp and www.infrastructure.gov.au/mbsp.
 
The rollout schedule will be published on the carriers’ websites once the contracts have been executed.

Next step for an empowered Infrastructure Australia

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

MEDIA RELEASE | 7 December 2023

The Australian Government has delivered on its election commitment to restore Infrastructure Australia (IA) as the Commonwealth’s adviser on major infrastructure investment, with the Infrastructure Australia Amendment (Independent Review) Bill 2023 now having passed both Houses of Parliament.

IA is an independent statutory body that was created under the previous Labor Government to provide expert research and advice to the Australian Government on projects and reforms relating to infrastructure priorities across Australia.

Under the Liberals and Nationals, the organisation lost direction, was full of political appointments and its advice on infrastructure matters was often not considered.

The legislative changes define IA’s mandate, improve the evaluation of infrastructure proposals, and refine the products IA delivers to better support government investment objectives – including ensuring a more targeted Infrastructure Priority List (IPL).

A more focused and targeted IPL will mean that proposals considered for inclusion will need to be aligned to the Government's policy objectives, and within IA's remit of transport, water, energy and communications infrastructure.

IA’s functions have been redefined and a stronger governance structure has been set up, comprising three expert commissioners to be supported by an expert advisory council.

The legislation delivers on a critical part of the Government’s response to the recommendations handed down by the Independent Review of Infrastructure Australia, which was undertaken in 2022.

Other recommendations from the Independent Review of Infrastructure Australia will be implemented through a revised Statement of Expectations, which will be issued by the Government in early 2024 to IA.

Despite months of the Liberals and Nationals refusing to engage constructively and obstructing the passing of this critical legislation, the Government has worked to ensure the successful passage of the Bill this week.

We will also move quickly to appoint commissioners through a merit-based and publicly advertised process, which will be undertaken as soon as possible.

By underpinning sound infrastructure investment decisions, a revitalised, respected and trusted IA will support the Government in achieving productivity, economic growth and sustainability outcomes.

It will also continue to identify opportunities to streamline work with the states and territories, allowing resources to be better invested in infrastructure priorities moving forward.

This legislation is part of a broader suite of reforms the Government is implementing to ensure the Commonwealth invests in properly planned and targeted infrastructure, including the recent release of the Infrastructure Policy Statement and our response to the Independent Strategic Review of the Infrastructure Investment Program.

New telco consumer safeguards bill introduced to Parliament

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

MEDIA RELEASE | 7 December 2023

The Albanese Government will move to improve safeguards for Australian consumer and small businesses through new legislation introduced to Parliament today.
 
The Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Enhancing Consumer Safeguards and Other Measures) Bill will improve the statutory infrastructure provider (SIP) regime in a number of ways. The SIP regime ensures Australians can access high-speed broadband wherever they live or carry on business, and provides appropriate protections.
 
The Bill will deliver greater certainty to customers where their current SIP chooses to stop offering services. The SIP will be required to provide sufficient notice to NBN Co. As the default SIP, NBN Co will have sufficient time to provide alternative infrastructure before the incumbent provider vacates the premises.
 
The Bill also includes measures to bring private networks that service new developments, such as retirement villages, into the SIP regime. This will ensure that all consumers, no matter where they live have access to quality broadband services on request.
 
The Bill will give the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman a clearer role in resolving disputes about service connections. Under the new laws, the Ombudsman will be able to work with customers and providers to resolve problems.
 
The Bill also sets out important new powers for the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). The ACMA will be able to require developers to remediate defective infrastructure that supports telecommunications services in their new developments. This means that the cost of any remediation will fall on developers – rather than on home owners or telecommunications providers.
 
The ACMA will also be able to publish telecommunications providers’ performance metrics in its public reports, providing consumers to make more informed choices about the telecommunications provider best suited to them.

Murray-Darling Basin Plan rescued

Media Release from the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for the Environment and water

MEDIA RELEASE | 30 November 2023

The Albanese Labor Government’s bill to rescue the Murray-Darling Basin Plan has passed the Senate, and is now set to pass the Parliament.

This is a historic day for the Murray-Darling Basin and the communities, industries, farmers, First Nations groups and environment that rely on it.

For almost a decade, the Liberal and National parties undermined and sabotaged the Plan. They stood in the way of water recovery programs, blocking efforts to keep enough water aside for drinking water and the environment. In fact, of the 450 gigalitres of environmental water in the Plan, the Liberals and Nationals delivered just two in nine years. 

As a result of their mismanagement, the Plan was off track and unable to be achieved.

This was a disaster for the 3 million Australians who rely on the rivers for their drinking water, the 2.5 million Australians who live in the Basin, and the threatened plants on animals who depend on it for their survival.

Before the election, Labor promised to deliver the Murray-Darling Basin Plan in full. Passing this legislation means we will keep that promise.

Our Restoring our Rivers Bill offers more time, more options, more accountability, and more transparency. It guarantees the 450GL of water for the environment and gives communities confidence that we’ll deliver on our commitments.

This legislation builds on the work we’ve already done to deliver water saving infrastructure and purchase water from willing sellers to help meet the Plan's targets.

This new law comes at a critical time. With another drought around the corner, and the deadlines of the original plan about to expire, we know we had act now.

By passing this Bill, we are ensuring a healthy and sustainable future for Australia’s largest river system.

Report | Australian Jobs 2023

Jobs and Skills Australia and National Careers Institute have recently released their report, Australian Jobs 2023 .

Australian Jobs 2023, is designed to give people an insight into the Australian labour market to help guide their decisions at any point in their career.

You can read the report, by clicking the button below.

Report | Regional News Media 2023

Image source: Report | Regional News Media 2023 | University of Technology Sydney (uts.edu.au)

University of Technology Sydney (UTS) recently released their second regional media report.

The UTS Centre for Media Transition (CMT) examines the flow of narratives between metro and regional news media on important policy discussions. The two policy areas examined by the CMT were the Murray-Darling Water Plan and the legislated alcohol bans on Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory – both policy areas which impact metro audiences. 

UTS have also repeated their survey of the levels of coverage of regional issues in metro media outlets and examined regional media start-ups to enquire about the challenges and opportunities.

Albanese Government delivers credit card ban for online wagering

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

MEDIA RELEASE | 7 December 2023

Australians will soon not be able to use credit cards, credit-related products and digital currency to gamble online, as a result of the Albanese Government’s new laws designed to minimise gambling harm which passed the Parliament last night.
 
This legislation to amend the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 will bring online wagering into line with land‑based gambling regulations – where credit card use is banned – and meaningfully improve protections for vulnerable and at-risk Australians and their families.
 
Industry will be provided with a six-month transition period to prepare for the ban.
 
Companies who fail to enforce the ban on credit cards, credit related products and digital currencies may be liable for fines of up to $234,750. 
 
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has also been granted greater powers to enforce the new and existing provisions of the Interactive Gambling Act, with immediate effect. The new laws will be reviewed two years after their implementation.
 
Banning the use of credit cards for online wagering continues the Government’s work on gambling reform and complements measures that have already been implemented, including:

• Launching BetStop, the National Self-Exclusion Register, through which over 13,000 Australians have self-excluded from online wagering and promotions;

• Mandating customer pre-verification for all new online wagering accounts to prevent children from gambling and strengthen protections for Australians who have registered for BetStop;

• Agreeing with the States and Territories new minimum classifications for video games with gambling-like content;

• Implementing new evidence-based tagines to replace ‘Gamble Responsibly’;

• Introducing nationally consistent staff training; and

• Requiring online wagering companies to send their customers monthly activity statements outlining wins and losses.

The Government is committed to creating a safe online gambling environment underpinned by a robust legislative framework with strong consumer protections.
 
The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs – expertly led by the late Peta Murphy MP – recently conducted an inquiry into online gambling and its impacts on those experiencing gambling harm.
 
The Government acknowledges the work of Ms Murphy and the rest of the Committee in advocating for Australians experiencing gambling harms, and providing a platform for Australians to share their experiences. The Committee recommendations will underpin the next tranche of reforms to protect Australians from gambling harms, and the Government will make announcements about its next steps in due course.

Minns Labor Government establishes taskforce to tackle emergency department wait times

Media Release from the NSW Minister for Health

MEDIA RELEASE | 6 December 2023

The NSW State government will establish a new taskforce to tackle emergency department (ED) wait times.

The ED Taskforce comes off the back of the success of the Surgical Care Taskforce – established on the Health Minister’s first day in office – which has seen overdue surgeries more than halved.

The ED Taskforce will comprise health workers and NSW Health officials, from across the state’s various local health districts and specialty networks, including from regional communities.

It will be tasked with identifying and implementing efficiencies, including:

• initiatives to reduce unnecessary presentations

• addressing bed block and improve patient flow

• safely discharging patients more quickly

• improving the experience of patients and staff in the ED

• moving patients to parts of the system with more capacity, where clinically appropriate.

The Minister for Health Ryan Park has instructed NSW Health to draft terms of reference, appoint membership of the taskforce, and set a first meeting date.

It comes after the release of 2 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) reports and the latest Bureau of Health Information (BHI) quarterly results.

The 2 AIHW reports show that over 2022-23, NSW reported:

• the highest number of ED presentations of any state or territory in Australia (3 million)

• the highest proportion of presentations seen on time in Australia (74%)

• the second-highest proportion of planned surgeries completed within clinically recommended timeframes (77.3%).

The latest BHI data for the September quarter shows:

• a record number of triage 2 category (emergency) presentations (118,772)

• a 61% reduction in the number of overdue surgeries compared to September 2022.

A significant factor in the record demand on hospitals is the proportion of cases that could be treated in primary or aged care settings.

Almost half of all presentations to EDs were either category 4 (such as sprained ankle, earache) or category 5 (such as small cuts or abrasions).

A further BHI report on patient experiences in small rural hospitals shows that 45% of patients felt they could have been treated by a general practitioner (GP) or other health professional.

This will remain a focus of the ED Taskforce.

The NSW Government is also embracing a suite of innovative initiatives to divert unnecessary presentations to hospitals and relieve pressure on GPs.

This includes:

• rolling out 25 urgent care services across the state

• empowering pharmacists to prescribe certain medications

• increasing the use of virtual care

• making it easier for doctors in regional health districts to work in both GP and hospital settings.

Ensuring Australia Post can deliver more for Australians

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

MEDIA RELEASE | 6 December 2023

The Albanese Government will undertake reforms to enable Australia Post to boost productivity, increase its focus on parcels, and improve long-term financial sustainability.

Following public consultation, and co-designed workforce trials, new regulations will be introduced to support more efficient letter delivery, while supporting the jobs of postal workers.

Australia Post connects millions of consumers and businesses. It is a key enabler of e-commerce and brings Australians together – particularly in regional and rural communities.

However, changing consumer needs and growing digitisation means Australia Post needs to modernise to keep pace with what Australians need and expect from their postal service.

Letter volumes have reduced by two thirds since their peak in 2008, while parcel volumes have boomed.

Australia Post delivered around half a billion parcels in 2022-23 and the average Australian household now receives just over two addressed letters per week.

In light of these challenges, Australia Post has worked cooperatively with its workforce and the Communication Workers Union to trial a new model for mail delivery at selected sites nationally.

The trials decreased the frequency of letter delivery, and in the initial trials have expanded delivery points by more than 10% per round, and enabled postal workers to carry up to 20% more parcels, achieving real productivity improvements, and demonstrating it is possible to modernise while supporting secure, well-paying jobs.

Australia Post intends to refine the model for a national roll out over the next twelve months. 
This national expansion requires amendment to the current Australian Postal Corporation (Performance Standards) Regulations 2019.

Informed by the public consultation and feedback from a discussion paper launched in March, the Government plans to amend the existing delivery standards so that:

1. Letter delivery frequency will be reduced to every second business day for 98 per cent of locations, whilst parcels will still be delivered daily;

2. To reflect the new delivery frequency, Australia Post will have an extra day to deliver regular letters across Australia; and

3. Australia Post can change the way it manages priority mail, which now accounts for around 8 per cent of addressed letters, so it can deliver services at a more commercial rate and work with customers to set appropriate terms and conditions.

The current geographic classification for Australia Post retail outlets will also be updated to reflect the modern Australian Statistical Standards Geography Standard Remoteness Areas, rather than the 1991 Census currently used. This is expected to have the net effect of reclassifying approximately 70 outlets to Remoteness Areas other than ‘Major Cities’. This will not impact the services provided at these outlets or the prescribed minimum numbers of post offices that Australia Post must retain, including in regional Australia.

Separate to the performance regulations, the Government will also work with Australia Post to develop a pricing oversight mechanism that will give Australia Post and its customers more certainty over a longer-term price path for basic postage.  The ACCC is currently assessing Australia Post’s draft notification to increase the basic postage rate from $1.20 to $1.50 in early 2024. Prices for concession card holders will remain at 60 cents, and the price of Christmas stamps will remain unchanged at 65 cents.

These reforms follow extensive consultation with businesses, unions, Post Office licensees and agents, and the Australian public.

The reforms will support Australia Post's financial sustainability, allowing it to invest in products and services for the future, and boost the productivity of its workforce by freeing its up delivery and processing resources to support parcel delivery.

Australia Post’s modernisation plans also include adding even more parcel posting and collection places that are open at more convenient times – such as parcel lockers.

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts will consult on the amended delivery standards regulations early in 2024 before their implementation next year.

The Government will continue to monitor how it can work with Australia Post to build on these reforms and modernise operations to ensure the service remains competitive and delivers more for Australians.

Infrastructure Australia legislation passes Senate

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

MEDIA RELEASE | 5 December 2023

The Australian Government is getting on with the job of restoring Infrastructure Australia (IA) as the Commonwealth’s premier adviser on major infrastructure investment, with the Infrastructure Australia Amendment (Independent Review) Bill 2023 passed by the Senate today.

Passage of this Bill by the Senate is an important step in delivering the Albanese Labor Government’s election commitment to restore IA’s crucial role as the Government’s independent infrastructure adviser.

Despite months of the Liberals and Nationals refusing to engage constructively and obstructing the passing of this critical legislation, the Government worked with minor parties in the Senate to ensure the Bill’s passage.

After being ignored and diminished under the Liberals and Nationals, the Government is empowering IA to deliver quality independent advice on infrastructure that supports the economy, builds the nation, and addresses the challenges and opportunities of the future.

The legislative changes define IA’s mandate, improve the evaluation of investment proposals, and refine the products IA delivers to better support government investment objectives, including ensuring a well targeted Infrastructure Priority List.

They also set up a new governance structure comprised of three expert commissioners, which replaces the existing board structure. The commissioners will be supported by an advisory council.

The legislation delivers on a critical part of the Government’s response to the recommendations handed down by the Independent Review of Infrastructure Australia, which was undertaken in 2022.

This legislation is part of a broader suite of reforms the Government is implementing to ensure the Commonwealth invests in properly planned and targeted infrastructure, including the recent release of the Infrastructure Policy Statement and the Government’s response to the Independent Strategic Review of the Infrastructure Investment Program.

Other recommendations from the Independent Review of Infrastructure Australia will be implemented through a revised Statement of Expectations issued by the Government to IA.

By underpinning sound infrastructure investment decisions, a revitalised, respected and trusted IA will support productivity, economic growth and opportunity.

With the Bill having passed the Senate, it will report back to the House of Representatives prior to passage.

Beat the Heat this summer

Image source: beat-the-heat-hot-weather-can-be-dangerous-english.jpg (800×800) (nsw.gov.au)

Summer is upon us once again, and while the warmer weather is an enjoyable, welcome change, there is also the risk of heatstroke, especially for the more vulnerable members of the community.

In preparation for what is expected to be a very hot summer, NSW Health has released public health resources to educate the community on how to beat the heat and stay healthy during periods of increasingly hot weather and heatwaves.

Six-month silica safety blitz to protect workers’ health

Media Release from the NSWMinister for Work Health and Safety

MEDIA RELEASE | 5 December 2023

The NSW Government has launched a 6-month campaign targeting silica dust exposure in the construction and tunnelling industry.

While manufactured stone is the leading cause of silicosis, workers can also be exposed to silica dust during tunnelling, demolition and excavation work, or from uncontrolled cutting, grinding and drilling of common building materials including bricks, concrete, sandstone and tiles.

SafeWork NSW inspectors will target these areas to prevent a false sense of security ahead of the coming ban on manufactured stone in NSW.

Inspectors will ensure businesses are compliant with regulations and speak to workers about managing the risk of exposure to silica dust.

Silicosis is a deadly disease that has devastating effects on the lungs and is becoming increasingly prevalent in Australian workers, especially those in the engineered-stone industry.

SafeWork inspectors take a zero-tolerance approach to workers’ lives being placed at risk through exposure to silica dust and can issue stop work notices for activities that generate high levels of dust, or when a worksite hasn’t got adequate dust control measures in place.

If these notices are not complied with, employers can face penalties of up to $130,000.

The Minns Labor government also recently passed laws to establish a silica worker register, to track and trace exposed workers and enable early intervention.

The NSW Government will be supporting a ban on engineered stone at the upcoming national meeting of Work Health and Safety ministers on the 13 December and will act unilaterally if no agreement is made.

Boosting building quality in NSW

Media Release from the NSW Premier, and the NSW Minister for Building

MEDIA RELEASE | 4 December 2023.

Homebuyers have a new reason to be confident about building quality in NSW with the official opening of Building Commission NSW this week, the state’s first ever dedicated building regulator.

From today Building Commission NSW, led by Commissioner David Chandler, will open its doors.

The newly established agency will lift the existing Office of the Building Commissioner out of NSW Fair Trading to give staff dedicated resources and a clear focus on the building sector.

Delivering a standalone regulator was a key election promise of the Minns Labor government, ensuring builders and the homes they construct in NSW are compliant, safe and durable.

The change means NSW will go from just 40 staff dedicated to enforcing quality and standards in the building industry to more than 400.

Funded by a $24 million down payment in the NSW Budget, Building Commission NSW will be a one stop shop for regulation, licensing and oversight of the sector.

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.

This is another milestone in the work the NSW Government has already completed to lift standards across the industry, including:

• new laws to dramatically expand the Building Commissioner’s powers over freestanding residential homes.

• elevating the sector to cabinet level with the first ever Minister for Building.

• boosting the capacity of smaller builders to deliver quality medium-density housing through initiatives like BuiltIt NSW.

Today also marks the official completion of Parq in Bexley, the first building in Australia to be covered by Decennial Liability Insurance (DLI), a decade-long guarantee against serious defects.

Parq’s builder Urban Property has also announced that DLI will be rolled out across all future projects.

Owners in buildings covered by DLI can make a claim to get defects repaired for up to a decade after completion, whether their builder is still operating or not.

NSW is the first state in the nation to offer decennial liability insurance and the NSW Government recently passed laws to encourage more builders to sign up and protect buyers.

More than $46 million builds back more resilient Aboriginal-owned assets

Media Release from the NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Regional Health, Minister for Regional NSW

MEDIA RELEASE | 30 November 2023

Nearly 30 programs will share in $46.3 million to repair, restore and improve First Nations-owned social and cultural assets, directly damaged by floods in flood-impacted regions across New South Wales, through funding from the Federal and State Governments.

The Aboriginal-owned Assets Program was open to 19 of the most flood-affected Local Government Areas, impacted in the February and June floods last year, through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

The program will enable Local Aboriginal Land Councils (LALCs), Aboriginal Corporations and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community organisations to undertake repair, restoration and betterment of community infrastructure.

The 27 projects being funded include the restoration of Aboriginal-owned community centres and service buildings, playgrounds and recreation areas, and the rebuilding of access roads and walkways to areas of cultural significance directly damaged by floods, including:

• More than $6.9 million will fund two Rekindling the Spirit projects in the Lismore Local Government Area (LGA). These projects will support the restoration of damaged facilities, which provide critical social support, health support and counselling services. These two projects will deliver new facilities at the existing Lismore site and repair and provide additional infrastructure to an existing facility which was destroyed in the floods, allowing services to return to full capacity.

• More than $1.7 million to Tweed Byron LALC to restore the flood damaged “Walk on Water Track” in Tweed Shire LGA, providing access to cultural sites where schools and community groups often attend education activities.

• Almost $1.3 million to Tricketts Arch Aboriginal Corporation will reinstate safe vehicle access to the significant cultural site, Tricketts Arch, in the Oberon LGA, which includes a riverbank area, camping sites, a yarning circle and activity areas. Tricketts are committed to protecting the biodiversity of the land as well as its cultural and geodiversity.

The full list of successful projects is available here: www.nsw.gov.au/aboriginalownedassetsprogramlaunch

Assets will be rebuilt to withstand future natural disasters, as well as improve accessibility and inclusion for community members.

The Albanese and Minns Governments are continuing to help the long-term recovery of disaster-impacted Aboriginal communities and assisting them towards greater flood resilience, while also delivering positive economic and social outcomes.

Industrial relations reform bill passes parliament

Media Release from the NSW Treasurer, and NSW Minister for Industrial Relations

MEDIA RELEASE | 1 December 2023

New laws which pave the way for a better industrial relations system in NSW have passed parliament today, creating the structure needed to deliver meaningful improvements to wages and conditions for hundreds and thousands of workers in the state.

The passage of the new laws, on the final sitting week of parliament for the year, marks the beginning of a more considered and independent way of settling industrial relations disputes, and negotiating wages and conditions.

Agencies and unions are now able to sit down together and find mutually agreed improvements to pay and conditions in NSW, a style of negotiation that was alien under the former government.

The new laws remove the power to cap wages for good, meaning the government’s meddling in the work of the Industrial Relations Commission which sets awards and settles disputes, is over.

The NSW Industrial Court, which was weakened and dismantled under the former government, will also be re-established, including the appointment of expert judges, who will preside over workplace health and safety matters and underpayments. 

The Minns Labor government was elected with a clear mandate to scrap the wages cap and sit down for genuine negotiation with our frontline workers. 

This government is committed to improving working conditions, stopping our frontline workers quitting and attracting more people to these vital roles.  

NSW Health signs Paris declaration to end HIV epidemics by 2030

Media Release from the NSW Minister for Health

MEDIA RELEASE | 1 December 2023

“NSW is a leader in HIV prevention and treatment in Australia and continues to reduce the number of new transmissions each year thanks to the hard work of health staff, the community, and community groups,” Mr Park said.

“This World AIDS Day, I want to remind the community that HIV doesn’t discriminate, and neither should we.

“Stigma and discrimination are barriers to HIV prevention, testing and treatment, and by signing this commitment, I’m pledging to eliminate HIV-related stigma in healthcare settings so that we can improve the quality of life for people living with HIV.

“The Fast-Track Cities website will report on NSW’s progress against targets and will enable others in the 500-strong network to share knowledge to ensure we meet the 2030 targets.”

The Fast-Track Cities Declaration commits NSW to delivering zero HIV-related stigma and targets of 95% of people living with HIV knowing their status, 95% of people who know their HIV-positive status to go on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and 95% of people on ART with suppressed viral loads.

NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant said NSW Health has a long-standing partnership with several organisations that will support NSW to reach the targets of the Fast-Track Cities agreement, including ACON, the Bobby Gold Smith Foundation, Positive Life NSW, NUAA and the Kirby Institute.

“NSW aims to meet the Fast-Track Cities Agreement of the virtual elimination of HIV transmissions as well as zero AIDS-related deaths before 2030,” Dr Chant said.

“We need the community to support us to meet these ambitious targets which is why I’m urging the community to undertake regular STI screening that includes HIV to allow for early diagnosis and linkage to care.”

ACON CEO, Nicolas Parkhill said ACON had a strong role to play working with state government to harnessing an effective HIV response for the NSW community.

“We have a strong heritage in New South Wales of addressing health issues together and the state’s effective HIV response is a testament to what can be achieved when affected communities, researchers, clinicians and governments unite for a common goal,” Mr Parkhill said.

“The inclusion of New South Wales in the Fast-Track Cities initiative and in the Paris Declaration to end HIV epidemics by 2030 will further support our response to HIV, solidify our commitment and accelerate our journey towards of a future where HIV transmissions have ended and people with HIV are living healthy and happy lives.” 

President/CEO of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care and Fast-Track Cities Institute, Dr. José M. Zuniga, said the declaration would be a significant milestone for Australia to end its national HIV epidemic.

“Sydney, NSW joining the Fast-Track Cities network marks a significant milestone in Australia’s collective commitment to ending its national HIV epidemic. With Adelaide, SA; Brisbane, QLD; Melbourne, VIC; and Perth, WA as fellow Fast-Track City-members of the network, NSW consolidates a critical mass of Australian cities whose efforts can have a substantial impact on the lives of people living with and affected by HIV nationally,” Dr Zuniga said.

“Sydney, NSW, like its counterparts, has made remarkable progress in its HIV response, laying a strong foundation for further advancements, including in going the last mile by leveraging social transformation to ensure the HIV response reaches all HIV-affected communities.”

About Fast-Track Cities

Fast-Track Cities is a global partnership between more than 500 cities, the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care (IAPAC), the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), and the City of Paris. The partnership’s aim is to end urban HIV epidemics by getting to zero new HIV infections, zero AIDS-related deaths, and zero HIV-related stigma. Launched on World AIDS Day 2014, the partnership also advances efforts to end tuberculosis (TB) epidemics and eliminate viral hepatitis (HBV and HCV) in urban settings by 2030. Learn more about Fast-Track Citieslaunch.

About IAPAC

Representing 30,000 members, IAPAC is the largest association of clinicians and allied health professionals working to end the epidemics of HIV and tuberculosis, as well as eliminate HBV and HCV, by 2030. IAPAC is also a core technical partner to the Fast-Track Cities network and the Secretariat for its Fast-Track Cities Institute. For more information visit the IAPAClaunch website.

About the Fast-Track Cities Institute

The Fast-Track Institute was created to support cities and municipalities worldwide in their efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.3 (ending the epidemics of HIV and TB), the World Health Organization goal of eliminating HBV and HCV, and SDG 11 Sustainable Development Goal 11. Find more information about the Fast-Track Cities Institutelaunch.

NSW Shared Equity housing initiative expands to support DV victim-survivors

Media Release from the NSW Premier, NSW Minister for Finance, and NSW Minister for Women

MEDIA RELEASE | 1 December 2023

The NSW Government is today taking a meaningful step to better support victim-survivors of domestic and family violence, with the expansion of the Shared Equity Home Buyer Helper trial.

From 1 December, the eligibility criteria for the initiative will expand to include specific reference to domestic and family violence victim-survivors.

The expansion of the program means that domestic and family violence victim-survivors and other eligible applicants can now access the scheme.

The program delivers on the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to take meaningful action to combat domestic violence and support victim-survivors.

Domestic violence victim-survivors who participate in the Shared Equity program will see the NSW Government contribute up to 40% of the purchase price for a new home, or up to 30% for an existing home.

This will allow eligible applicants to secure a property with as little as a two% deposit.

Removing many of the barriers to home ownership, domestic and family violence victim-survivors who apply for the initiative will pay no interest on the government’s share of equity in the property they purchase. They will also not require lenders mortgage insurance.

Housing instability and homelessness are a major barrier for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence.

Women and children escaping domestic abuse account for 39% of specialist homelessness service users.

While domestic and family violence is the leading cause of homelessness for women, annually in Australia it is estimated that 7690 women a year return to perpetrators due to having nowhere affordable to live.

The NSW Government has expanded the Shared Equity program’s eligibility criteria after accepting the recommendations of the NSW Domestic and Family Violence Shared Equity Taskforce.

The taskforce was co-chaired by Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison and Chief Executive Officer of Domestic Violence NSW Delia Donovan.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey was also a member of the taskforce.

Lower income single parents, single people aged 50 years or older and first home buyer key workers who are nurses, midwives, paramedics, teachers, early childhood educators or police officers are still eligible for the Shared Equity program.

Get more information about eligibility on Shared Equity Home Buyer Helper.

1.3 million reasons to celebrate people with disability

Media Release from the NSW Minister for Disability Inclusion

MEDIA RELEASE | 3 December 2023

The NSW Government is celebrating the contributions and achievements of more than 1.3 million people with disability across NSW, as the state marks International Day of People with Disability.

The day promotes community awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability, who play a valuable role in society.

Whether through employment, sport, advocacy, or public life, people with disability continue to help NSW become a more accessible and inclusive state for all.

Organisations are removing barriers for people with disability to find work including the public sector, with NSW Government departments increasingly able to harness the skills and experience of people with diverse abilities.

The NSW Government is committed to improving accessible and inclusive communities by:

• Ensuring government websites and online services are easy to access, including through Easy Read.

• Providing children with disability learning support in school.

• Improving the recruitment and retention of the NSW Government workforce with disability.

• The NSW Government also provides programs to support people with disability, carers and service providers, including the Companion Card and Disability Advocacy Futures Program.

This is in addition to the $3.9 billion invested in 2022-23 to support the NDIS and $15.9 billion over four years to 2025-26. This funding is leveraged with Commonwealth contributions leading to record investment in specialist disability services across NSW.

The NSW Government recognises that there is still a lot of work to be done, however, and is committed to working to improve the lives of people with disability.