The Minns Labor Government is encouraging businesses to self-report worker entitlements.It follows an audit by the Inspectorate in NSW Industrial Relations, Premier's Department which commenced an investigation into supermarket giant Coles specifically with respect to long service leave.The NSW agency requested information regarding their compliance with the Long Service Leave Act 1955.As a result, Coles has agreed to repay over $1.5 million in unpaid long service leave entitlements having audited 10,698 employees (6,346 current workers and 4,352 former workers).The approximate remediation amount is $1.582 million with workers receiving up to $8,100.The underpayment occurred due to a failure to calculate ordinary pay correctly. This was caused by several factors, including not taking into consideration allowances and bonuses.Coles has recalculated and back paid employees and made significant changes to their payroll processes.Coles has also agreed to invest in its payroll system to comply with the NSW Industrial Relations’ prescribed methodology and to ensure ongoing compliance.The current action serves as a reminder for businesses to ensure compliance with NSW legislation and to proactively self-report systemic non-compliance to NSW Industrial Relations.For more information on Long Service Leave entitlements in NSW, visit https://www.industrialrelations.nsw.gov.au/employers/nsw-employer-essentials/long-service-leave-entitlement-nsw/  Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis says, “The NSW Government is committed to ensuring workers receive their correct entitlements.“This outcome is a reminder to employers, big and small, to make sure they are following the rules and that they can proactively self-report non-compliance to NSW Industrial Relations.“I would like to acknowledge Coles’ commitment to ensuring they pay long service leave correctly.” 

A man has died following an alleged assault in the state’s north this morning.About 3:15am today (Sunday, 24 November 2024), emergency services were called to William Street, Tweed Heads South, following reports of an assault.Officers attached to Tweed/Byron Police District attended and found an unconscious man, believed to be aged in his 30s, laying on the ground outside a home.NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the man; however, he died at the scene.The man is yet to be formally identified.Police have established a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the incident with the assistance of the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad.As investigations continue police are urging anyone with information into the incident to contact Tweed Heads Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.Anyone with information about the incident, was in the area at the time – or has dash cam or mobile phone footage is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Raptor Squad officers have charged a man following an investigation into the sale of illegal tobacco products on the Central Coast.About 6.10pm yesterday (Thursday ,21 November 2024), Raptor Squad officers executed a search warrant at a home in Booker Bay.During the search, police located and seized $833,025 cash, believed to be proceeds of crime, as well as steroids and Xanax.A 26-year-old man was arrested at the scene and taken to Gosford Police Station, where he was charged with knowingly deal with proceeds of crime and two counts of possess/attempt to, prescribed restricted substance.The man was refused bail to appear in Gosford Local Court today (Friday 22 November 2024).

The Albanese Government is building a more competitive aviation industry, with legislation passing the House of Representatives to reform Sydney Airport’s slot management system.The legislation strengthens the compliance and enforcement regime to better crack down on slot misuse, with much stricter civil penalties. It also helps level the playing field for new airline entrants by reducing advantages currently held by incumbents. The legislation was drafted from the key competition recommendations laid out in the Harris Review, which the Coalition Government failed to act upon after receiving it in 2021.We urge the Senate to now pass these reforms which will boost competition and improve the experience of Australian travellers.The strengthened penalty regime increases the civil penalty provisions for slot misuse to six, up from two in the current legislation. Alongside the current consequences for ‘no-slot’ and ‘off-slot’ movements, behaviours that can incur penalties include:·         Failure to use an allocated slot·         Flight operations not in accordance with slot requirements·         Applying for slots with no reasonable prospects of use·         Failure to return or transfer unused slotsThe slot misuse offences will be enforceable through the courts, which could issue civil penalties of up to $99,000 per offence.  Supporting the penalty regime are powers allowing the Minister to compel the production and publication of information about slot allocation and usage from airlines. Failure to provide this information may also attract a civil penalty, under these reforms.The legislation also introduces a recovery period to help get flights back on track after major disruptions so travellers reach their destinations on time.Importantly, community protections are maintained, with no changes to the existing curfew arrangements or the overall daily movement cap at Sydney Airport.Representing the most significant changes to the Demand Management System in 25 years, the legislation modernises the framework and brings it in line with international standards.It will not only improve efficiency, resilience and competition at Sydney Airport, but Australia’s broader domestic network.The changes follow the first stage of reforms already underway, including an independent audit of slots, the results of which are set to be announced by the end of the year.These reforms are yet another demonstration of the Albanese Government’s commitment to delivering better outcomes for the travelling publicIn 2025, the Government will release new demand management regulations and a new slot management scheme.

One of Australia’s leading clinician scientists and founder of national genomic cancer medicine centre, Omico, Professor David Thomas, received the state’s highest accolade for cancer research at the NSW Premier’s Awards for Outstanding Cancer Research tonight.Professor Thomas, who was crowned Outstanding Cancer Researcher of the Year, is a leader in the development of precision oncology in Australia, which has extended the lives of thousands of incurable cancer patients through the use of genomics.Professor Thomas founded Omico, a not-for-profit genomics organisation that accelerates access to precision oncology using technology to detect unique genetic and molecular variations in a person’s cancer to identify new targeted treatments.Professor Thomas has also led the development of sarcoma research in Australia for the past 20 years, having founded the Australasian Sarcoma Study Group. His work changed the global clinical practice for giant cell tumour of bone, and effective early detection strategies for patients with Li-Fraumeni Syndrome, a rare hereditary disorder that increases a person’s risk of cancer.Professor David Thomas, said, “It’s a great honour to be recognised for the work our teams have been leading, which is transforming cancer care. Genomics is a fundamental technology that provides answers to the two most common questions patients ask ‘why did this happen to me?’ and ‘what can you do about it?’“After screening more than 15,000 incurable cancer patients, there’s no question that precision oncology can significantly extend life for one in three cancer patients. I am proud to see the growth of Omico’s national clinical trial network from eight cancer centres at conception in 2018, to 61 centres across Australia and New Zealand today.”NSW Premier Chris Minns, Minister for Health Ryan Park and Minister for Medical Research David Harris also presented seven other prestigious awards, celebrating the individuals and teams working to improve cancer outcomes in NSW, at the event in the NSW Parliament.Outstanding Mid-Career Researcher - Associate Professor Nicolas Hart, National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Investigator Research Fellow in Cancer Survivorship at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), for enhancing patient safety and quality of care for individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds in cancer care.Outstanding Early Career Researcher - Dr Ashfaq Chauhan, a postdoctoral research fellow and coordinator of the Healthcare Engagement and Equity Research stream within the Centre for Health Systems and Safety Research at the Australian Institute of Health Innovation at Macquarie University, for enhancing patient safety and quality of care for individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds in cancer care.Rising Star PhD Candidate - Dr Robert Rawson, Tissue Pathology Staff Specialist at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital for his innovative research focused on assessing the pathological response to neoadjuvant therapy in melanoma.Outstanding Cancer Clinical Trials Unit - The Clinical Trials Unit at Melanoma Institute Australia, for its investigator-led trials, and leading the way in advancing melanoma and non-melanoma research, enrolling around 400 patients annually in diverse clinical trials.Cancer Control Innovation –The Zero Childhood Cancer Program team, for demonstrating unprecedented collaboration, bringing together clinicians from child cancer treatment centres across the country and leading national research partners to deliver Australia’s first precision medicine program for children with cancer.Improving Equitable Outcomes – Associate Professor Mei Ling Yap, radiation oncologist and clinician researcher at South Western Sydney Local Health District, The George Institute for Global Health and the Ingham Institute at UNSW, for her dedication to achieving equity in cancer control both locally and globally through increasing access to radiation therapy. Consumer Engagement in Cancer Research – awarded to Lucy Jones, CEO Neuroblastoma Australia and consumer advocate passionate about advancing neuroblastoma research, for working tirelessly to raise awareness of the disease and fund research aimed at creating more targeted, effective, and less toxic treatments.(Prof David Thomas centre with the other award winners. Photo: supplied)Each winner also received funding towards their research as part of their prize.The NSW Government, through the Cancer Institute NSW, has awarded more than $324 million in cancer research over the last decade.For more detailed information on award recipients, visit https://www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/events/nsw-premier-s-awards-for-outstanding-cancer-resear/2024Chris Minns, Premier of New South Wales said, “NSW is a global leader in cancer research.”We’re committed to continuing to invest in research to improve our understanding of a disease which devastates communities across our state.“On behalf of the people of NSW, I’d like to thank the award winners and our incredible cancer research community, for working together to better understand and treat this insidious disease.”Ryan Park, Minister for Health said, “With one person in NSW diagnosed with cancer around every 10 minutes, almost all of us will feel the impact of this disease during our lifetime.“Better understanding and treatment of cancer would be impossible without people like Professor Thomas and I’d like to thank him and everyone working across NSW who help reduce the impact of cancer.”David Harris, Minister for Medical Research said, “For people with cancer, research and clinical trials provide options and hope.“NSW has some of the best cancer survival rates in the world and our well established research pipeline and overall excellence in cancer research is a key reason for these outcomes.”Professor Tracey O’Brien, NSW Chief Cancer Officer and CEO of Cancer Institute NSW said, “Cancer is a global health challenge and while significant progress has been made in our understanding of cancer, it remains the leading cause of death in NSW, with sadly one in two people set to be diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime. “Research and innovation is key to unlocking the answers we are all searching for and I’d like to congratulate and thank the incredibly passionate, talented and collaborative research teams in NSW who are working tirelessly to save lives and keep families and communities safe and supported.”

Australia’s health spending has returned to pre-pandemic levels, with a total expenditure of $252.5 billion on health goods and services in 2022–23. This equates to $9,597 per person and represents 9.9% of the national economic activity.The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has today released 3 new reports: Health expenditure Australia 2022–23, Health system spending on disease and injury in Australia 2022–23 and Health system spending on the response to COVID-19 in Australia 2019–20 to 2022–23. The reports collectively provide a comprehensive overview of health spending in Australia and the sources of funding for health goods and services.Health expenditure Australia 2022–23 shows that the decrease in government spending during 2022–23 was largely associated with reduced spending related to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as vaccines and personal protective equipment.‘The AIHW has been reporting on national health expenditure for over three decades, helping us understand the health system and its relationship to the economy as a whole,’ said AIHW spokesperson Geoff Callaghan.Total health spending was 0.3% lower than in 2021–22 after adjusting for inflation, while on a per-person basis, spending dropped 2.4% in real terms. This can be attributed to health spending and population growth returning to pre-pandemic levels.Government sources funded approximately 70.8% of total health expenses, with $101.5 billion provided by the Australian Government and $77.3 billion by state and territory governments.‘Government spending decreased by 2.6% in 2022–23, due to a decrease in COVID-19-related spending, while non-government spending grew 5.8% but remained below pre-pandemic trends,’ said Mr Callaghan.‘Health spending as a percentage of total government expenditure also dropped slightly from 17.2% to 17.1%, indicating slower growth in health funding relative to other sectors.’Primary health care spending fell by 8.2% to $83.3 billion, indicating reduced pandemic-related public health spending such as on the vaccine rollout, rapid antigen tests and personal protective equipment. Hospital expenditure rose 4.7% to $107.1 billion, driven by increased hospitalisations and patient admissions post-pandemic.Disease and injury-related spendingOf the $172.3 billion in health spending that could be directly attributed to disease and injury in 2022–23, cancer was the highest-cost disease group at $18.9 billion, followed by cardiovascular diseases ($16.2 billion) and musculoskeletal disorders ($15.9 billion). Cancer has been the top-ranked disease group since 2014–15, accounting for around 10% of spending each year, with its costs doubling since 2013–14.Chronic conditions made up almost half (48%) of disease-related spending, totalling $82 billion. The most expensive chronic conditions were osteoarthritis ($4.9 billion) and back pain ($3.9 billion). However, injuries from falls were the most expensive of the disease conditions with expenditure of $5.1 billion in 2022–23.Spending was higher for females ($84 billion) compared with males ($76 billion), with expenditures peaking in the 70–74 age group for both genders.Health spending in response to COVID-19‘A total of $55.9 billion was spent on Australia’s health response to the COVID-19 pandemic between 2019–20 and 2022–23,’ said Mr Callaghan.Governments spent $54.8 billion (77% by the Australian Government and 23% by state and territory governments). Individuals contributed $1.1 billion for personal protective equipment, rapid antigen tests and sanitisers.Key areas of government spending included primary care ($30.4 billion) which involved COVID-19 vaccination efforts ($9.4 billion) and public hospitals ($14.1 billion).Australia’s excess mortality rate during the pandemic period was 4.9%, the fifth lowest among 33 OECD countries.Additionally, Australia ranked fourth lowest out of 36 OECD countries for additional health spending above pre-COVID trends.

A new study has found retirement living residents have a better quality of life than other older Australians, while renters fared the worst.The Catalyst Research Report summarises feedback from over 12,000 Australians aged over 60, comparing groups by age, sex and where they live. Those in a Retirement Community score significantly higher on the Catalyst Wellness Index (77.5) compared with the average for all older Australians (71.3). Catalyst Research managing director Kevin McCreton presented these results at the recent Aged and Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA) National Conference. “It’s clear that retirement communities offer a range of benefits for older Australians,” Mr McCreton said. “Retirement community residents have superior wellness than those who don’t move from home as well as those who downsize to a smaller property.” Aged and Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA) CEO Tom Symondson said retirement villages offer a place to thrive and connect within a supporting community. “Retirement villages empower older Australians to live confidently, pursue their passions and embrace new opportunities. They create a sense of belonging and purpose, offering not just a home but a vibrant environment where people can truly flourish,” Mr Symondson said. Retirement village residents rate their wellness far more favourably in terms of safety, companionship and access to support. Those living in lifestyle-oriented communities are happier again in terms of independence, activities, mental wellbeing and thoughts about the future. Those living in a rental have the lowest wellness index of any group. “It’s clear that renters suffer housing insecurity. They also rate their financial wellbeing far lower than other Australians” says McCreton. Those over 80 report much higher satisfaction with their financial well-being than those under 66 years of age. This reflects property appreciation, lower expenses and lower spending amongst many Australians over 75. Women have a slightly lower Wellness score (70.8) than men (71.8). Financial wellbeing is the main predictor of this difference, suggesting women have not benefitted from wealth accumulation or superannuation benefits as much as men.

The Minns Labor Government has introduced its third wave of strata reforms to the NSW Parliament today, continuing its work to confront the state’s housing challenges and address cost of living pressures. More than 1.2 million people are already living in strata communities in NSW, and that number is set to grow under the Government’s comprehensive plan to build a better NSW.The latest round of reforms builds on our commitment to working across all levels of Government and industry to encourage people to live and invest in strata.The latest changes will:Strengthen developer accountability by requiring initial levies to be independently certified;Ensure a robust initial maintenance schedule is in place for new builds;Protect owners corporations from unfair contract terms;Help owners corporations in repairing and maintaining common property;Support the uptake of sustainability infrastructure in strata schemes such as solar panels, electric vehicle charging, and efficient water fixtures; andGive property owners more options to pay levies when facing financial stress.With cost of living pressures biting many households, the sensible changes being proposed will require owners corporations to estimate how much money will be needed for the capital works fund each year, alongside their annual energy and water consumption and expenditure in common areas.Owners corporations will also be better supported through increased professional standards and accountability for managing agents and building managers, improvements to strata management agreements, and improved committee governance.  The new laws also clamp down on developers who offer prospective buyers initially low strata levies that increase significantly in the second and successive years. By strengthening the accountability of developers we can avoid “bill shock” for residents.This legislation follows the recent launch of the Strata Living Guide which provides strata property owners and prospective buyers clear advice in plain English on a range of topics aimed at improving decision-making in strata communities.The new Guide has practical ‘how to’ information for those living in strata properties, such as how to run strata meetings and other key strata processes, how to manage strata finances, and how to raise issues.The Guide also helpfully suggests ways to go about getting things done such as regular or emergency repairs and approvals for renovations, resolving disputes, and managing relationships with the owners corporation and strata manager.These reforms build on the Government’s ongoing work to make it easier for people living in strata properties to keep pets and assistance animals, and greater transparency requirements and higher penalties for strata managing agents who do the wrong thing.For more information, please visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-construction/strata. Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said, “The Minns Labor Government is continuing to improve the regulatory framework we need to build better homes and communities for the people of NSW.“These reforms will ensure strata laws are modern, fit for purpose, and hold those involved accountable for their actions.“Through the significant changes we have made to strata laws, we are getting the settings right to ensure people have the confidence to invest and live in strata properties. “These new laws follow the recent launch of the Strata Living Guide which provides clear advice to people living in the 86,000 strata schemes in NSW, which will help them govern their strata schemes constructively and effectively.”

A new white-flesh fish variety could be swimming onto Australian plates adding more than $1 billion to the economy, following successful breeding trials by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, and promising initial market testing with chefs and consumers.  As consumer demand continues to grow for Australian-sourced white fish, there’s a huge opportunity to diversify aquaculture and cultivate species at scale efficiently and in a sustainable way. The Pompano (Trachinotus anak) has been identified as the ideal white-flesh fish for developing in northern Australia’s tropical climate. A new Pompano industry would help Australian aquaculture reduce its reliance on around 100,000 tonnes of white-flesh fish imports, while helping to sustainably meet growing demand for seafood.  Lead scientist, Dr Polly Hilder, will speak at CSIRO’s AgCatalyst2024 event today, highlighting the goal to produce a highly nutritious protein source while prioritising sustainability and welfare.  “The Pompano is a robust, sociable fish endemic to northern Australia that grows really quickly and tastes great, making it an ideal candidate for adapting to our aquaculture environments," Dr Hilder said.  “We're bringing a new species to Australian plates to give consumers more options, while opening up new export opportunities to strengthen Australia’s white-flesh fish industry. “We’re now working to scale production processes in commercial trials with industry.” An initial market study, conducted by Fishtales, involving chefs found the Pompano is versatile, easy to prepare and tastes great.  MasterChef Australia judge and co-owner and chef at Three Blue Ducks, Andy Allen, will highlight the Pompano’s culinary qualities in a live cooking demonstration at AgCatalyst2024.   “I’ve had some time to work with this fish in my kitchen at home and it tastes great as a mildly sweet, high quality white meat that is firm but finely flaked,” Mr Allen said.  “I’ve been able to use the whole fish in a variety of ways – from simply cooking the fillets in olive oil, salt, pepper and lemon, to getting a bit wilder by crisping up the wings and using the head in a couple of different ways too. "It’s awesome to think we can breed this fish here in Australia sustainably and supply it to consumers in the future.” By partnering with industry to bring Pompano to the mainstream market, CSIRO aims to create a new, sustainable Australian white-flesh fish industry in near future to diversify the market and reduce reliance on imports. “We’re applying innovative circular economy approaches designed around welfare that make use of resources end-to-end – from capturing value from production processes, through to utilising the whole fish at the consumer end,” Dr Hilder said. “For example, fish waste is high in phosphorous and nitrogen nutrients and can be turned into valuable byproducts such as fertiliser capsules.” CSIRO’s National Protein Roadmap states that industry ambitions to produce 50,000 tonnes of white-flesh fish could create more than 1000 jobs for Australia. It’s one of a suite of future protein solutions CSIRO is working on to meet growing global protein demand, sustainably. CSIRO’s aquaculture research and development spans breeding and genomics through to health, nutrition, and production processes.  

Today Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has met leaders from the world’s major economies at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Brazil.The G20 represents 85 per cent of global GDP. It is a critical forum for world leaders to discuss and work through the worldwide inflation surge and to work together on solutions.G20 leaders met across two days and also discussed reforms to global governance, sustainable development and the clean energy transition.The Prime Minister spoke about the need for concerted action to keep working through the worldwide inflation surge and its impact on people, and the anti-inflationary measures the Government has taken in Australia while also providing important cost of living relief. The Prime Minister joined with other Leaders to discuss the need for climate action and how to seize the economic opportunities of the net zero transition – something Australia is doing through its Future Made in Australia agenda.As this year’s G20 Chair, Brazilian President Lula launched the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty at the Summit which aims to galvanise global cooperation on food security. Australia is proud to be a founding member and will support other Alliance members by sharing our expertise as a major food producer and exporter in contributing to food security and poverty alleviation in our region.The Prime Minister also met with China’s President Xi Jinping, their third formal meeting —further contributing to the continued stabilisation of the bilateral relationship. Renewed dialogue with China is beneficial to build understanding on the issues that matter to us both. It also helps us to navigate our differences wisely and to build upon areas where we can cooperate­ — without compromising on Australian interests. The Prime Minister and President Xi discussed further progress on areas of cooperation, including climate change and energy transition, increased ministerial engagement, and economic and trade links. Leaders also discussed bilateral, consular, human rights, regional and international issues.The Prime Minister also met Prime Minister Starmer, Turkiye President Erdogan and European Commission President von der Leyen. The Prime Minister hosted Prime Minister Modi for the 2nd Australia-India Annual Summit and held a range of engagements with other leaders in the sidelines of the G20 to discuss bilateral priorities and advance Australia’s interests.Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, “We have focussed on achieving outcomes here that will support jobs and economic growth for Australians at home.“Australians are feeling the effects of the worldwide inflation surge, and the G20 allows us to work with other major economies on global solutions to continue easing the pressure.“I congratulate President Lula on a successful G20 Presidency in 2024 and look forward to working with President Ramaphosa as South Africa assumes the G20 Presidency for 2025."

The number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families seeking mental health support during pregnancy and within the first year of a child's birth has tripled, a perinatal helpline says. Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA) says there has been a 200 per cent increase in calls from Indigenous families to their helpline over the past 18 months. Indigenous families account for six per cent of the total calls made to the helpline. Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia chief executive Julie Borninkhof said there are "so many contributing factors", which may explain the increase, including geographical isolation and lack of local services. Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia's Julie Borninkhof is proud of the support on offer. (HANDOUT/THRIVE PR)"For First Nations communities where they're more disconnected from localised services, or don't have services on the ground, where there may be a history of intergenerational trauma ... where we have lower socioeconomic status of the community, they're all recipes to have a worse perinatal experience in terms of health and wellbeing," she told AAP.The service has also worked with Indigenous community members to develop resources for First Nations parents.Ms Borninkhof said investing in building trust in the service among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities could also have contributed to the surge in calls. "We know that the need is there and dire, which is why we've been building this library or smorgasbord of resources for community, so they can choose the things they connect with," she said.Ms Borninkhof said she is proud the service has supported so many people through their helpline and online resources but it does not work in isolation. She said it's important for her organisation to connect people back into local services where possible. Ms Borninkhof describes the service as a safety net for people when their local services are closed or inaccessible. "We also hear a lot from our community members, First Nations and others, that taking the step to share your experience when you think you're failing in your parenting role is really scary to open up about when you think that service may know you or your family," she said."In areas of geographical isolation supports like PANDA can be really powerful because we don't impact relationships on the ground."Perinatal Mental Health Week runs until Saturday, and Ms Borninkhof said the week serves as a good reminder for anyone who needs support to "make the call" to address their mental health needs as early as possible. PANDA 1300 726 30613YARN 13 92 76Lifeline 13 11 14beyondblue 1300 22 4636By Keira Jenkins in Brisbane

Flood-hit communities in the NSW Central West will soon have access to new bridges, upgraded roads and a more resilient transport network, ensuring the region is better prepared for future natural disasters.The Albanese and Minns Governments’ $32 million Regional Transport Resilience Fund (RTRF) is supporting the Cabonne, Forbes, Lachlan and Parkes councils to repair and upgrade road and transport infrastructure damaged by the 2022 floods.The cost of the RTRF package is shared between both governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.These four councils experienced the worst of the 2022 floods which saw road and transport infrastructure sustain unprecedented damage in a disaster that affected a geographical area stretching about 11,000 kilometres.The RTRF package is part of the joint Australian and NSW Governments $100 million Central West Recovery and Resilience Package which includes the $40 million Resilient Homes Program recently announced, $2 million for the Resilient Homes Consultation Program, the $25 million Community Assets Program and $1 million for the Legal Aid Assistance Program.Details of Regional Transport Resilience Fund projects are as follows:Parkes Shire Council:$5.65 million for:a new bridge on The Bogan Way between Trundle and Parkesa new bridge on Middle Trundle Roadthe installation of culverts and causeways at various locations on Middle Trundle Road.$1.08 million for the installation of new concrete causeways as part of Council’s causeway improvement program.Forbes Shire Council:$5.43 million to upgrade four culverts and upgrade pavement at various locations across the council area.$4.4 million to upgrade five culverts and pavement on Wirrinya Road.$1.6 million for:pavement upgrades on Henry Lawson Wayculvert replacement and pavement upgrades at various locations on Pinnacle Roadpavement upgrades at various locations on Waugan Road.Lachlan Shire Council:$3.99 million for:pavement overlay and stabilisation, sealing work, additional culverts at various locations, and one culvert/bridge replacement on Lake Cargelligo Road.pavement overlay and stabilisation, sealing work, increased culvert width and headwalls scour protection on Lachlan Valley Way.$827,783 for pavement strengthening, overlay and stabilisation, sealing work and increased culvert capacity at various locations on Kiacatoo Road.Cabonne Shire Council:$3.78 million for installation of concrete floodways, table drains, box culverts, pipe culverts, headwalls and concrete decks at various locations across the council area.$3.67 million for a package of bridge work including:raising the bridge deck at Canomodine Lane Bridge, Canowindraculvert upgrades on Edward Street, Molongreplacing the Baghdad Road Bridge, Cargoraising the bridge deck at Ophir Road Bridge, Ophirwork on the Kiewa Street footbridge, Manildra.Federal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister said, “Communities in Central West NSW were hit hard by flooding in 2022, and both levels of government are working together to help them recover from and prepare for future events.“The new bridges and upgraded roads will help residents stay connected and safe during severe weather.   “We know that there is more work to be done, and we are committed to supporting Central Western communities to recover and rebuild for the long term.”  NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said, “This program focuses on building back better so that communities across the Central West are better prepared in the face of future disasters.  “It also means local communities that are hit by future floods and severe weather can bounce back more quickly, easing the burden on families, businesses and councils at a time when they need support most.”  NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said, “We are rebuilding these communities for the future and this funding for vital projects will be welcomed to continue on the path towards recovery.”  “We have made investing in recovery efforts in the Central West a priority and these works will help reduce future costs of repairs to road and transport assets damaged by natural disasters, as well as improving safety and transport access.”  NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin said, “The assistance being offered to these councils in the NSW Central West will greatly assist rebuilding and recovery efforts.“Communities need to be better connected and protected when future flood events hit and this investment from the Australian and NSW Governments will help meet these needs.” 

The Albanese Government is building a more competitive aviation sector, with a Bill before Parliament this week to further reform the allocation of slots at Sydney Airport.The Bill introduces a strengthened compliance regime to better crack down on slot misuse, with significantly stronger consequences than the current system.The reforms introduced through this legislation are the main competition reforms recommended by the Harris Review, which was received by the former Government in 2021, but never implemented.They will deliver a more competitive, transparent and efficient slot system at Sydney Airport, which – as the nation’s busiest airport – will improve competition nation-wide. The reforms include:·       Modernising the compliance regime with penalties that address anti‑competitive behaviours, including four new civil penalties for slot misuse behaviour which could issue civil penalties of up to $99,000 per offence·       New reporting requirements for airlines and the Slot Manager on slot allocations and use, such as cancellations and irregular movements·       Strengthening enforcement tools for the Government to monitor airlines more closely and take effective legal action where necessary·       The introduction of a recovery mode to support the recovery of operations following a significant disruptionThe changes introduced through this legislation represent the most significant reforms to the Sydney Airport Demand Management system in 25 years. They also build upon work already underway, including an independent audit of slot usage.This reform package will enable a more competitive, transparent and productive aviation network for years to come.

Events longer than three hours including cricket matches tend to have different arrangements.The Labor Member for Riverstone, Warren Kirby MP recently launched a campaign to change this, calling out how unfair this “East versus West” divide is.Following the Member for Riverstone’s campaign, Venues NSW will soon offer full-strength beer as part of a new six-month trial across the three stadiums for the start of the 2025 NRL season.The trial will be in place for match days of three hours or less, with full-strength beer to be available in general public areas. This trial will provide fans with better variety with full-strength, mid-strength, light and zero alcohol options available during this six-month trial.The success of the trial will be determined following consultation with NSW Police, liquor authorities, sport and entertainment partners and feedback from fans. NSW Police will continue to work closely with the venues during this trial period to ensure the responsible service of alcohol (RSA) and RSA marshals will continue to be stationed at all outlets that serve alcohol in the Venues NSW network.Patrons are also reminded that if you’re looking to drink alcohol you must not drive. Attendees of major events are encouraged to make appropriate travel arrangements, to always have a Plan B and to make the most of public transport included with all event tickets.Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said, “Going to a live sporting game is one the best experiences money can buy and this trial will give fans in Western Sydney, the choice of between full, mid or zero alcohol beer while at the footy – just like they’ve been asking for.“Major events bring tens of thousands of people together and there is and has always been an expectation of fans to be respectful of each other and to drink responsibly if choosing to drink alcohol.”Venues NSW CEO Kerrie Mather said, “We always listen to our fans who have been asking for this for years, and soon they will have an even greater choice and a consistent offering across the Venues NSW network.“Just like the world-class food offering at our stadiums, it’s all about choice and variety for supporters and that’s what will be on offer during this trial period.“The safety of patrons is our number one priority and that will continue during the trial.”

Health insurers are urging people who have had surgery in private hospitals to check if they have been billed incorrectly under ‘no gap fee’ arrangements following allegations specialist doctors have been systematically defrauding patients, health funds and Medicare for personal financial gain.Health insurers have been notified of allegations against nearly 50 doctors in one part of Australia. The specialists are mostly anaesthetists and surgeons, as well as an obstetrician and gastroenterologist. They have been accused of charging patients extra fees of up to $5000 while purporting to participate in “no gap fee” arrangements with health insurers. The doctors have also been accused of telling Medicare they were “bulk billing” patients (not charging the patients a fee) when they did charge fees labelled “booking fees” or “administrative fees”. Health insurers are investigating the allegations and will do everything they can to resolve proven cases of fraud. One survey carried out this year by a large health fund found 31% of 4,172 respondents who received medical treatment under a “no gap” fee arrangement were charged a fee, and 23% of respondents who received treatment under a “known gap fee” arrangement paid more than $500 out-of-pocket (the upper limit of what a specialist should charge under the agreement with the insurer). The health fund is still working through the cases to determine the extent of overbilling. CEO of Private Healthcare Australia, Dr Rachel David, urged consumers to examine their medical bills to see if they were charged a fee while being “bulk billed” or treated under a “no gap fee” arrangement with their health insurer because they may be able to take action against the providers. “These allegations are deeply disturbing because of the trust patients put in their specialist doctors. When you seek the help of a surgeon and an anaesthetist, you are typically at your most vulnerable. You do not expect them to be financially exploiting you at the same time,” she said. “There is a huge power imbalance between patients and doctors. We know many consumers do not understand their medical bills, which means most people wouldn’t know if they were getting charged inappropriate fees or not. “If you have health insurance, call your health fund to examine your bills and ask questions about whether you should be paying out-of-pocket fees or not. They can help you ask the right questions. And if your Medicare records show you were bulk billed when you were charged a fee, report it to Medicare. Fifty-five per cent of Australians have health insurance (nearly 15 million people), and 45% of Australians have hospital cover (over 12.2 million people). Private health insurance pays for 2 out of 3 planned surgical procedures.  The investigations come as a rising number of Australians are reporting they cannot afford to pay for medical treatment. The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data found 11% of Australians are not seeing a specialist doctor or delaying appointments with specialist doctors including surgeons due to cost. This is up from 8% the year before. The latest Medicare data reports 29% of consultations with specialist doctors in 2023-24 were bulk billed – down from 30% the previous year. The latest private health insurance statistics for 2023-24 published by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority reports 83% of in-hospital medical services for insured people (33.82 million services) were billed as part of a “no gap” agreement, whilst 9.3% (3.8 million) were billed as part of a “known gap” agreement.‌‌Dr David said the allegations of “shadow billing” suggested specialist doctors were billing consumers unknown amounts of money under the counter and not reporting that income to other payers, including Medicare and insurers so it could be publicly recorded. “Unfortunately, this means we cannot trust our Medicare statistics, our APRA data, and the Government’s Medical Cost Finder website, which reports how many doctors charge out-of-pocket fees for procedures, as well as what the average out-of-pocket cost is for those procedures,” she said. “Medicare needs to urgently investigate these allegations to ensure taxpayers are not footing the bill for industrial scale fraud in our private health system.” How to report potential fraud to Medicare You can report suspected fraud or corruption by:completing the Government’s health provider fraud tip-off formcalling the Government’s fraud hotline – 1800 829 403 emailing  ReportFraudorCorruption@health.gov.au. How “no gap” fee arrangements workHealth insurers pay specialist doctors and private hospitals a higher fee than usual on the basis they will not charge the patient an out-of-pocket or “gap” fee. How “known gap” fee arrangements work Health insurers pay specialist doctors and private hospitals a higher fee than usual on the basis they will charge the patient a known out-of-pocket “gap” fee up to a maximum of $500.

Understanding how strata communities operate becomes easier from today, with the NSW Government launching a guide to support the 1.2 million residents living in strata properties such as apartments, townhouses, and duplexes.The Strata Living Guide has been updated following consultation that has incorporated the community’s feedback and responses.The Guide will give strata property owners and prospective buyers clear advice in plain English on a range of topics aimed at improving decision-making in strata communities.The new Guide has practical ‘how to’ information for those living in strata properties, such as how to run strata meetings and other key strata processes, how to manage strata finances, and how to raise issues.The guide also helpfully suggests ways to go about getting things done such as regular or emergency repairs and approvals for renovations, resolving disputes, and managing relationships with the owners’ corporation and strata manager.The Guide also highlights the strata law changes coming into effect in February 2025, which expand and strengthen strata managing agents’ disclosure obligations to owners, including reforms to make insurance arrangements more transparent.NSW Fair Trading is also releasing information for strata property owners, and owners’ corporations, about options available when owners are having difficulty paying their strata levies on time, without compromising the financial viability of strata schemes. Proposed legislation to be introduced to Parliament next week will make strata management practices around levies clearer, such as improving levy notice information and fairer conditions for payment plans. This includes levy notices being accompanied by information encouraging early action by lot owners in financial hardship, and information about how to contact the National Debt Helpline.To access the Strata Living Guide and other resources to help strata property owners, please visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-construction/strataMinister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said, “The Minns Labor Government is continuing to improve the regulatory framework we need to build better homes and communities for the people of NSW.“The Strata Living Guide provides clear advice to people living in the 86,000 strata schemes in NSW which will help them govern their strata schemes constructively and effectively.“The Guide will also help strata communities to engage in collective decision-making that serves their community’s best interests.“Strata debt is a growing issue in the community with the amount of money owed to strata title creditors in insolvencies climbing.“That is why we are introducing new legislation that will give strata property owners and strata corporations a clear path when managing strata levy debt in the best interests of all parties.”

Political candidates may soon have caps on donations they receive and money spent on federal election campaigns.Donors will only be able to give up to $20,000 in a calender year, indexed, and candidates will be limited to spending $800,000 in an electorate under proposed legislation to come before parliament on Monday. Senators will only be able to spend $200,000 per seat in the state, equating to a $9.2 million cap for NSW and $600,000 for the ACT.The reforms won't come into effect before the next federal election, due by late May, but would be in place from July 1, 2025.Clive Palmer spent more than $120 million in 2022 to get one United Australia Party senator elected. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)Unions and special interest groups such as Climate 200 will be subject to the laws, which have in-principle support from the coalition.There will be an $11 million spending cap for a federal campaign for organisations not running at the election, such as unions and lobby groups.The federal cap for registered parties will be $90 million.Under the legislation, there will be more transparency about donations, with the disclosure threshold lowered to $1000 - indexed every three years - on top of real-time monthly reporting requirements.This would increase to every week during an election campaign and every day in the week before and after polling day.The amount the Australian Electoral Commission pays candidates per vote would increase from $3.50 to $5.Senator Murray Watt believes all Australians want to keep big money out of politics. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)Employment Minister Murray Watt said Australia shouldn't "go down the American path where we can see rich individuals effectively buy elections"."We are seeing an increasing arms race when it gets to political donations and the amount of money that's been spent on election campaigns," he told ABC TV on Friday."I think all Australians have an interest in trying to keep big money out of politics."It would mean everyone's vote counted "rather than just the richest people in our communities", Senator Watt said.He denied it was a deal between the two major parties to kneecap independents."People should be able to win elections on the basis of their policies, their campaigning, rather than the fact that they prepared to spend inordinate amounts of money and take massive donations," Senator Watt said.Independent MPs Zali Steggall and Kate Chaney criticised the legislation for shutting out competition and giving more public funding to major parties.The major parties struck the deal because they were worried about the prospect of a larger cross bench, Ms Chaney said after a record number of independents were elected in 2022.Independent senator David Pocock agreed big money shouldn't buy elections, but said changes needed to provide a level playing field and the balance to protect independents hadn't been struck.He chastised the government for reportedly seeking to rush through the legislation without a parliamentary inquiry, saying it was "damaging to our democracy" and the cross bench hadn't been consulted in months.Billionaire Clive Palmer spent tens of millions of dollars in 2019 to keep then-opposition leader Bill Shorten out of office, before splashing more than $120 million in 2022 to get a single United Australia Party senator elected.By Dominic Giannini in Canberra

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib has appointed a new Commissioner, Michael Wassing, to lead the NSW State Emergency Service (SES).The SES is the lead emergency service agency in NSW for floods, storms and tsunami, providing support for communities through more than 11,000 volunteers operating from a network of over 260 sites across NSW. The SES works closely with other emergency service agencies and also provides road accident, search and rescue support when needed.Mike Wassing has extensive experience in senior leadership roles in the emergency services in Queensland and Victoria. He joins the NSW SES from the Queensland Reconstruction Authority where he served as Deputy Commissioner.Prior to this, Mr Wassing was Deputy Commissioner at Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) where he led the Readiness and Response Service and Fire Rescue Service from May 2022 to November 2023, and the State Emergency Service and Rural Fire Service from September 2015 to May 2022.At QFES, Mr Wassing played a pivotal role in the response to severe weather events including Tropical Cyclone Debbie (2017) and the 2022 East Coast floods which severely impacted South-East Queensland and NSW, as well as the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires as acting Commissioner. The appointment follows a competitive recruitment process undertaken by the Department of Communities and Justice. Mr Wassing will take up his role as Commissioner from 2 December 2024. Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said, “I am pleased to announce Mike Wassing will be the new Commissioner of the NSW SES.”“Mr Wassing has extensive experience as an emergency services leader, with a proven track record directing disaster response and recovery efforts through significant weather events that severely impacted communities. He has also shown an ability to work across different emergency services and jurisdictions, experience that will be invaluable in this new role.”“We are immensely proud of the volunteers who are the backbone of the SES and we look forward to the expertise that Mr Wassing brings to an organisation at the frontline of flood and weather response in NSW.”  “I thank Deputy SES Commissioners Debbie Platz and Damien Johnston for acting as Commissioner while we finalised the appointment.”“I look forward to working with the new Commissioner closely to deliver on the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to support communities when they need it most.”Incoming Commissioner for NSW SES Mike Wassing said, “It is an honour and a privilege to be appointed to lead the NSW SES which plays such a critical role in the community.”“I am incredibly impressed by the commitment and hard work we see time and again from the volunteers and staff at the SES, working with communities in the most challenging situations.”“I know the people of NSW rely on their dedication before, during and after disasters and emergencies – I am looking forward to supporting this work and ensuring the SES continues to focus on the safety of our communities and our people and is ready for the emerging challenges of the future.”

Closing regional lines will delay getting food from paddock to plate, NSW Farmers has warned the state government.Under draft NSW Freight Policy reforms, a number of key country rail lines across the state could be closed for good, forcing millions of metric tonnes of grain to be transported by road each year.NSW Farmers Business Economics and Trade Chair John Lowe said with the state’s agricultural production only set to increase, the need for better rail freight had never been more pressing.“Efficient, connected freight rail networks are what farmers need to get their world-class food off farm and into market, and we should be upgrading our rail lines, not shutting them down,” Mr Lowe said. “Switching just 1 per cent of our nation’s freight to rail would slash costs in accidents and emissions by over $70 million dollars a year. “Using more trucks for freight will only mean more traffic, more hazards, and more wear and tear on our roads – and don’t forget trucks emit 16 times the GHG emissions that trains do.”Mr Lowe said upgrades to regional rail lines and improved planning for connections into the Inland Rail would deliver far greater benefits to the agricultural supply chain than the proposed rail closures.“Increasing the weight carrying capacity of all regional rail lines and properly planning the smaller lines we need to connect farms to ports is essential, so we can have the infrastructure we need to continue to grow production,” Mr Lowe said. “While more trucks aren’t the solution to our transport woes, a better funding model for roads and bridges would certainly also go a long way to repairing past damage and ensuring freight that does travel via road can do so safely.“Safe, smart and sustainable infrastructure is what our supply chains need, if we want to get on the fast track to success here in NSW.”