'HIGH RISK': Hunter Businesses Slam Proposed NDIS Cuts

BY OLI GOELDNER

Hunter disability service providers are warning the federal government's proposed changes to the NDIS are putting participants and the economy at "high risk". 

The federal health minister has revealed around 160,000 people are expected to be cut from the disability insurance scheme. 

The NDIS is estimated to cost the Albanese Government around $50 billion, with new eligibility rules set to slash the overall price tag. 

With the changes, all NDIS providers will have to be registered, with digital tracking of their services to be put in place. 

However, the CEO of Hunter-based organisation Connectability Australia, David Carey, said the plan was developed with little to no consultation in the sector. 

"It's not a well thought through plan," he said. 

"They didn't consult about why the reforms are needed and how best to do it to minimise the impact on people with a disability."  

Data from the National Disability Services has revealed 73 per cent of providers are operating at a loss or barely breaking even. 

Mr Carey said the changes will compound financial pressures further. 

"We're going to see the job losses in other sectors as well," he added. 

"It's almost recession-causing in the way its been thought out.

"There's no transition plan and justification for this as far as economic sense, as well as social sense to the community." 

Alongside the planned cuts, the first payment of the Portable Long Service Leave levy is due this month, after being launched in July last year. 

Under the levy, providers are required to absorb a 1.7 per cent additional cost without an increase in funding. 

Contributions from employers are collected by the Long Service Corporation, who use the pooled money to pay long service leave to workers, even if they change employers. 

Mr Carey reported his business, which employs around 500 staff, will have to come up with an extra $600,000 each year to pay the levy.  

He said the levy, in conjunction with the cuts, is going to significantly impact families ability to afford proper care. 

"What's happening now is you're going to see people that are virtual prisoners in their own home," he explained. 

"Families will have to cease work or cut back work to look after their kids because we won't be able to do it on their behalf and have the time to enhance their lives, build skills and go out into the community."

 

 

 

 

 

Long day care workers in the Hunter set to receive 15% pay increase

BY OLIVIA GOELDNER

After significant efforts from the Independent Education Union, long day care workers in the Hunter are set to be awarded a 15% pay increase. 

Under the current award, full-time long day care workers are being paid $93,000 a year, but with the increase it will be bumped up to over $107,000. 

The federal government is set to invest $3.6 billion dollars into the increase, with pays to jump up by 10% in December, and 5% a year later. 

The union also welcomed the proposed 4.4% cap on fee increases for parents over the next 12 months. 

Carol Matthews from the union says the pay rise is aiming to boost workforce attraction and retention. 

"The rate of pay at the moment, is well under that of teachers in schools. 

"The conditions are pretty demanding, both the nature of the work and other conditions that go along with it. that has led to a real shortage of teachers and services are finding it really hard to fill those positions." 

Additional laws being requested by the union aim to address the long-term failure to properly value work in feminised sectors including early childhood education and care. 

"It's not an accident that female dominated areas are being paid less than those with less women, so it's a great move. We know there is more work to do, but this is a great first step."

Discussions are currently being made between the union and the federal government as to how the funding will be distributed. 

Federal Infrastructure Pipeline Review Yields Mixed Results For The Hunter

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The release of the federal government's report on it's infrastructure pipeline review has yielded mixed outcomes for projects in the Hunter. 

In good news for commuters, the M1 Pacific Motorway Extension to Raymond Terrace, The Newcastle Inner City Bypass, and upgrades to Mandalong Road will all go ahead as planned. 

Funding has been reserved for the planning of the Muswellbrook Bypass, however no additional commitment has been made for the construction phase of the project. 

Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell, says he believes the government is delaying the project, and it won't be delivered until after the Singleton Bypass is completed. 

"As we found out in budget estimates just a few weeks ago, NSW Transport will not proceed with the project until they receive a deed from the Federal Government with the construction money," he said. 

Meanwhile, work on the first phase of the government's proposed high speed rail network is set to grind to a halt, after today's report revealed it will no longer be funding upgrades to tracks and platforms at Tuggerah and Wyong. 

The federal and state governments committed a combined $1.5 billion last year to the improvements, as part of plans to cut 35 minutes off the journey from Newcastle to Sydney.

Although the report indicates $500 million has been allocated to "High Speed Rail Priorities", it also reveals the Central Coast upgrade works will no longer be funded by the Commonwealth. 

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon says the city will still have "a very lead role in the development of this exciting new chapter in Australian rail history." 

"We will be shaping what high speed rail looks like in Australia with the priority that's been given for the Newcastle to Sydney leg," she said. 

In addition, Dave Layzell says while he's pleased the government has allocated more funding for the replacement of the Brig O'Johnston Bridge at Clarence Town, it's not enough to fully fund the project. 

$781,000 in additional funding has been handed down by the Commonwealth for the replacement works. 

However, Dave Layzell, says it's only 20% of what's needed to get the job done. 

The release of today's report comes after Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King earlier this week announced changes to the way the government would fund projects, returning to a preference of 50:50 funding with the states and territories for future investments. 

Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes, says the government should be able to provide more clarity about the projects it is funding, now it's scope has been reduced. 

"A significant reduction in the scope of projects should hopefully see those on the list move through without delay. Ideally, we’ll also receive some clarity from the state government to confirm all these projects are in frame, given this clarity at a federal level," said Mr Hawes.

New Federal Grants Program Brought in To Help Communities Left Out of Former Government Initiative

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Councils and community groups in the Hunter are being encouraged to apply for a new round of federal government grants.

The $600 million Growing Regions Program has been brought in to replace the previous government's controversial Regional Growth Fund. 

Federal Labor has accused the Liberals and Nationals of pork-barreling and ignoring communities like the Hunter, after it was revealed 96% of funding from the Regional Growth Fund went to Coalition-held electorates.

The government says all local councils and community groups looking to deliver critical regional infrastructure will be eligible under the new program. 

Expressions of interest are now open. 

Hunter Included in National NBN Upgrades

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The Federal Government has announced the Hunter will benefit from their plan to increase internet speeds across the country. 

A number of areas across the region are set to be a part of the plan for a better NBN, which will include upgrades to a full-fibre broadband connection. 

Federal Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi, said the move is essential for the region moving forward. 

"Unfortunately, the previous government went with copper lines and it has not been up-to-scratch for what we've needed to do for our businesses and our families, now that we're all connecting to NBN all the time," Mr Repacholi said.  

"This will be a great thing for businesses, and a huge thing for families."

The areas set to benefit from the scheme so far are: Wyee; Wangi Wangi; Singleton; Edgeworth; Cooranbong; Cessnock; Bonnells Bay; Wallsend; Stockton; Shortland; North Lambton; New Lambton; Merewether; Maryland; Lambton; Kotara; Islington; Hamilton; Glendale; Elermore Vale; Cooks Hill; Cardiff; Broadmeadow; Adamstown Heights; and Adamstown. 

It's expected, eligible premises will be able to access the upgrade from 2024. 

Hunter Apprentices Given Federal Funding Boost

BY OLIVIA DILLON 

The Federal Government has provided more assistance for apprentices and employers across the Hunter and the country. 

It comes in repose to significant skills gaps across the region, with recent data showing 47% of trade and technician occupations are in shortage, up from 42% in 2021. 

Under the new scheme, the Australian Apprenticeship Priority List has been expanded, giving more occupations access to government funding. 

It's been expanded from 77 to 111, to include occupations like vet nurses, travel consultants and swimming coaches, in addition to traditional trades. 

It will provide a wage subsidy of up to $15,000 to be claimed by employers in the region, and $5000 will be given directly to eligible apprentices. 

Federal Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi, says holes in Hunter industries need to be plugged. 

"It's a big problem in the Hunter currently," he said. 

Hunter Volunteer Centre calling for lifeline after missing out in budget

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Hunter Volunteer Centre could soon close its doors, after failing to secure a lifeline in the latest Federal Budget.

More than half of the National Network of Volunteer Resource Centres are slated to shut or reduce services, because of a more than $3 million funding gap.

The network says 27 of its centres, which help to recruit and support volunteers in the community, are likely to cut their services or close entirely by the end of the financial year.

Local organisations and programs have already been struggling to find hands for a number of roles since the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Hunter Volunteer Centre CEO Tony Ross says the loss of the centre will only exacerbate the issue. 

"If you remove Volunteer Resource Centres out of the community, where do people go?" he said.

"It's potentially fair to say, some people find their own way to a volunteering opportunity, but my concern is what happens if that's not a positive experience? Where do those people then turn to?"

"And for those that aren't aware of what volunteering opportunities do exist, where do they go?"

The funding arrangement was initially changed under the former Coalition Government, prioritising online recruitment resources rather than face-to-face services.

Mr Ross says the funding remains the same, but he's not convinced the move has been successful.

In the meantime, he's approached Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon, in the hopes she'll take the issue to Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth.

"We're just hoping obviously Labor sees the light, or sees what I would argue is the stupidity of taking community-based funding away from community," Mr Ross said.

"With all the investment the current government is giving to volunteering, it just seems an unusual position to take."

$4.7 million spend for sand nourishment on Stockton Beach

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Federal Government has announced $4.7 million dollars in funding to begin sand nourishment on Stockton Beach.

The cash will fund the first deliveries of sand across the shoreline, as well as feasibility studies to identify additional sand sources and environmental approvals to access offshore deposits.

Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon says it's a major step forward for Stockton.

"This is an important catalyst project," she said. "It is phase one of a long-term plan to restore sand back to this beach."

"And to restore hope to the Stockton community that they won't continuously face ongoing erosion of this precious coastline, and the loss of vital community assets."

It's one of 34 projects being funded in the national Coastal and Estuarine Risk Mitigation Program.

The State Government has welcomed the spend, saying it's supporting plans to find 300,000 cubic metres of sand to nourish the shore in the short-term.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes says it will complement council works, such as a new buried seawall.

"There has been so much sand loss here, and all the studies have been done for so many decades," she said. "We need 2.4 million cubic metres."

"There is a missing element, and we do hope that in due course, the state will commit to not only the funding under the [Coastal Management Plan] to get the mass sand, but to do the environmental investigations and to get the licenses."

Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon and Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes.

Hunter MPs take to the government benches for the first time

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The 47th Federal Parliament kicks off today, with Hunter MPs taking to the government benches for the first time in their careers.

Shortland MP Pat Conroy, Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon, and Paterson MP Meryl Swanson have been in opposition since their respective elections, but will finally cross the chamber as Labor claims power.

Ms Claydon is also the party's pick for Deputy Speaker, with Queensland MP Milton Dick likely to be Speaker.

The Government is expected to take steps toward major aged care reform and the implementation of ten days paid domestic violence for all workers.

"It's finally an opportunity to put on the agenda all of the things that the people of Newcastle voted for," Ms Claydon said.

"This first week of Parliament, for a new Labor Government, is to first and foremost start bringing Australians together, creating that better future that we put to the Australian people at the election."

It's Hunter MP Dan Repacholi's first time altogether as a member, one of 35 new MPs in the Lower House.

He's a fresh face in the Canberra ranks, but won't be delivering his inaugural speech on Tuesday.

The former sport shooter says he's looking forward to his first term in Parliament.

"Pumped, to be honest," he said. "This is an amazing thing to represent the Hunter, and an amazing thing to represent Australia."

"To be in the Australian Federal Government, it's an amazing thing to do." 

Kurri Kurri power plant given the final environmental go-ahead

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Kurri Kurri gas plant has been given the final go-ahead by the Federal Environment Minister.

Sussan Ley signed off on the environmental impact statement yesterday.

It means Snowy Hydro can now move forward with securing a construction contract.

A firm date for works to start hasn't been set, but the Government expect the plant to be up and running next year.

Ms Ley says the project isn't just vital for energy reliability and affordability, but the economy as well.

"This project is about two things," Ms Ley said. "It's about jobs in the Hunter, the importance of jobs in the Hunter Region, particularly with the unemployment rate heading down."

"But this is also about the transition to low emissions technology."

Labor announced last week it will support the project, on the condition the power plant starts operation on 30 percent hydrogen, with 100 percent usage by 2030.

But Energy Minister Angus Taylor says it's a backflip, without much behind it.

"Labor has said what they're going to do, without a business plan," Mr Taylor said.

"It's uncosted, although we know the construction cost is going to go up by $600 million."

"But their overall project is uncosted - they haven't explained where the hydrogen is going to come from."

Federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley gave the project the final green tick.

Newcastle Airport positioned for international flights and national defence

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Federal Government has announced huge investment in Newcastle Airport, shaping the Hunter up as a new heartland for tourism and defence.

BAE Systems has received an $80 million contract over five years, to provide ongoing support for Australia's F-35A fighter fleet at Williamtown RAAF Base.

The Government's committed another $60 million to increase funding for the F-35A Industry Support Program.

A $164.9 million contract has also been awarded to Downer EDI Works to improve airfield infrastructure not only for military aviation, but to enable civilian international flights.

Patron Senator for the Hunter Hollie Hughes says it will benefit the economy in more way than one.

"At the end of the day, we're going to see a much more substantial runway, we're going to see much more substantial jobs and regional tourism created from that," Ms Hughes said.

"This is going to be a boom for all Novocastrians, very, very quickly."

Construction is expected to begin early next year and wrap up by late 2023. 

It's hoped local businesses with supply 75 percent of the total contract value.

The works contract alone is expected to support around 300 jobs.

Newcastle Airport CEO Peter Cock says the potential in opening Newcastle up to the world is even bigger.

"We really think that getting our region to Singapore, really then gives those connections, but also importantly the traffic in, you've got access to a number of markets, because Singapore's such a huge global hub," Mr Cock said.

"Also not forgetting the freight - we need to get our amazing green produce out into Asia."

The possibility of permanent international routes from Newcastle Airport have long been touted.

The Federal Government initially announced this commitment in May this year.

It's hoped the Airport could host at least two international flights a day, in addition to domestic services.

Mr Cock says it's a whole new chapter for the Hunter.

"We're trying to partner with the NSW Government now, so we get all the tiers of government combining into this project," Mr Cock said.

"We've done a 50 year vision for this airport. We think it's between five and ten million people - so think Gold Coast, think Adelaide Airport."

"That's what this region needs, if we're going to be the airport the region deserves and service the economic activity, not be a handbrake."

Labor Slam Federal Budget: What does it mean for the Hunter?

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

The Hunter's Federal Labor MPs have been left underwhelmed by the Turnbull government's 2018 Budget.

ROADS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

Of primary concern to Hunter MP, Joel Fitzgibbon was the lack of spending on key infrastructure projects which he says have been put on the back-burner for too long.

Mr Fitzgibbon was hoping to see funding commitments for the Glendale Transport Interchange, M1 Link to Raymond Terrace, Singleton and Muswellbrook Bypasses and the proposed Cessnock Ring Road to link the town to the Hunter Expressway.

It looks as though the Hunter may, however, receive a slice of the $3.5 billion Roads of Strategic Importance Initiative, marking $10 million across 10 years.

Federal Member for Lyne, David Gillespie (Nationals) said a bypass going into Coffs Harbour which will bypass the Big Banana is a win for Hunter motorists who'll be directly connected to Brisbane.

But Joel Fitzgibbon believes Mr Gillespie is kidding himself, labelling the lack of local road spends as disappointing.

"David Gillespie obviously doesn't know his geography very well if he thinks a bypass in Coffs Harbour is going to help our region..." he said.

PENSIONERS, AGED CARE AND WELFARE

Treasurer Scott Morrison touted benefits for elderly people staying in the workforce, with David Gillespie claiming there's plenty on the table for the Hunter's ageing residents.

Employers are set to receive a $10,000 wage subsidy if they employ seniors to work for them, while pensioners will be allowed to earn $300 a fortnight before they lose their benefits.

However Shortland MP, Pat Conroy said its all "spin," citing a $700 million cut to hospitals among the disappointments.

"There are 22,000 pensioners in Shortland, we've got one of the oldest populations on average in the country," Mr Conroy said, "and if you're a new pensioner you're going to miss out on the energy supplement which is worth $500 per couple; you're going to have to work longer to the age of 70 and, if heaven forbid you get sick, there's going to be a longer wait list at hospitals."

The budget unveiled more than 14,000 extra home care places across the nation to be rolled out over the next four years at a cost of $1.6 billion dollars; but with 170,000 Australians living in aged care facilities, a Newcastle-based Elder Care Lawyer believes it's too little, too late.

Catherine Henry fears clinical standards are worsening, with mandated staff-to-patient ratios the only way to tackle the "woefully inadequate staffing arrangements" operating within the industry.

Meanwhile, Pat Conroy can't believe Scott Morrison didn't see fit to increase the NewStart allowance, saying unemployed people cannot get by on what is being offered.

NewStart is available for people aged over 22 and less than pension age who are seeking paid work and who meet an income and assets test.

Most people under the scheme can receive $269 a week, or $39 a day.

In the lead up to last night's budget revelation, pressure had mounted on the government to increase the allowance, after infamous comments were made by Liberal MP Julia Banks, who said she would be able to live off the amount.

However the Shortland MP believes current welfare arrangements are completely unrealistic given modern housing and utility costs.

"I met with a 62-year-old woman who gets $750 a fortnight from Centrelink as she's had a knee operation and can't work," Mr Conroy explained, "her rent is $700 a fortnight - how can you survive on that?"

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

The University of Newcastle has missed out on key funding which will benefit 5000 regional universities.

$24.7 million each year, for the next five years, will go to Commonwealth Assisted places at the educational institutions, with Coffs Harbour once again coming ahead of the Hunter along with campuses at Moreton Bay and Launceston.

Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon, has slammed the move as unbelievable, and claims modelling shows the Callaghan campus is set to lose $69 million in funding by 2021.

"I think this is part of a deal that the National Parties have done with the government around certain universities in the Murray Darling region," she said.

"The notion that you would not regard Newcastle University as a standout regional university is astonishing."

It comes at a time when caps to HECS loans and their earlier repayment is being stalled in the Senate.

Joel Fitzgibbon joined the chorus of opposition, saying the Hunter is facing a future skills shortage given the lack of money being spent on TAFE.

The deadline's up: PFAS report from federal government due today

BY: ALEX MURRAY

The deadline for the Turnbull government's report in the wake of the Williamtown contamination crisis has arrived.

Residents affected by toxic pollution are rife with health, financial and living problems and are calling for compensation and effective solutions from their representatives.

With a delayed response from authorities and a freeze on bank lending in the area, the community are in devastation particularly for businesses and an uncertain future for families.

The federal government will be under scrutiny for their actions in the wake of the red-zone crisis and the 18 year gap since officials were warned of the dangerous chemicals.

Much of the government's spending has fallen onto the base but subsequently had limited plans for the affected residents.

The critical report being released today will detail a solution to these severe long-term problems for human safety and the money owed to the community.

Member for Paterson, Meryl Swanson says:

"This has been an issue for decades, we know what the problem is and now we want a solution."

"People are very concerned about their health implications and particularly their immediate mental health when they worry about their environment and of course the investigations into all sorts of clusters of cancer occurring around the base."

"Essentially we need to know what's in that plan and what consideration has been given for the people of Williamtown and what we intend to do for them."

"People have been rendered financially hopeless because they're not able to sell their properties because the banks won't lend to potential buyers, they've essentially been landlocked."

"Our local people feel well and truly deserted by our own government."

Meryl Swanson MP - Credit: Newcastle Herald