Hunter students heading to Canberra virtually this year

BY JARROD MELMETH

Hunter school students are heading to Canberra in a different way this year.

Due to the ongoing statewide lockdowns, the rite of passage trip will be undertaken virtually, visiting some of the biggest museums, galleries and institutes over five days.

It's expected 320,00 students across the country will be participating as they study aeronautics at Questacon, learn about the sacrifice of ANZACS at the Australian War Memorial, discuss coin production at the mint and learn about democracy at Old Parliament House.

Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell says its fantastic to see technology created for regional and remote students now benefiting thousands of students during a pandemic.

"The pandemic has caused students to miss out on a lot, a trip to Canberra is a staple for students.

"I'm so happy NSW is in a position to use technology to transport students from their homes to Canberra for a week of learning and fun.

Registration for the event can be done here.

Image: Visit Canberra

Government Must Act Now to Secure High-Speed Rail

BY TYLER FARDELL

One of the biggest projects ever seen in Australia could end up costing billions of dollars more than it should if the State Government doesn't act fast to purchase land.

A high-speed rail line stretching along the East Coast would increase commuter numbers and reduce travel costs as it would connect all the major Eastern cities.

However, Infrastructure Australia is worried the project may result in a cost-blowout if vital land for the rail isn't purchased before developers get their hands on it.

It's estimated securing the plots of land would cost the Government around $720 million dollars right now, but it could end costing at least $3.5 billion dollars if it's sold to developers.

This is because it's around 10 times more expensive to build rail underground through tunnels to avoid housing areas, according to the Executive Director of Policy and Research at Infrastructure Australia, Adrien Dwyer.

"If we act now we can provide the infrastructure we need for the future at significant savings', he said.

It's all guesswork right now, but people are speculating a section of the rail between Sydney and Canberra could be up and running as early as 2032, with Melbourne to follow around 5 years later.

Currently, there are five areas of land between Sydney and Newcastle which are at risk of being sold to developers.

"Something like high-speed rail could be a game-changer for Australia in the future, but we might miss out on that opportunity if we don't make the modest investments now".

Source; SydneyMorningHerald

Paterson MP Meryl Swanson deputy chair of new government committee

BY SARAH BARONOWSKI and JESSICA ROUSE

Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson now has a place as deputy chair of a new Federal Government committee which will look at the benefits and necessity of regional development and decentralisation.

A key focus will be looking at the pros and cons of moving government departments from Canberra to regional areas like the Hunter and putting them in the best possible position for jobs and growth.

Meryl Swanson says it's pivotal regional areas don't miss out and she will ensure her electorate and the whole Hunter region aren't forgotten.

"We do need to have good services from government, we need to look at government departments moving to the regions and that's what this committee will be doing. Are they a good thing, are they not a good thing, we'll be making those inquiries and trying to figure out just what role the regions play."

She also says there's more to decentralisation than just moving government departments from Canberra to regions like the Hunter.

"Decentralisation is also about governments providing enough support and enough staff for the departments that are already in existence in those areas. So rather than sacking all the Centrelink staff, ensuring that staff are there is a very important thing. It is about how we ensure that we've got enough staff to make sure the people in the regions are well serviced," said Meryl Swanson.

Paterson MP Meryl Swanson sworn in and ready to roll

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Federal Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson has been officially sworn into office today as the Governor General opens the 45th Parliament in Canberra.

The former 2NURFM announcer is incredibly honoured to be in Canberra and is excited to find her seat in the chamber and get down to business.

"It is a momentous day for me personally, but it will be good to get down to work after a long campaign and a long recess. I'm looking forward to participating in it and getting some decisions made for the people of Paterson and more broadly, the people of Australia."

Tomorrow will mark the first day of sitting in Parliament for the new parliamentarians, as legislation starts rolling into the chamber.