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Business
Record apprentice intake drives local jobs
A record number of new apprenticeships and trainees will be hired to work on vital road and transport infrastructure in the regions under the NSW Government’s commitment to bolster job opportunities in the bush.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the NSW Government was not only building projects that would better connect communities but building the skills base to deliver them.
“Local jobs matter – and we’re committed to training up locals so they continue to live in their community and carry out critical work like delivering on our $19.4 billion regional infrastructure program over the next four years,” Mr Toole said.
“Nearly 90 per cent of roles have gone to those living in regional areas since the program was launched in 2015, ensuring communities have the right people in place to rebuild after flooding, bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the program will provide more career opportunities and encourage more people to work in the regions.
“By investing in our people now, we will attract and develop the next generation of skilled workers to keep NSW moving well into our future,” Mr Farraway said.
“Applications are now open for 135 placements - an 80 per cent increase on last year - with last year’s intake made up of 46 per cent women and 24 per cent of Aboriginal people, and we’re eager to attract more.
“We are very proud of this program - while we continue to build and maintain vital infrastructure for customers, it’s critical that we build a skills legacy to meet future needs.”
Opportunities will be available across 10 disciplines, including civil construction, bridge construction, painting and blasting, electrical, heavy diesel mechanic, business administration, project management and three new programs in marketing and communications, finance and safety, environment and quality.
Currently, 76 per cent of apprentices and trainees go on to secure permanent employment at Transport for NSW.
Applications are open today and close midnight 7 August.
For more: www. transport.nsw.gov.au/
The Fair Work Commission has revoked the federal entry permit of Queensland CFMMEU official Andrew Blakeley and banned him from holding a permit for 12 months. This decision follows a previous decision of the Commission to suspend Mr Blakeley’s permit for 3 months.
The latest decision of the Fair Work Commission was triggered by a decision of the Federal Circuit and Family Court on 11 March 2022 penalising the CFMMEU, Mr Blakeley and another official $102,000 after they delayed a concrete pour at the $6 million Marine Parade project site in Labrador in April 2020.
Less than six weeks before the Marine Parade decision, the Federal Circuit and Family Court on 3 February 2022 found Mr Blakeley had contravened right of entry laws in November 2020 during construction of the Queensland Performing Arts Complex (QPAC).
At the time, the Federal Circuit and Family Court imposed a near maximum penalty of $119,880 against the CFMMEU for its two contraventions of the Fair Work Act. Mr Blakeley was penalised $7,992.
Mr Blakeley’s 12-month ban commenced on 7 July 2022.
A list of union officials who do not hold a valid federal entry permit, or have conditions imposed on their federal entry permit, can be found on the ABCC’s website.
New laws to help injured workers and drivers
NSW Parliament approved changes to workers compensation and motor accidents legislation that will provide greater support to volunteers, children of those involved in fatal workplace accidents and road users.
The Motor Accidents and Workers Compensation Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 amends the workers compensation and motor accidents legislation, as well as the State Insurance and Care Governance Act 2015, the Workers Compensation (Bush Fire, Emergency and Rescue Services) Act 1987 and the Personal Injury Commission Act 2020.
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the changes improve the benefits available to workers, volunteers, their families and drivers.
“The devastating 20192020 bushfire season exposed a discrepancy in workers compensation entitlements between volunteer and paid firefighters who both give their time and expertise to protect communities across the State,” Mr Dominello said.
“Today’s changes make sure that volunteers and their families receive the same access to provisional liability, compensation for funeral costs, and some other return to work and training costs, as their paid counterparts.
Mr Dominello said the new laws also support the children of people killed in workplace accidents, who will now receive compensation to cover the costs of the NSW Trustee and Guardian managing their lump sum payment until they turn 18.
MSMEs agree digitization helps sustain business
As the pandemic slows down, Australian small businesses believe going digital will help them retain their operations in the future, as revealed through a survey for International MSME Day 2022 conducted by Crazy Domains, a leading hosting and online solutions provider.
When the COVID-19 crisis shut down businesses worldwide, many Australian micro-, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) thrived by embracing digitalization. Such as launching a website (78 percent), sending business emails (81 percent), being active on social media (56 percent) and leveraging digital marketing (36 percent).
Businesses have become more invested in getting online, spending more than $2,500 a year on online solutions, such as websites, domains, web hosting, business email, and marketing services, among others.
A digital presence has become a top priority for Australian MSMEs. Among those that currently do not have a website, 68 percent are willing to outsource website creation to professionals, while 32 percent would do it themselves.
Among those who own a website, only 20 percent of them currently sell online, while 24 percent intend on selling online within the next 12 months. This isn’t surprising, as brand promotion and a professional image remain to be among the top reasons for building a website, along with acquiring new customers.
Meanwhile, most eCommerce businesses believe selling online plays a key role in growing their business.
URGENT APPEAL
Firefghters are pleading with the public to follow the safety advice after 10 house fre deaths already this winter.
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the death toll was more than double last winter’s fgure.
“Since the start of June, tragically we’ve lost 10 lives in house fres across the State, compared to four last winter,” Ms Cooke said.
“The majority of house fre deaths are preventable, which is why it is so important to listen to the advice of frefghters and make sure you have a working smoke alarm installed for every level of your home.
“A working smoke alarm will save your life and the lives of your loved ones. Check on parents, grandparents and neighbours to help them stay fre safe.”
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Commissioner Paul Baxter said there had been 438 house fres across the State since the start of June.
“The message is simple but not enough people are paying attention,” Commissioner Baxter said.
“We spend a lot of money on burglar alarms to stop people stealing our big screen TVs
We install smart CCTV systems to make sure no one steals our internet purchases from the front porch. We need to wake up and take simple inexpensive steps to protect our irreplaceable things, our lives.”
“Portable heaters, especially bar heaters, will kill you if you are not careful with them. Keep anything combustible a metre from the heater, clothing, curtains, couches and furniture, turn them off when you go to bed.” 47 per cent of the homes damaged by fre this winter did not have working smoke alarms, while one in fve did not have a smoke alarm at all. FRNSW advises the public to:
Ensure you have a ‘home
fre escape plan” and practice it regularly with your family; and If a fre does occur, get out, stay out and call Triple
Zero (000).
Residents can help keep their homes fre safe by using FRNSW’s Get Ready for Winter checklist.
Hume Hydrogen Highway DELIVERING THE RENEWABLE HUME HYDROGEN HIGHWAY
The NSW Government is driving down emissions and boosting jobs and industry, codelivering Australia’s frst renewable hydrogen highway on the east coast with the Victorian Government.
NSW Treasurer and Minister for Energy Matt Kean said applications are now open for $20 million in grant funding to support the design and delivery of renewable hydrogen trucking along Australia’s busiest freight corridor.
“This initiative aims to show the potential of renewable hydrogen for heavy vehicles with the goal of transitioning the freight sector to zero emissions energy sources,” Mr Kean said.
“The Hume Hydrogen Highway will create new jobs and attract investment to NSW and Victoria. It’s expected to drive uptake of renewable hydrogen in the heavy transport sector.”
The NSW and Victorian Governments have each invested $10 million in grant funding for the Hume Hydrogen Highway, a joint grant initiative to support the development of at least four refuelling stations along the highway and approximately 25 hydrogen-powered trucks.
Transport is one of Australia’s largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions.
Renewable hydrogen shows strong potential to be cost competitive with diesel for trucks.
Victoria’s Minister for Energy and Minister for Environment and Climate Action Lily D’Ambrosio said transport accounts for 25 per cent of Victoria’s total carbon footprint.
“Australia’s busiest corridor is the perfect place to kickstart the transition to a zeroemission freight sector,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.
“The renewable hydrogen highway will create new jobs, drive investment across the east coast and is a landmark step towards meeting Victoria’s target to halve emissions by 2030 as we work towards net-zero by 2050.”
Mr Kean said the Hume Hydrogen Highway is the frst initiative of a statewide hydrogen refuelling network.
“What we’re looking for is strong industry collaboration between refuelling station operators, feet operators, truck manufacturers, major freight customers, and other entities which will be vital to the success of the initiative,” Mr Kean said.
The Victorian, NSW and Queensland Governments will collaborate on the development of the renewable hydrogen highway by 2026, focusing on the Hume Highway, the Pacifc Highway and the Newell Highway.
Grant applications close 21 October 2022. The successful applicant must enter into a joint funding agreement with both Governments.
Salvos Stores needs you to dig deep this winter
Salvos Stores are encouraging the public to dig deep into wardrobes and linen closets for warm items to donate to ensure their stores are kept stocked with winter woollies during the colder months. This July, anyone who donates warm winter clothes to Salvos Stores will receive a 20% discount voucher which can be used in-store or online, meaning savings on great value products. This comes as a result of Salvos Stores experiencing a downtick in winter stock donations this year. Maintaining strong winter stock plays a vital role in supporting the frontline work of The Salvation Army, with sales from Salvos Stores going directly to funding The Salvos programs around Australia.
“At Salvos Stores, we want to ensure that we have the right stock for our customers looking to shop pre-loved for their winter wear. This is why we are calling on the public to take a look in their wardrobe and see if they can spare a few winter items this chilly season,” said Matt Davis, CEO of Salvos Stores. “And while you are at it, you will get a great discount in store or online from our great range of products, so you can feel good whilst getting yourself a bargain.” Each year, Salvos Stores raises over $39 million for The Salvation Army’s frontline work right across the country, which in turn helps over 1 million Aussies in need. On top of this, shopping at Salvos Stores is good for the environment as they divert around 40 million items from landfll each year through the sale of goods in their store network. With over 350 stores nationwide and an online store, Salvos Stores are providing affordable, environmentally friendly products to communities right around ustralia. “We are looking for those essential winter items, such as jumpers, jackets, beanies, and other warm clothes. So please, head into your local Salvos Store and donate your winter goods to make a difference in other people’s lives,” said Matt Davis. To fnd out more about Salvos Stores Winter Stock ‘Donate for a Discount’ initiative, or to shop at Salvos Stores online, visit salvosstores.com.au. ‘Donate for a Discount’ until July 30.
