Australian Labor Party (NSW Branch) Platform 2018 AS AMENDED BY THE 2018 ANNUAL STATE CONFERENCE PLATFORM 2018
CONTENTS
1. BUILDING SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES...... 5
Promoting Sustainable Development...... 5 Affordable Housing for all...... 5 A Sustainable Environment...... 7 Land Use and Resource Management...... 8 Climate Change...... 8 Coastal Lands, Rivers and Wetlands...... 10 Waste Management and Resource Recovery...... 11 Our Natural Environment...... 12 Protecting our Heritage...... 14 Promoting Sustainable Transport...... 14 Developing Sustainable Energy...... 16 Working Cooperatively with Local Government...... 20 Better Local Governance...... 20 Promoting Arts and Culture in the Community...... 21 Evidence-Based Policy...... 22 Quantum Technologies...... 22
2. SOCIAL JUSTICE AND LEGAL AFFAIRS...... 23
Community Services and Social Welfare...... 23 Support for the Community Sector...... 23 Children and Families...... 23 A Whole Government Response to Family and Domestic Violence...... 24 Supporting People with Disabilities...... 24 Supporting the NDIS Workforce...... 25 Supporting the Elderly...... 25 Providing Home and Community Care Services (HACC)...... 26 Homelessness...... 26 Promoting Cultural Diversity...... 26 Fostering Youth Participation...... 27 Animal Welfare...... 27 Promoting Participatory Democracy...... 28 A New Standard – Zero Tolerance of Corruption...... 28 Reform of our Legal System...... 28 Access to Legal Services for all...... 29 Promoting Civil Liberties...... 29 Collection and Dissemination of Information...... 30 An Independent Judiciary...... 30 Government as a Legal Entity...... 30 Criminal Law and Procedure...... 30 Transport Accident Compensation...... 30 Protecting the Privacy of Individuals...... 31
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Justice Reinvestment for Young People...... 31 Corrective Services...... 31
3. OUR ECONOMIC FUTURE...... 32
Building a Modern Economy...... 32 Building 21st Century Infrastructure...... 33 Delivering Better Government Services...... 34 Government Procurement...... 35 A More Efficient Taxation System...... 37 Supporting NSW Industries...... 38 Regional Development...... 39 Supporting Small Business...... 39 Asset Sales and Private Sector Infrastructure...... 40 Co-operatives...... 41 Consumer Affairs...... 41 A Professional Financial Services Industry...... 41 Provision of Insurance...... 42 Investing in Innovation...... 42 Utilising our Natural Resources...... 44 Public Utilities...... 45
4. PROSPERITY AND FAIRNESS AT WORK...... 45
Promoting Full Employment...... 45 Creating Fair Workplaces...... 46 A Strong Safety Net...... 47 Building Safer Workplaces...... 48 Wage Theft...... 49 Fair Workers Compensation...... 49 Promoting Work Life Balance...... 50 Public Sector Employment...... 51 Regulation of Work...... 51 Labour Hire...... 52 Skills Development through Training...... 52 Gender Equality at Work...... 54 People with Disabilities...... 54 Asset Sale and Private Sector Infrastructure...... 55 Local Government Employment...... 55
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5. EDUCATION AND SKILLS...... 55
Early Childhood Education and Care...... 56 High Standards for School Education...... 57 Pathways in Schools Leading to Future Education, Training and Employment...... 57 Developing the Skills for the Future...... 57 Management of Educational Resources...... 58 Distance Education...... 58 Languages Other Than English (LOTE)...... 58 Special Education...... 59 Basic Skills Testing...... 59 Adult Education...... 59 Aboriginal and Multicultural Education...... 60 Inclusive Education...... 61 Education in Gaols...... 61 Building Safe and Supportive Schools...... 61 Teacher Training...... 61 Education for Overseas Students...... 62 Higher Education – Student Representation and Services...... 62
6. A HEALTHY SOCIETY...... 62
Promoting Excellence...... 62 A Dedicated Health Workforce...... 63 Palliative Care...... 63 Dental Services...... 63 A Good Start in Life...... 63 Mental Health...... 64 Aged Care and Rehabilitation Services...... 65 Promoting a Healthy Society...... 65
7. INDIGENOUS PEOPLE AND RECONCILIATION...... 67
Improving the Lives of Indigenous Australians...... 67 Aboriginal Housing and Infrastructure...... 69 A Strong Voice for Indigenous Australians...... 69 Protecting Indigenous Heritage...... 69
8. COUNTRY LABOR...... 70
Growing Regional Economies...... 70 Protecting Regional Environments...... 70 Regional Service Delivery...... 71 Regional Education Services...... 71 Reducing the Tyranny of Distance...... 72 Supporting Primary Industries...... 72
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1. BUILDING SUSTAINABLE 1.6 NSW Labor will promote regional COMMUNITIES development and greater opportunities for regional communities by ensuring regions 1.1 NSW Labor will promote urban and regional are an attractive option for industry by development that creates sustainable providing access to important services such communities. NSW Labor in government as ports, electricity and rail in an efficient will promote economic growth that creates and cost effective manner. NSW Labor will liveable communities with appropriate provide government assistance in the form housing development supported by of subsidies, grants or rebates for firms infrastructure, employment opportunities, proposing to relocate to regional areas only affordable energy and affordable public in certain circumstances. transport. Labor in government will give priority to measures which promote liveable Affordable Housing for all cities including improved planning and public transport to reduce congestion and 1.7 NSW Labor will facilitate collaboration commuting time; energy efficient building across Government departments, agencies design; green spaces for improved urban and external partners, to ensure a holistic amenity and to combat the effect of a approach to sustainable development that changing climate. Labor will also seek to considers transport, housing, environmental balance such development with access needs and the creation of employment to a protected natural environment and opportunities in close range, for metropolitan cultural, social and recreational activities and and regional centres. This will aim to enhance facilities. Labor will promote the concept of liveability and quality of life for citizens by ecological permeability in the retention and supporting access to transport, housing and management of urban bushland. jobs within 30 minutes. 1.2 NSW Labor will promote sustainable energy 1.8 NSW Labor recognises the importance production and consumption characterised of housing in the economic and social life by energy conservation, innovation and the of Australia. Every person has a right to supply of renewable energy. adequate and affordable accommodation within a choice of housing tenures. Housing 1.3 NSW Labor will work cooperatively with local policies should recognise all categories of government to build sustainable communities. economic, social and personal need, without discrimination, consistent with the principles Promoting Sustainable Development of social justice and equity with a mix of housing choices. 1.4 NSW Labor will promote sustainable development in metropolitan and regional 1.9 Housing policy should seek to alleviate centres to ensure citizens enjoy livable housing related poverty by assisting those communities. Development must support on low and moderate incomes to achieve affordable housing, employment opportunities home ownership, meeting the cost of public and access to affordable public transport. and cooperative housing or facilitating the Labor will achieve this by ensuring that availability of private rental accommodation. designated transport corridors are reserved 1.10 The public housing sector should continue to through legislation before development takes be developed as a viable and positive housing place. Further, Labor will require all new land alternative for those with lower and moderate releases to be assessed in terms of their incomes. impact on the environment, the availability of employment and services as well as an 1.11 NSW Labor will maintain and develop, in assessment of alternative options. cooperation with the Federal Government, an income related assistance scheme for those 1.5 NSW Labor will implement selective urban who are experiencing housing related poverty consolidation in major metropolitan centres. in public housing, in the private rental sector This will allow resources to be expended on and in non-profit cooperative housing. upgrading services within established urban areas and permit more efficient expenditure 1.12 NSW Labor will ensure that aged persons’ on selected growth centres outside existing accommodation is provided without metropolitan areas. discrimination, in a way that meets housing needs and respects the rights and dignity of residents.
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1.13 NSW Labor will develop design standards 1.23 NSW Labor will support both common equity to cater for the specific needs of people and private equity housing cooperatives as with physical, intellectual and psychiatric well as other forms of community managed disabilities. housing schemes. 1.14 NSW Labor will ensure that single people, 1.24 A secure and affordable place to live young people and sole parents have access underpins a prosperous, productive and to housing assistance programs including equitable society. Almost a third of NSW public and cooperative housing. citizens live in rented properties with a growing proportion of those being families. 1.15 NSW Labor supports licensing and regulatory The next Labor government will modernise systems for caravan parks and camping rental rules to provide certainty, balance and grounds and legislated rights for caravan park fairness to renters and landlords. residents and relocatable home residents. 1.25 NSW Labor will provide flexible and innovative 1.16 NSW Labor supports programs to provide schemes to assist low and moderate income housing for Aboriginal people and will earners to achieve home ownership. continue the operation of the specialist agencies to co-ordinate Aboriginal housing 1.26 NSW Labor will maintain the Rental Bond and infrastructure programs. Board, which holds the bond money of private tenants and adjudicates entitlement disputes 1.17 NSW Labor will provide transitional supported between landlords and tenants. The funds accommodation and related support services generated by the Board will be used for to people who are homeless, including services that support tenants. young people, women escaping domestic violence, and single people, through 1.27 Open and transparent environmental the Commonwealth/State Supported management systems are essential for Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP). effective decision making, monitoring, assessment and reporting of environmental 1.18 NSW Labor will implement case management, performance and outcomes. assessment and referral processes to link SHS clients with relevant health, housing, 1.28 NSW Labor will revive and update what were education, labour market and community once best-practice systems of environmental services to help them achieve the maximum management for NSW, including: possible degree of independence. n Management, governance and decision 1.19 NSW Labor will support the provision of making structures and responsibility, transitional supported accommodation and including the independence and resourcing related support services to people who are of institutions involved in environmental homeless through the Specialist Homelessness protection.; Service program. n Consistent standards and adequate data 1.20 NSW Labor will continue to support funded for decision making; specialist services across the state to work n Efficient and certain regulation including with specific vulnerable groups, including streamlined environmental assessment young people, women and families leaving processes; domestic violence and GLBTIQ people. n Fair and efficient management of 1.21 NSW Labor will ensure that a diverse range Australia’s environment as a foundation for of housing stock is available to meet the ecologically sustainable jobs; needs of all sections of the community. The Commonwealth-State Housing Agreement n Enhancing biodiversity for the benefit of (CSHA) will continue to be the major vehicle current and future generations; and to develop the public housing sector. n Resilience in the natural environment. 1.22 NSW Labor will continue to support public 1.29 Labor recognises the need to have a strong housing for a broad cross-section of the environmental watchdog that has the population with funding from federal and state independence to carry out its mission as revenue and private sources. Public rental protector of the environment and advocate of stock should be well located, energy efficient, best practice environmental management. integrated with private housing and well maintained.
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1.30 NSW Labor believes social and affordable development. The focus will be on housing housing should exist in every community, and options, transport infrastructure, recreational supports inclusionary zoning to deliver on this facilities and business opportunities. Labor goal. We support a requirement that every recognises that environmental sustainability new residential development on private land requires a whole of government approach and includes a substantial proportion of social and that all government decision-making should affordable housing, to be owned by social and consider the need for a sustainable future. community housing providers. This proportion Labor in government will: will increase over time. NSW Labor will use n Commit all areas of policy and government owned land to help deliver administration to environmental more social and affordable housing where sustainability, including reporting on key appropriate. indicators (including energy efficiency and 1.31 NSW Labor will: use, water use and recycling, waste, and sustainable procurement) n Examine whether a shared equity scheme could be trialled in NSW. n Commit all relevant areas of policy and administration to develop climate change n Examine whether reform is needed to mitigation and adaptation plans. support the emerging build-to-rent sector. n NSW Labor will take an active role in n Consider what measures can be taken to equitably transitioning NSW to a renewable increase the scale of the non-profit social powered state. NSW Labor does not and affordable housing sector. support any form of public funding on n Consider other measures to deliver extraction of new fossil fuels. affordable housing for key essential service n Investigate establishing state-wide workers. Environmental Accounts, and will seek co-operation with the Federal government A Sustainable Environment and other State governments towards 1.32 NSW Labor supports the creation of national and regional environmental communities in which citizens have a healthy accounts, as a path to accurately tracking environment with clean air, clean water, safe our environmental assets to inform policy food, abundant wildlife and green space. NSW making and planning. Labor supports policies which will improve n Introduce a Climate Change Act to provide living standards, create jobs and encourage a long-term framework for climate change sustainable industries. In regional areas NSW mitigation and adaptation. Labor will aim for regional delivery of natural resource management consistent with national 1.34 NSW Labor will continue to work with farmers priorities for sustainable development, and rural developers to ensure that farming sustainable agricultural practices and practice is ecologically sustainable. opportunities for new industries. NSW Labor 1.35 NSW Labor will maintain responsibility for all supports strong measures to avoid dangerous environment and planning functions including climate change. Labor recognises that climate environmental assessment and protection, change poses significant risks to economic heritage conservation, national parks and growth. Labor will put climate change at wildlife protection and administration, coastal the heart of our commitment to deliver protection, land use and resource planning, jobs, innovation and investment to build a pollution control and waste management. prosperous, safe and fair NSW. 1.36 Labor will support enhanced national 1.33 Labor recognises the critical interrelationship standards on air quality and monitoring and between the environment, society and the reporting of air pollution. economy. Labor acknowledges that the prosperity of present and future generations 1.37 Labor will require that the costs of pollution is dependent on the health of our natural control, including licensing, monitoring, environment and the effective management policing, auditing and remediation are met by of all natural resources. NSW Labor will industry and the costs of managing the human integrate environmental, social and economic health and environmental impacts of pollution policy to produce a best practice approach are met by polluters. to the principles of ecologically sustainable
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1.38 Labor will ensure that bodies set up to 1.44 With respect to Landcare NSW Labor will: monitor the effects of pollutants on our n Provide an integrated catchment air, water and soil are properly resourced management approach to policy and able to operate effectively to provide development and to the allocation of funds. advice, information and recommendations to government in a timely manner. n Take action to prevent desertification, salination and erosion of land. 1.39 No activities are to be undertaken without a full and effective assessment of any likely n Rehabilitate degraded land. significant environmental impacts, and such n Facilitate re-afforestation. assessments should lead to the imposition of n Research land management and specific controls to mitigate adverse impacts. rehabilitation.
NSW Labor will ensure that biodiversity n Enhance biodiversity through native offsets policy is built on key foundations: vegetation retention.
n ‘like for like’ offsetting, within a reasonable n Implement native vegetation retention geographic proximity; legislation.
n no ‘net loss’ biodiversity outcomes and n Promote sustainable land use practices. ideally ‘net positive’ outcomes; 1.45 NSW Labor will develop a Resource n recognition that some high conservation Management Plan for the State, and enhance value lands must be off limits to offsetting; a regular process of ‘State of the Environment’ and reporting and develop a State Conservation Strategy in consultation with environmental n ensure a single system for environmental groups, trade unions and industry. offsets for all development in NSW. 1.46 NSW Labor will ensure that mining is 1.40 Labor recognises and supports the passion considered as one of a number of competing of local environment conservation groups land uses and not as the pre-eminent use, and the invaluable contribution they make and be subject to full environmental impact to protecting and preserving Australia’s assessments. environment. These groups play an important role in mobilising government action on local 1.47 NSW Labor will assess mining proposals with environmental issues and are critical, active attention to the following considerations: participants in broader national conversations n Possible alternative land uses. on issues such as climate change. n Short and long term economic effects at 1.41 Labor will provide sufficient resources to the local, regional and state level. enable community groups, NGOs and other environmental organisations to participate in n Likely effects on the physical environment, government processes and play a substantial particularly water and air quality. role in ensuring best environmental outcomes 1.48 NSW Labor will ensure that the costs of for NSW. rehabilitating affected land to pre-mining 1.42 Labor will develop and implement an condition or a condition suitable for an agreed Environmental Justice Action Plan, modelled subsequent use are recognised as a cost of on international best practice, to support mining to be borne by those undertaking the environmental justice research, public mining with securities being provided. education and enforcement. Labor will ensure that members of the community have legal Climate Change standing to seek enforcement of the law and 1.49 NSW Labor recognises the need for review of Government decisions, including immediate and sustainable action to limit reviews in the public interest greenhouse gas emissions and counter climate change. Labor recognises that Land Use and Resource Management climate change poses threats, and requires 1.43 NSW Labor will ensure that land use decisions responses, in areas including agriculture and recognise the needs of the whole community primary industries, education, energy, health, for land for a variety of different, and changing infrastructure, local government and planning, purposes, and the desirability of multiple uses tourism and transport. Labor will require of land. climate adaptation plans from Departments and agencies to include modelling of climate 8 PLATFORM 2018
change impacts on their operations, services temperatures, longer and more extreme and policy responsibilities. Key principles and period of high bushfire risks and more goals are to: frequent and intense extreme weather events including heatwaves, storms and flash n Raise awareness of climate issues within flooding. the broader community. Infrastructure planning will need to take n Promote understanding of the likely account of projected sea level rises due impacts on NSW, and identify adaptation to climate change; potential for increased strategies. severity of flash flooding (since warmer air n Limit and reduce the growth of greenhouse holds more water); and resilience of critical gas emissions. infrastructure in heat waves and storm events. Labor will give special attention to n Promote climate change partnerships by infrastructure projects which help affected government, individuals, industry, business communities and industries deal with change. and community groups. Labor will require climate adaptation and n Reduce business uncertainties by resilience plans for all major infrastructures establishing carbon constraints to promote owned or regulated by the NSW government; new investment and innovation. and promote national climate adaptation and resilience standards and planning for other n Identify strategic areas for cooperative work with other Australian jurisdictions major infrastructure. including a national emissions trading Coalition governments, Federal and State, scheme. have failed to provide local governments 1.50 NSW Labor supports Australian Labor’s with the support they need to prepare their commitment to Australia doing its fair share in communities for climate change impacts. reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including Labor will: the goal that net emissions must approach Work with Councils to develop risk zero by mid- century. Within Australia, NSW management procedures and programs must also do its fair share. NSW is responsible acknowledging the growing impact of climate for 31% of the country’s economy. Labor change recognises that the relatively high current n Hold a Local Government Climate Summit emissions intensity of the NSW economy to restore the relationship between State presents challenges, but also presents and local governments; opportunities for emissions reductions. NSW needs to seize the opportunities opening n Implement strategies that support coastal up in a clean energy economy, and avoid communities to respond to the impact of being left behind. NSW Labor will pursue rising sea levels a comprehensive strategy to achieve these n work with community organisations (such objectives Labor will reduce emissions from as sporting bodies) to identify and address land management by strictly controlling their vulnerability to climate change. land clearing and re-vegetating degraded land; supporting primary producers to Labor will ensure that health policy and adopt practices that sequester carbon in planning takes into account the impacts of soils and perennial vegetation, encouraging climate change. carbon farming; supporting energy-efficient 1.52 Climate change is already causing an technologies that convert emissions and plant increase in the number and severity of wastes into energy and other useful products. natural disasters and extreme weather events 1.51 Climate change is not only a problem for affecting Australia. NSW Labor will review our the future. Parts of NSW are already feeling emergency strategies and response capacity the impact of climate change now. Helping and work with other levels of government to communities adapt to a changing climate ensure capacity meets increasing demand. is essential to Labor’s long term plan to 1.53 NSW Labor recognises that the Climate address the issues arising from climate Change will affect both regional and urban change including reduced water and other NSW. Labor will commission a Climate resources, rising sea levels, warmer average Change in our Regions Paper that will
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comprehensively investigate the effects of n Establish a one off Healthy Rivers climate change in Regional NSW, and propose Commission to assess the health of NSW prospective solutions. rivers.
n Review all legislation and policies relating Coastal Lands, Rivers and Wetlands to river and coastal health.
1.54 NSW Labor will maintain an advisory n Continue to implement National Water committee comprised of representatives Initiative measures. from relevant government departments and 1.56 NSW Labor will co-operate with the authorities, local government and suitably Commonwealth and other States in the qualified individuals to advise on the: management of the Murray-Darling River n Protection and restoration of the coastal system with particular attention to river flows environment and its resources. and salinity.
n Balanced utilisation and conservation of 1.57 NSW Labor will maintain a policy of the coastal region and its resources. controlling development in flood liable areas and conduct economic analyses of the relative n Co-ordination of the policies and activities costs of control and irrigation measures and of public authorities relating to the coastal flood effects, including design criteria for region. development in flood affected lands. n Acquisition of lands in the coastal region 1.58 NSW Labor will recognise the value of coastal for coastal protection, access or enjoyment. and inland wetlands as ecosystems essential n Rejection of proposals for damming of to the protection of particular species of rivers which would compromise World flora and fauna and as breeding grounds for Heritage areas. species of birds and aquatic fauna that are of value in pest control or of commercial n Support for initiatives to improve water security including support for research significance and protect and preserve such and investment in wastewater recycling, wetlands. desalination, stormwater harvesting and A NSW Labor Government will: efficient water infrastructure. n Establish a dedicated Sydney Marine Park 1.55 NSW Labor will manage New South Wales to protect the jewel in Sydney’s crown, the rivers and streams with the following world renowned Sydney Harbour; principles: n Lift the Liberal/National Government’s n Recognition that rivers and river moratorium on the creation of any new systems are complex, have wide ranging marine parks; interactions with surrounding ecosystems. n Return marine sanctuary zones to full n The need to protect remaining wild and protection, so they again become areas scenic rivers. where wildlife and habitats are protected;
n The need to apportion water in a way n Prioritise protection of breeding areas such which maintains the river itself. as the islands, headlands and beaches where seabirds nest and raise their young; n The management of salinity. n Ask the NSW Scientific Committee to n Recognition of the importance of flood flows to wetlands and riverine ecosystems. consider the addition of the hawksbill sea turtle to the State’s Threatened Species n The need to ensure that the provision of List, to give this rare and beautiful creature environmental flows is given priority. the protection it deserves; and
n The need to protect river catchment to n Immediately reinstate protections on the prevent silting and maintain water quality state’s Mid North Coast for the Labrador of with regard to runoff and the effects of the ocean – the critically endangered Grey grazing stock. Nurse Shark.
n Full investigation of measures to improve n Review the adequacy of other marine the efficiency of water use and reticulation protection. before constructing or extending dams for urban water supply.
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1.59 NSW Labor recognises that the Convention on Threatened Species Scientific Committee; Biological Diversity sets a target to preserve n Deliver regional planning and accountability 17% of the Australian landmass as protected by restoring the integrity of Local Land area estate. Labor commits to securing and Services as regional leaders in natural conserving representative and viable samples resource management. We will rebuild the of all biogeographical regions of the state in strength of the governance model in which the national park estate and moving towards local plans and initiatives are embedded in the target set through the Convention on statewide planning and reinstate a strong Biological Diversity. emphasis on community innovation and An elected Labor Government will continue cooperation in relation to biodiversity its legacy of National Park creation. Labor will protection; and direct the National Parks and Wildlife Service n Support local communities in driving to develop funded reserve proposals and a protection by encouraging community level plan for progressing the implementation of the collaborations to drive outcomes. We will NSW National Parks Establishment Plan. Our adopt the framework developed by the first priority is the creation of the Great Koala last Labor Federal Government to support National Park on the state’s north coast. Other community led proposals for corridor priorities include improving the links between projects, integrating them into biodiversity the various parts of the Paroo-Darling National planning. Adopted corridor projects will Park to ensure this inland oasis of lakes and receive support on issues like governance birdlife is safe. and be priorities for funding. The NRC will 1.60 Labor recognises that we cannot protect the lead these decisions. environment with National Parks alone. We must look after ecological systems across Waste Management and Resource Recovery the landscape if we are to continue to have a healthy environment Labor is committed 1.61 NSW Labor supports a waste management to building a network of corridors across the focus to provide a clear and consistent landscape and across tenures that improve regulatory and policy framework that the ecological fabric of our state, building minimises harm to the environment and resilience and allowing natural processes to delivers greater waste avoidance and resource operate. Dangerous global warming makes recovery. This framework will use a mix of this ever more important, as connectivity legislative, policy, educative and economic is essential if we are to prevent extinctions tools to encourage waste avoidance and the in a changing climate. Done well, this land further recovery of resources. stewardship will also support our agricultural Labor will: industries by increasing the land’s resilience n Require Government Departments and and productivity. agencies to set waste reduction targets Labor will: that will be audited and reported in departmental Annual Reports. n Reinvigorate the multi-stakeholder and multi- level approach to landscape wide n Require each industry sector to develop its planning and management in NSW. We own program for meeting waste reduction will ensure investment is targeted and targets, including product design, materials effective in delivering outcomes and that used, recycling and reuse systems and rural communities are given the tools and infrastructure. support to protect the assets they manage; n Support sustainable markets for recovered n Deliver state wide planning and goals for resources and recycled materials with natural resource management by restoring strong incentives to stop particular waste the Natural Resource Commission as a streams going to landfill. respected leader in scientifically based n Insist on world’s best practice in the resource management and environmental storage of hazardous waste materials. protection. We will put a scientist at its head. n Use landfill levies to support local government initiatives and trial projects n Maintain in the environment portfolio an that are proven to, or are likely to, reduce effective, well resourced and independent waste and increase recycling within their
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municipalities, particularly green waste. statewide planning and reinstate a strong emphasis on community innovation and n Legislate to ban single use lightweight cooperation in relation to biodiversity plastic shopping bags protection; and n Ensure the complete removal of asbestos, n Support local communities in driving rather than remediation, when undertaking protection by encouraging community level any upgrade works to NSW Government collaborations to drive outcomes. We will property or on any NSW Government adopt the framework developed by the funded project to ensure the safety of last Labor Federal Government to support future generations while working towards a community led proposals for corridor goal of full asbestos removal from all NSW projects, integrating them into biodiversity Government owned property and assets. planning. Adopted corridor projects will n Pursue appropriate means to reduce other receive support on issues like governance plastic pollution entering the environment, and be priorities for funding. The NRC will in particular our rivers and marine lead these decisions. environments and reduce generation of 1.63 NSW Labor believes that the manufacture, plastic waste. use, storage, disposal, import and export 1.62 Labor recognises that we cannot protect the of such chemicals should be subject to environment with National Parks alone. We strict statutory controls including outright must look after ecological systems across the prohibition where appropriate. Such controls landscape if we are to continue to have should have the primary objective of preventing harm to human health and to the a healthy environment Labor is committed environment. to building a network of corridors across the landscape and across tenures that improve the ecological fabric of our state, building Our Natural Environment resilience and allowing natural processes to 1.64 Labor is committed to strategic household operate. Dangerous global warming makes energy and energy efficiency responses to this ever more important, as connectivity help reduce utility bills for families and reduce is essential if we are to prevent extinctions greenhouse gas emissions. Labor will: in a changing climate. Done well, this land stewardship will also support our agricultural n Establish a uniform building code based industries by increasing the land’s resilience on energy conservation principles for new and productivity. homes and major renovations, and will work with local government in order to Labor will: secure compliance with this building code
n Reinvigorate the multi-stakeholder and allowing for regional variations of the code multi- level approach to landscape wide based on climatic and other determinants. planning and management in NSW. We The code will emphasise reduction in will ensure investment is targeted and energy consumption and will provide effective in delivering outcomes and that guidelines on correct orientation, insulation rural communities are given the tools and and solar access for solar energy collectors.
support to protect the assets they manage; n Consider a target, and support programs,
n Deliver state wide planning and goals for for improving the energy efficiency natural resource management by restoring standards of existing homes
the Natural Resource Commission as a n Actively promote information about the respected leader in scientifically based energy rating of homes that are sold or resource management and environmental leased protection. We will put a scientist at its head. n Support programs and incentives to improve the energy efficiency of social n Deliver regional planning and accountability housing by restoring the integrity of Local Land Services as regional leaders in natural n Investigate innovative funding models and resource management. We will rebuild the incentives to assist residential tenants and strength of the governance model in which landlords to improve the energy efficiency local plans and initiatives are embedded in of homes and to assist with the installation
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of solar photovoltaic rooftop systems and on private land - play in protecting biodiversity and water systems and in n Investigate finance options for energy mitigating the effects of climate change. NSW efficiency upgrades for low income Labor supports world heritage recognition for households internationally significant NSW forests and n Support mandatory minimum national landscapes. energy efficiency standards for all major 1.67 NSW has a diverse and rich flora and fauna. appliances NSW Labor will: n Aim to achieve a new ‘One Million Stars’ n Take action to preserve the genetic goal to improve the cumulative star rating diversity of the State’s flora, fauna and of all NSW homes by at least one million ecosystems. additional star rating points, and achieve this through a range of measures including n Provide sufficient resources for assessing incentives for more efficient appliances the status of flora and fauna and and building materials, information for monitoring the populations of endangered buyers and renters, strategic funding and species. regulatory support n Research and develop measures to control 1.65 NSW Labor will: feral fauna and introduced flora which harm natural ecosystems. n Oppose mineral exploration and mining in national parks and other reserves. n Encourage integrated pest management with an emphasis on biological control. n Oppose any forestry operations in national parks and other reserves. n Continue to ban duck hunting in New South Wales. Licences shall be issued for crop n Ensure that the ecological integrity and damage limitation where appropriate. biological diversity of national parks, conservation reserves and the biosphere 1.68 NSW Labor will investigate the consequences are maintained. of broad area control burning and develop alternative approaches to fire management, 1.66 NSW Labor will protect our State Forests. ensuring that techniques applied in natural NSW Labor will: areas, such as selective strip burning, are n Ensure the dedication of viable reserves, consistent with their maintenance as natural representative of all native forest areas. Further NSW Labor will control new ecosystems in the State and minimise development in areas of high bushfire risk. further clearing of native forests. Hazard reduction and fire operations n Ensure that where forests are determined undertaken within national parks and forestry to have a timber production role, the forest property assets are to be undertaken by the resource is managed on environmentally respective Government agencies (NPWS and sound sustainable yield and multiple use Forests NSW) with support, if required, by the lines. fire brigade and rural fire services. The State Government is to ensure that employment n Forests NSW property assets are to be levels at these agencies (NPWS and Forests maintained and kept under the control and NSW) are to be maintained so that all required ownership of the NSW State Government. fire activities as well as other operating Any excess Forests NSW assets are to activities can be successfully undertaken by be transferred to National Parks and Government employees within these agencies Wildlife Services with suitable allocation of resources (labour and capital) to support 1.69 NSW Labor will develop and fund a series its operations. of ‘great walks’ in NSW, that highlight our remarkable natural landscape. n Forests NSW (or any other name by which it may be known by in the future) is to NSW Labor will develop and fund a series of remain a wholly owned and operated rail trails on disused railway tracks in NSW Government entity. for cycling and walking. Rail corridors used in this way should be kept in public hands as a Labor recognises the intrinsic value of nature, measure to allow future use. along with the vital role forests – on public land as National Parks and State forests,
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Protecting our Heritage 1.76 NSW Labor believes that transport systems should be environmentally sustainable and 1.70 NSW Labor will maintain legislation and the energy efficient and be planned to meet capacity of government agencies to identify, projected needs. NSW Labor supports the preserve and protect items of environmental provision of safe, reliable and secure transport heritage including buildings, works, relics or services and NSW Labor is committed to places of historic, scientific, cultural, social, improving transport service provision for archaeological, architectural, natural or regional and rural areas of NSW. NSW Labor aesthetic significance for the State and items maintains that transport planning should be of Aboriginal heritage. evidence-based and in the public interest. 1.71 NSW Labor will preserve, protect and maintain 1.77 NSW Labor believes all citizens should have the national estate by the retention of: access to affordable, reliable public transport. n The Heritage Council at State level, to To achieve this NSW Labor will: protect historically, architecturally and n Upgrade metropolitan bus services culturally significant buildings. including the development of strategic bus n A State Heritage Inventory. The inventory corridors and bus ways. should list all items of State heritage n Develop new commuter rail services significance and be available to the public. including heavy, light and metro systems. 1.72 NSW Labor will: n Upgrade ferry services. n Protect, preserve and maintain the National n Better integrate public transport modes. Estate. n Invest in regional transport. n Investigate the social aspects of population distribution and mobility in relation to the 1.78 NSW Labor will build better roads, address distribution of services and facilities. congestion by a range of measures including the provision of bus lanes and transit lanes n Undertake planning of distribution of and improve road safety. economic activity and population. 1.79 NSW Labor will improve freight links to n Regulate land use. drive economic growth and expand export n Ensure that services and infrastructure are opportunities for NSW businesses and provided in a timely, co-ordinated and cost industries. effective manner. 1.80 NSW Labor recognises that emphasis should be given to shifting freight transport from Promoting Sustainable Transport road to rail. 1.73 A key factor in creating livable communities 1.81 NSW Labor will support the development is access to transport. The next NSW Labor of alternative transport modes, which are government will plan and implement an environmentally friendly, and energy efficient, integrated transport system to meet the needs such as car sharing schemes and cycle ways of commuters, road users, industry and freight for bicycle riders. operators in metropolitan areas, growth areas and country NSW. 1.82 NSW Labor will pursue a strategy to expand access to and uptake of public transport 1.74 NSW Labor will oppose transport projects including through the possible adoption of that are delivered in isolation from broader modal-shift goals for each of the Greater planning and place making considerations, Sydney Commission’s three city regions. including the need to deliver population serving essential services. 1.83 NSW Labor believes that commuter and public transport workers have to the right to be 1.75 NSW Labor will examine whether there is and feel safe at all times on public transport. scope to broaden the infrastructure appraisal NSW Labor also notes that concerns about process, both for project selection and project public transport safety can discourage people design, to also include the ancillary impacts from using local services, and therefore from of projects on amenity, sustainability, network participating in their local community. connectivity, and the potential for catalysing job agglomeration. Public transport workers (including workers in the point-to-point transport sector) in NSW,
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however, are too often subjected to threats, consequences of an 80 million passenger harassment, and assaults. NSW Labor notes movement plus freight airport. that the South Australian Labor Government For an airport to be successful in Western has made offences against public transport Sydney it must be properly planned and workers an aggravating factor under that budgeted for to address the needs of the state’s Criminal Law Act. region. These issues include: NSW Labor supports a multi-pronged n The development of a best practice noise approach to reducing violence and anti-social mitigation plan, including the creation of a behaviour on government-operated public night time no-fly zone over communities, transport services. This includes: recognising that it is possible to ensure n Increasing the number of Transit Officers simultaneous operations for take offs and and security staff on the public transport landings to the south-west of the runway, network; while stopping flights over residential communities at night; n Introducing tough penalties for people who assault, harass or threaten public transport n The establishment of Western Sydney workers; and Infrastructure and Jobs Development Authority that will develop new rail lines n Consulting with public transport workers linking: on other measures to improve their safety at work. • Richmond, Penrith BCA to Campbelltown; 1.84 NSW Labor recognises that public transport inherently offers energy efficiencies. Labor will • The new north-west line, Blacktown, work to ensure that all electric rail operations BCA to Liverpool; are able to deliver further energy efficiency • dedicated rail lines to central and through regenerative braking; and upgrade Kingsford-Smith Airport. lighting across public transport premises for energy efficiency. n The construction of motorways linking western Sydney to Sydney as well as NSW Labor recognises that electric vehicles around western Sydney; offer cleaner air in urban areas, and reduced emissions when combined with clean energy n An appropriate Environmental Impact sources. NSW Labor supports low and zero Statement that includes flight paths and emission vehicles becoming the standard other relevant issues not considered in the for the State Government vehicle fleet. construction EIS; NSW Labor will investigate and implement n Noise abatement strategies to appropriate programmes to encourage the accommodate any home, school or uptake of low and zero emission vehicles and health facility in accordance with existing vessels across all modes and categories of legislation that applies to all airports; transport. Labor will investigate deployment of electric buses in Government and contracted n Australian made products used in bus fleets, and provide appropriate support the construction of the airport and for deployment of electric vehicle charging infrastructure; technology. n Youth and long-term unemployment NSW Labor will preference local procurement programs to be part of the jobs and to maximise job creation opportunities and training provided in this project, including minimise transportation. that 10 per cent of employees must be apprentices from Western Sydney; 1.85 Badgerys Creek Airport (BCA) has the potential of providing much needed n An appropriate fuel line be established infrastructure and job opportunities for the being either pipeline or rail; residents of Western Sydney. For far too long, n Western Sydney health data demonstrates this region has been neglected of properly the highest levels of cardio-vascular coordinated planning regarding road and diseases, all-cancer rates; respiratory rail infrastructure to support the additional illness; diabetes in the State. The airport one million people projected over next 20 and population will contribute adversely years moving into the region as well as the to health of this region and therefore a
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funded plan to address these issues must plan to progressively decarbonise Australia’s be addressed. energy sector, particularly in electricity generation while providing affordable energy n Proper community consultation to take security to business and households. place. A commitment to reinvigorate and grow NSW Labor commits in ensuring the above renewable energy industries in NSW is points are appropriately dealt with. essential to that plan.
Developing Sustainable Energy NSW Labor supports Australian Labor’s target for at least 50% of Australia’s electricity to 1.86 NSW Labor will: come from renewable sources by 2030. NSW n Ensure 50% of NSW energy generation Labor in government will work with energy comes from renewables by 2030. experts and stakeholders to develop NSW renewable energy generation for Australia n. Publicly invest in large-scale renewable and storage targets and detailed strategies to energy by creating a state-owned achieve these targets, with credible pathways corporation, NSW Renewable Energy to at least 50% of generation for Australia by Futures (REF) that will put the public and 2030. NSW Labor will take ambitious NSW its interests first in NSW’s transition. targets on renewable energy, for 2030 and n NSW REF will build, invest, own, and beyond, to the next election. operate largescale renewable energy and Labor recognises that committing to storage technologies, whilst modernising sustainability will create jobs, improve living the grid. standards, support regional development n NSW REF will have an initial investment and encourage growth in new industries. of $1.5 billion, which will be sourced either Labor believes this will best position NSW to from the sale of Snowy Hydro, or through remain competitive as the global economy the issuing of green bonds. changes. Labor will support the growth of the renewable energy sector in NSW, creating jobs n NSW REF will maximise the speed and and economic opportunity. efficiency of the energy transition, reduce prices for consumers, maximise job NSW has abundant clean energy resources opportunities in the future economy for (including solar, wind, wave and geothermal) regional NSW, and deliver dividends for the and is home to world leading centres of clean people of NSW in a shared future. energy research and development (including in the Hunter, Sydney and the Illawarra). n Investigate creating a Renewable Energy The Hunter, for example, has everything it and Technology Hub in the Hunter region. needs to prosper in a low carbon future, 1.87 Labor recognises the important linkages given appropriate policy support: world class between climate change and electricity academic institutions and research, a strong policy. Accordingly, Labor will bring those manufacturing sector used to commercializing portfolios together in Government. We must innovation and a highly skilled workforce. pursue greater energy efficiency and cleaner We must plan for the future and ensure we sources of energy. Labor will support the are building modern, resilient industries that growth of the renewable energy sector in provide prosperity for decades to come. NSW, creating jobs and economic opportunity. Labor will: Obtaining a greater share of our energy needs from renewable sources is not only better n Support public and private sector for the environment, but promotes greater research and development in innovative energy security and reduced energy costs for energy technologies industry, businesses and households. n Encourage development, manufacture and A NSW Labor Government will establish an commercialisation of renewable energy Office of Renewables within the Department technologies of Premier and Cabinet, led by the Energy and n Encourage investment to increase Climate Change Minister to drive Labor’s dual renewable energy technology policy aims of affordable and clean energy. manufacturing and implementation NSW Labor will develop a comprehensive capability
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n Pursue opportunities for co-operation with electricity customers to trade energy the Clean Energy Finance Corporation and savings and generation into the wholesale Australian Renewable Energy Agency, and electricity market. A NSW Labor Government consider needs and options as appropriate will provide consumer protection for solar for further NSW based financing of households and mandate a fair price for renewable energy development and householders’ excess solar electricity. deployment NSW Labor will seek to ensure that the n Remove arbitrary and discriminatory electricity grid is able to equitably accept barriers to deployment of clean energy and distribute dispersed renewable energy technologies generation. NSW Labor will make compliance with the Clean Energy Council’s Code of n Ensure that regional NSW benefits from Conduct for solar retailers mandatory for all opportunities in a clean energy economy those who wish to receive NSW government (including through development of the contracts. This will provide consumer Hunter as a clean energy hub) protection for solar households. n Assist fossil fuel dependent communities to NSW Labor will promote renewable energy diversify their economic base and capitalise generation and energy storage as part of new on global shifts to a decarbonised housing developments. economy. NSW Labor will take an active role in equitably transitioning NSW to a NSW Labor will work with stakeholders, renewable powered state. NSW Labor does including industry and finance bodies, not support any form of public funding on to promote access to renewable energy, extraction of new fossil fuels. including rooftop solar, for renters and apartment dwellers NSW Labor will roll out n Consider and pursue as appropriate, rooftop solar for all suitable public housing opportunities for public investment in, and premises. ownership of, renewable energy generation facilities and supporting technologies, The Office of Renewables will develop a including storage. strategy for facilitating household purchasing of renewable energy, particularly for The Office of Renewables will reinvigorate households which lack suitable space for the Renewable Energy Precincts to foster installation on their premises such as rooftop locally driven plans to increase renewables solar. and decentralise power. Barriers to the growth of decentralised power will actively Labor will work with stakeholders (including be removed, embedding these projects the Clean Energy Finance Corporation and in the planning system, standardising other finance sector bodies; small business contracts and approaches. Labor will representatives, and the property industry) establish a fund to augment renewables to promote access to renewable energy in proposals from councils and communities. commercial premises, including small business – as a means for reducing costs for business, The Office of Renewables will work with and to take advantage of available space for the Clean Energy Finance Corporation renewable energy generation. and other sources of finance and support to further promote community energy Labor believes that government must lead by initiatives. NSW Labor will promote example in purchasing of renewable energy. community generation and energy storage NSW Government agencies include some very as part of new housing developments. substantial power users, such as the electric [new] NSW Labor will support communities rail network. reliant on diesel fuel for electricity to A NSW Labor Government will purchase transition their use to clean energy electricity for NSW Government departments alternatives and agencies from renewable sources, where 1.88 Labor supports renewable energy generation possible. As power contracts come up for by households as a means of reducing power state government electricity use, a NSW bills, increasing renewable energy supply, and Labor Government will purchase power from reducing greenhouse emissions. renewable sources, if it can be done in a cost effective manner. Labor will investigate NSW Labor will facilitate the establishment “reverse auctions” that have been used of an Australian first market that allows
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successfully in the ACT and will be explored in (including through regulatory and pricing Queensland. mechanisms)
As well as addressing greenhouse gas n rehabilitation of obsolete power plants is emissions, installation of rooftop solar power funded by their owners and operators, and on government premises will save energy not left to the taxpayer costs to the budget and the taxpayer. n just transitions are provided for affected A Labor Government will install solar panels in workers and communities all public schools in NSW in TAFE facilities, in 1.93 The transition to a clean energy economy public hospitals, and on all other government carries both opportunities and uncertainty for properties wherever appropriate, and where workers. Labor will ensure jobs in the clean possible will accompany this with installation energy economy provide security, decent of energy storage. wages and conditions. Labor will not only A NSW Labor Government will remove the address the challenges but will pursue all Coalition Government’s draconian restrictions opportunities to modernise our economy, on approvals for wind farm developments. build more and better jobs and build a future that is clearer, healthier, more equitable and 1.89 NSW Labor will facilitate a fair go for the wind ultimately sustainable. industry, the fastest growing, most mature and cheapest renewable energy source. Wind Growing diverse regional economies in areas farms will be subject to usual planning laws for such as the Illawarra and the Hunter Valley developments of the applicable size and scale. is necessary to make the transition to a Instead of leaving the industry in limbo with clean energy economy while ensuring this unclear guidelines, Labor will provide clarity is a just transition for affected workers and for the wind industry and the community. communities. A NSW Labor Government will ensure that Labor will work with communities, unions and the wind industry properly consults with industry to develop a comprehensive regional affected communities as well as provides an development approach which supports adequate and shared financial benefit from the growth of sustainable new industries, the prosperity generated. technologies and practices. 1.90 Burning of native forest timber and cleared NSW Labor supports: vegetation for electricity production is not clean or renewable energy, and forms no n The establishment of a fully funded and part of a credible strategy for reducing resourced Just Transition Authority (JTA) greenhouse gas emissions. Labor will reinstate with responsibility for planning, education the prohibition on burning native forests and and re-training of effected workers in cleared vegetation for electricity. the fossil fuel supply chain and carbon intensive energy sector. 1.91 NSW Labor has long opposed the exploration and extraction of uranium in this State, and n Oversight of low emission energy job its export from NSW. We remain unconvinced creation and worker transition reflecting of any benefits nuclear power may bring, and industry standards and conditions. remain mindful of the challenges caused by n The JTA to work with national and how to manage and store spent fuel rods and interstate governments to develop a radioactive waste that lasts many lifetimes. best practice Just Transition framework A Labor Government will maintain a ban on to support a low carbon economy while uranium exploration, extraction and export. A providing fairness and opportunity to Labor Government will also ensure that there industry stakeholders including those are no nuclear power plants built in NSW. working in the sector. 1.92 A NSW Labor Government, through COAG, n NSW Labor to support these objectives by will initiate a national framework for the committing all necessary state and national decommissioning of obsolete coal fired based resources in order to realise the generation plants. Labor will work to ensure objectives of a Just Transition. that: NSW Labor will ensure that NSW plays its part n those coal fired generation plants within in: the national electricity market with the highest emissions intensity are retired first n making training and skills programs
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available for workers wishing to build skills in strategies on energy efficiency. Labor will energy efficient technologies and transition to implement energy efficiency measures across new, clean energy or low pollution industries; all areas of State responsibilities, including:
n capitalising on the significant new job n water supply, distribution and use; opportunities across the renewable energy supply chain; n energy distribution and use, including residential, commercial and industrial use; 1.94 NSW Labor believes all communities should have access to reliable affordable energy n government services, procurement and supplied from increasingly renewable energy building works; sources. NSW Labor’s energy policy is based n land use planning and design; on two broad principles: n public transport; health; and education; n Energy is a basic commodity and necessity that needs to be exploited efficiently and A NSW Labor Government will develop, distributed equitably, while still allowing for no later than its first year of office, a appropriate returns to be made to either comprehensive strategy for energy efficiency public or private investors. in Government agencies and departments, taking into account initiatives in other n Energy production, distribution and use Australian jurisdictions such as Victoria, must be carried out in such a way that including measures for central budget ecological and environmental constraints financing and repayment of initial costs, and are not compromised. reporting of energy use and emissions n NSW Labor supports a long-term, A NSW Labor Government will deploy energy ecologically sustainable energy economy. efficient lighting to all public hospitals with 1.95 NSW Labor recognises that utilities, including savings directed to health services in the local energy providers, supply essential services area and will ensure that energy providers provide A NSW Labor Government will deploy high quality service to clients and adequate energy efficient lighting to all public schools assistance to low income earners or those and TAFE facilities, and pursue other areas suffering from hardship. NSW Labor will of energy efficiency in education including continue to: heating and cooling, with savings after payback of initial costs directed back to n Make available, through non-government organisations, emergency assistance to education clients temporarily unable to pay electricity A NSW Labor Government will institute a bills. comprehensive program for upgrading public housing for energy efficiency n Review concessions on electricity accounts and security deposits for low income 1.97 NSW Labor will establish a uniform building earners with a view to improving equity of code based on energy conservation principles access to these forms of assistance. and will work with local government in order to secure compliance with this building code n Ensure that customers can gain a stay in disconnection of energy supplies on the allowing for regional variations of the code grounds of hardship. based on climatic and other determinants. The code will emphasise reduction in energy n Re-regulate the retail electricity market consumption and will provide guidelines on 1.96 Consistent with Labor’s long-term aim of a correct orientation, insulation and solar access sustainable energy economy, NSW Labor for solar energy collectors. will continue to give high priority to energy To address energy costs for business conservation, and to the development and (particularly small business) as well as to introduction of renewable energy sources reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Labor and energy technology. will institute a comprehensive program to NSW Labor recognises that improving energy promote energy efficiency upgrades by efficiency offers important opportunities owners of commercial buildings. to reduce greenhouse emissions, as well as reducing power bills. NSW Labor will provide Working Cooperatively with national leadership in revitalising national Local Government
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1.98 NSW Labor believes sustainable communities regardless of their wealth. NSW Labor notes can only be achieved by the State that the state share of library funding has Government working cooperatively with local fallen to under 10% from 23.6% in 1979/80. government. NSW Labor supports a strong NSW Labor supports adequately funded NSW local government sector. NSW Labor will: Libraries and will increase the current state share of library funding. n Promote equity for all residents of NSW regardless of local government boundaries. 1.105 Labor recognises the importance of second tier cities (Newcastle and Wollongong), and n Guarantee a system of local government notes current uncertainty of status (regional based on universal franchise and continuity or metropolitan) for these cities. Labor will for local authorities and their elected develop a second-tier cities policy to ensure members. a consistent approach to these cities from n Support local government being across Government. recognised in the Australian Constitution.
n Provide sufficient funding to Local Better Local Governance Government to allow the highest standard 1.106 NSW Labor will not support the forced merger of service provision across all its industry of local councils, nor will it support any forced sectors. demerger. NSW Labor does not oppose the 1.99 NSW Labor will monitor the existing local merger or demerger of councils, but insists government rating system and, where that this must be done voluntarily with the appropriate, implement changes that are clear support of local residents as confirmed equitable for all residents and ratepayers. through a local plebiscite. NSW Labor Rate pegging, particularly the pegging of will legislate to put in place independent residential rates, will be maintained. Special mechanisms to enable this to occur. rating variations for individual councils will be 1.107 NSW Labor does not support the proposal considered. that ‘bigger is always better’ in relation to local 1.100 In growth areas to offset the unrecouped government, and will establish a wide ranging costs imposed on local government by major and transparent inquiry into council financing residential releases in defined areas, NSW with a particular focus on cost shifting. Labor will provide specific block grants 1.108 NSW Labor will legislate to ensure that for non-local roads, district recreation and property developers and real estate agents do community facilities. not sit on local councils if determined there is 1.101 Human Services: funding for services such as wide community support. recreation, libraries, childcare, youth services, 1.109 NSW Labor will encourage the voluntary local employment generation, refuges, amalgamation of councils. Boundary domiciliary aged services and housing will be adjustments will be considered on their merits sourced from all three levels of government. in accordance with relevant legislation. 1.102 Some local government areas are heavily 1.110 Planning in NSW involves consideration of impacted by tourism, imposing significant state, regional and local issues. Local planning strain on local infrastructure and service issues should be determined at the local level provision as well as additional costs for by democratically elected local governments. local ratepayers. We support enabling NSW Labor supports remuneration for accommodation levies on overnight visitors elected local government councillors set at in these local government areas to pay a reasonable level by the Local Government for service delivery, infrastructure and Remuneration Tribunal. The number of tourism development across the whole local members elected to a council shall be no government area to take the pressure of less than 5 and no more than 15. ratepayers. 1.111 NSW Labor believes that while increasing 1.103 The NSW Local Government Grants competition may improve service delivery and Commission will continue to recommend the result in lower costs, it should not be pursued level of financial assistance grants to local to the exclusion of other important public government bodies. policy objectives. For this reason, NSW Labor 1.104 NSW Labor recognises that local libraries rejects compulsory competitive tendering have a vital role to play in getting books (CCT) in local government. and information into the hands of people 1.112 NSW Labor believes that best practice 20 PLATFORM 2018
benchmarking for local government is crucial NSW Labor will: to the overall process of local government n increase funding for professional theatres reform and will create a climate for improved and performance groups in the western and more efficient service delivery. and southern suburbs of Sydney and in 1.113 NSW Labor recognises and encourages active rural and regional areas, so that the level roles for regional organisations of councils of funding will be on an equivalent basis to (ROCs) in the efficient and effective delivery that of theatre and performance companies of services to the community, not to the in the Central Sydney area. detriment of the existing local workforce. n Allocate 1 per cent of all monies expended 1.114 NSW Labor encourages Local Governments on construction of public buildings to the to engage with Young People within their purchase of works of art by Australian communities and to include them in strategic artists, for exhibition in those buildings. planning to meet the future needs of youth n Involve the Department of Education in the in their respective shires. It is vital Local provision of artistic services to schools. The Government continue to provide adequate Department should allocate funds at least facilities and services within their communities equivalent to 70 per cent of the current in order to meet the needs of Young People running costs of the existing professional, from all socio-economic backgrounds. permanent theatre companies operating 1.115 Labor in government will legislate to: in the education sphere.
n Ban property developers and real n Require the governing bodies of all estate agents from holding office at a Arts institutions receiving regular State local government level before the next Government subsidies to provide for scheduled local government election; worker representation and gender equality.
n Cap political donations and campaign n Provide adequate funding for professional spending during council elections, with community arts activities that aim to state level caps to serve as a starting point service the cultural needs of working class for the re-examination of caps on ward Australians. level expenditure; n Ensure that proprietors provide access to n Elect mayors for four years to end the entertainment venues for disabled persons horse trading between parties for the in relation to parking, booking and access position; and to theatres, and that funding be made available under the Arts Funding Program n Repeal changes to section 451 of the for such facilities. Local Government Act, which allows councillors with a pecuniary interest to n Ensure free admission to all art galleries, vote on planning controls where they could museums and other cultural centres, potentially benefit, as long as they declare substantially financed by the State. an interest. n Establish art museums on a wider basis to enrich the cultural background in outer Promoting Arts and Culture in the Community suburban and regional areas. 1.116 A feature of livable communities is access 1.118 NSW Labor will adopt a policy to enact Agent to arts, culture and recreational activities of Change principles, putting the responsibility and facilities. NSW Labor will aim to develop of noise mitigation on new development Australian cultural expression of the highest rather than the existing businesses and standard possible to the widest range of residents nearby. people, including the disadvantaged and those in remote areas. Arts NSW Assessment 1.119 Labor will work across Federal, NSW and local Panels should be composed predominantly Government to support music. of professional persons actively engaged in The value we place on music is because of their art or craft. Arts NSW should advise the its fundamental contribution to our identity Minister responsible for the Arts on policy and as Australians, to jobs and the economy, to disbursement of funds, and report annually to community and wellbeing. Parliament. Our music industry contributes to safe and 1.117 To provide greater access to arts and culture vibrant night economies, to regional tourism
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and export. Without live music we don’t have include a crackdown on fake and over a music industry. priced tickets in the secondary market (such as Viagogo). The music industry faces many challenges across red tape and regulation, intermittent 1.120 NSW Labor supports the role of community funding support for peak bodies, as well as radio. increased competition and digital disruption. n NSW Labor supports a guarantee that The current Federal Government has cut the portion of the spectrum allocated to funding to the Live Music Office established community broadcasters will be preserved. by the last Labor Government. Under this current NSW Government, Evidence-Based Policy hundreds of venues have closed, and 1.121 NSW Labor: thousands of musicians and hospitality workers are unemployed. n recognises evidence-based and scientifically driven public policy as a Labor in government will work to keep venues core value of good, lasting and effective open and keep musicians in jobs, including government; and
n Establishing a plan for contemporary n Where feasible, State and Federal Labor music in NSW, including increasing funding governments should mandate randomised support for new and contemporary music. control testing of policies and trials prior to
n Simplifying planning and noise law applying full implementation and roll-out to ensure to venues, including where possible taking best practice in policy and optimal use of a one stop shop approach. scarce public resources.
n Establish a NSW Music Development hub, Quantum Technologies to offer the option of housing music policy bodies, rehearsal space, community radio 1.122 Quantum technologies, which leverage the to foster collaboration. properties of the quantum world to develop unparalleled computational capacity, are n NSW Labor will establish a NSW Music one of the major future-shaping strategic office to support this agenda. technologies under development. NSW Labor n Labor supports the role of community recognises Australia as a world-leader in radio. Labor supports a guarantee that the development of quantum technologies, the portion of the spectrum allocated including quantum photonics, nanoscale to community broadcasters will be materials science and quantum medical preserved. In addition, a Labor government science. will increase the funding allocated to NSW Labor in Government will continue, and community radio, especially for new music build upon, investment in research and programming. commercialisation of quantum technologies as n Federal Labor has indicated it will re- a national strategic priority, including quantum establish the functions of the Live Music computation and nanoscale research, by Office in Government. continuing to support Australia’s world- leading researchers and institutions. n Federal Labor will modernise our flagship policy Creative Australia to support Australian stories through: o No backward steps on copyright. Our policy will guarantee that any reviews of copyright / artists rights will only 2. STRONGER DEMOCRACY increase ownership rights of creators AND SOCIAL JUSTICE and artists. 2.1 NSW Labor is committed to strengthening o Support for Australia’s musicians and our democracy and the participation of the live music sector through investing Australians in society. in programs and organisations that 2.2 Labor Governments in NSW have continually promote live music and music exports, advanced the rights all citizens through community music hubs (national) and reforms that eliminate discrimination, protect music in schools. The policy will also
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people from crime, provide social support and n Values the important advocacy work of promote a multicultural society. NSW Labor the community sector and will not seek is committed to building on these reforms to to silence the voice of the sector and the improve the quality of life of all citizens and people they support in gag-clauses or any the opportunity for them to fully participate other such restriction in society. Children and Families Community Services and Social Welfare 2.7 NSW Labor believes all children should:
2.3 NSW Labor affirms that it is the right of all to n Be afforded the opportunity to reach their enjoy a standard of living consistent with the full potential in their social, emotional, achievement and fulfillment of human dignity; psychological and physical skills and which promotes social justice. development.
2.4 NSW Labor believes the role of government n Be protected from all forms of abuse and is to: discrimination.
n Co-ordinate, fund and support service n Have a right to knowledge of their identity, provision. both social and cultural. n Monitor services for effectiveness. 2.8 NSW Labor believes all children have a right to n Promote the equitable distribution of quality early childhood education regardless resources across the State. of their parents’ financial or employment situation. n Ensure participation in the planning and provision of services by the community. 2.9 NSW Labor believes a wide range of quality Support for the Community Sector services should be available for the education and care of all 0-5 year old children, including 2.5 NSW Labor is committed to maintaining long day care, family day care, occasional care, and supporting high quality and specialised preschool education, employer sponsored social and community services. The child care, playgroups and any other means of community sector provides support for the care in accordance with need. Services for the most marginalised and vulnerable in our care of school aged children should include community. NSW Labor is committed to before and after school care, and vacation working with the sector to develop fairer and care. Wherever possible these services should more secure funding mechanisms into the be provided on an integrated basis, with future. additional support for children with special needs. 2.6 NSW Labor: 2.10 NSW Labor will provide separate means of n Recognises that some funding processes, dealing with young offenders and young like competitive this sector as it drives people in need of care. For young offenders, down quality of services and is a significant priority will be given to non-custodial and contributor to the undervaluing of this diversionary schemes. sector’s work, a major contributor to the historical gender wage gap. NSW Labor 2.11 NSW Labor recognises that government has will engage in broad consultation with a role to play in supporting families, covering the community, the sector and service the continuum from prevention to crisis. providers to develop suitable funding 2.12 NSW Labor will utilise a broad concept of models for service providers. ‘family’, and ensure services are culturally n Does not support for-profit providers sensitive, with resources being allocated making profits from the provision of for parenting education. While focusing on essential community services families, NSW Labor will ensure that the needs of individuals are not overlooked. n Supports sustainable funding cycles of 5 year service agreements 2.13 Parents should be recognised as the primary educators of their children and appropriate n Is committed to agreed and planned resources should be allocated for parenting indexation of community and social education programs and support. services funding
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A Whole of Government Response culturally sensitive services to respond to to Family and Domestic Violence Aboriginal women and families in crisis;
2.14 NSW Labor recognises that much needs to be n Strengthening funding in family violence done to support victims of domestic violence, and elder abuse response services; and in particular women and children n Amendments to the legal system relating leaving domestic and family violence. to domestic violence against women NSW Labor also notes the outcomes and increase the penalties relating to the and recommendations of the Victorian harassment / assault of women seeking Government’s Royal Commission into Family relief from domestic violence; Violence. There is a clear need for investment n Increasing investment in community-based in primary prevention strategies that are programs that seek to generate cultural designed to dismantle harmful attitudes change in attitudes and behaviours that towards women, promote gender equality and facilitate family violence; encourage respectful relationships. n Increasing investment in programs aimed NSW Labor will adopt a whole-of-government at protecting victims before violence multifaceted sustainable approach escalates and intervening to ensure to stop family and domestic violence someone does not go on to be violent; and and support the safety and well- being of survivors and those living n Establishing a Department of Premier and with domestic and family violence. This will Cabinet Family and Domestic Violence include: Unit to oversee a whole of government response and accountabilities. n Measures to ensure state and local governments together with the community Supporting People with Disabilities sector foster collaboration and innovation 2.15 NSW Labor believes people with disabilities in the development and implementation have: of community strategies designed to address family and domestic violence from n Inherent rights to respect for their human a holistic and empowerment perspective; worth, dignity and the right to be consulted and participate in the formation and n Strengthening funding of domestic violence implementation of policies which affect services, including the re-establishment them and the community as a whole. of specialist feminist domestic violence refuges for women and children, to n The same rights as other members of support a holistic and empowerment society and should be afforded the approach to service delivery to opportunity to participate in society to women and their children who are the maximum of their capacity. experiencing family violence; 2.16 NSW Labor believes that services for people n Improve human services sector responses, with disabilities should:
through strengthened screening and risk n Have as their focus the achievement of assessment procedures, greater workforce positive outcomes. training and development, and better coordination and information sharing n Be accredited to ensure that service between different parts of the human providers meet quality standards of care.
services systems that support victims n Be encouraged to adopt evidence based of family and domestic violence; good practice.
n Building the capacity of family services, n Assist people with a disability to realise housing, employment, mental health their potential. and drug and alcohol services to identify violence and provide support before the n Provide housing in the community when violence gets worse; appropriate.
n n Strengthening funding to Aboriginal Include school to work transition programs. community controlled services for targeted 2.17 Mainstream services should have physical prevention and early intervention initiatives access and a service culture that welcomes and for Aboriginal communities, as well as meets the needs of people with disabilities.
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2.18 People with disabilities, and those who work disability sector; with them, have a right to be consulted n The development of best practice and to participate in decisions that affect standards and accreditation of supports them. Advocacy services are necessary to in consultation with stakeholders so that ensure that the influence on public policies quality controls and safeguards can be is equalised and that people with disabilities established, maintained and properly have an influence over decisions which funded. determine their lives. NSW Labor also supports the critical role 2.19 NSW Labor supports the social benefit of a advocacy plays in providing support to people broad and diverse mix of ageing and disability with disability and safeguarding people with service providers, including the continuing role disability from abuse, neglect and exploitation. of the public sector as a provider of frontline disability and home care services. NSW Labor is committed to supporting the role of independent disability advocacy 2.20 NSW Labor believes that the provision of services. public sector disability care in NSW should always remain as a critical safety net for the most difficult of cases, as a benchmark for Supporting the Elderly industry standards, and to maintain the quality 2.23 NSW Labor believes that older people should availability of disability services in Regional receive just recognition for their contributions NSW. to society and have access to a wide range 2.21 NSW Labor supports the expansion of of sensitive, innovative and flexible services workplace initiatives targeted at providing which will allow them to enjoy their lives and women living with a disability. leisure. 2.24 NSW Labor supports: Supporting the NDIS workforce n Broadening the range of affordable and 2.22 NSW Labor supports a fully-funded National accessible accommodation options for Disability Insurance Scheme that provides the older people, taking into account cultural support required for diversity.
people with a disability while also maintaining n Measures that enable older people to take and enhancing remuneration, job security an active part in community affairs. and career development opportunities for n Introduction of a comprehensive study on the disability sector workforce. NSW Labor the needs of older people with particular recognises that retaining and attracting a emphasis on the needs of those from qualified and experienced disability sector Aboriginal communities, rural areas and workforce in NSW will ensure quality services from culturally and linguistically diverse and genuine choice and control for people backgrounds. with a disability. 2.25 NSW Labor will ensure that the particular NSW Labor supports: vulnerabilities of older people are addressed n Enhancing skill levels, skill recognition and in planning for heatwaves and other extreme continuing professional development of the weather events. disability sector workforce via the delivery of an accredited, portable training scheme that provides quality and relevant induction and ongoing training for all NDIS workers Providing Home and Community Care provided by TAFE; Services (HACC) n Ensuring employment standards are 2.26 To enhance the quality of life of the frail aged protected and maintained through the and people with disabilities and their carers, National Disability Insurance Scheme NSW Labor supports the provision of funding funding mechanisms so NDIS pricing for high quality and cost-effective care in the reflects the true cost of required staffing community, so that appropriate services are supports for people with a disability; provided according to the assessed need of n Measures to minimise the spread of the individual, and inappropriate admission to casualised and insecure work in the residential care is avoided.
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2.27 NSW Labor believes HACC services must be in our state should be reflected in a whole of planned and: government approach to policy development, implementation and evaluation. As such, each n Be affordable for users. public authority must observe the principles of n Be culturally accessible and appropriate, multiculturalism in conducting its affairs. and respectful of diversity. 2.33 NSW Labor recognises the principles of n Safeguard the rights of users. multiculturalism as:
n Have complaints mechanisms for users. n Social inclusion;
n Have advocacy services for users. n Community Resilience;
n Be delivered by a workforce with a quality n Justice and Fairness; training framework, standards of pay and n Social and Civic Participation; and conditions and secure employment. n Social, Cultural and Economic Benefits. Homelessness 2.34 NSW Labor will reinstate Multicultural NSW as 2.28 NSW Labor recognises that an effective an independent statutory authority and name network of crisis, medium and long-term it the NSW Commission for Multiculturalism. homelessness support services are vital to our 2.35 NSW Labor will support the NSW Commission community. NSW Labor supports adequate for Multiculturalism as a key government funding for specialist homelessness services agency responsible for implementing for all people who require such services. the relevant statute and overseeing the implementation of the principles of Promoting Cultural Diversity multiculturalism and policies across all 2.29 NSW Labor acknowledges that Australia’s government departments and agencies. First Nations culture is the oldest continuous 2.36 The agency should have and be seen to have: living culture in the world and that it plays n Good governance and well defined roles an integral part in New South Wales’ and responsibilities; multiculturalism. n Effective structures; 2.30 NSW Labor supports the concept of multiculturalism and believes it is central to n A transparent appointments process; our national identity. NSW Labor recognises n Research capacity and capability; this state as a vibrant, egalitarian and resilient multicultural society and is dedicated to n Open channels of communication with building a united, harmonious and inclusive members of the public, ease of access and community. A commitment to multiculturalism productive community engagement; and is central to our state interest as it creates a n Adequate funding for community rich society, brings social and cultural benefits, grants that maximise opportunity and contributes to a strong economy, helps accountability, and funding that ensures the drive prosperity and promotes community agency has the financial resources to meet resilience. its charter and obligations. 2.31 NSW Labor recognises the principles of 2.37 NSW Labor commits to strengthening the multiculturalism as central to our democracy Commission’s community engagement, and a key pillar of our civil society. These community outreach, language capacities and principles are expressed within the context of: research capabilities. NSW Labor will ensure n A unified commitment to the state, its an adequate number of qualified staff are interests and future; employed by the Commission to meet this end. n Recognition of the importance of shared values governed by the rule of law within a 2.38 NSW Labor will task the Commission with democratic framework; and producing comprehensive publications that can contribute to the advancement of n All citizens having equal rights and discourse about multiculturalism in NSW. responsibilities irrespective of the cultural, racial or linguistic background. 2.39 NSW Labor will ensure that all state government departments and agencies 2.32 NSW Labor further recognises that diversity ensure their programmes and services are
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equitable and accessible for all culturally their health. Youth health should include a and linguistically diverse persons and other major emphasis on prevention and services communities including recently arrived should include: migrants and refugees. NSW Labor will n Sexual and reproductive health. ensure all state government departments and agencies allocate sufficient resources n Eating disorders and body image. to respond to the needs of culturally and n Drugs and alcohol. linguistically diverse persons and other communities. n Mental health services. 2.45 NSW Labor recognises youth suicide as a Fostering Youth Participation major public health issue. NSW Labor will 2.40 NSW Labor is committed to providing work to achieve a reduction in youth suicides pathways for young people to better by striving to achieve a better quality of life themselves and participate in society. for young people, and will: 2.41 NSW Labor believes young people must: n Fund education campaigns to promote community awareness of youth suicide, n Be aware of their rights and responsibilities. directed at young people through both
n Be actively involved in the decision making secondary schools and the broader process. community.
n Have access to quality education at all levels. n Increase the scope of funding for support programs for those sections of this n Have the opportunity to achieve economic community deemed to be particularly ‘at and social independence. risk,’ including those exposed to domestic n Be aware of their rights at work. violence, those experiencing drug and alcohol addiction, those with mental health n Have the ability to access services and issues and same-sex attracted, gender facilities that support a good quality of life. diverse and intersex youth. 2.42 NSW Labor believes that young people have n Fund other specialist services as required. the right to: 2.46 NSW Labor supports the introduction of a n Food, shelter and clothing. single universal concession card for young n Freedom of expression. people, that is recognised by both the private and public sectors. n Freedom of assembly.
n Recognition of their unique aspirations Animal Welfare derived from varying ethnicities, socio- 2.47 All animals should be treated humanely. Labor economic backgrounds and geographic will work to achieve better animal welfare localities. and consistent application and enforcement n Privacy and reputation. of animal protection statutes by harmonising relevant federal, state and territory laws and n Freedom from all forms of physical, sexual or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect codes. Labor will: or negligent treatment or exploitation. n Establish an independent office of animal welfare; n Freedom from discrimination. 2.43 Young people share the common responsibilities n Phase out cosmetic testing on animals of society. They are subject to the same laws or on products used in the production of and the same expectations as other members cosmetics; and of society. The enforcement of young people’s n Oppose any ‘Ag-gag’ legislation responsibilities must take into consideration the unique characteristics of youth. Promoting Participatory Democracy 2.44 NSW Labor believes in the importance of 2.48 NSW Labor believes that: confidential access to health care facilities for young people. They should have autonomy n Electorates, as far as practicable, should and independence in making decisions about contain equal number of voters. No electorate should vary from the quota by
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more than 10 per cent. MPs who breach the Code of Conduct.
n The optional preferential system of voting n Give the public access to MP’s financial should be used in all elections. interests including their taxable income and details about the pecuniary interests of n The positions of candidates on ballot spouses and dependents. papers should be determined by lot. n Require MPs to disclose details of any n The Party affiliations of candidates should family member who holds contracts with be shown on ballot papers. Further, Party the state government. how-to-vote cards should be on display in polling places and the restrictions on the n Require Ministers every month to publish wearing of Party identification in polling a diary of every meeting they have had places should be removed. with lobbyists, MPs or private companies relating to commercial transactions or n All prisoners should retain the right to vote. decisions. Adequate facilities must be made available for enrolment, voting, the provision n Ensure that no MP will be allowed of political information and access to to actively work in secondary paid Members of Parliament. employment.
n A system that provides public financial n Require mining exploration licences to support of political parties is essential in be scrutinised by an independent probity a democracy. panel and subject to approval by Cabinet.
n The State Electoral Commission should n Strengthen protection for whistleblowers. conduct a program to educate voters fully Employees in the private sector will receive in the workings of the electoral system and the same protection as public servants. conduct regular campaigns through all n Implement the recommendations of the schools and tertiary education institutions ICAC to reduce the opportunities and to encourage all young Australians to enrol incentives for corruption. as soon as they turn 18 years.
n The State Electoral Commissioner should Reform of our Legal System positively encourage potential voters to enrol by accessing and utilising other 2.50 NSW Labor believes in providing the government databases. community with a just, rational and accessible legal system and one that is responsive to developments within Australian society. A New Standard – Zero Tolerance of Corruption 2.51 NSW Labor supports:
2.49 NSW Labor is committed to stamping out n Co-operation with the Federal Government corruption. Corruption is not only a legal in any interchange of powers that should issue, but also one of social justice. It fouls result in a more efficient response by the democracy, and redirects public resources various levels of government to community away from the common good toward venal needs. special interests. NSW deserves honest, n The powers of the Governor being transparent and accountable Government. defined and limited so as to ensure that In particular, citizens have a right to expect the Governor acts in accordance with the that MPs and Ministers will behave ethically advice of the government enjoying the and put the community’s interests ahead of confidence of the Legislative Assembly. their own. n All awards for community service to Anyone found to have acted corruptly, will be exclude titles or other honours with their expelled from the Labor Party. basis in the Crown. Labor will introduce a New Standard and legislate to: Access to Legal Services for all 2.52 NSW Labor believes that people are entitled n Appoint an Inspector General for Parliamentary Standards, with powers to to know the laws that apply to them. NSW conduct audits, investigate and penalise Labor supports all legislation, including subordinate legislation, being published in
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an up-to-date and consolidated form, and Promoting Civil Liberties made readily accessible by the community. 2.60 NSW Labor supports the regular review Electronic databases of statute and case law of anti-discrimination laws to ensure that are to be available at no cost to the public. they reflect a commitment to eliminate Significant amendments to the law are to be discrimination on the grounds of sex, race, provided to affected groups in the community. marital status, colour, disability, language, 2.53 NSW Labor believes that class actions should sexuality, age, pregnancy, status, creed or be available to members of a group who have politics wherever it is practiced. an essentially common cause of action against 2.61 NSW Labor supports a community one or more defendants. consultation into the introduction of further 2.54 NSW Labor supports costs in civil proceedings legislation to better protect the human rights being subject to a specific order of the court of NSW residents when law is interpreted and in each case with judicial discretion to be applied. exercised according to specific criteria and not 2.62 NSW Labor supports improvements to the to be confined exclusively to the result of the processes for parliamentary scrutiny of proceedings. A successful party should have legislation in line with human rights principles the right to elect to take a fixed lump sum to so that the human rights of NSW residents are cover costs or to assess a bill. properly protected when law is developed. 2.55 NSW Labor believes that reasonable legal 2.63 Capital punishment should form no part of advice, assistance and representation before the law of NSW. No State Government agency courts and similar tribunals should be available should provide any assistance to any State as a right to all members of the community in or country to prosecute an Australian citizen circumstances where their own resources are for an offence punishable by death unless inadequate to meet the cost of those services. pursuant to an agreement that a person so Labor will investigate codifying this right and convicted will be repatriated to Australia to other ways to improve access to justice. serve his or her sentence in prison. 2.56 NSW Labor will ensure that legal services are 2.64 NSW Labor believes that censorship laws provided by the most economical combination must conform with the principle that adults be of salaried lawyers and the private profession entitled to see, read and hear what they wish in the various regions of the State. NSW in private and in public subject to adequate Labor supports the existence and funding of provisions preventing persons being exposed community legal centres. Any unrepresented involuntarily to unsolicited and offensive person, in either civil or criminal proceedings material, sights or sounds. The determination is to be entitled as of right to an adjournment of what is offensive to be in accordance of his or her case to make an application for with reasonable standards prevailing in the legal assistance. community from time to time. Legislative and 2.57 NSW Labor believes that an important administrative measures to be introduced mechanism to ensure efficient court processes and policed to ensure that material is not as well as ensuring access to justice for all is to prepared, manufactured or distributed which provide appropriate Legal Aid Funding. To this promotes, condones or encourages conduct end NSW Labor, in partnership with relevant exploiting or detrimental to the interests of legal institutions and the Federal government children. will review and where appropriate increase 2.65 NSW Labor believes that the principles of funding for Legal Aid. natural justice and a rigorous assessment 2.58 NSW Labor supports a review of court rules of the public interest must be applied to with the aim of reducing the costs of litigation operate at all levels of proceedings against by the elimination of unnecessary procedures individuals for contempt of court or contempt and the imposition of limits on oral and written of Parliament. submissions. 2.66 NSW Labor supports the right of peaceful 2.59 NSW Labor supports reform of the law with assembly to exist subject to any unreasonable respect to standing to provide access to the interference with the activities of the wider courts to individuals or organisations seeking community. to protect a substantial public interest. 2.67 All children have a right to know their parents
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in the interests of their development and a statutes or the judgements or proceedings of full knowledge of their social, cultural and courts and tribunals. genetic background. NSW Labor will ensure 2.73 NSW Labor supports a Model Litigant Policy that appropriate legislation and regulation to ensure that legal officers representing operates in NSW to enable adopted a government act ethically, fairly, honestly children and children conceived by artificial and in a timely manner to ensure the proper reproductive technology to find out the administration of justice. NSW Labor supports identity of their non-custodial parents. regular review of this policy to ensure that 2.68 NSW Labor supports State Parliament making it reflects modern developments in the a formal apology to all people convicted under legal system and the changing expectations NSW law on the basis of their homosexuality. of members of the public interacting with government to resolve disputes. Collection and Dissemination of Information Criminal Law and Procedure 2.69 NSW Labor believes that the law relating to defamation needs to balance the needs of 2.74 NSW Labor believes that: the individual to protect his or her honour, n The law of conspiracy should be narrowed reputation and dignity against the benefits and clearly defined and directed against of freedom of expression and access to agreements to commit crimes. information on matters of public importance. n Accused persons should not be confined to 2.70 NSW Labor believes that Freedom of the dock during trial unless the judge in his Information legislation should enable broad or her discretion orders otherwise. and expeditious access to information in the possession of government departments n No evidence illegally obtained should and statutory authorities limited only by be admissible in any court for any such exemptions as are necessary to protect purpose, except where the court decides individual privacy and the public interest. that admission would specifically and substantially benefit the public interest Under a Labor Government, GIPA (FOI) is to without unduly derogating from the rights be rebalanced so that Government owned and liberties of any individual. corporations, such as Sydney Motorway Corporation, are fully subject to GIPA (FOI). Transport Accident Compensation Under a Labor Government, GIPA (FOI) is to be rebalanced to support the Public’s right 2.75 NSW Labor believes that the NSW to know the full range of costs and benefits Compulsory Third Party Insurance Scheme resulting from the privatisation of any State should ensure that there is fair and adequate owned assets. compensation and medical coverage for those injured in a motor vehicle accident. Labor will review the scheme to evaluate the An Independent Judiciary appropriateness of compensation payments 2.71 NSW Labor is committed to the independence and coverage for medical expenses made to of the judiciary and the independence of those injured persons on the basis of fairness. accorded the status of judges. No member of the judiciary or those accorded the status of a judge should be removed from office except by proved misbehaviour or incapacity. Protecting the Privacy of Individuals NSW Labor is committed to addressing the 2.76 NSW Labor believes in the protection of postcode inequities that exist in our legal the individual’s right to privacy. Subject to system and to ensuring that judicial resources the legitimate needs of society, individuals are properly and fairly allocated across the should have the right to control the state. collection and dissemination of information about themselves and to freely engage in Government as a Legal Entity conversation or conduct meetings without 2.72 NSW Labor believes that no copyright should intrusion or recording, unless authorised by be enforced, in normal circumstances, by law. NSW Labor will: the Crown or any other body in relation to n Legislate to extend the operation of
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privacy protection to cover both the public of biometrics. Where biometric testing and private sectors in accordance with results in scanning or storing of data of an international privacy principles and the best individual’s unique traits, NSW Labor will international standards. legislate to ensure that absolute security is maintained in storing and maintaining such n Maintain regulation of the use, collection data. and dissemination of information about individuals by both the public and private n Implement the total restriction of access sectors. to genetic information by insurance companies and employers for the purpose n Ensure that all Australians have access, of risk assessment. subject to questions of public interest, to their personal records, whether held by the public or private sectors, and the right Justice Reinvestment for Young People to correct false or misleading information 2.77 NSW Labor is committed to reducing the contained therein. overrepresentation of Aboriginal young n Prohibit the use of telecommunications people in our justice systems, and is listening devices unless approved by committed to preventative programs that judicial warrant, provided that evidence will save taxpayers money, reduce crime and obtained by illegal invasion of privacy is improve outcomes for young people. generally inadmissible. Corrective Services n Continually examine the privacy implications of new and emerging technologies to 2.78 The principles of the prison system are protect the rights of individuals to live their deterrence, maintenance of public safety and life without unnecessary intrusions by others. the rehabilitation of the prisoner. NSW Labor believes that: n Support the uniform reform of the law and practice relating to privacy throughout n People should be sent to prison as Australia in both public and private sectors. punishment, not for punishment. Prison should only be used as a last resort n Legislate to protect the rights of employees and sentences should be set at a level to be free from any form of secret commensurate with the nature of the surveillance in the workplace, including offence and the likelihood of repetition. monitoring of email and Internet usage, The emphasis in regard to prisoners and unless the employer obtains the approval their classification is to be rehabilitation of a magistrate. Such approval should only and their early return to a useful place in be granted where the employer is able society. demonstrate that they have reasonable grounds to suspect illegal activity on the n A wide range of non-custodial sentencing part of the employee. options should be made available and used wherever possible in preference to n Oppose the use of invasive surveillance imprisonment. The potential of criminal and/or continuous electronic monitoring justice programs with a restorative by employers, which adversely affects orientation should also be investigated. employees’ wellbeing in the workplace. NSW Labor opposes the private contract Labor will implement appropriate management of prisons. legislation to ensure that the health, safety and quality of employees working life is not n Facilities, resources and personnel to deal adversely affected by the use of electronic with drug-addicted prisoners should be surveillance. expanded, and pre and post-release drug programs provided, including detoxification n Legislate to ensure employees have programs. reasonable personal use of email and Internet in the workplace. In particular, the right n Subject to compliance with strict security, of employees to communicate with each prisoners should have the right to other and their union using these media. communicate with their family, friends and legal representatives. n Closely monitor developments in the area
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n The system of official visitors to be wealth and economic power. encouraged and expanded. Such official visitors are to have similar powers, defined NSW Labor believes reducing inequality by legislation, to those created by the produces happier, healthier citizens and will Mental Health Act. boost economic demand and productivity. NSW Labor is committed to NSW building a n Other than in the most exceptional circumstances, prisoners under the age modern, mixed and diversified economy which of 18 years should be held in juvenile is able to compete in global markets. This detention centres. includes the continued development of the state’s natural resources. n A prisoner eligible for parole should be released on parole, unless the Parole Board NSW Labor is committed to sustainable determines that it has sufficient reason economic growth, and the development to believe that the prisoner, if released of a productive, innovative economy, with from custody, would not be able to adapt high skill, high wage employment. The to lawful community life. Every effort development of such an economy requires should be made to provide inmates with an active government working in partnership rehabilitation and treatment programs with the private sector. aimed at reducing the likelihood of reoffending. Building a Modern Economy
n A system of probation and parole hostels 3.2 NSW Labor’s economic objectives include: should be established. n Maintaining full employment. n Within the limits imposed by practical n Sustainably growing the NSW economy. considerations, vulnerable prisoners, especially those serving short sentences, n Creating a fairer and more economically should be housed in secure, separate equal society, which requires the institutions. Facilities for prisoners on redistribution of income, wealth and protection at their own request should economic power, and government led be no less than they would receive in the infrastructure delivery. Services should be normal course of their imprisonment. provided on the basis of need.
n A system of remissions as incentive for n Combating poverty and supporting rehabilitation should be retained. disadvantaged NSW citizens with adequate welfare support and services. n Education and work programs are to be made available to all prisoners according n Preparing the NSW economy for the to need. transition to a lower carbon economy.
n Inmates should have access to condoms 3.3 This can only be achieved if there is and dental dams in order to protect government involvement in economic themselves and the wider community processes to ensure these operate in the against HIV/AIDS and other blood-borne interests of the general community. and communicable diseases. 3.4 NSW Labor believes that both medium and n Rehabilitation of prisoners is important in long term economic planning is essential reducing crime, saving taxpayers money to the maintenance and growth of a mixed and improving our communities. Measures economy in the State. shown to have international evidence in reducing recidivism shall be implemented. Building 21st Century Infrastructure 3.5 NSW Labor believes that investment in 3. OUR ECONOMIC FUTURE infrastructure plays a key role in promoting productivity and economic growth and brings 3.1 NSW Labor will promote sustainable long term economic and social benefits. economic development. 3.6 NSW Labor recognises that the infrastructure NSW Labor supports the redistribution of essential to support sustainable growth across economic power so that all NSW citizens all areas of NSW includes:
are able to fairly share in the state’s income, n Road and rail, which transport freight and
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provide essential connections between the contractors and subcontractors ensure that regions and the cities. union membership is promoted.
n Ports and airports, which are the gateways n Co-operate with all levels of government between the modern, mixed NSW economy to produce a national infrastructure plan and our trading partners. and take action to ensure that sufficient infrastructure is provided for use by public n Water resources and land use, which and private industry to avoid supply underpin the ongoing health of natural bottlenecks and other constraints on resources. economic and social capacity. n Telecommunications and internet, which n Establish a Western Sydney Jobs Task provide the foundational infrastructure for Force consisting of local government, 21st century industries. unions, businesses, experts and other n Energy infrastructure, which supports stakeholders. The task force will deliver reliable, cheap, clean energy sources for a jobs strategy, identify key industry NSW industry. opportunities, and examine infrastructure and land zoning requirements to ensure n Schools, TAFE and universities, which that Western Sydney gets it’s fair of jobs underpin the labour productivity, human from the Western Sydney Airport. capital and research agendas of the state. n Work with Infrastructure Australia n Hospitals and the health care infrastructure to support a co-ordinated national in NSW, including medical research infrastructure plan that supports the facilities, which support a healthy and development of public and private productive workforce for the state. infrastructure in NSW. 3.7 NSW Labor commits to reviewing the n NSW Labor will ensure that all tolled road assurance framework, planning and infrastructure proposals are subject to a governance policies for major infrastructure direct comparison with the relevant public projects, to ensure independent evaluation transport proposals and a transparent cost and assurance, maintain public confidence benefit analysis process. in government decision-making and support effective and efficient management of 3.11 NSW Labor notes the stated goal of the NSW valuable public funds. Coalition is to privatise all public transport. This is likely to lead to less reliable and 3.8 NSW Labor supports a transparent process in accessible services, and thousands of less the planning and delivery of infrastructure. A secure jobs. Labor Government is committed to publically publishing cost benefit ratios for projects NSW Labor does not support privatisation or under Government consideration. outsourcing of our public transport in NSW. 3.9 NSW Labor recognises that Public-Private 3.12 NSW Labor notes that the new Airport Partnerships may have a legitimate role to at Badgerys Creek will create enormous play as an approach to infrastructure financing additional demand for transport services. and procurement. However, that role should Furthermore, it is projected that 495,000 be clearly defined and subject to evidence of new residents will be living in the South West value for money. Growth Centre and Camden by 2031, while an additional 200,000 jobs will be created in the 3.10 NSW Labor will: Broader Western Sydney employment area. n Maximise expenditure to the extent It is clear that the corridor stretching from budgetary circumstances permit, Leppington to St Marys will be more than just on public works during periods of a route to the new airport – it will be a critical economic recession in order to minimise transport route for a huge number of people unemployment. living and working in Western Sydney.
n Require public works to be carried out by Infrastructure development in this corridor government instrumentalities which have also presents clear opportunities for value the capacity to undertake work without capture – by capturing some of the uplift on unreasonable expense. land values along the rail corridor, and through the development of land and airspace in n Ensure that under all government contracts award rates are paid to all workers, and that conjunction with new stations.
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NSW Labor will: implementation of Labor’s Platform.
n Build an orbital rail corridor linking the 3.20 NSW Labor will implement a jobs forecasting South West and North West rail links, and study to indicate what the areas of growth are intersecting with the Western Line; expected to be over a medium term horizon, including an analysis by region. n Deliver a rail link to the Western Sydney Airport for day one of the airport’s 3.21 NSW Labor notes the existence of the operation. Bureau of Crime Statistics and the Bureau of Health Information. This independent 3.13 NSW Labor notes the stated goal of the NSW reporting model supports the development Coalition is to privatise all public transport. and assessment and public confidence in This is likely to lead to less reliable and government policy. NSW Labor will consider accessible services, and thousands of less extending this model of government reporting secure jobs. to other areas of government. NSW Labor does not support privatisation or 3.22 NSW Labor supports public access to outsourcing of our public transport in NSW. information about government activities. NSW Labor will review the operation of the GIPA Delivering Better Government Services Act on coming to government to achieve this 3.14 NSW Labor believes improved government aim. Such access should not be at a significant services contribute to the economic prosperity cost to the public. of our State. NSW Labor is committed to 3.23 NSW Labor supports the role of a Data the maintenance of State Government Custodian at state and federal level to expenditures necessary to ensure the guide and monitor new data access and use provision of adequate government services to arrangements, including proactively managing the people of NSW. The expenditure policies risks and broader ethical considerations of NSW Labor will ensure that the methods around data use. by which the parliamentary expenditure estimates and public accounts are compiled 3.24 NSW Labor supports a new Comprehensive and presented are in accordance with the Right for consumers that would give objective of providing the maximum financial individuals and small/medium businesses information to the public. opportunities for active use of their own data and represent fundamental reform to 3.15 NSW Labor will ensure that NSW budget Australia’s competition policy in a digital measures will include both the traditional world. This right would create for consumers: budget measures such as the Gross State Product, as well as broad measures of i) Powers comparable to those in the Privacy the community’s economic, social and Act to view, request edits or corrections, and environmental wellbeing. be advised of the trade to third parties of consumer information held on them 3.16 NSW Labor will use value capture where possible to help pay for new transport ii) A new right to have a machine-readable copy infrastructure, including rail infrastructure. of their consumer data provided either to them or directly to a nominated third party, 3.17 NSW Labor will implement an annual report such as a new service provider. into the state of inequality in NSW. 3.25 NSW Labor believes public enterprises should 3.18 NSW Labor supports more detailed and more operate with social equity and economic frequent reporting by the Australian Bureau efficiency. Each such enterprise is to be of Statistics of state and regional economic directly under the control of a responsible data. Key state data is currently only available Minister and administered by a board on which annually. Regional data is essential to there is employee representation. Trade union measuring difference in economic conditions membership will be actively encouraged, in cities and the regions where parts of the and union members’ rights to collectively state are increasing integrated into the global bargain will be protected. Innovative forms economy. of joint participation by the public sector and 3.19 NSW Labor will implement a state plan with the private sector should be encouraged. measureable targets and priorities, as a way to All public enterprises will adopt effective drive government performance and the rapid planning, accounting and budgetary control
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procedures and be subject to regular reviews 8. Good corporate citizenship (including by of policy and administration. Directors) in terms of legal compliance regarding tax, protection of employee 3.26 NSW Labor will ensure that all public entitlements, corporations law, insolvency enterprises meet the objectives of Labor’s and redundancy, industrial relations, work stated commitment to social justice and health and safety, Australian standards, equility. laws around delayed and disputed 3.27 Labor is committed to supporting a strong payments, migration and visa laws, Labour and effective public service. This requires Market Testing requirements, contracting, a commitment to adequate resourcing and workers compensation, superannuation, to ongoing public sector reform. Labor phoenixing, anti-discrimination, in government will review the extent and environmental, border duties (where practice of using consultants and contractors applicable) and other legal obligations; to replace permanent public servants across 9. Environmental sustainability including the NSW Public service, with a view to whole life cycle analysis that looks at: establishing and supporting a modern public service. a) Direct environmental impacts like: pollution; energy and water use in Government Procurement manufacture; waste generation; use of toxic chemicals; impacts on air quality; 3.28 NSW Labor’s procurement policy is based on impacts on biodiversity; impacts on land delivering the following objectives: use; litter creation; and carbon emissions 1. Quality goods and services for the people in manufacture, transport and end of life; of NSW; b) Whole of life cycle costing namely long 2. Increasing manufacturing and service term environmental and financial costs; sector jobs in NSW; c) Evaluation of environmental impacts at 3. Innovation; each life cycle stage like: extraction of raw materials; product manufacturing; 4. Workplace and public safety; packing and distribution; produce usage/ 5. Secure, quality, local jobs, which would consumption; and end of life disposal; mean in practice a commitment from the d) Integration and extent of re-use, supplier to such things as a preference reprocessing and close loop recycling. for permanent employment, job and pay security at change of contract, drawing on e) Track record, plans and strategies for local employment pools, the payment of participating in the delivery of a ‘just prevailing wages underpinned by a living, transition’ for workers, their families indexed wage parity for outsourced staff, and communities impacted by climate registered enterprise agreements, trained change management and mitigation Health and Safety Representatives, union strategies. rights agreements, a right to conciliation 10. Meaningful employment and training and arbitration of disputes, paid domestic opportunities for target groups including violence leave and the right for workers Aboriginal and Torres Islanders; the in government supply chains to bargain disabled, displaced workers, older people across the supply chain; and young people in areas of high 6. Closing the gender pay gap including unemployment; through gender pay audits, a right to 11. Renewal in Western Sydney, remote and flexible work, paid parental leave, gender regional areas; bias training, superannuation initiatives that assist to rectify the gap in women’s 12. Supply chain ethics including: retirement incomes, and proactive a) Ethical sourcing of materials including initiatives that contribute to closing the processes to ensure materials are not gender pay gap in NSW; made of asbestos and are sourced 7. Skills development including investment through supply chains that do not in apprenticeships, traineeships and other involve slave labour, child labour, unsafe accredited transferrable skills; conditions, exploitation, or unlawful employment practices;
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b) Engagement of all restricted to suppliers of goods and services which employees throughout the supply mandate high quality labour standards, chain of any good or service provider robust conditions of participation with on lawful terms including in relation to a focus on compliance with labour laws freedom of association, minimum wages and best practice procurement tools; and conditions, access to collective e) Companies with procurement contracts bargaining, health and safety and who breach labour standards – for workers compensation; example, wage theft – must be held c) Contractors in government supply chains accountable with fines and termination must commit to full and transparent of contracts. A ‘three strikes and you’re reporting of the adherence to minimum out’ policy should apply in relation to labour standards and the nature of their breaches that affect workers; sub-contracting relationship with other f) Mechanisms to ensure that the suppliers; and obligations of the principle government d) Lead contractors at the top of contract holder (as outlined above) government supply chains should take apply equally to their contractors and responsibility for any breaches found subcontractors in the delivery of the in those supply chains. Therefore each contract. breach should also be treated as if g) Robust tripartite engagement and carried out by the contractor at the oversight including a role in reviewing top of the supply chain, along with the implementation, assess/pre-qualify breaching company. suppliers and dispute resolution; 13. Fair tendering processes including: h) Transparent and early purchase pipelines a) Fair tender assessment and contract for business; pricing to support sustainable business i) A compliance and enforcement unit models and good jobs; and that is well-resourced and multi-faceted b) Full transparency in: all costings; including regular audits, clear rules for workloads/productivity; service standards; disqualification, penalties for breach, and sub-contracting; an inspectorate as well as a role for employees, unions and employer 14. Strengthen/retain quality public and not- organisations; for-profit community sector jobs including through looking to in-house procurement, j) Local content rules including a holistic investing in skills development (especially approach that encourages tenders to actuarial skills to assist the procurement demonstrate the local benefits of their and monitoring process), valuing corporate product or service and for this local memory and investing in technological benefit to be adequately taken into capacity account in the procurement decision; 3.29 A NSW Labor Government will: k) All revenue raised from fines for breaches of labour standards in 1. Implement a whole of Government government procurement contracts Procurement Strategy and Policy that should be put into enforcement efforts; includes: l) Unions should also have the right to a a) The above objectives; legal mechanism to pursue companies b) A ‘Buy NSW First’ strategy entailing that that breach labour standard on behalf of if a tender is awarded to a supplier ahead members; of a local competitor for any reason the m) An appropriate mix of centralised procurement decision outlining why the procurement for certain industries chosen supplier is preferred is explained (like those identified as “high risk” of and justified in transparent manner. exploitation) with flexibility for local c) Procurement from local Small and procurement (like local councils carrying Medium Enterprises where applicable. out RMS contracts in their area or disaster relief clean up work, or local d) Detailed implementation mechanisms hospitals sourcing supplies from their including rigorous pre-qualification of host towns);
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n) The creation of internal expertise for NSW Government will: holistically costing purchasing plans. n Ensure that all NSW trains are designed, o) A focus on ethical procurement. built and maintained in Australia, working with industry and the supply chain to ensure p) Full, fair and reasonable access for local that bids for NSW tender are internationally suppliers with transparent assessment competitive; of all tenders for local industry participation, to be assessed by the n Where technically and feasibly possible, bring Office of Future Industry back rail manufacturing contracts that have gone overseas; 2. Reform the Procurement Board and supporting legislation to reflect the n Work with other state and federal Procurement Strategy and Policy. Ultimate governments to increase productivity in the responsibility for Procurement should sit in national rail manufacturing industry and build the Departments of the Prime Minister and the sector’s export capability. Premier so that it has the authority that it 3.31 In the procurement of human services, NSW requires; Labor will set an appropriate price floor as a 3. Create an Office of Future Industry within minimum for tenders, which will provide for the Department of Premier and Cabinet and adequate and safe staffing levels, and fair and a Future Industry Taskforce, composed of reasonable wages and conditions. unions, employers and industry specialists, with the power to second other experts. A More Efficient Taxation System Between them these bodies would ensure that government policies are efficiently and 3.32 NSW Labor’s taxation policies will be guided effectively growing future industries and by the following principles: creating quality, long-term jobs; n Ability to pay.
4. Create specific industry/regional plans or n Administrative simplicity. codes of practice including: n The need to provide sufficient revenue a) A Call Centre Code; growth to finance improved government b) Labour Hire Licensing; services. c) A Cleaning Accountability Framework; 3.33 NSW Labor will: d) The Homeworkers Code of Practice and n Legislate to close any loopholes that allow accreditation to the Code by Ethical the use of artificial tax avoidance schemes. Clothing Australia for textile, clothing n Maintain a progressive system of taxation and footwear procurements on extensive land holdings with exemptions for land used for primary production, or as e) Plans for industries that are prone the owner’s principal place of residence. to insecure work, vulnerable employment, extensive contracting and n Oppose the reintroduction of death duties.
subcontracting as a business model, and n Reduce gambling taxes as a proportion of exploitation; State revenue. f) Industry plans for transport, construction 3.34 NSW Labor will: manufacturing, financial services, trains, steel, renewable energy, cleaning, local n Seek to amend the method of allocation of government, the Hunter, Illawarra and Goods and Services Tax revenue to reduce Western Sydney; the bias against the more populous States. g) A public sector employment strategy; n Seek a permanent change to the methodology used by the Commonwealth h) A community sector workforce strategy. Grants Commission to allocate monies with 3.30 NSW Labor reaffirms its support for the the objective of removing the bias against rail manufacturing industry in NSW and NSW.
recognises its unique role in government n As a result of recognising that procurement decisions. NSW Labor will work environmental damage can distort efficient with industry and unions to ensure that the economic outcomes, through imposition of industry has a sustainable, long-term future. A uncompensated costs on current and future
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members of the community, businesses institutes. and other economic actors and that a n High standards of environmental and food healthy environment provides very large safety regulation. economic benefits in ecosystem services, Labor will review the taxation system for n A stable democracy, free press, and strong environmental impacts, including reviewing anti-corruption agencies. options for incentives and removal of 3.38 NSW Labor believes that the following disincentives for environmentally beneficial types of assistance are potential economic practices, and options for disincentives and development levers that an active government removal of incentives for environmentally might seek to apply: damaging practices. n Jobs forecasting to inform public sector Supporting NSW industries and private investment decisions, including at a regional level. 3.35 NSW Labor believes that government should play an active role to support industry to n Jobs plans for regions of the state, achieve Labor’s goals, by: to coordinate the various levels of government, and private economic activity n Creating jobs, to support our goal of full to increase employment. employment. n The role of the Chief Scientist and Engineer, n Supporting regional development, and driving a co-ordination of the state’s producing a more equal NSW. research institutions with government
n Supporting high value and value-added agencies and private firms.
work. n The NSW network of trade Commissioners,
n Supporting the expansion of exports from and their role in promoting exports for NSW industries, or industries that replace NSW industries.
imports. n Industry networking, both domestically and
n Supporting good wages and conditions, overseas.
secure work and fair trveatment at work. n Investment assistance for NSW firms, including marketing support.
3.36 NSW Labor will consider supporting the n Training programs.
following categories of industries: n Access to finance for startup firms, and
n Industries in which NSW already has a small business.
demonstrable comparative advantage n Government procurement, including which might be extended. using government’s role as an informed
n Industries with significant export, or import purchaser to support NSW industry.
replacement, potential. n NSW Labor will ensure that procurement be government, or in association with government including through n Industries in emerging economic areas, grants, contracts or other mechanism, which may require temporary assistance to appropriately incorporate environmental get established. sustainability. n Industries undergoing significant economic 3.39 The provision of such support should be change, or structural adjustment. conditional upon the enterprises concerned 3.37 The NSW economy has a number of strengths, establishing appropriate consultative including: mechanisms with their workforce and trade unions. n A skilled and trained workforce. 3.40 NSW Labor recognizes that the efficient n Developed infrastructure supporting role of public utilities in a mixed economy is economic activity and development. important in facilitating industry development. n Leading research institutions, including the 3.41 NSW Labor will establish the position of Jobs state’s universities and medical research Commissioner, who would be responsible for
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the coordination of the creation and retention adaptation of innovative practices. of jobs in NSW, particularly in regional NSW. 3.46 NSW Labor believes that excessive 3.42 NSW Labor will establish an Office of Future competition between state governments Industry within the Department of Premier and in an effort to outbid each other to attract Cabinet, as well as a Future Industry Taskforce, investment is counter-productive and composed of private and public sector unions, against the national interest. NSW Labor will employers and experts, and reporting to the continue to review its Trade and Industry Jobs Commissioner. Development Policy in order to estimate the growth dividend available to NSW as a result These bodies would ensure that government of successful trade and industry development policies are efficiently and effectively growing strategies. This review to be conducted on a our future industries and creating good, long- tripartite basis with involvement from NSW term jobs. public and private sector unions and industry. The Office of Future of Industries and the Future Industries Taskforce would be Regional Development responsible for: 3.47 NSW Labor will promote the economic n Strategic oversight of the state’s development of regions and support Regional industry policy, coordinating the work of Development Australia to operate in politically government departments, utilities and independent and bipartisan ways and allow enterprises, as well as local and federal representation of all interests in the shaping of governments, industry and unions. development strategies. n Attracting investment for key industries NSW Labor is committed to building on and regions. the research strengths of NSW in the field
n Identifying key industries across the NSW of space research, and will coordinate the economy and working with business and government, university and private sector private and public sector unions to clear activity in this growing sector. obstacles to growth, improve productivity NSW Labor’s regional development goals and deliver the maximum number of good, include ensuring that all citizens of NSW have local jobs. equal life chances regardless of where they
n Input into the state’s infrastructure live. priorities. Supporting Small Business 3.43 NSW Labor in government created the role of NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer. NSW Labor 3.48 NSW Labor will: will expand the scope of this role, including n Make available adequate training for to play a key role in co-ordinating the state’s small business operators in areas such research institutions to work with industry to as business management, compliance, achieve Labor’s economic development goals. accounting, banking and the digital 3.44 NSW Labor recognises that the economic economy. changes represented by the transition to clean n Continue to monitor taxes and charges energy represent a specific case where active paid by small business to ensure they are government may look to intervene to support fair and affordable. industry. This will be done in a co-ordinated way with Federal government, and with a view n Provide an effective legal foundation to supporting the development of secure, for the Office of the Small Business cheap and clean energy supplies for NSW and Commissioner— something the Coalition support just transitions for workers. Government has failed to do —so that the holder of that office can act independently 3.45 NSW Labor recognises that innovation and with confidence to assist small research, including both the public good business meaningfully in this State. based pure research, as well as applied and early stage commercialisation research n Ensure small businesses are treated fairly represents a specific case for support. This by other businesses and by State and local support might include areas of industry where government bodies. it is in the public interest to promote the rapid n Report annually on the ‘red tape’ burden,
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its causes and how it can be reduced. existing arrangements or could be satisfied by alternative arrangements. n Protect small businesses from unfair contracts, including in the area of retail 3. Where the original purpose (as discussed leases and franchising. above) has become redundant, the other social, redistributive or regulatory roles that Asset Sales and Private Sector Infrastructure have evolved must be taken into account. 3.49 NSW Labor is committed to the development 4. The retention value of the enterprise meas- of a strong, dynamic and relevant public ured against its sale value. Any calculation sector. of retention value should incorporate both commercial and non-commercial functions. 3.50 NSW Labor rejects the notion that income- producing enterprises should not be owned 5. The current structure of the market place by the State. NSW Labor believes that support (i.e. monopoly, oligopoly or competitive) or opposition to asset sales or private sector and the public sector’s role as a competitor involvement in infrastructure projects should and/or regulator in that market. be based on a broad, objective and factually 6. The impact on specific groups or regional based approach. Each case should be areas especially those groups or areas that considered on its merits to determine whether are already disadvantaged. The assessment particular existing public assets provide the should include all factors including the real best benefits to the community in their current costs of compensation and/or support form or in some other form. that will be needed if the role of the public 3.51 NSW Labor will apply a broad social and sector were to change. economic “cost/benefit” analysis to any 7. The impact on employment, skills, training proposal for private sector involvement in and conditions and the protection of the public infrastructure in order to determine existing workforce and/or the reform of whether or not the particular project is industrial relations practices in any new justified in the public interest. enterprise or project. 3.52 NSW Labor opposes the use in the future 8. The existing competing demands on the of outsourcing and privatisation to limit NSW public sector and existing budgetary parliamentary scrutiny. constraints and/or the alternative sources 3.53 NSW Labor will establish a committee of funds for public sector investment. (including representatives of government, 9. The current environmental impact and the relevant community and consumer/user need to continue to enhance environmental groups and trade unions) to examine any protection. proposed changes to the status and/or standing of a public sector body, service, 10. The administrative economies of scale and utility or asset. Its role shall be to take public coordination that are facilitated by public submissions and make its own investigations ownership and control. regarding any major proposal for privatisation 11. Appropriate weighting of long–term as well and/or private funding of infrastructure. as short to medium term considerations; and Based on these submissions and findings, the Committee will prepare an impact statement 12. Where the money is going, i.e. ensuring on the proposed changes. The Committee that the proceeds of the disposal of assets will in the formulation of its impact statement, are responsibly directed to priority public ensure that each of the following criteria capital needs. are examined and shall not recommend any 3.54 The 12 criteria outlined above provide the changes that do not meet the criteria overall. broadest basis to analyse any proposed CRITERIA privatisation or private sector involvement in public infrastructure in NSW. 1. The direct and indirect social usefulness of a public asset, service or utility. Co-operatives 2. The original purpose of the enterprise 3.55 NSW Labor will continue to encourage and and whether that purpose remains valid, assist the co-operative movement, including is being appropriately addressed through building societies, credit unions and other
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organisations based on the mutual self-help banking, insurance and superannuation. concept. 3.63 Labor believes in the consumer protection 3.56 NSW Labor believes that co-operatives should principles (including consumer best interest be organisations which offer a workable model duty and removal of conflicted remuneration) for economic and social democracy and underpinning the Future of Financial Advice should be based on the principles adopted by laws and that all financial product and service the International Co-operative Alliance. providers must be required to act in the best interests of their customers and clients at all As NSW industries are impacted by the rise times. We will consult further with the financial of the digital and sharing economy, and as sector, unions, consumer and retiree groups new technological platforms develop for the about detailed implementation of financial distribution of work, the role of co-operatives regulation applying to all financial services may become more relevant to ensure that (including insurance and banking). workers and producers share in the wealth generated by such work. A Professional Financial Services Industry Consumer Affairs 3.64 NSW Labor recognises that a strong financial services sector is important to the NSW 3.57 NSW Labor believes that governments must economy and is committed to restoring public act to protect the rights of consumers and confidence and trust in the financial services tenants. Consumer and tenancy tribunals sector. NSW Labor believes a national Royal should be accessible, provided across the Commission into the finance sector will State and use mediation wherever possible. ensure a stronger industry that delivers for 3.58 NSW Labor supports consumer educational communities. material being included in the curriculum for 3.65 NSW Labor supports the four pillar policy. primary and high schools. Public education programs on consumer and tenancy rights 3.66 NSW Labor will continue to take steps to should be conducted through the media. promote an Australian finance sector that functions in accessible, affordable and fair 3.59 NSW Labor supports a uniform food labeling manner by ensuring our financial institutions approach to all products sold and supports are: a national uniform scheme. The contents of all processed packaged food and processed n Regulated appropriately and professionally; canned goods should be labeled showing n Governed in a transparent and accountable ingredients, nutritional value and the country manner; of origin of the contents. n Staffed by appropriately trained and 3.60 NSW Labor supports a charter of residential resourced professionals; housing rights and duties that is fair to both landlords and tenants. n Required to compete ethically and in the interests of all Australians; 3.61 NSW Labor believes that advertising standards should ensure that advertising n Operating free of conflicts of interest; and depicting overuse or abuse of tobacco and n Investing in domestic jobs and skills alcohol, or advertising which is targeted at development. children, or advertising which is misleading, is not permitted. 3.67 Labor will consider measures to ensure appropriate disclosure and consideration of 3.62 Labor acknowledges that our financial issues of climate and environmental risk. services sector is now the largest employing sector in our economy providing significant 3.68 NSW Labor believes it is in the NSW interest employment and career opportunities for to ensure that Australia’s finance industry many Australians now and into the future. has comprehensive local capability to meet Labor also recognises that businesses and the the needs of both the domestic and global Australian community in general is compelled economies. to participate daily in our financial services 3.69 NSW Labor believes a well regulated and sector and that a comprehensive, professional, comprehensive local banking and finance efficient and competitive industry is essential sector has been of paramount importance to to allocating capital in the economy and NSW’s economic and social progress. delivering the essential services such as
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3.70 NSW Labor recognises the changing nature of owners who insure their properties and further the finance sector and is committed to work noting that property owners are not obliged with stakeholders in preparing the necessary to insure their properties or insure them for skills for the financial services jobs of the replacement value, NSW Labor will review future through education and training. the laws relating to building insurance to ensure that all building owners do not bear a 3.71 NSW Labor recognizes that new technologies disproportionate share of insurance risks and are creating a fundamental shift in how the the costs of fire services. finance industry operates and engages with communities. Investing in Innovation 3.72 NSW Labor believes in the need for an improved industrial framework and provisions 3.81 NSW Labor recognises both the opportunities to safeguard workers during periods change. and challenges presented by technological change to the way in which we work and live. 3.73 NSW Labor believes in investment of skills NSW Labor will ensure that the opportunities and knowledge within current workforces presented by technological and economic to prepare workers for the next wave of change to workers, businesses and people's employment opportunity and keeping jobs lives are embraced in a manner that enriches onshore. the lives of all. 3.74 NSW Labor believes that Industry, 3.82 NSW Labor will work with industry, education Government and Trade Unions have a role in institutions, all levels of Government and the developing a recognition and accreditation broader community to anticipate and respond framework for skills and experiences for to economic and societal transformation workers in finance. brought about by technological change. 3.75 NSW Labor believes that as an essential 3.83 NSW Labor will take a leadership role in service within communities the industry has promoting and developing an innovative an obligation to maintain ease of access for culture and economy and work with all customers regardless of circumstance or stakeholders to maximise the potential of location. Australian ideas, technology and innovation. 3.76 NSW Labor notes that the financial services 3.84 NSW Labor understands the value posed industry consists of banking, insurance, by industry and market specialisation within superannuation, financial advice and other the NSW economy. NSW is endowed with an related functions. extremely capable workforce with existing skills, talents and expertise. NSW Labor will Provision of Insurance invest in existing areas where NSW is most competitive and has comparative advantage 3.77 NSW Labor acknowledges the important - nationally and internationally. Fields such role state government plays in ensuring as energy, advanced manufacturing, medical the delivery of fair and equitable insurance technology and life science, education, services. financial services and primary production 3.78 NSW Labor will ensure that: present great opportunities for future economic growth and the next generation of n Insurers cannot avoid a claim where the insured makes an innocent non-disclosure jobs. or innocent misrepresentation. 3.85 NSW Labor will support the promotion of research and development and partner with n Agents and/or employees of insurers who complete or assist completion of proposal the national branch of the Australian Labor forms or other policy documents should Party in its attempts to support Australia not be treated in law as agents of the devoting 3 percent of national GDP towards insured. research and development by 2030. 3.79 NSW Labor will encourage motor vehicle Third 3.86 NSW Labor is committed to supporting Party Property Insurance as the minimum ideas, products and technology which can be protection desirable for motor vehicle owners. exported to the world and supports NSW’s attempts to compete in an increasingly global 3.80 Noting that the Fire Levy which applies to marketplace including partnering with other Building Insurance falls only on property Australia States & Territories. Our people,
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products and businesses must be supported Labor in government will initiate a high to ensure we can compete at the highest level engagement with the NBN Co. and the level and continue to add value both to our Federal Government to discuss the priorities economy and society as a whole. and progress of the NBN rollout in NSW to ensure it is being done in an efficient and 3.87 NSW Labor will provide leadership to ensure strategic manner. the potential of the fourth industrial revolution is unleashed and the ideas and hard work of 3.96 NSW Labor is committed to ensuring that innovative people can create high skill, high government IT purchasing criteria include wage and secure jobs. the requirement to meet legal standards for employment conditions, including 3.88 NSW Labor will invest in a knowledge-based occupational health and safety. In setting economy, accessible by all members of the government procurement guidelines for community, which underpins future jobs, IT services, NSW Labor will promote local economic growth, and a fair and democratic employment and non-vendor specific society. solutions, where possible. 3.89 NSW Labor recognises that all sectors of the 3.97 To ensure the economic benefits of innovation community should engage with the digital are maximised and are distributed through economy and modern technology. NSW Labor inclusive growth requires that: embraces the way in which the NBN and digital technologies can support the formation n the needs of industry for new skill sets are of micro-businesses, social enterprises, mapped to identify skill shortages; e-traders and tech and non tech start-ups. n industry skills, training packages are 3.90 NSW Labor knows that an innovative, developed to address skill shortages; economically and technologically savvy n the identification of skill sets and shortages society is based on Labor’s proud history in be carried out cooperatively with investing in education for people of all ages representatives of workers, employers and and background. An innovative society is Governments; dependent on a successful and accessible education system. n industry skill training and retraining packages be developed for existing 3.91 NSW Labor is committed to ensuring that the workers and new workforce entrants to next generation of jobs created by economic take advantage of identified industry needs and technological transformation are for new skills; protected by the same industrial protections and rights fought for by the Labor and Union n assistance be given to workers transitioning movement over more than a century. within or between industries to address skill shortages. Labor in Government will: 3.92 NSW Labor is committed to ensuring the benefits of innovation are distributed n fund industry training packages to meet throughout the community in a fair and the changing skills needs of industries; equitable manner. n fund industry training with employers so 3.93 NSW Labor will for all workers, industries that it is accessible to all workers that wish and economic sectors negatively impacted to participate in retraining either in their by rapid economic and technological current industry or another industry; transformation and ensure workers are n fund industry training boards with equal supported with a safety net and assistance in representation of workers and employers; gaining employment. n ensure industry skill training leads to 3.94 NSW Labor sees innovation as a way to recognised and portable qualifications for drive our economy forward and tackle workers. underemployment and unemployment. 3.98 NSW Labor believes that eDemocracy 3.95 NSW Labor recognises the importance of initiatives offer significant opportunities to Data analytics in improving public service improve access to, and public participation in delivery and outcomes. Labor will pursue government. these objectives whilst also ensuring security and integrity of this data. NSW Labor will work to expand the ICT-based
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opportunities for citizens to inform themselves • need to extract and use resources within about social and political issues so they can environmental constraints. effectively participate in the democratic • need to provide for future generations. process. 3.103 NSW Labor supports the development of Further, NSW Labor will promote Open value-added minerals processing projects Government initiatives by providing greater in NSW including steel manufacturing. NSW opportunities for direct engagement with the Labor will consult with unions, businesses and community in government decision-making universities to develop a plan to expand the through online communication and new media state’s specialist steelmaking capacity. To this end, NSW Labor commits to: 3.104 NSW Labor supports the role of ad valorem n Requiring that online consultations (or flat royalties) as a means of maintaining a with appropriate legal provisions for basic return to the community for exploitation identity verification must form part of all of natural resources. Parliamentary Inquiries, as an optional 3.105 NSW Labor insists on maximising the Australian means for the public contribution; and, ownership and control of Australia’s mineral n Positive support from Government for resources whilst recognising the continuing role use of social media and online tools for to be played by foreign capital in the exploration consultation, collaboration and crowd and development of Australian resources. sourcing of ideas and input. 3.106 NSW Labor favours joint NSW Government 3.99 NSW Labor will ensure that government and private enterprise ventures, at all times agencies offer their services and information ensuring 51 per cent Australian ownership online as quickly and effectively as possible, as a minimum. NSW Labor also supports with the aim of being a world leader in restricting customer equity to less than a government online. controlling interest to ensure the maintenance of arm's length relationship in terms of pricing 3.100 NSW Labor supports continued research and of mineral exports. development into alternative, cleaner and more economical uses of coal. 3.107 NSW Labor recognises changing circumstances facing the coal industry, arising from: 3.101 NSW Labor supports providing effective online consumer protection and advocacy n Development of added production capacity. (through co-operation between Federal and n Changing technology. State Government Agencies) for both local and overseas online transactions. n Increased environmental awareness surrounding the coal industry. Utilising our Natural Resources 3.108 NSW supports greater consultation and 3.102 NSW Labor’s minerals policy is based on three planning to prevent massive sterilisation of coal broad principles: reserves by surface development. Expansion of urban development must be planned in n The mineral resources of Australia belong conjunction with the industry and government. to the people, who should share in the benefits obtained from the development 3.109 NSW believes that coal extraction, marketing of those resources. and the granting of export licences for new mines should be co-ordinated on a national n Guidelines must be developed for mineral basis through a joint coal board in each State exploitation to establish a stable climate for and the Federal Minister for Energy. long life investment. 3.110 NSW Labor supports continued research n Domestic minerals policy must be based on and development into alternative and more recognition of the: economical uses of coal. • need to increase the efficiency with 3.111 NSW Labor will apply the precautionary which resources are used. principle to all areas under investigation for • finite nature of mineral resources. CSG mining which have the possibility of
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interfering with or polluting groundwater of water infrastructure, including water systems, until the scientific community can catchments, water treatment plants, sewerage demonstrate this industry is safe. treatment plants and water networks. 3.112 NSW Labor will: 3.114 NSW Labor reaffirms its total opposition to the privatisation or leasing out of the NSW n Take a long-term approach to supporting electricity distribution and transmission those most affected communities in the networks including the operations of Hunter Valley, Central Coast, Lithgow, TransGrid, Essential Energy, Ausgrid, Mudgee and Wollongong regions; Endeavour Energy and Networks NSW. n Require power station operators and mine Further, Conference supports the retention owners and operators to identify expected of essential services and natural monopolies closure dates at least three (3) years prior including the electricity network in public to the closure to ensure ownership. (a) The State Government can consider 3.115 NSW Labor will strengthen the economic the adequacy of the remaining power regulation and administration of public supply; utilities to make consumer engagement and experience a core guiding principle. (b) An orderly transfer of employees over this extended period; and (c) Training packages can be rolled out. 4. PROSPERITY AND FAIRNESS n Help meet the future employment needs AT WORK of these workers by working with Unions 4.1 NSW Labor believes access to employment and employers to identify like for like job based on fair conditions is the key to creating opportunities and develop comprehensive a modern prosperous society. training packages that are put in place before the actual closures take place; 4.2 The Labor legacy is a fair go for all at work. This is characterised by a strong safety net of n Identify funding for, and facilitate, a pooled minimum conditions and the right to collective redundancy scheme for the Energy and bargaining at work. Workplaces should be Mining workforce which: safe and all workers deserve the right to be (a) Offers voluntary redundancies (paid represented by a union in their workplace. at the rate of four weeks’ pay for each 4.3 NSW Labor believes in fostering jobs and year of service) at all remaining power incomes that allow Australians to improve stations and mines until the surplus their quality of life, including in retirement. labour generated by these closures is fully redeployed; Promoting Full Employment (b) Sees operators employing only from the pool of Mining and Energy employees 4.4 NSW Labor will ensure that access to all affected by redundancies until that pool areas of employment is equally available to is exhausted; and everyone regardless of gender, socioeconomic background, disability, ethnic origin, age, race, (c) Is managed by a tripartite authority religion and sexual orientation. NSW Labor (Government, Employers and Unions) affirms its support for the Anti-Discrimination that includes a mechanism to resolve Act 1977. disputes; 4.5 NSW Labor will work towards the restoration n Invest in community infrastructure and take and maintenance of full employment, high a proactive approach to attracting new levels of job security and skills development. employers and industries to these regions; and 4.6 NSW Labor will develop employment policies that have as their principle objective the n Secure a comparable commitment from the creation of full-time jobs or meaningful part- Federal Government time jobs for those who want part-time work. 4.7 NSW Labor will actively assist those who are Public Utilities unemployed or underemployed with training 3.113 NSW Labor affirms support for the public and education. ownership, management and maintenance
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4.8 NSW Labor will develop policies to overcome n Working with the Federal Government, the disparity between male and female unions and employer groups to achieve earnings and the high incidence of women incremental increases in occupational and families in poverty. superannuation from 9% to 15%. 4.9 NSW Labor will ensure that NSW workers have n Access for all workers to industrial tribunals the necessary capacity to take advantage of and courts with final arbitration powers on job opportunities by ensuring that training is all work related issues.
available for the skills required in a diversified n Unfair dismissal protection consistent with economy, including the participation skills International Labor Organisation standards. necessary for workers to play a more effective role in industrial restructuring and workplace n One set of industrial relations laws applying decision making. to all workers regardless of the industry in which they work. NSW Labor does not 4.10 NSW Labor will develop individual industry believe that coercive investigative powers sector policies that identify and present further have any role in industrial relations laws. employment opportunities and training needs. n The abolition of the ABCC and will make 4.11 NSW Labor believes that trade unions, as the representations to Federal Labor for the legitimate representatives of the workforce, immediate abolition of that body. should be fully consulted and involved across a range of industrial, economic and social n The provision of quality part time work issues. Accordingly, NSW Labor in government through the removal of barriers to will aim to include unions along with business, promotion, career development and training community and other appropriate interests opportunities for part time workers. in constituted boards, committees and n Legislating to create an offence of wage consultative bodies that provide advice to theft. the government. n The equal representation model for industry superannuation funds. Creating Fair Workplaces n The legislated right to demand direct 4.12 NSW Labor is determined to ensure that NSW payment of union dues by an employer to a industrial legislation fairly guarantees the trade union at the request of the employee. rights of workers and the broader community interest. n The right to take industrial action consistent with International Labour 4.13 The NSW Industrial Relations Commission Organisation Standards without restrictions (IRC) will have the role and responsibility on subject matter, time, workplace or of setting minimum wages and other basic employer and without approval from courts entitlements, applicable to common rule or tribunals. awards and enterprise agreements, including compensatory wage adjustments for low paid n The right for casual workers who have been workers. working on a regular or systematic basis for six consecutive months to convert to 4.14 NSW Labor supports: permanent work if they choose. n An emphasis on equity, efficiency, and 4.15 NSW Labor will: productivity improvement. n Encourage membership of trade unions n recognition of the fundamental right of and registered industry associations. employees to bargain collectively either at an industry, industry sector, supply chain or n Encourage workers’ participation in enterprise level. decisions affecting the workplace and in occupational superannuation funds. n The use of collective bargaining agreements involving unions whilst n Provide adequate funding for either trade maintaining a comprehensive award unions and/or the Office of Industrial system, with full overview by the IRC. Relations to prosecute breaches of Awards, enterprise agreements and Occupational n The State Wage Case process annually to Health and Safety laws. ensure a fair minimum standard of pay and conditions. n Support an ongoing consultative
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mechanism involving Government, Unions to force workers hands in negotiations. NSW NSW, unions and peak employer bodies. Labor will advocate for and support Federal legislation which removes the ability for n Provide recognition, training and support employers to terminate an agreement except for the role of employee representative when all parties to the Agreement consent to (union delegate) within the industrial its termination. relations legislation. 4.21 NSW Labor is committed to a wages system 4.16 NSW Labor believes that workplace change that achieves the following objectives: must occur in a way that is fair and equitable. n Provides a fair and decent wage system 4.17 NSW Labor supports appropriate legislated based on collective bargaining, awards employment protection standards for NSW and strong minimum standards including workers. penalty rates. 4.18 NSW Labor is committed to a fair, effective n Facilitates job security and jobs growth. and enforceable scheme to protect employee entitlements in the event of a company going n Upholds the concepts of equal pay for work into receivership or liquidation including any of equal value and of wage rates being worker’s unpaid superannuation entitlements. set by reference to the work performed and not permitting a tiered wages system 4.19 NSW Labor recognises the unfair and with differing rates of pay for different unjust situation that currently exits geographical areas. whereby employers are both terminating and threatening to terminate Enterprise n Prohibits individual statutory contracts/ Agreements under the Fair Work Act. agreements.
To ensure that similar industrial strategy is not n Maintains and improves the real value of used in relation to contract carriers who have wages and conditions. bargained for Contract Agreement in NSW, 4.22 NSW Labor will: NSW Labor will ensure that the Industrial Relations Act is amended so that principal n Provide for a mandatory requirement for contractors are not able to unilaterally satisfying the “no disadvantage test” to terminate a Contract Agreement and leave maintain an appropriate relativity between contract carriers worse off. training wage rates and the adult base rate of pay set by any agreement or award.
A Strong Safety Net n Work towards improvements in Paid Carer’s 4.20 The use of section 226 of the Fair Work Leave.
Act by employers to unilaterally terminate n Penalty rates are fair pay for work at enterprise agreements undermines fair unsociable times. Award penalty rates collective bargaining and has resulted in a should not be changed if it would result in a loss of pay and conditions for workers. This reduction in employees take home pay. was first demonstrated in 2013 in Aurizon V RTBU where 14 Enterprise Agreements were n Introduce measures to effectively reduce terminated by the employer and employees the significant disparity in the retirement were forcibly moved onto the Modern Award incomes of men and women. without their consent. NSW Labor in Government will work with the The unilateral termination of enterprise Federal Government to: agreements during bargaining undoubtedly n Expedite increases in the superannuation changes the context of bargaining and guarantee initially to 12% and then the power balance between employers, incrementally to 15%; employees and their representatives. Employers are well aware of this and have n Increase penalties on employers who fail to used the termination of agreement as a tool pay workers superannuation entitlements; to undermine bargaining and drive down the n Remove work and age limits for entitlements and conditions of workers. The superannuation payments so all workers option for employers to apply to terminate are entitled to superannuation payments; agreements, or threaten to apply has now and effectively become another tool for employers n Amend the FEG so that when a business
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is wound up any unpaid superannuation care owed by the PCBU to the deceased. entitlements of workers are eligible to be The offence to reflect the following paid under the FEG system. characteristics: 4.23 NSW Labor recognises the importance of a strong minimum wage in providing a strong • Making the PCBU criminally liable for safety net. NSW Labor will work to create a gross negligence fair minimum wage by improving the ‘wage bite’ of the minimum wage, or the ratio of • Imposing pecuniary penalties and the minimum wage to the median wage. NSW community based remedial programs Labor supports setting a set of medium-term on liable PCBU’s to genuinely reflect targets to achieve this. the serious nature of the conduct; • Ensuring the offence includes Building Safer Workplaces omissions as well as positive actions on 4.24 NSW Labor supports a minimum of 10 days behalf of the PCBU; paid domestic violence leave as a universal • Ensuring the offence allows for the right for all workers to be enshrined in the aggregation of responsibility rather National Employment Standards and relevant than relying on the actions of one State legislation to ensure it is passed on to all individual to determine liability; workers in NSW. 4.26 NSW Labor recognises the unfair and unjust 4.25 NSW Labor: situation that currently exists in the private
n Supports the right of all workers to a safe waste sector when contracts are put out to and healthy working life through strong tender. Existing employees are often forced Occupational Health and Safety laws. to reapply for their own jobs and if they are successful are employed on lower rates and n Supports workplace occupational health conditions with existing entitlements not and safety representative structures to recognised. This can result in a waste worker facilitate worker and union participation in who has worked on the same contract for 30 ensuring safety and health at work. years never having the opportunity to take n Supports a regulatory framework that is long service leave. genuinely tripartite and independent. To prevent this from occurring, NSW Labor n Will ensure that any move to harmonise will ensure that when Local Government puts State and Federal and Occupational a tender out for the performance of domestic Health & Safety laws does not result in a or other waste management services of reduction of employee rights, protections the same kind as those performed under or entitlements nor the rights of their a contract immediately in force before the respective unions. tender is invited the incoming contractor must: n Ensure mandatory development of Risk Assessment Plans and Risk Control Plans n Offer all existing employees the same kind to be undertaken in consultation with of employment
works and respective union(s) and to be n Offer employment under the same pay documented and also displayed for all, and rates, pay-related conditions and other available to WorkCover inspectors. terms as apply immediately prior to the n Provide adequate funding for either trade change of tender
unions and / or WorkCover to prosecute n Maintain continuity of service and all breaches of Occupational Health and employee related entitlements, including Safety laws. annual leave, long service leave and sick n NSW Labor is committed to introducing leave
an offence of industrial manslaughter n Ensure that employees are provided with a where actions or omissions of the officers fair and reasonable wage increase in each of the persons conducting a business or year of the contract undertaking (PCBU) cause a person’s death when those actions or omissions amount 4.27 NSW Labor recognises that the State to a gross breach of a relevant duty of Government is the economic employer of
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all workers in the private bus industry. As where there is evidence an employer such, it is the NSW Government who set the has engaged in systematic wage theft, wages, terms and conditions of employment including the advertising of rates of pay for workers in the private bus industry. Since below minimum Awards. the introduction of competitive tendering, n Support the publishing of a public register private sector bus drivers have had their of businesses engages in systematic wage wages and conditions attacked and reduced theft. as companies undercut each other to win Government contracts. n Improve the capacity of the NSW industrial jurisdiction to enable workers and their NSW Labor condemns the Liberal/ National unions to recover unpaid wages and Government’s attack on private sector bus entitlements and supports measures to driver conditions. bring about similar improvements to the NSW Labor will ensure that: federal courts system.
n The wages and conditions of private sector Fair Workers Compensation bus drivers are not to be tendered on 4.30 NSW Labor is committed to repealing the n Bus drivers will receive a fair and current workers compensation system and reasonable wage increase on an industry replacing it with a system that reflects the basis in each year following principles:
n A tripartite committee involving 1. Workers compensation should be available Government, industry and the union will on a no-fault basis where an injury “arises meet to address issues facing the industry out of or in the course of employment”, and will make recommendations that the even where it is the aggravation of an Government will act on. existing injury or disease. 4.28 NSW Labor recognises that Chapter 6 2. Premiums must recover the costs of the of the Industrial Relations Act is vital system as well as encourage safe work legislation which both protects and gives practices. rights to owner-drivers in the state of NSW. 3. WorkCover must be properly resourced to Unfortunately some owner-drivers who would carry out its functions properly including otherwise be afforded the protections of an increased emphasis on prevention and Chapter 6 are excluded for historical reasons compliance. which no longer have any relevance. These include owner-drivers who carry bread, milk or 4. Meaningful tripartite consultation must be a cream and owner-drivers who deliver food to central part of the system. homes or other premises. 5. The system of scheme agents and To address these shortcomings in the current selfinsurers should be abolished and all legislation, NSW Labor will amend Chapter 6 workers compensation functions should be of the Industrial Relations Act to ensure that internalised within WorkCover. these owner-drivers are afforded the same 6. Trade unions must have the power to rights and protections as other ownerdrivers enforce non-compliance with workers in NSW by removing the exclusion at ss compensation law together with rights of 309(4)(d) and (i) of the Industrial Relations entry, inspection and other investigative Act. powers. Wage Theft 7. The Workers Compensation Commission 4.29 NSW Labor will: should provide a quick, easy, effective and legally binding mechanism to resolve n Amend the Crimes Act (1990) to include disputes about all aspects of the workers a criminal offence for wage theft, where compensation system. an employer and/ or owner of a business knowingly, recklessly or repeatedly 8. Return to work should be elevated as a underpays the workers they engage. central tenant of workers compensation by:
n Support the restoration of right of entry (8.1) Placing an absolute obligation on access to provide union with the right to employers to provide suitable duties; investigate wage records in circumstances (8.2) Preventing termination unless the
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injury management plan states that the are disproportionately earned by women, return to work goal is a different job and a and any reduction to penalty rates will different employer; and worsen the gender pay gap.
(8.3) Ensuring that Return to Work Plans n NSW Labor recognises that penalty rates are implemented and enforced; and make up a vital part of people’s pay, especially in rural and regional NSW. (8.4) Incentivising the employment of injured workers. 4.33 NSW Labor will implement an extension of statutory Long Service Leave entitlements 9. Journey claims and recess claims should be that reflect the dynamics of a modern labour covered by the system. force where workers’ primary attachment may 10. Weekly payments should be set at a level be to an industry rather than an individual equivalent to an injured worker’s pre-injury employer. average weekly earnings irrespective of 4.34 NSW Labor will support: their fitness for work and should not be subject to any caps or step-downs. n Statutory paid annual leave entitlements.
11. Costs associated with medical and all n The right of all workers and their families in related treatment should be covered for a modern economy to enjoy the benefits of workers compensation purposes with no all public holidays. arbitrary caps or limits. n The development of transition to retirement 12. Work Capacity Reviews and Decisions schemes/programs that allow workers to should be removed from the workers adjust over a period of time to retirement compensation legislation. Consideration from the paid workforce. Labor accepts of a worker’s functionality is properly that working Australians who have spent addressed as part of their rehabilitation a lifetime working in manual occupations plan. need special consideration with regard to retirement age and support. 13. Penalties set within workers compensation legislation will be designed to provide a n A universal government funded and means significant deterrent for any behaviour tested maternity payment, providing access which harms or may harm an injured for all women regardless of their being in workers health or rights. paid employment or not and regardless of the rates of pay in their chosen industry. NSW Labor also will ensure that any move to harmonise State and Federal Workers n A paid paternity leave scheme to operate Compensation laws does not result in a in conjunction with paid maternity leave reduction of employee rights, protections or entitlements. entitlements nor the rights of their respective n Those employees with caring unions. responsibilities through legislative and award provisions. Promoting Work Life Balance n Working women in their choice to combine 4.31 NSW Labor is committed to promoting paid work and breastfeeding, recognising policies that assist workers to maintain a the critical role that employers play in balance between the hours they work and the creating a supportive environment for hours available to them to spend with their breastfeeding mothers returning to families, their communities and in recreational work from maternity leave. NSW Labor activities. will implement measures which support 4.32 NSW Labor is committed to the payment of working women in combining paid work penalty rates as fair compensation for working and breastfeeding.
unsociable and long hours. n Retail trading legislation that requires NSW Labor believes these should be set at shops to be kept closed and no work a level to ensure fair minimum conditions for behind closed doors on Christmas Day, all workers working outside of the traditional Boxing Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday working week. and all of ANZAC Day.
n NSW Labor recognises that penalty rates Public Sector Employment
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4.35 NSW Labor is committed to the development Government will be undertaken through and maintenance of a strong, dynamic, Government employment on a permanent efficient and relevant public sector capable basis. of providing the high quality and responsive n Produce an annual report that lists within community services and infrastructure the public sector by agency, department essential to the development of the NSW and enterprise the number and dollar economy and the community. value of employees (listing separately for 4.36 The NSW public sector plays an essential full-time, part-time and casuals) and third role in assisting ecologically sustainable party contracted positions. This report is to economic development and social justice be reviewed by the State Labor Advisory objectives. It also plays a vital role in economic Committee. restructuring through services to industry n Oppose reductions in superannuation and in addressing market failure through standards which occurred in NSW with appropriate standards, monitoring and the introduction of First State Super to the regulation. public sector based on the SGC standard 4.37 NSW Labor: only.
n Supports providing public sector workers 4.38 NSW Labor believes all public sector agencies with the best possible pay and conditions must take active steps to recruit, train and to achieve the highest standards in retain Indigenous people at all levels. recruiting and retaining public sector 4.39 NSW Labor will continue to increase the workers. participation of Indigenous people in the n Supports an independent, non-political development, management and operation of public service in order to ensure a services and programs. professional public sector of the highest 4.40 A NSW Labor Government will introduce integrity and efficiency in the delivery of legislation to ensure that workers employed by services to the public. the Government are paid fairly in accordance n Commits to a public sector superannuation with their skills, including by repealing section scheme that recognises the responsibility 146C of the Industrial Relations Act 1996 of the Government, as an employer, (NSW). to provide reasonable superannuation A NSW Labor Government will rescind the benefits to its employees and opposes current Public Sector Wages Policy and reductions in public sector superannuation. replace it with a principled and collaborative n Supports the retention of employee rights framework for dealing with claims by workers to access to an independent tribunal to and unions for improved pay and conditions. hear promotional appeals.
n Supports the establishment and Regulation of Work maintenance of appropriate employee 4.41 NSW Labor recognises that the changing consultative mechanisms, that recognise organisation of work requires regulation of unions as the legitimate representatives work, whether direct employment, labour hire, of employees, in all public sector owner truck drivers, outworkers, contracting, organisations. “gig economy”, franchised and other forms,
n Supports the repeal of legislative to maximise secure work with a fair minimum restrictions that limit public sector safety net of conditions and protections for all employees ability to seek relief from workers no matter how they are engaged to discrimination. perform the work. To achieve this NSW Labor is committed to making legislative changes n Maintains its commitment to the ongoing including: representation of employee trustees on superannuation boards and will ensure that n Ensure that all the Industrial Commission their role and responsibilities are in accord is able to set appropriate conditions of with Federal legislation. engagement of workers that are no less favourable than those found in the relevant n Ensure where possible that any long- awards, NES and to facilitate trade union term employment roles required by the representation of such workers.
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n Ensure that all the Industrial Commission to introduce) important reforms to clean up is empowered to make orders of minimum the labour hire industry, including licensing rates which have general application to all systems. contracts for similar types of work. NSW Labor will: n Ensure that all workers have access to union representation, industrial tribunals n Develop a licensing scheme for labour hire and courts. providers, with penalties for enterprises and organisations which use unlicensed n Ensure that all workers receive training to providers; and ensure that they understand their rights. n Introduce a mandatory code of conduct n Ensure that workers receive the same for labour hire providers, with breaches benefits as employees including of the code punishable by removing the occupational health and safety, provider’s license to operate in NSW. superannuation and workers compensation. n Introduce legislation to ensure workers n To regulate and licence labour hire engaged through labour hire operatives providers however described. receive the same rates of pay as employees.
n Ensure franchisors are jointly liable for n Legislate to impose joint liability for breaches of laws regulating work, within employment and safety standards on both their franchise network, by franchisees. labour hire operators and their ultimate 4.42 NSW Labor calls on a Federal Labor employer. Government to: Skills Development through Training n Implement a set of rights that must apply to all on-demand economy workers 4.44 NSW Labor believes that all workers must including security of tenure, appropriate have access to accredited and portable payments and monetary compensation, training. Employers and governments have entitlements, superannuation, safe working a responsibility to share the cost burden of conditions, union representation, coverage vocational training. Training for workers must by union agreements and a voice at work. achieve, as its prime goal, varied, interesting and highly skilled jobs. n Hold every company in gig economy contract chains accountable for safe and 4.45 NSW Labor will: fair outcomes for workers. n Increase resources to provide appropriate n Ensure that there is training for workers, vocational training. State Government funded by the companies profiting from Authorities which are large employers, the on-demand economy. such as state utilities (rail, water, roads etc) should pay particular attention to the n Ensure that a commitment to quality jobs training of apprentices. and futures remains at the core of the Labor Party’s mission when dealing with n Ensure that appropriate training wages the so-called ‘new economy’. are provided for in relevant awards and/or agreements.
Labour Hire n Integrate training with career development 4.43 NSW Labor notes the proliferation of labour and skills recognition for employees and hire providers operating across the state include both on-the-job and off-the-job economy, particular in sectors such as options. agriculture, construction and transport. Many n Ensure that a system of accreditation of these labour hire operators have been operates for training providers which shown to be unscrupulous employers, using provides accountability and facilitates best sham Enterprise Agreements and underpaying practice outcomes. workers. The presence of these operators has in turn undermined the viability of businesses 4.46 NSW Labor believes that all young workers that operate ethically and within the law. should have access to full-time education or specific vocational training or productive NSW Labor notes that other States such as employment. To expand access to these Queensland have introduced (or are planning opportunities, NSW Labor will:
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n Legislate that all NSW government employers to develop inclusive workplace departments, government utilities and cultures, to establish a complaints hotline enterprises from 2020 will be required to to advise and refer apprentices and have an apprentice ratio of 15% trainees experiencing harassment and
n Legislate that all contractors and suppliers bullying at work, and on major government projects will be n Create an annual report from NSW required to demonstrate that they and their TAFE on progress in NSW on women’s subcontractors have an apprentice ratio of apprenticeship and traineeship 15% employment in make dominated areas. n Establish a target of 20 000 new 4.49 NSW Labor will: apprenticeships and traineeships every year, effectively doubling the number of n Raise awareness of young Australians as to apprenticeships and traineeships in four their rights and entitlements at work, and years the workings of the Australian industrial relations system, including the role of trade NSW Labor will, in consultation with relevant unions through the school system and trade unions and industry, deliver a package of TAFE. measures that will: n Abolish junior rates of pay in awards in n Encourage more employers to invest in favour of skills-based pay rates apprentices, including examining changes to the tax treatment of businesses that n Provide specific employment programs employ multiple apprentices which cater for the needs of youth with disadvantages, such as young people n Expand the capability of TAFE and other with disabilities, youth from culturally and apprenticeship training linguistically diverse backgrounds, single
n Improve the completion rate of parents, the long-term unemployed and apprenticeships and traineeships Indigenous youth.
n n Encourage more women to take up Support initiatives that encourage greater apprenticeships opportunities for apprentices and trainees. 4.47 NSW Labor believes that all young workers 4.50 NSW Labor supports enhanced access to, and should have access to full-time education effectiveness of, existing training initiatives for or specific vocational training or productive mature unemployed workers. employment. 4.51 NSW Labor will:
4.48 NSW Labor believes that young people have n Provide opportunities to address some of the right to a working environment free the problems associated with retrenchment from discrimination and exploitation and of workers, including financial counselling recognises the need to inform young people and improved redundancy benefits. of the benefits of trade union membership. In particular, NSW Labor recognises the n Allocate appropriate funding to TAFE and widespread discrimination against women in other education centres for the ongoing apprenticeships, and will: development of such programs.
n Set affirmative action targets for employment of women apprentices and trainees in male dominated areas within the NSW public sector, and affirmative action Gender Equality at Work reporting for private contractors who work 4.52 NSW Labor is committed to gender equality with the NSW government; at work and across society.
n Establish programmes in schools to 4.53 NSW Labor believes: encourage and identify potential applicants n Women should not be discriminated for apprenticeship and traineeship against based on their gender. opportunities, ensuring that female pupils are positively encouraged; n Work traditionally carried out by women is undervalued. n In NSW Government, establish a ‘Women in Trades Unit’ of NSW TAFE to support n We should work to reduce the gender
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segregation in Australian workplaces in so Labor acknowledges this sector as an example far as they are highly segregated vertically of a highly feminised workforce which is (domination of high status jobs by men), substantially undervalued and underpaid. horizontally (concentration of men and NSW Labor will take active steps to deliver women in different industries) and by Equal Pay for Early Childhood Educators. employment status (relative levels of 4.57 NSW Labor will take action to normalise part- women working part-time and casually). time work and time out of the workforce by n Gender roles around care, parenting and implementing policies that: housework need to shift. n Require employers to provide flexible and 4.54 NSW Labor is committed to Equal Pay for part-time work options at all levels. women. NSW Labor is proud of its record in n Require employers to implement a supporting Equal Pay for women in social reduction in working hours when requested and community services and is committed to continuing support for these women and n Encourage men to take up flexible and others in the future. part-time work. 4.55 NSW Labor will take action to support and 4.58 NSW Labor will advocate for changes to deliver: parental leave policies to encourage a greater balance in parenting responsibilities. n Measures to achieve pay equity for women. Specifically, NSW Labor will advocate to n Measures to recognise the value of female- change definitions from “primary/secondary dominated occupations and industries such carer” to “joint carers” to enable non-birthing as supporting professionalisation. parents to have the opportunity to take time out of the workforce for parenting n Proper valuation and funding of wages and responsibilities. conditions for work traditionally carried out by women. People with Disabilities n Outlawing contracts that prohibit employees discussing their salaries. 4.59 NSW Labor supports equal employment opportunity for people with disabilities. n Recognition of the importance of caring People with disabilities must have equal roles within our society and their true value. access to education, training and employment. n Measures to normalise flexible work 4.60 NSW Labor will: arrangements which do not trade-off wages and conditions, for women and men n Act to enforce the principle of ‘reasonable with caring responsibilities. Measures to adjustment’ whenever it is necessary increase parental leave taken by fathers to assist a person with a disability to and unpaid caring labour undertaken by undertake a position which might require men. some modifications either to physical aspects of the job or some rearrangements n Quality, accessible and affordable Early of tasks to be undertaken. Childhood Education and Care and out of school hours’ care. n Support scaled wage provisions in relevant awards or agreements to enable the n Measures to address gender segregation benefit of coverage and acceptance into
n Equal employment opportunity practices the mainstream workforce in cases where a in workplaces worker with a disability is not able to earn a full award wage due to the extent of the n Reporting by Employers of Equal Pay and disability. Employment Opportunities.
n Improved opportunities for women to Asset Sale and Private Sector Infrastructure access training, build skills and participate 4.61 In examining any proposed changes to the in the workforce. status and/or standing of a public sector body, n Measures to address women’s economic service, utility or asset NSW Labor will take inequality in retirement. into account the impact on employment, skills, training and conditions and the protection 4.56 NSW Labor acknowledges the vital work of the existing workforce and/or the reform done by Early Childhood Educators. NSW
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of industrial relations practices in any new program before they start school. enterprise or project. n Public funding of education is an investment in our society’s future and Local Government Employment funding should be allocated according to 4.62 NSW Labor recognises the key role of local need.
government in supporting community based n Childhood Education and Care Centres, employment. NSW Labor commits to the Schools and TAFE’s must be accessible and development of a skilled local government provide appropriate support and a range workforce providing best practice services to of learning options for students with a local communities together with providing disability and/or special needs. safe, secure and well paid jobs for council workers. n Quality teaching is critical for successful learning outcomes for students. Early 4.63 NSW Labor is committed to the advancement Childhood Educators and teachers should of progressive industrial relations policies have access to ongoing professional within local councils. NSW Labor supports the development opportunities. maintenance of a State system of industrial relations for councils based upon conciliation n Education and training policy must be and arbitration. evidence-based. 4.64 NSW Labor believes that local government n Parents are key partners in their child’s appointments should occur on the basis of learning and their involvement should merit and in accordance with principles of be encouraged and supported. They are fairness and equal employment opportunity. entitled to accurate information about how students and schools are performing. 4.65 NSW Labor is opposed to the compulsory tendering of local government services. n Schools should be attractive, twenty- Contracting of services must not be first century learning environments, associated with reductions in employment or well equipped with technology and age the diminution of working conditions and rates appropriate playgrounds and should be of pay. accessible to the community. 4.66 Councils must not use sub-corporate or n Clean and well-maintained schools are associated entities in a manner which essential to better student learning diminishes local government employment outcomes.
and/or avoids local government employees n Schools should have high expectations employment rights and conditions. of their students and encourage a love 4.67 NSW Labor recognises the important of learning. Assessment data and other role played by councils in supporting the information should be used to lift student development of a skilled workforce within performance.
local communities, particularly in rural and n Education is a lifelong process and access regional areas. to vocational and academic streams must be available at all stages of life to all citizens. 5.2 NSW Labor will:
n Ensure that all children having access to a 5. EDUCATION AND SKILLS quality early childhood education prior to formal schooling. 5.1 NSW Labor believes that: n Ensure that at least 90 per cent of students n Equitable access to education is the completing Year 12 or equivalent. foundation of a fairer society. A quality n Raise numeracy and literacy standards, education is the right of every citizen and with an increasing proportion of students should be available to all. exceeding national benchmarks in Years n Early education and care services lay the 3, 5, 7 and 9 and fewer failing to meet basis for lifelong learning and every child acceptable standards. should be able to access a preschool
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n Ensure students with a disability and/or possible outreach program in our public special needs receive appropriate support libraries. to fully participate in education and training so they can reach their full potential. 5.5 NSW Labor will invest in education at all levels from early childhood to tertiary education. n Ensure that all children having access to NSW Labor believes a comprehensive study a language other than English in vocational education system will promote a primary school. highly skilled and innovative workforce that
n Increase the number of students studying a promotes productivity growth. language other than English to HSC level. 5.6 NSW Labor supports the continuation and
n Increase the number of students enhancement of a comprehensive and participating in organised sport in school. articulated education system that provides all students on an equitable basis with the n Close the achievement gap between knowledge, skills, values and attitudes to indigenous and non-indigenous students. fully participate as productive and dignified n Increase the number of teachers seeking members of society. and gaining accreditation at higher levels. 5.7 NSW Labor supports and encourages n Provide a quality vocational education community involvement in the education and training system with TAFE as the pre- of students and will ensure that all schools eminent provider. understand and incorporate policies and procedures that reflect genuine n Lift the proportion of the population community needs. When reform to schools aged 15 to 64 participating in vocational is contemplated any review must be open education and training, with a particular and public including parent and teacher focus on regional communities. representatives. n Ensure that government school 5.8 NSW Labor supports the principle of free maintenance is undertaken within education, with temporary business migrants reasonable timeframes and does not who have the means to do so making a impact on teaching or cleaning standards. contribution to their child’s education. n Ensure continuity of employment is offered 5.9 NSW Labor believes that early childhood to existing government school contract teachers and educators are professionals cleaners at times of contract rollover and whose work is worthy of recognition through renewal. accreditation with teaching authorities n Increase support for schools to develop and through professional wages which are and expand before and after school care consistent with the wages of other teachers services, including Council-run and not-for- and educators. profit services. 5.3 NSW Labor believes all Australians have the Early Childhood Education and Care right to high quality education that enables 5.10 NSW Labor will implement policies to them to become successful learners, confident ensure access to Early Childhood Education and creative individuals and active and is available to all children aged 0-5 through informed citizens. the provision of a broad range of services including preschool, workplace care, long day Affordable and accessible education care, occasional care, before and after school opportunities are an investment in our shared care and vacation care, noting in particular the social and economic future and should be needs of children in rural and remote areas. available to all citizens. n NSW Labor is committed to the provision 5.4 NSW Labor believes that in the information of a minimum of 15 hours pre-school age, literacy (including digital literacy) is one education in the year before their formal of the keys to be able to fully participate as schooling commences and to provide a citizen. NSW Labor supports a guarantee funding so that more three year olds can to citizens of any age that they can expect participate in early learning programs. to learn to read. NSW Labor supports a Labor will explore the feasibility of massive lift in our literacy effort, with stronger transitioning to the UK model of 30 hours programmes in school and TAFE, and a per week
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n NSW Labor is committed to the policy of forward in expanding the pathways for further co- location of pre-schools and primary education, training and employment. school wherever possible.
n NSW Labor acknowledges that Indigenous Developing the Skills for the Future children access Early Childhood Education 5.15 NSW Labor will ensure and foster a strong at a much lower rate than non-Indigenous quality public Vocational Education and children. NSW Labor will develop and Training (VET) system that will be adequately implement specific policies to close this resourced and encouraged to supply all the gap. State’s training needs. This VET system will 5.11 NSW Labor believes funding of Early enable and facilitate strong input from all Childhood Education and Care should be major stakeholders in the community. NSW brought in line with other comparable OECD Labor will ensure that TAFE is the major Countries. provider of vocational education and training and a significant provider of lifelong general education, and does not support the extension High Standards for School Education of competition policy in the VET Sector 5.12 NSW Labor will ensure that the curriculum through a national training market. comprises a core of knowledge, skills and This will be achieved by: attitudes that empower people to become fully functioning and productive members of n Working with unions, school systems and society and achieve their personal goals. This business groups, to develop and implement will be achieved by: strategies to advance technical and further education. n Expanding Literacy, Numeracy and Information Technology Provision. n Planning and resourcing training reform agenda initiatives such as competency n Strengthening Key Learning Areas. based training and recognition of prior n Implementing Resources Allocation under learning. the Principles of Equity. n Maintaining and expanding TAFE’s 5.13 NSW Labor supports the independence and commitment to access and equity role of the Board of Studies in overseeing the programs with adequate central support development of all K–12 curriculum. The Board and co-ordination. will administer the Higher School Certificate n Strengthening the quality of TAFE and School Certificate examination and education by; assessment procedures. • Providing more trained and permanent Pathways in Schools Leading to Future staff to meet the education needs of Education, training and Employment students. 5.14 NSW Labor will evaluate educational • Ensuring consultation with industry and structures to ensure the desired outcomes trade unions. of each community are met and that there is • Improving opportunities for industrial cross curriculum content which leads to better exchanges and study leave for TAFE choices of pathways for students in their final staff. years of secondary education. NSW Labor will increase spending in rural and regional • Maintaining professional standards for areas to ensure that the benefits of the digital TAFE teachers, with the requirement economy are provided to those communities. for university level teacher education Pathways to further education and training, qualifications as well as industry which enhance career opportunities in qualifications for all permanent TAFE those final years of schooling, need to be teachers. facilitated. An expert working group will also • Encouraging and supporting TAFE part be established to guarantee that teaching time, casual and temporary teachers to strategies and school / work experience obtain teacher education qualifications, contain curriculum aspects that enhance and ensuring equal pay and conditions subject related employment opportunities. for equal work compared with The initiatives outlined are a solid step permanent teachers.
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• Articulating with the school system to proportion of its budget is allocated to public maximise the pathways available to TAFE colleges to enable them to compete students in keeping with the policy of with private providers on an equitable basis. ‘learn or earn’. 5.20 NSW Labor is committed to improving the • NSW Labor will ensure that school quality of training and support for non- students are provided with a variety of teaching staff in State schools. entry points into VET courses and TAFE 5.21 NSW Labor supports better accountability colleges. and transparency of the School Student 5.16 NSW Labor will maintain a statewide system Transport Scheme. of recruitment and transfer of permanent 5.22 NSW Labor will consider exempting all schools teachers in TAFE. from section 7.11 local infrastructure charges. 5.17 NSW Labor will ensure the representation of educationalists and teacher unionists Distance Education on all boards and committees dealing with education and training. Democratically elected 5.23 NSW Labor acknowledges the contribution student and staff representatives on relevant of Distance Education programs to facilitating advisory and decision making bodies should equitable access to educational services. be adequately resourced to ensure that they Curriculum options for distance learning can undertake the work involved. should reflect as closely as possible the choices for mainstream students. Management of Educational Resources Languages Other Than English (LOTE) 5.18 NSW Labor is committed to providing adequate funding for schools by: 5.24 NSW Labor will promote the teaching of languages other than English including n Maintaining educational funding to enable Aboriginal languages in schools by fully effective operations of educational committing resources to: institutions. n Pre-service teacher training in specialised n Establishing residential facilities in LOTE areas. association with rural education and training institutions. n Establish full-time postgraduate diploma courses. n Developing flexibility of joint TAFE-School programs and facilities in rural areas. n Re-establish bridging courses for teachers with overseas teaching qualifications. 5.19 NSW Labor will continue to support non- government schools through the provision Special Education of financial assistance on a needs basis. 5.25 NSW Labor will maintain a commitment to NSW Labor will support the closing of providing access to education and training ‘grandfathered’ provisions in school funding for students with a physical, intellectual or agreements which sees some independent behavioural disability by: schools over-funded based on the current formula. NSW Labor recognises that needs n Supporting early intervention and based funding relies on all schools being assessment programs which assist in held to the same high standards of public identifying the specific learning needs accountability. of and resources required for individual students. NSW Labor will retain TAFE as a state- based institution and will strenuously n Providing additional support and training oppose any proposed takeover of TAFE by for teachers and support staff to assist federal governments. NSW Labor will work students with disabilities. with Federal Labor to ensure that relevant n Promoting integration into mainstream authorities such as ASQA, ACCC and the classes and schools where this is in the best Ombudsman are resources adequately to educational, social and emotional interests ensure that there is a comprehensive program of the student. of regular auditing of all private providers. NSW Labor will guarantee a sufficient n Maintaining service levels within TAFE for
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students with disabilities. n Post-enrolment education will be available and post-registration clinical nursing n Providing additional resources for specialty courses will be available which vocational training of students with will be developed and implemented on a disabilities. collaborative basis between health care facilities, the tertiary education sector and Basic Skills Testing relevant specialist nursing associations. 5.26 NSW Labor believes that a standard literacy 5.32 NSW Labor will work towards creating an and numeracy screening program should: equitable distribution of financial costs of nurse education across both the public n Provide an indication of the general literacy and numeracy ability of the children. and private health sectors. Decisions about nurse education will be made by nurses in n Provide information to parents on the collaboration with educational institutions, progress of their children in literacy and health agencies, community and student numeracy and all other elements of their representatives, nurse registration authorities education. and relevant industrial organisations.
n Provide diagnostic information for educators. Aboriginal and Multicultural Education 5.33 NSW Labor acknowledges that access Adult Education to education and training are integral to 5.27 NSW Labor will ensure that sound adult strategies that will improve the status and education principles are incorporated into participation of Aboriginal people, and adult education programs. people from a culturally and linguistically diverse background in our society. Strategies 5.28 NSW Labor is committed to improving will include cross-cultural awareness as access to quality prison education programs part of teacher training, additional funding in recognition of the principle that access to for relevant early childhood programs, education is a basic human right and that appointment of Aboriginal/Multicultural education programs are a significant aspect teachers and assistants in schools with a of the rehabilitation process. large proportion of Aboriginal/Multicultural 5.29 NSW Labor will ensure an ongoing students and differential staffing, increased commitment to improving the literacy community training and access programs in and numeracy levels of adults through the TAFE with support services and increased development and provision of high quality consultation with Aboriginal/Multicultural programs and services which provide a variety communities in curriculum development. of well-funded learning opportunities, through 5.34 NSW Labor believes all students should have free part-time, fulltime and distance learning access to high-quality education and training, programs, and access to support services in a safe learning environment, at every stage including counselling. of their lives and acknowledges that access 5.30 NSW Labor acknowledges the efforts of the to education and training are integral to nursing associations, industrial organisations, strategies that will improve the status and nurse registration authorities and educational participation of people from Culturally and institutions in raising the professional status Linguistically Diverse backgrounds (CALD) in of nursing and will ensure that adequate and our society enabling them to make a positive appropriate resources are provided so that contribution to our multicultural diverse all education for registered nurse level and society. above takes place in NSW universities through Labor Aims: independent faculties/departments and by n To promote linguistic, cultural, and religious appropriately qualified and experienced diversity to achieve social inclusion and registered nurses. harmony.
5.31 NSW Labor will ensure that adequate and n To ensure that students have a sense appropriate resources are provided so that: of inclusion in learning and teaching in
n A specialised research stream is developed schools. and established within the nursing n To ensure that there is an awareness of profession as an optional career path.
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diversification in diversity through cross- diverse cultures. Teacher Professional cultural relationships. Development
n To provide enhanced English and digital • Providing professional learning literacy skills to CALD communities. opportunities for school staff to enhance their understanding, NSW Labor will achieve these aims through appreciation and ability to support the following: students and families of cultural n ESL Education diversity among students and families. • Supporting and funding well-resourced • Increase Public School system capacity English as a second language (ESL) for teachers to obtain professional programmes in NSW Public Schools for development in order to help them newly arrived Australians, residents and teach students in need of ESL support. asylum seekers. n Undergraduate Teacher Education • Providing contemporary ESL • Labor will collaborate with tertiary professional learning to teachers in providers in developing learning schools to support students with modules for undergraduate students English as a Second Language in a in teacher education to enhance their variety of subject areas. diversity among students and families. n Early Childhood • Labor will work with teacher training • Developing strategies with communities institutions to ensure that there is a to lift participation rates in accessing sufficient supply of adequately trained universal services for recently arrived teachers of LOTE. migrants. n Multicultural Events • Improving pathways between early • Where possible, Labor will support childhood services and primary school. dynamic multicultural community • Maintaining childcare support for events and festivals in NSW where there the Adult English Migrant Program is an educational focus, especially in Languages Other Than English (LOTE). schools. • Promote and fund Languages Education n Seniors Education in the school curriculum. Ensuring that • Providing ICT education opportunities Primary Education students study a to CALD senior communities to mandatory language other than English. assist with familiarisation of modern Curriculum. technology and social media platforms. • Ensuring that all students understand n Work Ready Education our democratic multicultural society, recognising what should be conserved, • Labor will collaborate with a Federal changed or improved. Labor Government to promote and develop efficient processes relating to • Ensure all school programs reflect the overseas qualification recognition. diverse nature of our community and encourage acceptance and appreciation • Strengthening employment of others. opportunities for individuals from CALD backgrounds by the provision of English • Ensure that the human rights of every language acquisition support services. child are respected, regardless of their ability or background. Inclusive Education n School Policies 5.35 NSW Labor understands the importance • Ensuring that School policies and of a genuinely inclusive curriculum, which proceduresare consistent with mirroring addresses the needs of all students. NSW the multicultural diversity in our Labor will ensure that the teaching of communities. difference and diversity amongst Individuals is • Ensuring that School policies reflect the embedded in the curriculum. values of acceptance and respect for
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Education in Gaols recognise the Primary/Secondary dichotomy, the place of technology in general and 5.36 Education is a key pathway for reducing coding in particular, education and teaching recidivism. NSW Labor opposes the contextual material such as; teaching outsourcing of prison education and commits methods, curriculum, program and lesson to in-housing education functions at the same development, educational measurement, or higher levels of funding and designing a testing and reporting, child psychology and system that is high quality and tailored to management, practicum and mentoring. inmate needs. 5.41 NSW Labor will require all prospective Building Safe and Supportive Schools entrants to teaching to demonstrate competence in; literacy, numeracy, 5.37 NSW Labor affirms the rights of all members technological competence (including coding), of a school community to feel safe. NSW child management, love of learning. Labor will continue to implement strong anti- bullying programs in schools to address all 5.42 NSW Labor will introduce stronger forms of bullying. accreditation procedures and will include interviews for all seeking accreditation as a teacher. Teacher Training 5.43 NSW Labor believes that all beginning 5.38 NSW Labor is committed to enabling our teachers should be provided with systematic children to meet the challenges of being mentoring including observations, reduced successful members of society in a rapidly teaching loads, and access to refresher changing economy. Labor will achieve this by courses. ensuring that those who are responsible for overseeing this transition, our teaching force, 5.44 NSW Labor will negotiate a range of are best qualified to do so. professional activities and incentives that may include reduced class teaching loads 5.39 NSW Labor will raise the standards for entry and targeted professional training to enable to teacher training at all levels: members of the existing cohort of teachers to For undergraduate entry, a range of criteria meet the new standards required for teaching will be used including; the HSC or its and to explore OECD best practice for equivalent, ATAR rankings, subjects studied, teaching and preparation. Band levels achieved and personal qualities assessed through interviews conducted at the school level. Education for Overseas Students For graduate entry, a recognised three-year 5.45 NSW Labor will continue to provide degree and interview such as the GAMSAT developing countries with educational and used for entry to medicine will be the training assistance as part of the Australian minimum requirement. This will be followed Overseas Aid Program without disadvantaging by a further two years of study in teaching/ Australian students. NSW Labor recognises education leading to a Master’s Degree or its that courses offered to overseas students equivalent. Alternatively, a recognised three- must be subject to the same rigour, scrutiny year degree in Teaching/Education, followed and standards as those offered to local by a further two years of study in a specialised students. area leading to a Master’s Degree or its 5.46 Education and training assistance to equivalent. developing countries will continue to be For mature age entry, a qualification of a provided through:
recognised TAFE Diploma or its equivalent, n Assisting in the development of basic a minimum of 5 years’ work experience, an educational institutions in developing assessment of Recognition of Prior Learning countries. and a GAMSAT style interview. n Providing expertise to assist with 5.40 NSW Labor will liaise with tertiary institutions developing curriculum which is consistent on the content and consistency in practicum with the needs of the community/ country experience of teacher training. These involved. discussions will focus on; subject specialties versus general subject matter in order to n Assisting rural and isolated communities through programs of formal education,
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higher level technical training and private sector services. agricultural production training. n Protect, maintain and improve the health n Providing scholarships for training in and wellbeing of all people in NSW. Australia. n Provide equal access for all to sufficient n Ensuring that gender equity is a feature of and adequate health care. training aid programs. n Continue to meet the health care needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups with Higher Education – Student Representation dignity and fairness. and Services n Increase efforts in the area of preventative 5.47 NSW Labor recognises the vital contribution health. democratic student organisations make to tertiary education. 6.7 NSW Labor has three goals for the health system: 5.48 NSW Labor supports universal student unionism as the only practical method to n Ensuring better health for people.
ensure that student organisations continue to n Enabling equity of access through a system provide adequate representation and services of universal access. to their members. n Improving the quality of service.
6. A HEALTHY SOCIETY Promoting Excellence 6.1 NSW Labor believes all Australians have the 6.8 The community of NSW has a right to expect right to accessible, affordable health care. excellence in the provision of health services and a fair and equitable distribution of 6.2 NSW Labor will work to ensure the delivery resources across the State. NSW Labor will: of better health services in NSW so that all people are able to get the health care they n Continue to support clinical excellence in need when they need it. The delivery of the provision of services. services needs to be better managed with n Support the development of quality a cooperative approach taken to service services on a statewide basis to ensure the delivery and management between State highest possible level of care is maintained and Federal Governments. throughout the health system. Priority 6.3 NSW Labor will develop a sustainable health areas will be identified, including Aboriginal system with appropriate investment to cater health, mental health, dental health and for an ageing population and increasing community health. demand. n Ensure that health resources are distributed 6.4 NSW Labor believes that there needs to be equitably throughout the state on the basis greater focus on preventative health care of population size and health needs of and wellbeing and on encouraging a healthy geographical communities. lifestyle in citizens of all ages. n Ensure that acute care hospitals are 6.5 Australia’s future depends on our ability to used only for the acutely ill and that tackle the long-term health challenges we a wide range of smaller, more diverse face. Health is important to all Australians, it and geographically spread primary care affects everything we do – how we work, the facilities are developed. time we spend with our children, what we can 6.9 NSW Labor supports the provision of quality do in our free time. health care through a range of services 6.6 NSW Labor believes that health services should: including:
n Be integrated, comprehensive and n Community Health Centres. co-ordinated. n Multi-purpose Centres. n Be well balanced between the provision n Hospitals. of health services in the public and private sector, and the public sector services not n Other specialist services. be disadvantaged by the provision of 6.10 NSW Labor will protect the interests and
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rights of consumers in relation to health 6.14 Dental health is important to overall general services. health. NSW Labor recognises the importance of addressing dental health needs and 6.11 NSW Labor will ensure that interpreter supports: services are available for patients in all public and private hospitals, community health n Comprehensive regular salaried public centres and other health care agencies. dental services, including dental specialities being incorporated into the community A Dedicated Health Workforce centre network and country and regional hospitals. 6.12 Labor recognises the care and dedication of the healthcare workforce and is committed n Major public and regional hospitals having to maintaining safe skill mix and reducing dental departments. Consultation and the high attrition rate that affects the health liaison with dental personnel should be workforce. NSW Labor supports: part of the total services provided by the hospital. n More training places for medical, nursing and allied health professionals and more A Good Start in Life multidisciplinary continuing education for the health workforce. 6.15 NSW Labor believes that:
n The appointment of full time salaried n Maternity services should ensure that medical practitioners including specialists, women can directly access midwives nurse and midwife practitioners and other for maternity care, and that one-to-one health professionals, in public health. midwifery care in labour is provided to all women. n Recognition of the contribution of the nursing profession to the delivery of health n A range of options for maternity care services and supports improved status and should be provided with effective remuneration for nurses and mid-career collaboration between the professions training and retraining courses. involved in a balanced, equitable and integrated way in both the public and n The continued development and private sectors, including midwives, implementation of nurse practitioner, GPs, obstetricians and allied health registered nurse and midwife-led models professionals, and home, birth centre and of care in NSW public and private health hospital based births. care sectors. The continued development and implementation of nurse practitioner, n Medicare funded services should be registered nurse and midwife-led models of equally accessible to all women, including care in NSW public and private health care Indigenous women and women who live in sectors. rural and remote areas
n Improvements in communication, 6.16 NSW Labor will work with the Federal administrative and funding procedures to Government to improve: increase flexibility in service delivery. n The promotion and provision of pre-natal services. Palliative Care n Access to birthing centres and midwifery- 6.13 NSW Labor believes that every person led models of care including caseload should have access to quality palliative care. midwifery and homebirth services. NSW Labor is committed to improving the availability and standards of palliative care n Special programs for Indigenous mothers across the State. NSW Labor opposes the and babies, to reduce mortality rates and outsourcing of hospital palliative care units. improve health.
These units should remain within the NSW n Rates of breastfeeding. health system. NSW Labor recognises the role of home and community care services in end n Legislation to enable midwives to prescribe of life and palliative care at home. approved drugs and order approved diagnostic tests within antenatal, normal birth and postnatal periods. Dental Services n Models of indemnification to facilitate
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the practice of midwives as experts and treatment and recovery from mental illness. primary care givers in normal births at 6.22 NSW Labor recognises the need for non- home. acute inpatient mental health care to 6.17 NSW Labor believes that any proposed provide rehabilitation and recovery-focused changes to laws governing termination of interventions for individuals, and specialist pregnancy should be treated as a matter of facilities that provide longer-term tertiary individual conscience. in-patient treatment and rehabilitation for the number of severely disordered or disabled 6.18 Families must be able to get the care and people who need this form of care. support they need, when they need it. For that reason, NSW Labor will: 6.23 In recognition that persons with mental illness have far higher rates of physical health n Recognise the importance of a healthy problems and have significantly shorter life start in life and implement programs that spans, NSW Labor will streamline services support mothers and babies throughout to assist those with mental illness to have pregnancy, infancy and pre-school years. prioritised and integrated access to medical n Give financial assistance with the cost of care, including primary care services, dental fares and accommodation for parents of services, and diabetic related services, including chronically ill children who are required to dietetics and podiatry. All publicly funded travel to Sydney or other major centres for mental health services will be required to treatment. integrate with primary care services to ensure co-ordinated care for persons with mental n Encourage hospital authorities to provide illness, including the requirement that services accommodation for relatives, particularly establish effective liaison and communication parents of young children. with general practice and encourage all individuals seeking treatment by the service to Mental Health identify a General Practitioner as responsible for 6.19 NSW Labor supports a co-ordinated approach their ongoing primary medical care. to the development of mental health policy 6.24 NSW Labor supports the principle that all and services and the provision of specialist individuals with mental illness who come services, public and private, in all regions. into contact with the justice system should In recognition that mental illness affects all have access to clinical, therapeutic and parts of society and in the majority of cases rehabilitation services whether as part of their commences in early life, these services should incarceration or whilst awaiting processing encompass the full age range and be culturally or after they are permitted to re-enter the sensitive and accessible. The range of services community. should include inpatient care, community based and outreach services. Services must 6.25 NSW Labor supports anti-discrimination cater for children, younger persons, older legislation having coverage of people with a persons, mothers and young children, and mental illness and/or psychiatric disability. dual diagnosis patients, and all services should include recovery and rehabilitation programs Aged Care and Rehabilitation Services and supported accommodation for those with 6.26 NSW Labor will work with the Federal chronic mental illness. Government to improve: 6.20 Care and treatment should be designed to n Funding levels to deliver quality aged care assist people with a mental illness or mental in the residential and community-based disorder, wherever possible, to live, work and aged care sector; participate in the community n Workforce training standards, quality 6.21 NSW Labor recognises the need for co- frameworks and health and safety ordinated awareness programs that address regulations. the whole community in order to increase awareness of the social and environmental n Community based services for the aged. factors that can lead to or affect the course n The social inclusion agenda ensuring that of mental illness, that reduce barriers and community and in-home care features provide the best possible environment to prominently in any future planning for aged encourage individuals and families to seek care.
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n The availability of transitional care to health issues resulting from drug and return aged people to their homes or alcohol use. family following a hospital admission, with adequate and integrated care services 6.30 NSW Labor opposes – in principle – the delivered to them. practice of so-called gay conversion therapy; and will establish a joint working group of n Respite and day care services for aged NSW Health and NSW Attorney-General’s people and their carers. department to determine if there is scope to
n Public sector support for residential aged curb the practice of so-called Gay conversion care facilities and reduce both unnecessary therapy for people under the age of 18 in NSW. hospital admissions for chronic illness and 6.31 NSW Labor will continue to take steps to manageable behavioural and older person improve environmental health and amenity in mental health conditions, and reduce the NSW by seeking to reduce and minimise all length of acute episode hospital stay. forms of environmental pollution and carbon emissions. Promoting a Healthy Society 6.32 NSW Labor recognises that planning for the 6.27 To meet a range of new health care demands effects of climate change must be part of all arising from increased rates of chronic disease future health services deliberations and this and the demands of an ageing population planning should include changes in disease requires a far greater focus on prevention patterns and preparation for environmental and wellbeing. Keeping people well and out refugees from our region. of hospital will deliver benefits not only to 6.33 Keeping active for life through physical and individuals but to the entire health system and mental activity is a key part of keeping our the economy, and enables more effective use nation healthy and a central component of existing resources. of NSW Labor’s focus on prevention and 6.28 NSW Labor believes that preventative wellbeing. medicine is fundamental to the provision of 6.34 NSW Labor recognises that sport and other health services and will: forms of recreation are ways of helping n Support community health education Australians get more out of life and to remain programs that lead to higher standards of connected to their community. Participation in preventative health care. sport and other types of physical recreation is an important means of promoting health and n Initiate, promote and finance preventative wellbeing, and tackling lifestyle related chronic health programs. diseases. Sport can make a tremendous n Support the development of effective contribution to the quality of our life. policies on nutrition, education and 6.35 NSW Labor will: promotion of a healthy lifestyle. n Provide adequate funding for sport and 6.29 NSW Labor supports the prevention of onset recreation, to encourage participation in of use, early intervention and reducing the every type of recreation, and assist in the harm of drug and alcohol abuse and will: enjoyment and physical and mental well n Provide increased support to government being of the community. and non-government agencies aimed at n Promote universal participation in sports preventing drug and alcohol abuse. and other physical recreation for children n Foster the development and promotion of in primary and secondary schools whilst programs aimed at preventing drug and maintaining a supportive environment for alcohol abuse. all children.
n Ensure the close co-ordination and co- n Encourage all sporting codes and operation between agencies involved in the competitions to adopt policies which prevention and treatment of drug abuse actively tackle discrimination of any kind and alcoholism. and which encourage the involvement of everyone in sports and other physical n Ensure the provision of appropriate recreation. supported accommodation for those with dual diagnoses and those with long-term n Establish a state administration
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headquarters for sport and recreation 6.44 NSW Labor will work towards the full containing trained personnel supported by implementation of the World Health adequate office facilities. Organisation’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control to which the Australian n Support the development of regional Government is a signatory. sports and recreational complexes. 6.45 NSW Labor will: n Support the improvement of sporting facilities for schools and maximise n Deliver universal service systems that community use of school facilities. support a healthy society by adopting a whole-of-government multifaceted n Initiate action to co-ordinate the efforts of sustainable approach to stop family and various sporting bodies and organisations domestic violence and support the safety to achieve more effective development of and well-being of survivors and those living facilities and administration. with domestic and family violence; n Give adequate support to community n Properly fund not for profit women’s health organisations providing sports facilities to centres that provide holistic support to the general public. women and children in local communities. n Continue to support medical studies for the n NSW Labor is committed in Government prevention of injuries in all sports. to fund and support the important work of 6.36 NSW Labor recognises that exposure women-led women’s health services; to tobacco smoke is a leading cause of n Improve health services sector responses, preventable death and injury and will work through strengthened screening and risk to reduce its harmful effects on individuals assessment procedures, greater workforce and the community, with an ultimate aim of training and development, and better reducing tobacco use to nil. coordination and information sharing 6.37 NSW Labor recognises that the detrimental between different parts of the health effects of tobacco use fall most heavily on services systems that support victims of working people, indigenous Australians, the family and domestic violence poor, the mentally ill, the elderly and children, 6.46 NSW Labor recognises that the built urban and as such tobacco control is as much a environment has a significant influence on social justice issue as a health issue. health, particularly chronic diseases such as 6.38 NSW Labor recognises that second hand obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease, and tobacco smoke is a toxic carcinogen, and an that mental health of population is impacted environmental and workplace contaminant by the environment. with no safe level of exposure for humans. NSW Labor will invest in health enhancing 6.39 NSW Labor will ensure that no worker in NSW urban design. is subject to exposure to second hand tobacco smoke in the course of their duties. 7. INDIGENOUS PEOPLE AND RECONCILIATION 6.40 NSW Labor will ensure that controls on the 7.1 NSW Labor recognises that all Australians sale of tobacco to minors, its advertisement are entitled to equal rights, opportunities and and marketing, continue. responsibilities according to their aspirations. 6.41 NSW Labor will continue to accept no political Aboriginal people have a unique status as the donations from tobacco companies or their original owners and custodians of the lands subsidiaries. and waters in Australia and have the right to 6.42 NSW Labor will protect minors from second exercise their distinctive cultures, languages, hand tobacco smoke in cars, schools, beaches, beliefs and traditions. Land and water are playgrounds and public dining areas. the cultural, spiritual and economic basis of Aboriginal communities. 6.43 NSW Labor local government representatives will support measures to restrict tobacco 7.2 NSW Labor endorses Federal Labor’s support use in public places to minimise exposure to for the recognition and inclusion of Aboriginal second hand tobacco smoke and to improve and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the amenity and the local environment. Australian Constitution, and the removal of sections that allow discrimination on the basis
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of race. is essential to achieving reconciliation, and so is committed to sustaining the reconciliation NSW Labor further considers the power process in NSW as a “people’s movement” presently found in section 51(xxvi) of the with strong political leadership. Constitution for the Commonwealth to make laws in respect of Aboriginal and Torres 7.6 NSW Labor supports the adoption of Strait Islander Peoples should be retained, Aboriginal protocols into government and with the added proviso that such laws do civic ceremonies. not discriminate adversely against them. 7.7 NSW Labor supports improved health, This suggested power and the proviso are education and social outcomes for Aboriginal based not on race but on the special and people and aims to address disadvantage in unique position of Aboriginal Peoples within a holistic manner across the following five the Nation based on their prior occupancy diverse objectives: of this land since time immemorial. NSW Labor both supports and calls on Federal n Safe families: ensuring Aboriginal families Labor to support the key aspirations of the are supported to live free from violence and Uluru Statement including a constitutionally harm. enshrined First Nations voice and a Makarrata n Education: increasing the readiness to learn Commission to supervise agreementmaking of Aboriginal children prior to school entry. and truth-telling about history. n Environmental health: ensuring that all 7.3 A genuine commitment to change from Aboriginal communities have equitable government and the community is required access to environmental health systems. so that Aboriginal people can share in and contribute to the economic and social n Economic development: increasing advantages available to all Australians. Aboriginal employment.
7.4 NSW Labor acknowledges that: n Building community resilience.
n Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 7.8 NSW Labor is committed to encouraging Peoples have the rights set out in the the participation of young Aboriginal people United Nations Declaration on the Rights in the development of policy initiatives that of Indigenous Peoples, to which Australia reflect their needs and aspirations. is a signatory, including particularly the 7.9 NSW Labor will continue to support and right to self-determination, to autonomy resource programs aimed at reuniting families in the management of their own affairs, in accordance with the recommendations of to be represented by the their own the Bringing Them Home Report. institutions and to give their free, prior and informed consent to legislation and 7.10 NSW Labor is committed to working together administrative actions that directly affect with the Federal Government to establish a them as Indigenous People. In the context “one-stop shop” enabling Aboriginal people of the Party structure, this includes the who have been removed from their families right of Aboriginal Party members to be to obtain advice, gain access to records and represented through the NSW Aboriginal research their family history. Labor Network, which may make 7.11 NSW Labor is committed to improving contributions to Indigenous policy issues in the health status of Aboriginal people and constructive consultation as equal partners addressing the health inequality gap between with other relevant Party Units. . Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. n Policies and programs must cater to the 7.12 NSW Labor will develop culturally appropriate social and cultural diversity within the services for Aboriginal people in relation to Aboriginal population. substance misuse including youth specific n Issues facing Aboriginal communities are programs. inter-related. Therefore action to redress 7.13 NSW Labor supports the expansion of Aboriginal disadvantage must be holistic. Aboriginal mental health worker positions across the State and improved support for carers. Improving the Lives of Indigenous Australians 7.14 NSW Labor acknowledges that Aboriginal 7.5 NSW Labor recognises that improving social communities suffer a disproportionately high and economic outcomes for Aboriginal people
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level of violence and the urgent need to break n Supporting Aboriginal elders in educating the cycle of violence and abuse. NSW Labor Aboriginal young people, preventing their will continue to develop and promote long involvement in crime and disciplining term, whole-of-government and community young offenders. approaches to the planning and funding 7.19 NSW Labor supports the continuation of the of anti-violence and anti-sexual assault Aboriginal Justice Advisory Council as the strategies, programs and services in Aboriginal primary source of independent advice to communities. government on Indigenous justice issues. 7.15 NSW Labor will increase, improve and better 7.20 NSW Labor calls on Federal, State and co-ordinate the delivery of prevention and Territory governments to work with Aboriginal early intervention services to improve the and Torres Strait Islander communities, their life chances and wellbeing of Aboriginal organisations and representative bodies to children, to strengthen families, and to reduce forge agreement through COAG to establish the occurrence of child sexual assault by a national, holistic and whole-of-government intervening at strategic points to address strategy to address imprisonment and problem behaviours and to support people at violence rates amongst Indigenous Australians. risk. This strategy should contain a concrete 7.16 NSW Labor is committed to an improvement implementation plan and build on the National in educational outcomes for Aboriginal Indigenous Law and Justice Framework 2009- people to levels comparable with the general 2015. In addition, the strategy should be linked Australian community. NSW Labor supports a to related areas of COAG reform including the comprehensive review of Aboriginal education National Framework for Protecting Australia’s in NSW with a focus on implementing changes Children 2009-2022 and the National Plan to to significantly improve outcomes. Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children 2010-2022. 7.17 NSW Labor is committed to an improvement in the economic independence of Aboriginal 7.21 NSW Labor recognises the importance of people to levels comparable with the broader sport in Aboriginal communities and therefore Australian community. NSW Labor will: supports:
n Work in partnership with Aboriginal n The provision of appropriate resources communities to promote an entrepreneurial including administrative support, facilities and business culture among Aboriginal and training to assist sporting bodies people, particularly young people. to achieve self-sufficiency, especially in remote areas with Aboriginal youth. n Create employment and training opportunities for Aboriginal people n Developing policy on Aboriginal young through the Job Compacts program. people and sport with consideration given to socio-economic obstacles to n Continue to promote Aboriginal business participation. enterprises through initiatives such as business advice, business awards, Aboriginal Housing and Infrastructure showcasing Aboriginal businesses and forums involving Indigenous people and 7.22 NSW Labor will continue to support the NSW business leaders. Aboriginal Housing Office as the primary provider of advice and direction on Aboriginal 7.18 NSW Labor is committed to reducing the housing and will work to increase the stock of incarceration rate of Aboriginal people by: Aboriginal housing providers. n Directing first-time offenders and young 7.23 NSW Labor supports the construction people away from incarceration and of new Aboriginal Housing and other ensuring that alternatives to imprisonment related infrastructure under the Aboriginal are widely used in both metropolitan and Communities Development Program (ACDP). rural areas. Training will be provided to support Aboriginal n Assisting Aboriginal offenders to re- housing providers to ensure they have the integrate into the community. skills and expertise to manage housing programs. n Encouraging Aboriginal organisations to work with current and former inmates. 7.24 NSW Labor supports programs that enable
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Aboriginal people to obtain training and Aboriginal people. Following consultation with employment in the housing, construction and Aboriginal people NSW Labor will introduce maintenance industries. This will be achieved reforms to ensure the land rights system is in cooperation between business, government relevant and workable. departments and the trade union movement. 7.33 NSW Labor will ensure that the interests of Aboriginal people are properly represented A Strong Voice for Indigenous Australians in government policy and decision making on 7.25 NSW Labor believes Aboriginal people must natural resource issues and is committed to have a greater say in the decisions that affect utilising the skills, knowledge and practices them. NSW Labor supports the increased of traditional methods of land, sea and water representation of Aboriginal people in Local management as practised by Traditional Government, State and Federal Parliament. Owners. 7.26 NSW Labor recognises that demands have 7.34 NSW Labor is committed to continuing been placed on Aboriginal communities and existing and initiating future management and organisations without adequate preparation, joint-management agreements of National training and support from government, Parks and State Forests. This is especially business and the community. appropriate in areas of cultural and historical significance to Aboriginal people. 7.27 NSW Labor supports a partnership approach to improving the capacity of Indigenous 7.35 NSW Labor will continue to support organisations to meet the Aboriginal applications from Land Councils to claim community’s growing expectations for Crown Land as prescribed under legislation high standards of corporate governance, and will ensure the efficient processing of accountability and service delivery. these claims. 7.28 NSW Labor recognises that accountability 7.36 NSW Labor, in partnership with the Federal mechanisms are needed across all Government, will facilitate the use of programs aimed at Aboriginal people – negotiated agreements and Indigenous land both government agencies and Aboriginal use agreements between non-Aboriginal land controlled services which are results-based users, governments and native titleholders. and outcome-orientated, incorporating needs 7.37 NSW Labor recognises the importance of based resource allocation. Aboriginal heritage and culture including 7.29 NSW Labor will develop benchmarks with art, language, dance and music to the long- time frames to measure the progress of term health and wellbeing of Aboriginal government policy, and include indicators communities and will seek opportunities to in the performance agreements of relevant support cultural activities. departmental chief executives. Aboriginal 7.38 NSW Labor recognises that the active people will be involved in review and promotion of Indigenous culture in the evaluation processes. education of both Indigenous and non- 7.30 NSW Labor supports a whole-of-government Indigenous students is crucial for fostering approach to Aboriginal Affairs and is self-esteem, respect and better educational committed to government agencies being and social outcomes for all students. required to consult with the Aboriginal 7.39 NSW Labor believes that as language is Affairs portfolio prior to the development, central to Indigenous culture’s oral tradition, implementation or announcement of policies this should be one of the many areas of that impact on Aboriginal people. education where Indigenous culture is 7.31 NSW Labor believes that a long-term fostered and celebrated. NSW Labor will approach is needed to the issues faced by consider elective Indigenous language courses Aboriginal people rather than short-term trials. being developed and made available for study in the same way as is currently the case for Protecting Indigenous Heritage European and Asian languages. 7.32 NSW Labor recognises that land and water in 7.40 NSW Labor supports legislation protecting NSW were traditionally owned and occupied and reviving NSW Aboriginal languages. NSW by Aboriginal people and are of spiritual, Labor recognises that for this strategy to social, cultural and economic importance to succeed it will require teachers, and a staged
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curriculum and resources, for children and for 8.7 NSW Labor believes better communications adults. infrastructure can reduce economic barriers for regions. NSW Labor will provide, in co- 7.41 NSW Labor will seek opportunities to operation with the Federal Government, formalise Elders Forums whose terms of universal and affordable broadband facilities reference include teaching, supporting, and mobile access. NSW Labor recognises nurturing and promoting Aboriginal culture. that universal and affordable broadband is 7.42 NSW Labor will promote the use of the Label fundamental for future economic growth and of Authenticity and other strategies to protect development in rural and regional NSW. Aboriginal cultural and intellectual property rights. Protecting Regional Environments 8.8 NSW Labor recognises the threat posed COUNTRY LABOR to regional Australia by climate change, in particular for employees and businesses in 8.1 NSW Labor is committed to equality of access agriculture, tourism and related industries and opportunity, regardless of geographical such as retail and hospitality. NSW Labor is location. NSW Labor will promote special committed to tackling climate change and initiatives in the areas of employment, ensuring support for regional Australia in health, education, transport, roads, responding to the challenge of climate change telecommunications and social amenities to including drought, increased adverse weather ensure this principle of equality. events and environmental degradation. 8.2 NSW Labor recognises that country 8.9 NSW Labor supports the opportunities communities are supported by a broad range for country communities and industries to of industries, including mining, tourism, contribute to the solutions for climate change. primary industries, construction and energy. This includes opportunities in green industries and carbon offsets. 8.3 NSW Labor is committed to growing regional areas and their economies to provide 8.10 NSW Labor will, in co-operation with continued opportunities for jobs and growth the Federal Government, implement a in regional NSW across all of these industries. Conservation Strategy for sustainable development and protection of renewable Growing Regional Economies natural resources. This includes programs of advice and assistance to land holders 8.4 NSW Labor recognises that the regions play and community groups that prevent land a vital role in the economic development of degradation and encourage Total Catchment NSW. NSW Labor will seek to strengthen Management practices. NSW Labor will seek regional economies by implementing regional co-operation with the Federal Government development plans which recognise the needs and States and Territories to pursue this of each region and provide the necessary strategy nationally. infrastructure to sustain ongoing regional development. Input for such plans will be sought Land clearing: Labor will prevent broad- from all sections of the communities involved. acre clearing and clearing of endangered and threatened regional ecosystems and 8.5 NSW Labor supports government intervention ecologically sensitive areas. Labor will in major regional development projects establish programs to revegetate depleted without taking on commercial risk. It landscapes and ecosystems. supports initiatives such as the Regional Business Growth Programs which are aimed 8.11 NSW Labor will promote ecologically sound at increasing business investment in rural and sustainable forestry practices, including: and regional NSW that stimulate long-term n Re-afforestation of forests and cleared employment. land.
8.6 NSW Labor supports Regional Development n Minimisation of wasteful uses of forest Australia, which devises development products. strategies, cultivates local leadership and n Large scale planting of eucalyptus species offers advice to investors and government on for specific purposes. regional investment opportunities. n Protection of water catchments.
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n Mandatory eucalyptus planting when wood Regional Service Delivery chipping licenses are granted. 8.17 NSW Labor will maintain decentralisation n The ecological effect of forest product use by promoting industries allied to natural be considered in relation to native flora and resources, and continue the establishment of fauna. government agencies and services in country n Encouragement of primary producers to areas. expand their agricultural base to include 8.18 NSW Labor will provide, in co-operation with native forestry. the Federal Government, comprehensive n Developing and implementing a plan modern health services and facilities which of management for the timber industry reflect the demographic needs of each region, including millable timber and timber for including services and facilities for groups with woodchips. special health care needs, such as people with disabilities, the aged, Aboriginal people and n Supporting public ownership of State youth. Softwood Plantations. 8.19 Regional workplaces should be safe 8.12 NSW Labor supports initiatives already workplaces. NSW Labor will provide implemented to: occupational health services, which reflect n Ensure that no woodchip licences are the particular occupational health and safety issued until full environmental impact needs of those who work in rural areas. studies are undertaken. Regional Education Services n Cease clear felling of natural forests and implement ecologically sustainable 8.20 NSW Labor will provide, in co-operation with silvicultural timber harvesting practices the Federal Government, comprehensive of Australian Group Selection (AGS) and modern educational services and facilities at Single Tree Selection (STS). preschool, primary, secondary and tertiary levels, including special education, remedial 8.13 NSW Labor remains committed to addressing and adult literacy programs for those with the long term problems of over-allocation special learning needs, in each region. of water resources of the Murray Darling Basin, and the neglect of the health of its 8.21 NSW Labor is committed to providing iconic rivers and wetlands. These problems equitable educational opportunities have been further exacerbated by prolonged throughout the State. Many young people drought and the emerging impacts of climate leave rural and regional Australia to seek more change. opportunities in major towns and cities. NSW Labor supports the provision of a broad range 8.14 NSW Labor will preserve public ownership of tertiary education and vocationally based of and conserve water resources through training opportunities in country Australia, efficient water management, including including university and TAFE education, to encouraging the more economical use of encourage young people to stay in country existing water supplies, managing demand for Australia. water services, and improving efficiency and quality of rural water supplies. 8.22 NSW Labor will provide opportunities and facilities for adult education (including 8.15 NSW Labor will manage recreational and retraining) within each region, through TAFE, commercial fishing in NSW to preserve university and local community learning scarce resources, improve environmental groups. management and ensure there is no loss of habitat. Stocks of native fish species will be restored. Reducing the Tyranny of Distance 8.16 NSW Labor will adopt policies that enhance 8.23 Regional communities should not be isolated Crown Land Administration and Management, by transport difficulties. NSW Labor will including the Crown Reserve System, Crown provide an efficient public transport system Roads Management, Crown Leasing and and services throughout each region to ensure Licensing, computerised land titling and land affordable, fast and convenient transportation mapping of the State. for both people and freight. 8.24 NSW Labor will provide a state-wide system
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of roads, co-ordinated with an Australia-wide nutritional values. system of roads, designed and constructed n Adopt marketing policies that encourage to meet the needs of drivers and the uniform presentation and quality standards transportation of road freight. essential in competitive international 8.25 NSW Labor will maintain modern ports and markets, and provide data that enables facilities for the service of ships and the producers to make decisions on an handling of cargoes along the NSW coastline, objective basis. co-ordinated with rail and road transport n Encourage agriculture through appropriate systems. marketing and research strategies, 8.26 NSW Labor will cooperate with any Federal to become more demand driven and Labor initiatives to undertake comprehensive consumer oriented. feasibility and scoping studies of a Very Fast n Maximise the efficiency and public Train on the east coast of Australia. accountability of marketing authorities.
Supporting Primary Industries n End discrimination against NSW rural workers in the areas of wages and 8.27 To support primary industries, NSW Labor will: conditions. n Establish a state-wide resource information system, based on scientific data, available to the public and private sectors.
n Promote the use of scientific research in assessing, undertaking and improving primary production and land use to more effectively use resources, taking into account informed observations of current and future market trends.
n Co-ordinate and rationalise research undertaken by public and private institutions.
n Continuously review and research the impact of chemical and biological aids to rural production on primary industries, the environment and the human population.
n Control the use of chemicals and radiation in value adding primary produce.
n Maintain compensation schemes, where practicable, for the slaughtering of diseased livestock or destruction of other diseased primary produce and provide funding forthe eradication of feral animals, pests and noxious weeds.
n Produce food and raw materials related to the needs of the Australian and overseas markets in line with long-term trends in markets.
n Encourage primary producers to use the most up-to-date methods of production in accordance with principles of resource use and conservation.
n Promote agricultural production, harvesting, transport and processing policies consistent with sound human
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