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Sky News AU
18 hours ago
- Business
- Sky News AU
NSW Government to offer concession card holders discounted washing machines in partnership with The Good Guys in new cost of living support initiative
The New South Wales Government has announced a new cost of living relief measure by offering some 8000 people across the state with a discounted washing machine. The measure comes after the Minns Government handed down the state budget, which was pitched as a cost-of-living relief budget. Part of this budget included a move to install more energy efficient appliances in homes and rentals across New South Wales, with the government partnering with electrical retailer The Good Guys to offer discounted washing machines. The program will benefit some 8000 households and will be focused mainly on those who are in social housing, pensioners and veterans. The washing machines, which usually retail for $686 will instead be offered to those eligible categories for $250, with the fee covering the delivery, installation as well as a two-year warranty and the removal and recycling of their old appliance. 'This could not come at a better time, we know people are struggling with cost-of-living pressures and high water and energy bills are a huge part of that,' said minister for water, Rose Jackson. 'We're not just talking about cost-of-living relief, we're delivering it. This program will lower power bills, cut water use, and make life a little bit easier for thousands of people,' she said. 'These new washing machines are not only good news to help people save, but they're also better for the environment too, saving an estimated 20,000 litres of water each year,' the water minister added. Minister for Veterans David Harris said, 'This is a fantastic initiative allowing veterans, pensioners and social housing tenants to get their hands on a great appliance valued at more than $650 for just $250, including installation and removal.' 'Veterans served in defence of this great land, so the least we can do to assist in lowering their energy bills. 'This is just one of the ways the NSW Government is helping people every day with cost-of-living pressures," he said. The Minister for seniors, Jodie Harrison added, 'I encourage pensioners to apply for one of these new washing machines. 'At a highly discounted rate, this service will take your older machine away and replace it with a new and improved model,' she added. 'Not only will you end up with a brand-new washing machine at less than half price, but it could also potentially lower your utility bills, too.' Managing director of The Good Guys, Biag Capasso added, 'We're delighted to be teaming up with the NSW Government to roll out these subsidised washing machines across the state to people who need them most. It's one of many ways The Good Guys help families with their day-to-day needs. 'This program will be in high demand which is why we have plenty of stock, and our delivery team is ready to help customers, in both regional and metro areas, by removing old top loaders and install the new Westinghouse machines.' The discounts come as the Albanese government announced a $1.8 billion extension of the Energy Bill Relief Fund by six months in the 2025–26 Budget. Households and eligible small businesses with electricity bills will receive up to $150 in energy bill rebates until the end of 2025, but critics have argued this does nothing to solve the cost of wholesale electricity prices which increased to 9.7 per cent under new rules set by the Australian Energy Regulator.
Daily Mail
23-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
NSW Labor government commits $202million to help improve the lives of Aboriginal Australians and close the gap
The 2025/26 NSW Budget, to be handed down on Tuesday, will allocate $202million to Closing the Gap initiatives to help improve the lives of Aboriginal Australians. This investment will be delivered partnership with Aboriginal organisations and communities, to achieve more targeted and tangible outcomes for Aboriginal people across health, education, employment, criminal justice, and economic development. The funding includes $20million for Aboriginal-led, culturally safe programs that support Aboriginal adults and children leaving custody, aiming to reduce reoffending. It also includes $13.4 million for the NSW Aboriginal Legal Service and the Department of Communities and Justice to reduce the over-representation of Aboriginal children in the criminal justice system through Aboriginal-led solutions. An additional $17.9 million will support Aboriginal organisations, such as Local Aboriginal Land Councils, to acquire and activate land - such as through rezoning - to unlock economic opportunities. Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said the Labor Government has maintained a strong focus on delivering real outcomes for Aboriginal people. 'Delivering on Closing the Gap and creating a more equitable state, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, is not only the right thing to do; it builds a better NSW by strengthening our society, economy, culture and communities.' The budget will also allocate nearly $80 million to position NSW as the best place to innovate, attract investors, and scale businesses. NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey says his third budget declares the state is 'open for business' to help expand its $900 billion economy. 'There is a global race for capital ... and we want NSW at the front of that race.' The state has a world-leading workforce and offered businesses stability and connection to global industries, Mr Mookhey told reporters on Monday. 'What we want to add now is the confidence for businesses to get on and make the big calls to sign off on the $1 billion-plus investments that drive growth,' he said. Housing affordability would remain a major issue but supporting business confidence was a major factor to boost jobs and wages and address unaffordability, Mr Mookhey said. 'We're pretty determined to get the balance right,' he told AAP in the lead-up to the budget. 'There's a lot of opportunity and a lot of ambition in NSW, and the changes we're making are designed to hold on to what we love.' The government will duplicate efforts to speed up planning, with an Investment Delivery Authority to receive almost $18 million. Similar to the Housing Delivery Authority which started in December, the four-person panel will override councils and accelerate planning approvals for businesses amid complaints making major investments in NSW is too complex and time-consuming. Other funding announced on Monday includes $38.5 million for Australia's largest technology and innovation hub, Tech Central, and $20 million for emerging technology commercialisation to help boost growth in the housing and energy sectors. In 2024, NSW accounted for 65 per cent of Australia's venture capital investment, and hosts five out of eight 'unicorn' companies - privately-held start-ups valued at over $1 billion. Major projects to be considered by the new panel may include hotels, data centres, renewable energy projects and commercial developments. Too many major projects from the private sector were getting bogged down in red tape, Premier Chris Minns said. 'It's costing us high-paid, high-skilled jobs in our modern economy, and something has to change,' he told reporters on Monday from data centre operator NextDC's facility in Sydney's north. NextDC chief executive Craig Scroogie said the announcement would help the company move on its $15 billion investment pipeline. 'The planning system was never designed to move at the speed that technology is moving, let alone the speed that artificial intelligence is changing the way we live and work every day,' he told reporters. 'This is a global opportunity for Australia to be a leader in artificial intelligence and large-scale infrastructure, and it needs modern planning systems to be deployed.' NSW LABOR GOVERNMENT BUDGET PLEDGES TRANSPORT: * $452 million to increase bus services, including $56 million to buy 50 new 'bendy' buses and $150 million for more regular school bus services in outer Sydney and regional areas * Road upgrades and new signage around Western Sydney Airport precinct totalling $80 million EDUCATION: * $9 billion across four years for public school infrastructure, largely focused on growing suburban communities, including three new public primary schools with attached public preschools in west and southwest Sydney * $3.4 billion towards TAFE and upskilling, including $40 million to enable 23,000 construction students to complete their apprenticeships for free HEALTH: * Another $700 million towards construction of the $2 billion Bankstown Hospital and relocation of Bankstown TAFE * A statewide pathology hub to be established at Westmead, with the $492 million investment to include an upgrade to a high-security lab researching dangerous pathogens such as Ebola and measles * $23 million to cut down the overdue surgery list by 3500 * $83 million to bolster maternity care ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS: * $202 million for Closing the Gap projects, including $23 million towards community-led suicide prevention programs LAW AND ORDER: * $125.8 million for cybersecurity upgrades to NSW Police, including $50 million to upgrade outdated hardware * Victims' Support Service funding boosted by $227 million across five years to help victims of violent crime access counselling * Upgrade of Downing Centre to create 15 new physical and virtual courtrooms and $48.3 million to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for more solicitors HOUSING: * $145 million across four years for the state's Building Commission to hire more prosecutors, investigators and inspectors to weed out dodgy residential builds * $30.4 million crisis intervention package for homelessness services * Extension of build-to-rent tax concessions beyond slated 2039 end date INNOVATION AND BUSINESS: * $80 million in innovation funding, including $38.5 million to boost technology hub TechCentral * A four-person Investment Delivery Authority to fast-track planning approvals for billion-dollar projects ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC SPACES: * $110 million to maintain public spaces, including the repair of heritage-listed Pyrmont Bridge and maintenance of fire trails * Construction of the Newcastle Logistics Precinct, housing wind turbines and electrical transformers used in renewable energy projects, for $115.5 million * Commonwealth Veteran Card holders will receive free vehicle entry to all NSW National Parks CULTURE: * Establishment of a $100 million fund to find a suitable location for a second major film studio in Sydney * $280 million to support the screen and digital games sector, including rebates for NSW-based visual effects and digital games productions
Sydney Morning Herald
12-06-2025
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
Australia news LIVE: Deadly plane crash in India; Crown pushes for pokies; Wind farm recruits criminals
Latest posts Latest posts 7.11am Crown secretly lobbies politicians for pokies By Amber Schultz Loading Crown Resorts executives are pushing to change casino licensing legislation to install 500 cashless pokies in Sydney, while removing 500 cash poker machines from venues elsewhere in NSW. A Herald exclusive can reveal Crown Resorts executives had an encouraging meeting with Gaming Minister David Harris, and are also holding discussions with opposition and crossbench MPs. A recent damning audit of NSW's gambling regulations found it would take 55 years for NSW to reduce its poker machine numbers to the national average at the current rate, and that the government had no targets to reduce gambling harm. 6.50am Over 260 dead in Air India crash By Amber Schultz Loading An Air India flight bound for London's Gatwick Airport has crashed in Ahmedabad in the country's west. The death toll has risen to over 260 people, the New York Times reports. A British man was the diaster's sole survivor. He was pulled alive from the wreckage and is being treated in hospital. The plane plummeted into a residential area just seconds after leaving the runway, crashing into hostel for doctors near the airport. It's one of the world's deadliest aviation disasters in years and India's worst in almost two decades. 6.44am This morning's headlines at a glance By Amber Schultz Good morning readers, and happy Friday. I'm Amber Schultz, and I'll be helming the blog today, This morning's headlines are: A disastrous plane crash in India has left at least 241 people dead, with a British man the sole survivor of the catastrophe. The Air India plane went down in moments after take-off in Ahmedabad. Crown Resorts will push to amend casino licensing laws to allow it to install 500 cashless pokies in Sydney. Criminals are being recruited for Australia's largest wind farm, with the Australian Workers' Union backing labour hire firms with criminal links. Iran is planning to open a new enrichment site, the Washington Post reports. Interpol has cancelled a red notice against Gregor Haas, the father of NSW State of Origin front-rower Payne Haas, after he was arrested on allegations of smuggling drugs into Indonesia. Australia has joined 96 other nations to push for a binding global treaty to end plastic pollution, eyeing regulation of importers of plastic, ABC reports. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese begins an international tour today, travelling to Fiji, the US and Canada to meet with leaders and attend the G7 summit.
The Age
12-06-2025
- Business
- The Age
Australia news LIVE: Deadly plane crash in India; Crown pushes for pokies; Wind farm recruits criminals
Latest posts Latest posts 7.11am Crown secretly lobbies politicians for pokies By Amber Schultz Loading Crown Resorts executives are pushing to change casino licensing legislation to install 500 cashless pokies in Sydney, while removing 500 cash poker machines from venues elsewhere in NSW. A Herald exclusive can reveal Crown Resorts executives had an encouraging meeting with Gaming Minister David Harris, and are also holding discussions with opposition and crossbench MPs. A recent damning audit of NSW's gambling regulations found it would take 55 years for NSW to reduce its poker machine numbers to the national average at the current rate, and that the government had no targets to reduce gambling harm. 6.50am Over 260 dead in Air India crash By Amber Schultz Loading An Air India flight bound for London's Gatwick Airport has crashed in Ahmedabad in the country's west. The death toll has risen to over 260 people, the New York Times reports. A British man was the diaster's sole survivor. He was pulled alive from the wreckage and is being treated in hospital. The plane plummeted into a residential area just seconds after leaving the runway, crashing into hostel for doctors near the airport. It's one of the world's deadliest aviation disasters in years and India's worst in almost two decades. 6.44am This morning's headlines at a glance By Amber Schultz Good morning readers, and happy Friday. I'm Amber Schultz, and I'll be helming the blog today, This morning's headlines are: A disastrous plane crash in India has left at least 241 people dead, with a British man the sole survivor of the catastrophe. The Air India plane went down in moments after take-off in Ahmedabad. Crown Resorts will push to amend casino licensing laws to allow it to install 500 cashless pokies in Sydney. Criminals are being recruited for Australia's largest wind farm, with the Australian Workers' Union backing labour hire firms with criminal links. Iran is planning to open a new enrichment site, the Washington Post reports. Interpol has cancelled a red notice against Gregor Haas, the father of NSW State of Origin front-rower Payne Haas, after he was arrested on allegations of smuggling drugs into Indonesia. Australia has joined 96 other nations to push for a binding global treaty to end plastic pollution, eyeing regulation of importers of plastic, ABC reports. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese begins an international tour today, travelling to Fiji, the US and Canada to meet with leaders and attend the G7 summit.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
KINECTRICS Signs Contract with HIGHVOLT to Significantly Expand its High Voltage Cable Testing Capacity
DRESDEN, Germany, June 5, 2025 /CNW/ - KINECTRICS announced today a significant expansion of its high-voltage (HV) cable field testing capabilities by establishing a contract with HIGHVOLT to purchase an additional 10 mobile resonant test systems (RTS). This multi-million-dollar investment made by KINECTRICS and its owner, BWXT, solidifies KINECTRICS as the largest independent global provider of on-site HV cable testing services. This strategic decision highlights KINECTRICS' commitment to support global energy transition stakeholders in derisking liabilities of newly installed subsea and underground transmission networks via field proven commissioning test methodologies spanning three decades. The expansion of renewable energy construction projects is expected to quadruple the HV cables market, resulting in an increased need for reliable commissioning services. After cable laying and installation is complete, a critical activity to support a smooth transition from OEM to developer/owner is HV AC cable commissioning testing. This includes performing withstand testing and monitor withstand testing, according to IEC 60840, IEC 62067 and IEC 63026, which reliably identifies life-limiting laying and installation related defects, helping clients avoid costly in-service failures. "With an expanded fleet of RTS units, KINECTRICS can proactively scale its capabilities to meet the growing global demands for reliable energy transmission by offering independent turnkey commissioning testing services for large scale projects", said David Harris, President and CEO of KINECTRICS. "Securing HIGHVOLT as our trusted supplier of field proven mobile HV test equipment plays a key role in our commitment to our clients and the industry in general." "Since 1998, HIGHVOLT has been supplying high-voltage testing systems for on-site cable testing and has delivered over 160 of these specialized systems worldwide. KINECTRICS is one of our most important customers and has now placed the largest single order for this testing technology. This is another step forward in the energy transition." said Dr. Mario Jochim, Regional Sales Manager of HIGHVOLT. Having reliable HV test equipment is only one part of the equation. Equally important is the accumulation of operational experience in executing complex field commissioning tests in challenging environments and interpreting the results, which our experts have been doing decades. KINECTRICS continues to lead the industry technically through advancements in diagnostic technologies, transaction and journal paper publications and active contributions in international standard bodies (IEC, CIGRE, IEEE). Our commitment to quality is achieved not only by investment in equipment and facilities but also by investment in our staff. About KINECTRICS: KINECTRICS, a division of BWXT Inc. (NYSE: BWXT), is the global leader in lifecycle management services for the electricity industry. With over 1,300 experts and independent facilities, we collaborate closely with customers to ensure that utility assets perform safely, reliably and efficiently throughout their entire lifecycle. About HIGHVOLT: HIGHVOLT is a leading global supplier of high-voltage and high-current testing systems, measuring instruments and monitoring equipment with more than 120 years of experience. In Dresden/Germany HIGHVOLT develops and produces systems for testing electrical power equipment for the transmission of electrical energy such as transformers, cables and switchgear. HIGHVOLT is a member of the Reinhausen Group. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Kinectrics View original content to download multimedia: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
