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Economic Times
11 hours ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Australia to have its first AI minister in shocking plan to save nurses and teachers from boring paperwork
Australia to Appoint First AI Minister Under NSW Plan to Help Teachers and Nurses Focus on What Matters Imagine a classroom or hospital where educators and healthcare workers spend more time caring and less time on paperwork. That's the vision behind NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman's bold proposal for Australia's first-ever Minister for Artificial Intelligence, a move designed to liberate frontline public workers from routine chores and boost productivity. Speakman said this new minister would spearhead a statewide AI strategy. 'It can relieve our teachers, our nurses, a whole lot of public‑sector workers of mundane tasks, improve productivity, and drive every tax dollar further,' he told NewsWire . The plan includes not only a dedicated ministry and AI national action plan but also low‑interest 'AI for Biz' loans to help small and medium businesses adopt 'responsible AI'. Speakman aims to follow countries like Canada, France, the UAE, and Taiwan, which already have AI ministers or similar offices. He argues that by pushing innovation, NSW won't lag. 'Every technological change has increased living standards,' he said. 'I want Australia and NSW to be leaders of that, not followers.' Not everyone is ready to sign off. Troy Wright, assistant general secretary of the Public Service Association, warned that AI 'has thus far failed because it lacks empathy' in public‑facing trials. He urges caution, especially with sensitive data. 'Keeping that secure must be our number‑one priority,' he says. Speakman counters that the AI Minister would also oversee re‑skilling workers to ensure technology augments, not replaces, jobs. He draws an analogy with Luddites, arguing that past fears of technology were ultimately proven wrong and that AI will create more and more productive jobs. Delivering a budget reply speech in late June, Speakman branded the timing urgent amid rising living costs and criticisms of the Minns Labor government's spending. He framed AI as a means to stretch every tax dollar meanwhile, is focusing on other pressing issues, housing shortfalls, health care expansion, and small‑business support. Whether AI earns a formal ministry remains to be seen.
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Australia to have its first AI minister in shocking plan to save nurses and teachers from boring paperwork
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Imagine a classroom or hospital where educators and healthcare workers spend more time caring and less time on paperwork. That's the vision behind NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman's bold proposal for Australia's first-ever Minister for Artificial Intelligence , a move designed to liberate frontline public workers from routine chores and boost said this new minister would spearhead a statewide AI strategy. 'It can relieve our teachers, our nurses, a whole lot of public‑sector workers of mundane tasks, improve productivity, and drive every tax dollar further,' he told NewsWire. The plan includes not only a dedicated ministry and AI national action plan but also low‑interest 'AI for Biz' loans to help small and medium businesses adopt 'responsible AI'.Speakman aims to follow countries like Canada, France, the UAE, and Taiwan, which already have AI ministers or similar offices. He argues that by pushing innovation, NSW won't lag. 'Every technological change has increased living standards,' he said. 'I want Australia and NSW to be leaders of that, not followers.' Not everyone is ready to sign off. Troy Wright, assistant general secretary of the Public Service Association , warned that AI 'has thus far failed because it lacks empathy' in public‑facing trials. He urges caution, especially with sensitive data. 'Keeping that secure must be our number‑one priority,' he counters that the AI Minister would also oversee re‑skilling workers to ensure technology augments, not replaces, jobs. He draws an analogy with Luddites, arguing that past fears of technology were ultimately proven wrong and that AI will create more and more productive a budget reply speech in late June, Speakman branded the timing urgent amid rising living costs and criticisms of the Minns Labor government's spending. He framed AI as a means to stretch every tax dollar meanwhile, is focusing on other pressing issues, housing shortfalls, health care expansion, and small‑business support. Whether AI earns a formal ministry remains to be seen.
The Advertiser
4 days ago
- General
- The Advertiser
Hunter foster carers celebrate $1b state funding, but still a way to go
A Hunter foster carer has welcomed the government's historic funding to child protection, but said there was still more work to be done. The state has announced a $1.2 billion funding boost for vulnerable kids, carers and caseworkers as part of this year's budget. More than $49 million will go towards upgrading or building 44 government-owned care homes, including in the Hunter, as well as a 20 per cent rise in foster carers' allowance. One Maitland-based foster carer, who has been looking after kids and teens for seven years in emergency care, short-term and long-term care, and restoration, said the funding would help. "It's an incredibly hard role but incredibly rewarding at the same time," she said. "To have it recognised that we are hopefully breaking that cycle of generational trauma and making a difference in these children's futures, is just really lovely." She had cared for 35 children, and hoped the new funding meant carers would have more money to support children in extracurricular activities, such as swimming lessons or gymnastics. "Carers were paying above and beyond the carer allowance because we don't do it for the money," the carer said. "Our caring role doesn't end when they turn 18 or 21; we've had a couple of teenagers age out, and I'm still in contact with them." The $191.5 million funding to recruit new caseworkers and maintain existing ones was also welcomed. "They are who we go to when we need something, and when there's a big turnover of carers and caseworkers, that ultimately impacts on the children," the carer said. Despite the significant funding, there was so much more that could be done to truly make a difference, the carer said. She said foster care was a last resort for children, and that more funds for programs that supported vulnerable children before and after they had been restored to their families were needed. As an emergency carer, she would also like to see resources available for things that were not child-specific. As an example, she pointed to funding to boost safety and other aspects of a home. The Minister for Families and Communities, Kate Washington, said the Hunter would get its "fair share" of the system's reforms. Ms Washington said the divide of the 44 new or repurposed care homes throughout the state would be based on need, but some would be in the Hunter. "A child who went through the experience of being holed up in hotels and motels described it to me as being like a doggy in a pound being moved from cage to cage," she said. "We will be reforming the system to ensure that they get the safety, stability and the future they deserve." Troy Wright, assistant general secretary of the Public Service Association, thanked the minister for the funding package and the "recognition of a system in crisis." "What it represents is a great relief for our members on the front line that are dealing with these crises every day," he said. "Now it gives them the confidence that the system they represent is going to be better than it previously was." A Hunter foster carer has welcomed the government's historic funding to child protection, but said there was still more work to be done. The state has announced a $1.2 billion funding boost for vulnerable kids, carers and caseworkers as part of this year's budget. More than $49 million will go towards upgrading or building 44 government-owned care homes, including in the Hunter, as well as a 20 per cent rise in foster carers' allowance. One Maitland-based foster carer, who has been looking after kids and teens for seven years in emergency care, short-term and long-term care, and restoration, said the funding would help. "It's an incredibly hard role but incredibly rewarding at the same time," she said. "To have it recognised that we are hopefully breaking that cycle of generational trauma and making a difference in these children's futures, is just really lovely." She had cared for 35 children, and hoped the new funding meant carers would have more money to support children in extracurricular activities, such as swimming lessons or gymnastics. "Carers were paying above and beyond the carer allowance because we don't do it for the money," the carer said. "Our caring role doesn't end when they turn 18 or 21; we've had a couple of teenagers age out, and I'm still in contact with them." The $191.5 million funding to recruit new caseworkers and maintain existing ones was also welcomed. "They are who we go to when we need something, and when there's a big turnover of carers and caseworkers, that ultimately impacts on the children," the carer said. Despite the significant funding, there was so much more that could be done to truly make a difference, the carer said. She said foster care was a last resort for children, and that more funds for programs that supported vulnerable children before and after they had been restored to their families were needed. As an emergency carer, she would also like to see resources available for things that were not child-specific. As an example, she pointed to funding to boost safety and other aspects of a home. The Minister for Families and Communities, Kate Washington, said the Hunter would get its "fair share" of the system's reforms. Ms Washington said the divide of the 44 new or repurposed care homes throughout the state would be based on need, but some would be in the Hunter. "A child who went through the experience of being holed up in hotels and motels described it to me as being like a doggy in a pound being moved from cage to cage," she said. "We will be reforming the system to ensure that they get the safety, stability and the future they deserve." Troy Wright, assistant general secretary of the Public Service Association, thanked the minister for the funding package and the "recognition of a system in crisis." "What it represents is a great relief for our members on the front line that are dealing with these crises every day," he said. "Now it gives them the confidence that the system they represent is going to be better than it previously was." A Hunter foster carer has welcomed the government's historic funding to child protection, but said there was still more work to be done. The state has announced a $1.2 billion funding boost for vulnerable kids, carers and caseworkers as part of this year's budget. More than $49 million will go towards upgrading or building 44 government-owned care homes, including in the Hunter, as well as a 20 per cent rise in foster carers' allowance. One Maitland-based foster carer, who has been looking after kids and teens for seven years in emergency care, short-term and long-term care, and restoration, said the funding would help. "It's an incredibly hard role but incredibly rewarding at the same time," she said. "To have it recognised that we are hopefully breaking that cycle of generational trauma and making a difference in these children's futures, is just really lovely." She had cared for 35 children, and hoped the new funding meant carers would have more money to support children in extracurricular activities, such as swimming lessons or gymnastics. "Carers were paying above and beyond the carer allowance because we don't do it for the money," the carer said. "Our caring role doesn't end when they turn 18 or 21; we've had a couple of teenagers age out, and I'm still in contact with them." The $191.5 million funding to recruit new caseworkers and maintain existing ones was also welcomed. "They are who we go to when we need something, and when there's a big turnover of carers and caseworkers, that ultimately impacts on the children," the carer said. Despite the significant funding, there was so much more that could be done to truly make a difference, the carer said. She said foster care was a last resort for children, and that more funds for programs that supported vulnerable children before and after they had been restored to their families were needed. As an emergency carer, she would also like to see resources available for things that were not child-specific. As an example, she pointed to funding to boost safety and other aspects of a home. The Minister for Families and Communities, Kate Washington, said the Hunter would get its "fair share" of the system's reforms. Ms Washington said the divide of the 44 new or repurposed care homes throughout the state would be based on need, but some would be in the Hunter. "A child who went through the experience of being holed up in hotels and motels described it to me as being like a doggy in a pound being moved from cage to cage," she said. "We will be reforming the system to ensure that they get the safety, stability and the future they deserve." Troy Wright, assistant general secretary of the Public Service Association, thanked the minister for the funding package and the "recognition of a system in crisis." "What it represents is a great relief for our members on the front line that are dealing with these crises every day," he said. "Now it gives them the confidence that the system they represent is going to be better than it previously was." A Hunter foster carer has welcomed the government's historic funding to child protection, but said there was still more work to be done. The state has announced a $1.2 billion funding boost for vulnerable kids, carers and caseworkers as part of this year's budget. More than $49 million will go towards upgrading or building 44 government-owned care homes, including in the Hunter, as well as a 20 per cent rise in foster carers' allowance. One Maitland-based foster carer, who has been looking after kids and teens for seven years in emergency care, short-term and long-term care, and restoration, said the funding would help. "It's an incredibly hard role but incredibly rewarding at the same time," she said. "To have it recognised that we are hopefully breaking that cycle of generational trauma and making a difference in these children's futures, is just really lovely." She had cared for 35 children, and hoped the new funding meant carers would have more money to support children in extracurricular activities, such as swimming lessons or gymnastics. "Carers were paying above and beyond the carer allowance because we don't do it for the money," the carer said. "Our caring role doesn't end when they turn 18 or 21; we've had a couple of teenagers age out, and I'm still in contact with them." The $191.5 million funding to recruit new caseworkers and maintain existing ones was also welcomed. "They are who we go to when we need something, and when there's a big turnover of carers and caseworkers, that ultimately impacts on the children," the carer said. Despite the significant funding, there was so much more that could be done to truly make a difference, the carer said. She said foster care was a last resort for children, and that more funds for programs that supported vulnerable children before and after they had been restored to their families were needed. As an emergency carer, she would also like to see resources available for things that were not child-specific. As an example, she pointed to funding to boost safety and other aspects of a home. The Minister for Families and Communities, Kate Washington, said the Hunter would get its "fair share" of the system's reforms. Ms Washington said the divide of the 44 new or repurposed care homes throughout the state would be based on need, but some would be in the Hunter. "A child who went through the experience of being holed up in hotels and motels described it to me as being like a doggy in a pound being moved from cage to cage," she said. "We will be reforming the system to ensure that they get the safety, stability and the future they deserve." Troy Wright, assistant general secretary of the Public Service Association, thanked the minister for the funding package and the "recognition of a system in crisis." "What it represents is a great relief for our members on the front line that are dealing with these crises every day," he said. "Now it gives them the confidence that the system they represent is going to be better than it previously was."
RNZ News
16-06-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Employment Relations Act amendments aimed to boost labour market flexibility
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden. File photo. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone Business leaders are backing changes to the Employment Relations Act aimed at improving labour market flexibility, but the Public Service Association is warning it will amount to less secure employment. "I'm announcing the introduction of the Employment Relations Amendment Bill to Parliament, marking a key milestone in this government's efforts to help New Zealand businesses employ or contract with confidence and create more and better opportunities for workers," Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden said on Tuesday. The bill change the distinction between "employment" and "contracting". It also aims to simplify the personal grievances process to reduce "rewards for bad behaviour and reduce costs for businesses", van Velden said. BusinessNZ director of advocacy Catherine Beard said the bill should provide more certainty, particularly around contract-based work. "Workers and businesses should have more certainty about the type of work being done from the moment they agree to a contracting arrangement," Beard said, adding that to the personal grievances process were also something that needed to be fixed. "A system that increasingly fines employers for trying to deal with poor performance or serious misconduct including theft, fraud and even violence, is one that clearly needs fixing." Beard said the removal of the 30-day rule that automatically classified new employees as union members under a collective agreement was something businesses wanted . However, the Public Service Association said the changes amount to less secure employment, lower wages and more dangerous workplaces. "This is plainly and simply a fundamental erosion of workers' rights to secure employment," Public Service Association national secretary Fleur Fitzsimons said. "The minister is effectively giving employers the green light to fire workers at will. "We are seeing the same playbook now with planned cuts to sick pay, pay equity, the 90-day fire at will law, weakening health and safety requirements for employers and the axing of Fair Pay Agreements." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
NZ Herald
08-06-2025
- Health
- NZ Herald
Disability care workers face suspension threat from services provider
Care workers at the country's largest provider of Māori-based support for people with disabilities have been told they will be suspended without pay from tomorrow if they take partial-strike action. The suspension could last for six weeks. The Public Service Association (PSA), which represents the 38
