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The Advertiser
an hour ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
Opposition pledges billion-dollar 'budget crisis' fix
Tasmania's alternative government says it will immediately save the state $1 billion if it wins next month's snap election. Having cited poor budget management when driving through a successful no-confidence motion against the government, Opposition Leader Dean Winter unveiled his repair plan on Saturday. The Labor plan is designed to immediately find $1 billion in savings, while it also commits, in government, to put any windfall tax revenue gains towards debt reduction. Figures released by treasury on Wednesday forecast a worse financial position than estimated in the May 2025/26 state budget. Treasury predicted net debt would reach $13 billion in 2027/28, above the budget forecast of $10.2 billion. Mr Winter said the "crippling" debt had put Tasmania into a budget crisis and required a change of leadership to fix. "Tasmania has gone from having the strongest balance sheet of any state or territory when the Liberals were first elected in 2014 (and have) taken Tasmania to be almost bankrupt," he said. "The size and scope of the problem is enormous. The Liberals and Jeremy Rockliff have been warned about this by treasury for at least four years, and they've done nothing about it." Labor plans to establish a debt reduction fund, audit the capital investment program and ensure public assets are not privatised to ensure revenue streams among other ideas. They also would establish an internal jobs market in the public service, designed to stop the growth of the workforce. "If we create more mobility in the public service, we'll get a public service that's more agile, it's about reorganising and re-prioritising and stopping the jobs growth, which is unsustainable," Shadow Treasurer Josh Willie said. Liberal Treasurer Guy Barnett said the budget plan was "one giant con" because $171.5 million worth of cuts to capital works did not specify which projects. The government accused Labor of wanting to sell the state's stake in the Marinus Link that would allow Tasmania and its hydropower to become the nation's battery. "Dean Winter wants to sell a stake in Marinus (but) we are not going to … give effectively more control and more power of our power to the Victorian premier," Mr Rockliff said. The Liberals have pledged measures to cut spending in the public service but abandoned potential state asset sales as a means of paying down debt. The Liberals (14 seats) and Labor (10) face an uphill battle to reach the 18-seat mark required to govern in majority. Tasmania heads to the polls on July 19. Tasmania's alternative government says it will immediately save the state $1 billion if it wins next month's snap election. Having cited poor budget management when driving through a successful no-confidence motion against the government, Opposition Leader Dean Winter unveiled his repair plan on Saturday. The Labor plan is designed to immediately find $1 billion in savings, while it also commits, in government, to put any windfall tax revenue gains towards debt reduction. Figures released by treasury on Wednesday forecast a worse financial position than estimated in the May 2025/26 state budget. Treasury predicted net debt would reach $13 billion in 2027/28, above the budget forecast of $10.2 billion. Mr Winter said the "crippling" debt had put Tasmania into a budget crisis and required a change of leadership to fix. "Tasmania has gone from having the strongest balance sheet of any state or territory when the Liberals were first elected in 2014 (and have) taken Tasmania to be almost bankrupt," he said. "The size and scope of the problem is enormous. The Liberals and Jeremy Rockliff have been warned about this by treasury for at least four years, and they've done nothing about it." Labor plans to establish a debt reduction fund, audit the capital investment program and ensure public assets are not privatised to ensure revenue streams among other ideas. They also would establish an internal jobs market in the public service, designed to stop the growth of the workforce. "If we create more mobility in the public service, we'll get a public service that's more agile, it's about reorganising and re-prioritising and stopping the jobs growth, which is unsustainable," Shadow Treasurer Josh Willie said. Liberal Treasurer Guy Barnett said the budget plan was "one giant con" because $171.5 million worth of cuts to capital works did not specify which projects. The government accused Labor of wanting to sell the state's stake in the Marinus Link that would allow Tasmania and its hydropower to become the nation's battery. "Dean Winter wants to sell a stake in Marinus (but) we are not going to … give effectively more control and more power of our power to the Victorian premier," Mr Rockliff said. The Liberals have pledged measures to cut spending in the public service but abandoned potential state asset sales as a means of paying down debt. The Liberals (14 seats) and Labor (10) face an uphill battle to reach the 18-seat mark required to govern in majority. Tasmania heads to the polls on July 19. Tasmania's alternative government says it will immediately save the state $1 billion if it wins next month's snap election. Having cited poor budget management when driving through a successful no-confidence motion against the government, Opposition Leader Dean Winter unveiled his repair plan on Saturday. The Labor plan is designed to immediately find $1 billion in savings, while it also commits, in government, to put any windfall tax revenue gains towards debt reduction. Figures released by treasury on Wednesday forecast a worse financial position than estimated in the May 2025/26 state budget. Treasury predicted net debt would reach $13 billion in 2027/28, above the budget forecast of $10.2 billion. Mr Winter said the "crippling" debt had put Tasmania into a budget crisis and required a change of leadership to fix. "Tasmania has gone from having the strongest balance sheet of any state or territory when the Liberals were first elected in 2014 (and have) taken Tasmania to be almost bankrupt," he said. "The size and scope of the problem is enormous. The Liberals and Jeremy Rockliff have been warned about this by treasury for at least four years, and they've done nothing about it." Labor plans to establish a debt reduction fund, audit the capital investment program and ensure public assets are not privatised to ensure revenue streams among other ideas. They also would establish an internal jobs market in the public service, designed to stop the growth of the workforce. "If we create more mobility in the public service, we'll get a public service that's more agile, it's about reorganising and re-prioritising and stopping the jobs growth, which is unsustainable," Shadow Treasurer Josh Willie said. Liberal Treasurer Guy Barnett said the budget plan was "one giant con" because $171.5 million worth of cuts to capital works did not specify which projects. The government accused Labor of wanting to sell the state's stake in the Marinus Link that would allow Tasmania and its hydropower to become the nation's battery. "Dean Winter wants to sell a stake in Marinus (but) we are not going to … give effectively more control and more power of our power to the Victorian premier," Mr Rockliff said. The Liberals have pledged measures to cut spending in the public service but abandoned potential state asset sales as a means of paying down debt. The Liberals (14 seats) and Labor (10) face an uphill battle to reach the 18-seat mark required to govern in majority. Tasmania heads to the polls on July 19. Tasmania's alternative government says it will immediately save the state $1 billion if it wins next month's snap election. Having cited poor budget management when driving through a successful no-confidence motion against the government, Opposition Leader Dean Winter unveiled his repair plan on Saturday. The Labor plan is designed to immediately find $1 billion in savings, while it also commits, in government, to put any windfall tax revenue gains towards debt reduction. Figures released by treasury on Wednesday forecast a worse financial position than estimated in the May 2025/26 state budget. Treasury predicted net debt would reach $13 billion in 2027/28, above the budget forecast of $10.2 billion. Mr Winter said the "crippling" debt had put Tasmania into a budget crisis and required a change of leadership to fix. "Tasmania has gone from having the strongest balance sheet of any state or territory when the Liberals were first elected in 2014 (and have) taken Tasmania to be almost bankrupt," he said. "The size and scope of the problem is enormous. The Liberals and Jeremy Rockliff have been warned about this by treasury for at least four years, and they've done nothing about it." Labor plans to establish a debt reduction fund, audit the capital investment program and ensure public assets are not privatised to ensure revenue streams among other ideas. They also would establish an internal jobs market in the public service, designed to stop the growth of the workforce. "If we create more mobility in the public service, we'll get a public service that's more agile, it's about reorganising and re-prioritising and stopping the jobs growth, which is unsustainable," Shadow Treasurer Josh Willie said. Liberal Treasurer Guy Barnett said the budget plan was "one giant con" because $171.5 million worth of cuts to capital works did not specify which projects. The government accused Labor of wanting to sell the state's stake in the Marinus Link that would allow Tasmania and its hydropower to become the nation's battery. "Dean Winter wants to sell a stake in Marinus (but) we are not going to … give effectively more control and more power of our power to the Victorian premier," Mr Rockliff said. The Liberals have pledged measures to cut spending in the public service but abandoned potential state asset sales as a means of paying down debt. The Liberals (14 seats) and Labor (10) face an uphill battle to reach the 18-seat mark required to govern in majority. Tasmania heads to the polls on July 19.
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
Bus delays and cancelled services imminent as drivers strike over pay and conditions
Newcastle bus drivers will refuse to drive any vehicle showing a "persistent warning light" from Monday, launching industrial action over stalled wage talks. The union says the move highlights both the poor state of the fleet and the breakdown in negotiations with Keolis Downer, which have dragged on since January. Keolis Downer, which operates the Newcastle bus network, admitted at the weekend that, while services will continue around the city, some buses may be delayed or cancelled on short notice. "We have asked the RTBU for a commitment not to impact school services and are doing everything possible to minimise disruption - particularly for students and vulnerable passengers. If any school services are affected, we will provide as much notice as possible and notify schools directly," a spokesman said. The Rail Tram and Bus Union, which represents drivers on the Newcastle network operated by Keolis Downer, said drivers would take action from Monday for 24 hours because their employer refused to provide local drivers with the fair wages and safe working conditions they deserve. The state branch's Tram and Bus Division Secretary David Babineaux said bus drivers were unique in the public transport sector for their exposure during working hours, and yet, he said, they have been historically undervalued. The dispute also comes amid growing concerns about driver safety. In March, the Newcastle Herald reported bus services came to a halt after a driver was allegedly threatened with a machete. "We're not locked away in a cabin like a ferrymaster or a train driver," he said. "We're operating the vehicle and we're completely exposed to the public and we wear it all ... (but) the job has been undervalued for some time." The union had provided an extensive log of claims when bargaining began around January, Mr Babineaux said, including calls for an eight per cent increase in pay, countered by Keolis Downer's offer of 4 per cent in the first year and 3 per cent in the second and third years of the agreement. "To be honest, 4-3-3 is just unacceptable for our members," Mr Babineaux said. "The bare minimum that we can accept is $40 an hour by the end of the agreement." Mr Babineaux said while it is hoped the protected industrial action won't impact services, bus commuters in Hunter should prepare for potential delays from Monday. "The company is already raising concerns about school services. If the company is unable to provide enough buses that do not have persistent warning lights to the point where school services are impacted, then I'd be asking why they have been putting kids on defective vehicles to begin with?" Mr Babineaux said. Keolis Downer told the Herald on Saturday evening that it was "deeply disappointed" by the action planned on Monday and insisted that its offer to workers would not cause any loss of conditions. "We are deeply disappointed that this ongoing industrial action continues to disrupt our community - especially as we continue to negotiate in good faith on a new Enterprise Agreement," a spokesman said. It's understood the "persistent warning lights" refer to dashboard indicators of minor maintenance issues the company says don't compromise vehicle safety. Mr Babineaux apologised to Newcastle residents who may be put out by the action, but argued that if buses were delayed or cancelled because of the driver's action, it would be an indictment on the state of the fleet. "Transport (for NSW) have two people that look after the entire bus asset across 14 depots," he said. "If they ever got out of their office, it would be a miracle." Earlier this month, Newcastle council urged the state government to take back control of the city's bus network when Keolis Downer's contract ends in 2027, citing axed routes, inflated costs, and a rise in antisocial behaviour. Newcastle bus drivers will refuse to drive any vehicle showing a "persistent warning light" from Monday, launching industrial action over stalled wage talks. The union says the move highlights both the poor state of the fleet and the breakdown in negotiations with Keolis Downer, which have dragged on since January. Keolis Downer, which operates the Newcastle bus network, admitted at the weekend that, while services will continue around the city, some buses may be delayed or cancelled on short notice. "We have asked the RTBU for a commitment not to impact school services and are doing everything possible to minimise disruption - particularly for students and vulnerable passengers. If any school services are affected, we will provide as much notice as possible and notify schools directly," a spokesman said. The Rail Tram and Bus Union, which represents drivers on the Newcastle network operated by Keolis Downer, said drivers would take action from Monday for 24 hours because their employer refused to provide local drivers with the fair wages and safe working conditions they deserve. The state branch's Tram and Bus Division Secretary David Babineaux said bus drivers were unique in the public transport sector for their exposure during working hours, and yet, he said, they have been historically undervalued. The dispute also comes amid growing concerns about driver safety. In March, the Newcastle Herald reported bus services came to a halt after a driver was allegedly threatened with a machete. "We're not locked away in a cabin like a ferrymaster or a train driver," he said. "We're operating the vehicle and we're completely exposed to the public and we wear it all ... (but) the job has been undervalued for some time." The union had provided an extensive log of claims when bargaining began around January, Mr Babineaux said, including calls for an eight per cent increase in pay, countered by Keolis Downer's offer of 4 per cent in the first year and 3 per cent in the second and third years of the agreement. "To be honest, 4-3-3 is just unacceptable for our members," Mr Babineaux said. "The bare minimum that we can accept is $40 an hour by the end of the agreement." Mr Babineaux said while it is hoped the protected industrial action won't impact services, bus commuters in Hunter should prepare for potential delays from Monday. "The company is already raising concerns about school services. If the company is unable to provide enough buses that do not have persistent warning lights to the point where school services are impacted, then I'd be asking why they have been putting kids on defective vehicles to begin with?" Mr Babineaux said. Keolis Downer told the Herald on Saturday evening that it was "deeply disappointed" by the action planned on Monday and insisted that its offer to workers would not cause any loss of conditions. "We are deeply disappointed that this ongoing industrial action continues to disrupt our community - especially as we continue to negotiate in good faith on a new Enterprise Agreement," a spokesman said. It's understood the "persistent warning lights" refer to dashboard indicators of minor maintenance issues the company says don't compromise vehicle safety. Mr Babineaux apologised to Newcastle residents who may be put out by the action, but argued that if buses were delayed or cancelled because of the driver's action, it would be an indictment on the state of the fleet. "Transport (for NSW) have two people that look after the entire bus asset across 14 depots," he said. "If they ever got out of their office, it would be a miracle." Earlier this month, Newcastle council urged the state government to take back control of the city's bus network when Keolis Downer's contract ends in 2027, citing axed routes, inflated costs, and a rise in antisocial behaviour. Newcastle bus drivers will refuse to drive any vehicle showing a "persistent warning light" from Monday, launching industrial action over stalled wage talks. The union says the move highlights both the poor state of the fleet and the breakdown in negotiations with Keolis Downer, which have dragged on since January. Keolis Downer, which operates the Newcastle bus network, admitted at the weekend that, while services will continue around the city, some buses may be delayed or cancelled on short notice. "We have asked the RTBU for a commitment not to impact school services and are doing everything possible to minimise disruption - particularly for students and vulnerable passengers. If any school services are affected, we will provide as much notice as possible and notify schools directly," a spokesman said. The Rail Tram and Bus Union, which represents drivers on the Newcastle network operated by Keolis Downer, said drivers would take action from Monday for 24 hours because their employer refused to provide local drivers with the fair wages and safe working conditions they deserve. The state branch's Tram and Bus Division Secretary David Babineaux said bus drivers were unique in the public transport sector for their exposure during working hours, and yet, he said, they have been historically undervalued. The dispute also comes amid growing concerns about driver safety. In March, the Newcastle Herald reported bus services came to a halt after a driver was allegedly threatened with a machete. "We're not locked away in a cabin like a ferrymaster or a train driver," he said. "We're operating the vehicle and we're completely exposed to the public and we wear it all ... (but) the job has been undervalued for some time." The union had provided an extensive log of claims when bargaining began around January, Mr Babineaux said, including calls for an eight per cent increase in pay, countered by Keolis Downer's offer of 4 per cent in the first year and 3 per cent in the second and third years of the agreement. "To be honest, 4-3-3 is just unacceptable for our members," Mr Babineaux said. "The bare minimum that we can accept is $40 an hour by the end of the agreement." Mr Babineaux said while it is hoped the protected industrial action won't impact services, bus commuters in Hunter should prepare for potential delays from Monday. "The company is already raising concerns about school services. If the company is unable to provide enough buses that do not have persistent warning lights to the point where school services are impacted, then I'd be asking why they have been putting kids on defective vehicles to begin with?" Mr Babineaux said. Keolis Downer told the Herald on Saturday evening that it was "deeply disappointed" by the action planned on Monday and insisted that its offer to workers would not cause any loss of conditions. "We are deeply disappointed that this ongoing industrial action continues to disrupt our community - especially as we continue to negotiate in good faith on a new Enterprise Agreement," a spokesman said. It's understood the "persistent warning lights" refer to dashboard indicators of minor maintenance issues the company says don't compromise vehicle safety. Mr Babineaux apologised to Newcastle residents who may be put out by the action, but argued that if buses were delayed or cancelled because of the driver's action, it would be an indictment on the state of the fleet. "Transport (for NSW) have two people that look after the entire bus asset across 14 depots," he said. "If they ever got out of their office, it would be a miracle." Earlier this month, Newcastle council urged the state government to take back control of the city's bus network when Keolis Downer's contract ends in 2027, citing axed routes, inflated costs, and a rise in antisocial behaviour. Newcastle bus drivers will refuse to drive any vehicle showing a "persistent warning light" from Monday, launching industrial action over stalled wage talks. The union says the move highlights both the poor state of the fleet and the breakdown in negotiations with Keolis Downer, which have dragged on since January. Keolis Downer, which operates the Newcastle bus network, admitted at the weekend that, while services will continue around the city, some buses may be delayed or cancelled on short notice. "We have asked the RTBU for a commitment not to impact school services and are doing everything possible to minimise disruption - particularly for students and vulnerable passengers. If any school services are affected, we will provide as much notice as possible and notify schools directly," a spokesman said. The Rail Tram and Bus Union, which represents drivers on the Newcastle network operated by Keolis Downer, said drivers would take action from Monday for 24 hours because their employer refused to provide local drivers with the fair wages and safe working conditions they deserve. The state branch's Tram and Bus Division Secretary David Babineaux said bus drivers were unique in the public transport sector for their exposure during working hours, and yet, he said, they have been historically undervalued. The dispute also comes amid growing concerns about driver safety. In March, the Newcastle Herald reported bus services came to a halt after a driver was allegedly threatened with a machete. "We're not locked away in a cabin like a ferrymaster or a train driver," he said. "We're operating the vehicle and we're completely exposed to the public and we wear it all ... (but) the job has been undervalued for some time." The union had provided an extensive log of claims when bargaining began around January, Mr Babineaux said, including calls for an eight per cent increase in pay, countered by Keolis Downer's offer of 4 per cent in the first year and 3 per cent in the second and third years of the agreement. "To be honest, 4-3-3 is just unacceptable for our members," Mr Babineaux said. "The bare minimum that we can accept is $40 an hour by the end of the agreement." Mr Babineaux said while it is hoped the protected industrial action won't impact services, bus commuters in Hunter should prepare for potential delays from Monday. "The company is already raising concerns about school services. If the company is unable to provide enough buses that do not have persistent warning lights to the point where school services are impacted, then I'd be asking why they have been putting kids on defective vehicles to begin with?" Mr Babineaux said. Keolis Downer told the Herald on Saturday evening that it was "deeply disappointed" by the action planned on Monday and insisted that its offer to workers would not cause any loss of conditions. "We are deeply disappointed that this ongoing industrial action continues to disrupt our community - especially as we continue to negotiate in good faith on a new Enterprise Agreement," a spokesman said. It's understood the "persistent warning lights" refer to dashboard indicators of minor maintenance issues the company says don't compromise vehicle safety. Mr Babineaux apologised to Newcastle residents who may be put out by the action, but argued that if buses were delayed or cancelled because of the driver's action, it would be an indictment on the state of the fleet. "Transport (for NSW) have two people that look after the entire bus asset across 14 depots," he said. "If they ever got out of their office, it would be a miracle." Earlier this month, Newcastle council urged the state government to take back control of the city's bus network when Keolis Downer's contract ends in 2027, citing axed routes, inflated costs, and a rise in antisocial behaviour.
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
David Beckham recovering at home after wrist operation
David Beckham is at home and recovering after his recent hospitalisation. The 50-year-old football star recently underwent surgery to repair a broken wrist he suffered more than 20 years ago while playing a friendly for England against South Africa. He was forced to have surgery this week after an X-ray showed a screw that was used to patch up the problem at the time had embedded in his forearm after it did not dissolve properly. However, Beckham is recovering well and has been gardening with his wife Victoria. She shared a video of him checking out the cucumber haul from their garden and wrote: "Overperforming on the cucumber front Sir David." In the video, Beckham is casually dressed, with his injured arm wrapped up and encased in a sling. A source previously told The Sun newspaper of Beckham's injury: "David has been in pain for years but thought nothing of it. "He just kept going until, in recent months, it became quite unbearable. "A routine scan showed that the pin which was meant to have dissolved, hadn't - so he was booked in to finally resolve the issue all these years later. "Victoria was at his bedside post op and all went well. He's in great spirits." Beckham was knighted in King Charles' Birthday Honours earlier in June for his services to sport and charity, and declared himself as "incredibly humbled" by the accolade. Beckham - who has children Brooklyn, 26, Romeo, 22, Cruz, 20, and 13-year-old Harper Seven with Victoria - said: "Growing up in East London with parents and grandparents who were so patriotic and proud to be British, I never could have imagined I would receive such a truly humbling honour. "To have played for and captained my country was the greatest privilege of my career, and literally a boyhood dream come true." David Beckham is at home and recovering after his recent hospitalisation. The 50-year-old football star recently underwent surgery to repair a broken wrist he suffered more than 20 years ago while playing a friendly for England against South Africa. He was forced to have surgery this week after an X-ray showed a screw that was used to patch up the problem at the time had embedded in his forearm after it did not dissolve properly. However, Beckham is recovering well and has been gardening with his wife Victoria. She shared a video of him checking out the cucumber haul from their garden and wrote: "Overperforming on the cucumber front Sir David." In the video, Beckham is casually dressed, with his injured arm wrapped up and encased in a sling. A source previously told The Sun newspaper of Beckham's injury: "David has been in pain for years but thought nothing of it. "He just kept going until, in recent months, it became quite unbearable. "A routine scan showed that the pin which was meant to have dissolved, hadn't - so he was booked in to finally resolve the issue all these years later. "Victoria was at his bedside post op and all went well. He's in great spirits." Beckham was knighted in King Charles' Birthday Honours earlier in June for his services to sport and charity, and declared himself as "incredibly humbled" by the accolade. Beckham - who has children Brooklyn, 26, Romeo, 22, Cruz, 20, and 13-year-old Harper Seven with Victoria - said: "Growing up in East London with parents and grandparents who were so patriotic and proud to be British, I never could have imagined I would receive such a truly humbling honour. "To have played for and captained my country was the greatest privilege of my career, and literally a boyhood dream come true." David Beckham is at home and recovering after his recent hospitalisation. The 50-year-old football star recently underwent surgery to repair a broken wrist he suffered more than 20 years ago while playing a friendly for England against South Africa. He was forced to have surgery this week after an X-ray showed a screw that was used to patch up the problem at the time had embedded in his forearm after it did not dissolve properly. However, Beckham is recovering well and has been gardening with his wife Victoria. She shared a video of him checking out the cucumber haul from their garden and wrote: "Overperforming on the cucumber front Sir David." In the video, Beckham is casually dressed, with his injured arm wrapped up and encased in a sling. A source previously told The Sun newspaper of Beckham's injury: "David has been in pain for years but thought nothing of it. "He just kept going until, in recent months, it became quite unbearable. "A routine scan showed that the pin which was meant to have dissolved, hadn't - so he was booked in to finally resolve the issue all these years later. "Victoria was at his bedside post op and all went well. He's in great spirits." Beckham was knighted in King Charles' Birthday Honours earlier in June for his services to sport and charity, and declared himself as "incredibly humbled" by the accolade. Beckham - who has children Brooklyn, 26, Romeo, 22, Cruz, 20, and 13-year-old Harper Seven with Victoria - said: "Growing up in East London with parents and grandparents who were so patriotic and proud to be British, I never could have imagined I would receive such a truly humbling honour. "To have played for and captained my country was the greatest privilege of my career, and literally a boyhood dream come true." David Beckham is at home and recovering after his recent hospitalisation. The 50-year-old football star recently underwent surgery to repair a broken wrist he suffered more than 20 years ago while playing a friendly for England against South Africa. He was forced to have surgery this week after an X-ray showed a screw that was used to patch up the problem at the time had embedded in his forearm after it did not dissolve properly. However, Beckham is recovering well and has been gardening with his wife Victoria. She shared a video of him checking out the cucumber haul from their garden and wrote: "Overperforming on the cucumber front Sir David." In the video, Beckham is casually dressed, with his injured arm wrapped up and encased in a sling. A source previously told The Sun newspaper of Beckham's injury: "David has been in pain for years but thought nothing of it. "He just kept going until, in recent months, it became quite unbearable. "A routine scan showed that the pin which was meant to have dissolved, hadn't - so he was booked in to finally resolve the issue all these years later. "Victoria was at his bedside post op and all went well. He's in great spirits." Beckham was knighted in King Charles' Birthday Honours earlier in June for his services to sport and charity, and declared himself as "incredibly humbled" by the accolade. Beckham - who has children Brooklyn, 26, Romeo, 22, Cruz, 20, and 13-year-old Harper Seven with Victoria - said: "Growing up in East London with parents and grandparents who were so patriotic and proud to be British, I never could have imagined I would receive such a truly humbling honour. "To have played for and captained my country was the greatest privilege of my career, and literally a boyhood dream come true."
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- General
- The Advertiser
New service could save about a third of red bin waste from landfill
About a third of red bin waste on average could be diverted from landfill in three Hunter council areas when they roll out a food and garden organics service next week. Maitland, Cessnock and Singleton councils have partnered to deliver a coordinated food organics and garden organics (FOGO) collection service. Weekly green bin collections start from June 30. The new service means households in all three local government areas can place food scraps, such as vegetables, meat, bones and dairy, in their green bins with garden waste for weekly collection. It will be processed into compost rather than going to landfill. Lake Macquarie already has a FOGO service, while Newcastle is planning to introduce the service. The NSW government has set a requirement that all councils implement a weekly FOGO service by 2030. The most recent audit for Cessnock showed on average about 29 per cent of red bin contents comprises of waste that will be appropriate for the new green bin service. A further 15 per cent was waste material that could go in the yellow bin for recycling, meaning almost 45 per cent of red bin contents on average will be able to be diverted from landfill from June 30 if placed in the right bins. Maitland mayor Philip Penfold said the rollout demonstrated what regional collaboration could achieve. "This is one of the biggest steps we can take to reduce waste going to landfill. By combining our efforts, we've streamlined delivery and education for residents across the region," said Cr Penfold said. "This is more than just a bin service. It's a meaningful shift in how our cities handle waste." Cessnock mayor Dan Watton said the service marked a significant milestone in local waste reform. "FOGO is a game changer," he said. "FOGO will have significant long-term benefits for our environment, economy and community." Singleton mayor Sue Moore said the system was simple for residents. "Households have received a kitchen caddy and compostable liners make it easier for people to collect food scraps as they go," she said. "Empty your caddy, liner and all, into your green bin every few days then put it out for collection weekly from 30 June." An education campaign is underway to support residents with what to put in the green bin, how to use caddies and the environmental benefits of composting. The councils are working with Solo Resource Recovery to manage weekly green bin collections and with Australian Native Landscapes to process the materials into nutrient-rich compost. About a third of red bin waste on average could be diverted from landfill in three Hunter council areas when they roll out a food and garden organics service next week. Maitland, Cessnock and Singleton councils have partnered to deliver a coordinated food organics and garden organics (FOGO) collection service. Weekly green bin collections start from June 30. The new service means households in all three local government areas can place food scraps, such as vegetables, meat, bones and dairy, in their green bins with garden waste for weekly collection. It will be processed into compost rather than going to landfill. Lake Macquarie already has a FOGO service, while Newcastle is planning to introduce the service. The NSW government has set a requirement that all councils implement a weekly FOGO service by 2030. The most recent audit for Cessnock showed on average about 29 per cent of red bin contents comprises of waste that will be appropriate for the new green bin service. A further 15 per cent was waste material that could go in the yellow bin for recycling, meaning almost 45 per cent of red bin contents on average will be able to be diverted from landfill from June 30 if placed in the right bins. Maitland mayor Philip Penfold said the rollout demonstrated what regional collaboration could achieve. "This is one of the biggest steps we can take to reduce waste going to landfill. By combining our efforts, we've streamlined delivery and education for residents across the region," said Cr Penfold said. "This is more than just a bin service. It's a meaningful shift in how our cities handle waste." Cessnock mayor Dan Watton said the service marked a significant milestone in local waste reform. "FOGO is a game changer," he said. "FOGO will have significant long-term benefits for our environment, economy and community." Singleton mayor Sue Moore said the system was simple for residents. "Households have received a kitchen caddy and compostable liners make it easier for people to collect food scraps as they go," she said. "Empty your caddy, liner and all, into your green bin every few days then put it out for collection weekly from 30 June." An education campaign is underway to support residents with what to put in the green bin, how to use caddies and the environmental benefits of composting. The councils are working with Solo Resource Recovery to manage weekly green bin collections and with Australian Native Landscapes to process the materials into nutrient-rich compost. About a third of red bin waste on average could be diverted from landfill in three Hunter council areas when they roll out a food and garden organics service next week. Maitland, Cessnock and Singleton councils have partnered to deliver a coordinated food organics and garden organics (FOGO) collection service. Weekly green bin collections start from June 30. The new service means households in all three local government areas can place food scraps, such as vegetables, meat, bones and dairy, in their green bins with garden waste for weekly collection. It will be processed into compost rather than going to landfill. Lake Macquarie already has a FOGO service, while Newcastle is planning to introduce the service. The NSW government has set a requirement that all councils implement a weekly FOGO service by 2030. The most recent audit for Cessnock showed on average about 29 per cent of red bin contents comprises of waste that will be appropriate for the new green bin service. A further 15 per cent was waste material that could go in the yellow bin for recycling, meaning almost 45 per cent of red bin contents on average will be able to be diverted from landfill from June 30 if placed in the right bins. Maitland mayor Philip Penfold said the rollout demonstrated what regional collaboration could achieve. "This is one of the biggest steps we can take to reduce waste going to landfill. By combining our efforts, we've streamlined delivery and education for residents across the region," said Cr Penfold said. "This is more than just a bin service. It's a meaningful shift in how our cities handle waste." Cessnock mayor Dan Watton said the service marked a significant milestone in local waste reform. "FOGO is a game changer," he said. "FOGO will have significant long-term benefits for our environment, economy and community." Singleton mayor Sue Moore said the system was simple for residents. "Households have received a kitchen caddy and compostable liners make it easier for people to collect food scraps as they go," she said. "Empty your caddy, liner and all, into your green bin every few days then put it out for collection weekly from 30 June." An education campaign is underway to support residents with what to put in the green bin, how to use caddies and the environmental benefits of composting. The councils are working with Solo Resource Recovery to manage weekly green bin collections and with Australian Native Landscapes to process the materials into nutrient-rich compost. About a third of red bin waste on average could be diverted from landfill in three Hunter council areas when they roll out a food and garden organics service next week. Maitland, Cessnock and Singleton councils have partnered to deliver a coordinated food organics and garden organics (FOGO) collection service. Weekly green bin collections start from June 30. The new service means households in all three local government areas can place food scraps, such as vegetables, meat, bones and dairy, in their green bins with garden waste for weekly collection. It will be processed into compost rather than going to landfill. Lake Macquarie already has a FOGO service, while Newcastle is planning to introduce the service. The NSW government has set a requirement that all councils implement a weekly FOGO service by 2030. The most recent audit for Cessnock showed on average about 29 per cent of red bin contents comprises of waste that will be appropriate for the new green bin service. A further 15 per cent was waste material that could go in the yellow bin for recycling, meaning almost 45 per cent of red bin contents on average will be able to be diverted from landfill from June 30 if placed in the right bins. Maitland mayor Philip Penfold said the rollout demonstrated what regional collaboration could achieve. "This is one of the biggest steps we can take to reduce waste going to landfill. By combining our efforts, we've streamlined delivery and education for residents across the region," said Cr Penfold said. "This is more than just a bin service. It's a meaningful shift in how our cities handle waste." Cessnock mayor Dan Watton said the service marked a significant milestone in local waste reform. "FOGO is a game changer," he said. "FOGO will have significant long-term benefits for our environment, economy and community." Singleton mayor Sue Moore said the system was simple for residents. "Households have received a kitchen caddy and compostable liners make it easier for people to collect food scraps as they go," she said. "Empty your caddy, liner and all, into your green bin every few days then put it out for collection weekly from 30 June." An education campaign is underway to support residents with what to put in the green bin, how to use caddies and the environmental benefits of composting. The councils are working with Solo Resource Recovery to manage weekly green bin collections and with Australian Native Landscapes to process the materials into nutrient-rich compost.
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- Business
- The Advertiser
Working-age employees opt out of jobs force, as unemployment falls and so do numbers in work
The number of people employed in the Hunter fell notably in May, yet the unemployment rate continued a downward trend - even outpacing state-wide figures - to fall to its lowest point this year. The Hunter's combined unemployment rate fell to 3.7 per cent last month, taking in rates of 3.8 per cent in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie and 3.4 per cent in the Hunter Valley, suggesting the region may be approaching full employment, according to Business Hunter. Monthly labour force data from the Bureau of Statistics, and Jobs and Skills Australia, present a complex picture, Business Hunter boss Bob Hawes said - one that only makes sense when viewed over the longer term. "Unemployment rates remain very low by historical standards, with a pool of just 13,600 people, which suggests that anyone who wants a job in the region at the moment should be able to find one," he said. "But there are nuances within that assumption, including factors such as underemployment, or a mismatch between the skills in the labour market with some of the jobs on offer." Mr Hawes noted that the monthly improvement in unemployment rates did not result in growth in the total number of people employed in the region, which actually fell by 11,700 in May. The latest figures show lower participation rates in the region, which is the measure of people 15 to 64 years who are either in a job or registered as looking for work, he said. "It indicates that more people of working age have decided to opt out of the labour force altogether - be that permanently or temporarily - most likely to travel, take a career break or early retirement, or attend to other commitments such as family care," he said. The Jobs and Skills Australia Internet Vacancy Index saw a rise of 2.5 per cent in the number of job ads from April to May, suggesting employers continue to fish in the market where the pool of candidates remains relatively modest. While the May figure is 17 per cent down on what job ads were 12 months ago, it remains strong compared to pre-COVID levels, and consistent with markets elsewhere in NSW, Mr Hawes said. The region's youth employment, for residents aged between 15 and 24, also remained tight with an unemployment rate of 5.6 per cent in May, barely changing from 5.4 per cent in April. "It seems the double-digit days of youth unemployment rates are well behind us in the Hunter and the market remains fairly buoyant for those in this cohort looking for work," Mr Hawes said. While month-to-month regional figures could be a volatile measure, Mr Hawes added, the more reliable yearly average was also showing favourable conditions for jobseekers in the region. Still, Muswellbrook and Cessnock were the LGAs with the highest unemployment rates in the December 2024 quarter, measuring 6.8 per cent and 5.5 per cent, according to government data, significantly above the rates of 12 months previous at 4.9 per cent and 4.2 per cent. Health care and social assistance remained the largest employment sector in the region, followed by construction and retail trade, according to REMPLAN data. The number of people employed in the Hunter fell notably in May, yet the unemployment rate continued a downward trend - even outpacing state-wide figures - to fall to its lowest point this year. The Hunter's combined unemployment rate fell to 3.7 per cent last month, taking in rates of 3.8 per cent in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie and 3.4 per cent in the Hunter Valley, suggesting the region may be approaching full employment, according to Business Hunter. Monthly labour force data from the Bureau of Statistics, and Jobs and Skills Australia, present a complex picture, Business Hunter boss Bob Hawes said - one that only makes sense when viewed over the longer term. "Unemployment rates remain very low by historical standards, with a pool of just 13,600 people, which suggests that anyone who wants a job in the region at the moment should be able to find one," he said. "But there are nuances within that assumption, including factors such as underemployment, or a mismatch between the skills in the labour market with some of the jobs on offer." Mr Hawes noted that the monthly improvement in unemployment rates did not result in growth in the total number of people employed in the region, which actually fell by 11,700 in May. The latest figures show lower participation rates in the region, which is the measure of people 15 to 64 years who are either in a job or registered as looking for work, he said. "It indicates that more people of working age have decided to opt out of the labour force altogether - be that permanently or temporarily - most likely to travel, take a career break or early retirement, or attend to other commitments such as family care," he said. The Jobs and Skills Australia Internet Vacancy Index saw a rise of 2.5 per cent in the number of job ads from April to May, suggesting employers continue to fish in the market where the pool of candidates remains relatively modest. While the May figure is 17 per cent down on what job ads were 12 months ago, it remains strong compared to pre-COVID levels, and consistent with markets elsewhere in NSW, Mr Hawes said. The region's youth employment, for residents aged between 15 and 24, also remained tight with an unemployment rate of 5.6 per cent in May, barely changing from 5.4 per cent in April. "It seems the double-digit days of youth unemployment rates are well behind us in the Hunter and the market remains fairly buoyant for those in this cohort looking for work," Mr Hawes said. While month-to-month regional figures could be a volatile measure, Mr Hawes added, the more reliable yearly average was also showing favourable conditions for jobseekers in the region. Still, Muswellbrook and Cessnock were the LGAs with the highest unemployment rates in the December 2024 quarter, measuring 6.8 per cent and 5.5 per cent, according to government data, significantly above the rates of 12 months previous at 4.9 per cent and 4.2 per cent. Health care and social assistance remained the largest employment sector in the region, followed by construction and retail trade, according to REMPLAN data. The number of people employed in the Hunter fell notably in May, yet the unemployment rate continued a downward trend - even outpacing state-wide figures - to fall to its lowest point this year. The Hunter's combined unemployment rate fell to 3.7 per cent last month, taking in rates of 3.8 per cent in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie and 3.4 per cent in the Hunter Valley, suggesting the region may be approaching full employment, according to Business Hunter. Monthly labour force data from the Bureau of Statistics, and Jobs and Skills Australia, present a complex picture, Business Hunter boss Bob Hawes said - one that only makes sense when viewed over the longer term. "Unemployment rates remain very low by historical standards, with a pool of just 13,600 people, which suggests that anyone who wants a job in the region at the moment should be able to find one," he said. "But there are nuances within that assumption, including factors such as underemployment, or a mismatch between the skills in the labour market with some of the jobs on offer." Mr Hawes noted that the monthly improvement in unemployment rates did not result in growth in the total number of people employed in the region, which actually fell by 11,700 in May. The latest figures show lower participation rates in the region, which is the measure of people 15 to 64 years who are either in a job or registered as looking for work, he said. "It indicates that more people of working age have decided to opt out of the labour force altogether - be that permanently or temporarily - most likely to travel, take a career break or early retirement, or attend to other commitments such as family care," he said. The Jobs and Skills Australia Internet Vacancy Index saw a rise of 2.5 per cent in the number of job ads from April to May, suggesting employers continue to fish in the market where the pool of candidates remains relatively modest. While the May figure is 17 per cent down on what job ads were 12 months ago, it remains strong compared to pre-COVID levels, and consistent with markets elsewhere in NSW, Mr Hawes said. The region's youth employment, for residents aged between 15 and 24, also remained tight with an unemployment rate of 5.6 per cent in May, barely changing from 5.4 per cent in April. "It seems the double-digit days of youth unemployment rates are well behind us in the Hunter and the market remains fairly buoyant for those in this cohort looking for work," Mr Hawes said. While month-to-month regional figures could be a volatile measure, Mr Hawes added, the more reliable yearly average was also showing favourable conditions for jobseekers in the region. Still, Muswellbrook and Cessnock were the LGAs with the highest unemployment rates in the December 2024 quarter, measuring 6.8 per cent and 5.5 per cent, according to government data, significantly above the rates of 12 months previous at 4.9 per cent and 4.2 per cent. Health care and social assistance remained the largest employment sector in the region, followed by construction and retail trade, according to REMPLAN data. The number of people employed in the Hunter fell notably in May, yet the unemployment rate continued a downward trend - even outpacing state-wide figures - to fall to its lowest point this year. The Hunter's combined unemployment rate fell to 3.7 per cent last month, taking in rates of 3.8 per cent in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie and 3.4 per cent in the Hunter Valley, suggesting the region may be approaching full employment, according to Business Hunter. Monthly labour force data from the Bureau of Statistics, and Jobs and Skills Australia, present a complex picture, Business Hunter boss Bob Hawes said - one that only makes sense when viewed over the longer term. "Unemployment rates remain very low by historical standards, with a pool of just 13,600 people, which suggests that anyone who wants a job in the region at the moment should be able to find one," he said. "But there are nuances within that assumption, including factors such as underemployment, or a mismatch between the skills in the labour market with some of the jobs on offer." Mr Hawes noted that the monthly improvement in unemployment rates did not result in growth in the total number of people employed in the region, which actually fell by 11,700 in May. The latest figures show lower participation rates in the region, which is the measure of people 15 to 64 years who are either in a job or registered as looking for work, he said. "It indicates that more people of working age have decided to opt out of the labour force altogether - be that permanently or temporarily - most likely to travel, take a career break or early retirement, or attend to other commitments such as family care," he said. The Jobs and Skills Australia Internet Vacancy Index saw a rise of 2.5 per cent in the number of job ads from April to May, suggesting employers continue to fish in the market where the pool of candidates remains relatively modest. While the May figure is 17 per cent down on what job ads were 12 months ago, it remains strong compared to pre-COVID levels, and consistent with markets elsewhere in NSW, Mr Hawes said. The region's youth employment, for residents aged between 15 and 24, also remained tight with an unemployment rate of 5.6 per cent in May, barely changing from 5.4 per cent in April. "It seems the double-digit days of youth unemployment rates are well behind us in the Hunter and the market remains fairly buoyant for those in this cohort looking for work," Mr Hawes said. While month-to-month regional figures could be a volatile measure, Mr Hawes added, the more reliable yearly average was also showing favourable conditions for jobseekers in the region. Still, Muswellbrook and Cessnock were the LGAs with the highest unemployment rates in the December 2024 quarter, measuring 6.8 per cent and 5.5 per cent, according to government data, significantly above the rates of 12 months previous at 4.9 per cent and 4.2 per cent. Health care and social assistance remained the largest employment sector in the region, followed by construction and retail trade, according to REMPLAN data.
