Man charged over possession of pistol on Belmont street

A man will appear in court today after being found in possession of an unregistered firearm yesterday.
About 2.20pm on Thursday 27 February 2020, a 21-year-old was walking south along the Pacific Highway, Belmont, when passing police allegedly noticed a man in possession of what was believed to be a pistol.
Officers approached the man where he resisted arrest for a short time.
He was arrested shortly after before police searched the man and located a pistol.
Following an inspection of the weapon, it was determined to be a modified gel blaster.
The man was taken to Belmont Police Station and charged with possess unregistered firearm in public place, possess unregistered prohibited firearm and resist arrest.
He was refused bail to face Belmont Local Court today (Friday 28 February 2020).
Lake Macquarie Commander, Superintendent Danny Sullivan APM, said police will always treat instances with imitation weapons as if they real firearms to ensure the safety of the community.
“Imitation firearms can often be hard to distinguish from the real deal, as they are modelled closely on real weapons.
“If a weapon looks real, officers will treat it as authentic until such a time that the weapon can be analysed – public safety will always come first,” Supt Sullivan said.

Government subverts democracy twice in two sitting weeks to gag transparency on rorts

The Morrison Government is actively subverting democracy by twice in the past two sitting weeks using procedural games to avoid greater transparency on rorts.
The Government has today blocked Greens Senate Leader Larissa Waters from postponing a motion which would require them to disclose when ministers have departed from advice of independent bodies under Commonwealth Grants Guidelines, with risk of pork barrelling.
Last week, the Government used its numbers in the lower house to narrowly avoid voting in the House of Representatives on a motion to pass the Greens’ bill for a national corruption watchdog with teeth.
“The Government has pulled some extraordinary manoeuvres recently to twist the procedures of parliament and cover up rorts,” she said
“When a minister doesn’t follow the Commonwealth Grant Guidelines or advice when allocating a grant, they have to tell the Treasurer why – but it stays secret.
“Today the government blocked a Greens motion that would have lifted the secrecy and exposed any pork barrelling of all grants funds covered by Commonwealth Grant Guidelines on an ongoing basis.
“The Morrison Government prefers to keep their rorts secret and gag any dissent.
“They won’t improve transparency over how grants are made, they won’t release the Gaetjens Report and they won’t vote for a Federal ICAC.
“The Greens won’t stop pushing for disclosure of other grants fund rorts.
“Taxpayer money is not just a slush fund for Ministers to further their own interests. If a Minister ignores the advice of officials, the public deserves to know why,” she said.
 

IT’S OUT THERE CAMPAIGN SHINES SPOTLIGHT ON BROKEN HILL AND THE CENTRAL DARLING REGION

Australians are being encouraged to experience ‘a different kind of outback’ in Broken Hill and its surrounds through a new marketing campaign launched by the NSW Government today.
It’s Out There has been developed by the Government’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW in collaboration with Broken Hill City Council and Central Darling Shire.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the campaign is designed to drive visitation to the region and encourage longer stays.
“Many people have heard of Broken Hill but what they don’t realise is how many incredible, quirky and diverse experiences this region has to offer,” Mr Ayres said.
“This marketing campaign will showcase Broken Hill and the Central Darling region as a ‘different kind of outback’ – one that is full of spirit, history, diversity and character to explore and uncover. In addition to its striking landscapes, this region has a strong community of incredible artists, a vibrant drag culture and a unique Aboriginal cultural heritage.
“The NSW Government recognises the importance of supporting communities in rural and regional NSW – particularly those that have been affected by drought or bushfires – and one of the best ways we can do that is by motivating people to book a trip to regional NSW, where they stay and spend locally.”
Minister for Western NSW Adam Marshall said that while towns in the region continue to deal with the impacts of drought, it has never been more important to visit these areas, and provide a cash injection to local economies.
“Whether you’re from the bush, or from the city, there has never been a better time to explore what Broken Hill and the wider Central Darling region has to offer,” Mr Marshall said.
It’s Out There targets couples aged 45 to 60 years and is designed to inspire them to visit Broken Hill and the Central Darling region as a holiday destination.
Broken Hill City Council Mayor Darriea Turley AM said, “Broken Hill City Council has been very keen to get out there and pursue strategic marketing and this campaign will show the world that we can provide a unique and genuine outback experience in the Far West.
“I believe we offer a level of authenticity that is unmatched in the tourism market and our product is showcased perfectly in this campaign.
“This project represents months of hard work between Destination NSW and our respective Councils, and we’re all very excited for it to hit the market and drive tourism to our region.
Central Darling Shire Council Administrator Bob Stewart said, “This marketing campaign reveals the landscape and cultural features that our Shire has to offer, with the opportunities to learn about Indigenous culture, early European history and explore the vast area in which we live, work and play.
“I encourage anyone who has never been here before – come and see it for yourself – you will be surprised and enchanted.”
Broken Hill City Council contributed $120,000 to implement the campaign, which Destination NSW matched through the Regional Tourism Fund (RTF). Central Darling Shire contributed $170,000 from the Menindee Support Package, resulting in a total campaign budget of $410,000.

“ICE” SPECIAL COMMISSION OF INQUIRY

The NSW Government welcomes the Report of the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Drug “Ice” and thanks the Commissioner, Professor Dan Howard SC, and his team for their extensive work.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the report’s 109 recommendations are being considered by the Government in consultation with stakeholders, except five recommendations the Government has already indicated it does not support.
Those five recommendations are:

  • 51 – additional medically supervised injecting centres
  • 53 & 54 – substance checking
  • 80 – ceasing the use of drug detection dogs
  • 97 – needle and syringe programs in correctional centres.

The report of the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Drug “Ice” puts forward a broad range of health, social and criminal justice issues, which require a whole-of-Government response across portfolios.
“The Government wishes to acknowledge all those with lived experience, their families and friends, along with the broad range of experts, health practitioners and service providers who contributed to the Special Commission,” Mr Hazzard said.
“The Government will consider the remaining recommendations from the Inquiry in consultation with stakeholders and will prepare a final response before the end of the year.”
The NSW Government’s interim response is now publically available online.
In 2019-20, the NSW Government is investing $231.6 million on preventing and treating harms associated with drug use and ensuring people have access to the care and support they need.
This includes the $11 million investment in 2015 over four years to specifically address the problem of crystalline methamphetamine ‘Ice’, with $7 million to enhance existing programs and establish new Stimulant Treatment Programs; and $4 million to purchase non-government treatment services in rural and regional NSW.
The Government already has a range of measures in place to address alcohol and other drug-related harm in NSW, including “Ice”, and remains committed to considering any further measures to reduce its use and impact on individuals, their families and the community.
The Special Commission’s report identifies that many of the initiatives already in place to deal with the use of alcohol and other drugs are working.
Please find the Special Commission of Inquiry Report and the Interim Government Response here: www.dpc.nsw.gov.au/iceinquiry

NATION LEADING CHILD ABUSE REFORMS INTRODUCED TO PARLIAMENT

A significant barrier preventing child sex offenders from being held to account and leading to ‘unwarranted acquittals’ will be removed under landmark reforms introduced into NSW Parliament.
Attorney General Mark Speakman said NSW is the first Australian jurisdiction to introduce agreed legislation enabling greater admissibility of tendency and coincidence evidence, such as evidence about an accused person’s tendency to have a sexual interest in children.
“These crucial reforms will help deliver justice for survivors of child sexual abuse – one of the most despicable and damaging crimes to confront the justice system,” Mr Speakman said.
“NSW has led the way on this reform, spear-heading a consistent response with the Commonwealth Government and relevant states and territories to key findings of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.”
The Royal Commission heard about many criminal proceedings in which evidence of an accused person previously offending against children was ruled inadmissible due to courts’ concerns that it may unfairly prejudice the accused person.
The Royal Commission found the exclusion of this kind of evidence led to cases of unwarranted acquittals in child sexual offence proceedings, and recommended law reform to facilitate greater admissibility of this evidence.
“While maintaining an accused person’s right to a fair trial, these reforms will help to ensure that offenders don’t evade justice through the exclusion of relevant evidence,” Mr Speakman said.
“We can’t undo the horrors of the past, but we can make sure that our legal system offers a fairer and more effective response for victims and survivors.”
The Evidence Amendment (Tendency and Coincidence) Bill 2020 introduces a new rebuttable presumption that evidence of a defendant having a tendency to have a sexual interest in a child or children will have ‘significant probative value’ to the relevant proceedings, as well as limiting what courts can consider in rebutting that presumption.
The reforms will also lower an additional threshold for the prosecution to use tendency and coincidence evidence against the defendant.
Uniform Evidence Law jurisdictions, including NSW, agreed to implement a Model Bill at the Council of Attorneys-General meeting in November last year, following a two-year development and consultation process led by a NSW working group.
Child Abuse Royal Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald AM said consistent, nationwide reform on this issue was one of the most important recommendations of the Royal Commission.
“Over many years, Australia’s criminal justice system has failed to provide adequate justice for survivors of child sexual abuse, in part because of the unnecessary exclusion of tendency and coincidence evidence in criminal proceedings,” Commissioner Fitzgerald said.
“Following the Royal Commission’s comprehensive inquiry, and in the context of alarmingly low conviction rates for child sexual assault offences, we were convinced of the need for change.
“I congratulate the NSW Government for leading this reform process among Uniform Evidence Law jurisdictions, which will support survivors accessing justice across the country.”
Read more about the Bill via: https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/bills/Pages/bill-details.aspx?pk=3732.

BOOSTING BUSINESS LINKS WITH INDIA

NSW Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres has arrived in India to build business and tourism ties with one of the world’s most dynamic economies.
Mr Ayres will meet senior leaders between 23 – 27 February and represent NSW at the Australia India Business Exchange (AIB-X), a Commonwealth-led initiative designed to deepen trade and investment with a series of events across India over several months.
“India is already the world’s fifth-largest economy and Australia’s fifth-largest export destination. It will also invest a staggering two trillion Australian dollars on infrastructure over the next five years,” Mr Ayres said.
“The importance of India on the world stage is increasing every year, which is why we’ve reconfirmed its status as a priority market under the Global NSW Strategy, expanding our representation with a Senior Trade & Investment Commissioner in Mumbai and representation in Bangalore.”
This week’s events are part of an intensive program of in-market activity designed to build on Premier Gladys Berejiklian’s visit in 2018.
As well as attending the AIB-X launch in New Delhi with Australia’s incoming High Commissioner and former NSW premier Barry O’Farrell, Mr Ayres will visit the commercial capital of Mumbai for an aviation roundtable promoting tourism connectivity, part of an extensive diary of tourism meetings designed to boost tourist numbers in NSW.
“Diversifying markets, increasing tourism links, attracting investment and growing exports in places like India is a key element of Global NSW,” Mr Ayres said.
“India’s opportunity is undeniable and it’s more important now than ever.”
As well as showcasing NSW exports and taking part in the Taste of Australia program, Mr Ayres will promote investment opportunities and work to expand tourism and technology links.
“India has enormous growth potential and the NSW Government’s participation in the AIB-X will help raise the profile of NSW companies participating and demonstrates our commitment to working with the Commonwealth Government on key international trade initiatives,” he said.

Greens response to Norwegian oil giant Equinor's announcment it's scrapping plans to drill in the Great Australian Bight

Senator for South Australia and Greens Environment Spokesperson Sarah Hanson-Young said:
“This is a huge win for the community, the environment and SA’s tourism and fishing industries. It is good for the planet and jobs.
“The community who cherish our pristine coastline, the tourism industry that depends on it, and the fishing industry that relies on clean waters have all fought so hard against these environment-destroying plans. Congratulations goes to them.
“They have proven there was no social licence for an international oil giant to drill in our waters, and that people power can win.
“South Australians love our gorgeous Bight and we want it protected for future generations and the rest of the world to come and experience.
“What we need now is World Heritage protection. The Greens’ Bill for World Heritage Listing would give the Bight the protection it needs and deserves from any other oil and gas companies proposing to put it at risk. I call on all other Members of Parliament to back it.
“This decision also shows this is the beginning of the end of fossil fuels. Opening a new fossil fuel basin in the middle of our ocean was always madness. Moving to net zero emissions by 2050 means we must reduce pollution now, not give the green light to new polluting projects.”

Greens use the Parliament to press for justice for Julian Assange

Greens MPs have used the Federal Parliament to demand justice for Julian Assange, as his extradition hearing begins in London.
In the House of Representatives today, Greens Leader Adam Bandt has called for Mr Assange to be brought back to Australia, while in the Senate, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson today questioned the government and yesterday moved a motion urging the Parliament not to be silent on the criminalisation of journalistic activity.
Greens Leader Adam Bandt MP said:
“The government needs to intervene to bring Julian Assange back to Australia.
“The criminalisation of journalism must end. If this government wants to show its commitment to protecting press freedoms and protecting democracy, it needs to bring Julian Assange home and protect him from extradition to the United States.
“It is a terrifying precedent that foreign nations could extradite and charge journalists who have exposed their wrongdoings. It’s time for the Foreign Minister to intervene.
Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said:
“The UN Special Rapporteur on torture, Nils Melzer, yesterday labelled the treatment of Julian Assange a ‘modern showtrial’ because they want to make an example of him.
“The case of Julian Assange extends far beyond the case of one person on trial – it gets to the heart of how we uphold the tenets of democracy, human rights and press freedom.
“We must not let this debate devolve into one about the character of Julian Assange – he is an Australian citizen, a journalist, and urgently requires Government intervention.”

Net-zero by 2050 not enough, Australia's leading climate scientists say

Leader of the Australian Greens, Adam Bandt MP, has commended Australia’s leading climate scientists for their courage in warning that both Liberal and Labor’s climate policies are dangerously inadequate.
Three of Australia’s leading specialists on climate change – Professor Will Steffen, Professor Lesley Hughes, and Dr Pep Cannadell – have today warned that Australia needs to hit net-zero carbon emissions before 2050, including significant reductions in the next ten years, if we’re to keep global warming well below 2 degrees and honour the Paris Agreement.
Professor Will Steffen was the scientific expert advising Labor on the carbon price as part of the Multi-Party Climate Change Committee.
Leader of the Australian Greens, Adam Bandt MP said:
“The verdict is in. Australia’s top scientists have said that the Liberals’ climate targets won’t stop runaway global warming but nor will Labor’s ‘net zero by 2050’.
“The scientists back the Greens in demanding real action by 2030 and a plan for coal, because otherwise it will be too late.”
“We need critical action in the next decade if we’re to protect ourselves and the planet from the worst impacts of global warming.
“At current rates, we risk hitting 1.5 degrees of warming by 2030. That’s just ten years from now.
“Beyond that, we’ll start hitting tipping points that will make it harder, if not impossible, to keep climate change under control.
“By the end of this decade, scientists fear we could see the collapse of ice shelfs in Antarctica that would lead to 3-4 metres of sea level rise, all in my children’s lifetime.
“This disastrous summer of fires happened at just one degree of warming and things stand to get worse. This should be a wake-up call that we need action now, not in decades to come. We don’t have any time to waste.”

Coalition, Labor and One Nation let NSW get away with floodplain harvesting.

The Liberals, Nationals, Labor and One Nation have refused to support the Greens call for the NSW Government to reinstate the moratorium on floodplain harvesting and water pumping.
Greens Spokesperson for Water Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said the Federal Parliament could not wipe it’s hands of this issue.
“The New South Wales Government has selfishly lifted its moratorium on floodplain harvesting and water pumping, jeopardising the entire Murray-Darling River system,” Senator Hanson-Young said.
“Southern basin users are rightly outraged. Preventing floodwater from flowing downstream to towns without drinking water, dry catchments and areas where fish species are facing collapse in favour of corporate irrigators is despicable.
“It is concerning that the moratorium was lifted after lobbying from large irrigators upstream. The reports surrounding the decision raise more questions over the integrity of the Murray-Darling Basin management.
“The Murray-Darling Basin is on the verge of collapse and family farms, river communities and the environment need national leadership.
“The Water Minister Keith Pitt needs to intervene. Critical human need and the future of the River must come before greedy corporate cotton irrigators.
“We need transparency and accountability, not just of floodplain harvesting and water pumping, but management of the whole system. States getting away with making decisions that only benefit them and their corporate mates will not guarantee water to those who really need it or the sustainability of our biggest river system into the future.”