The Australian Senate has sent a message to the Morrison Government that it wants a federal corruption watchdog with teeth, voting for the Government to bring on the Greens’ National Integrity Commission Bill in the House of Representatives for a vote in the February 2020 sittings.
The Greens bill passed the Senate in September 2019.
Greens leader in the Senate Larissa Waters said, “The Senate has today sent a clear message that it won’t stand for the weak Government model for a Federal ICAC which is already long delayed and ineffective.
“It was very telling that it was only the Government Senators who voted against the House being compelled to bring on the Greens ICAC bill for a vote. They are plagued by integrity scandals and you’ve got to wonder if they have even more to hide.
“The Greens have been pushing for 10 years for a corruption watchdog and we urgently need action to restore community confidence following #SportsRorts and rolling integrity sagas.
“This is now a test for Prime Minister Scott Morrison – will he hear the strong message for the Senate and clean up this sideshow of scandals or continue to delay and whitewash his weak body which won’t stop corruption?
“It will also be the first indication of whether Llew O’Brien or the Nationals follow through on their threat and cross the floor to support integrity.
“Australians deserve to have their voice and values represented in parliament, a place intended to give voice to people, not the vested interests of big donors.”
Download a copy of the Greens’ National Integrity Commission Bill here:
https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/Bills_Search_Results/Result?bId=s1154
Senate Motion passed 33:29:
https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Chamber_documents/Senate_chamber_documents/Notice_Paper/Current_Notice_Paper
Senator Waters:
To move—
(1) That the Senate notes that:
(a) the Senate passed the Australian Greens’ National Integrity Commission Bill 2018 (No. 2) on 9 September 2019 to establish a federal corruption watchdog with broad remit to investigate allegations of corruption and misconduct, and to ensure strong, independent oversight of the actions of parliamentarians; and
(b) public consultation on the Commonwealth Integrity Commission model proposed by the Government ended more than one year ago, but the Government has yet to introduce legislation to establish an integrity commission,
(2) That the Senate calls on the Federal Government to bring on the Australian Greens’ National Integrity Commission Bill 2019 in the House of Representatives for a vote in the February 2020 sittings.
(3) That this resolution be sent to the House of Representatives for concurrence.
Author: admin
With QLD Gov Support, Greens renew calls for National Horse Register
Greens Spokesperson for Animal Welfare, Senator Mehreen Faruqi, has welcomed the Queensland Government’s support for a National Horse Register following the release of the independent inquiry into the management of retired racehorses.
Senator Faruqi’s 2019 Senate inquiry into establishing a National Horse Traceability Register called for the establishment of a national working group to work towards implementing a Register in December.
Senator Faruqi said:
“I welcome the Queensland Government’s support for a national horse register.
“Australians were outraged by the horrific slaughter of racehorses exposed by 730. We need to track horses throughout their lives so the industry has no more excuses for not ensuring every horse has a dignified retirement.
“The independent inquiry is right to identify this as a national problem that requires national leadership and solutions.
“That’s why I’m calling on the Minister Littleproud to work urgently to establish a register.
“I have long said that when animals and gambling mix, animals always suffer. At the end of the day, no racehorse should end up in a slaughterhouse. We need strong enforcement and strong animal welfare laws as well. The Greens have long advocated for an independent office for animal welfare which can do this.”
High Court ruling
The Greens welcome the High Court’s decision regarding the government’s ability to deport First Nations peoples.
“Trying to deport First Nations peoples whose country we stole is a fundamentally racist thing to do,” Greens Immigration and Citizenship spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.
“All First Nations peoples who are in Immigration detention should now be immediately released.”
“It is also time to rein in the authority of both the Immigration Minister and the Minister for Home Affairs so we don’t see these kinds of gross abuses of power.”
“This is a significant development for the rights of First Nations peoples.”
Australian Greens spokesperson on First Nations issues Senator Rachel Siewert said:
“It is deeply insulting and disrespectful that Mr Dutton thinks he can deport the Traditional Owners of this land.”
“This type of Government policy directly contradicts Closing the Gap objectives.”
“With the PM set to address the Parliament tomorrow on the Closing the Gap report I would suggest that that he use the opportunity to apologise for this racist approach.”
Government avoids vote on Greens ICAC bill
The Government has today used its numbers in the lower house to narrowly avoid voting on a motion to pass the Greens’ bill for a national corruption watchdog with teeth.
“Today the Prime Minister has once again dodged scrutiny and integrity by gagging and delaying a vote on whether to have a strong federal corruption watchdog,” said Greens Senate Leader and democracy spokesperson, Senator Larissa Waters.
“The Government did not even allow any debate on the motion, just gag and delay so they can continue the dodgy conduct of their Ministers without any independent body to hold them to account.
“The procedural games can’t conceal that this government is running away from integrity and transparency as fast as new corruption scandals emerge.
“The Prime Minister now has a reputation for ignoring corruption and conflicts of interest that the pub test says breach Ministerial Standards – and he’s now also the guy standing in the way of a corruption watchdog.
“It raises the serious question – what further immoral behaviour does the Prime Minister and his scandal-ridden ministers have to hide?
“The best antidote to corruption and conflicts of interest is sunlight.
“The Government reluctantly conceded a federal corruption watchdog was needed 16 months ago but there is still no draft legislation and everyone is sick of waiting while the snouts remain in the trough.
“People, the Senate and almost half the House of Representatives are calling for the Prime Minister to clean up the sideshow of scandals. He ignores them at his peril,” she said.
The vote on whether to vote on the motion to bring on and vote on a Greens ICAC bill was very close, dividing along party lines at 72:70. The Nationals and Llew O’Brien voted with the Government.
Newcastle community helps form picture of City’s future
How do we maintain green spaces, buildings with character, access to transport and shops and a sense of community over the next 20 years with an additional 35,000 residents?
This is the question dealt with through the City of Newcastle’s draft Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS), a legislated plan outlining the vision for land use along with the character and values of our growing city.
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Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the draft LSPS had been developed on the back of a comprehensive community engagement program and is now on public exhibition for feedback.
“City of Newcastle’s Local Strategic Planning Statement will shape our land-use planning priorities to meet community needs and will set out how we should manage greenfield sites, community land and potential development areas over the next two decades,” the Lord Mayor said.
“The opinions and wishes of our residents are essential to the City’s planning process.
“Surveys, face-to-face drop-in sessions and a young person’s drawing activity were just some of the ways we gathered feedback on how to best shape the way our City will look and feel in 2040.
“Over 500 people participated in a survey which canvassed our community’s vision for land-use and neighbourhood character with questions relating to transport, environment, housing and jobs.
“In 20 years the picture of our city will look much different, with 19,500 new dwellings and 35,000 additional residents projected for Newcastle.
“It’s fantastic that the largest demographic to engage with us on this draft plan was the 16-19-year age group, ensuring the desires of our future ratepayers are reflected in our vision and plans for the future.
“The ‘Big Picture’ Newcastle 2040 drawing activity provided primary school aged young people an opportunity to offer ideas on what they love about their City, how improvements can be made and what needs to be maintained to ensure the City of Newcastle remains an incredible place to live.
“Our residents value a sense of community and opportunities for people to connect and
engage in their streets and neighbourhoods, as well as special places centred on our natural environment and open space.
“It’s now time for the broader community to have their say on how Newcastle should look in 2040 by reviewing the draft Local Strategic Planning Statement before it’s finalised and put to Council for endorsement.”
The Local Strategic Planning Statement is on public exhibition until Monday, 9 March. To view or make a submission, visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Have-Your-Say/Projects/Planning-Newcastle-2040
BUY REGIONAL FOR LAST-MINUTE VALENTINE’S DAY GIFTS
Shoppers looking for the perfect last-minute present for their loved one this Valentine’s Day can find great gift ideas that will directly support businesses in towns impacted by bushfire or drought via the NSW Government’s Buy Regional webpage.
Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Disaster Recovery John Barilaro and Minister for Small Business Damien Tudehope encouraged shoppers to share the flavour of regional NSW with their loved one on the 14th February this year.
Mr Barilaro said the Buy Regional webpage and campaign had significantly boosted trade for regional retailers doing it tough in the lead up to Christmas, however retailers in the bush still need the support of their city cousins to keep towns and local economies alive.
“We know the Buy Regional success stories, of the hundreds of thousands of dollars flowing directly to small businesses across towns like Uralla and Tamworth and I commend shoppers who backed these communities, but now is not the time to stop spending,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Valentine’s Day is a fantastic opportunity to discover last-minute gift ideas from the ever-expanding list of gourmet food retailers and experience providers listed with Buy Regional.
Last-minute Buy Regional gift ideas include;
- Chocolate on Purpose – gourmet chocolate varieties peppered with native Australian fruit and nuts, send with next day delivery or choose an online voucher
- Hunter Belle Dairy – delicious cheese hampers with delivery to Hunter and Sydney
- Terragong House 1858 – book a stay at the heritage property on the South Coast, receive an online gift certificate in time to give your loved one for Valentine’s Day.
Mr Tudehope said that regional NSW’s small businesses are brimming with high quality, unique products which are designed, handmade, carefully curated or prepared with love.
“So many of regional NSW’s small businesses are run by thoughtful teams who put a lot of time and effort into making sure customers have the best possible experience, from the second they click to purchase an item until well after it is received,” Mr Tudehope said.
“For those who can’t Go Regional and visit regional communities in the immediate future, a way to show your love is to purchase your next gift from Buy Regional, whether that’s for Valentine’s Day or an upcoming birthday.”
To buy a regional product or register your business, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/buyregional
WWII MEMORIALS RESTORED FOR 75th ANNIVERSARY
War memorials across NSW have secured vital funding for restoration works ahead of this year’s 75th anniversary of the end of World War Two.
Acting Minister for Veterans Geoff Lee said more than $120,000 in grants have been awarded for war memorial conservation projects, under the NSW Government’s Community War Memorials Fund.
“Our war memorials are precious monuments we need to cherish and protect as they give us a place to reflect and pay our respects to those brave soldiers who fought for the freedom we enjoy today,” said Mr Lee.
“World War Two memorials are significant in this round of grants because this year we will be remembering 75 years since Victory in the Pacific was declared, effectively ending the war.
“On August 15, communities across NSW will remember the courage and sacrifice of our World War Two soldiers and the NSW Government is ensuring local community memorials remain a true testament to the sacrifice made by our soldiers.”
Richmond Park War Memorial will receive $10,000 towards restoration of two 32 pound muzzle loaded cannons and their timber carriages. The cannons form an integral part of the war memorial and its connection to the local community, veterans and the Richmond RAAF base.
Sutton Public School will receive funds to preserve its memorial gates, in particular the Second World War plaque which records the names of 19 local veterans who served.
Other successful projects include the restoration of the Attunga War Memorial Gates and protective works to the Bathurst War Memorial Carillon, one of only three carillons in Australia.
The successful applicants for the Anzac Community Grants Program have also been announced with more than $50,000 to assist with projects which support activities and services, or promote appreciation and understanding, of military service personnel.
Round 2 of the Community War Memorials Fund is now open and closes 25 April 2020.
For more information, go to: www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/heritage/community-war-memorials-fund
DELIVERING SAFER ROADS FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIES
Safety barriers, rumble strips and wide centrelines will be rolled out across NSW’s road network as part of a record $822 million investment into road safety infrastructure upgrades through the Safer Roads Program.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said round three of the program would see $258 million invested into 383 projects next financial year.
“These are projects designed to save lives. We are committed to reducing the state’s road toll and the measures we are investing in will prevent the loss of more than 1500 lives and serious injuries on our roads over 15 years,” Mr Toole said.
“We know targeted projects can make a real difference to local communities in both the city and the bush.
“This investment will see $217 million injected into 285 regional projects through Saving Lives on Country Roads, and $41 million into 98 projects through Liveable and Safe Urban Communities for metropolitan NSW.”
Round three of the Safer Roads Program will deliver:
o More than 230 kilometres of safety barriers, which absorb impact forces and protect vehicle occupants, reducing the severity of head-on and run-off-road crashes by up to 95 per cent.
o 2,150 kilometres of rumble strips to alert motorists they are departing from their lane, reducing the likelihood of this crash type by up to 25 per cent.
o Almost 1,000 kilometres of wide centreline providing a greater distance for drivers to recover from lane departure, reducing the likelihood of head-on crashes by up to 50 per cent and run-off-road crashes by up to 25 per cent.
o Almost 1,500 high-risk rural curve improvements including shoulder sealing, safety barriers, rumble strips, signage upgrades and line-marking upgrades.
o More than 100 urban intersection improvement projects including roundabouts and traffic signal upgrades.
Mr Toole said the Safer Roads Program was a five-year program, with more than $300 million already spent over the last two years to deliver 113 kilometres of barriers, 3,000 kilometres of rumble strips and 2,800 kilometres of wide centreline across the state.
Former accountant charged after allegedly defrauding client of $200,000 – Lake Macquarie
A woman will face court next month after allegedly defrauding a Lake Macquarie business of more than $200,000 over a five-year period.
In June 2019, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District commenced an investigation into anomalies concerning the administration of a Lake Macquarie business’ account allegedly controlled by an accountant.
Following extensive inquiries, yesterday (Sunday 9 February 2020), police attended a home at Cameron Park, and arrested a 50-year-old woman.
She was taken to Toronto Police Station where she was charged with three counts of dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception and one count of destroy/conceal accounting record to obtain financial advantage.
Police will allege the woman – who was an accountant at a firm at the time – transferred $201,000 into several personal accounts between 2011 and 2016.
She was granted conditional bail to face Toronto Local Court on Tuesday 10 March 2020.
Investigations are ongoing.
HALFWAY TO CLEARING THE NSW SCHOOL MAINTENANCE BACKLOG
More than half of the school maintenance backlog has been cleared, with local trades putting the finishing touches on school maintenance projects at NSW public schools.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said the NSW Government is on track to deliver the $1.3 billion election commitment to wipe the school maintenance backlog to zero by July 2020.
“More than $200 million has been spent on 968 maintenance projects at public schools across metro and regional NSW during the summer holidays, leaving only 47 percent of the backlog left to clear,” Ms Mitchell said.
“The effort made by tradespeople, builders and department staff across the state has been incredible, handling both the task of bushfire recovery for day one and pushing on with our maintenance commitment.
“We have completed projects at NSW public schools across the state; sprucing classrooms, fixing rooves and tidying up grounds.
With more than 2200 schools in the NSW public education system, these maintenance works are vital to providing world-class facilities for students and staff across the State.
“We have used enough paint to fill nine backyard pools and laid enough floor to cover 40 football fields,” Ms Mitchell said.
“I want to reassure families that schools impacted by bushfires over the holiday period will not miss out, all planned maintenance work will still be carried out at these schools.”
The NSW Government has made the largest investment into public school infrastructure by any State government in Australian history. For more information about the NSW Government school maintenance commitment visit: https://www.schoolinfrastructure.nsw.gov.au/programs/planned-maintenance.html