Police officers, firefighters, ambulance officers and SES volunteers have come together to share their stories about mental health and the unique challenges of working on the frontline during a launch for ‘Are They Triple OK?’
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott today joined representatives from these agencies to launch the campaign at Fire and Rescue NSW’s station at The Rocks. The campaign aims to increase peer and social support for emergency services workers across NSW to highlight that an R U OK? conversation can be life changing.
“Our first responders go out there on the frontline every day, putting community safety above their own, and they deserve the respect and support of each and every person they are sworn to protect,” Mr Elliott said.
“Police and emergency services workers give so much of themselves in the line of duty, and it’s our job to ensure they have the best possible tools and support to look out for each other.”
Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said it was vital the community understands the challenges faced by our police, firefighters, ambulance offices and other emergency services.
“My message to first responders struggling with the pressures of work is this: we thank you and we are here for you,” Mrs Taylor said.
R U OK? CEO Katherine Newton said the organisation was extremely grateful to the emergency services personnel who have shared their stories.
NSW Police Senior Constable Tracy Bloomfield and Fire and Rescue NSW firefighter Max Cottingham are two of five NSW first responders featured in the campaign.
“It’s hard sometimes to tell your family, who aren’t in the services, how you struggle. They just don’t realise the repercussions and the dreams, all the ongoing things that can happen even after an incident,” Ms Bloomfield said.
Mr Cottingham said he wanted the campaign to empower colleagues and family members to take that step and ask the question.
“You don’t have to be an expert to ask, ‘Are you OK?’ We’re always there to help. Let’s make sure we help each other and ask ‘R U OK?’,” Mr Cottingham said.
R U OK? will provide free resources to foster a supportive work culture and address high rates of self-stigma identified within the services.
Please click here for more information.
Author: admin
MAJOR PLANNING REFORM TO DRIVE JOBS AND INVESTMENT IN NSW
The NSW Government will transform the State’s planning system with major reforms to create thousands of new jobs and supercharge the economy.
Speaking at the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) State of the State address, Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes outlined the Government’s vision to boost the timeliness, certainty and transparency of the State’s planning system.
“The current system does not give investors certainty – some planning proposals are taking years to determine and there are too many layers of bureaucracy – which is unacceptable,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Under the new reforms, we will deliver the simplest and most effective planning system in Australia that creates thousands of jobs and improves the way people live and work, right across the State.”
Mr Stokes said a series of reforms would be introduced to the planning system over the coming months to slash assessment timeframes, reduce red tape and fast-track projects in high growth areas.
“This is about demystifying and restoring confidence in the planning system so we can get on with the job of delivering fantastic new places right across NSW,” Mr Stokes said.
“We have already made significant changes to the planning system over the past few years and these changes will keep driving our State forward.”
The planning reforms will:
- Cut red tape, increase transparency, reduce assessment timeframes and make e-planning mandatory for metro councils;
- Supercharge new hubs across NSW to ensure people can live in communities close to their work;
- Fix the uncertainty of developer contributions to boost investment; and
- Preserve our heritage, create beautiful new public places, and promote good design.
More details on the planning reforms will be outlined in the new year following consultation.
GOVERNMENT MUST DO MORE ON AGED CARE
As the public forum of the Aged Care Royal Commission wraps up in Newcastle, Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon has called for more action from the Morrison Government.
Ms Claydon said she has been ‘shocked and appalled’ by revelations from the public hearings and forums.
“Older people deserve quality care that safeguards their wellbeing and dignity, but we are seeing mounting evidence of unthinkable neglect and systemic failure,” Ms Claydon said.
“I’m very pleased that the Royal Commission is giving people a chance to speak out and seek justice at the highest level.”
Ms Claydon said that older Australians have been failed by an overstretched and under-resourced system.
“Ever since Scott Morrison ripped $1.2 billion out of aged care in his first Budget, he’s continued to fail older Australians,” Ms Claydon said.
“The fact that 120,000 Australians remain languishing on the waiting list for home care packages is appalling.”
Ms Claydon said the Morrison Government’s promise of an extra 10,000 home care places is ‘grossly inadequate’.
“This is nothing but a stop-gap measure that will barely keep up with the new demand, let alone address the backlog,” Ms Claydon said.
“People are being forced into residential care facilities at great expense when they would prefer to stay at home, while hundreds of Australians are literally dying each week waiting for their packages to be fulfilled. This is inexcusable.
“Older Australians deserve better and the Morrison Government needs to stop stalling, quit making excuses and start delivering for the Australian people instead.”
PUSH TO RECOGNISE NEWCASTLE AS FIRST ‘MUSIC COMMUNITY’
Shadow Minister for Music and the Night Time Economy, John Graham and State Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp have today met with the Newcastle Live Music Taskforce and local musicians from across the city to announce Labor’s support for the local music scene.
The Newcastle Live Music Taskforce will push for Newcastle to be the first place in the state to achieve the new ‘music community’ designation under this plan.
Under the NSW Liberals and Nationals, venues are closing across NSW, funding for the industry has been stagnant at $4 million over the last 4 years compared to $27 million in Victoria over the same period, and the Government has declared war on music festivals.
Labor’s plan for the music sector which includes:
- Establishing a “Music Community” designation to recognise communities that have a strong music sector and value music. Labor will develop formal guidelines and a threshold to achieve the Music Community designation, and then work with local councils to support and promote these communities, including in Newcastle.
- An increase in total funding for contemporary music from under $4 million over the last four years of Liberal and National Government to $35 million.
- Direct support for artists to record and tour, including internationally through a new $1.3 million “Music Passport” program; and regionally and nationally through a new $5.1 million “Band aid” program.
- Invest $4 million in supporting music festivals across NSW. Labor will also streamline the licensing process for music festivals and allow organisers with an established record to obtain multi-year approvals for festivals.
- Rebuilding the suburban and regional touring circuit in NSW, with $1.3 million to support an “On the Road Again” program to take music industry promoters and booking agents on tour to regional venues and provide a substantial funding boost to the ‘Live and Local’ program.
- Labor will work with the music industry to develop mentoring programs for music education at school. As part of this program, Labor will trial the purchase of musical instruments for ten schools in Western Sydney or rural and regional NSW.
- Labor will formally review the provision of music education in NSW on coming to Government.
Labor will also launch a new youth music organisation, which will work with Music NSW to support young artists and promoters get a start in the industry.
Labor’s plan to stop the Liberal Party’s war on live music comes on the heels of measures already announced to save live music in NSW including implementing the Parliamentary Music Inquiry’s 60 recommendations, and implementing measures to improve conditions for music venues.
NSW Shadow Minister for Music and the Night Time Economy, John Graham said
“Labor wants to keep venues open, and keep musicians in work. We want to see a thriving music community in Newcastle.”
“The measures that we have announced will help the NSW music scene reach its potential.”
Tim Crakanthorp said
“I am committed to re-building our music industry.”
“The Live Music Taskforce has worked hard over the last 12 months getting the Live Music Inquiry here and seeing the results of that input through the inquiry recommendations.”
“Based on that work we want Newcastle to be the first community in NSW to be designated a ‘music community’ under this new plan.”
Man charged over spate of deliberately lit fires – Lake Macquarie PD
A man has been charged after allegedly deliberately lighting fires in suburbs across Lake Macquarie.
Earlier this month, Lake Macquarie Police District commenced an investigation into the cause of fires that were lit in Belmont, Windale, Gateshead and Charlestown between Friday 8 November and Tuesday 19 November 2019.
Police will allege the fires were set to garbage bins, items placed out for clean-up, and motor vehicles –including four that were destroyed in James Street, Windale on Friday 15 November 2019.
About 1.45pm yesterday (Tuesday 26 November 2019), officers executed a search warrant at a house on Cherry Street, Windale.
A 33-year-old man was arrested at the scene and taken to Belmont Police Station.
During the search, police located and seized CCTV and clothing that will undergo forensic examination.
The man was charged with 12 counts of destroy property by fire. He was refused bail to appear before Belmont Local Court today (Wednesday 27 November 2019).
Lake Macquarie Police District Commander, Superintendent Danny Sullivan, said that police will continue to investigate all suspicious fires and bring perpetrators to justice.
“Acts of arson at any time of year are extremely dangerous, let alone during the high temperatures we have recently experienced,” Superintendent Sullivan said.
“The capability of these fires to spread to nearby bushland and cause catastrophe is a real possibility,
“We would like to thank the community for their assistance, the information you provide is invaluable in supporting our investigations”.
Australian Greens to move amendments to FTA implementing legislation
The Australian Greens will move amendments to the Customs Amendment (Growing Australian Export Opportunities Across the Asia-Pacific) Bill 2019 to increase the transparency of trade negotiations, exclude Investor-State Dispute Settlements (ISDS) provisions and ensure that protecting human rights, workers and our environment is at the heart of how Australia engages with our region, and the world.
Trade spokesperson Senator Jordon Steele-John said we should be using our trading opportunities with other countries to protect human rights, Australian workers and the environment, which the Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) proposed with Hong Kong, Indonesia and Peru fail to do in their current form.
“While the unions, the community and advocates for our environment are left out of discussions on trade deals, major corporations are invited by governments to contribute to processes that take place largely behind closed doors,” he said.
“The provision of ISDS clauses in these FTAs give corporations the right to prosecute and sue governments when they pass laws that are in the public interest, an outcome we saw when plain packaging laws for tobacco were implemented in 2012 and the Australian government was subsequently sued by Phillip Morris.
“A lack of labour market testing means there is no requirement for new jobs to be advertised locally, impacting job prospects for Australian workers and putting migrant workers at risk of serious exploitation.
“In the context of ongoing pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong and the human rights abuses perpetrated against the people of West Papua, the Australian Greens remain strongly opposed to the consideration of these Free Trade Agreements.
“It’s time to take the power back from big, multinational corporations by placing human rights, worker’s rights and environmental protection at the centre of how we trade with other countries and ensuring that the community is able to scrutinise and understand the potential impact of these agreements before they are signed into law.
“As global wealth inequality rises and the impacts of the climate crisis are felt more severely, ensure that protecting human rights, workers and our environment is at the heart of how Australia engages with our region, and the world has never been more important.”
Defence of Taylor shows integrity has been thrown overboard: Greens
The Australian Greens have responded to Scott Morrison’s appalling decision to allow Minister Angus Taylor to continue serving in his role while under active police investigation, saying that it shows the Prime Minister is deep in denial.
Quote attributable to Greens spokesperson for the climate crisis and energy, Adam Bandt MP:
“Scott Morrison is deep in denial.
“The PM has thrown integrity overboard to hang on to a 1 seat majority on the floor of Parliament.
“The government says unions need special ‘integrity’ legislation because they can’t manage their own affairs, then the Liberals keep a Minister under police investigation on the front bench.
“If you’ve got a blue collar the Liberals throw the book at you, but if you’ve got a white collar they turn a blind eye.
“Not only is Scott Morrison refusing to accept that burning coal makes bushfires worse, he’s backing a Minister being investigated by police for using forged documents in a climate-related attack.”
Quotes attributable to Greens leader, Senator Richard Di Natale:
“It’s appalling that the Prime Minister has allowed one of his ministers to sit on the front bench while under active police investigation,” Leader of the Australian Greens Dr Richard Di Natale said today.
“From this document saga, Taylor’s climate change denial, and allegations he intervened as Minister to help out his family farm, there’s been a stench around Angus Taylor’s conduct for months.
“At every turn, Angus Taylor has been protected from scrutiny from a government clearly more concerned about its numbers in the House than its integrity.
“If the Prime Minister was serious about improving faith in his government he would suspend Angus Taylor until this NSW Police investigation is complete.”
Council Update Tuesday 26 November
Following is a summary of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on Tuesday 26 November 2019.
Ordinary business
Adoption of ward boundary plan amendments following public exhibition
Council voted to adopt a proposed ward boundary plan with amendments made following public exhibition.
Adoption of the 2020 Council meeting cycle
Council has adopted a new meeting schedule for 2020.
Moorhead Street, Lambton – Upgrade of pedestrian crossing south of Elders Street
Council resolved to upgrade a pedestrian crossing on Moorhead Street, Lambton, south of Elder Street, raising the crossing and extending the kerb.
Endorsement of Amendment to Newcastle LEP 2012 – Create NSW heritage item for Parkway Avenue
Council endorsed a planning proposal to begin the process to amend the Newcastle LEP 2012 to list Parkway Avenue from Denison Street, Hamilton East, to Memorial Drive, Bar Beach, as a heritage item of local significance.
Endorsement of the 2018/19 – Annual Report
The 2018/19 Annual Report was endorsed by councillors.
Digital Library, Newcastle
Council voted to build a digital library in its new City Administration Centre at 12 Stewart Avenue, Newcastle West, with money raised from the 2015 sale of the Newcastle School of Arts, which was gifted by the school in 1964 on the condition that any proceeds from its sale would go to the public library system.
September quarterly budget review
Council received the September Quarterly Budget review Statement and adopted the revised budget, which includes an additional $3.9 million for public works in the 2019-20 budget, with spending spread across a range of infrastructure and asset renewal programs.
Executive monthly performance report
Council received the executive monthly performance report for October 2019.
Notices of Motion
City Ocean Baths redevelopment community consultation
A notice of motion to conduct ongoing community consultation with Ocean Baths users and the broader community to guide future upgrades was supported.
Faster rail
A Notice of Motion to increase advocacy for faster rail services between Sydney and Newcastle was supported. A submission will be made to the Parliament of Australia’s House of Representatives Standing Committee on Infrastructure, Transport and Cities’ Inquiry Into Options for Financing Faster Rail.
Every building counts – a practical plan for emissions reductions in the built environment
A NOM to expedite the delivery of Net Zero Emission Buildings as part of its local planning statement and review of the 2020 Carbon and Water Management Action plan currently underway was supported. As part of the NOM, Council will invite the Property Council to present on its ‘Every building counts – a practical plan for emissions reduction in the built environment’ report.
Deferral of expression of interest process for Newcastle and Merewether Baths
A Notice of Motion to defer the EOI process for the Newcastle and Merewether Ocean Baths was not supported due to being a repeat motion.
Lord Mayoral Minutes
2019 Supercars Newcastle 500
A Lord Mayoral Minute (LMM) recognising Supercars Newcastle 500 2019 as an outright success and noting that the use of local suppliers should be used when possible was supported. The LMM recognised that more than 154,000 people attended the event, with many local businesses reporting positive trading results, both in the lead up to the event and right across the weekend.
Australia’s Gateway Cities Report Launch
A Lord Mayoral Minute acknowledged that the Australian Gateway Cities’ report was launched and that Australia’s Gateway Cities occupy a significant place within the economy. The LMM noted that current debates on fiscal rebalancing need to recognise the latent economic potential of Gateway Cities, while social policies should also incorporate the opportunities Gateway Cities offer in bridging the divide between metropolitan Australia and the regions.
NEW HARBOUR CROSSING A STEP CLOSER
Travelling under Sydney’s famous harbour is a step closer to being faster and more reliable with the first stages of the Western Harbour Tunnel and Beaches Link Program moving to the next stage of the planning process.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance confirmed the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Western Harbour Tunnel and Warringah Freeway Upgrade will go on public display in early January 2020, allowing the community more time to have their say.
“The Western Harbour Tunnel and Beaches Link Program is an important part of the NSW Government’s vision to create an integrated transport network and listening to the community will help inform the final outcome,” Mr Constance said.
“This is a program of works our city desperately needs to ease congestion. Currently 4.3 million passenger trips are made across Sydney Harbour each week, making the Warringah Freeway one of the busiest and most complex roads in the country.
“This program will help to ease pressure on the road network and commuters, with a direct connection to WestConnex it will also bust congestion on the Anzac Bridge, Western Distributor and Sydney Harbour Bridge corridor.”
Mr Constance said travel times will be slashed once this part of the work is complete. “The first part of the program will deliver huge time savings, both for drivers and for public transport customers,” he said.
“Commuters travelling from Leichhardt to North Sydney will save 20 minutes off their trip. It’ll also save 15 minutes for anyone travelling from North Sydney to the Airport and up to 25 minutes off a trip between Parramatta and Manly.
“Bus customers will also experience time-savings with a continuous southbound bus lane on the Warringah Freeway from Miller Street to the Sydney Harbour Bridge plus new direct connections to the Victoria Cross Metro station at North Sydney.
“Access will also improve for cyclists and pedestrians across the project, including new and enhanced paths along and across the Warringah Freeway and Wakehurst Parkway.”
The NSW Government has also committed to enhancing public spaces upon completion of the project and delivering quick wins for locals along the way. At Berrys Bay improved public access to the beach will be delivered before construction begins.
“We’ve already received some really important feedback on the program and I want to thank the local community for helping us with that,” Mr Constance said.
“We will be working with the original landscape architect for Yurulbin Park to deliver some really great outcomes there. We’ve also heard the community’s views on Berrys Bay and we can confirm a new public space will be developed at that site once this project is complete. We’ll also be working closely with local council and the community to deliver new and improved recreational and sports facilities at Balgowlah.”
The planning process for the Western Harbour Tunnel and Beaches Link Program will be staged, in line with other infrastructure projects of this scale, such as Sydney Metro. The EIS for the Beaches Link is expected to be available for public exhibition from mid-2020.
The program includes:
- Western Harbour Tunnel – The Western Harbour Tunnel includes a new western bypass of the Sydney CBD, which will take pressure off the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Harbour Tunnel and Anzac Bridge. The 6.5 kilometre twin tunnels will link Rozelle to the Warringah Freeway with three lanes in each direction.
- The Warringah Freeway upgrade – An upgrade to four kilometres of the Warringah Freeway, which is one of Australia’s busiest roads, to make space to connect the Western Harbour Tunnel and Beaches Link tunnels. The upgrade will streamline the way the road operates, reduce merging, provide a continuous dedicated bus lane, and provide connections to the new tunnels.
- Beaches Link – A new motorway tunnel connection from Seaforth and Balgowlah, under Middle Harbour, to the Warringah Freeway near Cammeray and the Gore Hill Freeway at Artarmon. The tunnel will be over seven kilometres long, and will be three lanes in each direction. Beaches Link is an integrated transport solution that will improve car and bus journey times to and from the Northern Beaches. It will also provide new connections to St Leonards and Macquarie Park linking people with jobs, education and services.
NSW CABINET GOES OUTBACK FOR DROUGHT
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro, along with the entire State Cabinet, today travelled 770km from Sydney into outback NSW to hold a Cabinet meeting in Bourke.
Ms Berejiklian said it is the first time in the State’s history a formal cabinet meeting has been held in Bourke.
“I want to thank the Mayor of Bourke Barry Hollman and the entire community for inviting the NSW Cabinet to the outback, and undertaking the huge task of hosting the NSW government in town for the day,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“I know that these communities are suffering through this devastating drought.
“The most critical issue in Bourke right now is of course access to water and so, today we are announcing $2 million in immediate funding for the construction of an additional bore and pipeline in Bourke to increase the towns’ long-term water supply.”
Mr Barilaro said Bourke fortunately fell under a rain cloud earlier this month, receiving 100ml, extending the town’s water supply in the immediate future but more urgent measures are still needed to guarantee the town’s long-term water security.
“Bourke was facing the prospect of running out of water in the near future but fortunately Mother Nature intervened and extended their water supply for six months,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The $2 million in emergency water funding for Bourke, announced by the Premier and I today, is one example of the emergency measures we are undertaking across the state to prevent towns and cities from running out of water.
“Recent rain has brought a green tinge to the region and a pulse down the Darling River but this drought is pushing our country resilience to the edge. I want Ministers to roll up their sleeves and get dust on their boots today to see first-hand what we need to do to keep our regional communities going.
“NSW needs towns like Bourke to grow and to continue to carry on the tradition of strong outback communities contributing to our State’s history and prosperity.”
We have committed close to $3 billion to drought relief and water security since 2017, which includes funding for 60 bores across 23 communities and 14 pipelines, such as that from Wentworth to Broken Hill.