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ENERGY SWITCH TO SAVE NSW HOUSEHOLDS HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS

Households could save hundreds of dollars on their energy bills by quickly changing their electricity deals through Service NSW’s free Energy Switch, in what will be a major shakeup for electricity retailers.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian joined Minister for Finance, Services and Property Victor Dominello today at Penrith Service NSW to announce that Energy Switch was now available at all Service NSW Centres and online.
“Energy Switch is a game changer and is more than just another government comparison website,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“For the first time for an Australian government, customers can switch providers in minutes with the click of a mouse or a chat with Service NSW.
“With summer just around the corner, Energy Switch has come at the right time to help households save when their energy is highest.
“We know many families and individuals are facing cost of living pressures and this new measure could help them save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars a year.”
During the NSW Government’s pilot of the program across five Service NSW centres, the average saving for people who switched was more than $550 per household while one customer saved more than $1600 on their energy bills.
Mr Dominello said: “Service NSW will do the heavy lifting for the customer by checking their energy usage, searching the market for available plans and if savings can be found, then we will make the switch for them.
“Energy Switch works by using a customer’s latest electricity e-bill to scan every retailer in NSW and gives customers the cheapest three electricity plans available. It also displays other features of each plan such as solar compatibility. If a switch is requested, Service NSW will inform the energy provider.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said measures such as today’s announcement are only possible due to the NSW Liberals & Nationals’ strong financial management.
“Energy Switch will allow people to regularly review their plan and will encourage greater competition in the market which ultimately benefits customers through cheaper prices,” Mr Perrottet said.
Minister for Energy Don Harwin said: “This is a big win for families facing bill shock and could provide them with much needed hip pocket relief.”
Research carried out by Service NSW found 70 per cent of NSW households pay too much for electricity, particularly customers who haven’t switched for more than 12 months.
Energy Switch is one a raft of NSW Government initiatives helping to ease cost of living pressure for households. Others include cheaper Green Slips and refunds, Active Kids vouchers, Free Rego and the FuelCheck app.
Energy Switch can be accessed in-person across all Service NSW customer centres and online through www.energyswitch.service.nsw.gov.au.

Imagination to underpin 90th birthday season

Newcastle’s iconic Civic Theatre will celebrate its 90th birthday year with a season of live performances designed to spark imagination and with even more benefits for subscribers, including free parking at Civic West car park and discounts.
Season 2019 offers a thrilling mixture of dance, drama, comedy, physical theatre, puppetry and storytelling. Old favourites such as Bell Shakespeare and the Sydney and Melbourne Comedy Festivals are back, complemented by exciting new works from local and major Australian performing arts companies.
Above, Elixir: Katie Noonan & Leunig in Gratitude and Grief
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Newcastle is fortunate to be home to such a magnificent historic theatre offering a diverse and compelling program of high quality productions.
“Civic Theatre welcomes more than 130,000 people every year to shows from all over Australia, and world-wide. Over its lifetime – from its early days as a cinema to the hub of live performance it is today – this beautiful theatre has entertained and inspired generations of Novocastrians and visitors.
“The tradition continues in Season 2019 with some of the great names in Australian culture, including Katie Noonan and Michael Leunig in Gratitude and Grief, and Jonathan Biggins bringing Paul Keating to life in his one-man show The Gospel According to Paul. Add children’s shows, original local productions, dance and Shakespearean drama and you have a season fitting for our 90-year-old dame.”
Keaating_JonathanBiggins_PhotoBrettBoardman_4981-Sml_web_.jpg
Season 2019 not only has a diverse range of quality live performances, but also offers some fantastic benefits for subscribers.
“This year we are offering subscribers free parking in the Civic West Parking Station thanks to the generous support of Hunter Parking and Storage,” said the City’s Civic Services Manager Delia O’Hara.
“This means subscribers can easily plan their trip with the parking station only a short walk from the theatre.
“Subscribers also receive discounted tickets when they buy four or more shows, plus discounted drinks, flexible payment options and bonus Subscriber events. With 14 outstanding productions, there are lots of great reasons to subscribe in 2019.”
Interested in enjoying great savings and benefits as a Season 2019 Subscriber? Visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au or phone Civic Ticketek on 02 4929 1977.

At left, Jonathan Biggins as Paul Keating in The Gospel According to Paul
Civic Theatre Season 2019

Productions and Dates

Thur 7 Mar, 8pm The Gospel According to Paul      Soft Tread Enterprises
Fri 15 Mar, 8pm Elixir: Katie Noonan & Leunig             The Harbour Agency
Fri 22 Mar, 8pm I Want to Know What Love Is             Critical Stages/Good Room
10-13 April   Howie the Rookie                                Redline Productions
Thur 23 May, 7.30pm Sydney Symphony Orchestra             Sydney Symphony Orchestra
29 May-1 Jun               Goori Dooki       Ngarrama
7-9 June                       Melbourne Int Comedy Fest R/s MICFR
25-26 June                   Revolting Rhymes & Dirty Beasts shake & stir theatre co
31 Jul -2 Aug                The Twits Spare Parts Puppet Theatre
27-28 Aug                     Possum Magic                                     Monkey Baa Theatre Company
Fri 13 Sept                    Peepshow CIRCA
Thur 3 Oct                    Much Ado About Nothing Bell Shakespeare
Sat 5 Oct                      Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase    Sydney Comedy Festival
15-23 Nov       Salvador Dali                 Stray Dogs Theatre Co

Hallucinogenic Toreador

Student-programmed MARS Rovers take over 'Civic Precinct' in miniME challenge

Nearly 550 primary school children from 18 schools across the region competed in the miniME Challenge at The Forum today, taking part in a STEM competition involving robotics and coding.
Part of a Regional Development Australia (RDA) Hunter, City of Newcastle and Obelisk Systems partnership, the Challenge is the culmination of Phase One of the miniME Program, which saw the expansion of STEM activities, including robotics and coding programs, into 18 primary schools in Newcastle. Another 17 schools are expected to participate in Phase Two.

Each school received two StarLAB Sensor + Mars Rover Bundles*, a tailored curriculum as well as support to enable teacher delivery of the cutting-edge STEM and coding platform as part of the project.
Today, students put their coding skills into action on a purpose-built track modelled on Newcastle’s Civic Precinct. The Challenge activity saw teams manoeuvre their rovers through the maze-like course while undertaking science experiments to collect environmental impact data.
RDA Hunter’s Director of Regional Development Trevor John said the partnership between RDA Hunter, City of Newcastle, Obelisk Systems and local primary schools had delivered a range of skills to students while introducing them to important issues, such as environmental protection.
“The City’s support has directly enabled hundreds of Hunter students to access equipment and activities that will teach them all-important STEM skills,” he said. “This will inspire them to pursue further STEM study in preparation for their careers and begin to understand environmental issues that will affect their future.”

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the miniME school engagement program was about inspiring careers and creating jobs at home in Newcastle.
“Our vision is for Newcastle to be a smart, liveable and sustainable global city. This program is helping to instil these values in the next generation as students learn how technology can be used to address issues such as protecting our environment,” said the Lord Mayor.
“This program offers young people hands-on, interactive learning and will equip them for future careers that will originate out of a city of innovation.”
Founder of Obelisk Systems Lewis Quill said the company was excited to bring the StarLAB STEM platform to Newcastle primary school students.
“Phase One of miniME has been an exciting project for us to work on,” he said. “Combining our coding platforms with science experiments and data collection applications has improved student engagement in our programs and enabled students to utilise the Rovers to contribute to real-world solutions. It’s gratifying to see our technology making a real impact on students learning.”
Participating schools in 2018/19 include: Newcastle East Public School, Newcastle Grammar School – Park Campus, New Lambton Public School, St Joseph’s Primary School Merewether, Hamilton North Public School, Islington Public School, Waratah Public School, St Philips Christian College – Junior School, Waratah West Public School, Mayfield East Public School, Hunter Christian School, Mayfield West Public School, Tighes Hill Public School, Wallsend Public School, Plattsburg Public School, Heaton Public School, Glendore Public School, Minmi Public School. Additional schools will be added during 2019/2020.
Expressions of Interest are now being accepted for an additional 17 Newcastle-based schools to participate in Phase Two which will run from February to June 2019.
The miniME program is supported by City of Newcastle as part of its Smart City initiatives, which has received $5 million in grant funding from the Australian Government through its Smart Cities and Suburbs program. The miniME program was developed by Obelisk Systems and RDA Hunter to contribute to the Smart Mobility and Smart Environment objectives of Newcastle’s Smart City strategy.
* The StarLab Coding platform is a complete solution for teaching coding and STEM subjects in the classroom, which can be programmed by students using Scratch and Python.
* The Mars Rover expansion adds robotics to the StarLAB coding platform. It allows students to build their own Rover, drive it, collect data and get their experiments moving.

A SHORTEN LABOR GOVERNMENT WILL END THE WAR ON SCIENCE

A Shorten Labor Government will end the Liberals’ war on science, restore trust in scientists and put science back at the centre of government, by resetting the relationship between government and Australia’s science and research community.
For the past five years, science and scientists have been denigrated or ignored, and funding has been cut, because the government refuses to listen to the experts on climate change, energy policy, and growing inequality in Australia.
Labor’s mission is to develop a relationship with our scientists and researchers based on trust, respect and mutual obligation, for the benefit of the Australian people.
Labor understands that scientific research and development is fundamental to Australia’s future. It’s fundamental to Australia’s capacity for innovation, for economic growth and productivity and for the creation of new jobs. It’s fundamental to the food we farm and eat, to the cities we live in, our energy future and security, the way we communicate, the health of our loved ones, and our national security.
If elected, a Shorten Labor Government will develop a charter with the Australian science and research community to establish the reciprocal roles, responsibilities and expectations of government and researchers.
As part of this charter Labor will:

affirm our fundamental respect for academic freedom;
review and strengthen the National Science and Research priorities; and
establish a Prime Ministers Science and Innovation Council, responsible for identifying our national priorities in science and research.

A Shorten Labor Government is committed to reversing the decline in Australia’s research and development performance that has taken place in the past five years.
Labor is the only party committed to lifting Australian spending on Research and Development from 1.8 per cent of GDP to 3 per cent. We are committed to restoring our international competiveness.
And to restore the integrity of the Australian Research Council, we will legislate a requirement that Ministers must table an explanation in Parliament within 15 sitting days of rejecting any recommendation of funding by the Chief Executive Officer.
A Shorten Labor Government will also establish, for the first time in 20 years, a once in a generation, root-and-branch inquiry into strengthening our research capabilities across the whole of government.
Australia needs a new direction for science and research that brings scientists together instead of dividing their efforts.
The review’s terms of reference will build on the experience of similar reviews undertaken by Canada and the UK.
Leading scientists in Australia have committed themselves to being part of the review, which will be led by the former Chief Scientist and former vice-chancellor of the Australian National University, Professor Ian Chubb AC. Other members of the review panel include:

Professor Christobel Saunders AO FRCS FRACS FAAHMS
Professor Emma Johnston AO FRSN
Professor Andrew Holmes AC FRS FAA FTSE
Professor Karen Hussey
Mr Phil Clark AM
Professor Glyn Davis AC FASSA FIIPA

Additional members will be announced in due course.
Only Labor is committed to a stronger partnership between science and government, and to fostering a better relationship of deeper respect and greater co-operation. Australia’s future depends on it.

Greens will protect LGBTQ+ teachers and staff by amending Labor's bill that only includes students

The Australian Greens will move amendments to Labor’s bill to ensure discrimination against LGBTQ+ teachers and staff, as well as students, is removed.
“Labor and the Morrison government must support the Greens amendments to include teachers and staff,” said Senator Janet Rice, Australian Greens LGBTIQ+ spokesperson.
“It’s clear from the title of Labor’s bill that it will only end discrimination against students and that religious schools would still be able to fire LGBTQ+ teachers and other staff, just for being who they are.”
“Labor needs to join the Greens in protecting teachers now. Not next year, not after the next election. No ifs, no buts, no more delays. We need to pass these reforms now.”
“We can’t afford any further delay before removing discrimination. Schools should be discrimination-free zones for all people, regardless of whether they are are a student or a staff member.”

Senate Votes in Favour of Australian Greens Motion for Strong Gun Control

Australian Greens Spokesperson for Gun Control and Senator for NSW, Dr Mehreen Faruqi, has welcomed the Senate voting for her motion reaffirming support for the National Firearms Agreement and rejecting tactics of the gun lobby to weaken our gun laws. The Greens motion was supported by Labor, Senator Hinch, Senator Storer and Centre Alliance and opposed by the Government.
Senator Faruqi said:
“Passing this motion is a welcome sign that the Parliament will not give in to the gun lobby which seeks to water down our successful gun control laws in order to sell more guns.
“It is extremely disappointing to see the Government vote against this motion.
“The gun lobby’s attempts to replicate NRA tactics in Australia are reprehensible and must be rejected.
“The NRA is a blight on the American democracy. The Shooting Industry Foundation of Australia – SIFA – is bankrolled by gun industry heavyweights such as Beretta.
“The gun lobby is becoming increasingly active in election campaigns with a clear strategy to weaken gun laws. SIFA contributed $220,000 to a political campaign in Queensland last year, and at least $165,000 to a political campaign in Victoria this year.
“This shouldn’t just alarm us, this should terrify us all – we have to make sure our gun laws are never be watered down” she concluded.
The Motion:
That the Senate:
1) Notes that
a) There have been more than 50 breaches of the National Firearm Agreement across Australian states and territories since it was implemented in 1996
b) Corporate members of the gun lobby group Shooting Industry Foundation of Australia (SIFA) include suppliers and manufacturers of weapons such as NIOA, Raytrade, Outdoor Sporting Agencies, Winchester and Beretta who stand to benefit from relaxed gun laws
c) Shooting Industry Foundation of Australia (SIFA) becoming increasingly active in election campaigns with a clear strategy to weaken gun laws. The gun lobby group contributed $220,000 to a political campaign in Queensland last year and is contributing at least $165,000 to a political campaign in Victoria this year.
2) Calls on the Federal Government to ensure that the National Firearm Agreement is complied with in all Australian states and territories.
3) Calls on the Federal Government to resist moves to weaken Australia’s gun control laws.

Minister Tehan’s New Research National Interest Test Farcical and Dangerous

Australian Greens Education Spokesperson and Senator for NSW, Dr Mehreen Faruqi, has called the Liberal/National Government’s new research national interest test farcical.
Senator Faruqi said:
“The National Interest Test proposed by Minister Tehan is straight out of ‘Yes Minister’. This farcical proposal is the typical Liberal tactic of inventing a problem then trying to solve it.
“The Australian Research Council already requires researchers to demonstrate the benefits and impacts of their research. If the Minister had spent even five minutes talking to the research community he would know that.
“Narrow political agendas of the Government of the day determining long term research priorities is a dangerous road to go down.
“The Minister makes a baseless claim that a ‘national research test’ will give confidence in research but the reality is that the research community has no confidence in a Minister that plays such silly games.
“The Liberals need to get out of the way and let researchers get on with the job of solving problems. I have a bill in the parliament to remove the Ministers veto altogether, which would be the best outcome to safeguard the independence of research,” she concluded.

Two men charged over large-scale copper wire theft – Hunter Region

Police have charged two men following investigations into large-scale copper wire theft from the Hunter Region during the past month.
Between 14 November and 27 November 2018, land owned by the Hunter Water Corporation in Tomago, has been accessed by 4WD vehicles and approximately 940kg of copper wire removed from the ground.
The matter was reported to police at Port Stephens – Hunter Police District and an investigation was commenced.
About 1am yesterday (Monday 26 November 2018), police will allege two vehicles entered the enclosed lands and were allegedly preparing to remove the wiring.
Officers, who were conducting an operation at the location, arrested one of the men. The 47-year-old man was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station where he was charged with larceny >$15,000 (x3) and trespass (x3).
He was given conditional bail and will appear in Raymond Terrace Local Court on 17 December 2018.
Following further inquiries, a 38-year-old man was arrested at his home in Anna Bay. He was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station where he was charged with larceny >$15,000 (x2), trespass (x2) and goods in custody.
He was given conditional bail and will also appear in Raymond Terrace Local Court on 17 December 2018.

‘DOLLY’S LAW’: PUTTING CYBERBULLIES ON NOTICE

Perpetrators of online bullying could face up to five years’ prison time under tough new laws passed by NSW Parliament today.
Attorney General Mark Speakman thanked the parents of Amy ‘Dolly’ Everett for allowing the NSW Government to give their daugher’s name to the amendments to the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act. Dolly took her own life following a campaign of abuse at school and online.
“No parent should have to go through this devastating experience. This is why we are committed to protecting everyone in our community from online abuse – whether that be school children, victims of domestic violence or anyone else whose safety is put at risk by cyberbullies and online trolls.”
“’Dolly’s Law’ is now putting online abusers on notice that if their actions cause people to fear physical or mental harm, they face a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment,” Mr Speakman said.
Tick and Kate, who established ‘Dolly’s Dream’ to advocate for the safety and wellbeing of children, have welcomed the NSW Government’s steps to address cyberbullying.
“Following the death of Dolly earlier this year after sustained cyberbullying, we are pleased that NSW has strengthened the penalties associated with this behaviour,” Kate Everett said.
“‘Dolly’s Law’ is an important signal to everyone using technology. Dolly’s Dream aims to prevent cyberbullying and educate children and parents about the serious harm it can do. They need to know that there are penalties, as well as consequences, of cyberbullying,” Tick Everett said.
The laws cover sending abusive emails, posting threatening or hurtful messages, photos or videos online or repeatedly sending unwanted messages. It also provides a basis for victims of cyberbullying to seek apprehended violence orders.
Education Minister Rob Stokes said the new laws reinforce the Government’s zero tolerance approach to bullying, harassment or violence of any kind in schools.
“Every child has the right to grow up in a safe and secure environment. Our schools are places where communities come together. No child should ever feel isolated or harassed,” Mr Stokes said.
Last year the NSW Government committed $6.1 million to create the nation’s most comprehensive anti-bullying strategy, with online resources available to all Catholic, independent and public schools.
In June, Mr Stokes also commissioned world-renowned child psychologist Michael Carr-Gregg to launch Australia’s first review into the use of mobile digital devices in schools. The findings of the review will be presented to the Federal, State and Territory Education Ministers in December.
Today’s new cyber harassment laws, combined with a best in class anti-bullying strategy and mobile digital device review, illustrate the commitment of the NSW Liberals & Nationals to increase youth mental health awareness.
Since 2010 the NSW Government has invested more than $200 million dollars in additional programs for student wellbeing. This includes a targeted approach to increase school counselling services with an additional 236 fulltime equivalent position (FTE) school counselling positions created over the past three years, bringing the current total to 1,044.
This year’s State budget also provided an additional $56.7 million in funding for the Supported Students, Successful Students program, allowing for a further $6.2 million in funding to deliver an additional 55 fulltime equivalent counselling positions.
The measures taken by the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government are the first enhancement to school counselling positions since 1996.
If you or anyone you know needs help please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.

City takes next steps in sustainability

Imagine a City that relies on renewable energy resources to trade power between homes and businesses, and one that generates enough clean energy to operate a virtual power plant.
These future concepts were presented to elected Councillors last night as the City of Newcastle begins the process of setting new climate action targets post-2020.

“As we develop into a smart, liveable and sustainable global city, we are undertaking research into a variety of existing and emerging sustainable energy models,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“These include solar gardens, solar and battery bulk buys, demand response initiatives and virtual power plants which are already being trialled nationally and overseas.
“With the City’s 2020 Carbon and Water Management Action Plan due for review, the wheels are now in motion to prepare for the next phase in emission reduction actions that could encourage more solar, battery storage and electric vehicles in the City.”
One innovative concept being explored by the City is a virtual microgrid across the Region.
Microgrids are small networks of electricity users who rely on local electricity generation, delivering energy security, sustainability and cost savings for those involved.
Victoria’s La Trobe Valley is currently hosting a microgrid trial with funding from The Australian Renewable Energy Agency.
The $15 million project will see the roll out of 75 behind-the-meter microgrids, made up of solar installations and batteries, to reduce energy costs for business and cut emissions.
Such trials could pave the way to a similar development in Newcastle.

“While there’s plenty of research and information available that will inform our future energy use, we are already making significant headway with our own innovative ideas,” Councillor Nelmes said.
“With construction currently underway on the Summerhill Solar Farm, and the upgrade of more than 5,300 streetlights to LEDs beginning next month, we are on track to exceed both our energy-efficiency reduction targets and renewable energy targets by 2020.”
The City will begin community engagement next year to seek ideas and feedback for targets to follow the 2020 Carbon and Water Management Action Plan.
“We are well on our way to planning the next phase of the City’s sustainable future,” the Lord Mayor added.
“We are installing electric vehicle charging stations, replacing our ageing fleet with electric vehicles and working with experts like the CSIRO Energy Centre and a burgeoning clean-tech industry on cutting-edge smart building research and demonstration projects.”
The City was recently awarded the National Cities Power Partnership award for Energy Efficiency, was a finalist in the NSW Green Globes Innovation Category and was awarded best Smart City Strategy in the Country.