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Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Deputy Greens Leader and spokesperson for Higher Education, has responded to Labor’s latest student debt measure and calls on the Government to go further and act faster.

Senator Faruqi:

“The Greens welcome the Government’s decision to raise the repayment threshold, but it’s still nowhere near enough relief in a cost-of-living crisis.

“The Greens have had legislation sitting in Parliament for two years to scrap indexation and raise the repayment threshold, but Labor has been blocking it.  

“If Labor had backed our bill, reforms like this could already be in law. People would have smaller student debts, and would be keeping more of their paychecks.

“But instead, Labor wants people to wait till July next year when people need help now. We’re calling on the Prime Minister to bring this legislation to Parliament next week so we can pass it this year.

 “After years of blocking us, Labor is finally starting to listen to the Greens about the need to address soaring student debt, but it’s a small step well below what is needed.

“This proposal won’t shave a cent off your student debt or make university more affordable.

“Under Labor, student debts have risen by 16% and arts degrees now cost more than $50,000.

“Student debt can’t be fixed because student debt shouldn’t exist. Labor should wipe all student debt. If Anthony Albanese can go to uni for free, so should everyone else.”

Experienced lawyer, Justice Michael Ball, has been appointed to be a Judge of the Court of Appeal, part of the Supreme Court of NSW.

His Honour brings more than 45 years of legal expertise to the state’s top appellate court. Prior to being appointed to the Supreme Court in 2010, he spent most of his career working in Sydney as a solicitor with international commercial law firm Allen Allen & Hemsley/Allens Arthur Robinson.

Since 2014, Justice Ball has sat in the Commercial and Technology and Construction Lists. He became the List Judge for those lists and the Commercial Arbitration List in 2022. 

His Honour started his career in South Australia with Mollison Litchfield in 1980 while also tutoring commercial law at the University of Adelaide. The following year he joined the Australian Law Reform Commission, where he worked on the Insurance Contracts and Evidence Law references. He became a solicitor at Allen & Hemsley in 1983.

Justice Ball was appointed Senior Associate two years later and in 1987 made a Partner in the litigation department.

During his 27 years with the firm, his Honour was involved in several high-profile cases in competition and insolvency law. This included C7, Antico v Heath Fielding Australia, the Linter litigation, Pioneer and Giant Resources litigation and Trade Practices Commission v Australian Meat Holdings.

His Honour graduated from the University of Adelaide in 1978 with a combined degree in Arts and Law.  He is a co-author of ‘Kelly and Ball Principles of Insurance Law’, a leading text on Insurance law in Australia.

Justice Ball will be sworn in as a Judge of Appeal on 4 November 2024.

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“I am delighted to announce the appointment of Justice Michael Ball to the Court of Appeal bench.

“His Honour is a highly respected lawyer and member of the Supreme Court, and his expertise will be invaluable to the Court and everyone who interacts with it.

“I congratulate Justice Ball on this well-deserved achievement.”

The forecourt to the State Library of NSW will be transformed into a new public domain as the institution prepares to celebrate its 200-year anniversary in 2026.

The Minns Labor Government is focused on building better communities, with a new development application lodged with the City of Sydney to turn the forecourt into a new 3,400 square metre public domain.

This submission has been lodged by Property and Development NSW (PDNSW) and proposes to integrate public art and native plants around a new grassed plaza, that supports library events and community activities. It will double the size of the current forecourt to create a vibrant new public space.

The works propose to realign Sir John Young Crescent and Hospital Road, improving safety for pedestrians and drivers, to provide better links to the Royal Botanic Gardens and The Domain. The existing Shakespeare Memorial, originally presented to the city in 1914, will be relocated closer to the library in the forecourt area.

The State Library welcomed over one million visitors (a 30% increase on 2022/23) during the June 2024 fiscal year, with more than 300,000 readers and visitors anticipated during September and November for this year’s HSC period.

If approved, the new State Library forecourt proposal could deliver public outcomes consistent with the Macquarie Street East Precinct 20-year vision and masterplan. At the other end of Macquarie Street, early works have provided the space for another new public plaza, next to the Registrar General’s Building, to be known as QEII Place in memory of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

For more information, visit: nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/property-and-development-nsw/what-we-do/precinct-development/macquarie-street-east-precinct

Minister for Roads and Minister for the Arts John Graham said:

“The State Library of NSW is the oldest continuously operating library in Australia that remains a vital and contemporary institution loved by readers, researchers and the thousands of students who use it every day.  

“The plan to create and deliver a new public space that celebrates the library’s 200-year anniversary in 2026 is another chapter in the State Library’s own story.

“Supporting the delivery of this new public domain, the proposed road and traffic changes will improve public access to other Sydney cultural institutions and this area around Macquarie Street.

Minister for Lands and Property and Minister for Small Business Steve Kamper said:

“The Minns Labor Government is focused on building better communities. This project is the next step in our vision to create a vibrant, connected arts and culture destination.”

“We have submitted plans that strive to create spaces in the Macquarie Street East Precinct that are welcoming and safe for all. We want to encourage families and students to utilise our public spaces and access our free cultural institutions.”

State Librarian of New South Wales Dr Caroline Butler-Bowden said:

“The State Library is a much-loved public institution with historic spaces and galleries, world-renowned collections, and dynamic events and learning programs. It offers something for everyone – readers, families, researchers, students, local and international visitors – every day of the week.

“The new public forecourt will help grow the Library as a vibrant cultural heart of the city, inviting everyone to freely explore and enjoy this truly unique place.”

With evidence pointing to an increase in child poverty under Labor, and a Productivity Commission report showing that people currently living in poverty are likely to remain there, the Greens have announced an election commitment to establish an independent Commission tasked with defining and eliminating poverty in Australia.

The Poverty and Inequality Commission (PIC) would replace Labor’s Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee (EIAC), whose recommendations to substantially increase income support payments Labor continues to snub.

The Commission would have the power to examine the level of poverty in Australia; review the adequacy of social security payments; and develop a national definition of poverty.

Unlike the EIAC, the government would be required to publicly respond to the Commission’s reports and recommendations, and Parliament would be able to scrutinise appointments to the Commission via a Joint Parliamentary Committee.

The PIC would have up to 12 paid commissioners and a paid President, including members with direct contemporary experience of poverty, with a structure comparable to the Productivity Commission.

The PIC would begin operating on July 1, 2026, and has been costed by the PBO at $99.5 million in its first two years.

o Greens spokesperson on Social Services, Senator Penny Allman-Payne:

“Under Labor, there are more than three million Australians living in poverty, including one in six children. Many of those people are either unable to access income support, or are relying on payments that are among the lowest in the OECD.

“Despite being one of the wealthiest countries on earth, successive Labor and Coalition governments have made policy choices that deliberately keep people in poverty, including refusing to raise JobSeeker and Youth Allowance above the poverty line.

“The Poverty and Inequality Commission would provide independent recommendations to the government on how to define and eliminate poverty, based on evidence drawn from people with direct contemporary experience.

“The PIC would provide roadmaps for overcoming poverty and provide benchmarks to assess the impact on poverty of future legislation, just as the Productivity Commission does for productivity.

“The PIC would also finally establish a national definition of poverty. For decades Labor and the Coalition have used the lack of a definition of poverty as an excuse to keep people living on inadequate income support payments.

“While the work of the EIAC has been useful in bringing attention to the appalling inadequacy of income support payments, the committee is not tasked with defining or ending poverty in Australia, nor is the government required to formally respond to its recommendations.

“In fact, the EIAC legislation doesn’t mention the word poverty at all, and there is no requirement for someone with direct contemporary experience of poverty to be a committee member.

“Developing policies and programs to address poverty without input from people with direct contemporary experience often leads to harmful outcomes like Robodebt, ParentsNext and compulsory income management.

“There is no reason for a single person in Australia to be living in poverty, and it’s a damning indictment of the old parties that so many do.”

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 8 October 2024. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Lord Mayoral Minutes 

Congratulating new and returning Councillors

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that congratulates all successful candidates and welcomes them to the Chamber as City of Newcastle Councillors.

Appointment of City of Newcastle representatives on Newcastle Airport related companies

A Lord Mayoral Minute was laid on the table that noted that in accordance with personal promises made prior to election, as Lord Mayor, Dr Ross Kerridge wants to use the Directors Fees associated with Newcastle Airport positions to establish a personal fund for charitable purposes.

Councillor seating arrangements and community-focused governance

A Lord Mayoral Minute was supported that notes the impending motion to seat councillors by party affiliation rather than ward groups diverges from the Lord Mayor’s election promise, but he will accept the councillors’ decision.

Change to 2024 adopted meeting schedule

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that adopted a change in Council’s meeting cycle moving the Ordinary Council Meeting from Tuesday 22 October 2024 to Tuesday 29 October 2024.

Ordinary business

Election of Deputy Lord Mayor

Council voted unanimously to elect Cr Callum Pull, Cr Charlotte McCabe, Cr Declan Clausen and Cr Deahnna Richardson as the Deputy Lord Mayor for a period of one year each during the Council term.

Countback Election

Council voted unanimously to approve, pursuant to section 291A(1)(b) of the Local Government Act 1993, that casual vacancies occurring in the office of a Councillor within 18  months after the last ordinary election of Councillors for the Council on 14 September 2024 are to be filled by a countback of votes cast at that election for the office in accordance with section 291A of the Act and authorises the CEO to notify the NSW Electoral Commission of Council’s resolution within seven days of the decision.

Appointment of Councillor members to City of Newcastle committees

Council voted to appoint Councillor members to City of Newcastle Committees.

Appointment of Councillor members to external committees

Council voted unanimously to appoint Councillor members to external Committees.

Adoption of Instruments of Delegation Council to the CEO, Lord Mayor and Development Applications Committee

Council voted to adopt the Instruments of Delegation to the Chief Executive Officer, the Lord Mayor, and the Development Applications Committee, maintaining the fact tenders exceeding $1 million will require a decision by Council resolution.

Appointment of City of Newcastle representatives on Newcastle Airport related companies

Council voted to lay on the table the nomination of the Lord Mayor and CEO as City of Newcastle’s representatives to Newcastle Airport entities.

Notices of Motion 

Expansion of Newcastle’s Footpath Network

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that City of Newcastle commits to the expansion of Newcastle’s Footpath Network, ensuring safer and more accessible pathways for all residents, by committing to deliver at least 20 kilometres of new footpaths over this new term of Council (and up to 30 kilometres over the term if feasible). Council also supports the proactive approach to footpath planning initiated during the last term of Council, moving away from only delivering reactive footpath projects towards a consultative, strategic, and data-driven approach that ensures efficient and equitable delivery of needed accessible walking infrastructure for all Novocastrians.

Expansion of Newcastle’s Playground Renewal Program – Stevenson Park

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that City of Newcastle commits to expanding Newcastle’s successful playground renewal program which has already seen 35 parks and playgrounds upgraded across the City and commits to delivering the next phase of investment in the playspace at Stevenson Park in Mayfield West during this term of council, ensuring continued collaboration with the Friends of Stevenson Park and local stakeholders.

Minmi Road Western Corridor widening project

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that City of Newcastle notes that funding for the widening of Minmi Road was initiated by a Lord Mayoral Minute from Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes in February 2022 and recognises the enabling construction work already  completed during the first quarter of this financial year, including the installation of the new  roundabout at the intersection of Newcastle Road and Cowper Street, which will support the   flow of diverted traffic during construction. Construction on the Minmi Road widening project is scheduled to commence in early 2025.

Councillor seating arrangements

Council supported a notice of motion that determined the seating arrangements for the new Council term.

The 25th anniversary of the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science celebrates the outstanding contribution made by scientists, innovators and teachers to uplifting Australia’s way of life.

Ground-breaking research into children’s anaesthesia, life-saving treatments for blood cancer, and novel paths to creating a net zero future are awarded in this year’s ceremony.

Prime Minister’s Prize for Science: Professor Matthew Bailes is recognised for his world-first discovery of fast radio bursts. An expert in astrophysics, his work is helping to determine how much normal matter exists in the universe.

Prime Minister’s Prize for Innovation: Professor Andrew F. Wilks and Dr Chris Burns are recognised for inventing and commercialising a drug called momelotinib that is used to treat myelofibrosis, a rare form of blood cancer.

Frank Fenner Prize for Life Scientist of the Year: Professor Britta Regli-von Ungern-Sternberg is recognised for her life-changing research into reducing risks associated with anaesthesia for children, to make surgery and recovery safer.

Malcolm McIntosh Prize for Physical Scientist of the Year: Distinguished Professor Tianyi Ma from RMIT University is recognised for groundbreaking work in renewable energy, which could support Australia in its clean energy transition and the path to net zero.

Prize for New Innovators: Dr Andrew Horsley, founder of Quantum Brilliance, is recognised for his groundbreaking innovations towards making quantum computing an everyday technology, unlocking a range of potential new applications for the field in Australia and abroad.

Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Primary Schools: Mr Daniel Edwards from Montello Primary School in Tasmania is recognised for creating unique opportunities for students of all abilities and backgrounds to overcome challenges, engage with STEM subjects and consider a career in science.

Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools: Ms Alice Leung from Concord High School is recognised for her creative teaching strategies to equip students from diverse backgrounds with STEM knowledge and skills for the future.

The Albanese Government announced that from this year, more money will be available for the teaching prizes so that recipients receive the same amount as the other major prize categories.

This change recognises the critical role that our teachers play in fostering engagement by children from all backgrounds in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The achievements of all 2024 prize recipients.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said this year’s winners showed the breadth and depth of Australia’s scientific talent.

“Australia has world-class scientists, researchers and teachers. This year’s winners show just how bright the future is for Australian science.

“On behalf of all Australians, I congratulate the 2024 prize recipients and thank them for their contributions.”

Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic said the prizes highlighted the potential of our science sector.

“Science is at the heart of so much of Australia’s way of life – from medicines, to robotics, telecommunications and artificial intelligence.

“The great ideas and hard work of our scientists and researchers are creating a better life for all Australians.

“This Government recognises our brilliant science teachers who are inspiring the next generation of Australian scientists.

“To every young person out there – know that as a scientist, you can make a huge difference to the world and even the universe.”

A man has been charged over alleged property offences following an investigation by Newcastle police.

About 2am on Tuesday 1 October 2024, two males allegedly attempted to enter homes and vehicles on Duke Street and Henderson Place, New Lambton.

Police attached to Newcastle City Police District’s Proactive Crime Team were subsequently notified and commenced inquiries into the incident.

About 7.30am today (Wednesday 9 October 2024), police executed a search warrant at a unit on Christo Road, Waratah.

During the search, police allegedly located and seized clothing and jewellery.

Police also seized the key to a vehicle which was allegedly stolen from a Rankin Park address on Thursday 3 October 2024, before it was discovered on Morpeth Road, Waratah, on Monday 7 October 2024.

A 20-year-old man was arrested at the unit before being taken to Waratah Police Station where he was charged with two counts of attempt aggravated break and enter in company steal, two counts of attempt armed with intent to commit indictable offence, two counts of attempt larceny, possess housebreaking implements, goods suspected stolen in/on premises, and breach of bail.

He was refused bail and appeared before Newcastle Local Court today (Wednesday 9 October 2024), where he was refused bail to reappear in Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 17 October 2024.

Inquiries into the incidents are ongoing.

Australians are working harder than ever to keep their heads above water as the Albanese Government’s cost of living crisis continues to impact them.

Employment data released today shows the unemployment rate remained steady at 4.2%, but more hours are being worked by those with jobs.

There was also a large increase in the number of part time jobs, often sought by people looking to supplement their income with extra work.

Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor said Labor inherited a strong labour market from the Coalition, but Labor’s claims about the job market don’t match the reality that Australians are feeling.

“After two years of Labor, real wages are falling and unemployment is growing. Youth unemployment is on the rise and the social services caseload has increased.

“For Australians who have jobs – it feels like they can’t keep ahead because their bills and mortgages keep going up.

“Economists have pointed out that almost all of Labor’s job creation has been in the public or non-market sector – leaving small businesses stuck with skill shortages and the public sector crowding out private businesses.

“Government spending and migration are the only things propping up the economy and the jobs market – and that is not a sign of a healthy economy.

“To have a healthy economy, we need to get back to basics and back on track. We need to support small businesses, rein in government spending to bring down inflation, and cut red tape to drive productivity, boost real wages, create jobs, and drive business investment.

“This requires a Coalition government that puts creating a high growth, low inflation economy as its number one priority.”

Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Senator Michaelia Cash said today’s labour force figures show that the unemployment rate is not coming down.

“We also see that despite the Government’s commitment to ‘secure work’, full time employment has fallen, with all the jobs created this month being part time,’’ Senator Cash said.

“People now have to work harder than ever just to keep their heads above water,’’ she said.

“There are dark clouds on the horizon given that business groups are now saying the Albanese Government’s industrial relations laws are smashing productivity and sending a chilling effect throughout our economy,’’ Senator Cash said.

“It is very clear that the Albanese Government’s management of the economy is failing Australians,’’ she said.

“Australians are paying more for everything and having to work harder just to pay their bills,’’ Senator Cash said.

“Small businesses are getting smashed by rising costs, particularly energy costs and many are going broke,’’ she said.

“The ideological industrial relations policies of the Albanese Government have only made things worse for businesses that are already struggling,’’ Senator Cash said.

Australians are working harder than ever to keep their heads above water as the Albanese Government’s cost of living crisis continues to impact them.

Employment data released today shows the unemployment rate remained steady at 4.2%, but more hours are being worked by those with jobs.

There was also a large increase in the number of part time jobs, often sought by people looking to supplement their income with extra work.

Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor said Labor inherited a strong labour market from the Coalition, but Labor’s claims about the job market don’t match the reality that Australians are feeling.

“After two years of Labor, real wages are falling and unemployment is growing. Youth unemployment is on the rise and the social services caseload has increased.

“For Australians who have jobs – it feels like they can’t keep ahead because their bills and mortgages keep going up.

“Economists have pointed out that almost all of Labor’s job creation has been in the public or non-market sector – leaving small businesses stuck with skill shortages and the public sector crowding out private businesses.

“Government spending and migration are the only things propping up the economy and the jobs market – and that is not a sign of a healthy economy.

“To have a healthy economy, we need to get back to basics and back on track. We need to support small businesses, rein in government spending to bring down inflation, and cut red tape to drive productivity, boost real wages, create jobs, and drive business investment.

“This requires a Coalition government that puts creating a high growth, low inflation economy as its number one priority.”

Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Senator Michaelia Cash said today’s labour force figures show that the unemployment rate is not coming down.

“We also see that despite the Government’s commitment to ‘secure work’, full time employment has fallen, with all the jobs created this month being part time,’’ Senator Cash said.

“People now have to work harder than ever just to keep their heads above water,’’ she said.

“There are dark clouds on the horizon given that business groups are now saying the Albanese Government’s industrial relations laws are smashing productivity and sending a chilling effect throughout our economy,’’ Senator Cash said.

“It is very clear that the Albanese Government’s management of the economy is failing Australians,’’ she said.

“Australians are paying more for everything and having to work harder just to pay their bills,’’ Senator Cash said.

“Small businesses are getting smashed by rising costs, particularly energy costs and many are going broke,’’ she said.

“The ideological industrial relations policies of the Albanese Government have only made things worse for businesses that are already struggling,’’ Senator Cash said.

A police operation to recover the body of man located down a mine shaft has concluded.

About 12.45pm yesterday (Tuesday 17 September 2024), emergency services were called to Dry Creek Road, Ellalong, following reports of a workplace incident.

At the scene, police were told that a man had fallen into a decommissioned mine shaft while working.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District, with the assistance of the Police Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit, NSW Ambulance, Fire and Rescue NSW and other agencies, worked to retrieve the man’s body.

About 11am today (Wednesday 18 September 2024), the body of a 59-year-old man was located in water at the base of the shaft.

NSW Resources Regulator has commenced an investigation into the man’s death.

A report will be prepared for information for the Coroner.

A police operation continues in the Hunter Valley to recover the body of man located down a mine shaft.

About 12.45pm yesterday (Tuesday 17 September 2024), emergency services were called to Dry Creek Road, Ellalong, following reports of a workplace incident.

At the scene, police were told that a man had fallen into a decommissioned mine shaft while working.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District, with the assistance of the Police Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit, NSW Ambulance, Fire and Rescue NSW and other agencies, are on scene working to retrieve the man’s body.

He is yet to be formally identified, however, believed to be a man in his late 50s.

NSW Resources Regulator has commenced an investigation into the man’s death.

A report will be prepared for information for the Coroner.