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This week I will travel to the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of Nauru to further strengthen Australia’s ties with our Pacific family.

In the Republic of the Marshall Islands, I will officially open Australia’s embassy which commenced operations last year.

I will also be putting to air the first Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) radio programme on the Republic of the Marshall Island’s national broadcaster in six years.

I look forward to meeting His Excellency President David Kabua, Foreign Minister Kitlang Kabua, other Members of Parliament, and community leaders to discuss climate action and enhance our security, environmental, cultural and economic partnerships.

In Nauru, I will meet newly elected President His Excellency Russ Kun to discuss our shared priorities such as climate-resilient infrastructure, connectivity, economic opportunities and pandemic recovery.

I will also launch a new partnership with Nauru and the Australian Football League (AFL) to support young athletes in Nauru, Papua New Guinea and Fiji.

This will be my eighth visit to the Pacific as Foreign Minister, and the first ministerial visit to the Republic of the Marshall Islands since 2018, demonstrating the priority the new Australian Government places on our region.

Penny Wong

Maritime operators and first responders have joined forces on Sydney Harbour today to deliver strong safety messages on how to keep safe on the State’s waterways this summer.
 
Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said the display of all emergency services highlighted the strength, capability and inter-agency cooperation of our first responders.
 
“This weekend is the start of the Boating Season so we are calling on all watercraft users, boating enthusiasts and swimmers to make safety their priority when they head out to the rivers, lakes and beaches this season,” Mr Elliott said.
 
“The NSW Government is committed to ensuring our first responders and emergency services personnel from NSW Maritime, NSW Police, Marine Rescue NSW, Surf Life Saving NSW, and NSW Ambulance Helicopter Operations are all highly trained and have the latest technology to keep people safe this boating season,”
 
“Our goal is to make sure everyone has a safe season and knows the basic safety measures they can take to ensure they make it home safely.”
 
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said persistent wet weather and a third consecutive La Nina declared, large numbers of people are expected around waterways this season.
 
“The higher than average rainfall in recent times hasn’t stopped people enjoying our beautiful waterways and coastline and we hope that continues safely this Boating Season,” Ms Cooke said.
 
“Whether you’re fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, water skiing or heading to the beach please listen to advice from the agencies and our volunteers to make sure you and your loved ones have a fun but safe day.”
 
Transport for NSW Acting Chief Operations Officer and NSW Maritime Executive Director Mark Hutchings said the season launch coincided with the start of National Safe Boating Week (1-7 October), with lifejacket wearing the key message.
 
“Now is the time to get ready for the season.  With many boats sitting idle during winter, it’s critical that boaters check their vessels and safety equipment before heading out on the water,” Mr Hutchings said.
 
NSW Police Force Marine Area Commander Detective Superintendent Murray Reynolds reminded boat owners to plan their trips and that officers will be out patrolling waterways.
 
“Police will be targeting anti-social behaviour and illegal activities on our waterways. Skippers are reminded that drug and alcohol testing, as well as compliance checks will be conducted – so look after your friends and family and act responsibly,” Superintendent Reynolds said.
 
Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Alex Barrell said the last two years have been their busiest on record with more than 8,000 rescue missions Statewide, and a few simple precautions can help ensure a safe and enjoyable day on the water. 
 
“Check your vessel’s engine and battery are in good working order, the fuel tank is full and make sure you’ve Logged On with us, we’ll start searching if you don’t return as planned,” Deputy Commissioner Barrell said.
 
Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steve Pearce said people should avoid taking unnecessary risks after a record 55 drownings along the coastline last season which is almost 30 per cent higher than the 10-year average.
 
“Swim between the flags, make sure you supervise your children, wear a life jacket where it’s necessary, and if you do that, we’ll have a great summer and keep everyone safe,” Mr Pearce said.
 
NSW Ambulance Deputy Commissioner David Dutton said last financial year NSW Ambulance responded to almost 900 water-related callouts across the state.
 
“We will be there for you, but the reality is we don’t want to be putting you in the back of the ambulance or helicopter,” Deputy Commissioner Dutton said.
 
For more information on boating safety, please go to: lifejacketwearit.com.au

Work to conserve 20 war memorials across the state will soon be undertaken following grants provided from the NSW Government’s $125,000 Community War Memorials Fund.
 
Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said the money, made available under Round 1 of the Community War Memorials Fund 2022/23, would be invested in the protection and repair of local war memorials.
 
“Thirty-nine applications were received from a range of organisations including RSL sub-Branches, local councils, and community committees to help support war memorials in communities across NSW,” Mr Elliott said.
 
“War memorials help local communities commemorate the sacrifice of service men and women and reflect more than 100 years of service and sacrifices made by our veterans.
 
“Grants up to $10,000 will provide a significant boost to community organisations to help ensure the presence of local war memorials in the community is secured for future generations.
 
“On Anzac Day communities gather at their local war memorials to pay respect and honour our diggers – it is vitally important these memorials are protected to ensure all generations understand and remember the sacrifices made during the war,” Mr Elliott said.
 
“Funding is being provided to assist with a range of conservation projects including condition assessments, specialist cleaning and repairs, which are all important aspects of how we manage the places of commemoration that help us acknowledge our military history.”
 
City of Wollongong RSL sub-Branch President, John Sperring, said the $10,000 received would be a significant help in the restoration work of the Wollongong Cenotaph including cleaning, repairs to sandstone and marble features, and repainting of lettering.
 
“I would like to thank the NSW Government for this funding, which will now enable the restoration to be completed ahead of the 100th anniversary of the memorial in June 2023,” Mr Sperring said.
 
Round 2 of the Community War Memorials Fund will open on Remembrance Day, 11 November, 2022 and close on 13 February 2023. Further information available here.

A woman has been charged with high range PCA near Nowra today. 

About 11.30am (Thursday 29 September 2022), officers attached to Nowra Highway Patrol received calls regarding an Audi Q5 allegedly being driven dangerously along the Princes Highway, Falls Creek.

The car was driven across a roundabout, causing all four tyres to deflate.

Three children were in the vehicle, including a three-month-old baby; they were unharmed.

The 33-year-old woman allegedly returned a positive roadside breath test. She was arrested and taken to Nowra Police Station where she subjected to a secondary breath analysis which returned an alleged reading of 0.249, almost five times the legal limit.

The Gymea Bay woman was charged with high-range PCA and suspended from driving.

She is due to appear in Nowra Local Court on Tuesday 1 November 2022.

A Minns Labor Government will boost access for mental health services for young people in New South Wales by committing $17 million to the Kids Helpline over four years to increase their capacity to respond to a rising number of calls.
 
For more than 31 years, the Kids Helpline has been at the forefront of providing digital mental health and wellbeing services for children and young people in Australia and New South Wales, and it stands apart as the publicly recognised national helpline for children and young people aged 5-25.
 
Increasing levels of demand, and increasing counselling contacts means that alternative funding has been required to support the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people in New South Wales. In fact, there has been a 25 per cent jump in the number of people seeking mental health services compared to pre-pandemic levels.
 
Approximately 31 per cent (or 147,368) of all attempted contacts to the Kids Helpline came from children and young people based in New South Wales – approximately 404 contacts per day, or one contact every 4 minutes.
 
In 2021, counsellors provided 27,984 counselling sessions to young people based in New South Wales which was a 12 per cent increase on the number of sessions in 2020.
 
2021 also saw a 111 per cent increase (1,588 responses) in the number of emergency referrals made to ambulance, police, or child safety services in New South Wales. 44 per cent of the concerns were related to alleged child abuse, 26 per cent to suicide attempts, and 11 per cent to allegations of sexual assault.

The increased demand and counselling contacts, coupled with rising costs means that alternative funding has been required to support the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people in New South Wales.

NSW Labor’s funding will:

• Further increase the Kids Helpline’s capacity to respond to more children and young people in New South Wales and support more young people in deeper and more meaningful ways;
• Help more children and young people across the whole of New South Wales to get help when they need it by ensuring ongoing access to Kids Helpline services, 24/7, no matter where they live;
• Strengthen the integration of Kids Helpline with local, area and state-wide services across mental health, child protection, education, employment, and other social systems in New South Wales;
• Assist appropriately qualified counsellors to obtain practical skills and capabilities needed to deliver quality mental health service by recruiting up to 28 FTE additional counsellors to respond to children and young people; and
• Build the New South Wales mental health service system’s capability to respond more rapidly to the impacts of crises on children and young people.

 
Chris Minns, NSW Labor Leader said:

This R U OK day we are reminded that while it is important to check in on the mental health on those in our lives, it is also important the necessary support systems are in place and are adequately funded.
 
‘I’m really concerned about the rising mental health crisis facing children and young people in New South Wales, which has been exacerbated by COVID-19, by social media, and the constant pressures of growing up in a digital age.
 
‘The services provided by yourtown’s Kids Helpline provides New South Wales kids with invaluable support at any time of the day, when they need it most. I want to make sure they have the resources to continue to provide that essential support.’

Ryan Park, Shadow Minister for Mental Health said:
 
‘The work done by yourtown is foundational in keeping our children safe and supporting their mental health whenever they may need it.
 
‘When a child reaches out for help, we want to ensure there are always adequate services available to support them.
 
‘This R U OK day, NSW Labor are committing to putting our money where our mouth is when it comes to the mental health of children in NSW.

Better connecting communities, new targets for affordable housing and creating more jobs are front and centre in the NSW Government’s ambitious plan for the Six Cities.
 
The Six Cities Discussion Paper released today further takes forward our plan to build Australia’s only truly global city region: Lower Hunter and Greater Newcastle City, Central Coast City, Illawarra-Shoalhaven City, Western Parkland City, Central River City and Eastern Harbour City.
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet said this vision was key to building a brighter future for the people of NSW.
 
“This is a blueprint to better connect and create more liveable cities across NSW as well as providing more access to services and opening new doors for businesses to thrive,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“This is the next step in establishing a globally competitive city region with more jobs, housing, education opportunities and lifestyle benefits, bettering the lives of everyone in the Six Cities.
 
“Our ambitious vision includes unlocking new opportunities for businesses across the Six Cities in traditional industries and also in the industries of the future such as defence technology, aerospace, medtech and renewable energy.
 
“This vision also lays the groundwork to supercharge the development of more modern and advanced manufacturing in the Six Cities which will be key to boosting economic activity and creating more skilled jobs.”
 
Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport Rob Stokes said the Sandstone City region can become a global exemplar of sustainable urban development.
 
“Housing targets need to be more ambitious to address supply challenges and I want to ensure that all new residential development on Government land includes 30 per cent social, affordable and diverse housing,” Mr Stokes said.
 
“With more migrants set to settle in the Six Cities – our plans will include targets to achieve the housing we need.
“We also have to reduce our dependence on cars and provide more safe options for people to walk or cycle. In order to achieve that we need to continue to plan and invest in the right active transport infrastructure.”
 
The Greater Cities Commission’s Discussion Paper is a starting point for a deep engagement period throughout the Six Cities, both online and in-person.
 
Following engagement on this vision, work to develop and finalise the Six Cities Region Plan will be undertaken in 2023. 
 
To read the paper and join the conversation, visit: greatercities.au.  

More than 50,000 people will flock to the brand-new Allianz Stadium for the very first time today with a free community day and night, before the biggest names in sport and entertainment kick off a spectacular opening series of events.
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet declared the state-of-the-art Stadium open with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque before the first fans made their way through the turnstiles.
 
“Today is a once-in-a-generation occasion as we open Sydney’s Allianz Stadium, a game changer for our state and another major infrastructure project delivered by our government,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“This world-class stadium is befitting of the nation’s only truly global city and will ensure  NSW continues to attract the biggest stars in sport, music and entertainment.”
 
The Community Open Day will feature live entertainment, stadium tours and a sports zone with players from the Sydney Roosters, NSW Waratahs and Sydney FC, while the night event will include an official opening ceremony with large-scale projections, light shows and live performances from Guy Sebastian and Baker Boy.
 
Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said the Stadium will be the envy of sporting fans across the country, giving rugby league, football and rugby fans a phenomenal viewing experience.
 
“On Friday, 2 September our female athletes will create Australian sporting history, with the NRL Telstra Women’s Premiership marking the first official sporting event at the new stadium between the Sydney Roosters and St George Illawarra Dragons, before the Sydney Roosters face their oldest and fiercest rivalry, the South Sydney Rabbitohs,” Mr Henskens said.
 
“With the final piece of turf now laid and the last seats in place, the stadium has the best community and player facilities in the country, and I can’t wait for everyone to enjoy it.”
 
The 42,500 seat stadium has a 360-degree open concourse inside and outside the venue, steep seating angles providing unrivalled views of the field, and the very best Merivale food and beverage offering.
 
Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin said the new stadium will drive growth in the visitor economy and promote a strong cultural and sporting sector.
 
“Allianz Stadium will become the stage for some of the music world’s biggest stars, including pop sensation Bruno Mars, Justin Bieber and the legendary Sir Elton John,” Mr Franklin said.
 
“We’re expecting sellout after sellout in the opening months which will provide a significant boost to the NSW visitor economy.” 
 
Allianz Australia Managing Director Richard Feledy added: “As we mark ten years since Allianz’s commitment to the original Allianz Stadium, we are very proud to bring communities together again through this new world-class precinct. Now open to the public, Allianz Stadium Sydney joins the Allianz family of stadiums around the world.
 
“Allianz has been supporting Australians for over 100 years and we are thrilled to officially welcome visitors to the new Allianz Stadium to witness history, share in the electricity and create lifelong memories.”
 
More information about the new Allianz Stadium can be found online.

This week I will travel to Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste, to renew and strengthen Australia’s ties with two of our nearest neighbours.

Our relationship with Papua New Guinea is profoundly important to Australia, as a close partner and regional leader.

I will meet with Prime Minister the Hon. James Marape MP following his re-election earlier this month, as well as my counterpart, the Hon. Justin Tkatchenko MP, and other members of PNG’s new Cabinet.

I will also meet the two women newly elected to PNG’s Parliament, Central Province Governor, the Hon. Rufina Peter MP and Member for Rai Coast Open, the Hon. Kessy Sawang MP.

I look forward to hearing views from PNG’s leaders and my priority will be to ensure we are pursuing our shared ambitions on the basis of trust, open communication and mutual support.  

On Wednesday, I will travel to Timor-Leste, where I will meet President José Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister, His Excellency Taur Matan Ruak. 

I will also meet with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Her Excellency Adaljiza Magno, and Minister of Finance, His Excellency Dr Rui Augusto Gomes.

Australia and Timor-Leste are close neighbours, with a shared history and strong people-to-people links. 

As always, my approach will be to listen, and I look forward to discussing how Australia can continue to support Timor-Leste’s economic development, ASEAN and WTO bids, and labour mobility priorities.

Australia is committed to working together with both Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste in the interests of a stable, resilient and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

The Australian Government is deeply disappointed that the tenth Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) did not reach a consensus outcome, despite the urgency of the international security environment.

After four weeks of negotiations in New York, all State Parties except Russia were ready to agree to a meaningful and balanced outcome across the treaty’s three pillars: disarmament, non-proliferation and peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

Russia has deliberately obstructed progress. Its actions directly challenge core tenets of the NPT.

We condemn Russia’s ongoing unprovoked and unjustifiable war of aggression and call on Russia to immediately withdraw its forces from Ukrainian territory.

At the heart of the NPT is the goal of a world without nuclear weapons, a goal to which Australia remains deeply committed.

Australia is steadfast in our support of the NPT as the cornerstone of the global nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament regime. Irrespective of this outcome, the treaty continues to deliver tangible security benefits to us all.

We must redouble our efforts to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons. Australia will continue to make constructive contributions and work with others to strengthen the NPT.

I thank Assistant Minister for Trade Tim Ayres for leading Australia’s delegation to the Conference earlier this month and delivering our National Statement.

Commercial fishing vessels, tourist operators and local boaters will have safer and improved access to the Tweed River following construction of a new $7.5 million boat maintenance facility.
 
Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said work on the new Tweed Heads facility would start later this month and once completed would be a significant boost for maritime operations as well as local and visiting boaters at the popular holiday spot.
 
“Better services, facilities and equipment will improve safety for all users while the installation of a commercial wastewater system will help protect the Tweed marine environment.
 
“The new upgrades will increase local use of the boat maintenance facility and improve community access to the river,” Mr Elliott said.
 
Member for Tweed Geoff Provest said the old slipway, which had been in operation since the 1960s, was deteriorating, had reduced lifting capacity and could only cater for a small number and range of vessels.
 
“The new facilities will be a great boost for the local community,” Mr Provest said.
 
“The boat travel lift will include a new hard stand area and an upgrade of the slipway to accommodate a 75-tonne boat travel lift, over-water lift platforms, service pontoons and an access gangway while the boat travel lift is custom-built to have an internal width of 8.4 metres.
 
“The works will involve demolishing the existing boat maintenance facility, including the slipway rails, winch and cradle and workshop before replacing them with a new office building and storage container.”
 
The upgraded boat maintenance facility is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2023. More information about the project can be found here.