The first mammal to go extinct in the world from climate change, the Bramble Cay Melomys, is just the tip of the iceberg, say the Australian Greens.
“This is a national tragedy, but the extinction of the Bramble Cay Melomys is just the tip of the iceberg,” said Australian Greens Senator Janet Rice, Chair of the Senate Inquiry into Australia’s animal extinction crisis.
“Climate change is pushing other threatened animals to the brink of extinction, yet the Morrison government’s lack of action means nothing is being done to protect them.”
“We have other animals like the Spectacled Flying Fox where one third of the population dropped dead out of the sky in one afternoon during Queensland’s December heatwave.”
“The recovery plan for the Melomys was never implemented. The Morrison government could have done more but turned a blind eye.”
“This tragedy was entirely preventable. No species should go extinct. This is a political choice.”
“The burning and exporting of Australia’s coal is the single largest contribution to climate change that Australia makes. Australia’s addiction to coal and coal exports is the death warrant for many of our other threatened animals.”
“The Labor and Liberal parties need to quit coal now and stop taking millions of dollars in donations from the coal industry.”
“It’s also clear the Environment Department has learnt absolutely nothing from the tragic Melomys extinction, with no current plans in place to conduct a review into how the extinction of the Bramble Cay Melomys occurred or learn what must happen to ensure more species don’t follow it down the tragic path to extinction.”
Other animals at risk of extinction due to climate change include the Spectacled Flying Fox, the Mountain Pygmy Possum, the Lemuroid Possum, and the Northern and Southern Corroboree Frog.
Month: February 2019
PROVIDING MORE CHOICE IN PALLIATIVE CARE
Thousands of families with loved ones with a life-limiting illness will receive more choice about the help they need from an additional 100 palliative care nurses at refurbished facilities under the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the $45 million palliative care investment was made possible by the strong economic management of the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government.
“We are doing everything we can to ensure patients and their loved ones have access to the best quality palliative care at the best possible care facilities,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government is committed to ensuring people who are suffering a life-limiting illness, and their families, have the choices, support and care they need.”
The investment is on top of a $100 million package for palliative care that was announced as part the 2017-18 Budget, which is already delivering more palliative care nurses and community-based palliative care services. The additional 100 palliative care nurses will work in hospitals, palliative care facilities, and in communities and homes to ensure patients can access the care they need, in the setting they choose.
Ms Berejiklian made the commitment at Mt Druitt Hospital, part of the Western Sydney Local Health District that will receive eight new palliative care nurses.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said 64 of the 100 palliative care nurses would be assigned to regional and rural NSW.
Mr Barilaro made the commitment at Coffs Harbour Hospital, part of the Mid North Coast Local Health District that will receive five new palliative care nurses.
“We are doing everything we can to ensure patients and their loved ones have access to the best quality palliative care in the best possible facilities no matter where they live,” Mr Barilaro said.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the commitment also includes $10 million for improvements to existing palliative care facilities across the State.
“The emotional and financial challenges for patients and their carers are considerable so we will continue to do all we can to help people through this challenging time,” Mr Hazzard said.
The $45 million boost to palliative care funding will:
- Add 100 more nurses to the palliative care workforce, with 64 expected for regional and rural NSW;
- Increase the number of full-time equivalent palliative care Aboriginal health workers from nine to 18, so that every district and network in NSW has a full-time position;
- Increase use of digital health solutions to improve end of life care to people living in rural and remote areas throughout NSW;
- Connect young people in regional areas through digital health solutions to the new Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice in Manly, and funding a senior clinical role to support its staff; and
- Support the refurbishment of existing palliative care facilities across NSW, providing a home away from home for patients.
Major exhibition SODEISHA: connected to Australia opening 2 March 2019
A nationally significant exhibition will open at Newcastle Art Gallery on Saturday 2 March 2019, drawn from the Gallery’s substantial collection of Japanese Sodeisha ceramics and the result of a collaboration of curators and artists across Australia and Japan.
SODEISHA: connected to Australia celebrates Newcastle Art Gallery’s significant holdings of Japanese ceramics with 10 displays of contemporary ceramic artists from Australia and Japan alongside the Gallery’s Sodeisha collection.
The Australian artists involved include Alterfact Studio, Penny Byrne, Juz Kitson, Julie Bartholomew, and Kenji Uranishi, while artists Takashi Hinoda, Satoru Hoshino, Yusaku Ishida, Rokubei Kiyomizu, and Hideo Matsumoto will represent Japan in the exhibition.
Satoru HOSHINO Beginning Form – Spiral ‘17 2017 smoked earthenware 850°C, black stoneware Artist collection
Photography Oginuma, Hidekazu
“This is the first major exhibition in Australia to celebrate the legacy and influence of the pioneering Sodeisha group on contemporary ceramics, and is testament to the strength of Newcastle Art Gallery’s collection,” said Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton.
“More than 37 years after the acquisition of this internationally significant collection, it continues to be a valuable cultural asset for the city of Newcastle as well as the nation”.
SODEISHA: connected to Australia provides the first opportunity for Newcastle Art Gallery to develop an international, cultural partnership project based on the city’s collection.
The exhibition brings together curatorial advisor Kevin White – a MEXT Scholar and exhibiting artist Satoru Hoshino – an original member of the Sodeisha group. Hoshino will arrive in Newcastle from Japan to install a major wall and floor mounted ceramic installation, and joins Professor White and Gallery staff to take part in a range of dynamic public events.
Exhibition installation image (detail) 19/12/2005 Newcastle Art Gallery From left to right: Masatsugu HITOMI
Gate of sound c1980; Yosuke NAKANISHI Globe A n.d; Yosuke NAKANISHI Globe B n.d Gift of members of the
Sodeisha Group 1981 Newcastle Art Gallery collection
About the Japanese Sodeisha ceramics in the Newcastle Art Gallery collection
Newcastle Art Gallery holds 58 Sodeisha ceramics, one of the largest collections by this important group of avant-garde post-war artists outside of Japan.
In 1979 Newcastle Art Gallery hosted a contemporary Sodeisha Japanese ceramics exhibition arranged by the Australian Gallery Directors Council in association with the Crafts Board of the Australia Council and the Japan Foundation.
It was the first major exhibition held in Australia that brought attention to the groundbreaking work of the Sodeisha group of ceramic artists, and featured 62 works of art by 32 members of the group including founding members Osamu Suzuki (1926-2001), Kazuo Yagi (1918-1979), and Hikaru Yamada (1924-2001). After two years of touring the exhibition to a number of state and regional Australian galleries, the Sodiesha group elected to gift 58 of the original 62 works of art to Newcastle Art Gallery.
Public programs supporting the exhibition
A comprehensive suite of public programs will support the exhibition, including masterclasses, artist-led workshops and forums, and regional clay community activities, drawing in new audiences for this ancient and contemporary art form.
A summary of the highlights of the program have been provided below, however several more public events are scheduled to support the exhibition.
For more information visit: www.nag.org.au/whats-on
Tadayasu SASAYAMA Waves cube B n.d stoneware plates on wood base 28.5 x 21.0 x 14.5cm Gift of members of the Sodeisha Group 1981 Newcastle Art Gallery collection
SODEISHA: connected to Australia Opening event.
Friday 1 March 2019, from 5.30pm
Refreshments provided.
The official launch of the exhibition SODIEHSA: connected to Australia, opened by the Consul-General of Japan in Sydney, Mr Keizo Takewaka.
Artist Forum: Sodeisha and ceramics today
Saturday 2 March 2019, 2.00pm-3.00pm, Free event
Speakers: James Collis Exhibitions Coordinator Newcastle Art Gallery, Prof. Kevin White RMIT Melbourne, exhibiting artist Saturo Hoshino, exhibiting artist Kenji Uranishi.
At this free talk, the panel will explore their personal historical connections with the Sodeisha movement, and discuss the impact and influence of this movement on ceramics in Australia and Japan today.
Exclusive Performance: Crawling through mud
Commissioned by Newcastle Art Gallery through Catapult Dance Choreographic Hub
Saturday 2 March 2019 from 7:00pm
Refreshments provided.
Award-winning Australian choreographer and performer Kristina Chan presents an exclusive commissioned work, inspired by the seminal 1955 performance Challenging Mud by Kazuo Shiraga.
One-day Raku Clay Masterclass with Satoru Hoshino
Saturday 9 March and Sunday 10 March 2019 (two sessions)
10.30am – 3pm
Most materials provided
For intermediate and established ceramicists
Join visiting Japanese artist Satoru Hoshino, for the rare opportunity to attend this five-hour masterclass using raku clay.
Greens call on Labor to back Marles over coal
Greens climate change and energy spokesperson, Adam Bandt MP, responded today to the comments from Labor frontbencher, Richard Marles, that “The global market for thermal coal has collapsed, and wonderful – that’s a good thing – because what that implies is the world is acting in relation to climate change.”
Quotes attributable to Mr Bandt:
“He’s right. That’s why Richard and Labor should support my bill to phase out thermal coal.”
“Labor can’t say its wonderful countries overseas want to burn less coal and then support expanded coal exports.”
“We need a plan to phase out coal mining in Australia by 2030 so the industry can transition in an orderly and just way.”
Shorten capitulates on Medevac Bill
“Just when you begin to hope that the Labor Party was starting to find a backbone on refugees, Bill Shorten has gone to water,” said Australian Greens Leader, Dr Richard Di Natale.
“Despite his Deputy saying the Government’s policy to transfer sick patients to Christmas island for treatment was ‘difficult to understand’ and his Immigration spokesperson saying the reopening the centre was ‘silly’, Bill Shorten thinks it’s ‘fine’.
“Buying into Scott Morrison’s propaganda that there is any need to reopen Christmas Island, or that it has the required medical facilities, is a failure of leadership.
“All it took was the prospect of an election campaign fought on refugees for Bill Shorten to get spooked and start aligning himself with the Liberal Government on the issue once again.
“A government that is determined to shun the will of the parliament and refuse to bring sick people here for treatment, deserves a strong opposition – not a benign collaborator.
Canavan lies on Bight oil exposed
The Minister for Mining and Resources Matt Canavan has been exposed for lying about any oil from the Great Australian Bight staying in Australia.
“While Matt Canavan has told the public Equinor would keep oil in Australia, the company has denied it. Equinor’s polite rebuke of the Minister’s comments on ABC this morning expose the flimsy spin from the Morrison Government,” Greens environment spokesperson Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.
“While the Norwegian oil giant lobbies for approval to drill in the Great Australian Bight, it is clear that South Australians are set to gain very little if the project were to go ahead. The workforce will be imported, the oil exported and the profits sent overseas. Meanwhile, South Australia’s tourism and fishing industries are all put at risk.
“This project is about profit for a Norwegian oil giant, pure and simple. Equinor’s own oil spill modelling shows our state’s economy would take an $86 billion hit. It would decimate our thriving tourism and fisheries industries.
“At a time when we know we must transition away from fossil fuels to arrest climate change, the costs of opening up a new oilfield to the planet are too great. Foreign profits cannot be put before people and the environment.
“The Greens will continue fighting this project, and pursuing World Heritage protection for the Bight. We back our tens of thousands of jobs in tourism and fisheries, and our beautiful Kangaroo Island over big oil any day.”
GOVERNMENT MUST ACT ON SUPERANNUATION THEFT
Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon has called on the Morrison Government to match Labor’s tough superannuation policy after it was revealed that Newcastle-Hunter workers are losing out on almost $150 million in superannuation payments each year.
Ms Claydon said she was appalled but not surprised that one-third of Hunter-Newcastle workers were owed superannuation payments totalling $146 million.
“Too often I get calls from Novocastrians at their wits end after being short-changed thousands of dollars that is rightfully theirs,” Ms Claydon said.
“Even when the ATO officially confirms the money is owed, workers can’t chase this money as the debt isn’t technically owed to them.”
Ms Claydon called on the Government to match Labor’s policy to get tough on dodgy bosses and make it easier for employees to recover unpaid super.
“Unpaid super is theft, pure and simple. It’s about time the law treated it as such,” Ms Claydon said.
“Under Labor, employers who underpay superannuation to their staff because of a false or misleading statement will be fined an amount equal to 100 per cent of the unpaid super. Employers who fail to tell the ATO about unpaid superannuation when asked will face fines equal to 300 per cent of the unpaid super.
“Labor will also enshrine a right to superannuation within the National Employment Standards, giving workers the power to pursue their unpaid superannuation through the Fair Work Commission or Federal Court.”
Ms Claydon said there needs to be more serious repercussions for employers that shortchange workers on super.
“At the moment, too many employers are withholding superannuation as a means of cashflow management. That’s an appalling business practice, but there’s not enough incentive to do the right thing,” Ms Claydon said.
“Good employers who pay their workers’ superannuation entitlements are at a competitive disadvantage to the bosses who shirk the rules.”
Ms Claydon said the Morrison Government’s failure to get tough on unpaid superannuation was yet another betrayal of Australian workers.
“Australian workers are already being hit by record low wage growth, rising costs and a decline in the standard of living,” Ms Claydon said.
“It’s time the Government stood up to dodgy bosses who are failing to pay their workers the super they deserve.”
DISABILITY ROYAL COMMISSION VOTE WELCOMED
I want to acknowledge today’s historic Parliamentary vote to support a Royal Commission into violence, abuse and neglect of people with a disability.
As somebody who worked as a disability support worker, I can attest to the grave need for this.
For too long, we have been hearing the horrific stories of people with disability who have endured violence, abuse and neglect. This is intolerable and it is time we confronted this reality.
I was particularly distressed to learn of deaths in my own region as a result of “practice failures” at disability services provider, Lifestyle Solutions. This case prompted me to write to the Prime Minister in 2017 requesting an urgent independent review into abuse of people with disability in care.
A Royal Commission will mean people with disability, their loved ones and their carers can tell their stories and seek justice at the highest level.
Australia should lead the way on being an inclusive and supportive society, but we must first shine a light on the terrible abuse that is happening across the country every day.
This vote confirms that the Australian Parliament has zero tolerance for any sort of abuse of people with disability – but now it must be followed by action.
I urge the Government to follow through on its parliamentary promise. It must now work in partnership with people with a disability to design the Terms of Reference and establish a Royal Commission as a matter of urgency.
Sharon Clydon – Labor Federal
CALL FOR WALLSEND BRIDGE REBUILD IN FEDERAL BUDGET
Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon has called on the Morrison Government to fund a rebuild of the Boscawen Street Bridge at Wallsend to protect against future flooding.
Ms Claydon said Newcastle City Council had requested support for the $3 to $4 million Boscawen rebuild, which has been identified as a priority under the Wallsend Flood Mitigation Strategy.
“Boscawen is one of the three bridges that need rebuilding, along with Tyrell Street and Nelson Street, in Wallsend,” Ms Claydon said.
‘While Council has already allocated funds for the Tyrell Street bridge replacement, it is seeking funds elsewhere for Nelson Street, and I would like to see the federal government pitch in to rebuild Boscawen.”
Ms Claydon said the current structure presents an unacceptable flooding risk.
“A number of issues have been identified, including the low clearance on the bridge, the handrails and the intermediate piers, which have a high chance of trapping cars, shopping trolleys and items that come down through the drainpipes, causing blockages.
“To solve this, the bridge has to be reconstructed. It has to have those piers removed, creating a single-span bridge which would improve the flow capacity in large flood events, allowing for the future channel-widening project.”
Ms Claydon said the rebuild would bring peace of mind to the people of Wallsend and encourage business investment.
“It’s been nearly 12 years since the superstorm wreaked havoc on Wallsend, but every time it rains hard the people of Wallsend—the residents and business owners—are on tenterhooks wondering if this is going to happen again.
“Some shops are empty today for this very reason. These rebuilds will be a shot in the arm to drive confidence in the region.”
Ms Claydon said she wanted to build a strong community campaign to send a message to Canberra about the importance of the project and is urging people to sign her petition at www.sharonclaydon.com
“There’s a Federal Budget coming up in a few months, and this presents a great opportunity to put pressure on this government to commit to a very worthwhile local infrastructure project that is beyond the capacity of local government to fund alone,” Ms Claydon said
“Given we are so close to an election, I am also impressing upon my Labor colleagues the importance of this project.
“I think we’ve got a great chance. It’s a great project. And I’d like nothing more than to see it become a reality.”
HUGE BOOST TO SUPPORT STUDENT WELFARE AND MENTAL HEALTH
n a first for NSW, every public high school will have two dedicated experts to ensure students have access to vital mental health and wellbeing support.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian today announced that the $88 million investment will ensure every public high school student in the State has access to a highly-qualified mental health professional they can confidentially speak to, as well as greater support for bullying, anxiety, stress, and any other difficult issues they may face at school.
“This will make it easy for young people to access help when they’re going through a tough time and also give teachers the support to deal with challenges faced by students,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We know from teachers and principals – and the students themselves – what an impact this has on reducing stress and improving academic performance, as well as how much the students embrace the extra support.”
Up to 100 additional full-time school counsellors or psychologists, as well as 350 student support officers, will be employed across NSW public high schools. Importantly, these experts will have the ability to refer students who require greater assistance to mental health services.
Education Minister Rob Stokes said the program will help normalise speaking up and seeking help when it comes to mental health, as well as train teachers to be able to have these conversations with students and their families.
“It is critical that parents, teachers and students know there is always someone they can turn to for support,” Mr Stokes said.
“We’ll also partner with mental health organisations to bring their expertise and experience to school communities.”
Mental Health Minister Tanya Davies said about 14 per cent of children between four and 17 years old experience a mental illness – and this figure is expected to rise.
“If issues are not addressed quickly and at a young age they can develop into lifelong problems,” Mrs Davies said.
“Getting help early can prevent young people from falling into crisis and also avoid longer term interventions as an adult. Schools play a critical role in getting this support to young people sooner.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro visited Griffith High School today to talk with students and teachers about how the boost will help in regional NSW.
“By offering mental health support in schools, we can identify kids who need help early, and make sure they’re looked after.
“With the ice epidemic and youth suicide major issues in regional NSW it is important that our kids have access to life-saving support services no matter where they live.”
Since elected, the NSW Government has increased funding for student wellbeing by more than $200 million, with an additional 236 school counselling positions funded over the past three years, bringing the total full-time counselling positions to 1081.