March 2019 – Page 16

Greens launch women’s policy: $5.3billion to end alleged epidemic of domestic violence

The Greens have today announced their plan for equality for women which includes $5.3billion over 10 years to more adequately address the epidemic of family and domestic violence.
“The comprehensive suite of initiatives, designed to ensure women are safe, valued and treated as equals in private and public life, show the scale of work that needs to be done level the playing field for Australian women and girls,” Greens spokesperson for women Senator Larissa Waters said.
“Ten women have been killed in Australia this year already, after 69 last year, and yet the government has only committed $328million over three years towards tackling this crisis.
“The Greens are actually serious about ending violence against women. That’s why we have a fully costed plan to give $5.3billion over ten years, with $2.2 billion in the first four years, to ensure no DV survivor is turned away from crisis, support and housing services when they need help and that primary prevention programs are delivered to stop violence before it starts. This is the funding commitment it is going to take.”
The Greens will also create a $200 million Survivor Grant fund which will give up to 50,000 survivors of family and domestic violence, grants of up to $4000.
“The Survivor Grant fund will help approximately 1000 survivors of DV a month,” Senator Waters said.
“Money should not be a barrier to escaping violence whether it’s rent and housing costs, affording the basics like food and clothing, medical, health and wellbeing needs, we must support survivors to keep them safe.
“The Greens will also legislate for 10 days’ paid FDV leave so no woman has to choose between getting paid and being safe.”
The Greens policy for closing the gender wage gap will also improve economic security for women and in turn, reduce one of the main drivers of DV.
“Women deserve equal pay for equal work which is why we will set gender pay equality as an objective of awards and the Fair Work Act,” Senator Waters said.
“We will also legislate to ban ‘pay gag clauses’, which is a bill I’ve introduced previously to create transparency in organisations which is a critical factor in closing the gender wage gap.
“We want the paid parental leave arrangements extended to six months and affordable and accessible early childhood education so kids can get the best start and parents have financial security to give them that.
“Unpaid caring work is also significantly undervalued and so the Greens will task the Productivity Commission with investigating how best to value it. Women do the majority of the caring roles and retire with half the super balance of men – this is unacceptable and consideration of caring credits is the first steps to ensuring carers are properly valued.”
Other aspects of the Greens equality for women policy include:

making abortion safe, accessible, legal and free in all public hospitals with funding for hospitals to perform abortions;
addressing the housing and homelessness crisis for older women;
keeping women safe from harassment and discrimination at work, online and on the street;
improving global equality for women through our development program;
making workplaces more family friendly; and
ensuring fairer superannuation for casual, part-time and low-income workers.

For the full policy: greens.org.au/women

Greens challenge Labor to ‘walk the walk’ on living wage

Greens employment and workplace relations spokesperson Adam Bandt MP today said that Labor is talking big on inequality but won’t back it up with action. Mr Bandt said the Greens will seek to amend Labor’s industrial relations legislation in the Senate to ensure the minimum wage is at least 60% of median earnings.
“We need to change the law so that if you work full-time, you’re not in poverty.
“Just like their position on Newstart, where Labor says the rate is too low but refuses to back the Greens’ call to lift it by $75 per week, Labor’s talk about inequality means nothing without action.
“When Labor is in government and puts its industrial relations legislation to Parliament, the Greens will amend it in the Senate to ensure the minimum wage is at least 60% of median earnings.”
“The Greens have led the push in Parliament to make the minimum wage 60% of the full time median wage. It’s time Labor followed our lead.

Cybercrime Squad and AUSTRAC remind digital currency exchanges of reporting obligations

The NSW Police Force and the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) are reminding digital currency exchange providers to be aware of their obligations following amendments to Commonwealth legislation last year.
In April 2018, amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 were introduced, which included expanding the scope of the Act to include regulation of digital currency exchange providers.
These changes included registering with AUSTRAC, verifying customer identity, reporting suspicious matters and over-threshold cash transactions; and complying with record-keeping requirements.
AUSTRAC National Manager for Regulatory Operations, Dr Nathan Newman, said AUSTRAC worked closely with digital currency exchange providers to prepare them for these laws, which are in place to protect industry from criminal exploitation and in turn, the Australian community.
“Digital currency exchange providers have had adequate time and opportunity to comply with these new laws and AUSTRAC has already refused the registration of two digital currency exchange providers. We continue to actively monitor the sector’s compliance,” Dr Newman said.
“It’s important that digital currency exchange providers meet their obligations, so we can identify any instances of criminal activity using their services to launder money, fund terrorism or commit other serious crimes.”
Cybercrime Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Matt Craft, said this is a timely reminder to those who deal in digital currencies to ensure they are meeting their obligations.
“While cash is still ‘king’, digital currencies are fast becoming the preferred choice for organised criminal networks involved in money laundering, funding terrorism, and cybercrimes,” Det Supt Craft said.
“These amendments were implemented to ensure digital currencies were being monitored in the same ways as cash exchanges and transfers.
“Any information about illicit activity by digital currency exchange providers that is provided to our squad – whether related to organised crime, terrorism, or technology-enabled crime – will be actively pursued in partnership with AUSTRAC.
“Let this be a warning to digital currency exchange providers: if you fail to comply with your obligations, your actions will not go unnoticed.”
Det Supt Craft added that an increase in popularity of Dark Net marketplaces will also mean increased targeting by law enforcement.
“Given the perceived anonymity of the Dark Net, Australian criminal groups are starting to favour the online environment to conduct illicit business,” Det Supt Craft said.
“With police and our partners proactively targeting this space, I’ll assure these networks that their anonymity is no longer guaranteed.”
More information about digital currency exchange providers’ obligations under the Act is available at: http://www.austrac.gov.au/digital-currency-exchange-providers

Man critical after aggravated break-in – Windale, near Lake Macquarie

Police are appealing for public assistance after a man was stabbed during an aggravated break-in in Windale this morning.
About 1.40am (Friday 8 March 2019) a man has forced entry into the rear window of a home on Lowana Crescent, Windale, while a 49-year-old man, a 37-year-old woman, and three children aged – six, 13 and 16 were asleep.
The man believed to be armed with a knife, entered the bedroom of the home and allegedly stabbed the 49-year-old male occupant to the face and chest.
The armed man fled the scene on foot running towards Merrigum Street.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District attended and commenced investigations.
The male occupant was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics, before being taken to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition.
Police believe the incident was targeted.
A 36-year-old man from Valentine is currently assisting police with inquiries.

Police appeal for information in relation to fatal fight – Hamilton South

A man has died, and another man is undergoing surgery following a physical altercation in the Hunter region overnight.
About 3.30am today (Friday 8 March 2019), officers from Newcastle City Police District were called to Donald Street, Hamilton, following reports two men were fighting in the street.
On arrival, police were told the men left the area in a vehicle, which was possibly being driven by a third man.
A short time later, officers attended a home unit on Cody Street, Hamilton South, where they located the body of a 51-year-old man.
They also located a 23-year-old man with serious head injuries.
He was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics, before being taken to John Hunter Hospital, where he is undergoing surgery.
Crime scenes have been established at the home and on Donald Street, which are being examined by specialist forensic officers.
Local detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

MULTICULTURAL CAFÉ OPENS ITS DOORS

Hunter Multicultural Communities’ new café officially opened its doors to the public today.
Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon launched the café, which is set to become a centrepiece for Hunter Multicultural Communities’ Waratah site.
Ms Claydon said she was pleased to provide funding for the café under the Stronger Communities Program.
“I was very pleased to give Hunter Multicultural Communities a $15,000 grant to fit out the kitchen in the café including counters, the coffee machine and fridge.
“It’s fantastic to see this fabulous project become a reality. So many people have invested so much time and energy in getting it to this point.”
Ms Claydon said the café would be used for a number of purposes.
“It will provide a great training space for budding young baristas and chefs to learn new skills.
“I’m also looking forward to the theme nights which will showcase food from a different country each night.”
Ms Claydon said the multicultural café was the perfect fit for Newcastle.
“Newcastle is a diverse, inclusive city that welcomes newcomers,” Ms Claydon said.
“The café will attract people who wouldn’t normally come to Hunter Multicultural Communities site.
“The café will be the perfect space for the community to come together and share cultures. I have every confidence this new café will be warmly embraced by the community.”

RECORD SUPPORT FOR NON-GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS

The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government will invest a record $500 million over the next four years into non-government schools to help them build more classrooms and cater for growing enrolments.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian today announced the additional capital funding will be used by non-government schools in NSW so they can build, extend or upgrade their school facilities to provide more student places in growing communities.
“We have provided record funding for the public school system, and we are providing record support for the Catholic and independent school sectors as well,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This additional funding is only possible thanks to the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government’s strong economic management.
“Parents can always rely on a NSW Liberals & Nationals Government to support them – whether they choose to send their children to the local public school, or a Catholic or independent school.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said NSW’s Catholic and independent schools will share in $500 million from the NSW Government, which is more than double the amount Labor invested in non-government school infrastructure in their last four years.
“The Liberals & Nationals take strong financial management and turn it into better schools for your kids – that’s the difference. No empty slogans – we secure the funding and get then job done,” Mr Perrottet said.
Education Minister Rob Stokes said the increased investment will be delivered through grants under the Building Grants Assistance Scheme, which directs funding towards areas of greatest need. The scheme takes into account fees, demographics and socio-economic characteristics of the school.
“The NSW Liberals & Nationals recognise that funding for school infrastructure should be consistent with a needs-based sector-blind approach to support the schools who need it the most,” Mr Stokes said.
“This record funding announcement will continue to ensure that every student in NSW continues to receive the best possible education, in the best facilities – no matter where they go to school.”
This year’s funding for Catholic and independent schools includes St Francis Catholic College in Edmondson Park ($3.6 million); Australian Christian College – Marsden Park in Riverstone ($950,000); Nowra Christian School in Nowra ($800,000) and St Peter’s Anglican College in Broulee on the NSW South Coast ($300,000).
The increased funding for non-government schools is in addition to the NSW Government’s $6 billion investment over the next four years to deliver more than 170 new and upgraded public schools across the State. This is the largest investment in public school infrastructure by any state government in Australian history.
As part of the “Gonski” schools funding agreement, NSW was also the only State to provide an extra $712 million to public schools to complement the Commonwealth’s $1.2 billion Choice and Affordability Fund.

$619 MILLION TO FURTHER UPGRADE THE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL AT WESTMEAD

Children needing specialist care will benefit from an extra $619 million for further upgrades to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, bringing the total investment in the world-class health precinct to $1.6 billion.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the additional investment will fund Stage 2 of the hospital’s redevelopment and comes on top of the $1 billion transformation of Westmead, the State’s flagship health, education and research precinct.
“This significant expansion to paediatric health services in Western Sydney will ensure The Children’s Hospital at Westmead continues to be a world leader in providing care for sick children right across the state,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This is a massive expansion to paediatric health services for NSW, made possible due to the Liberals & Nationals’ strong economic management of this state.”
This additional $619 million investment is estimated to create 6190 direct and indirect jobs during construction, further growing our economy.
Today’s announcement follows a commitment by the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government to recruit an additional 8300 frontline hospital staff, including 5000 nurses and midwives.
The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government is also building a $608 million Comprehensive Children’s Cancer Centre at Sydney Children’s Hospital at Randwick as part of a rebuild of the hospital, which will include a new emergency department.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the further investment for Stage 2 will greatly increase capacity at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.
“This significant additional funding will deliver both new and expanded health services for our state’s sickest children, including intensive care, cancer services and mental health care services,” Mr Hazzard said.
“The NSW Government is transforming hospitals and health facilities right across the State in a record building boom, to ensure patients continue to receive world-class care.
“The Liberals & Nationals have invested nearly $10 billion in health infrastructure since 2011 and have committed more than $8 billion in the next term.”
The Stage 2 redevelopment will include a new Paediatric Services Building (PSB) and refurbishment of the existing facilities, including:

Operating Theatres
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Paediatric Intensive Care Unit
Cancer Services
Pharmacy Department
Expansion of Pathology services
Mental Health inpatient and ambulatory care
Car parking

The Westmead precinct includes Westmead Hospital, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Cumberland Hospital and Westmead Private Hospital, together with a number of world-leading medical research institutes, two university campuses and the largest research-intensive pathology service in NSW.
This investment follows the NSW Government’s funding of $95 million for Stage 1 of the redevelopment of the Children’s Hospital at Westmead currently underway.
Stage 1 includes a new children’s Emergency Department and paediatric short stay units, and additional pharmacy and medical imaging facilities within the Westmead Precinct Central Acute Services Building.
“As the population of Western Sydney continues to grow, the NSW State Government will ensure the health needs of this growing community are met both now and into the future,” Mr Hazzard said.
Early construction works on Stage 2 are expected to commence in 2020.

City launches Sailing regatta

City of Newcastle has welcomed the return of the spectacular Sailfest Newcastle Regatta.
The event will feature skiffs, catamarans and two hallowed pieces of silverware in Newcastle’s sporting pantheon – the 110-year-old Cock of The Harbour Trophy for the fastest boat on the harbour and the Newcastle Harbour Regatta trophy first contested in 1834.
The event will take place from Friday 29 March to Sunday 31 March, including a “Try Sailing” experience on Throsby Creek for kids and their guardians.

In connection with the Newcastle Sailing Yacht Club, the City is contributing $20,000 to the Transpac 52 (TP52) class of competition, an ocean-class vessel.
“I’m proud to announce our sponsorship towards this year’s Sailfest Newcastle Regatta as part of our commitment to develop local events as well as attracting high-quality sporting events,” the Lord Mayor said at today’s launch.
“The event will draw sailors from right up and down the east coast, providing a welcome boost for the local economy and adding another great fixture to our growing calendar of annual events.
“The Sailfest Regatta is a great way to help us realise our vision to create a vibrant and active city and we look forward to growing our relationship with organisers to really activate the harbour and its surrounds.

The event will also help a push by the City and the local sailing community to stage a stopover of the global Ocean Race sailing event in 2021.
The Ocean Race – formerly known as the Volvo Ocean Race – is often described as the longest and toughest professional sporting event in the world and one of the sport’s Big Three events, alongside the Olympic Games and America’s Cup.
The 2021 event will begin in Alicante, Spain, and hopefully feature Newcastle as a port of call in its yet-to-be-confirmed route.
The Newcastle Regatta will be on from 29-31 March. Visit https://www.ncyc.net.au/sailfest-2019-entries-open/

A veritable army will fight new coal; Greens tell Nats on ‘big stick’ legislation to ‘bring it on’

A veritable army will fight new coal; Greens tell Nats on ‘big stick’ legislation to ‘bring it on’.
Greens climate change and energy spokesperson Adam Bandt MP today said that a veritable army will be raised to fight new coal-fired power stations in NSW unless Liberal and Labor commit to stopping them. Mr Bandt also told the Nationals who want the ‘big stick’ bill to be voted on in Parliament to ‘bring it on’, flagging that he would amend it to stop taxpayer funds flowing to coal-fired power stations.
On new coal-fired power stations:
“If Liberal or Labor governments approve these new coal-fired power stations, there will be a veritable army of concerned citizens raised that will ensure it never gets built,” said Mr Bandt.
“The protests against these new coal-fired power stations will make the Franklin Dam campaign look like a Sunday picnic.
“As Treasurer, Josh Frydenberg could stop this project by rejecting overseas government investment in a coal-fired power station.
“Josh Frydenberg is under the thumb of the climate deniers and if he refuses to stop this coal-fired madness, we’ll campaign until he loses his seat and the conservatives lose government.”
“Labor is trying to walk both sides of the street, saying they won’t direct taxpayer funds to this coal-fired power station while also refusing to say he’ll stop it.
“Bill Shorten needs to say he will stop any new coal-fired power station from being built, regardless of who is funding it.
“We’re booking our buses, trains and planes to come to NSW to fight this madness until Bill Shorten says he will stop these plants if he becomes Prime Minister.”
On ‘big stick’ legislation:
“If the Nationals want a vote to test the will of the people on climate change, bring it on.
“We’re ready and waiting to move an amendment to the ‘big stick’ bill preventing public money underwriting coal-fired power stations.
“If the Nationals force the government to bring the ‘big stick’ bill back, we’ll amend it to stop one single dollar of taxpayer money going to coal-fired power stations.