Month: July 2019

TAYLOR'S 'OPEN MIND' ON NUCLEAR ENERGY IS FRIGHTENING: BANDT

Greens climate change and energy spokesperson Adam Bandt MP today said that Angus Taylor’s comments that he had an “open mind” on the use of nuclear energy, following Barnaby Joyce’s push for nuclear, shows the energy debate in this country is getting hijacked by right-wing ideologues with a fixation on dangerous technologies like nuclear and coal.
Mr Bandt warned that lifting the nuclear moratorium opens Australia up to a Chernobyl-style meltdown in Australia.
“No-one who wants to keep Australians safe from global warming and nuclear meltdowns would have an ‘open mind’ on nuclear energy,” said Mr Bandt.
“The Minister took a tiny step forward by admitting pollution is rising in Australia, but he’ll take 50 steps back unless he closes his mind to nuclear power.
“The gap between fantasy and reality with this government is growing. On Sunday, the share of renewables in the NEM hit more than 43% yet on Tuesday, the Energy Minister is playing footsies with nuclear power.”

Press freedom under the microscope as Senate launches inquiry

Freedom of the press and whistle-blower protection will finally get the hearing they deserve as the Senate votes in favour of an inquiry to be chaired by Senator Hanson-Young.
“This week’s arrest of four French journalists highlights how badly we need to rethink press freedom in Australia,” Greens media spokesperson Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.
“Press and whistle blower protections have been steadily eroded and the government just wants to sweep this under the carpet.
“Today the Senate voted for an inquiry into press freedom and whistle-blower protection showing that there are some in our Parliament who care about a frank and fearless media.
“The raids on the ABC and a Newscorp journalist sent chills through the country. The erosions of freedoms in Australia must be wound back.
“The ability of citizens to speak truth to power must be maintained and that is why whistle blowers must be protected and journalists allowed to do their job.
“This inquiry will get to the bottom of what has gone on and ensure a future for a free press in Australia.”
Terms of reference
That the following matters be referred to the Environment and Communications References Committee for inquiry and report by the third sitting day of December 2019:

  1. disclosure and public reporting of sensitive and classified information, including the appropriate regime for warrants regarding journalists and media organisations and adequacy of existing legislation;
  2. the whistle blower protection regime and protections for public sector employees;
  3. the adequacy of referral practices of the Australian Government in relation to leaks of sensitive and classified information;
  4. appropriate culture, practice and leadership for Government and senior public employees;
  5. mechanisms to ensure that the Australian Federal Police have sufficient independence to effectively and impartially carry out their investigatory and law enforcement responsibilities in relation to politically sensitive matters; and
  6. any related matters.

Cycleways and green space for the West End

Separated cycle ways, new dedicated green spaces and wider streets to improve pedestrian and traffic flows will be built in the City’s emerging CBD following the adoption of the West End Stage 2 – Streetscape Plan.
The West End improvements were given the green light from Councillors last night after 85 per cent of those surveyed during the 28-day public exhibition period put forward their support for the plan.
Denisonstinside.jpgHow Denison Street could look under the new urban streetscape designs
Of those surveyed, 93 per cent said they supported an increase to green spaces, while 89 per cent agreed that better cycleways and public domain improvements – such as an increase in public art – were important to them.
Traffic improvements, alfresco dining options and the creation of ‘rain gardens’, self-watering, low-maintenance gardens designed to protect our rivers and creeks by capturing stormwater that runs off hard surfaces when it rains, also received support across the nine survey questions.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the results showed the public was behind the City’s vision for the future.
“It shows that there is a strong appetite for people to see our vision to create a vibrant, connected and liveable city, realised,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Together with our plans to upgrade Birdwood and Little Birdwood Park as part of Stage 1, we will create a safe, accessible precinct around the Newcastle Interchange where vibrant streetscapes will encourage more public and active transport use.
“Both plans will support the growth of Newcastle’s new CBD in the west and cultural precinct in the east.”
Steelstinside.jpgSteel Street, looking north, with wider streets and new-look paving
Five green spaces totalling an area larger than a football field will be built in the west to reduce the risks of a ‘heat island’ effect, which see built-up urban areas become significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas.
A safe, separated east-west cycleway in the Stage 2 plan will stretch from Wickham Park to Union Street along Hunter Street’s southern edge, running between the footpath and a new island bus stop with greenery outside the “Spotlight” corner.
Another separated cycleway will run north from National Park to Honeysuckle along the western side of Steel Street better connecting the Junction and Merewether with the harbour foreshore.
New crossings will also be created for pedestrians along Hunter Street as part of the Stage 2 upgrades.
The City will update the community when the construction timetable is determined.

Council Update Tuesday 23 July 2019

Following is a summary of the Ordinary Council Meeting for Tuesday 23 July 2019. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.
Lord Mayoral Minutes 
A LMM requesting that a submission be made to the Joint Select Committee regarding Sydney’s night-time economy, was endorsed. The submission will refer to information relating to the City’s own progress in this area through the Newcastle After Dark Strategy.
A LMM congratulating former Newcastle MP Jodie McKay’s election as NSW leader of the Opposition, was endorsed.
Ordinary Business
Supplementary report – Public Exhibition of the Code of Meeting Practice 
Council resolved to place a new Code of Meeting Practice on public exhibition for 42 days. The key change to the Code is to allow for an extension of time for Councillor speeches from three minutes to five minutes.
Exhibition of Draft Community Participation Plan 
Councillors voted to place the Draft Community Participation Plan on public exhibition for a period of 28 days. The plan will outline how and when City of Newcastle (CN) will engage with the community across the planning functions it performs under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.
Adoption of Amendment to Newcastle DCP 2012 – section 6.02 Heritage Conservation Areas 
Councillors supported a motion to amend Newcastle’s Development Control Plan. The amendments address matters relating to the classification of buildings within Heritage Conservation Areas (HCAs). The new provisions will provide guidance on Development Application submission requirements when the development is within an HCA.
Special Business Rate Expenditure Policy 
A new financial incentive scheme, known as the Special Business Rate expenditure policy, which allows businesses, not-for-profit organisations and community groups to apply for around $900,000 to attract more people into the City’s business areas, was supported.
Adoption of the West End Streetscape – Stage 2 Plan 
Councillors voted to adopt the West End Stage 2 – Streetscape Plan which will deliver Safe, separated cycle ways, new dedicated green spaces and wider streets ensuring improved pedestrian and motorist traffic flows in West End.
Notices of Motion
Urban Heat Island Research Project 
A NOM requesting City of Newcastle holds a public forum on research projects into the Urban Heat Island effect across Newcastle, and outlines possible actions that City of Newcastle may be able to take to mitigate urban warming, was supported.
Rehabilitation of Throsby Creek 
A NOM requesting councillors be afforded a public briefing from a member of the Throsby Creek Government Agencies Committee and City Staff in relation to actions outlined in the Throsby Creek Catchment Plan, was supported.
Pollinator Planting Program 
Councillors supported a NOM to receive a report on the options for amending the City of Newcastle Urban Forestry Policy and Street Tree Selection Manual. The report will help improve the provision of pollinator forage on City-managed land in Newcastle, including bees and native pollinators.
Public access audit of Automated External Defibrillators 
A NOM requesting staff conduct and publish an audit of publicly accessible automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in the LGA to determine the extent of current availability, and future needs, for AEDs at City of Newcastle facilities, was supported.
Gregson Park plan of management and enhancements 
A NOM requesting a workshop for Councillors  to outline the Plan of Management process for Gregson Park, including opportunities for the community to provide feedback regarding upgrades and future uses of Gregson Park, was supported.

Press freedom under threat as French journalists arrested reporting on Adani

Further police crackdown on journalists highlights importance of Senate inquiry into press freedom, Greens say.
“The arrest of journalists in Queensland today is incredibly alarming,” Greens media spokesperson Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.
“A free press is a fundamental pillar of democracy and it seems, here in Australia, it is under threat. Arresting journalists for doing their job has eerie echoes of a police state.
“The impact of what is happening in the Galilee Basin will affect us all and it is imperative that the community debate and concern can be reported on.
“We urgently need a thorough examination of press freedom in Australia to ensure those who hold power to account are able to keep doing their job without fear or favour. The Senate has the opportunity to vote for just such an inquiry tomorrow.
“Australia’s international reputation is at stake when foreign journalists are arrested, held and charged for reporting what is going on in Australia.”
Terms of reference
That the following matters be referred to the Environment and Communications References Committee for inquiry and report by the third sitting day of December 2019:

  1. disclosure and public reporting of sensitive and classified information, including the appropriate regime for warrants regarding journalists and media organisations and adequacy of existing legislation;
  2. the whistle blower protection regime and protections for public sector employees;
  3. the adequacy of referral practices of the Australian Government in relation to leaks of sensitive and classified information;
  4. appropriate culture, practice and leadership for Government and senior public employees;
  5. mechanisms to ensure that the Australian Federal Police have sufficient independence to effectively and impartially carry out their investigatory and law enforcement responsibilities in relation to politically sensitive matters; and
  6. any related matters.

Re-introducing The Future Drought Fund

The Government will again seek to establish a new, secure, revenue stream to enable drought resilience, preparedness and recovery. The Government will re-introduce legislation to establish the Future Drought Fund (the Fund), which will grow to be worth $5 billion to support rural and regional communities.
In February, Labor abandoned Australian farmers and the rural and regional communities they support by voting against the Future Drought Fund. This despite their own Senators clearly supporting the Bill during the Senate committee inquiry into it.
Labor now have a second chance to do the right thing by Australian communities that are suffering the effects of drought by supporting this important legislation.
Minister for Water Resources, Drought, Rural Finance, Natural Disaster and Emergency Management David Littleproud said that the Fund would guarantee a long-term source of funding to support important projects that will build drought resilience in Australia’s regions.
“The Future Drought Fund will support research, development and innovation to contribute to a sustainable and drought resilient agriculture sector in Australia,” Minister Littleproud said.
“If Labor decide to vote against this Bill again it will be one of the lowest acts I’ve seen in Australian politics. To politicise the misery of Australian farmers would be as low as you could get.”
Finance Minister Mathias Cormann said that Labor needed to support the legislation, which would provide reliable and sustainable funding for drought relief and resilience projects into the future.
“The Future Drought Fund was announced in the 2018-19 MYEFO. We took it to the 2019 election. Labor needs to respect the wishes of Australia’s regional farming communities and support this legislation,” he said.
The re-introduced legislation includes amendments proposed in the House of Representatives by the former Member for Indi, Cathy McGowan, and supported by Government and other Members of the House of Representatives crossbench.
The exposure drafts of the Future Drought Fund Bill 2019 and the Future Drought Fund Bill (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2019 and the accompanying draft Explanatory Memorandum are publicly available at https://www.finance.gov.au/australian-government-investment-funds/governance/.

Murray-Darling in the spotlight as Parliament set to debate Royal Commission

The debate on establishing a Royal Commission into the Murray-Darling will begin today in the Senate, with a Greens Bill to establish a commission of inquiry.
“This Parliament has a chance to get to the bottom of the Murray-Darling’s woes and ensure those responsible for its ill-health are held to account,” Greens water spokesperson Sarah Hanson-Young said.
“Like the Banking Royal Commission, the Senate’s support for a bill to establish a commission is an essential step in cleaning up the management of the Murray-Darling and stopping the rorts.
“Farmers, communities and ecosystems throughout the Basin are suffering. We know there are problems with the way it is being managed, and Australians deserve answers.
“Most of the money allocated for the Plan has been spent and the River is still in deep trouble. The only way to ensure we get the answers we need, and those responsible are held to account, is with a comprehensive Royal Commission.
“The South Australia Royal Commission began this important work but was hampered by the refusal of the federal government and other Basin States to participate. A million fish dead and revelations of ongoing mismanagement mean we must have answers.
“Our Bill will be before the Parliament today and I urge every Senator to do the right thing by the River, River communities and the environment and support a Royal Commission.”
Link to Bill: https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/Bills_Search_Results/Result?bId=s1187
Terms of reference
(1)    The Commission must inquire and advise the Parliament in relation to the following matters:
(a)   any misconduct relating to, or affecting, the management of the Basin water resources;
(b)   the legislative and administrative framework for implementing, managing and enforcing the Basin Plan;
(c)    the impact that the implementation, management and enforcement of the Basin Plan has had on the environment, agriculture and communities that rely on the Basin water resources;
(d)   the suitability and effectiveness of the existing legislative and administrative framework for the management of the Basin water resources, including any adverse effects that framework has had on the management of the Basin water resources (whether or not those effects are the result of misconduct);
(e)   the allocation of funds by the Commonwealth and the Basin States to implement the Basin Plan, and the impact of funded projects (including water buybacks and efficiency measures) in facilitating environmental watering in the Murray-Darling Basin;
(f)     the likely impact of climate change to the Basin water resources, and any appropriate measures to take to adapt those resources in light of that impact;
(g)   any matter reasonably incidental to a matter mentioned in the above paragraphs.
(2)    Without limiting paragraph (1)(a), misconduct includes any conduct of a person or body (whether or not a public agency):
(a)   that adversely affects, or that could adversely affect, either directly or indirectly, the honest or impartial performance or exercise of a public agency’s functions or powers; or
(b)   that constitutes or involves an offence against a law of the Commonwealth or a law of the State; or
(c)    that constitutes or involves a contravention of a civil penalty provision under a law of the Commonwealth or of a State; or
(d)   that would attract any other penalty under a law of the Commonwealth or a State, including a breach of a standard or licence condition; or
(e)   that constitutes or involves breach of trust, fraud in office, nonfeasance, misfeasance, malfeasance, oppression, extortion or imposition.
(3)    The Commission is not required to inquire, or to continue to inquire, into a particular matter to the extent that it is satisfied that the matter has been, is being, or will be, sufficiently and appropriately dealt with by:
(a)   another inquiry or investigation; or
(b)   a criminal or civil proceeding.
(4)    In inquiring and advising in accordance with subsection (1), the Commission may give priority to matters which, in the Commission’s opinion, have greater potential for harm.

Man charged over alleged sexual acts on public transport – Operation Artemis

Police attached to Operation Artemis have charged a man after alleged sexual offences were reported to police on two separate occasions earlier this year.
It will be alleged a man performed sexual acts in front of passengers on two occasions; the first incident being about 5pm on Thursday 25 April 2019 on a Hornsby to Strathfield service, and the second about 2.30pm on Saturday 22 June 2019 on a Wyee to Fassifern service.
Following inquiries, police from the Police Transport Command North/Central, arrested a 53-year-old man at a home in Glebe about 12pm yesterday (Tuesday 23 July 2019).
He was taken to Newtown Police Station and charged with two counts of committing sexual act without consent.
The man was refused bail, to appear before Newtown Local Court today (Wednesday 24 July 2019).
Operation Artemis is an ongoing operation targeting sexual offences on the public transport network.
 

New TAFE Decline Data shows Morrison Government Needs to Reverse Course and Invest in VET

Australian Greens Senator and Spokesperson for Education, Dr Mehreen Faruqi, has said that new TAFE data released today shows the continued decline of TAFE and must be a wake up call to save TAFE.
A new report by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research has shown that for government funded vocational education: student numbers have dropped 1.9%, subject enrolments have dropped 5.7%, and training hours have dropped 6.4%.
Senator Faruqi said:
“This new data once again proves what communities have been saying for some time, TAFE is being slowly destroyed by government neglect and a lack of funding.
“TAFE is an essential part of our public education system but has been deliberately decimated by state and federal governments. We want to see private for-profit providers removed entirely from federal funding of vocational training and TAFE given as close to 100% of funding as possible.
“The Greens have a plan to rebuild TAFE as the vocational training provider of choice for students. We will remove the Gillard-era contestable funding requirements and make TAFE and uni free for all,” she concluded.

Police renew appeal to locate missing man Steven Fenwick – Stockton

Detectives from Newcastle City Police District are renewing their appeal for information to locate a man missing near Newcastle earlier this year.
Steven ‘Feno’ Fenwick, aged 33, was last seen about 2.30am on Thursday 31 January 2019, when he was walking with a woman near the intersection of Fullerton and Meredith streets, Stockton.
Several searches were conducted at the time, with detectives from Newcastle City Police District establishing Strike Force Kummari to investigate the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
This month will mark six-months since Steven was last seen; his mother, Debbie, has put out an emotional plea to the wider Newcastle and Stockton communities to help find her son.
“Steven has always been the type of person who would go out of his way to help his friends, family and even strangers in need.
“Even growing up, when his friends needed help, he would always ask us, his family, if they could stay until they got back on their feet.
“Our family and Steven’s closest friends miss him dearly. Please help us find him, help us find answers,” Mrs Fenwick said.
Newcastle City Police Crime Manager, Detective Chief Inspector Scott Parker, says any piece of information, whether it be big or small, could help find Steven.
“Any information provided to police can become a missing piece of the puzzle, and help find Mr Fenwick.” Det Ch Insp Parker said.
As investigations into Strike Force Kummari continue, anyone who may have information about Steven’s disappearance is urged to contact Newcastle Police Station on (02) 4929 0999 or to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.