July 2019 – Page 8

Students in Distress: New Reports Shows Majority of Students are Impacted by Housing and Food Insecurity

Australian Greens Senator and Spokesperson for Education, Dr Mehreen Faruqi, has responded to today’s release of the 2018 Higher Education Accommodation and Financial Stress Survey that shows high levels of student financial and psychological distress.
The survey found:

Nearly two-thirds of international and domestic students (64%) work while they study and domestic students worked an average of 17 hours per week during the semester.
Around half (53%) of students reported high to very high levels of psychological distress, which is significantly higher than the population prevalence of psychological distress, where 13% of adults experience high or very high levels of psychological distress.
Three-quarters of students with a job (78%) reported that the number of hours they worked had an impact on at least one area of study.
More than half of students (55%) reported that financial stress impacted at least one area of study.
Around one quarter (26%) of all students in the sample reported that issues concerning being able to afford safe and secure accommodation impacted at least one area of study.
A quarter of students (26%) are experience food insecurity and 15% reported experiencing hunger or not eating because there wasn’t enough money for food since enrolling in their current course.

Senator Faruqi said:
“These statistics demonstrate the Government has abandoned students to face a high cost of living and extreme stress on their own. Instead of focussing on studying, students are too often struggling to get by.
“As former academic, I have seen first hand the sacrifices that students make to study, including taking on second or even third jobs while they study. Students should be able to focus on learning, not on where their next meal is coming from.
“We know that rural and regional students that study in expensive major cities particularly face a huge burden in finding affordable housing that allows them the security of a roof over their heads while they study.
“We should all be concerned that more than half of students say that their studies are impacted by financial stress and a quarter experience food insecurity.
“It’s outrageous that students regularly go without food and other necessities while they study. They shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice their studies to work nearly twenty hours a week just to make ends meet.
“TAFE and uni should be free for all. We should urgently increase student payments like Youth Allowance by at least $75 a week and properly fund mental health services to give students the support they deserve,” she concluded.

SA leading the way on single-use plastics

The Greens have praised the South Australian Liberal government for continuing the state’s leadership on the environment with a ban on single-use plastics. They will continue to work toward a ban on single-use plastics at a national level with a Bill to be introduced to the Senate.
“South Australians are proud of their environmental credentials. We’ve led the way on renewables, and now the Marshall government is listening to the people and moving beyond single-use plastics,” SA Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.
“It’s well past time to act on this issue. With the extinction crisis looming, we know reducing pollution is an important step.
“For too long single-use plastics have been unregulated, choking our waterways, oceans, and beaches.
“This is real leadership. I will be writing to Prime Minister Scott Morrison to encourage him to follow the lead of South Australians.
“We will continue to work toward a nation-wide ban on single-use plastics with plans to bring legislation to the Senate in the coming months.”

NSW's 2019 Junior State Champions crowned

The 2019 HART Junior State Titles concluded yesterday after three wonderful days of action at Baulkham Hills and Penrith District Netball Association.
More than 2,000 players, representing 232 teams from 85 Associations from all over New South Wales, took part in the event, formerly known as the Netball NSW State Age Championships.
Each age group – 12/U, 13/U and14/U – had a Championship Division, as well as Divisions 2, 3 and 4. The winner of each Championship Division was crowned State Champions of their respective age group.
And we are delighted to announce that the three sets of State Champions for 2019 have been crowned. For full results and standings please visit the MyNetball Fixtures & Results page, but for now here are the winners and runners up from each Division.
Netball NSW would also like to thank HART Sport, the naming rights partner of the Junior State Titles, and extend those thanks to the following official partners of the event: QBE, TAFE NSW, BBX and The Kids Cancer Project.
14/U Championships
Winners: Manly Warringah
Runners-up: Ku-ring-gai
14/U Division Two
Winners: Gosford
Runners-up: Inner Western Suburbs
14/U Division Three
Winners: Ballina
Runners-up: Manning Valley
14/U Division Four
Winners: Kiama
Runners-up: Kurri Kurri
13/U Championship
Winners: Penrith District
Runners-up: Manly Warringah
13/U Division Two
Winners: Maitland
Runners-up: Barellan & District
13/U Division Three
Winners: Westlakes District
Runners-up: Muswellbrook
13/U Division Four
Winners: Mudgee District
Runners-up: Kurri Kurri
12/U Championships
Winners: Penrith District
Runners-up: Wyong District
12/U Division Two
Winners: Inner Western Suburbs
Runners-up: Charlestown
12/U Division Three
Winners: Westlakes District
Runners-up: Mudgee District
12/U Division Four
Winners: Port Stephens
Runners-up: Leeton

Netball NSW Premier League to hold first-ever Indigenous Round

Following in the footsteps of Suncorp Super Netball, the Netball NSW Premier League will be hosting its first-ever Indigenous Round this week, with all teams celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture across the eight games.
Round 6, taking place on Thursday 11 July, coincides with 2019 NAIDOC Week, with the theme being ‘Voice. Treaty. Truth. Let’s work together for a shared future.’
The theme for the evening will be Tiddas Together – Tiddas is a colloquial Aboriginal word that means sisters.
Ali Tucker-Munro, a former elite netballer with over 100 elite caps to her name, is currently the assistant coach of the UTS Sparks Opens Division team. She spearheaded the idea of introducing an Indigenous Round to Premier League.
“This wonderful game has enriched me on so many levels; physically, mentally, and culturally,” she said.
“Culturally this sport gives me a platform to fulfil what I believe is inherent to who I am as a proud Aboriginal woman – to never forget where I come from, and to always give back to my mob.
“As a proud Kamilaroi woman this round therefore means a great deal to me.
“It’s something that I’ve wanted in NSW for quite some time. So when I put the suggestion to Netball NSW that we should have a Premier League Indigenous round, I was delighted with their response and their commitment in making tonight happen.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the valuable contribution Aboriginal people make across our netball community.”
Each team will take the court wearing a bib featuring Indigenous artwork designed by Tarsha Hawley, an Indigenous player for the Central Coast Heart, who was in the Grand Final-winning Opens team last year.
“This painting for me represents personal success and the empowerment of other Indigenous women throughout my life, and from past achieving Indigenous women who have helped shaped me today,” describes Hawley, who is a Wongaibon woman.
“The concentric circles in the background represent our community, showing how we all come together and are connected as one. No journey being the same, all different but unique.
“To the side of the artwork are dotted lines that represent waves of voices. Voices of past and present Indigenous women who empower me to keep striving, no matter what the setback, no matter the outcome.
“It’s important to back yourself and have strength to keep pushing. It’s the voices from my biggest supporter’s in life that kept me on track to reaching my goals.
“The crow represents the main totem of the Wongaibon nation. It’s the main focal point because this is where life began for me and where I began to learn about my culture.
“The footprints and lines within the triangle represent a journey guided by our elders and ancestors. Each footprint steps forward into the future, showing where we come from and where we can go.
“The triangle symbolises a pathway. As individuals we all set goals and with strength, determination and guidance we can all come together as one.”
BarTV Sports will be live streaming Thursday’s action on three courts, showing both Opens and Under 23s games. The live streams will be shown across Netball NSW’s Facebook and Twitter channels.

Aggravated break, enter and steal and firearms offences; man charged – Hunter region

A man has been charged with break, enter and steal and firearms offences in the state’s Hunter region.
Police have been told a 44-year-old man entered the front yard of a home on Cecily Close, East Maitland, and threatened an occupant about 7.30pm yesterday (Sunday 7 July 2019).
He left the premises and later returned allegedly armed with a rifle, before being involved in a struggle with the resident.
He returned to his home and was later seen leaving on foot.
Police from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were called and commenced a search but were unable to find him.
About three hours later, police were called to Redbill Drive, Woodberry, where the man allegedly forced entry to a home, threatened and assaulted a 72-year-old woman.
After a short foot pursuit the man was arrested with the assistance of the NSW Police Dog Unit at Swallow Close, Woodberry, and was taken to Maitland Police Station.
No one was injured; it’s believed the man knew both the alleged victims.
Officers later executed a search warrant at a home on Cecily Close, East Maitland, where they seized a rifle.
The man was charged with aggravated enter dwelling with intent, common assault, steal property in dwelling, destroy/damage property (x2), possess unregistered firearm and not keep firearm safely.
He was refused bail to appear at Maitland Local Court today (Monday 8 July 2019).

Australian Greens announce new shadow ministries for the real opposition

The Australian Greens have today announced updated portfolios, as decided at Monday’s meeting of the Australian Greens Party Room.
“Someone needs to stand up against Scott Morrison’s regime of failed trickle-down economics, or we’ll end up living in a dog eat dog society like Trump’s America,” Opposition Leader Senator Di Natale said.
“Sadly, the other parties have bought into the Prime Minister’s reckless plan, and Labor’s nowhere to be seen. Yesterday shows that the Government’s benches aren’t nearly big enough for the number of politicians trying to enact his agenda.
“Scott Morrison’s selfish vision for our country is not the Australia I know, and it’s not the Australia the Greens will accept.
“That’s why I’m proud to announce the roles held by the Australian Greens team, who will be offering fearless and real opposition to Scott Morrison’s selfish vision for Australia.”
NEW SHADOW MINISTRIES OF THE REAL OPPOSITION
RICHARD DI NATALE – Opposition Leader
Shadow Minister for Health
Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism
Shadow Minister for Foreign Policy
Climate Change & Energy Spokesperson (Senate)
LARISSA WATERS – Co-Deputy Opposition Leader
Shadow Minister for Democracy
Shadow Minister for Mining & Resources
Shadow Minister for Women
Shadow Minister for Tourism
Shadow Minister for Gambling
ADAM BANDT – Co-Deputy Opposition Leader
Shadow Minister for Climate Change & Energy
Shadow Minister for Employment & Workplace Relations
Shadow Minister for Science, Research & Innovation
Shadow Minister for Public Sector
MEHREEN FARUQI – Senator for NSW
Shadow Minister for Education
Shadow Minister for Local Government Housing
Shadow Minister for Industry
Shadow Minister for Animal Welfare
Shadow Minister for Gun Control
Shadow Minister for International Development
Employment & Workplace Relations Spokesperson (Senate)
SARAH HANSON-YOUNG – Senator for SA
Shadow Minister for Environment & Biodiversity
Shadow Minister for Water & Murray Darling Basin
Shadow Minister for Arts, Media & Communications
Shadow Minister for Nuclear Issues
NICK MCKIM – Senator for TAS
Shadow Minister for Justice
Shadow Minister for Immigration & Citizenship
Shadow Minister for Digital Rights & Information Technology
JANET RICE – Senator for VIC
Shadow Minister for Transport & Infrastructure
Shadow Minister for Forests
Shadow Minister for LGBTIQ
Shadow Minister for Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Shadow Minister for Sport
Shadow Minister for Science, Research & Innovation (Senate)
RACHEL SIEWERT – Senator for WA
Shadow Minister for Family & Community Services Ageing
Shadow Minister for First Nations Peoples’ Issues
Shadow Minister for Mental Health
JORDON STEELE-JOHN – Senator for WA
Shadow Minister for Disability Rights & Services
Shadow Minister for Trade
Shadow Minister for Youth
Shadow Minister for Peace, Disarmament & Veterans’ Affairs
PETER WHISH-WILSON – Senator for TAS
Shadow Treasurer
Shadow Minister for Finance
Shadow Minister for Consumer Affairs Waste & Recycling Healthy Oceans
Shadow Minister for Small Business

Youth group leader charged over alleged aggravated sexual assault of 15-year-old girl near Newcastle

A youth group leader has been charged over the alleged aggravated sexual assault and sexual touching of a teenage girl near Newcastle.
Last month, detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad commenced an investigation, following reports a 15-year-old girl had been sexually assaulted by a man known to her.
Following extensive investigations, detectives arrested a 22-year-old man in Beresfield about 7.20am yesterday (Friday 5 July 2019).
Shortly after, detectives executed a search warrant at a home near Belmont and two vehicles have been seized for forensic examination.
The man, who is a youth group leader, was taken to Maitland Police Station where he was charged with two counts of intentionally sexually touch child (under 16 years), and seven counts of aggravated sexual intercourse child (under 16 years).
Police will allege in court that the man sexually touched and sexually assaulted the girl on several occasions between April and May 2019.
He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Bail Court today (Saturday 6 July 2019).
The man was stood down from his role as youth group leader during the investigation.

Drugs, weapons and counterfeit money seized; man charged – Maitland

A man will appear in court today after being charged with numerous offences, including drug supply, in the state’s Hunter region.
In May 2019, officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District established Strike Force Dunwell to investigate the supply of illicit substances in the local area.
Following inquiries, detectives and officers attached to the Drug Unit executed a search warrant at a house on Narang Street, East Maitland, about 11.40am yesterday (Thursday 4 July 2019).
During the search, a number of items were located and seized including 115 grams of methylamphetamine hydrochloride (Ice), 33 grams of cannabis, a replica prohibited firearm, an extendable baton, over $4000 in counterfeit Australian $50 notes, documentation and electronic devices, believed to be stolen.
A 26-year-old man was arrested at the scene and taken to Maitland Police Station.
He was charged with supply prohibited drug, three counts of possess prohibited drug, possess prohibited weapon, receive stolen property, unlicensed driving and goods in custody.
The man was refused bail to appear before Maitland Local Court today (Friday 5 July 2019).

New playground open in Adamstown

Local families looking for outdoor fun can mark Fletcher Street Reserve’s new playground down as a fantastic place for the kids to play.
The $150,000 facility, nestled away in a leafy part of the suburb, was opened yesterday by Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes as part of the City’s annual playground replacement program.

Located in a reserve also known as Laneway Park, the new playground includes an extra wide stainless-steel slide, clock, musical chimes, mountain ramp, rope net climber and double swings.
“I’m delighted to open this new playground,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said at the official opening attended by students from St Columba’s Primary School in Adamstown.
“The design, which was selected by the community, is versatile enough to suit toddlers up to primary school-aged children and makes for a great new addition to the suburb.
“Fletcher Street Reserve takes the total number of playgrounds replaced by the City in the past four years to 15 across 11 different suburbs, equating to more than $5 million worth of fun new facilities for the community.”

Under the annual renewal scheme, the City’s Parks and Projects teams completely overhaul outdated equipment, replacing them with more modern materials that meet rising standards and service expectations.
This opening follows the recent delivery of the South Stockton Active Hub, the Cressington Way playground in Wallsend and last year’s opening of Blackbutt’s Richley Reserve adventure playground.
“We look forward to rolling out more of these wonderful facilities for young families in the years to come,” Councillor Nelmes added.

Greens the real opposition as tax cuts pass

Leader of the Australian Greens Senator Richard Di Natale has condemned today’s bipartisan destruction of our progressive taxation system, declaring that the Greens are the only party acting as a real opposition.
“What a dark day this has proven to be. Centre Alliance seem to be Morrison puppets, Jacqui Lambie has sold out Tasmanian battlers for cents on the dollar, and Anthony Albanese’s Labor folded at the first sign of pressure,” Opposition Leader Richard Di Natale said.
“Scott Morrison’s hard-right government is cruel and the crossbench have been conned, but we’d held hopes that the Labor Party would have held true to 100 years of support for progressive taxation.
“By voting for $158 Billion in revenue cuts that will hurt people doing it tough and line the pockets of millionaires, Anthony Albanese has abandoned the mantle of Opposition Leader. Today was the first test of his leadership, and he comprehensively failed.
“The Greens will never support a hit to the tax system that strips money from our schools and hospitals and hands it to the wealthy. We need to be supporting people through raising Newstart, properly funding our schools and hospitals, and creating jobs through infrastructure projects that build our community.
“It’s clear now that the Greens are the real opposition to Scott Morrison’s cruel agenda.
“What’s the value of the Labor party if they are simply are a paler version of the Morrison government? Labor needs to work with the Greens to take on this cruel government and campaign with us to reduce inequality and take action on climate change.
“Voters will be asking themselves today: ‘What is the point of the Labor Party?’