Month: December 2019

Motorcycle rider charged after police pursuit – Lake Macquarie

A man will appear in court today after a police pursuit in the Lake Macquarie area this week.
About 12.20am on Wednesday (11 December 2019), police observed a Black Harley Davidson motorcycle travelling south on Merrigum Street, Windale – south of Newcastle.
The motorcycle rider attempted to avoid police using a median strip before speeding away in a northerly direction.
Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District pursued the bike as it travelled down Balemo Crescent and Cooreen Way, before the motorcycle, driven by a 25-year-old man, crashed at speed into a concrete garden bed on Cooreen Way.
The man then fled the scene, followed on foot by police and the dog unit.
Upon searching the motorcycle, police located a small, single shot-handgun lying on the ground.
Shortly after, the man was located in a garden on Kestrel Avenue in Mount Hutton.
He was arrested and taken to Belmont Police Station before being transferred to John Hunter Hospital to be treated for minor burns, minor lacerations and a possible broken collarbone.
Upon release from hospital, the 24-year-old was charged with the following offences:
Drive motor vehicle during disqualification period
Acquire pistol-subject to firearms prohibition order
Possess unregistered firearm-pistol
Not keep firearm safely-pistol
Possess unregistered unauthorised pistol in public place
Refuse or fail to submit to taking of blood sample
He was refused bail to appear in Belmont Local Court today (Friday 13 December 2019).

Scott Morrison caught cheating on climate: Bandt

Greens spokesperson for the climate crisis, Adam Bandt MP, has labelled Scott Morrison and his government a pack of climate cheats and said he has been caught out.
The government’s climate cheating strategy is in tatters because:

  1. Currently, the Paris Agreement rules do not allow for dodgy carryover credits and current negotiations in Madrid are moving towards explicitly banning the use of such credits, with over 100 countries rejecting their use.
  2. Most of the government’s claimed carryover credits rely on commitments made under Kyoto II, however advice suggests that on a strict legal basis, Kyoto II is still not in force because it lacks ratification from enough countries. If this situation remains, none of Australia’s claimed Kyoto dodgy carryover credits will have any legal basis.
  3. However, even if Kyoto II is in force as the government suggests, action by the rest of the world has triggered a lift in our targets, as per our Kyoto II commitment. As such, most of Australia’s claimed dodgy carryover credits will be wiped out.

Mr Bandt has written to the Prime Minister and the Minister for Energy and Emissions Reductions regarding these issues. The letter was sent just days before a new Climate Analytics report, released overnight, challenged the legality of Australia’s use of carryover credits.
Quotes attributable to Mr Bandt:
“Scott Morrison is a climate cheat and he has been caught out. Not only is there no moral basis for using these so-called credits to cheat our way out of our climate commitments, there is arguably no legal basis either.
“Further, today he has doubled-down on his cheating by misleading the public and falsely saying that the concern expressed in Madrid ‘does not apply to what Australia’s practice is’. Just like his Energy Minister, Angus Taylor, when the Prime Minister is caught out fudging the numbers he doubles-down with a lie.
“Negotiations on the Paris rulebook may ultimately ban this dodgy carryover scam, but before then the government must explain why they have misled the public about our Kyoto targets.
“Action by the rest of the world has triggered a lift in our targets, and once that happens, 70% of these spurious credits disappear.
“Not only that, but it appears the legal conditions for creating these so-called credits never existed in the first place.
“If Australia cannot abide by our international obligations, we risk jeopardising international trade deals, such as the current negotiations with the European Union.
“As Australia burns and Sydney chokes, Scott Morrison must quit his climate cheating and act on the climate emergency.”
Background
Australia’s Kyoto II commitment includes a clause to increase Australia’s targets “by up to 15% by 2020 if there is a global agreement which falls short of securing atmospheric stabilisation at 450 ppm CO2-eq and under which major developing economies commit to substantially restrain emissions and advanced economies take on commitments comparable to Australia’s”.
Australia’s ratification of the Paris Agreement (and the Doha amendment, which gives effect to our Kyoto II obligations), means that the conditions for the 15% increase in Australia’s target under the second commitment period have been met. There is no longer any basis for Australia to refuse to lift its 2020 targets by up to 15%.

ATO tax report proof of broken system

Data released in the ATO’s Tax Transparency Report today showing that a third of our largest companies paid no corporate tax last year are proof that the system is rigged in favour of big corporations who make massive political donations, said Leader of the Australian Greens Dr Richard Di Natale.
“We have two sets of rules in this country: one for big corporations who can afford to donate to Labor or the Liberals and another for the rest of us – and this report proves it,” Di Natale said.
“What kind of message does it send when a multi-billion dollar corporation like Whitehaven Coal pays less tax than a nurse on $54,000 a year? It’s time that we ended the loopholes that allow big, polluting companies to opt out of paying their fair share towards our essential services.
“If you can afford to make massive political donations so political parties will deliver policies that increase your company profits, then you can afford to pay your fair share of tax,” said Greens Democracy Spokesperson Sen. Larissa Waters.
“Our democracy is sold out. We need to stop the rorts that let big corporates get away with tax avoidance and remove the toxic influence of donations from our parliament .”
NOTE: Of the top 100 companies that paid no tax, 22 are fossil fuel companies:
EXXONMOBIL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD
WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD
AUSTRALIA PACIFIC LNG PTY LTD
CHEVRON AUSTRALIA HOLDINGS PTY LTD
SHELL ENERGY HOLDINGS AUSTRALIA LIMITED
PEABODY AUSTRALIA HOLDCO PTY LTD
YANCOAL AUSTRALIA LIMITED
HOPE DOWNS MARKETING COMPANY PTY LTD
QGC UPSTREAM HOLDINGS PTY LIMITED
SANTOS LIMITED
BHP (AUS) DDS PTY LTD
PIONEER SAIL HOLDINGS PTY LTD
PUMA ENERGY (AUSTRALIA) HOLDINGS PTY LTD
WHITEHAVEN COAL LIMITED
INTERNATIONAL POWER (AUSTRALIA) HOLDINGS PTY LTD
PETRONAS AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED
CNOOC GAS AND POWER (AUS) INVESTMENT PTY LTD
QUADRANT ENERGY HOLDINGS PTY LTD
ULAN COAL MINES LIMITED
CLERMONT COAL MINES LTD
BANPU AUSTRALIA CO. PTY LTD
CONOCOPHILLIPS AUSTRALIA GAS HOLDINGS PTY LTD

Government response to Digital Platforms Inquiry misses the mark

After dragging its feet for over half a year, the Morrison Government has finally delivered its response to the Final Report of the ACCC Digital Platforms Inquiry.
While its findings were broad-ranging, the recommendations do not go anywhere near far enough to restore funding to the ABC and SBS, protect local content quotas and fund public interest journalism, said Senator for SA and Greens’ Spokesperson for Communications Sarah Hanson-Young.
“Despite weeks of chest-thumping, the Morrison Government has buckled to the pressure of the tech giants in its lacklustre response to the review,” Senator Hanson-Young said.
“The recommendations from the ACCC were modest at best. Yet, the Liberals could barely commit to implementing them. Instead, they’ve kicked the can down the road by announcing yet another review and yet more consultation.
“The Government has side-stepped much needed reform to protect Australian journalism and content. Everyday Australians deserve to know that regardless of how they consume their news and entertainment that it is factual, quality and is a good dose of Australian made.
“We know that Australian content and children’s content must be protected, to ensure that Australian voices and stories continue to be heard. We also know that streaming video on demand (SVOD) services don’t abide by the same rules on local content as other players.
“The Greens will fight hard in the Parliament for proper protections and support for Australian journalists and content creators.
“There have been successive reviews of news media over the last decade, from the Finkelstein Review to the Convergence Review, and a separate Senate Inquiries into the Future of Public Interest Journalism and Australian Content. Australia has one of the most concentrated media markets in the world, and right now, ours is continuing to trend in the wrong direction.
“It is clear that decisive action must be taken now, and not over some ambiguous, non-committal work period, as outlined by the Liberals today.
“The Commonwealth must play a stronger role in strengthening the health and diversity of our news media. Now is not the time to be complacent.”

12 MONTHS AND STILL NO INTEGRITY FOR MORRISON GOVERNMENT

The Morrison Government has failed its own deadline on integrity with the first anniversary of its commitment to a national integrity commission passing with no action.
A year ago today the Prime Minister and Attorney-General announced they would establish a Commonwealth Integrity Commission.
At that time, Mr Morrison insisted work had already been underway on the proposal “since January” – meaning it’s now been almost two years since the Government claims to have started working on a Commonwealth Integrity Commission.
In September, Mr Porter promised that draft legislation would be produced “well within” 12 months of the December 2018 announcement.
Mr ALBANESE (Grayndler—Leader of the Opposition) (14:55): My question is addressed to the Prime Minister. When will the Prime Minister introduce legislation into this parliament to establish the Commonwealth Integrity Commission that he promised last year?
Mr PORTER (Pearce—Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Leader of the House) (14:56): We have been through this a number of times and the reality is that we have taken time and care. A draft is well advanced. That will go out to public consultation. Of course, it was the case that members opposite said that when they came into government they would take 12 full months of consultation before presenting a draft. We’ll do it well within that time.
House of Representatives, 11 September 2019
Given the scandals which continue to rock this tired third-term Government, it’s clear why the Prime Minister and Attorney-General are not in the least bit interested in integrity.
Despite overwhelming public support for a national integrity commission the Government had to be dragged to supporting one, kicking and screaming all the way.
Unlike the Morrison Government, Labor believes tackling corruption and promoting integrity is essential to restoring public trust in government.

Boost for Australia’s Aerial Firefighting Capability

The Australian Government will boost the country’s aerial firefighting capabilities by $11 million.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said this additional funding would see more specialised firefighting aircraft take to the skies to keep Australians safe this summer.
“In response to the request from our national fire chiefs we’re backing our firefighters and our water bombing fleet with an extra $11 million boost. That’s on top of the $15 million we already deliver each year for aerial firefighting to tackle what has already been a devastating fire season,” the Prime Minister said.
“Each bushfire season we take the advice of the states and experts about what we can do to keep Australians safe. As we continue into this hot and dry bushfire season we want to ensure our fireys get the aerial support they need and have asked for.
“We saw how useful our extra support was last season which is why we’re boosting it again this year.
“As we’ve said all along, my government stands ready to deliver whatever further assistance is asked of us by the states as they battle these devastating fires.”
Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management David Littleproud said the additional funding announced today would enable annual lease periods of firefighting aircraft to be extended and ensures the right mix and type of aircraft are available to protect communities this summer.
“We recognise the vital role that aerial firefighting plays in protecting communities, essential infrastructure, and environmental values, as well as supporting firefighters on the ground,” Minister Littleproud said.
“Once again, we owe a debt of gratitude to our career and volunteer emergency services who are out there protecting our communities in the face of very difficult conditions.”
“It is clear we are facing longer and more intense seasons, and as this summer has only just begun we have already seen devastating fires tear through communities right across the country.
“Sadly, bushfires are part of the Australian landscape and while we cannot always prevent them, we can prepare for them and ensure that we are responding in the most effective way.”
The National Aerial Firefighting Centre has more than 140 aircraft at its disposal to be directed to wherever they are needed. These aircraft, contracted on behalf of state and territory governments, are supplemented by additional state owned, and state contracted aircraft and other aircraft hired to meet peak demand across Australia. In total more than 500 aircraft, provided by over 150 operators, are available for firefighting across Australia.

CREATING A SAFER STATE FOR OUR CHILDREN

Strengthened reporting, registration and data-sharing schemes targeting child abuse and record investments into support services for survivors and at-risk children are all helping to keep our kids safe according to a report released today.
Attorney General Mark Speakman and Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said NSW’s second annual report card provides an update on the Government’s actions in 2019 to implement the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
“Protecting children from abuse and improving access to justice for survivors are the bedrock of the NSW Government’s response to the findings of the Royal Commission,” Mr Speakman said.
“We are rolling out the Government’s $127 million package of reforms responding to the Royal Commission, which will secure a safer future for our children and ensure we are doing everything we can to stop the horrors of the past being repeated.”
Highlights of the report include:

  • a NSW-led national initiative enabling child protection workers to identify whether a child or person of interest may be known in another state or territory
  • landmark legislative reforms to strengthen the child protection reportable conduct scheme and expand mandatory reporter groups
  • better protection and support for children in out-of-home care
  • allocation of  funding for community-based support services
  • expanded professional education and training about child safety
  • increased protections for young people in youth justice centres, and
  • significant improvements to specialist sexual assault services.

“While we have made great strides in creating safer environments for our children and young people, there is still much more work to be done,” Mr Ward said.
“We will continue to work with government and non-government organisations to build on our progress and make sure the framework for protecting children is as strong as possible.”
The annual progress report for the NSW Government’s response to the Royal Commission can be accessed at https://bit.ly/2LMCDc9.

STRONG AND STABLE: NSW BUDGET ON TRACK TO DELIVER SOLID SURPLUS

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet has today released the NSW Half-Yearly Review (HYR), confirming the continued strength of the State’s Budget despite challenges such as the worst drought on record, recent volatility in the housing market and lower household consumption.
The HYR forecasts a surplus of $702 million in 2019-20, down $314 million since the 2019-20 Budget, with average surpluses increasing to $1.9 billion over the four years to 2022-23 (up from $1.7 billion), bolstered by early signs of an improvement in the housing market.
“The importance of maintaining Budget surpluses lies in the simple fact that it enables us to provide critical support to those in need, such as farmers and regional communities affected by this devastating drought,” Mr Perrottet said. “We have been able to respond quickly to these and other challenges while continuing to fund productive infrastructure, thanks to our strong financial position.”
Since the June Budget, additional measures to support drought affected communities and ease financial pressures have been provided, taking the Government’s total for drought support to around $2 billion.
The NSW Government allocated $25 million last month to help people impacted by bushfires to rebuild their communities. It has also provided a further $48.2 million in partnership with the Federal Government. Given the bushfire season still has a long way to go, Mr Perrottet said the Government remained ready to provide more funding.
While the ongoing drought is impacting the economy, growth is expected to be at 1¾ per cent in 2019-20 but will accelerate to 2½ per cent in 2021-22. This is supported by a record four-year infrastructure spend of $97.3 billion.
“NSW is the engine room of Australia and we’ve reinforced the economy with our record investments in public infrastructure, creating a jobs boom right across the State and ensuring we remain the strongest in the nation,” Mr Perrottet said.
Key Highlights of the HYR:

  • A Budget surplus of $702 million projected in 2019-20
  • Transfer duty revenue is forecast at $7.5 billion in 2019-20 (up from $6.9 billion) as the housing sector improves
  • The record $93 billion infrastructure program announced in the June Budget has increased with new commitments to a new record of $97.3 billion
  • Public investment in infrastructure is supporting tens of thousands of jobs and adding 1/2  a percentage point to economic growth on average over two years
  • The NSW Generations Fund (NGF) has outperformed expectations, growing to $10.9 billion as at end June 2019 and is on track to nearly triple by 2030
  • Both Moody’s and S&P Global have affirmed the State’s triple-A credit rating since the Budget, underscoring the State’s strong fiscal management.

Mr Perrottet said ongoing weakness in the national economy was playing out in NSW, with another drop in GST receipts forecast as consumption softens.
Mr Perrottet said while the Budget was robust enough to manage the adjustment, the reduction demonstrated the need for reform.
Since June, the NSW Government has launched a number of reform initiatives including the NSW Review of Federal Financial Relations, the NSW 2040 Economic Blueprint and Global NSW, the State’s revitalised trade and investment strategy.
“When times are tough, it’s good to know we’ve got the capacity to act quickly and make a difference and yet still keep our economy growing,” said Mr Perrottet. “We will continue to deliver fiscal stability to look after the best interests of the people of NSW.”

JUNEE PRISON EXPANSION OFFICIALLY OPENS

A new 480-bed maximum-security prison wing was opened today at Junee Correctional Centre, as part of the NSW Government’s $3.8 billion investment in safer communities.
Minister for Counter Terrorism and Corrections Anthony Roberts, Cootamundra MP Steph Cooke and Corrective Services NSW Assistant Commissioner Carlo Scasserra attended the ceremonial prison-keys handover with General Manager Scott Brideoake.
“Junee prison is one of the biggest employers in the Riverina and its expansion has led to an additional 130 ongoing jobs in the area and a continuing investment in the region,” Mr Roberts said.
“The new modern prison wing will enhance the prison’s strong reputation in reducing reoffending through improved inmate access to education, programs and training.”
Ms Cooke said the construction project had already made a positive contribution to the Wagga Wagga and Junee economies.
“At the peak of construction there were between 250-300 tradies working hard on site to ensure the new prison wing was on time and on budget. During that time, they were shopping, eating and staying locally,” Ms Cooke said.
Mr Scasserra said the new wing would strengthen the prison’s focus on inmate rehabilitation.
“A dedicated new industries building with bakery, laundry and other operations will ensure inmates are readily employed and learning skills to prepare them for life on the outside,” Mr Scasserra said.
Mr Brideoake of the GEO Group Australia, which operates the centre, said the expansion project included many benefits for the prison’s staff and inmates.
“We welcome the refurbishment and expansion of our gatehouse, health centre, inmate reception and administration building to make a better workplace,” Mr Brideoake said.
Work will continue into next year, with the refurbishing of support areas within the existing centre and construction of a new 10-bed female unit.
While in Junee, Minister Roberts will draw the raffle winner of a 1987 Holden VL Commodore restored by inmates to raise money for charity Country Hope.

Man extradited from South Australia over alleged child sexual and indecent assaults

A man will re-appear in court today after being extradited from South Australia over the alleged sexual and indecent assault of two girls in the Hunter region.
In December 2018, detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad commenced an investigation following reports a girl was sexually assaulted by a man known to her while she was in his care.
During the course of the investigation, officers received reports a second girl had been indecently assaulted by the man while she was in his care.
Following extensive inquiries, by officers from South Australia Police arrested a 60-year-old man on a NSW warrant at Port Pirie, South Australia, on Monday (9 December 2019).
The man appeared at Port Pirie Magistrates Court, where NSW Police Force detectives applied for and were granted his extradition to NSW.
He was escorted by detectives on a flight to Sydney yesterday (Wednesday 11 December 2019).
The man was taken to Mascot Police Station and charged with aggravated sexual assault – victim under authority of offender (x2), and indecent assault person under 16 years of age.
Police will allege in court that the man sexually assaulted a girl – aged between seven and eight – on two occasions in the Hunter region.
It will be further alleged that the man indecently assaulted a second girl – aged between nine and 10 – in the Hunter region.
He was refused bail and appeared at Central Local Court yesterday where he was formally refused bail to re-appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Thursday 12 December 2019).