The Government is using the final Parliamentary sitting week of this year to push through legislation to make the current Cashless Debit Card trial sites permanent and extend the card to the Northern Territory and Cape York to replace the BasicsCard, despite no evidence it works.
“We’ve had 13 years of this discriminatory punitive policy. 13 years of targeting First Nations peoples and those on low incomes with income management, Senator Rachel Siewert, Greens Spokesperson on Family and Community Services said.
Supporting this bill essentially entrenches one of the most paternalistic measures of the Northern Territory Intervention.
This is not a bill for the crossbench to make deals over. This is about vulnerable people’s lives.
People have been subjected to this social experiment for far too long and it’s impacting on their dignity, quality of life, and mental health.
Income management does not meet its stated objectives and is making people’s lives worse.
This card has been imposed on communities without proper consultation and constantly extended on an ad-hoc basis year after year.
We can and should do better.
No card, no deals.
Month: December 2020
GREENS DEMAND ANSWERS: DID THE PM MISLEAD PARLIAMENT ON CLIMATE SUMMIT INVITATION?
There is now a serious question as to whether the Prime Minister has led Parliament, said Greens Leader, Adam Bandt.
Mr Bandt was today gagged by the Government while seeking to compel the Prime Minister to confirm Australia’s attendance at the UN Climate Ambition Summit. Last week, Adam Bandt asked the PM in question time about Australia’s attendance status and Scott Morrison told the Parliament that he would attend and speak, but reports emerged today that Australia is not invited to this weekend’s UN Climate Ambition Summit.
Labor supported the Liberals’ move to gag the Greens in the Senate when Greens Senate Leader, Larissa Waters, sought to compel an answer from the government.
“First Scott Morrison lied about Kevin Rudd, and now he may have misled Parliament about climate action as well,” Mr Bandt said.
“Last week, the Prime Minister said that he was going to the Climate Ambition Summit and that he’d have a lot to say. Now it looks like his attendance was never confirmed and that he may have misled Parliament.
“You’re only invited to the Climate Ambition Summit if you’re promising to do more and lift your climate ambition. It appears Scott Morrison’s vow to not cheat by using ‘carryover credits’ isn’t enough to earn him an invitation, especially when countries like the UK are bringing plans to reduce emissions by 68% by 2030.
“Today, we moved in the House and the Senate to compel the Prime Minister to outline whether he will be attending, and table any documents he’s received from the event organisers. The government gagged us in the House and Labor voted with the Liberals in the Senate.
“This is embarrassing. Everyone else is going to the party this weekend, Scott Morrison may have failed to score an invite, and instead of admitting it, it seems he’s misleading parliament.
“We need the Prime Minister to fess up: are you speaking at the summit not?”
Recycling industry at a loss as Government celebrates its own win
The Government’s Recycling and Waste Reduction Bill 2020 has today been passed un-amended by the Senate, despite staunch support for substantial amendments from the recycling industry, local governments and NGO’s.
Senator Whish-Wilson said, “It beggars belief that we could have once-in-a-generation legislation before us that doesn’t include any measures on reducing single-use plastics or meeting plastic packaging recycling targets.
“This legislation has been called the “recycling and waste reduction bill” but, ironically, it includes no direct measures to reduce plastic packaging waste or give the recycling industry the policy certainty it needs to upgrade and invest our way out of this waste crisis.
“Greens amendments would have done exactly this but they have been rejected by the Senate.
“This will come as a shock and surprise to so many Australians who have been following this debate, hoping for change, expecting that such simple measures would be a no-brainer for our Federal Parliament.
“The PM clearly hasn’t lived up to his promise to the UN last year that he would show global leadership on tackling marine plastic pollution and the waste crisis in Australia.
“The Greens will hold the PM and this government to account and will make this an election issue.
“The community and industry stakeholders want action, not spin.
“The recycling industry has made it clear they want federal laws to make the circular economy work, to create jobs and boost investment – but they didn’t get this from today’s legislation.
“The Greens have the support of Labor who voted for mandatory packaging targets and backed in the recycling industry.
“The plastics crisis can be found in the ice cores of Antarctica, in deep sea trenches and mountain peaks, right through our food chain and in our atmosphere.”
Regional Tech Hub improving digital literacy for rural Australians
Australians in regional, rural and remote areas now have access to advice and assistance on telecommunications issues, thanks to the Regional Tech Hub launched today by Regional Communications Minister, Mark Coulton MP.
Minister Coulton said the Regional Tech Hub will help rural Australians understand the telecommunications options available to them, decide which option best suits their needs, and resolve problems they experience with their phone and internet connections.
Also attending the launch today at Parliament House were National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) President, Fiona Simson and Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) CEO, Teresa Corbin.
The NFF was selected to develop and run the Hub following a tender process earlier this year. The NFF is working closely with ACCAN to ensure the information provided through the Hub is practical, relevant and easily accessible.
“The Regional Tech Hub delivers on the Government’s commitment to help improve the digital literacy of Australians in regional, rural and remote areas by providing a one-stop source of independent, practical advice,” Minister Coulton said.
“The Federal Coalition is committed to improving digital connectivity and access to the internet for all Australians, and the Regional Tech Hub is an important part of our approach to ensuring people understand all the options available to them, from mobile networks to the NBN Sky Muster Plus.”
NFF President Fiona Simson said the Hub includes an easy-to-use online portal, an enquiry Hotline staffed by tech support experts located in regional Australia, and dedicated social media platforms.
“The Tech Hub builds on the outstanding work pioneered by the volunteer organisation Better Internet for Rural, Regional and Remote Australia,” Ms Simson said.
The Regional Tech Hub has been funded as part of the Government’s $220 million Stronger Regional Digital Connectivity Program, which was announced in March 2019 in response to the recommendations of the 2018 Regional Telecommunications Review.
The NFF has been contracted to deliver the Tech Hub for an initial 12 months with an option for a further two year extension.
Australians rural areas needing practical advice on their telecommunications options and issues can visit the Regional Tech Hub website at regionaltechhub.org.au or contact the Hub’s hotline on 1300 081 029.
Extending the human biosecurity emergency period by three months
The human biosecurity emergency period under the Biosecurity Act 2015 is set to be extended by an additional three months.
The human biosecurity emergency declaration ensures the Government has the powers to take any necessary measures to prevent and control COVID-19, and protect the health of all Australians. These powers have been used on a limited basis following expert medical advice.
The emergency period, which has been in place since 18 March 2020, is now set to cease on 17 March 2021.
The recommendation from Government to the Governor General to extend the emergency period was informed by specialist medical and epidemiological advice provided by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) and Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer.
The AHPPC has advised the international COVID-19 situation continues to pose an unacceptable public health risk. The extension of the emergency period for a further three months is an appropriate response to that risk.
The proposed extension will be considered and formalised by the Governor General this week.
The existing restrictions that sit under this emergency declaration would remain in place to minimise the risk of introducing and spreading COVID-19 in our community. These include:
- Limitations on the movement of cruise vessels.
- Limitations on outbound international travel.
- Restrictions on the operation of retail stores at international airports.
These restrictions are reviewed regularly and take into account the latest expert medical advice. They can be amended or removed at any time based on the expert medical advice.
The Australian Government is working closely with state and territory agencies and the cruise industry, to develop a framework for the staged resumption of cruise ships in a manner that is proportionate to the public health risk.
Community sets vision to enhance Carrington’s greenspaces
A strategy to improve the amenity and recreation opportunities for the community in Carrington will be considered at tonight’s Ordinary Council Meeting.
The Carrington Greenspace Masterplan examines existing land and park facilities exploring how the greenspaces can best be managed to meet recreation, sporting, community needs and environmental outcomes in both the short and long term.
City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the community’s feedback has been integral to shaping the vision of Carrington’s green spaces.
“With its long and rich cultural heritage and unique industrial history linked to its role as a working port, the suburb of Carrington is one of Newcastle’s most desirable city neighbourhoods.
“The vision for Carrington greenspaces has been driven by the community and stakeholders and represents the aspirations of the people to see Carrington be the best it can be.
“The plan is a guiding document to shape a connected open space network, whilst building upon the unique character of Carrington.
“To develop the plan, we engaged with Carrington residents, collecting ideas through workshops, drop in sessions, surveys and conversations.
“People told us that more canopy trees in parks and streets, verge gardens, more connected pathways and improved streetlighting will improve how they enjoy their neighbourhood.
“Carrington has undergone significant economic and urban transformation yet despite these changes, it has retained its unique personality and its generous and distinctive open spaces.
“We want to ensure we provide innovative, active and passive spaces for all members of the community to enjoy.
“An important part of the Plan is to also showcase Worimi and Awabakal stories in places of importance and recommends consulting further with the community to identify a site for a cultural meeting place for social gatherings, storytelling and education.
“While some actions identify further community engagement being required, and will need a collaborative funding approach, having a masterplan that is built upon the needs and priorities of the community will assist in securing funding to deliver specific initiatives in the future.”
City Taskforce Update 4 December
The City Taskforce, a collaboration of 17 leading organisations and employers, chaired by Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes of the City of Newcastle, held its ninth and final meeting today, face-to-face at City of Newcastle’s City Administration Centre in Newcastle West. The Taskforce was formed as part of the City’s immediate response to the COVID-19 crisis, to chart the City’s path to community and economic recovery. City leaders focused their discussion on the Taskforce’s achievements and outcomes over the past eight months, including proactive, united leadership and cross-sector collaboration, tangible local solutions, and joint advocacy for those hardest impacted by the pandemic. As was custom at City Taskforce meetings, leaders received an economic briefing from the Hunter Research Foundation Centre, as well as presentations by two of the successful grant recipients under the City of Newcastle’s Industry Response Program.
Hunter economic outlook steady
Between September and October, the Hunter labour market remained steady, complemented by the addition of 54,000 jobs state-wide since August. However, the labour market is down 11.5% year-on-year from October 2019 to October 2020, demonstrating the staggering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Hunter youth unemployment rate, which sits at 22.3%, highlights the disproportionate impacts on young people. Household spending and consumer confidence has improved, with the GDP rebounding from a 7% drop in the June quarter to a 3.3% rise in the September quarter.
Economic Development Strategy update
The Taskforce received an update on engagement for the City of Newcastle’s Economic Development Strategy, the draft of which will be presented to Council in February 2021. The Strategy will play a critical role in guiding the city’s COVID-19 economic recovery, with an emphasis on skills development and talent attraction and retention to the region. Young people have provided an important voice in the conversation, with the City partnering with TAFE NSW Newcastle, Hunternet and Hunter Young Professionals to directly engage with young people and facilitate discussion through workshops.
Industry Response Program: Hometown Holiday and Multi-Arts Activation
City leaders heard of the positive outcomes of the City of Newcastle’s Industry Response Program for two grant recipients: Hometown Holiday and Multi-Arts Activation.
Hometown Holiday, a joint initiative of the University of Newcastle and City of Newcastle, launched in mid-November. The project incentivises Newcastle residents to holiday here and to engage with the city as a tourism destination, exploring local experiences and products and injecting much-needed cash to the local economy. As a result, 2,455 competition entries to win one of 100, $500 vouchers redeemable at more than 70 participating businesses were received within the first two weeks.
The Multi-Arts Activation, led by Hunter Writers Centre, identified early that the arts and culture sector was one of the hardest hit by the pandemic, particularly vulnerable communities such as Indigenous and LGBTQI people. The project is spearheading the activation of the cottages atop Nobbys Headland, in collaboration with Local and State Government, to create spaces to engage the city’s artists, makers and creators and welcome members of the public to support the visitor economy.
Key achievements of the City Taskforce
The Taskforce’s final meeting offered an opportunity for leaders to reflect on the successes and achievements of the landmark collaboration, including:
Hunter economic outlook steady
Between September and October, the Hunter labour market remained steady, complemented by the addition of 54,000 jobs state-wide since August. However, the labour market is down 11.5% year-on-year from October 2019 to October 2020, demonstrating the staggering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Hunter youth unemployment rate, which sits at 22.3%, highlights the disproportionate impacts on young people. Household spending and consumer confidence has improved, with the GDP rebounding from a 7% drop in the June quarter to a 3.3% rise in the September quarter.
Economic Development Strategy update
The Taskforce received an update on engagement for the City of Newcastle’s Economic Development Strategy, the draft of which will be presented to Council in February 2021. The Strategy will play a critical role in guiding the city’s COVID-19 economic recovery, with an emphasis on skills development and talent attraction and retention to the region. Young people have provided an important voice in the conversation, with the City partnering with TAFE NSW Newcastle, Hunternet and Hunter Young Professionals to directly engage with young people and facilitate discussion through workshops.
Industry Response Program: Hometown Holiday and Multi-Arts Activation
City leaders heard of the positive outcomes of the City of Newcastle’s Industry Response Program for two grant recipients: Hometown Holiday and Multi-Arts Activation.
Hometown Holiday, a joint initiative of the University of Newcastle and City of Newcastle, launched in mid-November. The project incentivises Newcastle residents to holiday here and to engage with the city as a tourism destination, exploring local experiences and products and injecting much-needed cash to the local economy. As a result, 2,455 competition entries to win one of 100, $500 vouchers redeemable at more than 70 participating businesses were received within the first two weeks.
The Multi-Arts Activation, led by Hunter Writers Centre, identified early that the arts and culture sector was one of the hardest hit by the pandemic, particularly vulnerable communities such as Indigenous and LGBTQI people. The project is spearheading the activation of the cottages atop Nobbys Headland, in collaboration with Local and State Government, to create spaces to engage the city’s artists, makers and creators and welcome members of the public to support the visitor economy.
Key achievements of the City Taskforce
The Taskforce’s final meeting offered an opportunity for leaders to reflect on the successes and achievements of the landmark collaboration, including:
- Advocacy – Five Newcastle Responses were developed and co-signed by City Taskforce members and presented to key State and Federal Government representatives, with more than 30 responses and engagements received in reply. At the second Taskforce meeting, members unanimously endorsed regional infrastructure priorities for the Hunter, which went on to form the basis of further policy advocacy.
- Direct Industry Response – City of Newcastle distributed $500,000 in Industry Response Program grants, targeted at the hardest-hit industries and population groups, supporting city-shaping projects in tourism, the arts, live music and small business. The grants were five times oversubscribed, illustrating the local demand and willingness of the Newcastle community to collaborate. Some organisations also received alternate funding through the Special Business Rates program.
- Youth Employment Charter – City Taskforce organisations, and others from across the city, signed the Greater Newcastle Youth Employment Charter, pledging to support and prioritise young people’s skills development and career progression.
- City Engagement – More than 70 organisations and their leaders directly contributed to the City’s COVID-19 response through a range of forums held to inform the City Taskforce’s work streams. Hundreds more were indirectly engaged through communications from member organisations, such as the Hunter Business Chamber and Hunternet.
- New Approach to Collaboration – The City Taskforce demonstrated a new action-orientated approach to collaboration. This provides a framework for future collaboration.
- Newcastle’s City Taskforce model was replicated in various forms in Geelong and Ipswich.
City Taskforce Evaluation
An evaluation of the City Taskforce, conducted by the Hunter Research Foundation, produced positive feedback overall from city leaders, who were supportive of the joint advocacy and strategic alignment the Taskforce enabled. Many praised the City of Newcastle for being among the first movers in Local Government across the country to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Strengths identified included proactive, united leadership and cross-sector collaboration, tangible local solutions, and a vehicle for advocacy. Weaknesses included differences in communication style and mixed views about short and long-term goals. This is consistent with the Taskforce framework, the goal of which is to tackle specific, time critical and often complex issues.
Less formal, spin-off collaboration outside of City Taskforce meetings was and continues to produce meaningful, organic action and preserve collegiality, which will form part of the Taskforce’s legacy.
Handover to the City of Newcastle’s Strategy and Innovation Committee
Established with a sunset clause, the City Taskforce dissolved at the conclusion of the meeting, having successfully navigated for the City the immediate economic crisis imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and providing a platform for further, ongoing collaboration. Chair of the City’s standing Strategy and Innovation Committee, Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Declan Clausen, joined the meeting for the official handover of the Taskforce’s work streams, which will be integrated with the committee to continue collaborative action.
Acknowledgement of contribution to City Taskforce
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes thanked each member and organisation for their contribution and representation on the City Taskforce, recognising the collaboration and unified approach that has resulted in strong advocacy and immediate action for those most disadvantaged both economically and socially, noting the strength of City of Newcastle’s officers in supporting the work streams of the taskforce.
Find out more about the City Taskforce – Industry Representation.
City of Newcastle honours new inductee to Ambassador Program with a Key to the City
Veteran art director and curator Nick Mitzevich was bestowed a Key to the City of Newcastle by Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes during an intimate ceremony yesterday at Newcastle Art Gallery.
The Director of the National Gallery of Australia, Mr Mitzevich began his career in Newcastle, studying a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art at the University of Newcastle and gaining Graduate Diplomas in Education and Fine Art, serving as the Director of Newcastle Art Gallery for six years.
During his tenure, Mr Mitzevich brought community engagement, programming, marketing and collection development – particularly contemporary Australian art – to the fore, boldly transforming the Gallery in these areas.
Today, he remains a passionate advocate and supporter of the proposed $35.6 million Newcastle Art Gallery Expansion to key decisionmakers and governing bodies in Canberra, touting Newcastle as a creative arts hub that fosters creativity and produces world-class talent.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes commended Mr Mitzevich for his service to the arts and presented him with a Key to the City in front of esteemed friends, family and colleagues.
“The Key to the City is a significant honour under the City of Newcastle Ambassador Program, which recognises the efforts of Novocastrians, both residing in our City and in other parts of Australia and the world, in promoting our City,” Cr Nelmes said.
“While Mr Mitzevich’s impressive career has taken him to Queensland, South Australia and most recently the ACT, it is clear from his advocacy for Newcastle Art Gallery and the region as a whole that Newcastle has remained close to his heart, and we look forward to working with Mr Mitzevich as an ambassador for the City.”
Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton wholeheartedly endorsed Mr Mitzevich’s induction to the Ambassador Program.
“It is wonderful to see my professional colleague and dear friend Nick Mitzevich, former Director of our beautiful Gallery and now the Director of the National Gallery of Australia, receive this prestigious award,” Ms Morton said.
“Nick continues to be a proud advocate and supporter of Newcastle’s much-loved Art Gallery and it is a pleasure to be hosting his Ambassadorship ceremony here.”
Chair of the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation, Suzie Galwey, said the Foundation was pleased to submit Mr Mitzevich’s worthy nomination to the City of Newcastle Award Panel.
“Advancing Newcastle Art Gallery, its collection and its exhibitions, is at the core of everything we do at the Foundation. The Board is pleased to formally recognise Mr Mitzevich’s ongoing contributions to our mission, and we were delighted to be able to nominate him for the Ambassador Program,” Ms Galwey said.
“The Foundation shares the City’s ambition to further the Gallery’s reputation as a world-class cultural institution, and we look forward to continuing our relationship with Mr Mitzevich for the benefit of the Gallery and the City.”
Upon receiving the Key to the City, Mr Mitzevich thanked the City of Newcastle and acknowledged his role as a former Novocastrian in proudly promoting the City.
“It is an honour and a privilege to receive a Key to the City of Newcastle, my hometown which represents a significant chapter in my life and my career,” Mr Mitzevich said.
“In upholding the values of the Ambassador Program as the City’s newest inductee, this award reaffirms my continued commitment to the City of Newcastle and its rich arts scene.”
Mr Mitzevich is the eighth individual or organisation to receive a Key to the City of Newcastle since the program’s inception in 2017, joining the ranks with Naval Officer Anita Sellick, former University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Caroline McMillen, Breast Cancer Trials, Newcastle Eye Hospital Foundation, The Honourable Michael Kirby AC CMG, Youth With a Mission medical vessel The Ruach, and businesswoman and media personality Jackie Gillies.
NSW GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO HELP STOP IMAGE-BASED ABUSE
A new social media campaign from the NSW Government and eSafety is cracking down on image-based abuse by providing advice and support to people who have had intimate digital content shared without their consent.
Reports of image-based abuse to eSafety increased by 172 per cent between March and September this year when compared to the same period in 2019.
Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said women aged 18 to 24 are among those most at risk, but warned it can happen to anyone regardless of age, sexual orientation, race, religion or socio-economic status.
“Sharing an intimate image or video of someone without their clear consent is never ok. We want people to know exactly what to do if they fall victim to this appalling act,” Mrs Taylor said.
“This campaign highlights everything you need to know about image-based abuse, from reporting an offence to accessing counselling and having images or videos removed from social media and search engines.”
Attorney General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Mark Speakman welcomed the campaign and said image-based abuse took many forms.
“This abuse also includes threats to share intimate images or videos and digitally altering material to appear sexual or nude,” Mr Speakman said.
“Recent Government reforms aim to address this abuse too, with courts now able to order an offender to remove, retract, delete or destroy an intimate image when found guilty of threatening to distribute it without consent to give traumatised victims some peace of mind.”
The eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said it will take a community effort to stop this behaviour.
“Parents, carers, friends, partners or siblings – we can all create positive change to stop image-based abuse by calling out anyone misusing intimate content,” Ms Inman Grant said.
At the age of 18, Noelle Martin discovered that pictures of her had been stolen and digitally edited into explicit content. She said that raising awareness is important to help stop this kind of exploitation.
“To those who may be experiencing image-based abuse – please know you are not alone and there is help and support available. Please know that it does not have to define you and you can get through it,” Ms Martin said.
Anyone experiencing abuse can report it to esafety.gov.au/report or call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) for 24/7 support and referrals.
NEW FUNDING TO CREATE MENTALLY FIT WORKPLACES
The NSW Government has announced 11 organisations will collectively receive more than $500,000 in grants for innovative ideas to help workplaces reduce the impact of mental health issues and to aid recovery.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the Recovery Boost program, administered by the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA), provides up to $50,000 in funding for projects that promote seeking assistance early, supporting an individual’s recovery and reducing stigma around mental health.
“Workplaces play a pivotal role at the coal face in promoting mental fitness and these grants will empower them to provide staff with help and support when needed,” Mr Dominello said.
“I congratulate the successful recipients who have proven their commitment to the mental health recovery journey.”
Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the grants would support employers to create and maintain an environment that promotes and encourages good mental health.
“Everyone in a workplace can contribute to a culture where people feel safe and supported to talk about mental health and these grants will help the recipients embed tailored support for individuals and teams,” Mrs Taylor said.