2021 has provided watershed moments for social media platforms and its influence on our lives. From the de-platforming of Donald Trump, to Facebook stripping access to news on its platforms in response to the Australian Governments Media Bargaining Code legislation. Australians have been confronted with the power of Big Tech and its influence on our lives.
The Parliamentary Friends of Making Social Media Safe has been established to spark conversation on the need for greater regulation of the online space, and establishing frameworks governing online speech and conduct.
Co-Chairs, Federal Member for Mallee, Anne Webster and Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon, were excited to see the launch of the Parliamentary Friends group, and thanked Reset Australia for their support for the event.
Anne Webster, said that “thanks to the social media platforms, we have arrived at a new reality of ‘glocalisation’, where the local has merged with the global through online portals.”
“We have become increasingly reliant on Big Tech companies and their services, and governments around the world have not kept pace with these transformations and their consequences.”
“The problem we face now is that Big Tech companies are themselves responsible for determining their own limitations. They are acting as the moral arbiters of our society, which I argue, is the role of a representative government, not a technology company.
“It is deeply concerning that many thousands of people who are attacked online, and endure bullying and defamation lack the means to clear their name or protect their family.” Dr Webster said.
Sharon Claydon said “These platforms have made it much easier for individuals to be defamed and their reputations sullied; for vulnerable people to be bullied, harassed and exploited; and for coercive control to be utilised to instil fear in women.”
“It has also created the conditions for entire communities to be maligned, victimised or persecuted; for the amplification of hate speech from far-right extremist groups; and for the glorification and incitement of violence.”
“We can no longer ignore the very real threats that social media poses. Parliament now has an urgent responsibility to ensure that there is adequate protection for our people, our communities and, indeed, the very fabric of our democracy.” Ms Claydon said.
Todays launch included special guests the Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack, Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Shadow Minister for Communication Michelle Rowland, Chris Cooper, Executive Director, Reset Australia, Mr Damian Collins MP, member of the UK parliament, and Ms Julie Inman Grant, eSafety commissioner.
Month: February 2021
Charges laid following investigation into extortion of Iraqi government official
Two people have been charged after NSW Police and Canadian law enforcement authorities dismantled a criminal group allegedly attempting to extort a member of Iraqi Parliament through a series of attacks on his family’s home in Sydney’s south west.
Strike Force Mulach was established by the Robbery and Serious Crime Squad to investigate multiple violent incidents that occurred at a home at Chester Hill between December 2019 and January this year, which are believed to be targeted.
The alleged incidents include –
• About 1.15am on Thursday 5 December 2019, four masked people – including one armed with a firearm – forced entry to the home on Campbell Hill Road, Chester Hill, and assaulted the 16-year-old male occupant, by striking him on the head with the firearm. The men stole a sum of cash before fleeing the scene.
• Just before 12.30am on Monday 10 August 2020, police were called to the same address at Chester Hill, following reports a shot had been fired at the home. Two adults, two teenagers and a child were home at the time, but no one was injured.
• About 2.40am on Friday 5 February 2021, a brick was used to smash the front window of the Chester Hill home.
• Just before 2.45am on Sunday 14 February 2021, unknown persons left a threatening note outside the home and lit a fire on the front porch, which damaged the stairs and a small section of the yard.
Throughout this time, the family received various demands for money and threats to their welfare via social media and letters left at their home.
As part of ongoing inquiries, strike force detectives linked the alleged online extortion attempts to an address in Canada before requesting assistance from Canadian authorities.
Following further investigation, two search warrants were executed at Blacktown and Seven Hills about 6am today (Wednesday 24 February 2021), during which investigators seized several electronic devices and items of clothing relevant to the investigation.
Two men – aged 24 and 22 – were arrested at Blacktown and Seven Hills respectively and taken to Blacktown Police Station, where they were both charged with:
- Demand property by force in company with intent to steal
- Destroy or damage property
- Damage property by fire/exp
- Participate criminal group contribute criminal activity
- Send etc document threatening death or grievous bodily harm
- Send etc document threatening death or grievous bodily harm
They were refused bail to appear at Blacktown Local Court tomorrow (Thursday 25 February 2021).
Inquiries under Strike Force Mulach are continuing.
Greens say Government needs to step up support for local mRNA facilities
The Greens say that the Government will miss out on opportunities to expand and diversify Australia’s vaccine portfolio if they don’t invest in public capacity to produce mRNA vaccines
“We cannot only rely on the AstraZeneca vaccine, we need to have a diverse portfolio to rapidly pivot to deal with new strains, including public facilities to produce supplies in Australia”, Greens spokesperson on Health Senator Rachel Siewert said.
“The Government should immediately invest in developing Australia’s capacity to locally manufacture vaccines and medicines that use mRNA technology. mRNA technology is likely to revolutionise vaccine and drug development and Australia could be at the forefront of this.
“We need a public health response that is publicly funded.
“In addition we need to ramp up CSL’s capacity to start locally producing Novavax at the same time as AstraZeneca given the promising Phase 3 Trial data, this will increase our vaccine diversity and ensure that we can vaccinate people in Australia and those in the regions.”
Greens say $25 a week is a cruel joke
Today is an extremely distressing day for the 1.5 million people on the JobSeeker and Youth Allowance payments who have now had confirmation that the Morrison Government has made the cruel decision to condemn them to poverty.
$44 a day is not enough to live on. This will mean people going without meals, without medication, without the funds to pay for heating or cooling.
This should not be happening in a country as wealthy as Australia.
This is an appalling slap in the face for all those people trying to survive on Jobseeker.
The Government chose to lift people out of poverty when the pandemic hit and now they are choosing to condemn people in our community to live on just $44 a day in the midst of a recession and a pandemic.
This is a cruel decision, not based on evidence about what is best to support people to find work nor what is best for the economy.
We will not stop campaigning until we have an increase that is over the poverty line.
Providers urged to apply for a share in record infrastructure funding
Aged care providers are being reminded applications for a share of funding in the Australian Government’s largest ever investment in residential aged care infrastructure will soon close.
Funding totalling $150 million is available to providers for capital grants and additional beds as the Morrison Government continues to strengthen the sector and ensure the wellbeing of older Australians.
Two thousand residential care places and 1028 short-term restorative care (STRC) places will be made available as part of the 2020 Aged Care Approvals Round.
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, said it was another step forward to help providers deliver quality residential services where it’s needed most.
“The Australian Government is absolutely committed to ensuring our senior Australians are provided with the best quality residential aged care possible,” Minister Colbeck said.
“That’s why we’re making the biggest investment in residential aged care infrastructure in Australia’s history.
“This investment will not only improve the quality of residential care services in areas across the country, it will also offer a boost to local economies through job creation in the aged care and construction sectors.”
The residential care places in this ACAR are targeted to providers that can commence delivering care within 18 months, Minister Colbeck said.
Priorities for the $150 million in grant funding include:
- Upgrades to create more spacious rooms, increase privacy and decrease the need for shared living quarters;
- A focus on dementia-friendly services aimed at allowing those diagnosed with dementia living in the bush to remain in their communities;
- Improved infection prevention and control measures, and
- Help for providers in financial stress to bring their allocations of residential care places online, including those impacted by bushfires and COVID-19.
Application forms, guidance materials and other resources can be found online.
All applications for the 2020 ACAR must be received electronically on or before 11:59pm (AEST) 18 March 2021.
Additional amendments to News Media And Digital Platforms Mandatory Bargaining Code
The Morrison Government will today introduce further amendments to the News Media and Digital Platforms Mandatory Bargaining Code.
These amendments will provide further clarity to digital platforms and news media businesses about the way the Code is intended to operate and strengthen the framework for ensuring news media businesses are fairly remunerated. These amendments will make it clear that:
- a decision to designate a platform under the Code must take into account whether a digital platform has made a significant contribution to the sustainability of the Australian news industry through reaching commercial agreements with news media businesses;
- a digital platform will be notified of the Government’s intention to designate prior to any final decision – noting that a final decision on whether or not to designate a digital platform would be made no sooner than one month from the date of notification;
- non-differentiation provisions will not be triggered because commercial agreements resulted in different remuneration amounts or commercial outcomes that arose in the course of usual business practices; and
- final offer arbitration is a last resort where commercial deals cannot be reached by requiring mediation, in good faith, to occur prior to arbitration for no longer than two months.
Importantly, the amendments will strengthen the hand of regional and small publishers in obtaining appropriate remuneration for the use of their content by the digital platforms.
The Explanatory Memorandum will confirm that the Code only applies to the extent a digital platform is making covered news content available through those services.
These amendments also add further impetus for parties to engage in commercial negotiations outside the Code – a central feature of the framework that the Government is putting in place to foster more sustainable public interest journalism in Australia.
The Government has been advised by Facebook that it intends to restore Australian news pages in the coming days.
Morrison Government commits record $9b to social security safety net
The Morrison Government is enhancing our social security safety net by increasing support for unemployed Australians while strengthening their obligations to search for work.
From March the Coalition Government will progressively introduce a series of permanent measures to ensure that job seekers have the best opportunity to secure employment as our nation continues to recover from the economic challenges of COVID-19.
These include:
- permanently increasing the rate of working-age payments by $50 a fortnight from 1 April 2021, benefiting 1.95 million Australians;
- permanently increasing the income-free earnings to $150 per fortnight for JobSeeker Payment and Youth Allowance (other) from 1 April 2021;
- temporarily extending the waiver of the Ordinary Waiting Period for certain payments for a further three months to 30 June 2021;
- temporarily extending the expanded eligibility criteria for JobSeeker Payment and Youth Allowance (other) for those required to self-isolate or care for others as a result of COVID-19 to 30 June 2021.
There will also be changes to the Mutual Obligation Scheme:
- job seekers will be required to search for a minimum of 15 jobs a month from early April, increasing to 20 jobs per month from 1 July;
- an employer reporting line will be established to refer Jobseekers who are not genuine about their job search or decline the offer of a job;
- some job seekers will be required to participate in work for the dole after six months;
- job seekers can choose to participate in an approved intensive short course instead of participating in work for the dole;
- job seekers return to compulsory face-to-face services with Jobactive providers;
- increased auditing of job applications to ensure job seekers are making genuine applications.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the plan for working age payments is fair and sustainable – for both unemployed people and taxpayers who fund the support.
“Welfare is a safety net, not a wage supplement. We want to get the balance right between providing support for people and incentives to work,” the Prime Minister said.
“The actions we have taken this year successfully cushioned us against the impact of the pandemic and mean that we no longer need to rely on the emergency supports which have sustained us over the past 12 months.”
“Now is the time to set our nation up for the future and build on our successes which will see Australians once again emerge stronger, safer and together.”.
The $9 billion commitment is the largest ever Budget measure for working age payments and is the single biggest year on year increase to the rate of unemployment benefits since 1986.
Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business Michaelia Cash said the changes to mutual obligations would provide better support for job seekers in their search for work.
“We know that most job seekers are doing the right thing and trying to find employment, however, a small minority are actively trying to game the system The new employer reporting line will be set up from April to help ensure those doing the wrong thing are identified,” Minister Cash said.
“Job seekers who have been unemployed for at least six months will also be required to participate in an activity, such as a short training course or Work for the Dole, in addition to their job search activities.
Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston said the Government has stood side-by-side all Australians during the pandemic and would continue to do so through permanent changes to strengthen our income support system.
“Since April 2020 our comprehensive payment system will help to deliver more than $33 billion in emergency income support payments including the Coronavirus Supplement and four economic support payments, the last of which will start flowing to our pensioners from next week,” Minister Ruston said.
“Our Government has always made sure that the rate of income support payments has kept pace with the cost living through twice yearly indexation but this announcement marks the first real increase in the rate of unemployment benefits in more than 25 years.
“What we’re announcing is significant but also sustainable because we must make sure our social security safety net is available into the future should our children fall in tough times”
For more information about the changes, visit https://www.dese.gov.au/covid-19/job-seekers
Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 23 February 2021
Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 23 February 2021. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.
Lord Mayoral Minutes
Inaugural New Annual Cultural Festival success
A Lord Mayoral Minute acknowledging the success of the City’s inaugural 10-day cultural festival New Annual held across the City between 12-21 February 2021, which attracted over 30,000 people, cementing Newcastle’s status as a hub of creativity and culture, was supported.
The minute acknowledged that more than 500 artists and 250 staff, crew and volunteers were involved in the delivery of New Annual and congratulated the local artists for embracing New Annual, and helping the City to create a world-class arts and cultural festival for Novocastrians and visitors.
City of Newcastle Local Government Remuneration Tribunal annual determination submission 2021
A Lord Mayoral Minute (LMM) was carried that noted that on 17 February 2021, correspondence from the NSW Government’s Local Government Renumeration Tribunal was received, calling for submissions by Friday, 19 March 2021 regarding its 2021 annual determination.
The Lord Mayoral Minute called for Council to make a submission to the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal, advocating for clarification regarding City of Newcastle’s status as either metropolitan or regional.
The LMM called for the creation of a new categorisation for City of Newcastle as a ‘Gateway City’ – recognising the immense importance of Greater Newcastle to the broader economy of New South Wales.
It also called for appropriate superannuation entitlements be paid to all Councillors and Mayors in New South Wales.
City of Newcastle Budget Submission 2021/22
A Lord Mayoral Minute noting that the NSW and Federal Governments are calling for submissions for their 2021-2022 Budgets, with an emphasis on shovel-ready, economic stimulus projects to assist in the recovery from the COVID-19 global pandemic, was supported.
The minute also called for acknowledgment that Newcastle-based projects identified on the Infrastructure Australia priority list be funded as a matter of priority, noting their significance for the national economic recovery.
Build Them Here – BusTech Electric bus technology
A Lord Mayoral Minute welcomed the NSW Government’s decision to designate Australian-based electric bus manufacturer BusTech Group as an official supplier, in support of its aim to decarbonise the NSW bus fleet by 2030. The NSW Government has committed to buying 120 new electric buses in 2021, and converting all 8,000 NSW Government buses to electric by 2030.
The minute noted Newcastle’s long history as a manufacturing hub, specialisation in advanced manufacturing, clean tech credentials in batteries and renewable energy, and traditional energy, and connection to the CSIRO Energy Centre and University of Newcastle, which has just become NSW’s hydrogen hub.
The Lord Mayoral Minute, which was supported, called for Council to write to BusTech, inviting them to meet to discuss their product, and opportunity to locate their NSW manufacturing facility in Greater Newcastle
Newcastle Art Gallery Redevelopment update
A Lord Mayoral Minute acknowledged that the current 44-year-old Newcastle Art Gallery is home to the most valuable collection of over 7,000 works of art in regional Australia, with a collection valued at $115 million, including works by Arthur Boyd, William Dobell, Donald Friend, Tracey Moffatt, Margaret Olley, John Olsen, Patricia Piccinini, Gwyn Hanssen Pigott and Brett Whitely to name but a few.
The carried LMM supports in principle the request to increase City of Newcastle’s contribution to $16.2 million and notes that this breakdown of figures sees an outstanding amount of $10 million required to realise the important project, which the City of Newcastle will request from the NSW and/or Federal Governments, while 75% of the project costs will be raised and funded by City of Newcastle, the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation and the Margaret Olley Art Trust.
Ordinary Business
Councillor representation on external committee – Newcastle Art Gallery foundation board
Councillors noted Councillor Dunn’s resignation from the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation Board and appointed Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Clausen as City of Newcastle’s representative and nominated Director on the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation Board until the day before the next local government election.
Nomination to list Newcastle Recreation Reserve (King Edward Park) on the state heritage register
Councillors moved to lay the item on the table to allow for a Public Voice session to be held.
Termination of outdated policies
Councillors voted to terminate outdated policies to ensure all City of Newcastle policies are current, relevant and accurately reflect the services and work of City of Newcastle.
Tabling of Register of Disclosures of Interest – 1 November 2020 – 31 January 2021
Councillors voted to table the Register of Disclosures of Interest (for the period 1 November 2020 to 31 January 2021) by the Chief Executive Officer.
Natural disaster clause – Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012
Councillors voted to confirm to the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment that the City wishes to have the natural disaster clause inserted into the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012.
Wood Street, Newcastle West – one-way traffic flow southbound and angle parking between Hunter Street and King Street
Councillors voted to approve the one-way southbound traffic direction, angle parking and raised pedestrian zebra crossing in Wood Street, Newcastle West between Hunter and Parry Street.
Adoption of Parking Plan
Councillors voted to adopt the Parking Plan – On Our Streets and noted that implementation will be staged over several years, in accordance with agreed priorities and resourcing.
Adoption of Cycling Plan
Councillors voted unanimously to adopt the Cycling Plan – On Our Bikes and noted that implementation will be staged over several years, in accordance with agreed priorities and resourcing.
Public exhibition of the draft Economic Development Strategy
Councillors voted unanimously to place the draft 2030 Economic Development Strategy on public exhibition for 28 days.
Public exhibition of the draft Grants Policy and Sponsorship Policy
Councillors voted to place the draft Community Grants Policy and draft Sponsorship Policy on public exhibition for 28 days.
Variations to development standard
Councillors received the report on approved development variations between 1 October 2020 and 31 December 2020 in accordance with the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s concurrence to vary development standards in the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012.
Liquor Amendment Bill 2020 update
Councillors received the report on implications for the delivery of the City of Newcastle’s Live Music and After Dark Strategies arising from the Liquor Amendment Act 2020.
December Quarterly Budget Review
Councillors received the December Quarterly Budget Review Statement and voted to adopt the revised budget.
Six-Monthly Performance Report on the 2018-2022 Delivery Program
Councillors received the Six-Monthly Performance Report on the 2018-2022 Delivery Program.
Executive Monthly Performance Report
Councillors received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for January 2021.
Audit and Risk Committee 2019/20 Annual Report
Councillors received the Audit and Risk Committee’s Annual Report for the 2019/2020 financial year and noted the 2020/2021 Forward Internal Audit Plan.
Tender report – geotechnical investigation and design panel contract – contract 2021/221t
Councillors voted to accept a tender panel for the provision of geotechnical investigation and design services for various projects throughout the Local Government Area.
Supply of rock bags for Stockton – contract no. 2021/060t
Councillors voted to approve an exemption to tender under Section 55(3)(k) of the Local Government Act 1993 due to the emergency circumstances at Stockton Beach in July 2020.
Notices of Motion
Permanently raise the rate
Councillors supported a Notice of Motion to call on the Prime Minister, Treasurer and the Commonwealth Parliament to permanently raise the rate of JobSeeker by between $185 per week and $275 per week.
Keeping the Newcastle Ocean Baths free
Councillors supported a Notice of Motion to reaffirm the current Council’s enduring commitment to maintaining the Newcastle Ocean Baths as a safe, free public facility, accessible to all Novocastrians regardless of socio-economic status, gender, age, mobility or background.
A Novocastrian in the White House
Councillors supported a motion to congratulate former New Castle County Councillor Joe Biden on his election to the office of President of the United States of America and noted that both Newcastle, Australia and New Castle, Delaware are part of the Newcastle’s of the World friendship network. Council will write to the United States’ representative in Australia, Chargé d’Affaires His Excellency Dr Michael Goldman, and Consul General to Sydney, Ms Sharon Hudson-Dean, expressing the City’s congratulations to the President and Vice President, and seek to maintain the strong relationship between the City of Newcastle and the United States.
Petroleum Exploration Permit (pep 11)
Councillors supported a notice of motion reiterating its previous opposition to any extension of Petroleum Exploration Permit 11 (PEP11), which expired on 12 February 2021, due to unacceptable environmental impacts, and negative economic impacts on the recreational and commercial fishing and tourism industries off the coast of Newcastle.
NEW BATEMANS BAY BRIDGE TO WELCOME TRAFFIC WITHIN WEEKS
The new Batemans Bay Bridge over the Clyde River will open to two lanes of traffic in late March, months ahead of schedule.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the early completion of the bridge was a win for the Batemans Bay community.
“Travelling to and accessing the beautiful South Coast is about to improve, providing an economic boost to our communities, and delivering a much-needed new link for the entire region,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Previously, the new bridge was expected to open by the middle of the year but the project has powered ahead despite the impacts of bushfires and COVID-19.
“The project has employed around 1,000 people so far and nearly half of them are local to this area.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole welcomed the early bridge opening saying it was another demonstration of the NSW Government’s commitment to safer and stronger regions that the work to complete the bridge was able to be accelerated ensuring it could open to traffic before the holidays.
“The benefits of the new bridge include fewer supports in the river, safer navigation and better connections in and around Batemans Bay for motorists, freight, river users, pedestrians and cyclists,” Mr Toole said.
“The two lanes on the western side of the $274 million project will be the first to open, operating initially with one lane in each direction.”
Member for Bega Andrew Constance said the project has created a safer and more efficient crossing over the Clyde River, particularly for emergency services.
“To be ahead of schedule and have the bridge open to traffic for the Easter school holidays is fantastic news for visitors and locals,” Mr Constance said.
“One of the real dividends of this bridge project is that the NSW Government’s Infrastructure Skills Legacy Program has provided improved opportunities for groups typically under-represented in construction. Around nine per cent of workers are female, 14 per cent are under 25 and more than 15 per cent are Aboriginal.”
Princes Highway northbound traffic will move onto the new bridge first, followed by southbound traffic a few hours later and the three metre pedestrian and cyclist path a few days after that.
Removal of the existing bridge will start within three days of the new bridge opening to two lanes of traffic.
Ramps and steps are continuing to be built to connect the bridge to the foreshore and the existing pedestrian network, and new fishing and viewing platforms will provide better amenity for recreational fishing and views of the area when the project is complete.
Old Punt Road will be widened and connected with Wharf Road under the bridge in the next stage of the project to improve access to the northern foreshore, and the Kings and Princes highway intersection upgrades will improve traffic flow.
The new bridge height allows uninterrupted access for boats requiring up to 12 metres height clearance at Mean High Water Spring.
For more information about the new Batemans Bay Bridge project, go to https://nswroads.work/batemansbaybridge.
TIME TO PUT AN END TO FRIENDLESS PEP11
Now that the New South Wales State Government has formally rejected the renewal of the PEP11 Petroleum Exploration Permit, the future of the project lies solely in the hands of the Morrison Government.
If renewed, PEP11 could see oil or gas rigs in the coastal waters between Port Stephens and Sydney.
Federal Labor stands on the side of coastal communities who have waged a strong community campaign against the permit.
This should be the end of the road for PEP11.
Oil and gas rigs have no place off the coast of New South Wales.
PEP11 offers no new jobs for locals and poses a threat to thousands of existing jobs in tourism, fishing and hospitality.
We call on the Federal Minister for Resources, Keith Pitt, to listen to his state government counterparts, the strong message of our communities and the local representatives from across the political spectrum who are united in their calls to stop PEP11 once and for all.
Not only does the PEP11 permit run alongside a stretch of coastline that is home to millions, but it is also is home to a rich ecosystem of sea life and host to the magnificent annual whale migration.
The community has rejected the project. Federal Labor and local elected representatives have rejected the project. Now the New South Wales Government has rejected the project.
It’s well past time for the Morrison Government to stop the uncertainty and put an end to PEP11 once and for all!