On behalf of the NSW Liberals, I welcome the election of Paul Toole as leader of the NSW Nationals and as Deputy Premier, and Bronnie Taylor as the party’s deputy leader.
In electing Paul Toole to lead their party, the NSW Nationals have sent a strong signal that the NSW Liberals and Nationals will continue to build a better future for the bush with energy and optimism.
As a loyal deputy in the NSW Nationals to departing Deputy Premier John Barilaro, Paul knows what it takes to lead, and I want to again thank John for his service to the people of NSW.
Paul is a fighter and a pragmatist who has a strong track-record of delivering for regional and rural NSW, most recently as the Minister for Regional Transport and Roads.
He has been a strong voice within the Government and has stood up for regional farming communities in times of drought, flood and fire, and is a staunch advocate for investing in new opportunities for people in the bush.
I have worked closely together for many years with Paul, and I know he will bring a steady hand to our efforts to get NSW safely back open and on the path to recovery.
Bronnie Taylor has been a powerhouse and worked tirelessly as Minister for Mental Health at a critical time, ensuring vital support is there for people who need it in the aftermath of drought, bushfires and the pandemic.
In Bronnie the NSW Nationals have elected the first female deputy leader of the party in more than 100 years, and she will continue to be a voice for progress within the Government.
As we emerge from the pandemic, we have an unprecedented opportunity to strengthen our regions and make them even more attractive places to live, work, run a business and raise a family.
I look forward to working with Paul and Bronnie to lead a strong and united Liberals and Nationals Government with the energy and experience our state needs to come through this challenge stronger on the other side.
Month: October 2021
The Greens support WA Labor’s motion to raise the age
The West Australian Labor party has passed a motion to raise the age of legal responsibility to 14 at their State conference. The Greens spokesperson for Justice and First Nations: Gunnai, Gunditjmara and DjabWurrung Senator Lidia Thorpe has called it, “A step in the right direction.”
“It’s good to see WA Labor listening to the evidence from the Australian Medical Association, the United Nations Human Rights Council and adopting the Greens policy. Children belong in classrooms and playgrounds, not in handcuffs, courtrooms or prison cells.
“The justice system doesn’t work for us, it works against us. It has done this for over 240 years. We need to provide cultural preventative pathways for our young people. Community-run services have proven to be more effective at prevention and building strong and healthy communities.”
In a national first, the Greens secured a commitment to raise the age of legal responsibility in the Australian Capital Territory in August last year, while the Victorian and Queensland Greens have introduced bills to raise the age in their respective state parliaments.
“We can do this, we have to continue to apply the pressure on state and territory governments to do the right thing and get our kids out of the courts or prisons and back into community.” Said Thorpe.
Quotes attributable to the Greens Senator for Western Australia, Yamatji-Noongar woman Dorinda Cox:
“This is a significant human rights issue; and it is pleasing to see WA Labor listening to the 70 organisations who have been calling for this change but we now need to see that policy translated from the Party to the Parliament.
“Ten years of age is when a child is still learning, so we must be preventing them from entering the justice system in the first place and diverting them to on country programs designed and delivered by First Nations people in their own communities.
“Every parent with a child under 10 understands how very vulnerable they are and if they are set on the right path of education, their way of living and their understanding of their world. We can start work early with other parts of the system to build positive, contributing adults later on.
“Social reinvestment in the community is the solution to youth justice. The system now is not a restorative justice process, that is not driven by trauma informed practice, or the social issues that is driving justice.
“We need alternatives to prison, detention is not the only solution. From a system level we need a legislative policy reform and we need to be innovative in the way we work with First Nations communities and the capacity they have to work with young people.” Said Cox.
Greens to force debate on National Integrity Commission Bill
In the wake of the NSW ICAC investigating former Premier Gladys Berejiklian, the Greens will move a concurrence motion in the next parliamentary sitting week to force the House to debate the Greens’ National Integrity Commission Bill, which the PM has refused to bring on despite the Senate passing it more than two years ago.
Greens deputy leader and spokesperson on democracy Senator Larissa Waters said:
“The NSW ICAC has seen a Premier appropriately stand down so an investigation can be completed, but there is still no federal equivalent body, despite more than half the Morrison Cabinet having been the subject of integrity scandals.
“The Australian public know that corruption and lack of integrity are rife at the federal level, and they know the Government’s long overdue proposal is deliberately weak.
“Under the Morrison proposal many of the misconduct scandals involving current and former Government MPs would not be caught.
“It wouldn’t hold public hearings nor be able to initiate investigations without a referral from the government – a toothless watchdog by design.
“The PM’s comments this morning that the NSW ICAC assumes guilt before an investigation are patently wrong and are designed to justify his pathetically weak proposal for a toothless body that wouldn’t have applied to or stopped many of the scandals we’ve seen plaguing his government.
“By contrast, the Greens’ bill to establish a strong, independent, effective National Integrity Commission allows for public hearings, retrospectivity and the ability to investigate anonymous tip-offs, balanced with appropriate safeguards and privacy provisions.
“It passed the Senate more than two years ago – the PM just needs to bring it on for debate in the House and the Australian people could have a federal anti-corruption body in place by Christmas.
“When parliament resumes, the Greens will attempt to force the PM’s hand by moving a concurrence motion, compelling the government to bring on my National Integrity Commission Bill in the House of Representatives.
“The PM needs to listen to the Australian people and get this done.”
Environment Minister approves third coal project in a month and more environmental destruction
Greens Environment Spokesperson Senator Sarah Hanson-Young responded to the announcement the Federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley has approved another new coal project, the third in a month:
“Australia’s so-called Environment Minister is at it again, approving another coal mine that will destroy the environment, endanger wildlife and pollute the climate.
“Approving this coal mine a month out from the global climate summit in Glasgow shows a complete disregard by the Environment Minister for the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions.
“While the rest of the world is committing to strong targets to reduce pollution and plans to move away from fossil fuels, the Morrison Government is expanding coal in the middle of the climate crisis.
“Sussan Ley also continues to show she has zero ambition to end Australia’s extinction crisis and protect our wildlife from mines, developments and pollution.
“The Minister has approved the destruction of the habitat of endangered regent honeyeaters and vulnerable grey-headed flying fox that call the site of this mine home.
“Sussan Ley is failing as a Minister for the Environment and our environment laws are letting her get away with it.
“The Samuel Review recommended immediate changes to offsets to ensure they do not contribute to environmental decline – yet the Minister has changed nothing and again approved another project with offsets.
“This madness of approving new coal mines and more land clearing must stop. Australia should be joining countries around the world and pledging a zero extinction target, together with a strong 2030 emissions reduction target.”
City of Newcastle welcomes its 500th citizen in 2021 online
City of Newcastle welcomed its largest number of new citizens yet via group virtual ceremonies on Tuesday, conferring Australian citizenship upon 190 people from 39 countries.
Following the success of earlier online ceremonies, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen presided over a further two ceremonies each via Zoom to allow our newest citizens to take the pledge of commitment whilst the Hunter Region is still under lockdown.
Despite changing COVID-19 restrictions impacting the traditional face-to-face ceremony format, the City has gained 500 citizens in 2021, significantly reducing the waitlist for the Newcastle Local Government Area.
Cr Nelmes said becoming an Australian citizen was not only an important ceremonious occasion, but a vital step towards exercising the democratic right to vote as well as apply for jobs and an Australian passport.
“The COVID-19 global pandemic has displaced many people in many different ways, be it through job losses or a reduction in work, illness, or separation from loved ones,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Adapting our face-to-face citizenship ceremonies to online was a simple measure City of Newcastle could take to provide practical support to our new citizens at this challenging time.”
Newcastle’s newest citizens hail from all corners of the globe, from Afghanistan and Iran to Sri Lanka and South Africa.
Among them was Steve Barretto who was born in England, raised in South Africa, and moved to Ireland when he was 19. Steve met his now wife Nadine from Newcastle in Belfast and relocated to Newcastle in 2008 to start a family.
“Newcastle is the best place in the world, without a doubt. I remember as a kid watching cricket and wondering what it would be like to live in Australia. I’m really happy it’s all official, I’ll be having a little lockdown celebration at home with my family tonight, with some beers I have in the fridge and a meat pie.”
The city proudly welcomes refugees and people of all cultural backgrounds, with 14 per cent of Novocastrians born overseas and more than 14,000 speaking another language at home.
In 2021, City of Newcastle has awarded Rapid Response Grants funding to Hunter Multicultural Communities to assemble welfare packs and produce a multilingual newsletter, as well as a combined $13,000 in Quick Response funding to STARTTS to assist in the organisation of the Unity and Diversity Festival, Afghan Community Festival, Congolese Community Festival, and Syrian Community Festival.
Dominic Perrottet media statement
I want to start by acknowledging the events of the last few days have been difficult for a lot of people – and I think we all understand why.
Unexpected change can bring uncertainty and sometimes that can feel unsettling.
But as hard as it may be, we all have a duty to keep going.
Today begins a new chapter in the story of NSW. One that we will all write together.
I am honoured that my colleagues have asked me to help write that chapter as Premier – and I thank them for the confidence that they have put in me.
The first thing I want to do is acknowledge and pay tribute to my predecessor Gladys Berejiklian, whose strong and steady leadership has seen us through so many challenges.
Everyone would agree that her hard work, tireless dedication and total commitment is second to none.
She’s been an inspiring role model for many – especially women and migrant communities and – that’s just one of the reasons why there’s been such an outpouring of support over the last few days.
It is my hope that I will continue to live up to the strong leadership Gladys has shown throughout this pandemic.
Secondly, I’d like to acknowledge and congratulate my Deputy, Stuart Ayres, who’s long been a fighter for Western Sydney – and that’s where the heart of this government will be.
Thirdly, to my wife Helen and our kids: without your love and support I simply would not be here today.
Being Premier is a great honour – but I want to be clear that the job I have committed to today is not just to lead NSW, but to serve the people of our State.
Today is not about us, sitting in Macquarie Street, it’s about the 8 million people who call our great State home.
For the past 18 months together we have been battling the storm that is COVID-19.
Some have lost their lives. Many have lost their livelihoods. So many sacrifices – big and small – have been made by so many for so long.
Not being able to leave our homes, not being able to go to work, not being able to see our loved ones.
Parents having to work and homeschool at the same time. Many have missed weddings, many have missed funerals, and the opportunity to say goodbye to their loved ones.
These sacrifices are never easy and we know they have taken a huge toll – physical, financial and psychological.
In our regional communities, this has also come on the back of droughts, floods and fires.
You don’t get to choose the times in which you live – and this is one of the most challenging times the people of our state have ever faced.
But NSW has never shied away from a challenge. And we’re rising to this one as well.
For long months, we have fought the good fight – helped by the quality of our health care, and our strong economic foundations that have kept people in jobs and business in business.
And now, while there are still more challenging days to come, there is light at the end of the tunnel – thanks to the way our community has responded.
We want NSW to bounce back, stronger, safer and more successful than ever before.
To get back to the life we love and the freedoms that we hold dear. As a former Treasurer, I know that a strong society needs a strong economy.
That’s why our first priority will be to continue the plan we have started – keeping people safe, opening up the economy and securing our recovery.
Up until now, all of our Liberal leaders have been infrastructure premiers – building roads, rail, schools and hospitals for communities right across our State.
That won’t change with me.
But I’ll also be a family premier – focusing on how we can make life better for working families – living the Liberal values of opportunity, aspiration and hard work.
The true strength of NSW is in its people. Our tradies, working mums and dads, small business owners, community groups, and frontline workers – our teachers, nurses, doctors, paramedics, firies and police.
Our state is a rich tapestry with a rich heritage – from our proud First Nations people, to those who have come here from every corner of the globe.
No matter who you are, where you’ve come from or what you believe, it is the greatest privilege of my life to represent and serve all of you.
I know how big the challenge ahead is – but I love NSW – and that is the passion that will fuel me and my team.
A stable, united government is vital to getting on with the work we have begun, so there will be no cabinet reshuffle until we are through this challenge.
Our team will bring the energy and the experience to get our safely open state, and then take it to the next level.
We live in the best State in the best country in the world, and together, we will make it even better.
Dominic Perrottet
Premier of New South Wales
Statement from the NSW Liberal Party President, the Hon Philip Ruddock AO
The NSW Liberal Party Room has today elected the Hon Dominic Perrottet MP as the Party leader, and the Hon Stuart Ayres MP as the Deputy.
On behalf of all Party Members, I would like to congratulate Dominic and Stuart, and wish them the very best for the challenges ahead, as our state begins its difficult journey out of the COVID pandemic.
Dominic will be building on the outstanding work of his Liberal predecessors, including the amazing work of the Hon Gladys Berejiklian protecting lives and livelihoods from the devastation of the global pandemic.
Dominic and Stuart are both exceptional Members of Parliament and longstanding Members of the Liberal Party. Like Gladys, Dominic was heavily involved in the Party since a young age, and had served as the Young Liberal President and on the NSW State Executive.
Dominic grew up in West Pennant Hills, with his 11 siblings, and worked to support himself through the University of Sydney; graduating with degrees in commerce and law, and going on to work as a commercial lawyer.
He is also the founder and co-ordinator of the Hills St Vincent De Paul Young Adults Program and the Castle Hill Leadership Programme. Dominic and his wife Helen are raising their six kids in Beecroft, juggling the demands of work and busy family life – from school drop-offs and pickups, to kids’ sport and dancing recitals.
The Perrottet Government has a testing road ahead to get NSW back on the path to recovery, and to make sure that our state remains the best place anywhere in the world to live, work, and raise a family. And the Perrottet team is ready for that task.
With Stuart Ayres as Dominic’s very capable deputy, the Perrottet Government will have a very strong voice representing our fastest growing region – Western Sydney – at the top of the NSW Government.
I would also like to again thank the Hon Gladys Berejiklian for her service and dedication to our Party, our community and the state of NSW, over her decades of service.
State President
The Hon Philip Ruddock AO
Woman dies following crash – Tea Gardens
An investigation is underway after a woman died in a two-vehicle crash on the state’s Mid North Coast today.
Just before 11.30am (Monday 4 October 2021), emergency services were called to Pindimar Road near Myall Way, Tea Gardens, after reports a Subaru Forrester and a Nissan Dualis had collided.
Police have been told a woman stopped her Nissan Dualis on the shoulder of Pindimar Road, when it was struck by a Subaru Forrester.
Emergency services attended; however, the 64-year-old woman died at the scene. She is yet to be formally identified.
The Subaru driver, a 46-year-old man, was freed after being trapped and airlifted to John Hunter Hospital in a serious condition.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District established a crime scene which has been examined by specialist police from the Crash Investigation Unit.
As the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash is ongoing, anyone who may have dashcam footage or CCTV is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
A report will be prepared for the Coroner.
Woman charged after teenage girl allegedly detained and assaulted in Sydney's west
Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad detectives have charged a woman after a teenage girl was allegedly detained and assaulted in Sydney’s west earlier this year.
In July 2021, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad established Strike Force Tumbridge to investigate reports a 14-year-old girl had been detained, assaulted and supplied drugs by a man and woman known to her.
Following extensive inquiries, a 24-year-old woman was arrested at Berkshire Park about 9.30am on Sunday (3 October 2021).
She was taken to Penrith Police Station and charged with kidnap in company with intent serious indictable offence occasion actual bodily harm, supply prohibited drug, steal from person, intimidation and damage property by fire with intent to injure.
Police will allege in court that the woman drove the girl to a hotel in Parramatta, where she was supplied methylamphetamine (ice) and gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB).
It will be further alleged that the girl was then taken to a unit in Greenacre, where she was sexually and physically assaulted.
The woman appeared at Parramatta Bail Court the same day, where she was formally refused bail to reappear at Bankstown Local Court today (Tuesday 5 October 2021).
Investigations under Strike Force Tumbridge are continuing, and further arrests are expected.
The Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad is comprised of detectives who are specially trained to investigate matters against children and adults, including sexual assault, serious physical abuse, and extreme cases of neglect.
Anyone with concerns about suspected child abuse or exploitation should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. People should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.
Man dies after car hits tree – Hunter region
A man has died following a single-vehicle crash in the Hunter this morning.
Shortly before 8.30am (Tuesday 5 October 2021), emergency services were called to George Booth Drive at Buchanan, following reports a vehicle had left the road and hit a tree.
Upon arrival, police located the body of the driver – a man believed to be aged in his 40s – however, he is yet to be formally identified.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District established a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
George Booth Drive remains closed in both directions between John Renshaw Drive and Richmond Vale Road, local diversions are in place. Drivers are urged to expect delays.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.