Month: October 2022

Appointment of Australian Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Consuls-General

Today I announce new appointments that strengthen Australia’s diplomatic capability and match people with the right qualifications and expertise to senior postings.

The Albanese Government is reversing the previous government’s approach and rebalancing appointments towards qualified senior officials, consistent with position requirements and community expectations.

In certain circumstances there is a clear advantage for Australia to be represented by people who have had distinguished careers beyond the public service, such as businesspeople and former parliamentarians.

The eminence of Australia’s relationship with the United Kingdom has long been reflected in the appointment of a former senior Cabinet minister.

In keeping with this tradition, the Government intends to appoint the Hon Stephen Smith as Australia’s next High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

Mr Smith was a member of the Australian Parliament for 20 years, and served as the Minister for Defence, and prior to that, as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Trade.

It is intended that he will commence his posting at the completion of the Defence Strategic Review in early 2023. Until then, Lynette Wood will continue as Acting High Commissioner.

A replacement for the Hon Arthur Sinodinos AO will be announced ahead of the completion of his posting as Ambassador to the United States of America in February 2023.

A DFAT recruitment process will be carried out to appoint experienced public servants as heads of mission in Singapore, New Delhi, Tokyo and at the United Nations in New York.

The Hon Will Hodgman will conclude as High Commissioner to Singapore in February 2023.

The Hon Barry O’Farrell AO will conclude as High Commissioner to India in February 2023.

The Hon Mitch Fifield will conclude as Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in June 2023.

Today I also announce the appointment of six career diplomats to lead Australian overseas posts:

Our foreign service is the driver of Australia’s engagement with the world and responsible for ensuring our national interests today and into the future.

I thank outgoing ambassadors, high commissioners and consuls-general for their contributions to advancing Australia’s interests in these countries during their respective tenures.

The burning of native forest biomass is not renewable energy

Today the Federal Government’s Native forest biomass in the Renewable Energy Target consultation paper was released with submissions open to the public on some key questions. 

This comes after the Greens secured a commitment from the government to look at removing a Coalition loophole from the Renewable Energy Act, which allows the destruction and burning of native forests to be classified as renewable energy. 

Greens forest spokesperson, Senator Janet Rice said:

“The Greens welcome the release of this discussion paper which is now open for public submissions. This discussion paper is an acknowledgement that classifying the burning of native forest as renewable is a real concern. We look forward to a positive outcome for precious native forests and a just transition of affected workers.

“Burning native forest wood is a disaster for the environment. The evidence heard by the Senate committee made clear that native forest biomass should not be classified as renewable energy. 

“If the means used to generate energy results in harm to threatened forest ecosystems and more carbon being emitted than coal, it simply cannot be classed as renewable or clean.

“This process is a clear opportunity to reverse an Abbott-era change that Labor opposed at the time. The Greens will be working with the government to seek the action we need to end the farce of classifying native forests burning as a ‘renewable’ energy source.”

Newcastle emerges as the new street art capital

Newcastle’s already incredible collection of vibrant and eclectic street art is set to don another nine new large-scale murals with the return of Big Picture Fest this weekend.

City of Newcastle (CN) is supporting the festival as part of New Annual with Special Business Rate funding to bring local, national and international artists together over three days.

Goya-Torres-mural-on-Gibson-Street.JPG
Local street artist Goya Torres, originally from Mexico, will bring to life a wall on Gibson Street with local characters carrying spiritual animals on their shoulders whilst the exterior of Hunter Water’s office will be emblazoned with a striking abstract mural by Noosa-based artist Rosie Woods.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Big Picture Fest enhances Newcastle’s public art scene and contributes to the vibrancy of the city whilst creating an artistic legacy for the community and activates the city to support local businesses.

“Newcastle is a major arts and cultural destination that is entering a new phase of maturity and sophistication thanks to ongoing revitalisation right across our city,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Big Picture Fest is a major international street art activation that brings together local, national and international renowned artists in celebration of art in public spaces in Newcastle.

“The festival celebrates Newcastle’s history and creative culture by showcasing amazing talent through large scale murals in the city for visitors and locals to enjoy.

“Big Picture Fest is a great example of how Special Business Rate funding can be used to help beautify and activate our business precincts which provides a boost to the economy and supports local jobs.”

City of Newcastle’s Public Art Reference Group (PARG) support Big Picture Fest and consult and advise on the artists and murals chosen to enhance Newcastle’s streetscapes.

Councillor and PARG Chair Carol Duncan welcomed back Big Picture Fest and said the festival is a creative way to reinvent and refresh quality artworks across the city.

“Street art is an important component of Newcastle’s changing landscape, documenting our rich industrial, social and cultural history, and plays a significant role in fostering a dynamic and vibrant creative arts sector,” Cr Duncan said.

“City of Newcastle has just created a two-part podcast on the festival Newcastle’s street art scene that is well- worth listening to.”

Big Picture Fest Newcastle Director Katerina Skoumbas said excitement was building for the return of the festival in Newcastle.

“It will be a busy weekend for Newcastle, so we encourage people to get out to see the artists in-situ as the art they create injects so much colour and energy into our city,” Ms Skoumbas said.

Big Picture Fest returns to Newcastle Friday 30 September until Sunday 2 October 2022 and is free for the community to attend.

For more information and a mural map, visit thebigpicturefest.com/event/newcastle-2022/ or listen to City of Newcastle’s Street Art Podcast Part 1: The ephemeral nature of art and Part 2: Jordan Lucky paints a picture of Newcastle’s street art scene.

Works continue to protect Stockton’s coastline

City of Newcastle is making progress with the implementation of actions outlined in the Stockton Coastal Management Program 2020, with tenders to be called soon for the construction of a new buried seawall.

The buried protection structure at the southern end of the existing Mitchell Street rock wall is the first of three new structures to be delivered to shield Stockton’s coastline and reduce the chance of erosion during large swells.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the design for the structure was developed based on a detailed assessment of possible options first undertaken as part of the 2020 Coastal Management Program.

“We considered a range of factors when coming up with this design, including each option’s ability to address both erosion from storm events and long-term beach recession, its ability to protect public assets at high risk sites, as well as how well each option enabled access to the beach and how it will look to beach users once its constructed,” Cr Nelmes said.

“We also considered environmental impacts and performance, and the cost to construct and maintain the structure over the long term.”

The buried seawall will consist of underground vertical concrete piles that extend from street level to 8.5m below ground. Once constructed only the very top of the round beams will be visible at ground level.

Construction is planned to start early next year and is complemented by a range of emergency repair works already underway at hotspots up and down Stockton Beach.

“The repair works, including renewal of sandbags and addition of new rockbags at a range of locations is important to secure these sites ahead of construction of permanent, vertical, buried structures.”

City of Newcastle reminds the community to follow safety warnings and to adhere to any accessway closures or hazard notices that impact use of the beach while this work is completed.

Dozens of new businesses offer discounts to seniors

Dozens of new businesses have signed up to the NSW Seniors Card program to offer seniors discounts on everything from retail to travel and health services.
 
NSW Treasurer Matt Kean said more than 140 new firms have joined the Seniors Card program, which will help ease cost of living pressures on seniors while providing a boost to many small businesses.
 
“This is one of several NSW Government initiatives to help seniors with cost of living pressures including toll relief and energy rebates,” Mr Kean said.
 
“The Seniors Card for over-60s has thousands of discounts covering groceries, tradies, holidays, insurance and services such as accountants and medical care. Businesses signing up to the program get more people through the door so it’s a win-win.”
 
Among the new businesses joining the program are dental surgeries, pubs and hotels, health and wellness centres and home cleaning service providers.
 
Minister for Seniors Mark Coure said the over 140 new additions join more than 6,500 businesses already helping ease the cost of living for seniors across retail, food and beverage, travel, and professional services.
 
“Each and every one are offering a range of discounts to cardholders, some even up to 30 per cent. This means seniors are able to take some pressure off the household budget and keep more money in their back pocket,” Mr Coure said.
 
“I encourage more businesses to sign up and open their door to more than 1.9 million seniors across NSW.”
 
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said that over 120,000 customers had already opted in for the Digital Seniors Card since its launch in April, with a customer satisfaction rate of about 90 per cent.
 
“Importantly, seniors will be able to make their dollar go further by accessing great discounts and savings, adding to the almost $7 billion NSW customers have already saved through the savings finder,” Mr Dominello said.
“We are working to improve and uplift the experience for all seniors across NSW through the Digital Seniors Card program and we will have more to share next month.”
 
For a full list of discounts available via the NSW Seniors Card, or for businesses to join the program, visit seniorscard.nsw.gov.au.
 
In addition to the NSW Seniors Card, there are more than 70 discounts and rebates available through the Savings Finder Program available on the Service NSW website. Those without internet access can make an appointment with a savings specialist at a Service NSW centre or by calling 13 77 88.

Taking action on legal assistance in NSW

The NSW Government has released an Action Plan to guide the state’s legal assistance sector in their crucial work supporting the needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged people.
 
The NSW Legal Assistance Strategy and Action Plan 2022-2025 has been developed with key stakeholders including Legal Aid NSW, the Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT and Community Legal Centres NSW.
 
Attorney General Mark Speakman said the Action Plan reflects the collective approach taken to realise strategic priorities identified by the sector and the NSW government in July 2022.
 
“The NSW Legal Assistance Strategy and Action Plan 2022-25 is informed by a significant partnership between the NSW government and the legal assistance sector which aims to break the cycle of disadvantage and ensure people in NSW can fully participate and prosper in their communities” Mr Speakman said.
 
“This Action Plan outlines a whole-of-sector approach ensuring our community’s most vulnerable members have access to justice. It has been developed in recognition of the valuable and crucial work the NSW legal assistance sector contributes to these goals.”
 
The Action Plan will inform the legal sector’s work over the remaining three years of the State’s current NLAP Agreement with the Australian Government, securing crucial funding for legal assistance in NSW.
 
Key commitments of the Action Plan include:
 

  • A project to better identify and understand unmet legal need in vulnerable communities across NSW
  • Providing responsive and culturally safe legal services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander client
  • Supporting the establishment of an Aboriginal Women’s Advisory Network to guide Aboriginal-led and place-based solutions to address domestic and family violence.

 
The Action Plan has been developed in accordance with the National Legal Assistance Partnership 2020-2025 (NLAP). The NLAP is an agreement between the Australian Government and all states and territories for Commonwealth funded legal assistance. 
 
Commonwealth Attorney-General, the Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP said: “The legal assistance sector plays a vital role in helping those in greatest need.”
 
“The Commonwealth Government is committed to supporting the legal assistance sector to deliver access to justice to Australians most in need,” Mr Dreyfus said.
 
View the NSW Legal Assistance Strategy and Action Plan 2022-2025 here.

Big turnout to bring on boating season

Maritime operators and first responders have joined forces on Sydney Harbour today to deliver strong safety messages on how to keep safe on the State’s waterways this summer.
 
Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said the display of all emergency services highlighted the strength, capability and inter-agency cooperation of our first responders.
 
“This weekend is the start of the Boating Season so we are calling on all watercraft users, boating enthusiasts and swimmers to make safety their priority when they head out to the rivers, lakes and beaches this season,” Mr Elliott said.
 
“The NSW Government is committed to ensuring our first responders and emergency services personnel from NSW Maritime, NSW Police, Marine Rescue NSW, Surf Life Saving NSW, and NSW Ambulance Helicopter Operations are all highly trained and have the latest technology to keep people safe this boating season,”
 
“Our goal is to make sure everyone has a safe season and knows the basic safety measures they can take to ensure they make it home safely.”
 
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said persistent wet weather and a third consecutive La Nina declared, large numbers of people are expected around waterways this season.
 
“The higher than average rainfall in recent times hasn’t stopped people enjoying our beautiful waterways and coastline and we hope that continues safely this Boating Season,” Ms Cooke said.
 
“Whether you’re fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, water skiing or heading to the beach please listen to advice from the agencies and our volunteers to make sure you and your loved ones have a fun but safe day.”
 
Transport for NSW Acting Chief Operations Officer and NSW Maritime Executive Director Mark Hutchings said the season launch coincided with the start of National Safe Boating Week (1-7 October), with lifejacket wearing the key message.
 
“Now is the time to get ready for the season.  With many boats sitting idle during winter, it’s critical that boaters check their vessels and safety equipment before heading out on the water,” Mr Hutchings said.
 
NSW Police Force Marine Area Commander Detective Superintendent Murray Reynolds reminded boat owners to plan their trips and that officers will be out patrolling waterways.
 
“Police will be targeting anti-social behaviour and illegal activities on our waterways. Skippers are reminded that drug and alcohol testing, as well as compliance checks will be conducted – so look after your friends and family and act responsibly,” Superintendent Reynolds said.
 
Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Alex Barrell said the last two years have been their busiest on record with more than 8,000 rescue missions Statewide, and a few simple precautions can help ensure a safe and enjoyable day on the water. 
 
“Check your vessel’s engine and battery are in good working order, the fuel tank is full and make sure you’ve Logged On with us, we’ll start searching if you don’t return as planned,” Deputy Commissioner Barrell said.
 
Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steve Pearce said people should avoid taking unnecessary risks after a record 55 drownings along the coastline last season which is almost 30 per cent higher than the 10-year average.
 
“Swim between the flags, make sure you supervise your children, wear a life jacket where it’s necessary, and if you do that, we’ll have a great summer and keep everyone safe,” Mr Pearce said.
 
NSW Ambulance Deputy Commissioner David Dutton said last financial year NSW Ambulance responded to almost 900 water-related callouts across the state.
 
“We will be there for you, but the reality is we don’t want to be putting you in the back of the ambulance or helicopter,” Deputy Commissioner Dutton said.
 
For more information on boating safety, please go to: lifejacketwearit.com.au

$15 mil for flood repairs on crown land

The NSW Government will contribute $15 million to repair crucial  Crown land features, damaged during the recent floods.
 
Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson said 62 local councils can now apply for a grant under the Crown Land Flood Recovery Funding.
 
“The February and March flooding  events were disastrous for many communities. The record rain caused landslides, erosion, roads to collapse and significant damage from overflowing rivers and creeks,” Mr Anderson said.
 
“This $15 million will be used to help clean-up, repair and restore smaller community assets on Crown Land,  such as parks, playgrounds, reserves, visitor and cultural sites and Crown roads, bridges, drains and other structures.”
 
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the funding will also ensure  local infrastructure in flood-affected communities is built back to a more resilient standard to help withstand future natural disasters.
 
“62 local government areas were impacted by this flooding and I encourage each council to make the most of this funding opportunity so  we can be better prepared for future severe weather events,” Ms Cooke said.
 
Applications are open until 14 October, after which they will be assessed by the Department of Planning and Environment – Crown Lands to determine the amount of funding to be allocated to each local council.
 
Local councils can contact the Crown Lands Flood Recovery Program team on floodrecovery@crownland.nsw.gov.au or phone 1300 886 235.

Government Funding for 20 NSW War Memorials

Work to conserve 20 war memorials across the state will soon be undertaken following grants provided from the NSW Government’s $125,000 Community War Memorials Fund.
 
Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said the money, made available under Round 1 of the Community War Memorials Fund 2022/23, would be invested in the protection and repair of local war memorials.
 
“Thirty-nine applications were received from a range of organisations including RSL sub-Branches, local councils, and community committees to help support war memorials in communities across NSW,” Mr Elliott said.
 
“War memorials help local communities commemorate the sacrifice of service men and women and reflect more than 100 years of service and sacrifices made by our veterans.
 
“Grants up to $10,000 will provide a significant boost to community organisations to help ensure the presence of local war memorials in the community is secured for future generations.
 
“On Anzac Day communities gather at their local war memorials to pay respect and honour our diggers – it is vitally important these memorials are protected to ensure all generations understand and remember the sacrifices made during the war,” Mr Elliott said.
 
“Funding is being provided to assist with a range of conservation projects including condition assessments, specialist cleaning and repairs, which are all important aspects of how we manage the places of commemoration that help us acknowledge our military history.”
 
City of Wollongong RSL sub-Branch President, John Sperring, said the $10,000 received would be a significant help in the restoration work of the Wollongong Cenotaph including cleaning, repairs to sandstone and marble features, and repainting of lettering.
 
“I would like to thank the NSW Government for this funding, which will now enable the restoration to be completed ahead of the 100th anniversary of the memorial in June 2023,” Mr Sperring said.
 
Round 2 of the Community War Memorials Fund will open on Remembrance Day, 11 November, 2022 and close on 13 February 2023. Further information available here.

Fatal crash – Hunter Region  

Investigations are underway following a fatal crash in the Hunter Region today.

Just before 11am (Saturday 1 October 2022), emergency services were called to Flaggs Road near Depot Road, Merriwa, following reports a vehicle had left the roadway and hit a tree, before rolling a number of times.

NSW Ambulance paramedics attended and assisted the occupants; however, one of the passengers – a 10-year-old boy – died at the scene.

The second passenger – a 15-year-old girl – was taken by road to John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition.

The driver – a 46-year-old man – was airlifted to the same hospital in a critical condition.

Officers from Hunter Valley Police District have commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash and are appealing for anyone with information or dashcam footage to come forward.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.