It’s a day of giving. It’s a day for relaxing together with family and friends.
And for many Australians, it is a day that is so central to their faith.
Of course, not everyone gets to take it easy today. If you’re rostered on somewhere, I want to say thank you for your service to others.
If you’re working because you’ve volunteered your time to make Christmas better for your fellow Australians – whether you’re serving lunch to those in need or you’re keeping our beaches safe – I want to express my gratitude and my admiration.
The same goes to all our emergency service workers, and of course all Australian Defence Force personnel, whether they’re serving here, or far from home overseas. Thank you to every single one of you.
Whatever form Christmas Day takes for you, may it be a very happy one. And may Santa be good to every child.
The Sixth Australia-China Foreign and Strategic Dialogue was held in Beijing on 21 December 2022. Australia’s Foreign Minister, Penny Wong and China’s State Councilor and Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, met to exchange views on bilateral, regional and international issues of interest.
50 years on from the establishment of diplomatic ties, the two sides reiterated the importance of a stable, constructive relationship to both sides, the region and the world. They agreed to a relationship based on mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit and navigating differences, in keeping with our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The two sides agreed to maintain high-level engagement, and to commence or restart dialogue in areas including:
Bilateral relations
Trade and economic issues
Consular affairs
Climate change
Defence, and
Regional and international issues
They also agreed to support people-to-people exchanges, including the 1.5 track High-Level Dialogue, the Australia-China CEO Roundtable and visits by bilateral business delegations.
The Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States and the High Representative of the European Union strongly condemn the Taliban’s recent decisions to ban women from universities, to continue to bar girls from secondary schools, and to impose other harsh restrictions on the ability of women and girls in Afghanistan to exercise their human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The Taliban’s oppressive measures against Afghan girls and women have been relentless and systemic. Over the last 16 months, the Taliban have issued no fewer than 16 decrees and edicts that, among other things, constrain women’s mobility, remove women from places of work, require head-to-toe coverings for women, ban women from using public spaces such as parks and gyms and leave widows and women-headed households in dire circumstances by the requirement of male guardianship. These policies make clear the Taliban’s disregard for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the people of Afghanistan.
Afghan women’s ingenuity and dynamism are needed urgently to help relieve profound and staggering economic and humanitarian needs. A stable, economically viable, and peaceful Afghanistan is only attainable and sustainable if all Afghans, including women and girls, can fully, equally, and meaningfully participate in and contribute to the country’s future and development.
We stand with all Afghans in their demand to exercise their human rights consistent with Afghanistan’s obligations under international law. With these moves, the Taliban are further isolating themselves from the Afghan population and the international community. We urge the Taliban to immediately abandon the new oppressive measures with respect to university education for women and girls and to, without delay, reverse the existing decision to prohibit girls’ access to secondary school.
Taliban policies designed to erase women from public life will have consequences for how our countries engage with the Taliban. Our foremost concern will continue to be the welfare, rights, and freedoms of the people of Afghanistan.
Today I announce the appointment of Mr Justin Hayhurst as Australia’s next Ambassador to Japan, commencing in early 2023.
Australia and Japan share a Special Strategic Partnership, with an aligned strategic agenda, strong commercial relations, and enduring people-to-people links.
Japan is Australia’s second-largest trading partner, second-largest export market, and third-largest source of imports.
We are close, trusted and active partners in multilateral, regional and in plurilateral frameworks, including the Trilateral Strategic Dialogue, Quad, the East Asia Summit, World Trade Organization and G20.
Our security and defence relationship is critical to both nations and supports regional stability, prosperity and peace, enabled by a bilateral Reciprocal Access Agreement and the Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation signed by Prime Ministers this year.
Mr Hayhurst is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was most recently Deputy Secretary of the Geostrategic Group and Australia’s Senior Quad Official.
He was previously First Assistant Secretary International in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Mr Hayhurst has served overseas as Deputy Head of Mission, Beijing, and in the Philippines.
I thank Chargé d’Affaires Peter Roberts for his contributions to advancing Australia’s interests in Japan since July 2022.
The Federal Executive of the Liberal Party of Australia has received the final report of the Review of the 2022 Federal Election.
I would like to thank Brian Loughnane AO and Senator the Hon Jane Hume and the many people who assisted, including Liberal Party members and supporters who made over 600 submissions.
The Review is thorough and forward looking. It makes 49 recommendations relating to: the parliamentary team; Party structure; executives and memberships; pre-selections and candidates; demographics; and campaign preparedness.
While acknowledging the Party has a numbers of strengths, the Review also makes frank assessments about where we can do better.
While the election result in May was disappointing, the Liberal Party is determined to rebuild and offer Australians the strongest possible alternative at the next election.
The Federal Executive will carefully consider the Review and its recommendations, with a clear focus on making our Party stronger and returning to Government.
Significant impacts of three consecutive La Niña events added to the challenge of ensuring Newcastle’s famous coastline from Stockton in the north to Burwood Beach in the south remained safe and accessible for the community to enjoy.
Throughout 2022, City of Newcastle (CN) has delivered a program of work along the coastline which includes the emergency response to severe weather events which caused havoc along the coastline and damaged several coastal assets while at the same time undertaking the investigations and planning for coastal management over the longer term.
In the north, this program of work included completing emergency repair works at Stockton Beach where further beach erosion resulted from the series of weather events earlier in the year.
CN is also moving ahead with the work required to receive and place sand on Stockton Beach, with placement designs and environmental approvals expected to be finalised in early 2023.
In the shorter-term, CN has awarded the tender to build the first of three buried terminal protection structures designed to significantly reduce the chances of erosion in the event of large swells. Construction is anticipated to start early next year on the first structure, which will consist of underground vertical concrete piles that extend from street level to 8.5m below ground at the southern end of the Mitchell Street rock sea wall.
Significant work has also been undertaken on the development of the Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program (CMP), which progresses the Stockton 2020 CMP and extends the boundaries of the Program north to the Local Government Area border. The revised series of draft management actions listed in the Extended CMP will be circulated to community representatives, and their feedback will be considered in the final set of actions, which will go on public exhibition in mid-2023.
South of the harbour, good progress is being made on the stage one upgrade of the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths, with renewal of the pools and promenades on track for completion by mid-2023, ahead of re-opening of the baths for swimming by next summer. Consultation on stage two of the upgrade, which centres on the pavilion buildings, will commence early next year.
Just down the coastline work continues on the upgrade to Bathers Way at South Newcastle Beach. Improvements to stormwater drainage, removal of contaminated materials and measures to stabilise the cliff line in the area have been undertaken in addition to the upgrade works, leading to unavoidable program delays, along with supply chain and labour impacts of COVID-19. Despite this the lower promenade is almost complete, and the much-anticipated skate park and skate bowl are taking shape, with the facility expected to be completed in Autumn, and opened by mid-2023.
CN is moving forward with another key link in the city’s iconic coastal walkway, with tenders called for the design of the next stage of Bathers Way, which will create a more accessible shared path through the State heritage-listed King Edward Park. Once appointed, the design consultant will build upon an existing concept layout, with community consultation to inform the final design.
At Bar Beach, a series of emergency repairs have been undertaken following major storm events in April. Temporary stairs have been installed to allow lifeguards direct access from the viewing tower and promenade to the beach, as well as improving access to amenities and upgrades to access for lifesaving vehicles.
Further works are planned to follow the busy summer period, including improvements to accessways at four points between Bar Beach and Merewether Beach. The Bar Beach promenade area will also be upgraded, including construction of a new disabled access ramp, new stairs, upgrades to seawalls and the installation of new handrails.
The stretch of coastline between Bar Beach and Merewether is a key focal point for the development of the Southern Beaches Coastal Management Program (CMP), which is currently underway. The Southern Beaches CMP will cover the length of coastline from Nobbys in the north to Glenrock in the south, providing a long-term program of actions required to adapt to immediate and future changes on our coast. Community consultation on the development of the plan will occur throughout 2023.
Dixon Park’s new kiosk will be up and running for summer, completing the building’s transformation, including the iconic Mark Richards mural, which has been expertly renewed by Up&Up Inspirations. Sunnyboy Kiosk will serve up to 15 flavours of gelato, fresh juices, acai bowls, pastries, fish and chips, and hamburgers, with ample shade and seating, all overlooking Bathers Way – delivered as part of City of Newcastle’s ongoing coastal revitalisation works.
Exciting family-friendly activities, exhibitions, workshops and cultural experiences will engage and inspire young minds and relieve family budgets these school holidays, thanks to the NSW Government’s $5.9 million investment providing free admission to museums and galleries.
Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin said free general admission to Australian Museum, Museums of History NSW, Powerhouse Ultimo and the Art Gallery of NSW, plus a range of free activities across the State’s cultural institutions will provide families and young people with plenty of ways to feed their curiosity and imagination during the school holidays.
“The Liberals and Nationals know families are seeking enriching and memorable cultural experiences, which is why our cost-of-living initiatives ensure art and culture is accessible for all,” Mr Franklin said.
“We also know that keeping the kids entertained over the holidays can be costly for families, so these free activities will help to relieve the financial pressure on family budgets these school holidays.” Holiday activity highlights include:
Art Gallery of NSW – Drop in and Make Mechanical Sculptures 11am – 3:30pm Monday – Friday 3-20 January and Sundays 8-29 January
Art Gallery of NSW – Make art with us: Fantastic figures 11am–3.30pm Mondays – Fridays 3–20 January, and Sundays throughout January 2023
Powerhouse Ultimo – The Lab Studio 21 December – 26 January Suitable for all ages
Australian Museum – Drop In and Paint your favourite shark 10am – 4pm every Monday and Tuesday from 9 January 2023
Sydney Opera House – Wild City Exhibition 3-15 January, 2-5 pm daily
State Library of NSW – Imagine, the Wonder of Picture Books exhibition
Art Gallery of NSW Director Michael Brand said the newly opened Art Gallery extension will captivate children and parents alike with a range of immersive activities in the new gallery.
“The opening of the new building of the Art Gallery of NSW expands significantly on an already wide range of free activities available for children and families on site. These include wearable art workshops, digital art workshops, story time, drop in and make sessions and tours tailored for children,” Mr Brand said.
Making it home workshop – Art-making in the Aquilizan Studio, 11:30-1:30pm Thursdays – Sunday until 22 January
Powerhouse Ultimo, Powerhouse Castle Hill and Parramatta
The Lab Studio – a family-friendly interactive space at Powerhouse Ultimo – Free activities, 21 December 2022 – 26 January 2023 Suitable for all ages
Paper People Fashion workshop for all ages inspired by Zampatti Powerhouse at Powerhouse Ultimo – Free 21 December 2022 – 26 January 2023 Suitable for all ages
Creative Studio: Ableton Note Free 3 day music workshop for students in years 7 – 10 facilitated by Eric Chapus and Luke Warren in Parramatta, 10-2pm 11-13 January 2023
Creative Studio: Hope SiafegaFree 3 day graphic illustration workshop for years 7 -10 at Powerhouse Castle Hill, 10-2pm 18-20 January 2023
Upcycled Wearables 1hr workshop with Susie Rugg at Powerhouse Castle Hill, 7–8, 14–15 and 21–22 January 2023 Suitable for ages 5+
Sydney Opera House • Wild City Exhibition – Centre for Creativity, 3-15 January 2023 2-5 pm daily
State Library of NSW • Imagine … the Wonder of Picture Booksexhibition Suitable for young children. You’ll see original illustrations from old favourites such as Grug, Macca the Alpaca and Mr McGee and meet some new friends as well. Free Imagine Exhibition Tour 1 – 1.30 pm, Dates: 16 Jan, 19-20 Jan 23-25 January • Online Drawing workshop with Matthew Lin 10am Tuesday 17 Jan • Online Book quiz – 11am Wednesday 18 Jan • Drawing in the galleries, 1pm Friday 20 Jan • Storytime in Polish with Ewelina, Children’s Library 11am Monday 23 Jan • Author workshop with Kris Darell, (Author of Football Fever Junior Fiction) 10am Wednesday 25 Jan • Drawing birds with Andrea – free online drawing workshop, 2pm Wednesday 25 Jan
Australian Museum · Drop In and Paint your favourite shark in an immersive art adventure. 10am – 4pm Every Monday and Tuesday from 9th January 2023. Ages: 5+ Hintze Hall (outside Wild Planet)
Residents in Maroubra, Coogee, Pagewood and surrounding suburbs will have easier access to more than 1000 NSW Government services when a new Service NSW Centre opens at Westfield Eastgardens shopping centre in mid 2023.
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said a lease had been signed for the new Service Centre at Shop 227/9B, Level 2, Westfield Eastgardens, 152 Bunnerong Road, Eastgardens.
“The new Eastgardens Service Centre will be a one-stop shop for families, seniors, young professionals and businesses to conveniently access more than 1000 Government services, including vehicle registration, driver licences, Working with Children Checks, Seniors Card applications, owner builder permits and more,” Mr Dominello said.
“Customers going for their L and P Plates will be able to sit computer-based examinations, such as the Driver Knowledge and Hazard Perception tests, and will be able to also complete their driving test with more than 200 slots available per week at this location.
“The new Centre will open six days a week and will complement nearby high-traffic Service Centres at Botany and Bondi Junction, which over the past 12 months, have received more than 112,000 customers and 92,000 customers respectively.”
Fit-out for the new Service Centre is expected to start in early 2023.
Mr Dominello said the Eastgardens Service Centre would be state-of-the-art and provide high quality service and digital offerings, including a concierge who will greet and guide customers as they enter.
“Customers will be triaged to digital support or to speak to a Service Centre team member at the counter, so they spend less time waiting in line and can get on with their day faster,” he said.
“The Centre will also have a dedicated Savings Specialist to help customers apply from more than 70 government savings and rebates as part of Savings Finder program. Across NSW, customers save on average about $750 per appointment.”
Eastgardens Service Centre will be the seventh new metro Service Centre to be opened in Sydney since 2019, with another three due to open in 2023. Between 2017 and 2019, 24 Service Centres were opened across regional and remote NSW as part of a $20 million expansion of the network.
Hundreds of additional bus services will be available over summer to ensure Sydneysiders and tourists are able to travel to some of the State’s most iconic beaches.
Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said almost 300 additional services had been added to the timetable this summer so local commuters and tourists were able to enjoy a hassle-free trip to the eastern suburbs.
“Bondi, Coogee and other surrounding beaches are extremely popular tourist destinations and as Sydneysiders flock to the beach, the additional services are required to meet the summertime demand,” Mr Elliott said.
“The additional services provide commuters with a lot more options to ensure they can not only travel to appointments, entertainment venues, shopping and of course popular eastern suburbs beaches but also eases traffic congestion and parking issues.”
“These extra services will make it easier to travel between our iconic Bondi Beach during the peak summer season and Rose Bay Ferry Wharf where you can catch a ferry into the city.
“The services will be added to the existing 362 bus route connecting Sydney’s eastern beaches between Coogee and Rose Bay. Over the summer, services will run every 30 minutes, seven days a week until Thursday 26 January 2023,” Ms Upton said.
Mr Elliott said public transport patronage had soared across all modes of public transport as Sydneysiders geared up for a blockbuster summer of major events.
“Sydney commuters have again started to embrace public transport with the Sydney Light Rail network leading the way recording more than four million trips over two months,” he said.
“Public transport use across Greater Sydney was rebounding with patronage at 80 per cent of pre-pandemic levels on weekends and 70 per cent of pre-pandemic levels on weekdays.
“The Sydney Light Rail network has been a standout with the L2 Randwick and L3 Kingsford light rail lines hitting record patronage this year exceeding two million trips per month for September and October – proving light rail makes light work of crowds at the Moore Park Entertainment Quarter,”
Ferries were the strongest performer by mode during November 2022, returning to 98 per cent of pre-pandemic levels on weekends and 88 per cent of pre-pandemic levels on weekdays.
Buses are at 73 per cent of pre-pandemic levels while rail, including Metro, continues to be the most popular mode with about 873,000 average daily trips taken on weekdays.
The Illawarra is set to become a renewable energy and clean manufacturing powerhouse, following the release of the draft declaration of the Illawarra Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).
The NSW Government is leading the transformation of our energy system by building five massive REZs across the State. The development of the REZs under the NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap are critical to deliver cheap, reliable and clean electricity to homes and businesses in NSW as coal-fired power stations progressively close over the next 10 to 15 years.
Energy Minister Matt Kean said the Illawarra REZ draft declaration sets out additional transmission network capacity and the geographical area that will make up the Illawarra REZ.
“The Illawarra is well placed to become a renewable energy powerhouse, thanks to its existing energy, port and transport infrastructure, its highly skilled workforce and strong demand from existing industries to decarbonise,” Mr Kean said.
“The Illawarra REZ registration of interest attracted a significant response with 44 renewable generation and storage projects registering, representing more than 17 gigawatts of new projects which could unlock around $43 billion in potential investment.”
Parliamentary Secretary for Wollongong and the Illawarra Peter Poulos said once the REZ has been formally declared, we will begin the next phase of development, including engaging closely with the local community, industry, councils and other stakeholders.
“This REZ will ensure the Illawarra plays a central role in our renewable energy future, powering existing and emerging industries, including in offshore wind, green hydrogen and green steel production,” Mr Poulos said.
The draft declaration is now on public exhibition for six weeks until mid-February 2023 and can be viewed online at the link below. To provide feedback or to contact EnergyCo, please email contact@energyco.nsw.gov.au. For more information visit https://www.energyco.nsw.gov.au/ilw-rez
