Three people have been charged after a woman was stabbed during an assault earlier this week.
About 11pm (Sunday 11 December 2022), emergency services were called to Hassall Street, Hamilton South, following reports of an assault.
On arrival, officers attached to Newcastle City Police Area Command were told two men and two women had been involved in a fight, where a 35-year-old woman was stabbed in the neck and a 46-year-old man sustained a laceration to his hand.
The pair drove to the Mater Hospital before the woman was later taken to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition. She is currently serious but stable.
A 36-year-old woman also sustained serious head injuries and a 38-year-old man sustained a fractured arm.
They were treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition.
Police established a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Following inquiries, the two men and 36-year-old woman were arrested and charged with wound with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, armed with intent to commit indictable offence and affray.
They were refused bail to appear in Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday 22 February 2023.
The Greens will demand an explanation from Google over its decision to ban medical abortion ads in Australia, and push to have the appear at the upcoming Universal access to reproductive healthcare Senate inquiry.
Greens Leader in the Senate and spokesperson for women, Senator Larissa Waters said:
“Google’s blanket ban on abortion ads is an outrageous restriction of women’s rights, and further evidence of the lack of access to reproductive healthcare in this country. It must be overturned immediately.
“We’ll be writing to Google to demand the ban is overturned, and push for a representative to appear at the upcoming Senate inquiry so that we can question why and how the ban on abortion ads happened in the first place.
“When you Google the inquiry, a promoted snippet – with my name in it – equating abortion to murder from an anti-choice organisation is the first result. It is beyond belief that Google is OK having this sort of misinformation promoted at the top of its search results, but is banning ads for a basic health service.
“MSI Australia suggest the ban could be impacting up to 1500 people per week. This is unacceptable and the ban must be lifted immediately.”
We are watching a dark chapter in Iran’s recent history unfold and we are responding in defence of all of its citizens. The Iranian regime’s brutality against its own people, in particular its women and girls, is unrelenting, and the situation is only worsening.
The people of Iran have not given up hope as they courageously demand full respect for their human rights, despite the threats against them.
Iran’s security forces persist with draconian methods to ruthlessly suppress peaceful protesters, including the use of lethal force and senseless violence against women and children.
Hundreds have lost their lives and thousands languish in detention, among them an unknown number of children.
We are appalled by Iran’s execution of protestors since last Thursday. Many others detained may await the same fate.
Cloaking state-sanctioned killing in opaque legal processes is beyond abhorrent. Nothing can justify these shameful actions.
We oppose the death penalty in all circumstances for all people, everywhere.
And we call on Iran to immediately establish a moratorium to halt all executions and to end this brutal and inhumane punishment.
The UN General Assembly spoke unequivocally when it voted overwhelmingly in favour of the resolution on a ‘Moratorium on the use of the death penalty’. The General Assembly also voiced its deep concern at the persistent human rights violations committed by the Iranian regime, voting in favour of the resolution on the human rights situation in Iran.
The global trend away from the death penalty is unmistakable.
The Iranian regime’s violence must end, and there must be justice and accountability for the countless, egregious human rights violations committed since the outbreak of protests.
Now is the time for the regime to start listening and to act and meet the legitimate concerns of its citizens. The Iranian people have suffered long enough, and they are showing they will no longer be silenced. The Iranian regime must address the grievances of its citizens and ensure all Iranians are free to enjoy their fundamental human rights and freedoms.
Our support for the Iranian people to live their lives free from persecution is unwavering. We hear their powerful voices, and we will continue to amplify them wherever we can.
Today, the UN General Assembly adopted by a historic majority of almost two thirds a resolution that unequivocally calls for all countries to establish a moratorium on executions with a view to abolishing the death penalty.
Australia and Costa Rica are deeply proud to have led negotiations on the resolution in 2022, the 15th anniversary of its first adoption. We oppose the death penalty at all times for all people. This is a matter of human rights and the inherent dignity of every human being. There is no evidence that capital punishment deters crime.
The record level of support for the resolution shows that the majority of Member States agree this brutal and inhumane punishment must end. Already, four out of every five countries have abolished the death penalty or no longer apply it. This year’s resolution welcomes the fact that many States with different legal systems, traditions, cultures and religious backgrounds are applying moratoriums, either in law or in practice.
The goal of a global moratorium on the death penalty is all the more meaningful in 2022, when a number of countries have executed citizens for exercising their right to freedom of opinion and expression. Notably, the resolution adopted today calls upon countries to ensure that the death penalty is not applied on the basis of laws that target individuals for exercising their human rights or as a result of discriminatory or arbitrary application of the law.
We wish to particularly congratulate all countries that have abolished the death penalty, established a moratorium, or are on a pathway to doing so. You are contributing to the unmistakeable trend towards global abolition.
We sincerely thank all Member States that negotiated constructively on this resolution. We will continue working with all countries to achieve even higher levels of support for a global moratorium when the resolution is next considered in 2024.
City of Newcastle will invite tenders next month for the construction of Newcastle Art Gallery’s $40 million expansion, as work continues on grouting the historic mine tunnels 80 metres below the building.
Four companies have been shortlisted for the project following an expression of interest process and will be invited to submit tenders in January, with construction scheduled to begin mid-2023.
Early works are continuing to progress at the Newcastle Art Gallery site, with almost 70 bores drilled and more than 1,500 cubic metres of grout successfully placed to date in the Borehole Seam.
The mine remediation is scheduled to continue until mid next year in line with the approved Grouting and Verification Plan, with the NSW Government’s Newcastle Mines Grouting Fund contributing towards the cost of this work.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it was pleasing to see the much-anticipated project progressing towards a key milestone, which will see a tender awarded for the main construction work.
“After more than 16 years of effort to make this project a reality, we are finally seeing real progress to deliver an expanded and upgraded Art Gallery of international standing, which will become a fitting home for our nationally significant $126 million collection,” Cr Nelmes said.
“By doubling the size of the Gallery and significantly increasing the exhibition space to display works of art of local, national and international importance, this project will launch a new era of cultural tourism that will consolidate the Hunter’s reputation as an active and vibrant centre for the arts in NSW.”
Cr Nelmes said all works of art have been professionally moved to a safe and secure offsite location, and Art Gallery staff have also relocated to City of Newcastle’s Administration Centre at 12 Stewart Avenue ahead of the construction work.
Once complete, the expanded Newcastle Art Gallery will extend the building’s footprint east along Darby Street and Queen Street and will include a new café and retail shop, multi-purpose and educational program space, and a secure international standard loading dock.
Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon welcomed the progress of the expansion project.
“Like all Novocastrians, I am delighted to see progress being made on this important project for our region,” Ms Claydon said.
“The Newcastle Art Gallery has been at the centre of our city’s rich cultural history for over 45 years and this expansion project will ensure its future is assured.”
The $40 million project is supported by $5 million from the Australian Government under the Regional Recovery Partnerships program and $5 million from the New South Wales Government, as well as a $10 million bequest from Valerie Ryan and $500,000 in funding from the Margaret Olley Art Trust through the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation.
Additional fundraising by the Art Gallery Foundation is ongoing to help reduce the cost to ratepayers.
Seniors can now pick up the latest copy of the NSW Seniors Card Directory from hundreds of locations across the state or access it online.
Minister for Seniors Mark Coure said the directory details more than 2,000 businesses providing significant discounts off products and services available through the NSW Seniors Card program.
“This directory lists all the savings that can be accessed, from supermarkets, retail and boutique stores, health and fitness, travel, utilities and professional services,” Mr Coure said.
“The Seniors Card is the largest program of its kind in Australia, and has been helping keep more money in seniors pockets and easing the cost of living for 30 years.”
The 2023 Seniors Card Directory is available in five regional areas, including Sydney, Central Coast and Hunter, Northern NSW, Southern NSW and Western NSW.
Mr Coure encouraged more businesses to sign up to the NSW Seniors Program and join the more than 6,000 businesses that have opened their door to more than 1.9 million seniors across the state.
“The more businesses that sign up can potentially get more people through their door and seniors have more choice to shop and use services, so it is a win-win,” Mr Coure said.
Seniors Cards are available for permanent NSW residents who are 60 years of age or over and are working no more than 20 hours per week in paid employment.
For more information on where to pick up or download the 2023 Seniors Card Directory, or to apply for a NSW Seniors Card visit www.seniorscard.nsw.gov.au.
A landmark plan that allows farmers to diversify income and create better environmental outcomes will turbocharge investment and job opportunities across regional NSW.
The Natural Capital Statement of Intent sends a clear signal to finance, agriculture, and environment groups about how the NSW Government intends to develop land stewardship and other instruments as a new type of investment to better conserve the environment.
Environment Minister James Griffin said NSW is the first state to release a plan for natural capital, and it signals to the global market that NSW is serious about accelerating nature-positive investment opportunities and attracting the jobs that go with them.
“Natural capital is a global movement that is developing at light speed and I don’t want NSW to miss out,” Mr Griffin said.
“Put simply, natural capital is essentially our stock of natural assets – the air we breathe, the food and water we need to survive, biodiversity and all living things that help economies and communities prosper and thrive.
“More than 50 per cent of global Gross Domestic Product is dependent on nature, and Australia ranks fifth of 140 countries that are likely to experience the highest economic losses if environmental challenges are not addressed.
“The evidence is clear: for a strong economy, we need a healthy environment.
“We need to seize the opportunity to drive investment in our natural environment and create new markets, and our Natural Capital Statement of Intent outlines the role Government can play.”
Through the Natural Capital Statement of Intent, the NSW Government will partner with financial, corporate, environment and agribusiness sectors to accelerate and unlock natural capital investment opportunities.
Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said the Statement of Intent will frame and guide any future policies aimed at nurturing natural capital on farms.
“I meet with farmers every day who are already natural capital experts; they are passionate about the environment and are championing some really important initiatives to preserve their land now and well into the future,” Mr Saunders said.
“This Statement of Intent has been developed in consultation with landholders right across NSW and lays the foundation to future-proof NSW primary industries, build greater economic and climate resilience in the regions, and support the creation of new industries while improving the environment.
“The NSW Government is committed to developing policies that improve on-farm productivity while still protecting the environment rather than implementing any unnecessary regulation or taxes like we’ve seen internationally.
“Primary industries, especially those in rural and regional New South Wales, are ideally placed to embrace this opportunity and deliver nature-based products into the next generation of environmental markets.”
The NSW Government is a member of the global Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) forum, which is working to supporting a shift in global financing towards nature-positive outcomes.
Football fans will be able to celebrate the FIFA World Cup final at hotels and clubs across the State with the NSW Government extending trading from 10pm this Sunday through to 5am on Monday morning, 19 December.
Minister for Hospitality and Racing, Kevin Anderson said patrons will be able to watch the match which kicks off at 2am on Monday, 19 December at a range of venues.
“These extended hours will allow fans to enjoy one of the biggest global sporting events with friends and family at their local club or pub,” Mr Anderson said.
“It is great to see the special extended trading hours bringing benefits to the hospitality sector in NSW, creating more jobs and options for people to celebrate different events.”
Since 2021, the NSW Government has implemented year-round trading hour extensions during major sporting and cultural events, helping to boost the 24-Hour Economy, create jobs and breathe life into local nightlife.
Longer trading hours will be in place for the FIFA World Cup Final between 10pm on Sunday, 18 December and 5am on Monday, 19 December for hotels and clubs that are providing a live broadcast of the match.
The extended trading hours apply only to drinks sold on premises, not takeaway alcohol sales. Venues already approved to trade during or beyond the extended hours can operate as usual.
Hotels and clubs must still comply with any individual trading restrictions or other special conditions that apply to their liquor licence.
The biggest infrastructure project in New South Wales jointly funded by the Australian and State Governments is about to embark on another transformative stage with the third contract awarded for the Sydney Metro- Western Sydney Airport line.
This will provide faster and more reliable metro rail services for locals and visitors to Greater Western Sydney.
The Parklife Metro consortium has been selected to deliver the Stations, Systems, Trains, Operations and Maintenance (SSTOM) contract for the project, following a highly competitive tendering process.
The consortium will construct all six new metro stations between St Marys and the new Aerotropolis, and will be responsible for running the new Western Sydney Airport line for 15 years after it becomes operational.
The contractors will also deliver a stabling and maintenance facility at Orchard Hills, and provide rail infrastructure and systems for the supply, commissioning and operation of a fleet of 12 new metro trains.
Bringing together global and local expertise, Parklife Metro comprises RATP Dev, whose parent company operates Paris Metro, Plenary Origination, Webuild, Siemens Mobility, Siemens Mobility GmbH, Siemens Project Ventures and Siemens Mobility Austria.
The Australian and NSW Governments are working together to deliver the city-shaping Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport line to coincide with the opening of Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport in 2026.
The total project cost will be around $11 billion.
The awarding of the final contract coincides with another significant project milestone, with Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport becoming the first rail infrastructure project in Australian history to commit to being certified carbon-neutral from the start of construction through to operation.
All carbon emissions generated during construction and operation will be reduced and offset.
Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
“The Australian Government is committed to delivering vital infrastructure for Western Sydney as part of a genuine partnership between levels of government that will enhance liveability, and support the growth of industry and enterprise.
“This project will connect commuters and travellers with the new Western Sydney International Airport, providing major economic stimulus and supporting more than 14,000 jobs during construction.
“Having the project certified carbon neutral from construction to operation is a huge tick as the Albanese Government works towards emission reduction targets of 43 per cent by 2030, and net zero by 2050.
“I’m proud we’re helping to shape the future of this vibrant and growing region.”
Quotes attributable to NSW Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney Minister David Elliott:
“The NSW Government is delivering metro services to this key growth area in order to achieve the best outcomes for the people of Greater Western Sydney.
“World-class metro services will be a game-changer for Sydney’s Greater West in every sense and this final contract is key to making that a reality.
“The SSTOM contract has the largest scope of any Sydney Metro contract awarded to date, and is the largest Public Private Partnership contract awarded in New South Wales.
“We are already seeing plenty of activity underway as part of this new mega project, including preparations at the future Aerotropolis Station for tunnelling from the airport to the Aerotropolis site, which will commence in the first half of 2023.”
A decade-long project to completely seal 153 kilometres of the Silver City Highway has been achieved, providing safer and more resilient road for motorists in the state’s Far West.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said NSW is one step closer to a fully sealed highway network with the completion of works on the Silver City Highway.
“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is building the infrastructure that matters to make daily life easier for regional communities and our $195 million investment to seal this vitally important highway is just one example of how we’re doing that,” Mr Farraway said.
“The completion of construction and sealing on the Silver City Highway is an incredible milestone for people living in the Far West of NSW, not to mention the many freight operators and tourists who use the road every year.
“About 840,000 tonnes of locally-sourced crushed gravel and 50,000 tonnes of aggregate was used to build and seal the highway and the result is a legacy project that will benefit the people and businesses of the state’s Far West for generations to come.
“The Highway is a vital north-south connection between Victoria and Queensland with sections closed for up to 70 days a year due to poor weather – and often for weeks at a time – directly impacting local residents and businesses, essential services and interstate road users.
“A sealed highway not only means quicker, safer journeys for all road users but will also mean it can stay open more often when the region experiences extreme weather.
“Sealing the Cobb Highway remains the final piece in the puzzle for a fully-sealed highway network, which is due to be completed mid-2023.”
For more information go to nswroads.work/farwestseals.
