March 2023 – Page 16

Man missing from Lake Macquarie area found safe and well

A man reported missing from the Lake Macquarie area has been located safe and well.

The 59-year-old was last seen by a friend at West Wallsend about 9.20pm yesterday (Friday 3 March 2023).

When he didn’t return home and could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Following a public appeal and a geotargeting message sent to the West Wallsend area, the man has been located safe and well at West Wallsend.

Police would like to thank the public and the media for its assistance.

A SERIOUS PLAN FOR SUPER COULD FUND DOUBLING RENT ASSISTANCE

The Greens have called on the government to strengthen their proposed superannuation plan to meaningfully address wealth inequality and fund measures to address the cost of living crisis by preventing people from accessing any superannuation tax concessions above $1.9m, the current level of the transfer balance cap originally set by then Treasurer Scott Morrison.

Costings by the PBO show that the Greens’ plan would raise $54.6 billion over the next decade, which could be a down payment on raising income support above the poverty line or pay for an immediate doubling of Commonwealth Rent Assistance.

Senator Nick McKim, Greens Economic Justice Spokesperson said:

“Labor’s minimalistic plan is not enough to curb wealth inequality, especially if they do not ditch the Stage 3 tax cuts.

“Fiddling at the margins on superannuation tax concessions while proceeding with Stage 3 tax cuts is just a money-go-round scheme for the rich.

“Labor is basically proposing to rob Peter to pay Peter.

“The transfer balance cap – introduced by Scott Morrison – makes it clear that people do not need public handouts once they have $1.9m in superannuation.

“The Greens want Labor to eliminate all superannuation tax concessions above $1.9m.

“If Labor gets real about tackling inequality, we can raise serious money to help address the cost of living crisis, like ending handouts to the top 1% to fund an increase in income support or doubling rent assistance.

“Our plan would only affect the top 1%, but it would start earlier, and tax twice as many people twice as hard as Labor’s.

“Instead of waiting until 2025, our proposal would take effect from 1 July this year.

“We also urge Labor to direct revenue from curbing these concessions towards helping those who need it most.

Senator Janet Rice, Greens spokesperson for Community affairs said:

“People with more than $1.9m of superannuation don’t also need massive tax breaks. People are doing it really tough and we need to make sure government help is going to the people who need it most.

“There are more people sleeping rough every night in this country than there are people impacted by Labor’s super plan. This money could be a down payment on increasing social security payments above the poverty line.”

Assistance to Vanuatu

The Australian Government will deploy a rapid assessment team to survey cyclone damage at the request of the Government of Vanuatu.

The 12-person team and an initial assistance package will be transported to Vanuatu on a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) aircraft as soon as weather conditions allow.

The team includes officers from federal, state and territory partners with a range of disaster, health, infrastructure, power and humanitarian assessment capabilities.

The rapid assessment team will survey the impact of Tropical Cyclone Judy, and Tropical Cyclone Kevin.

RAAF aircraft will also assist the Government of Vanuatu with aerial damage assessments.

Australia’s initial package of assistance includes shelters, water purification supplies and other essential items for impacted communities.

The Australian Government is working closely with partners such as France and New Zealand to support the Government of Vanuatu’s response.

Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP said:

“The Australian Defence Force as a part of the whole-of-government effort is coordinating closely with the Pacific family to provide the best support possible to the Ni-Vanuatu people.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong said:

“We are providing rapid assistance to support those who have been affected by this disaster.

“We are committed to working with the Govt and people of Vanuatu to support the recovery.”

Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP said:

“Our thoughts are with the people of Vanuatu at this difficult time. Australia stands with the Pacific family during this crisis – now and into the future.

“The deployment of this rapid assessment team builds on our longstanding disaster preparedness and humanitarian assistance activities in Vanuatu and across the region.”

Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Murray Watt said:

“Australia is proud to be sharing the experience and expertise of our emergency responders to support Vanuatu.

“I thank the Australian personnel who are stepping up to assist the Pacific family in this time of need.”

City turns up the heat on inland pool upgrades

Swimmers will be able to dip more than just a toe in the water during the cooler months of the swimming season with water heating upgrades planned for Wallsend and Mayfield Swimming Centres.

Thirty kilowatts of rooftop solar panels and heat pumps will be installed at both Wallsend and Mayfield pools to regulate pool water temperatures to around 25 degrees.

Blue Fit staff members Emma Preece and Hannah Richardson, Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen, Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, regular Mayfield Swimming Centre user Leanne Sanderson and City of Newcastle Acting Executive Manager Community and Recreation Donna McGovern celebrate the announcement of heating upgrades at the Mayfield and Wallsend pools.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle is committed to maintaining and investing in our local swimming pools to ensure the community members, sporting clubs and visitors can continue to enjoy the highly valued recreational facilities each year.

“Newcastle’s aquatic facilities play an important role in our community and City of Newcastle is committed to investing in quality upgrades to our local pools,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Our inland swimming centres are utilised 30 weeks per year, from the start of the September school holidays through to the end of the April school holidays, and enhance the lives of community members, sporting clubs and visitors that enjoy our facilities for sporting and leisure, active living and social connection.”

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said City of Newcastle is committed to using renewable energy for its inland pool operations, working to achieve net zero emissions by 2030 as part of the City’s adopted Climate Action Plan.

“Currently, the pool heating systems at Wallsend and Mayfield Swimming Centres are ageing and ineffective, which impacts the way patrons utilise our facilities throughout the season,” Cr Clausen said.

“City of Newcastle is investing $400,000 in pool heating upgrades as part of projects approved in this year’s budget. Rooftop solar panels generate electricity, which support the power needs of the heat pump, as well as supply additional power to the facility’s energy needs, with any excess energy returning back to the grid.”

The installation of rooftop solar panels and heat pumps at Wallsend and Mayfield Swimming Centres are scheduled for completion before they reopen in September.

City of Newcastle remains committed to providing high quality aquatic facilities at Lambton, Wallsend, Beresfield, Mayfield and Stockton. The City continues to advocate to the NSW Government and Opposition for funding for a year-round aquatic facility, requesting that both sides of Government commit funding to match the significant pool announcements made elsewhere in NSW in recent weeks.

NSW Liberals to support Parramatta’s growing Maronite community

A re-elected Perrottet Liberal Government will invest $5 million to assist the growing Maronite community in Parramatta by supporting the continued refurbishment and upgrade of the Our Lady of Lebanon Co-Cathedral precinct.

The NSW Government had previously invested $7 million into the community’s Aged Care & Wellness Centre, and in the next term of government, an additional $5 million will go towards completing current projects along with a new precinct forecourt.

The Maronite College will also receive an additional $100,000 from a re-elected Perrottet Government for the installation of solar panels, to help reduce the school’s energy bills and make it more environmentally sustainable.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said this investment would help the tens of thousands of Maronite community members visiting the area.

“These facilities are a critical community hub, and our investment will help the Parish accommodate the growing Maronite community,” Mr Perrottet said.

Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure said the Maronite community has always contributed to the state since the 1800s to make it a great place to live.

“Whether it be through charities, community organisations or volunteering, the Maronite community is a remarkable representation of our multicultural and multi-faith society, and this is our investing back,” Mr Coure said.

NSW Liberal Candidate for Parramatta Katie Mullens said this is a big win for the local Maronite community.

“Only the Perrottet Liberal Government has a plan and vision to help support our growing communities,” Ms Mullens said. “Our strong economic management allows us to invest in community facilities and services for our community, with the experience and leadership needed to make sure they are delivered.”

“The Maronites have played a huge part in Parramatta’s history and development. This investment will help realise our vision for this important community precinct.”

The Maronite Eparch, His Excellency Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay, welcomed the announcement and added, “Funding will help us to continue serving the Maronite community in Harris Park and surrounds, and will enable us to meet the needs of our growing community.”

Funding available for scientific researchers

Scientific researchers and organisations will soon be able to apply for $7 million to support projects that aim to replace the use of animals in experimentation and to rehome animals who have been used in medical research.

Competitive grants will be available through two new programs:

· Replacing Animals in Medical Research Grants – $4.5 million to support science-based research that replaces or significantly reduces the use of animals in experimentation; and

· Rehoming Animals who have been used in Medical Research Grants Program – $2.5 million for charitable or rescue organisations who are rehoming animals who have been used in medical experimentation.

Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Alister Henskens said the grants build on the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s record funding for scientific research, innovation and technological development.

“NSW is already leading the nation in this space, but we want to continue to grow our economy and be a world leader when it comes to research and development,” Mr Henskens said.

“We want to back our cutting-edge researchers to develop their ideas and translate their work into real-world solutions that help grow our economy in line with the Liberal and Nationals long-term economic plan.

“This work builds on our record investment which is already delivering the world’s first RNA Research and Pilot Manufacturing Facility at Macquarie Park and driving an unprecedented level of R&D in universities and research institutions across NSW.”

New partnership to make school a safe space for all students

Action to make schools in NSW a safer space for all students and staff will be at the heart of a landmark 10-year partnership between a re-elected NSW Liberal and Nationals Government and the State’s religious communities.

Following concerns of antisemitic and faith-based bullying in schools, the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will bring the Department of Education, Multicultural NSW and the Religious Communities Advisory Council together to create a unified approach to continue stamping out racism, religious intolerance and discrimination against students and teachers.

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said a proposed Memorandum of Understanding would reflect and formalise the constructive and open relationship the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has had with faith communities over many years.

“Our faith communities play a vital role in NSW, including in our school system and so it is fantastic we have been able to make a commitment to this partnership to continue our collaborative work on such important issues,” Ms Mitchell said.

“No students or staff should face discrimination or bullying, including based on their faith. The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government remains focussed on addressing this issue, as well as reaffirming our commitment to special religious education and special education in ethics in NSW public schools.”

Activities and initiatives as part of the partnership between the Department of Education and Religious Communities Advisory Council would include:

· Consultation as part of the Curriculum Reform process and development of curriculum resources to support teaching and learning of the new syllabuses, including best-practice teaching of the Holocaust in all NSW schools

· Accredited professional development to support teachers and school staff to promote student wellbeing when managing religious discrimination

· Cooperation with the Student and Experience Directorate Complaints team to build trust and facilitate better reporting of religious vilification and bullying

· Ensuring that every public school has a trained Anti-Racism Contact Officer, and is provided with additional training and resources to combat religious discrimination including antisemitism and religious bullying.

Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure said the school environment is integral to fostering peace and respect between young people so those values are carried into their adult years.

“School is a formative time for young people, and we want to ensure that students are guided to understand the impacts of racism, hatred and religious intolerance,” Mr Coure said.

“By highlighting the dangers of hate and promoting harmony, we can foster a new generation of leaders that can help steer NSW towards becoming an even more successful multicultural and multi-faith society.”

$200 million for Henry Lawson Drive Upgrade

Motorists in South Western Sydney will get home sooner and safer with the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government investing $200 million to extend the upgrade of Henry Lawson Drive along a critical stretch in Milperra.

Treasurer Matt Kean said the upgrade to Henry Lawson Drive is part of a $1 billion WestInvest roads package, made possible by the Liberal and Nationals Government’s long term economic plan.

“This is about making sure South West Sydney is thriving now and into the future, with the road infrastructure that can cater to more drivers,” Mr Kean said.

“The upgrades to Henry Lawson Drive are a win for families who will be able to spend more time with each other, and for businesses that want to get more done.”

Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said the upgrade will ease congestion for motorists along this critical South Western Sydney road corridor.

“We know South Western Sydney is booming, that is why we are committed to providing the essential infrastructure to keep people moving on their local roads,” Mrs Ward said.

“The upgrade of 1.8 kilometres between Auld Avenue and the M5 Motorway builds on Stage 1A which creates more capacity for vehicles traveling through Milperra and Newbridge Road.”

Member for East Hills Wendy Lindsay said this is a critical project that the community has been calling for and make positive difference to travel times for thousands of drivers across South Western Sydney.

“This is about listening to the community and delivering, travelling on Henry Lawson Drive will become an easier trip for everyone across South Western Sydney,” Mrs Lindsay said.

Transport for NSW received more than 100 submissions during the community consultation period last year, reflecting the keen community interest in this project.

A Review of Environmental Factors is being prepared, which will include the impacts from the finalised design features and construction of the project.

Transport for NSW will keep the community informed about next steps for the upgrade.

Other road projects already announced include: For more information, go to https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/henry-lawson-drive-upgrade-stage-1b

What are regional banking options?

A primary concern for people living out bush is the lack of face-to-face banking services in regional Australia. This has been a primary concern of One Nation’s now for more than 20 years.

The national inquiry into banks closing their services in rural areas is uncovering crucial issues that need urgent attention. A recent hearing in Sale revealed a shocking lack of consultation between banks and community members before deciding to shut down their branches.

The disconnect between the head offices of large corporations in major cities and the realities of regional communities is becoming a significant issue. The Senate inquiry heard the concerns of these communities across regional Australia and has heard of innovative solutions to keep banking services in rural areas open.

A Postal Bank would fit Australia’s gap in regional banking services quite neatly and has been implemented successfully in Japan and New Zealand.

The Postal Bank would convert current Australia Post branches into a proper national bank run by the government, providing face-to-face banking services to regional Australians. The benefits of the Postal Bank are many.

Regional and metropolitan councils around Australia are now signing up for the campaign to introduce an Australia Post Bank because of the benefits they see for their communities.

A local bank branch that knows the area and the people was the key to the success of the original Commonwealth Bank, which did incredible things to build Australia before it was dismantled after pressure from private banks. We need a proper banking service in regional Australia that provides face-to-face services to the people.

Many Australian politicians have now realised the damage these bank closures are doing to the bush. A serious and urgent re-think is required or many areas of rural Australia may no longer be viable communities

The Senate inquiry is not a witch hunt into banks, as some have suggested. It is a necessary inquiry to address the lack of face-to-face banking services in regional Australia. The Postal Bank proposal is a viable solution that needs to be explored further. Like so many other issues, we need broad political buy-in from parliament for the proposal to gain traction.

BUILDING A STRONGER PARTNERSHIP WITH INDIA

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will travel to India from 8 –11 March at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Prime Minister’s visit to Ahmedabad, Mumbai and New Delhi will further deepen our strategic, economic and people to people ties with India, a close friend and partner to Australia.

Prime Minister Albanese will join Prime Minister Modi for the Australia-India Annual Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi. The Prime Ministers will discuss trade and investment, renewable energy, technology, defence and security cooperation. The visit will also highlight our strong educational and cultural ties.

Prime Minister Albanese will be accompanied by Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell and Resources Minister Madeleine King. Minister Farrell and Minister King will also lead a delegation of senior Australian business leaders on this visit.

The business delegation will participate in the Australia-India CEO Forum in Mumbai, discussing trade and investment opportunities opened up by the recent Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement and future areas of business to business collaboration with their Indian counterparts.

Prime Minister Albanese will also join Prime Minister Modi at the Fourth Test Match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Ahmedabad. A shared passion for cricket is a hallmark of our long-standing friendship, a relationship that has been enriched by generations of Indian Australians.

This will be the first visit by an Australian Prime Minister to India since 2017.

Prime Minister Albanese said:

“This will be my first visit to India as Prime Minister and I look forward to reinforcing the strong bond between our two countries.”

“Our relationship with India is strong but it can be stronger. It is underpinned by our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which underscores a joint commitment to working together to enhance our defence, economic, and technological interests.”

“A stronger India-Australia partnership is good for the stability of our region. It also means more opportunities and more trade and investment, strengthening our economies and directly benefiting our people.”

“As we look to the future, India will continue to be an important partner and close friend to Australia. I look forward to hosting Prime Minister Modi in Australia mid-year for the Quad Leaders’ Summit and to visiting India again in September for the G20 Leaders’ Summit.”