Month: April 2023

Who should have been consulted on the Voice?

Representing the interests of all Australians is a key One Nation focus, and we are deeply concerned about the recent reports from news.com.au of the lack of consultation on the Aborigional voice to parliament proposal. The comments made by Uncle Francis Xavier Kurrupuwu, a senior Tiwi Islands elder, highlight the failure of the current approach to engage Aboriginal communities in this important process.

It is clear, from listening to Aboriginal communities from across Australia, that the Labor government didn’t consult with all Aboriginal communities. Instead, they stacked rooms, over various days, with their supporters and then claimed an extreme minority of Aboriginal people were ‘listened to’.

It is now apparent a huge majority of Australia’s aboriginal community opposes the Voice.

Uncle Francis Xavier’s comments reflect the frustration and disappointment felt by many Indigenous communities who feel left out of the consultation process. He stated that Aboriginal people on the Tiwi Islands were “completely confused” due to the lack of information and consultation, and described the situation as “shocking.” It is unacceptable that a proposal of such importance has not been adequately communicated to the very communities it aims to empower.

One Nation believes that consultation and engagement with Indigenous communities should be at the forefront of any decision-making process that affects them. It is imperative that politicians and policymakers take the time to meet with remote communities, listen to their concerns, and ensure that their voices are heard and respected. The lack of consultation, as highlighted by Uncle Francis Xavier, is a failure on the part of the government and undermines the integrity of the Indigenous voice to parliament proposal.

Furthermore, One Nation is disappointed to note that no federal Labor minister has traveled to the Tiwi Islands since being elected to government. This lack of engagement from the opposition party is concerning and highlights the need for all political parties to prioritize consultation with Indigenous communities.

One Nation stands for the fair and equal treatment of all Australians, including Indigenous peoples.

We are deeply concerned about the lack of consultation on the Indigenous voice to parliament proposal, as highlighted by Uncle Francis Xavier Kurrupuwu’s comments.

Step forward to resolve barley dispute with China

The Australian Government has reached an agreement with China that creates a pathway towards resolving the dispute over Australian barley.

Since 2020, China’s 80.5 per cent duties on Australian barley have effectively blocked exports to that market, worth about $916 million in 2018-19.

The Australian Government has been clear in our view that there is no justification for these duties and that it is in both countries’ best interest for all trade impediments to be removed.

Following recent constructive dialogue at all levels, we welcome China’s agreement to undertake an expedited review of the duties over a three-month period, which may extend to a fourth if required.

This dialogue has taken place in parallel to Australia continuing to prosecute our national interests through the World Trade Organization (WTO). Australia has agreed to temporarily suspend the WTO dispute for the agreed review period.

If the duties are not lifted at the end of the review period, Australia will resume the dispute in the WTO. The WTO trade disputes system encourages bilateral resolution where possible.

The Australian Government will continue to pursue our national interests through dialogue and the multilateral trading system. We will use all opportunities, including the WTO dispute mechanism, to get the best outcomes for Australia’s world-class producers and farmers.

This includes creating further opportunities for Australian business to diversify overseas markets.

We remain confident in the outcome for Australian wine at the WTO. If today’s agreement is successful in providing a pathway for lifting duties on barley, we expect a similar process to be followed to remove trade barriers for Australian wine.

The Albanese Government’s approach has been to cooperate with China where we can, disagree where we must and engage in our national interest. This pathway reflects that approach.

Newcastle Museum set to preserve unique piece of Australian aviation history

It took to the skies in the 1970s as Australia’s only homemade helicopter, but following decades in storage, its latest journey has been completed by road after being donated to the Newcastle Museum.

The one-of-a-kind “Philicopter” took its first flight in 1971 after a decade-long project by Newcastle engineer Duan Phillips to design, build and fly his own helicopter.

City of Newcastle Manager Collections and Community Partnerships David Hampton with the one-of-a-kind helicopter designed and built by Newcastle engineer Duan Phillips.

Following extensive trials and more than 100 hours of flight time, it was certified by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and was later marketed at the Paris Air Show, however this prototype is the only example that was built.

The helicopter remained in a hangar at the Royal Newcastle Aero Club in Rutherford and was donated to the Newcastle Museum by Phillips’ family following his passing last year. It was recently transported by tow truck to the Museum’s off-site storage facility.

City of Newcastle Director of Museum, Archive, Libraries and Learning, Julie Baird, said Newcastle Museum plays an important role in interpreting and preserving our city’s fascinating history.

“The Philicopter will join other iconic transport objects, including the Victoria Lifeboat and Newcastle’s last surviving, first generation electric tram, as part of the Museum’s collection of 12,000 objects,” Ms Baird said.

“It will initially be housed in one of our dedicated collection storage facilities, where it will be conserved and photographed while a future display within the Museum is considered.

“We thank the Phillips family for entrusting us with this unique piece of Australia’s aviation history, which can now be professionally preserved and used to inspire, entertain, and engage Novocastrians and visitors for generations to come.”

Escalating violence in Israel, the Palestinian Territories and Lebanon

Australia is deeply concerned by the escalating violence in Israel, the Palestinian Territories and Lebanon.

During this time of Ramadan, Pesach and Easter, we call on all parties to immediately work to halt the violence, exercise restraint and restore calm.

Australia condemns unreservedly the indiscriminate rocket attacks from southern Lebanon and Gaza and recognises Israel’s right to defend itself.

We are shocked by the horrifying news of deadly terror attacks in the West Bank and Tel Aviv and our thoughts go to the victims’ families and the injured. Terrorism and violence against civilians can never be justified.

Australia calls on all parties to respect and protect the sanctity and status of Jerusalem’s holy sites. Violence at Al Aqsa, including against worshippers, is reprehensible. Security operations must be proportionate and in accordance with international law.  

Events in recent days are urgent reminders of the need for leaders to work together to foster the conditions necessary for tolerance and peace.

EASTER 2023

Happy Easter, Australia.

For many, Easter Sunday is a holy day marking the resurrection – a celebration of faith, hope and renewal.

The variety of services, vigils and ceremonies across the Easter period speaks for our nation’s diversity.

Of course, it’s only possible for us to enjoy the long weekend because of the efforts of those Australians who are working through these public holidays.

Thank you for your contribution to our nation.

Finally, can I ask you all to please take care on the roads at this busy time for travel.

Have a safe, happy and holy Easter.

You can view and download the Prime Minister’s Easter 2023 message here.

SUPPORTING WORLD-CLASS HEALTH CARE FOR CHILDREN

This Good Friday, the Australian Government is pleased to announce $6 million to support the Royal Children’s Hospital’s Good Friday Appeal.

The funding, to be delivered over the next three years, will help continue the hospital’s important work to ensure children and their families can access healthcare of the highest quality.  

It will help fund life-changing treatment, world-class research, leadership and training, to attract the brightest minds to help care for kids from Melbourne, Victoria and across Australia.

It will ensure the continued supportive care underpinning integrated multidisciplinary teams of specialist medical, nursing, allied health, and research staff to utilise the latest learnings and best practice in the Hospital, which includes the Children’s Cancer Centre.

The Good Friday Appeal has been fundraising for the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne since 1931, raising a total of $421 million over the past 92 years.

Every year, thousands of people volunteer their time, expertise and creativity to organise fundraising events and activities to support the hospital, culminating in the telethon on Good Friday.

Anyone wishing to make a contribution or learn more about the patients, volunteers and staff at the hospital can visit www.goodfridayappeal.com.au.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“There is no greater obligation on a government than ensuring the health and wellbeing of our kids, and I am pleased to be able to announce this funding on Good Friday.

“Many Australian families owe so much to the dedicated staff at the Royal Children’s Hospital and those who work so hard to raise additional funds to support their work.

“I would encourage all Australians to get behind the Royal Children’s Hospital’s Good Friday appeal.”

Minister for Health Mark Butler said:

“The Royal Children’s Hospital is one of the world’s leading children’s hospitals.

“The Good Friday Appeal’s ongoing fundraising over almost 100 years has been invaluable in supporting the hospital’s life-saving work.

“I’m proud to support this fantastic initiative, to ensure Australian children and their families can continue to access world-class health care right here in Australia.”

Officer charged – Northern Region

A police officer has been charged over alleged sexual related offences.

In December 2022, an investigation commenced into reports of an alleged sexual offence involving a 17-year-old girl.

Following inquiries, a 27-year-old man was arrested yesterday (Thursday 6 April 2023) and taken to Singleton Police Station.

The probationary constable – attached to a command in the Northern Region – was charged with incite other to do a sexual act with them without consent and behave in offensive manner in/near public place/school.

He was granted conditional bail to appear before Singleton Local Court on Thursday 11 May 2023.


The officer’s employment status is currently under review.

Media statement – functions at Fort Scratchley during Newcastle 500 weekend

City of Newcastle held three events at Fort Scratchley during the Newcastle 500, which is in line with what was done during the 2019 Newcastle 500.

Approximately 200 City of Newcastle employees and their guest attended an event on the Friday of the race weekend after being selected via an internal ballot. General Admission tickets were provided at no cost to City of Newcastle and our staff. Those attending were required to take a day of annual leave in order to attend. All costs (including food and drink) were paid for by the staff who attended.

Approximately 300 business and community leaders attended an event on the Saturday of the race weekend at Fort Scratchley, which also featured a fundraising event for domestic violence charities Got Your Back Sista and Nova for Women and Children. Just over $40,000 was raised for the two charities. Again, General Admission tickets to the event were provided at no cost to City of Newcastle.

An event held on the Sunday of the race weekend was a public event with more than 300 people purchasing tickets, with income from the event ensuring not only were all costs associated with using Fort Scratchley across the weekend covered but that a profit of $10,805.99 was made.

Community wade in on 20-year plan for Newcastle’s public swimming pools

A comprehensive review has outlined a strategic path for the City to enhance and protect Newcastle’s five public swimming pools for the community over the next 20 years.

The ‘Inland Pools Strategy 2043’ sets out an investment plan for Newcastle’s network of public swimming pools to ensure they are fit for purpose in the long term, while noting more than $5 million has been spent upgrading and $2 million maintaining our public pools over the past five years.

The draft Strategy proposes the creation of an Inland Pools Reserve Fund to ensure that funding is set aside annually to enhance the City’s five public pools over the next 20 years. The investigation has also found that the condition of the public pools will enable them to continue to operate without replacement until at least 2043.

From next week, CN will seek feedback from the community and key stakeholders, including a newly formed Inland Pools Community Network, that sought nominations from members of the public who regularly use Newcastle’s five publicly owned pools.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the draft Strategy considered current and future user needs, along with the existing conditions of the pools, to guide future investment.

“City of Newcastle’s public swimming pools attract more than 300,000 visitors every year. Independent research shows public satisfaction with our pools is more than 80%, making them just as popular as the Newcastle Art Gallery and Museum,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The draft Inland Pools Strategy 2043 shows how our network of five swimming centres service the community in their own unique way and sets a strategic direction for each, including upgrading Wallsend Swimming Centre as our population in the western suburbs increases.

“We’re now encouraging the community to have their say on the draft Strategy to help us shape how City of Newcastle protects and invests in its five public pools over the next 20 years.”

The draft Strategy was top of the agenda last night amongst the Inland Pools Community Network, a newly formed group of passionate community representatives.

Representatives for Lambton, Wallsend, Mayfield, Stockton and Beresfield swimming centres in addition to a school representative and accessibility advocate were selected via an expressions of interest process to make up the Network.

Cr Nelmes said each community representative is an active member of a local swimming centre and will help share information, provide feedback and advocate on behalf of pool users.

“City of Newcastle looks forward to working together with the Inland Pools Community Network as we invest in these community facilities and ensure they are accessible to everyone,” Cr Nelmes said.

“We look forward to hearing what each community representative brings to the table to help us plan for the future of our city’s much-loved inland pool network.”

Colin Irvine spends most days at Lambton Swimming Centre and said he is committed to actively contributing to the way the facilities are managed.

“These days I coach both swimming and water polo at Lambton Pool and am there most days. I can see the challenges faced by those running swimming pools from many perspectives,” Mr Irvine said.

“I have been a swimmer all my life and have spent a lot of time at Lambton Pool. In my younger years I was an elite level competitive swimmer and water polo player. As an athlete, a parent, a coach, a business owner, and as a frequent user, I have an appreciation for the challenges faced by local and state authorities in balancing competing community needs with scarce resources.”

Consultation will open on the draft Inland Pools Strategy 2043 following the Easter holidays.