June 2023 – Page 7

REPORTS OF BARBARIC KILLING OF KANGAROOS MUST SPUR ACTION

Australian Greens Deputy Leader and Spokesperson for Animal Welfare Senator Mehreen Faruqi has responded to horrific revelations about commercial kangaroo killing.

Senator Faruqi will be moving an amendment to the Inspector-General of Live Animal Exports Amendment (Animal Welfare) Bill 2023 to expand its functions to include investigating animal welfare issues that arise in respect of the commercial slaughter of kangaroos.

Senator Faruqi said:

“This report demonstrates the need for a beefed-up role for the independent inspector general of animal welfare, which should have the power to investigate all issues of animal welfare within the Commonwealth Government’s jurisdiction. I urge the Government to support the Greens’ amendment to expand the remit of their proposed inspector general of animal welfare.

“What we see here is all too common when it comes to the Commonwealth’s regulation of animal welfare issues: weak laws, negligible monitoring and non-existent enforcement.

“The distressing reports of kangaroos dying slow, painful deaths and orphaned joeys suffering should horrify everyone in this country.

“The fact that hunters are allowed to kill female kangaroos that clearly have joeys in their pouches or young standing nearby is morally indefensible and completely reprehensible”

“The commercial killing of kangaroos is cruel, inhumane and fast losing its social licence, with companies increasingly turning away from kangaroo leather in favour of non-animal based synthetic material.”

Infrastructure investment on the chopping block

The Opposition is calling on the Labor Government to rule out cuts to the state’s infrastructure pipeline, saying the Government’s priorities mean that there will be less jobs, more congestion and longer commutes for the people of NSW.

The Liberal and Nationals Government left a $116.6 billion infrastructure pipeline that would provide the vital roads, rail, metro, schools and hospitals needed for NSW.

Following comments in Parliament by the Treasurer it is clear the Labor Government is shifting blame for its broken promises, wrong priorities and public sector union wage deal cost blowout.

Shadow Minister for Infrastructure Natalie Ward said the new Government’s priorities are clear – to cut investment in the future.

“Government priorities have a cost, and the cost of Labor’s economic management is cuts to infrastructure spending.”

“Infrastructure projects are not just line items in the budget, they are jobs and livelihoods and an investment in the future.”

“Every cancelled or delayed project means more congestion, lower jobs and slower commutes for the people of NSW.”

“The Minns Government said it would focus on local roads, instead all they are doing is short-changing local communities.”

Labor’s budget blackhole and budget lies

The Opposition is calling out Labor’s Budget blackhole lie, saying the Government is shifting blame for its broken promises, wrong priorities and public sector union wage deal cost blowout.

“The Government is choosing to slash vital cost of living programs including Active Kids, Creative Kids and First Lap, to limit energy relief for NSW households and to risk vital infrastructure projects in order to deliver its unfunded election promises,” Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said.

“The Labor Government has seemingly plucked a figure out of thin air, and hasn’t substantiated its claim that there’s a $7 billion blackhole. This is Labor’s Budget blackhole – and these attempts to sheet responsibility back to the former government simply don’t pass the test.”

“The cause of Labor’s Budget blackhole is it’s unfunded public sector wages deal. Before the election Labor said that any public sector wage increase would be paid for through productivity gains. Its submission to the independent Parliamentary Budget Office showed a cost of $0 over the forward estimates.”

“Labor now reveals that its 4.5% pay rise, which is yet to be accepted by all unions, will cost $618 million in 2023-24 and $2.5 billion over the forward estimates. Yesterday the Premier claimed to have found over $600 million in savings to pay for this broken promise – but again he can’t provide the detail to substantiate his words.”

“Slashing Active Kids and slashing other cost of living programs are not productivity savings. These are hits on cost of living programs that will be paid for by NSW families.”

Shadow Treasurer Damien Tudehope highlighted the strong economic record of the Coalition government that confirmed two AAA credit ratings.

“Labor’s complaints about the State’s debt reek of hypocrisy – Labor supported every measure delivered in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters, and supported infrastructure programs financed through debt. Despite these challenges, NSW retained two AAA Credit Ratings,” Mr Tudehope said.

“NSW State net debt is projected to stabilise at about 14 per cent of Gross State Product by June 2026, compared with a projected 26.5 per cent under the Victorian Labor Andrews Government at 30 June 2026.”

“Without having identified any potential reductions in our State’s debt, its rich for the Treasurer to express shock at debt that has been forecast and known since before the election.”

Mr Speakman said that the Coalition is proud of its economic management, record investment in schools, hospitals and infrastructure; and support for families, households and businesses.

“Chris Minns must take responsibility for the fact NSW households and families are paying the price for Labor’s broken promises,” Mr Speakman concluded.

NSW Labor is robbing the future to pay for today

The future sustainability of the NSW budget is being put at risk by today’s announcement by Treasurer Daniel Mookhey that contributions towards the NSW Generations Fund (NGF) will be indefinitely suspended.

Shadow Treasurer Damien Tudehope MLC has raised concerns that the Minns Labor Government is planning to abolish a fund set up to responsibly manage the state’s debt.

“The taxpayers of NSW should be concerned that the savings responsibly invested for the future are going to be raided to pay for Labor’s unfunded election promises”, Mr Tudehope said.

“The NSW Generations Fund (NGF) is NSW’s superannuation fund that delivers investment returns to ensure the state’s long-term debt obligations are managed responsibly.

“NSW taxpayers expect the Government to responsibly manage funds for the future while spending within their means today, its clear Labor does not agree with this approach.

“The Treasurer needs to rule out any move to abolish the NGF and assure NSW taxpayers that the fund will remain in place for the purpose of debt retirement.”

The Treasurer has also asked a Labor-dominated committee to review the long-term strategy for the NGF.

“The Treasurer is asking members of his own party to lead a committee to review the NGF strategy, it is akin to putting Dracula in charge of the bloodbank.”

The NGF was established by the former Coalition Government as a responsible way to manage the State’s debt obligations to ease the burden of the State’s debt on future generations by setting funds aside.

Contributions into the NGF included the sale of WestConnex and cash surpluses delivered by budget surpluses and invested by the State’s funds management arm TCorp.

Woman charged following unauthorised protest – Kooragang

A woman has been charged following an unauthorised protest at Newcastle overnight.

About 8.30pm (Tuesday 20 June 2023), emergency services were called to Cormorant Road, Newcastle, following reports a woman had scaled a coal loader and glued herself to a railing.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District attended, and with assistance from Police Rescue, the woman was removed safely from the structure and arrested about an hour later.

She was taken to Waratah Police Station, where she was charged with enter/remain on etc major facility cause damage to facility, and enter inclosed non-agricultural lands serious safety risk.

The 18-year-old from Canberra was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court later today (Wednesday 21 June 2023).

Investigations into the incident are continuing.

Charges laid following unauthorised protest – Branxton

A man has been charged following an unauthorised protest in the Hunter region this morning.

About 3.50am today (Wednesday 21 June 2023), police were called to train tracks near Branxton Railway Station, Branxton, after reports a man had suspended himself over the railway tracks.

Officers from Hunter Valley Police District attended, with assistance from Police Rescue, and the 22-year-old man was removed safely from the structure and arrested about 9.35am.

He was taken to Cessnock Police Station, where he was charged with cause obstruction to railway locomotive or rolling stock and enter enclosed non-agricultural lands serious safety risk.

The man was refused bail to appear at Cessnock Local Court today, where he was granted conditional bail and is due to appear at Singleton Local Court on Thursday 13 July 2023.

SENATE WON’T DEAL WITH HAFF UNTIL LABOR’S NATIONAL CABINET DEALS WITH SKYROCKETING RENTS, SAY GREENS

The Greens today have successfully deferred consideration of the HAFF bill until after National Cabinet determines its approach to rapidly rising rents later this year.

After months of sustained pressure from the Greens, Labor caved and met the Greens demand for immediate direct funding to tackle the crisis, with a one-off $2 billion for housing and guaranteeing $500 million a year from 2024/25. But this still falls significantly short of meeting the need, and will see housing waiting lists get longer, and there’s no reason Labor couldn’t spend the modest sum of $2.5 billion a year rebuilding public housing in Australia.

The pressure is now on Labor – which holds every National Cabinet seat on the mainland – to act on the rental crisis. Renters rights are on the National Cabinet and Housing Ministers’ meetings agenda, and further meetings are expected between August and October.

Capital city rents increased six times faster than wages in the last year. The RBA Governor expects rents will increase another 10% this year, and noted ‘some people are experiencing bigger increases than that’. On the weekend Labor incentivised the states to pass planning reform in exchange for the $2 billion housing spend, and they could use exactly the same model to incentivise a freeze and cap on rent increases.

Greens Leader Adam Bandt said:

“Unlimited rent increases should be illegal.

“The pressure is now on the Prime Minister and the Labor Premiers to act on a rent freeze and limit rent increases.

“This is a test for Labor. It’s wall-to-wall Labor across the mainland, so rent rises are their responsibility.

“For months we have been calling for two things: real money on housing now, not after the next election, and action to limit soaring rents. For months Labor has said this was impossible. Over the weekend, Labor found an extra $2b to start going out the door in two weeks’ time, but they still won’t act on rents.

“We shouldn’t have to fight this hard to get Labor to limit rent increases during this rental and housing crisis.

“In parts of the country, rents were frozen during the pandemic and the situation is even worse now.

“Labor could negotiate a two-year rent freeze and limits on rent increases after that in the same way they just negotiated the states passing planning reform: by putting money on the table at National Cabinet.

“If Labor acts on soaring rents at National Cabinet, their bill can pass.”

Max Chandler Mather, Greens housing and homelessness spokesperson said:

“Pressure works. To everyone who told us to pass the HAFF six months ago, I say look at the events of the weekend. When we hold the line we get outcomes, and we need to see outcomes for renters.

“The Prime Minister must show leadership at National Cabinet and put money on the table to coordinate national limits on rent increases, otherwise Labor will abandon millions of renters to unlimited rent increases and poverty.

“The reason the Greens are fighting so hard to limit rent increases is because unless we stop rents skyrocketing the queues for public housing will blow out and our chances of tackling this crisis will drop to zero.

“First Labor said it was impossible to spend directly on housing, and then they did it. Now they say it’s impossible to coordinate national limits on rent increases, but it’s not.

“If Labor can spend $2 billion in one year then they can spend that every year and they can certainly coordinate proper national limits on rent increases.

“There are millions of renters staring down the barrel of eviction or financial stress if they cop one more massive rent increase, so just like Labor coordinated energy price caps they now must do the same and cap rents.

“The only reason Labor caved and agreed to spend $2 billion right now on housing is because the Greens stood up and fought, and we aren’t going to stop fighting for proper limits on rent increases and serious money every year for public housing.

“When interest rates come down, rents will stay high. Rents never go backwards. If Labor doesn’t act now, they’re sleepwalking into a crisis that will see housing get less affordable, more people evicted and hundreds of thousands of people joining the housing waiting list.”

Additional humanitarian assistance to Sudan

The Albanese Government will provide a further $4.45 million to respond to the escalating humanitarian crisis in Sudan.

The funds will be used to provide immediate life-saving protection and assistance, including food, water and emergency medical supplies, delivered through the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The additional support was announced overnight by Foreign Minister Penny Wong at the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Ministerial-level Pledging Event to Support the Humanitarian Response in Sudan and the Region.

It brings Australia’s contribution to Sudan and related support in neighbouring countries to $10.45 million.

Australia has already committed $1 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross and $5 million to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to deliver humanitarian assistance in the region helping those fleeing the crisis in Sudan.

Australia is deeply concerned for the communities impacted by the conflict, with over two million people displaced inside Sudan and across its borders, and around half the population in need of humanitarian aid and protection.

This humanitarian assistance will help to ease the immediate suffering, but a negotiated political solution is the only path forward for the people of Sudan.

The Australian Government urges all parties to the conflict to ensure humanitarian agencies are given safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to deliver life-saving assistance to the people of Sudan.

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

“Australia is deeply distressed about the loss of life and destruction that is happening as result of the escalating conflict across Sudan. It is putting unprecedented strain on a region already dealing with a historic drought.”
“These funds will provide immediate relief to the most vulnerable people facing violence and food insecurity.”
“Australia will continue to work with our international partners to deliver essential humanitarian aid in Sudan and throughout the region.”

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

“Two months into this crisis in Sudan, humanitarian need is rapidly escalating.”
“Australia’s support to the International Committee of the Red Cross and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees will provide life-saving assistance and protection in Sudan and its region.”

Assistant Minister Foreign Affairs, the Hon Tim Watts MP said:

“Over two million people have fled since the beginning of the conflict and are now displaced inside Sudan and in neighbouring countries.”
“Additional funding from Australia will deliver vital support to vulnerable people facing conflict and food insecurity.”

Multimillion-dollar grandstand upgrade underway

City of Newcastle is ready to kick off construction on a game-changing major redevelopment at Hamilton South’s Darling Street Oval.

The $3 million project, funded by City of Newcastle, Newcastle Olympic Football Club (NOFC) and the State and Federal Governments, is set to become an inclusive and fully accessible football facility for passionate spectators and home and away players alike.

The redevelopment will feature female-friendly changerooms, a new grandstand seating more than 300 football fans, improved disability access, a new community space as well as the refurbishment of existing amenities and a new formal off-street carpark.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the grandstand upgrade, which is expected to be completed by December 2023, will ensure every footballer and spectator feels welcome and supported.

“City of Newcastle is committed to investing in inclusive facilities and elevating women in sport. Female participation is growing at a rapid pace, both at a grassroots and senior level, and this demand will reach new heights following the FIFA Women’s World Cup being hosted on home soil,” Cr Nelmes said.

“This project will deliver a facility for the entire community. With accessible parking spaces, new shared footpaths, lift access and amenities for people with a disability, Darling Street Oval will be able to meet the needs of all its members.”

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon said the investment into Darling Street Oval will have far-reaching benefits for NOFC and encourage further participation among the club’s nine fantastic female teams.

“Darling Street Oval is a vital part of our community. It is home to a fantastic local club which provides so many children and young adults the opportunity to kick-start their sporting futures, and I am delighted that the Albanese Labor Federal Government is investing $625,000 into this key project,” Ms Claydon said.

State Member for Newcastle and Minister for the Hunter Tim Crakanthorp said local sportsgrounds such as Darling Street Oval present wonderful opportunities for the community to get active and come together.

“These improvements to the grandstand and amenities are going to make the ground more accessible and welcoming for everyone,” Mr Crakanthorp said.

“NOFC are an asset to our community, and I’m thrilled to have been able to advocate for and secure $937,500 for these upgrades.”

Newcastle Olympic First Grade women’s captain Laura Hall said the upgrade would be incredibly beneficial given the growing participation of girls and women in football.

“In just three short years, Newcastle Olympic Women’s Program has grown to over 150 female players and coaches. With the Women’s World Cup about to start, that number will only continue to increase,” Ms Hall said.

“We are grateful to City of Newcastle, State and Federal Governments and to our club for their contributions and more importantly their support for women’s football. The new female-friendly facilities are most welcome and will have an invaluable impact on our players and those of our visiting teams.”

Pictured (L-R): Newcastle Olympic FC Director of Marketing Kosta Patsan, Newcastle Olympic President George Sofianos, Councillor Carol Duncan, Tim Crakanthorp MP, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Sharon Claydon MP with Newcastle Olympic players Jemma House and Laura Hall with junior Newcastle Olympic FC supporters.