Month: July 2023

Labor failing to fight inflation first

The June Quarter Consumer Price Index (CPI) shows inflation is still running rampant at 6%.

Core inflation in Australia at 5.9% remains among the highest of the world’s advanced economies.

Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor said the data tells us what we know Australians are feeling every single day – prices are not coming down.

“Australians are feeling it when they pay their mortgages, their rent, their energy bills, their groceries,” Mr Taylor said.

“The latest labour force data shows Australians are having to work more hours just to make ends meet.

“Inflation is coming from Canberra because the Albanese Labor Government is failing to fight inflation first.

“Instead, it has the foot on the accelerator while the Reserve Bank is pumping the brake and when this happens, you blow up the engine.

“Labor’s dangerous cocktail of policies are making a bad situation worse.

“The test for this government from here is to get inflation back to the Reserve Bank’s target rate of 2-3% and keep it there while maintaining a strong economy.”

Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 25 July 2023

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 25 July 2023. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Lord Mayoral Minutes

Acknowledging Youth With a Mission (YWAM) Newcastle’s Assistance to Ukraine

A Lord Mayoral Minute was supported commending YWAM Newcastle for their bravery and community spirit in leading three delegations of dedicated Novocastrian volunteers to travel to Ukraine to provide assistance, outreach and support to many towns and cities, affected by the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

Sister Cities Program & Regional Partnerships

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported to develop a Council policy in regard to prospective sister city relationships, which are designed to promote and encourage friendship and cooperation between Local Governments, business leaders and the wider community, in addition to facilitating cultural exchange programs and economic development.

City of Newcastle World Cup Live Site

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that congratulated and thanked all those involved in the Newcastle live site at Wheeler Place for the Matilda’s opening match of the World Cup and encouraged Novocastrians to again show their support for the Matildas at the live site screenings on 27 and 31 July.

Supporting NRLW State of Origin in Newcastle

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported for City of Newcastle to continue to join City of Townsville, Venues NSW and McDonald Jones Stadium to advocate to the ARL Commission for Newcastle as the rightful New South Wales host city for WNRL State of Origin.

EV Kerbside Charging Grants

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that noted City of Newcastle’s (CN) ongoing development of a council-owned public EV charging network, which currently includes seven chargers installed across four sites, and called for CN to apply for a grant through the NSW Government’s EV Kerbside Charging Grants program, following the identification of additional key locations throughout the Newcastle LGA that would assist in the uptake of electric vehicles.

Thank you and farewell Joanne Rigby

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported extending sincere gratitude to and acknowledging the many contributions of Executive Director City Infrastructure, Joanne Rigby, who retires after more than 20 years of dedicated service to our community.

Ordinary business

Public exhibition of draft Environment Strategy

Council voted to publicly exhibit the draft Newcastle Environment Strategy 2023 for a period of 28 days. The Strategy provides a road map for achieving the three sustainability priorities and eight sustainability objectives in Newcastle 2040 over the next 10 years.

Adoption of Social Strategy

Council unanimously voted to adopt the Social Strategy 2023, following public exhibition. The Strategy provides a framework and actions towards a socially just and inclusive place for all.

Public Art Reference Group (PARG) Annual Report

Council received the Public Art Reference Group (PARG) Annual Report. The PARG act as an Advisory Committee to the City of Newcastle on public art.

Outcome of NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal Hearing

Council noted the decision of the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal’s regarding two Code of Conduct matters involving former Councillor Allan Robinson.

Public exhibition of Throsby, Styx and Cottage Creeks Flood Study

Council unanimously voted to publicly exhibit the draft Throsby, Styx and Cottage Creeks Flood Study for a period of 28 days.

Tender Report – Minor Civil Works – Contract NO. 2023/122T

Council voted to accept tenders for the casual hire of minor civil works for a two-year period.

Tender Report Biennial supply of Traffic Management Services – Contract No. 2023/121T

Council voted to accept tenders for the casual supply of traffic management services for a two-year period.

Tender Report – Natural areas rehabilitation tender panel – 2023/091T

Council voted to accept tenders for natural areas rehabilitation services for environmental assets across the Newcastle Local Government Area, which comprise of water courses and wetlands, coastal ecosystems, Endangered Ecological Communities and bushland reserves, and for planting programs within parks and open spaces.

Notices of Motion

Adoption of Liveable Housing Design to improve the adaptability and accessibility of new residential development

Council supported a notice of motion to call upon the NSW Labor Government to adopt the Liveable Housing Design Standards (silver level) introduced into the National Construction Code in 2022 and amend the 2023 NSW Land and Housing Corporation Design Requirements so that the Platinum Level Liveable Housing Design Guidelines are mandatory for all new social housing.

City of Newcastle will write to the Minister for Housing Rose Jackson MLC and the Minister for Planning Paul Scully, within 28 days.

Newcastle Ocean Baths and Canoe Pool – State Heritage Listing

Council supported an alternate notice of motion acknowledging that CN has prudently invested in upgrading the Newcastle Ocean Baths, which are owned by the NSW Government, to protect the facility for generations to come.

All works being undertaken at the Baths are assessed against strict heritage requirements. City of Newcastle will write to the NSW Government reiterating its previous correspondence to the former Minister for Heritage regarding the listing of the site on the State Heritage Register.

Community invited to provide feedback on updated flood study

Novocastrians are being invited to have their say on a study designed to provide updated information on flood risks in parts of Newcastle and ensure future developments are fit-for-purpose in these areas.

Councillors last night voted to place the draft Throsby, Styx and Cottage Creek Flood Study on public exhibition for 28 days.

City of Newcastle (CN) was required to update the previous study, completed in 2008, following significant changes to Australian Rainfall and Runoff guidelines used to estimate flood impacts and behaviour. The changes relate to modelling methodology, rainfall patterns, and estimation of climate change impacts.

CN is responsible under legislation passed by the NSW government for flood risk management, including the completion of flood studies such as the Draft Throsby, Styx and Cottage Creek Flood Study. Work on the updated study began in 2021 following a grant from the NSW Department of Planning and Environment.

The Flood Study seeks to define current and future flood risk and behaviour, in order to reduce the risk to life and property now and into the future.

Feedback collected during the public exhibition will be used to help refine the Flood Study and allow CN to work with other government agencies to improve our flash flood alert system and respond to flooding events to keep our community safe.

Once adopted, the updated Flood Study will give residents and businesses clearer advice on flood risk within the 51 km² catchment east of John Hunter Hospital, providing longer-term certainty to ensure fit-for-purpose developments and improve the community’s resilience to the potential impacts of floods and climate change.

City of Newcastle is encouraging all residents, business and property owners within the relevant catchment areas to visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay by 24 August 2023 to review the updated Flood Study and find out what it might mean for them.

Drop-in information sessions will also be held to give the community an opportunity to find out more about the updated study:

Saturday 12 August – 1:30pm – 4:00pm

Adamstown Community Hall (153A Brunker Road, Adamstown)

Monday 14 August – 3:30pm – 6:00pm

Digital Library (12 Stewart Avenue, Newcastle West).

More NSW students start the school day right as Foodbank School Breakfast 4 Health program passes 2 million serves

More than 2 million breakfasts have now been served to schoolchildren in NSW, as part of Foodbank’s Breakfast 4 Health program which the Minns Labor Government is committed to expanding.

The number of public schools participating in the program is set to double from 500 to 1000 over the next 4 years as the government delivers its $8 million funding promise.

Since the March election, another 17 public schools have started serving breakfasts with the program. An additional 100 schools have applied and are being assessed.

Schools interested in participating in the program can apply directly to Foodbank via its website, and are assessed according to need.

The School Breakfast 4 Health program has been shown to improve students’ nutrition and eating habits, their mental and physical health, as well as learning, concentration and school attendance.

The program runs in schools across NSW, including rural and regional areas, and is one way the government is helping to ease cost-of-living pressure on families and ensure all children can have a healthy start to their day.

Foodbank data indicates 80% of schools in the program reported an increase in attendance and 89% saw an increase in class engagement on days the program was run.

Premier Chris Minns and Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car celebrated the milestone on Wednesday with a visit to East Hills Public School, an early adopter of the program in south-west Sydney.

East Hills Public School Principal Donna Casey said up to 80% of students at the school participate in the popular breakfast program.

The school’s eatery was recently refurbished and has reopened this week to serve up healthy breakfasts before classes start.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“Making sure children are getting the most out of their time at school is my number one priority. This starts by ensuring that they are not hungry in the classroom.

“I have always said that as premier I want to address the cost of living crisis and this is an important step to not only help families but also give our students the best start to every school day.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“This program is such an effective way to make sure children can have a fresh and healthy meal before they sit down to learn.

“It’s an investment in our children’s education that’s also helping families with cost-of-living pressures, making sure all students are set up for a great day at school.”

East Hills Public School principal Donna Casey said:

“We have noticed an increase in student focus, engagement and emotional regulation throughout the day after the healthy breakfast.

“It’s also another way families can get involved in our school. Parents and younger siblings often join the students for breakfast, which is lovely to see.”

Free parking at regional health facilities in NSW

Patients, staff and visitors will be able to  access free parking at hospitals and health facilities across regional NSW from Tuesday 1 August 2023.

NSW Regional Health Minister Ryan Park said the change will make a big difference for patients, their families and carers.

Mr Park made the announcement at the site of the new Tweed Valley Hospital where he was joined by Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot and Health Services Union Secretary Gerard Hayes.

Mr Park said free parking was already available for staff in NSW regional hospitals but has been expanded to include patients and visitors.

“As part of our election commitment, free parking has now been extended to regional hospitals, including here at the Tweed, Coffs Harbour, Lismore, Maitland, Belmont and Shoalhaven,” Mr Park said.

“The NSW Government has fulfilled its promise to communities across regional NSW on this issue.

“I’m pleased to be making this announcement here at the new Tweed Valley Hospital, where residents have been vocal about the need for free parking.

“We’re committed to improving access and delivering high-quality healthcare to our rural, regional and remote communities.”

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin has been a longstanding advocate for free parking at health facilities.

“I’ve been determined to deliver on this for my community in Lismore, and I am really pleased that it will not just be delivered for my community, but at hospitals and health facilities across regional NSW,” Ms Saffin said.

“With the rollout of the free parking initiative across regional health facilities, we’re easing the financial burden on patients and visitors to our hospitals.

“The initiative is designed to make hospital access more seamless for regional, rural and remote communities who are faced with unique geographical challenges when accessing healthcare.”

Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot joined Minister Park for the announcement at the site of the new Tweed Valley Hospital.

“We know trips to the hospital can be a challenging time for patients and their families, and this announcement will make a big difference to them,” Ms Elliot said.

“In regional areas driving is often the only option to get home from the hospital for patients, staff and visitors.”

NSW Government takes steps to improve justice outcomes for victim-survivors of child sexual assault

The NSW Government acknowledges community concern about the use of good character as a mitigating factor in sentencing for some child sexual offences and the impact on victim-survivors. 

The NSW Attorney General has asked the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) to commence a review into s 21A(5A) of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 and the use of evidence of good character in child sexual offence matters.

In conducting the review, DCJ will consult victim-survivors and victim-survivor advocacy groups, along with legal stakeholders, on options for reform to improve the experiences and outcomes for victim-survivors. 

An options paper will be distributed to targeted stakeholders in August 2023, with a view to progressing any legislative reform by November 2023. 

NSW Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“The NSW Government is open to hearing the views of victim-survivors about how legislation impacts upon them, and we are committed to facilitating the best possible experience for victim-survivors in the criminal justice system.

“By conducting careful consultation with victim-survivors and legal experts, the NSW Government aims to achieve a legal outcome that will provide long-term benefits to the community as a whole.”

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Jodie Harrison said:

“The NSW Government looks forward to working closely with victim-survivors to improve their experience in the justice system, and hearing about the experiences of victim-survivors in the context of this important issue.

“The NSW Government acknowledges the hard work of advocates to raise awareness of this matter.”downloadDownload as PDFprintPrint this pageshare

$12.5 million in community infrastructure grants open

Community organisations across the state are encouraged to apply for funding under the NSW Government’s Infrastructure Grants program to enhance local services and improve residents’ quality of life.

From 31 July, the $12.5 million program will welcome applications for arts, sports, community infrastructure and disaster preparedness projects to build or upgrade facilities.

There are 4 funding categories:

  • Arts and Culture: $50,000 to $200,000 available per project
  • Community Infrastructure: $50,000 to $250,000 available per project
  • Disaster Readiness: $50,000 to $200,000 available per project
  • Sport and Recreation: $50,000 to $300,000 available per project.

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said the NSW Government is pleased to be supporting organisations making a positive difference in their communities.

“The Infrastructure Grants program is all about supporting projects that improve community connectedness in the arts and sport, provide new or improved facilities or deliver innovative local solutions in emergency preparedness,” Mr Harris said.

“Over the last 10 years, more than 700 projects have been funded right across NSW, under this program, helping to create connected, cohesive and resilient communities. I look forward to the next rounds doing the same.”

Funding under the program is made possible by Clubgrants Category 3, which re-invests profits from registered clubs’ gaming machines into community projects. Applications are assessed by an independent expert panel administered through the NSW Office of Responsible Gambling.

Since 2013, the Infrastructure Grants program has provided $125 million to support more than 700 local council and not-for-profit community projects.

The 2023–2024 program offers 2 grant rounds: 31 July to 21 August 2023 and 27 November to 18 December 2023.

Find out more and how to apply for Responsible Gambling Fund grants and funding under the Infrastructure Grants program.

DA drop further reason for BASIX deferral

Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Scott Farlow, has pointed to the recent drop in Development Applications as further proof that the NSW Government needs to defer the introduction of increased BASIX standards for twelve months, in line with other States, to support the building of more homes in NSW.

“From May to June it is taking longer for fewer development applications to be submitted, lodged and determined, which is a worrying development for a Government that has committed to build 314,000 homes over the next five years,” Mr Farlow said.

 May 2023June 2023Change
DAs submitted5,6035,262-6.1%
DAs lodged4,3294,147-4.2%
DAs determined4,2833,904-8.8%
Average time to determine1121152.7%

Source: NSW Planning Performance Dashboard, 24/7/2023

“In the middle of a housing crisis, on every metric, we are seeing performance in our planning system declining and the last thing NSW needs is a new measure that could decrease housing supply.

“These figures should give the Government cause for concern and lead them to heed the Opposition’s and industry’s calls to defer the introduction of the increased BASIX standards on 1 October by twelve months, in line with other States.”

“The Government already imposed a tax of up to $12,000 on new homes across Sydney, the Central Coast, the Lower Hunter and Wollongong and scrapped the Coalition’s popular First-Home buyer choice program – now is not the time to be imposing additional costs on new homes.”

“The construction industry has seen costs escalate by more than 12% in the last year, if these changes are implemented on 1 October, purchasers will be footing additional bills that they simply can’t afford and it could have an impact on supply.”

“Every cost in construction is passed on to the purchaser and threaten the feasibility of new projects, especially with the largest interest rate rises in a decade.”  

“If the Government is serious about delivering 314,000 new homes over the next five years, they need to defer the implementation of BASIX,” Mr Farlow said.

REMEMBERING THE VETERANS OF THE KOREAN WAR

Tomorrow we mark the 70th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice, and commemorate the sacrifice of the Australians who served.

Beginning on 25 June 1950, the Korean War saw North Korea (People’s Democratic Republic of Korea) launch an invasion of South Korea (Republic of Korea) in an attempt to unify the country under its communist government.

The Australian Government was one of 21 member countries to send personnel in support of the South in an attempt to unify the country between 1950 and 1953.

The Australian military served with distinction during the War and, while tomorrow will mark the end of the fighting, Australian forces remained in Korea in a peacekeeping role until 1957.

Approximately 18,000 Australian military personnel served during the Korean War and the post-armistice phase, including the Royal Australian Air Force, Royal Australian Navy and Australian Army.

The demilitarised zone that was established as part of the Armistice agreement still exists today as North and South Korea remain in a state of war.

More than 350 Australians lost their lives, more than 1,200 were wounded and 30 taken prisoner. More than 40 Australians are still listed as missing in action in Korea.

For veterans and their families, this anniversary may be a challenging time. I encourage veterans and families who may need support to reach out and access the services available.

For more information about Korean Veterans’ Day and the Korean War, visit the Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ Anzac Portal.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“Seventy years after the armistice that marked the end of the Korean War, we reflect on those who served in our name with valour and with honour.

They showed a spirit and strength of character that was often tested, but never found wanting.

We hold on to their names, we remember their courage, and we give our thanks to them all.”

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Matt Keogh said:

“True to the ode ‘lest we forget’, rather than being ‘the forgotten war’, today we honour the Australians who served with distinction in the Korean War for their freedom, especially those that paid the ultimate sacrifice.”

“I am honoured to be representing Australia in South Korea to pay tribute to those who lost their lives, to those whose scars remain some 70 years later and to acknowledge all those still missing in action. They will not be forgotten.

SENATE INQUIRY INTO ADHD CARE TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARING IN PERTH

As the Senate inquiry into Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Assessment and Support Services in Australia enters a critical phase, a groundbreaking public hearing is scheduled to take place in Perth on Monday, 24th July. 

The hearing will provide a platform for West Australians with lived experiences of ADHD, ADHD advocacy bodies, First Nations organisations, healthcare professionals, and education advocates to present crucial evidence to the committee.

Approximately one million people in Australia are directly impacted by ADHD, a neurodevelopmental disability that is often misunderstood that can cause significant impairment and dysfunction in the lives of those affected. 

Senator for WA Jordon Steele-John, Australian Greens spokesperson on Disability Services, Health and Mental Health said:

“People with ADHD have been left behind in this country for far too long. Over the past year of engaging closely with ADHDers, I’ve heard countless stories of people experiencing barriers around cost, wait time and stigmas associated with seeking ADHD assessment and support services.

“I am proud to be bringing the committee to WA. It’s clear that too many people in our community can not afford a diagnosis, and if they can, they’re being met with closed-books and long waitlists. The wait times are deplorable, and are leading to significant impacts on the quality of life for so many West Australians. 

“Particularly concerning is the impact on children and their families, with some children waiting up to two years to see a paediatrician to begin their journey of an ADHD diagnosis and support. 

“We are hearing from the community that more supports are needed following a diagnosis; including the need to have healthcare funded through Medicare and support hours available through the NDIS. 

“The goal of this inquiry is to create community-led recommendations that address the common barriers people encounter while seeing ADHD assessment and care. As this crucial inquiry advances, I remain optimistic that the committee’s findings will pave the way for a more accessible and compassionate system that benefits all ADHDers.”