Month: August 2023

Orange Hospital is reaching for the sun

Orange Hospital is about to become home to the second largest solar PV installation in any government facility in NSW.

NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park said more than 3,300 solar panels will be installed on the roofs of buildings across the Orange and Bloomfield Hospital campus which will result in the reduction of almost 2,300 tonnes of carbon emissions each year.

“The NSW Government is committed to doing everything possible to improve the sustainability of the NSW Health system and this installation at Orange is another example of that commitment,” Mr Park said.

“These solar panels will generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of around 500 homes.

“NSW is a world leader in harnessing solar energy for public healthcare with almost all of our major hospitals using roof space for solar installations.”

Installation of the solar panels at Orange and Bloomfield Hospitals is now underway and should be completed in the coming weeks.

Minister for Energy and Climate Change Penny Sharpe said this project is positive on all fronts.

“We’re tackling Climate Change, and we’re using government facilities to generate clean renewable energy and help keep prices low in the long term.” Ms Sharpe said.

Jeff Morrissey, Director of Corporate and Services & Clinical Support for the Western NSW Local Health District, said the Orange Health Service solar project was a key component of the LHD’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy.

“Health services have historically been large consumers, with a substantial carbon footprint. At the Western NSW LHD we are committed to doing our bit to make all our services more sustainable,” Mr Morrissey said.

“More than half our vehicle fleet is now hybrid, we have solar installed in 20 locations, including 14 hospitals, and we have a commitment to stop using Desflurane, a gas used in anaesthetics which make up a significant portion of our carbon emissions, by 2024.”

Work to install the panels may cause some temporary disruption to pedestrian and vehicle traffic. Any on-site changes will be clearly marked to minimise any inconvenience to patients, staff and visitors.

Arrangements have been made for helicopter retrievals to be appropriately managed while the installation is underway.

Member for Orange Phil Donato said it is a great example of the community being at the forefront of renewable energy.

“I am so proud that our community gets to host this fantastic initiative,” Mr Donato said. 

NSW health now has a total of nearly 20 megawatts of solar in its network, spread out on previously unused roof space. This covers the equivalent of about 20 soccer fields – or a large-scale solar farm if built as a ground-level system.

Solar energy has reduced NSW Health’s electricity bill by $4.2 million a year, with projected savings of $15 million a year by 2030.

The program has already reduced carbon emissions by around 33,000 tonnes – the equivalent of removing about 18,000 cars from the road.

Albo’s Controversial Voice Admission Sparks Criticism from Australians

Recently, there’s been a significant development concerning Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his acknowledgment that he hadn’t read the complete Uluru Statement. Australians are lining up to accuse him of planning a referendum without understanding the subject matter, but also questioning the legitimacy of his stance.

It’s a major problem that the prime minister isn’t familiar with this crucial document. This revelation has caused disbelief among those opposing the referendum (“No” campaign).

For months, Albanese has been assuring that there’s sufficient information about the contentious Voice and urging Australians to read it.

While Albanese’s viewpoint has upset many, his admission highlights the complexity of the referendum and its related materials. The challenge is not only about the potential consequences of the referendum itself but also about fully understanding all the connected documents. This incident emphasises the importance of making informed decisions and carefully studying supporting materials regarding significant constitutional changes.

As discussions unfold around this referendum, it’s of utmost importance to carefully consider the viewpoints of all stakeholders, particularly those who have valid concerns about the deeply flawed and potentially divisive Voice proposal. The controversy sparked by Prime Minister Albanese’s admission presents a crucial opportunity to engage in a substantive dialogue about the problematic aspects of the Voice plan and its potential to perpetuate divisive policies and undermine genuine progress towards improving Aboriginal conditions. 

HELPING MORE AUSTRALIANS BUY A HOME

The Albanese Government is working with states and territories to deliver the Help to Buy Scheme, supporting up to 40,000 low and middle income families to purchase a home of their own.

This will bring home ownership back into reach for thousands of Australians who have been locked out of the housing market.

The Government will provide an equity contribution to eligible participants of up to 40 per cent for new homes and 30 per cent for existing homes.

The Government is committed to providing the opportunity to purchase a home under Help to Buy in all states and territories.

For states to participate, legislation will need to be passed for the scheme to operate in their jurisdiction.

All states have agreed at National Cabinet to progress legislation so the scheme will run nationally.

The Albanese Government has already helped more than 50,000 Australians into home ownership through the Home Guarantee Scheme, including more than 6,000 through the new Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee.

Today’s announcement builds on the significant commitments made by National Cabinet yesterday including:

  • A new national target to build 1.2 million well-located new homes over five years, from 1 July 2024;
  • The New Homes Bonus, $3 billion of performance-based funding for states and territories who achieve more than their Accord targets and undertake reforms to boost housing supply and improve housing affordability; 
  • The Housing Support Program, a $500 million competitive funding program for local and state governments to kick-start housing supply; and 
  • A Better Deal for Renters which includes developing a nationally consistent policy to require genuine reasonable grounds for eviction, moving towards limiting rental increases to once a year and phasing in minimum rental standards. 

These commitments are on top of the Albanese Government’s ambitious housing agenda which includes:

  • The $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund, which will help fund 30,000 new social and affordable rental homes in its first five years;
  • The new $2 billion Social Housing Accelerator to deliver thousands of new social homes across Australia;
  • $350 million to deliver 10,000 affordable homes through the National Housing Accord over five years from 2024;
  • Up to $575 million in funding unlocked from the National Housing Infrastructure Facility with homes already under construction across the country;
  • Increasing the maximum rate of Commonwealth Rent Assistance by 15 per cent, the largest increase in more than 30 years;
  • Additional $2 billion in financing for community housing providers for more social and affordable rental housing through the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation;
  • New incentives to boost the supply of rental housing by changing arrangements for investments in built-to-rent accommodation;
  • $1.7 billion one-year extension of the National Housing and Homelessness Agreement with States and Territories, including a $67.5 million boost to homelessness funding over the next year.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“Our Government will help 40,000 low and middle income families buy a home.

So often these Australians have done all the right things – worked hard, saved up, made sacrifices, but a deposit for a home is still out of reach.

Our Government will step up and assist, opening the door of home ownership to tens of thousands of Australians.”

Housing Minister Julie Collins said:

“I’m proud that Help to Buy will bring home ownership back into reach for 40,000 Australians.

This is a critical element of our Government’s broad and ambitious housing agenda to help address Australia’s housing challenges.

We’ll keep delivering to ensure more Australians have a safe and affordable place to call home.”

Witnesses to historical child abuse at Worimi Shelter urged to come forward 

Lawyers are urging witnesses to alleged historical child sexual abuse at Worimi Shelter in Newcastle to come forward with any information that may assist several survivors of the alleged abuse. 

Slater and Gordon Associate in Abuse Law, Selva Dankha said the firm was investigating the alleged sexual abuse of children by a higher-ranking officer who had a presence at the facility between October 1995 to December 2002.   

“We currently hold instructions from several clients who say they suffered sexual abuse at the hands of this officer, who is said to be a celebrated figure in the community.  

“It has had a devastating impact on their lives, which is why we’re seeking witnesses and any other victims to come forward to help us get them the justice, closure and compensation they need and deserve,” Ms Dankha said. 

“To date there have been known offenders who have held high ranking positions at similar facilities who managed to continue to attend the centers and abuse victims even after their employment had ceased.

“We believe this officer continued to have access to Worimi following his employment and continued to abuse detainees, which is why we’re also calling for witnesses,” Ms Dankha said.  

The shelter was established at Broadmeadow, near Newcastle, by the former Child Welfare Department in June 1966. The shelter was for the reception of children from the courts and held 23 boys and girls up to the age of 18 years.

Under NSW law, there is no longer a time limit on when child sex abuse compensation claims can be made, meaning victims can pursue a claim for damages regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred. 

In addition, legislation was passed in 2021 that allows unfair settlements previously reached with churches and other institutions, to be set aside by the court. Gag orders, which survivors were previously forced to sign, preventing them from speaking publicly about what they endured can now also be lifted.

“We believe there could be potential witnesses living in New South Wales or interstate. If you suffered abuse by an officer who held a higher ranking at Worimi Shelter, or any others, or if you are aware of the abuse of other children, please do not hesitate to reach out to Slater and Gordon Lawyers,” Ms Dankha said.

Ms Dankha said any information received would be treated confidentially.

Girl missing from Newcastle found 

A girl missing from the Newcastle area has been located safe and well.

The 13-year-old was last seen on Turton Road, Waratah, about 2.50pm yesterday (Wednesday 16 August 2023).

When she could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Following inquiries and an appeal for assistance, she located about 2pm today (Thursday 17 August 2023) in Waratah.

Police would like to thank the media and the community for their assistance.

Man charged over historic sexual assault offences – Laguna, near Cessnock 

A man will appear in court today charged over the alleged historic sexual assault of a girl in the state’s Hunter region.

In May 2023, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Sex Crimes Squad commenced Strike Force Larow after allegations a girl had been sexually and indecently assaulted by a man known to her on a number of occasions between 2010 and 2015.

Following extensive investigations, detectives attended a rural property in Fernances Crossing – 45km south-west of Cessnock – about 11am yesterday (Wednesday 16 August 2023), where they arrested a 75-year-old man.

He was taken to Cessnock Police Station and charged with 21 offences, including,

  • Have sexual intercourse with person – older than 10 and younger than 14 years (12 counts)
  • Indecent assault person under 16 years of age (4 counts)
  • Sexual intercourse with person under the age of 10 years (2 counts)
  • Commit act of indecency with victim under 10 years
  • Commit act of indecency with person under 16 years; and
  • Use child under 14 years to make child abuse material.

He was refused bail to appear at Cessnock Local Court today (Thursday 17 August 2023).

Investigations under Strike Force Larow are ongoing.

Australia and Japan deepen defence ties

Australia and Japan are strengthening our defence ties with the Japan-Australia Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) coming into effect.

This military agreement provides the legal framework for greater defence cooperation between the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF).

It is the first visiting forces agreement Japan has struck with any country outside the United States.

When it comes to practical outcomes, this agreement will see more training and exercises between the two countries, including;

  • Japanese F-35s will deploy to Australia, to RAAF Base Tindal for the first time at the end of August
  • Exercise Bushido Guardian, where Australian F-35s will be deployed to Japan for the first time in early September
  • Australia will participate in Exercise Yama Sakura as a full participant for the first time with more than 150 personnel travelling to Japan in December.

The RAA will streamline more effective force cooperation, and enable each country to increase the sophistication and regularity of training, exercises and other cooperative activities.

Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP said:

“The Reciprocal Access Agreement will deepen the relationship between our respective defence forces, supporting closer cooperation and strengthening the capabilities of both the ADF and the JSDF.

“Both Australia and Japan recognise the increasing complexity of our security environment and the need to grow our partnership to support a stable and prosperous region.”

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

“Australia and Japan share an aspiration for a stable, peaceful and prosperous region, and this bilateral Reciprocal Access Agreement will help us deepen our defence cooperation.

“The security and defence relationship between Australia and Japan is critical to both nations, and is underpinned by our Special Strategic Partnership.”

Australia and California drive action to combat climate crisis

As the world confronts the urgent threat of the climate crisis, the governments of Australia and California have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to accelerate our shared efforts to deliver climate action and support clean energy transition.

California is the fifth-largest economy in the world, and through its concentration of clean energy technology and innovation plays an important role in driving global climate action. California’s ability to set standards for new and emerging technologies makes it a critical partner as Australia becomes a renewable energy superpower.

The MOU creates a framework for cooperation on climate action and ecosystem protection, including through the creation of clean jobs and inclusive economic growth.

Areas of cooperation include clean transportation, nature-based solutions, climate adaptation initiatives, developing clean energy supply chains and technologies, and supporting green finance, investment and climate-friendly business, the circular economy, and broader research and development.

The MOU will also help Australia and California address the pressing and immediate priorities of adapting to changes and investing in communities’ resilience to climate risks such as heatwaves, storm surges, wildfires, droughts and flooding.

Australian and Californian government agencies will look to develop specific projects in consultation with industry and academic partners.

This new partnership between our two governments is underpinned by a shared recognition of the opportunities and challenges posed by the climate crisis, including to the Indo-Pacific region, which is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

Earlier this year, Australia and the United States established Climate as the third pillar of our alliance. This new Australia-California Memorandum of Understanding follows on from the national-level Climate, Critical Minerals and Clean Energy Transformation Compact announced by Prime Minister Albanese and President Biden in May 2023.

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

“Australia is committed to working with international partners to address the climate crisis, which is the biggest threat faced by the Indo-Pacific.

“Our new partnership with the State of California will accelerate our shared efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change, including by promoting climate-related disaster resilience and supporting the development of clean energy technologies.”

Minister for Climate Change and Energy, the Hon Chris Bowen MP said:

“Global collaboration is critical to ensuring Australia maximises our clean energy potential and realises our ambition to become a renewable energy superpower.

“Our new Memorandum of Understanding builds on significant climate investments from Australia and California and reflects our respective net zero and carbon neutrality targets.”

UNFAIR RENT INCREASES ARE NOW LABOR’S FAULT: GREENS

Greens pressure has so far forced the government to spend an additional $2b on housing and has put renters rights on the national agenda, but Labor’s announcements today largely enshrine the status quo, leaving millions of renters exposed to unlimited rent increases.

Changes announced today are not a significant shift, as rental increases are already limited to once per year in every state and territory except the Northern Territory and Western Australia, with Western Australia announcing a change to limiting rental increases to every twelve months earlier this year. Today’s changes refuse to adopt even the ACT’s model of limiting the amount of rent increases, meaning Labor has endorsed a policy of unlimited rent rises.

80 housing organisations including tenant unions, housing providers and domestic violence services have supported the Greens’ call for limits on rent increases as key to tackling the rental and homelessness crisis.

Greens Leader Adam Bandt MP said:

“From now on, every unfair rent increase is Labor’s fault.

“Labor has every seat bar one at National Cabinet, and it’s now clear Labor’s policy is for unlimited rent increases.

“Pressure from the Greens has put renters on the national agenda and secured $2b in new funding for public and affordable housing. However, Labor is not spending nearly enough to address the massive public housing shortfall, and with a $20b surplus up his sleeve, I call on the Prime Minister to deliver more at Labor’s national conference.

“80 organisations representing renters and people facing homelessness agree we need to limit rent increases. We need to keep the pressure on Federal Labor and every Premier around the country to make unlimited rent increases illegal.”

Greens housing and homelessness spokesperson Max Chandler-Mather MP said:

“Labor has just locked in yearly astronomical rent increases, and tried to handball the heavy lifting on fixing the housing crisis to the same property developers who created the crisis in the first place.

“This is a smoke and mirrors announcement designed to make it look like Labor has done something meaningful for renters, when in fact they have basically enshrined the status quo, leaving renters exposed to astronomical rent increases once a year.

“The Prime Minister couldn’t even get agreement to end no-cause evictions, and disgracefully low minimum standards including no clear timeline for when renters can demand even cold running water shows what this government really thinks of renters.

“Every rent rise from now on is on Labor and the Prime Minister. Labor had the opportunity  to cap rent increases and they have refused, which means from here on in every rent increase someone cops is because Labor hasn’t capped rents. 

“Unlimited rent increases once a year are still unlimited rent increases.

“Property investors will get $39 billion in tax concessions this year alone, while renters will have to pay an extra $4.9 billion in rent because Labor has decided to lock in unlimited yearly rent increases. 

“Labor can talk about supply all they want, but expensive private apartments won’t fix the housing crisis. What we desperately need is billions of dollars of investment in public housing every year. 

“It seems like the Prime Minister has announced $3 billion to build penthouse apartments no one can afford, when they should just be spending an extra $3 billion on public and affordable housing.

“The Greens will keep fighting to freeze and cap rent increases, and billions of dollars more for public housing.

One year of falling real wages under Labor

Today’s Wage Price Index data confirms what Australians are feeling in their hip pockets: they are worse off under Labor.

The Albanese Labor Government’s failure to take inflation seriously is making Australians poorer while the economy shudders to a halt.

Real wages have gone backwards in every quarter on an annual basis since Labor came to government. This includes the biggest collapse in real wages on record in the December 2022 quarter.

This is a direct consequence of Labor’s failure to fight inflation first and it’s working families who are paying the biggest price.

For a working household, ABS data shows inflation was as high as 9.6% in the June quarter meaning their real wages have fallen by 6%.

Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor said Australian families are footing the bill for Labor’s failures on the economy.

“With real wages going backwards, hours worked going up and inflation still stubbornly high – no one is feeling better off, no matter how the Treasurer tries to spin it,” Mr Taylor said.

“Between the Canberra Voice and a public holiday thought bubble, Labor is focused on everything but the economy at a time hardworking Australian families are feeling the intense pressures of Labor’s cost of living crisis.

“The government needs to bring inflation back to band by reining in spending, support economic growth through deregulation and driving productivity reform to increase real wages.

“Labor’s economic plan will achieve none of this.”

Shadow Minster for Employment Michaelia Cash said the data calls for Labor to heed employer concerns about their industrial relations reforms.

“The job creators of this nation are extremely concerned about further radical industrial relations reforms which will make it harder and more expensive for them to do business,” Senator Cash said.

“Businesses have said Labor’s proposed changes will cost thousands of jobs every year and strip the rights of labour hire workers to negotiate their own pay and conditions.

“Labor is attacking labour hire, the gig economy and casual work – any sort of flexible work which can’t be easily unionised – it is impossible to improve the real wages of workers if they don’t have jobs any more.

“Labor has always been more interested in pandering to their union paymasters than doing the best thing by businesses and their workers.”

REAL WAGES UNDER LABOR
QuarterCPI (Annual Growth)WPI (Annual Growth)Real Wages (Annual Growth)
September 20227.3%3.2%-4.1
December 20227.8%3.4%-4.4
March 20237.0%3.7%-3.3
June 20236.0%3.6%-2.4
HOUSEHOLD IMPACTS
QuarterEmploy Living Cost Index (Annual Growth)WPI (Annual Growth))Real Wages (Annual Growth)
June 20239.63.6-6.0