September 2023 – Page 10

INDEPENDENT INTELLIGENCE REVIEW

The Australian Government has commissioned an Independent Review into Australia’s intelligence agencies.

The work of our intelligence agencies underpins Australia’s national security objectives, including safeguarding Australia’s sovereignty in an increasingly uncertain security environment. Our intelligence agencies help protect Australia’s security, prosperity and values in complex and changing circumstances.

The National Intelligence Community (NIC) has undergone significant structural and transformational changes in recent years. The Review will ensure that our intelligence agencies remain well-placed to serve Australia’s national interest.

The Review will be co-led by Dr Heather Smith PSM and Mr Richard Maude.

Dr Smith is currently a professor at the Australian National University National Security College and has served as Secretary of the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science, and Deputy Director-General of the Office of National Assessments. In April 2023, Dr Smith was appointed the National President of the Australian Institute of International Affairs. Dr Smith has nearly 20 years’ experience in the public service at senior levels.

Mr Maude is currently Executive Director of Policy at Asia Society Australia and a Senior Fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institute. He is a former senior Australian Government official with 30 years’ experience in foreign policy and national security, including as the former Director-General of the Office of National Assessments. In May this year, Mr Maude was appointed to the External Advisory Panel to oversee the implementation of the Defence Strategic Review.

The reviewers will consult widely, and welcome public submissions. The findings of the Review will be provided to Government in mid-2024.

Independent Reviews of the intelligence community have been commissioned periodically, with the last completed in 2017.

Public submissions on matters included in the Review’s Terms of Reference can be made to IIR2024@pmc.gov.au, or by post to ‘2024 Independent Intelligence Review’ c/o Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, PO Box 6500 Canberra, ACT 2600. The closing date for public submissions is 24 November 2023.

Further information, including the Terms of Reference, can be found here: 2024 Independent Intelligence Review.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“Our intelligence agencies underpin our national security objectives, including helping to safeguard our sovereignty in an increasingly uncertain security environment.

“This Independent Review will make sure that our intelligence agencies are best positioned to serve the Australian national interest, respond to future capability and workforce challenges, and continue to protect our security, prosperity and values.

“Dr Smith and Mr Maude are highly capable individuals with the specific skills needed to lead this Review.”

CHANGES TO INCOME SUPPORT PAYMENTS ARE TINKERING AROUND THE EDGES OF A BROKEN SYSTEM

Today the new rates of income support payments that were announced at the federal budget come into effect.

The government’s increase will be supplemented by an additional rate rise due to indexation.

These combined increases still leave people in poverty in a cost of living crisis.

The eligibility of the single parenting payment also expands today, to allow more parents to access the payment, but those with children aged 14 years or older have still been left with nothing.

Senator Janet Rice, Greens spokesperson for Social and Government Services said:

“Even when Labor’s base rate increase is paired with the automatic rate rise due to indexation, the changes coming into effect today don’t bring Jobseeker, student and youth allowance payments close to the poverty line, let alone make them enough to live on.

“People on Jobseeker will still struggle to afford food as well as their medicine. More and more students will abandon their studies because they can’t afford to study and pay the rent.

“Labor’s increase to Jobseeker is less than even the Liberals did under Scott Morrison.

“While in opposition, Labor slammed the Morrison Government for its paltry increase and now in government, Labor is doing even less to help welfare recipients than the conservative party.

“We are in a cost of living crisis, and this government is choosing to leave people without heating or food as they struggle to pay the rent.

“Poverty is a political choice. Labor must scrap their stage 3 tax cuts for billionaires and the ultra-wealthy and lift all income support rates above the poverty line.

Senator Larissa Waters, Greens Spokesperson for Women said:

“We were pleased to see Labor partially reverse the Gillard government’s decision to cut off Parenting Payment Single when kids turn 8, but single parenting doesn’t stop when a child turns 14.

“Now that the government has the final Women’s Economic Equality Taskforce report, they should revisit their decision to only partially reinstate Parenting Payment Single. Parents of kids who are 14, 15 and 16 deserve the same level of support.

“Our calls requesting the immediate implementation of changes to the Parenting Payment Single urgent support for parents were ignored by Labor, forcing 8,145 single parents – mostly single mums – onto JobSeeker if their child happened to turn 8 before 20 September.

“Labor is choosing to keep women and children in poverty, while they fund tax cuts for billionaires and nuclear submarines.”

GREENS SLAM ALAN JOYCE’S $21.4M PAY – 300X MORE THAN STAFF – WHILE QANTAS NOSEDIVED

Elizabeth Watson-Brown, MP for Ryan and Greens spokesperson for Transport, Infrastructure and Sustainable Cities said:

“It’s disgraceful that in a year where Alan Joyce presided over a company ripping off their customers, allegedly breaching consumer law, and mistreating and underpaying their staff, that he was paid an exorbitant salary 300 times what cabin crew and ground staff typically earn.

“The Qantas board should rule out handing Alan Joyce the extra $14.4 million in bonuses. Alan Joyce should pay back his extremely generous paycheque given Qantas nosedived under his watch.

“Under a publicly owned Qantas, the CEO’s salary could be capped. We should not see exorbitant bonuses for executives and massive wealth inequality in what used to be our national carrier, but is now a private company clearly profiteering off an apparently cosy relationship with the government.

“The Federal government should admit that privatising Qantas was a mistake and urgently consider bringing it back into public hands.”

Australia supports Ukraine in the International Court of Justice

Australia will today join 31 other countries delivering interventions before the International Court of Justice in support of Ukraine’s case against Russia in response to Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine.

Solicitor-General Dr Stephen Donaghue KC will deliver Australia’s intervention in the preliminary objections phase of the proceedings, arguing that the Court has jurisdiction to hear the case.

Australia strongly supports Ukraine’s decision to bring this case before the International Court of Justice, which alleges Russia has violated the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.

Russia’s attempts to use false allegations of genocide as a pretext to justify its egregious violations of international law in Ukraine undermines the rules-based international order.

Australia stands against such attempts and is supporting Ukraine and the international community in holding Russia to account.

Australia continues to call on Russia to comply with the ICJ’s legally binding order of 16 March 2022 to immediately withdraw its military forces from Ukraine.

We remind Russia that, as a member of the United Nations, it is legally obliged to comply with decisions of the ICJ in any case to which it is a party.

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

“Russia must be held to account for its illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine.”
“Australia’s intervention in the International Court of Justice today is just one way we are supporting Ukraine to hold Russia to account.”
“We stand with the people of Ukraine and the 31 other countries who are supporting Ukraine in this case – we are stronger when we work together to address shared challenges.”

Attorney-General the Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP said:

“Australia stands unequivocally with Ukraine in its fight to hold Russia accountable for the despicable allegations used as the pretext for its illegal and immoral invasion.”
“Our intervention before the International Court of Justice demonstrates Australia’s unwavering commitment to upholding fundamental rules of international law and the integrity of the Genocide Convention.”

OECD verdict: Higher inflation, slower growth under labor

The latest OECD Economic Outlook has sounded the alarm on a government that is distracted from managing the economy at a time it has never been more critical.

The OECD has forecast the second consecutive downgrade to Australia’s GDP growth forecast and predicts inflation will be higher for longer under Labor.

Under the OECD’s projections, Australia’s economy will grow at a slower rate than the EU, the United States, Brazil, Mexico and the G20 average.

Australia’s core inflation rate will lead the Euro Area, the United States and G20 advanced economies by 2024.

These forecasts come as Australia is already experiencing collapsing real wages, a GDP per capita recession, record slumps in consumer confidence, falling labour productivity and one of the highest core inflation rates amongst advanced economies.

Most alarmingly, the OECD’s policy recommendations stand at odds with the government’s agenda:

More flexible labour markets, not more union red tape
Stronger fiscal policy, not a one-and-done surplus
Reducing the burden of state-owned enterprises, not creating new ones

Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor said families are already facing higher mortgage rates, higher rents, higher energy bills and higher taxes under the Albanese Labor Government.

“For families expecting relief from the cost-of-living crisis, this is a bitter pill to swallow,” Mr Taylor said.

“This is a consequence of a government that has had its eye off the ball when it comes to the economy.

“This is a government that is distracted by its Canberra Voice and more interested in paying back its biggest donors than it is in managing the economy.

“With inflation already higher for longer under Labor, Australian families cannot afford another year of Labor on autopilot.”

Shadow Finance Minister Senator Jane Hume said the OECD’s updated economic outlook has sounded the fiscal alarm bells.

“Labor inherited a budget benefitting from a booming commodity sector and record low unemployment following nine years of pro-growth, pro-jobs and productivity-enhancing economic management from the Coalition,” Senator Hume said.

“With the 2022-23 budget year inheriting the fiscal and economic settings from the Coalition, the test for Labor is: will it get better or worse from here?

“Labor must commit to restoring the fiscal guardrails, reining in spending to help bring down inflation and delivering the reforms the economy needs to get productivity moving to boost jobs, boost wages and boost economic growth.”

NSW Labor creates level playing field for women in sport

The Minns Labor Government will invest $30 million in improving grassroots sports facilities to turbocharge the growth of women and girls sport across NSW through a brand new Level the Playing Field program.

This program will support the growth of women and girls sport in NSW after a recordbreaking FIFA Women’s World Cup during which the Matildas inspired the nation, and an unbelievable 12th World Cup championship win by the Diamonds at the Netball World Cup.

The Level the Playing Field program will allow grassroots sporting groups to access funding to upgrade and build sporting facilities for women and girls in their local communities.

The program is expected to fund 100 new and upgraded facilities and will contribute to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for women and girls to train and play, by delivering fit-for-purpose facilities and amenities such as change rooms, accessibility improvements, and improved lighting.

As part of the budget, the Minns Labor Government is also delivering on its promise to support local community and school sports through a number of other initiatives.

The Football in Schools Program in Western Sydney will also receive $14.5 million, partnering with the Western Sydney Wanderers and Macarthur Bulls to support local school sporting teams.

The Central Coast will receive $3.7 million to improve football infrastructure and programs.

This will include a synthetic playing field in Tuggerah, as well as training facilities for the new Central Coast Mariners A-Leagues Women’s team. Funding for these projects will be matched by the Central Coast Mariners.

This funding also includes $1 million for the Central Coast Mariners community programs for at-risk youth and disadvantaged adults.

The budget will more than double funding for state sponsored organisations (SSOs), such as Football NSW and Sport NSW, from $2.45 million to $5 million in 2023–2024, and $10 million in 2024–2025 and 2025–2026.

These new agreements will include incentives for SSOs to achieve specific outcomes in increasing female participation in their organisations and improving their governance.

National industries and governments decide to transition the Varroa mite program

The National Management Group (NMG), driving the Varroa mite program across Australia met yesterday, and has decided to transition its approach to addressing this biosecurity issue confronting the nation’s beekeepers and pollination industry.

After considering the latest scientific data and advice, governments and industry organisations have unanimously decided to move from an eradication program to a management approach.

The NSW Government has agreed with all industry and government partners that the potential to eradicate is no longer possible and that we now need to work collaboratively to manage and minimise the impact of varroa.

Despite the comprehensive $101 million spend and effort to eradicate the mite, the transition from an ‘eradication’ program to a ‘management’ program was concluded because of the many factors working against a possible eradication in Australia.

The NSW Government will work with all the national players and reallocate resources to slowing the spread of the pest and providing management options to help minimising its impact.

Communications are being developed by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and industry partners to explain to all stakeholders what this shift in program means and how the government will guide and assist affected stakeholders.

The NMG considered the following major factors for why eradication has not reached its desired objectives:

Non-compliance by some bee industry actors with the NSW Movement Orders and the mandatory hive testing (alcohol washes), and evidence of illegal movement of bees resulting in further spread of the varroa mite.
The recent spike in new detections, have made it clear that the Varroa mite infestation is more widespread and has also been present for longer than first thought.
The increase in new detections and generation of a control area greater than 16,000 km2, has stretched the eradication team’s responses to their technical limit.

Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Regional New South Wales, and Minister for Western New South Wales, Tara Moriarty said:

“The priority now is for the NSW Department of Primary Industries to communicate with all the stakeholders of the beekeeper and pollination sectors and advise them what the change in program means for their industry.

“I’ve directed the Department of Primary Industries to immediately engage industry stakeholders and beekeepers to provide guidance and assistance so that they can quickly respond to the transition of the Varroa mite management program.”

Director General of Department of Primary Industries Scott Hansen said:

“The department will move swiftly to transition our team and all our stakeholders to this new approach and will be providing information and support to the industry.

“The 2399 DPI people and staff from supporting agencies and industry in the Varroa mite response team have been working around the clock since last year on this program and I thank them for their incredible effort. They have succeeded in delaying the spread of Varroa mite for more than a year which needs to be recognised.”

Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Honey Bee Industry Council, Danny Le Feuvre said:

“While eradication was the original goal, the focus will now shift to supporting beekeepers in the transition to management.

“I thank all the beekeepers for their cooperation throughout the response and especially those who have felt the emotional and financial impacts of this response.

“There is still lots industry can do to contain and slow the spread of Varroa mite, which is why NSW will operate under an interim management strategy until the National Management Plan for Transition to Management is agreed upon.

“At the same time, AHBIC will continue to work with NMG to ensure any support measures offered to beekeepers are fit for purpose.”

Budget makes new housing less affordable

Additional taxes and charges in Labor’s Budget will make home ownership less achievable for the people of New South Wales.

Shadow Minister for Housing Scott Farlow said that more housing is a mirage under Minns. Labor’s best effort to build more homes is for Landcom to deliver a measly 88 affordable homes and 206 market homes per year through to 2039-40.

“Housing was supposed to be the centrepiece of this Budget, yet the Labor Government’s only answer is to impose more taxes for those building new homes, which makes homes less affordable. It also imposes more costs and increases the difficulty for the private sector, which provide the vast majority of housing supply, to deliver more homes,” Mr Farlow said.

“The Government’s infrastructure centrepiece is funded by a tax on new homes, with the associated infrastructure not tied to the area in which the development occurs.”

“Rather than outlining new vision and focussing on measures to increase supply, the Government has increased taxation.”

“The Housing and Productivity Contribution could add up to $37,000 to the price of a new home in Western Sydney if it attracts both a strategic biodiversity component and transport project component.”

“The money raised by this contribution isn’t tied to the geographic area, with the potential for funds raised from a new development in Penrith paying for a bike path in Petersham.”

“There has been no revised feasibility assessment of this charge since 2020 and since that time interest rates have risen by 400 basis points and construction costs have increased by 30%.”

“Worse still, the Government is not undertaking any further contributions reform and is applying this charge at the Construction Certificate stage, the point in the construction where financing is most difficult and will add additional financing costs on builders.”

“The Budget papers also reveal that Sydney Water’s development servicing plan (DSP) will not just be used for infrastructure recovery costs, but be used to increase Sydney Water dividends by 4.5 times over the forward estimates with no commensurate savings to consumers.”

“This is a great big tax on industry and consumers that will make new homes in Western Sydney more expensive and not save users any money on their water bills.”

“The last Liberals and Nationals budget delivered a $2.8 billion Housing Package that helped first home buyers, created a shared equity scheme, accelerated the delivery of new infrastructure to support housing and upgraded and enhanced NSW’s social housing stock,” Mr Farlow said.

Power pain on the way as NSW Labor dodge questions on eraring

The Minns Labor Government’s Budget fails to provide energy certainty for NSW, limiting energy relief, ripping away subsidies for EVs and failing to include any provisions for the extension of the Eraring Power Station, potentially risking a future energy blackhole.

As families and businesses struggle under Labor’s cost of living crisis, higher inflation and increased interest rates, 1.5 million households will miss out on energy bill relief, leaving people across NSW to fend for themselves.

There are also more than 500,000 small businesses in NSW that do not qualify for energy relief from the Minns Government.

“The Government have not provided a single cent to the ongoing operation of the Eraring Power Station which could cost up to $3 billion. This is completely at odds with their commitment pre-Budget to discuss extending the aging power station.”

“And despite allocating $1 billion to their state-owned energy corporation, Labor can’t explain how it will function or when it will begin providing relief.”

The CEO of the Electric Vehicle Council has said that he doubted the people who voted for this government thought they were voting to cut electric vehicle incentives to fund handouts to coal-fired power stations.

“Not only has the Minns Government put us in reverse when it comes to Electric Vehicles by scrapping the $3,000 rebate and reintroducing stamp duty, they continue to leave households in the dark by providing meagre relief from energy bills,” Mr Griffin said.

Six teens charged over alleged break-in, stabbing – Merewether

Six teenagers have been charged following an alleged aggravated break and enter, where a man was stabbed, in Merewether.

Shortly before 3am today (Tuesday 19 September 2023), police were called to a home on Coane Street, after reports of a home invasion.

Police will allege in court that a group of six people forced their way into the home before they were confronted by two occupants – a 49-year-old man and a 75-year-old woman – inside the property.

During this argument, both the man and woman were allegedly stabbed before the group ran from the scene.

Officers from Newcastle City Police District attended a short time later and established a crime scene.

The 49-year-old was taken to John Hunter Hospital, where he remains in a serious but stable condition.

A 75-year-old woman suffered minor injuries and was also taken to hospital for treatment.

Following inquiries, five teenagers – two boys, aged 13 and 14, and three girls, aged 14, 15 and 15 – were arrested nearby before being taken to Newcastle Police Station.

A 15-year-old girl and a 14-year-old boy were charged with special aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence.

A 13-year-old boy was charged with special aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence, and breach of bail.

A 15-year-old girl was charged with breach of bail.

All four were refused bail to appear before a Children’s Court tomorrow (Wednesday 20 September 2023).

A 14-year-old girl was charged with goods in personal custody suspected being stolen.

She was granted strict conditional bail and is due to appear before a Children’s Court on Monday 9 October 2023.

Following further inquiries by investigators, a sixth teenager, a 14-year-old boy, was arrested at a home in Raymond Terrace, about 11.40am today (Tuesday 19 September 2023).

He was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station, where he was charged with special aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence wound, attempted murder, and reckless wounding – in company.

The boy was refused bail to appear before a Children’s Court tomorrow.