Month: November 2023

GREENS WIN CHANGES TO RESPECT AT WORK COSTS PROTECTION

The Greens welcome the introduction of the Australian Human Rights Commission Amendment (Costs Protection) Bill 2023 today, which would implement the Government’s revised response to Recommendation 25 of the Respect@Work report. 

The modified ‘equal access’ cost protection provision put forward in this bill is one the Greens and many advocates were calling for last year, and will ensure that no-one is priced out of fighting sexual harassment in the workplace. 

Greens leader in the Senate and spokesperson on women Senator Larissa Waters said:

“We are pleased that the revised government bill introduced today heeds the calls of advocates, victim-survivors, legal experts and unions, the Greens and the crossbench, for equal access costs protections.

“The Greens pressured the Government a year ago to dump their original costs provisions, and to review and reconsider them. We are so pleased to see that after this reflection, the government has now proposed the costs model the Greens were advocating for, which removes costs risks for people standing up for their rights at work.

“The Greens are proud to have kept the pressure up to ensure that no-one is priced out of fighting for their rights at work, whether that be for sexual harassment or any other type of discrimination.

“Without an equal access cost model in place, many workers, particularly women, weigh up the trauma and financial risk and decide to stay silent. Providing more options for victims of sexual harassment to make complaints doesn’t change things if women cannot afford to make complaints.

“Equal access costs protections, where workers can take action without fear of paying the other side’s costs if they lose, already exist for whistleblowers. The Greens are happy to support changes that will see these same protections applied to workplace harassment.” 

MEMO LABOR: DON’T LET PETER DUTTON WRITE IMMIGRATION DETENTION LAWS AGAIN

Labor must not let Peter Dutton dictate its response to the High Court ruling that indefinite immigration detention is unconstitutional, the Greens say.

“This is a mess that Peter Dutton helped create so Labor should not let him determine its response,” Greens immigration spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

“Mr Dutton has given Labor a free pass to work with him to trample human rights and persecute refugees and it is crucial that Labor reject his offer.”

“The government must not let Mr Dutton write their immigration laws for them and pressure them into a draconian, knee-jerk response.” 

“Mr. Dutton has a horrendous record of cruelty to refugees and disregarding basic human rights.”

“For Labor to now work with him to rush laws through parliament this week would be disgraceful in the extreme.”

“Indefinite detention was found to be unlawful and unconstitutional punishment.”

“Many of the people recently released are refugees who have already suffered years of indefinite detention.

“Labor should not allow Mr Dutton to dictate a further regime of cruelty to them.”

“Labor’s response must be one that respects the law, respects human rights, respects refugees and respects the Australian Constitution.”

“We need to reaffirm the rule of law, and that means courts deciding punishments, not politicians. Anything less is a step towards tyranny.”

“We are hearing a lot about threats to the community but the biggest threats to the Australian people are draconian laws which seek to unnecessarily curtail liberty or detain people indefinitely.”

WAGES DATA SHOWS RENT CRISIS IS OUT OF CONTROL

The most recent data on wage growth and rent increases in Australia presents a stark picture of the escalating rental crisis, exacerbated by current Labor policies.

Data released by the ABS today shows wages grew by 1.3% in the September quarter. Meanwhile rents outpaced wages, increasing by 2.2% over the same period.

“The latest figures are a clear indicator of the failure of Labor’s housing policies. Labor’s rental crisis is getting worse” Greens Economic Justice spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

“While wages have been crawling, rents have been sprinting, pushing more Australians into financial distress. This isn’t just a housing issue; it’s a crisis of economic justice and fairness.”

“This trend is particularly alarming in the context of the broader economic challenges facing the nation, including the rising cost of living and the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.” 

“We badly need rent controls, now.”

LABOR’S RIDICULE OF STUDENT PROTESTERS A NEW LOW

The Greens say Labor is hopelessly out of touch with Australia’s young people, after the government today mocked students preparing to walk out of classrooms for the national Climate Strike this Friday, November 17.

Stephen Bates MP, Greens Youth Spokesperson, asked the Education Minister if he supports students’ right to strike for a safer climate and leave school this Friday to protest new coal and gas projects jeopardising their future. 

In response, Labor MPs jeered from their seats and the Minister merely responded that “that school students should be at school during school hours.”

Greens spokesperson on Education (Primary & Secondary), Senator Penny Allman-Payne said:

“Kids are worried about the future. They know that Labor’s plan for more coal and gas will make global heating worse and on Friday, thousands will leave their classrooms in protest.

“While the Prime Minister and the frontbench laughed, the education minister mocked the idea that students should exercise their democratic right to protest and said he wanted them ‘at school’.

“We’ve grown used to Labor’s cowardice in the face of the climate crisis, but telling kids they should just shut up while they continue to open up new coal and gas shows how hopelessly captured and out-of-touch they are.

“If the government is going to ignore calls from young people to act on climate, then young people should ignore the education minister and take to the streets on Friday.”

Greens Youth spokesperson Stephen Bates said:

“The decisions of this Government to push more coal and gas is harming the future of young people. Most high school students can’t vote, climate protests help make their voices heard.

“Young people deserve to have their voices heard. Right now, they’re inheriting a broken environment, economy, and worsening living conditions.

“Clearly Labor needs to be reminded of their roots if they don’t get why people strike.”

Newcastle Williamtown Air Show will be the largest single day event in Newcastle history

The sky’s the limit for families and aviation enthusiasts preparing for an exhilarating day out this Saturday with Newcastle set to welcome the largest single day event in the region’s history.

City of Newcastle (CN) together with the Royal Australian Airforce (RAAF) will host the Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023 this Saturday 18 November, with a RAAF aircraft flying display at 10am to 12.30pm and again at 1.30pm to 4pm.

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With free viewing areas at Nobbys Beach, Foreshore Park and Stockton, up to one hundred thousand people are expected to enjoy family-friendly activities such as rides, face painting, food trucks, static RAAF displays and roving entertainment, in addition to the thrilling aerial displays and flypasts.

Formation and aerial displays will feature historical aircraft like the Harvard, Winjeel, Spitfire, Mustang and Canberra in addition to flypasts from F/A-18F, EF/A-18G Super Hornet and the Growler.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the free community event would offer something for both aviation enthusiasts and families looking for a fun weekend out.

“Newcastle’s spectacular coastline will be on display this Saturday for spectators to catch all the action over Newcastle Harbour, Nobbys Beach, Foreshore Park and Stockton,” Cr Nelmes said.

“City of Newcastle is proud to deliver this one-off event alongside the Royal Australian Air Force and is a testament to Newcastle’s growth as a world-class events and cultural city and indicative of a thriving local economy.

“We look forward to welcoming locals and visitors to both air displays on Saturday 18 November and showcasing the diversity of what our city has to offer including its rich heritage, natural scenery and vibrant cultural scene.”

Transport for NSW will be running extra rail, light rail, bus and ferry services in addition to operating a Park and Ride facility from McDonald Jones Stadium. Parking is also available at Stockton, located within an easy walk to prime vantage points.

Designated parking for Mobility Pass holders is available on Wharf Road (between Argyle Street and Watt Street). A Mobility Pass must be displayed to get through the road closure at Argyle Street.

We recommend you plan your journey ahead by using www.transportnsw.info and www.newcastletransport.info. Information on road closures is available at www.livetraffic.com

“We encourage spectators to leave the car at home where possible and utilise public transport options to ease traffic congestion around the city with almost one hundred thousand spectators expected to attend,” Cr Nelmes added.

“City of Newcastle would like to acknowledge Transport for NSW, NSW Police and NSW Government for their support in delivering this incredible event for the community.”

A limited number of tickets are still available at Fort Scratchley’s premium viewing area, providing access to the only licenced viewing site for both air shows. Earp Distilling Co. will be serving up a variety of premium food and beverage options available for purchase. Gates open at 9am and tickets are restricted to patrons 18+.

On Sunday 19 November, RAAF Base Williamtown will open its gates to the public for a ticketed non-flying Open Day featuring static ground displays and a range of military equipment from across the Australian Defence Force. For tickets and more information about the Open Day visit www.airforce.gov.au/news-events/events/raaf-williamtown-open-day

For more information about the Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023, 18 to 19 November 2023, visit www.visitnewcastle.com.au/air-show-2023

Out of this world exhibition touches down at Newcastle Museum

Novocastrians can explore the surface of Mars and take the ultimate celestial selfie this summer thanks to the new hands-on exhibition at Newcastle Museum.

Australia in Space officially opened today featuring interactive exhibits that allow you to command a rover on the Red Planet and step onboard a space station to take a photo ‘in orbit’ above Australia.

Budding astronauts will be inspired by the opportunity to build their own spacesuit and discover the surprising realities of trying to sleep, wash your hair, cook and eat food in space, then use a hand-held ‘medical scanner’ to explore the harsh effects of space on the human body.

City of Newcastle Director Museum, Archive, Libraries and Learning Julie Baird and Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes at the Australia in Space exhibition at Newcastle Museum

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle is determined to bring world class exhibitions to the region.

“Newcastle Museum is committed to attracting engaging, high quality touring exhibitions for the Hunter Region that enrich Newcastle’s cultural offering and give local communities access to national and international experiences,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Developed by the renowned Questacon National Science and Technology Centre, Australia in Space has something for everybody and celebrates innovation, science and technology.

“Visitors will be inspired by the achievements, aspirations and motivations of Australians in the space sector, with the work of women and First Nations people featuring prominently.”

Other out-of-this-world displays include a virtual telescope that links to iconic deep space missions and a laser-based puzzle game that shows how satellites allow over-the-horizon communications.

Team up with a friend to manage orbital traffic and tackle space junk in a cooperative computer game based on Australian technology, or simply marvel at an airport-inspired ‘Earth departures board’, drawing on real data to display details of upcoming rocket launches around the world.

Learn about space weather and discover how scientists from the Bureau of Meteorology monitor, research and predict electromagnetic storms in order to protect power grids.

City of Newcastle Director Museum, Archive, Libraries and Learning Julie Baird said Australia in Space will excite and inspire audiences of all ages, with an emphasis on school-age children.

“The exhibition is designed to welcome space enthusiasts and newcomers alike, getting all visitors on-board with Australia’s vision for a vibrant and diverse space sector,” Ms Baird said.

“Free science shows will also run throughout the school holidays to complement the exhibition.

“I’d encourage our visitors to make a day or weekend trip to explore Australia in Space as well as Newcastle Museum’s other exhibitions, activities and collections.”

Tickets for Australia in Space cost $15 for adults, $10 for concession card holders, $7.50 for children between five and 14, with children under five admitted for free. A family pass (two adults and two children) is $40.

For more information visit www.newcastlemuseum.com.au/exhibitions/special-exhibitions/australia-in-space

Australia in Space runs until Sunday 10 March 2024.

Nuatali Nelmes marks milestone nine years as Lord Mayor

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes has become one of Newcastle’s longest serving Lord Mayors, officially reaching nine years in the role today.

Cr Nelmes was elected Lord Mayor on 15 November 2014, having previously served six years as a Ward Three councillor, and is now the fourth longest-serving Lord Mayor, surpassing the tenure of former Lord Mayors John McNaughton, Joy Cummings and Greg Heys.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Councillors in February 2022.

Frank Purdue (10 years), Douglas McDougall (10 years) and John Tate (13 years) are the only people to have served longer in the role of Lord Mayor, with Purdue and McDougall serving non-consecutive terms, and elected by other Councillors, rather than the community.

Cr Nelmes noted the significant transformation in Newcastle during her term as Lord Mayor.

“I want to thank the people of Newcastle, who have repeatedly supported our Council to show leadership and take tough decisions to deliver the change our city has needed,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Residents want to see progressive reforms and we are seeing the positive results across the city.”

Cr Nelmes thanked her colleagues who have strongly supported her in the role.

“Leading the organisation during the COVID-19 pandemic was perhaps the most challenging period of my time in office, but City of Newcastle delivered a stimulus program that helped protect local jobs and supported the region through that difficult time,” Cr Nelmes said.

“This record of delivery has only been possible because of tough decisions that have made the City of Newcastle financially sustainable with successive budget surpluses.

“We will continue to focus on attracting more investment to our city to support jobs and deliver the services our residents deserve.”

Key achievements of City of Newcastle during the past nine years include:

INFRASTRUCTURE

  • More than doubling capital spending to reduce the infrastructure backlog, and upgrading amenity and liveability across the city
  • Delivering city-shaping projects including the iconic Bathers Way coastal walk, Wallsend flood mitigation works and rejuvenation of Hunter Street Mall
  • Funding Local Centre upgrades in Carrington, Beresfield, Shortland, Kotara, Merewether, Stockton and New Lambton, with more to come
  • Addressing Stockton erosion with the state’s first certified Coastal Management Program (CMP), which has led to amenity sand nourishment through offshore dredge rainbowing
  • Building dozens of new playgrounds, including regional-scale playgrounds at Stockton, Blackbutt Reserve and Wallsend
  • Delivering a once-in-100-year renewal of Newcastle Ocean Baths
  • Opening new or upgraded fenced off-leash dog parks in North Lambton, Islington and Maryland

ENVIRONMENT

  • Becoming the first council in NSW to use 100 per cent renewables, including a 5MW publicly-owned solar farm
  • Significantly expanding City of Newcastle’s street tree planting program and implemented a verge garden program
  • Becoming the only council in the region to have a soft plastic recyclable program
  • Protecting Blackbutt Reserve from proposed subdivision and sale
  • Rolling out public electric vehicle (EV) chargers and expanded cycleway networks
  • Advocating for off-shore wind, the diversification of the Port of Newcastle and the creation of new clean energy jobs and industry

CULTURE & COMMUNITY

  • Attracting new national and international events to the city
  • Starting construction on the long-discussed Newcastle Art Gallery expansion
  • Launching City of Newcastle’s very own New Annual cultural festival to support local artists
  • Expanding public art and large-scale street murals throughout the city
  • Supporting live music reforms to protect local performers, while implementing a live music grant scheme to support local artists
  • Upgrading local sporting facilities and investment in community sport.

Remediation work to commence at historic Lake George Mine

The NSW Government will next week commence essential remediation work to improve safety and reduce environmental risks at the historic Lake George Mine site in Captains Flat.

Historic mining operations in NSW such as Lake George Mine were not subject to the stringent rehabilitation regulatory requirements in force today.

Under contemporary mining regulations, mine operators are required to submit and implement comprehensive rehabilitation plans, lodge security bonds, and progressively remediate sites to limit poor environmental and safety outcomes.

The NSW Resources regulator is responsible for ensuring compliance with rehabilitation plans approved through the planning process.

While it was operative, Lake George Mine was one of the largest base metal mines in NSW. It produced lead, zinc, copper, pyrite, silver and gold and spanned approximately 100 hectares of legacy mine workings, extending underground to a depth of over 600 metres. The mine operated over several decades, starting in the late 1800s and closing in the 1960s.

Up to $33 million of remediation work at the Lake George Mine will be carried out under the NSW Government’s Legacy Mine Program. The fund includes a total of $107.7 million for high risk historic and abandoned mine sites.

During the work period, the site’s historic mining structures will be preserved to maintain the mining history of the site.

Work at Lake George Mine will commence on 20 November 2023 and be carried out until mid-2026.

Get more information on the Lake George Mine Remediation Projectlaunch.

Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to safeguarding the environment and protecting local communities, including through the Legacy Mines Program.

“Mining continues to drive prosperity in NSW. Remediating historic legacy mines is an important way that the NSW Government can support local economies and ensure regional communities are great places to live and visit.

“By addressing the legacy of historical mining practices, we are ensuring a better and safer future for our communities.”

Member for Monaro Steve Whan said:

“The further remediation of the Captains Flat mine surrounds reflects the fact that our knowledge of the dangers of this type of site continues to get better. This is a big job and I’m pleased the Government continues to work to ensure community health.

“I am also very conscious of the fact that private landowners in Captains Flat also face considerable uncertainty and potentially high costs as a result of the Government identifying issues on town blocks. I have not forgotten those people.”

Cobb completion the final piece in state’s sealed highway puzzle

NSW has a fully sealed highway road network for the first time in its history following completion of a mammoth $195 million project to bitumen seal two Outback highways.

The historic milestone was reached after crews finished sealing the final 3.9-kilometre section of the Cobb Highway near Halfway Tree between Ivanhoe and Wilcannnia.

Completion of the 132-kilometre total Cobb Highway sealing work follows finishing of the 153-kilometre Silver City Highway sealing in late 2022.

About 150 workers — including engineers, road workers, trainees, apprentices and contractors —   were employed each year on the project which commenced in 2011.

The remote location meant workers had no access to an established base or nearby infrastructure, and they were away from their families for months at a time living in caravans at makeshift camps which were built near highway work sites.

About 700,000 tonnes of crushed gravel and 43,000 tonnes of aggregate was used to build and seal the Cobb Highway while work crews camped on-site to ensure the work was completed, battling the elements and isolation.

Key features of both highway projects include:

  • New drainage structures to combat flooding
  • A new bridge at Packsaddle Creek
  • A new landing strip for the Royal Flying Doctor Service at Shannons Creek
  • Close consultation with local Registered Aboriginal Parties to preserve and document culturally-sensitive areas such as those near Mount Manara

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“The sealing of these Outback highways will improve safety, slash journey times, reduce the risk of fatigue and increase resilience against extreme weather events.

“Importantly, this work also means there will be more reliable access to hospitals, schools and essential services for the communities living in the most remote parts of NSW.

“On behalf of the Minns Labor Government I want to thank all the workers who’ve delivered this project for the incredible legacy they have built for our state.”

Independent Member for Barwon Roy Butler said:

“Prior to being sealed, both highways could be closed several weeks a year due to wet weather and these closures hit residents and businesses hard while cutting access to essential services and isolating interstate road users.

“The sealing of both highways now means the need for road closures has been reduced.

“The highways will also be safer for tourists visiting the Outback who, along with people moving livestock and freight operators, will also benefit from reduced travel times.”

Wilcannia Tourism Association president Bill Elliott said:

“We never thought we’d see the day the Cobb was sealed the whole way.

“It’s felt like a never-ending push to get it done, but it is amazing to have seen this project completed.”

Transport for NSW Works supervisor Kevin Bath said:

“The hardest part is living away from family, but we build bonds while we build the roads and try to make camp life as fun as we can.

“There’s also a great sense of pride amongst the team, working on projects that will directly benefit the communities that we come from.”

World first trial of mobile cardiac treatment could save lives

Patients across Sydney are set to benefit from a clinical trial that will mobilise potentially life-saving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) treatment for those in cardiac arrest.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation – or ECMO – is a form of heart and lung bypass which provides blood flow and oxygen to the brain, heart and other vital organs.

This allows time to identify and treat the cause of the cardiac arrest.

Until now however, the treatment has only been available within the hospital setting.

Today, the NSW Government is announcing a new innovative clinical trial which will go a step further, making a cardiac bypass machine mobile.

The staffing model of this trial is a world-first, with critical care paramedics working alongside specialist pre-hospital critical care doctors in a dedicated vehicle to treat cardiac arrest patients.

Taking ECMO to the patient can increase their rate of survival and a good neurological outcome by getting them onto the treatment earlier.

For ECMO to be effective, patients must be placed onto the machine within an hour of their cardiac arrest.

Mobilising ECMO has the potential to increase the survival rate of some patients in cardiac arrest from less than 5% to around 30%.

NSW Ambulance has a dedicated clinician working within the control centre who identifies cardiac arrest patients who are suitable for ECMO and notifies the team immediately.

To be placed on ECMO, a patient must be eligible according to specific criteria set up as part of this trial.

The trial is now underway, with 1 vehicle currently operating 2 days per week.

Westmead Hospital, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney are participating in the trial by receiving patients that have been put on ECMO by NSW Ambulance.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“We are embracing innovative, new and effective methods to improve health outcomes.

“Where possible, we want to be able to provide care where and when a patient needs it.

“In instances of cardiac arrest – time is particularly of the essence.

“This world leading initiative can save time to treatment and has the potential to save lives.”

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said:

“I’m thrilled that this exciting and promising trial is being launched in our community, and that Westmead will be a participating hospital.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan said:

“Our doctors and paramedics are well-equipped to respond to cardiac arrests within the community, with all of our ambulances fitted out with vital equipment including mechanical chest compression devices and medications.

“This trial will go a step further, taking a cardiac bypass machine out on the road for the first time in NSW.”