February 2024 – Page 16

Labor fails Australian taxpayers on research funding

Australia’s research sector is vital in driving innovation, advancing our economy and building a globally competitive nation, but it must expend taxpayers’ funds in the national interest.

Labor’s proposal to outsource public funding decisions for more than half a billion dollars to an Australian Research Council (ARC) board, unaccountable to the Parliament, is irresponsible.

It is also contrary to our system of parliamentary democracy which ensures that elected representatives are accountable to the Australian people, not untouchable boards or committees.

Without oversight from the minister, there is the risk wasteful or questionable projects, which may involve large travel or other inappropriate costs, will be funded without recourse. This shows how little Labor cares about safeguarding taxpayer funds.

In 2022-23, more than $895 million was delivered through ARC grant programs.

Of the many thousands of ARC research projects, the former Coalition government vetoed just 32 projects.

This is bad policy from a very bad government.

Given Labor will retain control of big-ticket funding programs such as the ‘ARC Centres of Excellence’ involving several hundred million dollars, Jason Clare’s hypocrisy is on full display. What double standards from a minister who has refused to hand over the ribbon cutting and photo opportunities.

Since its election, the Albanese government has shown only contempt for the research sector, cutting $102 million from university research programs in the December MYEFO, with no sign Labor will keep its election promise to increase research funding to 3 per cent of GDP.

The establishment of an ARC board, to be paid from the ARC’s budget, means a direct cut to research of another $1.5 million.

Passport fees take-off while efficiency nose dives under Labor

Australians are paying more for their passports under the Albanese Labor Government in return for a woefully inefficient service.

A report released by the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) today on the Australian Passport Office has revealed that “passport applications are not being processed in a time and resource efficient manner.”

Since being elected, Labor has hiked up the price for Australians with an adult passport of 10 years going up $38 and plans of a second increase this year of $28 from 1 July.

Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Simon Birmingham said the Albanese Labor Government had no shame in slogging Australians with higher passport fees while delivering woefully inadequate services to deliver them.

“In a desperate cash grab the Albanese Government has twice hiked the price of passports with a third to come, yet this report reveals Australians are forking out more just to wait longer for their passports,” Senator Birmingham said.

“Australians already pay more for their holiday thanks to Labor blocking airline competition, now they’re paying more just to be allowed to leave the country.

“The Albanese Labor Government should reverse their big passport price hike until they comprehensively respond to these recommendations so that Australians get a fair deal on passports, not a costly, stressful stuff-around.”

In what the Treasurer has called a “relatively modest” change Australians will be paying 21 per cent more under Labor to get their passports during a cost-of-living crunch.

Federal Coalition commits to revivalising Monterey Reserve

A future Federal Coalition Government will provide a $2 million contribution to support the Frankston City Council in delivering the Monterey Reserve Precinct Revitalisation.

The Monterey Reserve Precinct Revitalisation delivers something for everyone in Dunkley.

Key elements of the revitalisation include a play space, a youth space decked out with a skate park, and a new seniors fitness space, all with improved pathways, landscaping and lighting. These precinct improvements will transform the Monterey Reserve in Frankston North, completely revitalising this key community hub for local residents and families to enjoy.

Federal Leader of the Opposition, Peter Dutton, on a visit to the park today said “Monterey Reserve is clearly a popular place for families and local residents, but it currently doesn’t meet the needs of the growing Frankston North community. This is an important community infrastructure project which will ensure the Monterey Reserve Precinct is fit for purpose for the years ahead. A future Federal Coalition Government in Canberra will contribute towards funding this important community project to revitalise this important community space.”

Liberal Party Candidate for Dunkley, Nathan Conroy, said “Upgrading Monterey Reserve is a critical part of our long-term vision to build a better community for us right across Frankston. Our community deserves world-class infrastructure to support a growing population and this is part of my long term vision for delivery in all areas of Frankston City. This project will significantly benefit the people of Frankston North, and is a real example in our vision of delivering for the people of Frankston.”

We will work with a future Victorian Government state government and local Council that is willing to deliver this project, requiring equal financial contributions of $2 million each.

This is a project that has come directly from community feedback and will improve health, wellbeing, social connection and the environment at Monterey Reserve.

Through his time as local Mayor, Nathan Conroy has shown he will fight for this area and for the community infrastructure that this growing area needs.

If elected at the byelection on 2 March, Nathan will continue to deliver for the people of Dunkley.

Indian Ocean Conference 2024

Four hundred delegates from across the Indian Ocean region and beyond will today meet in Perth for this year’s Indian Ocean Conference.

This is the first time Australia has hosted this important gathering. Together with India’s Minister of External Affairs Dr Jaishankar, I look forward to welcoming Sri Lanka’s President Wickremesinghe, 17 Ministers, Secretaries-General and high-level delegates.

The Conference theme of ‘Towards a Stable and Sustainable Indian Ocean’ presents an opportunity to discuss positive and practical ways in which we can work towards a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indian Ocean; a community in which agreed rules and norms empower all states to cooperate, trade and thrive.

Indian Ocean countries share common interests in the security of our region, tackling climate change, the health of our oceans, marine safety, trade, and economic development.

Our region faces shared challenges, and we are working together on shared solutions.

WONG UNRWA ADMISSION SHOWS MINISTER’S RECKLESSNESS ON PALESTINE

Greens Deputy Leader and Aid and Global Justice spokesperson Senator Mehreen Faruqi has questioned Foreign Affairs Minister Senator Penny Wong’s judgement in suspending life-saving funding to UNRWA without having all the facts.

In question time earlier this week, Senator Faruqi asked a direct question on whether the Minister had seen any evidence of claims by the Israeli government before her decision to suspend funding to UNRWA. The full exchange is available on Hansard here and on video here.

Senator Faruqi said:

“It’s not just wrong, but recklessly irresponsible when a Minister suspends such critical humanitarian funding without having all the evidence. One must wonder, is this a case of poor judgement or is Minister Wong happy to take just the word of Israel?

“After my questioning in the Senate, Minister Wong has been forced to admit what we knew all along; the Labor government has suspended UNRWA funding based on allegations, and without all the facts. Humanitarian aid should never be beholden to politics.

“The government acknowledging that UNWRA do life-saving work and then halting funding is hypocritical and misguided.

“There is not a minute to waste. The Labor government must immediately lift the suspension of UNRWA funding. In fact, there is a need to rapidly increase aid given the dire situation in Gaza.

“The most humanitarian thing would be for Minister Wong to take strong action to stop Israel from bombing civilians in Gaza.”

Newcastle ready to get the party started for global popstar Pink

Newcastle is set to paint the town “Pink” in preparation for the global pop sensation’s sold-out concert in the city next week.

Sporting a giant disco ball and bright pink dance floor, Wheeler Place has become the hub for a Pink Party Trail under an initiative being delivered by the Newcastle Tourism Industry Group (NTIG) with funding support from City of Newcastle’s City Centre and Darby Street Special Business Rate (SBR) program.

Pink will hit the stage at McDonald Jones Stadium on 13 February as part of her Summer Carnival world tour, becoming the latest international performer to bring superstar power to Newcastle as a result of CN’s Major Events Partnership with Venues NSW.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said that the phenomenal ticket sales prove that music lovers are hungry for more live performances of this calibre in Newcastle.

“After the success of Elton John and Paul McCartney’s shows, Pink’s concert is another major boost for our city, injecting a projected $9 million dollars into the local economy through hotel stays, retail spending and dining out,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Large events are not just a win for live music fans but have a transformative impact across the city. City of Newcastle is regularly approached about hosting potential major events, and we look forward to securing more for our community that act as a key tourism driver for the region.

“With such anticipation ahead of next week’s sold-out concert, it is only fitting that Newcastle gets the party started a week early with the Pink Party Trail

“Many local businesses are involved, and visitors have the chance to enjoy a range of Pink-themed offerings like hitting the dance floor for an open-air disco in Wheeler Place.”

Newcastle began celebrating the star’s arrival earlier this week when the iconic City Hall clock face and McDonald Jones Stadium were turned pink in her honour.

The Pink Party Trail will start on Friday 9 February and run across four nights in the lead up to the concert.

Chair of NTIG Michael Stamboulidis said that businesses are ready to welcome Pink fans to Newcastle’s bustling city centre with themed dining and entertainment specials and the opportunity to enter and win VIP tickets to the sold-out concert.

“Venues within Newcastle’s CBD will come to life with Pink activations. Think Pink inspired cocktails and food, pink lighting, a giant disco ball in Wheeler Place and plenty of fun,” Mr Stamboulidis said.

“Pink’s concert cements the movement to host large scale international and local events. The economic benefit to the wider community is a true indicator of this.”

Known for her energetic on-stage performances and hits such as So What, Raise Your Glass and Trustfall the multiple Grammy award-winner needs no introduction in Newcastle.

In 2009 Pink visited as part of her Funhouse tour and sold out two nights at the Entertainment Centre. Fifteen years later Pink’s popularity has only increased, with her McDonald Jones Stadium show set to break a new attendance record.

Kerrie Mather, CEO of Venues NSW, which operates McDonald Jones Stadium said she is delighted to bring yet another internationally celebrated star to the city.

“It will be fantastic to see the city of Newcastle turn pink for Pink ahead of her sold-out show at McDonald Jones Stadium,” Ms Mather said.

“Following highly successful concerts and other events at McDonald Jones Stadium recently, it’s clear Newcastle has well and truly been cemented as a major event destination.

“We can’t wait to welcome Pink and her fans to McDonald Jones Stadium for what promises to be a special night.”

For more information about the Pink Party Trail, visit What’s On Newcastle

NSW Government establishes Hemp Industry Taskforce

The NSW Government is continuing work to future proof NSW Agriculture production and support growers across all sectors with the establishment of the Hemp Industry Taskforce.

The taskforce will include 12 representatives from growers and industry associations and will consider options to support the continual growth of the NSW industrial hemp industry, supporting jobs in rural and regional NSW.

With the global hemp market expected to quadruple by 2027 to $18.6b, facilitating the expansion of the NSW industrial hemp sector is timely and critical.

Globally, it is estimated that hemp is used in more than 25,000 products spanning nine sub-markets, including agriculture, building materials and textiles.

At monthly meetings, supported by the NSW Department of Primary Industries, the taskforce will identify the short, medium and long term objectives of the NSW industrial hemp industry, including:

The role industrial hemp could play in the transition to a net zero, circular economy in NSW.
The supply and value chains required to support increased crop production, or other barriers to production and development in NSW.
Identifying legislative barriers to and opportunities for expanding industrial hemp production in NSW.
Consider opportunities to harmonise industrial hemp regulation nationally.

The taskforce will only consider the cultivation and supply of low-THC hemp grown under the NSW Industrial Hemp Act 2008.

This taskforce will not consider the production of hemp for use as a therapeutic good (e.g. medicines) as this is restricted and requires a licence from the Office of Drug Control (Cwlth) and approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (Cwlth).

The development of this taskforce follows a NSW Hemp Industry Roundtable, hosted by Member of the NSW Legislative Council Jeremy Buckingham and attended by the Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty in 2023.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“My attendance last year at the Hemp Industry Roundtable provided an important opportunity to hear from the hemp industry stakeholders and understand there are important gains for our state if we can foster the sector’s expansion.

“Currently, the Hemp Industry Act 2008 facilitates the cultivation and supply of low THC hemp fibre and seed production in NSW under controlled conditions, without compromising the effectiveness of existing drug enforcement strategies of the NSW Police.

“The Act authorises and regulates the cultivation and supply of low-THC hemp for commercial production and other legitimate uses.

“Guided by the taskforce outcomes, the Government can consider what work is required to reduce red tape and provide the regulatory environment to support the industrial hemp industry grow and deliver jobs to regional NSW.”

Jeremy Buckingham MLC said:

“The establishment of this taskforce is a game-changer for an industry that promises massive potential for jobs and farming in NSW.

“This is a plant which is up to 25 times more effective at capturing carbon than forestry, and which offers almost unlimited potential in a wide range of areas including clothing, construction, foodstuffs, paper, medication and more.

“I applaud the NSW Government for getting behind this industry and look forward to providing exciting new potential for manufacturing, a powerful transition for logging communities, and new opportunities for a climate and soil friendly crop for farmers.”

Background:

Due to the nature of hemp as an emerging industry, the production area of hemp fluctuates year-on-year because of seasonal and market conditions. NSW has been home to up to 1800ha, depending on the year.
The Hemp Industry Act 2008 was enacted on 1 July 2008 to kickstart growth of low-THC hemp production in NSW. Low-THC hemp is produced for use in a wide range of industrial, cosmetic, and technical products such as building materials and textiles.
The NSW industrial hemp sector is highly regulated, with 99% compliance in 2022/23.

Heritage signage installed at various Hunter Bridges

Hunter history buffs and local tourism operators have received a boost with brand-new heritage interpretation signage installed at the Cooreei, Monkerai and Hinton bridges.

Cooreei Bridge over the Williams River at Dungog is historically important as it was the first Henry Harvey Dare-type timber truss bridge to be built in NSW.

Dare reworked Percy Allan’s design for the earlier timber truss bridges, which resulted in a stronger and more sustainable bridge for Cooreei.

The newly installed signage for Monkerai Bridge over the Karuah River will depict its long history as the second-oldest surviving timber truss bridge in NSW, completed in 1882.

Signage on the Cooreei bridge shares its story from the award of tender in 1902 to its official opening on 16 August 1905.

Hinton Bridge, located in Port Stephens, is historically important as one of only three lift bridges remaining in the Hunter region.  

The bridge’s new signage explains how the lift span is a significant technological feature of 19th century bridge engineering associated with historic river trade along the Paterson River.  

The timber truss bridges of NSW are managed by Transport for NSW.

Find out more about the program to manage these bridges

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“These newly installed signs tell the stories about the evolution of three essential landmarks.

“These signs pay a wonderful homage to the history of these historic bridges which have connected communities and visitors for more than a century, respectively.

“More than 400 timber truss road bridges were built in New South Wales between 1856 and 1936. Less than 30 remain as rare and representative examples, a heritage jewel of the State.

“The NSW Government is thrilled to be able to help locals and visitors relive history with these signs.

“Interpretative signs help tourists and locals connect with their destination and drive economic boosts to local economies.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

“These iconic bridges have connected communities and visitors across our wonderful region for many, many years.

“Timber truss bridges are a significant part of the Hunter’s history and I’m proud their stories are now on display, to endure for years to come.”

Minister for Families and Communities, Minister for Disability Inclusion and Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said:

“Hinton Bridge has acted as an iconic landmark for the Port Stephens community for more than 120 years.

“This signage will share the significant history of the bridge, which through its long life has stood strong through many changes, continuing to connect our community and visitors.

“Now everyone who passes by will be able to learn about the significant history of one of our region’s most historically important bridges.”

NSW Duty MLC for Upper Hunter Emily Suvaal said:

“Both the Monkerai and Cooreei bridges have high individual and collective heritage value.

“Monkerai Bridge is the second oldest surviving timber truss bridge in NSW while Cooreei Bridge is one of just 15 historic bridges in the Hunter built before 1905.

“They are listed and recognised as of historic significance by Transport for NSW and are on the NSW State Heritage Register.

“Both the Monkerai Bridge and Cooreei Bridge are exceptionally rare examples of these historic bridges.”

Outback bus service secured after Bourke goes wild for Wilba

A community bus named Wilba will remain on the streets of Bourke after the NSW Labor Government confirmed funding to extend a trial of the popular public transport service.

Wilba, the Empower bus, has carried out more than 2000 trips in its first 12 months of operation and enabled hundreds of local residents to access safe and reliable transport at an affordable price in a town with no other public transport options.

The pre-booked 12-seater bus service offers residents the opportunity to more easily get around Bourke and attend appointments, access health care, maintain employment and purchase essential products or services.

Wilba also provides a vital link to other major regional and metropolitan service centres by giving residents easier access to Bourke Airport and NSW TrainLink coaches.

Demand for Wilba has exceeded expectations since a trial of service started in February 2023, with residents from all age groups embracing the service.

The positive community demand and response to Wilba has led the NSW Government to expand the trial service for another two years, with funding now secured until February 2026.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“Bourke residents love the Wilba service; it’s been a real success.

“Wilba has had a huge impact on this town and the stories I’ve heard about the significant difference the service has made demonstrate exactly what public transport should be all about.

“Services like Wilba are critical in isolated communities challenged by a lack of transport options and I am so glad that despite the budget challenges this government inherited, we have been able to keep this service going for residents in the Far West.”

Bourke Shire Council General Manager Leonie Brown said:

“Wilba has provided fantastic opportunities for our community which had been without public and community transport for a long time.

“Wilba has been a wonderful help for many people who hadn’t been able to leave their homes due to a lack of transport and they really appreciate the independence it gives them.

“People who were previously housebound or left to rely on the goodwill of others can now get out and about to the pharmacy, shops, medical and health appointments, and to social and recreational events.”

Bourke resident and Wilba user Carissa Edwards said:

“I use it every day to go to do shopping, sometimes go to the doctor, sometimes the hospital and even to go and see family.

“We have no taxis in Bourke and it can be very hard because my family doesn’t have a car so Wilba gets us from A to B.

“Before Wilba started we had to ring people or ask people to take us to do shopping or give us a lift somewhere so Wilba has made the biggest difference to my life and my family’s lives.

“I’ve heard elderly people on the bus say they used to get people come and do their shopping so they hadn’t left their homes for years before Wilba began.

“One thing I would like to see, though, is some shading at the bus stop where they pick us up. It can be very hot waiting there with all our groceries, especially in 40-degree heat.”

Over 400 new homes for Lismore as first Resilient Lands site announced

The NSW Government is today announcing a partnership between Southern Cross University (SCU), Landcom and the NSW Reconstruction Authority, which will unlock a parcel of university land for housing development to tackle the housing crisis in the Northern Rivers and support flood-affected residents.

SCU, Landcom and the NSW Reconstruction Authority have signed a ‘Heads of Agreement’ to deliver over 400 dwellings in East Lismore.

Importantly, at least 20% will be set aside for affordable housing, while a number of the serviced lots will be made suitable for the relocation of existing homes from flood affected areas.

Southern Cross University, an integral part of the Lismore community, has made 72 hectares of university land available for the development.

The development will include a diverse mix of low and medium- density housing, including serviced lots, and low-rise multi-dwellings.

NSW Government agency Landcom will invest $60 million to develop the site, this includes providing the infrastructure for development such as new roads, power, water, and sewerage connections.

An additional $15 million contribution from the NSW Reconstruction Authority will enable participants from the Commonwealth and State-funded Resilient Homes Program (RHP) to be given priority access to purchase the new land and housing before it is offered to the broader market.

The development is also the first major project to be delivered under the Government’s $100 million Resilient Lands Program.

During the 2022 floods and in the aftermath, the University played a pivotal role in the region’s recovery, housing schools, community services and undertaking research focused on adaptation and renewal.

Detailed design and planning work and developing a formal commercial agreement will now start.

This will confirm details on how Resilient Homes Program participants will be able to secure new land and housing under the project, and which areas of the development will be suitable for relocated homes.

Resilient Lands Program includes a range of projects across the Northern Rivers region to supply new land and housing in the region to provide participants of the Resilient Homes Program with more options to relocate from the highest risk areas of the flood plain.

A Registration of Interest process for the Resilient Lands Program is available for eligible RHP participants. The NSW Reconstruction Authority has established a concierge service to guide people through the process.

The $700 million Resilient Homes Program and the $100 million Resilient Lands Program are the largest projects of their kind in Australia and were announced in response to one of the nation’s worst ever flood disasters.

Landcom will commence early enabling works on the East Lismore development site later this year, subject to approvals. It is expected that land and housing will be available for sale from 2026.

The Southern Cross University site is above the above the probable maximum flood level.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“There has been a lot of work done but we acknowledge that it has been a long wait for Northern Rivers communities to access safer land and housing options.

“This is the Lismore community working together at its best.

“I want to offer a big thank you to Southern Cross University for working with us to increase much needed land supply for housing in Lismore.

“This is something the Northern Rivers community has been waiting for and today is an important step in their recovery.

“We look forward to working with them to create a new place for people to call home.

“There is a lot more that we need to do but this is an important step in the community’s recovery process.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The Northern Rivers had been experiencing housing pressures for some time before the floods and that’s why we have made getting housing supply up and running a priority.

“Landcom is well-placed to lead this important development which will deliver for the people of the Northern Rivers.

“This development is the first of a range of projects that will be delivered through the Resilient Lands Program to provide suitable and safe places for people to move off the floodplain and out of harm’s way.

“I’m pleased to see Landcom, the university and the NSW Reconstruction Authority working together to deliver much needed housing for the people of the Northern Rivers.

“Today’s announcement is the result of a mammoth amount of work and the long-term impact it will have on Lismore should not be underestimated.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“We are working with the Northern Rivers community as part of our genuine commitment to the ongoing recovery needs of the region and today demonstrates how we are with them for the long term.

“This is a vitally important next step towards delivering resilient homes for the community.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery, Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin said:

“This landmark housing agreement gives heart and hope, and homes, to our communities.

“Today’s most welcome announcement makes real our rebuild and recovery, giving a great lift to our economic and social recovery.

“It supports flood impacted residents including those who want to relocate their homes-allows locals to stay in Lismore and is the first with more to come across the Northern Rivers.”

Southern Cross University Vice Chancellor Professor Tyrone Carlin said:

“Southern Cross University is an important part of the Lismore community. Since the floods hit in February 2022, we have been at the forefront of flood relief, and we are proud to continue using our facilities and our expertise to ensure Lismore rebuilds and revitalises better and more resilient than ever.

“East Lismore is close to the university, close to the CBD, and close to shops, sporting facilities, schools and other community infrastructure – so it’s the ideal location for a development such as this. I look forward to seeing this land opened up, and to welcoming hundreds of residents, including families, students, and university staff.”

Mayor of Lismore City Council Steve Krieg said:

“This is such an important social and economic boost for the city of Lismore.

“We can now provide tangible, viable housing opportunities for our residents to be able to relocate from the floodplain, and stay in the city that we all work and live in.

“Two years on from the disaster that had such a profound impact on our lives, we can now genuinely feel that progress is being made in the recovery and rebuild of Lismore.”