March 2024 – Page 22

NSW Government convenes Coastal Water Safety Roundtable

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib will lead an expert roundtable looking at how more lives can be saved on NSW beaches after more than a dozen coastal drownings this summer.

The Coastal Water Safety Roundtable will bring together rescue organisations, researchers and government agencies following a rise in water-related fatalities in recent years, with surf lifesavers also called on to make an increasing number of rescues.

Tragically, there were 14 coastal drownings this summer, and 36 in total since 1 July 2023. This follows 48 drownings in 2022-23 – a 12 per cent increase on the 10-year average – and 52 in 2021-2022.

Surf life savers carried out a total of 3,077 rescues over the busy swimming season and more than 3,750 since 1 July.

The roundtable on 4 March is an opportunity to take stock of the summer and promote greater collaboration as experts and government agencies share knowledge and ideas.

Discussions will explore what occurred over the season, the actions that were taken, and how participants can work together to improve outcomes in the future.

In recognition of the important work Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) carries out to help keep beachgoers safe, the NSW Government made a record funding uplift of $23 million over four years for Surf Life Saving NSW in the 2023-24 state budget.

The 2023-24 NSW Budget also committed nearly $5.8 million to Surf Life Saving Australia for the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter, which conducts important rescue and reconnaissance work along NSW beaches.

A range of peak water safety bodies have been invited to participate in the roundtable, along with local and state government representatives.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“Our SLSNSW volunteers and paid lifesavers do an excellent job protecting our beaches, performing more than 3,750 rescues since 1 July. Water safety is a shared responsibility that requires a united effort, and we want to identify opportunities to further reduce the number of lives lost along our coast.”

“It’s not just about better emergency response, it is also about building awareness in communities and finding those preventative actions that might save lives down the road.”

“We want every person in NSW to be able to enjoy our stunning coastline and waterways safely, and this roundtable is all about finding ways to do that as more people visit the beach every year.”

Chief Executive of Surf Life Saving NSW Steve Pearce said:

“All of the 14 coastal drownings over summer occurred at unpatrolled locations.”

“It is important we focus on education, early alerting to incidents and equipping our lifesavers with the tools they need to respond quickly.”

“Lifesavers and lifeguards do an incredible job, so our focus needs to turn to how to prevent people drowning when we can’t be there to prevent these tragedies.”

Minns Labor Government stalls on innovation and investment

After almost 12 months since being elected, the Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, Anoulack Chanthivong is continuing to demonstrate that the Minns Labor Government has no direction or vision for New South Wales.

During the Minister’s Budget Estimates hearing, he refuted the notion that more investment into the innovation sector would drive growth and productivity and was unable to offer up any significant policy option to the contrary.

Minister Chanthivong has revealed that they are only just now opening up his Innovation Blueprint for stakeholder feedback.

Shadow Minister for Jobs, Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology, Mark Coure said that since Labor came to power, the industry and innovation sectors have stalled under a Minister who still has his training wheels on.

“The Minister is still undertaking reviews with no results for sectors which have been laden with uncertainty and stress thanks to his inaction.” Mr Coure said.

“We do not need more reviews. Entrepreneurs are demonstrating their frustration with their feet as they move interstate to jurisdictions who are offering real direction and vision, backed in with significant investment by government.”

“Under the former Liberal and Nationals Government, we saw a 325% increase of innovators setting up shop in NSW. Now our state’s proud track record as an industry leader in this space, is at risk.”

Jacqui Munro MLC said, “the Minister must be upfront with entrepreneurs who require a reliable partner in government. Whether it’s the time taken to determine grant applications or when any industry strategy will be delivered, we have all been left in the dark. It’s simply not good enough for NSW to be put in this position.”

“Developing a productive and prosperous modern economy requires leadership and vision. Under the Minns Labor Government, we have neither,” Ms Munro said.

Labor’s silence over its National Cultural Policy speaks volumes

The Albanese Labor Government has failed to deliver its promised twelve-month review of its much-hyped National Cultural Policy, which was due on 1 March 2024.

“Labor massively hyped the National Cultural Policy, claiming it would ‘transform’ the arts,” Mr Fletcher said.

“But twelve months in, the reality falls a long way short which is doubtless why the government is delaying the promised review.”

The Coalition delivered record new arts funding commitments during the 2019-2022 term totalling $1.153 billion, including:

$400 million for the Location Incentive.
$220 million for RISE.
$187.1 million for our National Collecting Institutions (in October 2020, May 2021 and December 2021).
$90 million for Showstarter Loans.

“Labor will have to do a lot better than the National Cultural Policy to deliver similar levels of funding,” Mr Fletcher said.

Building a prosperous future with Malaysia

Prime Minister Albanese hosted Malaysian Prime Minister the Honourable Anwar Ibrahim for an official visit to Australia in Melbourne today. The two Prime Ministers held the second Australia-Malaysia Annual Leaders Meeting.

Malaysia is an important regional partner and friend to Australia. Leaders discussed their desire to bring our people and economies closer together, guided by our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.

The Prime Ministers agreed to a range of initiatives to achieve this vision.

The Southeast Asian Economic Strategy highlighted the digital economy as a priority growth area for Australian business in Malaysia. In response to this opportunity, leaders announced a new agreement to encourage collaboration between Australian and Malaysian technology companies, which will boost two-way investment.

Leaders also welcomed new cooperation on maritime decarbonisation and clean energy which will reduce shipping emissions and drive cooperation on renewable energy uptake.

A new Maritime Cooperation Package reflects the importance of maritime trade to Australia and Malaysia. This partnership will bolster maritime cooperation between Australia and Malaysia, strengthen maritime domain awareness capability and build expertise in international law of the sea and marine environmental protection.

Our people are the greatest asset to our relationship, with more than 170,000 people of Malaysian heritage calling Australia home.

The leaders agreed to collaborate more closely on education – from early childhood to university, and on opportunities for our young sportspeople to develop together.

Australia is also pleased to support Malaysia’s democratic reforms through the Australia-Malaysia Institutional Strengthening Program, which will support Malaysia’s work to strengthen government integrity and transparency.

In recognition of the evolving security issues we face together, Australia and Malaysia committed to working more closely to manage cyber security threats and train our professionals in cyber skills. The two countries also agreed to strengthen cooperation on nuclear non-proliferation.

These important and practical initiatives will see more generations of Australians and Malaysians studying, training, and working together.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“I was honoured to welcome Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to Australia for his first official visit as Prime Minister of Malaysia.

“The Australian Government is committed to deepening links with Southeast Asia, and Malaysia is a longstanding friend and partner in the region.

“Looking to the future, there are enormous opportunities to be realised by closer cooperation between Australia and Malaysia.

“Australia and Malaysia share a firm commitment to an Indo-Pacific region that is open, stable and prosperous. I look forward to continuing to work with Prime Minister Anwar, particularly as Malaysia takes on the role of ASEAN Chair next year.”

Innovative solution to homelessness in the Hunter region

The NSW Government will transform disused homes at a former residential centre for people with disabilities into accommodation for people experiencing homelessness.

Homes NSW is leading the $2 million ‘meanwhile use’ proposal for the Stockton Centre that will refurbish seven homes at the former Stockton Centre in Newcastle to provide temporary accommodation for up to 25 people.

This delivers on a commitment to investigate the temporary use of the former Stockton Centre for short-term accommodation to help drive down homelessness in the Hunter region.

Transforming underutilised property into transitional housing is one of the many ways the NSW Government is working to confront the housing crisis and help get people into safe, long-term accommodation.

Properties to be upgraded include five five-bedroom homes, one two-bedroom unit and one one-bedroom unit.

The project will be delivered in partnership with leading social and affordable housing provider, Home In Place.

Homes NSW is exploring different options for the long-term future use of the site.

The homes and services are expected to become operational in approximately eight months, noting the site needs work to ensure the security and safety of the temporary residents, provide essential amenities and ensure the houses meet the standard appropriate for transitional housing needs.

With more than 55,000 people on the waitlist for social housing, and close to 2000 on the list in Newcastle and Port Stephens region alone, the NSW Government will continue exploring every option to expedite the delivery of more homes.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“We are grappling with a housing and homelessness crisis, and we need to think outside the box to deliver more safe and secure homes for people in need.

“The NSW Government is committed to exploring every option to transform underutilised sites into fit for purpose housing. If we have mothballed properties sitting empty, we will investigate whether they can be upgraded and used to provide vital shelter.

“Transforming these homes into a safe base for people who would otherwise be sleeping rough is the first step to helping people get back on their feet and into longer-term accommodation.

“We know we have a lot of work to do to confront this crisis, but this type of innovative thinking is helping to drive the solution.”

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

“I have heard heart-breaking stories from people in the Hunter who are couch surfing, sleeping in cars or on the street. I’m pleased to have turned our meeting on site last year into an outcome that could change people’s lives.

“Making the former Stockton Centre site available as short-term accommodation for people experiencing homelessness and providing them with the support they need to move into a longer-term home is a welcome step for our community.”

Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said:

“Every day, I’m dealing with people experiencing homelessness, there are about 2000 Novocastrians that don’t have a stable and secure home. This may be a small step, but it is a significant step and having access to this accommodation will make a huge impact on so many lives.

“The previous government should be ashamed of the condition the Stockton Centre has been left in. I’m so pleased that we have found a way to repair these seven houses and bring them up to a suitable standard.

“Just on Friday I was at the House of Hospitality refuge with the 2024 Newcastle Woman of the Year, Sister Carmel Hanson. It is fantastic to be increasing and expanding our transitional housing capacity in Newcastle.”

Community paws-itively thrilled as Tessa the guide dog returns home to Stockton

Tails were wagging today as City of Newcastle (CN) unveiled a new Tessa the guide dog statue in Stockton to replace the much-loved original, which was stolen over a year ago.

In response to the theft, City of Newcastle engaged Newcastle artist Julie Squires to replicate a new bronze Tessa as a tribute to the statue that stood for over half a century in honour of the loyal guide dog.

Page Power from Guide Dogs Australia, Mrs Jean Dowsett’s nephew David Williams, Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen and artist Julie Squires at the new Tessa the guide dog statue in Stockton.Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the local community were thrilled to have Tessa the guide dog return home to Stockton.

“Many local residents have fond memories of Tessa, and it is wonderful to have her back in Stockton,” Cr Clausen said.

“While Tessa’s new statue is certainly something to be celebrated, the story behind the bronze dog has incredible heart and deserves to be retold and remembered.

“Guide dog Tessa and her owner Mrs Jean Dowsett spent many hours visiting the Stockton ferry wharf and seeking donations from passengers. The pair raised over $45,000 for Guide Dogs Australia between 1958 and Tessa’s death at age 11 in 1971.

“At the time this was a world record amount of money raised by a single dog and its owner for the charity, which was why at Mrs Dowsett’s request, Stockton Lions Club commissioned the original iconic statue in Tessa’s honour.”

The Dowsett family with Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen at the Tessa statue in StocktonMrs Dowsett’s nephew David Williams thanked City of Newcastle for bringing Tessa back to Stockton.

“It was upsetting to discover that Tessa had been stolen so we are thrilled to be here today to celebrate this new statue,” Mr Williams said.

“I have fond memories of my aunt Jean ‘Elsie’ Dowsett who tragically lost her eyesight in a car accident in 1958.

“She was selected to train with a guide dog in Perth at first before returning to Sydney and then home to Stockton. She became a tireless supporter of Guide Dogs Australia and was awarded an OBE medal for her record-breaking fundraising with Tessa.

“The original statue of Tessa had a very shiny head and nose thanks to the countless number of children who patted her. I hope this new bronze is just as admired for many years to come.”

Gary Bristow, Guide Dogs chief philanthropy and fundraising officer, said that the fundraising of Jean Dowsett and Tessa left an unforgettable legacy, and the reinstalled statue was an important part of Tessa’s story in Stockton.

“Guide Dogs NSW is delighted to participate in the unveiling ceremony of the new statue for guide dog Tessa, reinstating her in the rightful place at Lynn Oval,” Mr Bristow said.

“This event not only commemorates Jean Dowsett and Tessa’s dedication to fundraising but also emphasises the lasting impact their incredible efforts had on the lives of those living with low vision and blindness.

“The raising and training of life changing guide dogs like Tessa is made possible because of the generous ongoing support we receive from all our donors, enabling us to provide vital support thousands of Australians living with low vision and blindness, we are immensely grateful for the continued commitment to our cause.”

Stockton locals celebrate the new Tessa the guide dog statueThe complex process of creating a new statue of the beloved dog was carried out by artist Julie Squires, who began her research by examining archival photos and videos of Tessa given to her by community members.

A life model in the form of Winnie the labrador from Islington Off Leash Area was also photographed from different angles before the modelling and moulding of the lifelike statue began.

The new Tessa, now sitting proudly on her plinth at Lynn Oval, is made from marine grade stainless steel, rubber, and fibreglass moulding for durability, with a beautiful bronze casting metal finish.

Tessa will have anchor fixtures drilled to a granite base to prevent any vandalism or theft and ensure her longevity as a beloved fixture for the people of Stockton well into the future.

Additional targeted sanctions following Alexei Navalny’s death in prison

The Australian Government has imposed additional targeted financial sanctions and travel bans on three Russian officials linked to the prison where Alexei Navalny died.

This announcement follows the Magnitsky-style human rights sanctions the Government imposed on seven individuals involved in the mistreatment of Mr Navalny in the IK-6 Penal Colony prior to his transfer to IK-3.

Mr Navalny died in IK-3, one of Russia’s harshest prisons, on 16 February 2024.

At IK-3, Mr Navalny was held in sub-zero temperatures and reports suggest he was repeatedly subjected to stretches in punishment cells. After his death, the Russian Government withheld Navalny’s remains from his mother for over a week.

Our thoughts are with Mr Navalny’s family and his supporters in Russia and across the world as they mourn him at his funeral later today. We recognise the work of all in Russia who promote democracy and human rights.

Australia holds President Putin and the Russian Government responsible for Mr Navalny’s treatment and death in prison. These sanctions, and those imposed by our partners, reinforce our commitment to accountability for Mr Navalny’s death.

Australia again calls for an independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr Navalny’s death.

AUSTRALIA MUST SUPPORT GLOBAL BILLIONAIRES’ TAX

Australia must get on board with the global billionaires’ tax proposed at the G20 meeting, the Greens say.

“As the gulf between super-wealthy and everyday Australians widens, the need for fair tax policy grows every day,” Greens Economic Justice Spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

“The G20 proposal is for a 2% annual tax on the world’s richest people, which would be the bare minimum, given the frightening pace at which they have accumulated wealth in recent years.”

“While billionaires have seen their fortunes more than double since the start of the pandemic, millions of Australians continue to grapple with the cost of living crisis.”

“Amid a backdrop of rising inequality and a climate crisis, the global tax on billionaires is a moral necessity.”

“The Greens have long advocated for making billionaires and big corporations pay their fair share, aiming to redirect wealth towards creating a society that values people over profit.”

“By supporting measures such as an annual wealth tax on billionaires, Australia can invest in essential services like healthcare, education, and social services, which have been eroded by years of neglect by the major parties.”

Improving access to x-ray services in Western NSW

Five nurses from Western NSW will now be able to deliver a range of x-ray services in regional and remote communities where immediate access to a radiographer may not be possible.

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park said this is providing better care closer to home for those living in rural and regional areas.

“The nurses working in Lightning Ridge, Walgett, Warren and Coolah have gained their licence through the training course, after completing the NSW Limited Licence Radiography Course,” Mr Park said.

“The course gives rural and remote practitioners essential radiography skills to undertake a limited range of x-rays, improving access to care for people in our rural and regional communities.

“This is another example of the terrific opportunities available to rural nurses to add to their high-level skills and improve health access and outcomes for their local communities.”

Western NSW Local Health District Clinical Services Division Director James Harvey said the 5 new licence holders join 15 nurses across the district who currently hold this licence.

“The 5 new participants have returned to their communities where they will help increase the availability of x-ray services offered in those towns,” Mr Harvey said.

The course enables rural and remote general practitioners, registered nurses, and physiotherapists to obtain a limited radiography licence from the NSW Environment Protection Authority. Diagnostic radiographers from across the LHD, provide ongoing supported to new license holders.

Cowra based Chief Radiographer Victoria Young, is one of those supporting radiographers, who conducts twice-yearly educational road trips to remote areas to ensure licence holders are continually developing their new skills.

“This program is providing great benefits to our communities by improving access to important x-ray services,” Ms Young said.

Member for Barwon Roy Butler welcomed the expansion of services and access to the local communities.

“This training is great because it gives the talented clinicians who live and work in the communities of Lightning Ridge, Walgett, Warren and Coolah an opportunity to expand their skills, this means less requirement for people who are unwell to travel,” Mr Butler said.

“Having these services available locally helps to make our communities better places to live.”

In collaboration with WNSWLHD, Health Education and Training is looking to regularly run the course to ensure remote communities have key clinical staff trained to support the delivery of acute x-ray services in their communities.

Allied health professionals celebrated at Excellence Awards

NSW’s dedicated allied health clinicians have been recognised at the third annual Excellence in Allied Health Awards, held in Sydney last night.

Health Minister Ryan Park congratulated the 35 finalists and winners in each of the 7 categories.

“I want to thank all our hard-working allied health professionals for the significant contribution they make in delivering patient-centred care to the people of NSW every day,” Mr Park said.

“In particular, I would like to congratulate NSW’s Allied Health Professional of the Year, Dr Bernadette Brady, who was recognised for their significant contribution to musculoskeletal and pain physiotherapy, both as a clinician and researcher, with a special interest in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) populations.”

“The NSW Government is committed to building the allied health workforce of the future through initiatives such as the Rural Allied Health Educator Program which will create a pipeline of workers to regional NSW.”

Mental Health Minister Rose Jackson said this was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the achievements and skill of allied health staff in NSW.

“Allied health professionals play a pivotal role in safeguarding the mental wellbeing of individuals across the state and I’m incredibly grateful for their dedication,” Ms Jackson said.

“Psychologists, social workers, exercise physiologists, and occupational therapists are just some of the allied health professionals at the forefront of promoting mental health awareness, reducing stigma, and advocating for accessible and equitable services for our community.

“This awards night is just one small way we can acknowledge the hard work of many allied health professionals and the massive difference they make to the lives of their patients and their families every day.”

NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce said allied health clinicians play a vital role in the health system, working across 23 unique professions including pharmacists, speech pathology, podiatrists and much more.

“I’d like to congratulate all the recipients of this year’s Excellence in Allied Health Awards, as well as all the nominees and finalists in each category. Each year, the calibre of the nominees is outstanding,” Ms Pearce said.

“One of the special aspects of allied health is that it includes disciplines that engage with a person’s life from birth, right through to aged care and across every area of the health system.”

NSW Health Chief Allied Health Officer Andrew Davison said it was fantastic to see the level of professionalism, clinical excellence, and compassion on display at the Awards.

“These Awards are a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the expertise of allied health professionals and reflect on the impact they make to improve patient experience and outcomes,” Mr Davison said.

The winners in each of the 7 categories are:

Allied Health Professional of the Year Dr Bernadette Brady, South Western Sydney Local Health District (LHD)
Aboriginal Allied Health Professional of the Year Simone Owen, Hunter New England LHD
Allied Health Assistant / Technician / Support Person of the Year Jodie Keller, Southern NSW LHD
Allied Health Researcher of the Year Clinical Associate Professor Sharon Carey, Sydney LHD
Allied Health Educator of the Year Rachelle Robinson, South Eastern Sydney LHD
Early Career Allied Health Professional of the Year Isabella Shearman, Hunter New England LHD
Allied Health Leader of the Year Deanne Harris, Hunter New England LHD.

Find out more information about the awards and finalists