POLITICAL ACTION ONLY SAVIOUR FOR GREAT BARRIER REEF

Today’s declaration of a fourth global coral bleaching event reaffirms only the strongest political action on climate change and environmental law reform can secure a future for the Great Barrier Reef – which is now 75% bleached.

Greens spokesperson for healthy oceans, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson: 

“Transformative action to reverse climate change impacts on the world’s reefs has been possible, but political will and determination has let us down – including by successive Australian governments. 

“In recent weeks the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority quietly released data showing a shocking 75% of the Great Barrier Reef is now bleached, caused by extreme ocean warming from the burning of fossil fuels. 

“The world is now watching, we can’t continue to monitor the Great Barrier Reef to its death. Our government must take a leadership role in protecting the Reef by increasing Australia’s climate ambition and improving our broken environment laws.

“Frustratingly, Labor appears satisfied with a weak climate target that is consistent with degrading 99 per cent of the world’s coral reefs, and is failing to show meaningful accountability for breaking its election promise to deliver comprehensive environmental law reform.

“You can’t acknowledge climate change is the biggest threat to our marine ecosystems on one hand, and on the other rip open new coal and gas projects that are cooking our oceans. It’s completely disingenuous.

“So long as Labor is beholden to vested interests and big corporations, Australia will never get the climate action or environmental protection it needs to save the Great Barrier Reef from being annihilated by political stupidity.”

Code of Conduct investigation

In accordance with Council’s resolution of 12 December 2023, CN sought advice on the proactive release of the investigation report prepared by the independent, external Conduct Reviewer.

CN is governed by the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act) when considering the release of documents which contain the information of third parties.

Following due process, including consultation with third parties, a full copy of the Investigation Report has been proactively released. Minor redactions have been included, for example to protect the personal information of third parties.

CN is unable to engage in ongoing commentary on the detail in the Investigation Report. It has followed a rigorous process in line with the Procedure for the Administration of the Code of Conduct. This included the Conduct Reviewer Pinnacle Integrity determining the allegations to be investigated and undertaking the process independently.

CEO Code of Conduct Report Released

City of Newcastle (CN) has proactively released the full independent Investigation Report into the CEO Code of Conduct Review, which cleared Jeremy Bath of alleged wrongdoing. 

The Code of Conduct investigation was undertaken by an independent Conduct Reviewer, Pinnacle Integrity, following a series of Newcastle Herald reports linking the CEO to letters submitted to the newspaper by his friend Scott Neylon. This prompted a Council resolution on 25 July 2023 and a request from the Minister for Local Government on 26 July 2023, along with a complaint submitted by former Councillor Mr Bob Cook on 30 July 2023. 

The investigation was undertaken in line with the NSW Government’s prescribed Procedure for Administration of the Code of Conduct, and considered allegations that the CEO provided confidential information to a friend for the purpose of writing letters to the editor, and or wrote letters to the editor under his friend’s name. 

The investigation report details evidence from multiple parties. It found that the allegations against the CEO were not substantiated. 

In January 2024, CN proactively released a copy of the outcome letter, which is a summary of the investigation and its findings. 

Despite the Code of Conduct Procedures requiring all information to be treated as confidential and not publicly disclosed, the release of the full investigation report follows unprecedented leaking of confidential information related to the report by complainant Mr Cook, and extensive reporting on this information (on several occasions with significant error) by the Newcastle Herald.  

As a result of Mr Cook’s repeated breaches of the Code of Conduct procedure, CN has commenced the process to seek the consent of the Office of Local Government to restrict any future information regarding complaints being provided to Mr Cook.  

Separately, and following a formal request by CN, the Newcastle Herald has made corrections to its front page article dated 30 March 2024 ‘Probe Slammed a Sham’, and published an ‘Editors Note’, given the significant and damaging inaccuracies in the story. 

CN is committed to the highest standards of integrity, transparency and procedural fairness. Consistent with the requirements of the GIPA Act, CN consulted with numerous third parties whose information was captured in the investigation report, prior to its proactive release. 

Statement attributable to Jeremy Bath: 

“I welcome the release of the full Pinnacle Integrity report into the independent investigation of a complaint against me lodged in July last year by Bob Cook. I have at all times made myself available to the Conduct Reviewer, undertaking both verbal and written interviews.  

“I provided my written support for the release of the full report by Pinnacle Integrity almost four months ago. I understand why securing the release of the report has taken time, given the NSW Government’s model code of conduct policy makes a presumption against the release of the investigation report where no breach of the code has occurred. Releasing a report when the NSW Government’s own procedure states that it should not occur, is legally complex and time consuming. 

“The report confirms what I have always said: I did not write letters to the Newcastle Herald published under the name of my friend Scott Neylon. 

“Herald journalist Donna Page has to date refused to reveal who provided her my and Scott Neylon’s residential addresses recorded on the electoral roll. 

“It is a crime under the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 to provide a person’s electoral roll details to a third person such as a journalist. I do not understand why Donna Page believes the public has a right to read the Pinnacle Integrity report clearing me of any wrongdoing, but doesn’t believe the readers should know the identity of the person who illegally accessed my home address on the electoral roll and how it was ultimately provided to her, and others. 

“I now have concerns that any person of voting age is at risk of having their home address and personal details on the electoral roll leaked to the Newcastle Herald. Donna Page has to date not disclosed this person’s identity, and therefore has prevented this person from having to explain his/her actions.” 

Statement attributable to Pinnacle Integrity: 

“Pinnacle Integrity is an approved Conduct Reviewer for Councils across NSW. 

The Procedures legislated for Conduct Reviews in NSW are underpinned by this prescribed process and natural justice. Specifically, that means that every person subject of a complaint is rightly afforded the presumption of innocence. They are not required to prove their innocence.  To remove that right, or incite others to challenge that right, is manifestly inappropriate and is contrary to principles of law in Australia. 

The Reviewer’s role is to establish the truth having regard to available evidence. It is a scrupulously objective, independent, and fair process. Conduct Reviewers do not; hold coercive legislative powers, interrogate witnesses, seize records, nor enforce participation in the process. Witnesses voluntarily participate in the process.  

The Review is neither prosecutorial nor it is an inquisition seeking to apportion guilt to validate a predetermined or preferred outcome. 

In this instance, there is a published prevailing view that our role ought to have been to prosecute a person subject of complaint to ratify a preferred finding. That is not, and will never be, our role. Our role is to assess available evidence, rather than rely on inference, assumptions, or inuendo.    

It is accepted that some parties will be disappointed or dissatisfied with the outcome of complaint inquiries. That is inevitable and unavoidable, but does not dictate or influence investigative outcomes. 

Whilst the procedural framework that underpins reviews might not satisfy those seeking a desired outcome, Conduct Reviewers remain bound by those Procedures. If there is a strongly held or political view that this process needs to change, then that is a matter for the Government of the day.”  

The Investigation Report can be downloaded at CN’s website

Call for feedback on Freight Policy Reform

The NSW Government’s Freight Policy Reform Program is now underway, with the release of a consultation paper giving industry a once-in-a-generation opportunity to provide valuable feedback on the rapidly evolving freight sector and supply chain.

The reform will identify short, medium and long-term actions for government to support a resilient freight sector that will enable us to develop our local manufacturing capabilities and improve road safety.

Freight has seen major changes since a sector plan was last developed more than 2 decades ago, including the leasing of NSW’s 3 key ports, privatisation of rail services, changes to vehicle technology and new emission reduction targets.

The consultation paper outlines the guiding principles, scope and purpose of the reform. It identifies the key issues across the freight and logistics sector that would benefit from government and industry attention.

The Freight Reform Program will be overseen by an independent advisory panel, led by Dr Kerry Schott AO, and including Mr Lucio Di Bartolomeo and Dr Hermione Parsons.

The consultation paper and dates of information sessions can be accessed by visiting the Transport for NSW Freight Policy Reform website, with online submissions open until 31 May 2024.

The reform will also include further consultation on the draft NSW Heavy Vehicle Access Policy (HVAP) and recommendations made in the Review of the Port Botany Landside Improvement Strategy (PBLIS).

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:

“The release of the Freight Policy Reform Program Consultation Paper is a critical step in formulating the blueprint for improving freight efficiency.

“We encourage industry to get involved and provide feedback on how we can support a resilient freight sector, which will mean cheaper goods, delivered more quickly and efficiently, for the people of NSW.”

Wakeley terror act

The attack at the Christ The Good Shepherd Church has been declared a terrorist act.

My thoughts and prayers remain with the victims of this attack, and with the police and paramedics who responded and exercised their duties under extremely difficult conditions.  

The response by some members of the community was unacceptable. The scenes we saw last night have no place in NSW.

I join with the Premier and faith leaders in calling for calm.

NSW is one of the greatest testaments to multiculturalism. Our rich and diverse communities enhance and strengthen our state.

In these difficult times, we must come together to support one another.


It is important that people receive their information from official sources and don’t contribute to speculation and misinformation through social media. 

Critical minerals funding helps deliver future made in Australia

The Albanese Government will support a further two major critical minerals projects in Queensland and South Australia, helping deliver the building blocks for a future made in Australia while creating hundreds of jobs and opportunities.

The Government will provide $400 million in new loans to Australian company Alpha HPA to deliver Australia’s first high-purity alumina processing facility in Queensland.

The Alpha HPA project in Gladstone is expected to create around 490 jobs during construction and more than 200 jobs on completion.

Gladstone is a vibrant city of critical importance to the continuing economic prosperity of Central Queensland, and in hosting Queensland’s first high-purity alumina processing facility, it will be at the forefront of Australia’s critical minerals industry.

The company will use Australian owned IP and technology to process high purity alumina – a critical mineral used in LED lighting, semiconductors, and lithium-ion batteries and other high-tech applications.

The loans will be provided by Export Finance Australia (EFA) through the Government’s $4 billion Critical Minerals Facility, as well as through the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility and EFA’s Commercial Account.

The Government has also conditionally approved $185 million to Renascor Resources to fast track the development of Stage One of its Siviour Graphite Project in South Australia. The original loan was approved in February 2022, and this decision means that Stage One of the project will be brought forward sooner.

This project will deliver significant economic benefits to South Australia. Stage One will deliver around 150 construction jobs and 125 jobs once operational in Arno Bay on the Eyre Peninsula, with Stage Two expected to deliver a further 225 construction jobs and more than 120 jobs once it is operational in Bolivar, near Port Adelaide.

Renascor Resources will deliver the sustainable and ethically sourced production of Australian-made purified graphite, for use in lithium-ion batteries required for electric vehicles and renewable technologies.

The Critical Minerals Facility has now committed to support projects and jobs across the country, including in Western Australia, South Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland.

Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese

“We are building a future made in Australia with secure jobs in our regions. Today we are demonstrating what that means here in Gladstone and in South Australia.

“The global race for new jobs and new opportunities is on. Our Government wants Australia to be in it to win it.

“These two critical minerals projects will help secure good and secure jobs in manufacturing, and clean, reliable energy.”

Queensland Premier, Steven Miles

“Today’s announcement by the Prime Minister demonstrates the confidence government and industry have in the great state of Queensland.

“My Government has backed Alpha HPA from the very beginning, by providing State Development Land for this critical minerals facility, more than $21 million in funding to get stage 2 of the Alpha HPA First project off the ground and a $30 million investment to assist Alpha in making sapphire glass, right here in Gladstone.

“Queensland is truly the place to invest and this project delivers more clean economy jobs in Central Queensland processing the critical minerals needed for LEDs, semiconductors and batteries.”

Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell

“Australia is positioned to be a renewable energy superpower.

“Our Government is committed to unlocking new critical minerals projects, to support the net zero transition and secure a future made in Australia.

“These projects will create hundreds of high-paying local jobs and manufacturing opportunities, while also helping to diversify Australia’s critical minerals exports with new opportunities to supply into Japan, Korea and beyond.”

Minister for Resources, Madeleine King

“The Australian Government is committed to building our critical minerals resources and processing industries to diversify global supply chains and help the world lower emissions.

“Australia’s critical minerals and rare earths are key to building renewable technologies such solar panels, batteries and wind farms, as well as defence and medical technologies.

“The investments announced today help create a new industry in Australia, supporting local jobs and economic development, and building the bedrock of a future made in Australia.

“The road to net zero runs through Australia’s resources sector.

“Gladstone is a city of great importance to the economic strength of northern Queensland and to the country and this project will put the city at the forefront of Australia’s critical minerals industry.”

Queensland Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing, Glenn Butcher

“The Albanese and Miles Governments working together on this means support of Alpha HPA’s next stage is more evidence of our commitment to a clean, green future for Queensland.

“This project brings together two of my greatest passions: Gladstone and manufacturing and I look forward to seeing this fantastic job-creating development move forward.

“We will be able to make more things here in Queensland and use the world-class Gladstone port to export our products to the world.”

Waste levy removed for another 10 flood-hit areas

The NSW Government is extending the waste levy waiver to another 10 areas to further support communities grappling with the aftermath of heavy rainfall and flooding.

Residents in an additional 10 Local Government Areas can now dispose of flood-affected items at landfill sites without incurring the waste levy fee.

Lifting the fee aims to expedite the recovery process and ease financial burdens on impacted households and businesses.

The Natural Disaster Waste Levy Exemption has been granted to these additional Local Government Areas:

  • Blacktown
  • Byron
  • Central Coast
  • Clarence Valley
  • Dungog
  • Hornsby
  • Lake Macquarie
  • Maitland
  • Mid-Coast
  • The Hills

This extension takes the total number of eligible areas to 22.

The Blue Mountains, Camden, Liverpool, Penrith, Sutherland, Wingecarribee, Wollondilly, Hawkesbury, Wollongong, Shoalhaven, Shellharbour and Kiama have already received waivers.

Residents will not be charged the waste levy fee to get rid of flood-generated waste until 30 June 2024, though local landfill gate fees may apply.

The exemption coves waste on public and private land, including damaged building materials, furniture, carpet, gardening debris and any other flood-related products.

As clean-up efforts continue, the Environment Protection Authority could expand this assistance to help other communities rebuild and recover.

Flood-resilient bridge and roads to keep Maitland communities connected

Maitland residents are set to benefit from commitments to fund a new Melville Ford Bridge and improvements to Maitland Vale and Melville Ford roads.

Communities and commuters who rely on the bridge will soon experience improved traffic flow and safety as well as better resilience against flooding.

When the new bridge is complete, it will be higher, wider and better able to withstand extreme weather conditions, keeping communities connected for longer.

The new bridge will be funded by all levels of government, including joint funding of over $2.5 million from the Albanese and Minns Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements’ Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package, as well as $2.5 million from a NSW Government election commitment, and funding through the Fixing Country Bridges Program.

Transport for NSW has also been working with Maitland City Council and other key stakeholders in the region to ensure its roads are better equipped to deal with flood events.

The NSW Government has also committed $6 million towards improvements, which Council will use to rebuild two sections of Maitland Vale Road and a section of Melville Ford Road, helping ensure residents and road users can rely on these vital routes.

Federal Special Envoy for Disaster Recovery, Senator Tony Sheldon:

“The Albanese Government is proud to partner with the NSW Government to co-fund this important transport link in the Hunter region.

“The new Melville Ford Bridge will help to ensure the Maitland region remains flood resilient for generations to come.

“The new bridge will help community connections remain intact during extreme weather events, improve access to essential services and response times during emergencies.”

Senator for New South Wales, Deborah O’Neill:

“The Albanese Government is delivering on its commitment to supporting rural and regional communities.

“The Melville Ford Bridge will provide crucial support and interconnectedness to the Maitland community, particularly during adverse weather events.”

NSW Regional Transport & Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison:

“Today’s announcement delivers on the commitment we made during the election to deliver safer and more reliable road networks in the regions.

“NSW Labor committed $6 million towards improvement works for Maitland Vale Road and Melville Ford Road, and $2.5 million for the Melville Ford Bridge, to ensure they remain reliable routes during all kinds of weather.

“I’m pleased to announce Maitland City Council now has access to this funding and will use it to help deliver that security for the people who use the local road network every day.

“We know during construction of the Singleton bypass there will be extra pressure on Maitland Vale Road and Melville Ford Road.

“Coupled with new growth in Maitland, there is a clear need for upgrade work to help relieve pressure on the road network.”

Meryl Swanson MP, Federal Member for Paterson:

“The replacement of Melville Ford Bridge is long overdue and a vital piece of local infrastructure.

“It’s a great example of 3 levels of government working together for our region.

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley:

“As a NSW Government we said we’d do this for the Hunter and now it’s being delivered.

“This $6 million investment will enhance people’s quality of life in a booming part of the Hunter.

“These upgrades to Maitland Vale Road and Melville Ford Road will keep people moving through the Hunter with the Singleton bypass still to come.”


Duty MLC Emily Suvaal:

“This funding is a huge win for the Upper Hunter electorate as these projects will ensure improved safety and connectivity for residents in the event of severe weather.

“The new Melville Ford Bridge will replace the existing low-level, one-lane crossing over the Hunter River from Aberglasslyn to Melville.

“The NSW Government is prioritising regional NSW by providing funding to improving the local roads that people use every day to travel to work, see their families and get to medical appointments.

Maitland Council Mayor Philip Penfold:

“Council is proud to deliver these important upgrades for the people of Maitland.

“We’re going to build a new bridge that’s twice as wide, twice as high so that when minor flooding events do occur the impacts on the community, particularly for people living in suburbs like Bolwarra, Lorn and Largs will be reduced.

“Work will involve the construction of a new dual lane, concrete bridge over the Hunter River to replace the existing timber bridge and raising the bridge which will reduce the time that the road is closed or avoid road closures completely.

“We want to make sure Maitland residents are cut off less frequently and for less time during floods and upgrading Maitland Vale Road and Melville Ford Road will help mitigate that.

“Council is working closely with the NSW Government to determine the exact scope of work and timelines.”

Tocal Road, Bolwarra Heights set for $1.9 million upgrade

Safer journeys for all motorists moving through Maitland are on their way with work starting on a $1.9 million upgrade to Tocal Road at Bolwarra Heights.

Jointly funded by the NSW Government’s Restart NSW Fixing Country Roads Program and Maitland City Council, work will occur between Maitland Vale Road and Lang Drive and include new drainage and pavement reconstruction to make the road safer for all road users, including heavy vehicles.

The project will involve resurfacing and widening 2 sections of Tocal Road to have wider 3.5 metre travel lanes in each direction, with a section of the road to be realigned to improve sight distance and safety.

The project will be delivered by Maitland City Council, with the council contributing $997,800 to the project and the NSW Government contributing $915,000.

This is part of the NSW Labor Government’s ongoing commitment to ensure regional communities have essential road infrastructure to allow them to pursue economic development, opportunities and jobs.

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads and Member for Maitland, Jenny Aitchison said:

“It’s fantastic to see this project starting construction. Upgrading Tocal Road will improve the connectivity and safety for journeys between regional centres of Maitland and Dungog especially for heavy vehicles.  

“The Maitland area services a variety of industries from agriculture, tourism, mining, manufacturing, transport and construction, which will benefit from this upgrade. I congratulate council for getting this important work underway.

“Tocal Road is an essential freight route and this project will improve access for larger trucks. As these vehicles can carry more freight more safely, in fewer trips, the project will lead to more efficient journeys and less heavy vehicles on our roads.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

“Hunter locals and visitors need to get from Maitland to Dungog and everywhere in between.

“Widening Tocal Road means a quicker, more reliable journey for freight and more drivers getting around the Hunter in safety.”

NSW Duty MLC for Upper Hunter Emily Suvaal said:

“The upgrade of Tocal Road will improve the connectivity and safety of transport across the regional centres of Maitland and Dungog and improve access for trucks transporting the produce, goods and materials that we rely on every day.

“I’m so pleased to see work starting on this project, it’s a great example of how the NSW Government is partnering with regional councils to prioritise upgrades to regional roads and improve journeys for our communities.”

Maitland City Council Mayor Philip Penfold said:

“This investment will significantly improve Tocal Road for the people of Bolwarra Heights and surrounding communities.

“Maitland is the fastest growing regional city in NSW and we’re investing in our road network so we can deliver for our community, now and into the future.”

Road works started in early April 2024 and are expected to take six months to complete, weather permitting.

NSW Government supports for people impacted by Bondi Junction incident

The NSW Government is reminding the community about the supports it has activated for people impacted directly and indirectly by the Bondi Junction incident.

Immediately after the attack, the NSW Government opened its support programs and has widened those through Sunday and today.

Currently:

  • Victims and families can access support through the NSW Government’s Victims Support Scheme with a dedicated phone line stood up for this incident. This service can be reached on 1800 019 123.
  • NSW Police have assigned a Family Liaison Officer to support each impacted family of the deceased.
  • NSW Health have specialist disaster-trained clinicians available at Bondi Junction today and tomorrow between 8am and 6pm, primarily around the Oxford Street Mall.
  • The NSW Mental Health Line has been boosted with extra staff and is available 24/7, with specialist staff available to speak to anyone affected by the attack. Call 1800 011 511.
  • Mental health services have also been activated for first responders.

The Victims Support Scheme provides counselling, financial assistance and a recognition payment to victims of an act of violence in NSW. 

A dedicated phone line for victims of the Bondi Junction incident has been established to access this scheme. The number is 1800 019 123 and is staffed from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Support is available through the scheme for the families of those who have lost their lives and those who have been affected by the violent acts at Bondi Junction.

The scheme support includes:

  • Counselling to help victims recover from the psychological and emotional impacts of a crime.
  • Financial assistance for immediate needs, for example health expenses resulting from the violent crime.
  • Financial assistance for economic loss to cover other expenses resulting from a violent crime, depending on their situation.
  • Assistance to pay for funeral expenses on behalf of family members of a homicide victim.
  • A recognition payment to acknowledge the violent crime.

In addition to the NSW Government support, Westfield is providing mental health and counselling support for their staff, retailers and customers by phone, online and in person.

General supports for the community are also available:

A temporary memorial is in place at Oxford St Mall in Bondi Junction, supported by NSW Government and Waverley council staff.

Sign the online condolence book in honour of those affected.