Month: April 2024

Henry Lawson Drive upgrade to benefit Western Sydney motorists

South Western Sydney motorists are a step closer to safer, faster trips home and to work, with an Expressions of Interest (EoI) open today to design the upgrade of a 1.8km stretch of Henry Lawson Drive.

As the next stage of the Henry Lawson Drive project, the NSW Government is calling on industry to register to tender for the upgrade of the section between the M5 and Auld Avenue, Milperra.

Known as Stage 1B, this stage of the project will include:

  • Widening Henry Lawson Drive to two lanes in each direction and creating new connections between Auld Avenue, Keys Parade, Raleigh Road and Henry Lawson Drive.
  • Upgrades of key intersection at Keys Parade, Bullecourt Avenue, and Pozieres Avenue, such as turning lanes and traffic signals.

As a key connector road to Bankstown Airport and residential areas of Milperra, the upgrade will ensure drivers in this part of south-west Sydney will get a safer road with shorter travel times.

Upgraded intersections with Auld Avenue, Keys Parade and Raleigh Road will be delivered as part of the stage 1B upgrade along with continuous pedestrian and cycle links to places like the Auld Avenue sporting fields complex and Milperra Sports Centre.

The designs for this section will incorporate improvements that have come out of community consultation, including changes to shared paths and crossings to minimise tree removal and improve safety.

Construction work on the nearby $144 million Stage 1A upgrade of Henry Lawson Drive is powering ahead, with widening and safety works between Auld Avenue and Tower Road, including the intersection with Newbridge Road.

This work builds on the improvements made in the Georges Hall section of the upgrades completed last year. There are now improvements completed, in delivery, or in design along almost eight kilometres of Henry Lawson Drive.

Transport for NSW will provide updates as the wider project progresses and the community is encouraged to share any additional feedback.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“This is an important upgrade for Southwest Sydney residents. The work on Henry Lawson Drive will mean less congestion, faster and safer trips for motorists.

“We look forward to industry providing the designs that will allow for construction of this next stage.”

Minister for Roads John Graham said:

“The Henry Lawson Drive upgrade is providing more capacity for motorists which means improved access for families to local schools and community facilities like the Auld Avenue sporting fields complex and Milperra Sports Centre.

“We listened to the community during consultation and have acted on that feedback. The revised proposal improves traffic flow by including lane widening on Keys Parade and Raleigh Road near the planned roundabout connecting the two roads.”

Member for East Hills Kylie Wilkinson said:

“This proposal is supported by the community but requests were made by locals for a number of changes following the display of the Review of Environmental Factors.

“Lengthening the left turn lane from Henry Lawson Drive into Bullecourt Avenue has been addressed so drivers have a better line of sight.”

NSW Government to support early childhood services to trial longer hours and expanded care

Working families across NSW are set to benefit from more access to early childhood education and care, including new programs, longer hours, weekend operating hours and additional places, as part of a new $20 million program.

The Flexible Initiatives Trial (FIT) aims to address parents’ barriers to workforce participation, particularly for women, by supporting early childhood services to adapt their offerings and hours where a local community need is identified. 

Some 16 early childhood education and care (ECEC) services across metropolitan and regional NSW will receive more than $2.8 million in funding as the first round of successful applicants is announced. 

Examples of the family-friendly benefits can include:

  • extending hours of operation beyond traditional working hours
  • providing flexible pick-up and drop-off times
  • giving families the ability to make occasional or ad hoc care arrangements
  • establishing new family day care services in rural and remote areas
  • partnerships between two different service types to provide extended or wraparound care.

Successful applicants through this round include Plumpton Long Day Care & Preschool, where an early intervention preschool program is now being developed and the number of licensed places is being increased by 10.

According to data from the Australia Early Development Census, there is a large number of high needs children in the Plumpton area, and the service is developing an early intervention program that will complement its existing preschool program.

Other successful applicants include Possum Early Childhood Centre in Hazelbrook extending their operating hours by 3 hours each day, Clarence Community Preschool in Grafton who will begin offering services on Saturday and Sunday, and The Yarm Gwanga Preschool and Early Education Centre in Armidale, which will expand their service by 50 new places to provide University of New England staff, students and members of the public with increased work and study options.

A full list of successful Round 1 trial applicants is below.

This is just part of the NSW Labor Government’s long-term commitment to support children and young families in the early years, which includes an historic $769 million investment to build 100 new public preschools in NSW, which is the largest investment in public preschools in the state’s history.

We have also committed $60 million to build and upgrade preschools at 50 non-government schools in areas where they are needed most, and $17 million to support capital works for early childhood services.

The NSW Government is also growing the number of early childhood workers through a major scholarship program, which continues to see a record number of applicants. 

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“Every child in NSW deserves to start school with strong educational foundations, and we know early childhood education is vital in setting young children up for success.

“This trial is supporting existing services to expand their offerings and respond to the needs of their local communities. 

“This will look different in different areas across the state, with more flexibility and expanded offerings, which is a great outcome for parents and our youngest learners.”

The 16 services to receive grants are:

  • Little Genius Cottage, Chifley 
  • Possum Early Childhood Centre, Hazelbrook
  • Nurture and Grow Early Learning Centre, Miranda
  • Dee Why Children’s Centre, Dee Why
  • Plumpton Long Day Care and Preschool, Plumpton
  • Tyndale Early Learning Centre, Blacktown
  • Diocese of Broken Bay Early Learning Centre, Forestville
  • Bundgeam Preschool, Kyogle
  • Bowral Street Childcare, Bowral
  • Denison Street Early Learning Centre, Tamworth
  • Menindee Children’s Centre, Menindee
  • Federal Community Children’s Centre, Federal
  • Yarm Gwanga Preschool and Early Education Centre, Armidale
  • Clarence Community Preschool, Grafton 
  • Yamba Early Learning Centre, Yamba
  • A new family day care service, to be run by Bega Valley Family Day Care.

Labor blindsides schools with budget cuts

The NSW Opposition has condemned the Minns Labor Government for slashing public school budgets by almost $150 million, despite promising its union deals would not impact classrooms.
 
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said principals had been blindsided by the decision that will leave students across NSW worse off.
 
“This announcement came without warning, and now school principals are forced to look at cutting staff and programs to find savings – all because the Minns Labor Government has lost control of the Budget after trying to mislead the public into believing that their union deals wouldn’t cost anything,” Mr Speakman said.
 
“In practice, this will mean students could be left without crucial learning support staff, as well as having wellbeing programs slashed and school upgrades cancelled.
 
“The timing is also concerning. The school year is well underway, meaning key decisions have already been made and people have already been employed for specific roles. This is not good enough and our kids deserve better.”
 
One school principal has revealed their school will be shortchanged by at least $150,000 and will now need to look at cutting staff.
 
Shadow Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the Minns Labor Government needs to come clean to parents about how their children will be affected. 
 
“For more than six months now, we have been calling on the Education Minister to tell us where the ‘savings’ for these union deals would come from, but now we know our students are the ones that are going to pay the price,” Ms Mitchell said.
 
“Prue Car went out in the media and misled parents and teachers, assuring them the money would not be taken from schools because she had found enough savings from within the bureaucracy.
 
“Now we could see fewer school jobs and resources, which will have direct consequences on learning – parents have every right to be furious.”

Appointment of Australian Defence Force senior leadership

The Australian Government is pleased to recommend to His Excellency, the Governor-General, a number of senior command changes within the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Subject to the Governor-General’s consideration and approval, the changes will take effect in July 2024.

The Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Vice Admiral David Johnston, AC, RAN will be appointed as the new Chief of the Defence Force. Vice Admiral Johnston joined the ADF in 1978 and has demonstrated outstanding leadership as the Vice Chief of the Defence Force since 2018. His experience in command and the strategic design of the integrated force will be critical to embedding the outcomes of the Defence Strategic Review.

The Government extends its deepest gratitude and thanks to retiring Chief of the Defence Force, General Angus Campbell AO, DSC. General Campbell joined the ADF in January 1981 and has had a distinguished career, leading the nation through regional and global security challenges. He has been at the forefront of driving organisational and cultural change to enhance the ADF as a modern, highly capable, integrated force centred on its people and Defence values.

Air Marshal Robert Chipman, AO, CSC, will be appointed as the new Vice Chief of the Defence Force. Appointed as the Chief of Air Force in July 2022, Air Marshal Chipman has provided excellent and considered leadership of the Royal Australian Air Force over the past two years.

Air Vice‑Marshal Stephen Chappell, DSC, CSC, OAM, will be appointed on promotion as the Chief of Air Force. Air Vice‑Marshal Chappell is currently the Head of Military Strategic Commitments and is well placed to lead Air Force and its people at this critical time.

Following confirmation of the Federal Executive Council of the preceding statutory appointments by the Governor General, other senior ADF appointments will also change in early July 2024. The Chief of the Defence Force, in consultation with the Secretary of Defence, Mr Greg Moriarty, AO, and ADF chiefs has recommended to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the following senior appointments:

Rear Admiral Justin Jones, CSC, will replace Lieutenant General Greg Bilton, AO, CSC, as the Chief of Joint Operations. Rear Admiral Jones is currently the Deputy Chief of Joint Operations.

Major General Susan Coyle, AM, CSC, DSM, will replace Lieutenant General John Frewen, AO, DSC, as the Chief of Joint Capabilities. Major General Coyle is currently the Commander of Army’s Forces Command.

Lieutenant General Gavan Reynolds, AO will complete his term as the inaugural Chief of Defence Intelligence. The Chief of Defence Intelligence position will rotate to a civilian appointment with the replacement to be identified in due course.

The Government extends its sincerest gratitude to General Campbell and Lieutenant Generals Bilton, Frewen and Reynolds, and to their families, for their longstanding commitment to defending the nation, their service to country and their lasting contribution to the ADF.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“I’d like to congratulate all personnel for accepting these appointments, and leading the Australian Defence Force with the values and tenets the Australian public expect of our military leaders.

“I look forward to working with you to plan and deliver a more integrated and focused Defence Force.

“’I’d personally like to thank General Campbell for his service over many years.

“General Campbell has served our nation with great distinction, during a period of significant strategic change and cultural reform.”

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles

“It is an honour to announce these senior appointments who will lead the Australian Defence Force during a period of increasing strategic competition and remain focused on delivering on key defence priorities and outcomes.

“I’d like to thank General Campbell who has been a pivotal Defence leader through thoughtful, necessary and difficult change. He oversaw the drawdown of Australian troops in the Middle East region and reorientation of our military focus to the Indo-Pacific. He has been a strong advocate for operational accountability, strengthening our alliance and regional relationships, supporting the wellbeing of ADF personnel and maximising the power and effectiveness of an integrated force.

“I thank General Campbell, and all outgoing senior ADF leaders, for their service to our nation. I also want to acknowledge their families, and thank them for their commitment and their sacrifice.”

Man dies after assault; man charged – Raymond Terrace

A man will appear in court charged after another man died following an assault in the Hunter region yesterday.

Just before 2am (Tuesday 9 April 2024), emergency services were called to Cambridge Avenue, Raymond Terrace, following reports a man was found with serious head injuries.

NSW Ambulance paramedics attended and treated a 38-year-old man; however, he died at the scene.

Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were told the injured man was involved in an altercation when he was reportedly assaulted.

As part of inquiries, police arrested a 29-year-old man nearby.

He was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station before being transferred to Maitland Hospital for assessment.

Upon his release from hospital, the man was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station and charged with murder.

He was refused bail and will appear before Raymond Terrace Local Court today (Wednesday 10 April 2024).

Raptor Squad charge man over alleged armed affray – Newcastle

Raptor Squad officers have charged a man in Newcastle following an investigation into an alleged armed affray last month.

About 4.40pm on Saturday 2 March 2024, officers attached to Nepean Police Area Command were called to an address in Cranbrook following reports a man had been threatened with a knife.

Witnesses told police two men had been involved in an altercation, during which one man lunged at the other with a large kitchen knife before fleeing the scene.

Local police commenced initial inquiries, before the matter was taken carriage of by State Crime Command’s Raptor Squad.

Following extensive inquiries, about 11.40am today (Monday 8 April 2024), a 25-year-old man was arrested in Bar Beach, Newcastle.

He was taken to Newcastle Police Station, where he was charged with use offensive weapon with intent to commit indictable offence, use knife in public place – cause person to fear for safety, and affray.

The man was refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court tomorrow Tuesday 9 April 2024.

Appointment of Special Adviser

Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin (Rtd) will serve as Special Adviser to the Australian Government on Israel’s response to the Israel Defense Forces strikes which killed Zomi Frankcom, and six of her World Central Kitchen colleagues.

Air Chief Marshal Binskin served as Chief of the Australian Defence Force from 2014 to 2018, and prior to that, as Vice Chief of the Defence Force, and Chief of Air Force. In 2020, he Chaired the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements and he is currently Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority and the Pacific Security College.

His experience and expertise mean ACM Binskin is eminently qualified to provide the Australian Government advice on the sufficiency and appropriateness of steps taken by the Israeli Government.

ACM Binskin will engage with Israel and the Israel Defense Forces on the response to the attack which killed Zomi and her colleagues. Australia has made clear to the Israeli Government our expectation and trust that this engagement will be facilitated.

This work will include examination of:

  • Arrangements for the investigation of this incident.
  • IDF policies and procedures for operational incidents.
  • Measures taken to hold those responsible to account.
  • If further investigation is warranted.
  • Measures adopted to prevent such incidents happening again.

The Special Adviser will provide advice to the Australian Government regarding any further representations or actions that could be taken to ensure a full and transparent investigation and to hold those responsible to account.

The Australian Government has been clear that we expect full accountability for these deaths. The appointment of ACM Binskin will ensure the family of Zomi Frankcom, and the Australian people can have confidence in this process.

30 years since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda

Today marks 30 years since the start of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, a period of unspeakable brutality and inhumanity.

In just 100 days, more than one million people, including entire families, were slaughtered simply because of their ethnicity.

We honour those who lost their lives and the resilience of those who carry forward their memories.

Australia acknowledges the deep suffering of the Rwandan people and recognises that Rwanda’s story is not defined only by these events.

The country’s journey to recovery is a rightful source of pride for the people of Rwanda.

Australia remains unwavering in its support for accountability for serious international crimes committed in Rwanda, including through the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, which carries forward the legacy of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda.

World Health Day 2024

On World Health Day, Australia is investing up to $45.5 million in six new initiatives to strengthen health systems across the Pacific and Southeast Asia.

Our support recognises that improving health systems is vital to ensuring our region is resilient against current and future health challenges, including those posed by climate change.

Among the new initiatives are training for essential health workforce skills, including critical care, nursing and midwifery, and support to improve disease surveillance and response, including tackling the increasing challenge of antimicrobial resistance.

The package also includes funding to strengthen health information systems, so that health workers have the data they need to manage health services, including having the right medicines in stock.

In addition, we are supporting greater inclusion of people with psychosocial disabilities, working with their representative organisations to increase access to quality, rights-based mental health services.

The activities will draw on Australian and international expertise, including from Alfred Health, Australian National University, Beyond Essential Systems and mSupply Foundation, CBM Australia, University of Technology Sydney, and University of Sydney.

Today’s announcement is part of Australia’s Partnerships for a Healthy Region initiative, which works with governments and civil society organisations in the Pacific and Southeast Asia to build resilient, equitable and inclusive health systems.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:

“Australia is working with governments and civil society organisations in the Pacific and Southeast Asia to build more resilient health systems, better equipped to handle current and future health challenges, including those posed by climate change.”

“Access to quality, effective and inclusive health services is everyone’s right. A healthier region benefits all of us and underpins our shared success, prosperity and stability.”

Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:

“Australia is a longstanding and committed partner for our region’s health. This World Health Day, we are reaffirming that commitment with a substantial package of support.

“Working with partners with deep local connections and long-term relationships in health is a critical way to deliver sustainable results.”

GAS PIPELINE RUPTURE AT AGEING RIG EXPOSES NEED FOR STRONGER REGULATION OF OFFSHORE FOSSIL FUEL INDUSTRY

The Greens have today raised concerns about NOPSEMA’s regulation of the offshore fossil fuel industry following a pipeline rupture at an ageing gas rig off the Victorian coast, causing pollution visible on the ocean’s surface.

The pipeline linking two Esso/ExxonMobil platforms is being investigated by NOPSEMA as the source of a suspected hydrocarbon spill.

Esso is currently applying to use the Gippsland Basin for sea dumping carbon capture and storage (CCS).

Greens spokesperson for healthy oceans, Peter Whish-Wilson: 

“Australia desperately needs stronger laws and regulations to govern the offshore fossil fuel industry. The current regulatory framework doesn’t provide sufficient environmental or economic protection from impacts of the offshore oil and gas sector – including impacts relating to the decommissioning of ageing and toxic offshore oil and gas rigs.

“NOPSEMA is supposed to have oversight and regulate the environmental management of the offshore fossil fuel industry, but coastal communities are fast losing confidence in the ‘independent’ regulator, which has become more of an enabler than an investigator of offshore oil and gas projects. 

“Big fossil fuel corporations make millions from Australia’s offshore oil and gas fields and repeatedly get away with failing to clean up after themselves. 

“If Esso cannot manage to decommission rig infrastructure safely I highly doubt it’s capable of carrying out risky carbon capture and storage it has planned for the region.

“These corporations simply cannot be trusted and are only concerned with their bottom line – they will always try to cut costs at the expense of the environment and the taxpayer who is left to clean up their mess, so it’s critical that NOPSEMA’s investigation into the Esso/ExxonMobil pipeline rupture is carried out with the utmost transparency.”