May 2024 – Page 17

High Court decision can’t hide Government’s detainee debacle

The Coalition welcomes the High Court’s decision in the ASF17 case however it cannot hide the Albanese Government’s appalling handling of the detainees’ issue which remains a rolling debacle the like of which we’ve never seen.

The High Court’s decision is what most were expecting. The High Court has taken the uncontroversial position that detainees can’t engineer their own release into the Australian community by being uncooperative. That is common sense.

The decision also shows there was no need for the Albanese Government to rush through in just one day new legislation as it wanted to do in the previous sitting week of Parliament.

The sensible position arrived at by the Coalition to send the legislation to a committee inquiry was always the right thing to do.

But it’s not a good day for the Albanese Government when the best thing you can say is: “thank goodness the Government’s handling of this issue hasn’t gotten worse.’’

The only thing the Government has excelled at in this space is to release hard core criminals onto the streets quickly and to not oppose bail when they allegedly commit further crimes.

When it comes to actually protecting the community, Australians have seen complete and utter failure.

Shocking pictures of Perth grandmother Ninette Simons, allegedly violently assaulted by one of the released detainees, show what the Albanese Government’s failure looks like.

So far all we’ve seen from this Government is blame shifting, evasiveness, factual inaccuracy and a complete refusal to take responsibility.

In regard to the new legislation now listed to come before the Senate next week the Coalition’s position is made clear in the Coalition’s dissenting report.

There are serious problems with what the Government tried to do.

There have been 118 submissions published by the inquiry. 117 oppose the Bill. The only one which supported it is from the Department of Home Affairs.

The Government’s legislation, as introduced, was not in a form suitable to become the law of Australia. We support a strong border protection and immigration detention system. But what is clear is that the Government’s first attempt was not fit for purpose.

This legislation clearly needs to be improved before it can be passed by the Parliament.

The judgment today clearly demonstrates that the Government’s arrogant rush to push legislation through the Parliament in one day was misguided, unnecessary and would have resulted in a poor outcome for Australia.

Labor lacks courage to stand firm

The Albanese Labor Government has proven overnight that they lack the courage to stand against pressure and by sound principles after voting at the United Nations General Assembly for a resolution granting a unique form of UN membership to the ‘State of Palestine’.

Labor’s support for the resolution sends a shameful message that violence and terrorism get results ahead of negotiation and diplomacy.

This resolution, supported by Australia due to the change in position taken by the Albanese Government, creates the wrong incentives and risks further harming prospects for long term peace.

There is a real risk that Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah and others who deny Israel the right to exist take heart from this resolution.

The pathway to a two-state solution matters and can only be possible with security and respect by each party of the right for the other to exist. Yet this resolution reads as though the Hamas attacks of 7 October, deliberately slaughtering more Jews than on any single day since The Holocaust, never happened.

The resolution the Albanese Government supported doesn’t mention Hamas, let alone call for their surrender. It also doesn’t call for the release of hostages held by Hamas and doesn’t make respect for Israel’s right to exist a precondition of action.

Alongside the horrific problem of Hamas terrorists still active in Gaza, this resolution leaves unresolved the question of borders between Israel and a future Palestinian state, rights of return for Palestinians, governance reform of the Palestinian Authority and future security undertakings between the two states.

By advancing the wishes of terrorists while securing nothing in return this vote has reduced the incentive for parties to negotiate and increased the risks of future attacks or bloodshed.

Labor’s actions have undermined decades of bipartisan foreign policy support of a two-state solution that is negotiated between the parties and would provide both Israelis and Palestinians peace and security within internationally recognised borders.

The Albanese Government’s casting of a vote in support of this resolution was also out of step with key partners, including the majority of our Five Eyes partners. The United States opposed it, while Canada and the United Kingdom abstained, along with other democratic nations we should stand with, such as Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden and Switzerland.

It is evident now that the Prime Minister has misled Australians for weeks by saying he hasn’t changed Australia’s position. Clearly the speech Minister Wong made last month was Labor limbering up to change Australia’s foreign policy position and to further widen the gulf between Australia and important allies.

Prime Minister Albanese must guarantee not to proceed with further recognition while Hamas still commands the capacity to attack, Israel’s security remains threatened by those who promote violence, and the Palestinian Authority is crippled by incompetence.

The Coalition wants the tragic loss of innocent lives to end, but this approach will not achieve that. We remain committed to a genuine negotiated two-state solution.

We all wish to see the bloodshed stop, decades of violence cease being perpetuated and the legitimate rights of all peoples upheld, both Palestinian and Israeli. But peace and security will not be achieved by potentially emboldening terrorists.

Sixth boat arrival in as many months shows Labor’s chronic border failure

Media reports today that four unauthorised maritime arrivals were found in Broome on Friday represents yet another shocking failure of border protection under the Albanese Labor Government.

It follows recent reports of 33 illegal boat arrivals at Christmas Island and five on Saibai Island in Far North Queensland in the last week alone.

This is now the sixth boat that has breached our borders and reached Australian territory in the last six months, and the 17th attempted people smuggling venture to make the journey to Australia under the Albanese government.

This latest attempt comes after the Albanese Labor Government has repeatedly undermined Operation Sovereign Borders by abolishing temporary protection visas, planned cuts to border security funding of $436 million over the forward estimates, a reduction of funding for strategic communications and a decrease in aerial flying hours of 20.7% and a 12.2% decrease in maritime patrol days.

This is just the latest in a cascading set of failures under the current government that have left Australians less safe, less secure, and less certain.

Labor must immediately correct its failed border policies and restore the Operation Sovereign Borders framework in full to the settings maintained by the former Coalition Government.

All road safety is local – drive so others survive as National Road Safety Week wraps up

As National Road Safety Week enters its final day with the theme ‘Take care on regional roads’, the NSW Government is reminding regional road users of the simple ways they can help make their trips safer.

Rural residents comprise only a third of the population yet over two-thirds of road fatalities happen on regional roads.

National Road Safety Week has been an important week to help raise awareness and promote safer driving practices.

The NSW Government continues to remind regional road users to make safer choices by not speeding, not driving when tired, and not driving after consuming alcohol or drugs all year round.

The impact of road trauma on regional communities is immeasurable, with close-knit ties in small regional towns felt deeply when tragedy strikes and the NSW Government is committed to lowering the impact of road trauma on regional roads.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. As Regional Roads Minister, I see the risks people take on the road every day. As we approach the end of National Road Safety Week it’s essential for all motorists to understand that we all have a part to play in making safe choices on our roads and to act responsibly.

“We drive such long distances in the bush and in the regions and feel the pressure to get to our destination as quickly as possible, when we really should be focusing on getting there safely. One small error can end in absolute tragedy.

“As a community we need to take deliberate actions to ensure a safe journey – such as designating a driver who won’t drink on a night out, getting a good night’s sleep before a long journey and planning to use a rest stop where needed, and of course never ever driving if affected by drugs or alcohol.

“The NSW Government is committed to lowering the trauma on NSW’s regional roads, which is why we are investing $41 million in the Towards Zero Safer Roads Program this year to deliver 38 projects.”

Following the Road Safety Forum earlier this year, Transport for NSW has been tasked with:

Revitalising its road safety communication strategy for young drivers by drawing on the latest insights on reaching young people.
Partnering with 10 regional local councils to fast-track safer speed limits in local places such as 40km/h high pedestrian activity areas, as well as on higher risk routes. It will accelerate speed reviews and supporting road infrastructure like traffic calming, safer crossings, and smarter line-marking to help drivers slow down in lower speed places.
Increasing safety engagement and supporting safer speeds in local places that have, or are introducing, permanent 40km/h and 30km/h speed zones. Treatments could include asphalt art, murals, crossing lighting, and other streetscape enhancements that support pedestrian and cyclist safety and amenity, with an initial grant opportunity for local councils totalling up to $2 million.
Reviewing up to 35 schools and school precincts across the state in collaboration with school communities to examine opportunities to make our approach to routes used by children to travel around school safer.

Road safety is a shared responsibility, and the government calls on all road users to prioritise safety every time they drive, ride or walk.

First look at new $700 million Rouse Hill Hospital

Today the community will get its first look at the $700 million Rouse Hill Hospital, the first major adult hospital built in Western Sydney in over 40 years.

The NSW Government is getting on with the job of delivering the 300 bed hospital set to deliver much-needed contemporary healthcare facilities for the growing North West community.

Thousands of families are moving into the North-West growth area, with the Blacktown Local Government Area (LGA) population expected to grow to almost 500,000 by 2041.

The new hospital will bring healthcare closer to communities around Rouse Hill, Tallawong, Schofields, The Ponds, North Kellyville, Riverstone and Marsden Park.

Rouse Hill Hospital is expected to include:

an emergency and urgent care department
in-patient beds and a day surgery unit
short stay medical assessment services
pathology, pharmacy, and medical imaging services
outpatient and ambulatory care services including paediatrics, renal, maternity services and women’s health
a health hub for virtual care and hospital in the home services
prehabilitation, rehabilitation and lifestyle medicine.

Artist’s impressions of the new Rouse Hill Hospital unveiled today show wards with views to the mountains and a multi-storey car park, all in close proximity to public transport.

The new hospital will be one of the first sites to adopt the NSW Labor Government’s full campus model which incorporates health worker accommodation and childcare services.

Planning and design is underway with community feedback being considered ahead of further consultation with health professionals and the community planned for this year.

Construction of the hospital will support an estimated 1200 direct jobs and thousands of indirect jobs throughout the life of the project.

The new Rouse Hill Hospital is part of the NSW Government’s $3 billion investment for new and upgraded hospitals and health services across greater western Sydney, one of the largest investments in the region’s health infrastructure in recent years.

Other investments include:

$1.3 billion to build the Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital on a new site, the first major investment since the 2 hospitals merged in 1997
$550 million for Fairfield Hospital, in its first major redevelopment since it opened in 1989
$350 million in the Canterbury Hospital Redevelopment
$120 million investment to expand bed capacity at Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“Twelve years of inaction and chronic underinvestment has left communities outgrowing existing healthcare facilities.

“In our first year of government, we have delivered the largest pay increase in more than a decade for NSW health workers and one of the largest investments in Western Sydney health infrastructure in recent memory.

“Everyone deserves world class healthcare no matter where you live and we are committed to delivering that.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“There is a long history of undelivered commitments from the Liberal-National government with this project dating back to 2015. We won’t make the same empty promises and we’re getting on with the job of delivering this $700 million hospital for the community in North Western Sydney.

“We are committed to providing an additional 600 hospital beds for Western Sydney, and the new Rouse Hill Hospital will account for about half of this.

“It’s vitally important this new facility is staffed with the right number of doctors, nurses, allied health staff from the beginning, we’ll be intergrating key worker accommodation and child care to support our highly skilled workforce in the years to come.”

Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby said:

“Rouse Hill and northwest Sydney is home to a growing number of young families and the new Rouse Hill Hospital will provide world-class care and great job opportunities right on their doorstep.

“The new Rouse Hill Hospital will provide a significant boost to the economy during and after construction.”

WSLHD Chief Executive Graeme Loy said:

“The new Rouse Hill Hospital will demonstrate new ways of integrating hospital services with urgent care and preventative services to keep people well and preferably out of hospital, thereby reducing the amount of time patients need to spend in hospital when they require care.

“We’re so proud to be developing this new project, and to be involving our nurses, doctors, allied health and support staff in the planning for the new facilities.

“Meeting with members of the western Sydney community for feedback has shown the great interest in this new facility and we look forward to ongoing collaboration as we build this hospital of the future.”

Varroa Development Officers give practical help in NSW

Eight new Varroa Development Officer (VDO) roles in NSW will assist beekeepers to understand how to manage the Varroa mite pest under the National Varroa Management program.

These new roles follow national agreement to move to a Varroa mite Transition to Management Plan (T2M), adopted by the National Management Group (NMG) in February 2024.

The plan places a strong emphasis on building industry resilience and preparedness and increasing beekeeper and industry knowledge.

The Varroa Development Officers (VDOs) will play a key role in supporting beekeepers with information and practical assistance as they learn to manage Varroa in their apiaries, building skills, resilience and understanding as the nation continues to transition to ongoing management of Varroa.

Further roles will soon begin in other states and territories, but NSW needed to move quickly to get beekeepers skilled up, and proactively manage this pest which is present in many parts of the state.

On 19 September 2023, the National Management Group (NMG) determined it was no longer technically feasible to eradicate Varroa mite, and the response is now working on a national transition to management plan.

The mite is expected to spread over time, and beekeeper reporting of monitoring results is key to understanding where the mite is currently active.

These results are available on the Varroa heat map at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/varroa

The VDOs are also working closely with the training and education program, which is currently underway in NSW, covering a variety of Varroa mite related topics including monitoring and reporting actions, Integrated Pest Management, record keeping requirements and different treatment methods including mechanical, chemical and organic treatments.

Beekeepers can learn more and register for an upcoming workshop by visiting the Varroa Management Training tab located on the dedicated NSW DPI Varroa Mite website and can contact the VDO network by calling 1800 084 811.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“The Varroa Development Officers will work with individual beekeepers as well as beekeeping clubs to provide practical, hands-on assistance to build skills, resilience and understanding as Australia transitions to managing this pest.

“These roles will eventually roll out across the rest of Australia, but NSW, where Varroa mite is present, needed to move quickly and decisively to meet the needs of this very important industry.

“The VDOs will work hand in hand with the extensive training program which has also commenced in NSW, with locations and dates for training being released regularly.

“These skills will be key to ensuring a robust and resilient beekeeping and honey industry, worth $147 million across Australia, ensuring it can continue to support our nations pollination-reliant industries worth over $16 billion annually.”

Medical research institutes invited to apply for $160 million in NSW Government support

The NSW Government is launching a $160 million medical research program as it searches for the next big health breakthrough.

Heading into its fourth round, the Medical Research Support Program (MRSP) aims to support excellence in health and medical research by funding the indirect costs of research, such as equipment and support staff.

Applications for the program, which is administered by the Office of Health and Medical Research, will open on Monday 13 May.

The funding awarded to independent medical research institutes is integral in helping complete their important work.

Previous recipients include the Black Dog Institute, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, and the Woolcock Institute.

Funding from previous rounds of the MRSP has significantly contributed to NSW’s world-leading research achievements.

This includes Australia’s first precision medicine program for children with cancer, development of a single test for over 50 genetic diseases, and personalised digital mental health tools to deliver evidence-based therapies for people living with depression, anxiety and stress.

MRSP application guidelines and program details can be found online or by emailing the Office for Health and Medical Research at MOH-OHMRGrants@health.nsw.gov.au.

Minister for Medical Research David Harris said:

“We are proud to support the world-class health and medical research taking place right here in NSW through the Medical Research Support Program.

“This funding is vital as it covers some of the costs that independent medical research institutes must pay, but may not be included in awarded research grants, such as the costs of infrastructure and support staff.

“Our researchers strive every day to improve the lives of people in NSW and across the world.

“Through programs such as this one, we’re investing in them to continue their work, which hopefully leads to improved health outcomes for all.

“I look forward to seeing the incredible research made possible by this round of MRSP funding in the years to come.”

Parramatta Light Rail begins daytime testing in Parramatta

Daytime testing for Parramatta Light Rail is kicking off today, marking another milestone as the system gears up for passenger services later this year.

For the first time, Parramatta workers and residents will begin to see the 45-metre trams travelling in the heart of Parramatta during off-peak times between 10am and 3pm.

The first daytime test run will see the tram journey from the stabling facility in Camellia, complete a run up to Carlingford and back, before rolling into the Parramatta CBD.

With an experienced driver at the controls, the tram will cross a number of key traffic intersections and pass local schools on Macquarie Street, giving locals an exciting glimpse of their future public transport network.

Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 testing continues to gather pace, with more daytime testing ahead across the entire alignment to ensure the safety and reliability of the system before passenger services can commence.

Current activities include testing the full load capacities of vehicles and infrastructure, as well as testing network communications and vehicle operations.

Safety is paramount and the NSW Government continues to engage closely with schools, businesses, stakeholders and the wider community to support safe behaviours around the light rail.

Project information and engagement sessions are also being held at various Western Sydney locations, providing an opportunity to share safety information and updates about the project.

Find out more about the project and its upcoming community engagement sessions at the Parramatta Light Rail website

Find out more about Parramatta Light Rail safety

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:

“Light rail is seeing the light of day in Western Sydney, meaning people can expect more trams to be travelling around as this next phase of testing gathers pace.

“While we know how excited the community is to start using the light rail, we need to get this right. Passengers cannot get on board until thorough testing is complete.

“This will be a major change for our west that will take some time for people to get used to. We’re going from no trams in Parramatta for 80 years, to one running every 7 minutes in the peak.”

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said:

“This is a momentous day for our great city. I want to thank everyone for their patience as we deliver this project and remind the community to stay safe around testing trams.

“Local businesses have had a tough few years, but the light rail will bring a huge boost, connecting an estimated 28,000 passengers each day.

“I encourage everyone to visit Parramatta, drop into a local spot on the light rail route and watch the trams as they move around during the day and night – offering an exciting glimpse of what’s to come.”

Transport Coordinator General Howard Collins said:

“Come to Parramatta to see the tram testing in action, meet the street team wearing red shirts, grab an information flyer, and get ready for further tram movement activities as the light rail testing program ramps up.

“If you’re driving in and around Parramatta for the first time in a while, be aware conditions have changed – this includes the new white ‘T’ illuminated on intersection traffic light signals for light rail.

“Watch out for trams moving about in the area, be sure to stop, listen and look around before crossing the light rail tracks, and always cross at a pedestrian crossing.”

Parliamentary inquiry into full voter turnout

Almost 800,000 people in NSW did not see their vote count in the 2023 NSW election.

The NSW Government has asked parliament to conduct an inquiry into potential reforms to support the target of 100% participation in NSW elections in future.

The bipartisan Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters has been asked to report on electoral laws and practices that would support the following targets:

100% enrolment
100% turnout
100% formal voting
100% voter confidence.

Special Minister of State John Graham has asked the committee to consider potential reforms that would strengthen the integrity and confidence in the electoral system.

The “democratic gap” of people who are entitled to vote but whose vote did not count totalled 791,759 people at the March 2023 NSW election.

This is made up of 74,677 people who are eligible but not enrolled, 553,646 who are enrolled but did not cast a vote, and 163,436 people who cast an informal vote.

Special Minister of State John Graham said:

“Every vote is precious, and it is both alarming and disappointing that almost 800,000 votes did not count at last year’s NSW election. Closing this democratic gap is important for the future of our electoral system.

“Unless we tackle this problem, our political system will be less representative and less responsive than it should be.

“The NSW Government makes no apologies for setting the most ambitious targets of 100% voter enrolment, 100% turnout to vote and 100% votes being cast formally.

“NSW elections must be inclusive, accessible and secure, and if we need to make reforms to the process to ensure that remains the case, that’s exactly what we will do.

“Maintaining voter confidence is paramount to a robust democracy. Unfortunately, public confidence can be eroded due to real or perceived weaknesses in the system – and that’s what those behind misinformation and disinformation campaigns seek to exploit.”

NSW Government makes UTI pharmacy trial permanent

Thousands of women across NSW will have expanded access to treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) following the successful completion of the 12-month NSW pharmacy trial.

From 1 June, all pharmacists with suitable facilities in NSW who have undergone the required training will be able to provide consultations and prescriptions for these medications.

More than 1000 pharmacies across the state have been participating in the trial and more than 16,000 women have benefited from using this service in the year the trial has been in place.

The NSW Government’s $6 million statewide community pharmacy trial has helped more than 16,000 women access UTI treatment quicky and conveniently from their local community pharmacist.

During the trial, the NSW Government committed to providing $20 per patient consultation compensation for pharmacies participating in the trial, however with the UTI service becoming a normal service offering, consumers should be aware that pharmacies may set their own fee for the service, in addition to medication costs.

Pharmacies offering the UTI service will need to ensure they are listed on the National Health Directory Service so consumers can easily find their nearest pharmacy by checking online or by phoning HealthDirect on 1800 022 022.

Women will continue to be eligible for UTI treatment at a participating pharmacy provided they are:

aged 18 to 65 years (inclusive)
displaying symptoms consistent with an uncomplicated urinary tract infection
have not had other recent UTIs or have a high risk of complications.

A comprehensive evaluation of the trial is underway, including looking at the number of women who were satisfied with the service, how often antibiotics were supplied, how often women were referred to other services and what, if any, medical and pharmacy services the trial participants required after the consultation.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“The NSW Government is committed to taking pressure off GPs and primary care services and we are constantly evaluating ways we can deliver healthcare more efficiently as well as safely.

“Enabling pharmacists to do more will mean many women will get timely access to the care they need.

“Ensuring continuity of care will be crucial as pharmacy service offerings increase, including strengthened communications between pharmacists and doctors about a patient’s treatment.”

Pharmacy Guild of Australia NSW Branch President David Heffernan:

“Women across NSW will benefit from easy access to treatment for painful UTIs.

“This UTI trial has been a success in providing affordable, accessible everyday healthcare with over 16,000 women treated across the state.

“Pharmacists are ready to step up take some of the pressure off of GP clinics and hospitals.”

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia NSW President Luke Kelly:

“The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and pharmacists across NSW thank Minister Park and the NSW Government for the confidence they have shown in pharmacists.

“Thousands of NSW women will now have timely access to effective treatment for painful and uncomfortable urinary tract infections.”

Chief Investigator at the University of Newcastle Dr Sarah Dineen-Griffin:

“The UTI trial has seen incredible demand.

“It is pleasing to see the service continue while we undertake an independent evaluation of the data collected during the trial, with a final report to be provided to the NSW Ministry of Health in early 2025.”

Locate your closest participating pharmacist