Month: May 2024

NATIONAL CABINET A DISGRACEFUL MISSED OPPORTUNITY

Reacting to the National Cabinet communique, Greens spokesperson on Women and Leader in the Senate Larissa Waters said:

“What a deeply underwhelming response today from our nation’s leaders. The calls by tens of thousands rallying over the weekend, and from frontline support services for many years asking for adequate funding to meet demand, were ignored. 

“The government announced $925 million over five years – but it’s not for frontline services. It’s to help women reach out to support services, but with those services already drastically underfunded, this announcement will simply increase demand on an already stretched sector. 

“Where is the funding for those frontline support services to meet demand? The sector has called for $1 billion per year to be able to help everyone who seeks it, and the federal government is providing just under half that. Nothing about today’s announcement fixes that woeful underfunding.

“Today’s announcement merely makes an existing program that has been plagued with maladministration and delay, permanent. To add insult to injury, the funding for leaving violence announced today won’t even flow until 1 July 2025! 

“The pittance for women’s safety today after 50 billion to Defence announced last week is an indictment on the government’s priorities.

“Nothing for frontline services. Nothing for housing. No new money for prevention. No DV death toll collected by government instead of volunteers. No declaration that violence against women is a national emergency. No increase to income support to help survivors flee. Nothing to help services inform police about high risk perpetrators. What a disgraceful missed opportunity today’s national cabinet was.”

LABOR IS ENTRENCHING DISADVANTAGE

Following calls from leading economists for the Albanese Government to increase Jobseeker and Youth Allowance to 90% of the Age Pension, Labor can’t continue to ignore the millions of Australians on poverty-payments, Greens say.

Senator Penny Allman-Payne, Greens social services spokesperson: 

“It’s undeniable that the current rate of Jobseeker and Youth Allowance traps people in poverty.

“Centrelink payments not only trap people in poverty, but can trap women in abusive homes. It is so much harder to escape violence when you’re financially insecure, and victims of violence who are on Jobseeker are relentlessly re-traumatised by a social security system that keeps them in poverty. 

“60% of single mums have experienced abuse, and the $5000 announced today isn’t enough to make up for the woefully inadequate Jobseeker payment many of these women will need to survive on after leaving a violent home. And that’s if women get these emergency payments at all; last year, over half of claims for the Escaping Violence Payment were rejected by the Albanese government.

“Everyday, millions of Australians feel the crushing stress of living on Centrelink: they’re showering less and not turning on the heating to save on bills, they’re forgoing necessary medication, they’re choosing between paying rent and eating. 

“In a wealthy country like ours, no-one should have to live like this.

“Labor promised when they came to power that no one would be left behind. Yet people on income support are literally starving while Labor turns a blind eye.

“Labor’s own hand-picked Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee has recommended raising Jobseeker to 90% of the Age Pension two years in a row. Today,  leading economists have reaffirmed we need to substantially raise the rate of income support, because if we don’t we are entrenching disadvantage. 

“Not only do these poverty-rates entrench disadvantage, it also makes it harder for people to find a job. During COVID, we saw a doubling of income support and more people found work because of it. 

“Poverty is a policy choice. This government has spent hundreds of billions of dollars on Stage 3 tax cuts for the rich and big corporations, on more submarines and defense, and tax breaks for fossil fuel companies – all while leaving the most vulnerable Australians to suffer. 

“If Labor is serious about keeping any of their promises instead of paying lip service, the government must raise income support above the poverty line in this month’s budget.”

Time to combat ugly tide of hatred at Australian universities

The vice-chancellors of two of Australia’s most prestigious universities must expel students and call in the police to combat an alarming rise in antisemitism on campuses.

In the face of escalating harassment, intimidation and threats of violence by pro-Palestinian activists, the University of Sydney and University of Melbourne are failing to act against this ugly tide of hatred.

These universities have strong policies to safeguard students and staff, but are failing to take appropriate action.

The protest encampments must be dismantled.

The weakness of the universities is surpassed only by Education Minister, Jason Clare, who has been missing in action.

If he can’t do his job and throw the book at universities which fail to keep people safe on campus, he should resign.

Minister Clare has even refused to directly condemn the “kids’ excursion” at Sydney University which encouraged young children to chant anti-Israel slogans such as “intifada” and participate in a march calling Israel a terrorist state.

This indoctrination of children not only fuels hatred and division, but puts their well-being at risk.

I also call on Minister Clare to cancel a taxpayer-funded research project awarded to Macquarie University academic, Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah, after she led children at the protests.

Australian taxpayers should not be providing $837,000 to an activist academic who has engaged in such appalling conduct.

Giles and O’Neil must explain shocking community safety failure

The Albanese Labor Government needs to explain to the Australian people how a released detainee allegedly assaulted a Perth woman fighting cancer and robbed her and her partner.

The Immigration Minister Andrew Giles and Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil must front up and explain how the system they put in place to protect the Australian people failed this woman and her partner.

If they cannot do this then they should do the honourable thing and resign. And if they won’t resign the Prime Minister has to finally show some leadership and ask them to go.

Both ministers need to answer the following:

  • Why did the Commonwealth not oppose bail when detainee Majid Jamshidi Doukoshkan appeared in court in February charged with failing to comply with his monitoring conditions?
  • Why wasn’t a preventative detention order made against Doukoshkan?
  • Was Doukoshkan wearing an ankle bracelet at the time of the alleged offence?
  • What other monitoring conditions were placed on Doukoshkan at the time of the alleged offence?

The Ministers have hidden from scrutiny on this issue. They now need to stand up and answer these questions and more.

The Albanese Labor Government has released seven murderers, 37 sex offenders, and 72 violent offenders into the community.

But the Albanese Labor government has stopped providing timely updates about how many are being monitored and what conditions are being applied to these detainees.

At every stage, Ministers Giles and O’Neil have failed to act to keep the Australian community safe.

They have been hopeless and hapless for almost 12 months and sadly the Australian community are paying the price.

Where is the Immigration Minister?

The Immigration Minister Andrew Giles is still missing in action while Australia’s detention regime collapses and Australians are put at risk.

Where is the evidence he is dealing with the problems on his watch?

Why does he have nothing to say about the detainee his government released into the community who allegedly bashed a Perth cancer survivor during a home robbery?

Why won’t he explain why the man who allegedly bashed and robbed a Perth cancer survivor was not required to wear an electronic ankle monitor?

Why won’t he stand up and explain what steps the Albanese Labor Government is taking to keep people safe?

Why won’t he stand up and reassure the Australian people they are safe?

The last time Giles stood before the press and answered questions was on March 27 when he, and Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil, cut the journalists off and ran away as soon as the questions got tough.

Home Affairs revealed in February that the government had released seven murderers, 37 sex offenders, and 72 violent offenders into the community. Why hasn’t Giles provided an updated figure?

And what exactly are the reporting conditions on these criminals?

Giles skipped three crucial meetings with his department about the NZYQ court case and instead promoted the Voice and travelled to the UK to attend a political party conference. Has he ever explained why?

The Commonwealth conceded they could not deport NZYQ which undermined the government’s legal argument, paving the way to the release of over 150 criminals into the community. Has Giles ever explained his role in that decision?

Giles’ own department issued the wrong visa to the detainees released into the community, has he explained this failure and the steps he took to stop it happening again?

This government even created a taskforce called Operation Zufolo to help it manage Labor’s immigration detention mess, but one government insider said it was only there to “look like we are symbolically doing something”, according to media reports.

That says everything you need to know about the Albanese Labor Government — they are all symbolism, and no action. All froth and no substance.

This Labor Government has made a mess of immigration detention.

According to media reports Anthony Albanese told an abuse survivor at a rally on Sunday: “I’m the Prime Minister of the country, I run this country”.

Well, he should start running the country by sacking Andrew Giles and taking personal responsibility for cleaning up Labor’s mess before more Australians get hurt.

Albanese chooses Senate contempt over public accountability

Revelations today of a secret manual distributed by the Prime Minister’s Office to departments instructing them how to avoid answering questions from the Senate is a new low from the Albanese Labor Government.

Scrutiny of the government through Senate estimates is a foundation of our parliament and democracy, and is recognised as a major institution of accountability.

The value of estimates hearings in providing accountability and integrity of government is clearly missed by the Albanese Labor Government who will do anything to ensure they aren’t held to account.

Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Senator Simon Birmingham said the extracts published from the secret manual demonstrate clear acts of contempt for the Senate and break Prime Minister Albanese’s promises for greater transparency and accountability.

“The Prime Minister has serious questions to answer about this document as to whether he has seen it, did he approve it and to whom has his office distributed it to,” Senator Birmingham said.

“This move by the Labor Government is a new low and shows flagrant disregard for the Senate, the practices of Australia’s parliament and the rights of Australians to see their government held to account.

“For anyone to believe the creation of this manual clever would be sorely mistaken. The Prime Minister and his office should consider the repercussions of attempting to distort the procedures of a democratic parliament.

“I fully expect the Senate to demand answers in regard to the flagrant demonstration of contempt.

“Prime Minister Albanese would be wise to retract this document and transparently answer questions – avoiding doing so would only be endorsing its contents.”

Young Novocastrians encouraged to drive climate solutions

City of Newcastle has secured more than $75,000 in funding to help residents aged 15 to 24 deliver urgent climate change solutions for our city.

City of Newcastle was invited to apply to the Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF) following Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes’ visit to the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai in December last year.

Tree planting is just one of the ways young Novocastrians can deliver a climate change solution.Tree planting is just one of the ways young Novocastrians can deliver a climate change solution.Alongside Melbourne and Hobart, Newcastle was one of only three Australian cities to be chosen for the funding by the YCAF, which will provide technical assistance to support up to 100 cities worldwide in delivering youth-led climate action.

Cr Nelmes said young City of Newcastle staff and the City of Newcastle Youth Advisory Council will review applications to make sure the priorities of young residents are captured.

“This funding gives our young residents the chance to design and deliver urgent climate solutions,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Microgrants of between $1500 and $7500 will be available for individuals 15 to 24 years, or organisations who represent them, to deliver youth-led climate projects, from tree planting to policy proposals.

“Any city that fully allocates the initial round of funding within six months can apply for a further $150,000 to distribute to more projects over the following year.

“With more than 80 per cent of youth around the world reporting they’re worried climate change threatens people and the planet, this is a great chance for our youth to make a difference in their own backyard.”

Michael R. Bloomberg, UN Special Envoy on Climate Ambition and Solutions and the 108th mayor of New York City said climate change is an all-hands-on-deck challenge.

“It’s critical that young people, who have the most at stake help lead the way. This new fund will help mayors mobilize and empower tomorrow’s leaders to take action today,” Mr Bloomberg said.

Emilia Sáiz, Secretary General for United Cities and Local Governments, said youth today are the guardians of our future.

“Bringing them together with local governments through this groundbreaking initiative, we will see cities reach newfound progress in shaping more resilient and regenerative communities that can act on the climate emergency in entirely new ways,” Ms Sáiz said.

James Anderson, who leads the Government Innovation program at Bloomberg Philanthropies said the Youth Climate Action Fund will provide a springboard for mayors worldwide to put these lessons to work.

“In order for cities to catalyse ever broadening, ever more ambitious efforts, they’ll need to continue to shift away from traditional, top-down models to those that solicit ideas and crowd in energy from across the community, including and especially from young people who are so vested in solving the climate crisis,” Mr Anderon said.

As an active member of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy, Cr Nelmes has led a concerted effort to create an environmental legacy for future generations.

The youth-led climate projects will align with our 10-year Newcastle Environment Strategy, which was adopted last year with the key priorities of action on climate change, nature-based solutions and the circular economy.

Some of the initiatives already underway include transitioning City of Newcastle’s vehicles, plant and equipment to electric-powered or low emission alternatives and expanding our urban forest to create connected green corridors for iconic, threatened and pollinator species.

Applications for the Youth Climate Action Fund open on 1 June and close on 30 June 2024.

For more information on how to apply contact sustainability@ncc.nsw.gov.au

About Bloomberg Philanthropies:

Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in 700 cities and 150 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on creating lasting change in five key areas: the Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s giving, including his foundation, corporate, and personal philanthropy as well as Bloomberg Associates, a philanthropic consultancy that advises cities around the world. In 2023, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $3 billion.

‘It’s not love, it’s coercive control’

The NSW Government will today launch an advertising campaign to raise public awareness and understanding of coercive control.

Using the tagline, “It’s not love, it’s coercive control. Know the signs of abuse,” this campaign uses video, audio and static advertisements with the slogan to show coercive control as a pattern of abusive behaviour over time.

Coercive control is insidious and can manifest in many ways. It is a pattern of behaviour which may include financial abuse, threats against pets or loved ones, tracking someone’s movements, or isolating them from friends and family to control them.

This campaign was a recommendation of the Joint Select Committee on Coercive Control, which highlighted the need to support community awareness of coercive control prior to the commencement of the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Coercive Control) Act 2022.

NSW is the first Australian jurisdiction to introduce a standalone dedicated offence of coercive control.

The Crimes Legislation Amendment (Coercive Control) Act 2022 will criminalise coercive control in current or former intimate partner relationships in NSW starting from 1 July 2024. If found guilty, perpetrators can face up to a maximum of 7 years in prison.

The campaign was developed with over 70 stakeholders from the Coercive Control Implementation and Evaluation Taskforce and ten associated reference groups. This included victim-survivors through the Lived Expertise Reference Group.

This campaign follows the launch of a website in August 2023, designed to ensure the NSW public has access to credible information about coercive control.

NSW Police are also undergoing coercive control training, to ensure they are prepared for the implementation of this reform.

Members of the NSW Government will be joined by other NSW Parliamentary Members, in a signal that a multipartisan approach will be taken on issues of women’s safety and domestic and family violence.

The importance of an awareness campaign on this topic was laid bare by market research which showed that 32 percent of respondents had not heard of the term coercive control, and only 26 percent had both heard the term and understood what it meant.

Coercive control has been strongly linked to intimate partner homicide, with the NSW Domestic Violence Death Review Team finding that in 97% of intimate partner domestic violence homicides in NSW between 2000 and 2018 were preceded by the perpetrator using emotional and psychological abuse as a form of coercive control towards the victim.

Find out more about coercive control

Prue Car, Deputy Premier of New South Wales, said:

“Coercive control is an insidious and damaging form of domestic violence – it can leave victim survivors feeling isolated, vulnerable, and alone.

“This campaign is vital in ensuring the broader public know what coercive control looks like, and perpetrators know what they are doing is wrong.

“The past few weeks have brought into sharp focus the need for urgent action on women’s safety.

“The NSW Government is committed to taking meaningful action when it comes to domestic and family violence, with a special Cabinet meeting to be held this week to discuss the Government’s response to gendered and domestic violence.

“All options are on the table when it comes to the prevention of family and domestic violence.”

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“From 1 July, coercive control in current and former intimate partner relationships will be a crime punishable by up to seven years’ imprisonment.

“The NSW Government is committed to addressing domestic abuse, including coercive control.

“This campaign highlights that abuse against a current or former intimate partner is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:

“Coercive control is behaviour designed to exercise domination and control over another, and can be hard to spot because it can be deeply contextual.

“This campaign is vital because it helps build community awareness of coercive control and what it looks like in intimate partner relationships, with the ultimate goal of saving lives.

“These ads depict abusive behaviours that are, regrettably, all too familiar to some people in our community. It shines a light on this insidious abuse before it escalates and results in homicide.

“Coercive control laws will have a profound impact on the way that our justice system assesses and manages domestic violence cases, and the government is now making sure people recognise the signs and know what it is.”

Emma Hurst, Member of the Legislative Council, Member of the Animal Justice Party, said:

“As someone who has been the victim of domestic violence, I have also experienced the effects of coercive control. It is hard to explain the experience of coercive control, but someone having to know where you are at all times, and being continuously verbally abusive, has the ability to destroy someone’s life in so many ways.

“Animals are frequently used as tools of coercive control, which can involve threatening violence towards the animal, or to kill or get rid of the animal, if the victim does not comply. We continue to look towards legislative options to tackle this insidious form of coercive control.”

Member of the Alex Greenwich, Independent Member for Sydney said:

“The NSW Parliament came together to pass landmark legislation to criminalise coercive control, and now with the nation’s focus rightly on gendered violence this advertisement campaign seeks to make NSW a safer place by helping people in all types of relationships, including same-sex relationships, recognise and report coercive control.”

Michael Regan, Independent Member for Wakehurst said:

“Having seen up close the personal damage coercive control has on a person and those around them, I am proud that NSW Parliament is leading the nation with these reforms. We need the whole country to get on board on now.”

Dr. Joe McGirr, Independent Member for Wagga Wagga said:

“It’s alarming to realise that 97 per cent of domestic violence murder victims had been subject to coercive control prior to their deaths.

“Coercive control is a red flag that can point to horrifying outcomes so it’s very important to raise awareness about this totally unacceptable abuse as part of wider efforts to prevent domestic violence and improve safety for women and children.”

Roy Butler, Independent Member for Barwon said:

“The signs of Domestic Violence are often obvious: physical injury, loud, aggressive interactions – it’s a scourge in our community. Coercive Control can be even more damaging, and when it occurs, it’s often not noticeable to anyone but the victim and perpetrator. Coercive Control can also be a precursor to physical violence and has no place in society. I welcome this new protection against coercive control.”

Judy Hannan, Independent Member for Wollondilly said:

“While we stand here to call out violence against women, we need to remember we have a voice and there are many others that should be here today who have been taken at no fault of their own. It is the victim’s silence that we need to remember and we need to call out for them.”

Support Services:

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000.

For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.

New Chief Executive to guide Botanic Gardens of Sydney’s future

The future of the Botanic Gardens of Sydney will be expertly guided by a new Chief Executive following a competitive global search.

Simon Duffy AM will join the Gardens from Taronga Zoo where he spent the last 27 years leading education, tourism, science, conservation, place-making, and fundraising initiatives. Mr Duffy also successfully led Taronga’s transformation from a traditional zoo to a zoo-based conservation organisation.

The appointment is aligned with, and reinforces, the Botanic Gardens of Sydney’s position as a global leader in biodiversity, sustainability, scientific research and conservation, as well as its significance as a cherished destination for families, nature-lovers, scientists and tourists alike.

Mr Duffy brings to the role exceptional experience and a visionary approach to creating and communicating biodiversity projects on a local, national, and international level.

In 2019, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in recognition of his work in conservation in both Australia and Africa.

Mr Duffy will commence as Chief Executive of Botanic Gardens of Sydney on Monday, 3 June 2024.

Find out more about the Botanic Gardens of Sydney

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The appointment of Simon Duffy AM to the role of Chief Executive of the Botanic Gardens is an important appointment for the future of this much-loved public space.

“Mr Duffy’s passion, leadership and experience position him well to lead the Gardens team and the Gardens themselves into the future, continuing the outstanding work in scientific research, sustainability, biodiversity conservation and nurturing some of Sydney’s most iconic public spaces.”

Chief Executive Botanic Gardens of Sydney Simon Duffy AM said:

“I’m extremely excited to be joining the wonderful team at the Botanic Gardens of Sydney.

“What an opportunity to work with Australia’s oldest scientific institution and a team that conducts critical research and action for plant and biodiversity conservation.

“As part of the Gardens team, I look forward to championing critical science and education programs and preserving the natural beauty of the Gardens for future generations so we can continue to lead and inspire our community towards a better, brighter, and more sustainable future.”

Experienced barrister Tim Faulkner SC appointed to NSW Supreme Court

Experienced commercial barrister Tim Faulkner SC has been appointed a judge of the Supreme Court of NSW.

Mr Faulkner has acted for some of the largest law firms in Australia in professional negligence cases and specialises in insurance and reinsurance, both in courts and arbitration.

In 2020, he acted for corporate regulator ASIC in Australian Securities and Investments Commission v MLC Nominees Pty Ltd [2020] FCA 1306, which resulted in a civil penalty of $57.5 million – one of the largest civil penalties obtained by ASIC.

Mr Faulkner was admitted as a solicitor in 1990 after studying a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and a Bachelor of Economics at Australian National University. He also completed a Master of Laws at the University of Sydney in 1995.

He worked for King & Wood Mallesons in Sydney and Herbert Smith in London before he was called to the Bar in 1999. He took silk in 2014 and is currently a member of 12 Wentworth Selborne Chambers.

Mr Faulkner has broadly practised in the areas of commercial law, competition and consumer law, equity, insurance and reinsurance, professional negligence, property, consumer protection, corporations law, alternative dispute resolution, and appeals.

When he commences at the Supreme Court, Mr Faulkner will be a judge of the Common Law Division.

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“I am delighted to announce the appointment of Tim Faulkner SC to the Supreme Court bench.

“Mr Faulkner is a highly experienced lawyer, and his knowledge will be invaluable to the Court and everyone who interacts with it.

“I congratulate him on his well-deserved appointment.”