July 2024 – Page 25

City of Newcastle strengthens ties with three of its neighbours

City of Newcastle will take on greater leadership in NSW through new accords with Upper Hunter, Muswellbrook and City of Coffs Harbour councils.

Newcastle has entered memoranda of understanding (MoU) with two of our Hunter neighbours, as well as fellow regional coastal council Coffs Harbour.

IMAGE CAPTION: (l-r) Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Upper Hunter Shire Mayor Maurice Collison and Muswellbrook Shire Mayor Steve Reynolds at a recent meeting of the Hunter Joint Organisation. Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Upper Hunter Shire Mayor Maurice Collison and Muswellbrook Shire Mayor Steve Reynolds at a recent meeting of the Hunter Joint Organisation.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the four councils will gain valuable expertise and a stronger collective voice from each MoU.

“We’re in a unique position to both be a leader in the local government sector and to learn from the successes of other councils,” Cr Nelmes said.

“As a financially sound and well-resourced council, we have plenty of success stories that are worth sharing and I look forward to exploring new opportunities through closer ties with our neighbours.

“Newcastle, Coffs Harbour, Muswellbrook and the Upper Hunter are each vital parts of our state, and we’re stronger, smarter and better off when we collaborate.”

City of Newcastle Acting CEO David Clarke said the accords would pool the knowledge of each council in many areas of expertise.

“We’re exploring opportunities to share insights and capabilities, as well as the potential for staff exchange program with our MoU partners, which is a golden way to share the rich expertise of each council and just one of the many benefits of these agreements,” Mr Clarke said.

“We’ve already applied for grants in partnership with some of the councils to fund projects together and had had success working with the NSW Government. City of Newcastle’s CEO Jeremy Bath has worked hard on this and deserves a lot of credit.”

As part of the MoU, City of Newcastle’s planning team has already met with their Muswellbrook and Upper Hunter counterparts to outline Newcastle’s award-winning Accelerated Development Assessment program.

City of Newcastle has applied for grant funding to roll out Accelerated Development Assessment – its streamlined determination tool for low-impact developments – to its three new MoU partners over the next 12 months.

In the past year, Newcastle and Coffs Harbour have worked together on a range of submissions to the NSW and federal governments on issues that affect both large coastal councils.

Coffs Harbour Mayor Paul Amos said the coastal council areas’ similarities made them logical partners.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for Coffs Harbour to work closely with Newcastle on all manner of things, and the MoU will be of particular advantage in areas where challenges are common to both councils,” Cr Amos said. 

“It makes every sense for Coffs and Newcastle to align as two major regional, coastal cities – each with ambition for continual improvement. 

“While the MoU is non-binding on either council for any actions, it paves the way for a mutually beneficial partnership.”

Muswellbrook Shire Mayor Steve Reynolds said his council saw its Newcastle MoU as mutually beneficial.

“We look forward to working with the City of Newcastle and exploring opportunities for joint advocacy and funding prospects to benefit the region and enhance our capability,” Cr Reynolds said.

“Improved efficiencies and learnings will support better outcomes across the board.”

Upper Hunter Shire Mayor Maurice Collison said his council’s new accord would bring a suite of benefits.

“By collaborating across boundaries, we can share valuable knowledge and resources, leading to enhanced service delivery and sustainable regional growth,” Cr Collison said.

“This MoU represents our commitment to working together for the economic and social prosperity of our communities. Our combined efforts will ensure that we are better equipped to address the complex issues facing local government.”

Six projects declared critical for NSW’s clean energy future

The NSW Government has declared six renewable energy projects Critical State Significant Infrastructure (CSSI) given their potential significance to the NSW economy.

The new projects, if approved, will help maintain the state’s critical energy security and continue the essential energy supply to homes and businesses during peak-demand periods as coal-fire sources close.

A CSSI declaration means a project is deemed essential to NSW for economic, social and environmental reasons with the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces being the consent authority.

A comprehensive all-of-government assessment will still need to be undertaken on the projects including exhibition and an opportunity for submissions from the public.

The three proposed transmission projects will connect additional renewable energy generators into the National Energy Market to attract further investment in NSW, while the three proposed pumped hydro projects will provide reliable energy generation, capacity and dispatchable power when solar or wind resources are unavailable.

The six CSSI projects are:

New England Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) Transmission: Electricity transmission infrastructure to connect renewable energy generation and storage projects within the New England REZ to the existing electricity network.
Victoria NSW Interconnector: Electricity transmission infrastructure to connect the HumeLink Project in NSW with the Western Victoria Transmission Network Project.
Mount Piper to Wallerawang Transmission: Electricity transmission infrastructure to strengthen connections between areas of renewable energy generation in the Central West Orana REZ and major electricity demand centres.
Stratford Pumped Hydro and Solar: Pumped hydro and solar power facility which will take advantage of existing mine voids and infrastructure associated with Stratford Mining Complex due for closure in 2024.
Muswellbrook Pumped Hydro: Pumped hydro facility to use an existing mine void at the closed Muswellbrook Coal Mine site as the lower reservoir and a proposal to use an upper reservoir at Bells Mountain.
Lake Lyell Pumped Hydro: Pumped hydro facility which will take advantage of existing infrastructure associated with the Mount Piper Power Station due for decommissioning in 2040.

Following the CSSI declaration, the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) will issue Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements to the proponent so they can prepare an Environment Impact Statement (EIS) for community feedback.

Since 2023, the Minns Government has approved 24 renewable energy State Significant Development assessments with a combined energy capacity to power 1.5 million homes.

There are currently up to 30 renewable energy projects under assessment. If approved, these projects could produce up to 12.1 GW of energy to power about 5.6 million homes.

A further 87 projects, including solar, wind, battery storage and pumped hydro projects are at various stages in the planning pipeline.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“I have declared these six important projects as Critical State Significant Infrastructure as they are significant to the NSW economy, society and the environment.

“The substantive increase in renewable energy proposals signals trust from the wider industry in our Government’s capacity to move projects through the planning system.

“These projects will be subject to a comprehensive assessment which will include a period of public exhibition seeking submissions from the community.”

New Core and Cluster refuge delivered in Dubbo

The NSW Government has invested $5.3 million in The Orchard Dubbo, a new Core and Cluster refuge for women and children escaping domestic and family violence.

Under the Core and Cluster program, the NSW Government is investing $426.6 million over four years to provide new crisis accommodation across NSW for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence.

In addition, the 2024-25 NSW Budget has committed $5.1 billion to new social housing, with 50 per cent prioritised for domestic violence victim-survivors.

The Orchard Dubbo comprises 4 self-contained homes that promote secure independent living around a ‘core’ of on-site support services, such as safety planning, legal advice and ADVO support, parenting programs and referrals to local services.

Aboriginal residents will also have access to an Aboriginal domestic and family violence specialist worker.

Community Housing Provider Housing Plus has delivered the refuge, with specialist support services to be provided by Plus Community and the Western Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service.

The Orchard Dubbo is one of 26 Core and Cluster refuges in regional NSW.

Once all Core and Cluster refuges come online, they will support an additional 2,900 women and children escaping domestic and family violence each year.

The NSW Government is acting to reduce domestic and family violence in the state with a $245.6 million package that focuses on crisis response, early intervention and prevention, so women and children can feel safe at home and in the community.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“Family and domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness. No woman should have to choose between staying in a violent relationship or becoming homeless.

“Experiencing violence can significantly impact a woman’s financial security and access to stable housing.

“This refuge will help victim-survivors feel safe and supported as they leave abusive relationships, and provide a secure place to heal before moving into stable accommodation.”

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

“The NSW Government is supporting women and children leaving domestic and family violence and making sure they have access to the services they need, particularly in regional and rural areas.

“Refuges like The Orchard are crucial in helping women and children take their first step towards escaping violence.

“The innovative Core and Cluster model will help women and children feel safe and supported while they rebuild their lives in their community.”

The Orchard’s Manager Rebecca Bohun said:

“The Orchard provides an important option for victim survivors to stay in their community, where they have established support networks including family, friends, and services, ensuring they can continue existing employment and education.

“Once a family is safely accommodated at The Orchard, they remain with us until they are supported to access safe, affordable long-term accommodation.”

$14 million for Crown land reserves improvement fund

The NSW Government will provide $14.578 million in grants to maintain and upgrade Crown land reserves and community facilities to support the cultural, sporting and recreational life of NSW communities.

The Crown Reserves Improvement Fund (CRIF) grants will fund more than 140 community projects across the state.

These upgrades will improve community facilities, including sporting clubs, recreation areas, walking tracks, cycleways, public halls, museums, childcare centres, swimming pools, showgrounds, cultural institutions, camp sites, and racecourses.

The 2023-2024 grants, from Crown Lands in the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI), will support projects in the Sydney region, from the Northern Beaches in the east to the Blue Mountains in the west and north to the Hawkesbury.

Crown reserves support communities by providing land for recreation, such as parks, ovals and walking tracks. They provide land for organisations and facilities such as public halls, showgrounds, campgrounds, racecourses, surf life saving clubs, PCYC clubs, and Scouts and Girl Guide groups.

Reserves support tourism and local jobs, businesses and economies through activities such as hiking, camping, fishing and wildlife watching. They also protect sensitive areas of environment for native plants and animals, and areas of cultural and heritage significance to local and Aboriginal communities.

For more information, please click here

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“The Crown Reserves Improvement Fund (CRIF) will provide grants to Crown land managers right across our state to maintain and improve public reserves for the benefit of hundreds of local communities and many thousands of residents.

“This year more than $14.6 million in grants will support 144 projects to maintain and upgrade reserves and community facilities, enhancing the cultural, sporting and recreational life of NSW residents.

“Maintaining and enhancing our Crown reserves is vital for community health and well-being to allow residents to enjoy quality open spaces, access community and recreation facilities, and immerse themselves in nature.”

Community invited to learn more about the $1.3 billion New Bankstown Hospital

Communities in Sydney’s south west are being invited to learn more about the new Bankstown Hospital, with community information sessions taking place this week.

The Minns Labor Government has committed $1.3 billion for the new Bankstown Hospital to help meet the future health needs of one of Sydney’s fastest growing regions.

Master planning is underway for the new hospital, which will be built on Chapel Road at Bankstown, located close to the city centre, public transport networks and the future Sydney Metro.

Information sessions will be taking place at Bankstown Central Shopping Centre outside Kmart on:

Friday 5 July 2024 from 10.00am – 2.00pm
Saturday 6 July 2024 from 10.00am – 2.00pm

Members of the community are encouraged to drop in any time to meet the project team and ask about the new hospital.

The community is also being invited to provide feedback via an online survey until 31 July 2024, which can be found here: bit.ly/newbankstownhospital-survey

The scope of the New Bankstown Hospital will be determined through the ongoing planning process, and is expected to include:

Emergency services
Intensive care
Surgery and interventional procedures
Women’s and Children’s Health
Aged health
Mental health
Ambulatory care services.

The new hospital will integrate with the existing Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital site, which will remain as a health facility, to deliver contemporary healthcare and a better healthcare experience across a broad range of community and hospital-based services.

The site offers precinct opportunities for health, education, research partners, including TAFE NSW and universities, to meet the learning needs of the local community, improve educational outcomes and support the state’s priority skills need.

The project is being delivered by South Western Sydney Local Health District and Health Infrastructure. The scope of the project and indicative timing of the works will be finalised during planning and design of the new hospital. Staff, stakeholders, and the community will be kept informed and consulted as the project progresses.

The new Bankstown Hospital is possible as the Minns Labor Government is investing in essential services that communities rely on, and is part of $3 billion investment in new and upgraded hospitals across greater Western Sydney.

This includes:

An additional $400 million to build the $700 million Rouse Hill Hospital
$550 million for Fairfield Hospital, in its first major redevelopment since it opened in 1989.
$120 million investment by the NSW Government to expand capacity at Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals
$350 million to expand Canterbury Hospital and upgrade existing infrastructure.

For more information about the project visit the website: www.newbankstownhospital.health.nsw.gov.au

Minister for Health Ryan Park

“We’re delivering health infrastructure for communities, across NSW, in particular focusing on parts of the state that need it.”

“The new hospital will transform healthcare for the Bankstown and surrounding communities and is the first major investment in the Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital since the hospitals merged in 1997.

The Hon. Jihad Dib MP, Member for Bankstown

“This new hospital is a great outcome for the local community and we want to make sure they have their say on delivering a new health facility that meets their needs.”

Quotes attributable to Kylie Wilkinson, Member for East Hills

“With planning and consultation underway, we encourage anyone who lives and works in the local area to attend an information session and share their views or complete the online survey.”

“This feedback can help ensure that the hospital delivers what our community needs.”

Lynda Voltz, Member for Auburn

“This is a great opportunity for the community to have their say about how healthcare is going to be delivered to the growing region.”

$22 Bluey helmet among first to receive five-star safety rating

In an Australian-first, bicycle riders in NSW will be able to pick a helmet based on a simple safety rating from one to five stars.

Modelled on ANCAP safety ratings for motor vehicles, the Helmet STAR (Safety Testing and Assessment Ratings) will provide an easy-to-understand safety rating for new helmets based on comprehensive testing.

The first set of ratings proves helmet safety is not determined by price alone, with a $22 Bluey helmet for toddlers deemed the safest on the market in its category.

Each helmet is impact tested at the NSW Crashlab where Transport for NSW technicians conduct examinations including vertical drops, a strap strength test, and drop tests with moving platforms. The helmet’s ability to protect the user’s head in each scenario is tested and a star rating assigned.

The new rating will provide bicycle riders, and parents buying a helmet for their child, with a clear guide to the safest helmets available in their price range. Helmets tested include models specifically for skaters and foot scooter riders.

One star means the helmet “meets the crash protection required by recognised helmet standards” in Australia, while five stars means the helmet is “exceptional in crash protection and well above the recognised helmet standards.”

The first round of testing has been completed, with ratings for 61 helmets now publicly available in categories including mountain bike, road, recreational/skate, general and children’s helmets.

Helmets with price tags of $17 to $499 have been put under the microscope. The top-rated helmets in each category, with four or five-star ratings, are:

Helmet Type	Make & Model	Price
Mountain Bike	FOX Proframe RS (HFB6)	$550
Road	BELL XR Spherical MIPS	$379
General	MET Veleno	$200
Child	BLUEY Toddler	$22
Wheeled Recreation Device	TRIPLE 8 The Certified (Skate 2 MIPS)	$150

And while all helmets tested have met the Australian standard, these helmets are the lowliest performers, receiving a one-star rating:

Helmet Type	Make & Model	Price
Mountain Bike	BELL Super Air R Spherical	$350
GIRO Fixture	$80
ENTITY MH15	$70
SPECIALIZED Camber	$80
Road	GIRO Agilis MIPS	$170
General	GIRO Register	$85
AZUR (Flite Helmets) MX11_L61	$55
Child	BELL Lil Ripper	$80
BANWOOD Classic	$70
99 Bikes (FLITE) Speedy Fireman	$45
Wheeled Recreation Device	TSG Evolution	$80
PRO-TEC Classic Certified	$110
NUTCASE Street MIPS	$160

The Helmet STAR program fulfills a coronial recommendation out of an inquest into the death of Sydney man James Roberts who suffered head injuries following a bicycle crash and tragically passed away on the 11 February 2019.

Mr Roberts was wearing a bicycle helmet that met the Australian Standard, but the NSW Coroner determined that Standard should be treated as a baseline minimum performance requirement and a new star rating system should be introduced to give people a more informed choice.

During the 10 years from 2013 to 2022, there were an average of 794 crashes each year involving bicycle riders in NSW – or 5% of all crashes.

The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) provides consumers with independent and transparent safety ratings for new light vehicles. These ratings assess the safety of new light vehicles based on the level of protection provided by different vehicle models in most crashes and the presence of safety features, helping consumers make informed decisions about which vehicles to purchase.

The launch of the Helmet STAR program for bicycle helmets joins a number of other rating programs that Transport for NSW already have available to consumers. These programs, include the MotoCAP program which provides ratings on motorcycle gear and the CREP program which provides ratings on children’s car seats. All of these star rated programs test products above and beyond the required legal standards and help consumers make the safest choices for their individual situations.

To view the ratings visit Helmet STAR – Safety Testing and Assessment Ratings.

Minister for Roads John Graham said:

“We’ve had star safety ratings for new cars since 1993 which has given people confidence that they’re purchasing a vehicle that will protect them and their family in a crash. In NSW, we also issue ratings for motorcycle safety gear, including helmets, and children’s car seats.

“It is good news for riders and parents that this new star rating program brings the same simplicity and peace of mind to bicycle helmets.

“By wearing a five-star rated helmet you are two to two and a half times less likely to sustain a serious head injury than if you were wearing a one-star helmet. This puts the power of choice in the hands of consumers.”

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen:

“The price of a new helmet doesn’t always indicate how safe it is. This new safety rating gives bike riders and parents the information they need to make an informed choice on what helmet is safest, and best for them.

“All helmets sold in Australia do meet a minimum standard, and they are safe to use, but some have features and designs that make them even more safe in an incident.

“This new program, launched by the NSW Government gives people that information in an easy to follow way.

“Everyone should check out the Helmet STAR program and pick up the best helmet in their price range.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“We want people to have fun while cycling, scootering or skating, and know that their helmet provides the best crash protection they can afford.

“It’s important that safety rating information is available to people looking to purchase helmets, because the price of a helmet doesn’t relate to its safety.”

“This is another way the NSW Government is finding ways to keep people safer on our roads, but we can’t do it alone. When you’re cycling or using a scooter or skateboard, always wear a helmet – it could save your life.”

A Future Made in Australia Bill will build a stronger, cleaner economy

Today the Government will introduce the new Future Made in Australia Bill 2024 and Future Made in Australia (Omnibus Amendments No. 1) Bill 2024 to Parliament, a major step in making the Australian economy more prosperous and resilient.

This legislative package is a key part of putting our Future Made in Australia plan into action, so Australia makes the most of the major economic and industrial opportunities of the energy transition.

The Future Made in Australia legislation will bring together our policy work in this space to ensure it is an effective and practical strategy for Australia to seize this opportunity.

This legislation is all about unlocking private sector investment to build a stronger, more diversified and more resilient economy powered by renewable energy that creates secure, well-paid jobs around the country.

It embeds into law a disciplined and rigorous approach that will govern Future Made in Australia investments, to make the most of our net zero potential and ensure the benefits of these investments are widely shared and flow to local communities.

This package does three main things. It will legislate our new National Interest Framework, introduce a robust sector assessment process, and outline the Community Benefit Principles that will apply to investment decisions.

The National Interest Framework defines criteria for identifying sectors that will be key to the net zero transformation and where Australia could have a genuine comparative advantage, or where there is an economic security or resilience imperative to invest in domestic capability.

The package will enable Government to commission Treasury to undertake independent analysis of the extent that areas of the economy are aligned with the National Interest Framework, barriers to private investment in these areas and opportunities to address them.

It sets out five Community Benefit Principles that will be applied to Future Made in Australia supports identified in the Bill. To ensure the benefits of investment flow to local workers, industries and communities, decision makers will be required to have regard to how relevant investments can:

Promote safe and secure jobs that are well paid and have good conditions;
Develop more skilled and inclusive workforces, including by investing in training and skills development and broadening opportunities for workforce participation;
Engage collaboratively with and achieve positive outcomes for local communities, such as First Nations communities and communities directly affected by the transition to net zero;
Strengthen domestic industrial capabilities including through stronger local supply chains; and
Demonstrate transparency and compliance in relation to the management of tax affairs, including benefits received under Future Made in Australia supports.

The legislation establishes Future Made in Australia Plans. These are written plans that can be required by Government to help maximise the broader benefits of investment in a Future Made in Australia. The application of the Principles and Plans will be subject to further consultation.

It will also establish the Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund to support emerging technologies in industries like green metals, clean energy manufacturing and low carbon liquid fuels, and it expands the National Interest Account to better enable investment in Australia’s national interests.

To promote investment certainty, these amendments reintroduce guaranteed statutory funding for ARENA, which was allowed to lapse under the previous Government.

The Government recognises that the best opportunities for Australia and its people lie at the intersection of industry, energy, resources, skills and our ability to attract and deploy investment.

The Future Made in Australia package improves our investment environment and encourages new industries that put us on a path to net zero and strengthen our economic resilience.

PREPARATIONS WELL UNDERWAY FOR START OF MAJOR CONSTRUCTION OF SINGLETON BYPASS

Preparations are now in full swing for the start of construction of the Singleton Bypass, with early work progressing and final touches being made to the detailed design.

The Australian Government has committed $560 million and the NSW Government is investing $140 million to deliver the project and remove one of the Hunter region’s most notorious bottlenecks.

Since being announced as the successful contractor for the eight-kilometre project, ACCIONA Constructions Australia has been busy carrying out early work including geotechnical and utility investigations, and additional site surveys.

These early activities will inform the detailed design for the project before major construction starts later this year.

Transport for NSW’s environment team has also been working with ecologists, ahead of vegetation clearing, to oversee the carving of replacement hollows in trees adjacent to the project, to preserve wildlife habitats.

The Singleton Bypass is expected to open to traffic in late 2026, weather permitting.

Images and short video available here: https://spaces.hightail.com/space/tpgoNW4fNn.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

“This is an exciting time for the local community which has been patiently waiting for the delivery of this bypass.

“The Australian Government is proud to be partnering with the NSW Government to deliver Singleton’s biggest infrastructure project.

“Importantly, the project also delivers economic growth and will support more than 1,300 jobs during construction.”

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison:

“The Singleton bypass will improve the lives of people living and working right across the Hunter region.

“When the bypass is built motorists will avoid five sets of traffic lights in Singleton’s CBD and it’ll remove about 15,000 vehicles a day from the town centre – improving safety, slashing travel times and increasing efficiency for all road users.”

Federal Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi:

“We are hitting the ground running on this vital infrastructure project, which will benefit many people who live, work and visit our region.

“As part of the project, Transport for NSW’s environment team are overseeing the installation of carved hollows which will provide habitat for native fauna including birds, gliders, possums and bats that may be displaced during construction and operation of the project.

“ACCIONA have also carried out surveys of the Hunter River to help plan construction activities and ensure local aquatic species and river embankments remain protected.

“The Australian and NSW governments are committed to ensuring the furry, feathered, and arguably cutest residents around the Singleton Bypass experience the best possible outcomes now and into the future.”

NSW Duty MLC for Upper Hunter, Emily Suvaal:

“The Singleton Bypass is another example of the ways the Australian and NSW governments are working together to deliver critical infrastructure projects that will set not only the Hunter, but the nation, up for the future.

“This will ensure safer and smoother journeys for local motorists, visitors and our freight industry who rely on the New England Highway as an important link road every day.”

Woman charged following unauthorised protest – Hunter Region

A woman has been charged following an unauthorised protest near Maitland today.

About 3pm (Tuesday 2 July 2024), police were called to the rail corridor at Thornton, following reports persons had allegedly entered the rail corridor and were causing obstruction to trains.

Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District, with assistance from Police Rescue, attended the site and arrested a 69-year-old woman from Victoria.

She was taken to Maitland Police Station where she was charged with enter inclosed non-agricultural lands serious safety risk, cause obstruction to railway locomotive or rolling stock and hinder working of mining equipment.

She was refused bail to appear before Maitland Local Court tomorrow (Wednesday 3 July 2024).

GREENS TO INTRODUCE BILL FOR TRUTH AND JUSTICE COMMISSION

Following the failure of the 2023 Voice to Parliament Referendum, the Greens will introduce a Bill to establish a Truth and Justice Commission in the next sitting week.

The Commission will be empowered to inquire into particular matters relating to historic and ongoing injustices against First Peoples in Australia and the impacts of these injustices on First Peoples, and make recommendations to parliament.

The Albanese Labor Government committed to implementing the Uluru Statement from the Heart “in full” before the election and on election night in May 2022, as well as during the Voice campaign. The Uluru Statement from the Heart includes three components: Truth, Treaty and Voice.

With 65,000 years of culture, country, connection and languages Australia’s First peoples are still waiting for the delivery of justice.

The Commission will investigate:

Historical systemic injustices perpetrated by the Commonwealth government, Commonwealth government bodies and non-government bodies against First Peoples since pre colonial times.
Ongoing systemic injustice perpetrated by the Commonwealth Government, Commonwealth bodies and non-government bodies.
The causes and consequences of historical injustice, including a historical analysis of the impact of colonisation and an evaluation of the contemporary relationship between First Peoples and the Commonwealth Government and the impact of contemporary policies, practices, conduct and laws on First Peoples.
How historical injustice can be effectively and fairly acknowledged and redressed in a culturally appropriate way.
How ongoing injustice can be addressed or redressed, including recommended reform to existing institutions, law, policy and practice and considering how the Commonwealth Government can be held accountable for addressing these injustices and preventing future injustice.
How best to raise awareness and increase public understanding of the history and experiences of First Peoples before and since the start of colonisation.

The Commission will submit to the President and the Speaker a report containing its findings of fact and any recommendations relevant to the inquiry that the Commission thinks fit. The report must be submitted on or before the end of the period of four years starting on the commencement of the Commission’s work, unless that period is extended by a resolution of the Senate.

Greens portfolio holder for First Nations, Resources, Trade, Tourism and Northern Australia, and Yamatji Noongar woman, Senator Dorinda Cox:

“We have been waiting for the opportunity to not just tell our truths, but to have Australia deeply listen to our experiences, past and present as the oldest living culture in the world, Australia’s First Peoples.

“I know as a proud First Nations woman, with lineage to my Irish and French ancestry – we are a diverse and multicultural nation. We are now in the third chapter of our story, but missed the opportunity to understand and enshrine the experiences of First Peoples and our shared and interconnected past.

“We want Australians to know that in this process we will begin to heal as a nation, we will understand that the work that we do now must be grounded in our self determination to chart our pathway forward to achieve better outcomes for First Nations people, communities and our collective futures.”

Greens Leader Adam Bandt MP:

“Telling the truth is a critical first step to healing and bringing our country together.

“We must tell the truth about the violence and dispossession in this country’s history if we want to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past. First Nations people have called for a Truth and Justice Commission to achieve that truth-telling.

“The misinformation peddled during the referendum campaign showed the urgent need for a deeper discussion about the truth of our country’s history. Since the referendum, which left a lot of people hurting, Labor has failed to offer any pathway forward.

The Greens are proud to introduce this Bill for a Truth and Justice Commission to begin the healing process of truth-telling for First Nations people and the broader community.”

Greens spokesperson for Attorney General Senator David Shoebridge:

“Justice for First Nations Peoples needs a solid foundation of truth, and a Truth Commission could help deliver that essential and missing element.

“The full extent of the injustices faced by First Nations peoples, together with their deep rooted strengths, are truths the community must hear then respond to.

“Truth telling commissions around the world have been extraordinarily effective ways to empower communities in telling their stories, and create commitment for much-needed change.”