November 2024 – Page 14

It’s time to put the Melbourne Cup in the dustbin of history

On Melbourne Cup Day, Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens and spokesperson for Animal Welfare, is calling for horse racing to be shut down, and dirty donations from gambling companies linked to horse racing to be banned once and for all.

Recent findings have revealed that over 1,400 horses have died on racetracks in the past decade—an average of one every 2.4 days. Meanwhile, in this same period, donations from gambling companies to the major parties have soared from $66,650 in 2013-2014 to $488,000 in 2022-2023—a staggering 632% increase.

Additionally, there has been a 22.5% decline in the commercial television audience for the Melbourne Cup between 2013 to 2023 with 2,168,000 people viewing the race in 2013 compared to 1,680,000 in 2023—further evidence that more people are saying Nup to the Cup.

Senator Faruqi:

“More and more people are saying ‘Nup to the Cup’ every year and fewer and fewer people are watching it. The only reason this carnival of cruelty goes on is because gambling companies make a windfall and they bankroll the two major parties into silence.

“The Melbourne Cup epitomises the farce of the horse racing industry in a single day: a shameful cocktail of animal cruelty, gambling harm, corporate profits and dirty donations.

“In the past decade as hundreds of horses have been killed on race tracks this gambling-fuelled spectacle of cruelty is losing its social license. Gambling companies know this and are protecting their profits by giving more and more blood money to both Labor and the Liberals.

“The two major parties serve their donors. They ignore the pain and harm gambling inflicts on countless people and they certainly do not care that a horse is killed every two and a half days on race tracks.

“It’s time to end this grotesque festival of animal cruelty fuelled by gambling and alcohol.

“Let’s put the Melbourne Cup in the dustbin of history where it belongs.

“We must shut down horse racing once and for all, ban gambling ads and end dirty donations from gambling companies.”

Dump job ready graduates fee hikes before start of next uni year

Australian Greens Deputy leader and spokesperson for higher education, Senator Mehreen Faruqi has responded to reports that Labor is considering rolling back the atrocious Morrison government job ready graduates scheme, stating that they should urgently legislate these changes.

Senator Faruqi:

“It’s yet another win for the Greens that Labor is finally considering undoing the fee hikes, but they need to get their skates on and dump them now.

“Labor should have dumped Morrison’s Job-Ready Graduates scheme the second they came to power. The scheme is a cruel, punitive mess that does nothing except burden students with fee hikes and deprive staff of resources.

“Labor was vehemently against Morrison’s uni fee hikes scheme in opposition, calling them “beyond repair”, yet they’ve backed the fee hikes whilst in power and ignored advice from their own Accord process to urgently address them.

“Students starting university next year shouldn’t have to cop these ridiculous fees. Too many have had to cop them already because Labor has dragged their feet on overturning some of the most patently unfair higher education policy this country has ever seen.

“Let’s be clear that university should be free and scrapping uni fee hikes is just the start. The Greens will continue to fight to wipe all student debt and make university and TAFE free, as it was when the PM went to uni.”

Visit to Australia by India’s Minister for External Affairs

This week I will welcome India’s Minister for External Affairs Dr S Jaishankar to Canberra, for the 15th Australia-India Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue.

Australia and India are close partners with strong strategic, economic and community ties – almost one million Australians trace their heritage to India.

We share a vision for an Indo-Pacific region that is peaceful, stable and prosperous.

Ahead of 2025 – the fifth year of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership – the Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue is an opportunity to take stock of the progress we have made, and to chart the way forward for the next phase in our relationship.

Minister Jaishankar and I will discuss how we can advance our cooperation in important sectors – including science and technology, clean energy, trade and investment – and how we can deepen our defence and maritime security engagement.

India is the world’s fastest growing major economy, and on track to be the third largest by the end of the decade. India is an essential partner as we diversify our trade links and secure our supply chains.

Minister Jaishankar and I will also attend ‘Raisina Down Under’, the Australian iteration of India’s Raisina Dialogue. This is an important forum to share views on the trends shaping our region.

I look forward to what will be my 19th meeting with Minister Jaishankar and continuing to advance the Australia–India relationship.

ASEAN-Australia Centre inaugural Advisory Board appointments

Today, I am pleased to announce the inaugural Advisory Board of the ASEAN-Australia Centre.

The establishment of the ASEAN-Australia Centre was announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit and commenced operations earlier this year.

The Centre replaces the Australia-ASEAN Council and will strengthen people-to-people links, increase ties with national cultural institutions, support emerging leaders, drive business engagement, and deepen Australia’s trade and investment links under Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.

The following individuals have been appointed to the Advisory Board of the ASEAN-Australia Centre:

Ms Louise Adams, Chief Operating Officer, Aurecon
Professor Nicholas Farrelly, Pro Vice-Chancellor, University of Tasmania
Professor Sango Mahanty, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australia National University
Ms Audra Morrice, chef, author, television presenter and sustainability tourism champion in Southeast Asia and the Pacific
Mr Tarun Nagesh, Curatorial Manager, Asian and Pacific Art, Queensland Art Gallery, Gallery of Modern Art
Ms Su-Lin Ong, Managing Director and Chief Economist, RBC Capital Markets
Professor Sharon Pickering, Vice-Chancellor and President, Monash University
Ms Kate Russell, Chief Executive Officer, Supply Nation
Ms Hayley Winchcombe, Engagement Manager, Mandala
Mr John Hopkins, (ex officio) Managing Director and CEO, Export Finance Australia
Ms Michelle Chan, (ex officio) Deputy Secretary and Head of the Office of Southeast Asia, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Chair of the Advisory Board will be announced early next year.

I would like to thank outgoing Chair Mr Glenn Keys AO and board member Ms Caroline Chan for their contributions in advancing the Australia-ASEAN Council’s work.

Newcastle Ocean Baths’ nomination on State Heritage register

City of Newcastle is attending the State Heritage Register Committee today to discuss the nomination to list Newcastle Ocean Baths on the State Heritage Register.

City of Newcastle staff and our consultant heritage architect have been invited to present to the State Heritage Register Committee.

The Newcastle Ocean Baths are currently protected as a heritage item of local significance in the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012.

We look forward to discussing the heritage significance of this site and its proposed inclusion on the State Heritage Register under the Heritage Act 1977.

Independent financial audit affirms City of Newcastle’s transparency and strong governance

The Audit Office of NSW has given both City of Newcastle’s financial statements and its Roads to Recovery Grant Program its formal tick of approval for the past twelve months.

All councils in NSW undergo an annual financial audit that involves approximately three months of site visits, interviews with key staff, and access to any and all documents requested. Newcastle, largely due to the size of its budget, is audited by the Audit Office of NSW.

The process ensures that financial statements are free from errors or omissions and are prepared in line with accounting standards and legal obligations.

The 2023/24 financial year audit confirmed that City of Newcastle demonstrated responsible financial management, timely and transparent reporting, and effective collaboration with the audit team on key areas such as judgement, estimation, and asset valuation.

The audit found no matters of high or extreme risk, no fraudulent material misstatements, and no deficiencies in City of Newcastle’s reporting processes.

The audit also validated City of Newcastle’s valuations of infrastructure, property, plant, and equipment (IPPE), noting increases across several categories, including roads, buildings, stormwater drainage, and heritage collections. The fair value assessments followed appropriate methodologies and did not identify any issues.

Additionally, the audit confirmed there were no cybersecurity risks that could compromise the integrity of City of Newcastle’s financial statements.

CEO Jeremy Bath said the audit outcome highlights City of Newcastle’s capacity to consistently provide strong financial management while continuing to deliver essential services and infrastructure for our community.

“The audit found no significant risks, fraud, or issues with our reporting processes,” Mr Bath said.

“It confirmed City of Newcastle is managing finances responsibly and providing clear and timely information while working effectively with auditors on important areas like asset valuations.

“These results reflect City of Newcastle’s commitment to strong governance and responsible financial management.

“I’d like to thank the entire team at City of Newcastle for their ongoing dedication to transparency and good governance.”

The final audit opinion will be presented to the Council and public with the audited financial statements on 26 November 2024.

NSW Government launches Australia’s first operational Seasonal Drought Forecast

The Minns Labor Government’s groundbreaking drought forecasting system will make its debut in this month’s State Seasonal Update, published online today.

The Government is committed to growing and protecting the state’s primary industries and assisting farmers prepare for and better understand drought is a key goal.

The innovative online web-based tool will provide essential insights for farmers and other key agricultural stakeholders across NSW, allowing them to make informed decisions for drought preparedness, produce production and management.

The new service will provide vital insights for farmers and other key agricultural stakeholders allowing them to make better informed decisions for drought preparedness and management.

The forecast uses rainfall and temperature data from the Bureau of Meteorology’s seasonal forecast in the existing Enhanced Drought Information System (EDIS) to generate the most likely drought status for up to three months ahead.

The drought forecast will be provided along with valuable information about the certainty of the forecast and its historical performance, allowing users to better anticipate and prepare for potential drought conditions.

The drought forecast is underpinned by extensive scientific evaluation of its accuracy over the past 40 years of overlapping observations and model runs.

Future enhancements to the forecast will include location-based information and interactive online tools for accessing data.

The NSW Government remains committed to drought preparedness, by working with communities and our agricultural industry to safeguard the State against the effects of drought.

To view the operational Seasonal Drought Forecast, please visit this website.

To view the October State Seasonal Update, please visit this website

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to empowering NSW farmers with innovative technology and resources to tackle climate challenges, ensuring sustainable practices and food supplies for future generations.

“The launch of this seasonal drought forecast is a significant step forward in our ability to support farmers across NSW.

“By providing timely information, we can help our agricultural community prepare for and respond to the challenges of drought.

$6.4 million for local community infrastructure projects

Communities from Inverell to Albury and Bathurst to the Northern Beaches will benefit from $6.4 million funding under the NSW Government’s latest round of Infrastructure Grants.

A women and children’s refuge, musical society, marine rescue organisation and Aboriginal youth gym are among 46 recipients to share a total of $12.75 million this financial year.

Infrastructure Grants are funded by ClubGRANTS Category 3, which directs profits from registered clubs’ gaming machines into community projects, while clubs receive a tax concession in return.

The grants support local community projects across four categories: sport and recreation, disaster readiness, community infrastructure, and arts and culture.

Key projects supported in this latest funding round include:

$200,000 to Tumbarumba Equine Club near the Snowy Mountains for roofing, power, lighting, water troughs and an additional disaster evacuation stock holding area for large animals
$270,100 to Ngarabal Aboriginal Corporation in Inverell to upgrade a gym facility to provide year-round boxing, martial arts and self defence programs for youth at risk
$51,600 to Wagga Wagga Art Gallery for new exhibition spaces, a print workshop, expanded storage and improved environmental and safety equipment
$55,300 to Western Suburbs Lawn Tennis Association in Ashfield to install new lighting to two synthetic tennis courts
$70,000 to Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society for an upgrade of digital microphones
$187,600 to Marine Rescue Cottage Point on Sydney’s Northern Beaches to replace engines and electronics on two rescue vessels
$50,000 to Margaret House Refuge in Young for refurbishment of a cottage that provides a safe and welcoming environment for women and children fleeing domestic violence and/or experiencing homelessness.

See the complete list of Infrastructure Grants Program recipients.

Applications for the next round of Infrastructure Grants are open until Monday 25 November. For more information visit Clubgrants Category 3 fund.

The NSW Government’s review into the effectiveness of ClubGRANTS is ongoing amid continuing work across government to improve integrity and public trust in grants. This is the first formal review into the scheme since 2013.

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

“I’m pleased to see this round of Infrastructure Grants go to many worthy groups who work hard for their communities across the state.

“I am impressed by the many and varied ways organisations are working to benefit their communities.

“Infrastructure Grants improve local facilities that bring people together, help them prepare for and recover from disasters, and promote participation in sport, recreation and the arts.”

NSW businesses set to shine at world-leading expo in China

The NSW Government is supporting 29 businesses across the food, drink, and health supplement sectors to exhibit their products at this week’s China International Import Expo (CIIE) – China’s premier import-focused six-day trade show.

Attracting dignitaries and exhibitors from more than 150 countries, the CIIE gives NSW businesses direct access to buyers, distributors, and prospective customers from across China.

Our largest two-way trading partner for nearly two decades, China buys and consumes more agricultural produce from NSW than any other country, which was valued at $3.6 billion in 2023/2024. NSW’s wine exports are also continuing to ramp up following the removal of import tariffs earlier this year.

Considerable opportunities remain to grow exports even further, particularly in the food and beverage sector, where NSW is well recognised for its premium produce.

At last year’s CIIE, the NSW Government helped businesses achieve $40 million worth of export deals and the Government will once again facilitate opportunities for businesses to grow and expand.

Mrs Toddy’s Tonics from Sydney’s Northern Beaches is one of the NSW businesses to exhibit at this year’s CIIE, showcasing a range of plant-based drinks that are already available at supermarkets across Australia.

Other NSW businesses showcasing their products include Pablo & Rusty’s Coffee Roasters, Australian Vintage Wines, Balance Water, and Noumi.

The CIIE will be held in Shanghai from 5-10 November 2024.

For more information about the event and the full list of NSW businesses that’ll be exhibiting visit: https://www.investment.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/events/china-international-import-expo-2024-shanghai/

Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“The China International Import Expo is a leading event on the global trade calendar and offers unparalleled opportunities for NSW exporters to connect with buyers and distributors in China.

“We are excited to once again showcase the best from across NSW at this prestigious import-focused event, including meat from the Riverina, wine from the Hunter Valley, spirits from Wollongong, and health supplements made in Sydney.

“China has a strong appetite for produce made in NSW, which is globally recognised for its high quality and safety standards, with demand only set to grow.”

Mrs Toddy’s Tonics Co-Founder Sophie Todd said:

“We’re thrilled at the opportunity to introduce a proudly Australian, female-led brand to China, and look forward to showcasing the Mrs Toddy’s Tonic range on the international stage.

“We know that Chinese consumers are becoming more health conscious and are turning to products with natural ingredients, so there’s enormous potential for a business like ours to establish a presence in this lucrative market.”

Light at the end of the Coffs Harbour Bypass tunnel

In a major milestone for one of regional Australia’s biggest infrastructure projects, the first phase of the multi-billion-dollar Coffs Harbour Bypass is complete.

The Coffs Harbour bypass tunnelling team working on either side of the 410-metre-long Gatelys Road Tunnel broke through the northbound tube on Monday 28 October.

Today, they have broken through the southbound tube, completing the first major phase of the three tunnels to be built as part of the bypass.

Each of the three tunnels will have two tubes, with each tube capable of carrying two lanes of traffic. There will also be room to accommodate cyclists.

The Australian Government is investing $1.76 billion towards the project, with the remaining $440 million investment provided by the New South Wales Government.

In a sign of how quickly things are moving for the tunnelling teams, a breakthrough at the 320-metre-long Shephards Lane tunnel is expected in mid-April next year.

The work comes despite a traditional tunnel boring machine not being feasible for use on the short tunnels due to the mobilisation time and cost.

Workers will now start excavating the tunnel floor, carry out the permanent tunnel lining works, install drainage, build the pavement, and complete the fit-out of the mechanical, electrical, fire, safety and intelligent transport systems.

All the equipment will then be tested and commissioned before the bypass is opened to the public.

The bypass is expected to open to traffic in late 2026.

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“This is a major milestone for this nation-shaping project.

“During consultation ahead of the project in 2016, the people of Coffs Harbour were very clear they wanted tunnels instead of cuttings and it is great to see progress in bringing that to fruition.

“Being able to pass through from one side of this large hill to the other is a major achievement, and I look forward to the work over the next two years as the tunnels start to take their final shape.”

NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison:

“It’s great to see a major tunnel project in the regions that has created 600 jobs and will remove 12,000 vehicles from the CBD. This will reduce travel times and deliver vital safety improvements.

“We see and hear regularly about tunnel projects around Sydney where tunnellers bore largely through sandstone or similar softer materials, but here in Coffs it’s been more challenging due to the material and location.

“I want to thank the project team for their hard work and commitment to delivering this critical piece of enabling transport infrastructure for the Coffs region and the entire country.”

NSW Labor’s spokesperson for Coffs Harbour Cameron Murphy:

“The bypass, when it opens to traffic at the end of 2026, will make Coffs Harbour an even better place to live, work and visit.

“The tunnels are a major component of this project, and it is wonderful to see them progressing so well.”