Month: November 2024

The Minns Labor government treats Melbourne cup day as ‘garbage day’ to hide public sector failures

While the people of New South Wales enjoy the excitement of the Melbourne Cup and the Big Dance at Randwick, the Minns Labor Government is quietly treating today as their ‘Garbage Day’—hoping to bury damning results from their own public sector employee surveys.

These surveys, released today, paint a devastating picture of a public sector in crisis under Labor’s watch:

  • In the Health portfolio pay satisfaction has plummeted to a dismal 31%, with only 34% of employees believing that change is managed well
  • At NSW Ambulance, a mere 18% of employees have faith that their management will act on these survey results
  • At Transport burnout is rife, with 43% of employees reporting feeling mentally exhausted
  • Sydney Trains has seen a 6% drop in pay satisfaction and a dismal 36% approval rating on change management
  • The Premier’s Department has lost the confidence of its staff, with 45% doubting that any action will be taken on their feedback
  • The NSW Police Force faces an alarming 33% satisfaction rate with pay, and only 20% of officers believe that changes are managed effectively

The Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said this government is hoping that while New South Wales is focused on the races, we won’t notice the disaster they’ve made of the public sector.

“The Minns Labor Government is treating today as its ‘Garbage Day,’ trying to bury bad news in the hope it gets lost in the noise,” Mr Speakman said.

The surveys reveal what we’ve known all along—Labor can’t manage, they can’t lead, and their public servants are paying the price.

Same old Labor – headlines and ribbons won’t solve NSW’s real problems

NSW is stuck under a Premier more focused on headlines than delivery. Chris Minns, with his Labor caucus of union members from the likes of the CFMEU, ETU and the Maritime Union, is running a government of taskforces and inquiries that go nowhere.

Families across the state are feeling the pinch—housing approvals are down, infrastructure projects have stalled, and the cost of living keeps going up. Chris Minns talks big but delivers little. NSW doesn’t need more thought bubbles and delays; it needs real solutions.

What has Chris Minns really done for NSW? He’s cutting ribbons on projects started by the previous government and recycling old announcements, while families face rising costs and stalled housing approvals. NSW deserves better than a Premier who’s more occupied in ribbon-cutting than tackling real issues.

Instead of real solutions, we’re getting announcements that might make for headlines, but they’re not going to get NSW moving forward. The people of NSW need cost-of-living relief, housing approvals that aren’t stalled, and infrastructure projects that will drive our state into the future—not more taskforces, inquiries and PR stunts.

The people of NSW are tired of waiting. They don’t want another inquiry or taskforce—they want action. They need real cost-of-living relief, infrastructure that keeps up with our growing state, and a plan that goes beyond union demands.

Its time Chris Minns asks everyone are you better off now than you were 19 months ago? It’s the same old Labor story—lots of talk, no delivery. It’s time for Chris Minns to step up, because NSW can’t afford more of the same tired playbook.

Teenager arrested after two vehicle crash – Maitland

About 6.15am today (5 November 2024), emergency services were called to The Long Bridge, High Street, Maitland, after a white Toyota Hilux utility and a motorcycle collided.

The rider – a 58-year-old man – was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being airlifted to a John Hunter Hospital in a serious condition.

Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District arrested the alleged driver of the utility – a 16-year-old male – near the scene.

He was conveyed to Maitland Hospital under police guard for injuries, as well as mandatory testing.

Initial inquiries indicate the utility was stolen from Pelaw Main overnight.

A crime scene has been established and officers from Crash Investigation Unit (CIU) will commence an investigation into the incident.

Both vehicles were seized to be forensically examined.

Labor now isolated in protection of Coles and Woolworths

The Coalition’s introduction of a Bill for supermarket and hardware divestiture powers means that Labor is now completely isolated in its defence of supermarket price gouging, the Greens say.

“This is a step towards cheaper food and groceries, and shows that Greens pressure works,” Greens Economic Justice Spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

“We have led the charge to break up the supermarket duopoly, pushing for divestiture powers that would help bring food and grocery prices down.” 

“Labor is now completely isolated in its protection of big supermarket corporations and their billion dollar plus annual profits.”

“While the Greens have pushed the Coalition to catch up, the Prime Minister seems determined to defend price gouging over the interests of Australian shoppers.”

“People are sick of corporate price gouging and the Greens have been unapologetically on their side.”

“Labor’s refusal to back divestiture powers for supermarkets is indefensible.”

“The numbers are now there to pass divestiture laws for the supermarket sector through the Senate this year, and through the House if Labor would get on board.”

Road works underway ahead of dual lane upgrades

City of Newcastle has commenced work on road improvements needed to pave the way for two significant dual lane upgrades in the growing western corridor.

Five intersections in Wallsend will be improved as part of these road works, which will support traffic flow and increase safety before and during the upcoming road widening project on Longworth Avenue and Minmi Road.

This follows the recent construction of a new roundabout at the intersection of Newcastle Road and Cowper Street. The commencement of the additional intersection works is another key milestone in the delivery of the western corridor road improvement project, along with the construction tender for the main works, which will be presented at the November ordinary council meeting. 

Detailed designs have been completed for the upgrades at Longworth Avenue and the stretch of Minmi Road from the Summerhill Road roundabout to Maryland Drive. 

The project will widen the roads to deliver two lanes of traffic in each direction, which will reduce congestion along these notorious traffic bottlenecks. 

City of Newcastle Executive Director City Infrastructure Clint Thomson said the community had shown its support for the work throughout an extensive consultation process.

“Designing and delivering a multiyear project of this scale is complex and takes careful planning to improve the experience for road users as we continue to cater for ongoing population growth,” Mr Thomson said.

“We have worked with the local community throughout this project and have listened to their feedback on what is a critical link in our road network, which connects the growing suburbs of Wallsend, Maryland, Fletcher and Minmi to Newcastle and the wider region.

“In advance of the main construction works, our crews will be delivering upgrades to smaller intersections in the surrounding area to ease congestion, reduce bottlenecks, and increase safety for road users during and after this major road project.”

The first stage of these associated works was completed last month with the installation of a new single lane roundabout at Cowper Street and Newcastle Road, Wallsend. 

Further work will be carried out over the coming months to upgrade intersections at Cowper Street, Cameron Street, Douglas Street, Stapleton Street, Nash Street and Tillie Street, ahead of the main construction project, which is scheduled to commence at Longworth Avenue in 2025.

For more information visit our project page.

City of Newcastle to open up more green space in heart of the city

An underutilised section of National Park will be transformed into open green space with shaded picnic tables, public amenities and additional trees under a proposal by City of Newcastle.

Community members are being invited to provide feedback on a draft plan for the space, which sits at the northwest corner of Newcastle’s largest recreational reserve.

The proposed improvements will open up the space for passive recreation opportunities with new grassed areas, shaded seating and bubblers, as well as bike racks, public toilet amenities, additional trees and a footpath through the park connecting Smith Street to Parry Street and the adjacent basketball courts.

A disused building on the site known as Wal Young House, which has been vacant for many years and is no longer fit for use, will be removed as part of the project before the land is remediated and re-turfed.

City of Newcastle Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy said this is an opportunity to activate an area in one of the city’s largest and oldest sport and recreation precincts.

“National Park is an essential green space in the heart of the city that is valued by the community for passive and active recreation,” Ms Duffy said. 

“The remediation of the Wal Young House site will provide safe public access to the northwest corner of National Park, opening up this area for informal activities while delivering new amenities to enhance the community’s use of the surrounding park and sporting facilities.

“The proposed upgrades will be a valuable addition to what is already on offer in the park precinct and create a safer, more welcoming environment in the heart of our city.”

The demolition of the disused building, scheduled to commence this month, will also provide opportunity for a separate future project to improve traffic management and connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists at the intersection of National Park and Parry streets. 

To view the Draft Landscape and Park Improvement Plan and complete the online survey visit haveyoursay.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/national-park-improvements by 5pm on 2 December.

Statement from the Rufo family and City of Newcastle

The Rufo family and City of Newcastle regret to inform you of the passing of former councillor Andrea Rufo.

Mr Rufo will be dearly missed by his wife Sandie and his four daughters Jessica, Giordana, Candace and Kaitlin. 

Mr Rufo served tirelessly as a Councillor for nine years. He was first elected to council as a Ward 3 Councillor in 2012, served as deputy lord mayor in 2014 and 2015, and was re-elected in 2017. 

Ahead of the 2021 election Mr Rufo announced he would be retiring from public life, referring to his service as an elected representative as one of his life’s greatest honours.

Mrs Sandie Rufo says her husband has left a lasting legacy of love for his family and for the people of a city he cared so much about. 

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said he last spoke to Andrea on 9 October, where true to form, he had a positive outlook and fighting spirit.   

Details of the celebration of Andrea Rufo’s life will be shared by his family.

Biggest cruise ship to dock in Eden

The largest cruise ship to ever dock at Eden Cruise Wharf, carrying 3560 passengers, will make a grand maiden entrance on Monday November 11 – the first following the NSW Government’s planning approval to allow bigger cruise ships and more frequent visits to Eden.

At 330 metres long, 36 metres wide and weighing 142,000 tonnes, Royal Princess is an impressive international cruise ship, stopping at the Sapphire Coast for the first time between calls in Sydney and then Port Arthur.

The Royal Princess is due to visit Eden again on 15 March 2025.

The arrival of ships up to 370 metres long (up from 325 metres) was made possible following recent planning modifications to cruise operations at the wharf. The modification also removed the 60 ships per year cap and now allows for overnight stays.

The Royal Princess’ will be one of 25 cruise ships to visit Eden this season, bringing 44,000 passengers and 20,000 crew. 12 ships will be making their maiden calls at Eden.

The season begins on Tuesday November 5 with the arrival of Disney Wonder.

Eden’s summer cruise season for 2023/24 was the busiest on record for the region, and injected an estimated $8.77 million into the local economy, as highlighted in the CLIA The Value of Cruise Tourism Report 2023/24.

To learn more about the schedule for visiting cruise ships, visit Port Authority’s Cruise Schedule.

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:

“The first of the many larger ships to come, Royal Princess brings with her thousands of passengers and crew ready to disembark and explore the Bega Valley.

“We know cruise passengers bring welcome dollars to the local economy, whether that’s here in Eden as they soak up the wonderful hospitality, or by joining shore excursions to immerse in the very best the Sapphire Coast has on offer.

“The arrival of the Royal Princess signals an exciting new era for regional cruise which will see a gradual increase in bigger ships not only this season but also for many future seasons ahead bringing enormous benefits to the region.”

Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park said:

“With 25 cruise ships visiting Eden this season, including 12 maiden calls, the benefits for the local community are enormous.

“Allowing bigger cruise ships and more frequent visits to the Eden Cruise Wharf sets the stage for record-breaking tourism, showcasing the natural beauty and hospitality of this unique part of our state.”

Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland said:

“A record-breaking $4.41 billion was injected into the state’s economy during the last cruise season.

It is great to see the Royal Princess will arrive in Eden on Monday 11 November, ensuring our region has access to the economic boost brought by these bigger cruise ships.

This time last year, the Royal Princess would have been 5 metres too long to dock here in Eden, but thanks to the new modifications to the

Port’s operations, Eden will see bigger ships and more frequent visits.”

“Every cruise season, visiting international cruise passengers can spend up to $283 a day, according to CLIA, injecting millions into local economies like ours.”

Port Authority CEO Captain Philip Holliday said:

“Since the first cruise ship arrived into Eden in 2005 there have been approximately 150 cruise ship visits, and more than 235,000 passengers visiting Eden.

“We are working closely with cruise lines to ensure the continuous growth of the NSW cruise market so even more cruise passengers can experience the best of NSW while injecting millions into local economies.”

“Recent Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) data shows that more than 6 in 10 people who have taken a cruise say that they have returned to a destination that they first visited via a cruise ship.”

Nation-first Information Standard for lithium-ion e-bikes and e-skateboards

In an Australian first, NSW Fair Trading is set to introduce an Information Standard for lithium-ion battery-powered e-micromobility products, as it powers up its nation-leading effort to protect consumers from safety risks posed by the increasingly popular devices. 

Information Standards regulate what guidance and warnings are provided to consumers about goods and services, with an aim to keep purchasers informed of the risks products carry and how they should be used to avoid those risks.

E-micromobility products include e-scooters, e-bikes, e-skateboards, self-balancing hoverboards and their associated chargers.

If retailers in NSW do not provide product guidance mandated by an Information Standard, they could be subject to penalties of up to $5,500 for each breach.

NSW Fair Trading’s proposed Information Standard for lithium-ion battery-powered e-micromobility devices will provide consumer advice and warnings on: 

Fire safety and emergency procedures – identifying signs of a fire and procedures to be followed in case of an emergency.  

Electrical safety – warnings for consumers about lithium-ion batteries, battery charging and warnings against modification of the device. 

Product storage – information on safe storage and protection from environmental hazards. 

Use, service and repair – information about safe use practices, what to do if there is any damage to the device, and details about service and repair centres.  

Road rules – information urging consumers to check the road rules applicable to their device.

End of life – best practices for disposal of devices and lithium-ion batteries. 

The forthcoming Information Standard, which is expected to be introduced in early 2025, will support the new product safety standards for lithium-ion e-micromobility devices.

The safety standards announced in early August require e-bikes, e-scooters, hoverboards and e-skateboards to meet new testing, certification, and marking requirements, and will be introduced in a staged process from 1 February 2025.

The product safety standards are intended to curb the fire-risks associated with lithium-ion e-micromobility devices by ensuring low quality and dangerous versions of these products cannot enter the market and be sold on to unwitting consumers.  

Retailers, manufacturers and suppliers will face fines of up to $825,000 for not complying with the new safety standards.

E-micromobility products were the single largest group of lithium-ion battery-powered devices associated with fires in 2022 and 2023, with Fire and Rescue NSW recording 90 incidents related to the products in those years. There have been 72 fire-incidents connected with e-micromobility products in 2024. 

This work by NSW Fair Trading complements the regulatory work for batteries being undertaken by the NSW Environment Protection Authority – showing that NSW is leading the way when it comes to protecting consumers, workers and the environment from battery risks now and into the future.

NSW Fair Trading is consulting with industry stakeholders and Government agencies to determine what should be included in the Information Standard. The public can have their say at: https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/lithium-ion-battery-powered-micromobility-vehicles until 6 December 2024.

For more information on the new lithium-ion battery powered e-micromobility product standards, please visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-construction/safety-home/electrical-safety/lithium-ion-battery-safety/new-safety-standards-for-lithium-ion-batteries-e-mobility-devices 

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said:  

“We need to ensure we have a robust regulatory framework to keep consumers safe from the potential harms posed by some lithium-ion battery-powered products.

“This Information Standard is another step in building that framework and will provide consumers with the information they need to stay safe when using e-micromobility devices.

“The NSW Government looks forward to working with, and hearing from stakeholders and the public, about what they think consumers need to know before they buy an e-bike or other e-micromobility product.”

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:

“As we move towards legalising the use of e-scooters and other micro-mobility devices on NSW roads, it’s vital we ensure these devices are up to standard and pass strict safety standards.

“Ensuring that high quality lithium-ion battery-powered devices are the only ones available on the shelves will keep people safe.”

Commissioner of NSW Fair Trading, Natasha Mann:  

“NSW Fair Trading has been working closely with consumers, industry, and other Government agencies to ensure people are protected from the risks posed by lithium-ion e-micromobility products. 

“While new product standards for manufacturers, retailers, and suppliers are set to come into effect from 1 February next year, an Information Standard will give people access to the guidance they need when purchasing one of these products.

“These changes are about empowering consumers to make informed decisions when they first buy a product and knowing how to use it safely through the product’s life.”

$12.5 million funding to continue building stronger animal welfare enforcement across NSW

The Minns Labor Government today announced two of the state’s key animal welfare organisations, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals NSW (RSPCA) and the Animal Welfare League NSW (AWL), will receive $12.5 million towards their enforcement and compliance activities that provide protection for NSW cats, dogs, livestock and other animals.

The funding is part of the NSW Government’s election commitments to establish a modern, fit for purpose animal welfare framework.

As part of the enforcement grants announced today, the RSPCA NSW will receive $11.3 million, and the AWL NSW will receive $1.17 million.

The funding is substantially higher than any other state or territory has allocated to charitable animal welfare organisations to undertake their compliance and enforcement work.

The funding will be used to:

  • Fund animal welfare inspectors who play a crucial role in enforcing NSW animal welfare laws
  • Investigate animal cruelty complaints, protecting vulnerable animals from harm or distress
  • Carry out enforcement action on those people doing animals’ harm
  • Provide a one-off upgrade to AWL operating systems for streamlined compliance data and reporting.
  • Cover vehicle operating and legal expenses.

The announcement follows recent Government animal welfare initiatives including introducing new ‘fit and proper’ laws preventing people who have been convicted of repeat animal cruelty offences from keeping or breeding animals and introducing into Parliament last month a Bill to ban the appalling practice of puppy farming.

The grant applications and subsequent funding was assessed in accordance the requirements under the NSW Grants Administration Guide and was overseen by an independent panel.

The purpose of these enforcement grants is to support approved charitable organisations and carry out Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 enforcement and compliance activities for the current 2024/25 financial year.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“The NSW Government is committed to improving animal welfare standards across our state.

“We will continue to work with stakeholder, advocates, and the community to improve animal welfare and to build a better and stronger framework of animal protection.

“We recognise the compliance work the Animal Welfare League and RSPCA do and value the long-standing relationships we have with them to achieve better outcomes for the animals of NSW.