Month: December 2024

Update on Australia’s response to Vanuatu earthquake

Australia’s initial humanitarian assistance to support recovery efforts following yesterday’s devastating Port Vila earthquake will arrive in Vanuatu this afternoon.

Assessments following the 7.2-magnitude earthquake are ongoing, but extensive damage has occurred to buildings in and around Port Vila, and hospitals are under significant pressure as medical staff treat those injured.

In response to requests from the Vanuatu Government, Australia has deployed a $2 million immediate response package, which includes a 64-person Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) and two canines, to undertake urban search and rescue operations.

The Australian DART team will work alongside local authorities to recover people trapped within buildings, conduct safety assessments and remove hazardous materials.

An Australian Medical Assistance Team (AUSMAT) has been deployed to support health authorities treat the injured and to assess further needs.

A five-person Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Crisis Response Team and a Liaison Officer from the National Emergency Management Agency will also be deployed to assist Australia’s consular and humanitarian response.

Nine additional Australian Federal Police members will arrive in Port Vila today in addition to the six members already posted to Vanuatu working alongside the Vanuatu Police Force with the emergency response.

These members will assist with command and control to assess how to respond to the incident, setting up emergency communications and drone operations, and undertaking disaster victim identification.

Australia will also provide support to the Vanuatu Government’s National Disaster Management Office to assist in managing the emergency response.

These teams have deployed via a Royal Australian Air Force C-17 Globemaster III and C-130J Hercules, with the Australian Defence Force ready to provide further support as needed.

DFAT is aware of a number of Australians in the affected region and is providing consular assistance to those in need.

Australian citizens and permanent residents in Vanuatu can register with DFAT’s registration online portal to receive important information and updates and should read the latest travel advice at https://www.smartraveller.gov.au

Australians in need of emergency consular assistance should contact the Australian Government 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre (+61 2 6261 3305 from overseas or 1300 555 135 in Australia).

We are working closely with France and New Zealand under the FRANZ Arrangement on damage assessments and to coordinate our ongoing assistance and support the Vanuatu Government-led response.

Imagery will be available via Dropbox.

Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:

“Australia stands ready to assist the Vanuatu Government as required in this critical time.

“Australia’s connection with the government and people of Vanuatu is strong and we will continue to work with them in this time of need.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong:

“We send our deepest condolences following this dreadful tragedy.

“My message to the people of Vanuatu is Australia is here to help. This immediate package of support will ensure those in urgent need receive lifesaving assistance.”

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus:

“The Australian Federal Police has a proud history of working with their Vanuatu Police Force colleagues.

“The AFP Members living and working in Vanuatu are already assisting with the emergency response and the additional officers will provide additional valuable expertise at this dark time.”

Acting Minister for Emergency Management Catherine King:

“The Australian Government is supporting the Government of Vanuatu during this devastating disaster, including rapidly deploying a Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) to support emergency response and early recovery efforts on the ground.

“Their work over the coming days will be incredibly important as they provide practical assistance and significant technical capabilities to support communities and local authorities during these difficult times.”

Acting Minister for International Development and the Pacific Matt Keogh:

“Our thoughts are with the people who have lost loved ones and those displaced by yesterday’s devastating earthquake.

“We stand ready to provide further assistance to the people of Vanuatu as the extent of damage becomes clear.”

Australia bolsters support for Ukraine

Today I travelled to Kyiv to express Australia’s unwavering solidarity with the people of Ukraine and announce further support to assist them in response to Russia’s brutal, illegal war.

Australia has unequivocally condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and provided more than $1.5 billion in assistance to Ukraine since the full-scale conflict began in February 2022.

In Kyiv, I met with Ukraine’s Prime Minister Shmyhal, Foreign Minister Sybiha, Defence Minister Umerov and Energy Minister Galushchenko and announced that the Albanese Government is building on our commitment to Ukraine with the following:

  • Australia will provide $66 million to the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development, to assist with Ukraine’s vital recovery and reconstruction efforts.
  • Australia will also contribute $10 million in assistance to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund to provide heat and electricity for Ukrainians.

I also visited the site of Australia’s Embassy in Kyiv that was closed by the Morrison Government in 2022, where I was updated on the progress of work to enable the full return of Australia’s diplomatic presence.

The Albanese Government has always said we would reopen our Embassy in Kyiv when it is safe to do so. I was pleased to announce we are reopening the Embassy.

From next month, Australia’s Ambassador as well as our Deputy Head of Mission will return to Kyiv.

During my visit, I met families at ‘Save Ukraine’ – a community organisation that supports vulnerable Ukrainian families and children that have been damaged by this terrible conflict where I told them Australia will contribute $80,000 to help facilitate their work.

What happens to Ukraine matters to Australians. Ukraine’s fight against Russia has consequences for our national security and the security of the Indo-Pacific.

Today and every day, Australia stands with Ukraine against Russia’s aggression.

Mid-year budget update a wasted opportunity to tackle the cost-of-living

The Australian Greens have called today’s mid-year budget update a wasted opportunity to tackle the skyrocketing cost of living at a time when many are at breaking point.

The Greens say Labor could have used the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) handed down today to add dental and mental health into Medicare, and stop the $176 billion in tax breaks that make it impossible for renters to buy their first home.

Labor could have used it to get rid of subsidies for polluting fossil fuel giants.

Any of these would have given people across the country good news before Christmas and the new year. 

Instead, Labor has refused to take the bold action needed to improve people’s lives for the better.

Australian Greens Treasury spokesperson, Senator Nick McKim:

“Labor has predictably missed the chance to make big corporations pay their fair share of tax so more can be done to help people who are really struggling to pay the bills.

“In a wealthy country like ours, no one should be going without or struggling to afford the basics. After decades of Labor and Liberal governments, people are paying too much while one in three big corporations pay no tax. This Budget update is more of the same.

“This Budget update was an opportunity to do something meaningful to help with cost-of-living. We could have had dental into Medicare, but instead we’ve got massive hand outs to fossil fuel corporations that are driving the climate crisis.”

Leader of the Australian Greens, Adam Bandt MP:

“Labor and Liberal spend more on tax handouts to wealthy property investors than people struggling to buy their first home.

“It’s clear Labor won’t act on the housing and rental crisis unless pushed. 

“With a minority government likely, the Greens will keep Peter Dutton out and get Labor to wind back handouts for wealthy property investors, make big corporations pay tax and use that money to build homes people can afford.”

School year ends, work begins on new high school at Edmondson Park

It’s the last day of the school year for 2024, but students at Edmondson Park Public School in Sydney’s west are marking a new beginning as construction officially commences on a long-awaited, brand new high school.

With turning of the first sod for Edmondson Park’s new high school, next door to Edmondson Park Public School, work continues on the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to ensure students in Sydney’s rapidly-growing South West have access to high quality public education. 

It also caps off a big year of investment in NSW public school infrastructure as the Minns Labor Government rebuilds public education after 12 years of Liberal neglect, ensuring growing communities have access to the essential services they deserve, like local public schools. 

Construction has started on more than 20 new schools, major upgrades and rebuild projects across metropolitan and regional areas in NSW, and more than 30 new and upgraded schools have been delivered this year alone, with investment totalling more than $1.1 billion.

The first of 100 new public preschools opened at Gulyangarri Public School in Liverpool, and a further 85 preschools are currently out to tender with builders expected to be appointed over coming months.

As part of the NSW Government’s plan to rebuild public education, the 2024-25 Budget is delivering record funding of $3.6 billion for new and upgraded schools in Western Sydney. This investment will help ensure families in growing communities have access to world-class education facilities.

The new high school in Edmondson Park, located adjacent to Edmondson Park Public School on Buchan Avenue, will include 37 modern classrooms, 3 support learning classrooms and a range of world class education facilities including science, technology, performing arts, and fitness hubs, a library, canteen, sports field and multi-sports courts and lecture theatre.

It will be ready to open for students on Day 1, Term 1, 2027.

The project is one of more than 60 new public schools and school upgrades now underway in Western Sydney, along with 49 new public preschools to support local families.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“The Minns Labor Government is proud to be building this much-needed high school for the Edmondson Park community, who waited too long under the Liberals for action.

“This project reflects Labor’s commitment to ensuring students in rapidly-growing suburbs in Western Sydney have access to a world-class public education in future-ready facilities.

“Our new NSW Labor Government is investing in quality public services, including quality, fee-free public schools for working families.”

Member for Macquarie Fields Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“This brand-new high school in Edmondson Park will be transformative for local families and students.

“With the region continuing to grow, this investment is essential for meeting the increasing demand for quality public schooling.

“I am thrilled to see work begin on this vital project and can’t wait to see the positive impact it will have on our community.”

Principal of Edmondson Park Public School Heather Alé said:

“The new high school will provide a much-needed resource for our students and local community.

“Our students will have opportunities for enhanced and supported transitions from primary to high school, as well as access to state-of-the-art learning spaces and sports facilities right here in their local community.”

Major effort to complete more than $13.5m in landslip repairs on Illawarra roads

An intensive work program has repaired more than $13.5 million of landslip damage on Lawrence Hargrave Drive and Bulli Pass this year, with work wrapping up this week.

Landslip repairs took place at nine separate sites on the two critical south coast roads, as part of ongoing natural disaster recovery effort jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Transport for NSW targeted five sites on Lawrence Hargrave Drive, including at Scarborough, Stanwell Park, Sea Cliff Bridge, and the M1 southbound off ramp at Helensburgh.

Work included a 12-week program to restore the road and footpath at Scarborough where a section of slope failed near the top of an 82-metre cliff. Work crews used a lightweight material as part of the new road base to reduce pressure on the slope.

Another six-month program on Bulli Pass repaired three landslip sites between the top of the pass and the hairpin bend, with crews operating from work platforms and ropes suspended 10 metres above the ground.

Repairs at a fourth site about one kilometre below the hairpin bend was completed this week.

Almost $30 million worth of landslip repairs have been completed on state roads in southern NSW this year, with Transport for NSW crews and specialist contractors carrying out more than 130,000 work hours across southern NSW.

The landslip damage was caused by a series of natural disaster events that brought record-breaking rainfall – up to six times the average rainfall totals, in some cases.

Transport will continue its focus on repairing damage caused by natural disaster events, with more work in planning stages and some sites due to start early in the new year.

Federal Member for Cunningham Alison Byrnes said:

“Over the past two years the Illawarra faced several severe weather events and record-breaking rainfall – up to six times the average.

“This caused havoc on our local roads and infrastructure, but the Minns and Albanese Labor Government’s Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements saw emergency funding flow to where it was needed to get things back on track.

“Landslip repairs at nine separate sites, on two of our busiest roads over twelve weeks was not an easy task, but absolutely necessary for our residents safety and our regions connectivity.

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

“We understand natural disasters have had a significant impact on travel through these important mountain roads in our state’s transport network and we thank the communities impacted for their patience while these essential repairs were carried out.

“These projects take time, and crews have made significant progress to work through each area and restore the roads to their pre-disaster conditions.”

Member for Heathcote Maryanne Stuart said:

“Intense rainfall has had a devastating impact on these two roads and locals have been waiting along time for these repairs to be completed.

“These are complex sites with challenging working conditions, so I congratulate the crews who have dedicated thousands of hours to these repairs, improving safety for all motorists who drive through this beautiful part of NSW.

“Thank you to the residents for their patience whilst all this essential infrastructure has been completed.”

Minns Labor Government appoints Commissioner for Corrective Services NSW

Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong has appointed Mr Gary McCahon PSM to the role of Commissioner, Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW).

Mr McCahon has four decades of experience in corrections, most recently spending four years as Deputy Commissioner, Custodial Operations for Queensland Corrective Services.

Prior to that, Mr McCahon worked at CSNSW as head of the Brush Farm Corrective Services Academy in Sydney, director of custodial operations for the northwest and southwest regions, and as general manager of the State Operations Group.

He began his career as a prison officer in Townsville Prison in the 1980s, where he rose through the ranks, taking on various roles including State Coordinator of the Dog Squad.

In September 2024, Mr McCahon was awarded the national Public Service Medal for his 40 years of outstanding service to corrections, and for leading strategic reform projects, including transitioning two privately-run prisons to public operations, and implementing the Officer Safety (Use of Force) review recommendations.

Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“I am very pleased to appoint Mr McCahon to the role of Commissioner of Corrective Services NSW.

“I am confident that Commissioner McCahon has the experience and skills to lead Corrective Services’ 10,000 staff as they embark on wide-ranging reforms to rebuild public trust and confidence in this important agency.

“In August, Corrective Services NSW was made a standalone public agency, as part of work to lift standards and improve outcomes following the Special Commission of Inquiry into the offences of former Corrective Services officer Wayne Astill.

“Commissioner McCahon will report directly to me in my role as Minister for Corrections, and he has a mandate to implement significant reforms that will deliver a more accountable and transparent corrections system that keeps the people of NSW safe.

“I have also asked Department of Communities and Justice Secretary Michael Tidball to remain closely involved, and to retain an oversight role in dealing with professional standards and misconduct investigations.

“I would like to sincerely thank Mr Leon Taylor for his work as Acting Commissioner while the recruitment process for the permanent Commissioner was completed, and I look forward to him continuing in that role until Commissioner McCahon commences his role in February 2025.”

Lead design team appointed for Blue Mountains Hospital

The lead design team has been appointed to commence planning for a future investment for the Blue Mountains Hospital, to ensure ongoing high-quality healthcare for the local community.

The NSW Government has allocated $25 million from the Restart NSW Fund to deliver essential upgrades to the existing Blue Mountains Hospital as the planning for an upgraded new hospital development is finalised for the future.

Led by Health Infrastructure the lead design team will work closely with Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District to identify future health service requirements.

The work builds on the District’s draft Clinical Services Plan for the Blue Mountains region, which included extensive consultation with health professionals and the community. The early planning process will help to determine the scope and budget for a planned future Blue Mountains Hospital.

The design team includes architect, HDR, project manager Capital Insights and cost manager, Concept 2 Reality Consulting which were appointed following a competitive tender process.

In addition, Health Infrastructure and NBMLHD are prioritising key upgrades for the existing hospital to enable healthcare staff to continue to deliver high quality healthcare and enhance the patient experience.

Further consultation with local health staff and clinicians is being undertaken to identify the required upgrades for the existing hospital.

Works to upgrade the hospital’s roof and Central Sterilising Services Department are currently under way, with further maintenance and upgrades to follow.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“The Restart NSW funding provides a new opportunity to review health care services in the Blue Mountains and plan a future hospital which ensure healthcare in the region continues to meet the needs of the community.

“Early planning is a crucial first step toward delivering new health facilities in the Blue Mountains.

“The appointment of the lead project team will maximise opportunities for the Blue Mountains Hospital to provide the local community access to the care they need closer to home for generations to come.”

Member for Blue Mountains, Trish Doyle:

“To see planning progress for a future planned Blue Mountains Hospital brings to life a project that the community and I are passionate about. I am thrilled to see progress being made with the appointment of the design team.

“The future Blue Mountains Hospital will be informed by the needs of our community and our passionate hospital staff – delivering the healthcare we deserve and generating more jobs in the Blue Mountains region.

“While this planning work is carried out, I look forward to seeing construction progress on the upgrades to the hospital’s roof and Central Sterilising Services Department in the coming months.”

$556,095 FUNDING BOOST FOR HUNTER WETLANDS CENTRE

The Albanese Labor Government is restoring the Hunter Estuary Wetlands in Newcastle thanks to a $556,095 investment.

The funding is part of the Government’s $200 million Urban Rivers and Catchments Program which is restoring rivers and waterways in our suburbs to better protect communities and native species.

This project will address threats including hydrology and water quality impacts on threatened ecological communities and migratory shorebirds.

Important on-ground works to be delivered by the project include:

  • Restoring a degraded freshwater wetland into an estuarine (saltwater) wetland, to improve habitat diversity and climate resilience.
  • Improving water quality in two significant ponds at the Hunter Wetlands Centre, by increasing water circulation and aeration.
  • Bush regeneration and vegetation management, which will be carried out over three years to improve the vegetation on site, tackle invasive weeds, and improve native vegetation.

The project will be delivered by Hunter Wetlands Centre Australia in partnership with City of Newcastle and support from Hunter Local Land Services and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

The Hunter Estuary Wetlands are internationally significant, recognised under the Ramsar convention for their importance to wetland conservation. The project will address significant threats impacting a sub-site within the wetlands.

Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek:

“We want to leave nature better off for our kids and grandkids – and that’s why we’re restoring rivers and waterways in our suburbs with a $200 million investment.

“Nearly half of all nationally listed threatened animals and a quarter of our threatened plants are in urban areas, home to 96 per cent of Australia’s population.

“And with so many native plants and animals reliant on our rivers, creeks, wetlands, and estuaries, protecting and restoring the health of our waterways is essential.

“This critical funding is good news for native wildlife and the community – improving the quality of the urban spaces that we all share and love.”

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon:

“This funding is crucial to the restoration of significant sites within the Hunter Wetlands Centre and supporting the community’s efforts to protect the waterway and its habitats for the native species that depend on it.

“The $556,095 in grant funding from the Albanese Labor Government will help protect these internationally recognised wetlands, making sure our kids and future generations can continue to enjoy our unique plants, animals, habitats and places.”

Hunter Wetlands Centre General Manager James Willson:

“This grant represents a significant opportunity for the Hunter Wetlands Centre, with this funding we will be able to improve the native vegetation on site, improve the water quality and help show how wetlands can adapt to climate change and rising sea levels.

“This will directly impact the thousands of students who visit us each year to learn about our unique biodiversity.

“By restoring critical habitats and improving site resilience, we’re ensuring the Centre remains a thriving educational and ecological resource for future generations.

Partnerships like this demonstrate how collaborative efforts can secure the long-term health of our natural spaces.”

MILESTONE FOR NEWCASTLE INNER CITY BYPASS WITH FIRST MAJOR TRAFFIC SWITCH

The final section of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass – Rankin Park to Jesmond project has marked a significant milestone this week, with traffic switched on to the new alignment at the Jesmond roundabout.

From Tuesday 17 December, motorists will be switched from the Jesmond roundabout at Newcastle Road to a signalised intersection beneath the future bypass.

The traffic switch will form part of the final road alignment as part of the Rankin Park to Jesmond project, which will improve safety and traffic flow and reduce travel times.

The traffic switch will be carried out in stages to allow the community to experience these changes in smaller stages rather than one sweeping change. The changes will take place throughout December 2024 and then into January 2025.

Motorists should follow directional signage when moving through the new signalised intersection with various speed restrictions in place during the adjustment period.

This fifth section of the project is a key route connecting the western suburbs of Newcastle. It has a total project cost of $488.2 million with $390.56 million from the Albanese Labor Government and $97.64 million from the Minns Labor Government.

Once complete, the bypass will provide faster and more reliable journeys for motorists while improving safety on the surrounding road network with the number of crashes predicted to fall by about 30 per cent.

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon:

“This is an exciting day for Newcastle motorists and future visitors as we move closer to the completion of a project that will transform the way people travel to, from and around the region. 

“The switch from a roundabout to a signalised intersection at Jesmond will improve the safety and efficiency of this intersection, as well as significantly reduce travel times for the 40,000 to 60,000 motorists which use this route daily.

“I know Novocastrians will be so pleased to see this milestone reached and I look forward to the entire project being completed by the end of next year.

State Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery:

“The Newcastle Inner City Bypass will provide traffic relief for the local community by removing up to 30,000 vehicles each day from the existing route of Lookout Road, Croudace Street and Newcastle Road.

“These roads are currently being used by about 40,000 to 60,000 vehicles each day so once complete, local motorists, commuters and the freight industry will experience safer and smoother journeys.”

Greens urge Labor to “Dutton-Proof” ABC funding in law before election

The Greens have urged the Albanese Government to ‘Dutton-proof’ new funding for the ABC in law before the election to protect it from future Coalition cuts. The Greens are offering their support in the Senate to build a “Dutton-proof fence” when Parliament returns in February for what could be the final sitting days of this term.

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young is Greens spokesperson for Communications, Greens Manager of Business in Senate, Senator for South Australia:

“Peter Dutton has a fixation on cutting & attacking the ABC which is why we need to lock 5-year funding terms in law now before the election.

“The Greens are offering Labor a pathway through the Senate in February to build a Dutton-proof fence and protect the ABC from another round of Coalition cuts. Let’s get it done when Parliament returns.

“The Coalition cut hundreds of millions from the ABC & SBS when they were last in power and the Greens have long called for the full restoration of funding. Today’s announcement of $83m over 2 years, while welcome, does not heal the wounds after a decade of deep Coalition cuts.

“I also want to congratulate Mr. Hugh Marks on his appointment as new Managing Director of the ABC today. The ABC is a national treasure charged with a serious responsibility to inform, entertain, reflect and educate Australia.

“We need someone who will fight to protect the independence of the ABC and stand up to Peter Dutton and the Coalitions attacks. I hope Mr. Marks is up to the job.”