Australian Greens Senator for New South Wales and Animal Welfare Spokesperson, Dr Mehreen Faruqi, has today launched the Greens Plan for national animal cruelty laws.The Greens have obtained advice from the Parliamentary Library that the Commonwealth has the constitutional power to enact laws in a large number of areas.
Senator Faruqi has said that States and Territories had manifestly failed to protect animals. State and Territory based animal cruelty laws lack teeth and are not enforced effectively. Some are up to forty years old, making them massively out of date with community expectations. The Greens would establish a National Animal Cruelty Prevention Act that would introduce penalties for animal cruelty at a national level for the first time. These laws would be enforced by the Australian Federal Police in cooperation with animal protection organisations and State police.
Quotes from Senator Faruqi
“States have failed to protect animals and the community is rightly sceptical of whether they are serious about stopping animal cruelty at all. When people are charged with animal cruelty the penalty pales in comparison to the crime. The community expects zero tolerance for animal abuse.
“Prime Minister Scott Morrison is very quick to condemn vegan protestors, but his Government has done nothing to stop suffering of animals.
“A key area where reform is needed we need reform is needed is farmed animals and livestock owned by companies. Our advice clearly states that the Commonwealth has the power to create laws that will protect them. Currently in most states and territories, farm animals can legally be subject to excruciatingly painful procedures. This has to end.
“The Greens are committed to ending factory farming and we would use these laws to end sow stalls, battery cages and other cruel practices that make the lives of farmed animals miserable.
“Animal welfare laws are wildly inconsistent across the country. For example, aggravated animal cruelty, where an animal is killed or seriously injured by cruelty, has a maximum penalty of seven years jail in Queensland, but just two years in New South Wales. Some of these laws were drafted up to forty years ago and are completely out of touch with community expectations and animal welfare needs.
“The Greens are listening to the community and taking action to reform our laws to protect animals,” she concluded.
Woman charged following alleged stabbing – Cessnock
A woman has been charged following an alleged stabbing in the state’s Hunter region last week.
About 1am on Sunday 5 May 2019, two women, aged 25 and 33, were at a licenced premises on Vincent Street, Cessnock, when an argument broke out.
As a result, the 33-year-old woman was evicted.
A short time later, she returned as the 25-year-old woman was leaving the building.
It’s alleged the older woman then stabbed her several times in the back and face.
Bystanders flagged down a passing police vehicle, while the injured woman was taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment, she was released the following day.
Following extensive inquiries, a 33-year-old woman attended Cessnock Police Station about 5pm yesterday (Thursday 9 May 2019), where she was arrested.
She’s been charged with wound person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
She was refused bail to appear at Maitland Local Court today (Friday 10 May 2019).
LABOR HOSTS NEWCASTLE HYDROGEN ROUNDTABLE
Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon and Labor’s Shadow Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy and Member for Shortland, Pat Conroy MP hosted a Hydrogen Roundtable in Newcastle today.
Ms Claydon said the event brought together researchers, industry and port representatives to discuss the potential for Newcastle to play a leading role in the burgeoning global industry, especially in light of Federal Labor’s $1.1 billion National Hydrogen Plan.
“If elected, Labor will invest $1.1 billion into development, research, demonstration and pre-commercial deployment of clean hydrogen technology. I’d like to see Newcastle and the Hunter secure as much of that as possible,” Ms Claydon said.
“Hydrogen has the potential to be a game changer for our region and our environment and could be a key driver in the local transition we need to make to a low-carbon future.”
Mr Conroy said there are significant domestic opportunities for Australia to develop a globally competitive hydrogen sector.
“Hydrogen has enormous potential to help decarbonise our planet, employ tens of thousands of Australians and produce billions of dollars of export revenue,” Mr Conroy said.
“The market potential is massive. Globally, the hydrogen market is expected to reach $215 billion by 2022 and demand is forecast to grow exponentially from there.”
Ms Claydon said Newcastle and the Hunter was uniquely placed to capitalise on the opportunities that hydrogen offers.
“Our region already has a world-class network of energy expertise and capability and is perfectly placed to capitalise on the hydrogen boom,” Ms Claydon said.
“Add this to the fact that we have a deep water port and you have the key ingredients for a prosperous hydrogen hub.”
This election is a choice between Labor’s plan for increased investment in renewables and commitment to driving a low-carbon future, or bigger tax loopholes for the top end of town under the Liberals.
Only Labor has a commitment to the industries and jobs of the future, including our $1.14 billion National Hydrogen Plan, and our commitment to 50 per cent renewables by 2030.
REGIONAL YOUTH EMPLOYMENT IN FOCUS FOR LABOR
A Shorten Labor Government will invest $450,000 into a three-year project to boost employment outcomes for young people across the Newcastle-Hunter region.
This election will be a choice between Labor, which will give students the education and opportunity they deserve, or more cuts and chaos under the Liberals.
Ms Claydon said that current employment outcomes for young people were concerning.
“A recent study found it can take two-and-a-half years for young people to gain full-time work after they finish their studies[1]. More needs to be done to help young people transition into employment,” Ms Claydon said.
“In its first year this project will provide up to 100 young people from across the Newcastle-Hunter region with intensive personalised support.”
Ms Claydon said face-to-face participation would be available in both Newcastle and the Central Coast, with online opportunities for those who find it hard to travel.
“The university will work with a range of partners including TAFE, local schools and community groups to identify prospective participants who have been out of work for six months or more.
“Participants will benefit from individual needs-assessments undertaken by career experts and support to boost their skillset and develop the personal qualities that employers are looking for. They will also get help to create effective resumes, and help preparing for interviews.”
Ms Claydon said the program would apply a new methodology based on research undertaken by the Foundation for Young Australians into ‘soft skills’ and ‘enterprise skills’.
“The program will draw on the university’s expertise in delivering and evaluating equity and enabling programs that build resilience and connections for people experiencing disadvantage. It is designed to build on and complement existing job network services.”
University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky AO said the project would reduce the gap between completing study at school, TAFE or university and moving into a full-time job.
“This project will be a real collaboration across schools, TAFE, community groups and the university to help young people gain the confidence and additional skills they need to move into the workforce,” Professor Zelinsky said.
“An outstanding education is just one ingredient to getting a job – this project will help develop the complementary skills people need when they move into the world of paid work.”
A Shorten Labor Government will uncap university places and invest $3.2 billion into TAFE, university and skills training.
[1] Foundation for Young Australians, ‘New Work Reality Report’ 2018
Fire safety issues resolved at Carrington boarding house
City of Newcastle has removed the emergency order on a boarding house in Bourke Street Carrington, allowing it to re-open seven months after regulatory action was taken to protect residents from serious fire safety breaches.
The regulatory action undertaken by the City has significantly improved the fire safety of the Carrington boarding house, City Director of Governance David Clarke said.
“The Emergency Development Control Order was issued in 2018 because of significant risks to lives in the event of a fire at the Carrington premises due to serious fire safety compliance issues and unauthorised works,” he said.
“These risks were deemed to be so significant that the emergency order required removal of all persons from the premises and substantial remedial work to make the premises compliant.”
At the time of issuing the emergency orders, the premises had a total of 36 bedrooms, of which a large number were unauthorised and non-compliant with fire safety measures.
These unauthorised bedrooms have been removed, with 16 bedrooms now able to be occupied, all of which comply with fire safety requirements.
To achieve a safe, compliant boarding house, a large number of unauthorised structures have also been removed and substantial additional fire safety measures implemented.
Self-closing fire doors with smoke seals have been installed, along with smoke detectors, an upgraded fire detection & alarm system and building occupant warning system.
A fire-isolated internal stairwell that had been compromised through unauthorised works, has also been re-instated.
Following a final inspection of the Carrington premises undertaken today to ensure these improvements comply with fire safety requirements, the City has been able to remove the emergency order.
Mr Clarke said City of Newcastle intends to issue additional orders to enable the owner to install a fire sprinkler system in the boarding house which will further improve the safety of residents at the Carrington boarding house.
In December last year, City of Newcastle allowed a Mayfield boarding house to be re-opened after the same owner complied with similar regulatory action taken as part of the boarding house compliance program.
“It has only been through our regulatory action that the owner has complied to ensure the safety of residents at both premises,” Mr Clarke said.
“While we understand the inconvenience for the men who live at the boarding houses, turning a blind eye to the serious fire safety deficiencies was never an option we could responsibly take.”
250 new Novocastrians welcomed at City Hall
Kenyan-born Zac Ekandi has vivid memories of the day he walked into Nairobi’s British Council office 17 years ago tasked with making the biggest decision of his teenage life.
Mr Ekandi, then 18, was researching options to study abroad. After telling his parents of his desire to study overseas, the family met with a British Council agent to discuss his options.
.jpg.aspx "Zacinside-(1).jpg")
Kenyan Zac Ekandi became a new citizen today after 17 years in Newcastle
“I remember when I went to see the British Council agent I said I don’t want to go to a big city – big cities are always full of traffic and I wanted somewhere quiet,” he said.
“The agent gave me information about studying in Manchester UK and Newcastle Australia and I applied to both universities to study Computer Science.”
When offers soon followed for places at both universities, it was the promise of a ‘quiet, coastal lifestyle at Newcastle where I’d be happy most’ that stole Mr Ekandi’s heart.
“The agent told me that I’d be most happy here, and I am.”
Today, more than 17 years after trading in Nairobi for Newcastle, the 39-year-old and 249 other people from more than 41 different countries became Newcastle’s newest citizens when they took their oaths and affirmations at City Hall.
“It’s always a great honour to welcome new citizens from all corners of the globe,” said City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes.
“Newcastle is a welcoming city for people of all cultures and religious backgrounds. We are proud to be a culturally diverse, inclusive community.”
Aboriginal elder Aunty Phyllis Darcey gave a Welcome to Country and entertainment was be provided by indigenous dance group, Wakakulang.
Mr Ekandi, of Jesmond, said becoming an Australian Citizen was a long-held goal and something that he is very proud to be achieving today.
“I am extremely excited as it was something that I wanted to do and the last part of the process that I wanted to complete,” he said.
“I think one of the things I like so much about Newcastle is the community. I’ve made a lot of friends here, and they’ve been very helpful.
“That’s the kind of community Newcastle is. It’s great.”
Record Numbers of Flu Vaccines to be Provided in 2019
Australia is on track for a record number of flu shots in 2019 following the release of 11.4 million flu vaccines to vaccine providers to date in 2019
I encourage Australians to get a flu shot to protect themselves against this year’s influenza virus.
Vaccines are now available at your GPs office and community pharmacies.
As at 30 April 2019 over 11.4 million doses of the seasonal influenza vaccines have been released into the market by the Australian Government for the 2019 Australian influenza season.
This includes over 7.4 million doses for the National Immunisation Program (NIP) and state and territory government schemes including 3.8 million doses of enhanced vaccines for those aged 65 years and over.
Vaccination is the most effective way to protect individuals and the broader community from the flu.
It’s important to get vaccinated against influenza every year, as the virus changes year to year.
Those eligible for a free flu vaccine through the NIP include people aged 65 years and over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and older and people aged sixth months or older with certain medical conditions which put them at risk of severe influenza.
Pregnant women are also eligible for a free flu vaccine – it’s safe to receive at any stage of pregnancy to protect both mother and baby.
Getting vaccinated now allows protection during the peak influenza transmission period, from around June to September in most parts of Australia.
Immunisation is critical to maintaining public health and preventing the outbreak of infectious diseases.
Last year a record 11 million Australians got a flu shot and I hope that we reach another record this year.
For more information visit the Department of Health immunisation website at: www.health.gov.au/immunisation
$19 million Investment in a New Medicine
The Liberal National Government is investing over $19 million in a new medicine to help people with a metabolic disorder, saving patients more than $90,000 a year.
The medicine Kuvan® is now being listed on the PBS for the treatment of patients with hyperphenylalaninemia – caused by phenylketonuria (PKU).
PKU is a genetic disorder requiring lifelong management that prevents the normal breakdown of a protein found in some foods.
This medicine works in combination with dietary restrictions, to help lower the amount of amino acid phenylalanine in the blood.
Without PBS subsidy, patients would otherwise pay more than $90,200 per year for this treatment.
It will now be $40.30 a script or $6.50 for patients with a concession card.
This medicine will be of particular benefit for young children with the condition who need to start treatment early after diagnosis.
Without treatment from a young age, patients can develop progressive intellectual disability and other health complications.
With treatment, children with PKU can grow and develop normally and that why this new listing is so important.
This medicine was recommended for listing on the PBS by the independent medical experts at the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee.
Since 2013, the Morrison Government has listed over 2,000 new or amended items on the PBS.
This represents an average of around 31 listings per month – or one each day – at an overall cost of around $10.6 billion.
We are listing all medicines on the PBS unlike the former Labor Government.
In 2011 when the current leader of the opposition Bill Shorten was Assistant Treasurer Labor took the unprecedented step of stopping the listing of new medicines on the PBS.
Labor’s 2011-12 Budget stated “given the current fiscal environment the listing of some medicines would be deferred until fiscal circumstances permit”. This included medicines for asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, endometriosis chronic pain and IVF amongst others.
Our commitment to ensuring that Australians can access affordable medicines, when they need them, remains rock solid.
Coalition to deliver Port Macquarie Tidal Pool
Port Macquarie’s first tidal pool is set to become a reality with a $4.5 million commitment from the Liberal and Nationals Government.
Visiting Port Macquarie today, Prime Minister Scott Morrison pledged his Government would finish the feasibility study, finalise planning and design, and get the project done.
The Prime Minister said his Government had listened to the local community and the 18,000 people who had signed the petition to the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.
“A tidal pool in Port Macquarie is one of those projects which has been talked about in the community for decades and my government and our candidate Pat Conaghan will make it a reality,” the Prime Minister said.
“We believe in Port Macquarie as one of the most popular and picturesque destinations along the Mid North Coast, and a tidal pool will make the city even more of a drawcard.”
The Nationals Candidate for Cowper Pat Conaghan said he had lobbied hard for a serious commitment to the project on behalf of the local community.
He said the tidal pool would deliver a significant economic and health boost for Port Macquarie.
“There is going to be widespread benefits throughout the Port Macquarie community as a result of this project,” Mr Conaghan said.
“Over the course of construction there is going to be an economic boost through the creation of construction jobs, and the tidal pool will help entice more visitors to the area which has significant flow-on benefits for local small businesses.
“On a day to day level, the tidal pool will support better health outcomes by encouraging Port Macquarie residents of all ages to live a more active lifestyle.
“The people of Port Macquarie have been asking for a serious commitment to this project and only a Liberal and Nationals Government will deliver it.”
The $4.5 million commitment to the Port Macquarie Tidal Pool from the Federal Liberals and Nationals follows a $50,000 commitment from the State Liberals and Nationals which has kick-started a feasibility study to determine the key details, construction timeline and location of the project.
Morrison Government Will Continue to Protect Our Borders
The Morrison Government’s economic management underpins the investments needed to protect our borders and keep Australians safe.
The Coalition’s strong border protection policies under Operation Sovereign Borders have ended the deaths at sea and enabled us to close 19 detention centres, with all children placed in detention by Labor removed from that detention.
We have achieved this by not compromising on our three proven border protection policies, which have stopped the boats: regional processing, turn-backs where it is safe to do so, and temporary protection visas.
By closing detention centres, we returned $638 million to the Budget and reclaimed control of the refugee and humanitarian program from criminal syndicates.
We have increased Australia’s humanitarian intake to 18,750 in 2018-19, and welcomed to Australia an additional 12,000 persecuted minority refugees from the conflict in Syria and Iraq.
We have restored vital resources to our border agencies, along with technology to enhance passenger screening and automation and we have worked steadfastly on community protections by strengthening the character requirements of visa holders and introducing the mandatory cancellation of visas of non-citizens who commit serious crimes.
In total, we have cancelled the visas of over 4,400 non-citizen criminals.
By contrast, Labor’s promise to dismantle our proven three pillars of border protection would hand control of our border back to the people smugglers.
Last time they were in government, Labor’s policies hamstrung our border agencies and public confidence in the migration program evaporated.
Labor hasn’t learnt their lesson and is seeking to return to these dangerous policies.
At every turn Labor has sought to water down the Government’s laws to protect the Australian community. In office, they would go further still.
Only the Morrison Government has the necessary suite of proven policies to keep Australians safe and our borders secure. You simply cannot trust Labor on border protection.
You can find out more about our Plan to Keep Our Borders Secure here.