Equinor’s claims they can drill safely in the Great Australian Bight have gone to water after their ship crashed into their oil rig in Norwegian waters, the Greens say.
“A collision like this in the Great Australian Bight could spell disaster. The waters are rough and remote. The risk is too great, we don’t want an accident like this happening in the Bight,” Greens environment spokesperson Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.
“This collision comes after oil was found on the sea surface at the same rig last month. If they can’t drill safely in the calm, shallow waters in the North Sea, they cannot be trusted to risk the Bight.
“No amount of corporate spin will make drilling in the Bight safer. There is no amount of planning Equinor can do to avoid critical accidents or disasters.
“No company should be given the green light to drill in the Bight’s rough waters. The Greens, with the South Australian community, will continue to fight plans to turn the Bight into an oilfield, to keep our tourism and fishing industries strong, our beaches clean and avoid disaster.”
Invest in renewables and Newstart, not tax cuts, to solve today’s economic problems: Greens
Instead of locking in a spiral of economic inequality by green-lighting Scott Morrison’s flat tax system, the Labor Party should work with the Greens on a long-term plan to drive productivity and create sustainable jobs through investment in renewables and increasing Newstart, Leader of the Australian Greens Dr Richard Di Natale said.
“By supporting these tax cuts the Labor Party are going to make inequality worse and do nothing to set the country up for the future,” Di Natale said.
“Now is not the time for more tax cuts. Now is the time for a massive investment in public services and infrastructure that will work for the wellbeing of everyone in the community, not just the wealthy few. Now is the time to raise Newstart, so that people can live with dignity, as well as giving a boost to our local economy.
“The Government’s tax cut program that Labor is thinking about bringing forward will turbocharge inequality and hamstring future governments from delivering public services down the track.
“The Reserve Bank has been begging the Government to invest in productive infrastructure for the country, but instead, the Liberal and Labor parties have got themselves into a bidding war over who can hand out the biggest tax cuts.
“Instead of getting stuck in a race to see who can give away the money we need to pay for our schools, roads and hospitals the quickest, Labor should join the Greens in pledging to increase Newstart and putting in place a managed transition away from dirty, polluting fossil fuels like coal and gas and towards a clean, green, jobs-rich renewable economy.”
Greens call on new Environment Minister to invest in threatened species recovery for World Environment Day
The Greens are calling on new Environment Minister Sussan Ley to formally respond to the UN’s report on the global extinction crisis by using World Environment day to announce the Morrison Government will adequately fund threatened species recovery.
“Australia has one of the worst extinction rates in the world, yet the Government still has not responded to the UN’s harrowing report on the global biodiversity crisis. New Environment Minister, Sussan Ley has the opportunity to act on World Environment Day. She must put in place a properly funded recovery plan, of $200 million a year, to save our threatened species from death row,” Greens environment spokesperson Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.
“Climate breakdown, land clearing, and invasive species are wreaking havoc on our natural environment. Australia has a major part to play in curbing the extinction crisis, by properly funding threatened species recovery. The new Environment Minister must listen to the science, and the experts, in dealing with this crisis.
“If we don’t act now, species like the plains wanderer, the Fleurieu Peninsula southern emu-wren and the Kangaroo Island dunnart will be lost forever. Koalas could be extinct in NSW in the next 30 years. We must commit to a way off the threatened species list that doesn’t end in extinction.
“The Greens took a comprehensive plan to save our threatened species to the election. We know, with political will, we can get out of this mess. That’s why we will continue to fight for our threatened species. New Environment Minister Sussan Ley can take strides toward a better future by responding to this report, and committing $200 million a year to threatened species recovery.
“Our birds, mammals, marsupials, marine and plant life are synonymous with life in Australia. We love our native wildlife and our natural world. We must restore and protect what we have left before it is too late.”
Attacks on press freedom must be investigated: Greens
The Australian Greens share the serious concerns held by ABC chair Ita Buttrose regarding ongoing attacks on press freedoms and the Government’s flippant response. The AFP raids on a News Corp journalist’s home and the ABC Sydney headquarters must be investigated.
“This is a very troubling start to this Government. The timing is all very suss, and the heavy-handed, intimidating operations are chilling. ABC Chair Ita Buttrose is right when she says a free media is important to our democracy. Journalists reporting in the public interest should not be treated like criminals,” Greens media spokesperson Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.
“This is an attack on our democracy and an attack on those who tell the truth – the journalists and whistleblowers we rely on to keep our governments accountable.
“The Prime Minister says he’s not troubled – well he should be, the rest of us are.
“The Prime Minister needs to come clean with the Australian people. Who ordered these raids, who referred the journalists and who signed off the referrals? What was Peter Dutton’s role in all of this?
“Over the past 6 years there has been slide toward criminalising journalism. The Liberal and Labor Parties have together passed laws that attack the freedom of the press and whistleblowers, and this is where it has ended up.
“An inquiry can help us understand the chilling decline in freedom of the press, what protections are necessary for those that speak truth to power, and what we can do to restore this pillar of our democracy.
“This is why we need an urgent inquiry into the attack on press freedom and democracy in Australia. Australians have a right to know what their government is up to. They should have faith that the journalists working at our public broadcaster, reporting in the public interest, are not going to be treated like criminals.
“A Government that shows contempt for press freedom and whistleblowers is a dangerous government.”
Strike Force Raptor remove stolen kitchen fit out, seize drugs, weapons; former OMCG member charged
A former member of the Finks outlaw motor cycle gang (OMCG) will appear at court today after Strike Force Raptor seized drugs and weapons and removed an entire kitchen allegedly built with stolen products from a home in the Lake Macquarie region.
As part of investigations into a malicious damage last month, police from Strike Force Raptor North executed a search warrant at a home in Booragul about 8.30am yesterday (Thursday 6 June 2019).
During the search, officers seized 3.3g of methylamphetamine, prescription medication, clothing, two electronic control devices, and numerous items suspected of being stolen including cabinetry, kitchen appliances, ceiling fans, doors and other building materials.
A 28-year-old man was arrested at the home and taken to Toronto Police Station.
He was charged with 11 offences, including goods in personal custody suspected being stolen, possess prohibited drug (x2), destroy or damage property, possess instructions for manufacture of prohibited drug, and use prohibited weapon contrary to prohibition (x2).
Police will allege in court that the man used stolen products to fit out his home kitchen and damaged a parked vehicle at Warners Bay on Friday 31 May 2019.
The man, who is a former member of the Finks outlaw motor cycle gang (OMCG), was refused bail to appear at Toronto Local Court today (Friday 7 June 2019).
Man charged following pursuit with Porsche – Lake Macquarie
A man has been charged with multiple offences following a pursuit in Lake Macquarie yesterday.
Police will allege in the early hours of Wednesday 5 June 2019, a house on Hurn Street, New Lambton, was broken into, where car keys were located, and a Porsche Macan was stolen from the premises.
About midday yesterday (Thursday 6 June 2019), officers from Lake Macquarie Police District sighted a Porsche on York Street, Teralba and attempted to stop it.
After the vehicle failed to stop, a pursuit was initiated and terminated soon after due to dangerous driving.
A short time later, the Porsche was sighted travelling through Cardiff, where it mounted a gutter and drove down a narrow grass laneway in-between houses, before crashing into a fence on Clinton Close, Cardiff.
A man exited the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
A search was commenced with officers from Lake Macquarie and Newcastle Police Districts, the Dog Unit and PolAir and a short time later, a 24-year-old man was arrested in nearby bushland.
He was taken to Toronto Police Station and charged with police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously, disqualified driving, drive conveyance taken without consent, larceny, use class A vehicle with unauthorised number plate affixed, goods in personal custody suspected being stolen, negligent driving, enter inclosed land without lawful excuse, go onto running lines, possess prohibited drug and two counts of possess prescribed restricted substance.
The man was refused bail to appear in Toronto Local Court today (Friday 7 June 2019).
Three charged with 37 offences over nine armed robberies – Lake Macquarie
Between February and May 2019, police will allege in court that two men robbed nine bowling clubs and a golf clubhouse, while armed.
In two of the incidents, the man allegedly assaulted a cleaner with a hammer and a staff member with a metal pole.
Following extensive inquiries, strike force investigators, with the assistance of specialist tactical officers, arrested a 24-year-old man at Fishing Point just before 7am yesterday (Thursday 6 June 2019).
Shortly after, detectives executed search warrants at the Fishing Point property, a home in Rathmines and another home in Bolton Point, where a second man, aged 36, was arrested.
A third man, aged 27, was arrested in Maitland later the same day, where all three were taken to Newcastle Police Station and charged with a combined total of 37 offences.
Investigations under Strike Force Bergs continue.
No.2 protected for historic rugby Test
Australia’s Women’s Rugby team will play their first ever standalone Test on a No.2 Sportsground playing surface that meets international standards thanks to a decision to quarantine the pitch until the historic 13 July fixture.
The boutique day-time international against Japan, the first in which the Wallaroos will play another country outside the customary curtain-raiser format, could be followed by annual Tests at No.2, which will undergo improvements between now and game day.
City of Newcastle will upgrade the glassed area at the northern end of the grandstand – to accommodate merchandise sales and host volunteers – and construct two fire stairwells at the rear of the concrete bleachers to sidestep the need for event fire-wardens.
The Wallaroos will play a Test against Japan in July at No.2 Sportsground. Photo credit: Stu Walmsley
City of Newcastle Services Director Alison Murphy said the decision had been made in consultation with ground users to preserve No.2 after last weekend’s rain-affected matches and further downpours undid recent rye-grass sowing.
“Hosting the women’s rugby Test is an historic opportunity for the City and we are determined to do everything we can to make the Wallaroos an annual fixture, as women’s sport goes from strength to strength,” Ms Murphy said.
“Remediation works and the closure of the ground will provide staff with the opportunity to rehabilitate the surface to an appropriate standard for the Test.
“In the meantime, we will work with Wanderers Rugby Union Club and Newcastle Hunter Rugby Union to find alternative venues for training and competition games scheduled for No.2 on 22 and 29 June.”
Rugby Australia Head of Operations and Major Events Tony Harris backed the move to mothball the ground.
“We have every confidence in the City of Newcastle to have No.2 Sportsground ready for the Buildcorp Wallaroos first Test of 2019 against Japan, which will be broadcast around the world,” he said.
“We have been very impressed with the efforts of the City around this fixture and I know the team is looking forward to continuing their preparation for the International season when they convene in Newcastle on July 6.”
The Japanese will be out to avenge their 29-15 loss to Australia at the 2017 World Cup in the Newcastle fixture, as well as a second match at North Sydney Oval on Friday July 19 July.
Two curtain raisers will be played before the 13 July Test:
11.15am Hunter Women XV v Southern Inland Women XV
12.35pm Australian Defence Force Women v NZ Defence Force 40 minute halves, 10 minute half time
3.05pm Buildcorp Wallaroos v Japan
Former Salvation Army soldier charged with historical alleged child sex abuse
A former soldier of the Lambton Salvation Army will face court today charged over the alleged sexual abuse of two young boys in the 1990s.
In July 2018, detectives from Newcastle City Police District established Strike Force Georgiana to investigate allegations of historic child sex abuse by a former soldier of the Salvation Army at Lambton.
Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives arrested a 69-year-old man at Newcastle Police Station about 9am on Wednesday 10 April 2019.
He was charged with three counts of sexual intercourse with person 10 or over and under 16, seven counts of aggravated indecent assault – victim under the age of 16, and five counts of commit act of indecency with person under 16.
Police will allege in court that the man sexually abused two boys separately on numerous occasions, both of whom he had met through his work with the Salvation Army at Lambton.
It is alleged the incidents occurred in the late 1990s, when the boys were aged 10 and 14.
The man remains in custody and will appear at Newcastle Local Court later today (Thursday 6 June 2019).
Trees and tech deployed to #BeatAirPollution
City of Newcastle celebrated a city-wide tree planting drive today and the upcoming installation of an environmental sensor network as part of World Environment Day’s global campaign to combat air pollution.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes helped plant a Port Jackson Fig in Centennial Park, Cooks Hill, this morning as the City’s Environment teams continued their work in driving rain to minimise carbon pollution on World Environment Day 2019.
The Fig will eventually grow to a height of 30 metres and is just one of 205 trees the City will plant before 23 June at parks and playgrounds in Cooks Hill, Broadmeadow, Wallsend and Shortland.
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The Port Jackson Fig was winched into its new home via crane
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes helped in the planting efforts
“Our City has never been more invested in local and global climate issues than we are right now,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“Today’s tree planting and the ongoing projects our environment and smart city teams are working on are practical efforts we’re making following our commitment to the UN’s Sustainable Goal Development goals, which we incorporated into our 2030 Community Strategic Plan last year.
“While small in stature right now, this Port Jackson fig may absorb more than two tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere over its lifetime whilst producing oxygen, aligning perfectly with the theme of World Environment Day today, which is #BeatAirPollution.”
Also harnessing the environmental benefits of technology, the City will soon deploy up to 40 clusters of Internet of Things sensors right across the local government area, providing a comprehensive analysis of environmental conditions in real-time, including particulate pollution, flooding, humidity and soil moisture.
L-R City staff Angus Weingott, Michael Linsley and Matthew Warby with the Lord Mayor at Centennial Park
The Lord Mayor said the network had been designed to grow as new applications and challenges were identified, with data collected, communicated and aggregated on smart city technology platforms and made freely available to the public.
“By collecting real-time data on air quality and environmental conditions, City planners will be able to make more-informed decisions about the impacts of urban design decisions and better understand industrial processes,” the Lord mayor said. “Researchers can also use the data to inform projects to improve liveability and maintain urban amenity.”
The envirosensing network is a leading smart city application of the Hunter Innovation Project. Initial installation is funded by the NSW State Government as part of the Hunter Infrastructure Investment Fund.
The City of Newcastle received $4.9M for the Hunter Innovation Project to deploy smart city infrastructure across the city and local government area.
For more information about World Environment Day, visit https://www.worldenvironmentday.global.