Labor will give bank victims a fairer chance to fight for their rights with a $640 million Banking Fairness Fund.
The fund will raise $160m per year from Australia’s biggest banks to revolutionise the services available to Australians in financial difficulty – a key recommendation from the Royal Commission.
Labor fought for the Banking Royal Commission – unlike Scott Morrison and the Liberals who voted against the Royal Commission 26 times, called it a “populist whinge” and refused to give parliament more time to implement the recommendations.
Labor will double the number of financial counsellors across Australia from 500 to 1000with a $320 million commitment from the Banking Fairness Fund over the next 4 years.
These new financial counsellors will provide advocacy, support and advice to an additional 125,000 Australians each year.
These 500 new financial counsellors will be able to assist Australians to pursue fair compensation through the Australian Financial Complaints Authority under significantly increased compensation caps announced by Labor last week.
Commissioner Hayne recommended that Australia’s hardworking financial counselling sector should be given “predictable and stable funding”. Commissioner Hayne noted in his final report that “their services, like financial services, are a necessity to the community”, but that the sector currently “struggles to meet demand, which is increasing”.
Financial counsellors provide invaluable assistance, free of charge, to Australians who find themselves in disputes with their banks and other financial service providers.
A stronger, larger financial counselling sector is just one part of Labor’s plan to restore fairness to financial services.
Labor will make further announcements about the other programs that will be funded by the Banking Fairness Fund over coming days.
Labor called for the Royal Commission, Labor fought for the Royal Commission, and Labor will work day and night to give victims of financial misconduct the support they need to fight for their rights.
Greens say an Independent process must be followed in ABC appointments
Ita Buttrose must be considered by the independent nomination panel before cabinet names the next ABC chair, the Greens say.
“If the Morrison Government wants to nominate Ms Buttrose, it must go through the proper channels,” Greens media spokesperson Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.
“Five months have passed since the Government was caught in a web of political interference at the ABC. They still have not learned their lesson.
“Ita Buttrose is clearly a strong candidate for the position, however the current mess at the ABC is a result of exploiting board appointments. This cannot be allowed to continue, no matter how strong the contender.
“Political interference has plagued the ABC and there can be no doubt placed on future board appointments, or indeed the chair.
“The independent panel exists for a reason, and must not be disregarded or side stepped yet again by this Government.”
Morrison's scheme an expensive climate hoax: Bandt
Greens climate change and energy spokesperson Adam Bandt MP said Scott Morrison’s latest climate ‘policy’ was an expensive hoax that had no plan to deal with coal.
“There’s nothing in this expensive fig-leaf that deals with coal, and if you don’t have a plan for coal, you’re not serious about climate change,” said Mr Bandt.
“This policy will not ensure a safe climate.
“A climate policy that doesn’t deal with coal is like a car without wheels. It’s an expensive way of going nowhere.
“Pouring public money into Tony Abbott’s failed emissions fund isn’t just throwing good money after bad, it’s a hoax.
“Emissions have gone up under Tony Abbott’s scheme and they will rise under Scott Morrison as well because big polluters still get off scot-free.
“Malcolm Turnbull called this fund a “fig-leaf to cover a determination to do nothing” and he was right.
“The public, who are footing the bill for this policy, can’t even be sure that all the emissions reductions claims are genuine.
“Former regulators, the CSIRO and the Climate Change Authority have all questioned the integrity of emissions reductions claimed under the fund.
“Instead of giving money to the polluters, we should be making polluters pay, like we did under the carbon price.”
Plan ahead and get ready to celebrate the 2019 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade
The NSW Police Force is encouraging everyone heading into the city to celebrate the 2019 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade this weekend to plan ahead and enjoy the festivities safely.
Thousands of spectators are expected to line Oxford and Flinders Streets and Anzac Parade on Saturday (2 March 2019), as colourful floats make their way through Darlinghurst to mark the 41st anniversary of Mardi Gras.
Operation Commander, Assistant Commissioner Tony Crandell, said police will have a significant presence across the city to ensure the evening’s events are safe, fun and family-friendly.
“We are expecting big crowds to attend this year’s parade and to make sure everyone has a great night, we have been working closely with Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras staff to ensure safety is the top priority,” Assistant Commissioner Crandell said.
“Police are not here to ruin anyone’s fun and anyone acting inappropriately will be dealt with swiftly and face the full force of the law.
“Officers will be keeping an eye out for anyone taking or distributing illicit drugs, and those engaged in alcohol-related crime or anti-social behaviour.
“If you are planning to head into the city, please think before you drink. Anyone under the age of 18 should be aware that there are consequences of drinking underage.
“Police will be focused on maintaining a safe and fun atmosphere for the parade; however, we will not tolerate anyone who risks their safety or the safety of others with foolish behaviour,” Assistant Commissioner Crandell said.
The entire event footprint is an alcohol-free zone, which effectively prohibits the consumption of alcohol in any public place.
“Police have the power to confiscate and dispose of alcohol that is being, has been, or is likely to be consumed in an alcohol-free zone,” Assistant Commissioner Crandell said.
“It’s also an offence to consume alcohol on Sydney Trains property and we will have officers from the Police Transport Command patrolling trains, stations and transport hubs throughout the event.”
Assistant Commissioner Crandell said viewing areas fill up quickly, so to avoid disappointment people should plan to arrive early and use public transport.
“There will be road closures in place to facilitate the parade, so your best bet is to leave the car at home and utilise additional train and bus services operating throughout the event,” Assistant Commissioner Crandell said.
For comprehensive event details about the parade and after party, visit: http://www.mardigras.org.au.
Use the ‘Trip Planner’ via www.transportnsw.info/ to plan your journey to the parade, with all the latest timetable and ticketing information for trains, buses, ferries and taxi ranks available.
Further information on alcohol-free zones in Sydney can be found on the City of Sydney website: www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au.
For road-closure information, visit www.livetraffic.com.
New jobs records endorse Coalition's plan
New records revealed in today’s labour force figures show that the Coalition Government’s plan for a stronger economy is working.
A record number of Australians are in work, with seasonally adjusted employment increasing by 39,100 in January 2019, to stand at a record high, of 12,751,800.
Full-time employment is at a record high of 8,743,100, after growing by 65,400 in January 2019, and 236,100 over the year. Full-time employment growth has accounted for 87 per cent of the total increase in employment over the last 12 months.
Encouragingly, female total employment, female full-time employment and the female participation rate have all reached new record highs. Male total employment and male full-time employment are also at record highs.
The gender pay gap has reached a new record low of 14.2 per cent, down from 17.2 per cent under Labor.
Importantly, the unemployment rate has decreased by 0.5 percentage points over the year to 5.0 per cent in January 2019, the equal lowest rate recorded since June 2011.
A total of 1,276,300 jobs have been created since the Coalition Government came into office in 2013.
“Today’s new jobs records show that the Government’s plan for a stronger economy is working,” Minister for Jobs and Industrial Relations, the Hon Kelly O’Dwyer MP said.
“Our approach stands in stark contrast to our opponents. Labor’s only plan for the economy is $200 billion of higher taxes on your retirement, your superannuation, your house, your business and your income.”
“All that Labor’s taxes and job-destroying policies will do is hurt Australians, including many on low and middle incomes, and older Australians.”
Police disappointed with crowd behaviour at Hunter Valley music concert
Police are disappointed following a number of incidents involving intoxicated people at a music concert in the Hunter Valley yesterday.
The event was held at Hope Estate on Broke Road, Pokolbin, from 2pm (Saturday 23 February 2019), and continued until 10pm.
A police operation was conducted involving officers from Hunter Valley Police District, assisted by Northern Region, Dog Unit, and licencing officers.
During the operation, six people were charged with a range of offences including common assault, assault police, resist arrest, and fail to quit.
Of note, about 9pm, a 25-year-old man was asked to leave the event by security due to intoxication.
Police nearby were asked to assist after the man allegedly refused to follow their direction. While officers were escorting the man from the area, he allegedly blew snot at a male senior constable.
The Kensington man was arrested and taken to Cessnock Police Station where he was charged with assault officer in execution of duty and excluded person fail to leave premises when required.
He was granted conditional bail to appear at Cessnock Local Court on Wednesday 20 March 2019.
In addition, there were 44 drug detections for MDMA, cocaine and cannabis. The drugs will undergo forensic examination with charges expected to follow, however, 17 cannabis cautions were issued.
Police and security ejected 79 people from the event and 34 people were taken to a separate area within the event due to intoxication.
Three people were issued Criminal Infringement Notices for trespass.
Hunter Valley Police District Commander, Superintendent Chad Gillies, said while most of the crowd behaved responsibly, it was disappointing to have a high number of people ejected or excluded from the event due to intoxication.
“Our officers were kept busy last night with several drug and alcohol-related incidents,” Supt Gillies said.
“Police are not there to spoil people’s fun, but the behaviour of people affected by alcohol was unacceptable and a music event is not an excuse to break the law.
“In one incident, security officers refused entry to a bus with 20 patrons on arrival due to intoxication levels,” Supt Gillies said.
MCGRATH FOUNDATION EMPOWERED TO HELP SUPPORT MORE PEOPLE WITH BREAST CANCER
The McGrath Foundation will be able to expand its outstanding work supporting people with breast cancer, thanks to a $3.7 million boost from the NSW Government.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the package would take the total number of McGrath Breast Care Nurses across the state to 48.
The six NSW Government-funded nurses will be based in locations including Liverpool, Nepean/Blue Mountains and Northern Sydney.
McGrath Breast Care Nurses are specially trained to care for people diagnosed with breast cancer – providing vital support to patients and their families during what is a difficult time.
“The NSW Government has been a longtime supporter of the McGrath Foundation and we are proud to do even more over the next four years,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Breast cancer has touched almost every family at some point in time – it is estimated there are around 70,000 people across NSW currently living with this disease with around another 15 being diagnosed each day.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the extra nurses will be invaluable in the health system.
“McGrath Nurses are there to help and we are so lucky to have them. From diagnosis to every stage of treatment, they will be with you in person or on the phone showing skill and compassion,” Mr Hazzard said.
The foundation, which was co-founded by cricket legend Glenn McGrath and his late wife Jane following her public experience with breast cancer, has supported thousands of people and their families experiencing breast cancer.
The announcement was welcomed by Mr McGrath, who said it would help support the McGrath Foundation’s goal to ensure everyone who needs a breast care nurse has one for free.
“Thanks to the generous support of the NSW Government, we’ll be able to continue placing McGrath Breast Care Nurses in the communities that need them the most,” Mr McGrath said.
“Whilst the majority of our nurses are in rural and regional parts of Australia, metropolitan areas with high population growth in the Greater Sydney area have the greatest need for breast care nurses due to projected breast cancer incidence.”
NEW AND UPGRADED POLICE STATIONS FOR NSW
Communities from Bega to Bourke will benefit from new or upgraded police stations, plus a major new state-of-the-art training facility, thanks to a $100 million investment from the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government.
The funding will be used to build new police stations in Bega, Goulburn and Jindabyne, carry out major police station upgrades at Bathurst and Bourke, and create a new police training facility in Dubbo.
As well as a new main police station in Jindabyne, there will also be two new small police stations at Perisher and Thredbo.
It takes the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government’s investment in new and upgraded police stations across NSW to $218 million this year, along with a record $583 million investment in 1500 extra police over the next four years.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Police Minister Troy Grant made the announcement today as they attended an attestation ceremony at the NSW Police Academy in Goulburn, where 201 new officers officially joined the ranks of the NSW Police Force.
“The investments we are making in the NSW Police Force – which will reduce crime further and keep our communities even safer – are only possible because of the NSW Liberals & Nationals’ economic management,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We have worked hard to get the budget back into shape after years of mismanagement under Labor and now the community is reaping the benefit.
“Our commitment today to deliver new and upgraded stations across the state will ensure that our police have the best facilities and resources to proactively prevent and disrupt crime. It takes our investment to new and upgraded police stations across NSW this financial year to more than $218 million.
“NSW has some of the lowest crime rates in 20 years and we want to do everything we can to help our men and women in blue to make our streets even safer.”
Mr Grant said the latest class of recruits are joining one of the most highly respected
law enforcement agencies in the world, at a time of unprecedented opportunity – and that many of them would benefit from new police stations at Bega, Goulburn, and Jindabyne, upgraded stations at Bathurst and Bourke, and a new $35 million training facility in Dubbo.
“Never has there been a more exciting time to join the NSW Police Force, with hundreds more recruits just around the corner, and now even more support to ensure our officers have the modern facilities, equipment, and infrastructure they need to do their jobs,” Mr Grant said.
“After months of challenging training, these new probationary constables will join their Commands and Districts next Monday to begin their policing careers – with many set to benefit from new stations and training facilities in the near future.
“It’s an incredible privilege to put on the blue uniform each day, and I know it’s one officers wear with pride because they’ll be helping the community, solving crimes, and bringing closure to victims and their families – and that’s an honour seldom paralleled in other professions.”
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said with 1500 new officers joining the ranks over the next four years, it’s imperative we also have the very best police stations and facilities across the state to support them.
“$100 million is another huge boost for the Force, allowing us to build new stations, improve others and provide an outstanding training centre closer to operational police in the field,” Commissioner Fuller said.
The investment in new and upgraded stations announced today follows the Liberals & Nationals Government’s record $3.9 billion budget for the NSW Police Force in 201819, including more than $118 million to:
- redevelop police stations at Parramatta, Hurstville, Port Macquarie, Cessnock, Broken Hill and Inverell,
- upgrade Gosford police station; and
- redevelop an additional fifteen regional police stations in towns across the state.
Man charged with 17 offences – Port Stephens-Hunter
A man will face court in Newcastle today after being charged with 17 offences following an ongoing investigation in the state’s Port Stephen-Hunter region.
Since October 2018, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District have been investigating multiple alleged stealing, break and enter, traffic, fraud, drug and firearm offences committed across the Port Stephens-Hunter, Hunter Valley and Tuggerah Lakes Police Districts.
Following inquiries, about 10am yesterday (Friday 22 February 2019), police executed a search warrant at a house on Government Road, Weston, where a 31-year-old man was arrested and taken to Maitland Police Station.
Officers seized a number of items from the premises including a motorbike and keys belonging to a vehicle, both allegedly stolen.
He was charged with 17 offences including receive/dispose stolen property (x4), possess prohibited drug, break enter and steal, steal firearm or imitation firearm, unlawfully sell firearms, take & drive conveyance without consent of owner (x2), drive motor vehicle during disqualification period (x3), drive recklessly/furiously or speed in manner dangerous, dishonestly obtain property by deception, police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly (Skye’s Law), and goods in personal custody suspected stolen.
The man was refused bail to appear in Newcastle local court today (Saturday 23 February 2019).
NSW UNEMPLOYMENT RATE LOWEST ON RECORD
New South Wales has smashed the jobs record with the lowest unemployment rate on record cementing its position as Australia’s job creation capital, according to the latest jobs data from the ABS.
The State’s unemployment rate fell a further 0.4 per cent to 3.9 per cent for January 2019, the lowest since monthly records began in February 1978, with a whopping 47,200 jobs added proving once again NSW is the Premier State.
NSW remains well below the national unemployment rate of 5 per cent and well ahead of Victoria at 4.5 per cent, Queensland 6 per cent and South Australia on 6.3 per cent.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Treasurer Dominic Perrottet today announced the record low unemployment figures, which means that since 2011 the NSW Liberals & Nationals have overseen the creation of 611,300 jobs.
“Today NSW entered the record books, which is proof our vision for NSW is making our State the best place to live and get a job,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“An unemployment rate of 3.9 per cent is a stunning result and this means more families and individuals are getting ahead.”
“Abundant jobs are bringing women into the workforce like never before – female participation surged to an all-time high of 60.6 per cent with women’s unemployment rate a record low of 3.7 per cent.”
“Today’s result isn’t by accident but the result of hard work to get our finances in order and deliver a strong budget and strong economy.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said NSW also recorded a record participation rate of 65.2 per cent meaning we have the highest percentage of people active in the labour market and the lowest percentage of people currently unemployed.
“We are the jobs capital of the nation, the engine room of the economy – once again the Premier state,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Since the last election 420,500 jobs have been created smashing our target of 150,000 jobs.”
“It is a vindication of the economic and financial approach taken by this Liberals &
Nationals Government and highlights the importance of infrastructure projects to our
economy.”
The Government’s record infrastructure investment has generated more than half-amillion
jobs and helped boost the State’s economic growth by half a percentage point
in 2017- 18.
“We want to continue to provide the right conditions for jobs growth across the State,”Mr Perrottet said.
“We have put the State’s books in order through our financial discipline with surpluses forecast over the next four years.”
“This has allowed us to lower taxes, make record investments such as $89.7 billion on infrastructure without plunging the State into debt.”
The State’s youth unemployment rate is the lowest of any state and more than 2 percentage points below the rest of Australia.
Female workers drove the strong labour force result for the State, with 42,700 jobs added for the month and the female unemployment rate dropping to a record low of 3.7 per cent.