16 News

NSW will no longer have the power to surveil conversations between incarcerated people and legal practitioners, after a disallowance motion moved by Greens justice spokesperson Sue Higginson passed the Legislative Council with the support of the Opposition and the entire crossbench.

Members of Parliament, police, and legal practitioners are exempt from surveillance under regulation, meaning any phone calls or letters between those persons and inmates cannot be monitored or recorded. A regulation made earlier this year restricted the surveillance exemption to legal practitioners who gave legal advice to specific inmates.

The 2024 Inquiry into prison guard Wayne Astill’s sexual offending against female prisoners raised concerns that prison guards had “systematically” used information “gleaned from monitoring inmate calls, visits and letters as a means of intimidation”.

Greens MP, spokesperson for Justice and solicitor Sue Higginson said:

“Conversations between lawyers and incarcerated people should not be monitored by the state.

“Incarcerated people have a right to access lawyers free of state interference, lawyer and client confidentiality and legal professional privilege are important basic tenants of access to justice,

“Women in prison who were victims of Wayne Astill’s heinous sexual offending were terrified of raising their experiences because they knew prison guards were spying on their conversations with lawyers unlawfully. This practice has continued under the Minns Labor Government and Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong, and to date he has done nothing to protect the privacy of vulnerable people in custody, he has only made regulations that increase the risks of this happening again,

“The Minns Labor Government made a clumsy and authoritarian attempt to intercept conversations between lawyers and incarcerated people by regulation, but this attempt has failed after the parliament disallowed the regulation,”

“The ramifications of breaching legal professional privilege by spying on conversations with lawyers are severe. The Supreme Court has been clear that Courts can permanently stay any proceeding where a breach of legal professional privilege has been identified, meaning this regulation could have risked entire criminal cases being thrown out,

“I have no doubt that Corrective Services routinely spy on conversations that inmates have with me, even though Members of Parliament are also exempt from surveillance. Prison guards often retaliate against incarcerated people who are seeking my assistance with urgent health issues and matters of injustice,

“I have written to the Minister for Corrections raising these concerns and I have been ignored. It wasn’t until Minister Chanthivong was questioned by journalists that he gave any assurance that my allegations of unlawful conduct were being investigated. It shouldn’t be journalists’ job to persuade the Minister to do his job,”

“The Minister for Corrections is wilfully overseeing a system of rampant non-compliance with the law in which privileged conversations can be spied upon. His continued inaction has created a significant mess and he must act to clean it up, or the parliament and the press will keep doing it for him,” Ms Higginson said.

Construction is underway on a new refuge in Maitland LGA to provide women and children escaping domestic and family violence with more access to secure accommodation, as part of the Minns Labor Government’s efforts to build a safer New South Wales for victim-survivors.

Housing Plus is developing the refuge, with specialist support services to be delivered onsite by Carrie’s Place Domestic Violence and Homelessness Services once the project is complete.

Under the NSW Government’s Core and Cluster program, Housing Plus has been awarded $6.4 million to deliver the refuge, which will provide eight units of crisis accommodation for women and children leaving violence.

The project will include a mix of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units designed to support different household types. One unit will be wheelchair accessible, and the shared areas will also be accessible for residents with restricted mobility.

Each unit will be fully self-contained, featuring its own kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities, private outdoor space and an area for pets.

The refuge will feature indoor and outdoor play spaces for children, as well as designated areas for communal activities.

This investment forms part of the NSW Government’s $426.6 million Core and Cluster program to expand crisis accommodation and provide on-site specialist support for women and children fleeing violence.

Once complete, the program will support more than 2,900 additional victim-survivors of domestic and family violence each year.

The initiative also contributes to the Minns Government’s broader response to domestic and family violence, including an historic $6.6 billion investment in social and affordable housing, with at least half the new homes prioritised for victim-survivors.

It also includes actions to address domestic, family and sexual violence from all angles, such as expanding frontline support services, holding perpetrators to account, early intervention and primary prevention.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Rose Jackson said:

“Domestic and family violence remains one of the leading causes of homelessness in NSW and that’s why we’re investing in purpose-built refuge accommodation so when someone makes the courageous decision to leave violence, they can be certain there’s a safe place to turn when they need it most.

“No one should have to choose between staying in danger or facing homelessness. These refuges offer far more than a roof over someone’s head, they’re spaces designed to provide privacy, independence and specialist support in one place.

“Once built, this refuge in Maitland will be a safe place for women with or without children to rebuild their lives and live free from abuse.”

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Jodie Harrison said:

“This new Core and Cluster refuge in Maitland will give families a secure place to stay while they receive the specialist support they need to rebuild their lives.

“Importantly, women and children can access tailored support services onsite, in a safe and purpose-built environment designed to meet their needs.

“By working with organisations like Housing Plus and Carrie’s Place, we are ensuring women and children leaving violence have access to safe accommodation and the support services they deserve.”

Member for Maitland, Jenny Aitchison said:

“A safe place to stay is about so much more than a bed and four walls. It can be the turning point that gives someone the space, dignity and strength to leave violence behind.

“For many women and children, refuges like this are more than accommodation, they are a lifeline – a chance to catch their breath, feel safe, and begin to rebuild.

“As the local member, my community has been crying out for these services for over a decade. I know how vital they are for communities, and I’m incredibly proud to see this refuge being delivered in Maitland to support those who need it most.

“Domestic and family violence remains a significant issue in Maitland, with Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) data showing domestic violence-related assault charges have increased by 3.6% and sexual assault charges by 14.3% in the last decade. A clear reminder of why investment in refuges like this is so critical.”

Acting CEO of Housing Plus Group, Maria Woods said:

“The commencement of construction on this state-of-the-art emergency accommodation marks an exciting milestone for our organisation and the Maitland community.

“The Core and Cluster model offers an innovative approach to independent living while ensuring access to vital support services, and we are proud to be leading the way in creating a safe and welcoming space for women and children.

“Our partnership with Carrie’s Place brings together our design and construction expertise with their deep local experience in service delivery, and we look forward to opening the doors together in 2027.”

CEO of Carrie’s Place, Jayne Clowes said:

“This Specialist Accommodation represents hope, safety, and a pathway forward for women and children experiencing violence.

“Demand for crisis accommodation continues to rise, and this purpose‑built facility will help ensure that families in danger have somewhere safe to turn.

“We are proud to be partnering with the NSW Government and Housing Plus on this essential project.”

Support:

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN.

For information on Men’s Behaviour Change Programs operating in your local area, contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.

But where is the mens shelter?

A NSW Government report has revealed more people are protecting their skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays, however an estimated 700, 000 people across the state were recently sunburnt.

Released today, Cancer Institute NSW’s Sun Protection Behaviours Report shows 10 per cent of adults reported being sunburnt at least once in the four-week period before they were surveyed, down from almost 15 per cent from the previous report.

However, there was no improvement from the previous report in the number of young adults, aged 18-24 years, getting sunburnt, with around one in five (18.5%) reporting a recent sunburn. Young adults were also less likely to adopt sun protection behaviours such as wearing protective clothing, a hat and sunglasses.

The report also provided insights on sun exposure, finding around 40 per cent of all surveyed adults were frequently exposed to the sun from 11am-3pm, when UV levels are highest, yet only around 40 per cent used three or more forms of sun protection.

Two out of three Australians will be treated for skin cancer in their lifetime. In Australia, ninety-five per cent of melanoma and 99 per cent of non-melanoma skin cancers are caused by overexposure to UV radiation from the sun and can be prevented with proper sun protection. The general rule is to protect your skin from the sun when the UV index is at three or above, which in NSW is most of the year, including in winter.

The Cancer Institute NSW has several initiatives in place to reduce the incidence of skin cancer in NSW as part of the NSW Skin Cancer Prevention Strategy 2023-2030. Initiatives include behaviour change campaigns, influencing shade provision in public spaces and working with organisations in areas where people work, live and play to adopt sun protection policies and behaviours.

The most effective defence against overexposure to UV radiation is to follow these five key steps:

1. Slip on protective clothing
2. Slop on SPF50+ sunscreen 20 minutes before you go out, and reapply every two hours
3. Slap on a wide brimmed hat that covers your face, ears and neck
4. Seek shade throughout the day
5. Slide on sunglasses that meet Australian Standards

Other report insights

• More than 85 per cent of adults used at least one form of sun protection, however, only 38 per cent used three or more, and less than 5 per cent used all five forms of sun protection.
• Men aged 40 and over were more likely than the overall population to be exposed to the sun during peak UV hours (11am–3pm). Although they were more likely to wear a sun-safe hat, they were less likely to use sunscreen.
• People from coastal and regional and rural areas were significantly more likely to be exposed to the sun during peak UV hours compared to those from Sydney metropolitan areas, but their use of sun protection was generally higher and there were no geographical differences in reports of sunburn.

The latest Sun Protection Behaviours Report analyses data from the 2024 NSW Health Population Health Survey, which asked about 10,000 people to report on their sun exposure, episodes of sunburn, adoption of the five sun protection behaviours and the ease of finding shade at public parks. These results were extrapolated to the NSW population.

More information on how to reduce your risk of skin cancer is available on the Cancer Institute NSW website.

Health Minister Ryan Park:

“The release of the latest Sun Protection Behaviours Report is a good reminder especially to the state’s young adults to protect their skin when outside.

“Australia has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world and we need to take the threat of skin cancer seriously and follow the simple, life-saving steps needed to reduce our risk of this deadly disease.”

NSW Chief Cancer Officer and Chief Executive Cancer Institute NSW, Professor Tracey O’Brien AM:

“We are fortunate to live in a sun-drenched country but with that comes the increased risk of skin cancer, that’s why it is worrying that so many adults have been recently sunburnt.

“The report shows while progress has been made, we need to see more people protect their skin from the sun by doing the simple things we’ve been told for decades like seeking shade, wearing sunscreen, putting on a hat, sunglasses and protective clothing whenever we head outdoors.”

Katrina, diagnosed with melanoma aged 26 years

“I went to get my skin checked for the first time; a couple of my friends had been for skin checks so I thought it would be a good thing to do – like going to the dentist. The doctor biopsied one spot on my arm that looked suspicious. I was really shocked when I got the call to say it was an early-stage melanoma.

“I now encourage friends and siblings to get their skin checked. My melanoma was caught early, when it was treatable but it’s really scary for me to think about what might have happened if I hadn’t have had that skin check when I did.”

Residents of Rosebery, Eastlakes, Mascot, Pagewood and Eastgardens will be better connected by public transport, with the reinstatement of the 301 bus service starting on April 20. The reinstated service is part of the Minns Labor Government’s $452 million investment in rebuilding the state’s bus network.

The 301 route began in 1987 but was cut under the former Liberal government in 2021.

The restored route will service the Rosebery to Eastgardens part of the old route. It will be particularly beneficial for elderly residents in Rosebery and Eastlakes travelling to the Mascot shops and Westfield Eastgardens.

The new Route 301 will operate approximately every 30 minutes during off-peak periods Monday to Saturday, with the first service arriving at Eastgardens just before 10am and the last departing Eastgardens just after 5pm

There will be no changes to existing services in the area, including Routes 303, 306 and 350.

Transport for NSW is communicating these changes with passengers and communities to ensure they understand the service improvements and how best to plan their journey.

The restored 301 service is part of the wider $452 million bus investment announced in the 2025/26 budget by the Minns Labor Government. This follows a period of privatisation and underinvestment by the former Liberal government with the Bus Industry Taskforce 2024 calling bus ‘the forgotten mode’ due to a failure to invest in bus services, fleet and drivers.

Since coming to office in March 2023 the Minns Labor Government has delivered:

• 1357 additional new weekly services across Greater Sydney.
• Reduced the driver shortage from 500 down to 172.
• Ordered 923 new buses.
• Rebuilding local bus manufacturing – 571 buses ordered have over 50% local content.

Passengers are encouraged to plan ahead and check service information by visiting www.transportnsw.info.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“Bus is no longer the forgotten mode under Labor, we’re investing in new services like the 301, recognising bus travel as a critical part of our public transport network,

“Reinstating this section of Route 301 will give people in Rosebery and Eastlakes another option to get where they need to go, including easier access to Westfield Eastgardens.

“This is the first stage of growth services in the region and part of the Minns Labor Government’s investment to improve bus services and better connect communities across Sydney’s South East.”

Member for Heffron Ron Hoenig said:

“Residents in Eastlakes, Mascot and Rosebery have been clear: getting to Westfield Eastgardens shouldn’t mean multiple buses and long waits.”

“The 301 to Eastgardens is back in business, making local trips simpler and more reliable for everyone.

“This is a real win for my community. Whether it’s heading to the shops, attending medical appointments, accessing government services, or visiting family, it’s a lifeline for older residents and those in public housing who rely on public transport.

“This service should never have been taken away by the former Liberal Government. I thank our community for their support in having this vital route reinstated.”