Workers lives remembered at International Day of Mourning event

The New South Wales Government today pays its deepest respects to those who have died from work-related incidents or illness and their loved ones.

I will today join Unions NSW at a service at Reflection Park at Sydney’s Darling Harbour to honour the memory of those who have lost their lives, with the family, friends, and co-workers of victims.

The NSW Government believes every worker deserves a safe workplace and any workplace death is a tragedy.

While today we remember those who didn’t come home to their loved ones, the best tribute the NSW Government can offer is a safer future for others.

The NSW Government is acting to transform SafeWork NSW into a standalone regulator with a heightened role for families of injured workers.

We are enacting an industrial manslaughter offence – the last mainland state to introduce this offence – to hold to account those responsible for the death of a worker due to negligent or reckless behaviour.

The NSW Government is progressing a world-leading ban on engineered stone from July 1 to stem the rise in deadly silicosis.

This is a sombre day of grief and remembrance, but it must also be a day on which we recommit to action.

Hunter Street over station development gets planning tick

A world-class precinct at Hunter Street is one step closer with plans for the key major CBD precinct receiving planning approval from the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.

The proposals are for a 58-storey building above Hunter Street Station East, between O’Connell Street and Bligh Street, and a 51-storey building above Hunter Street Station West, on the corner of George Street and Hunter Street.

The two new buildings will support additional jobs and economic growth through new commercial and retail land uses in Central Sydney.

These new commercial and retail buildings will also be linked directly by Sydney Metro West to thousands of new additional homes being turbocharged by the NSW Government.

The construction of Hunter Street station commenced in 2023 and is well underway with major excavation of the station cavern ongoing.

When Sydney Metro West opens, passengers will also be able to use an underground walkway to connect to metro services on the Metro North West Line and City & Southwest line at Martin Place. Connections to light rail and train services will be close by at Wynyard Station

To drive improved placemaking outcomes for the area, Sydney Metro is using a first-of-its-kind procurement model. The planning process for Hunter Street over station development is running concurrently with the procurement of a development Partner to deliver the project.

Two consortia were shortlisted to work with Sydney Metro to develop the vision for Hunter Street Station as a world-class precinct at the heart of a vibrant and connected city.

Final plans for the area are subject to ongoing engagement with industry and key stakeholders, which will continue throughout 2024.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:

“This is an exciting milestone for the Sydney Metro West project, we’ve been given the green light to continue developing the detailed designs for this brand new station precinct.”

“The successful tenderer will deliver a brand new station beneath Hunter Street and two new buildings above.”

“The 24km Metro West line will not only unlock housing supply across our city, but developments like this one at Hunter Street will be incredible new employment centres.”

Planning & Public Spaces Minister Paul Scully said:

“The Hunter Street precinct is creating an opportunity to see more jobs delivered near a world-class transport network.

“These two new buildings will pave the way to connect people to their homes, jobs and the Sydney CBD.

“Making sure we have enriching public spaces in our cities is an important stage in the planning process. Both stations and buildings will help revitalise Sydney’s CBD and its transformation into a 24-hour economic centre.”

New Local Land Services board chairs and members announced and LLS review released

The NSW Government has today announced the new ministerial appointments to the State’s 11 Local Land Services regional boards.

Of the 24 appointments, some have been re-appointed for a further and final term while others will be joining LLS for the first time.  

During an extensive statewide recruitment process, 157 applications were received to join LLS regional boards across NSW.

This is in line with the 161 applications received in 2022 and clearly indicates local people continue to maintain enthusiasm to be part of LLS activities.

LLS boards are a made up of a mix of Ministerially appointed and elected board members who bring a wealth of skills, experience and commitment to the organisation.

LLS board members work closely with landholders and local communities to identify and help shape the services offered by LLS, such as providing best practice advice on pest animal management, agricultural production and natural resource management.

The Government also today released the review of Local Land Services (LLS) boards and committees.

The review, requested by Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty, recognised LLS as a high performing organisation which is regionally relevant, provides tailored services to meet local needs, attracts a high level of trust and can achieve on ground outcomes without coercion.

The review provided several options for reform ranging from maintaining the status quo to a major overhaul of the LLS board and governance structure.

Minister Moriarty carefully considered the findings and opted for refinements that involve minimal disruption to the Local Land Services structure, while strengthening agency governance.

Options for reform being actioned include:

  • Retaining the LLS Board comprising of regional representatives and an independent chair as the agency’s primary governance
  • Remunerating board members in line with similar groups and boards across government, resulting in $1.4 million in savings that will be reinvested into LLS
  • Creating one governance structure where local boards become subcommittees of the LLS Board, simplifying compliance and reducing costs
  • Retaining the existing LLS election process to ensure ratepayers have a say on who represents their region.

Other options outlined in the review that were not supported included reducing the number of LLS regions and replacing all regional boards with a single representative.

Read the full review of Local Land Services (LLS) boards and committees

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“Local Land Services regional boards play a key role in connecting the organisation to landholders and communities across NSW.

As the agency reaches its 10th year of operation, this was a timely review to understand whether the existing structure of its boards and committees are appropriate for the functions they perform.

While there were a wide range of options outlined in this review, I have opted for practical and common-sense refinements to ensure LLS is set up for success.

Importantly, we are already actioning the supported recommendations that will improve the way LLS operates so it can continue to deliver its valued services for farmers and landholders.

I will be writing to the new LLS Chair, once they’re appointed, to ensure these recommendations continue to progress and be implemented.

Local Land Services board members appointed by the Minister are:

  • Donna Rygate – Central Tablelands local board chair
  • Rachel Nicoll – Central Tablelands local board member
  • Hunter White – Central Tablelands local board member
  • Paul (Midnight) Brydon- Central West local board chair
  • Lisa Schiff – Central West local board member
  • Polly Bennett – Greater Sydney local board chair
  • James Kellaway – Greater Sydney local board member
  • Allison Mudford – Hunter local board chair
  • Dr Elizabeth McEntyre – Hunter local board member
  • Brynnie Goodwill – Hunter local board member
  • Derek Schoen- Murray local board chair
  • Jolyon Bennett – North Coast local board chair
  • Danielle Mulholland – North Coast local board member
  • Dr Alex Ball – Northern Tablelands local board chair
  • Martha Saw – Northern Tablelands local board member
  • Stephanie Cameron – North West local board chair
  • Tim White – North West local board member
  • Lisa Anderson – Riverina local board chair
  • Sarah Roche – Riverina local board member
  • Michael Friend – Riverina local board member
  • Ian Johnsson – South East local board member
  • Magnus Aitken – Western local board chair
  • Hugh McLean – Western local board member
  • Lawrence Clarke – Western local board member

Missing teen from Newcastle found

A girl missing from Newcastle has been located safe and well.

The 14-year-old was last seen at an address on Church Street, Newcastle, about 11.40am yesterday (Saturday 27 April 2024).

When she was unable to be located or contacted, she was reported missing to officers attached to Newcastle City Police District who commenced inquiries to locate her.

Following inquiries, a geotargeted message and an appeal for assistance, she was located in Newcastle today (Sunday 28 April 2024).

Key milestone for Pacific Engagement Visa program

Pacific Island and Timor-Leste nationals will be able to register for Australia’s new Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) program from 3 June 2024, providing new opportunities for Pacific and Timorese nationals to live, work and study in Australia.

The program will enable up to 3,000 citizens of Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste to migrate to Australia as permanent residents each year.

This will grow Australia’s diaspora, deepen cultural connections, boost business, and educational ties between Australia and participating countries and support economic development in the Pacific.

Countries participating in the first year of the program include Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, with discussions ongoing with other partners in the region.

The PEV program will use an online ballot to select participants, who can then apply for the visa, providing an equitable, streamlined and transparent system.

Applicants must secure a formal ongoing job offer in Australia and meet health and character requirements, before being granted a visa.

The PEV responds directly to Pacific requests for greater regional mobility, delivering education, skills and economic and development dividends for the region, and linking us more closely together.

Pacific and Timorese nationals participating in the program will have access to a range of supports, including migrant settlement services, English language programs, public schools and healthcare, and financial supports to encourage participation in study and training.

For further information visit Pacific Engagement Visa program.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:

“The Albanese Government is delivering on our commitment to deepen our connections with the Pacific and Timor-Leste with the commencement of the Pacific Engagement Visa.

“Australia has listened to the calls of Pacific leaders and responded, as we play our part for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Pacific.”

Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:

“The Pacific Engagement Visa demonstrates the high value Australia places on its relationship with the Pacific and Timor-Leste.”

“The program will grow Pacific and Timor-Leste diasporas in Australia, strengthening linkages between our people and encouraging greater cultural, business, economic and educational exchange with Pacific countries.”

“The program has transformative potential, making Australia’s world-class education and training system more accessible for new residents under the Pacific Engagement Visa.”

“Through these impacts, and by boosting remittance flows to Pacific countries, the program will also support economic development and welfare in the Pacific.”

Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, the Hon Andrew Giles MP:

“The Pacific Engagement Visa program is an opportunity to address the under-representation of Pacific island and Timorese nationals in Australia’s permanent migration program, with less than 1 per cent of permanent migrants currently coming from the region.”

“The program is in keeping with the Government’s Migration Strategy which identifies deepening Australia’s people-to-people links with the Indo-Pacific as one of eight key actions to reform the migration system.”

LABOR IS MIA ON MENTAL HEALTH

The Chair of Mental Health Australia has resigned because the labor government has failed to take sufficient action on mental health policy. 

The Australian Greens agree that the government is failing people in Australia when it comes to proactive policies that would improve our communities’ mental health. 

Senator Jordon Steele-John, Greens Spokesperson for Health:

“We are experiencing a mental health crisis in this country – the former chair of Mental Health Australia knows it, our community knows it, but Labor does not seem to care. 

“This month we’ve seen the Labor government choose to provide billions in handouts to weapons companies, instead of investing in our community and expanding mental health care available through Medicare. 

“We need to see Labor reverse their decision to reduce the number of better access scheme sessions and commit to return to 20 mental healthcare sessions. 

“In the cost of living crisis we’re experiencing there should be no out-of-pocket costs for people accessing mental health care in this country. It is unacceptable that people are in a situation where they need to ration their healthcare because of the cost.

“This is beyond crisis point. The Federal Government must explore ways for people to get affordable mental health care, including expanding the range of mental healthcare professionals that offer services through Medicare.” 

AUSTRALIA EXPORTED $1.5 MILLION WORTH OF WEAPONS TO ISRAEL IN FEBRUARY 2024, FRESH DFAT DATA SHOWS

Just published data from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade shows that in February 2024 alone Australia directly exported over $1.5 million in ‘arms and ammunition’ to Israel.

This most recent version of DFAT’s monthly ‘country and commodity pivot tables’ shows that the value of the February 2024 exports was nearly as much as the entire value of direct ‘arms and munitions’ exports to Israel since the Albanese Government came to power, collectively over $3.25 million.

The term ‘arms and ammunition’ only refers to guns, bullets, missiles, tanks, swords and other weapons. This definition does not cover the bulk of military goods Australia exports directly to Israel or through third countries, such as engines for drones and military-grade steel for armoured vehicles. These figures also likely do not include weapons exported indirectly, such as F35 fighter parts that likely are channelled through the United States and Europe.

At a recent Senate Estimates hearing, the Chief Economist of DFAT acknowledged that the DFAT data showing Australia has exported $10 million worth of ‘arms and ammunition’ to Israel over the past five years is credible.

UN agencies and experts have called on countries, including Australia, to stop exporting military equipment to Israel for months. These calls are being ignored by the Albanese Government.

Greens Senator and Defence Spokesperson David Shoebridge said: “Make no mistake the Albanese Labor Government by permitting these exports to Israel is complicit in the genocide that is occurring. Each of these exports requires the express consent of the Australian government.

“The fact these arms and ammunition exports occurred in February 2024 is appalling. This was five months into the brutal assault on the people of Gaza when the world had witnessed indiscriminate and disproportionate killing and mass starvation being used as a weapon by the Israeli military.

“The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade says Australia is still exporting military equipment to Israel, as does the UN and Australian arms manufacturers. It is no longer credible for the Albanese Government to deny this reality.

“It’s remarkable that Australian exporters are being more honest about sending arms and ammunition to Israel in the middle of a genocide than our own Government.

“It is long past time for the Albanese Labor Government to stop the two-way arms trade with the State of Israel. This is their obligation under international humanitarian law and the express provisions of the Genocide Convention.

“How many more deaths will it take, and how many more times will the Government try to mislead the public, before action is taken?”

GOVERNMENT CAN TAKE ACTION ON MEN’S VIOLENCE WITHOUT WAITING ROYAL COMMISSION

A Royal Commission could draw further attention to this epidemic, but we already know what needs to be done to reduce and eliminate violence against women: fund and roll-out nationwide prevention programs, fully fund frontline response services including crisis housing, and fix the justice system.

Greens leader in the Senate and spokesperson on women, Larissa Waters

“Many state and federal parliamentary inquiries into violence against women and children have already been undertaken, creating many excellent recommendations that await implementation. The National Plan likewise contains laudable aspirations.

“A Royal Commission could further delay those urgent actions while women continue to die at the hands of men they know.

“If we want to stop women being murdered, we need to see the government cough up real funding increases in the upcoming budget that are guaranteed in the long-term. 

“We need to properly fund crisis accommodation, so that women and children experiencing violence can find a safe place to sleep.

“We need to fund prevention services, to put an end to the gender inequality and culture of disrespect for women that exists in our society.

“We need to increase income support payments so that women trying to escape violence aren’t forced to choose between a violent home and poverty. 

“These are real, concrete actions Labor can take now to keep women safe. Without waiting for a Royal Commission.”

LABOR’S MIA IN PERTH ON MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORTS

The Chair of Mental Health Australia has resigned because the Labor government has failed to take sufficient action on mental health policy.

The Australian Greens agree that the government is failing people in Australia when it comes to proactive policies that would improve our communities’ mental health.

The Greens plan includes investing $4.8 billion to ensure mental healthcare is fully covered under Medicare by providing unlimited sessions with a psychologist or psychiatrist with no out-of-pocket fees so everyone can get the support they need, when they need it, at every stage of their mental health journey.

Senator Jordon Steele-John, Greens Spokesperson for Health

“The Labor government’s obsession with providing billions in handouts to weapons companies instead of investing in our communities has left millions of Australians struggling.

“Last Week Defence Minister Richard Marles announced an additional $50 Billion in funding to accelerate long-range missiles and targeting systems, as well as lethal autonomous systems. This $50 billion could have instead provided free and unlimited mental health care to every resident in Perth and across the country for a century.

“We are experiencing a mental health crisis in this country and instead of getting rid of the arbitrary division between mental health and physical health this government has cut Medicare subsidised psychologist sessions by half.” 

“The Greens want to end the creeping Americanisation of Australia’s healthcare system and bring mental healthcare fully under Medicare so it’s your medicare card and not your bank balance that determines whether you can get the support you need when you need it.”
 

Sophie Greer, Greens Candidate for Perth

“Our community here in Perth are struggling right now and the cost of living crisis is having a significant effect on the mental wellbeing of our community.”

“During COVID the increase in subsidised psychologist sessions was a relief for so many residents who were struggling. It’s unbelievable that the Labor government, including our local member, would support reducing people’s access to affordable mental health care.” 

“1 in 2 people in Australia experience a mental health condition in their lifetime, and our Perth community is in urgent need of more community mental health support. 

“The Greens plan will see a huge investment into our healthcare system, it’ll support our local mental health workforce and ensure people can access mental health support, including access to psychology or psychiatry sessions free of charge when they need it.”

NSW Government delivers on election commitment to empower female sports leaders

In a boost for female participation in sport, the NSW Labor Government is today delivering on it’s election commitment to ensure our State Sporting Organisations are better funded to provide for our grassroots sporting communities.

A key component of the election promise was to drive outcomes for women in sport, in governance, as coaches, or building the next generation of female leaders.

As part of the Organisational Support Program a new project to deliver the next generation of female sporting leaders was launched today following an agreement between the NSW Government and peak body Sport NSW.

The NSW Government will provide $250,000 to Sport NSW to deliver the Female Leadership and Fair Play Project which will expand on Sport NSW’s female leadership and Fast Track for Female Coaches program to increase the number of female leaders and coaches in NSW sport.

The project will also support the implementation of the NSW Sport Fair Play network which will support and advise on initiative to make community sport environments more welcoming and supportive for participants at a grass root level.

The aim of this initiative is to build a pipeline of board ready female leaders to support gender equity on boards and close the gender gap amongst coaches in pathway and elite coaching roles.

NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“The NSW Government is committed to supporting pathways for female coaches and officials in sport.

“Participants in this project will become role models for future female coaches and athletes, increasing the depth of knowledge and expertise among female coaches in this state.

“Importantly, it will also create a pipeline of board-ready female leaders, resulting in increased gender equity on boards in the future.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“The NSW Government is committed to improving gender equality and one of the ways it is doing this is the Female Leadership and Fair Play Project to increase the number of female leaders and coaches.

“Research shows that organisations with women in leadership positions leads to a decline in their gender pay gap.

“Therefore, it is vital that we provide women and girls pathways to leadership so we can continue to address gender quality and the pay gap in sport.

“It’s not only good for women, it’s good for sport.”

Sport NSW Chair Chris Hall said:

“The Female Leadership and Fair Play Project aims to increase knowledge and capability among female coaches, match officials and leaders at NSW sporting organisations.

“This funding will allow us to develop more female leaders across the sport sector.

“Sport NSW looks forward to partnering with sporting organisations so even more women have the opportunity to become coaches, senior administrators and board directors.”

Paralympic Gold Medallist and NSW Institute of Sport Coach and program presenter Louise Sauvage OAM said:

“It is vital that we provide programs that support the pathway development of female coaches, match officials and leaders.

“Importantly, this project also aims to improve inclusiveness in sport by providing guidance and education to leaders on inclusive participation opportunities.”