November 2024 – 16 News

LibLab deal on Electoral Reform collapses – time for talks with the Greens

Speaking on the impasse between the major parties on Electoral Reform Greens Senate leader and democracy spokesperson Senator Larissa Waters said:

“We’ve seen the big party stitch up on electoral funding reform crumble today.

“The Greens were ready to pass the transparency aspects of this legislation having long campaigned to get the influence of big money out of politics.

“We want more transparency so the public can see who’s paying for what outcome, who’s paying to try to seek influence.

“With the deal reportedly dead between the two big parties who were very ready to scratch each other’s back, the onus is now on the government to come and talk to the Greens and the crossbench about genuine electoral reform.

“Frankly, the government should have been talking more earnestly with us all along. However, it’s pretty clear that they will now need to do that.

“We will continue to fight to clean up democracy so that it works for people, not just large political donors.

“We will always fight to make sure that corporate donors and fossil fuel companies and weapons manufacturers can’t buy the policy outcomes that suit them ahead of the interests of the Australian public.

“We are very keen to continue to try to work on improving our democracy, and we could have passed those transparency measures today. There is theoretically still time, although there’s a lot on the agenda.

“But we need to make sure that those other funding reforms were not simply a stitch up for the two big parties, and that is certainly what they looked to be.

“We need an inquiry into those provisions, or failing that, the government can go back to the drawing board and come and talk in an appropriately open fashion with the Greens and the crossbench.

“Then we can actually get reforms that will kick big money out of politics and protect democracy for the people, not just the two big parties.

It’s giving gambling ads for christmas: Labor’s late night fold on Greens gambling ad ban

The Greens have accused Labor and Peter Dutton of giving gambling ads to every Australian family this Christmas after voting against a Greens amendment to ban gambling ads in the Senate late last night.

The Greens moved an amendment to ban gambling ads on tv, radio and online during debate over the Communications Legislation Amendment (Regional Broadcasting Continuity) Bill 2024.

Sarah Hanson-Young is Greens spokesperson for communications, Senator for South Australia:

“Labor’s giving gambling ads this Christmas when they could have backed the Greens amendment last night to ban them before the holidays.

“Labor and Dutton have failed families on gambling ads. Addiction, family breakdowns and financial hardship will be worse this summer in Australia because the Albanese Government has sold out to Sportsbet.

“The facts are clear: Australians lose more per capita to gambling addiction than any nation on earth. Expert evidence and 70% of Australians support a full gambling ad ban, but Labor and Liberal are addicted to the donations, dinners and dirty deals with the gambling lobby.

“Instead of acting on the well established recommendations to ban gambling ads, they have rushed through a knee-jerk social media ban without evidence or due process.

“The Greens will move our Ban Gambling Ads Bill when Parliament returns in February and the Prime Minister and Peter Dutton should stop selling out to Sportsbet and support it.”

Greens condemn passage of boomers’ social media ban bill

The Greens have condemned Labor and the Liberals for smashing the Social Media Age Ban Bill through parliament this week.

The Greens had urged the Albanese Government to allow for proper consultation and scrutiny of Labor’s legislation, with many experts including health professionals, saying the blunt ban would have serious negative consequences for young people and recommending other measures to make social media safer for everyone.

Sarah Hanson-Young is spokesperson for Communications & Senator for South Australia:

“It is a disgrace that Labor teamed up with Peter Dutton to ram the social media age ban bill through the parliament this week.

“Parents are rightly concerned and we all agree something needs to be done to make tech platforms safer, but this was not the way to do it.

“There is no excuse for rushing this bill through and racing Peter Dutton to the bottom – it won’t even commence for 12 months.

“It is a sham bill that’s been through a sham process. It is a piece of legislation that doesn’t do what the PM or Peter Dutton say it will do – it won’t make young people safer online and doesn’t make social media safer for anyone.

“What we’ve witnessed this week is boomers trying to tell young people how the internet should work. Yet these boomers clearly have no idea how young people engage with the internet.

“This bill might make oldies feel like they’ve done something but in reality it only delivers a false sense of security. Young people will be pushed to darker spaces on the web and regional, marginalised and vulnerable kids will be further isolated.

“Instead, the parliament should have supported the Greens’ duty of care amendment, and implemented measures that address the dangerous and predatory business models of the tech giants.

“The passage of this law is a world-leading failure by the PM and Peter Dutton.”

Senator Hanson-Young’s speech in the Senate last night here.

Labor must immediately suspend all mutual obligations after DEWR revelations

The Greens say the federal government must immediately suspend all mutual obligation requirements after it was revealed that the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations had been incorrectly cancelling some Centrelink payments.

The discovery by DEWR that they had incorrectly cancelled payments following a third financial penalty under the Targeted Compliance Framework prompted the department to pause these cancellations in July while it undertakes further inquiries. The Targeted Compliance Framework forms the foundation of mutual obligations.

Greens Social Services spokesperson, Senator Penny Allman-Payne:

“The news today that DEWR has paused some payment suspensions because of their incorrect application should be the final nail in the coffin for the failed mutual obligations scheme.

“Income support recipients are already forced to survive on poverty payments that are among the lowest in the OECD. Robbing them of the meagre payments they rely on is unconscionable.

“Australia’s income support payments are among the lowest in the OECD, but even these tiny poverty payments can be taken away by unaccountable, profiteering job providers for the most inconsequential breaches.

“The privatised employment services system has produced nothing but failure and harm while enriching private providers who hound people for their payslips and push people into pointless training sessions.

“The Greens will continue to push for Work for the Dole and the Targeted Compliance Framework to be abolished, and for the provision of employment services to be returned to the Commonwealth.”

Humanitarian assistance to the Philippines

The Australian Government will provide $5 million in humanitarian assistance to support the Philippines’ recovery efforts following a devastating series of tropical cyclones.

The Philippines has recently endured a wave of destruction with six cyclones hitting the country within a month.

Tropical Cyclone Trami, locally known as Kristine, brought widespread flooding and landslides, claiming nearly 350 lives and displacing more than 700,000 people.

Just days later Super Typhoon Man-yi, locally known as Pepito, struck affecting 3.9 million people, killing 12, and disrupting recovery efforts that were underway.

Australia’s assistance will include essential services delivered through humanitarian partners including the United Nations, non-government organisations and local community organisations.

Our partners work in close coordination with local government and local organisations to support those most in need with shelter, water sanitation and hygiene, food security, and health services.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong:

“The Filipino people have shown extraordinary resilience in the face of back-to-back natural disasters. As friends and partners, Australia is pitching in to help in their time of need.
“Our assistance will help ensure families have food, clean water and the crucial resources needed to begin rebuilding their lives.”

Minister for International Development and the Pacific Pat Conroy:

“Our thoughts are with the people who have lost loved ones and the hundreds of thousands who have been displaced or impacted by the recent tropical cyclones. Some communities have been hit multiple times.
“Australia’s humanitarian funding will provide essential services including shelter, water sanitation and hygiene, and early recovery support.”

Touchdown for Turkish Airlines ignites NSW tourism boom

This afternoon the new Turkish Airlines flight from Istanbul will hit the tarmac at Sydney Airport, officially opening an exciting new route to Europe and a boost in the number of visitors to New South Wales.

From today, this new route will offer four flights a week with one of the world’s leading carriers. In the first year alone, this will deliver an additional 68,620 inbound seats to Sydney Airport, support more than 290 jobs and generate an estimated $53 million for the NSW visitor economy.

This new route was made possible with significant financial support from the NSW Government’s Aviation Attraction Fund. Attracting new routes and building aviation capacity is part of Minns Government’s plan to rapidly grow the NSW visitor economy.

As outlined in the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy review released last month, the Minns Government plans to grow the state’s tourism industry from the current annual expenditure of $53 billion to $91 billion by 2035.

The arrival of Turkish Airlines to Sydney marks a new phase of growth in passenger numbers arriving in NSW. Over the next ten years capacity is expected to grow by 8.5 million seats to support the new $91 billion growth target. This will be driven by big growth at Sydney Kingsford-Smith Airport, the opening of

Western Sydney International Airport in 2026 and the Newcastle Airport international terminal in 2025.

Tourism is already the state’s fifth biggest employer, and the projected growth will take the total number of jobs from 300,000 to 450,000. The growth in revenue and jobs in tourism will play an important role in sustaining economic growth as other industries decline.

The Aviation Attraction Fund, administered by Destination NSW, has helped land more than 40 routes and is currently supporting Newcastle Airport to attract new international routes, and has supported Sydney Airport to land a new Shanghai-Sydney route with Juneyao Airlines that will commence next month.

Premier for NSW Chris Minns says:

“This flight route will open an exciting new destination for people who want to book overseas trips, and for visitors who want to see what our incredible state has to offer.

“Sydney was voted the world’s top destination for a reason and we are supporting our airports to get more people visiting the state, spending money and creating jobs across NSW. “

Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham says:

“Turkish Airlines’ arrival in Sydney is a landmark moment that offers a new high-quality option for local travellers to Europe and a boost in visitor numbers to Sydney.

“This exciting new route from Istanbul was made possible by a financial incentive from the Minns Government.

“We are backing our airports to increase capacity and bring more visitors to NSW, creating jobs and economic growth in our tourism destinations right across the state.

“Bringing more passengers into our airports is part of the Minns Government’s plan to boost jobs and growth in our statewide visitor economy.”

Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton says:

“We’re proud to welcome our 50th airline partner Turkish Airlines as they launch their inaugural flight to Sydney, strengthening our international network and offering passengers even more choice and connectivity to Europe and beyond through their extensive hub in Istanbul.

“The arrival of Turkish Airlines not only strengthens their offering in our region but also highlights the vital role Sydney plays as a global aviation gateway. We’re also delighted they have chosen Sydney to host their inaugural non-stop services in the years ahead.

“Turkish Airlines has been recognised as the best airline in Europe by Skytrax, and it’s fantastic that so many passengers from Sydney will now have the opportunity to experience their world-class service first-hand.

“I’d like to thank and acknowledge the significant support of the NSW Government and Destination NSW in helping make this possible. Their collaboration continues to be instrumental in driving tourism and international connectivity for Sydney and the broader region.”

Turkish Airlines CEO Bilal Ekşi says:

“This momentous occasion marks Turkish Airlines’ longest flight path in history, as we happily add our second Australian city to our flight network.

“The arrival of our first flight from Istanbul to Sydney represents our ongoing commitment to connect travellers across the globe, providing a seamless gateway between Europe and Australia with the comfort and hospitality of Turkish Airlines.

“Once we receive our aircraft capable of conducting the journey in a single leap, we look forward to further expanding our offering in the near future with Australia’s first non-stop flights to Istanbul.”

NSW Government welcomes social media ban for children under 16

The NSW Government welcomes the Federal Government’s ban on social media for children under 16.

The Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024 passed both houses of Parliament this week.

The laws place the onus on social media platforms – not young people or their parents – to take reasonable steps to prevent Australians under 16 years of age from having accounts, and ensures systemic breaches will see platforms face fines of up to $49.5 million.

The minimum age will apply to ‘age-restricted social media platforms’ as defined in the Bill, which includes Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, X and others.

The Minns Labor Government is pleased that we have a national approach to social media bans. It means we have consistent rules across the country.

This follows the joint social media summit held by the NSW Government and the Government of South Australia – the first of its kind.

The Summit in Sydney reached consensus that social media, if left unchecked, uncensored, un-supervised, poses a threat, particularly to young people in our community.

Evidence shows us the links between increases in social media use and greater instances of mental health issues, loss of sleep, less in person interaction, and less practice of social skills.

The social media ban is a welcome measure for many parents, and another of the many measures now in place to help minimise the negative impacts of social media and devices on young people including:

Banning mobile phones in all NSW Public schools, with a recent survey showing that 86 per cent of principals believing socialising has improved since this came into effect.
Developing a statewide approach to address bullying in New South Wales schools.
A $2.5 million research fund to investigate the impacts of excessive screen time, video games and mobile phone use on young people and their learning.
Recruiting 250 additional school counsellors as part of the NSW Labor Government’s election commitment to student wellbeing.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“I want to congratulate the Albanese Government on passing these laws. They are world leading.”

“I’ve said before, social media is this giant global unregulated experiment on children, and we have to change that.

“The parents I speak to and certainly the evidence acknowledges that social media is doing an enormous amount of harm to young people.

“By making this law, at the very least we empower parents to be able to say no to their kids when it comes to social media because it’s now against the law.

“It also means kids can focus on being kids, talking to each other face to face, spending time outdoors and not fixated on their screens.”

More than 280 new firefighters join Fire and Rescue NSW

NSW Premier Chris Minns and Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib will today welcome 286 new firefighters to the ranks of Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) at a graduation ceremony in western Sydney.

The new intake includes 61 permanent firefighters and 225 paid on-call firefighters, with graduates hailing from diverse backgrounds including skydiving, carpentry, architecture, teaching and defence.

The graduation will take place at the Emergency Services Academy at Orchard Hills.

The new recruits have spent up to 12 weeks learning to deal with fire emergencies, as well as training in search and rescue, first aid, heavy vehicle driving and dealing with hazardous materials (HAZMAT).

In the past year, FRNSW has responded to 140,000 emergency incidents, conducted more than 24,000 safety visits and provided fire safety education to more than 40,000 children.

The Minns Labor Government is rebuilding Fire and Rescue NSW. The 2024-25 NSW Budget saved the jobs of almost 300 firefighters left unfunded by the former Coalition government. The Government is also building new fire stations in Byron Bay, Charlestown and Badgerys Creek.

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build stronger, safer communities across the state.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“I congratulate the graduating recruits and welcome them into the emergency services family.

“It takes a special kind of person to put the safety of others ahead of their own and to help those in need.

“That is the very best definition of public service.

“Our recruits will now put their training into action, joining metropolitan and regional fire crews across the state.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“I thank this group of recruits for making the commitment today to protect lives in communities across the state by joining Fire and Rescue NSW.

“Having been trained to prepare for anything, I am certain these new recruits will have a positive impact on the people of NSW for many years to come.

“It’s a special day for our newest recruits and their families, and I wish them all long and safe careers as NSW firefighters.”

Commissioner of FRNSW Jeremy Fewtrell said:

“FRNSW is leading the way when it comes to equipping and training firefighters.

“While today’s graduates come from diverse backgrounds, they have one thing in common – a drive to protect the irreplaceable.

“From today they are part of an organisation where the safety and trust of the community is at the heart of everything we do.”

Firefighter profiles

Firefighter Charly Rusconi

Former skydiving instructor, Charly Rusconi, who has over 9,000 jumps under his belt. He completed his training in September and is now stationed at Silverwater Fire Station.

In his first months, Firefighter Rusconi and his crew responded to variety of incidents including structure fires, motor vehicle accidents and an animal rescue.

Firefighter Charly Rusconi said:

“The training we received was so interesting yet intense.

“Given my skydiving experience, I was comfortable with the ‘working at heights’ and ‘ropes’ components, but everything else was brand new.

“Since being stationed at Silverwater, I’ve completed 14 shifts and attended 10 structure fires.

“It’s unfortunate that often we come across people during times of distress, but I love that we can make their day a little better.

“Most of my crew are parents, so we love being able to engage with kids in the local community, whether that’s talking to them on the street or visiting schools for fire safety education sessions.”

Firefighter Atanesi Tia

On-call Firefighter Atanesi Tia, from Griffith, juggles her new role alongside a busy family life.

Firefighter Atanesi Tia said:

“I was looking for a career change that let me balance caring for my three children.

“A family friend invited us to a drill night at Griffith Fire Station last year as my husband was initially interested in joining, but I ended up signing up instead.

“My background is Samoan, so family and community are extremely important to me, and the flexibility of being an on-call firefighter allows me to spend more time with my son before he starts kindergarten next year.

“This job can be challenging, but it gives me a great sense of purpose and I love that I can be there for my local community during their time of need.”

DA approved for build-to-rent homes in East Lismore

A $30 million election commitment from the Minns Labor Government to provide a much-needed boost to rental options in the Northern Rivers is now a step closer to being realised.

Landcom’s plans for 50 build-to-rent apartments near the Southern Cross University at East Lismore have been approved by the Northern Regional Planning Panel – just 68 days since they were lodged with Lismore City Council.

Part of the NSW Government’s build-to-rent pilot program to increase rental supply in regional communities affected by rising rents and low housing availability, the plans will provide important additional housing for the Northern Rivers region, which was impacted by major floods in 2022.

The development will feature a mix of apartment sizes to suit the needs, lifestyles and budgets of different households. Close to shops, schools, open space and other community infrastructure, 20% will be affordable rental housing, supporting essential workers and people with low and moderate household incomes.

The project site at the corner of Crawford Road and Military Road is not flood prone and has been designed with sustainability and climate-resilience in mind, maximising solar access and cross ventilation for the wellbeing of residents. Other features include private off-street parking, outdoor communal spaces, landscaping featuring subtropical plants, and views to bushland in the east.

The plans were informed by community and stakeholder feedback, planning controls, and site investigations, including studies related to local traffic, the natural environment and urban design. 

Landcom seek construction tender responses early next year. Subject to approvals, construction should begin in 2025, with the aim of residents moving into their new homes in 2026.

This follows the recent approval of Landcom’s 50 build-to-rent homes in Bomaderry on the NSW South Coast.

To learn more about the project, visit landcom.com.au/eastlismore.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully:

“Housing affordability and availability is one of the biggest pressures facing NSW residents, with regional communities like Lismore and the wider Northern Rivers region doing it particularly tough.

“The build-to-rent project at East Lismore will help to boost the supply of much-needed rental stock, while providing greater housing choice, security and affordability for future residents in well-located, well-designed and well-built homes.

“Continuing the NSW Government’s ongoing efforts to support flood recovery in the Northern Rivers, the build-to-rent project will also support jobs during and beyond construction.”

Minister for Housing Rose Jackson:

“Having access to affordable and secure housing is a basic human right. We need safe, good quality, accessible homes for people in regional areas, particularly in places like the Northern Rivers which have been hit hard by devastating floods in recent years.

“Projects like these are an important step towards delivering affordable rental housing for the people of regional NSW.”

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin:

“The build-to-rent project at East Lismore is a welcome investment by the NSW Government to provide secure and affordable rental options for the Lismore community.

“Landcom’s build-to-rent project will help to fill gaps in the housing market, where there is a need for a greater mix of housing, with more smaller homes and housing suited to smaller households.

“I am pleased to see the pace of progress being made by Landcom, with support from Lismore City Council, to help local renters to put a roof over their head as soon as practical.”

Landcom CEO Alex Wendler:

“Our vision is to transform the unused East Lismore site with much-needed homes that are well-designed, sustainable and climate-resilient, while also celebrating the region’s architecture and lifestyle.

“We want future residents to be proud to call the development home, benefiting from easy access to open space, shops, services, schools and jobs.

“The speed at which we’ve reached this milestone is a testament to working collaboratively with Lismore City Council and other key stakeholders to fast-track home delivery.”

Wollongong Health Precinct Update

A revitalised Wollongong Health Precinct is one step closer following the release of an Engagement Outcomes Report detailing the community’s views on the proposed development following community consultations in 2024.

The key issues detailed in the Engagement Outcomes Report, focused on parking and transport links to access the site, public safety upgrades, an expansion of general and specialised healthcare services, more local housing for key health workers such as cleaners, and more public open space.

The engagement program undertook extensive consultation with the local community, including eight information sessions, online surveys, written submissions and targeted workshops with culturally and linguistically diverse groups.

Feedback was also sought from local Indigenous community groups, along with research and education providers, as well as industry and peak bodies.

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) has been using its findings from the report to prepare the Draft Wollongong Health Precinct Strategy.

The Draft Wollongong Health Precinct Strategy will incorporate future planning for NSW Health’s Master Plan for Wollongong Public Hospital, Transport for NSW’s Wollongong Station Master Plan and Access Strategy and Wollongong City Council’s Local Housing Plan and Integrated Transport Strategy.

The Strategy will be publicly exhibited early next year, giving the community, landowners and other stakeholders a further opportunity to provide more feedback.

To view the report visit – Engagement Outcomes Report – Wollongong Health Precinct

Minister for Health, Regional Health, Illawarra & the South Coast Ryan Park said:

“As the demand for health services grows in the Illawarra, we recognise Wollongong Hospital needs to meet that increased pressure.

“As the largest hospital in the area Wollongong provides a comprehensive range of services for the community, and this process enables our government to shape the future of this important healthcare precinct.

“I am delighted to see the interest the community is taking in this hospital. Valuable feedback provided for this report about Wollongong Hospital will go a long way to ensuring it continues to meet the healthcare needs of the Illawarra for decades to come.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:

“As Wollongong continues to grow and change, it continues to attract world class public and private investment to the area.

“This new opportunity will see investment in Wollongong’s housing supply and choice, creation of new jobs and improved public spaces, infrastructure and services.

“Wollongong’s emerging Health Precinct will play a vital role in contributing to this growth.

“The Engagement Outcomes Report is a key piece of information, along with the Hospital Masterplan, Wollongong Station Masterplan and Council’s local housing plans, in the development of the Wollongong Health Precinct.”