Return Home of Five Australians

The Australian Government can confirm that Australian citizens, Matthew Norman, Scott Rush, Martin Stephens, Si Yi Chen, and Michael Czugaj have returned to Australia.

The five men committed serious offences, serving over 19 years in prison in Indonesia.

We would like to convey our deep appreciation to the Government of Indonesia for its cooperation to facilitate the men’s return to Australia on humanitarian grounds.

This reflects the strong bilateral relationship and mutual respect between Indonesia and Australia.

The Australian Government has consistently advocated for the men and provided consular support to them and their families.

The men will have the opportunity to continue their personal rehabilitation and reintegration in Australia.

We ask that the media respect the privacy of the men and their families at this time.

Appeal to locate missing teenager -Hunter Region

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenage girl missing from the state’s Hunter Region.

Chloe Lawrence, aged 15, was last seen at Newcastle Interchange shortly after midnight today (Sunday 15 December 2024).

When she could not be located or contacted, officers attached Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were notified and an investigation commenced into her whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for Chloe’s welfare due to her age.

Chloe is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 150cm tall, of thin build, with shoulder length brown/red hair.

It is not know what she maybe wearing.

Chloe is known to frequent the Newcastle, Bolwarra, Maitland and East-Maitland areas.

Anyone with information into her whereabouts is urged to contact Raymond Terrace Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Appeal to locate girl missing from Newcastle

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a missing girl last seen in Newcastle today.

Penelope Lowa, aged 11, was last seen in Newcastle about 12am today (Sunday 15 December 2024).

When she could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Port Stephens/Hunter Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Police and family hold serious concerns for her welfare due to her young age.

Penelope is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 160cm tall, of thin build, with shoulder length brown hair and brown eyes.

She is known to frequent the Maitland, Newcastle and East Maitland areas.

Anyone with information on her whereabouts is urged to call Port Stephens Hunter Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Albanese should use Tassie visit to end salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour

The Australian Greens have responded to Prime Minister Albanese cosying up to multinational salmon farming corporations on Tasmania’s west coast, saying he should ensure that salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour ends. 

“The PM and Peter Dutton are in a race to the bottom of Macquarie Harbour where they will find the Maugean skate on the edge of extinction,” Greens Senator for Tasmania Senator Nick McKim said.

“The big winner will be the profits of foreign salmon farming corporations and the big loser will be the environment and in particular the ancient Maugean skate.”

“Silly political games like this are driving an ancient species into extinction and destroying the marine ecosystem of Macquarie Harbour.”

“This is extinction politics, and Tasmanian salmon is extinction salmon.”

“Foreign salmon farming corporations are chasing ever bigger profits and Labor and the Liberals are falling over themselves to deliver, no matter what the cost to nature.”

“These are the same greedy corporates who now want to expand around Storm Bay and in other Tasmanian coastal waters, and plunder a recently discovered massive population of sardines to feed their toxic fish factories.”

“Salmon farming needs to be booted out of Macquarie Harbour and transition support given to the small number of workers impacted.”

A Cheaper, Cleaner, and More Consistent Energy Plan for Australia

Australians face soaring energy costs, record levels of hardship, small business insolvencies, and growing uncertainty under Labor’s renewables-only energy plan.

The latest analysis from Frontier Economics reveals the Coalition’s balanced energy mix, including zero-emissions nuclear power, offers a cheaper, cleaner, and more consistent alternative, delivering massive savings for Australian families and businesses.

The Coalition’s energy plan will save Australians up to $263 billion compared to Labor’s renewables-only approach – a 44 per cent saving for taxpayers and businesses.

Cheaper Energy Costs

Labor’s energy plan comes at five times the cost Australians were initially promised. This excessive burden is already being felt by families and businesses, with energy bills rising by up to 52 per cent and more than 25,000 businesses forced to close their doors in part due to skyrocketing energy costs.

In contrast, the Coalition’s approach integrates zero-emissions nuclear energy alongside renewables and gas, delivering a total system cost significantly lower than Labor’s. This means reduced power bills for households, lower operating costs for small businesses, and a stronger, more resilient economy.

Anthony Albanese promised Australians a $275 cut to their power bills, but instead, families are paying up to $1,000 more under Labor’s costly and chaotic energy policies.

Labor’s ‘renewables-only’ experiment is costing Australians five times more than originally promised, driving energy prices higher and small businesses to the brink.

Over 25,000 small businesses have already closed, and families are entering hardship arrangements with their energy providers at the rate of 560 per week. Australians can’t afford Labor’s costly energy policies.

Cleaner Energy Mix

Nuclear energy is the key to achieving net-zero emissions sooner. Under the Coalition’s plan, Australia will meet net zero emissions by 2050 – one year earlier than Labor – while generating fewer emissions beyond 2050.

By avoiding Labor’s unnecessary overdevelopment on pristine landscapes and farmland, the Coalition ensures a more sustainable and responsible shift from coal to zero emissions nuclear.

Under Anthony Albanese, emissions are higher now than when the Coalition left office, proving that Labor’s chaotic renewables-only agenda isn’t just expensive, it’s ineffective.

Our plan responsibly integrates renewables, increasing large-scale solar and wind capacity while protecting regional communities from overdevelopment. At the same time, zero-emissions nuclear energy and gas provide the reliability that Labor’s plan fails to deliver.

Consistent Power Supply

Labor’s plan will see 90 per cent of Australia’s 24/7 baseload power forced out of the system by 2034, leaving the grid vulnerable to blackouts and instability.

In contrast, the Coalition’s approach ensures retiring coal plants are replaced with reliable, zero-emissions nuclear energy, supported by renewables, gas, and storage. By 2050, our plan will deliver up to 14 GW of nuclear energy, guaranteeing consistent and stable electricity for all Australians.

A Better Path for Australia

Frontier Economics’ analysis leaves no doubt: Australians will be better off under our plan. We will avoid hidden costs, reduce unnecessary infrastructure expenses, and lead to lower energy prices.

Labor’s chaotic plan burdens Australians with a system that costs five times more than they were promised. The Coalition’s plan ensures Australians are not overburdened by unnecessary expenses or reckless policies.

Nuclear energy is at the heart of our plan, providing the “always-on” power needed to back up renewables, stabilise the grid, and keep energy affordable. Advanced economies worldwide are expanding nuclear programs to meet their energy and emissions goals, and Australia must not be left behind.

Only the Coalition’s energy plan delivers a cheaper, cleaner, and consistent future for Australian households and businesses while protecting our environment and securing the energy Australians rely on.

One step closer to a more pedestrian-friendly city

City of Newcastle is investing $2 million into footpaths this year as it takes the next step to make walking and active transport the preferred choice for short trips by 2034.

Councillors voted to adopt the Walking and Mobility Plan on Tuesday night, paving the way to implement a shared vision for enhanced pedestrian safety, accessibility and convenience across the city.

The plan includes a framework for determining how projects will be identified, prioritised, and scheduled.

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said the adoption of the 10-year plan reaffirms a commitment to building and supporting walkable neighbourhoods.

“Walking provides wide-ranging social, environmental and health benefits, and this plan ensures we’re taking the right steps so they can be enjoyed across the community,” Cr Kerridge said.

“One of the first unanimous resolutions of this elected Council was to commit to delivering at least 20 kilometres of new footpaths over this new term of Council, because we know that having the right pedestrian infrastructure is vital to realising our vision of a more walkable Newcastle.

City of Newcastle’s Executive Manager Transport & Regulation Ryan Tranter said almost $2 million has already been allocated this financial year for footpath projects, including Freyberg Street, New Lambton and Traise Street, Waratah, where works are underway.

“Some new projects will update and expand existing pathways, while others will provide missing links and new crossing infrastructure,” Mr Tranter said.

“It’s all about taking a systematic, data-driven approach to make sure we are focusing our resourcing in the most beneficial areas for the community.”

Twenty-four key actions will guide the delivery of the plan, focused around promoting the safety and prioritisation of pedestrians, building and maintaining walkable neighbours, supporting walking trips and destinations, and fostering and celebrating walking in our communities.

Councillor Elizabeth Adamczyk, Chair of the Access Inclusion Standing Committee, said that when we refer to walking, we include all pedestrian movements, including mobility scooters, wheelchairs, and prams. 

“The adoption of this Walking and Mobility Plan will ensure pedestrians of all ages, abilities and mobilities, feel safe within the public road space,” Cr Adamczyk said.

“Social equity and inclusivity are at the heart of this plan, because we want to make sure the benefits of walking can be enjoyed by everyone. 

“Including accessibility and socio-demographic factors such as age and disability as essential considerations when prioritising new pedestrian infrastructure projects is important to ensure that what we deliver is accessible and safe for the whole community”. 

Actions in the plan were updated following feedback from its public exhibition earlier this year, to provide clarity around how accessibility will be improved.

It followed an extensive consultation process with the community and other relevant stakeholders to shape the plan.  

The Walking and Mobility Plan aligns with the main objectives of the Newcastle 2040 Community Strategic Plan, helping to make the city a more liveable, sustainable and creative place.

Community invited to have a say on the future of Newcastle

City of Newcastle is inviting the community to provide feedback on its long-term vision for the city, with the update of its Community Strategic Plan, Newcastle 2040, now on public exhibition.  

The Plan was adopted by Council in 2022, and this year underwent a review including community consultation to ensure it continues to align with Novocastrians’ shared vision for a liveable, sustainable, inclusive global city.  

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said the update of Newcastle 2040 is an important step in ensuring Newcastle remains aligned with the aspirations and priorities of the community.  

“Newcastle 2040 is a 10-year roadmap identifying where we are now, where we want to be in the future, and how we’ll get there,” Cr Kerridge said. 

“It’s a plan that represents the community’s shared vision for Newcastle, bringing together who we are, what we love, our challenges, and our opportunities. 

“Since its adoption, City of Newcastle has delivered projects that enhance liveability and inclusivity, including local centre upgrades, improved safety for pedestrians and cyclists, and investments in vital infrastructure such as sporting facilities and stormwater drainage. 

“We’ve also made strides in sustainability through climate action and initiatives to achieve net-zero emissions. The review process aims to ensure these efforts remain aligned with community expectations and contribute to the continued success of Newcastle.” 

The public exhibition period is now open and concludes on 30 January 2025. All residents, community members and interested stakeholders are encouraged to review the plan and provide feedback by visiting https://haveyoursay.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/newcastle-2040-csp-review

By getting involved, community members also have the chance to win a share of $1,500 in prizes. Community members can participate by completing the online survey or by creating and sharing what they love most about Newcastle with a text, photo or video submission.

More affordable homes to be delivered faster

The Minns Labor Government is removing unnecessary roadblocks to the delivery of more affordable homes in NSW with changes to the threshold for Infill Affordable Housing projects being sent to the Independent Planning Commission.

The Infill Affordable Housing Bonus scheme was introduced in December 2023 and offers developers additional building height and floor space, if 10 per cent of the building is retained as affordable housing for at least 15 years.

The scheme has received strong interest with 70 Secretary Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs) having been issued already.

If all of these proposals were approved, they would produce over 20,000 homes, of which 4,600 would be affordable.

As the scheme falls under a State Significant Development pathway, one objection from a local council automatically sends the project to the IPC, a re-assessment process that can add up to nearly 130 days.

The IPC was established to make decisions on large and contentious development applications, not to reassess a proposal for a residential development.

As the state works towards the ambitious targets under the National Housing Accord and to boost affordable housing, we cannot afford to potentially add more than four months to the planning assessment timeframes.

Delivering more well-located and affordable homes close to transport, jobs and community amenity has been a priority for the Minns Government, so young people, families and workers have somewhere to live.

Following the changes, projects will still be placed on public exhibition, communities and councils will have their say and they will be thoroughly assessed through a merit-based process.

Infill Affordable Housing projects that are deemed highly contentious and those with a declared political donation will still be referred to the IPC and other existing thresholds still apply.

The projects that are already sitting with the IPC will continue through that process, however from today, no further infill affordable housing project will be referred to the IPC following an objection from a council.

For more information on the Infill Affordable Housing Bonus Scheme visit In-fill affordable housing | Planning

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Housing should not be controversial– it should be the bread and butter of our planning system.

“Almost a year later to the day, since we introduced the Infill Affordable Housing Scheme, we’re going a step further to make sure that the planning system is working as quickly as it should be.

“In an environment where we need to get more market homes and more affordable homes into our housing mix, I don’t believe these projects warrant referral and I don’t believe that the public is better served by having them referred.”

Southern NSW Midwifery Group Practice expanded to Goulburn

An expansion of the Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) model in Southern NSW is providing more women and their families with access to midwifery continuity of care.

​Women in Goulburn now have access to a new MGP service at Goulburn Base Hospital, supporting increased access to continuity of care with a known midwife.

Under the MGP model, women receive care from a known midwife throughout their pregnancy, labour, birth and in the early weeks at home with their new baby. A secondary or ‘backup’ midwife supports the primary midwife. Collaborative care is provided with obstetricians if required. 

This is an exciting achievement for the midwives and staff in the Goulburn Maternity Service and follows on from the successful implementation of MGP in Moruya and Bega.

Contact details and online booking forms for Goulburn Maternity and each Maternity Service across SNSWLHD are available on our Pregnancy Birth and Baby webpage at nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/snswlhd/our-services/pregnancy-birth-and-baby

Minister of Regional Health Ryan Park:

“We are a government committed to ensuring women across NSW have access to respectful, evidence-based maternity care. I am proud of the work Southern NSW Local Health District is doing to expand its midwifery continuity of care models into Goulburn.

“We have a wonderful team of midwives in Goulburn who provide professional and compassionate woman-centred care to the community.

“With the introduction of the new MGP model in Goulburn, we are increasing the number of women who will be able to access midwifery continuity of care.  The model provides midwives with renewed opportunities to use their clinical practice skills to achieve better outcomes for women and their families.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison:

“Women’s health and wellbeing are a key focus for this government.

“Midwives put women and the family at the centre of care and at the heart of every decision, empowering women to be genuine partners in their care and improving their care experience.

“With the expansion of the Midwifery Group Practice model to Southern NSW, we are increasing the number of women who will be able to access midwifery continuity of care.”

Labor Spokesperson for Goulburn, Bob Nanva, MLC:

“I am so pleased the Goulburn community is set to benefit from the Midwifery Group Practice model of care, which is offering more choice to pregnant women and their families. I thank the many staff who have worked to deliver these positive changes.”

Large Crown land parcel at Port Stephens returned to Aboriginal community

The Minns Labor Government has granted an Aboriginal land claim that will see a large parcel of land in Port Stephens returned to the local Aboriginal community.

The Worimi Aboriginal Land Council will take ownership of the 10.69 hectare plot of land at Lemon Tree Passage. The site is predominately bushland on the corner of Oyster Farm Road and Lemon Tree Passage Road near picturesque Tilligerry Creek.

The land will be returned as freehold land to Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council, who will work with the local Aboriginal community and Port Stephens Council to determine future use of the site.

Under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983, the Act recognises the impact of past government decisions which resulted in the amount of land set aside for Aboriginal people progressively reduced without compensation.

The Act aims to provide a system by which some unused Crown land could be returned to Aboriginal ownership provided it is not being used, occupied, or likely to be needed for an essential public purpose.

Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said:  

“The Aboriginal Land Rights Act is important legislation that recognises the rights of Aboriginal people in NSW, that land was traditionally owned and occupied by Aboriginal people, and is of spiritual, social, cultural and economic importance to Aboriginal people.

“The transfer of this large parcel of land to Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council will allow our local Aboriginal community to maintain spiritual and cultural connections to the land for generations to come.” 

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:  

“I am pleased to see this large plot of land in idyllic Port Stephens returned to the ownership and stewardship of the local Aboriginal community.

“The NSW Government is focused on building better communities across NSW and this is great outcome for the local community and another example of how we can deliver positive outcomes in the spirit of the Act.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, David Harris said:  

“For more than 40 years the Aboriginal Land Rights Act has granted the NSW Aboriginal Land Council and Local Aboriginal Land Councils the right to lodge land claims on Crown land. 

“The granting of this land to the Worimi Aboriginal Land Council will help enable the support of economic, social, cultural and environmental outcomes for this community, which are key outcomes for closing the gap.”