The Australian Greens have called on the Berejiklian Government to reject the Mark Latham-led push for uranium mining in NSW.
“The Liberals should stop dancing to One Nation’s tune and reject the push for uranium mining in NSW,” said Greens Leader, Adam Bandt.
“The case for lifting the ban on uranium mining in NSW didn’t stand up to 5 minutes of scrutiny from Fran Kelly this morning. NSW Minerals Council CEO, Stephen Galilee, had no answer to basic economic questions.”
“When it comes to uranium mining, the big issues are environmental, but the economics don’t stack up either. Extraction is emissions intensive, local land and water impacts are incredibly risky and waste products are a shameful legacy.
“The economics should be the final nail in the coffin for uranium, even for those who have no concern for the environment. Global prices remain very low, years after the Fukushima disaster. Adding more uranium to an oversupplied market would only push that price lower, which would probably not be welcomed by other Australian miners.
“The reason the price is dropping is that nuclear power is the most expensive and inflexible energy source there is. Country after country is getting out of nuclear and investing in renewables. That’s the future and state and federal governments need to face the facts.
“NSW should reject this push and Australia should get out of uranium altogether,” Bandt said.
Greens nuclear disarmament spokesperson, Senator Jordon Steele-John said:
“Australia has a nuclear history; from the atomic testing on behalf of the British Government at Maralinga that displaced our First Nations Peoples, to the ongoing mining at Ranger in the Northern Territory, and Olympic Dam and Beverley in South Australia.
“We have played, and continue to play, a role in the global nuclear chain and that is not something to be proud of.
“It’s time for us to get out of uranium all together; it’s time for us to sign the United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and strive for peace.”
Month: August 2020
Improving health care for people with intellectual disability
GPs and other health professionals in four regions will receive greater support to enable them to provide more effective care to people with intellectual disability.
The Morrison Government will provide a total of $5.75 million to four Primary Health Networks to lead development of the Primary Care Enhancement Program for people with intellectual disability.
Central and Eastern Sydney PHN, Western Victoria PHN, Central Queensland, Wide Bay, Sunshine Coast PHN, and Tasmania PHN, were selected to spearhead the enhancement program over four years, with a view to national rollout.
It will give people with intellectual disability better access to appropriate, quality health services that meet their needs. The four lead PHNs will:
- Support health professionals in caring for people with intellectual disability.
- Facilitate access to appropriate, quality health services for people with intellectual disability.
- Promote take-up and quality of annual Medicare health assessments for people with intellectual disability.
- Help to ensure people with intellectual disability have equitable access to quality health prevention and health promotion programs.
- Ensure all of their programs are inclusive for people with intellectual disability.
The Council for Intellectual Disability will be a key partner with the Government as the Primary Care Enhancement Program is developed and rolled out.
National resources for the program will be developed over the next two years, including a training module for PHN staff, resources for GPs and other primary care professionals, National Disability Insurance Scheme linkage tools, and health promotion materials for people with intellectual disability and their families.
The Primary Care Enhancement Program was established following a roundtable in August 2019, which considered the inequities in health system access and quality for people with intellectual disability.
The Morrison Government is also developing a national roadmap with short, medium and long-term priorities to improve health services for people with intellectual disability. The roadmap will guide the better integration of primary care with specialist and hospital care.
It will also aim to increase recognition in the health sector and the community that people living with intellectual disability have the right to the same quality and access to health services as other Australians.
A series of further roundtables with a range of key stakeholders, including states and territories, will be held from October 2020 to complete development of the roadmap, for consideration by the Government.
More information about the roadmap is available at information about the Roadmap or via www.health.gov.au
$1B To Accelerate Defence Initiatives In COVID-19 Recovery
The Morrison Government has announced a $1 billion investment package to boost Australia’s defence industry and support thousands of jobs across the country.
The package is directed towards nationwide projects and jobs across Australia including:
- Increasing the employment of ADF Reservists who have lost their civilian income, with an allocation of up to an extra 210,000 days, and the targeted recruitment of an additional 500 ADF Reservists;
- Increasing employment opportunities for current and former ADF personnel and their families;
- A $300 million national estate works program that will focus on regional areas (including bushfire affected regions), such as Jervis Bay & Eden, RAAF Bases East Sale, Pearce, Wagga and Amberley, the Albury Wodonga Military Area and Blamey Barracks;
- Accelerating the sustainment of ADF platforms and capabilities, including the upgrade of Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles, modernisation of ADF uniforms; and additional C-27J maintenance, which will engage ex-Qantas and Virgin technicians;
- Bringing forward around $190 million of investment in approved infrastructure projects in the Northern Territory;
- Increased funding for Defence innovation, industry grants, skilling and micro credentialing and cyber training for Defence industry; and
- Accelerating important ADF capability development projects, targeting key manufacturing, construction and high-tech sectors.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the package is estimated to support around 4,000 jobs across Australia and help many small and medium sized businesses in the defence-industry supply chain.
“Like much of the economy, our local defence industry is doing it tough because of COVID-19. This is especially so for small and medium sized businesses, that are critical to jobs,” Prime Minister Morrison said.
“Supporting our defence industry is all part of our JobMaker plan – especially high-paying, high-skilled jobs that ensure we are supporting a robust, resilient and internationally competitive defence industry. We want to build our sovereign industrial capabilities and Australian workforce to keep our people safe.”
“We will also support our ADF members and families, particularly any Reservists who are doing it tough because of COVID-19.”
The announcement was made at Canberra-based company, DATAPOD (Australia), which has been awarded a two-year, $20 million contract.
The Australian owned company will provide Defence with portable, containerised data systems which can be rapidly deployed by sea, air or road. By bringing forward this acquisition, we will help to protect up to 27 direct and up to 80 supply chain jobs.
Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said supporting Australian defence industry is crucial to the economy’s recovery.
“Already we’ve fast-tracked a range of capability, infrastructure, skilling and workforce initiatives over the next two years. This includes rolling out a number of Defence estate works tenders as part of Defence’s economic stimulus initiative package, that will run over the 2020-21 and 2021-22 financial years,” Minister Reynolds said.
“Over $11 billion has already been provided in early payment for invoices and work to improve or sustain industry capacity for the delivery of critical supplies.”
“We’re getting on with the job of delivering critical capability outcomes to Army, Air Force and Navy, as well as continuing to support our personnel, including ADF Reserve members.”
Defence will retain a great level of agility to phase and adjust expenditure of the initiatives to ensure they are affordable and remain suitable over the next two years.
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said it’s now more important than ever to back Australian businesses and create more Australian jobs.
“We want to ensure defence industry continues to provide vital supply chains to develop and maintain defence capabilities, as we look at opportunities to accelerate projects across Australia,” Minister Price said.
“These projects will support and grow the 70,000-strong workforce in defence industry supply chains and those benefiting from our investment in defence.
“We are committed to supporting small and medium sized enterprises across Australian defence industry, with programs that will support regional areas, including bushfire affected communities.”
Further details of individual initiatives will be approved and announced shortly. Further information regarding Defence’s response to COVID-19 in supporting defence industry can be accessed at: https://www.defence.gov.au/covid-19/defence-industry/
Plan for City’s growing sporting population open for comment
A plan designed to ensure the supply of sporting fields keeps up with the City’s growing population and sporting needs, has been placed on public exhibition.
The 10-year Strategic Sports Plan was developed to address future demand and inform the ongoing supply, maintenance and upgrade of sporting infrastructure across the Local Government Area (LGA).
It provides guidance and direction for 13 sports who jointly have 41,790 participants. The sports considered under the Plan are athletics, AFL, baseball, cricket, croquet, equestrian, football (soccer), netball, rugby league, rugby union, softball, tennis and touch football/Oztag.
“Understanding and planning for sports and recreation is essential in ensuring the community has sufficient and equal opportunities to lead a healthy and active life,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“As a growing city whose population will pass 200,000 during the next 20 years, we need to plan for ongoing changes in the City’s sporting and recreation landscape to meet both existing and future demands.”
There are currently 63 sportsground venues (140 fields) across Newcastle, covering an area of around 370.5 hectares.
Research by the Otium Planning Group found just 27 per cent of the City’s sporting fields were currently utilised at, or over, capacity and that more than half were underutilised.
It identified a concentration of fields in the east and central areas of the LGA, and the need for additional facilities in the western growth corridor.
It also recognised the importance of integrated planning with major regional development projects such as the Broadmeadow Sports and Entertainment Precinct.
Key recommendations under the draft Strategic Sports Plan include a review of sportsground allocations to achieve a more even, optimised usage and the implementation of a rolling capital works program to progressively renew and upgrade existing sportsgrounds, with a focus on drainage, lighting upgrades, additional shade provision, and improved, accessible and female-friendly amenities.
The draft Plan recommends consideration of opportunities to secure up to 20ha of land in the western corridor for future sportsgrounds.
Cr Nelmes said extensive research and preliminary consultation with sporting clubs and the broader community had already been used to inform the draft plan and its recommendations, however additional feedback is sought before the 10-year Plan is finalised.
“The draft Strategic Sports Plan will go on public exhibition for 42 days from 26 August via the City of Newcastle website and I encourage anyone interested in the future of sports in Newcastle to have their say on this important plan for our community,” Cr Nelmes said.
A further report will be presented to Council on 24 November for adoption of the Strategic Sports Plan.
City of Newcastle addresses government grant disadvantage in inquiry submission
The Newcastle Local Government Area (LGA) has been shut out of more than $170 million in government grants in just one year because of inconsistent funding rules.
City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Cr Nuatali Nelmes said the disparity in Newcastle’s eligibility for funding, which is based on an inconsistent classification of the City as being either regional or metropolitan depending on the funding program, is a significant disadvantage that must be addressed.
“Our City often falls between the gaps of policy development and grant funding as Newcastle is a metropolitan centre that services regional populations across the Hunter,” she said.
“Newcastle is the major economic hub of the Hunter region with gross regional product of $17.7 billion, yet we are not receiving fair access to State Government funding.”
According to an independent report by the Hunter Research Foundation Centre, six regional funding sources totalling $5.86 billion have been identified where Newcastle has been deemed ineligible, but no metropolitan alternative has been provided.
“For comparison, neighbouring equivalent sized councils in the Lake Macquarie and Central Coast LGAs were eligible for all six funding sources,” Cr Nelmes said when introducing a Lord Mayoral Minute, which was supported at last night’s Ordinary Council meeting.
“Furthermore, the Newcastle LGA has received just 0.06 per cent of Restart NSW funds allocated to date, well below its 2.11 per cent share of the state’s population and its three per cent share of Gross State Product.
“Newcastle is ineligible to access the Regional Cultural Fund, as it is defined as ‘metropolitan’, but there is no equivalent opportunity within metropolitan funding rounds.
“Newcastle is effectively shut out of all NSW cultural infrastructure grants.”
In a submission to the Public Accountability Committee’s inquiry into the integrity, efficacy and value for money of NSW Government grant programs, City of Newcastle has recommended the Committee create a Gateway City classification.
This would recognise that LGAs like Newcastle and Wollongong are major regional economic centres that sit between a metropolitan and regional classification.
“The historical metropolitan versus regional dichotomy no longer reflects Newcastle’s transformation as a major regional economic centre,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Australian Gateway Cities hold a significant place in the economy but are underestimated in terms of public policy.
“In partnership with Wollongong and Geelong, City of Newcastle has established a Gateway Cities Alliance to advocate and collectively explore economic opportunities.
“It’s crucial that governments are willing and able to make the necessary long-term strategic investments in both physical and social infrastructure that will underpin not just regional growth but national interests.
“Fairer access to funding opportunities would also improve the efficiency and value for money of government grant programs.”
Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 25 August 2020
Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 25 August 2020. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions, please see the Council Meeting Minutes and/or webcast archive for more information.
Lord Mayoral Minutes
A Lord Mayoral Minute received support after it called on the NSW Government to commit to building the state’s vital transport infrastructure in NSW. The Minute also congratulated Novocastrian Cory Wright and ex-Novocastrian Steve Murphy on their respective elections as the NSW and Federal Secretary of the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union, and committed to seeking their input into protecting and strengthening manufacturing and supporting Newcastle manufacturing workers through the COVID recovery and transition to a net-zero carbon economy.
A second Lord Mayoral Minute to ask the Public Accountability Committee to establish a consistent geography and classification across all NSW Government funding sources that enables equitable access for all LGAs was supported. The minute also called for the creation of a Gateway City classification to recognise that LGAs like Newcastle and Wollongong are major regional economic centres that sit between a metropolitan and regional classification.
Ordinary business
King Street, Stockton – Marine Rescue Land Only Lease
Council resolved to enter into a 21-year Land Only Lease with Marine Rescue NSW to allow them to construct a new operations centre on the Stockton site.
Tabling of pecuniary interest returns – 1 May to 31 July 2020
Council noted the tabling of pecuniary interest returns received from designated persons between 1 May and 31 July 2020 in accordance with the City of Newcastle’s Code of Conduct for Staff.
Public exhibition of the Draft Section 7.12 Newcastle Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan 2019 (Update August 2020)
Council voted to place the draft Section 7.12 Newcastle Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan 2019 (Update August 2020) on public exhibition for 28 days.
Variations to Development Standards 32
Council received the report on development variations approved between January 2020 and July 2020.
Emergency egress for high-rise occupants with a disability
Council voted to write to the Council of Australian Governments’ Building Ministers’ Forum, the Australian Building Codes Board and the NSW Minister representing the State on the Council of Australian Governments’ Building Ministers’ Forum to seek support for the creation of provisions that improve emergency egress for people with a disability, particularly with respect to emergency egress from high-rise buildings.
Council will also write to the NSW Building Commissioner to seek support for the creation of formal administrative arrangements that marry in with the Commonwealth’s disability discrimination provisions, and investigate amending City of Newcastle’s Development Control Plans / Planning Guidelines to include consideration of emergency egress from high-rise buildings for people with disabilities.
Young Road, Lambton – intersection realignment and pedestrian refuge at Durham Road and intersection realignment at Wallarah Road
Council voted to approve the realignment of the intersection of Durham Road at Young Road Lambton.
Adoption of Asset Management Policy 2020
Council voted to adopt the revised Asset Management Policy.
Public exhibition of Draft Strategic Sports Plan
Council resolved to place the draft Strategic Sports Plan on public exhibition for 42 days and requested that a report on submissions received be brought back to the Council following the public exhibition.
Authorisation for signing of the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2020
Council noted that the preparation of City of Newcastle’s Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2020 is underway and upon completion they will be referred to the NSW Audit Office. Council voted to authorise the Lord Mayor, a Councillor, the Chief Executive Officer and the responsible Accounting Officer to sign the Statements by Councillors and Management at the conclusion of the external audit.
Investment and borrowing policy annual review
Council voted to adopt the updated Investment and Borrowing Policy.
Executive monthly performance report
Council received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for July 2020.
Appointment of Deputy Lord Mayor
Council reappointed Cr Declan Clausen as Deputy Lord Mayor for the period 13 September 2020 until the day before the next ordinary election.
Transfer of Civic Hotel liquor licence
Council voted to endorse running an Expression of Interest for the transfer of the former Civic Hotel liquor licence. The Chief Executive Officer or his delegate was granted authority to execute all relevant documentation to enact the transfer to a successful proponent for an amount that meets or exceeds the current valuation of the licence. The proceeds will be transferred to City of Newcastle’s ‘Works Program: Specific Projects’ internally restricted reserves.
Notices of Motion
Newcastle Inner City Bypass
A notice of motion to engage with the University of Newcastle and Hunter New England Health, and write to various NSW Government Ministers and the Member for Wallsend, seeking to include a rapid transport connection between John Hunter Hospital and the University of Newcastle on the Newcastle Inner City Bypass, was supported.
CYBER SECURITY NSW TO EXPAND SERVICES AS PART OF RECORD $240 MILLION INVESTMENT
The NSW Government will quadruple the size of its central cyber security team in a landmark expansion of the State’s cyber defences.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the investment of $60 million over three years would be used to create an army of cyber experts, broadening the scope of Cyber Security NSW to incorporate small agencies and councils.
“The $60 million is not only a four-fold increase in spending on cyber security but allows Cyber Security NSW to quadruple the size of its team in the battle against cyber-crime,” Mr Dominello said.
“Cyber Security NSW will train the next generation of cyber security experts and ensure there is a cross-government coordinated response, including advance threat intelligence sharing, cyber security training and capability development.
“This will further ensure NSW has world-class cyber security infrastructure to protect the government services of the future.”
Cyber Security NSW plays a whole-of-government role to strengthen government cyber capability in government agencies, collaborating with emergency management, law enforcement, the private sector and other jurisdictions.
“It is important to increase capability across the whole of the State,” Acting Chief Cyber Security Officer Executive Director Charlotte Wood said.
“Councils provide us all with important online services and we must ensure the capability of councils is increasing at the same time as NSW Government’s capability is increasing.”
In July the Cyber Security Vulnerability Management Centre, operated by Cyber Security NSW, began operations in Bathurst.
It provides the NSW Government with an increased awareness of vulnerabilities in internet-facing services and assets and is critical to early identification and remediation of known vulnerabilities.
This investment into Cyber Security NSW is the first instalment of the record $240 million cyber security funding announced in June.
COVID-19: FUNDING BOOST TO HELP DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS AS PANDEMIC CONTINUES
NSW domestic and family violence services experiencing increased demand as a result of COVID-19 can now apply for a share of $9 million in Federal Government funding.
Attorney General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Mark Speakman said the COVID-19 Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Grant program aimed to ensure more victim-survivors can access the support and services they need at this crucial time.
“Many of our dedicated services have moved quickly to innovate and adapt their supports during the pandemic – when women and children may have struggled to access help,” Mr Speakman said.
“I strongly encourage organisations to apply for this funding, whether it be to launch a new program or expand or adapt an existing one to ensure victim-survivors can access support.”
The program offers one-off grants between $20,000 and $150,000 to eligible services.
Mr Speakman said a Australian Institute of Criminology report released last month revealed an increase in domestic violence during the pandemic, with many victims reporting it was the first time their partner had been violent towards them.
“Victim-survivors often contact frontline services before they make the decision to go to the police, which is why it’s so important these organisations have the necessary capacity to deliver appropriate supports to those most in need,” Mr Speakman said.
Federal Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston said the additional support secured with this funding will help ensure people can live their life free from violence and abuse.
“The funding is part of the Federal Government’s $150 million investment to boost domestic violence supports and services during COVID-19 – from counselling and helpline provisions to behaviour change programs and emergency accommodation,” Ms Ruston said.
“We’ve been working closely with the States and Territories to deliver this funding to dedicated services on the frontline who work tirelessly to support vulnerable victim-survivors across the country.”
Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said the investment was a timely response, which would ensure more women and children will be able to access vital supports.
“A safe home is something many of us take for granted. Boosting domestic violence support is crucial for protecting women and children across the state when they need it most,” Mrs Taylor said.
Interim Domestic Violence NSW CEO Delia Donovan said the funding boost was welcomed by the organisation – NSW’s peak body for specialist domestic violence services.
“Never has the need been greater, than in this current pandemic, to ensure women and their children experiencing domestic and family violence can access critical support and services,” Ms Donovan said.
“Over the past few months, services have reported an escalation in the numbers of women seeking help and a significant increase in the complexity of cases, all whilst having to quickly adapt service delivery to COVID-19 conditions.
“This funding will provide a range of specialist services with the flexibility to respond to the particular and nuanced needs of their communities with localised place-based solutions.”
Today’s announcement follows the $21 million investment in frontline domestic violence support services delivered by the Federal and NSW Governments in May.
Grant applications will open today and close at 5pm (AEST) on Wednesday, 23 September 2020. To apply, complete the online application form via the SmartyGrants portal, at https://www.women.nsw.gov.au/commissioning/DFVCovid19Funding.
Natt Miller joins Netball NSW Board as Appointed Director
Netball NSW is delighted to announce the appointment of Matt Miller to the organisation’s Board of Directors.
An Appointed Director as of August 2020, Miller has had a decorated career for over four decades working with State Governments in New South Wales and Queensland, as well as at Federal level.
Most recently Miller worked as CEO of the Australian Sports Commission between 2009 and 2011, before heading up the NSW Office of Sport from 2014 to 2019.
Netball NSW President Louise Sullivan said Miller’s track record spoke for itself as she welcomed him to the organisation.
“Matt has decades of experience in Government including time spent in senior leadership roles in sport at national and state agencies,” she said.
“His broad knowledge and deep understanding of sport at all levels will be a fantastic asset for the Netball NSW Board.
“In particular his insight into the sporting system from community to elite will help shape the strategic vision and direction of netball in this state.”
Miller said he was honoured to be joining an organisation with such a rich history of success and pioneering for women in sport.
“This role is an exciting opportunity for me to use my capabilities, experience and energy to make a significant contribution to Netball NSW and the netball community,” he said.
“The game is by far the leader for women and young girls in sport across Australia and now I think the time is right for netball to take the next step and reach even more people.
“The NSW netball community came together at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to make sure the game survived, while the elite athletes of the NSW Swifts and GIANTS Netball are making their season work in Queensland.
“With such passion and work ethic at both grassroots and elite levels I can’t wait to get started.”
Netball NSW would like to acknowledge Andrew McMaster who has stepped down from the Board but remains involved as Chair of the Audit & Risk Sub-Committee.
“We thank him for his service to the sport, and particularly his strong guidance through the COVID-19 financial impacts and advocacy,” Sullivan added.
Man charged over alleged sexual assault of young girl – Newcastle
A man will appear in court today charged over the alleged sexual assault of a young girl in the state’s Hunter region two years ago.
In June this year, detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad commenced an investigation following reports a young girl had been sexually abused by a man known to her.
Following inquiries, investigators arrested a 41-year-old man at Campbelltown Police Station just after 5pm yesterday (Tuesday 25 August 2020).
He was charged with one count of sexual intercourse with a child under age of 10.
Police will allege in court that the man sexually assaulted the girl – then aged nine – while staying in the Newcastle area in 2018.
The man was refused bail to appear at Campbelltown Local Court today (Wednesday 26 August 2020).
The Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad is comprised of detectives who are specially trained to investigate matters against children and adults, including sexual assault, serious physical abuse, and extreme cases of neglect.
Anyone with concerns about suspected child abuse or exploitation should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. People should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.