A re-elected NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will take a tougher stance on domestic violence by reviewing all sentences for domestic violence related offences and by making sweeping changes to the handling of cases within the judicial system.
Under this proposal, the Government will commission a full-scale review of all domestic violence related sentences. It will also undertake a feasibility study to establish a dedicated Domestic and Family Violence Court, fund a specialist Domestic and Family Violence List across three local courts and fund a surge of an additional five magistrates to ensure cases are heard earlier.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the Government was taking a zero-tolerance stance to domestic violence by holding perpetrators to the highest account.
“We are cracking down on this abhorrent behaviour and sending a clear message to perpetrators that domestic violence will not be tolerated in our state,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This is about putting the safety of our people first, ensuring victim-survivors can get justice and that perpetrators are held to the highest account.
“As well as reviewing sentences, we are also taking the first steps towards establishing a standalone court for domestic violence cases and will be fast tracking domestic violence cases to ensure no one falls through the cracks of our legal system.”
Attorney General Mark Speakman said the NSW Government would fund a temporary surge of five additional Local Court magistrates to help clear the case backlog.
“This funding will temporarily raise the Local Court bench to a record 154 magistrates to address the backlog of defended matters left following major interruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Speakman said.
“With around 37 per cent of pending Local Court criminal hearings domestic violence related, this will significantly improve time to justice for some of the State’s most vulnerable people.”
Minister for Women’s Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Natalie Ward said these reforms complement existing measures, including new and upgraded safe rooms and remote witness rooms in metropolitan and regional courts delivered by the NSW Government.
“Victim-survivors of domestic violence should not fall away from the journey of seeking justice because the process is too hard, drawn-out and complex,” Mrs Ward said.
“We know COVID-19 created a significant backlog in domestic violence cases being heard by the Local Court, with some victims waiting nine months or longer to have their case heard.
“This is why we will put additional resources into fast tracking domestic violence cases so victim-survivors are not lost in the legal system.
“The NSW Liberal and National Government will also explore the establishment of a specialist domestic violence court to simplify the judicial process and ensure that we do everything possible to limit the heavy emotional toll these cases can take on victims.”
This builds on the NSW Liberal and National Government’s investment of more than $2 billion in 2022-23 to increase access to justice and further strengthen courts and frontline services.
This review will commence as soon as possible if the NSW Liberal and Nationals are re-elected, with the Sentencing Council to be instructed to conduct the review.
Month: January 2023
Australia condemns terrorist attack in Jerusalem
Australia unequivocally condemns the horrific terrorist attack that claimed the lives of at least seven worshippers in Jerusalem on Friday evening.
Terrorism and violence against civilians can never be justified.
That such a cowardly and callous attack occurred on a day where we remember the atrocities of the Holocaust is utterly reprehensible.
Our thoughts are with the victims’ families, friends, and the Jewish community.
We are deeply concerned with escalating violence in Israel and the Palestinian Territories.
We call on all sides to exercise restraint, and to refrain from actions that harm civilians.
Israelis and Palestinians deserve to live in peace and security.
NSW drivers can now opt to offset their vehicle emissions
NSW drivers can now voluntarily choose to offset their vehicle’s carbon emissions each year when they register their car.
Treasurer and Minister for Energy Matt Kean said many Australians were looking for practical ways to take action on climate change and the new scheme would give people more opportunities to reduce their carbon footprint.
“NSW is the first state to offer this option, with all money going directly into Australian carbon offset projects. No international credits will be purchased,” Mr Kean said.
Contributions from the scheme will be used to purchase Australian Carbon Credit Units that fund activities which reduce or offset CO2 emissions in Australia, helping NSW reach its targets of 70 per cent emissions reduction by 2035 and net zero by 2050.
“The option is voluntary, and participants can choose to offset any amount between $5 and $200 when they register their vehicle online.
“The average car generates about 2.4 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year, which can be fully offset by purchasing $80 of carbon offsets at the point of registration.
“The transport sector is responsible for about 22 per cent of all NSW emissions, with almost 50 per cent coming from passenger vehicles. More and more NSW drivers are opting for electric vehicles (EVs) each year, however this scheme gives those drivers who haven’t made the switch yet the option to offset their emissions instead,” Mr Kean said.
The scheme is one part of the NSW Government’s comprehensive zero emissions transport strategy, which includes:
· $209 million for EV charging infrastructure
· No stamp duty on EVs under $78,000
· $3,000 rebates for EVs under $68,750
· Transitioning the State’s entire 8,000 plus bus fleet to zero emissions
· Allowing EVs to drive in transit lanes
Corporate Carbon Advisory (CCA) Pty Ltd has been appointed as the offset provider partner. Projects directly supported under this scheme will include regeneration projects across NSW such as the Longdowns Forest Regeneration project in Bourke and Brewarrina Shires.
All projects are fully trackable through their registration under the Clean Energy Regulator’s Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF) project register. All carbon credits purchased under this scheme will be immediately retired to ensure their offset benefits are realised at once.
More information on the scheme is located here and at Service NSW .
Sixteen projects shortlisted to drive electricity roadmap
Sixteen projects capable of powering the equivalent of almost 1.6 million homes have been shortlisted under the inaugural tender of the NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap.
Competitive bids for more than 4.3GW of generation and long duration storage will now be assessed by AEMO Services for their potential to deliver long-term financial value for NSW households and businesses.
Treasurer and Energy Minister Matt Kean said there has been overwhelming investor interest in the roadmap.
“This is a promising start to the $32 billion in private capital we expect to see through our 10-year schedule of rolling competitive tenders,” Mr Kean said.
“The state’s nation-leading roadmap will ensure that NSW households and businesses have clean, reliable and more affordable electricity for decades to come.”
Once the projects are assessed, successful applicants will be awarded long-term energy service agreements that will underpin the modernisation of the state’s electricity system.
Shortlisted projects have until February 10 to submit their financial value bids.
The NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap is the NSW Government’s plan to transform the electricity system, by building at least 12GW of renewable energy and 2GW of long duration storage like pumped hydro by 2030.
Coalition double down on investment in Jordan Springs students
A re-elected NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will deliver a new high school in Jordan Springs to support the growing local community, with work on the project to commence in the next term of government.
Premier Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell were on site today at Jordan Springs Public School to announce the commitment to the new high school, coinciding with completion of Stage 2 of the primary school ahead of students returning next week.
Mr Perrottet said only a NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has the track record to deliver this vital infrastructure for communities across Western Sydney.
“We know how important it is to provide local families with great schools and thanks to our long-term economic plan, we’re able to build on our investment in Jordan Springs Public School by committing to a new high school in this growing community,” said Mr Perrottet.
“Our track record speaks for itself with billions of dollars invested in major projects across Western Sydney. This new high school will provide students with access to a world class education right here in their community.”
Ms Mitchell said local families can trust the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government to deliver this project.
“Only a Liberal and Nationals Government can ensure this project is delivered for the local community. This government has invested more than $167 million in Londonderry, including the new Jordan Springs Public School, and it is this government that will deliver a new high school,” said Ms Mitchell.
“The school community should be excited for school to start next week with these amazing upgraded facilities at Jordan Springs Public School, and this is just one of the many schools we are delivering this term,”
“Since 2011, we have delivered 60 major projects across Western Sydney with another 50 underway and we will continue to invest in growing communities right across the state.”
The NSW Government is investing $8.6 billion in school infrastructure over the next four years, continuing its program to deliver 160 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. This builds on the more than $9.1 billion invested in projects delivered since 2017, a program of $17.7 billion in public education infrastructure.
GROWING TASMANIAN GENERAL PRACTICE
The Australian and Tasmanian Governments are making it easier for Tasmanians to see a doctor by delivering an innovative four-year program to support stronger rural healthcare in the state.
Under the program, GP Registrars, including Rural Generalist trainees, will have the option of being employed by the Tasmanian Health Service as salaried employees, allowing them to do their final placement in GP practices across the state instead of changing new employers with each placement of 6 or 12 months.
By providing GP Registrars with guaranteed income and entitlements such as annual leave, parental leave, sick leave and other remuneration and benefits received by doctors working in hospital settings, the single employer model (SEM) will make working in rural and general practice more attractive and improve recruitment and retention of GPs in rural communities.
This will give medical graduates the best opportunity to build their careers while supporting our medical workforce in rural areas, making it easier for Tasmanians to see a doctor.
This is a model that has worked in its previous trials, we know it offers the security that many young doctors are after, and it provides a sustainable pathway to increase the number of rural GPs and highly skilled Rural Generalists across Tasmania.
The Australian Government will provide $8 million to support the program from 2022-23. This funding is part of the Australian Government’s commitment in the 2022-23 October Budget to work collaboratively with states and territories to co-develop and pilot innovative primary care models that aim to improve care pathways and reduce pressure on emergency departments.
The Tasmanian Government will contribute $5 million over four years including:
- $1 million in capital works for the Rural Medical Workforce Centre at the Mersey Community Hospital, and
- $1 million a year to support mandatory Rural Medical Officer rotations in paediatrics and anaesthetics, and additional skills posts.
Up to 20 GP Registrars will work across the state in regional, rural and outer metropolitan areas of need.
The Tasmanian and Federal Governments are working together to finalise the implementation arrangements for the trial, with opportunities for GP registrars, including Rural Generalist trainees, to commence from July 2023.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:
“Australians in every postcode deserve access to world class health care.
“For too long we’ve seen communities across Tasmania like Huon Valley, Bridgewater, Deloraine and in Latrobe not be able to retain doctors.
“My Government is committed to making it easier for Australians to see a doctor by strengthening general practice, especially in rural areas.
“We will work in partnership with Tasmania and the other states and territories to provide the best possible support to our next generation of rural GPs.”
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff said:
“This is all about making sure Tasmanians in rural and regional areas get what they deserve: access to local GPs and the health care they need.
“A single employer model will make rural practice more attractive for doctors and this agreement is a significant win for Tasmania. It will allow us to recruit more doctors and strengthen our rural communities.
“Our government has long been advocating to trial a Single Employer Model for GP registrars, including rural generalists, to make rural practice more attractive for doctors and we now look forward to making it happen. I’m committed to working in partnership with the federal government putting Tasmanians first and to deliver real solutions.”
Minister Butler said:
“Across the country we know after a decade of cuts from the former Government it’s never been harder for Australians to see a GP.
“And we know that here in in Tasmania, the situation is particularly challenging.
“This innovative program will make training and working in rural general practice a more attractive option for young doctors and importantly it will make it easier for Tasmanians to see a doctor close to home”
If we use our voice we can be far better
Australia Day is our chance to celebrate just how fortunate we are to live in the greatest country on earth.
Importantly, it is also an opportunity to reflect on how we can make it even greater.
It was in that spirit that we celebrated the Australians of the Year last night.
The winners and nominees represent the very best of our national character: our compassion and generosity, our courage and initiative, and our sense of service to community.
Today we welcome new citizens joining us in the great Australian family.
In choosing Australia as their home, they are embracing the values and qualities we hold dear: our belief in opportunity for all, the respect we have for hard work, the optimism that drives our aspiration and the Australian instinct for fairness, decency and care and respect for each other.
Australians uphold these qualities every day, in good times and bad.
As we’ve also seen in times of pandemic, fire, drought and the recent devastating floods, the worst of circumstances bring out the best in our people.
If there is an upside to tough times, it is that they have shown us we can be confident that whatever challenges the future brings, Australians will rise to meet them.
In our joys, our blessings and our hard-won triumphs, we celebrate what we have.
Just as importantly, we celebrate what we can be: the even greater Australia that is at our fingertips.
Later this year every Australian will have an historic opportunity to live the values that define us as a people.
And we can do it by heeding the gracious, patient call of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, and answering it with a vote to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in our nation’s birth certificate, the Constitution.
What greater way is there of celebrating our unique privilege of sharing this island continent with the world’s oldest continuous culture.
It would be an expression of pride that would also send to the world a message about our maturity and unity as a nation.
We have so much to celebrate, so much to be proud of.
And we know we can be greater still. More prosperous, more equal, a country where the doors of opportunity are open to all.
An Australia where the spirit of the fair go is alive in all of us.
Citizenship ceremony leads change and celebrates diversity
City of Newcastle today welcomed 200 new Australian citizens at its first citizenship ceremony for 2023 at the Civic Theatre.
In a historic first, the ceremony was held on 25 January following changes by the Federal Government to allow Councils to hold the mandated annual ceremony “on or around” 26 January.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the community had called for the ceremony to be moved to a more culturally inclusive date.
“This is one of the most special days in many new citizens’ lives, remembered for years to come,” Cr Nelmes said.
“City of Newcastle prides itself on social and cultural inclusivity and is pleased to embrace and facilitate this change for the community.”
The ceremony featured traditional performances and an Acknowledgement of Country by the Deadly Callaghan Yidaki Group and celebrated Newcastle’s rich multicultural community, with 53 birth countries represented, from Brazil to Norway to Vietnam.
Among the new citizens to make the pledge of commitment were City of Newcastle Project Manager, Daniel Elia, his wife Mabel and their 11-year-old daughter, Danibel.
The Elermore Vale family of four are now all proudly Australian citizens, after their 18-year-old son, John, was granted an expedited online ceremony as a student at the height of COVID-19 restrictions in October 2021.
Ecuadorian-born Daniel and Filipino-born Mabel met working at an engineering firm in Dubai, where they married in 2002. Sixteen years later, they began their journey to Australia, first settling in Sydney for two years before relocating to Newcastle.
Some of the projects Mr Elia has worked on include erosion protection works in various locations at Stockton Beach and renovations at Blackbutt Reserve, while this year he is involved in upgrades to City Hall and Civic Theatre, the very building he received his citizenship in.
Mr Elia said he was proud to call Newcastle home and was thrilled to become an Australian citizen.
“I like Newcastle because it’s so accessible, wherever you want to go you can get there in 15 minutes. There’s no traffic and it’s peaceful,” he said.
“It feels like I’m becoming part of the community and I’m fully integrated with the people here, living in peace and harmony with everyone. It’s a nice, safe place that embraces people from all over the world with fairness and equality. Even in the office I can speak to people in French, Spanish; it’s so diverse.”
Family-friendly entertainment options on 26 January, include the Beach 5s Rugby Festival at Nobbys Beach and the iconic Newcastle Harbour Swim.
Beach Rugby 5s is an exciting and fast-paced mixture of rugby union and rugby league. CN has worked collaboratively with Hickey Sports Management to develop the inclusive program for the event, which will be held at Nobbys Beach on Thursday 26, Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 January.
A special “Legends Match” will kick off at 1pm on 26 January.
Nobbys Beach offers an idyllic vantage point for spectators to soak up all the excitement of the Australia Day long weekend tournament.
CN is also supporting the 2023 Australia Day Newcastle Harbour Swim, which is the only legal swim across our amazing working harbour.
Bathers Way CRG Expressions of Interest
Expressions of Interest are now open to community members looking to participate in the Community Reference Group (CRG) for the upgrade of the next section of the iconic Bathers Way shared path running through King Edward Park.
CRG members will act as a consultative body providing insights to the project team on current usage and opportunities for improvement, and also providing feedback on the design. CRG members play a vital role in sharing information to other members of the community, including the stakeholder groups they represent.
The project will transform the section of Bathers Way between Strzelecki Lookout and South Newcastle Beach, creating a more accessible shared path through the state heritage-listed King Edward Park, and affirming the Bathers Way’s status as a drawcard destination for locals and tourists.
Tenders for a principal design consultant to build upon an existing concept layout for the upgrade will close on 31 January, with renewed concept designs expected to be completed mid-year.
The upgrade will include renewal of King Edward Park’s amenities building, and improvements to connections between the lawn, rotunda and the popular Garside Gardens area of the Park.
A key feature of the project is the construction of an Aboriginal art installation, which seeks to educate visitors on the Aboriginal significance of the site – while more comfortable viewing areas will enhance the overall visitor experience with the addition of more shade and seating.
Applications for the CRG close at 5pm Wednesday 15 February 2023. To find out more and to submit your application, please visit here
Regional trials of zero emission buses
The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is pushing ahead with a $3 billion commitment to transition its bus and coach fleet to zero emission technology, with a new trial set to begin across regional NSW.
The Expression of Interest (EOI) process is now open for bus and coach operators to participate in the $25 million Regional Zero Emission Bus Trials.
Treasurer and Minister for Energy Matt Kean said zero emission bus technology is a key part of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government goal of reaching net zero by 2050.
“The transition of our bus fleet will have widespread benefits including improving air quality, noise reduction, a smoother trip for commuters and creating jobs right across NSW,” Mr Kean said.
“Hydrogen is one of the many ways forward in the heavy transport sector and this will ensure investment in clean technology, grow the economy and support regional jobs.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the trials present a great opportunity to partner with transport operators in regional areas to deliver new and more energy efficient transport options.
“We are about to kick off our first hydrogen bus trial on the Central Coast to better understand how the technology compares to battery electric buses and this trial will determine the most suitable technology to deliver the best services for our regional and rural communities,” Mr Farraway said.
“We’re always looking at new ways to improve our bus network and services across regional NSW.
“We’ve now delivered more than 3,000 additional bus services under our 16 Regional Cities Services Improvement Program, making it easier and more reliable for communities to travel to work, school, visit friends and family and get to medical appointments and essential services.”
The expression of interest for the Regional Zero Emission Bus Trials is available by visiting https://www.tenders.nsw.gov.au/ and will remain open until 2 March 2023.