February 2025 – Page 4

Revenge politics will drive more crime not deliver justice

The Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research released a report on 18 February that shows the Minns Labor Government’s harsher bail laws, harsher penalties and increased prison time for young people is increasing the number of people on remand without reducing the rate of crime or offending in the community. A rally organised by NSW National Party leader Dugald Saunders in Kempsey, calling for further criminalisation of young people will not reduce crime and is shortsighted, reactionary politics driven by fear.

Greens MP and spokesperson for justice Sue Higginson said “The National Party as well as Labor Premier Chris Minns are driving community fear and division in a childish response to a very serious issue. We cannot allow the criminal laws of NSW to be a plaything for weak politicians who are baiting the electorate with scare tactics,”

“Where young people are engaging in crime, it is intellectual dishonesty to ignore the underlying causes of crime in favour of a political campaign of corflutes calling for putting more young people in prison and pushing increased rates of offending by those people throughout their lives. It is also deeply racist given the over representation of First Nations young people this is impacting,”

“The data shows that a year on from the Premier saying he will lock up more young people, the only result is that more young people are in prison, it has not reduced crime. Now, NSW Labor seem committed to extending these draconian laws for another 3 years with more young people in prison being the only evidence they care about,”

“It is telling that Supreme Court judges are among those who are calling out these laws as ‘draconian’, ‘unfairly discriminatory’, and ‘ham-fisted’. It is an extreme rebuke of these laws that senior judges, who, let’s face it, rarely speak out, are so clearly refuting the political fear mongers in the NSW Parliament and warning about the dangerous nature of these laws,”

“If we don’t listen to the actual evidence and we continue to put young people behind bars, we are turning what is a moral panic into a genuine crime spike into the future, remembering there is no real crime spike right now, that youth crime is generally trending downwards. Any localised variations to this trend can and should be dealt with through local responses, such as police surges and more diversionary support and services. Forcing young people into the criminal justice system early in no uncertain terms leads to more serious criminal offending in their adult years, and waging a politically fuelled war against troubled young people is ”

“We should be emptying our youth prisons. If we take a bold and evidence based approach to supporting young people at risk of offending, we can actually reduce the rate of young people offending, and prevent them from re-offending as adults,” Ms Higginson said.

Restore the CES: Greens will abolish for-profit job services and end mutual obligations

The Greens will eliminate for-profit providers from the employment services system, restore the Commonwealth Employment Service (CES), and abolish all mutual obligations, ending the cruelty and wastefulness of the current Workforce Australia regime.

In addition to the party’s sweeping reforms to employment services, the Greens will also hire additional Centrelink staff to reduce average phone wait times for social security and welfare calls to less than 5 minutes.

Each of these policies has been independently costed by the PBO. Based on this analysis, our plan would be expected to cost approximately $3.6 billion over the forward estimates.

The CES would create thousands of public sector jobs and be universally accessible for anyone who wants it, including those in employment or planning to enter the labour market.

Labor have ignored members of their own government calling for reform, and have failed to act on the recommendations of their own Select Committee on Workforce Australia Employment Services, which found that private employment services had failed and that the system needed to be comprehensively rebuilt.

Greens spokesperson on Social Services and Government Services, Senator Penny Allman-Payne:

“The privatised employment services system is costly, ineffective and cruel. It makes it harder for people to look for and find work while enriching for-profit providers, many of whom have demonstrated a callous indifference to the wellbeing of the people they’re meant to help.

“Mutual obligations are not only cruel, they’re completely dysfunctional. Multiple ongoing technology issues have rendered the system almost inoperable, while information that’s recently come to light raises serious questions about the legality of the whole scheme.

“We’d be better off doing away with the system altogether rather than continuing to throw good money after bad on something that is costly to administer and completely counterproductive.

“Labor have shown repeatedly that they’d rather sit on their hands than overhaul a clearly malfunctioning system that’s falling apart at the seams.

“This election the Greens are fighting to keep Dutton out of power, so we can push a minority Labor government to put job services back in government hands, and ensure we have a fit-for-purpose social security system that lifts us all up.”

Greens Public Sector spokesperson, Senator Barbara Pocock:

“Privatisation of employment services has been an abject failure with the brunt of the impact falling on unemployed workers who are being repeatedly penalised, shunted into inappropriate training and used by private service providers as fodder to generate lucrative bonuses.

“The shortcomings of this failed system have been adequately documented over many years and it’s now time to bring the management of employment services back into the public service. We need to get the profit motive out of employment services and reinstitute a localised service that is in touch with community needs and responds to the aspirations of individual job seekers.

“Efficiency and quality of service are at the heart of this policy which seeks to address years of monumental waste as private for-profit providers have rorted the system at every turn while many job seekers have faced destitution, poverty and homelessness. Bringing back the Commonwealth Employment Service will put people and communities first and bring jobs back to the public sector where there is far greater reliability and accountability.”

Greens candidate for Canberra Isabel Mudford:

“The Canberrans I speak to know that our public service delivers better and fairer outcomes.

“In a city with strong public service representation, the Greens recognise the failures of privatisation and the harm done by punitive measures imposed by for-profit employment service providers.

“Reinstating the Commonwealth Employment Service will restore compassion and integrity to our employment services, so that unemployed workers and employers get the support they need.”

Historic road to World Heritage site transformed

The Minns and Albanese Labor Governments have partnered with Balranald Shire Council to deliver a major road upgrade which is improving safety and access to the World Heritage Mungo National Park and Willandra Lakes Region.

Marma Box Creek Road is a critical link to the World Heritage listed sites in remote south-western New South Wales and historically, around 26 kilometres of the road was dirt.

Now thanks to a $3.25 million investment from the NSW Government’s Fixing Local Roads program and $900,000 from Balranald Shire Council, a 23.1 kilometre stretch of the road has been sealed.

Additionally, with investment from the Australian Government’s Roads to Recovery program of over $1.35 million, council is working to seal the final 2.9 kilometres of Marma Box Creek Road before the end of 2025, weather permitting.

These upgrades will significantly reduce road closures during wet weather and improve safety for local farmers, families and school students.

Tourists who visit the site will also benefit from safer journeys in the world-famous region where Mungo Lady and Mungo Man were discovered.

For the Mutthi Mutthi, Paakantji and Ngyimpaa people, the 40,000-year-old remains, and other evidence of their ancestors found in the area are an important part of their communal history.

The remains of Mungo Lady were returned to Lake Mungo in 1992, while Mungo Man’s remains were repatriated in 2017, both via Marma Box Creek Road.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison:

“The upgraded Marma Box Creek Road represents more than just improved tourism and freight infrastructure; it signifies a crucial link to the ancient cultural heritage of First Peoples.

“This investment not only enhances access to the area but also supports the preservation and sharing of Indigenous history dating back over 40,000 years.

“By facilitating safer and more accessible travel, this initiative promises to enrich tourism experiences and foster greater appreciation for the profound cultural significance of this unique landscape.”

Deborah O’Neill, Senator for New South Wales:

“This is a very special part of the world and a place that all Australians can be proud of.

“The Australian Government’s Roads to Recovery program provides critical funding directly to local councils for maintenance and upgrades like these works for Marma Box Creek Road. Investments like this mean better local roads for residents, and for tourists – and less pressure on councils and ratepayers.”

Member for Murray, Helen Dalton:

“Government investment in maintaining and upgrading rural and remote transport infrastructure is vital to keeping our communities connected, and for their economic growth. It’s reassuring to see continued investment in rural and remote NSW.

“Mungo National Park is a spectacular location in my electorate, a significant cultural site and hidden gem.

“It’s fantastic that the government is making this incredible part of the world more accessible for us to improve our knowledge of the heritage, culture and history of our First Nations people.”

Balranald Shire Council Mayor, Cr Louie Zaffina:

“This road is ‘the gateway’ to major tourism attractions in the area and an integral freight route for the area’s mining interests and local farms.

“Ensuring the road’s safety and resilience supports the longevity of the significant economic benefits and employment opportunities that are fed back into the nearby communities through these industries.”

Tanya Charles, Discovery Ranger at Mungo National Park:

“The improved all weather access to Mungo National Park and the Willandra Lakes World Heritage Area brings added safety for visitors, tour operators, local and staff using the new road.”

Broken Hill’s energy future secured by hi-tech air energy storage system

An old Broken Hill mine site will soon be transformed into a first-of-its-kind compressed air energy storage system, delivering energy security, jobs and investment to Broken Hill.

The Minns Labor Government has provided planning approval for Hydrostor’s compressed air energy storage system with a capacity of 200 megawatts (MW) / 1,600 MW-hours (MWh). The Silver City Energy Storage Centre could power about 80,000 homes in peak demand and will maintain a reserve capacity of 250 MWh to provide back-up to Broken Hill during times of planned and unplanned outages.

The project is the first-of-its-kind in Australia. It utilises advanced technology that uses compressed air to store energy and generate electricity, without producing greenhouse gases.

The $638 million project will boost the local economy, creating up to 400 full-time construction jobs and around 26 ongoing operational jobs.

During periods of low-energy demand, excess electricity is used to compress air and store it in large underground caverns or tanks.

When energy demand is high, the compressed air is released, heated and expanded through turbines to generate electricity.

The project will be supported by a 65-year government lease on a Crown land site near the Potosi mine at Broken Hill.

The energy storage system will support different renewable energy sources in the region to reliably power homes and businesses in and around Broken Hill.

Broken Hill City Council will receive $3.1 million under a Voluntary Planning Agreement, paid over five years, to benefit the local community.

With work expected to start this year, it is estimated construction of the project will take three to four years.

For more information visit Silver City Energy Storage System | Planning Portal – Department of Planning and Environment

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe said:

“Hydrostor’s Silver City Energy Storage Centre boosts the reliability of the NSW electricity grid and provides back-up for homes and businesses in the state’s far west in times of planned and unplanned outages.

“Energy storage solutions like this will go a long way to preventing blackouts like the ones the Far West experienced last year.

“The project will provide construction and ongoing jobs, and will put Broken Hill on the map as a nation leader in renewable energy.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The city needs a reliable supply of power and this project will provide certainty and reliability for local residents and businesses.

“The Minns Government is working with proponents to see industrial sites rehabilitated and renewed for future use.

“This technology not only supports our transition to cleaner energy sources but also promotes economic growth through job creation in the energy sector.”

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“It’s fantastic to see planning approval confirmed for the Hydrostor project which will be further supported by a 65-year government lease on a Crown land site near Broken Hill.

“The Silver City Energy Storage Facility will be the first of its kind for Australia, generating both vital backup energy for Broken Hill and significant ongoing jobs and investment spending for the Far West economy.”

Western Sydney gets its first truck rest stop

Truck drivers travelling across Sydney will soon be able to stop at the city’s first dedicated heavy vehicle rest area, with the Australian and NSW governments identifying a six-hectare piece of land located close to a key junction of the motorway network.

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments will each contribute $40 million as a first step towards transforming the greenfield site at Eastern Creek into a purpose-built rest stop where truckies can shower and take a break from the road.

Developing the first dedicated truck stop in Western Sydney was an election commitment by NSW Labor, and the Eastern Creek site will deliver a much-needed rest area for truck drivers between Pheasants Nest to the south of Sydney and Wyong to the north – a distance of 180 kilometres and nearly two hours driving.

The site is located five minutes from the M7 and ten minutes from the M4 and will be of particular benefit to drivers hauling freight through Sydney between Victoria and Queensland.

A survey of 800 truckies – overwhelmingly long-haul drivers of B-doubles and semi-trailers – found safety and security was their highest priority for a rest area, as well as the provision of separate toilet and shower facilities for female drivers.

Based on driver feedback and industry consultation, the rest area will provide flushing toilets, clean drinking water, hot showers, ample available parking including secluded bays for sleeping, and shaded areas for time outside the truck cabin.

The new rest stop will provide space for a range of heavy vehicles, including oversize overmass, and it will give truckies a safe and accessible area to rest and mange fatigue as part of their journey.

For more information click here Heavy Vehicle Rest Stopping Improvements | Transport for NSW

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

“The safety of our truckies is a priority of our government and improving the number and quality of heavy vehicle rest areas is critical for that.

“We’ve listened to our truck drivers, and will deliver what they’ve asked for – shelter, toilets, hot showers, drinking water, shade and bays to sleep.

“These are things that we often take for granted at our own workplace but are not easily accessible for our truckies while they are working on the road.

“Availability of adequate rest areas helps truckies to better manage fatigue and avoid incidents on the road, ultimately saving lives.”

NSW Minister for Transport and Roads John Graham:

“Sydney has a reputation for being Australia’s least friendly city for truck drivers. We are changing that.

“Truckies are the backbone of our economy and they deserve a place in Sydney to rest and recharge. It was our promise to deliver a dedicated truck rest area in Western Sydney and identifying this six-hectare site is the critical step.

“This land is close by the heart of the motorway network where the M7 and the M4 meet at Eastern Creek making it the ideal site.

“At the moment there is a 180-kilometre gap from the southern outskirts of Sydney to the Central Coast in which truck drivers must make do with service stations and local roads to get a break. This is not fair.

“By ensuring our truck drivers are well-rested we are also ensuring the safest possible motorway network for all drivers.”

Federal Member for McMahon Chris Bowen:

“We know that Western Sydney is the beating heart of Australia’s economy.

“The Eastern Creek industrial complex is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.

“That requires measures to ensure that local truckies stay safe when delivering for our community.

“This is what the community wanted, and we’re delivering”.

the Steering Committee Chair Senator Glenn Sterle:

“The Australian Government’s Heavy Vehicle Rest Area initiative aims to increase heavy vehicle user safety and productivity through vital new and upgraded rest areas across their journey.

“We want to keep our truck drivers and communities safe and these new and upgraded rest stops will help drivers reduce their fatigue as they keep goods moving across the country.”

NSW Government taking action on waste crisis

Minns Labor Government is taking strong action to prevent a waste crisis in NSW, with landfill due to reach capacity in Greater Sydney by 2030.

NSW has just passed landmark legislation to become the first state to implement a statewide mandate for Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) recycling, to divert food waste from landfill into compost.

The legislation mandates FOGO collection services for households by July 2030, and for businesses and institutions in stages from July 2026.

FOGO bins will be rolled out at premises such as supermarkets, pubs, cafes, universities, schools, hotels and hospitals. Large supermarkets will also be required to report on the amounts and types of surplus food donated to charities like OzHarvest, Second Bite and Foodbank.

With FOGO taking up to a third of household red bin capacity, this legislation will help take some pressure off landfill. It also takes us one step closer to a circular economy in NSW, where resources are recycled, reused and repurposed.

The new laws are backed by a $81 million FOGO Fund to go largely to Councils for infrastructure including bins, kitchen caddies and liners, contamination audits, community education programs and staffing, including a $9 million boost in funding allocated to:

$4 million to support implementation in apartments and multi-unit dwellings
$3 million for a statewide advertising campaign to raise awareness and encourage behaviour change
$1 million for councils with existing FOGO services to conduct annual ‘booster’ education campaigns
$1 million for a pilot to tackle contamination hotspots using artificial intelligence.

The new laws are projected to divert up to one million tonnes of organic waste from landfill each year. Most will be transformed into high-quality compost for parks, sporting fields and agriculture, promoting healthier soils and sustainable food production.

The NSW Environment Protection Authority is working closely with communities, councils and industry to ensure a smooth and effective transition.

A step-by-step Best Practice Guide has also been launched to help councils introduce FOGO and manage contamination risks.

To learn more about the rollout, visit the NSW EPA website.

The next step to tackle the waste crisis is the refinement of the Energy from Waste framework in NSW.

A discussion paper outlines some small, proposed changes to the existing Energy from Waste framework, including clarification around the definition of thermal treatment.

Public consultation is open from Tuesday, 25 February until Tuesday, 8 April, and feedback can be provided through the NSW Government’s Have Your Say platform.

Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe:

“NSW has ignored the crisis for landfill capacity for too long. We cannot kick this can down the road any longer.

“The new FOGO laws mean NSW is leading the nation in combating food waste, becoming the first to mandate this recycling revolution across the state.

“These new laws are backed by $81 million to support councils to move to FOGO by 2030.”

Greens support rise in TFES

The Greens have supported calls from Tasmanian businesses for payments under the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme (TFES) to be increased for 12 months pending the results of a full review.

Senator Nick McKim, who was part of the recent Senate Inquiry into the TFES, said that the scheme is no longer fit for purpose and that northbound freight from Tasmania should be better supported while a review is underway.

“Freight costs across Bass Strait have spiralled while support from the TFES has failed to keep pace.”

“This has been an issue for decades and it needs to be addressed.”

“We remain of the view that whole logs from Tasmania’s native forests should not attract support from the TFES. The mendicant native forest logging industry should not have access to yet another public subsidy.”

Labor adopts Greens’ ‘GP for free’ plan, Bandt says Parliament should be recalled to make it law

The Australian Greens have said Labor’s decision to adopt part of their ‘GP for free’ plan shows pressure works, and that voting Greens will help keep Dutton out and get Labor to act.

Earlier today Labor announced an $8.5 billion investment in Medicare to help more people access bulk-billed GP visits.

This follows the Greens’ own ‘GP for free’ election pledge that the party has been campaigning for since October last year, in which the party said it would triple the bulk billing incentive for all appointments, support the trainee GP workforce and build 1,000 clinics with free access to doctors, dentists and psychologists.

Leader of the Australian Greens, Adam Bandt, said this would make a huge difference for people struggling to afford healthcare.

He called on the Prime Minister to recall Parliament this week while Estimates is on to legislate the policy before the election, to ensure it is Dutton-proofed and not held ransom to the outcome of the election.

Mr Bandt added that legislating in this term of Parliament to commence before the election would represent a significant achievement, and lay the foundation in the coming minority Parliament to get dental into Medicare.

A core message of the Greens’ plan for minority government is taxing big corporations and billionaires to pay for essential services, including getting dental into Medicare and making it free to see the GP.

Leader of the Australian Greens, Adam Bandt MP:

“Greens pressure works.

“In a wealthy country like ours everyone should be able to see a GP, psychologist, dentist or nurse with their Medicare card.

“It’s good Labor has adopted part of our plan to help people see the GP for free.

“Now let’s make it law before the election.

“The Prime Minister should recall Parliament this week so we can legislate and Dutton-proof this policy.

“There’s no reason to hold this reform ransom to the outcome of the election.

”Then next Parliament, we can get dental into Medicare.

“By voting Greens, we keep Dutton out and get Labor to act.”

Not our President: Greens stand up to Trump’s bully boy tactics on big tech & tax

The Greens have urged the Albanese Government to stand up to Donald Trump’s ‘bully boy’ tactics following a White House Executive Order threatening countries who want a fair share of tax from the big tech giants.

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

“Australia must not cower to the bully-boy tactics of Donald Trump and his tech bro oligarchs. Big tech corporations need to pay their their fair share of tax in Australia, and for the journalism they profit from.

“We are seeing the rise of the extreme right in the US fed by Musk, Trump and the toxic tech platforms. Australia must stand strong for our national interest and stand up for democracy.

“Pandering to the tech bullies won’t serve Australia’s interests or ensure public interest journalism is protected. These big tech giants will never do the right thing by their users, journalists or the community unless they are forced to.

“Whether it’s paying for the journalism they use, or their dangerous algorithms that are used to generate massive profits from hate and abusive content and scams, these corporations must be held accountable.

“Donald Trump is not our President and his extreme, tech oligarchy should not dictate Australian policies or regulation.”

Senate estimates tomorrow will feature Communications Department officials and ACMA, among others.

$4.9 Million Animal Studies Training Centre Opens at TAFE NSW Wyong

The future of animal care just got brighter on the Central Coast, with Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan, and Minister for the Central Coast and local Member, David Harris today officially opening the new $4.9 million Animal Studies Training Centre at TAFE NSW Wyong.

This state-of-the-art facility is set to become the go-to-hub for more than 480 Central Coast students enrolled in animal care and veterinary nursing courses this semester.

These students will have access to a simulated veterinary-style clinic, theatre and radiology rooms, as well as grooming and hydrotherapy facilities, and specialist animal habitats.

By equipping students with real-world skills in animal care services, veterinary nursing, and even wildlife and exhibited animals, the new centre is unlocking exciting career pathways into the booming animal care industry.

With the number of veterinary nurses in Australia expected to grow by 5.9% from 2023 to 2028, and an ongoing shortage of animal care and veterinary nursing professionals, this new facility will help address workforce demand across the Central Coast region.

Animal studies courses now being delivered at TAFE NSW Wyong include:

Certificate II in Animal Care 
Certificate III in Animal Care Services 
Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animals 
Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing 
Certificate II in Animal Care (TVET)

This investment is part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to rebuilding TAFE NSW. In addition to the new Animal Studies Centre, TAFE NSW Wyong is set to receive more than $2.6 million to upgrade campus facilities ensuring students have access to top-tier education and training. 

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to rebuilding TAFE NSW to provide education and training focused on priority industries and the critical skills our communities need.

“The new Animal Studies Training Centre at TAFE NSW Wyong is proof of our unwavering commitment to restoring TAFE NSW as a leading provider of vocational education and training aligned to local industry and community needs.

“This state-of-the-art facility is a game-changer for the Central Coast, giving students access to cutting-edge equipment and specialised training that mirrors real-world industry standards. We’re setting them up for success with job-ready skills that will open doors to rewarding careers in the growing animal care industry.”

Minister for the Central Coast, David Harris said:

“Like many regional communities, Wyong and the Central Coast rely heavily on TAFE NSW to deliver education and training to support local business and industry.

“Wildlife attractions, animal hospitals, and pet-loving residents contribute to the demand for skilled animal care workers and veterinary nurses.

“After touring the facility late last year it’s exciting to see that the doors are finally opening to bolster tertiary education on the Central Coast.

“The NSW Government’s investment in the new animal services training centre at TAFE NSW Wyong will ensures Coasties have access to top quality educational facilities on the doorstep.”