August 2025 – Page 18

The Question of a Palestinian State

The Coalition has serious concerns about the Albanese Government’s decision to unilaterally recognise a Palestinian state outside of a proper peace and two-state process.

This decision, at this time, puts Australia at odds with the United States of America, our most important ally, and the most consequential player in the conflict in Gaza.

The United States will have an essential role to play in brokering a viable peace process and establishing a sustainable Palestinian state. It is critical to note that the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that decisions to recognise a Palestinian state ahead of a proper peace process scuttled ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas.

Until today it has been a bipartisan position that the question of recognising Palestinian statehood should come at the end of the peace negotiation process, not at the start or during it.

Until today it was a bipartisan position that there should be no recognition of a Palestinian state with Hamas still in control of Gaza.

Despite his words today the reality is Anthony Albanese has committed Australia to recognising Palestine while hostages remain in tunnels under Gaza and with Hamas still in control of the population of Gaza. Nothing he has said today changes that fact.

Recognising a Palestinian state prior to a return of the hostages and defeat of Hamas, as the Government has today, risks delivering Hamas one of its strategic objectives of the horrific terrorism of October 7.

Australians all want the war in Gaza to end. Ending this war is the only way to save lives and safeguard a two-state solution. The clear advice of our most important ally is this decision will not expedite that outcome.

As it stands today the decision by the Albanese Government does not appear to make the world a safer place, expedite the end of the conflict, deliver a two-state solution, see the free flow of aid, support the release of hostages or put an end to the terrorist group Hamas.

Youth take a seat in Council Chambers for Local Government Week

Students from seven high schools across Newcastle were given a chance to go behind the scenes to get a taste of life on the elected Council as part of Local Government Week.

The next generation of civic leaders took part in City of Newcastle’s annual Youth Mock Council event, which was held 6-7 August as part of an education initiative designed to amplify young voices and deepen their understanding of how they can contribute to their communities.

Hosted by the Youth Council Standing Committee and supported by City of Newcastle, the program offers young people an authentic glimpse into local government, from understanding Council processes to debating the issues that matter most to them.

Over two days, students participated in workshops alongside current Councillors, learned from inspiring keynote speakers, and collaborated in small teams to draft Notices of Motion – the formal mechanism Councillors use to propose solutions to local issues.

The program culminated in a simulated Council meeting within the historic City Hall Chambers, where students presented their motions, honed their public speaking skills, and engaged in spirited debate, all before an audience of real Councillors and peers.

The Youth Mock Council goes beyond role-playing. Last year’s Youth Mock Council motion to create a new youth centre has since been endorsed by Council in October 2024 and led to tangible action, with the Youth Council Standing Committee now investigating options for its implementation.

Council confirms decision on Rising Tide event

The elected Council has voted to approve an amended motion to allow Rising Tide’s application to use community land for its People’s Blockade event in November. 

Councillors voted at tonight’s Extraordinary Council Meeting to endorse an event authorisation for Camp Shortland and in-principle support for Foreshore Park, pending public notification and a requirement for a Form 1 from NSW Police consistent with the event licence application.

Rising Tide applied for a licence to utilise Hamilton North’s Richardson Park from 25 November to 2 December, and Camp Shortland from 28 November to 1 December.

The application included the erection of temporary structures, amusement rides, live performances and amplified sound at both Camp Shortland and Richardson Park, along with the provision for camping at the Hamilton North site.

City of Newcastle manages community land on the behalf of the NSW Government and licences events in line with the Local Government Act. Public notice is required for events that occupy community land for longer than three consecutive days.

A total of 1,855 submissions were received by City of Newcastle during the public notice period, which were submitted through the formal Have Your Say online portal, along with paper and email correspondence.

A subsequent request was received from Rising Tide to amend their application to transfer the activities at Richardson Park to Foreshore Park.

Lord Mayor Dr Ross Kerridge called an Extraordinary Council Meeting to ensure the proposed use of community land by Rising Tide could be considered and debated by Council.

Progress on Western Sydney Airport Metro Station

Passengers using the new metro line into Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport will have the smoothest of transits, with extra-wide platforms and a range of luggage-friendly features to make it a first-class public transport experience.

The first look inside Airport Terminal Station reveals the widest platforms on the entire Sydney Metro network – twice the width of the platforms at Gadigal Station in the Sydney CBD.

At ten metres wide, the large platforms are among design features to facilitate the high-volume movement of travellers with luggage in and out of the city’s newest airport.

Airport Terminal Station will also have larger lifts and wider ticket gates to smooth the connection.

The new 23-kilometre Metro line, jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments, will move up to 7,740 passengers every hour in each direction.

The six-stop line will connect Western Sydney International Airport to St Marys in just 15 minutes where passengers can join services on the T1 Western Line that run direct to stations including Blacktown, Parramatta, Strathfield and Central Station.

A 60-tonne crane is being used to lower precast concrete segments 25 metres below ground to the station floor, with segments then pieced together side-by-side and secured in place with bolts and concrete to create the platform.

The high-precision work will take about 25 days to complete, with work starting next at Airport Business Park and Orchard Hills stations. Bradfield Station is the first station box where the platform installation work is complete.

Construction progress on Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport comes amid a rush of milestones in recent weeks across the Sydenham to Bankstown metro conversion and Sydney Metro West mega-projects. These include:

80 per cent completion at Bankstown, with platforms and screens in place
The breakthrough of two tunnel boring machines into Pyrmont on their way to Hunter Street
Breakthroughs at Parramatta as those TBMs head to Westmead
90 per cent completion of all tunnelling on Sydney Metro West

The $10.5 billion Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments, each contributing $5.25 billion.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns:

“Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport is taking shape, and it will be a welcome addition to what will be a thriving new city around the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.

“Having the right transport infrastructure in place for this new airport will connect people with jobs, leisure, and enable businesses to thrive.

“We’re investing in infrastructure like Metro to ensure essential services are up and running when this brand-new city comes to life.”

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

“Western Sydney International will be Australia’s most technologically advanced airport, so it’s apt that it will be served by a fast, frequent and high-tech driverless Metro.

“This milestone is an exciting step toward delivering the new metro connection that will serve as a key gateway for airport passengers, workers and residents across Greater Western Sydney.

“Sydney’s new airport has been talked about for decades, and soon it will be a reality. Sydney’s new airport will have room to expand as demand for flights grows over the coming decades. This metro will play an important role in linking growing suburbs to their new airport.

NSW Minister for Transport John Graham:

“The Airport Terminal Station will be among the busiest on the line and play a major role in the success of our city’s new international airport. We are making sure that every design feature is tailored to a smooth journey from air to rail.

“Bradfield and the airport precinct will grow rapidly around this world-class infrastructure, providing the employment growth close to home that the millions of people in Western Sydney deserve.”

“I want to thank the 3000 workers currently on site across this project.”

Federal Member for Werriwa Anne Stanley:

“The Albanese and Minns Governments are delivering incredible investments in roads and rail across our region, that will change the way workers and passengers can travel to the Airport and surrounds.

“It’s an exciting time for south west Sydney, as we look forward to a new airport and a fantastic new metro service.

state Member for Leppington Nathan Hagarty:

“Western Sydney International Airport and Bradfield City Centre will reshape our region — bringing new jobs, new industries, and new opportunities closer to home. It’s great to see the metro line that will connect it all coming to life.

“As one of the fastest-growing parts of the state, Greater Western Sydney deserves world-class infrastructure that supports local jobs, new housing and better connections for our communities.”

Recovery Assistance Point for New England communities underway

A Recovery Assistance Point (RAP) will open in Gunnedah this week to support communities in the storm-impacted New England following the recent severe weather including heavy rainfall.

The Gunnedah RAP will open from Thursday to Saturday offering face to face support to impacted residents, businesses and primary producers including:

help with replacing ID and personal documents such as birth and marriage certificates, Medicare card, vehicle and vessel registrations and licences, and citizenship documents
legal assistance
insurance support and guidance on claims, policy coverage, and clean-up
mental health support as recovering from a natural disaster can take a toll on mental and physical health.

Recovery Assistance Point location:

Gunnedah, Salvation Army Hall, 30 Tempest Street, Gunnedah
- Thursday 14 August, 2pm – 6pm; Friday 15 August, 11am – 4:30pm; Saturday 16 August, 10am – 2pm.

RA staff remain on the ground with the SES assessing impacts in key locations like Gunnedah, Narrabri, Tamworth, Uralla and Walcha as recovery operations ramp up.

The Minns Labor Government is working hard to make sure support is available to help individuals, land holders and communities get back on their feet.

Information about recovery support is updated daily at nsw.gov.au/stormrecoveryupdates

NSW Minister for Recovery and Small Business Janelle Saffin:

“People are doing it tough in the New England, but I want them to know that the Government is here every step of the way through recovery.

“That’s what Recovery Assistance Points are here for, so communities can access the support and services they need to start getting back on their feet.

“We are also working closely with and support Councils too to repair the infrastructure communities need to stay connected to services and each other.”

NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO Mal Lanyon said:

“We’re standing up the Gunnedah Recovery Assistance Point to ensure communities have access to the support they need.

“This is a coordinated effort across local, state and federal agencies, working together to provide a one stop shop for people and businesses impacted by recent severe weather and snow.

“Information and access for support is currently available at nsw.gov.au/stormrecoveryupdates.”

Warning on regional level crossing safety as Rail Safety Week begins

Regional motorists are being urged to obey the rules and stay safe around level crossings, after joint enforcement in regional areas resulted in 80 driver fines for ignoring signals about approaching trains and for speeding.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to lowering road fatalities toward zero, and part of that includes making level crossing safer for everyone.

It is investing $7.3 million a year through the Level Crossing Improvement Program to accelerate upgrades of priority public level crossings and through level crossing safety education and enforcement campaigns.

The safety message comes as Rail Safety Week begins, a reminder to be safe on and around the rail network. Rail Safety Week will be marked across NSW with events focused on Werris Creek and is strongly supported by the Minns Labor Government.

During a recent ten-day Level Crossing Awareness and Enforcement campaign in the Liverpool Plains area, NSW Police detected 55 offences at level crossings in Nea, Curlewis, Caroona and Gunnedah including 26 level crossing offences and 26 speeding offences.

Police penalized a further 35 motorists at four level crossings in the Riverina around Junee and Marrar, detecting 26 level crossing offences and six speeding offences.

There were five collisions between trains and road vehicles at level crossings in NSW last financial year including the single fatal collision at the Twigg Road Yenda level crossing last September. There were also 74 near hits between trains and road vehicles at level crossings in NSW.

Across in the past 10 years there have been 69 collisions between trains and vehicles at NSW’s 1,307 public road level crossings, resulting in 9 deaths and 9 serious injuries. Some 64 of those crashes occurred in regional NSW.

Every year, the NSW Police Force and Transport for NSW run localised awareness and enforcement campaigns to enforce the rules at level crossings using highly visible police enforcement.

Motorists who gamble with their safety at level crossings face three demerit points and a $562 fine.

Trains can travel at speeds of up to 160 kilometres per hour and can take up to 1.4 kilometres, or 14 football fields, to come to a complete stop. Even if a train driver sees you, they can’t stop in time.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said:

“On long drives, especially on our regional roads, it’s easy to slip into autopilot but if you miss a warning sign, you could be missing the chance to save your own life.

“If you’re not responding to the signs at level crossings, you’re not paying enough attention to drive on our roads and that makes you a danger to yourself and everyone else.

“Level crossing safety comes down to one thing – paying attention. Whether you’ve been behind the wheel for five minutes or five hours, you can’t afford to switch off.”

Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“Closed gates and flashing lights at level crossings mean that a train is approaching and motorists who choose to ignore these signals are putting themselves, their passengers, pedestrians, as well as train passengers and drivers at risk.

“With more than 30 trains a day passing through some level crossings, it’s extremely important for motorists to be patient and obey the signs, flashing lights, boom gates and road markings.

“Ignoring them can and sadly has resulted in avoidable tragedy.

“It can only take a few seconds for a fatal collision to happen.

“Even if the train driver sees you, they often cannot stop in time.

“It’s concerning that so many motorists are speeding on approach to and across level crossings and committing offences despite the presence of clearly marked Highway Patrol vehicles at the level crossings.

“Safety is our top priority, but we all need to look out for each other to ensure everyone reaches their destination safely.”

NSW Police Acting Superintendent Ben Macfarlane said:

“These results are indicative of the complacency around Level Crossings. It is clear that drivers are still ignoring warnings, speed limits and signage.

“Trains can come from any direction, at any time and some trains can take more than a kilometre to come to a complete stop.

“Disobeying level crossing warning signs and lights can lead to crashes between vehicle and trains where the consequences can be deadly. Drivers need to take personal responsibility when around level crossing to ensure the path is clear.”

$1 million to drive more support for people with disability

The Minns Labor Government has delivered over $1 million in grants to support people with disability across the state.

Thirteen not-for-profit organisations will share in over $1 million through the 2024-25 Disability Advocacy Futures Program (DAFP) grants. The funding will help to build the capacity of the sector, extend support to people not covered by the NDIS, and empower people with disability to participate more fully and confidently in community life.

Funded projects of between $20,000 and $100,000 aim to:

increase supports that enable people with disability to participate in their communities
strengthen the NSW disability advocacy sector through collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement
build stronger networks and learning opportunities for advocacy organisations in NSW.

From supporting children newly diagnosed with neuromuscular conditions, to young disability advocates, to Aboriginal students with autism and their families — each initiative aims to close gaps, remove barriers, and strengthen support.

Now in its third funding round, the DAFP Special Purposes and Projects and Sector Development stream is growing the skills, reach and resilience of NSW’s disability advocacy organisations.

The DAFP is a cornerstone of the NSW Government’s commitment to disability advocacy, with the program extended in March 2024 with a further $28 million in funding — securing support through to June 2026. It now funds 19 organisations across NSW to deliver individual, systemic and representative advocacy, as well as sector development.

By investing in advocacy today, the Minns Labor Government is building a more inclusive and equitable future — where every person with disability has the tools, the voice, and the support to participate fully in their community.

Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said:

“We’re proud to be backing these incredible organisations that support people with disability every day — helping them to be heard, to be safe, and to thrive.

“This funding supports projects that create real, tangible change — from helping families navigate a new diagnosis, to giving young people with disability the tools to lead and advocate for themselves.

“We’ve already seen the difference this program can make. Now, with another round of grants, we’re strengthening the foundations of advocacy in NSW and ensuring more people get the support they deserve — when and where they need it.”

Example Projects

A diverse range of projects have been funded in 2024–25, including initiatives to:

support children newly diagnosed with neuromuscular conditions — and their families and carers — to access information, specialist services, and peer support more easily
provide DV-alert training for frontline workers, along with workshops to equip women with disability with the tools to recognise abuse
deliver civics and advocacy training for young people with disability, focusing on leadership, disability rights, and self-advocacy
develop resources to empower Autistic Aboriginal children and their families throughout their education journey.

For more information on the Disability Advocacy Futures Program, visit the Disability Advocacy Futures Program web page.

Australia to recognise Palestinian State

Australia will recognise the State of Palestine at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in September, to contribute to international momentum towards a two-state solution, a ceasefire in Gaza and release of the hostages.

Since 1947, Australia has supported Israel’s existence. In that year, Australia’s Foreign Minister Evatt chaired the UN committee that recommended the creation of two states side by side.

Then, as now, the international community understood a two-state solution was the basis of peace and security for the peoples of the region.

Australia was the first country to raise its hand at the United Nations in support of Resolution 181, to create the State of Israel – and a Palestinian state.

More than 77 years later, the world can no longer wait for the implementation of that Resolution to be negotiated between the parties.

Australia’s decision helps build the historic global momentum to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East.

The Netanyahu Government is extinguishing the prospect of a two-state solution by rapidly expanding illegal settlements, threatening annexation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and explicitly opposing any Palestinian state.

The international community is moving to establish a Palestinian state consistent with a two-state solution.

In doing so, the world is seizing the opportunity of major new commitments from the Palestinian Authority, including to reform governance, terminate prisoner payments, institute schooling reform, demilitarise and hold general elections. The Palestinian Authority has also restated its recognition of Israel’s right to exist. The President of the Palestinian Authority has reaffirmed these commitments directly to the Australian Government.

Australia’s position is predicated on the commitments we have received from the Palestinian Authority. We will continue to work with the international community to hold the Palestinian Authority to its commitments and to encourage normalised relations between Israel and its neighbours.

The commitments by the Palestinian Authority are strengthened by the Arab League’s unprecedented demand for the terrorist organisation Hamas to end its rule in Gaza and hand over its weapons.

Together these factors mean that this is the best opportunity Australia may ever have to support moderate voices for peace in the region, to undermine extremism and to further isolate Hamas. This is the movement to which Australia and so many countries are seeking to add momentum.

Hamas continues to damage the prospects of a two-state solution and rejects Israel’s right to exist. Hamas must release the hostages cruelly taken on October 7, 2023 immediately, unconditionally and with dignity. The Australian Government has consistently made clear there can be no role for Hamas in a Palestinian state.

Australia is further compelled by the Netanyahu Government’s disregard of the international community’s calls, and its failure to comply with its legal and ethical obligations in Gaza. Israel is required to protect civilians and ensure the provision of food and medical supplies. Permanent forced displacement of civilians is illegal.

Palestinian children deserve a future that looks nothing like their reality today.

There is much more work to do in building the Palestinian state. We will work with partners on a credible peace plan that establishes governance and security arrangements for Palestine and ensures the security of Israel.

Australia will continue to be a constructive partner in support of a two-state solution, as the only pathway to a secure and prosperous future that respects the aspirations of Israelis and Palestinians alike.

Appeal to locate man missing from Rathmines

Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate a man missing from the north coast.

Benjamin Holt, aged 34, was last seen launching a boat from a boat ramp at Rathmines, about 1pm yesterday, (Monday 11 August 2025.)

When he could not be located or contacted, officers from Lake Macquarie Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and family have concerns for his welfare.

Benjamin is described as Caucasian appearance, 170cm tall, thin build with brown hair and brown eyes.

He was last seen wearing black tracksuit pants and a black hoodie.

Benjamin is known to frequent the Bolton Point, Swansea, Coal Point and Marmong Point areas and associated boat ramps.

Palestine: Not in our name Albo, says Family First

The Albanese Government’s rewarding of the rapes, slaughter and kidnapping committed by Hamas on October 7 by recognising a Palestinian state shames all Australians, Family First said today.

“What is it Anthony Albanese is recognising? Is it a state led by people who now believe Israel has a right to exist? Is it led by people who will now stop teaching children to hate Jews and support Islamic terrorism?” asked Family First National Director Lyle Shelton.

“Sadly those ideas have not been supported by the almost 90-year-old head of the corrupt Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, until a sudden out-of-character shift in June.

“While the Prime Minister said today Mr Abbas had now changed his mind and believed Israel had a right to exist and that Palestinian kids should not be taught to hate and kill Jews, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not so sure,” Mr Shelton said.

Mr Netanyahu told a media conference yesterday he did not believe the PA had changed its stripes.

“What does Anthony Albanese know about Mr Abbas, who says Hitler was not antisemitic, that Benjamin Netanyahu doesn’t know?

“Abbas has spent a long lifetime working for a one state solution, not a two-state solution. He has repeatedly rejected generous offers of statehood in the past because that would mean accepting Israel’s right to exist.

“How can an entity which pays the pensions of the families of suicide bombers be a partner for peace?

“Today’s announcement by the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Penny Wong is naïve and the only winners are the Hamas terrorists huddled in their tunnels in Gaza.”

Mr Shelton said Family First was dismayed at the media misinformation which routinely blames Israel for the killing and wounding of civilians without mentioning that Hamas uses them as human shields. It makes no secret of leveraging the deaths it causes of its people to turn world opinion against Israel.

“Since the war began Israel has repeatedly given up the element of surprise by smsing and phoning Gazans ahead of military strikes so they could get to safety.

“The largescale destruction of buildings in Gaza, as Mr Netanyahu and others have pointed out, is because Hamas routinely booby traps houses with IEDs (improvised explosive devices). The IDF’s destruction of terror tunnels built under houses, hospitals and mosques had also caused structures to collapse.

“Israel has been demonised for causing children to starve to death in Gaza, something for which there is no evidence, while the UN refuses to distribute truckloads of aid because that requires cooperating with the US-Israeli Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.

“While Gazan civilians had been deprived of aid because of Hamas looting and the UN’s intransigence, the only actual starvation going on in Gaza is of the hostages.

“Sadly, Albanese and Wong have delivered yet another propaganda coup to the Hamas Islamic death cult.

“Unless Hamas, which still has thousands of armed Islamic terrorists in Gaza, is destroyed, it will re-group and attempt October 7 again and again until every Jew from the river to the sea is killed,” Mr Shelton said.