Month: August 2025

ANU staff don’t need more gaslighting, they need new leadership

Senator Mehreen Faruqi has responded to the ANU’s release of their self-assurance report and Cover Letter. This report was released a few hours before the Greens’ Order for the Production of Documents was to be voted on in the Senate.

Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Deputy Leader of the Greens and spokesperson for Higher Education:

“This report is just more gaslighting and denial from the ANU leadership. The ongoing governance failures at the ANU are not going to go away by saying it’s all under control.

“ANU had to be dragged to release this self-assurance report by the threat of our Senate order.

“Trust has been shattered, and this report cannot distract from the growing chorus of voices calling on Bell and Bishop to resign. Staff and students have made their position crystal clear: this leadership is no longer fit for purpose. Bishop and Bell must go.

“ANU can’t hide behind management gobbledygook and expect to regain the trust of their community.”

Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 26 August

Council update: Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 26 August 2025 

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council Meeting of Tuesday 26 August 2025. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions. 

Lord Mayoral Minutes  

Acknowledging the significant contribution of the late Aubrey Brooks

A Lord Mayoral Minute noted the passing of Aubrey Brooks and acknowledged his significant contributions and advocacy to Newcastle’s steel history following the closure of BHP in 1999. 

Ordinary business 

Tabling of register of disclosures of interest

Council noted the tabling of the Register of Disclosures of Interest for the period 1 May to 31 July 2025 by the Chief Executive Officer.

Newcastle Maritime Heritage Working Party update

Council noted the Newcastle Maritime Heritage Working Party updates including the terms of reference, summary of collection, memorandum and meeting minutes for 19 June, 25 July and 12 August 2025.

Adoption of the draft Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program

Council voted unanimously to endorse the Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program and submit it to the Minister for Environment certification. 

Adoption of public exhibition for reclassification of land parcels from operational land to community land

Council voted unanimously to reclassify 22 public land parcels as Community Land and categorise them as Natural Areas in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993. 

Adoption of council policies

Council voted unanimously to approve the updated Planning Agreements Policy and Procurement Policy and change the instruments of delegation to the Lord Mayor, Development Applications Committee and Chief Executive Officer to remove awarding tenders from the additional functions reserved for Council, unless valued over $5 million.

Adoption of planning agreement for 1/21 Railway Street and 29 Bishopsgate Street 

Wickham

Council voted to endorse the Planning Agreement for 1/21 Railway Street and 29 Bishopsgate Street Wickham. 

Transport for NSW third-party delegation

Council voted unanimously to sub-delegate to the Chief Executive Officer the functions and authorisations granted under the Transport for NSW ‘Authorisation and Delegation Instrument to Councils’.

Executive Monthly Performance Report

Council voted to receive the Executive Monthly Performance Report for July 2025. 

Tender report – Mitchell Street – revetment remediation Stockton

Council voted to accept a tender for the Mitchell Street revetment renewal and upgrade project.

Tender report – provision of security services 

Council voted to accept a tender for the provision of an integrated range of security services for 90 City of Newcastle sites.

Notices of Motion 

Petition to retain open-air changing rooms as part of Stage 2 of the Newcastle Ocean Baths restoration project

Council supported a notice of motion to receive a petition from 2,035 signatories requesting the retention of open-air change rooms as part of Stage 2 of the restoration of the Newcastle Ocean Baths. Community consultation took place from 17 June 2024 until August 2024. A key theme from the consultation process was the provision of an open-air change room or open-air amenity.

Committee membership updates following the countback election of Siobhan Isherwood

Council formally congratulated Councillor Siobhan Isherwood on her election to City of Newcastle and appointed her as a Councillor representative to the Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee, Access Inclusion Standing Committee and Youth Council Standing Committee. 

Councillor seating arrangements

A notice of motion to alter seating arrangements for the current Council term, allowing all councillors to be seated to political groupings, was laid on the table.

Advocacy for addressing the impacts of cost shifting onto Local Government

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion noting the findings of the Local Government NSW Cost Shifting report for the 2023/2024 financial year, with a request to place a copy of the report on City of Newcastle’s website. Council will write to the Premier, the NSW Treasurer and the NSW Minister for Local Government asking that they urgently address these costs through a combination of regulatory reform and appropriate funding.

Improving our engagements with foreign representatives

Council supported a notice of motion to reaffirm our support for all communities, including Tibetan and Taiwanese Novocastrians, and reiterated our commitment to building an inclusive city which respects and supports all residents regardless of their faith or background. 

Better utilisation of our former City Hall Chambers

Council supported a notice of motion to create a working party under the Community and Culture Advisory Committee to develop a plan which preserves, respects and shares our city’s rich history, while improving access to the former City Hall Chamber for members of the public. 

Milestone paves the way for critical long-term beach protection at Stockton

City of Newcastle will seek the final tick of approval from the NSW Government for a $63 million plan to buffer Stockton’s coastline from erosion.

Councillors voted unanimously last night to endorse the Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program (CMP) and formally submit it to the NSW Environment Minister for certification.

City of Newcastle’s Executive Director of Planning and Environment, Michelle Bisson, said this was a significant milestone in the long-term protection and enhancement of Stockton’s coastline.

“The adoption of this Extended CMP establishes a clear pathway for the delivery of mass sand nourishment supported by regular sand top-ups, which has been identified as the most feasible, viable and acceptable long-term solution, and has received overwhelming community support,” Ms Bisson said. 

“It also includes vital short-term actions for the urgent protection of critical public assets in Stockton.

“The CMP was developed in collaboration with the community and government agencies and is the culmination of many years of hard work by the project team and advocacy from the Stockton Community Liaison Group.

“We now look forward to receiving certification from the NSW Minister for the Environment, which is a crucial step to unlock grant funding eligibility and streamline approval pathways for critical protection works.”

The Extended Stockton CMP covers a geographical area stretching from Little Beach to the Port Stephens Local Government Area boundary.

It contains 79 management actions, including beach nourishment and sand management activities, urgent interim coastal protection works for critical assets like the Mitchell Street seawall, and the development of a coastal monitoring and decision-making support system.

It is forecast to cost $63 million to implement over the next decade, with City of Newcastle expected to invest around $25 million into its delivery, most of which will be directed towards the construction of coastal protection structures to mitigate immediate risks.

The Federal Government will contribute $1.47 million primarily through the Coastal and Estuarine Risk Mitigation Program (CERMP) for sand sourcing investigations.

The NSW Government is earmarked to contribute approximately $35 million, which includes its $21.5 million election commitment for mass sand nourishment, however this is not scheduled to occur until the 2027/28 and 2028/29 financial years.

Ms Bisson said this delay means that the construction and renewal of expensive coastal protection structures itemised in the CMP, which are necessary to protect critical public assets in the short term, are likely to be required before mass sand nourishment is delivered.

“The Extended Stockton CMP sets a long-term strategy to offset the impacts of the NSW Government-owned Newcastle Harbour infrastructure, including the entrance breakwaters and artificially deepened navigational channel,” Ms Bisson said.

“The implementation of the mass sand nourishment program and the investigation and determination of a governance, funding and implementation framework for ongoing sand top-ups will be led by NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and guided by the Stockton Special Advisory Panel, chaired by the State Member for Newcastle.”

Community engagement played a crucial role in shaping the final plan, with 90% of respondents supporting ongoing sand top-ups as well as mass sand nourishment during the public exhibition period. A petition with 1,233 signatures also underscored the strong community desire for a holistic sand nourishment strategy led by the NSW Government.

For more information on the Extended Stockton CMP, visit the project page on City of Newcastle’s website.

$43.2 million investment to boost drought resilience across regional NSW

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments will jointly invest $43.2 million to support farmers to strengthen their drought resilience and climate adaptation, as drought continues to impact regional communities across NSW.

Delivered through Phase 2 of the Farm Business Resilience Program (FBRP), the funding will support farmers to access subsidised learning and development opportunities that will help them to manage risk, build long-term operational resilience, and continue to remain productive.

From personalised coaching, workshops, digital learning, and peer-to-peer case studies, the FBRP equips farmers with practical support to ensure they are better prepared before, during and after these challenging periods.

Since its launch, the FBRP has supported the development of more than 2,500 new farm business plans, engaged nearly 28,000 participants across more than 2,000 events and helped more than 1,600 NSW businesses improve their operations through targeted workshops and events.

Improved drought preparedness is expected to reduce economic losses in the agriculture sector and deliver broader benefits to rural communities, including increased employment and supply chain stability.

The FBRP program is jointly funded by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the NSW Government.

For more information on the Farm Business Resilience Program, please visit – www.droughthub.nsw.gov.au/programs/fbrp

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP:

“Drought is always a case of when, not if, so being prepared is vital.

“This is another way the Albanese Labor Government, in partnership with the Minns Government, is providing practical support to our farmers and regional communities.

“Our government is committed to supporting our farmers build resilience to drought, which will support them to continue producing the products we all love and rely on.

“We understand that many farmers are doing it tough with these harsh conditions, with today’s announcement building on the assistance we have available year-round, including concessional loans and free independent financial counselling.”

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“Farmers are the backbone of the New South Wales economy, and our state cannot meet its full potential if our regional communities are not able to thrive.

“Over the past five years farmers have shown monumental resilience in the face of drought, floods, bushfires and even for some a cyclone.

“With drought conditions returning and continuing across the state, we remain committed to supporting them with the necessary tools and assistance to sustain this vital industry.

“Supporting our farmers isn’t just about today—it’s about securing the future of agriculture in NSW for generations to come.”

NSW Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“Drought and extreme climate events are becoming more frequent, intense and prolonged.

“This investment will help regional communities and farming businesses better prepare for and respond to these challenges, ensuring long-term sustainability and economic stability.”

Minns Labor Government expands support for students with disability in NSW public schools

The Minns Labor Government has delivered an extra 260 support classes in NSW public schools this year, making it easier for students with disability to access high-quality learning environments, closer to home.

With this expansion more than 34,000 students can now access support classes across NSW public schools. Classes have now been established in more than 30 schools without a previous support class provision, giving them the resources to provide extra support.

This work forms part of the Minns Government’s commitment to delivering support for students with disability closer to where they live, with 244 support classes across mainstream schools and the remainder in Schools for Specific Purposes.

More than one-third of the extra support classes delivered this year are in Western and South Western Sydney public schools.

As part of this work an updated enrolment policy will also be rolled out for students requiring additional support, making it easier for students requiring a support class provision to attend a school closer to home and attend the same school as their siblings.

This will also ensure an equitable distribution of support classes across NSW public schools, so schools are better meeting the needs of their local communities.

The Department of Education is also working to develop post-schooling resources to help students with additional needs transition into further study, training, or work.

The Minns Government is also investing $100 million to improve classroom and school accessibility for NSW public school students living with disability.

The investment covers more than 340 projects across NSW public schools, providing much-needed infrastructure including ramps and handrails.

This expansion forms part of the NSW Government’s historic investment in public education across the state.

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring every student is supported to reach their full potential at school and beyond.

“We’re working to provide stronger support for students with disability to learn in high-quality, inclusive environments closer to home.”

Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said:

“Families across NSW have told us what they need, and we’re delivering. We’re proud to be making these changes with students and their families, not just for them.

“By building accessibility into our schools, we’re not only ensuring students living with disability can participate fully in their education, but we’re also fostering a culture of acceptance, empathy and understanding.”

Local exporters set to Go Global with NSW Government support

The Minns Labor Government is ramping up support for local businesses ready to take their products and services to the world, with the new 10-year NSW Trade and Investment Strategy 2035 driving action across the state and zeroing in on priority markets like Southeast Asia.

Investment NSW is delivering more than 30 Going Global Export Programs and Going Global Trade Missions over the next 12 months, supporting up to 350 NSW businesses to thrive in the international marketplace.  

This is the first time the NSW Government has published a forward agenda for the year’s trade missions following support for the idea as part of consultation on the NSW Trade and Investment Strategy 2035. 

Two thirds of the export programs support businesses in manufacturing and the clean energy economy – industries that will shape the future of NSW, as laid out in the NSW Industry Policy. 

Among the first Going Global Trade Missions to take NSW businesses into market is METS (Mining Equipment, Tech & Services)to Indonesia, which will connect NSW companies with leading mineral producers, equipment suppliers, and solution providers across Southeast Asia.  

This mission will showcase NSW’s cutting-edge capabilities and help NSW manufacturers and innovators strengthen commercial partnerships with key decision-makers in Indonesia and beyond. 

Another mission will see NSW clean energy businesses head to Korea and Japan, supporting these markets with their decarbonisation ambitions.  

With advancements in renewable fuels like hydrogen, working with Japanese and Korean companies on their clean energy goals will continue to enhance NSW’s reputation as a reliable energy partner in a net zero future. 

The Going Global Export Programs will also include Agrifood to Greater China, showcasing high quality NSW agrifood to one of the largest consumer markets in the worldand Life Science and Health to Singapore bringingtogether NSW precision medicine, biologics and clinical trial experts to access Southeast Asia’s rapidly expanding healthcare market. 

Businesses selected to participate in Export Programs and Trade Missions will have access to bespoke professional training, business matching, and dedicated market-entry support.  

The Going Global programs are just one of the many services delivered by the NSW Government to support local exporters.

These programs complement ongoing export support and advice provided by NSW’s network of TradeStart Export Advisers across the state, and trade experts based across NSW’s international network. 

For more information on other NSW Government’s export programs, please visit: https://www.investment.nsw.gov.au/export/  

Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said:  

“Building the state’s economic future is one of my top priorities as Minister for Industry and Trade. 

“We know that exporting is crucial for the productivity and resilience of NSW businesses, and that higher exports lead to higher wages and more employment, driving long-term prosperity right across our state. 

“The NSW Government is committed to supporting businesses on their export journey, and the export support program we’re announcing today will strengthen their ability to crack new markets and accelerate their exports.  

“This is the first time the NSW Government has published a forward agenda for the year’s trade missions, giving businesses more certainty on the support available. 

“This is all about delivering on our NSW Trade and Investment Strategy, which has clear targets to increase the value of NSW exports, and support more businesses to grow in international markets.” 

Minns Labor Government billion-dollar blitz on regional potholes and road maintenance

The Minns Labor Government has accelerated the delivery of $155 million to undertake a pothole and road repair blitz across regional New South Wales, as part its ongoing work to build a better New South Wales.

The fast-tracked funding will increase state road maintenance funding in the regions to $1.25 billion this financial year, with key works already underway.

This funding is about making regional roads safer, more reliable and fairer— because every community deserves roads they can depend on to get to work, school and home.

It comes after NSW Government funding saw 184,000 potholes across regional communities filled during 2024/25. This came as part of a record level of investment in maintenance and disaster recovery for regional roads.

This investment will deliver safer roads, from Broken Hill to Bega, ensuring that regional communities get their fair share of road maintenance investment.

The $155 million has been brought forward to 2025-26 to prioritise renewal projects, including key corridors that have been under significant pressure due to unprecedented weather. Projects include:

Pavement renewal and resurfacing on major highways such as the New England Highway and Hume Highway.

  • Key bridge maintenance and renewal works across regional NSW. 
  • Continued slope restorations across a number of our east-west corridors such as Waterfall Way, Oxley Highway, and Victoria Pass. 

Under the Liberal-National government regional road investment was an afterthought. The Minns Labor Government understands that regional roads are essential to the connectivity of our state.

Maintenance crews have clocked nearly four million hours of work in the past 12 months undertaking work including:

  • Trimming 53,000 trees for improved safety.
  • Repairing 35,000 guideposts.
  • Refreshing more than 280,000 kilometres of line markings

Some 150 new permanent staff members have been hired, taking Transport for NSW’s locally-based regional maintenance team to more than 2,000 workers. Another 75 regionally-based apprentices and trainees will start in 2026.

The Minns Labor Government continues investing in regional road infrastructure to build a stronger, more resilient network for NSW communities. This build on reforms to:

  • Put road repair funding in the hands of councils sooner by providing upfront grants – rather than forcing councils to fund the work and then reimburse them. More than one third of regional NSW Councils have already signed up to get funding faster.
  • Streamline road recategorisation so councils can apply to transfer roads to state funding responsibility. The previous Liberal-National government promised this reform but failed to deliver it.
  • Provide transparent open data on the road network by publishing AusRAP data which gives a condition report for state and regional roads, making NSW the first jurisdiction to do so.

Chris Minns, Premier of New South Wales said:

“Regional and rural communities deserve their fair share of investment and upgrades to local roads – this announcement is about getting money out the door and boots on the ground sooner rather than later.

“Following droughts, bushfires and floods we are hearing loud and clear that there needs to be more done to repair damaged roads and keep communities connected in the wake of natural disasters.

“We’ve made a start, but we know there’s still more to do and that’s what this accelerated funding will help deliver.”

Minister for Roads and Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“The people and businesses of NSW rely on our road network, and I’m incredibly proud of the road warriors at Transport for NSW.

“Long after storms or bushfires pass, recovery continues for our teams. Whether plugging potholes or undertaking massive multi-year infrastructure rebuilds, the work never ends.

“I want to thank all our frontline road recovery and maintenance crews. Their nearly four million hours of work is an investment in the future of NSW to ensure a safe, strong and reliable network for motorists, commuters and freight operators.”

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“Most of the road crews are locals making a critical difference to ensure reliable, safe roads for anyone living, working or travelling in regional NSW.

“Regional NSW often missed out under the Liberal-National Government which focused its attention on Sydney mega-projects but this Government is redressing the balance.”

Councillor Rick Firman OAM, NSW Country Mayors Association Chair, said:

“This is really good news and we warmly thank Minister Aitchison for this significant further investment in our regional, remote and rural communities.

“Obviously our local citizens will be the ultimate beneficiaries of our Government’s decision to prioritise the road network in the bush, which is effectively our lifeblood.”

Liberals call out alarming rise in violence against hospital workers under Labor

The NSW Liberals have slammed the NSW Labor Government for a shocking increase in assaults against hospital workers.
 
The Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District has seen a 62% increase in physical aggression incidents against health workers over four years. Across our state non-alcohol related assaults in hospitals is up nearly 150% since Labor took office in 2023.
 
NSW Liberal Leader Mark Speakman said that the figures are shocking.
 
“Violence in our hospitals has surged under Labor, no one should have to go to work fearing being kicked, spat on, or attacked with weapons, least of all our frontline health workers,” Mr Speakman said.
 
“This is direct result of Labor’s neglect of our health system, where it is becoming harder for people to have safe and timely access to healthcare. We’re also seeing mass resignations from psychiatrists and strikes that are crippling our hospital system. Labor shouldn’t be rewarded for this.”
 
Shadow Minister for Health Kellie Sloane said that this violence is putting staff at risk and undermining patient care.
 
“In Government, the NSW Liberals introduced laws equating assaults on health and emergency workers to assaults on police with penalties of up to 7 years jail. We’re demanding the NSW Government act and outline their plan to keep staff and patients safe,” Ms Sloane said.
 
“Long waits in emergency departments and a broken mental health system are pushing hospitals to the brink. The NSW Labor Government has no plan to keep our staff safe and no plan to fix the crisis.”
 
Liberal for Kiama Serena Copley said local hospitals are being left exposed.
 
“Families in our region are facing longer waits and fewer staff because health workers are being driven out of the system. Labor has neglected the South Coast and locals deserve better.”
 
“I’ll be a strong voice in the NSW Liberal team that stands up for our local healthcare workers and fights to deliver better access to our hospitals for locals.

Albanese Government delivers 5% deposits for all first home buyers sooner

The Albanese Labor Government is helping more Australians realise their dream of home ownership sooner, by launching 5 per cent deposits for all first home buyers early on 1 October 2025, instead of next year.

Through the expanded 5 per cent deposit scheme, the Albanese Government will guarantee a portion of a first home buyer’s home loan, so they can purchase with a lower deposit and not pay Lenders Mortgage Insurance.

Under the changes, all first home buyers will have access, with no caps on places or income limits. Property price caps will also be set higher in line with average house prices, providing access to a greater variety of homes.

For the average first home buyer, access to the scheme cuts years off the time it takes to save for a deposit and saves tens of thousands of dollars on Lenders Mortgage Insurance. In just the first year alone, first home buyers using the scheme are expected to avoid around $1.5 billion in potential mortgage insurance costs.

The median home price in Australia today is $844,000 and 5 per cent of that is $42,200. The last time $42,200 covered the 20 per cent deposit for a median home was 2002, which shows the generational scale of this change.

The expanded scheme means a first home buyer in Brisbane can purchase a $1 million home with a $50,000 deposit. They could save up to 10 years off the time it takes to save for a deposit, save about $42,000 in mortgage insurance, and could pay up to $350,000 towards their own loan instead of paying rent.

It means that a first home buyer in Bendigo could purchase a $600,000 home with only a $30,000 deposit. They could save up to 6 years off the time it takes to save for a deposit, save about $25,000 in mortgage insurance, and could pay up to $126,000 towards their own loan instead of paying rent.

After consulting with industry, the Government will also direct Housing Australia to promote the diversity of lenders who offer the scheme, giving first home buyers greater choice to buy a home through smaller, customer-owned and regional banks.

Labor was re-elected with a clear mandate to bring down the deposit hurdle for first home buyers and this is just one part of the Albanese Labor Government’s ambitious $43 billion housing agenda. We are building more homes, backing first home buyers, and supporting renters.

Since coming to office in 2022, Labor has helped over 180,000 first home buyers get a home of their own with a lower deposit. On average, there have been 6,000 more first home buyer loans a year under Labor compared to the Coalition’s previous period in office.

For more information on the 5 per cent deposits scheme, go to the Housing Australia website.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“We want to help young people and first home buyers achieve the dream of home ownership sooner.

“Bringing the start date of our 5 per cent deposit scheme forward will do just that.

“Getting more Australians into their own home quicker, while saving them money along the way.

“Labor was re-elected with a clear mandate to bring down the deposit hurdle for first home buyers, and we’re delivering.”

Minister for Housing, Clare O’Neil

“5 per cent deposits for all first home buyers will mean people can get into their own home sooner.”

“The Albanese Labor Government is stepping up to level the playing field and back a new generation of first home buyers into the housing market.”

“It’s just not right that an entire generation of young Australians have been locked out of the housing market – saving for decades while paying off someone else’s mortgage. So Labor’s changing it.”

“Yesterday we announced reforms to unlock tens of thousands of new homes and today we’re announcing changes to help tens of thousands of first home buyers get into home ownership.”

Response to Iranian attacks

Since the terrible events of October 7, 2023 we have witnessed a number of appalling antisemitic attacks against Australia’s Jewish community.

The Albanese Government asked ASIO and the Australian Federal Police to investigate these incidents as a priority because they have no place in Australia.

Enough credible intelligence has now been gathered to reach the deeply disturbing conclusion that the Iranian Government has directed at least two of these attacks.

Iran has sought to disguise its involvement but ASIO assesses it was behind the attacks on:

  • Lewis’ Continental Kitchen in Sydney on October 20 last year; and
  • The Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne on December 6 last year

ASIO assesses it is likely Iran directed further attacks as well.

These were extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation on Australian soil. This is an attack on our society, aimed at creating fear, stoking internal divisions and eroding social cohesion.

These attacks on our society are totally unacceptable and the Australian Government is taking strong and decisive action in response:

  • We have informed the Iranian ambassador to Australia he and three additional Iranian diplomats will be expelled.
  • We have suspended operations at our embassy in Tehran and all our diplomats are now safe in a third country.
  • The Government will legislate so we can list Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps – the IRGC – as a terrorist organisation.

The Australian people want the killing and hatred to stop, and they don’t want the conflict in the Middle East brought here.

Iran has sought to do just that. They have sought to harm and terrify Jewish Australians, and to sow hatred and division in our community.

The actions of the Albanese Government send a clear message that we stand against antisemitism and violence.

It also sends a message to those who try to interfere in our country: your aggression will not be tolerated.