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Fourth person charged with allegedly fatally stabbing man in Hamilton

A fourth person has been charged following the alleged fatal stabbing of a man in Newcastle earlier this month.

Emergency services were called to Beaumont Street, Hamilton, about 2.40am on Sunday 17 November 2024, and found a 22-year-old man suffering multiple stab wounds. He died in hospital a short time later.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District established a crime scene and commenced an investigation under Strike Force Mannum, with the assistance of the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad.

During the investigation, a 27-year-old man, 33-year-old woman, and a 35-year-old man were each charged with murder. They remain before the courts.

Following investigations, about 5.20pm yesterday (Wednesday 27 November 2024), a 43-year-old man presented to Moree Police Station where he was arrested and charged with murder.

He was refused bail to appear before Inverell Local Court today (Thursday 28 November 2024) where he was refused bail again to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday 4 December 2024.

Third person charged with allegedly fatally stabbing man in Hamilton

A third man has been charged following the alleged fatal stabbing of a man in Newcastle earlier this month.

Emergency services were called to Beaumont Street, Hamilton, about 2.40am on Sunday 17 November 2024, and found a 22-year-old man suffering multiple stab wounds. He died in hospital a short time later.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District established a crime scene and commenced an investigation under Strike Force Mannum, with the assistance of the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad.

During the investigation, a 27-year-old man and a 33-year-old man were each charged with murder. They remain before the courts.

Following further investigations, detectives attended a Silverwater correctional facility about 10.40am today (Thursday 28 November 2024).

He was charged with murder, affray, use etc offensive weapon in company with intent to commit indictable offence and assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company of other(s).

A 35-year-old man was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Thursday 28 November 2024).

Dutton & Labor have caved to Sportsbet, Greens will ban gambling ads

The Greens say both Labor and Peter Dutton have caved and failed on gambling ads, while their Bill honours the Peta Murphy Inquiry recommendations. 

Greens Communications Spokesperson Senator Sarah Hanson-Young:

“Labor has no excuse for failing to ban gambling ads and Peter Dutton’s fake vibes are no substitute for what is needed: a full ban on gambling ads as recommended by the Peta Murphy Inquiry and supported by 70% of Australians.

“Everyone can see that Labor have caved, but no one should fall for Peter Dutton’s trickery: the Coalition was in Government for years and did nothing. Both are captured by the lobby while problem gamblers keep losing.

“Australians lose more per person to gambling than any nation on earth. We could pass laws to ban gambling ads by Christmas with the Greens Bill in line with the Peta Murphy Inquiry recommendations – but both Dutton and Labor have sold out to Sportsbet and refuse to support it.”

Senators Mehreen Faruqi and Lidia Thorpe call for inquiry into racism in parliament

Senators Mehreen Faruqi and Lidia Thorpe have today moved a motion in the Senate calling for the Standing Committee on Procedures to conduct an inquiry into racism within Parliament.

See the motion here.

Senator Mehreen Faruqi:

“It’s been three years since the Set the Standard report, two years since the parliamentary behaviour codes were developed and 20 months since they were endorsed by parliament, but it seems to make no difference to how women of colour are treated in here.

“The highest office in this country should lead the way on safe and respectful behaviour but it is far from it. That’s why we are seeking a review of standing orders as recommended by the Jenkins review so we can finally move to eliminate the discrimination, racism and sexism that so many are subjected to and harmed by. 

“The Senate refused to censure Senator Hanson when I was racially vilified, but they are quick to shut me down for calling out racism. Politicians in here really need a good dose of anti-racism training.

“In here, it’s easy to fling around racism and racist commentary without consequence, but if you dare call out racism or white supremacy you are shut down, silenced and gaslighted.

“If there is any workplace that needs unpacking of white privilege and white fragility, it is this parliament. 

“Despite all the revelations of the past few years, parliament still has not reckoned with its whitewashed and exclusionary culture where discrimination against First Nations people, people of colour, people with disability and LGBTQI+ people is common in practice and policy.

“Just last week I was silenced in the Senate for calling out racism and white supremacy while speaking in support of Senator Thorpe. It seems those running this place have not really listened to what the Set the Standard report had to say about systemic inequality, entitlement and exclusion. 

“I hope the Senate will support our motion so we can move forward with consistent enforcement of behaviour standards so this can be a safe workplace for all.”

Senator Lidia Thorpe

“Racism in the Senate chamber is routine. Senators dogwhistle and demonise people of colour in speeches, and racist sledging and comments have been made towards Senators of colour, myself included.

“The President and many senators don’t have a good understanding of what is and isn’t racist, and consistently fail to recognise or call it out.

“It was confronting to see that I was kicked off a parliamentary delegation to Fiji and Tuvalu because I dared to call out the King for the genocide of First Peoples, while a Senator who made appalling racist, homophobic and ableist comments online was dealt a more lenient consequence by the Senate.

“It shows that if you speak up and demand justice for First Peoples, you will be punished, while racism, homophobia and ableism are not treated seriously by the Senate.

“Discussions of racism might make people uncomfortable, but these are real problems that need to be openly discussed. It’s racist in itself to prevent these issues from being raised in the chamber, or forcing senators to withdraw.

“For young people of colour wanting to move into politics, the level of racism we see in this workplace is a major barrier and turn off.

“Racism is still frequently used as a political tool by the major parties. They use it to create fear and distrust for their political benefit, and those attitudes flow through to the rest of society. The Prime Minister and opposition leader frequently partake in racist dog whistling.

“This inquiry is about taking a stronger stance on racism and holding this parliament to a higher standard.

“It aims to ensure that the recommendations of the Jenkins report are being taken into consideration in relation to racism, and that codes of conduct are strengthened.

“Parliament is my workplace. Racism is called out in other workplaces, and it should be called out in parliament too.”

Greens to wave through Labor housing bills, continue fight for renters to the next election and in minority parliament

The Greens say Labor has given up on renters and first home buyers by refusing to negotiate on the government’s housing bills, but have decided to wave the legislation through to focus on campaigning for renters and against Peter Dutton at the next election.

The Greens say renters should now vote Green to put them in balance of power in a minority Parliament if they want to end tax handouts for property investors and an end to unlimited rent increases.

Greens Leader Adam Bandt MP:

“There comes a point where you’ve pushed as far as you can. We tried hard to get Labor to shift on soaring rents and negative gearing, but we couldn’t get there this time.   

“We’ll wave the housing bills through and take the fight to the next election, where we’ll keep Peter Dutton out and then push Labor to act on unlimited rent rises and tax handouts to wealthy property investors.”

Greens Housing spokesperson Max Chandler-Mather MP:

“The Greens are waving through Labor’s housing bills after accepting Labor doesn’t care enough about renters to actually do anything meaningful for them, and that is deeply, deeply disappointing. 

“Last year the Greens secured $3 billion for social housing, six times what Labor originally planned to spend, and we hoped we could secure a similar outcome this time, but the tragedy is Labor decided they’d rather have a fight with the Greens than actually help people. 

“We have pushed as hard as possible to get Labor to do more than tinkering around the edges of this devastating housing crisis in this term of parliament, but in the end we just couldn’t get Labor to care enough. 

“We got close. Labor costed changes to negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount. We were inches away from the most significant changes to housing policy in a generation that would have helped hundreds of thousands of renters, but the Prime Minister blinked and that is deeply disappointing.

“It’s now over to the people of Australia at the next election. If you want to keep out Dutton, and push Labor to cap rent increases, phase out negative gearing and establish a public developer to build affordable homes, then vote Greens.”

Labor willing to trade nurses pay for better budget outcomes

In a submission to the Fair Work Commission, the Labor Government has argued for a delay in paying wage increases to nurses in the aged care sector. The government has pointed to a lack of allocated funding for the increases and wants to institute a new timeline that would see nurses in aged care waiting until October 2027 to received the full increase.

Lines attributable to Senator Barbara Pocock:

“What we see here is a Labor Government reneging on a promise to lift nurses wages immediately to compensate for historical underpayment and provide relief from cost-of-living pressures.

“I see a treasurer who is suddenly faced with a big deficit looking to kick the can down the road after making promises to bring more equity into a low-paid, highly feminised industry. These nurses have been waiting too long already for recognition of the valuable work they do, and they deserve a pay rise on 1st January as set out in the Fair Work Commission’s schedule.

“Labor needs to decide whether it’s looking after workers or trying to deliver a surplus on the back of a broken promise to some of our hardest working nurses.

“Labor is now worried about the fiscal impacts of this wage rise and its flow-on effects but lifting wages for low paid workers should be the highest priority for any Labor Government. With a big decline in the corporate tax take looming, the focus should be on getting companies to pay their fair share of tax rather than asking underpaid workers to take a hit.

“The government has cited the risk of creating staff shortages in the hospital sector if the timing of the increases is not delayed but the opposite is also true. Putting off the full increase until late 2027 could lead to aged care nurses leaving the sector in droves.

“This could be a make-or-break issue for a Government heading into an election in a cost-of-living crisis. It’s about delivering fair wages and honouring your promises and workers particularly in low-wage and feminised industries will be watching very closely.

“If Jim Chalmers is prepared to throw nurses under the bus for the sake of reducing the deficit, he’ll be sending a dangerous message to the electorate.”

City of Newcastle shores up future for harbourside site

City of Newcastle is taking the next step towards a new future for Queens Wharf, with site investigations to pave the way for redevelopment of the vacant western building. 

The popular harbourside location, which includes two separate buildings, public promenade and the Transport for NSW owned ferry wharf, was constructed as a Bicentennial project and officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1988 with an estimated life of 25 years. 

Thirty-six years later and the western building has been largely vacant since a fire in May 2020 rendered much of it unusable. 

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said the time had come to take action on the future of the site. 

“Queens Wharf has been a popular harbourside destination for decades, with its function centre in particular creating cherished memories for countless Novocastrians,” Cr Kerridge said. 

“Since the fire, the site has presented a number of challenges, which Councillors have now been briefed on.

“But the time has come for City of Newcastle to meet the expectations of the community and take action on this significant harbourside site. 

“I look forward to seeing the construction of new buildings that would aim to be architecturally sensitive to enhance the waterfront in this special location.”  

CEO Jeremy Bath said City of Newcastle has been continuing to investigate solutions for the challenging site, which is built on a concrete shore platform supported by steel piling and a sea wall. 

“Councillors were taken on a tour of the site last week, receiving an insight into the complex nature of the sub-structure construction, which has required a lengthy due diligence assessment to ensure the long-term future of the site,” Mr Bath said. 

“Most people would be unaware that not only is the entire Queens Wharf site built on piers above the harbour, but so is the majority of the adjacent road. 

“As a result, we have had to confirm the structural integrity of the steel platform and sea wall. Fortunately, this work has confirmed that these assets have at least 50 years of life left in them.  

“The same cannot be said for the western building, which is no longer fit for purpose and contains areas of non-compliance with current building codes and standards, which make it unusable. 

“Given the age of the building and the nature of the repairs required, we will be demolishing the building in the early part of 2025 to make way for a new future for the site. 

“Further due diligence assessments will begin early next year, followed by an expressions of interest process to identify a potential partner for the redevelopment and lease of the building. 

“We will soon commence site assessments for the early works and approvals needed to support future redevelopment. 

“When we commence consultation with the community early next year, we will be proposing that any new development occurs in two stages and as separate buildings so that the view corridor from Stockton across the harbour and up to the Christ Church Cathedral is protected. 

“The lease for the Queens Wharf Hotel doesn’t expire until 2033 and so rather than expose ratepayers to a costly payout, the popular hotel will be allowed to continue trading for another eight years.”  

City of Newcastle has on a number of occasions ruled out the option of selling any part of the site and this remains its position.

Council update: Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 26 November 2024

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 26 November 2024. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Lord Mayoral Minutes 

NRLW Magic Round 

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that notes that the NSW Premier Chris Minns has announced Newcastle as the host city for the inaugural National Women’s Rugby League Magic Round to be held at McDonald Jones Stadium in July 2025.

Newcastle’s bid to host 2026 Rugby League World Cup matches 

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that proposed Council formally expresses its interest to the NSW Government in hosting 2026 Rugby League World Cup matches, offers support and assistance to a NSW Government bid to secure World Cup matches for Newcastle and prepares a detailed event bid for Newcastle as a host city.

Updates from meetings with State and Federal Government 

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that noted that on 29 October 2024 Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge joined NSW Premier Chris Minns and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for the announcement of the Hunter Net Zero Manufacturing Centre of Excellence at TAFE NSW’s Tighes Hill campus. This demonstrates the strong working relationship between Council and both State and Federal Governments in delivering significant outcomes for our community.

Ordinary business

Adoption of 2025 Council meeting schedule 

Council voted unanimously to adopt the schedule for Council and Committee Meetings to be held in the 2025 calendar year.

Tabling of Register of Disclosures of Interest

Council noted the tabling of the Register of Disclosures of Interest for the period 1 August to 31 October 2024 by the Chief Executive Officer.

September Quarterly Performance Report

Council received the 2022-2026 Delivery Program – September Quarterly Performance Report and adopted the revised budget.

Endorsement of the 2023/2024 Annual Report, State of our City Report and adoption of the financial statements

Council voted unanimously to endorse City of Newcastle’s 2023/24 Annual Report and State of Our City Report 2022-2024, which reports on the delivery of the Newcastle 2040 Community Strategic Plan during the current Council term. Council also adopted City of Newcastle’s audited financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2024.

Public exhibition of Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy

Council voted unanimously to place the draft Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy on public exhibition for a period of 28 days in accordance with section 253 of the Local Government Act 1993.

Application for Local Public Holiday for Newcastle Show 2025 

Council voted to make an application to the Minister for Industrial Relations, seeking the proclamation of Show Day for Friday 28 February 2025 as a Local Public Holiday, and if that is not approved by the Minister, request their approval for it to be proclaimed as a Local Event Day as set out in the Public Holidays Act 2010 (NSW).

Adoption of revised CEO Performance Review Policy

Council voted unanimously to adopt the revised CEO Performance Review Policy.

Merit-based application process – City of Newcastle nominee director/s to Newcastle Airport companies

Council noted that a merit-based application process to enable the selection of a permanent City of Newcastle nominee director to Newcastle Airport companies will be managed by a consultant who has previously managed the recruitment of independent directors to Newcastle Airport.

Executive Monthly Performance Report 

Council received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for October 2024.

Tender report – Western Corridor – Minmi Road and Longworth Avenue Road Construction

Council voted unanimously to accept a tender for construction of the Western Corridor Road Upgrade, consisting of upgrade projects on Minmi Road and Longworth Avenue, Wallsend, and a separable project to upgrade the intersection of Cowper Street and Kokera Street, Wallsend.

Tender report – purchase or hire of articulated offroad watertanker at Summerhill Waste Management Centre 

Council voted unanimously to accept a tender for the purchase or hire of articulated offroad watertanker at Summerhill Waste Management Centre.

Notices of Motion 

Carrington pedestrian crossings

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that adds the pedestrian crossing on the corner of Cowper Street and Young Street Carrington to the list of crossing priorities unanimously endorsed by Council on 27 June 2023 and requests that additional funding be sought through future budget processes to ensure improved pedestrian infrastructure is prioritised for delivery across the city.

$1 billion battery approved to power 200,000 homes

The State’s renewable energy network will receive a welcome boost with the Minns Labor Government approving a major large-scale battery valued over $1 billion.

The new battery to be located near Lithgow will play a key role in keeping the lights on during peak demand periods.

The Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is among the biggest in Australia and will store excess energy from the electricity grid during non-peak periods. The battery will then ramp up quickly when households need power, during the busy morning and evening times.

The $1 billion Mt Piper BESS will utilise EnergyAustralia’s existing electricity infrastructure near Lithgow and will store up to 500MW / 2,000 MWh to power over 200,000 homes when needed.

The project will create 177 jobs during construction, with developer EnergyAustralia to invest up to $2 million into the Lithgow City LGA through a Voluntary Planning Agreement.

The Mt Piper battery adds to the State’s growing network of large-scale batteries to support the energy transition as coal-fired power retires.

Large-scale batteries are playing an increasingly important role to support solar and wind energy generation. They are steadily improving the strength and reliability of the energy network.

Under the Minns Government, there have been 30 renewable projects approved, including 14 large scale batteries.

Find out more information about Mount Piper BESS.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“With a $1 billion price tag, this battery is among the biggest in Australia.

“It stands ready to inject major capital investment, create jobs and provide Lithgow Council with $2 million to invest in local community projects.

“Large-scale batteries are crucial for our state’s energy future. They help store renewable energy, making sure that we have a reliable power supply even when the sun isn’t shining, or the wind isn’t blowing.

“This project not only supports our transition to cleaner energy but it also strengthens our energy security and resilience. Investing in these batteries means a more sustainable and dependable energy system for everyone.”

NSW Government commits $100,000 to support men’s mental health charity

The NSW Government has stepped up to help men’s mental health charity The Man Walk Australia, by contributing $100,000 to help them deliver their unique program to more men across the state.

The Man Walk Australia seeks to address the risks of mental health issues and suicide by fostering supportive relationships and improving men’s physical and mental health through regularly organised physical activity and social interaction.

Participants are encouraged to attend the activities when it suits to be with like-minded men, feel part of a community, and reduce any feelings of isolation and loneliness they may be experiencing.

The charity organises walks across Australia, including at 40 locations in NSW. Many of these locations are regional, stretching from Albury in the south to Tenterfield in the north.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a personal crisis or distress, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14, 13YARN on 13 92 76, Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.

The NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511 is available 24/7 for advice and connection to local specialist mental health services for you or a loved one. You can also call the Transcultural Mental Health Line on 1800 648 911 9am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday.

For more information on The Man Walk Australia, including to find a walk near you or start one of your own, visit themanwalk.com.au.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“The Man Walk Australia creates a welcoming environment for men to get together, feel a part of a community and get active.

“This has a positive effect on mental health, so I’m delighted to be able to provide The Man Walk with this additional funding that will help the charity reach even more men in NSW.

“We know men tend to seek help for their mental health at a lower rate than women, especially in traditional settings, so it is important we strengthen community-based supports, such as those offered by The Man Walk.

“By breaking down barriers and creating a positive environment free from stigma or pressure, The Man Walk helps men feel comfortable in accessing support. 

“I know The Man Walk offer a walk in my electorate in Bellambi, but they have a range of locations spanning the whole of the state and are looking to add more.”

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson:

“Suicide is the leading cause of death for men aged 15-44 and we know that loneliness and social isolation are major contributors to mental health distress.  

“Community organisations like The Man Walk can offer an essential lifeline for men who are struggling and may not feel confident to reach out for support.

“These organisations provide a positive space for men to spend time together, have regular and healthy conversations and feel less alone.”

Founder and CEO of The Man Walk Australia Mark Burns:

“The Man Walk charity is extremely grateful for this $100k grant and the long term support from Minister Park and NSW Government.

“The Man Walk has 40 active weekly walk locations across NSW.

“We have thousands of men walking regularly who have taken more 2.3 billion steps towards better mental and physical health while on The Man Walk.

“In just the past 3 months, we have had 5000 man walkers and 300 brand new walkers starting the day with a Man Walk.

“This funding will allow us to support and grow our existing walks, start brand new walk locations across NSW and fund the amazing Mental Fitness for Leaders education program that we offer our Manbassadors and Man Walkers every month.

“We will be providing regular feedback to Minister Park and NSW Health about the positive impact this grant will have on men, their families and their communities.

“A goal of our charity is to collaborate with other organisations like Relationships Australia to offer resources and education programs on managing emotions and decreasing gender violence.”