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Statement on Imprisonment of Dr. Abduljalil Al-Singace in Bahrain

The Australian Greens are deeply concerned about Dr Abduljalil Al-Singace and are joining with the international community in calling for his immediate release.

Dr Al-Singace has been arbitrarily detained by the Kingdom of Bahrain since 2011. He was sentenced to life in prison for exercising his rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

Human Rights Watch has reported that Dr Al-Singace has been conducting a liquids-only hunger strike for over 3 years. He is protesting the confiscation of his work and the insufficient medical care he is receiving in prison.

Adequate healthcare while detained is a requirement under international law, but it has been reported that medical care given to Dr Al-Singace has been lacking in many areas including failure to fill his prescriptions on time, and failure to provide him with disability support such as crutches and physiotherapy.

In addition, Dr Al-Singace has been held for over 3 years in a state of isolation likely amounting to solitary confinement, according to a group of UN experts. During this time, he has been unable to go outside or see the sunshine.

The Australian Greens are joining with Amnesty International to call for the Kingdom of Bahrain to immediately and unconditionally release Dr Al-Singace. Additionally, we are calling on authorities to ensure he receives the medical care he is entitled to under international law.

Furthermore, The Australian Greens are calling on the Australian Government to acknowledge the human rights abuses that have occurred and consider placing targeted sanctions on the individuals and entities who are responsible for his arbitrary detention and insufficient care.

The Greens will always work to call out human rights abuses and cases of arbitrary detention wherever they occur.

Labor’s scam Bill is a scam

The Greens will oppose Labor’s Scams Prevention Framework Bill in the House of Representatives because it fails to adequately support people who have been scammed and hold corporations accountable.

“Labor has delivered for big banking corporations by making sure this Bill is more about protecting profit than helping people who have been scammed,” Greens Economic Justice Spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

“This whole Bill is a scam because it claims to support people who have been scammed but is designed to make it almost impossible for them to get compensation.”

“Labor’s Bill leaves Australians who have been scammed to fight a complicated, lengthy battle against big banks, telcos, and social media giants to get their money back.”

“This legislation creates a David and Goliath scenario where scam victims face a convoluted and lengthy process, likely taking years, to seek redress.”

The Greens said the bill should include a presumptive reimbursement model, similar to the successful UK scheme, which ensures scam victims are reimbursed quickly. Under this model, banks would refund victims promptly and recover costs from other companies involved, such as telcos and social media platforms.

“The Greens will continue fighting for stronger protections, quicker reimbursements for scam victims, and incentives for businesses to prevent scams in the first place.”

“We will also push for the Bill to be referred to inquiry so we can hear from stakeholders and the community.”

“The big banks made almost $32 billion in profit last year, yet Labor has designed a bill to protect their bottom lines instead of protecting Australians.

“As is often the case, Labor is more interested in appeasing its corporate donors than protecting customers and helping scam victims.”

Sentencing of Mr Gordon Ng

The Australian Government is gravely concerned by the sentence handed down in Hong Kong for Australian citizen Mr Gordon Ng and other members of the NSL47.

This is a deeply difficult time for Mr Ng, his family and supporters. Our thoughts are with them following the sentencing.

The Australian Government has advocated at senior levels in support of Mr Ng’s best interests and welfare and has sought consular access to Mr Ng. We will continue to do so.

Mr Ng and others in the NSL47 were arrested in January 2021 for organising and participating in an election primary. Mr Ng was convicted under the National Security Law on 30 May 2024.

Australia has expressed our strong objections to the Chinese and Hong Kong authorities on the continuing broad application of national security legislation, including in application to Australian citizens.

We call for China to cease suppression of freedoms of expression, assembly, media and civil society, consistent with the Human Rights Committee and Special Procedure recommendations, including the repeal of the National Security Law in Hong Kong.

Statement from Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge about Rising Tide event location change

Following a further meeting with Rising Tide, I have negotiated a compromise outcome for the Protestival event set to be staged this week at Camp Shortland.

Under a negotiated compromise with Rising Tide, the event will no longer be staged at Camp Shortland. This is because Transport for NSW (TfNSW) has written to City of Newcastle stating it requires unhindered access to Horseshoe Beach via the carpark.

The community may be unaware that both the carpark and beach are owned by the NSW Government, and therefore we must respect their position as the landowner.

TfNSW has also stated it will not permit any activities related to the Rising Tide event taking place on the northern end of Camp Shortland that abuts Horseshoe Beach, which is also owned by TfNSW.

In light of this restriction, the section of Camp Shortland under the care and control of City of Newcastle is not large enough to safely enable the Rising Tide event to proceed, especially over the concert days of Friday and Saturday.

Instead Rising Tide have agreed to relocate their event to Foreshore Park. They have also agreed to limit the size of the event to 5,000 people at any time, and no more than 500 people camping in the park overnight. I have also told them they must not allow marine vessels such as kayaks or canoes within Foreshore Park.

Rising Tide committed to me that they would direct people to follow police directions and would warn participants of the consequences of likely arrest if they do not obey police. And critically, Rising Tide committed to discouraging people from disruptive activities away from the harbour such as stopping coal trains.

I will also be writing to residents nearby to Foreshore Park explaining to them the change in location from Camp Shortland. I will explain the situation we as a community find ourselves in. It is a fact that this event will be occurring with or without my approval.

Arguably it will be a safer event with appropriate controls in place by providing a licence for the event. Further, I have explained that I believe that raising the issue of climate change is one that enjoys widespread support within the Newcastle community, and it is fair and reasonable that people have an opportunity to express their concerns through peaceful protest.

Harsher penalties for vape suppliers as NSW Government seizes 300,000 products

The NSW Government has seized over 300,000 vapes over the past year, as it introduces harsher penalties for suppliers in the NSW Parliament.

Maximum penalties for illegal vape supply are set to soar from $1,650 to approximately $1.54 million, with prison sentences increasing from six months to seven years.

The NSW Government has introduced the legislation in the NSW Parliament as it moves to align vaping offences with the Commonwealth’s.

Offences will also be added for possession of commercial quantity of vaping products and for retailer possession of vaping products.

As with the Commonwealth vaping reforms, the intent of these offences is to target suppliers over individual users of vaping products. The introduction of new illegal vape penalties comes as the Government has seized over 300,000 vaping products over the past year.

Between 1 July 2024 to 30 September 2024, 42,000 products were seized from 362 inspections.

This is compared to the same period the previous year when 153,000 products were seized from 290 inspections.

The lower number of products seized in the most recent quarter may be the result of the disruption in product availability in the market following the introduction of new Commonwealth vaping laws.

The NSW Government announced in October it would recruit an additional 14 enforcement officers to strengthen compliance efforts for vaping and tobacco products across the state.

NSW Health recognises the importance of supporting pharmacists, prescribers, and wholesalers in complying with laws regarding the supply and sale of therapeutic vaping products and has introduced an eCigarette Compliance Program to assist with this. The program’s initial focus is on providing support to pharmacists, with a team of specialised compliance officers visiting pharmacies across the state to offer on-site education and guidance.

NSW Health partners with the Commonwealth, NSW Police, the Therapeutic Goods Administration, and Australian Border Force on enforcement related to illegal vape and tobacco sales, sharing intelligence, and working on joint operations.

More information on the supply of therapeutic vaping products in NSW is available on the NSW Health website here: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/pharmaceutical/Pages/Nicotine-vaping.aspx

For more information about the vaping reforms go to the Therapeutic Goods Administration vaping hub at www.tga.gov.au or contact them on 1800 020 653.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“The prevalence of illegal vaping devices in our community, and in particular among our young people, is deeply concerning.

“We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to the stem the tide of this public health challenge.

“I am very encouraged by the progress we are making in terms of removing these harmful devices from our streets.

“And I am pleased to announce that we are augmenting our efforts by introducing harsher penalties to target suppliers.”

NSW Health Acting Chief Health Officer Dr Michelle Cretikos:

We take our compliance role seriously. We are committed to removing as many illegal vapes as we can, particularly to stop them falling into the hands of young people.

“We don’t want people to vape, and if they are trying to quit smoking or to quit vaping, we have supports in place to help. Call the Quitline on 13 7848, visit icanquit.com.au or speak to your GP.

“If you think a tobacco or e-cigarette retailing law has been broken by a retailer in NSW, you can report this via the NSW Health website.”

Regional NSW scores NRLW magic round

The Minns Labor Government has partnered with the NRL to secure regional NSW as the host of the in the first NRLW Magic Rounds, with one to be delivered each season for the next three years, as the government continues work to drive economic growth in regional communities and promote women’s participation in sport.

The inaugural regional Magic Round will be held in July 2025, with over 40,000 fans expected to flood McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle over one weekend as they host all 12 teams for every game.

In a win for the regional economy, fans are expected to travel from far and wide, spending money at local businesses, restaurants, and accommodation providers. Further, the host area will benefit from destination promotion in the lead up to the event as well as media exposure over the weekend, showcasing everything regional NSW and the area has to offer.

The NSW Government and NRL share a commitment to championing women’s involvement in sport. The weekend will include multiple community programs designed to encourage young women in regional NSW to participate in the game, including clinics at local schools.

NRLW is going from strength to strength with the 2024 season drawing record crowds, and grassroots participation at an all-time high, with 45,000 women and young girls registered in community rugby league.

2025 is expected to continue to build on the sports success, with the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs and New Zealand Warriors to join the NRLW competition for the first time, growing the competition to 12 teams.

Locations for the 2026 and 2027 regional Magic Rounds will be announced prior to each season kicking off.

Chris Minns, Premier of New South Wales said:

“This is fantastic news, for footy fans and regional communities alike. Not only will this provide an incredible experience for fans, but it will also provide a massive boost to local economies.

“It’s great to have seen the growth of women’s sport across all codes and all levels over the past few years and initiatives like this are an important way we can engage the next generation of sporting superstars regardless of postcode.

“It’s great to see the Bankstown Bulldogs join the competition this year, with double the shot at a premiership I’ve got a good feeling about with 2025 season.”

Yasmin Catley, Minister for the Hunter said:

“No one loves sport more than Novocastrians. We are so proud to host the Women’s Rugby League and we know we will see a packed house again next year.

“Everyone knows Newcastle is the heart of rugby league it could also be the home to a new generation of essential workers.

“There’s never been a better time to join the NSW Police – we’ve put a historic pay offer on the table, we’re paying recruits to train and have created a pathway for recruits to work in or near their hometown after attesting. We can’t wait to highlight all this at the Magic Round.”

Tara Moriarty, Minister for Regional New South Wales said:

“This opportunity will allow us to showcase the benefits of living and working in our regions and will also promote to teachers, nurses, paramedics and police why making the move to regional NSW makes sense.

“This partnership between the NSW Government and the National Rugby League will see regional NSW sit alongside Las Vegas, State of Origin and the Grand Final as showpiece destination events on the rugby league calendar.”

“Our Government is committed to bringing economic development and major attractions to regional NSW and showing the nation and world what a great a place it is to work and live.

“Women’s elite sport is reaching new heights and I want to make sure that our regional communities can join that momentum and be inspired to follow in the footsteps of our new sporting heroes.

“Bringing Magic Round to regional NSW means more money spent in local restaurants, bars, tourist attractions, accommodation, shops and local businesses, which in turn generates positive flow on effects for the local economy and local workers.”

Steve Kamper, Minister for Sport said:

“NSW is the home of NRL, and Newcastle has embraced the women’s game, with last year’s Women’s State of Origin in Newcastle selling out for the first time.

“I have no doubt footy fans from around the country will once again flock to McDonald Jones Stadium to see the likes of Isabelle Kelly, Ali Brigginshaw, and Tiana Penitani, all at the same ground.

“This is a big win not just for NSW sport fans, but for our regional business community. By hosting it in our regional centres, we will inject millions of extra dollars into our regional pubs, hotels and restaurants.”

Jodie Harrison, Minister for Women said:

“This exciting partnership between the NRL and our government is great news for regional women and girls.

“Interest in women’s sport has seen a tremendous increase in recent years, and hosting the NRLW Magic Round in a regional town means we are making sure that regional women benefit from this.

“We want to empower women and girls to participate in sports at all levels. These games will provide regional women and girls opportunities to grow their interest, and perhaps inspire them to follow in the footsteps of their sporting heroes.”

Peter V’landys, Chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission said:

“Magic Round has been one of the great success stories for the game and it is wonderful to be able to replicate the carnival and fun for the NRLW Premiership,” ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys AM said.

“The Commission is invested in women’s Rugby League and NRLW Magic Round is the next important step in the growth of the game.

“All 12 teams will play across two days in Newcastle, with all the innovation and excitement of Magic Round but now with our best female players.

“I’d like to thank the NSW Government for their investment in women’s sport. Importantly, this is an investment which will directly support pathways in Rugby League while also driving economic growth and prosperity in regional NSW.”

More than 800 people have their say on the Albury Wodonga Regional Hospital redevelopment concept design

More than 800 people have provided valuable feedback on the concept design for the $558 million redevelopment of the Albury Wodonga Regional Hospital, according to the latest stakeholder engagement summary released today.

Following the release of the concept design in August of this year, stakeholders, health staff and the community had their say on the latest designs via the project website, as well as at in-person and online information sessions.

The significant community response follows a series of information sessions and project briefings, held over a four-week period during which the community was able to view the designs and speak with project staff. These information sessions were attended by more than 370 community members, almost 400 Albury Wodonga Health staff, as well as stakeholders.

Feedback from the sessions highlighted support for the new designs, and the increase in healthcare services and contemporary facilities. There was also support for consolidating complex care on a single site and expanding mental health facilities.

There was strong interest in the additional parking to be delivered as part of the redevelopment, as well as new or improved transport links to the hospital. This work continues to progress as part of the planning process.

Additionally, there were more than 150 responses to the community survey, which showed interest in easy-to-follow wayfinding, sheltered drop off and pick up areas, improved lighting across campus, comfortable seating for visitors, access to gardens and green spaces to promote wellbeing for staff, patients and visitors and areas for large groups to gather.

Briefings were also held with a range of stakeholder and interest groups immediately following the concept design release. This included key clinician and senior medical staff council groups, the Albury Wodonga Health Board, Albury City and Wodonga councils, onsite stakeholders, local Aboriginal representatives, local health advocacy groups and NSW government agencies.

The Albury Wodonga Regional Hospital project includes a new seven-storey Clinical Services Building and a two-storey Northeast building, addressing the evolving needs of the border communities with cutting-edge medical technology and infrastructure.

The project will deliver a mix of new and refurbished facilities and is expected to include:

More than 80 additional beds for medical and surgical care across three new inpatient units, with 60 per cent single rooms and the remainder double rooms.
New and enhanced Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
Enhanced maternity and birthing services, including a special care nursery
A 32-bed Mental Health Inpatient Unit to replace and expand the existing Nolan House 24-bed service
New surgical and operating theatres, including a hybrid theatre plus procedure room
New Cardiac Catheter Lab
New central sterile supply department adjacent to theatres
Expanded ambulatory care, cardiac diagnostics and allied health therapies
New hospital main entrance and public drop-off zone from Keene Street, Aboriginal Family Lounge, Multi-faith Centre and retail opportunities
Additional car parking.

Numbers will be finalised as planning and design progresses.

The full stakeholder engagement summary for the release of the concept design for the Albury Wodonga Regional Hospital project can be viewed here: hinfra.health.nsw.gov.au/awrh

The responses provided will feed into the next stage of the project, schematic design, to further improve the hospital experience for visitors and patients.

The project team will continue to provide updates to staff, community and stakeholders as the project progresses.

Early works on the Northeast building are expected to commence in 2025.

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park:

“I am pleased so many members of the community and local health staff took the time to view the concept designs, talk to the project team, and are enthusiastic about the transformation of Albury Wodonga Regional Hospital.

“This exciting project will deliver more beds, more points of care, more parking spaces, and enhanced intensive care, maternity, birthing and mental health services.

“It will consolidate complex care onto one single site, which will improve safety for patients.

“Ongoing engagement with a broad range of stakeholders and the community is essential to the hospital planning, design and delivery process and will continue throughout the remainder of the project.”

Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas:

“We’re delivering one of the most significant regional health infrastructure investments ever for border communities, alongside the NSW and Commonwealth governments – so it is fantastic to see more than 800 Albury Wodonga locals have had their say on the concept designs.

“This project will be critical to ensuring locals have the world-class health services they deserve – and will deliver safer and more efficient care by reducing duplication for the border communities.

“Once complete, the massive $558 million redevelopment will deliver a new state-of-the-art intensive care unit, maternity ward, neonatal care and paediatric services, more medical and surgical beds, new operating theatres and a new 32-bed mental health unit.”

Play Her Way – the next wave in women’s sport

The Minns Labor Government today announced its plan for the next wave in women’s sport with the release of its new women’s sport strategy – Play Her Way.

Play Her Way is a four-year plan that aims to get more NSW women and girls playing, and staying involved in, sport.

The strategy builds on the groundswell of support for women’s sport, which has seen a massive increase in participation and viewership at both grassroots and professional levels.

Play Her Way will support the next wave of young females on their journey to the top of sport as well as ensure more women and girls can participate in fun, safe and inclusive sporting environments.

Key themes of the strategy include participation, leadership, culture, partnerships and investment with a particular focus on addressing the low rates of participation among adolescent girls.

To achieve this, the NSW Government will partner with the sports sector to break down barriers preventing adolescent girls participating in sport and identify new opportunities to increase participation.

The strategy was launched at URBNSRF Sydney Olympic Park where a group of the next generation of female athletes caught a wave together to symbolise the next wave in women’s sport.

For further information on the Play Her Way women’s sport strategy visit: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/play-her-way

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“Women’s sport has seen tremendous growth and success in recent years through the performances of the Matildas at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, the success of NRLW as well as the Australian women’s cricket team and the recent Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“But there is still work to do to maintain this momentum and capitalise on the next wave of women’s sport.

“Crucial to achieving this is addressing the low rates of participation among adolescent girls and working with the sector to develop new and innovative opportunities for teenage girls to play sport their way.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“The NSW Government is committed to providing safe, inclusive and supportive environments for all women and girls to participate in sport.

“We want more women playing sport. We want them in coaching and leadership roles as well, so that sport is truly being played ‘her’ way.

“Play Her Way is our plan to achieve this so that more women and girls can play, and stay involved in, sport.”

20 months of the Minns Labor government and little to show for it

As the final sitting week of the year begins, it’s time to reflect on 20 months of the Minns Labor Government.

The result is that New South Wales is worse off, and this government has very little to show for its time in office.

Labor has delivered at least 52 announcements of taskforces, inquiries and reviews, but no meaningful outcomes for the people of NSW.

Housing approvals have collapsed to their lowest levels in 12 years, rents have skyrocketed, and families are being priced out of their communities.

Hospitals are going backwards, and cost-of-living pressures continue to get worse. Chris Minns promised stability, but instead his government has delivered paralysis.

This is a low vision, low energy government that tries to make itself a small target and hides behind empty announcements, while families and businesses pay the price.

We’ve seen this before. Between 1998 and 2011, NSW Labor promised at least five major rail projects – and none of them were delivered.

Chris Minns is Bob Carr 2.0 – big talk, no action, and endless disappointment.

The final sitting week will be a sobering reminder of a government too weak to lead, too afraid to make decisions, and too paralysed to act. After 20 months of the Minns Labor Government, families are not better off – they’re worse off.

Shadow cabinet meets in Miranda electorate – putting the community first

The NSW Shadow Cabinet is meeting in the Miranda electorate today for a Shadow Community Cabinet, bringing the Opposition’s leadership team to the heart of the Sutherland Shire. This important visit provides an opportunity to connect directly with local businesses, families and community organisations, demonstrating the NSW Opposition’s commitment to listening to concerns and working towards solutions.

The Miranda electorate is part of a vibrant Shire community with a strong heritage, a thriving small business sector, and a proud tradition of sporting and cultural excellence.

Residents of the Miranda electorate deserve better than what the Minns Labor Government is providing them. Today’s Shadow Community Cabinet is about strengthening our connection with the people who make the area great and showing them that we’re listening.

NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said the Shadow Cabinet is here in the Miranda electorate to hear from families, businesses and community leaders about the challenges they face every day.

“After 20 months of the Minns Labor Government, the cost of living is worse, housing affordability is worse, infrastructure delivery is drying up, and the Shire community has been left behind. We are here to listen, learn and lead,” Mr Speakman said.

Member for Miranda Eleni Petinos said as the local member her focus has always been on fighting for the people of Miranda.

“Having the Shadow Cabinet meet here today sends a clear message – we are united in our determination to ensure the Miranda electorate’s priorities are heard and acted upon,” Ms Petinos said.

The Shadow Community Cabinet will engage with local stakeholders to discuss critical issues such as cost-of-living pressures, small business challenges, housing affordability, and the neglect of infrastructure investment for the Shire under the Minns Labor Government.