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Media Statement – Rising Tide event

City of Newcastle notes the ruling of the NSW Supreme Court last Thursday regarding a planned protest on Newcastle Harbour and at Camp Shortland.

City of Newcastle has received independent legal advice confirming that City of Newcastle’s authority to issue a permit for the event on its land at Camp Shortland does not impact the ability of NSW Police to exercise their powers of arrest for any offences. 

Rising Tide organisers met with Lord Mayor Councillor Dr Ross Kerridge on Tuesday and provided the Lord Mayor reassurance that they intend to hold a peaceful event at Camp Shortland. They committed to taking action to focus on safety and obeying police.

Dr Ross Kerridge said that he attended last year’s Rising Tide event and was impressed by the professionalism of the organisers and their commitment to ensuring a safe event with a focus on climate change.

“I have today provided my formal support for the Rising Tide event occurring at Camp Shortland. I did however stress my expectation that the event organisers take all reasonable efforts to ensure that any closure of the harbour is for the briefest possible time,” the Lord Mayor said. 

“As a result of our meeting and my request, the Rising Tide organisers provided me with a written commitment to use their best endeavours to ensure all participants obey police directions.

“Specifically, this includes directing people to remain close to the shore and not enter the shipping channel, nor make movements that suggest they are attempting to get into the channel. 

“Rising Tide also committed to me they would direct people to follow police directions, and would warn participants of the consequences of likely arrest if they do not obey police.

“Lastly, Rising Tide committed to discouraging people from disruptive activities away from the harbour such as stopping coal trains.

“City of Newcastle received 123 submissions on Rising Tide’s request to hold an event at Camp Shortland. Almost 75% of these submissions were supportive of the event occurring. 

“I also encourage everyone attending the event to look after the sensitive coastal environment at Camp Shortland and respect residents and visitors in the vicinity of the event.” 

Minns Labor Government ends unfair ticketless parking fine system

Minns Labor Government ends unfair ticketless parking fine system

The changes bring to an end the ticketless system introduced by the previous Liberal-National Government in 2020. Under the ticketless system, instead of having the infringement notice left on the vehicle, the fine was sent by post, sometimes not being received until weeks after the incident. 

Soon after the introduction of the previous government’s ticketless system, the NRMA and other stakeholders raised issues with the scheme, identifying that it removed transparency and make it more difficult for motorists to contest their fine.

In 2023/24, local councils issued 822,310 ticketless parking fines, a 49% increase over the 551,441 issued in 2022/23.

The Fines Amendment (Parking Fines) Bill 2024 restores fairness and transparency to the parking fine system by:

  • Requiring councils to attach an on-the-spot notification to the vehicle.
  • Requiring councils to take photos of offences and make them available for Revenue NSW to provide to drivers.
  • Providing limited exceptions where an on-the-spot notification is not required, for example where it may be unsafe or hazardous for a ranger to do so.
  • Invalidating ‘repeat’ ticketless parking fines, where drivers can be fined multiple times for the same offence before they even become aware of the first infringement.
  • Introducing data reporting rules to evaluate if further reforms are necessary.

A working group, which has representatives from stakeholders including Local Government NSW, has been established by Revenue NSW to inform the drafting of regulations and assist with implementation.

Even before the bill passed, a number of councils began proactively providing on-the-spot notifications to drivers.

Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos:

“The community feedback on this issue has been clear, and dates all the way back to when ticketless parking was first introduced in 2020.

“No one likes getting a parking fine. Finding out about it two weeks later stings even more.

“Bringing back on-the-spot notification for parking fines is a common-sense reform and restores fairness and integrity to the parking fine system.

“I want to thank the councils which have already started issuing on-the-spot notifications again. There is nothing stopping other councils from joining them. It is clearly in the interest of drivers and the community.”

NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury:

“Since some councils began introducing the ticketless parking system four years ago it was clear the system was broken and needed to be fixed – for this reason the NRMA commends the NSW Government on today’s announcement.

Ticketless parking leaves motorists in the dark and robs them of the chance to contest their fine if they believe they have a legitimate case, the NRMA has been against this approach from day one.”

Congratulations to our 2025 NSW Australians of the Year

The Minns Labor Government congratulates the 2025 Australians of the Year for NSW, who have been announced at a ceremony at Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art tonight.

The Government congratulates Kath Koschel, the 2025 NSW Australian of the Year, and NSW’s three other recipients, Dr Karl Kruszelnicki AM, Maddison O’Gradey-Lee and Martha Jabour OAM.

The 18 nominees have made remarkable and diverse contributions to our state.

These inspirational members of our NSW community have overcome unimaginable challenges, demonstrated resilience, and have made a positive difference to our state and nation.

The NSW recipients will join those from other states and territories for the national awards ceremony in Canberra on Saturday, 25 January 2025.

For more information on the Australian of the Year Awards, visit: https://australianoftheyear.org.au/

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“To all NSW finalists and recipients: thank you for your extraordinary contribution to our state and nation.

“While the ultimate reward for these exceptional Australians isn’t any formal honour or award, this recognition is completely deserved.

“These remarkable people have changed NSW and the nation for the better.

“To our NSW Australian of the Year, Kath Koschel: NSW will be cheering you every step of the way between now and the national awards.

“Kath’s resilience is inspiring, while her campaign for kindness is a message of positivity we need in our world.

“These are people that help others, overcome challenges, aim for excellence, and represent the very best of what it means to be Australian.”

Vacancies down, job security up in regional and rural NSW

The Teacher vacancies have been slashed in regional NSW public schools with 24 per cent fewer vacancies in Term 3 this year than the same time last year, as changes made by the Minns Labor Government result in more teachers in NSW schools.

The improvement in teacher numbers in the regions comes alongside a drop in resignations and retirements, with teaching vacancies in the regions at the lowest number start since August 2021.

Rural and remote regions, which have been traditionally difficult to staff, have all seen a surge in vacancies being filled. From Term 3 2023, vacancies have dropped 39 per cent in Rural North including Grafton, Northern Tablelands and Armidale, and 20 per cent in Rural South and West, including Orange, Griffith, and Albury.

The results follow the Government’s 2023 Temporary Workforce Transition Initiative which saw more than 4,800 temporary teachers and 4,700 temporary school support staff made permanent employees in rural, remote, and regional schools.

Having already delivered NSW public school teachers the biggest pay rise in a generation while addressing teacher workload, the Minns Labor Government is taking extra steps to ensure our state’s regions are great places to work for our teachers.

Initiatives and incentives to attract teachers to rural and remote areas of NSW include:

  • Expanding the department’s Priority Recruitment Support to an additional 26 schools in regional, rural and remote areas, providing targeted support to schools experiencing specific staffing challenges
  • Rural Teacher Scholarships for high-achieving university students
  • Recruitment bonuses for key roles, Rental Subsidies and Retention Benefits in targeted rural areas
  • Rural and Remote Relocation Support
  • Stamp Duty Relief payment
  • Conducting the ‘Beyond the Line’ program; a week-long rural and remote school tour for teaching students to get a taste of living and working in these areas.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“There has never been a better time to consider a teaching job outside of the major cities.

“The Minns Labor Government has pulled out all the stops to support teachers and support staff to make career moves to places where they are needed most.

“The sustained drop in vacancies shows we’re making progress on addressing the teacher shortages left by the former NSW Liberal National Government, ensuring we have qualified teachers in every classroom to support student outcomes.

NSW to rollout new free RSV prevention program in 2025

Infants will be able to receive a free immunisation to protect them against serious illness from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), under a new $16.6 million NSW Government RSV prevention program to begin next year.

RSV is a major cause of respiratory illness infecting up to 90 per cent of children within the first two years of life.

It can affect anyone, but the infection is more severe in children under one year of age, who may develop bronchiolitis or pneumonia requiring hospitalisation.

This year there have been about 70,000 cases of RSV detected in people who were tested in NSW to 7 November. More than 10,000, or 15 per cent, of the cases were among children aged under twelve months old. 

The RSV prevention program will see the NSW Government fund nirsevimab, a type of monoclonal antibody immunisation, from mid-March for babies who are not protected through maternal vaccination, and those at increased risk of severe RSV.

From early 2025, pregnant women will be offered a free vaccine, recommended at 28-36 weeks of pregnancy, under the National Immunisation Program, which will in turn protect their newborn infant from RSV.

As at September this year, the existing NSW RSV vulnerable babies program provided nirsevimab to more than 4,500 vulnerable infants, among whom 86 per cent were aged under six months.

Preliminary data shows the program resulted in a 25 per cent reduction in RSV notification rates in all infants less than six months old, compared to children aged 12-18 months, very few of whom received nirsevimab.

Everyone can help reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses, including RSV. There are some simple steps people can take to help protect themselves, their loved ones and community including:

  • Stay at home if you have cold or flu symptoms and wear a mask if you need to leave home
  • Get together outdoors or in large, well-ventilated spaces with open doors and windows
  • Avoid crowded places
  • Don’t visit people who are at higher risk of severe illness if you have cold or flu symptoms
  • Practice good hand hygiene, including regular handwashing.

For further information on how to protect yourself and others from RSV visit the NSW Health website: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/respiratory-syncytial-virus.aspx#

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“The NSW Government is committed to ensuring all infants are protected against serious illness from RSV through the rollout of this prevention program in 2025.

“There is nothing more stressful than having a sick baby, especially when it is something potentially serious like RSV.

“This program will ensure all infants who are not protected through maternal vaccination will be offered immunisation.

“This program model will help keep babies out of hospital and at home with their family.”

NSW Health Executive Director of Health Protection Dr Jeremy McAnulty:

“This program will protect our youngest and most vulnerable infants in NSW.

“We know RSV can have a significant impact on the health of infants, especially on those aged under one year of age. Every year some children get very sick and need hospital treatment.

“We encourage pregnant women to get an RSV vaccination to protect their baby from RSV next year.”

“We will offer protection to all babies in NSW, either through maternal vaccination or by offering nirsevimab, which significantly reduces an infant’s risk of hospitalisation from RSV.”

The Minns Labor Government’s empty promises leave nurses and patients waiting

The Minns Labor Government’s ongoing failures has led to the cancellation of at least 700 surgeries across the state today, as nurses and midwives stage a 24-hour strike. Only life-preserving care will remain unaffected, impacting thousands of patients awaiting important treatments.
 
The people of New South Wales are left asking what deals did Premier Chris Minns make to get elected, and why are our nurses and midwives still waiting for an outcome?
 
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said the Minns Labor Government rode to power with union backing, yet today we see the trust of those workers being dismissed.
 
“Chris Minns is now telling nurses and midwives they have to choose between improved staff ratios and higher wages – but he hoodwinked nurses to campaign for him before the election promising they’d get both,” Mr. Speakman said.
 
The government’s reluctance to negotiate with the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association has meant patients and communities suffer as a result, with surgeries postponed and emergency department waiting times set to increase.
 
Shadow Minister for Health Kellie Sloane said for nurses and midwives who keep our health system running, the Minns Labor Government’s response is a major letdown.
 
“The disruption to scheduled surgeries today could have been avoided if the government had shown real commitment to its nurses. Patients deserve better,” Ms. Sloane said.
 
The Nurses and Midwives Association told media this morning the Premier is misleading the public by claiming its demands could not be met due to the Government already funding safe staffing levels.
 
Shadow Minister for Regional Health Gurmesh Singh said the election commitment is yet to be ticked off, particularly across regional hospitals.
 
“Health services in regional areas are stretched extremely thin and staff ratios certainly haven’t been implemented at any of our hospitals,” Mr. Singh said.
  
“The Premier clearly hasn’t been upfront about his ‘one or the other’ approach, because I don’t think nurses would have agreed to vote for him if they thought staff ratios would ultimately come at the cost of their salaries.”13 November 2024Share this

Huge boost for farmers in Tasmania’s south-east

The Albanese Labor Government is investing more than $150 million to deliver the Great South East Irrigation Scheme and drive economic growth in Tasmania.

The project will deliver a significant boost to the Tasmanian economy and create more than 400 jobs.

Powered 100 per cent by hydroelectricity, it will provide water to grow iconic Tasmanian produce like cherries, apples, salad vegetables, grapes, stone fruit and olives.

An extra 37GL of water every year will be available to farmers in Tasmania’s south-east – the equivalent to almost 15,000 Olympic sized swimming pools every year.

The new infrastructure will include 320km of new and upgraded pipelines, four new pump stations and new balance tanks.

After recently receiving a revised bid for funding from the Tasmanian Government, the Albanese Government will contribute more than $150 million towards the project.

The Tasmanian Government will contribute $75 million and Tasmanian Irrigation will also invest $75 million.

The funding for the Greater South East Irrigation Scheme comes on top of funding the Albanese Government has previously delivered for irrigation projects across the state – including the Northern Midlands Irrigation Scheme, Don Irrigation Scheme, and the Sassafras-Wesley Vale Irrigation Scheme Augmentation.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“Labor backs regional jobs, which is why we’re backing infrastructure like this.

“We know that water security is the key to securing economic growth in regional Tasmania.

“This will create jobs and economic opportunity, while keeping costs down for farmers.”

Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek

“Water is one of our country’s most precious resources.

“Labor knows how important increasing irrigation in Tasmania is, to provide water security for farmers and drive economic growth for the state.

“That’s why we are investing almost half a billion dollars in Tasmanian water infrastructure projects.

“It’s a win for Tassie farmers, a win for jobs and a win for the economy.”

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins

“Labor has a proud record of delivering for Tasmanian farmers, investing in irrigation infrastructure across the state.

“Our Government is already investing more on water infrastructure in Tasmania than any other state and territory and this funding will build on this.

“This is a big win for Tasmania and our world-class agriculture sector and again demonstrates that only Labor can be trusted to deliver for our farmers.”

Member for Lyons, Brian Mitchell

“This is a terrific announcement, especially since the money will be flowing as soon as possible to farmers in the south-east.

“This welcome news will provide security to get crops in ground and will ensure the south-east can continue contributing to the great Tasmanian agriculture success story. 

“The announcement adds to the hundreds of millions of dollars the Albanese Government has contributed to irrigation in Tasmania irrigation since the 2022 election.”

SUPPORTING YOUNG MEN AND BOYS TO END GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

The Albanese Labor Government is highlighting the importance of early intervention to end gender-based violence with the commitment of more than $23 million for programs across the country.

The funding will be provided to organisations to support young men and boys aged 12 to 18 years who present with adverse childhood experiences, including family and domestic violence.

Funding of $2.1 million will allow the University of Newcastle to deliver the Name.Narrate.Navigate (NNN) 360 program to help young men and boys in the Newcastle region to heal and recover through services that are culturally safe and responsive, trauma and healing-informed, strengths-based and tailored to their individual needs and circumstances.

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon said funding the trial in Newcastle will provide individual counselling and therapeutic supports for local young men and boys to help break future cycles of violence.

“I am so pleased that the University of Newcastle is leading the way on early intervention strategies to end gender-based violence. I have watched the NNN.360 program develop over the years and I’m thrilled that the Albanese Labor Government is backing its success with this injection of $2.1 million.

“This trial will allow our young men and boys who are victim-survivors in their own right, to address the impacts of developmental trauma and foster healing and recovery to help them avoid choosing to use family, domestic or sexual violence in their own relationships.”

“We want young men and boys who have experienced family and domestic violence to know they have a place of support here the University of Newcastle”.

Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth highlighted early intervention and prevention as key goals in the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032.

“Early intervention is a key focus for the Commonwealth Government, and successful applicants like the University of Newcastle have demonstrated targeted approaches to working with young men and boys,” Minister Rishworth said.

“This will ultimately assist the Newcastle region, and sites across Australia, to contribute to ending the cycle of violence, starting with the younger generation.”

More information on the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032 is available on the Department of Social Services website.

If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family, or sexual violence, call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services.

If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit www.ntv.org.au .

Feeling worried or no good? Connect with 13YARN Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporters on 13 92 76, available 24/7 from any mobile or pay phone, or visit www.13yarn.org.au No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn.

Kids Helpline (1800 551 800) is a free, confidential online and phone counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Appeal to locate missing teen – Maitland area 

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenage boy believed missing in the state’s Hunter Region.

Christian Nicholls, aged 14, from Carlton, was last seen about 9.45am today (Tuesday 12 November 2024) at Central railway station.

When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to St George Police Area Command District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Inquiries by police have indicated Christian may have caught a train to the Maitland area.

Police and family hold serious concerns for his welfare due to his age and that he lives with a medical condition. 

Christian is described as Caucasian appearance, about 170cm tall, of medium build and has dark brown hair.

He was last seen wearing cream-coloured pants, a grey zip-up hoodie and black shoes and carrying a brown Nike bag.

Anyone with information into his whereabouts is urged to contact their nearest police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Greens announce plan to wipe all student debt, putting an extra $5,500 into people’s pockets a year and making it easier for first home buyers

At a time when skyrocketing student debt is making the cost-of-living crisis worse, the Greens have announced an election plan to wipe all student debt, unshackling almost 3 million people from their debts and allowing people to keep more of their paycheck. Since Labor came to office, total student debt has soared to over $81 billion1, and student debt has risen by 16%. 

The Greens have relentlessly pushed the Albanese Government to deliver desperately needed student debt relief since they came to power, and the pressure has worked in securing changes to indexation as well as recent commitments to raise the minimum repayment income and cut student debt by 20% after the election. 

However, Labor’s plans still fall short of what’s needed- Labor’s indexation tweaks still lock in student debt hikes every year. 80% of a lifetime of debt is still a lifetime of debt. All student debt should be wiped. 

The Greens’ plan to wipe all student debt, part of the party’s ‘Robin Hood’ reforms, will be paid for by taxing big corporations that are profiting off price gouging during a cost of living crisis. For someone who has an average student debt and who earns an average income, the Greens’ plan would result in a debt of $27,600 being wiped and a saving of $5,500 a year2– enough to cover more than six months’ worth of groceries3. 

The latest ATO data shows that almost 57,000 Australians have a student debt of more than $100,000 compared to less than 23,000 in 2018-194. Meanwhile, the number of people with a student debt of more than $50,000 has doubled over the last five years, from 7% to 14%. The Greens’ policy will wipe these massive, stifling debts which take years to pay off and make it easier for so many to save money, start a family and get ahead. 

Wiping student debt will also make it easier for people to buy their first home. Recent analysis from the NAB shows that having an average student debt reduces the borrowing capacity of a person on a $120,000 salary by $90,0005.  

The Greens plan to wipe student debt has been independently costed by the PBO. Based on this analysis, the plan would have a fiscal impact of $74 billion over the decade. Wiping student debt will overwhelmingly benefit young people and women, with recent parliamentary library data showing that 71% of student debt is owed by people below the age of 35 and 59% of student debt is owed by women. 

The policy will be announced by Deputy Greens Leader and Higher Education Spokesperson Senator Mehreen Faruqi and Greens candidate Samantha Ratnam in the key Greens target seat of Wills on Monday. The Greens are running a massive people-powered campaign in Wills, where less than 1 in 10 people need to change their vote for the Greens to win the seat. Greens volunteers have already knocked on over 20,000 doors in Wills. 

Student debt is a key concern for voters in Melbourne electorates like Wills. Melbourne is bearing the brunt of the student debt crisis, where more than 650,000 people owe a staggering $19.4 billion in student debt. This is higher than any other capital city. Student debt will also be a key concern for voters in the Prime Minister’s home city of Sydney, where more than 615,000 people owe almost $19 billion in student debt. 

With a minority Parliament looming, the Greens say wiping all student debt is a key policy demand for the Party this election and will be on the table and pushed in any minority Parliament negotiations after the next election. 

Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens & Higher Education Spokesperson: 

“Wiping student debt will put money back in the pockets of people who desperately need it to make ends meet, pay rent or save for a deposit for their first home. 

“With everything from rents to grocery bills through the roof, wiping all student debt will make a real, tangible difference to so many people doing it tough. 

“The Greens have a plan to take on the price-gouging corporations and coal and gas giants to make them pay their fair share of tax and wipe all student debt so you keep more of your weekly paycheck. 

“The Greens are the only party fighting to wipe all student debt so you have more money to spend on the things you need. 

“Student debt can’t be fixed because student debt shouldn’t exist. All student debt should be wiped. If Anthony Albanese can go to uni for free, so should everyone else.” 

Samantha Ratnam, Greens candidate for Wills:

“Whether it be spiralling student debts or unrestrained rent rises, young people are being totally let down by Labor and their inadequate, bandaid solutions. 

“So many people in Wills tell me that their student debt is holding them back. Wiping student debt will make life better for so many people. 

“It’s hard enough for first home buyers in Wills to get a foot in the door without student debt making it even harder. 

“People in Wills know that they can’t keep voting for the same two parties and expecting a different result. Only the Greens will wipe your student debt, so you can keep more of your paycheck.”

References 

1 https://data.gov.au/dataset/ds-dga-ce4c58ec-c930-4a05-8a37-f244d960e5f8…

2 Greens estimates based on ATO withholding rates 

3https://www.news.com.au/finance/business/retail/aussies-paying-nearly-1… 634cdb8c788a4a1cdb81a7f1fd88d4e 

4https://www.smh.com.au/national/the-number-of-australians-with-student-…. html 

5https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/relaxing-lending-rules-to-he…