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NSW Labor abandons Closing the Gap targets as First Nations Remand numbers soar

During Budget Estimates it was revealed that the rates of First Nations children and young people on remand in the 12 months since June 2023 have increased by 43%. Of that figure, 29.8% of First Nations people are on remand for car theft, while 21.1% for break and enter. These figures reveal that not only are more First Nations children and young people coming into contact with the justice system since June last year, but that these young people are in remand due to the highly controversial changes to the bail laws that were rushed through the Parliament in April this year.

Under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap (Target 11), the NSW Government is committed to reducing the rate of young First Nations people in detention by at least 30 percent.

Greens MP and spokesperson for justice Sue Higginson said “We knew these laws were wrong when they were strong-armed through Parliament in April, but to see this soaring increase of young First Nations people in prison just months later, is absolutely devastating and damning,”

“First Nations people are already grossly overrepresented in the criminal justice system and we know the catastrophic impacts of this fact. Now shock-jock law-making has made certain that even more First Nations kids will be thrown into prison and it’s Premier Chris Minns and the Attorney General Michale Daley who have done this., This is what political failure looks like,”

“The increase in children and young people behind bars is worse than predicted, and it’s only half the story. The reality is that the majority of the children and young people locked up are likely there because they were denied bail under the changes NSW Labor rushed through NSW Parliament earlier this year,”

“We know that once a child or young person comes into contact with the criminal justice system their lives are irreversibly changed for the worse. These young, vulnerable people who need protection and care will more than likely cycle through our prison system for decades at an enormous emotional cost to themselves, their families and our communities,”

“NSW Labor is shattering any chance this state has of meeting our Closing the Gap targets. It is farcical for this Government to stand up and say they are committed to reducing youth incarceration rates on one hand, and on the other, legislate punitive law-and-order responses to lock away First Nations children and young people,”

“Under these laws these children have been targeted and rounded up like lambs to the slaughter. It is sickening how calculated the effects of these laws are, and this data reveals this in black and white,” Ms Higginson said.

Labor Letting the RBA Crash the Economy

Treasurer Jim Chalmers is sitting on his hands while the RBA is causing massive pain to young people and mortgage holders and deliberately risking a recession, the Greens say.

“Jim Chalmers and Wayne Swan are making noise about high interest rates, but Labor is giving the RBA free rein to crash the economy and punish Australians,” Greens Economic Justice Spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

“If Labor really cared about people being smashed by rising rates, they’d stop siding with the RBA and use the power they have to bring down interest rates.”

“By not only refusing to do anything to change course, and actively trying to water down his own power to intervene, Jim Chalmers is showing he is happy to let the RBA send Australians to the wall.”

“Labor could introduce a super-profits tax to take the pressure off inflation, but they’re too busy protecting their corporate mates.”

“Labor is more interested in letting the big corporations make out like bandits than in using its power to stop this looming recession. It’s reckless and morally indefensible.”

Frontline services funding is welcome, but one in four women still not getting the help they need

Today’s National Cabinet announcement brings total funding for the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children to $3.7 billion over 5 years, plus additional money for legal services.

Any funding increase for the frontline responders to the national crisis of violence against women is welcome, but today’s announcement still leaves frontline services underfunded, with one in four women who seek help at risk of being turned away.

Australian Greens leader in the Senate and spokesperson on women, Senator Larissa Waters

“Today’s funding shortfall still leaves one in four women at risk of being turned away from a frontline family, domestic and sexual violence service.

“While today’s announcement offers a modest improvement ($351 federal money, matched by states) on funding for frontline services, with a new total of $3.7 billion federal funding under the National Plan over 5 years, it’s still only 75% of the $1 billion each year that the women’s safety sector needs.

“Money on paper is no guarantee that services will actually receive the money – previous federal funding under the Plan has disappeared into state government administration with no transparency on where it ends up – and services say they aren’t getting it.

“Likewise the promised 500 federally funded frontline workers have still not materialised.

“It’s disappointing that National Cabinet kicked the can down the road on alcohol sales, and that there is still prevarication from the federal government on regulating gambling advertising.

“We welcome funding to establish national standards for men’s behaviour change, something the Greens have asked for for several years.

“On the legal services funding of $3.9 billion over five years, we will examine the detail once it becomes available, but it was concerning to hear the PM note that only $500 million will go towards additional workers for the legal sector. We know that 1,000 women are turned away from women’s legal services each week, and we fear $500 million will not fix that.

“This is about priorities. If Labor funded just one less nuclear submarine they would have more than the amount required to fully fund frontline family, domestic and sexual violence services.

“They could scrap the $11 billion annually they are currently handing to the fossil fuel industry. Or the $15.9 billion annually to property investors.

“Women are missing out when submarines, gas companies and property barons are showered with public money.”

Statement on Crimes Against Humanity, War Crimes and Genocide in Tigray

The Australian Greens are deeply concerned about the situation in Tigray and the findings of human rights abuses that are detailed in the New Lines Institute report Genocide in Tigray: Serious breaches of international law in the Tigray conflict, Ethiopia, and paths to accountability.

This report found that since the beginning of the Ethiopian-Tigrayan conflict in 2020, around 700,000 Tigrayans have been killed, with civilians making up the majority of the death poll. The report also found that over 2.5 million people have been internally displaced, 10,000 women and girls have been subject to gender based violence, and only 3% of health facilities have been left functioning. This has resulted in up to 5 million people needing emergency food assistance and over 40,000 people facing famine-like conditions. We have heard accounts of inequitable and ineffective aid distribution, which has resulted in essential humanitarian aid not being delivered to people who need it.

There have been credible claims that the actions taken by Ethiopian and Eritrean forces against Tigrayans amount to genocide. There is also credible evidence that members of the Tigrayan People’s Liberation Front have committed war crimes. This is highly disturbing, and accountability for perpetrators must be delivered.

The Australian Greens believe that the Australian Government must always act to prevent and oppose violations of human rights law, ensure individuals, entities or states that violate human rights law are held accountable and that urgency and transparency are crucial when delivering emergency aid and humanitarian relief.

The Australian Greens recognise that the Australian-Tigrayan community are frustrated by the lack of coverage given to this crisis by the Australian media and the insufficient action taken by the Australian government, especially in comparison to other international conflicts.

We are calling on the Australian Government to use its role in international forums to actively support efforts to ensure accountability for perpetrators of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Tigray. We are also calling on the Australian Government to review the distribution of Australian aid in Tigray.

The Australian Greens are in solidarity with the Tigray community, and will continue to oppose violence, human rights abuses, and war crimes in Tigray and wherever they occur.

Greens Statement on COP29

The 2024 UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 29) will convene in November 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The Australia Greens do not support the decision of the United Nations to host this event in Azerbaijan.

The Azerbaijan government has a long history of human rights abuses against its own citizens and provocations and violations on the world stage. This includes the violent crackdown on environmental protests and the illegal annexation of the Nagorno-Karabakh in 2023.

Azerbaijan’s economy is highly dependent on the export of oil and gas. Not only are these exports contributing to the climate crisis, they are also empowering and enriching the corrupt regime of President Aliyev.

It is concerning that so far the organisers have refused to release details of the Host Country Agreement, this means it is unclear what steps, if any, Azerbaijan is taking to protect human rights during the conference.

The Australian Greens believe the United Nation’s organisers should have selected a different host country for COP29 – it’s unacceptable that this conference is happening in a country that commits human rights abuses, and profits off the climate crisis. The UN must publicly release the details of the Host Country Agreement.

Irrational and illogical international student caps must go

After the third hearing on the ESOS bill Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Deputy Greens Leader and spokesperson for Higher Education, has said that the more that is revealed about this bill, the bigger a train wreck it is.

Senator Mehreen Faruqi:

“It’s crystal clear the opposition to this chaotic and reckless bill is pretty universal.

“The government is hell bent on strangling the higher education sector in their bullish attempt to achieve a migration outcome which has absolutely nothing to do with international education.

“The higher education sector will be collateral damage in this race to the bottom on migration between Labor and the Liberals.

“Gaping holes in the caps, perverse outcomes, uncertainties, unknown inconsistencies and a lack of consultation are just some of the flaws that make this bill and the whole policy process a complete mess.

“The government must scrap the caps, immediately get rid of Ministerial Direction 107 and go back to the drawing board.”

Humanitarian assistance to Bangladesh

The Australian Government will provide more than $1.8 million for humanitarian relief and emergency supplies in response to the recent flooding in Bangladesh.

Almost 6 million people have been affected by the flooding, and livelihoods have been devastated as agricultural fields and fishponds are submerged by flood waters.

Essential services including communication and transport networks are disrupted, providing a further challenge to response efforts.

More than half a million people have been displaced and are sheltering in flood evacuation centres, where overcrowding and temporary structures have heightened protection concerns, especially for women and girls.

Australian assistance will be directed through Oxfam and BRAC, a Bangladeshi NGO and one of the world’s largest non-government organisations. Our contribution will ensure the most vulnerable, including women, children and people with disabilities can access lifesaving assistance.

In addition to today’s announcement, Australia welcomes the release of USD17.7 million (approximately AUD26.4 million) from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to respond to crises in Bangladesh in 2024. Australia is a top 10 donor to the CERF.

Newcastle’s newest citizens take the pledge of a lifetime

City of Newcastle welcomed 180 new Australians from six continents on Thursday as they took the pledge of commitment to their new home in a moving citizenship ceremony at City Hall.

Among the new citizens were Sathish Clastinrusselraj Indirathankam, 43, and Minimalar Thankamani, 40, from India. The husband and wife met at church and began raising their daughters Shanice, 9, and Shawna, 6, in their home state of Tamil Nadu.

(l-r) New Australian citizen Dr Mary Amponsah, Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and (clockwise from top left) new citizens Mrs Minimalar Thankamani, Dr Sathish Clastinrusselraj Indirathankam, Shanice Sathish and Shawna Sathish.

Dr Sathish, now a Senior Lecturer in Engineering at the University of Newcastle, toured Australia in 2018 as a visiting scientist and the family have since made Elermore Vale their home.

“Our first moments in Australia were a whirlwind of emotions. As we stepped into Australia, it starkly contrasted with what we were used to. We were struck by the friendliness of the people we encountered, which immediately put us at ease,” Dr Sathish said.

“Newcastle’s beaches, parks and forests offer endless outdoor activities and relaxation. These natural spaces have helped us to connect with the Australian way of life.”

As Mary Amponsah, 35, took the pledge she marked a new chapter in a life that began in the shanties of Kumasi, Ghana and has yielded a PhD in Economics at the University of Newcastle.

The oldest child following the loss of her brother and father, Dr Amponsah won a scholarship that meant leaving her mother, two sisters and Africa for the first time.

Her first safe harbour in Australia was a sympathetic cabbie; her safest of all is Sister Diana Santleben. The Zara’s House founder and Newcastle refugee champion recruited Dr Amponsah as a financial administrator and protegee.

“I was that shy person when I arrived. The biggest thing I’ve gained in Newcastle is being more confident, seeing how approachable people are. It helps me open up,” she said.

“I’m also glad I have gardening with Sister Di.”

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said citizenship is one of the most rewarding duties of her office.

“We live in a vibrant, multicultural community that includes speakers of more than 130 languages, with almost 20 per cent of its residents having been born overseas,” Cr Nelmes said.

“I congratulate all of today’s new citizens, who join more than 340 people to have taken the pledge in Newcastle this year.”

Man’s best friend digs new temporary home

Lost dogs are enjoying a more comfortable stay as they wait to be returned to their owners or re-homed thanks to major upgrades at City of Newcastle’s Animal Facility.

Twelve new dog kennels have been constructed at the Tighes Hill site featuring improved ventilation, climate control, lighting, and access ramps, while a fenced area for exercising the animals has also been provided.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen with Jackie, Acting CEO David Clarke, Dog Rescue Newcastle Shelter Manager John Giddens, City of Newcastle Rangers with Bella the Ranger dog and kelpie pup Lucy at City of Newcastle’s Animal Facility at Tighes Hill.The kennels not only set a high standard for the care of animals, but their design allows for the facility to be expanded or relocated in the future.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the new facilities will help Rangers provide efficient, quality care as they continue to deliver their other regulatory and educational responsibilities.

“Our Rangers do a fantastic job looking after the animals that come into their care,” Cr Clausen said.

“In the past year alone, they have helped reunite 126 lost pets with their owners, while a further 90 animals were able to find new homes thanks to the strong working relationships our Rangers have developed with rescue agencies locally, statewide and nationally.

“These new kennels ensure we continue to meet best practice guidelines for an animal facility, providing enriching opportunities for daily exercise in the sun and fresh air.

“This will ensure the animals remain in a safe and comfortable environment while they wait to be returned to their owners or find a new home.”

A pregnant female Staffordshire Bull Terrier affectionately known as Bonnie is among the Rangers’ most recent success stories.

With no foster carers available in the Hunter, the Rangers used their interstate contacts to match her with an organisation in Victoria that specialises in caring for pregnant dogs.

Bonnie is now living with a foster carer until she gives birth, then when her pups are around eight-weeks-old, she’ll be able to find a permanent home.

Last week proved a busy time for the Rangers, who also reunited an American Staffy named Tank with his distraught owner, who had recently moved into a new house in Newcastle.

Tank’s owners were in the process of ‘dog-proofing’ the yard when he snuck through a hole in the fence, but thankfully his microchip details were up to date, including his new address, so he was quickly returned home.

The rescue wall at City of Newcastle’s Animal Facility at Tighes Hill.Cr Clausen said stories like Tank’s demonstrate the importance of registering and microchipping your pets.

“Out-of-date registration details, a lack of collar, ID tag or microchip, all make it much harder for our Rangers to make these reunions possible,” Cr Clausen said.

“We also want to make sure our beloved pets are as safe as possible, which is why through the provision of free microchipping and pet registry advice, we can help busy pet owners take these important tasks off their to-do list.

“The heartbreak of a lost pet can be easily prevented by taking a few simple registration steps, which our rangers are very happy to help pet owners achieve.”

City of Newcastle Rangers will be providing free microchipping to all eligible dogs at the next ‘Pups in the Park’ event on 19 October from 9am in Federal Park, Wallsend.

Dog owners can learn all about responsible pet ownership, meet local dog-based business owners and receive assistance updating details for existing microchips.

For more details visit https://whatson.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/

NSW Government provides $1.89 million to 10 NSW businesses to deliver natural hazards technology solutions

A company developing novel technology to monitor and forecast potentially toxic blue-green algae blooms in NSW waterways is among 10 NSW companies to receive funding support through the $1.89 million Natural Hazards Technology Program (NHTP).

CyanoLakes’ innovative state-wide blue-green algae bloom forecasting system uses satellite remote sensing technology and machine learning to provide early warnings for algal blooms in lakes and large river systems. The technology will enable water quality to be monitored 10 times more frequently in remote areas, improving advanced warning times, and allowing agencies to better manage the serious threat posed to humans and animals.

The NHTP is supporting 10 NSW businesses to field-test their innovative technologies to address challenges faced by nine NSW Government agencies in preparing for and responding to natural hazards.

These agencies include Fire and Rescue NSW, Forestry Corporation of NSW, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water, the Department of Customer Service, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, NSW Reconstruction Authority, NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW State Emergency Service, and WaterNSW.

The program fosters a diverse range of technological advancements. These include:

an AI-powered multilingual emergency warning system to ensure effective communication with culturally and linguistically diverse communities
real-time data analysis and modelling of driver behaviour during natural hazards like floods and fires, enhancing public safety and streamlining evacuations
drone-based recognition and assessment of hazardous trees following a fire operation.

Further information on the 10 businesses can be viewed at the NHTP webpage.

Minister for Innovation, Science & Technology, Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“This funding demonstrates the NSW’s Government commitment to innovation and technology to help improve our response and preparedness to natural hazards.

The $1.89 million Natural Hazards Technology Program actively supports innovative NSW businesses to refine and improve their technologies for market, while helping solve many of the challenges faced by NSW agencies in the management of natural hazards.”

“Supporting innovative NSW businesses to field-test their technologies with NSW Government agencies allows them to bring their innovations one step closer to commercialisation and build relationships to increase opportunities for future collaborations.

“The Program also improves NSW Government agency awareness of innovation possibilities in natural hazards management and operations through exposure to new homegrown technology.”

Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib said:

“Technology can play an important role in how we model, predict and respond to naturals hazards and emergencies, and this program helps us find solutions that work for our emergency service agencies and, ultimately, the communities of NSW.

“This program supports local innovation by providing an opportunity for NSW businesses to test and showcase their technology, building on the work already being undertaken across emergency services agencies.

“These businesses are taking creative and innovative approaches to the complex challenges presented by natural hazards, whether that is making warning systems more accessible or helping predict floodwaters.”

Cyanolakes CEO, Dr Mark Matthews said:

“The Natural Hazards Technology Program grant gives us a unique opportunity to field-test our technology with WaterNSW to refine the product and ensure it provides accurate information. It helps us better understand their needs and build relationships, which will hopefully lead to further market opportunities in the state and beyond.

“Ultimately, it’s about keeping communities in NSW safe by taking full advantage of the rapid advances in the satellite imagery industry.”