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Consumer Affairs Ministers committed to protecting consumers

Commonwealth, State and Territory Consumer Affairs Ministers met on Friday 24 November 2023 with a renewed commitment to collaboration across borders and to strengthen consumer protections.

Ministers attending the meeting, chaired by New South Wales Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading, the Hon Anoulack Chanthivong, discussed and agreed on priorities for future work, which include:

  • consumer guarantees and supplier indemnification provisions
  • protecting consumers and small business from unfair trading practices across the economy
  • improved collaboration to combat scams and online fraud
  • establishing a designated complaints mechanism within the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission for consumer and small business advocacy groups to raise systemic issues under consumer law
  • implementation of the unfair contract terms reforms and Australian Consumer Law penalties harmonisation.

“Ministers are committed to ensuring that consumers will benefit from improvements to protections, at a state, territory and national level, as part of a nationally coordinated approach,” Minister Chanthivong said.

“It is important that we remain focused on progressing reforms to the Australian Consumer Law to strengthen protections for consumers and small business and improve consumer confidence.”

“The agreed priorities for 2024 build on the important enhancements to consumer protections that have been delivered in 2023, such as strengthening Unfair Contract Term Protections, increasing penalties for breaches of the competition and consumer laws, and establishing the National Anti-Scam Centre.”

Ministers heard from the Consumers’ Federation Australia, the peak body for consumer organisations in Australia, about key issues impacting consumers and possible areas for policy and law reform.

Ministers welcomed the impending release of the 2023 Australian Consumer Survey, which contains insights from consumers and businesses into existing consumer issues, including lessons to be learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. Results from the survey will be published on the Australian Consumer Law website (https://consumerlaw.gov.au/launch) in coming weeks.

Ministers further welcomed work to develop industry codes outlining the responsibilities of the private sector in relation to scams.

Australian Ministers also committed to improving transparency for consumers by supporting the introduction of country-of-origin labelling requirements for seafood in hospitality settings.

Australian Ministers further agreed to allow tobacco legislation currently administered under the Australian Consumer Law to be consolidated under a more streamlined national tobacco control legislation.

Ministers look forward to continuing to work together closely on progressing these issues.

Attendees to the meeting included:

  • Commonwealth Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services, Stephen Jones
  • Queensland Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Yvette D’Ath
  • South Australian Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs, Andrea Michaels
  • Tasmanian Minister for Workplace Safety and Consumer Affairs, Madeleine Ogilvie
  • Victorian Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gabrielle Williams
  • Western Australian Minister for Commerce, Sue Ellery.

Senior departmental officials from the Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory were also in attendance.

Over 100 people charged following police operation – Newcastle 

More than 100 people have been charged following a police operation in Newcastle yesterday.

As of 4pm (Sunday 26 November 2023), the Form 1 relating to an authorised assembly in the Port of Newcastle expired.

Police will allege in court that a number of protesters purposely entered the harbour channel after this time despite appropriate warnings and directions by police.

Subsequently, 109 people – including 49 males, 60 females, five of which were juveniles – were arrested.

Of those arrested, 18 people were taken to Newcastle, Waratah and Toronto Police Stations and 86 people were taken to a nearby port facility. They were all issued court attendance notices for operate vessel so as to interfere with others use of waters.

Two men, aged 23 and 65, were refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Monday 27 November 2023), while the remainder will appear on Thursday 11 January 2024.

The five juveniles were released and will be dealt with under the Young Offenders Act.

Second Meeting of States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons

Australia will be represented as an observer, by Ms Susan Templeman MP, at the second Meeting of States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) in New York.

The Government’s decision to again observe the Meeting of States Parties illustrates Australia’s renewed commitment to a world without nuclear weapons.

Although Australia is not a State Party to the TPNW, we share this goal with parties to the Treaty and are engaging constructively to identify realistic pathways for nuclear disarmament and to reduce the risks posed by nuclear weapons.

Australia is considering the TPNW systematically and methodically as part of our ambitious agenda to advance nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament.

Australia’s attendance at the Meeting will provide insights into how States Parties intend to address questions about the Treaty, including:

  • the adequacy of the TPNW’s verification and enforcement regime;
  • the TPNW’s interaction with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) which the Australian Government considers to be the cornerstone of the international disarmament and non-proliferation regime; and
  • how States Parties will work to achieve universal support for the TPNW, especially that of nuclear weapons states.

Newcastle Ocean Baths pump tests signal progress toward swim-ready water

Swimmers are one step closer to being back in the water at the Newcastle Ocean Baths, with the testing and commissioning of the newly installed pump system about to kick off.

Water will be pumped back into the Baths during the two-week process, before the pool is emptied for the final touches to be completed. Construction work on the pool surrounds will also continue during this time.

City of Newcastle Executive Manager Project Management Office, Robert Dudgeon, said this final stage of testing is a critical step toward reopening the Baths for swimmers.

“The testing that commences today will run for approximately two weeks to confirm everything is working as it should when the baths are filled with water from the ocean, and also to provide training opportunities for our staff,” Mr Dudgeon said.

“Once the testing phase is complete, we will drain the pool so that the finishing touches can be applied, and we will then re-fill the pool ahead of the recommencement of swimming.

“We know the community are excited to return to the pool, and it’s really important that we complete the required testing to ensure the pool is safe and ready for swimming.”

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said he looked forward to the Baths reopening soon.

“The Newcastle Ocean Baths have been a treasured part of our community for the past 100 years, so it’s exciting to have reached this milestone in their revitalisation,” Cr Clausen said.

“We anticipate swimming will be given the green light sometime next month and should be in a position to announce the reopening date in the coming weeks.”

The new pump system was recently installed in a purpose-built wet well next to the old pumphouse structure.

The pumps have the capacity to completely replace the water in the baths within six hours. This is a significant improvement on the old system, which was dependent on tidal movement to refill the baths after cleaning.

A series of preliminary tests were conducted on the new system with the specialised manufacturer in Europe, ahead of the equipment being shipped to Australia for installation earlier this year.

The remaining components of the system were sourced from a local Newcastle supplier, who will help CN maintain the new system moving forward.

Work to restore the bleacher seating is also nearing completion, including application of the iconic teal green colour while sections of the boardwalk are being lifted into place.

Progress is being made on stage two of the project, following community input into preliminary options for the pavilion buildings earlier this year. Principal Design Consultant Tonkin Zulaikha Greer is working to prepare concepts for the upgrade of the pavilion buildings, including the heritage façade.

The $9.5 million proceeds from the sale of City of Newcastle’s Fred Ash building is helping fund the Newcastle Ocean Baths stage one upgrade along with $3 million in funding from the NSW Government’s Public Spaces Legacy Program. The NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program is an investment in high quality public open space and delivers vital infrastructure for communities to love the place they live.

Western Sydney to join the State’s best swimming destinations

A new ‘beach’ in Penrith, soon to be added to the list of NSW’s most iconic places to swim, will ensure people in Western Sydney have a place to cool off over summer.

In 2020, Penrith earned the title of the hottest place on earth with residents sweltering under a baking 48.9 degrees Celsius and in any heat wave it can be up to 10 degrees hotter than the east.

But access to outdoor swimming spots for Western Sydney residents is limited. It’s 40km to get to Lake Parramatta, 63km to Bondi Beach and 75km to either Cronulla or Manly.

The beach will be open 7 days a week from late December to early March 2024 with the exception of Christmas and New Year’s Day.

The same length as Bondi Beach, Penrith Beach will offer an unmatched waterside experience in the heart of Western Sydney where people of all ages and backgrounds can safely enjoy the water for free.

Lifeguard services and first aid will be available in the designated and patrolled swimming zone.

This is backed by a $1.7 million investment from the NSW Government for vital construction and safety work to get this major new swimming spot at Penrith Lakes ready to swim over the hottest months of the year.

The site will be managed by the Department of Planning and Environment after an agreement signed with Western Sydney Lakes.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“Penrith Beach is a gamechanger that gives the people of Western Sydney all the benefits of living in the west, with the addition of easy access to their very own beach.

“This is about fairness. For too long Western Sydney locals were neglected as the Liberals and Nationals focused all their energy on investment in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

“The Minns Labor Government made a decision to create this magnificent recreation facility to give Western Sydney residents their fair share with the same access to swimming as Sydney’s east.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“As temperatures rise, access to water near where you live has never been more important –regardless of age, ability, or postcode – everyone should have access to a safe place to cool off.

“Penrith broke records for being the hottest place on earth and another sweltering summer is ahead of us, so a place to swim is important to support public health.

“We’ve always said that communities need infrastructure to support their growth. We took this decision to support the people of Western Sydney.

“This is a location of which the people of Western Sydney can be proud and which will make the rest of Sydney a little bit jealous!”

Member for Penrith Karen McKeown said:

“I have lived in the Penrith community for over 35 years, so I know what a sweltering summer’s day feels like here.

“Since the day I was elected I have been advocating that this gem is open up for our community.

“I know just how much local residents are going to embrace and enjoy this new swimming spot close to home over Christmas and the school holidays.

“It’s an incredible amenity for families and friends to come and cool off, with the backdrop of the beautiful mountains, and I’m so proud to see this project come to life.”

NSW Government responds to detection of Red Imported Fire Ants in northern NSW

The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) have confirmed the detection of three red imported fire ant nests – with surveillance ongoing – in South Murwillumbah in north-eastern NSW, 13 km south of the Queensland border.

This is the first fire ant detection in Northern NSW and presumed to be the most southern report of fire ants from the Queensland infestation.

The detection in NSW triggers the National Fire Ant Eradication Program response which is part of the $600 million eradication plan developed by the Australian governments.

The NSW Government is working closely with the Commonwealth and the Queensland Governments, plus Tweed Shire Council. Experienced teams are on site chemically eradicating the infestation across a radius of 200m from the found sites.

Following detection of the fire ants the National Plan releases four subsequent actions – eradication, control, tracing and communications.

NSW DPI are leading the control, tracing, and communications by implementing an emergency biosecurity order across a radius of 5km from the site in South Murwillumbah.

All businesses and residents within that radius are restricted in how they can move potential fire ant carrier materials without permission. The following types of materials are restricted: mulch, woodchips, compost, sand, gravel, soil, hay and other baled products.

NSW DPI Officers and detection dogs are working on determining the extent of the infestation, undertaking genetic testing of the fire ants, and searching all properties within the control radius.

To date, NSW DPI fire ant preparedness activities have involved stakeholder engagement and training to 67,000 industry and community stakeholders in the northern border zone of NSW, through face-to-face engagements, electronic direct mail and letterbox drops.

Fire ants are dark reddish-brown with a darker black-brown abdomen and range in size from 2 to 6mm. Their ant nests are distinctive mounds of loose, crumbly or fluffy looking soil with a honeycomb appearance, up to 40cm high, with no obvious entrance holes.

Red imported fire ants can damage electrical and agricultural equipment, sting people, pets and livestock, kill native plants and animals, and damage ecosystems beyond repair.

Those who breach the emergency biosecurity order could face significant penalties with fines for breaches reaching up to $1.1 million for an individual and up to $2.2 million for a corporation.

Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Regional New South Wales and Minister for Western New South Wales, Tara Moriarty said:

“We are prepared for this discovery of fire ants in northern NSW and have immediately implemented our response plan which is part of the $600 million national program.

“I have spoken with my counterpart in Canberra, Senator Watt, and local parliamentary representatives across governments so that we are all aligned and actioning our prepared plans.

“I am in contact with our teams on the ground who are enforcing the emergency control order, tracing where this infestation may have originated from and monitoring the immediate chemical eradication of the fire ants.

“Our teams are focused on limiting further spread, and encouraging reporting and compliance through a targeted communications campaign.

“Red imported fire ants are a terrible invasive pest, which cause serious social, economic, and environmental harm, which is why the Minns Government this year committed $95 million towards the National Fire Ant Eradication Program.

“Biosecurity is a shared responsibility, and as our fire ant response ramps up in northern NSW, I encourage everyone to continue to check their properties for these pests. With the Christmas cross-border travel season approaching, we all must be careful of what we’re moving and where.

“Finding fire ants early and alerting NSW DPI, just like the community member has done in this instance, will increase our chances of a successful eradication effort.

“We will continue to keep the community informed of progress and will continue working closely with industry, the local community and our state and federal counterparts.”

Fire ant information

For more information about red imported fire ants, visit the NSW DPI websitelaunch.

Residents and businesses in northern NSW should report any sign of fire ants to NSW DPIlaunch or call 1800 680 244launch.

Appeal to locate missing teenage girl – Hunter Valley

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a girl missing from the Hunter Valley region.

Sophie Holden, aged 15, was last seen travelling in a white Holden Cruze, bearing NSW registration DZX 29U, driven by an 18-year-old woman known to her in the Paxton area – about 10km south of Cessnock – at 3.30pm yesterday (Saturday 25 November 2023).

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for her welfare.

Sophia is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 160cm, thin build and has long brown hair.

She was last seen wearing glasses, white hooded jumper and grey shorts.

Inquiries have established that Sophia and the 18-year-old woman maybe travelling to Victoria.

Anyone with information into her whereabouts is urged to call Cessnock Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

GREENS IN SOLIDARITY WITH THALIDOMIDE SURVIVORS

The Australian Greens are calling on the Health Minister to agree to re-open applications for the Thalidomide Survivors Support Program. 

Ahead of the long-awaited national apology, set for 29th November 2023, Australian Greens Senator Jordon Steele-John is calling on the Federal Government to immediately re-open the eligibility assessment program, to ensure that any previously unrecognised thalidomide survivors are able to apply for the program and get the support they deserve.

Additionally, Senator Jordon Steele-John is backing the calls of thalidomide survivors to have the ongoing support payments indexed, to keep up with the rising cost of living.

Senator Jordon Steele-John, Australian Greens spokesperson for Health and Disability said:

“At a time as momentous as a National Apology to Thalidomide Survivors, it is very likely that some members of the Australian Community may recognise, for the first time, that they too had been impacted by Thalidomide. It is vital that there still be a pathway for survivors to get justice, recognition and ongoing support. The Greens are calling on the Federal Government to re-open the eligibility assessment program.

“The intention of the Australian Thalidomide Survivors Program was to provide a lifetime support package for survivors. It’s clear that without indexing those payments, the ability for survivors to get access to the services they need is getting harder and harder.

“The Australian Government have made a commitment to right the wrongs and are now ready to apologise. But an apology is only as good as the actions that follow. It’s beyond time for support payments to be indexed to keep up with the rising cost of living.”

GREENS CALL FOR FULL FUNDING ON INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

On International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women the Greens are once again calling for full funding for frontline family and domestic violence services, and will continue to do so every day for the next 16 days, as part of the UN Women’s 16 Days of Activism campaign.

Frontline services that provide emergency housing, wrap-around support, legal advice, education and prevention, counselling and healing, and long term affordable housing are essential to ensuring women and children can escape family and domestic violence.  

Senator Larissa Waters, Greens Leader in the Senate and spokesperson on Women said:

“This month in Australia, six women were murdered in just one week.This is an epidemic, and it must increase the urgency of governments and communities to tackle violence against women and their children.

“First Nations women, women from culturally diverse backgrounds, women in regional areas, older women, LGBTIQ+ women, and women with a disability are even more likely to experience violence.

“Every year on this day we recommit to ending sexual and physical violence against women around the world, but frontline services are still underfunded and women and children are being turned away as a result.

“Enough with empty promises. Enough with ignoring the impact of financial insecurity and housing stress on women’s capacity to leave. Enough with underfunding the services women reach out to in a crisis. 

“The Government has said it wants to end violence against women within a generation but it’s not stumping up the funds to deliver that. The total federal funding commitment over the next five years is $2.23 billion, less than half the $5 billion the sector needs to ensure no one is turned away.

“Labor has spoken often about difficult choices in the lead up to the budget, but right now they are choosing to spend $313 billion on tax cuts for billionaires while baulking at $1 billion a year for women escaping violence. It’s worse than disappointing, it’s a betrayal.

“The housing crisis is felt even more acutely by women and children experiencing family and domestic violence. Women are forced to choose between abuse or homelessness, because there is nowhere to go. 

“Women on low wages or income support are especially vulnerable without the resources to escape violent situations. Yet this government persists with the cruelty of keeping income support payments like JobSeeker below the poverty line, and has the audacity to cry poor while dishing out hundreds of billions in tax cuts and investment property perks for the rich.

“Today, and every day for the next 16 days, the Greens are calling for full funding of frontline DV services. 

“The women’s safety sector has repeatedly called for a $1 billion per year investment to meet demand. Labor’s last budget provided less than half that amount for frontline services.

“Women deserve better than that, and $1 billion each year is a very small price to pay to end this ongoing epidemic of violence against women and children.”

Provider Finalised for Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in Townsville

The Albanese and Palaszczuk governments are making it easier for Townsville residents to see a doctor with a provider for the Townsville Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (Medicare UCC) finalised, following an Expression of Interest process.

Eastbrooke Family Clinic will be established as the Townsville Medicare UCC and is expected to start seeing patients in December 2023.
 
The Townsville Medicare UCC delivers on the government’s commitment to make it easier for people in Townsville to get the urgent treatment they need – from highly qualified doctors and nurses – while taking pressure off the Townsville University Hospital.
 
The Townsville Medicare UCC will be open for extended hours, seven days a week, and offer walk-in care that is fully bulk billed.
 
The Townsville clinic is one of the 11 Medicare UCCs across Queensland – located in Bundaberg, Cairns, Gold Coast, Ipswich, LogaThe Albanese and Palaszczuk governments are making it easier for Townsville residents to see a doctor with a provider for the Townsville Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (Medicare UCC) finalised, following an Expression of Interest process.
 n, Northern Brisbane, Murrumba Downs (Redcliffe), Rockhampton, Southern Brisbane and Toowoomba.
 
Toowoomba and Townsville Medicare UCCs are additional clinics established as a result of the strong collaboration between the Commonwealth and Queensland Government under the Primary Care Pilots program.
 
The Albanese Government will continue to work closely with Primary Health Networks and the Queensland Government to deliver the remaining Medicare UCCs, all of which will open this year.
 
Minister Butler said:
 
“The Townsville Medicare UCC will make a big difference to patients in the region who will be able to walk in seven days a week and get free urgent care from a nurse or a doctor.
 
“The clinic will ease pressure on the Townsville University Hospital, so that its hard-working doctors and nurses can focus higher priority emergencies.
 
“The Townsville Medicare UCC is just another way the Government is strengthening Medicare and making it easier to see a doctor.”
 
Minister for Health, Mental Health, and Ambulance Services Shannon Fentiman said:

“Townsville families deserve free, high-quality health care close to home – and that’s exactly what the new Medicare Urgent Care Clinic will provide.

“I’m so proud that the Palaszczuk Government helped to deliver this facility, which will treat urgent, but not life-threatening, conditions and illnesses.

“This clinic, together with our $530 million Townsville University Hospital expansion, will ensure residents have access to Queensland’s world-class healthcare.

“This is another example of the Albanese and Palaszczuk governments delivering for Queensland.”

Senator Green said:
 
“The Townsville Medicare UCC will mean locals who need urgent but not acute care, can get it quickly even if it’s outside standard hours – and all they’ll need is their Medicare card.
 
“I know many Townsville families who have had to wait long hours at the emergency department for non-life-threatening issues.
 
“This Medicare UCC will ease pressure on the local ED and be much more convenient for our community – closer to home, at short notice, and bulk billed under Medicare.