The NSW Opposition has called on the Premier to sack the Police and Counter-terrorism Minister Yasmin Catley.
The latest accusations of misleading Parliament, plus her strange written statement tonight in response, confirm that she is not up to the vital task of leading the police and counter-terrorism portfolios at this critical time.
“Media reports tonight that the Minister may have misled Parliament are gravely concerning,” said Mr Speakman. “When asked, point blank, whether she had told any Jewish leaders that their community should stay away from the Sydney CBD –her unequivocal response was ‘No, I did not’.”
“The Minister should have apologised to the Jewish community for the way that she failed to heed their needs on Monday night for a vigil at the Opera House and to take any action to stop an ugly mob descending on the Opera House and engaging in despicable anti-Semitic acts.”
“The Minister’s claim in her written statement tonight that she ‘apologised ‘for the way this has been handled’ is false. Despite repeatedly being asked in Parliament for such an apology, the most that the Minister could muster was to say ’of course I apologise to anyone if they feel unsafe’ on Wednesday and ’Yesterday, I apologised to those in the Jewish community who ongoingly feel unsafe in New South Wales’ today, in contrast to the Premier’s genuine apology.”
“Her written statement tonight did not deny that she referred to the Jewish community as ‘you people’.”
“From Question Time today it appeared that the Minister was not even aware of her powers under the Police Act to direct the Commissioner.”
“The Minister has a catalogue of other failures – such as her failure in the wake of the tragic tasering of grandmother Clare Nowland; her failure to provide a timely response to escalating gang warfare in Sydney’s west, with children exposed to the horrific scene of a dead body in the street on the way to school; and her failure to take action on the LECC report dealing with police handling of domestic violence cases.”
“With rising community tension, fear and potential risk in the weeks and months ahead, the Premier must act now to install a new Police and Counter-terrorism Minister in whom the public can have confidence to lead efforts to keep them safe.”
Author: admin
Heading Top 10 Reasons to Vote Against the Indigenous Voice
- Alternative Solutions: there are other, more effective ways to address Indigenous issues without a constitutional change.
- National Unity Concerns: The Voice is divisive, leading to racial segregation rather than unifying Australians.
- Ambiguity: The actual function, role, and power of the Indigenous Voice remain unclear, leading to uncertainties about its implementation and ramifications.
- Expanded Commonwealth Power: There’s a potential for the Commonwealth to significantly broaden its legislative powers at the expense of the states.
- Judicial Complications: Matters concerning the Indigenous Voice will end up in the High Court, complicating governance and potentially leading to legal challenges.
- Economic Implications: There are economic costs to implementing race-based constitutional changes. The financial implications of the Voice will be significant.
- Representation Concerns: The Voice will not truly represent the diverse views and needs of all Indigenous communities across Australia.
- Overreach: The proposed change will empower the Commonwealth to make broad decisions, even on matters only tangentially related to the Voice.
- Accountability Issues: How will the Voice be held accountable, and how will it’s efficiency and effectiveness will be measured? Accountability has been lacking in the bodies in the past.
- Constitutional Division: The proposed Indigenous Voice will disrupt the delicate balance of power between the Commonwealth and the States.
In the end, as with any political issue, voters need to understand all perspectives before deciding. This breakdown offers insight into one side of the ongoing debate surrounding the Indigenous Voice to Parliament.
Fatal crash in Ravensworth – Hunter Valley PD
A man has died after a two-vehicle crash in Hunter Valley region.
Just after 6.15am on Friday (13 October 2023), emergency services were called to the Bayswater Creek Bridge, on the New England Highway at Ravensworth, following reports of a two-vehicle crash.
On arrival, officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District found a truck and a ute had collided head-on.
The driver of the ute – a 22-year-old man – was assessed by NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, he died at the scene.
The driver of the truck – a 27-year-old man – was treated at the scene with injuries in his muscle and leg before being taken to Singleton Hospital for mandatory testing in a stable condition.
He is assisting police with their inquiries.
A crime scene has been established and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash has commenced.
A reported will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
Three charged after allegedly performing Nazi salute – Darlinghurst
Three men have been charged after being arrested in Darlinghurst this morning.
Officers from Kings Cross Police Area Command were called to Darlinghurst Road shortly before midday (Friday 13 October 2023), after three men allegedly performed a Nazi salute.
The men – aged 30, 31, and 40 – were arrested and taken to Kings Cross Police Station.
They have now each been charged with behave in offensive manner in/near public place/school, and knowingly display by public act Nazi symbol without excuse
All three were released on conditional bail to appear in Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday 31 October 2023.
CANCELLED PARADE SIGNALS THE CLOCK IS TICKING FOR THE MELBOURNE CUP
Australian Greens Deputy Leader and spokesperson for Animal Welfare, Senator Mehreen Faruqi, has welcomed cancellation of this year’s Melbourne Cup Parade, following the success of the growing movement to shut down horse racing and the Greens #NupToTheCup campaign.
Senator Mehreen Faruqi said:
“Days of the Melbourne Cup are numbered thanks to the tireless work of animal welfare activists and growing community concern over the animal cruelty of horse racing.
“We are winning the fight against the cruel and callous horse racing industry.
“Cancellation of the Melbourne Cup Parade means the long, hard work of animal welfare activists and protesters is paying off. And we will not stop until this grotesque festival of cruelty is binned altogether. Now let’s cancel the race.
“Tragically, 168 horses have died on the track this year alone. How many more horses need to die before we realise that horse racing kills. Enough is enough.
“Public opinion is turning fast. The surge in support for #NupToTheCup has shown how much the community values animal welfare. Most people see horse racing as a cruel, archaic industry that flourishes on the torture of beautiful horses.
“The social licence of the racing industry is fading fast. People are switching off because they clearly understand the cruelty and toxicity of gambling and racing.
“Independent polling shows that a whopping 64% of Australians believe racing animals like horses and greyhounds for gambling and entertainment is cruel. This figure has been going up each year, from 59% in 2022 and 55% in 2021.
“Let’s move with the times and leave behind this barbaric industry. The Melbourne Cup thrives on gambling, consumerism and alcoholism, all fueled by animal cruelty.
‘It’s time to shut down horse racing.”
COURT WIN FOR COAL & GAS SHOWS LABOR’S ENVIRONMENT LAWS BROKEN
Response to today’s legal decision on the Living Wonders case. Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young is spokesperson for the Environment and currently has a Climate Trigger Bill before the Senate.
“Our environment laws are broken so long as they fail to tackle climate change.
“It shouldn’t fall on a small community group to take on the might of the fossil fuel industry and their accomplices in the Federal Government in court.
“The Environment Minister should be on the side of the environment to protect our climate, our rivers, our reef and public safety instead of teaming up with coal and gas companies.
“If Minister Plibersek wants to protect nature and tackle climate change she should work with the Greens and back our Climate Trigger Bill in the Senate as part of the environment law reform she has promised. My door is open for that conversation in good faith.
“Australians voted for climate action at the last election, but every time the Government fights to approve a coal or gas project they are putting Australia at risk of more frequent and extreme bushfires this summer.”
GREENS CONDEMN ANTISEMITISM AND ISLAMOPHOBIA IN WAKE OF MIDDLE EAST ATTACKS
Leader of the Australian Greens Adam Bandt MP has condemned instances of hate and bigotry in Australia, and expressed concern over civilian deaths in Israel and Palestine.
There have been reports of an antisemitic attack in Melbourne overnight, while Australian supporters of Palestine have shared harrowing examples of Islamophobia online.
The Greens say that amid this painful time, antisemitism and Islamophobia are unacceptable.
Adam Bandt MP, Leader of the Australian Greens said:
“This is a painful time for the Jewish and Palestinian communities in Australia, who must be able to grieve the loss of loved ones and publicly express solidarity for those trying to stay safe back home, and antisemitic and Islamophobic attacks on Australia’s Jewish and Palestinian communities must stop,” Mr Bandt said.
“This war has brought pain and grief to so many, and there is no place to worsen that through hateful and violent racism and bigotry, including antisemitism and Islamophobia.
“There is no place for antisemitism or Islamophobia in the push to end the occupation of Palestine and build a lasting peace.
“I’m particularly concerned about reports of an antisemitic attack in Melbourne, the abhorrent Islamophobia expressed at supporters of Palestine, and the attempt of a small group to hijack a rally in support of Palestine, who the rally organisers have rightly condemned as ‘vile antisemitic attendees’. As we fight to end the occupation, the Greens oppose all forms of racism and discrimination in Australia and internationally.
“Amid reports of civilian deaths in Israel and Palestine, there must be an immediate ceasefire between the State of Israel and Hamas and an end to the occupation to ensure a lasting peace. The premeditated targeting of civilians by Hamas is a war crime, as is the bombing of Palestinian civilians by the State of Israel. All perpetrators of war crimes in this conflict must be held to account for their actions in accordance with international law. The Greens condemn the attacks and we condemn the occupation.
“For there to be a lasting peace there must be an end to the State of Israel’s illegal occupation of the Palestinian territories.”
Confirmation of death of Australian woman in Israel
The Australian Government has received confirmation of the tragic death of Galit Carbone, an Australian citizen murdered in the attacks on Israel by terrorist group Hamas.
On behalf of the Government, I wish to convey my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Ms Carbone. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to her family in Israel and in Australia.
Australia unequivocally condemns the attacks on Israel by Hamas. There is no excuse for the deliberate killing of innocent civilians.
The loss of life from these attacks has been devastating and unacceptable. Australia has called for the attacks to stop and for the immediate and unconditional release of all those taken hostage.
Our thoughts are with all those killed and injured in these attacks and all others affected. Australia continues to urge the protection of civilian lives at all times.
Humanitarian Assistance in response to Afghanistan earthquake
The Australian Government will provide $1 million to support the people of Afghanistan following the deadly earthquake which struck Herat Province.
The earthquake has exacerbated the dire humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, where 29.2 million people are already in desperate need.
Australia’s assistance will be directed through the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund (AHF), led by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
The AHF provides emergency shelter, health, food and protection for vulnerable people. No Australian funding will benefit or legitimise the Taliban regime.
Australia has already committed $50 million in 2023-24 to the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan.
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong said:
“We are deeply troubled by the loss of life and destruction in Afghanistan.
“Australia’s support will be delivered through independent agencies to provide basic needs such as shelter, food and medicine.
“Australia stands with the people of Afghanistan.”
Minister for International Development and the Pacific, The Hon Pat Conroy MP said:
“This earthquake has exacerbated the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, where almost 30 million people are already in desperate need.
“We are working closely with our humanitarian partners who have initiated relief efforts, deploying medical and trauma support to regional hospitals, as well as providing emergency shelter, supplies and food assistance to affected areas.”
the Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Tim Watts (MP) said:
“Our thoughts are with the victims of this tragic earthquake, their families, and the rescue personnel.
“We urge the Taliban to respect, protect and fulfil the human rights of the people of Afghanistan, especially women and girls, ethnic and religious minorities.”
Assisted-departure flights for Australians
Today we announce the Australian Government will begin the assisted-departure of Australians affected by the situation in Israel and Gaza.
On Monday, we directed the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to assess all options to assist Australians wanting to leave.
Australian Government assisted-departure flights will depart from Ben Gurion Airport starting Friday for Australians who do not already have plans to leave through commercial options.
These flights will be operated by Qantas free-of-charge.
We understand many Australians are experiencing difficulties with delays and cancellations of commercial flights departing Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv.
Our immediate priority is to ensure the Australians who want to leave Israel are able to do so – but we are working on options for Australians who need onward support from London.
We will continue to monitor the situation closely and consider whether further assisted-departure flights are required.
Australians who want to leave Israel via Australia’s assisted-departure flights should register by calling the Australian Government’s 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 (from overseas) or 1300 555 135 (from within Australia).
Australians in Israel and Gaza who cannot reach Ben Gurion Airport, should contact the Consular Emergency Centre for assistance.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will continue to provide updates to registered Australians.