Category: Australian News

Greens Deputy Leader and Higher Education Spokesperson Senator Mehreen Faruqi has strongly condemned the University of Melbourne following findings by the Victorian Privacy and Data Protection deputy commissioner that the university unlawfully surveilled students and staff during a pro-Palestine protest by using Wi-Fi location data. The deputy commissioner found that because “the collection and use of the data involved the surveillance of students and staff, and surveillance by its nature is antithetical to human rights, the breach was serious”.

The University of Melbourne has maintained that its use of Wi-Fi location data was reasonable “given the overriding need to keep our community safe”.

Lines attributable to Senator Faruqi, Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens and spokesperson for Higher Education:

“The University of Melbourne has doubled down on unlawful surveillance and failed to apologise for its serious breach of privacy.

“Universities should nurture critical thought, dissent and protest. Surveillance is the tool of authoritarian states, not places of learning.

“Using Wi-Fi tracking, CCTV footage and email monitoring against students and staff is a profound betrayal of trust. A university that spies on its students has lost its moral compass.

“Universities should defend free expression, not police it. When a university treats protest as a crime, it betrays its own purpose.

“The University of Melbourne’s claim that the surveillance was justified to ensure community safety is a harmful narrative designed to smear protestors. The real threat to safety is Israel’s genocide in Gaza — and yet the University continues to maintain links with weapons companies fuelling that genocide.”

“Instead of doubling down on this punitive response—one which has already harmed students and staff—the University must offer an unconditional public apology, reverse all disciplinary actions against pro-Palestine protestors, end ties to weapons companies and immediately commit to transparent policy reform that respects privacy, academic freedom, and the right to protest.”

Residents in Snowy Valleys will have a say about the future of their local government area, with the Minister for Local Government today giving his support for the Council to start preparing for a referendum to vote on a potential de-amalgamation.

On Tuesday 19 August the Minister received a report from the NSW Local Government Boundaries Commission which examined the Council’s de-amalgamation proposal, including the Council’s implementation plan and financial sustainability plan.

The Boundaries Commission has recommended the Council’s proposal be supported. The Minister has accepted this recommendation and will now consult with the NSW Electoral Commissioner to allow Council to hold a constitutional referendum and let residents vote on whether they want to demerge.

The Minister met with Snowy Valleys Council Mayor Cr Julia Ham, the Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr MP and the Member for Albury Justin Clancy MP, to release the report and discuss the next step in the demerger process.

Snowy Valleys Council has been following the demerger pathway made possible by legislation introduced and passed by the Minns Labor Government last year.

The Council was required to develop a business case for de-amalgamation which was referred to the Boundaries Commission.

The Commission asked Council for more detail on the implementation of the proposal to outline financial impacts (including increases to rates), long term strategic plans, and the capacity of the new councils to deliver services.

Council’s implementation plan was presented to the Commission, which also held public hearings before finalising its recommendations in a report to the Minister.

With the green light to proceed to the next step in the process, Snowy Valleys Council can now go ahead and commence planning for a referendum. This includes public exhibition of the business case and implementation plan.

The Minister made it clear during the meeting today with the Council that as part of this referendum residents must be made aware they will be facing rate increases and other costs to support the demerged councils, so they can make an informed decision.

The Boundaries Commission report details rates in a restored Tumut Shire would increase by almost 15% over seven years and between 45-65% in Tumbarumba over the same period. In addition, there would be a range of increases to various fees and charges including water and sewer, leases and licenses, commercial fees and drainage.

The majority of the whole council area must support this vote for the demerger to proceed.

Under the Local Government Act 1993 the Boundaries Commission report was required to be released publicly within 48 hours of the Minister receiving it.

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:

“The communities of Snowy Valleys weren’t given a choice when the Liberal-National Government forced the amalgamation of Tumut and Tumbarumba councils.

“It has proven to be another local government disaster inflicted upon regional NSW communities.

“The impact the amalgamation continues to have on the Council, councillors and staff was made clear by the Boundaries Commission.

“Prior to coming to government, Labor made a commitment to the people of Snowy Valleys that we would support the Council in holding a referendum to vote on a possible demerger.

“I know it’s been a long road to get here, but the work the Council has done putting together a business case has been necessary to ensure demerging would be a viable option.

“If there is majority support in the referendum and residents are prepared to accept the financial costs, then the Council can progress with the transition work required to demerge.

“If the referendum is rejected, the community and the Council must respect that outcome and get on with it.

“The important thing is the communities of Snowy Valleys are given the choice to make this decision for themselves – not have it made for them by the state government which has no mandate to interfere with local democracy.”  

---

The Boundaries Commission report is available on the Office of Local Government website.

---

The Minns Labor Government, in partnership with leaders from the NSW fashion industry, has today released the NSW Fashion Sector Strategy, the first of its kind in Australia.

NSW designers are the heart of Australia’s multi-billion-dollar fashion industry with $7.2b export revenue generated annually. Nationally, this represents 1.7 per cent of all Australian exports.

In NSW, the fashion industry contributes $9.7b to the state economy and employs more than 174,000 people.

The industry has one of the highest rates of female employment. Nationally, 77 per cent the 489,000 workforce is female.

Fashion is one of Australia’s leading creative industries, showcasing diverse and emerging talent, and First Nations initiatives that are pivotal for inclusivity, cultural recognition and international distinctiveness.

The NSW Fashion Sector Strategy sets out a plan to develop the industry in NSW, to grow international profile and markets, and establish pathways for new designers.

Initiatives include:

• Australian Fashion Hub: The NSW Government, the University of Technology and City of Sydney will partner with the sector to develop a new hub, providing spaces for emerging and established industry participants to collaborate, and forge connections.
• Australian Fashion Smart Factory: The NSW Government will support a feasibility study for an Australian-first pilot to combine testing and development, production and distribution.

The NSW Government will work with industry, and other government partners to develop this proposal to support the progress of further manufacturing in Australia.

• Establishing export pathways: A new program will provide emerging NSW designers with opportunities to showcase their designs internationally. These showrooms will promote NSW designers and brands strengthening relationships with international buyers and support NSW designers to develop an international profile and new market opportunities.
• Skills and training review: TAFE NSW and the University of Technology will lead a strategic skills review to help industry and government assess current skills and future needs.

TAFE NSW and Create NSW will partner to develop the Next Gen Creative Industries Hub at the TAFE NSW Ultimo campus on Harris Street as part of the broader Ultimo Creative Industries Precinct.

• Australian Fashion Week: will continue to be a top tier Sydney event on the global fashion calendar, attracting domestic and international buyers, showcasing NSW internationally.
• Connecting Audiences to Australian Fashion: The Powerhouse Museum will lead the state’s Cultural Institutions to support, amplify and connect audiences with the creativity of the NSW fashion industry.

The strategy has three key funding programs to support and develop emerging talent:

• $250,000 to support emerging designers to develop export markets by showcasing their designs at the largest international industry trade show. This initiative will help NSW designers build profile with key international media and buyers, supporting the growth of their businesses in NSW.
• $300,000 to support NSW First Nation and emerging fashion and designers show at Australian Fashion Week
• $200,000 in quick response grants – supporting designers to purchase critical equipment for their practice or pursue professional development opportunities.

The full strategy is available here: NSW Fashion Sector Strategy 2025-2028 | NSW Government

Minister for the Arts, John Graham said

“NSW, and particularly Sydney, has long led the way for the Australian fashion industry. Generations of ground-breaking Sydney designers are not just Australian success stories but are consistently highly sought after internationally by global taste makers and wider retail markets.

“Beyond the glamour of fashion, it’s a complex sector that employs 77 per cent women and represents 1.7 per cent of all Australian exports.

“Despite the cultural and economic impact of the sector, this is the first time a government has developed a strategy recognising its importance and planning for growth.”

Minister for Tourism and Jobs, Steve Kamper said:

“The fashion industry is a complex ecosystem of design, textile, manufacturing, retail, and education and training – generating 174,000 jobs in NSW.

“Sydney has always been the home of Australian Fashion Week, and I’m pleased it will continue to be. It’s a natural fit – Sydney is the home of fashion, and our stunning city provides a beautiful backdrop for our world-class designers.

“Australian Fashion Week puts Sydney on the map with international taste-makers and influencers, and showcases our talents as well as our good looks. Sydney has never looked as sharp as it does during fashion week!”

Minister for Industry and Trade, Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“Sectors like fashion put us on a global map and reinforce NSW as a great exporter of innovation and creativity.

“I’m excited we can support our innovation ecosystem and local manufacturers through contributing to a feasibility study for the Australian Fashion Smart Factory. This consolidated manufacturing hub capable of testing, production, development and distribution has the potential to be the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

“It’s no accident that Australia’s leading creative and tech sectors are concentrated so close to each other in Sydney. I’m excited to see further collaboration between our innovation ecosystem and creative industries as we develop our Tech Central Economic Development Strategy.”

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said:

“TAFE NSW alumni have gone on to become household names – some of our most successful designers including Nicky Zimmerman, Akira Isogawa, Romance Was Born, Alex Perry, Bianca Spender, Dion Lee, Chrisopher Esber, to name a few all began their careers at TAFE NSW.

“Supporting the next generation of creatives, through design, business and marketing courses will ensure the workforce and industry has the skills required to succeed.”

Co-Chairs, Alex Schuman and Edwina McCann said:

“The fashion industry in NSW is not only a major economic driver but also a cultural force that showcases our state’s creativity and global influence.

“This strategy addresses critical areas within the business of fashion, including innovation, sustainability, workforce development and market access. It is designed to foster a vibrant, globally competitive fashion industry in New South Wales, while ensuring that local businesses and creatives succeed in a rapidly evolving landscape.”

Vice Chancellor of UTS, Professor Andrew Parfitt said:

“The NSW Fashion Sector Strategy strengthens the next stage of UTS’s collaboration with TAFE NSW, Australian Fashion Council and the Powerhouse Museum to support and grow the creative industries precinct in Sydney’s southern CBD.

“It builds on the establishment of the Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Fashion and Textiles with TAFE NSW in 2021 and a partnership with the Powerhouse aimed at creating a dynamic, place-based creative industries ecosystem to expand the profile of Australian fashion, textiles, and design on the national and global stage.

“Our support of the NSW Fashion Hub and the Australian Fashion Smart Factory reinforces our strong commitment to developing our precinct as a destination for innovation across disciplines.

Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore said:

“The City of Sydney’s cultural and economic strategies identify the importance of creative professionals not only to our economy, but also our identity as a global city. “We are excited to partner with the NSW Government, UTS and the fashion industry so creative communities and industries remain a key pillar for our future.”

Background

• NSW has long been the home of the Australian fashion industry, with well-established precincts in Surry Hills, Alexandria, Rosebery, Redfern, Marrickville, and Cabramatta.
• The New South Wales fashion industry is a complex ecosystem of design, textile, manufacturing, retail and education and training. It is heavily interlinked with the broader national fashion and retail economy contributing a high-value component of Australia’s trade and export portfolio.

The NSW Government has established a new dedicated enforcement unit to strengthen compliance and enforcement of tobacco and vaping laws across NSW.

The Centre for Regulation and Enforcement in NSW Health will comprise of a statewide team of 48 full-time equivalent staff.

These staff will operate across metropolitan, rural, and remote locations to ensure a consistent, calibrated, and effective compliance approach.

The Centre for Regulation and Enforcement will work closely with the Australian Border Force, Police, and the Therapeutic Goods Administration on intelligence sharing, joint operations, and regulatory alignment, ensuring a unified approach to enforcement.

The establishment of the Centre aligns with and strengthens the NSW Government’s capacity to enforce tough new tobacco compliance reforms and the commencement of the tobacco licensing scheme, as well as support the work of the cross agency Illicit Tobacco Taskforce.

The new tobacco compliance reforms introduced to NSW Parliament will bring in some of the toughest penalties in the country for the sale and commercial possession of illicit tobacco and will grant substantial powers for inspectors to close premises found to be in breach of the new rules.

The NSW Government will also commence a targeted consultation on a new offence for landlords who knowingly lease their premises to illicit tobacco and vape suppliers.

These new penalties and offences will complement the tobacco licensing scheme which was commenced on 1 July and will take effect from 1 October following a three month grace period.

The Centre for Regulation and Enforcement will work closely with the Illicit Tobacco Taskforce to continue to develop options and recommendations to strengthen compliance and enforcement activities in NSW to reduce the availability of illegal tobacco in the community.

From 1 January 2025 to 30 June 2025, NSW Health:

• conducted more than 700 retailer inspections and seized:
  • more than 90,000 nicotine vapes, e-liquids and pouches with an estimated street value around $2.9 million;
  • more than 6 million cigarettes and 1,100 kg of other illicit tobacco products with an estimated street value of around $6.8 million; and
• issued around 150 penalty notices, totalling around $316,000.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“This government has introduced some of the toughest illegal tobacco penalties in Australia.

“The creation of this new centre will ensure we have the tools and capabilities to back in our tough new illegal tobacco penalties.

“This dedicated tobacco enforcement unit will centralise our personnel and resources to facilitate more coordinated and effective compliance operations right across the state.”

The Minns Labor Government is investing $15 million over four years to boost immunisation rates for priority populations, including Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities across Sydney.

The Priority Populations Immunisation Program aims to increase vaccine access and uptake in population groups which have been identified as having low vaccination coverage or face barriers to vaccination.

The funding includes building immunisation capacity across NSW Health services through additional staff and a Community Connectors for Immunisation Grants Program.

These community connectors will work closely with local health districts to increase knowledge and understanding of vaccination within their communities and how to access immunisation services for a range of vaccines, including influenza, shingles and pneumococcal vaccination for eligible cohorts.

As part of the Grants Program, eight not-for-profit organisations will receive up to $100,000 per year to champion vaccination in CALD communities in Western Sydney, South Western Sydney, South Eastern Sydney and Sydney.

The eight organisations include:

• Accessible Diversity Services Australia
• Advanced Diversity Services
• Arab Council Australia
• CASS care
• Community Migrant Resource Centre
• Cumberland Community Radio
• Ethnic Communities’ Council of NSW
• Muslim Community Radio

The Program includes training and resource development to support these organisations to recruit community connectors who will raise awareness of the importance and effectiveness of vaccination for children, adolescents and adults, and identify barriers to accessing vaccination among these communities.

The NSW Health program is supported by behavioural insights experts from the University of NSW who have experience in developing and delivering training and relevant resources for CALD communities.

For more information on vaccination and NSW immunisation programs visit: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/pages/default.aspx  

NSW Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“Making sure people get vaccinated helps keep our communities healthy and reduces the burden of preventable diseases on our health system.

“The NSW Government is committed to improving vaccination rates among priority populations, including people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

“This funding will enable NSW Health to work in partnership with community organisations to increase awareness and access of vaccines among CALD communities with the lowest vaccination rates.

“We want these communities to know that vaccination is safe and effective. It is the best way to protect yourself and the broader community from serious illness and hospitalisation from a range of diseases.”

NSW Minister for Multiculturalism, Steve Kamper:

“This is a fantastic initiative and important funding, which will help to better protect our diverse communities from serious illness.

“It’s important we do all we can to improve accessibility and educate our diverse communities on the benefits and importance of vaccination, to better protect themselves and their communities. This collaboration will go far in improving health outcomes for people from diverse backgrounds.”

Preliminary concepts for the future of Tomaree Lodge – one of Port Stephens’ most iconic locations – will be unveiled at a public event next week, giving the community a first look at the exciting possibilities for the site.

Commissioned by the Minns Labor Government, the draft concepts have been developed by renowned Hunter-based SHAC Architects, drawing on ideas from community surveys and feedback from interest groups.

A detailed site assessment by SHAC Architects has considered the site’s significant cultural, heritage and environmental value, as well as the constraints that limit future use. While some suggestions were found to be unviable, many others offer strong potential for educational, conservation, cultural and recreational purposes.

These concepts lay the groundwork for the next stage of community engagement and consultation.

SHAC Architects is working closely with the Community Engagement Committee, NSW Government Steering Committee, Hunter Circles, and Worimi community leaders to ensure all perspectives are heard and reflected. These groups will continue to guide both short-term ‘meanwhile use’ initiatives and longer-term plans to enhance the site for future public use.

The release of the concepts will be a major milestone in the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to keeping Tomaree Lodge in public hands, for the community to enjoy for generations to come.

The concept ideas will be presented at a public information session being hosted by the Minister for Families and Communities, Kate Washington at Nelson Bay Bowling & Recreation Club on the evening of Wednesday, 27 August 2025.

Community members are encouraged to attend and have their say, and can register via email at tomareelodge@dcj.nsw.gov.au

Minister for Disability Inclusion and Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said:

“The concept plans reveal the enormous and exciting opportunities ahead for this much-loved, very special site – I can’t wait to share them with our community.

“Please come to our forum to hear from SHAC Architects about their close consultation with our community that’s led to concept designs for you to consider, explore and provide feedback.

“This site has had a remarkable history, I want to make sure that our community helps shape its future, so together, we can create a world class destination we can all be proud of.”

Justin Hamilton FAIA, Managing Director SHAC, said:

“SHAC congratulate the community for collaborative and creative placemaking.

“As local architects, we are privileged to have curated custodianship principles for this significant cultural landscape, the water, the land, the forests, and the heritage, alongside and for people with common unity.

“We are excited to share these preliminary concepts for a framework for conservation, celebration, innovation and education for generations.”

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments have announced a $50 million Housing Support Package to assist eligible homeowners, renters and primary producers who were impacted by the recent severe flooding in the Mid North Coast and in the Hunter.

Caravans and self-contained pod homes will be deployed for eligible flood-hit residents and primary producers whose homes were uninsured and uninhabitable so they can stay on their property during repairs.

This is an additional support to the Primary Producer Self Contained Pods Program already announced to support farmers to continue farming while undertaking repairs.

In a first for flood recovery, supports are being rolled out to help renters facing financial hardship and uncertainty to relocate their family or set themselves up in a new place – delivered through new rental grants.

Introduced in response to the record-breaking flooding in May, these new grants provide one-off financial assistance to help households return to home quickly, covering urgent costs such as removalists, rental bonds and other costs related to setting up a new home.

These will be delivered alongside grants to help homeowners with the costs of repairs, which will also be available to landlords to make repairs to private rental stock where they are willing to commit to returning supply to the private rental market.

In another first, a dedicated Housing Recovery Service will operate for residents across the impacted areas, providing a one-stop shop for assistance and to assess eligibility and guide them toward the support that best meets their individual recovery needs.

The package will be offered to flood-impacted residents whose homes were rendered uninhabitable across the 25 local government areas hardest hit by the May event, where they don’t have insurance cover for the damage.

The package draws on lessons from the Northern Rivers and Central West flood disasters in 2022, which highlighted that remaining on-site can assist rebuilding and provide a sense of security.

The package focuses on targeted financial assistance, helping provide access to safe and secure housing so that individuals and families can get back on their feet quickly.

Supports include:

• Provision of caravans for eligible households and self-contained pods for primary producers to live on-site during recovery and rebuilding.
• Rapid home repair grants for eligible homeowners and landlords to ensure homes are habitable.
• Support for eligible renters to cover costs associated with finding and moving into a new property, including bond and removalist fees.
• A new Housing Recovery Service, a special one-stop, concierge model, which will direct homeowners, renters, people in unstable housing and farmers to the best support for their recovery.
• The housing support package will be offered to those who are experiencing financial hardship, are uninsured and have uninhabitable homes, which includes non-functioning bathrooms or kitchens, or major structural damages to the roof walls or floors.

For more information on the support package go to:  https://www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/recovery/storm-recovery-updates/housing-support-package-for-nsw-mid-north-coast-and-hunter-floods

From Monday 25 August 2025, impacted residents will be able to call the Housing Recovery Service on 1800 695 043 for housing assistance and to access support services.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain

“The devastation caused by the East Coast floods has left many families and communities facing distress and uncertainty.

“This new $50 million housing support package is a vital step in helping people regain stability and rebuild their lives.

“We know from past disasters that timely, targeted assistance makes a real difference. That’s why the Australian Government is proud to work alongside the NSW Government to deliver practical support – whether its helping people stay connected to their land, repair their homes or find safe accommodation.

“Recovery is never a one-size-fits-all process. This package reflects a shared commitment across governments to listen to communities, respond to their needs and stand with them as they recover.”

NSW Minister for Housing Rose Jackson

“When people have to jump through hoops to access to support, it adds to their trauma and causes unnecessary delays.

“The Housing Recovery Service will provide a no wrong door approach for households and community organisations, removing the guesswork for residents trying to get back on their feet.

“It will allow Homes NSW and the Reconstruction Authority to work collaboratively to match eligible flood-impacted people to the right support, avoiding duplication and added stress.

NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin

“For people who go through a catastrophic flood, they are dealing with shock and disbelief, as well as the mud, debris and destruction left behind.

“This $50 million housing support package has been designed to provide safe and secure living arrangements for those most in need, so that they can focus on rebuilding their lives.

“We know in the Northern Rivers and in the Central West that people value the option of keeping their connection to their home and local community and these programs will allow residents in the Mid North Coast and Hunter to do just this.

“We also recognise the impact of disasters on renters and the importance of giving them a helping hand to re-establish themselves.

“We’ve been with the community since the start of this disaster, and we’ll continue to support the community during recovery.” 

The NSW Premier has again turned his back on the people of Western Sydney, refusing to support an urgent inquiry into the worsening crisis at Blacktown Hospital.
 
In Budget Estimates today, Premier Chris Minns rejected Opposition calls for an inquiry, choosing excuses and political spin over real answers for patients and families.
 
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said families in western Sydney deserve real answers on why their hospitals are some of the poorest performing in the State.
 
“The Premier’s refusal to support an inquiry shows he’s more interested in political spin than fixing the health crisis in Western Sydney.”
 
Shadow Health Minister Kellie Sloane said the decision was deeply disappointing for the many families who have bravely shared their stories.
 
“The people of Western Sydney deserve answers. Instead of acknowledging the crisis and committing to action, the Premier is hiding behind excuses about the past. Families are sick and tired of excuses – they want solutions.”
 
The NSW Opposition is calling for a parliamentary inquiry into health outcomes and hospital access in Western Sydney.
 
Blacktown and Westmead Hospital are the worst performing hospitals in state for patients starting treatment on time. They also score poorly on patient satisfaction surveys.
 
“No one should be forced to lie on the floor of an emergency department or sleep in their car waiting for treatment. That’s not a health system – that’s a disgrace,” Mr Speakman said.
 
The terms of reference for the inquiry include a review of the operational performance, clinical safety and quality of care provided at Blacktown, Mount Druitt, Westmead, Cumberland, and Auburn Hospitals.

Game-changing testing for brevetoxins in shellfish will soon be able to be carried out at a new national testing facility in suburban Adelaide, fast tracking results for small businesses impacted by South Australia’s algal bloom.

As part of the $28 million algal bloom support package jointly funded with the Albanese Government, the Malinauskas Government has engaged local company Agilex Biolabs to develop the methodology to allow the testing for brevetoxins to be carried out at its Thebarton laboratory.

Whilst the vast majority of South Australia’s oyster industry is open and trading as usual, brevetoxins have been detected in shellfish in Australian waters for the first time, forcing the temporary closure of some harvesting areas.

Earlier this month, the state’s mussel industry was able to reopen for business following a reduction in brevetoxin levels in consecutive testing.

Currently, the testing performed by the South Australian Quality Assurance Program (SASQAP) results in samples to be sent to New Zealand for analysis, resulting in delays of up to a week.

The move to a new national testing in Adelaide will significantly reduce that delay, meaning businesses can more quickly return to normal once brevetoxins reduce to safe levels.

All commercially available seafood from South Australian waters is safe to eat.

The algal bloom support package includes:

• $10,000 Small Business Support Grants for eligible small businesses
• Grants of up to $100,000 for eligible impacted fisheries and aquaculture businesses
• Financial counselling, mental health support and workforce advice to assist small businesses impacted by the harmful algal bloom to develop recovery and continuity plans, understand the short and long-term implications, and help manage financial and mental wellbeing
• Coastal Monitoring Network – investing in expanded early detection and monitoring of harmful algal bloom species through real time sensors (buoys), satellite imagery and oceanographic modelling, with rapid detection of harmful algal blooms and early warning systems for industry
• Rapid assessment of fish stocks and fisheries to quantify impact
• Public forums and information campaigns
• A Community Fund to support activities and small projects in affected communities
• Beach clean-up funding

Further information on the algal bloom and support package is available at algalbloom.sa.gov.au

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“Australians love their seafood – and they also know some of the best comes from across South Australia.

“The ability to monitor and test for brevetoxins here in Adelaide will speed up the necessary processes to ensure food is safe and allow more shellfish on more plates more quickly.

“My Government is committed to working with the South Australian Government to mitigate the worst effects of this significant ecological event on industry and the environment.”

Premier Peter Malinauskas

“Australians can buy South Australian seafood with absolute confidence – knowing it is of the highest quality anywhere in the world.

“One of the reasons they can be assured is the testing of shellfish through the SASQAP program, and this investment we are making in partnership with the Albanese Government will deliver testing for brevetoxins right here in Adelaide.

“This new national facility will ensure test results can be turned around more quickly – meaning shellfish businesses which endure temporary closure can be back in business sooner when brevetoxin levels drop.

“In the interim, those businesses can apply for significant financial assistance, with grants that are significantly more generous than those on offer through the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The Minister for Families and Communities has confirmed in Budget Estimates Hearings today that the out of home care service provider that was subject of a forensic audit under Project Mareeba is Allambi Care. Out of home care service providers are responsible for ensuring vulnerable young people in NSW can be kept safe and secure where they cannot safely remain at home.

Greens MP and spokesperson for Youth Justice, Sue Higginson said:

“The report from Project Mareeba is sober reading, and the discovery that Allambi Care has engaged in the significant misuse of public money is a shocking revelation, but unsurprising. We have been watching the out of home care system outsourced, privatised and falling further into crisis for a long time now,”

“This provider receives some $70 million each year in public monies in order to provide care for some of the most vulnerable young people in NSW, this report reveals serious issues including a property investment scheme for senior employees that is profiting from money intended to support children,”

“Out of home care providers in NSW are a critical part of our program of supporting young people, there are many good providers that are compliant with the rules and who deliver critical services. It’s fundamental that organisations who are acting in bad faith are stopped and held to account,”

“I acknowledge that Minister Washington has been pursuing this much-needed greater oversight and is working to reform a system that was left in crisis by the former Coalition Government, but I am keen to hear how she will be ensuring that good faith organisations, particularly Aboriginal Controlled Community Organisations will not be punished for the wrongs committed by other providers. It is Aboriginal Controlled Community Organisations who are carrying the biggest load in this system because of the overrepresentation of First Nations children in the system,”

“This system needs to be accountable and safe, but we cannot allow critical services for vulnerable young people to be compromised by quick solutions that demand a one size fits all solution. This is a good step, but it’s just one of many,” Ms Higginson said.
For media contact: Dan Reid on 0421 926 233

Background:

Following the System Review into OOHC, the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) engaged KordaMentha Forensic to conduct a forensic audit on a particular non-government OOHC provider (a non-ACCO ‘not-for-profit’ receiving +$70 million per year) to investigate specific issues identified through the system review process. The forensic audit found various issues of non-compliance and misuse of funds, including:

• An unapproved financial scheme to personally benefit senior executives
• This provider established a government-funded property investment scheme for senior staff, including the CEO
• 12 properties have been purchased by senior executives, then rented back to the provider with a guaranteed 20% market premium, funded by the NSW OOHC program
• General ownership/upgrades/maintenance costs were then incorrectly charged to DCJ instead of the investment property owners, for example:
  • rates,
  • water charges,
  • storm water upgrades,
  • building repairs/upgrades immediately after the purchase of property but before use in the OOHC program, including replacing hot water systems, new air conditioning systems, new blinds, new carpet, floor repairs, painting the entire house.
• The provider has admitted these costs should have been borne by the property owners, but offered no explanation why OOHC funds were misused, instead.
• Significant undeclared financial conflicts of interest
• Unapproved subcontracting arrangements
• Instances where the provider did not provide the necessary information to support the audit or assess compliance
• The use of an accounting treatment that misrepresented the true financial position of the agency
• Provider has represented itself to be in ‘deficit,’ while they were likely in surplus
• Separately, $30 million in term-deposits were identified by the audit team