NSW’s heavy rail network is the first in the country to transition to 100 per cent net zero emissions, four years ahead of schedule.
Minister for Transport and Roads Rob Stokes said it was a massive achievement for Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink.
“Our rail operators have smashed the net zero target of 2025 by becoming the first heavy rail network in Australia to transition to completely green energy,” Mr Stokes said.
“Transport is one of the largest consumers of energy, and we are investing in renewables for a greener future for our customers and our state.
“With over 3,200 timetabled train services every weekday, our rail network is not only the vital lifeblood of NSW, but is now leading Australia’s transition to a decarbonised public transport network.”
Sydney Trains Chief Executive Matt Longland says the existing electricity supply contract had flexible terms to allow for the expansion into green energy and now comes entirely from certified renewable sources.
“Through this agreement, Sydney Trains has accelerated our original goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2025 to an immediate, greener reality, placing the railway at the forefront of NSW Government action on emissions reductions.
“Our electricity supply contract is 100 per cent renewable from now to the end of financial year 23/24, and we are preparing to go to market to test solutions to maintain a commitment to renewable energy into the future.”
Sydney Trains has also committed to reduce energy consumption by at least 10 per cent by 2025, through solar energy generation at 27 locations across the network, lighting upgrades and improvements in train operations.
$2.8 billion package launched to turbocharge NSW recovery from covid-19 pandemic
Families, individuals and businesses across NSW will benefit from a targeted $2.8 billion package developed to accelerate recovery following the three month lockdown due to the Delta COVID-19 outbreak.
The NSW Government’s Economic Recovery Strategy released today includes funding to stimulate economic activity in cities and regions with a strong focus on rebuilding and supporting businesses, helping the hip pocket and boosting jobs.
Premier Dominic Perrottet and Treasurer Matt Kean today revealed that as part of the package, households of school-aged children in 2021, will receive $250 in vouchers to stimulate spending and economic activity.
“One of the biggest challenges for so many families during lockdowns was learning from home, and now as life returns to normal we want to encourage people to get out and boost economic activity,” Mr Perrottet said.
“In many senses this is a ‘Thank You’ that will go some small way towards helping family finances that took a big hit and at the same time supporting businesses and jobs.”
The $250 in vouchers will be available through Service NSW in early 2022. The vouchers will be available to households which had a school-aged child in 2021.
Treasurer Matt Kean said the people of NSW had shown great strength and ingenuity throughout the pandemic, supported by more than $10 billion in NSW Government measures throughout the winter 2021 lockdown, and the latest package would position the State for a safe, robust and rapid recovery.
“This package will boost confidence, provide fresh opportunities and support NSW to return to a way of life we know and love,” Mr Kean said.
“But we don’t just want to recover what we lost, we want to bounce back better than ever – and this package lays the foundations to do exactly that.”
The NSW Government’s Economic Recovery Strategy includes:
- $500 million to restore consumer and business confidence, including the expansion of Dine & Discover and Stay & Rediscover accommodation vouchers;
- $250 million to support jobs and skills, including help for job seekers to retrain or upskill;
- $212.2 million to boost vital sectors, including additional funding for the performing arts sector, an Alfresco Restart Package, and support to bring our cities back to life;
- $200 million to boost regional NSW, including support for events, facilities and local infrastructure, and housing; and
- $75 million to boost communities across the state, including support for tourism, events, sport and recreation.
The strategy also assists those most impacted during lockdown including:
- $739.3 million in household and social support, including housing support for vulnerable Aboriginal communities, expansion of solar rebates, support measures for victims of domestic and family violence, and vouchers to parents who have facilitated home learning for their children;
- $495 million in education support to address learning gaps for children in need and to help schools adapt to future possible learning disruptions; and
- $130 million for a mental health recovery package to provide immediate access to help for anyone whose mental health has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 24 Hour Economy Commissioner will take on the additional role of NSW COVID-19 Recovery Commissioner to oversee the implementation of the Economic Recovery Strategy. For more information and to view the full strategy visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/economic-recovery-strategy
New Federal Court judges welcome, but long overdue
It has been eight long years of pleading with successive Liberal governments to properly resource our Federal Courts in Newcastle, so news of two new Federal Courts judges being appointed to our courts is certainly welcome. This is a huge win for the people of Newcastle and our region.
The Newcastle Registry had been down a senior judge for more than two months since the former Judge Janet Terry reached the mandatory retirement age of 70. But leaving judicial positions vacant for months on end has become a shocking pattern of neglectful behaviour under this government.
It has taken eight long years, three different attorney-generals, and the abolition of our stand alone family court system, for the Liberal Government to finally accept that our Federal Courts are at breaking point.
It’s more than time that the Commonwealth Attorney-General prioritised our community interests over and above the narrow political interests of the Morrison Government.
Given the heavy caseload in the Newcastle Registry, and the complexities of these cases, which often involve the trauma of marital breakdown, domestic violence, drug abuse and child custody disputes, it is beyond doubt that Newcastle was entitled to additional resources.
I welcome the appointment of Ms Julie Kearney to replace Judge Janet Terry and Ms Vivienne Carty as an additional judge to Newcastle’s Federal Courts. They have an enormous workload ahead – made worse by the Morrison Government’s continuous attacks on the Family Court – and must be properly resourced to do their jobs.
The Federal Government has a very clear responsibility to provide efficient and appropriate judicial and court services to the people of Newcastle. Having neglected our Federal Courts for so long, the Attorney-General must now fix the damage done.
It’s time for the Morrison Government to put an end to this reckless management of our Federal Courts once and for all.
The Newcastle Registry had been down a senior judge for more than two months since the former Judge Janet Terry reached the mandatory retirement age of 70. But leaving judicial positions vacant for months on end has become a shocking pattern of neglectful behaviour under this government.
It has taken eight long years, three different attorney-generals, and the abolition of our stand alone family court system, for the Liberal Government to finally accept that our Federal Courts are at breaking point.
It’s more than time that the Commonwealth Attorney-General prioritised our community interests over and above the narrow political interests of the Morrison Government.
Given the heavy caseload in the Newcastle Registry, and the complexities of these cases, which often involve the trauma of marital breakdown, domestic violence, drug abuse and child custody disputes, it is beyond doubt that Newcastle was entitled to additional resources.
I welcome the appointment of Ms Julie Kearney to replace Judge Janet Terry and Ms Vivienne Carty as an additional judge to Newcastle’s Federal Courts. They have an enormous workload ahead – made worse by the Morrison Government’s continuous attacks on the Family Court – and must be properly resourced to do their jobs.
The Federal Government has a very clear responsibility to provide efficient and appropriate judicial and court services to the people of Newcastle. Having neglected our Federal Courts for so long, the Attorney-General must now fix the damage done.
It’s time for the Morrison Government to put an end to this reckless management of our Federal Courts once and for all.
Competition calls all Novocastrian shutterbugs
Building on the huge success of 2020, Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon has launched the 2021 Newcastle Photography competition today, calling on all budding and seasoned photographers alike to capture the essence of Newcastle on camera.
The winning photo will be featured on her annual Christmas Card.
“The winning photograph will be showcased in a card that will be sent to every household in the city as well as businesses and community groups in our area and dignitaries such as Members of Parliament, Ambassadors and the Governor-General.” Ms Claydon said.
“The winner will also receive a $150 voucher and the three runners-up will receive a $50 each to spend at MacLean’s Booksellers or any one of the dozens of creative, independent and locally owned Makers and Traders Newcastle businesses.”
Ms Claydon said the photo must be taken in the electorate of Newcastle by a Novocastrian.
“I’ll be keeping my eye out for photos which feature Newcastle’s breathtaking beauty and its unique character.”
“The photo can come from any sort of camera, smartphone or drone, but it must have been taken this year,” Ms Claydon said.
“But you’ll need to get in quick because entries close in a few short weeks on Monday, 8 November.”
“It’s been a tough year for Novocastrians, and I look forward to seeing the incredible artistic talent our community has to offer.”
“If last year’s entries are anything to go by, we can look forward to a wonderful and diverse selection of photographs showcasing our beautiful city.”
For more information or to upload your photo visit https://www.sharonclaydon.com/local_issues
The winning photo will be featured on her annual Christmas Card.
“The winning photograph will be showcased in a card that will be sent to every household in the city as well as businesses and community groups in our area and dignitaries such as Members of Parliament, Ambassadors and the Governor-General.” Ms Claydon said.
“The winner will also receive a $150 voucher and the three runners-up will receive a $50 each to spend at MacLean’s Booksellers or any one of the dozens of creative, independent and locally owned Makers and Traders Newcastle businesses.”
Ms Claydon said the photo must be taken in the electorate of Newcastle by a Novocastrian.
“I’ll be keeping my eye out for photos which feature Newcastle’s breathtaking beauty and its unique character.”
“The photo can come from any sort of camera, smartphone or drone, but it must have been taken this year,” Ms Claydon said.
“But you’ll need to get in quick because entries close in a few short weeks on Monday, 8 November.”
“It’s been a tough year for Novocastrians, and I look forward to seeing the incredible artistic talent our community has to offer.”
“If last year’s entries are anything to go by, we can look forward to a wonderful and diverse selection of photographs showcasing our beautiful city.”
For more information or to upload your photo visit https://www.sharonclaydon.com/local_issues
Man airlifted after unit fire – Newcastle
Police remain at the scene of a unit fire in Newcastle’s CBD this morning.
About 6.45am (Thursday 21 October 2021), emergency services were called to Darby Street, Cooks Hill, following reports a unit was well alight.
As residents evacuated the building, they assisted a 41-year-old man from his unit.
He was treated by an off-duty nurse prior to the arrival of NSW Ambulance paramedics; he was then airlifted to Royal North Shore Hospital for treatment to severe burns.
Crews from Fire and Rescue NSW extinguished the blaze a short time later.
Darby Street has since reopened to traffic. Officers from Newcastle City Police District have established a crime scene and have commenced an investigation into the circumstances and cause of the fire.
Woman charged with online sex offences – Child Exploitation Internet Unit
Strike Force Trawler detectives have charged a woman following an investigation into alleged online child exploitation offences in Sydney’s west.
In August this year, detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crime Squad’s Child Exploitation Internet Unit (CEIU) began engaging online with a woman from the state’s south.
Police will allege in court that the woman believed she was speaking with the mother of a 9-year-old girl and engaged in sexually explicit conversations about acts she wished to perform on the child, and planned to meet the mother and child for sexual activity.
It is further alleged she believed she was speaking with a 14-year-old girl and engaged in sexually explicit conversations about acts she wished to perform on the child on a separate occasion.
Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives arrested the 48-year-old woman at Liverpool Railway Station just before 10am on Tuesday (19 October 2021).
She was taken to Liverpool Police Station and charged with two counts of use carriage service-groom person procure under 16 years, use carriage service transmit/publish/promote child abuse, and use carriage service-procure child under16 years for sexual activity.
The woman was refused bail and appeared at Liverpool Local Court the same day, where she was formally refused bail to reappear at Parramatta Local Court on Friday 10 December 2021.
Strike Force Trawler is an ongoing investigation by the CEIU into the sexual abuse and exploitation of children facilitated through the internet and related telecommunications devices.
Regular covert online investigations are conducted by the CEIU; and police in NSW work closely with their law-enforcement colleagues interstate and overseas.
The Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad is comprised of detectives who are specially trained to investigate matters against children and adults, including sexual assault, serious physical abuse, and extreme cases of neglect.
Anyone with concerns about suspected child abuse or exploitation should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. People should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.
Disasters of rampant outsourcing of the public service laid bare
The Greens says today’s second interim report from the Select Committee on Job Security shows that the Morrison Government’s ideological mission to outsource the public sector has seriously undermined the Australian Public Service’s ability to deliver services and provide effective policy advice.
Greens deputy leader and public sector spokesperson Senator Larissa Waters said:
“Under the Morrison Government we’ve seen the public service gutted and billions handed out to massive multinational consultancy firms and labour hire companies.
“This rampant outsourcing has produced more expensive, lower quality and less transparent service delivery, while seriously damaging the public sector’s ability to provide effective and impartial policy advice to government.
“Unsurprisingly, the big consultancy firms profiting from this systematic undermining of the public service – EY, Deloitte, PwC and KPMG – are massive political donors, stuffing a combined $4.7 million into the pockets of the major parties over the past decade.
“Australia needs a strong, independent public service capable of meeting the education, housing, health, social security, environmental protection and infrastructure needs of the country. But this PM, true to form, is more interested in delivering corporate handouts than he is in delivering good policy outcomes.
“The Greens support the report’s recommendations to rebuild public service staffing levels, strengthen job security, reduce our reliance on contractors and consultants and improve public oversight of outsourced advice.”
Greens candidate for Canberra Tim Hollo said:
“The outsourcing of ever more essential government functions to private corporations has serious negative impacts on both the Canberra community and the state of our democracy.
“People go into the Public Service because they want to contribute to its vital work, but they’re finding it devastatingly under-funded, with more and more of its work being contracted out to for-profit corporations like the Big 4 consultancy firms.
“Talking to people across the city, from junior public servants to senior ranks, I hear deep frustration that the federal government is constantly undermining their capacity to do their important work through under-funding, contract work, and outsourcing.
“I also speak to countless Canberrans who share our concern about the ties the major parties have to these consultancy firms. People rightly make the connection between the huge amounts of political donations the Labor and Liberal parties receive from these firms, and the loss of job security and capacity within Canberra’s biggest employer.
“But what should worry everyone in this country is that what we’re seeing through this process of corporatising the basic functions of democracy is a shift from governing for the public good to government by for-profit corporations.”
Uni wage theft exposed by Senate report
Australian Greens Education spokesperson Senator Mehreen Faruqi has welcomed the publication of the Senate Select Committee on Job Security’s second interim report, and called for its recommendations to be implemented.
Senator Faruqi, who is a Committee Member, said:
“Wage theft at our universities is out of control. What’s worse, most universities are continuing to wipe their hands of it and dismiss the systemic and serious nature of the underpayments.
“Casual workers, and particularly women who are overrepresented as casuals, are bearing the brunt of this wage theft that has been allowed to flourish, almost completely unchecked until now. Casualisation and wage theft are inextricably linked. We heard from so many university staff during this inquiry about their horrific experiences.
“An entire generation of casual academics have been hung out to dry.
“Our universities are in desperate need of a massive investment of public funding after the devastation of Covid-19 and the abandonment of the sector by the Commonwealth. But we also need an overhaul of university governance. The corporate university has been built by corporate, neoliberal university management.
“The report provides some very useful recommendations. There should be much clearer reporting requirements with respect to employment statistics. The government should require universities set publicly-available targets for increasing permanent employment, and link this to funding. There should be improved rights of entry for trade unions. All very useful initiatives, and some the Greens have proposed strengthening.”
Park Hotel Covid Outbreak
The Covid outbreak at the Park Hotel detention facility was a preventable crisis that is a direct result of Government negligence, the Greens say.
“The Liberals were warned repeatedly that this would happen, but because of their cruel indifference they left people in cramped and unsafe conditions,” Greens Immigration Spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.
“These are people who have been locked up for over eight years and were in Australia for medical treatment. It is a complete failure of duty of care at every possible level.”
“The Australian Government has manifestly failed to deliver the protection it owes these men.”
“With more cases every day, it is incumbent on the Minister to give these people freedom and safety in the Australian community, with appropriate medical care and precautions to ensure that they and the broader community are safe from Covid.”
Greens introduce Bill to extend and reinstate temporary visas
The Greens have today tabled legislation to extend and reinstate the temporary visas of people who were stranded overseas because of international border closures.
“Tens of thousands of temporary visa holders, including people with established homes, jobs and in some cases partners in Australia, were overseas when Australia’s international borders closed due to Covid-19,” Greens Immigration Spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.
“Many more had spent thousands of dollars on their visas, had packed up their homes, quit their jobs and were about to move to Australia when the borders closed.”
“Despite their best efforts to return, many have been left languishing overseas watching their visas run down and expire through no fault of their own.”
“The pain and trauma this situation has caused is immeasurable, and there is still no end in sight after more than 18 months.”
“At no point in the pandemic has the Government addressed the pain that the border closure has caused to temporary visa holders stranded overseas.
“They have no plan, no timetable and no pathway for how people on temporary visas will be able to return to their homes, jobs, lives and partners in Australia.”
“The Greens Legislation provides this pathway, by extending visas by the amount of time people have been stranded overseas or reinstate visas that have expired while a person was stranded overseas.”
“The legislation will apply to all temporary visa classes that have been affected by the international border closure.”
“We urge all Members of Parliament to support this Bill.”