The West Australian Labor party has passed a motion to raise the age of legal responsibility to 14 at their State conference. The Greens spokesperson for Justice and First Nations: Gunnai, Gunditjmara and DjabWurrung Senator Lidia Thorpe has called it, “A step in the right direction.”
“It’s good to see WA Labor listening to the evidence from the Australian Medical Association, the United Nations Human Rights Council and adopting the Greens policy. Children belong in classrooms and playgrounds, not in handcuffs, courtrooms or prison cells.
“The justice system doesn’t work for us, it works against us. It has done this for over 240 years. We need to provide cultural preventative pathways for our young people. Community-run services have proven to be more effective at prevention and building strong and healthy communities.”
In a national first, the Greens secured a commitment to raise the age of legal responsibility in the Australian Capital Territory in August last year, while the Victorian and Queensland Greens have introduced bills to raise the age in their respective state parliaments.
“We can do this, we have to continue to apply the pressure on state and territory governments to do the right thing and get our kids out of the courts or prisons and back into community.” Said Thorpe.
Quotes attributable to the Greens Senator for Western Australia, Yamatji-Noongar woman Dorinda Cox:
“This is a significant human rights issue; and it is pleasing to see WA Labor listening to the 70 organisations who have been calling for this change but we now need to see that policy translated from the Party to the Parliament.
“Ten years of age is when a child is still learning, so we must be preventing them from entering the justice system in the first place and diverting them to on country programs designed and delivered by First Nations people in their own communities.
“Every parent with a child under 10 understands how very vulnerable they are and if they are set on the right path of education, their way of living and their understanding of their world. We can start work early with other parts of the system to build positive, contributing adults later on.
“Social reinvestment in the community is the solution to youth justice. The system now is not a restorative justice process, that is not driven by trauma informed practice, or the social issues that is driving justice.
“We need alternatives to prison, detention is not the only solution. From a system level we need a legislative policy reform and we need to be innovative in the way we work with First Nations communities and the capacity they have to work with young people.” Said Cox.
Author: admin
Greens to force debate on National Integrity Commission Bill
In the wake of the NSW ICAC investigating former Premier Gladys Berejiklian, the Greens will move a concurrence motion in the next parliamentary sitting week to force the House to debate the Greens’ National Integrity Commission Bill, which the PM has refused to bring on despite the Senate passing it more than two years ago.
Greens deputy leader and spokesperson on democracy Senator Larissa Waters said:
“The NSW ICAC has seen a Premier appropriately stand down so an investigation can be completed, but there is still no federal equivalent body, despite more than half the Morrison Cabinet having been the subject of integrity scandals.
“The Australian public know that corruption and lack of integrity are rife at the federal level, and they know the Government’s long overdue proposal is deliberately weak.
“Under the Morrison proposal many of the misconduct scandals involving current and former Government MPs would not be caught.
“It wouldn’t hold public hearings nor be able to initiate investigations without a referral from the government – a toothless watchdog by design.
“The PM’s comments this morning that the NSW ICAC assumes guilt before an investigation are patently wrong and are designed to justify his pathetically weak proposal for a toothless body that wouldn’t have applied to or stopped many of the scandals we’ve seen plaguing his government.
“By contrast, the Greens’ bill to establish a strong, independent, effective National Integrity Commission allows for public hearings, retrospectivity and the ability to investigate anonymous tip-offs, balanced with appropriate safeguards and privacy provisions.
“It passed the Senate more than two years ago – the PM just needs to bring it on for debate in the House and the Australian people could have a federal anti-corruption body in place by Christmas.
“When parliament resumes, the Greens will attempt to force the PM’s hand by moving a concurrence motion, compelling the government to bring on my National Integrity Commission Bill in the House of Representatives.
“The PM needs to listen to the Australian people and get this done.”
Environment Minister approves third coal project in a month and more environmental destruction
Greens Environment Spokesperson Senator Sarah Hanson-Young responded to the announcement the Federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley has approved another new coal project, the third in a month:
“Australia’s so-called Environment Minister is at it again, approving another coal mine that will destroy the environment, endanger wildlife and pollute the climate.
“Approving this coal mine a month out from the global climate summit in Glasgow shows a complete disregard by the Environment Minister for the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions.
“While the rest of the world is committing to strong targets to reduce pollution and plans to move away from fossil fuels, the Morrison Government is expanding coal in the middle of the climate crisis.
“Sussan Ley also continues to show she has zero ambition to end Australia’s extinction crisis and protect our wildlife from mines, developments and pollution.
“The Minister has approved the destruction of the habitat of endangered regent honeyeaters and vulnerable grey-headed flying fox that call the site of this mine home.
“Sussan Ley is failing as a Minister for the Environment and our environment laws are letting her get away with it.
“The Samuel Review recommended immediate changes to offsets to ensure they do not contribute to environmental decline – yet the Minister has changed nothing and again approved another project with offsets.
“This madness of approving new coal mines and more land clearing must stop. Australia should be joining countries around the world and pledging a zero extinction target, together with a strong 2030 emissions reduction target.”
City of Newcastle welcomes its 500th citizen in 2021 online
City of Newcastle welcomed its largest number of new citizens yet via group virtual ceremonies on Tuesday, conferring Australian citizenship upon 190 people from 39 countries.
Following the success of earlier online ceremonies, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen presided over a further two ceremonies each via Zoom to allow our newest citizens to take the pledge of commitment whilst the Hunter Region is still under lockdown.
Despite changing COVID-19 restrictions impacting the traditional face-to-face ceremony format, the City has gained 500 citizens in 2021, significantly reducing the waitlist for the Newcastle Local Government Area.
Cr Nelmes said becoming an Australian citizen was not only an important ceremonious occasion, but a vital step towards exercising the democratic right to vote as well as apply for jobs and an Australian passport.
“The COVID-19 global pandemic has displaced many people in many different ways, be it through job losses or a reduction in work, illness, or separation from loved ones,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Adapting our face-to-face citizenship ceremonies to online was a simple measure City of Newcastle could take to provide practical support to our new citizens at this challenging time.”
Newcastle’s newest citizens hail from all corners of the globe, from Afghanistan and Iran to Sri Lanka and South Africa.
Among them was Steve Barretto who was born in England, raised in South Africa, and moved to Ireland when he was 19. Steve met his now wife Nadine from Newcastle in Belfast and relocated to Newcastle in 2008 to start a family.
“Newcastle is the best place in the world, without a doubt. I remember as a kid watching cricket and wondering what it would be like to live in Australia. I’m really happy it’s all official, I’ll be having a little lockdown celebration at home with my family tonight, with some beers I have in the fridge and a meat pie.”
The city proudly welcomes refugees and people of all cultural backgrounds, with 14 per cent of Novocastrians born overseas and more than 14,000 speaking another language at home.
In 2021, City of Newcastle has awarded Rapid Response Grants funding to Hunter Multicultural Communities to assemble welfare packs and produce a multilingual newsletter, as well as a combined $13,000 in Quick Response funding to STARTTS to assist in the organisation of the Unity and Diversity Festival, Afghan Community Festival, Congolese Community Festival, and Syrian Community Festival.
Dominic Perrottet media statement
I want to start by acknowledging the events of the last few days have been difficult for a lot of people – and I think we all understand why.
Unexpected change can bring uncertainty and sometimes that can feel unsettling.
But as hard as it may be, we all have a duty to keep going.
Today begins a new chapter in the story of NSW. One that we will all write together.
I am honoured that my colleagues have asked me to help write that chapter as Premier – and I thank them for the confidence that they have put in me.
The first thing I want to do is acknowledge and pay tribute to my predecessor Gladys Berejiklian, whose strong and steady leadership has seen us through so many challenges.
Everyone would agree that her hard work, tireless dedication and total commitment is second to none.
She’s been an inspiring role model for many – especially women and migrant communities and – that’s just one of the reasons why there’s been such an outpouring of support over the last few days.
It is my hope that I will continue to live up to the strong leadership Gladys has shown throughout this pandemic.
Secondly, I’d like to acknowledge and congratulate my Deputy, Stuart Ayres, who’s long been a fighter for Western Sydney – and that’s where the heart of this government will be.
Thirdly, to my wife Helen and our kids: without your love and support I simply would not be here today.
Being Premier is a great honour – but I want to be clear that the job I have committed to today is not just to lead NSW, but to serve the people of our State.
Today is not about us, sitting in Macquarie Street, it’s about the 8 million people who call our great State home.
For the past 18 months together we have been battling the storm that is COVID-19.
Some have lost their lives. Many have lost their livelihoods. So many sacrifices – big and small – have been made by so many for so long.
Not being able to leave our homes, not being able to go to work, not being able to see our loved ones.
Parents having to work and homeschool at the same time. Many have missed weddings, many have missed funerals, and the opportunity to say goodbye to their loved ones.
These sacrifices are never easy and we know they have taken a huge toll – physical, financial and psychological.
In our regional communities, this has also come on the back of droughts, floods and fires.
You don’t get to choose the times in which you live – and this is one of the most challenging times the people of our state have ever faced.
But NSW has never shied away from a challenge. And we’re rising to this one as well.
For long months, we have fought the good fight – helped by the quality of our health care, and our strong economic foundations that have kept people in jobs and business in business.
And now, while there are still more challenging days to come, there is light at the end of the tunnel – thanks to the way our community has responded.
We want NSW to bounce back, stronger, safer and more successful than ever before.
To get back to the life we love and the freedoms that we hold dear. As a former Treasurer, I know that a strong society needs a strong economy.
That’s why our first priority will be to continue the plan we have started – keeping people safe, opening up the economy and securing our recovery.
Up until now, all of our Liberal leaders have been infrastructure premiers – building roads, rail, schools and hospitals for communities right across our State.
That won’t change with me.
But I’ll also be a family premier – focusing on how we can make life better for working families – living the Liberal values of opportunity, aspiration and hard work.
The true strength of NSW is in its people. Our tradies, working mums and dads, small business owners, community groups, and frontline workers – our teachers, nurses, doctors, paramedics, firies and police.
Our state is a rich tapestry with a rich heritage – from our proud First Nations people, to those who have come here from every corner of the globe.
No matter who you are, where you’ve come from or what you believe, it is the greatest privilege of my life to represent and serve all of you.
I know how big the challenge ahead is – but I love NSW – and that is the passion that will fuel me and my team.
A stable, united government is vital to getting on with the work we have begun, so there will be no cabinet reshuffle until we are through this challenge.
Our team will bring the energy and the experience to get our safely open state, and then take it to the next level.
We live in the best State in the best country in the world, and together, we will make it even better.
Dominic Perrottet
Premier of New South Wales
Statement from the NSW Liberal Party President, the Hon Philip Ruddock AO
The NSW Liberal Party Room has today elected the Hon Dominic Perrottet MP as the Party leader, and the Hon Stuart Ayres MP as the Deputy.
On behalf of all Party Members, I would like to congratulate Dominic and Stuart, and wish them the very best for the challenges ahead, as our state begins its difficult journey out of the COVID pandemic.
Dominic will be building on the outstanding work of his Liberal predecessors, including the amazing work of the Hon Gladys Berejiklian protecting lives and livelihoods from the devastation of the global pandemic.
Dominic and Stuart are both exceptional Members of Parliament and longstanding Members of the Liberal Party. Like Gladys, Dominic was heavily involved in the Party since a young age, and had served as the Young Liberal President and on the NSW State Executive.
Dominic grew up in West Pennant Hills, with his 11 siblings, and worked to support himself through the University of Sydney; graduating with degrees in commerce and law, and going on to work as a commercial lawyer.
He is also the founder and co-ordinator of the Hills St Vincent De Paul Young Adults Program and the Castle Hill Leadership Programme. Dominic and his wife Helen are raising their six kids in Beecroft, juggling the demands of work and busy family life – from school drop-offs and pickups, to kids’ sport and dancing recitals.
The Perrottet Government has a testing road ahead to get NSW back on the path to recovery, and to make sure that our state remains the best place anywhere in the world to live, work, and raise a family. And the Perrottet team is ready for that task.
With Stuart Ayres as Dominic’s very capable deputy, the Perrottet Government will have a very strong voice representing our fastest growing region – Western Sydney – at the top of the NSW Government.
I would also like to again thank the Hon Gladys Berejiklian for her service and dedication to our Party, our community and the state of NSW, over her decades of service.
State President
The Hon Philip Ruddock AO
Woman dies following crash – Tea Gardens
An investigation is underway after a woman died in a two-vehicle crash on the state’s Mid North Coast today.
Just before 11.30am (Monday 4 October 2021), emergency services were called to Pindimar Road near Myall Way, Tea Gardens, after reports a Subaru Forrester and a Nissan Dualis had collided.
Police have been told a woman stopped her Nissan Dualis on the shoulder of Pindimar Road, when it was struck by a Subaru Forrester.
Emergency services attended; however, the 64-year-old woman died at the scene. She is yet to be formally identified.
The Subaru driver, a 46-year-old man, was freed after being trapped and airlifted to John Hunter Hospital in a serious condition.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District established a crime scene which has been examined by specialist police from the Crash Investigation Unit.
As the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash is ongoing, anyone who may have dashcam footage or CCTV is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
A report will be prepared for the Coroner.
Woman charged after teenage girl allegedly detained and assaulted in Sydney's west
Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad detectives have charged a woman after a teenage girl was allegedly detained and assaulted in Sydney’s west earlier this year.
In July 2021, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad established Strike Force Tumbridge to investigate reports a 14-year-old girl had been detained, assaulted and supplied drugs by a man and woman known to her.
Following extensive inquiries, a 24-year-old woman was arrested at Berkshire Park about 9.30am on Sunday (3 October 2021).
She was taken to Penrith Police Station and charged with kidnap in company with intent serious indictable offence occasion actual bodily harm, supply prohibited drug, steal from person, intimidation and damage property by fire with intent to injure.
Police will allege in court that the woman drove the girl to a hotel in Parramatta, where she was supplied methylamphetamine (ice) and gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB).
It will be further alleged that the girl was then taken to a unit in Greenacre, where she was sexually and physically assaulted.
The woman appeared at Parramatta Bail Court the same day, where she was formally refused bail to reappear at Bankstown Local Court today (Tuesday 5 October 2021).
Investigations under Strike Force Tumbridge are continuing, and further arrests are expected.
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.
Man dies after car hits tree – Hunter region
A man has died following a single-vehicle crash in the Hunter this morning.
Shortly before 8.30am (Tuesday 5 October 2021), emergency services were called to George Booth Drive at Buchanan, following reports a vehicle had left the road and hit a tree.
Upon arrival, police located the body of the driver – a man believed to be aged in his 40s – however, he is yet to be formally identified.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District established a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
George Booth Drive remains closed in both directions between John Renshaw Drive and Richmond Vale Road, local diversions are in place. Drivers are urged to expect delays.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
National Cabinet Statement
National Cabinet met today to discuss Australia’s COVID-19 response, recent outbreaks of COVID-19 and the Australian COVID-19 Vaccine Strategy.
National Cabinet expressed its gratitude to outgoing New South Wales Premier, the Hon Gladys Berejiklian. As a founding member of National Cabinet, the Premier has made a significant contribution to the national pandemic response and been a driving force to lead New South Wales through the pandemic, saving lives and livelihoods.
National Cabinet continues to work together to address issues and find solutions for the health and economic consequences of COVID-19.
Since the beginning of the pandemic there have been 107,171 confirmed cases in Australia and, sadly, 1,307 people have died. More than 38 million tests have been undertaken, with 1,350,083 tests reported in the past 7 days.
Globally there have been over 233.6 million cases and sadly over 4.7 million deaths, with 486,746 new cases and 9,002 deaths reported in the last 24 hours. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to surge in many countries around the world.
Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine roll out continues to expand. To date, over 28 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in Australia, including 341,129 in the previous 24 hours.
In the previous 7 days, more than 1.9 million vaccines have been administered in Australia. More than 78.4 per cent of the Australian population aged 16 years and over have now had a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, including over 89.4 per cent of over 50 year olds and more than 94.8 per cent of over 70 year olds.
More than 55 per cent of Australians aged 16 years and over are now fully vaccinated, including almost 72 per cent of over 50 year olds and more than 79 per cent of Australians over 70 years of age.
Today, Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly provided an update on current outbreaks of COVID-19. The Chief Medical Officer noted the outbreaks in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory.
All leaders reiterated the importance of Australians, especially those in vulnerable groups, to get two doses of a COVID-19 vaccination.
Professor Brendan Murphy, Secretary of the Commonwealth Department of Health, provided an update on the work being done by the Commonwealth and all states and territories looking at health system capacity for managing COVID-19 cases during Phases B and C of the National Plan, and the Chief Medical Officer provided an update on the Test, Trace, Isolate and Quarantine (TTIQ) work underway through Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC).
National Cabinet received a briefing from Lieutenant General John Frewen, DSC, AM, Coordinator General of the National COVID Vaccine Taskforce (Operation COVID Shield). Specific workstreams are underway to support a higher level of vaccination uptake amongst Indigenous Australians and the disability sector. mRNA vaccines are now available for Australians aged 60 years and above across the majority of Australia, including all primary care settings.
National Cabinet agreed to meet next on Friday, 5 November 2021.
Vaccine Rollout
Lieutenant General John Frewen, DSC, AM provided a detailed update to National Cabinet on plans to increase vaccination rates amongst disabled and Indigenous Australians. With sufficient supplies available in October to vaccinate all Australians, and with around 10,000 vaccination sites, additional measures are being enacted to support uptake and reduce hesitancy.
National Cabinet noted the preliminary advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) on booster doses, published on 23 September 2021. ATAGI will provide further advice on third dose requirements for specified individuals to complete their primary course vaccination in October. The Commonwealth will provide an update on boosters and third dose vaccinations following advice from ATAGI, with significant planning underway with states and territories to commence a booster/third shot program in late 2021, subject to ATAGI advice.
National Cabinet noted the AHPPC statements on schools, mandatory vaccinations of health care workers, ventilation and visitation in aged care, which recommend increased visitation for families of people in residential aged care facilities and actions to support schools to remain open.
Health System Capacity
National Cabinet received advice from the Health System Capacity Cross Jurisdictional Working Group on surge planning and that all states and territories confirmed that effective systems were in place at a state and territory level. National Cabinet requested further analysis of regional reports of the Local Health Network (LHN)/Primary Health Network (PHN) collaborative care pathways.
National Plan to Transition Australia’s COVID-19 Response
National Cabinet received an update from Professor Jodie McVernon from the Doherty Institute. National Cabinet noted but did not yet endorse the interim analysis showing that TTIQ measures continue to contribute to controlling transmission of the Delta variant, and that case-initiated contact tracing, as has been used in the recent NSW Delta outbreak, can effectively assist health responses in outbreaks involving high case numbers to deliver an effective partial TTIQ impact. National Cabinet further noted the interim update on 7-day home quarantine for vaccinated arrivals and infection risk. To assist with further planning for possible future 7-day quarantine arrangements, all states and territories committed to providing more detailed data on COVID cases recorded in their hotel quarantine systems.
National Cabinet noted the Commonwealth’s updated progress to adjust border settings to allow for safe and secure international travel by vaccinated Australians.
International travel for fully vaccinated
The Commonwealth will introduce an International COVID-19 Vaccine Certificate for outbound travellers to present at foreign borders and at the Australian border. This certificate has been designed to meet the new standards specified by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and endorsed by the World Health Organization.
The international certificate will display a Visible Digital Seal (VDS), as specified by the ICAO standard. A VDS is a QR code that’s as secure as a passport chip, using the same highly secure e-passport technology. VDS is compatible with existing passport control systems around the world and with COVID-19 travel apps such as the IATA Travel Pass that many airlines are using.
The new international certificates will become available for Australians by the end of October, both digitally and in printable form, through a simple process in myGov.
TGA ‘recognition’ of two new vaccines
The TGA has provided advice that Coronavac (Sinovac) and Covishield (AstraZeneca/Serum Institute of India) vaccines be considered ‘recognised vaccines’ for incoming international travellers to be regarded as appropriately vaccinated. This is in addition to the four vaccines approved for use in Australia – Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson.
This advice follows detailed assessments by the TGA to determine the protection against infection and serious illness offered by vaccines not registered for use in Australia.
‘Recognition’ status does not constitute Australian regulatory approval, as regulatory approval would enable a company to provide that vaccine for administration within Australia.
Recognition of these vaccines supports Australians to be able to return who have had these vaccinations overseas, and will enable reopening to other groups such as international students who have been vaccinated with these vaccines in countries such as Indonesia, India and China.
Facilitated Commercial Flights
The Commonwealth outlined its offer of assistance to source and coordinate suitable cohorts of returning Australians for a home quarantine trial.
Implementation of the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements
National Cabinet received an update on progress with the implementation of the recommendations from the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements. National Cabinet noted that while delivery of many of the recommendations were underway, more needed to be done to be prepared for the coming high risk weather season.
National Cabinet agreed that jurisdictions would focus on urgently delivering the seven priority areas identified by the National Federation Reform Council. Emergency Management Ministers have been asked to identify additional actions for immediate delivery before the end of the year.
At the next meeting, National Cabinet will receive a briefing on the 2021-22 high risk weather season.
Energy – National Cabinet Reform Committee
National Cabinet endorsed the final package of reforms for the post-2025 National Electricity Market, as agreed by the Energy National Cabinet Reform Committee.
The proposed reforms act on the recommendations of the Energy Security Board (ESB), following two years of widespread consultation and in-depth analysis.
The full suite of reforms set out immediate, initial and long-term changes to deliver a fit-for-purpose electricity market into the future. This includes further work and design principles for a potential capacity mechanism to deliver investment in an efficient mix of capacity that meets reliability at lowest cost. The ESB will also continue further work on a congestion management model.
This outcome demonstrates the shared commitment across all National Energy Market jurisdictions to deliver affordable, reliable electricity to consumers.