The Morrison Government has secured passage in the Parliament of legislation to continue to protect the Australian community from the evolving threat posed by convicted terrorist offenders.
The Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (High Risk Terrorist Offenders) Bill 2021 establishes an extended supervision order scheme to ensure that terrorist offenders who are released into the community at the end of their custodial sentences are subject to tailored close supervision, based on the level of risk they pose to community safety.
“The legislation is a critical step towards ensuring the safety of the Australian community from the risk posed by convicted terrorist offenders,” said the Attorney-General, Michaelia Cash.
“As we have seen from the recent terrorist attacks in New Zealand, and the UK, as well as similar attacks in the UK in 2019 and 2020, convicted terrorist offenders can pose a very real threat to the community at the conclusion of their sentence.” the Attorney-General said.
“Such individuals are typically highly radicalised and do not change their extremist views while in prison, despite deradicalisation efforts.”
Minister for Home Affairs Karen Andrews said the new extended supervision order scheme would keep Australians safe from terrorist offenders who remained a high-risk at the conclusion of their sentence.
“There are a significant number of convicted terrorist offenders reaching the conclusion of their prison sentences in the years ahead. We’re not waiting though, the Morrison Government is taking strong action now to ensure our police have the powers they need to keep the community safe and manage any individuals who remain a high-risk,” Minister Andrews said.
“Australians can trust that a Morrison Government will back our intelligence, law enforcement and other operational agencies, by providing the resources, powers, and legislative support they need to tackle this complex and ever-evolving threat.”
Under an extended supervision order, a State or Territory Supreme Court may impose conditions on a terrorist offender at the end of their sentence that are proportionate to the risk they pose to the community. Conditions may include restrictions to movement and access to devices, requirements to not associate with particular individuals, and to participate in specified rehabilitation and treatment programs. Breaches of those conditions will be an offence punishable by up to five years imprisonment.
Since the National Terrorism Threat Level was raised to ‘Probable’ in September 2014, there have been nine terrorist attacks and 21 major counter-terrorism disruption operations in response to potential or imminent attack planning in Australia.
Following successful disruptions to terrorist plots and subsequent prosecutions, there is a sizeable cohort of terrorist offenders currently serving custodial sentences, due for release in the coming years.
Since 2001, 95 people have been convicted of terrorism related offences. 54 of these people are currently serving custodial sentences.
There are 18 terrorist offenders due to be released over the next five years, including two offenders currently subject to continuing detention orders.
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Australia-Germany to support hydrogen supply-chain projects
The future of hydrogen exports in Australia will get a boost from international collaboration between Australia and Germany as the Morrison Government continues to accelerate the development of Australia’s future hydrogen industry.
Australia and Germany are working together on a new initiative to strengthen bilateral cooperation on the development of hydrogen technology.
The Government, through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), will take a lead role in the new joint Hydrogen Innovation and Technology Incubator known as HyGATE, supporting real-world pilot, trial, demonstration and research projects along the hydrogen supply chain.
ARENA and Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) aim to open the funding initiative in the first quarter of 2022.
Australia has committed $50 million to the HyGATE initiative and Germany has committed €50 million. The funds will be invested into new hydrogen projects.
Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said the HyGATE project follows the signing of the Australia-Germany Hydrogen Accord in June to collaborate on hydrogen technology.
“The Morrison Government’s ambition is to produce affordable clean hydrogen for use both in Australia and to export to our trading partners, including Germany which has high demand for energy,” Minister Taylor said.
“The recent release of the first report from HySupply, our joint Australian-German hydrogen supply chain study, found there is great potential for Australian hydrogen to supply growing demand in Germany.
“Our partnership with Germany through the HyGATE project will accelerate the development of Australia’s hydrogen industry and will create new jobs and economic opportunities on the path to net zero.”
Assistant Minister to the Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Tim Wilson said getting the cost of hydrogen down was a priority under the government’s Technology Investment Roadmap.
“Collaboration with our international partners is vital to achieving the technology breakthroughs required to lower the price of hydrogen and drive its widespread adoption,” Assistant Minister Wilson said.
“Being able to draw on Germany’s expertise in hydrogen technology will help our domestic industry add value and reduce costs in all stages of the hydrogen supply chain.”
Australia’s Special Adviser on Low Emissions Technology Dr Alan Finkel helped broker the hydrogen partnership with Germany.
Australia’s funding is provided under the $565.8 million committed in the 2021-2022 Budget initiative to establish low emissions technology partnerships.
The Australian Government released a National Hydrogen Strategy in 2019, which sets out a vision for Australia to become a major global hydrogen supplier by 2030.
The government is investing more than $1.2 billion to accelerate the development of an Australian hydrogen industry, including $464 million to develop up to seven clean hydrogen industrial hubs in regional Australia.
Clean hydrogen could directly support 16,000 jobs by 2050, plus an additional 13,000 jobs from the construction of related renewable energy infrastructure. Australian hydrogen production for export and domestic use could also generate more than $50 billion in additional GDP by 2050.
Hydrogen is a flexible, safe, transportable and storable fuel that when used produces no carbon emissions.
Newcastle launches architectural design competition
An exciting opportunity awaits inspired architects, with City of Newcastle together with property developers St Hilliers and The Spotlight Property Group launching a design competition for the redevelopment of 711 Hunter Street in the city’s revitalised West-end.
The competition brief requires two towers in the design, approximately 90 metres high, with up to 250 dwellings and 1,500 square metres of commercial floor space, at an estimated construction cost of $100 million.
City of Newcastle Manager Regulatory, Planning and Assessment Michelle Bisson said the design competition signals that Newcastle is entering a new phase with developer confidence in the city reaching an all-time high.
“Newcastle is coming of age by transforming into a modern metropolitan city, with significant redevelopment occurring, particularly in the West-end,” Ms Bisson said.
“This prominent site, which was the former Spotlight and Anaconda building, extends from Hunter Street to King Street along the northern side of National Park Street, and is the perfect place to drive design excellence.
“The design competition is seeking innovative design entries by bringing the best creative talent to the fore, to imagine a landmark building and place that will stand the test of time.”
The design competition is being run by an independent jury process under the governance of City of Newcastle and the NSW Government Architect’s Office. Consultants Urbis are administering the design competition on behalf of property developers St Hilliers and The Spotlight Property Group.
The winning design will be chosen by the independent jury at the close of the competition in December, and a Development Application for the site is expected to be lodged by St Hilliers and The Spotlight Property Group in 2022.
St Hilliers Property Project Director Paul Smith said this design competition is a great way to build design excitement and interest for this high-profile project.
“Ongoing revitalisation is transforming Newcastle’s West-end so we see it as a perfect time to launch the design competition for this development,” Mr Smith said.
“We look forward to reviewing the innovative proposals as a result of the competition process and delivering Newcastle a development that is a symbol of design excellence.”
It's oh-fish-ial! work underway on new Sydney Fish Market
Construction work on the new Sydney Fish Market is underway, with foundation piling work starting on the revitalized cultural icon on Sydney’s waterfront.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the work was a major milestone for the $750 million Sydney Fish Market, improving the iconic destination and unlocking previously inaccessible harbour-front land for the community to enjoy.
“The Sydney Fish Market is a part of who we are as a city, part of our holidays and barbecues and it draws thousands of tourists. We’re finally giving it the building it deserves,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Not only will this create more than 700 jobs during construction, but also direct hundreds of millions of dollars of work to be awarded to local suppliers.
“We’re laying the foundations for the new fish markets as part of our vision for Sydney, breathing new life into our much-loved markets, boosting tourism and jobs in beautiful Blackwattle Bay.
“The NSW Government is building the Sydney of the future, returning the foreshore to the public, creating 6,000 square metres of new public domain, and improving pedestrian and cycling links.”
Minister for Jobs and Tourism Stuart Ayres said the new Sydney Fish Market will be within walking distance of Sydney CBD and includes easy access to current and future transport connections to improve the overall experience for local, interstate and overseas visitors.
“Once complete, the new Sydney Fish Market will play a vital role in attracting local and international visitors to bolster tourism in Sydney and stimulate the economy,” Mr Ayres said.
Greg Dyer, CEO Sydney Fish Market said the new Sydney Fish Market will strengthen its position as one of Australia’s most famous cultural icons.
“The refreshed and modernised Sydney Fish Market will retain an authentic seafood market experience to ensure it remains one of Australia’s leading tourist destinations. The iconic building will also strengthen pride in the Australian seafood industry, as we educate visitors and inspire them to further support the country’s fishing communities.” Mr. Dyer said.
Daniel Murphy, Multiplex Regional Manager said Multiplex is excited to be partnering with the NSW Government on this pivotal project.
“The new Sydney Fish Market is a highly complex project being built under and over Blackwattle Bay. With an award-winning design by 3XN, and together with our local supply partners and consultants, we are confident it will deliver an amazing outcome for the community and the Australian seafood industry,” Mr. Murphy said.
The New Sydney Fish Market is on track to be completed in 2024. For more information, visit insw.com/newsydneyfishmarket
Temporary Visa Holders
Resumption of travel for temporary visa holders is welcome news and a win for thousands of people whose lives have been disrupted for more than 20 months, the Greens say.
“While this announcement is long overdue, and nothing can erase the immense pain and trauma that the border closure has caused, this news will be celebrated by many thousands of people who hold visas for Australia,” Greens Immigration and Citizenship spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.
“The Greens join with them to celebrate all the children that will be reunited with their parents, all of the couples that will be reunited, all of the people that will be able to return to their jobs, homes, communities and lives in Australia.”
“We also welcome the new temporary visa holders who will now be able to come to Australia and start a new chapter in their lives.”
“The Greens will examine the changes to determine which visa classes have been left out, and continue to advocate for people who hold those visas.”
“There are obviously also many people whose visas have expired, and those who have lost significant amounts of time that they could have spent in Australia.”
“The Greens last month introduced legislation to restore and extend these visas, and we will continue to fight for them to be reinstated.”
Labor’s Bill to End Labour Hire Rorts
Labor leader Anthony Albanese has introduced a private member’s bill to end the labour hire rorts that are ripping off workers in the mining sector and across the Australian economy.
Workers doing the same job at the same mine, factory, construction site, abattoir, shop or office should get the same pay. It’s that simple.
But right now companies are deliberately using labour hire firms that exploit casual workers to undermine job security and undercut wages.
Workers doing the same job at the same mine, factory, construction site, abattoir, shop or office should get the same pay. It’s that simple.
But right now companies are deliberately using labour hire firms that exploit casual workers to undermine job security and undercut wages.
Workers doing the same job at the same mine, factory, construction site, abattoir, shop or office should get the same pay. It’s that simple.
These dodgy arrangements are rife in the mining industry but are increasingly being used in other industries as well such as meat work, construction, hospitality and even aged care.
We know that casual workers in Queensland’s coal-mining industry are consistently earning less than their permanent colleagues – proving it’s a myth that casuals are getting paid their rightful loading.
It’s a rort that has to end.
That’s why Labor committed earlier this year to implementing a “same job, same pay” policy as part of our Secure Australian Jobs Plan. Under a Labor Government workers employed through labour hire companies will receive no less than workers employed directly.
But this doesn’t have to wait to the election.
The Morrison-Joyce Government could join with Labor right now to end these rorts and ensure workers get better pay and conditions.
Scott Morrison and his Nationals colleagues talk a big game about being on the side of miners. But just a few months ago the Liberal and National parties joined with the labour hire firms in a high court case to maintain these rorts. He wasted hundreds of thousands of dollars of taxpayers’ money to ensure casuals can be ripped off.
Scott Morrison also teamed up with One Nation to pass IR changes that extinguish the rights of casual workers in all industries.
Under the government scheme passed earlier this year employers can benefit from the certainty of a permanent worker – but they don’t need to give them the benefits of permanent work like sick leave or annual leave.
If workers want to be casuals they can be. But in our meetings with miners, meat workers and labourers it’s clear many labour hire casuals crave the security, pay and conditions of the permanent workers doing the same job beside them.
Only Labor has a plan to deliver more secure jobs, better pay and a fairer industrial relations system for Australian working families.
We know that casual workers in Queensland’s coal-mining industry are consistently earning less than their permanent colleagues – proving it’s a myth that casuals are getting paid their rightful loading.
It’s a rort that has to end.
That’s why Labor committed earlier this year to implementing a “same job, same pay” policy as part of our Secure Australian Jobs Plan. Under a Labor Government workers employed through labour hire companies will receive no less than workers employed directly.
But this doesn’t have to wait to the election.
The Morrison-Joyce Government could join with Labor right now to end these rorts and ensure workers get better pay and conditions.
Scott Morrison and his Nationals colleagues talk a big game about being on the side of miners. But just a few months ago the Liberal and National parties joined with the labour hire firms in a high court case to maintain these rorts. He wasted hundreds of thousands of dollars of taxpayers’ money to ensure casuals can be ripped off.
Scott Morrison also teamed up with One Nation to pass IR changes that extinguish the rights of casual workers in all industries.
Under the government scheme passed earlier this year employers can benefit from the certainty of a permanent worker – but they don’t need to give them the benefits of permanent work like sick leave or annual leave.
If workers want to be casuals they can be. But in our meetings with miners, meat workers and labourers it’s clear many labour hire casuals crave the security, pay and conditions of the permanent workers doing the same job beside them.
Only Labor has a plan to deliver more secure jobs, better pay and a fairer industrial relations system for Australian working families.
Gregson Park's history celebrated in new Masterplan
Future improvements to Hamilton’s historic Gregson Park will be realised through a detailed Masterplan for the site, which will be presented to Councillors for adoption at Tuesday’s Council meeting.
City of Newcastle Acting Director City Wide Services Lynn Duffy said that community feedback was integral in the development of the new Masterplan.
“We know our community values Gregson Park’s rich history and what it offers as a recreational space, which is why this Masterplan was developed with the community in mind,” Ms Duffy said.
“In 2020, we asked our community to share their aspirations, memories from the past and what they wanted to see at Gregson Park in the future. This consultation informed a draft Masterplan that was placed on public exhibition with the opportunity to provide further feedback.
“The Masterplan will ensure we respect the heritage significance of Gregson Park through the retention and enhancement of the existing historical elements, as well as incorporate indigenous culture into future improvements.
“City of Newcastle will invest $8 million into Gregson Park over the next decade by implementing short and long-term priorities included in the Masterplan.”
During the six-week public exhibition period, City of Newcastle heard that the community supports the provision of activities for all ages, including the retention of the tennis courts and addition of fitness equipment, basketball half court and a bat ball wall.
The draft Masterplan was further refined in response to community feedback, which saw the addition of bike racks and bubblers, re-orientation of the basketball half court, relocation of the bat ball wall and improved seating configuration in the south-western corner of the park. The tennis clubhouse will also be retained, noting that a Tennis Strategy will be developed to provide further insight into tennis facilities across Newcastle.
Amendments to the Heritage Places Plan of Management will also be considered by Councillors at Tuesday’s Council Meeting to ensure the intent and vision of the Gregson Park Masterplan can be realised.
Short-term priorities earmarked include the new larger playspace, basketball half court and bat ball wall, realigned paths, plantings, community shelter, enhanced park entries and upgraded amenities with disabled access and facilities.
Long-term priorities include further tree planting, new accessible pathway, potential new kiosk, community gardens and the addition of a stormwater retention tank underneath the former bowling green.
Funding support takes entertainment outdoors this summer
Newcastle’s COVID-19-disrupted performing arts and live music industries will be reinvigorated by a new initiative which will see emerging performers work with experienced professionals to deliver live events in suburban parks.
City of Newcastle is offering opportunities for emerging creatives who will present live music and performances at eight events held in Gregson Park, Centennial Park, Jesmond Park and Lambton Park on weekends throughout January.
City of Newcastle Interim Director Strategy and Engagement Kathleen Hyland said taking live music and performances outdoors this summer is a COVID safe way to bring the local community back together after the prolonged lockdown period.
“It’s been a challenging time for the performing arts sector and live music industry in Newcastle, with many artists and performers out of work for several months,” Ms Hyland said.
“City of Newcastle is committed to putting our support behind these industries by activating the suburbs and creating opportunities for live outdoor entertainment this summer, in a bid to bring the community back together safely.
“I hope people get a boost from visiting their local park, joining with friends and family and enjoying the energy and atmosphere of live performances while supporting Newcastle’s cultural scene.”
Young and emerging event producer Jasmine Fletcher from Queer and Now said the group is looking forward to working with local not-for-profit arts organisation Octapod and City of Newcastle to deliver creative performances showcasing local talent.
“This is such an exciting opportunity for our local performing arts industry following months of lockdown,” Jasmine said.
“We’ve curated a stellar line-up of local talent from poets, hula-hoopers to stilt walkers, and can’t wait to see them perform live in front of a crowd this summer.”
The initiative is funded under City of Newcastle’s COVID-19 Community Economic Resilience Package (CERP) and follows the December round of Locally Made and Played grant funding, which will see more than 80 live music, micro theatre and comedy-style performances held across the city in the lead up to Christmas between 1 – 20 December 2021.
Visit City of Newcastle’s What’s ON page for more event information.
LOCALLY MADE & PLAYED GRANT FUNDING RECIPIENTS DECEMBER:
Earp Distilling Co
Hunter Beasley Trio
Bodie Band
Loui Abell
Thom Wootton
Tim Rossington
The Clarendon Hotel
Humming Bird Trio
J-Man’s Blues Band
Fox Control DJs
Jump
Momo Wholefood
Pikou Panez (featuring Mia Peters, Naomi Blanch, Naomi Jones, Timothy Merriken)
Sydney Junction Hotel
Luke Lightenberg
Howard Shearmen
Rebecca Henry
Josh Drinkwater
Mark Duo
Beach Burrito Company
Dunni DJ
Cous Cous and Paspalum
Star Generation and Mango Avenue
Scrubba Body
Jai Jai
Loui Abell
Timberlina
The Rogue Scholar
Emily A Smith
Daniel March
Max De Groot
Hannah Indigo
Raggle Taggle Gypsies
The Kent Hotel
Gen-X
Project X
Dixon Park Surf Life Saving Club
John O’Reilly
The Newy Hotel
Royal Coats, Kids on a Leash, Mango Avenue, J West
5 SAWYERS
Nic Rage
Bobby C
Bree Rusev
Jams Karaoke & Bar
Jay Smith
Friday Night Feast at The Station
Andrew Taylor
Talulah
Hunter Beasley Trio
Georgie Winchester Trio
The Manuel Approach
Newcastle Community Tennis Centre Pty Ltd
Eilan Doyle (Doylo)
L.J. Harvey (Sugargob)
The Base
Renyen, Clair Boe Cousin, ENA, Kodivine, Monique Humphreys.
Racecourse Hotel Wallsend
Dane Fitzsimmons
Loose Lucy
Tom Wootton
Phil McKnight
Honey Duo
Chloe and Alexine
The Olive Tree Market
Earthen Rhythm African Drumming Group, Loui Abell, Hannah Indigo
Queens Wharf Brewery
MAK Duo
Phonic
Kaylens Rain
Downtown the Duo
Audio Collective
The Mark Hotel
Craig Thommo
Mark Lee
The Rum Diary Bar
Phoenix Prichard
Newcastle Surf Life Saving Club
Jamie Martens
Jake Hunt
Eddy Rockefeller
Supermax gains from $47m investment in countering terrorism
Minister for Counter Terrorism and Corrections Anthony Roberts has today officially opened the refurbishment of Australia’s most secure prison, Goulburn’s High Risk Management Correctional Centre.
Mr Roberts said the upgrade is part of a wider $47 million NSW Government investment in countering terrorism and violent extremism.
“Increasing the operational capacity of Supermax from 45 to 75 beds allows Corrective Services NSW to separate convicted terrorists from other inmates, thereby reducing the risk of radicalisation within the prison system,” Mr Roberts said.
“The NSW Government’s investment also included the establishment of a dedicated Counter Terrorism Intelligence Unit responsible for the identification, assessment, and monitoring of extremist and national-security-interest offenders in prison.”
The site features a state-of-the-art, fully integrated security management system that now expands across the entire prison precinct and perimeter with new equipment and a new control room. Thisinvestment includes upgrades to electronic security, including CCTV, telephone and audio monitoring, an X-ray machine and walk-through metal detector. There is also a new secure-visits and legal visits area and a separate audio-visual link area.
Corrective Services NSW Acting Commissioner Kevin Corcoran said the refurbishment of Supermax followed the opening in Goulburn in 2019 of High Risk Management Correctional Centre 2.
“The two units provide greater options to manage terrorists safely, securely and efficiently, with Area 2 to eventually operate as a step-down facility for inmates demonstrating a commitment to disengage from radical behaviour,” Mr Corcoran said.
“Area 2 will also provide more therapeutic intervention and access to programs, to aid their rehabilitation.”
Fifty-one Extreme High Risk inmates were securely housed at Area 2 while the upgrade took place.
Commonwealth and state law enforcement taskforce established to target biggest criminal threats to NSW
Dangerous criminals living the high life from bankrolling corruption, illicit drug trafficking and money laundering are being targeted under a new supercharged operation between the Australian Federal Police, NSW Police Force (NSWPF) and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC).
Operation Phobetor is the latest capability strike against outlaw motorcycle gangs, triads, cartels, Italian organised criminals and other syndicate members who pose the greatest threat to NSW.
Minister for Home Affairs Karen Andrews and NSW Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott today revealed the new taskforce, which commenced their operations on 11 October 2021.
Comprising agency elites and based at the AFP’s Eastern Command Headquarters in Sydney, Operation Phobetor will focus on known criminal entities and identify likely criminal groups previously unknown to law enforcement.
Intelligence ‘packages’ collated from world-leading technical capability and coercive hearings, and through the use of unique Commonwealth and state legislation, will also be referred to relevant agencies for overt action.
Using the unparalleled resources of three agencies, the team of 20 is developing intelligence and building criminal cases against offenders who launder money and traffic illicit guns and drugs into NSW.
Criminals who are attempting to pay-off or blackmail individuals in the public and private sector to facilitate crime are also a priority under the taskforce.
Minister for Home Affairs Karen Andrews said the taskforce would target outlaw motorcycle gangs, triads, cartels, organised criminals and other syndicate members who pose the highest threat to NSW.
“The Morrison Government is serious about proving the adage ‘crime doesn’t pay’; under Operation Phobetor, police will have a particular focus on seizing the ill-gotten gains of serious, organised criminals, including cars, houses, cash, and jewellery,” Minister Andrews said.
“Operation Phobetor will also break open trusted insider networks, crack encrypted communications, and track the movement of the proceeds of crime, using new powers for the AFP and ACIC that passed the Parliament in August.”
NSW Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said the partnership will ensure NSW Police Force and their counterparts remain at the forefront of combatting major crime.
“The NSW Government has always recognised the challenges faced by law enforcement when fighting transnational crime, and we will continue to work with our federal partners to ensure we remain ahead of any emerging threat that organised criminal activity has on our communities,” he said
“Operation Phobetor will build on the success of Operation Ironside, to disrupt, investigate and prosecute criminal networks and their partners,”
“This joint-agency agreement provides our state with police that are primed to investigate and prosecute those who seek to profit from the violence and misery inflicted upon others by criminal networks.” Minister Elliott said.
AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw said Operation Phobetor would target criminals who for too long thought they were invisible or untouchable.
“Operation Phebetor, which will access the AFP’s unmatched global reach and extraordinary technical capability, underscores just how hard and dangerous it is for syndicates to target Australia,’’ Commissioner Kershaw said.
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said the memorandum of understanding builds on an already strong and long-running relationship between Australia’s law enforcement agencies.
“Our relationship with our federal partners has never been stronger. This partnership – utilising state of the art intelligence capabilities from the ACIC – means we are well resourced to deal with the threat of organised criminal activity across NSW and beyond,” he said
“Under this agreement we will also have streamlined asset confiscation and extradition processes, which will allow us to continue our relentless targeting of criminals not just in NSW, but around the world.” Commissioner Fuller said.
ACIC CEO Michael Phelan said working in conjunction with AFP and NSW Police Force on this task force means we are able to extend our reach to target criminal networks in New South Wales which affect Australia’s interest both domestically and internationally.
“Through Operation Phobetor, our unique intelligence capabilities will continue to assist our law enforcement partners in preventing organised crime causing further harm to the Australian community,” he said.