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Parliament passes News Media And Digital Platforms Mandatory Bargaining Code

Parliament has today passed the Morrison Government’s world-leading News Media and Digital Platforms Mandatory Bargaining Code that addresses the bargaining power imbalance between news media businesses and digital platforms.
The Code was developed after extensive analysis from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), including almost three years of public consultation.
The Code will ensure that news media businesses are fairly remunerated for the content they generate, helping to sustain public interest journalism in Australia.
The Code provides a framework for good faith negotiations between the parties and a fair and balanced arbitration process to resolve outstanding disputes.
Importantly, the code encourages parties to undertake commercial negotiations outside the Code and the Government is pleased to see progress by both Google and more recently Facebook in reaching commercial arrangements with Australian news media businesses.
The Code is a significant microeconomic reform, one that has drawn the eyes of the world on the Australian parliament. Our commitment to legislating the Code reflects the importance of a diverse and well-resourced news media sector to our democracy and the Australian people.
The Government would like to thank all stakeholders for their contribution throughout this process, particularly the ACCC for its ground-breaking research which led to the drafting of the Code.
The Code will be reviewed by Treasury within one year of its commencement to ensure it is delivering outcomes that are consistent with the Government’s policy intent.

City’s draft Economic Development Strategy puts people at the heart of economic opportunity

City of Newcastle has put its people at the centre of driving the city’s economic opportunities and recovery from COVID-19 in its new Economic Development Strategy.
The strategy has been developed with extensive stakeholder and community engagement that included targeted conversations with population groups most impacted by the COVID-19 economic recession, including young people and international students.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said that the development of the Economic Development Strategy, which is designed to position Newcastle as a global city recognised for its innovation and creativity, has been strengthened by feedback from government, industry, business and the broader community, along with expert insights on global megatrends and contemporary economic development.
“As part of our commitment to creating strategies for the community to improve livelihood and wellbeing, we sought feedback through a community-wide survey, held workshops and had conversations with TAFE NSW, University of Newcastle, Hunternet and Hunter Young Professionals.
“By listening to a broad cross-section of our community, we have received valuable insights which contributed to building the new Strategy and vision that puts people at the heart of our city’s economic opportunities.
“We believe that Newcastle and Hunter region’s economic future will be built on the talent, skills and ingenuity of our people. People, not machines or infrastructure, drive innovation and creativity, which leads to new businesses and investment.
“We know that only about 50% of our community has post school qualifications but that the emerging jobs will require additional skills and knowledge. Our strategy is all about building the capacity and capability for our community to be able to be part of emerging economic opportunities.
“Too often our best skilled and talented people feel the need to leave our community, and whilst we understand the need for our youth to ‘spread their wings’, we need to create an economy where there are opportunities for them to return,” Cr Nelmes said.
The vision for Newcastle is to strengthen existing and create new economic opportunities for all by investing in people, their skills, network and investments. The Economic Development Strategy’s delivery program highlights four priority areas including ‘Skilled People’, ‘Innovative People’, ‘City Shaping’ and ‘Vibrant City’ to make the vision a reality.
The delivery program will be inclusive and aims to provide a range of opportunities for locals, as well as attract new talent to the city where there are current or emerging skills gaps.
Newcastle is currently home to a range of economic opportunities which are identified as the ‘Innovation Arc’ within the Economic Development Strategy. The Innovation Arc names key sites including Williamtown, Port of Newcastle, University of Newcastle, Summerhill Waste Management Centre, John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct, and the Broadmeadow Precinct as catalyst areas for new businesses to establish, and new talent to create new opportunities.
The Economic Development Strategy will on public exhibition from Thursday 25 February until Sunday 11 April 2021. The community is encouraged to have their say online at newcastle.nsw.gov.au/YourSay

Next step in coastal plan for north Stockton

The management of Stockton’s coastal areas remains a priority when City of Newcastle facilitates meetings with members of the Stockton Community Liaison Group (SCLG) and the relevant northern landholders Hunter Water Corporation, Defence Housing, Family and Community Services, and Crown Lands today.
The Stockton Coastal Management Program (CMP) 2020 was certified by the NSW Government last August. The CMP 2020 took into account City managed land from the Northern Harbour Breakwall to Meredith Street, providing a long-term strategy with the focus on provision of mass sand nourishment.
SCLG Chair Barbara Whitcher said it was important for all stakeholders to work together to protect Stockton’s coastline.
“The SCLG, facilitated by council, are now working with other landowners and stakeholders through a rigorous process to ensure the northern section of Stockton has a viable and acceptable long-term plan to manage coastal hazards,” Ms Whitcher said.
“We believe it’s important to work with all stakeholders to achieve a solution that protects Stockton Bight from predicted coastal hazards.”
The Coastal Management Act 2016 requires all relevant northern landholders to agree to the preferred management options for this expanded area.
“The collaboration between City of Newcastle staff, the Stockton Community Liaison Group, agency stakeholders and the NSW Government was essential during the preparation of the original CMP,” Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“Any proposed management options for the Stockton CMP 2021 should complement the current goal of mass sand nourishment and be assessed in terms of their economic and technical feasibility.”
The adopted strategy of mass sand nourishment in the Stockton CMP 2020 will be incorporated into the Stockton CMP 2021.
Consideration of all protentional management options is a crucial component of feasibility assessment stage of the CMP development process as mandated by the Coastal Management Act 2016. Consultants Bluecoast have applied a methodology to refine the long list to a short-list of feasible management schemes for further consideration and assessment.
These options for this expanded area must be committed to by the relevant northern landholders who are Hunter Water Corporation, Defence Housing, Family and Community Services, and Crown Lands.
City of Newcastle has already begun implementing the 2020 CMP, including kyowa rock bags as a temporary protection structure at the Barrie Crescent section of Stockton Beach. Other maintenance and protection works are ongoing to help maintain access to the beach and manage severe weather events.
Earlier this month, Deputy Premier John Barilaro announced the NSW Government had approved an exploration licence to identify suitable offshore sand for renourishment. The work off the coast of Newcastle is set to occur in the coming weeks as part of a long-term plan to permit offshore dredging to secure sand for Stockton Beach.

POSITIVE ECONOMIC SIGNS AS CONFIDENCE RETURNS

NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet today released the 2020-21 Half-Yearly Review with the State’s recovery on track following the unprecedented economic shocks of 2020.
The steady reopening of the NSW economy, recent easing of domestic border restrictions, and the first COVID-19 vaccinations delivered this week, have all boosted confidence since the NSW Budget was handed down in November.
“We are starting to see both consumers and businesses returning to more normal patterns of behavior and this is helping drive economic activity,” Mr Perrottet said.
“More than 80 per cent of jobs lost in the peak of the pandemic have returned, and each new step we take in reopening the economy improves people’s lives and helps business which feeds through to the bottom line.”
The forecast deficit for 2020-21 had been revised down by $2.7 billion from $16 billion to $13.3 billion.
Mr Perrottet said while the forecasts were encouraging the economic impacts of COVID-19 would continue to be felt well into the future.
“The roll out of the vaccine this week has provided more good news, but there are still thousands of people who are out of work and businesses struggling,” Mr Perrottet said,
“Conditions remain challenging, and any improvements in the Budget will allow us to continue to invest in our record $107 billion infrastructure program and support more jobs.”
Mr Perrottet said reform remained on the agenda with consultation on possible changes to stamp duty ongoing, with community feedback open until mid-March.
“Stamp duty is one of the biggest barriers to home ownership and allowing people to buy and sell without a big upfront cost is a key reform proposal,” Mr Perrottet said.
Read the Half-Yearly Review here.
Find out about the proposed stamp duty reforms and have your say here.

MAJOR MILESTONE FOR CAMPBELLTOWN HOSPITAL

The $632 million Campbelltown Hospital redevelopment has reached a major construction milestone, with the 12-storey Clinical Services Building reaching its highest point.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Health Minister Brad Hazzard visited the new building and met with nursing graduates who are among 264 nursing and midwife graduates starting at hospitals across Sydney’s south-west next month.
“The new Clinical Services Building will be the centrepiece of the Campbelltown Hospital Redevelopment and will boost bed capacity across the hospital by more than 50 per cent,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Construction of the redevelopment is supporting around 700 direct jobs helping stimulate the economy, a key part of the State’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the redevelopment will also deliver a new maternity unit almost double in capacity, as well as significantly expanded cancer and mental health services.
“The NSW Government’s record investment in south-west and western Sydney public hospitals will ensure people living in the fastest growing region in our state will have access to state-of-the-art health services closer to home,” Mr Hazzard said.
“I’m also so pleased to welcome a total of 264 nurses and midwives to the South Western Sydney Local Health District in coming days and weeks, 51 of which will work at Campbelltown and Camden hospitals.”
The $632 million Stage 2 Campbelltown Hospital will include:

New state-of-the-art digital operating theatres and procedure rooms;
Dental and oral health department for the first time;
Double the ICU bed capacity;
Expanded cancer therapy centre;
Almost double the number of maternity beds;
New and expanded surgical services including interventional radiology; and
Expanded specialist mental health services.

Member for Camden Peter Sidgreaves said the new hospital reflects the NSW Government’s commitment to meet the needs of the growing south-western Sydney community.
“This $632 million investment is a tremendous boost for health services in the region, ensuring we are well placed to welcome the 133,000-plus new residents expected to call our south-western community home in the next 12 years,” Mr Sidgreaves said.
Member for Wollondilly Nathaniel Smith said the Campbelltown Hospital redevelopment is a huge win for the Macarthur Region.
“Top class healthcare services, a strong economy and jobs growth are vital for our Macarthur region community to flourish as it grows, and the Campbelltown Hospital redevelopment is delivering on all counts,” Mr Smith said.
The $134 million Stage 1 redevelopment was completed in January 2016. An additional $34.1 million was invested for a multistorey car park completed in early 2020, providing more than 800 spaces.

Armed robbery – Newcastle

Police will address the media after an armed robbery in Newcastle overnight.
About 8.30pm (Wednesday 24 February 2021), a man, armed with a firearm, entered a takeaway food store on Cowper Street, Wallsend, and threatened four employees before stealing cash, a handbag.
The armed man fled out the back door and a female employee chased him into nearby Irving Street where he was seen to get in the passenger side of a car and drive off.
Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District attended and established a crime scene.
The employees were not physically injured.
As inquiries continue, police are looking to speak to a man they believe may be able to assist them.
He is described as being aged between 25 and 30, 180cm to 185cm tall, of medium build and was seen at the time wearing a grey hooded jumper, a face covering and long black pants.

Far-right Hate Attack Shows Extremists Emboldened

The Greens have responded to sickening reports of a violent assault by a man with a swastika on a First Nations woman and her daughter in Western Australia.
Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Greens Anti-racism spokesperson, said:
“This is a horrendous act of racist violence and I hope the perpetrator is identified and prosecuted without delay.
“Far-right extremists and neo-Nazis are feeling emboldened. This is the crisis the government refuses to take seriously.
“The Liberals do not acknowledge racism and far-right extremism as existential threats to the community.
“The government has refused to commit any funding to anti-racism initiatives, or dedicated programs to tackle the far-right. The Liberals even go out of their way to re-write motions in parliament to remove references to far-right extremism.
“This horrific flamethrower attack is yet another wake-up call for the government. They must act now, or it’s only going to get worse.
“My thoughts are with the targets of this vicious attack, who I hope are getting the support that they need,” she said.
Senator Lidia Thorpe, Greens First Nations spokesperson, said:
“Right wing extremism is real, and the threat is growing.
“Racism kills. It harms people. I am appalled at this terrible act of violence – this shocking hate crime.
“But it doesn’t come from nowhere. There is a clear link between the politics of hate, and acts of hate. When politicians and prominent public figures spend years encouraging and amplifying the politics of hate, the inevitable outcome is violence.
“I’m ashamed that racial hatred and division is a standard being set out of Parliament.
“Right now, there is a moment of reckoning around the culture at Parliament House. This place should be setting the standard – but right now, it’s rife with discrimination of all kinds, including racism, sexism and misogyny.
“It’s absolutely necessary for politicians of all stripes not only to stop the racism in this place, but to send a clear message that it’s not in any way acceptable. We are meant to be uniting this country, not dividing it.”

More Ministers protecting the boys club

“The men of this government are still following the rules of the ‘boys club’, covering for each other instead of speaking out about what they knew about an alleged rape in parliament house and allegations of serial sexual harassment by a government staffer in Craig Kelly’s office.” said Senator Larissa Waters, Greens Leader in the Senate and Spokesperson on Women.
“The PM has admitted he knew for some time about staff issues in Kelly’s office. Did the Prime Minister know about Mr Kelly’s alleged serial sexual harasser office manager and the failure to deal with him when he saved Kelly’s preselection in 2019?
“The PM has form in either ignoring sexual abuse or having a ‘don’t ask don’t tell’ approach – either of which make him complicit in leading a party and a culture which is toxic and unsafe for women.
“The news today that yet another senior government minister may have been informed by the AFP about an alleged rape metres from the PM’s office will do nothing to quell the brewing anger of women in Parliament House and across the country.
“Peter Dutton must fess up – what did you know about Brittany Higgins’ case, when did you find out and did you inform the PM?
“Mr Dutton should take his own advice, if you’ve got nothing to hide, you’ve got nothing to fear.”

‘DobSeeker’ hotline is an abuse of power

The Greens say that the Government’s reporting line dubbed the ‘DobSeeker’ is an abuse of power that will hurt the most vulnerable in our community.
“This is all part of the sick obsession this Government has with blaming and demonising people for not having a job in the midst of a recession and a pandemic.
“The Job Provider system (Jobactive) is already rife with bullying, harassment, of people being ignored or treated very poorly by their job providers and now the Government is empowering employers with the means to intimidate and bully Jobseekers.
“The Government is doing next to nothing about this but blame people who can’t find work that doesn’t exist.
“Jobactive Providers are being paid billions to help find jobs when we have 1.5 million people on JobSeeker and Youth Allowance and 175,000 jobs available.
“In April there will be 1.5 million people on JobSeeker and Youth Allowance having to search for 15 jobs per month.
“That’s 22,500,00 job applications per month in a job market with 175,000 jobs available. This will go up to 30,000,000 once people have to apply for 20.
“Has the Government consulted with businesses and employers on how they are going to manage that?”

10-year vision for cycling and parking in City gets the green light 

The City’s aspiration for safer and more connected cycleways and a parking plan that supports Newcastle’s growing population is a step closer with the final Cycling and Parking Plans adopted by the elected council at last night’s Ordinary Council Meeting.

Early industry engagement and broad community input, following an eight-week public exhibition, has shaped the adopted Cycling and Parking Plans.

Director of Governance David Clarke said the City now looks forward to moving ahead and bringing the Cycling and Parking Plans to life, as part of the strategic vision for transport in Newcastle.

“Building a safe and connected cycling network in Newcastle has been supported from the onset, along with robust parking management that complements the City’s efforts to increase the uptake of walking, cycling and public transport,” Mr Clarke said.

“Industry stakeholders and the community have played a key role in shaping our City’s integrated transport vision.

“Our final Cycling and Parking Plans respond to Newcastle’s ongoing transformation and revitalisation of both our city centre and local suburban centres, as well as contribute to our overall vision to be a liveable City with integrated and accessible transport.

“We can now begin rolling out the Cycling and Parking Plans to create transport networks and services that are well connected and convenient, where walking, cycling and public transport are viable options for the majority of our trips.”

Making the most efficient use of Newcastle’s public streetscapes remains the aim of the City’s Parking Plan, which addresses how to best manage parking demand now and into the future, with the flexibility to adapt to transport trends as Newcastle continues to grow.

“An integrated transport network is essential to creating a sustainable city and accommodate the more than 200,000 residents forecast to live in Newcastle by 2041,” Mr Clarke said.

“Community feedback supported time restrictions as part of the Parking Management Framework, and several highlighted the role for increased parking enforcement.

“Feedback from the community after reviewing the draft Cycling Plan indicated strong support towards separating cyclists and pedestrians to increase safety, in addition to education and campaign promotion around the correct use of shared spaces between motorists and cyclists, to address concerns around various behaviours.

“We thank the community for their feedback which is reflected in the final Cycling and Parking Plans.”