“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.”
Author: admin
‘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.”
Thousands embrace inaugural New Annual Festival in welcome boost for Newcastle’s arts sector
Newcastle’s inaugural New Annual festival has come to a close after 10 days of events, attracting over 30,000 people to more than 50 events and activities across the city in a showcase of Newcastle’s arts and cultural community.
Involving more than 500 artists and 250 staff, crew and volunteers, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the festival had delivered an economic and confidence boost to the local arts sector and community, cementing Newcastle’s status as a hub of creativity and culture.
“New Annual marks a significant milestone in Newcastle’s growth and identity, demonstrating the City of Newcastle’s commitment to the arts and ability to deliver large-scale, multi event festivals,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Our vision was to create a landmark cultural festival with a uniquely Newcastle character that could become a mainstay on Australia’s annual events calendar.
“We are absolutely thrilled that locals and visitors alike have embraced New Annual, providing a vital shot in the arm for Newcastle’s recovering creative arts and live music sectors, heavily impacted by COVID-19.”
More than 28 ticketed COVID Safe sessions and hands-on workshops were ‘sold out’ during New Annual, which ran from 12-21 February, with tickets being snapped up at an increased rate as the festival progressed.
The event has proven popular with visitors from the surrounding regions as well as drawing people from around the state and further afield including Queensland and Victoria. It also coincided with improved vacancy rates among local accommodation providers, with industry figures showing a 13 per cent rise in bookings and 37 per cent jump in revenue during the first Friday and Saturday night of New Annual compared to last year.
Among the highlights was former Prime Minister, the Hon. Julia Gillard’s inspiring talk, which was booked out within two days of going on sale, presented by the Newcastle Writers Festival as one of a number of new partnerships established as a result of New Annual.
Festival-specific shows commissioned by City of Newcastle with support from Create NSW were incredibly well received, including Catapult Choreographic Hub’s mesmerising performances of Acquist in the Civic Park fountain and Taylor’s Run by Curious Legends creating a new perception of the City’s Summerhill Waste Management Centre.
During the course of the 10 days, several events needed to add more sessions as word of mouth spread, including Fingers Crossed Creative, whose eclectic and enchanting Intergalacular Sci-fi Spectacular made a dramatic impression at The Hangar in Civic Park.
In acknowledgement of the City’s respect for Newcastle’s First Nations, the Pavilion of Sand in Wheeler Place was a central hub through the length of New Annual, passing on local Aboriginal cultural learnings about weaving, dance and traditional net-making in what Guraki Advisory Committee Luke Russell said was an important element of the festival.
“The reception from the community of local indigenous people sharing their knowledge was overwhelming and humbling,” Mr Russell said.
“It was the first time in 150-200 years that a traditional fishing net was made in Muluubinba again, contributed by all participants who attended, which is an amazing achievement.”
Curious Legends artistic director Mitchell Reese said New Annual had been a lifeline for the company during COVID, as well a fantastic platform to showcase their work.
“Being part of New Annual has been hugely beneficial for our company, and in many ways, a lifeline during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Reese said.
“When COVID-19 hit, 90 per cent of our work disappeared overnight. City of Newcastle was one of the organisations that made a bid to support our company.
“Being a part of the festival not only meant work for our artists – many of which were struggling with the economic effects of COVID – but also a highly visible platform for our work to be showcased. Based on the vote of confidence City of Newcastle has shown in our work, we were able to leverage this project for additional funding through the Australian Government’s RISE fund, allowing us to reinvent the show for national and international touring in 2022 and 2023.
“It’s been a wonderful experience all round, and we are extremely grateful to City of Newcastle for making this happen.”
Curious Legends are just one of the artists returning for the second New Annual, being held from 24 September to 3 October this year. The early October timeslot will become its ongoing annual date in the events calendar.
New Annual fast facts
- Over 140 individual events with 30 ticketed shows and more than 20 free activities.
- More than 500 visual and performing artists took part in New Annual, including five key commissioned acts from the Newcastle region with support from Create NSW.
- 28 ticketed events were sold out over the course of the festival, with four additional sessions included in the program due to demand.
- Former Prime Minister, the Hon. Julia Gillard’s leadership talk, presented by the Newcastle Writers Festival, sold out in two days.
- Initial results received from the Australian Accommodation Monitor Reports show a positive trend on the first weekend of the Festival. When compared to the corresponding period last year (prior to any COVID restrictions), the first Friday and Saturday night of New Annual saw an increase in hotel accommodation occupation (up 13%) and accommodation revenue (up 37%) over the two days.
- Over $1 million has been invested by City of Newcastle since 2019 towards founding and developing New Annual to focus support behind generating growth opportunities for the Newcastle arts and culture sector.
- City of Newcastle secured three grants from the NSW Government for the event, including $86,096 to commission five local works for New Annual.
- New and enhanced collaborative partnerships with local organisations including Newcastle Writer’s Festival, This is Not Art (TiNA) festival, Big Picture Fest, The Olive Tree Market, and Micro Theatre festival.
- From the full program launch on 12 January to the event close on 22 February, New Annual received 497 mentions through media including TV, radio, online and print media.
- New Annual will return to the city from 24 September to 3 October 2021.
STATE OF CONFIDENCE IS KEY
Economic indicators are proving that the post-coronavirus recovery is well under way in NSW
CONFIDENCE is an enigma, a way of being rather than an emotion. US quarterback and seven-time Superbowl champ Tom Brady exudes it in spades.
Despite falling short at the Australian Open last week, tennis star Ash Barty is the living embodiment of “quiet confidence”.
For much of his career, golfing great Greg Norman was confidence personified, but when it evaporated, as it did a quarter of a century ago at the 1996 US Masters, the Shark’s implosion and loss of confidence was tragic to behold.
So it was in 2020, with COVID-19 leaving the global economy out in the cold, like a rejected suitor left holding a bunch of roses on Valentine’s Day.
For consumers and businesses, the shock of lockdowns, border restrictions and ongoing uncertainty was a disaster for confidence.
As the horrors of 2020 begin to recede in the rear-view mirror, NSW looks to be on the up-andup once again.
The Westpac-Melbourne Institute consumer sentiment index climbed 3.5 per cent in February to reach 111.7 index points. When compared to the same time last year, the index has climbed 20 per cent in NSW.
The NAB business confidence index is also firmly positive, after the pandemic drove it down to the lowest levels since records began.
This is extraordinary. Barely eight months after the most severe economic contraction in three decades, confidence in economic conditions for the year ahead is higher than at any point in the past seven.
The latest jobs figures released last week offer more hope. Although 53,144 people are still out of work compared to a year ago, the current unemployment rate in NSW last week dropped to 6 per cent.
This is lower than the national rate of 6.4 per cent, and considerably below the double digit figures which were feared when the pandemic first struck.
Many challenges remain, and jobs is a top focus for the government, but a renewed sense of optimism is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the people of NSW.
Confidence is a vital driver of economic activity. So the rebound is good news for the bottom line, but it hasn’t just happened by chance.
Australia is among a select group of countries to have kept the spread of the COVID- 19 virus relatively under control. In Europe, the US and various other hot spots, daily new cases are still being counted in the thousands, while here we fret about one or two.
In NSW the prowess of our health system — and, most importantly, the amazing NSW Health personnel who have kept raising the bar for testing and contact tracing — has undoubtedly boosted confidence, demonstrating a consistent ability to contain outbreaks as they arise such as on the northern beaches at Christmas.
The approach taken by our government in tackling both the health and economic challenges has been very much geared towards giving the people of our state as much confidence as possible in the most uncertain period in living memory.
The impact of a snap five-day lockdown in Victoria was a stark reminder of the constant challenges of COVID and how far and wide decisions made by governments are felt.
Metung is a picturesque town in East Gippsland about 300km from Melbourne’s quarantine hotels. It was once a favoured bolt hole for country legend Slim Dusty back in the day.
When local publican David Strange was interviewed by Melbourne radio station 3AW, his frustration at being locked down again was palpable.
“We are going to have outbreaks of this thing for the next 12 months, I’m sure, and you can’t just say ‘The science says close the state’ and we close it,” he said.
Sky News reported that on day one of the Victorian lockdown, Lifeline received the third highest number of daily calls in its 60-year history.
The challenge for every government remains the need to balance the health response with the social and economic consequences with every decision we make.
That’s what is driving our approach and it’s an important factor in ensuring the people of NSW can face the future with optimism, determination and confidence.
Dominic Perrottet
NSW Treasurer.
COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS EASED
Restrictions will be eased from 12.01am Friday, 26 February across Greater Sydney and NSW:
- 50 visitors will now be allowed in the home;
- 30 people allowed to dance at weddings, with rotation on and off the dance floor;
- Increased class limits for gyms to 50 people (currently 30) subject to the 4sqm rule;
- Number of performers singing indoors increased to 30 (currently 5) subject to physical distancing requirements;
- Singing by congregants allowed in places of worship if masks are worn and subject to one person per 4sqm (currently no congregant singing allowed, with one per 2sqm permitted in places of worship);
- Increase capacity for cinemas to 100 per cent; and
- If current trends continue, drinking while standing up at indoor venues will be allowed in three weeks’ time (from Wednesday, 17 March).
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the easing of restrictions was due to the support of the NSW community.
“With the rollout of the vaccine now underway, and no new locally acquired cases in NSW, we are able to make further changes towards a new ‘COVID normal’,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“I thank the community for following the health advice to keep the virus at bay. However, we cannot become complacent.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said today’s announcement was another step forward for NSW.
“Each time we are able to further ease restrictions it’s another shot of confidence for the NSW economy,” Mr Perrottet said.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said NSW has come a long way since the virus arrived here and we should be proud of the position we are in.
“This week NSW started rolling out the vaccine across the state and now we are further easing restrictions, which is a fantastic achievement,” Mr Hazzard said.
Dr Chant said while household gathering restrictions have been eased, people are urged to remember COVID-19 can be transmitted more easily in crowded indoor settings.
“Don’t attend these types of events if you have COVID-19 symptoms – instead get tested immediately and self-isolate. If holding these gatherings, please use outdoor settings and well ventilated spaces where available and avoid overcrowding to reduce the risk of COVID transmission,” Dr Chant said.
For the latest information and COVID-19 testing sites please visit:
www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19
RAIL REVOLUTION PRESSES AHEAD
Sydney’s busiest rail lines will benefit from hundreds of extra weekly services thanks to an additional $1 billion investment from the NSW Government.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the next wave of funding through the More Trains, More Services program will continue the rail revolution as part of the integration of Sydney Metro City & Southwest in 2024.
“$1 billion in funding ensures we’re future-proofing the existing rail network to keep pace with demand, but at the same time getting on with the job of building the next stages of Metro,” Mr Constance said.
“Moving Bankstown Line services to the new standalone metro system removes an existing bottleneck and frees up capacity to deliver more services on other lines where it’s needed.”
Key service improvements for customers as part of the program will include:
- More services for the T8 Airport Line, including an 80 per cent increase at the International, Domestic, Mascot and Green Square stations during the morning peak, as well as extra services from Revesby and Campbelltown in south west Sydney.
- A 30 per cent increase in peak services on the T4 Illawarra Line, with extra services from Cronulla, Waterfall and Hurstville, providing space to carry 6,000 more customers.
- More services on the T2 Inner West Line, with an extra four services in the morning peak hour providing space for more than 4,800 more customers.
- More services on the South Coast Line, meaning a service every 15 minutes instead of every 20 minutes in the peak, and a service every 30 minutes instead of every hour between Wollongong and the Sydney CBD in the off peak.
Key infrastructure upgrades and additional train fleet will also be delivered to enable the service improvements across the network. Further information about these two aspects are still being finalised as part of the full program of work.
The additional funding will build on improvements already planned across parts of the train network, providing more space for tens of thousands of train customers.
The extra rail services form part of the NSW Government’s $5.3 billion More Trains, More Services program that will deliver further improvements progressively from 2022.
Parliamentary Friends of Making Social Media Safe launched
2021 has provided watershed moments for social media platforms and its influence on our lives. From the de-platforming of Donald Trump, to Facebook stripping access to news on its platforms in response to the Australian Governments Media Bargaining Code legislation. Australians have been confronted with the power of Big Tech and its influence on our lives.
The Parliamentary Friends of Making Social Media Safe has been established to spark conversation on the need for greater regulation of the online space, and establishing frameworks governing online speech and conduct.
Co-Chairs, Federal Member for Mallee, Anne Webster and Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon, were excited to see the launch of the Parliamentary Friends group, and thanked Reset Australia for their support for the event.
Anne Webster, said that “thanks to the social media platforms, we have arrived at a new reality of ‘glocalisation’, where the local has merged with the global through online portals.”
“We have become increasingly reliant on Big Tech companies and their services, and governments around the world have not kept pace with these transformations and their consequences.”
“The problem we face now is that Big Tech companies are themselves responsible for determining their own limitations. They are acting as the moral arbiters of our society, which I argue, is the role of a representative government, not a technology company.
“It is deeply concerning that many thousands of people who are attacked online, and endure bullying and defamation lack the means to clear their name or protect their family.” Dr Webster said.
Sharon Claydon said “These platforms have made it much easier for individuals to be defamed and their reputations sullied; for vulnerable people to be bullied, harassed and exploited; and for coercive control to be utilised to instil fear in women.”
“It has also created the conditions for entire communities to be maligned, victimised or persecuted; for the amplification of hate speech from far-right extremist groups; and for the glorification and incitement of violence.”
“We can no longer ignore the very real threats that social media poses. Parliament now has an urgent responsibility to ensure that there is adequate protection for our people, our communities and, indeed, the very fabric of our democracy.” Ms Claydon said.
Todays launch included special guests the Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack, Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Shadow Minister for Communication Michelle Rowland, Chris Cooper, Executive Director, Reset Australia, Mr Damian Collins MP, member of the UK parliament, and Ms Julie Inman Grant, eSafety commissioner.
Charges laid following investigation into extortion of Iraqi government official
Two people have been charged after NSW Police and Canadian law enforcement authorities dismantled a criminal group allegedly attempting to extort a member of Iraqi Parliament through a series of attacks on his family’s home in Sydney’s south west.
Strike Force Mulach was established by the Robbery and Serious Crime Squad to investigate multiple violent incidents that occurred at a home at Chester Hill between December 2019 and January this year, which are believed to be targeted.
The alleged incidents include –
• About 1.15am on Thursday 5 December 2019, four masked people – including one armed with a firearm – forced entry to the home on Campbell Hill Road, Chester Hill, and assaulted the 16-year-old male occupant, by striking him on the head with the firearm. The men stole a sum of cash before fleeing the scene.
• Just before 12.30am on Monday 10 August 2020, police were called to the same address at Chester Hill, following reports a shot had been fired at the home. Two adults, two teenagers and a child were home at the time, but no one was injured.
• About 2.40am on Friday 5 February 2021, a brick was used to smash the front window of the Chester Hill home.
• Just before 2.45am on Sunday 14 February 2021, unknown persons left a threatening note outside the home and lit a fire on the front porch, which damaged the stairs and a small section of the yard.
Throughout this time, the family received various demands for money and threats to their welfare via social media and letters left at their home.
As part of ongoing inquiries, strike force detectives linked the alleged online extortion attempts to an address in Canada before requesting assistance from Canadian authorities.
Following further investigation, two search warrants were executed at Blacktown and Seven Hills about 6am today (Wednesday 24 February 2021), during which investigators seized several electronic devices and items of clothing relevant to the investigation.
Two men – aged 24 and 22 – were arrested at Blacktown and Seven Hills respectively and taken to Blacktown Police Station, where they were both charged with:
- Demand property by force in company with intent to steal
- Destroy or damage property
- Damage property by fire/exp
- Participate criminal group contribute criminal activity
- Send etc document threatening death or grievous bodily harm
- Send etc document threatening death or grievous bodily harm
They were refused bail to appear at Blacktown Local Court tomorrow (Thursday 25 February 2021).
Inquiries under Strike Force Mulach are continuing.
Greens say Government needs to step up support for local mRNA facilities
The Greens say that the Government will miss out on opportunities to expand and diversify Australia’s vaccine portfolio if they don’t invest in public capacity to produce mRNA vaccines
“We cannot only rely on the AstraZeneca vaccine, we need to have a diverse portfolio to rapidly pivot to deal with new strains, including public facilities to produce supplies in Australia”, Greens spokesperson on Health Senator Rachel Siewert said.
“The Government should immediately invest in developing Australia’s capacity to locally manufacture vaccines and medicines that use mRNA technology. mRNA technology is likely to revolutionise vaccine and drug development and Australia could be at the forefront of this.
“We need a public health response that is publicly funded.
“In addition we need to ramp up CSL’s capacity to start locally producing Novavax at the same time as AstraZeneca given the promising Phase 3 Trial data, this will increase our vaccine diversity and ensure that we can vaccinate people in Australia and those in the regions.”