Australian Greens Disability Rights spokesperson Senator Jordon Steele-John has called for an urgent intervention to lift young, disabled people out of poverty after new data, obtained by Children and Young People with Disability, was published today.
Senator Steele-john said the data, which showed job seekers aged 20 to 25 with a partial capacity to work, had almost quadrupled in the last decade meanwhile the number of students aged 20 to 25 with a disability on youth allowance has skyrocketed almost 1000 per cent.
“These statistics are absolutely shocking, but not at all surprising,” Senator Steele-John said.
“Back in 2012 we warned the Gillard government that their proposed changes to the Disability Support Pension would have the net result of kicking thousands of disabled Australians into poverty, and entrench poverty for a generation of young people transitioning into adulthood.
“Young Australians already face significant barriers to gaining meaningful employment. If you also have a disability and have been assessed as having a partial capacity to work – recognition that you need extra support to participate in the workforce – then your options are incredibly slim.
“Youth Allowance is not enough money for any young person to live on while they are studying full time. For young and disabled Australians it is a poverty sentence.”
Save the Koala laws debated in Senate
The Senate has today debated new laws introduced by the Australian Greens to save our koalas.
Greens Environment Spokesperson Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said she will now move for a Senate Inquiry into the bill.
“The laws debated in the Senate today would stop land clearing of critical habitat and help save our koalas,” Senator Hanson-Young said.
“This legislative move is absolutely vital to protecting our national treasure from extinction.
“If passed, these laws would prevent the Federal Environment Minister from approving new mines or developments in koala habitat.
“The Environment Minister is not just failing to save koalas, but she continuously signs their death warrant.
“Unless habitat clearing is stopped, koalas will soon be extinct.
“It’s clear our existing environmental laws will not save the koala.
“Our wildlife has suffered enough. Off the back of the worst bushfires in history no approvals for developments or logging on koala land should be given.
“I will be moving for a senate inquiry into this bill, to fully examine the urgency of action to save our koala and all of our precious wildlife.
The Morrison Government cannot be trusted to protect koalas and our environment so the Parliament must.”
AAA credit rating reaffirmed by Fitch
Australia’s AAA credit rating has today been reaffirmed by Fitch, with Australia one of only nine countries to hold a AAA credit rating from all three major credit rating agencies.
In its report, Fitch notes that our economy “has weathered the pandemic well compared with peers”, pointing to Australia’s “successful virus containment” and an “effective fiscal and monetary response consistent with a policy framework that has underpinned the economy’s resilience to shocks over the medium term”.
The report also reaffirms that our economic recovery is well underway, noting that “Australia’s labour market appears to be on a stable path to recovery” and forecast “the positive momentum to persist, with unemployment averaging 6.2 per cent in 2021 and 5.6 per cent in 2022” while acknowledging that temporary government support continues to taper off.
This is underpinned by the creation of around 350,000 jobs in the last four months, the unemployment rate falling to 6.4 percent in January, and 94 per cent of the 1.3 million people who lost their job or were stood down on zero hours at the start of the crisis now back at work.
Fitch forecasts the Australian economy to expand by 3.8 per cent in 2021 and 2.7 per cent in 2022, “driven by robust consumption as households draw down high accumulated savings from government relief measures”.
With the help of the Government’s unprecedented economic support, Australian households and businesses have amassed an additional $240 billion on their balance sheets over the last year. More than $7 billion in tax cuts have also flowed through to around 11.5 million hard-working Australians.
Fitch’s outlook is complemented by the start of Australia’s vaccine rollout, which “should gradually ease these risks over the year and support domestic sentiment”.
With payroll jobs, business and consumer confidence also at pre-pandemic levels, Australia has performed better on the health and economic front than almost any other nation.
Our Economic Recovery Plan continues to support a private sector-led recovery by creating jobs, rebuilding our economy and securing Australia’s future.
Love Our Coast survey now open
Newcastle’s coastline is precious to locals and visitors alike, and through a new survey, City of Newcastle is looking to explore what the community loves about our beaches and what people do while they are there.
The Love Our Coast survey, which opened today, will help with the development of the City’s coastal management programs which will shape future plans to enhance our coast.
The survey will collect a range of information including what beaches people visit and how frequently, what they do while they are there and why they choose the beaches they do.
It will also investigate how people get to the beach and how much money they spend during their trips.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the survey is key to identifying priorities and plans for the coastline moving forward.
“The responses from this survey will help us develop plans and projects to enhance our coast for future generations, like our coastal management programs, that include long-term actions to help ensure we can manage these important areas,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Our coastline is loved by many people and, in many ways, this forms a significant part of Newcastle’s identity as a liveable and sustainable global city.”
“Newcastle is fortunate to boast some of the best beaches in the world and a spectacular coastline that provides countless benefits to both our local economy and our way of life.”
Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen encouraged people to take part in the survey to have their say on how the City uses some of its most precious assets.
“Feedback from the community is very important to allow the City to understand how we value and use our beaches. We don’t only want to hear from the city’s beach lovers. It is open to everyone and the more feedback we get, the better informed our decisions will be moving forward.
“The insight provided by the survey will also ensure our coastal management programs satisfy requirements legislated by the Coastal Management Act 2016.”
The survey will be open for feedback from Monday 22 February to Friday 5 March. To share your thoughts, visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay
DINE & DISCOVER PILOT COMMENCES IN NORTHERN BEACHES, SYDNEY CBD AND BEGA VALLEY
More businesses and customers will benefit from the State Government’s Dine & Discover NSW program, with the second phase of the pilot commencing in the Northern Beaches, Sydney CBD and Bega Valley from today.
The expanded pilot follows successful and continual testing of the technology in The Rocks and Broken Hill.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the stimulus will bring much needed relief to businesses hit hard by COVID-19 and last year’s bushfires.
“These communities have been brought to their knees due to the pandemic and bushfires, and the vouchers will deliver a boost for businesses and encourage customers to get out and about safely,” Mr Dominello said.
“It’s not too late for eligible businesses to register. It can be done online and could bring more customers through the door. Customers should also download the Service NSW app now and reap the rewards.”
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the findings from the pilots will inform the state wide rollout, which will be progressively rolled out from March.
“About 700 businesses in Bega Valley, the Northern Beaches and Sydney CBD will take part in the second phase of Dine & Discover NSW, and more than 125,000 NSW residents have been invited to participate,” Mr Tudehope said.
“This stimulus is exactly what businesses need with summer ending soon. It will also put extra money in the pockets of households.”
Every NSW resident aged 18 and over will soon be eligible for four $25 vouchers worth $100 in total, to spend in participating businesses.
Dine & Discover NSW vouchers will be divided into two categories:
- Two $25 vouchers to be used for eating in at restaurants, cafes, bars, pubs and clubs from Monday to Thursday, excluding public holidays.
- Two $25 vouchers to be used for entertainment and recreation, including cultural institutions, live music, and arts venues, available 7 days a week, excluding public holidays.
The vouchers can only be used at eligible businesses that have implemented a COVID Safety Plan and are registered as COVID Safe.
For more information on Dine & Discover NSW, visit www.nsw.gov.au
Suspicious fire at former sports club – Belmont
Police are investigating after fire destroyed a former clubhouse in Lake Macquarie overnight.
About 10.45pm (Sunday 21 February 2021), emergency services were called to a building on Maude Street, Belmont, following reports the former sports club was well alight.
Fire and Rescue New South Wales crews extinguished the blaze a short time later.
Officers from Lake Macquarie have established a crime scene and have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire, which is being treated as suspicious.
Police are urging anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious between 10pm and 11pm in the nearby area or who may have CCTV or dashcam footage to contact Belmont Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Officer assaulted during arrest – Windale
A senior constable has been assaulted during an arrest in Lake Macquarie.
About 7pm last night (Sunday 21 February 2021), officers from Lake Macquarie Police District were called to a home on Wakool Street, Windale, after reports of a domestic incident.
Upon arrival, police attempted to arrest a 25-year-old man before he allegedly punched a male senior constable to the right side of the face.
The man continued to resist arrest before additional police apprehended him and arrested him.
It’s further alleged as he was being placed in the police vehicle, the man spat at an acting sergeant and continued to resist arrest.
He was taken to Belmont Police Station and charged with five offences including two counts of assault police, and one count each of resist arrest, destroy/damage property and stalk/intimidate intend fear physical harm (DV).
He was refused bail to appear at Belmont Local Court today (Monday 22 February 2021).
Appeal after alleged train assault – Hunter region
Police are appealing for public assistance as they continue to investigate an assault on board a train in Newcastle last year.
About 10am on Friday 25 September 2020, a 21-year-old man boarded a train at Metford Station headed eastbound.
During the trip, the man dropped a headphone to the ground and was attempting to retrieve it when an unknown male passenger stood up and punched the 21-year-old to the head.
The man contacted police and officers commenced an investigation.
As police continue their inquiries, they have released a CCTV image of a man who may be able to assist with their inquiries.
The man is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, aged in his 20s, with dark/reddish curly hair and a beard.
He was wearing a red, white and black hooded jumper, green camouflage cargo pants and white sneakers.
Anyone with information which may assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Appeal to find woman missing from Scone
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a woman reported missing from the state’s Hunter region.
Kim Searle, aged 38, was last leaving seen a property in Newcastle last week. Her family hasn’t heard from her since.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.
Police and family hold concerns for her welfare.
Kim is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall, of medium build, with dark hair, blue eyes, and tattoos of dragonflies and flowers on her arms.
She is known to frequent regional Victoria as well as the Scone, Muswellbrook and Newcastle areas.
Anyone who may have information about Kim’s whereabouts is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Shortland local centre upgrade plans out for feedback
City of Newcastle is calling for community feedback on a proposal to improve safety for pedestrians and amenity of the local centre in Shortland.Community consultation undertaken in April 2019 and June 2020 highlighted pedestrian safety at Sandgate Road as a high priority issue for residents and business owners in the local area.
In response to this feedback the City is placing the Draft Shortland Local Centre Public Domain and Traffic Plan on public exhibition, seeking feedback on proposed changes including implementation of a 40km/hr High Pedestrian Activity Area.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said that safety for the community who shop and work in the Shortland Local Centre is a key priority.
“The plan on exhibition addresses community concerns and helps keep the community safe, as well as delivering improved public domain with upgraded footpaths and new street furniture,” Cr Nelmes said.
“We want to create an inviting space for locals to do their shopping and support local small business.”
Ward Four Councillor Jason Dunn said the proposed changes are a critical step in improving the area for the benefit of Shortland locals.
“Feedback on this next step is important, so we encourage the community to view the plan and share their views,” Councillor Dunn said.
Long-term Shortland resident Wendy Heys also encourages the Shortland community to have their say.
“I really welcome the upgrade to the shopping area making it safer for pedestrians, especially school children in the area.”
As well as a reduced speed limit, the plan includes construction of a pedestrian refuge and speed cushions to reduce driver speeds and create safer crossings for pedestrians.
The City has also engaged a mural artist to work with the community to determine a theme for a new mural installation at the pharmacy on Hansen Place. The mural will be delivered in conjunction with construction of the safety and public domain upgrades, currently scheduled for mid 2021.
Visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay to have your say on the proposed safety improvements. Consultation starts Monday February 22 and is open until March 21.