Greens bid to end the culture war on sharks

Loopholes in federal legislation used by the states to deploy lethal shark nets would be closed and non-lethal shark control measures supercharged in a plan launched today by the Greens.

Greens spokesperson for healthy oceans, Senator Whish-Wilson:

“Shark nets are lethal fisheries devices masquerading as sensible protective barriers for humans, but the truth is they merely give a false sense of security to ocean-goers while indiscriminately killing marine wildlife.

Decades of data reveals 63%  of all shark bites in NSW have occurred at netted beaches. Meanwhile most marine wildlife captured in our shark nets are threatened or protected species, including whales, dolphins, and turtles.

“The federal government has a legal responsibility to protect endangered marine species, including those killed in shark nets – but shark nets won’t be removed until increased investment is made to keep ocean-goers safe. It’s time the federal government stopped palming this responsibility off to the states.

“That’s why the Greens are pushing the federal government to remove existing exemptions to state-controlled lethal shark net programs that risk federally protected species, and roll out modern-day alternatives to shark nets across Australia that better protect ocean-goers and the environment. These include shark shield personal deterrent devices, shark spotter programs, eco-shark barriers, and increased public education.

“The states can’t be left to roll these out alone when it’s the federal government that has the legal responsibility of protecting endangered marine wildlife.

“It’s possible to protect sharks and other marine wildlife in Australia, and protect the people who share the ocean with them. It’s time to end the culture war on sharks. Safety in our oceans and the protection of vulnerable species aren’t binary options; both are possible and
can be done much more effectively.”

The Greens will:

  • Fund $50 million over ten years to supercharge research and development of non-lethal shark control measures that can replace nets and drum lines;
  • Fund $5m to establish a National Sharks Working Group across all states that will look at multiple ways to make ocean goers safer.
  •  Fund $5m to establish a publicly accessible national database of interactions with shark control measures, critical for research and education/awareness programs.
  • End Federal exemptions used by the states for lethal shark control measures
  • Have the ACCC investigate all existing shark mitigation technologies for efficacy and establish national advertising and product promotion standards;

HomeKeeper: Greens Election Plan Would Require Banks To Offer Discount Low Rate Mortgages

The Australian Greens have today launched a plan to require the big banks to offer a discount mortgage called HomeKeeper to all homeowners, including first homebuyers and owner-occupiers.

This would be delivered via legislating a cap on the profit a big bank can make on this mortgage product. The big banks could still offer other products and there would be no compulsion on anyone to switch to a HomeKeeper mortgage.

About HomeKeeper

  • The Greens plan empowers the ACCC and APRA to together have the independent power to stop banks ripping people off, and ensure the big banks don’t unnecessarily overcharge
  • HomeKeeper mortgages would be set at a regulated ceiling of no more than 1% above the cash rate. All of the big 5 banks would be required by regulations to offer HomeKeeper
  • This discount HomeKeeper mortgage would be available to any owner-occupier whether or not they are a first home buyer
  • People with a current mortgage on their home would be able to transfer into HomeKeeper at their own choice
  • HomeKeeper would not be available for investment property mortgages, commercial premises or holiday homes
  • Support would be provided to smaller banks so that they could offer a similar low-rate product without being financially disadvantaged

Overview: bank profits on mortgages

For decades the major banks have made enormous profits price-gouging on people’s mortgages, even when interest rates were low.

According to modelling by The Australia Institute, big bank profits on the average home loan sit around $9,130 in the first year and $200,880 over the lifetime of a 30-year loan.

The Australia Institute estimates that equates to $176 per week, or $761 a month of an average mortgage repayment is going directly to big bank profits.

With the HomeKeeper mortgage, the interest rate would be 1% above the RBA cash rate, the big banks would make a more reasonable profit and mortgage-holders would have more in their pockets for other expenses.

The current cash rate is 4.35%. The RBA lists the owner-occupier variable housing rates as 6.3% (new loans) and 6.4% (outstanding loans), giving a margin of 1.95% (new loans) and 2.05% (outstanding loans) above the cash rate.

The latest average new mortgage size is $589,560,2 meaning for a new mortgage holder, a reduction in their interest rate from 6.3% to 5.35% would be equivalent to almost four interest rate cuts by the RBA, with a saving of up to $357 per month, or up to $4,284 per year. For someone with an $800,000 mortgage, the cut of almost a percentage point would be equivalent to monthly savings of up to $484 and annual savings of up to $5,814.

Rates of mortgage stress

Almost 1.5 million Australians are currently at risk of mortgage stress. The number of Australians ‘At Risk’ of mortgage stress has increased by 680,000 since May 2022 when the RBA began a cycle of interest rate increases. Official interest rates are now at 4.35%, the
highest interest rates have been since December 2011, over a decade ago.

Comment attributable to Greens spokesperson for Treasury Senator Nick McKim

“For too long, big banks have been ripping people off by charging interest rates well above the cash rate.

“The Big Four Banks are crushing mortgage holders. They are currently making billions of dollars in profits ripping off struggling mortgage holders by overcharging them on their mortgage.

”For the average home loan, $761 per month is pure profit for the major banks.

“To stop the price gouging and profiteering, the Australian Greens can today announce our new policy HomeKeeper: a discount mortgage for homeowners.

“This policy will reduce the costs of mortgages for everyone by limiting the amount at which banks can rip people off.

“No one should have to pay more than 1% over the current cash rate, it’s immoral that people are being forced out of their homes while banks are making billions in profits.

“This policy will stop big banks charging more than is absolutely necessary to provide a mortgage product to people struggling to keep a roof over their heads, and it will stop the Big Banks’ super-profits made from mortgages.

“After the next election we’ll almost certainly have a minority parliament and this is part of the Greens plan to work with Labor to help renters and people with mortgages.

“If you want change, you have to vote for it, and the first step is to vote for someone who is fighting for you.”

Additional support for rare earths refining for a Future Made in Australia

The Albanese Labor Government is delivering vital support to Australia’s critical minerals sector by providing up to $475 million in additional finance to develop the Eneabba Rare Earths Refinery project in Western Australia.

This project is Australia’s first integrated rare earths refinery and will support 900 jobs at its peak during construction, and an additional 250 secure, well-paid jobs once operational.

This investment will boost global rare earths supply chain resilience, while unlocking Australian deposits of key critical minerals which are essential in a range of defence and renewable energy technologies like electric vehicles, wind turbines and mobile phones.

Australian company Iluka Resources is delivering the project which ensures more value is captured onshore, and more Australians benefit from our unique minerals endowment.

This additional support reinforces Australia’s commitment to supporting secure and sustainable critical minerals supply chains, making us an indispensable part of the global net-zero economy.

The Government’s support ensures Iluka will deliver additional outcomes to maximise project benefits in Australia’s national interest including additional commitments from Iluka to diversify supply chains and deliver broader community benefits aligned with the new Future Made in Australia Act.

The support will be provided by Export Finance Australia (EFA) through the Government’s $4 billion Critical Minerals Facility (CMF).

Australia’s rare earths refining sector will also benefit from the Critical Minerals Production Tax Incentive which will provide a tax offset for eligible critical minerals processing costs.

The Albanese Government’s commitment to a Future Made in Australia is all about seizing the vast economic and industrial opportunities from the global net zero transformation and strengthening our economic resilience.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“Critical minerals are the building blocks for a clean energy future and we are determined to seize this economic opportunity to support local businesses and local jobs.

“A strong resources sector means a healthy economy and good, well paid local jobs.

“We will back WA’s resources sector, through our plan for a Future Made in Australia and our Production Tax Credits.”

Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell

“Our Government is committed to becoming a renewable energy superpower, not just to tackle the global challenge of climate change but also to harness the opportunity to create significant high paying, secure jobs for Australians.

“Our country is blessed with an abundance of critical minerals and the Albanese Labor Government wants Australians to benefit from this emerging sector.”

Minister for Resources and Minister for Northern Australia Madeleine King

“Supporting our critical minerals and rare earths industry is about Australia taking responsibility to lead on critical minerals globally.

“Not only are critical minerals and rare earths key to the energy transition, they are essential to the defence industry and our national security.

“We stand at an important moment in time where the world wants what we have and we just happen to have the most advanced mining sector in the world.”

Appeal to locate woman missing north of Newcastle

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a woman missing from the Hunter region.

Lynette Usher, aged 79, was last seen on Heron Circuit, Fullerton Cove, 20km north of Newcastle CBD, about 8am yesterday (Friday 6 December 2024).

When she could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for her welfare due her age and her medical condition which requires medication.

Lynette is described as being of Caucasian appearance, of medium build, 165cm-170cm tall, with short grey hair and blue eyes.

She may be travelling in a white Toyota hatchback with NSW registration MU070.

Lynette is known to frequent the Stockton area.

Canberra Youth Theatre Suffering Amid Labor Starving Art Sector of Funding

Today the ACT Greens have called on the Labor Government to urgently double arts funding amid news that Canberra Youth Theatre can no longer afford to stage productions, and are cutting programs, due to a systemic lack of funding.

“Right now, organisations like Canberra Youth Theatre are struggling to survive, and all it would take from this Labor Government to adequately support them is less than they spend on handouts to horse racing,” said ACT Greens Member for Ginninderra, Jo Clay. 

“Let me be clear, this is not a one off incident. If this government does not inject more money into the arts sector urgently, we will continue to see community based arts organisations drop off the radar as they go insolvent.

“In 2021, the previous Labor Minister for Arts released a ‘Statement of Ambition’ which set the aspiration for Canberra to become the arts capital of Australia. Now’s the chance for the new minister to walk the talk and actually make this a reality.

“During the 2024 ACT Election, the Greens made a commitment to properly support our arts sector by doubling their funding — because we recognised that our community needs more than just lip service, they need action.

“This would mean going from an already very small $9 million a year to the arts sector, to a reasonable $18 million so the sector can get a well deserved reprieve and continue to deliver entertainment for thousands of Canberrans.

“The question we have to ask ourselves is — do we want an arts sector here in Canberra or are we happy for Labor to let it fail?

Human waste found on more Sydney beaches

More fatbergs have been discovered on Sydney beaches, this time at Kurnell, with no signs that the Environment Protection Authority is any closer to discovering the source of the human waste that is contaminating Botany Bay. The EPA has ruled out the Bondi and Malabar wastewater treatment plants as potential sources for the sewerage leaks, raising concerns that an unknown source of human waste is leaking continuously into the environment in a location with high use by the human population.

Greens MP and spokesperson for the Environment Sue Higginson said “At this stage, the EPA can’t explain the source of the human waste causing the fatbergs, and it can’t assure the public that Sydney’s beaches are safe to use because of it. If our waste system is leaking sewage into the environment and onto our beaches, this should be a priority issue to resolve,”

“A few years ago, Sydney was losing close to 10% of its water supplies to the aged and cracked pipes that deliver the water around our city. This spate of human waste being washed up on beaches seems to be a red flag that we could be losing significant quantities of waste water too, and we don’t even know about it,”

“As the Summer holidays approach and families prepare to be at the beaches, we need to know if human waste is leaking into our waterways and the EPA is responsible for communicating that clearly to the public,”

“It is not clear to me that the EPA has acted with clarity around this issue. From the initial reports that this sewage byproduct was tarballs, and now having no clearer advice to the public than ‘watch out and report’, what is clear is that the EPA and Government are clearly not in control of environmental pollution and regulation in this State,” Ms Higginson said.

Albanese must not sell out the environment to big salmon corporations

The Australian Greens have demanded Prime Minister Albanese rule out the use of national interest exemptions to sidestep environment laws for the benefit of salmon farms in Macquarie Harbour.

“This would be an outrageous abuse of power and the Prime Minister needs to immediately rule it out,” Greens Senator for Tasmania Nick McKim said.

“After his capitulation to logging and mining interests last week, Mr Albanese is now dancing to the tune of multinational salmon farming corporations.”

“Protecting mutinational corporate profits and driving an ancient species to extinction is most certainly not in the national interest.”

“Whenever there is a choice between protecting nature or enhancing corporate profits, Labor can be relied on to side with the big polluters.”

“Mr Albanese is trying to use what are essentially emergency powers to respond to natural disasters to protect corporate interests.”

“He is in a dangerous race to the bottom with Peter Dutton when it comes to trashing the environment.”

“Mr Albanese needs to learn that he can’t outflank Dutton to the right on nature and that trying to do so will lead to extinction for the Maugean skate.”

Road and opportunities open at Naughtons gap

The inconvenient detour around a landslip at Naughtons Gap Road near Casino is now a thing of the past, following the completion of a $15.8 million disaster recovery project, funded by the Albanese and Minns Governments.

The project to repair the road to a more resilient standard was jointly funded through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements; and is the first Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package (RRTRP) project started and completed.

In March 2021 a landslip brought on by heavy rain forced the closure of Naughtons Gap Road. Damage to the road was compounded by the severe weather events to hit the North Coast in February and March 2022.

The road remained closed until 6 December 2024 when Richmond Valley Council completed a major restoration and resilience project.

The Council used material recovered from the landslip on other projects, saving the council and the project $2.4 million in disposal fees.

The betterment project included the construction of catch fencing to contain future falling debris, the implementation of a soldier pile wall, as well as ground anchors, extensive earthworks, drainage and pavement reconstruction, with a focus on ensuring stability amidst ongoing landslip movements.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Jenny McAllister:

“The 2022 floods had an enduring impact on the Northern Rivers.

“We’re rebuilding roads to a more resilient standard for families to stay connected and safe.

“We’re working with the NSW Government to help communities recover from and prepare for future natural disasters.”

NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully:

“The NSW government is committed to making sure we do all we can to fortify the road and mitigate against future natural disasters and keep communities safe.

“This road is critical to the livelihoods of the residents who can now return to normalcy and feel assured about access in the future.”

NSW Minister for Regional Transport & Roads, Jenny Aitchison:

“We know that for every dollar invested in risk mitigation or betterment projects, up to $10 is saved in recovery, so the Naughtons Gap Road resilience project was an investment well worth making.

“Naughtons Gap Road stretches from Bentley to Casino, connecting key residential, commercial and industrial areas.

“The road has been closed since the March 2021 rain event when it initially cracked, and then further damage occurred from the landslip during the 2022 flood events.

“However, not only has the road been restored to full service, but additional betterment funding has also helped to strengthen the rebuilt section from future flooding and landslip events.

“This project provides an excellent example of what can be done when all levels of government work together.”

NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery, Janelle Saffin:

“Richmond Valley Council deserves commendation for recognising the value of the new disaster recovery program and acting quickly on it.

“They have achieved value for money and, most importantly, have improved access for the roughly 1000 motorists who were using this road each day before the March 2021 landslip.

“Other councils are following in their footsteps and are also showing their commitment to making life better for their residents.”

Richmond Valley Mayor, Robert Mustow:

“The opening marks an exciting milestone not only for Richmond Valley, but the whole Northern Rivers region, as the long-anticipated Naughtons Gap Road officially reopened to traffic.

“This essential infrastructure project, completed after two years of geotechnical investigations, planning, design and construction, was delivered at an efficient rate, despite recent heavy rain.

“We recognise this road closure has been an inconvenience to residents and businesses, and we thank them for their patience and understanding while this important work was undertaken.

“On behalf of our community I’d like to thank the Australian and NSW governments for the funding support which has enabled this project to be completed.”

Blackwattle Bay development partners shortlist announced

The transformation of Blackwattle Bay has hit another major milestone with three highly experienced developers shortlisted to renew the 3.6-hectare parcel of Government-owned land, currently home to the Sydney Fish Market, into a vibrant mixed-use precinct.

After significant interest from industry, three developers have been shortlisted following an Expression of Interest process to partner with the NSW Government:

  • Lendlease Development Pty Ltd
  • Mirvac Office Developments Pty Ltd
  • Stockland Urban Development Sub 2C Pty Ltd

These developers are all highly regarded urban renewal specialists with extensive experience in delivering housing, world-class public spaces, as well as active retail and commercial precincts.  

A change to the planning controls is being sought to enable a more flexible land use mix that responds to the need for more homes, without changing the building heights or gross floor area.

Shortlisted developers will be invited to submit a request for proposal in early 2025.

Under the proposed planning controls, renewal of the existing Sydney Fish Market site will deliver up to 1,100 new homes within walking distance of Sydney’s CBD, light rail and the future Pyrmont Metro Station.

This opportunity forms part of the broader urban renewal of Blackwattle Bay precinct bookended by the new Sydney Fish Market and a new harbourfront park at Bank Street.

The Blackwattle Bay precinct will see world-class public spaces delivered as a priority, including a new 1.1-hectare park at Bank Street and a new foreshore promenade, completing the missing link in the 15-kilometre continuous harbourside walk between Woolloomooloo and Rozelle Bay. 

Find out more about Blackwattle Bay

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“This is a major milestone for the project and a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform Blackwattle Bay into a lively world-class waterfront precinct alongside Sydney’s harbour, for all to enjoy.

“We are confident one of the shortlisted developers will deliver a vibrant new precinct including a new waterfront promenade and more open space alongside new homes and jobs.  

“Blackwattle Bay is now set to boost housing supply, while unlocking the potential of the area and creating thousands of jobs to support a thriving 24-hour economy. 

“Blackwattle Bay is in a prime location on the doorstep of the soon-to-be completed new Sydney Fish Market and will complete the last piece of the puzzle in the 15-kilometre harbourside walk from Woolloomooloo and Rozelle Bay.”

Next Level Program given a $250,000 funding boost

The Minns Labor Government is continuing to invest in meaningful action to prevent domestic and family violence across the state, including providing funding to proven prevention programs like Next Level in Coffs Harbour.

The NSW Government has provided a $250,000 grant to Anglicare North Coast to continue their domestic and family violence program for migrant and refugee communities, Next Level, in the Coffs Harbour region.

We recognise the unique needs of migrants and refugees whose domestic, family and sexual violence experiences can be further impacted by other factors, such as social and institutional barriers that inhibit access to services and systems that are available.

The funding provided by the NSW Government means new and existing participants can access the program. It also enables transition pathways to local and culturally safe support so that work to improve the safety of women and children and prevent domestic and family violence in multicultural communities can be maintained.

The Next Level program has already achieved positive outcomes for local families, women and children from multicultural backgrounds by providing holistic, in-language and culturally appropriate responses to domestic, family and sexual violence.

In the past year, 150 men and women from migrant and refugee backgrounds have participated in Next Level group work, as well as individual case management and counselling. The program has improved participants’ safety and wellbeing by advancing gender equality and promoting respectful relationships.

It has also proven effective in engaging with migrant and refugee men to have difficult conversations about their abusive behaviours. Through strong community connections, it has been able to intervene early and contribute to preventing and reducing violence against women and children from migrant and refugee backgrounds.

Anglicare’s program had previously been funded by the Federal government.

Funding by the NSW Government will ensure Next Level is funded to November 2025. It is part of the government’s ongoing work to create a safer New South Wales, by addressing domestic and family violence in a comprehensive way from primary prevention, earlier intervention to crisis responses and recovery.

To address the unique needs of victim survivors from multicultural backgrounds, the government has also invested $4.4 million in the NSW Multicultural Centre for Women’s and Family Safety.

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:

“The NSW Government is continuing to work on building a safer New South Wales. We are taking a whole of government and whole of community approach to achieve the shared vision of ending gender-based violence.

“The Next Level program has demonstrated that it is effective in engaging with multicultural communities in the Coffs Harbour area, and implementing culturally safe strategies that prevent domestic and family violence in the community.

“That is why the NSW Government has stepped in to fund this program to ensure participants are fully supported to live safe and free from violence.”

Labor spokesperson for Coffs Harbour Cameron Murphy MLC said:

“I welcome the NSW Government’s significant support for the Next Level program.

“The program is vital for Coffs Harbour as it provides culturally appropriate support for migrants as we all work towards safe and respectful relationships in our community.”

CEO of Anglicare North Coast Mark McNamara said:

“Most of our program participants have experienced major trauma and loss, left their country, their homes and communities, to save their lives and search for a better way of life.

“Anglicare North Coast has seen the impact Next Level has had on local refugee and migrant communities, particularly their attitudes towards family relationships and gender-based violence.

“We have seen men in our group program openly embrace behaviour change strategies and gender equality, including advocating in their communities for family safety and respectful relationships.

“We have identified women at risk of experiencing domestic and family violence, and provided culturally safe support and individual counselling to prevent violence and abuse.

“I would like to thank the loyalty and professionalism shown by our program participants, staff and partners who kept the faith since the program was defunded in June 2024.

“This funding from the NSW Government will ensure we can continue to support our participants for the next year as they build their new lives in Coffs Harbour free from violence.”

Support services:

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN on 13 92 76.