Ahead of the Disney+ launch in Australia on Tuesday, November 19, the Greens have made a renewed push for local content quotas for streaming services.
Greens Spokesperson for Communications Sarah Hanson-Young said it was time local content rules applied to all screen industry players.
“Local content quotas are a huge boost for Australian creative content and deliver jobs for Australian production and recording companies, writers, directors, musicians, talent and stories,” Senator Hanson-Young said.
“But not only are current local content quotas weak, unambitious and poorly enforced, they don’t apply to the international giants like Netflix and Amazon, and now Disney+, who are operating in the Australian market.
“These overseas streaming services create very little employment in Australia and often pay very little tax, the least they could do in exchange for consumer dollars is spend some money on local content.
“The screen and music industries inject almost $14billion into our economy and employ hundreds of thousands of people so it makes good economic sense to support this industry and share it with the rest of the world.”
Faster Delivery of Road and Rail Projects to Boost South Australia’s Economy
The South Australian economy will be boosted by a $415 million infrastructure package to bust congestion and make regional roads safer.
The Morrison Government has been working with states and territories to bring forward critical road projects across Australia to drive jobs, strengthen the economy and get people home sooner and safer.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the South Australian package included the acceleration of more than $328 million in federal funding across six projects.
“By bringing forward these important road projects we will drive jobs, boost the economy and make roads safer, while reducing travel times so people can be with their families instead of being stuck in traffic,” the Prime Minister said.
“Delivering critical road projects sooner, as part of our $100 billion pipeline, is responsible and considered economic management, in stark contrast to Labor’s daily calls of panic and crisis in their attempt to blow the Budget.
“In South Australia we will provide additional funding for the Darlington Upgrade and Flinders Link Projects as part of Adelaide’s North-South Corridor, while bringing forward funding for the Eyre Highway and Eyre Peninsula and Horrocks Highway corridors, Victor Harbor Road duplication and a major rural roads upgrade.”
South Australian Premier Steven Marshall said South Australians would continue to reap the benefits of a constructive working relationship with the Morrison Government.
“Today’s announcement builds on our massive $11.9 billion pipeline of infrastructure works over the next four years as we continue to grow our economy and jobs,” Premier Marshall said.
“By working collaboratively with the Morrison Government we have been able to fast track a number of regional road projects to help build regional communities, improve road safety and help save lives on our country roads.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Liberal and Nationals Government is focused on job growth and strengthening the economy.
“The Government’s record $100 billion infrastructure pipeline is delivering projects people want and need, while providing job opportunities and economic growth for communities across Australia,” Mr McCormack said.
“These projects will enhance liveability and connectivity, improve travel times and importantly, enhance safety for all South Australians.”
Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the new package followed a significant funding boost for South Australian infrastructure at the most recent Budget.
“Since coming to Government we have committed more than $8.4 billion towards infrastructure in South Australia and this new package will now see nearly $2 billion delivered across the state over the next 4 years,” Minister Tudge said.
“Today’s announcement not only brings funding forward for projects that can be delivered sooner, there is $78 million in additional funding for existing projects to take them through to completion.
“It also demonstrates a strong capability between the Morrison and Marshall Governments to deliver the infrastructure South Australia needs, whether it’s major projects like the North South Corridor upgrades or smaller, targeted projects through our Urban Congestion Fund.”
Minister for Transport, Planning and Local Government Stephan Knoll said the Marshall Government announced a record $1.115 billion in the most recent State Budget for regional roads and infrastructure.
“South Australia’s regions were neglected for 16 long years under the former Labor administration,” Minister Knoll said.
“South Australia’s regions finally have a Liberal Government that is putting its money where its mouth is and investing record amounts in regional roads.
“Since coming to government, in conjunction with the Morrison Government, we are delivering key regional road projects including the Port Wakefield Bypass, Joy Baluch Bridge duplication, Victor Harbor Road duplication, fixing the Horrocks Highway and investing hundreds of millions of dollars on road safety treatments right across South Australia.”
Project funding brought forward:
- $100 million for the $143 million SA Rural Roads Safety Package
- Funding to flow immediately and over the next two financial years to enable the commencement of works after previously being allocated beyond 2021-22
- Australian Government contribution to the project is $114.4 million ($80 million brought forward)
- South Australian Government contribution to the project is $28.6 million ($20 million brought forward)
- $86.75 million for the $125 million Port Augusta to Perth corridor
- Funding to flow immediately and over the next two financial years to enable the commencement of works after previously being allocated beyond 2021-22
- Australian Government contribution to the project is $100 million ($69.4 million brought forward)
- South Australian Government contribution to the project is $25 million ($17.35 million brought forward)
- $75 million for the $92 million Victor Harbour Road Duplication
- Funding to flow immediately and over the next three financial years to enable the commencement of works after previously being allocated beyond 2022-23
- Australian Government contribution to the project is $73.6 million ($60 million brought forward)
- South Australian Government contribution to the project is $18.4 million ($15 million brought forward)
- $50 million for the $55 million Horrocks Highway corridor
- Funding to flow immediately and over the next three financial years to enable the commencement of works after previously being allocated beyond 2022-23
- Australian Government contribution to the project is $44 million ($40 million brought forward)
- South Australian Government contribution to the project is $11 million ($10 million brought forward)
Additional funding:
- $87.5 million for the Darlington Upgrade
- Funding to flow immediately and enable completion of the project on-time in mid-2020.
- Total cost of the project has increased from $667 million to $754.5 million.
- The additional Australian Government contribution to the project is $70 million (increase of total contribution from $533.6 million to $603.6 million).
- The additional South Australian Government contribution to the project is $17.5 million (increase of total contribution from $133.4 million to $150.9 million).
- $16 million for Flinders Link
- Funding to flow immediately and enable completion of the project on-time in late-2020.
- Total cost of the project has increased from $125 million to $141 million.
- Both the Australian and South Australian Government will provide an extra $8 million to the project (increasing each government’s total contribution from $62.5 million to $70.5 million).
MAKE YOUR MARK ON GRAFFITI LAWS
A review of NSW’s graffiti laws is giving people across the State the opportunity to make their own mark in shaping these laws for the future.
Attorney General Mark Speakman said the review of the Graffiti Control Act 2008 would examine whether the legislation was delivering on its objectives of combatting graffiti.
“Tackling graffiti and illegal bill posting helps drive down crime in local communities and protect public facilities and private properties. We want to find out whether graffiti laws are helping to reduce costs for councils, local businesses and residents who foot the bill for clean-ups,” Mr Speakman said.
The Graffiti Control Act 2008 deals with graffiti offences, the supply of spray paint cans to minors, possession of graffiti implements, removal work by local government and bill posting. The NSW courts finalised a total of 960 charges for offences under the Act in 2018 -19. 570 of these were dealt with in the Local Court and 390 in the Children’s Court.
There are eight criminal offences under the Act, including an offence targeting serious and persistent offenders who intentionally mark premises that is not readily removable with a maximum penalty of $2,200 or 12 months imprisonment.
Mr Speakman said the community was frustrated waking up to find trains, buses, schools, fences and buildings being marred by ugly graffiti tags.
“Our government has taken a strong stance on graffiti including introducing tougher penalties and giving magistrates the power to put offenders on community based orders so they are forced to fix the damage caused by their vandalism,” Mr Speakman said.
The Department of Communities and Justice has prepared a discussion paper which provides an opportunity for people to have their say on the Graffiti Control Act 2008. For more information please email policy@justice.nsw.gov.au or visit the website
Submissions close on 15 December 2019 and should be sent to policy@justice.nsw.gov.au
COMMUNITY AT THE HEART OF NEW GLEBE PROJECT
The NSW Government will partner with Prince’s Trust Australia on a mixed tenure housing project to deliver 75 new dwellings in the inner-city suburb of Glebe, including additional social and affordable housing.
Minister for Water, Property and Housing, Melinda Pavey, said the landmark agreement between NSW Land and Housing Corporation and Prince’s Trust Australia will enable new housing for those most vulnerable.
“Today, we are releasing our vision to transform a 1,800 square metre site into a showcase housing project with significant community benefits,” Ms Pavey said.
“This project will include a multi-purpose community hub which will be managed by Prince’s Trust Australia.
“Importantly, the project will partner with local education and support services to help build career pathways for young people.”
Prince’s Trust Australia Trustee and sustainable communities champion, Dominic Richards said Prince’s Trust Australia was delighted to be working with the NSW Government on its first Sydney project (and its second in Australia).
“The ongoing challenges of increasing urban density, housing affordability and climate change mean we are all responsible for improving urban livability and minimising development impacts on our natural environment,” Mr Richards said.
“This project will help address these and other challenges – contributing to the wellbeing of the Glebe community through excellence in environmental sustainability, design, place making and community engagement.
“Our aim is for this project to be sustainable, respect local character and create a mixed income community which includes social and affordable housing.”
Prince’s Trust Australia, inspired by the values of its founder, His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales, seeks to deliver social impact by transforming lives and building sustainable communities in Australia.
Architects Kiong Lee and Graeme Dix from Sydney-based firm Johnson Pilton Walker have prepared a project design that celebrates historic and iconic building forms.
The project is located on two blocks, on Cowper Street and Wentworth Park Road, separated by a laneway and adjacent to Wentworth Park and MJ Doherty Reserve. The 75 dwellings will include a mixture of social, affordable and private housing.
The NSW Government will engage with the local community and stakeholders prior to lodging a planning proposal with the City of Sydney Council.
For more information on the project visit www.communitiesplus.com.au. For more information about Prince’s Trust Australia visit www.princes-trust.org.au
Man charged following alleged assaults – Broadmeadow
A man will face court today charged over alleged robberies and assaults in Newcastle yesterday.
About 1pm on Sunday 17 November 2019, a 30-year-old man was walking along Brown Road, Broadmeadow, when he was approached from behind by an unknown male.
Police will allege a 25-year-old man threatened the older man and demanded cash before forcing him onto the ground.
The younger man stole a mobile phone, a pair of spectacles, headphones and a powerbank.
About five minutes later, the same man entered a store on Belford Street, Broadmeadow, and allegedly grabbed a 44-year-old woman and forced her to the ground.
A struggle ensued before the man fled the scene.
About an hour later, a 30-year-old man was sitting in the passenger seat of a vehicle on Church Street, Mayfield, when police allege the same man approached the car and allegedly assaulted the passenger.
The younger man demanded cash and the car keys.
Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District attended and arrested the man after a short foot pursuit.
During the arrest, the man allegedly spat at a male constable.
The man was taken to Waratah Police Station and charged with aggravated robbery, common assault, aggravated assault with intent to rob (inflict actual bodily harm) and assault police officer in execution of duty.
He was refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court today (Monday 18 November 2019).
Tens of thousands expected for Newcastle 500, racegoers urged to plan their trip
NSW Police are urging racegoers to plan their trip ahead of time and travel safely on the roads as tens of thousands of people are expected for the finale of the Supercars Australia Championship series, the Coates Hire Newcastle 500.
A high-visibility police operation will be in place from Thursday 21 November to Monday 25 November 2019 in Newcastle, for the third event held in the Hunter.
General duties officers from Newcastle City Police District and across Northern Region, will be assisted by specialist police and Traffic & Highway Patrol Command throughout the operation, focusing on road safety as well as anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related violence.
Operation Newcastle Supercars Commander, Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell APM said the event showcases Newcastle on the world stage, with the city welcoming more than 150,000 spectators and visitors over the weekend.
“Our main priority is ensuring everyone is able to enjoy this fantastic event in Newcastle safely, and with minimal disruption to our locals and residents,” Assistant Commissioner Mitchell said.
“Police will be out in numbers over the weekend targeting speeding, drink-driving, mobile phone and seat-belt offences, to ensure everyone arrives at their destination safely.
“Here in the Northern Region, 102 people have lost their lives on our roads so far in 2019, so we will be driving a particular focus on road safety before, during and after the event.
“Motorists are urged to drive to the conditions and allow extra travel time as there will be heavy traffic and delays on major and local roads headed into Newcastle, particularly as crowds arrive on Friday and Saturday, and leave on Sunday and Monday,” Assistant Commissioner Mitchell said.
Centre for Road Safety Executive Director, Bernard Carlon, said speeding, drink and drug driving, and fatigue remain the biggest killers on our roads.
“We want everyone to travel safely this weekend, so if you are driving, don’t speed and take a break if you’re feeling tired, and NEVER drive if you’re affected by alcohol or drugs,” Mr Carlon said.
Keolis Downer Hunter General Manager, Mark Dunlop, said there are more ways to travel to and from the event precinct this year, with the light rail network officially in use.
“This will be the first year we have light rail services bringing people into the CBD. Additional services will be running to Queens Wharf, alongside extra bus and ferry services.
“We ask event goers to be alert of their surroundings and be aware of trams when arriving and leaving the event,” Mr Dunlop said.
For all special event traffic information, including road closures, special event clearways and live traffic reports, visit: www.livetraffic.com
Further information about the event, including venue maps, transport and parking availability, can be found at: www.supercars.com/newcastle/
$220,000 TO SUPPORT BUSHFIRE DISASTER RECOVERY
The NSW Government will give an additional $220,000 to BlazeAid and local government partners to enhance support for bushfire affected communities in northern NSW.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott visited bushfire impacted areas today around Kempsey and Port Macquarie to speak with locals and thank firefighters for their continued efforts battling the blazes.
BlazeAid, a volunteer-based organisation in regional NSW that assists families and individuals hit by bushfires, will receive $100,000 to purchase fencing materials and tools. A further $120,000 will be provided to local councils to assist BlazeAid with their vital work, on top of the $160,000 already committed to affected local councils.
Mr Perrottet said this much needed funding would help BlazeAid’s hundreds of volunteers on the ground supporting more than 200 landholders to clean-up and remove destroyed fences so they could start repairing or replacing fences as quickly as possible.
“While our combat agencies continue to work tirelessly to contain these fires, we know that many kilometres of fencing has been destroyed and there is a large amount of debris to be cleared. This extra funding will assist communities devastated by bushfires here in northern NSW begin the recovery process,” Mr Perrottet said.
Mr Elliott said there are many impacted communities across NSW in various phases of response and recovery and it was vital to support organisations like BlazeAid who help local communities get back on their feet faster.
“As our firefighters are on the frontline fighting the blazes, we as a Government are acutely aware that there are many residents who have been displaced because of the bushfires and who need immediate financial and practical support,” Mr Elliott said.
BlazeAid currently have base camps established in Casino, Tenterfield, Ewingar and Ebor and are investigating preferred locations for additional base-camps to support those communities impacted by fires in the Mid North Coast, including in Nymboida, Wingham and Nabiac.
HUNTER VALLEY BULL RIDER LACHLAN RICHARDSON TAKES OUT PBR GRAND FINALS EVENT
In front of a sold-out crowd at the Townsville Entertainment Center Queenslander Aaron Kleier took top honours of PBR 2019 National Champion, the biggest event on the Australian Professional Bull Rider (PBR) tour.
Kleier, who was the 2018 PBR National Champion and 2017 PBR Australia Rookie of the Year, made it a hat trick by cinching the 2019 PBR National Champion title approached the second night of make or break bull riding competition in the PBR Grand Finals with the same grit and determination that has seen him maintain the #1 spot on the national rankings for most of the year.
Battling for glory in Townsville, only five hours from his home base in Clermont, 21 year-old Kleier has enjoyed another stellar year. He was able to retain the title after battling for the top honors with his good mate and fellow Clermont local 19 year-old Brady Fielder (#2 ranked) who finished the year as runner up to Kleier, and was also named the 2019 PBR Rookie of the Year.
The two-night competition saw seventeen of Australia’s top riders, as well as five key internationals, battle it out for a share of the $100,000 prize pool.
The international riders who competed in the tightly contested event were 2018 World Champion Kaique Pacheco – who made his much anticipated global return to competition in Townsville following injury, Rubens Barbosa and Eduardo Aparecido, Brady Sims (USA) and Cody Rodeo Tyler (USA).
It was the Hunter’s Lachlan Richardson who won the event, with Kaique Pacheco in the #2 spot and Tamworth rider Troy Wilkinson at #3.
Fraser Babbington came in at #4 for his retirement ride and last night of competition, with Cliff Richardson at #5.
“This weekend has been the best Finals since our inception in Australia 20 years ago. It’s a big congratulations to all the riders who made it possible from me,” said PBR General Manager Glen Young.
The competition amongst the bull contractors at the Townsville event was close. The Bucking Bull of the Year title went to Dittman’s Fully Locked N Loaded, while Bull Team of the Event honours went to Wallace Bucking Bulls.
The overall 2019 PBR Australian Stock Contractor of the Year title was also announced at the Grand Final event – with the Hunter based TnR Bucking Bulls taking that win home for NSW. It is also the second consecutive year that TnR Bucking Bulls have won the PBR Australian Stock Contractor of the Year title.
Of their win Mitch Russell, who makes up half of the Throsby and Russell partnership of TnR Bucking Bulls said, “We went into the competition at #1 on the leader board for the title, but you never know what might happen on the night. And our bulls had had a big week, travelling further than the North Queensland based Brandenburg and Dittman bucking bulls. So for them to come out on top is an awesome result. Edward (business partner Edward Throsby) and I couldn’t be happier.
“We got them on the road early this week to avoid the road closures and to escape the fires in the Hunter Valley, that came right onto our properties. I think the nice rest up in sunny Townsville before competing this weekend has done them good,” joked Mitch Russell.
The action-packed PBR Grand Finals also saw Country music singer Ryan Weaver perform, straight from the USA.
Before becoming the Patriotic Voice of PBR in the US, Weaver was a Military Intelligence Analyst and then a Black Hawke helicopter pilot who was deployed to Baghdad International Airport. He has since toured the US with the PBR performing at sell-out events and raised the roof in Townsville on his first trip to Australia.
It has been a tough PBR season for competitors – and next weekend it starts all over again in Tamworth at the PBR Monster Energy Tour: Tamworth Invitational on Saturday November 23, 2019 which is the opening event for the 2020 season.
Ryan Weaver will also perform in the home of Australian Country Music in Tamworth. Tickets for the Tamworth season-opening event are on-sale at www.entertainmentvenues.com.au
The full round results from tonight can be viewed at https://pbraustralia.com.au/daysheet
Updated Australian standings rankings are available at
https://www.pbraustralia.com.au/series/pbr-monster-energy-tour/australian-standings/
City unveils towering harbourside Christmas tree

Adorned by more than 4,300 lights and 350 decorations, the tree is expected to become a City tradition over the next decade and will be lit-up for the first time Sunday night.
“Novocastrians love getting into the Christmas spirit, which is why we see thousands of people flock to see Christmas lights and sing carols at events across the city and region,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.

“Novocastrians will appreciate the sight of the tree by the harbour, especially at night. It’s sure to become a major drawcard, bringing families into the city.
“As we get closer to Christmas, it will be home to carollers and maybe even visits from Santa, creating family-friendly fun for visitors to the city centre.”
The Christmas tree has been assembled by a team of six people, after arriving in four pieces in addition to the base and a star to be placed on top.
Installed on the former Queens Wharf Tower site, it will be visible from kilometres away across the harbour and make a welcoming sight for cruise ship passengers as they enter the port.
The lights will be switched on for the first time Sunday night at 8pm.
The tree will be visible until 7 January and will be installed in the city centre annually over the next eight years.
The city centre is currently subject to traffic changes due to the Newcastle 500 Supercars, so light rail is the best option as it stops adjacent to the Christmas Tree site.
Visit livetraffic.com or plan your trip with newcastletransport.info/.
SMALL BUSINESSES SAVE ON ENERGY BILLS WITH FRIDGE REBATE
More than 2,000 small businesses across the State are expected to receive a NSW Government rebate on buying or leasing energy efficient commercial refrigerators.
Energy Minister Matt Kean announced $3 million worth of rebates available to small businesses to claim between $100 and $1490 per unit for up to five energy efficient plug-in commercial fridges and freezers.
“We’re all about supporting our small businesses and keeping energy prices down, and these rebates will do just that,” Mr Kean said.
“Through this initiative, small businesses could save more than $350 a year on their energy bills, on top of the fridge rebate.
“These rebates will give over 2,000 small businesses such as cafes, restaurants, convenience stores and take-away shops the opportunity to update to better performing, modern fridges and save on their energy bill.”
Small Business Minister Damien Tudehope said the Government is always looking for ways to support small businesses across NSW.
“Small businesses play a vital role in the State’s economy and we will do what we can to encourage business growth while reducing their costs,” Mr Tudehope said.
Successful applicants will have their rebate processed within four weeks from online application to help businesses across NSW maintain a healthy cashflow.
The offer, which will be available up until September 2021, is part of the NSW Government’s Climate Change Fund that provides incentives to households and small businesses to install energy efficient appliances and equipment.
Businesses can view the list of eligible fridges, buy the product from their own supplier, then submit a rebate application at the Energy Saver website.