Following community request, NSW Government grants extension for community consultation on opals report

The NSW Government is committed to taking steps to protect the interests of both the opal mining industry and landholders and minimise land conflict.

As part of broader reforms to the opal mining industry, the Minns Labor Government commissioned former Land and Environment Court Judge and NSW Attorney General, Terry Sheahan AO to undertake an independent review of the industry.

The independent review’s 81 detailed recommendations are currently being considered by a working group, chaired by the NSW Government’s Special Envoy for Opal Mining Stephen Lawrence MLC.

The working group has held five sessions to date and includes representatives from the opal mining industry, landholders, First Nations representatives and other key stakeholders.

Following a request to provide additional time, Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos has agreed to extend the working group’s timeline. This will allow their discussions to continue and for them to provide advice on each of the report’s 81 recommendations.

The independent review is the first major report into the industry for more than a decade and follows the discovery that 3,343 minerals claims in Lightning Ridge and White Cliffs were invalidly issued over eight years.

The NSW Government is committed to ensuring that any changes to the framework meet the needs of landholders, small-scale miners and the broader community, to allow the co-existence of both farming and small-scale opal mining in NSW. 

A further update will be provided next year once the NSW Government has completed its response.

Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos:

“I was pleased to meet the working group and hear directly from participants about their key priorities and potential challenges arising from recommendations made by the Independent Review.

“I have heard the feedback from stakeholders about the need to take more time to allow the working group to continue its deliberations as the government considers the recommendations.

“I understand that some stakeholders are eager for a quick resolution. The Government’s priority is to ensure that miners, landholders and community members on the ground are given a full opportunity to inform the government’s response.

“I look forward to visiting Lightning Ridge in the new year to hear more from the community.”

NSW Government’s Special Envoy for Opal Mining Stephen Lawrence MLC:

“The working group meetings have been productive as we work through the 81 recommendations in the Independent Review.

“It’s crucial we listen to the community in Lightning Ridge and give them the time they need to inform the government’s response to provide certainty for miners and landholders.”

Member for Barwon Roy Butler MP:

“The mining reforms are an opportunity to reduce conflict between landholders and miners and ensure that NSW Resources is adequately equipped to do its job.

“The review process should not be rushed, which is why I wrote to Minister Houssos to request an extension. This will ensure better engagement and greater understanding of the problems and solutions for all stakeholders.

“I thank the Minister for her quick response and commitment to improving outcomes for miners and landholders.”

Largest class of new police officers in a decade sworn into the NSW Police Force

Today, the NSW Police Force (NSWPF) proudly welcomes 298 new Probationary Constables, marking a historic moment as the largest class to graduate in a decade. 

This is an important step in the Minns Labor Government’s long-term plan to rebuild our essential services, including addressing the recruitment and retention crisis of frontline workers.  

The graduation of this record-breaking class not only strengthens the NSWPF but also ensures the safety and security of communities across New South Wales.  

By prioritising the recruitment of highly skilled individuals, the Minns Government is laying the foundation for a more robust and responsive police force – one that reflects the growing needs of a modern and dynamic New South Wales. 

Class 364 will attest at the Goulburn Police Academy after completing eight months of training in the Constable Education Program (CEP).  

The program includes four months of distance learning followed by four months of intensive training at the Academy. 

Following their graduation, the recruits will embark on 12 months of on-the-job training and will be deployed across metropolitan and regional communities from Monday: 

  • Central Metropolitan Region – 64
  • Northwest Metropolitan Region – 59
  • Northern Region – 57
  • Southwest Metropolitan Region – 67
  • Southern Region – 24
  • Western Region – 27 

Class 364 comprises of 218 men and 80 women aged between 18 and 52, with five recruits receiving awards for outstanding academic or physical achievements.  

This is the third class to benefit from the NSW Government’s paid study allowance during their training at the Academy.  

The Minns Labor Government’s work to support NSW Police officers and address the chronic shortage of police officers presided over by the former Liberal National Government has also included:  

  • abolishing the wages cap; 
  • setting up a historic new scheme to pay students to study to become an officer, which has already seen applications surge by 50 per cent over the previous year; and 
  • two recently announced programs specifically aimed at attracting both experienced officers and regional recruits.  

Additionally, the Police Mobility Program, which welcomes officers from other jurisdictions, has already resulted in almost 30 applications, showcasing its success in attracting experienced talent to the NSW Police Force. 

Complementing this initiative, the recent acceptance of the Minns Labor Government’s historic four-year pay agreement, which includes highly competitive salaries, further demonstrates the Government’s commitment to backing the NSWPF. 

Looking ahead to 2025, more than 1,000 recruits are expected to attest, further strengthening the ranks of the NSWPF. 

While progress has been made, the journey is far from over, and the NSW Government remains steadfast in its commitment to achieving more. 

The Minns Labor Government was elected with a mandate to rebuild public services and reinvest in our front-line workforce and ensure we provide support when people in NSW need it most. 

It’s part of our plan to build a better NSW. 

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:  

“Congratulations to Class 364, who today begin their journey in one of the most challenging yet rewarding careers there are. 

“Today is the combination of eight months of hard work and training. And it’s also the beginning of an incredibly exciting career in New South Wales Police Force. 

“While we still have more to do, the fact this is the largest class in a decade shows that the programs we have implemented are working.” 

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said:  

“This is a monumental day for the NSW Police. Class 364 is the largest attesting class in a decade – strong evidence the tide is turning on recruitment. Next year is set to be even bigger, with more than 1,000 recruits attesting. 

“The NSW Government backs our police to the hilt. We are focused on retaining experienced officers and recruiting new ones which is why we’ve secured a historic pay deal, we’re paying recruits to train and offering recruits from the bush a pathway to work in or near their hometown after attesting.  

“Congratulations to Class 364. Today marks the start of what I hope is a long, rich and rewarding career with the NSW Police Force.” 

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb APM said: 

“I want to congratulate our newest 298 probationary constables for demonstrating the resilience and determination needed to succeed in the NSW Police Force. 

“The graduation of Class 364, the largest in 10 years, is a significant milestone in rebuilding our organisation and reflects the hard work of everyone involved. 

“With application numbers on the rise, I look forward to welcoming even larger classes in 2025 as we continue strengthening our ranks.” 

Rest area upgrades delivering safer journeys for truckies

The Minns Labor Government is continuing to work to improve road safety by providing truck drivers in the state’s south access to upgraded rest areas as part of a statewide $11.9 million improvement initiative.

Five rest areas that cater to heavy vehicles have recently been completed at Berry Jerry rest area on the Sturt Highway, as well as Beckom, Bundure, and the Marsden northbound and southbound rest areas on the Newell Highway.

The upgrades provided solar-powered lighting for the toilet blocks and surrounds to improve safety for all users, and new picnic shelters to allow truckies to take a short break.

Transport for NSW also installed improved roadside signage at a number of service centres along the Hume, Sturt and Newell highways to assist heavy vehicle drivers to better identify rest stops.

The upgrades have been delivered as part of the governments $11.9 million Heavy Vehicle Rest Stop Minor Works Program. Earlier this year Transport also completed upgrades to Seven Trees and Curlwaa rest areas on the Silver City Highway and Bundjalung rest area on the Pacific Highway as part of the statewide program.

More information is available at www.transport.nsw.gov.au/hvrsimprovements

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“Driver fatigue is one of the top four contributing factors to fatal crashes on NSW roads, highlighting the importance of adequate rest and rest stop facilities for all drivers.

“The Minns Labor Government is working closely with, and listening to the road freight industry, as we improve the quantity and quality of heavy vehicle rest stops.”

Independent Member for Murray Helen Dalton said:

“When our heavy vehicle drivers are safe, it contributes to safer roads for all road users.

“It’s good to see investments going to upgrade facilities for truckies in the Murray region.

“Rest areas support truck driver health, safety and wellbeing, and compliance with mandatory rest breaks for fatigue management.”

NSW Labor’s spokesperson for Cootamundra, Stephen Lawrence MLC said:

“These upgraded facilities will go a long way in supporting truck drivers to find safe and reliable areas to park, rest, and access services on what can be long trips in this part of the state.

“I’m pleased to be part of a government rolling out these investments in our regional communities.”


Appointment of new Secretary of the Department of Social Services

I am pleased to announce the Governor-General has accepted my recommendation to appoint Mr Michael Lye as Secretary of the Department of Social Services.

Mr Lye has had an extensive career in the Australian Public Service and has a proven track record of implementing complex reforms, particularly in the area of social policy.

He has served as Deputy Secretary, Ageing and Aged Care, at the Department of Health and Aged Care since 2019, and has previously held senior positions at the Department of Social Services from 2013 to 2019.

Mr Lye’s five year appointment will commence on 11 December 2024. His appointment as Secretary of the Department of Social Services follows a publicly advertised, merit-based selection process.

The current Secretary of the Department of Social Services, Mr Ray Griggs AO CSC, will retire on 10 December 2024, having served as Secretary since 2021.

Mr Griggs has had a long, decorated career in the public sector and Australian Defence Force, as Chief of Navy, Vice Chief of the Defence Force and the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of the National Indigenous Australians Agency.

On behalf of the Australian Government, I thank Mr Griggs for his dedication, leadership and service to the Australian community.

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.”

Labor refuses to assess climate impacts of three proposed coal projects, Greens urge Albanese to reject them

The Australian Greens have said Labor has again capitulated to the big corporations after the federal government refused requests to consider the climate impacts of three proposed coal mining projects.

The ‘reconsideration requests’ were made by the Environment Council of Central Queensland, represented by lawyers from Environmental Justice Australia. However, it was revealed today that the government has rejected those requests.

The three proposed coal mine projects – Boggabri, Caval Ridge and Lake Vermont Meadowbrook – will now await a final decision by the government without a prior assessment of their climate harm.

The refusal to assess climate risk comes a week after Labor caved to big mining corporations and refused to agree with the Greens on laws to protect nature and forests.

The Greens say Labor must reject these projects if it is serious about climate change.

If the three projects are approved, Idemitsu’s Boggabri coal project in NSW would produce 242.86 million tonnes of carbon emissions, BHP Mitsubishi’s Caval Ridge coal project in central Queensland would produce 473 million tonnes, and Jellinbah Group’s Lake Vermont coal project in Queensland would produce 347 million tonnes.

Leader of the Australian Greens, Adam Bandt MP:

“Twice in two weeks, Labor is doing the bidding of the coal and gas corporations. 

“Emissions are higher under Anthony Albanese than Scott Morrison, Labor has approved 28 new coal and gas projects since coming to power, and the government has pushed setting 2035 climate targets back until after the next election.

“Scientists say new coal and gas must be stopped to protect Australia from dangerous climate change. Pacific leaders are demanding Australia stop approving new coal and gas to give their islands a fighting chance.

“Labor is too afraid to stare down the coal billionaires and polluters, and as a result climate pollution is up, new coal and gas mines are getting approved and our communities are at risk from worsening fires, floods, and extreme weather. 

“Anthony Albanese and Tanya Plibersek must immediately reject these three new coal projects.”

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young is Greens spokesperson for the Environment & Senator for South Australia:

“This is the latest reminder that Labor has failed to fix Australia’s broken environment laws

“The Environment Minister’s job is to protect the environment, not cave in to the fossil fuel and logging lobby. The Albanese Government should reject these coal mines and work with the Greens to fix our broken environment laws.

“A climate trigger and an end to native forest logging is desperately needed if we are to stop the worst impacts of the climate crisis.

“The Greens will make this election a referendum on nature and a rejection of the coal and gas lobby.”

Labor refuses to consider impacts on climate from coal

The Federal Labor Government has issued a notice today confirming that the Boggabri Coal Mine Modification 8 will not be assessed for the impact it will have on climate change as part of its assessment under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. The notice comes 5 days after the NSW Labor Government received the first Annual Report from the State’s Net Zero Commission that stated new coal mines “pose a major challenge” to reducing emissions in line with the law.

Greens MP, environmental lawyer and spokesperson for the Environment, Planning and Climate Change, Sue Higginson, said “Labor is lost when it comes to acting on climate change and protecting the environment. We have already hit 1.5 degrees of global heating, we are not on track to meet our emissions reduction targets here in NSW and now federal Labor refuses to consider the impacts of climate change from the continuation of mining coal on the environment,”

“Climate change is the single biggest threat that we face, and is a primary driver of the biodiversity and extinction crises, and yet Labor still refuse to consider the impacts on the climate from waving through massive new coal expansions,”

“The decision by Labor to disregard the impacts of the Boggabri Coal mine on climate change has cleared the path for the project to be approved before the new year, a truly terrible outcome for our emissions reduction targets in NSW,”

“If the mine is approved for expanded operations, an additional 62 million tonnes of coal will be dug up and burnt in Australia and overseas. Labor cannot expect to be trusted when they say they want to act on climate while pushing ahead massive mines like Boggabri to be expanded,”

“It’s not too late for the NSW Labor Government to take action and to halt this project from going any further. NSW has the power to intervene and stop projects from going ahead where there is a clear need to do so. If tens of millions of tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions generated from expanded mines isn’t a good reason, while we face another summer of record breaking heat waves, then Labor shouldn’t be taken seriously when they say they want to act on climate change,” Ms Higginson said.

Australian Greens announce plans for Federal expansion of drug checking to help save lives

Australian Greens announce plans for Federal expansion of drug checking to help save lives.

The Australian Greens are announcing a plan to establish a drug testing agency that would run a number of drug testing sites in capital cities and regional hubs and provide free testing services at Australian music festivals. This also includes additional funding to the Department of Health and AgedCare to coordinate data collection, analysis and communication of results of the drug tests.

Large numbers of Australians have consumed or actively consumed alcohol and other drugs with nearly half of the community using an illicit substance at some point.

13.6% of Australians aged 14 and over have used MDMA/ecstasy, which is the most common drug present at existing pill testing sites.

Drug checking and pill testing is a common sense and health based approach to minimise the risk of drug use and has the support of the public health sector including the Public Health Association andAustralian Medical Association.

Quotes attributed to Senator Jordon Steele-John, Greens Spokesperson for Health and Mental Health

“Nearly half of our community has taken an illicit substance at some point in their life and the use of these drugs in our community is inevitable, it is our job to minimise risk and harm not criminalise and stigmatise.”

“At the moment the biggest danger facing young people using drugs at festivals isn’t the substance itself but a failure of government policy that doesn’t allow people to be able to check what is in that drug and access education and medical services when needed.”

“We have a system designed to criminalise and stigmatise people who take drugs in our community which has led to tragic outcomes. It is time we listen to the community and the experts and implement common sense approaches to minimise harm and risk.”

“The Greens plan will see drug testing sites set up in capital cities and regional hubs across the country through the establishment of a federal drug testing agency. This agency would also be responsible for providing free testing services at music festivals.”

“Nearly half of our community has taken an illicit substance at some point in their life and the use of these drugs in our community is inevitable, it is our job to minimise risk and harm not criminalise and stigmatise.”

“At the moment the biggest danger facing young people using drugs at festivals isn’t the substance itself but a failure of government policy that doesn’t allow people to be able to check what is in that drug and access education and medical services when needed.”

“We have a system designed to criminalise and stigmatise people who take drugs in our community which has led to tragic outcomes. It is time we listen to the community and the experts and implement common sense approaches to minimise harm and risk.”

“The Greens plan will see drug testing sites set up in capital cities and regional hubs across the country through the establishment of a federal drug testing agency. This agency would also be responsible for providing free testing services at music festivals.”

Visit to New Zealand for Australia–New Zealand Foreign and Defence Ministers’ Consultations

Today, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles, and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong, will travel to Auckland, for the second Australia–New Zealand Foreign and Defence Ministers’ Consultations (ANZMIN).

Australia and New Zealand have a uniquely close relationship. Trans-Tasman cooperation has never been stronger, with close alignment in our strategic, foreign and trade interests and deep links between our people.

ANZMIN is an important opportunity to strengthen our partnership and discuss evolving international and regional security and strategic issues. 

Ministers will also meet their respective counterparts for a bilateral Defence Ministers’ Meeting and Foreign Ministers’ Consultations during the visit.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP:

“I look forward to reconnecting with Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, and again meeting with my close colleague, Defence Minister Judith Collins, in New Zealand.

“ANZMIN is a valuable opportunity to reflect on our deep and longstanding alliance while discussing ways to increase cooperation in support of a peaceful, prosperous and resilient region.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:

“Australia and New Zealand are family. Working together has never been more important as we confront the global economic and geostrategic challenges that affect both our countries.

“Our meeting will be an opportunity to discuss our joint interests in the Pacific and opportunities for greater collaboration into the future – because we are stronger when we work together with our Pacific neighbours to create a region that is peaceful, prosperous and resilient.”

UpStage to scale dramatic new heights following successful 2024 season

A new cohort of artists and creatives will get the chance to share the limelight when City of Newcastle’s UpStage at the Playhouse live performance program returns to the Civic Theatre in 2025.

Teen-led theatre company Hyde Entertainment will take to the stage with a hilarious story of unrequited feelings, love notes and high school insecurity, as one of four local productions selected to bring new and adapted works to life at the Playhouse next year.

Civic Theatre Manager Leonie Wallace, Program and Venues Lead Jordan Campbell, Ticketing and Audience Lead Jo Michel join the artists and creatives who will present the 2025 UpStage at the Playhouse program.Civic Theatre Manager Leonie Wallace, Program and Venues Lead Jordan Campbell, Ticketing and Audience Lead Jo Michel join the artists and creatives who will present the 2025 UpStage at the Playhouse program.Chair of City of Newcastle’s Community and Culture Advisory Committee, Councillor Jenny Barrie, said the first season of Upstage at the Playhouse was a resounding success.

“Civic Theatre and City of Newcastle are proud to foster and support the wonderful creative talent that exists in our region,” Cr Barrie said.

“UpStage at the Playhouse helps build the capacity and exposure of local artists while enhancing Newcastle’s reputation as a cultural capital.

“Our 2024 season was a huge success, with the four productions selling more than 3000 tickets at the 195-seat Playhouse and being nominated for a total of nine City of Newcastle Dramatic Association Awards.

“I congratulate the local theatre companies and playwrights selected to take part in the program next year and look forward to seeing them present a mix of newly written pieces and adaptations of two classics.”

Founded by 18-year-old Seb Smee, Newcastle theatre company Hyde Entertainment will debut a re-imagining of Edmond Rostand’s play Cyrano de Bergerac called Calvin Berger, while award-winning playwright Pip Thoroughgood will breathe new life into a timeless Shakespearean classic in The Prophetic Tragedy of Macbeth and Those Who Knew Him.

A Very Newy Chrissy, a joint production between One For The Road Productions and Insight Acting, is an original work that tells the story of modern families and well-worn traditions, while #This Is Not Journalism, created by playwright Ross Mueller, is a contemporary comedy about truth, news and alternative facts that shows what happens when the story-behind-the-story, becomes the story.

Civic Theatre Manager Leonie Wallace said UpStage at the Playhouse has already made a positive difference to local creatives.

“We’ve had feedback from participants in this year’s program saying the support we’ve offered has made a real difference in staging their new and adapted works, helping them to build and sustain their careers in Newcastle,” Ms Wallace said.

“The four productions have been a huge hit with audiences and attracted a broad demographic of theatregoers, achieving sold out opening nights for each of the productions.”

Each of the new shows will be given a two-week placement in the Playhouse, which is co-located in the same building as the iconic Civic Theatre.

Tickets for UpStage at the Playhouse are now on sale, with The Prophetic Tragedy of Macbeth and Those Who Knew Him to raise the curtain on the 2025 program in March.

For more information visit https://www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au 

The Prophetic Tragedy of Macbeth and Those Who Knew Him | 20 – 29 March
 
Written by William Shakespeare, adapted by Pippa Thoroughgood
 Produced by All’s One Theatre
 
Calvin Berger | 4 – 12 July 
 
Book, Music and Lyrics by Barry Wyner 
 Orchestration by Doug Besterman
 Original Direction by Kathleen Marshall
 Scene Change Music Arranged by Aron Accurso
 Produced by Hyde Entertainment

 #THIS IS NOT JOURNALISM | 26 September – 4 October
 
Written by Ross Mueller
 Produced by Australian Writers Theatre
 
A Very Newy Chrissy | 6 – 15 November
 
Written by Nat Newman
 Produced by One for the Road Productions