Month: February 2025

VIC GREENS PUSH TO PROTECT ABORTION FROM RENEWED CONSERVATIVE THREAT

The Victorian Greens will second read their Bill to Parliament and will force a debate to enshrine abortion services into the Victorian Constitution, safeguarding access to abortion from future conservative State governments.

Separate to the Bill, the Upper House will debate a Greens motion committing the Parliament to guard against the current and future political threats to the provision of safe abortion services in the State.

The Greens Bill would require a supermajority, and while the Premier has been clear she’s committed to protecting reproductive rights, support from some Liberal MPs would likely still be necessary to make the change.

The Greens wrote to the new Opposition Leader Brad Battin regarding his position on the Bill several weeks ago, but have yet to receive a reply.

It comes after the Liberal leadership spill that saw many in the anti-abortion faction of the party oust the former moderate Liberal Leader John Pesutto, who had expressed his personal support for abortion and said he would put it to a conscience vote.

The last time the Liberals were in power under Denis Napthine they were considering winding back Victoria’s abortion laws.

The moves come in response to renewed attempts from some Liberal and National MPs around the country to wind-back abortion laws in Parliaments across Australia.

State Greens Leader Ellen Sandell said that protecting abortion was especially necessary in Victoria, given the rise of the staunchly anti-abortion faction of the Victorian Liberal Party under its new Leader Brad Battin.

Greens Spokesperson for Health Dr. Sarah Mansfield, a former regional GP, will second read the Greens Bill on Wednesday.

Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell:

“It’s frightening that all it takes is for a change of government to threaten our right to safely access abortion in Victoria, especially when the Liberals are lurching further to the right here.

“People deserve to know where their leaders sit when it comes to their reproductive rights and access to essential healthcare.

“In little over a month as leader Brad Battin has welcomed one anti-abortion MP back to the Liberal Party, promoted another to the shadow cabinet, and pre-selected a third as a candidate for an upcoming by-election”

the Victorian Greens Health Spokesperson, Dr Sarah Mansfield:

“Abortion is already a postcode lottery in Victoria, we can’t risk a change in government further threatening access to this essential healthcare.

“We know that the last time the Liberals were in government in Victoria they considered winding back our abortion laws.

“Our reproductive rights have been hard-won, but it’s clear the fight isn’t over. Around the world, and here in Australia, we are seeing a renewed attack on reproductive rights from conservative politicians.

“If there was ever a time to do this, it’s now. The Greens call on the Parliament to finally protect Victorians’ reproductive rights forever.”

Nuatali Nelmes resigns from Newcastle City Council

Councillor and former Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes has formally advised City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath of her resignation from Council.

The resignation brings to a close Nuatali’s more than 16-year career with Newcastle City Council, having been elected as a Ward 3 Councillor in August 2008, before being elected as Lord Mayor in November 2014 until October 2024.

Former Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig and City of Newcastle staff at the Works Depot in 2024.Former Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig and City of Newcastle staff at the Works Depot in 2024.The Council unanimously resolved in October that should a councillor resign in the first 18 months of the four-year term, a countback election would take place.

This election does not require voters of Ward 3 to return to the polls and therefore a by-election is not required. Instead, the NSW Electoral Commission will now contact all unelected Ward 3 candidates to confirm their interest in being elected to Council. 

If there is only one eligible candidate, that candidate is elected. If there are multiple eligible candidates, a countback election is conducted based on votes from the election in Ward 3 in September 2024.

CEO Jeremy Bath said he wished Nuatali all the best.

“On behalf of the City of Newcastle’s 1,400 employees, I’d like to thank Nuatali for her dedication as a councillor and as the former Lord Mayor,” Mr Bath said.

“Nuatali was not only a passionate supporter of Newcastle, but also for our staff and the incredible work they do in the community.

“Only 15 people have served in the role of Lord Mayor of Newcastle. It’s a seven-day-a-week role and for Nuatali it commenced the minute she woke each morning and didn’t pause until very late at night. 

“I especially appreciated Nuatali’s advice and effort during the pandemic. Under Nuatali’s leadership our Council took on a very visible support role for the community, injecting tens of millions of dollars into the community to support those that had either lost their job or who were suffering from the health impacts of the multiple lock downs.

“Nuatali’s 16 years on Council has coincided with a significant transformation of Newcastle, nowhere more evident than in the Newcastle CBD itself.

“When Nuatali was first elected as a Councillor, City of Newcastle was approving $450 million in development annually. Last year more than $1.5 billion in development was approved, including over 350 projects that when completed will provide 900 dwellings for our community. In 2014 we had a backlog of 410 DAs that were undetermined. Today that number has fallen to 209, the lowest number since we started keeping records more than 30 years ago. 

“Over the past decade Council has approved 14,586 development applications, with a combined value of more than $9 billion.

“The last 10 years during which Nuatali served as Newcastle’s 14th Lord Mayor saw an even greater economic change in the city. Local employment has grown by more than 17,000 jobs or 20%, and the unemployment rate has fallen from 7.3% to 3.1%, which is lower than the regional NSW unemployment rate, the state unemployment rate and the national unemployment rate.

“Over the past decade the population of Newcastle has increased by more than 10%, with our city now considered one of the most desired places to live in Australia.

“Urban revitalisation has also seen unprecedented growth and transformation across the city during the past 10 years. When Nuatali was elected Lord Mayor in August 2014, the city was investing $45.4 million annually in city infrastructure. The most recent capital works program adopted by Council in July last year committed $143.4 million to be spent improving the city. This is the largest capital works program ever attempted by any local council in the Hunter region.”  

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said he thanked Nuatali for her 16 years of civic service.

“Nuatali has had a remarkably long career contributing to the city through the Council, to the Newcastle Airport, to the Local Government Association of NSW, and to the Labor party,” Cr Kerridge said.

“It has been a time of dramatic changes in our city.  Nuatali‘s energetic leadership has been a major part of this change. 

“Civic leadership requires great sacrifices, including by families, and I hope Nuatali and her family can now enjoy some time together, reflecting on their achievements. 

“I wish her well in her future career wherever that may take her.”

Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull said he’s enjoyed working with Nuatali over the past three years.

“From day one Nuatali was a generous leader and always willing to share advice, especially when I was learning the ropes of being a Councillor,” Cr Pull said.

“I will miss having her at Council, and her absence from Council meetings will be significant in terms of her extensive local government knowledge and experience. That said, it’s an opportunity for all of us to step up and help fill the void created by Nuatali’s resignation. 

“Her contribution to our city has been enormous, and I wish her every success in her journey ahead.”

NSW Government delivers bold new TAFE NSW Charter to meet critical skills needs

The NSW Government has launched the new TAFE NSW Charter, reaffirming its commitment to equipping the state with the skilled workforce it urgently needs.

A key recommendation of the independent review of the NSW vocational education and training (VET) sector, the TAFE NSW Charter lets the people of NSW know what they should expect from TAFE – as the provider at the heart of vocational training. 

Launched to coincide with the start of Semester 1, 2025, the announcement comes as students return to campuses across NSW and marks a pivotal moment for TAFE NSW along with the rollout of its new operating model.

This model, also stemming from the NSW VET Review, introduces teaching faculties with deeper ties to local industries and communities, enhancing responsiveness and collaboration.

The Charter reflects TAFE NSW as an important public asset, community space, industry partner and a leader of educational quality and innovation within the broader VET sector.

Together, the TAFE NSW Charter and operating model will strengthen the critical role TAFE NSW plays for industry and communities across the state.

The announcement was made at TAFE NSW Kingscliff, where a $33 million NSW Government investment is upgrading facilities, including a new learning space for health services students.

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said: 

“A skilled workforce is the backbone of our economy, and TAFE NSW is central to delivering the critical skills training needed for strong industries and thriving NSW communities.

“The TAFE NSW Charter is a commitment that TAFE NSW will deliver world-class education and training focused on critical skills needs for NSW, now and into the future.

“It provides a clear mandate for TAFE NSW to lead the way in delivering innovative, industry-aligned training that equips people with the skills and confidence to succeed, while driving economic growth and inclusion for communities.

“It details how TAFE NSW, as the public training provider, will deliver quality skills training to workers beginning and continuing careers in those industries we know are a priority for the state, such as construction, advanced manufacturing, and the care sector.

Acting Managing Director TAFE NSW, Chloe Read said: 

“The TAFE NSW Charter is more than a statement of purpose – it’s a commitment to the diverse range of students, industries, and communities we support.

“It will secure TAFE NSW’s place at the heart of the VET sector, providing high-quality training that prepares individuals for success in their careers and strengthens the fabric of our local economies and communities.”

Diploma of Nursing student TAFE NSW Kingscliff, Sophie D’Arcy said:

“Having a strong and sustainable organisation like TAFE NSW underpinning the VET sector means that we can access the vital training needed to pursue our dream professions.

“For me, that’s starting my journey as a nurse through the Diploma of Nursing at TAFE NSW Kingscliff. I am due to complete my studies later this year and am confident my training, combined with practical application and supportive teachers, will give me the skills I need to succeed in my future career.”

NSW Government backs Upper Hunter’s industrial future

The Future Land Use and Enabling Works project for Liddell Power Station has been approved by the Minns Labor Government, which will see the former power station, demolished, remediated and transformed for future industrial land uses.

The approval of the State Significant Development, south of Muswellbrook, will mean more jobs and industrial opportunities for the Upper Hunter.

Spanning around 143 hectares, the Future Land Use and Enabling Works project is expected to generate more than $260 million in Capital Investment Value (CIV) for the Upper Hunter Region as well as 100 full time equivalent jobs.

Remediation works will include:

  • Demolition of the power station
  • Construction and operation of a borrow pit for capping, civil works and recontouring of the site
  • Recontouring and revegetation of the site
  • Construction and operation of a landfill for the disposal of asbestos contaminated soil and material from demolished infrastructure.

In 2023, the Liddell Power Station came to the end of its technical life and was formally closed, with the proponent AGL committing to remediate the site for a cleaner future.

Following the assessment from the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) the approval has strict conditions of consent to manage biodiversity, water and traffic impacts. Works are now expected to commence within the next 3 months and are expected to continue over the next ten years.

The Upper Hunter has long been an industrial powerhouse and this approval is only the most recent planning determination that indicates a broader Government support for the Upper Hunter to remain an industrial centre.

The approval also comes shortly after the Minns Government launched its Industrial Lands Action Plan (PDF 977.79KB) which sets out a new approach to plan, secure, and manage the supply of industrial lands to deliver new jobs, drive investment and support local economies.

The Minns Labor Government will continue to support robust investment and job opportunities in regional NSW.

For more information, visit the web page on the Liddell Future Land Use and Enabling Works Project.

A map of the Liddell Future Land Use and Enabling Works Project, marking the project area in red and the disturbance areas in yellow.
Project layout and disturbance areas of the Liddell Future Land Use and Enabling Works Project.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Under the Minns Government, we have a planning system that is supporting the renewable energy transition, approving projects that will support our communities, energy security and emissions reductions.

“With up to 100 jobs generated during construction and operation, this project will benefit the local economy, local communities and provide indirect benefits to local services throughout the life of project.

“This project is one of many that is part of the state’s growing renewable energy infrastructure that plays a vital role in powering our economy for generations to come.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

“The $260 million project injects a major capital investment within the Upper Hunter and will support dozens of new, local jobs.

“The Liddel Power Station is an important part of the Hunter’s history and this project represents the significant investment opportunities that lay ahead for the region.

“Today’s announcement further shores up our region as an industrial powerhouse, that will attract jobs, investment and innovation for decades to come.”

Duty MLC for the Upper Hunter Emily Suvaal said:

“This approval is welcome news for our area and shows the Minns Labor Government’s continued support for the future of the Upper Hunter.

“As the chair of the inquiry into Beneficial and Productive Postmining Land Use, I am hugely supportive of the Minns Government working with proponents to see industrial sites rehabilitated and renewed for future use.

“This means continued employment, investment and innovation for our region.”

Funding boost for veterans projects around NSW

More than $124,000 in funding has been provided to 99 community groups, schools and ex-service organisations from Wyong to Wagga Wagga, Cootamundra to Coogee, Winston Hills to Wollondilly as part of the Anzac Community Grants Program (ACGP) to commemorate veterans across the state.

Minister for Veterans David Harris announced today that $124,629 will be provided to a wide variety of projects that commemorate and educate NSW communities about the service and sacrifices of current and former servicemen and servicewomen.

The 2024 round of the ACGP received 116 applications, surpassing the number received last year with a record amount of funding requested. Up to $3,000 was provided to help fund each of the 99 projects around the state, with veterans as well as the wider community benefitting from the projects delivered from this round, including 34 schools, 20 RSL sub-Branches and 15 Councils.

Grant recipients include Wyalong Public School in the state’s west with funding to enhance their commemorative garden and Goulburn Mulwaree Council to support the display of the significant CEW Bean Military Collection.

For the full list of 2024 ACGP recipients and more information about the program visit https://www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/acgp2024

Minister for Veterans David Harris said:

“The NSW Government is dedicated to honouring the service and sacrifice of our veterans and their families.

“The Anzac Community Grants Program allocates funding for outstanding projects and initiatives that not only acknowledge Australia’s military service history but also play a crucial role in educating future generations and enhancing the wellbeing of the veteran community in NSW.

“This round saw applications from 99 suburbs, across 59 Local Government Areas and 57 State electorates. It’s wonderful to see that so many communities throughout NSW are applying for this funding, and many projects will gain from this program.”

Kylie Taylor, Principal, Wyalong Public School said:

“Thank you to the NSW Government for helping us to continue to honour the contributions of our former students who served in World War One. Our commemorative garden honours each serviceman with a plaque displaying their name, rank, and location of death, alongside a pathway marking the timeline of their wartime service with plants that represent the regions where these men fought.

“This funding will contribute to an accessible commemorative booklet and signage to serve as a valued educational space for our current and future students.”

Justin Croft, Museums Coordinator, Goulburn Mulwaree Council said:

“Thank you to the NSW Government for this funding which will contribute to upgrading and enhancing the display of the highly significant CEW Bean Military Collection.

“This Collection is available in our museum and provides a rich history of the contributions made by our servicemen and servicewomen during the First World War.”

Short-term Regional, Rural and Remote employment program expanded

A highly successful regional, rural and remote deployment program for key health care roles is set to be expanded over the next three years, with NSW Health recruiting nurses, midwives and allied health professionals to be posted to short term placements across NSW.

The NSW Health Deployment Program was first established in May 2023 to create a pipeline of skilled health professionals for short-term roles.

The short-term positions of between two and 13 weeks offer healthcare professionals the opportunity to travel and work in regional, rural and remote parts of NSW they may never have visited, with accommodation and travel costs covered.  

The NSW Government is currently seeking healthcare workers from more than 20 professions including nurses, midwives and allied health professionals for a range of short-term positions in hospitals and health facilities across NSW.

The initial success of the program so far has seen 90 staff undertake hundreds of deployments across the state in priority roles such as nursing, midwifery, occupational therapy, podiatry, speech pathology and physiotherapy.

NSW Health will now increase the team to around 400 to further strengthen its support to regional, rural and remote areas

Healthcare workers seeking a role with NSW Health, or current staff, are encouraged to register their interest via the NSW Health website.

The Minns Labor Government has introduced a series of measures to strengthen the state’s health workforce including:

  • Implementing the Safe Staffing Levels initiative in our emergency departments
  • Providing permanent funding for 1,112 FTE nurses and midwives on an ongoing basis
  • Abolishing the wages cap and delivering the highest pay increase in more than a decade for nurses and other health workers
  • Investing an additional $200.1 million in key worker accommodation
  • Beginning to roll out 500 additional paramedics in regional, rural and remote communities
  • Boosting subsidies for regional health workers.

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“Recruitment and retention of healthcare staff in rural, regional and remote hospitals is one of our biggest, if not the biggest issue we face.

“This is a fantastic and unique opportunity for staff to expand their skills and also immerse themselves into a new community.

“This innovative program is not only attracting health workers to regional, rural and remote communities but also strengthening these areas by maintaining essential health services.

“These deployments give health workers the chance to explore and immerse themselves in new communities, and pleasingly I’ve heard stories of many health professionals who have found the experience so rewarding they’ve chosen to stay, providing lasting benefits for patients, the community, and the health system.”

NSW Health Deputy Secretary for Rural and Regional Health Luke Sloane:

“The deployment program offers a fantastic career opportunity for a range of healthcare staff who are seeking new experiences and a career reset as well as a great lifestyle change.

“It’s also an incredibly rewarding personal experience, with many who take part forming new friendships in close-knit communities who welcome them with open arms.”

NSW Health Deployment Program participant, Speech Pathologist Saffron Foy:

“I joined the NSW Health Deployment program because I wanted a bit of a change and I loved the experience of working in unique and supportive rural communities.

“At first it was a little nerve wracking, but the teams I was deployed to were so welcoming and inclusive that the nerves were shaken pretty quickly.

“I really recommend giving it a go and experiencing something new because it lets you experience a different lifestyle and allows you to improve and expand your skills.”

Jo ‘Van’ Haylen And Rosé Jackson must go

This morning Chris Minns’ credibility as Premier is up for debate. During a train wreck radio interview, he tried to sidestep the obvious – his Transport Minister, Jo Haylen, misled the public about her use of taxpayer-funded drivers – and yet he still refuses to sack her.
 
This is not just about one dodgy minister; it is about two and a cover-up.
 
Yesterday Chris Minns claimed Jo Haylen made a “singular lapse in judgement.” He said she had nothing to hide. He said there were no other examples of Jo Haylen doing this.
 
That was not true.
 
It is since emerged that she repeatedly used her driver between Sydney and Caves Beach for the Saturday sports run.
 
It is also emerged that she used her driver on Sunday double time for a weekend family lunch west of the Blue Mountains.
 
Chris Minns is too weak to act because he relies on the hard-left faction that helped put him in the job.
 
If Jo Haylen and Rose Jackson stay, it is because Chris Minns is too scared to cross factional masters.
 
If Jo Haylen and Rose Jackson stay, it is because Chris Minns cares more about protecting the Labor Left than protecting taxpayer money.
 
Leader of the Opposition, Mark Speakman, said it is time for Chris Minns to do what any decent leader would do and sack Jo Haylen immediately. Rose Jackson, who has been and still is in hiding, must go too.
 
“Now we find out Jo Haylen has been caught out again – and this is not just about one rogue minister, it is about two. This is about a Premier who is too weak, too compromised, and too tied to faction heavyweights to do the right thing. If Chris Minns will not sack Jo Haylen and Rose Jackson, then he may as well admit he is just a puppet for the Labor Left,” Mr Speakman said.
 
This is not a government that treats taxpayer money with respect. It is a government of self-entitled elites, who see public money as their own personal slush fund.
 
Acting Shadow Minister for Transport Damien Tudehope said Chris Minns is letting Jo Haylen get away with it.
 
“The Premier’s repeated defence of the indefensible has now collapsed under the weight of fresh revelations about Jo Haylen’s travel rorts. Jo Haylen lied to the people of NSW, lied to the media, and lied to the Premier.
 
If Chris Minns has a shred of integrity, Haylen and Jackson must go. If he refuses, the people of NSW will know exactly who he works for – and it is not them,” said Mr Tudehope.   
 
Chris Minns’ judgement is shot. If he lets this slide, then the only conclusion voters can draw is this this Premier’s standards are as bad as his ministers.

Teen charged over alleged wounding – Raymond Terrace

A teenager has been charged as an investigation continues into an assault at Raymond Terrace over the weekend.

Just after 2.30am yesterday (Sunday 2 February 2025), emergency services were called to Benjamin Lee Drive, Raymond Terrace, following reports of a stabbing.

On arrival, officers were told two men – both aged 31 – had been assaulted, with one allegedly stabbed in his back.

The injured man was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to a hospital in a serious but stable condition where he remains.

The other man was treated at the scene for minor injuries.

A crime scene was established and an investigation into the incident commenced by Port Stephens-Hunter Police District detectives.

Following extensive inquiries, police attended a home in Raymond Terrace about 1.10pm today (Monday 3 February 2025).

A 17-year-old boy was arrested and taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station where he was charged with reckless wounding.

He was refused bail to appear before a children’s court tomorrow (Tuesday 4 February 2025).

Inquiries into the incident are continuing.

‘Van Haylen’ – Labor Ministers’ taxpayer-funded day trip rort

On Saturday 25 January—the day before Australia Day—while NSW families were battling rising rents, mortgage repayments, and back-to-school costs, Jo Haylen ordered a taxpayer-funded van to drive from Sydney to her holiday home in Caves Beach—where the average house price is $1.28 million—just to pick her up.
 
Not work. Not essential. Just the same old labor.
 
And who was in the back seat? Their mates and Rose Jackson—the same Minister who thinks rent in Sydney is $200 a week.
 
Meanwhile, a government driver was forced to do a 13-hour shift for their luxury. Where was the duty of care?
 
Would any employer—government or private—allow this?

  • How exactly will Haylen “pay it back”? Has she even asked the Premier’s Department Secretary Simon Draper how this works?
  • Or will the Premier’s Department be left to clean up the mess again?
  • And let’s be real—this wasn’t just a quiet trip. Caves Beach is not far from the Hunter Valley’s best wineries and Vodka Distilleries.
  • Was this taxpayer-funded ride part of a luxury day on the plonk?

Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said Jo Haylen and Rose Jackson had shown utter contempt for the NSW taxpayer and must resign.
 
“Now that they’ve been caught, Minister Haylen said she’ll ‘pay it back’—that’s not accountability, that’s an admission of guilt. And worse, they forced a government driver into a gruelling 13-hour shift,” Mr Speakman said.
 
Public transport has been in chaos—but the Transport Minister refuses to take a train or bus.
 
The mental health system is in freefall—but the Mental Health Minister is too busy enjoying her free rides.
 
Acting Shadow Minister for Transport Damien Tudehope said this isn’t just about failing the pub test—it’s about failing the duty-of-care test.
 
“They didn’t just rort the system—they endangered a government worker. A 13-hour drive is reckless and unacceptable.”
 
“NSW taxpayers are under massive financial pressure, but the Transport Minister treats public money like her personal Uber account. And the Mental Health Minister thinks it’s fine to tag along for the ride,” Mr Tudehope said.
 
This is same old Labor—entitled, wasteful, and completely out of touch.
 
This is a test for Chris Minns’ own standards and leadership. If Jo Haylen and Rose Jackson don’t resign, Chris Minns must sack them. No excuses, no spin—just leadership.

Renewed appeal to locate man missing from Lake Macquarie

Police are renewing their appeal for public assistance to locate a man missing from the Lake Macquarie region.

Andrew Dumbrell, aged 35, was last seen on Lorna and Edith Street, Waratah about 9.10am on Tuesday 14 January 2025.

When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for Andrew’s welfare as he lives with medical conditions which require medication.

Andrew is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165cm to 170cm tall, of medium build, with grey hair and brown eyes.

He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt with a white logo, dark coloured shorts and no shoes.

He is known to use public transport and frequent Windale, Warners Bay, Charlestown and Belmont areas.