Australian produce in high demand for Lunar New Year Celebrations in China

The Lunar New Year marks exciting new opportunities for Australian food and agriculture exporters to China, with $20 billion worth of trade impediments now removed.

China’s consumers can celebrate the Year of the Snake by dining on a smorgasbord of Aussie cuisine, including delicious lobsters, the world’s best wines, and high-quality beef steaks.

The Albanese Labor Government has worked calmly and consistently to restore dialogue to Australia’s relationship with China and secure the removal of $20 billion of trade impediments.

Following the removal of the final trade impediments in December 2024, dining tables in China will now feature Australian live rock lobsters, a welcome outcome for Chinese consumers and Australian businesses alike.

Over 900 tonnes of live rock lobsters has already been exported to China since the removal of impediments. This has supported the jobs of 3,000 Australians employed in the industry, 2,000 of which are in Western Australia.

Australian fresh cherries are also highly prized as a gift to celebrate the Lunar New Year, and demand is expected to grow this financial year, after strong growth last year. Australia exported $14 million or 582 tonnes of cherries in 2023-24, an increase of 129 per cent in value and 137 per cent in volume. 

Exports to China of Australian agricultural products previously affected by trade impediments have rebounded in 2024 year-on-year (January to October):

  • barley increased 221 per cent in value;
  • wine increased over 5,000 per cent in value; and
  • timber logs (specifically, wood in the rough) increased over 8,000 per cent in value.

China remains Australia’s largest market for agricultural exports, worth $17.1 billion and accounting for around a quarter of total agricultural exports in 2023-24.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong:

“The Albanese Labor Government’s calm and consistent approach to our relationship with China is delivering for Australians and for our national interest.

“It’s the result of hard work and a responsible Government that doesn’t play reckless political games with Australia’s most important relationships. 

“Labor will continue to support Australian businesses to sell their products to the world, including through our efforts to diversify our trade.”

Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell:  

“Sustained engagement and advocacy by the Albanese Labor Government has resulted in the removal of around $20 billion of Chinese trade impediments, benefiting Australian farmers, exporters and our regions.

“But we will not rest on our laurels – we are committed to creating even more export opportunities for Australian farmers and producers.

“Every product we export means more national income and more well-paying Australian jobs.”

Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Julie Collins:

“Australia has an outstanding reputation as a supplier of high-quality agricultural products in China.  

“Our Government is focused on strengthening our trade relationships and expanding opportunities for Australia’s farmers and producers.

“In 2023-24, we recorded 88 market access achievements which opened, improved, maintained, or restored access for Australian businesses, including unlocking 10 new markets.

“Australia exports over 70 per cent of our agricultural, fisheries and forestry production to 169 markets globally – the most diversified trade has ever been – thanks to the Albanese Labor Government.”

Greens WA call for Kimberley fracking ban

In a balance of power position, the Greens (WA) will negotiate to ban fracking across the whole of the Kimberley.

Currently, fracking is banned in WA’s south west, Peel, Perth and parts of the Dampier Peninsula, leaving the Kimberley open to the highly polluting, destructive industry.

This fracking carve out for the Kimberley was created in 2018 by WA Labor under former Premier Mark McGowan and has led to Texan fossil fuel company Black Mountain applying to drill and frack 20 oil and gas wells in the Martuwarra Fitzroy River catchment in the stunning West Kimberley.

The WA EPA is currently assessing Black Mountain’s proposal and a decision will be required of the WA Government after the election.

In December 2024, Environment Minister Reece Whitby approved Woodside’s North West Shelf extension which could pave the way for fracking proposals in the Kimberley.

WA’s Kimberley region is home to tens of thousands of First Nations people who have protected and cared for their Country for more than 60,000 years.

The Kimberley has the largest, most intact tropical savannah left in the world and its nature and culture, with vast dramatic landscapes, are the draw cards for the $500 million tourism industry.

It is full of globally significant wetlands, free-flowing river systems and pristine oceans, and provides refuge for threatened wildlife that have disappeared from most of Australia. 

The Greens will hold the major parties to account and give the Kimberley the protection it deserves. 

In a balance of power position, the Greens will push for:

  • Extend the current fracking ban to cover all of the Kimberley and the midwest. 
  • Rejection of Black Mountain’s proposal to drill and frack 20 oil and gas wells in the Martuwarra Fitzroy River catchment. 
  • Increase protection for the Kimberley’s stunning intact natural landscapes, rivers and oceans through a co-design process with Traditional Owners. 

Greens WA candidate and Fossil Fuels Spokesperson Sophie McNeill:

“WA Labor caved into pressure from fossil fuel companies in 2018 and gave them a licence to frack our state’s most stunning and untouched region. It is past time for this to end. 

“Fracking is banned for good reason in the south west, Peel and Perth regions. It is a dangerous, risky practice that destroys and poisons water supplies and scars our landscapes. 

“Labor knows it’s unsafe which is why they have banned it down south – so why should the people of the Kimberley have to suffer the consequences of this cowboy industry?

“We have seen the devastation caused by fracking in other parts of Australia and across the world.

“Why does WA Labor think it’s ok to protect communities in the rest of the state from this toxic practice, but not the people of the Kimberley?

“Only the Greens will stop fossil fuel companies turning the Kimberley into Texas.”

Greens WA candidate for Fremantle Felicity Townsend:

“This is an issue extremely close to the hearts of the Fremantle community.

“A recent survey of over 1,000 people in the seat of Fremantle revealed that 92% of voters want a ban on fracking and 72% are willing to change their vote for it.

“Local Fremantle member and current Minister for Water Simone McGurk has the power to end this dangerous practice tomorrow, but instead she has allowed fossil fuel companies to run her government’s agenda.

“Recent analysis by climate scientists has demonstrated there could be 8,700 oil and gas fracking wells across the Kimberley in places like the Martuwarra Fitzroy River and Roebuck Bay catchments with full scale development and a pipeline to the Pilbara.

“It is only the Greens who are listening to the people of Fremantle on this critical issue and who have the power to turn a ban on fracking in the Kimberley into reality.”

Greens MLC Dr Brad Pettitt (speaking from Broome):

“The Broome community was outraged in 2018 when WA Labor gave fossil fuel companies a license to frack the Kimberley.

“The people of the Kimberley have fought tooth and nail to stop fracking and protect the Kimberley for the past 15 years.

“This is a community that defeated Woodside at James Price Point; who have shown time and time again that they will not allow this Country to be destroyed by fossil fuel multinationals.

”It beggars belief that Labor would allow the pristine, intact Kimberley environment to turn into a vast network of fracking wells that risk poisoning the region’s water supplies and critical river networks. 

“The Cook Labor government must stop putting the demands of fossil fuel companies before that of the well-being of the WA community.” 

Greens announce Great Southern Forest National Park on the NSW South Coast

Momentum is gathering for an end to native forest logging. A 2024 survey showed that 70% of people in NSW support an end to native forest logging on public land, with 69% in support nationally. Ending native forest logging in NSW is no longer a question of if, but when. 

Under the Greens’ plan, the NSW Government will be able to access $140.4 million of Commonwealth funding per year, for 20 years, contingent on an end to all native forest logging in the state. This funding will go directly towards ecological restoration and ensuring a just transition for communities and workers. The Greens will pay for this plan by making the big corporations pay their fair share of tax. 

The Greens will advocate for this funding to contribute to establishing the Great Southern National Park, which will ensure the protection and enjoyment of our forests by all for generations to come. Under this proposal, there is the potential for over 400,000 hectares of state forest to be added to the reserve system once native forest logging ends. Additionally, funding could go towards rehabilitating and restoring our forests, creating sustainable communities and jobs, working with Traditional Owners, supporting sustainable plantations, and increasing disaster resilience and management capability, including remote area firefighting

The proposal for a Great Southern Forest National Park is one that has been coordinated by local community groups and environmental NGOs over a number of years, including the Great Southern Forest NSW organisation and the National Parks Association of NSW. 

The Greens will be launching their policy initiative on NSW’s South Coast, which suffered immense devastation during the 2019–2020 Black Summer bushfires and continues to remain in the grip of an ecological crisis, with logging continuing to destroy critical habitats, including those of the endangered greater glider. The fires burned over 1.1 million hectares in the region, with 61% of the affected area experiencing high or very high severity burns—devastating local communities, wildlife, and ecosystems. 

Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens, Senator Nick McKim, Greens spokesperson for Forests, and Sue Higginson MLC, NSW Greens spokesperson for the Environment, are in Batemans Bay today to announce the Australian Greens’ plan to end native forest logging in NSW and create the Great Southern Forest National Park. 

Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens: 

“Ending native forest logging once and for all and restoring them is necessary for our environment, climate and community. Logging native forests is not just unsustainable, it’s untenable.

“The NSW South Coast forests and communities have been through devastating bushfires and logging continues to destroy the habitat of endangered species like the greater glider. Creating the Great Southern Forest National Park will ensure the protection and restoration of our precious forests and the wildlife within for generations to come. If we don’t step up for nature now – the ancient living breathing forests will become graveyards.

“By not ending native forest logging the Federal and NSW Labor governments have failed our environment, climate and communities, all to serve corporate interests over people and the planet.

“Our magnificent forests should be a sanctuary for wildlife like the Greater Gliders, not a sacrifice to industry. Yet, Federal and State Governments have sanctioned native forest logging and stood by and watched the trees fall. 

“It is time for the government to stop siding with industry and start protecting our forests, climate, water, and our future.” 

Senator Nick McKim, Australian Greens Spokesperson for Forests: 

“Our beautiful native forests are worth more standing. They are rich in carbon and biodiversity, and critical in the fight for a safe climate and healthy ecosystems. 

“Ending native forest logging is a huge opportunity for the people of NSW, particularly regional communities.

“We can protect nature, take climate action, and create thousands of new, well paid, skilled jobs in firefighting, rewinding and environmental restoration and management.”

Sue Higginson MLC, NSW Greens Spokesperson for the Environment: 

“It’s past time that native forest logging ended in NSW. It is driving the extinction and climate crises, and our precious forests need to be protected and regenerated.

“Stitching together the unfinished Great Southern Forests is just part of the fantastic project that is protecting and regenerating all native forests in NSW – and the Greens are putting our plan to fund it on the table.

“If the NSW Minns Labor Government wants to recover any of their credibility on the environment and forests, then they should grab this opportunity with both hands.”

References

1.  Australia Institute (2024) Polling Research: Ending Native Forest Logging Across Australia

2. Eurobodolla Shire Council, Bushfire Recovery

Housing Delivery Authority starts strong, creating the potential for more than 40,000 new homes

In the first three weeks since the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) started accepting Expressions of Interest (EOI) for larger scale housing developments, it has already received nearly 100 proposals with the potential for more than 40,000 homes, with more expected.

So far, 85 EOIs in metropolitan areas and 11 in regional NSW have been received, exceeding expectations.

The HDA offers proponents a new State Significant Development pathway and State Significant Development pathway with a concurrent rezoning process – neither having to be approved by councils, cutting approval times and speeding up the delivery of new homes.

Each EOI is assessed against its capacity to deliver high yield, well-located, good quality homes faster.

Having identified that major residential developments above $60 million in metropolitan areas and $30 million in regional NSW often take longer in their assessment, these can now be submitted through the HDA.

These complex proposals often require greater resources and planning capabilitites and as a result, the projects can get stuck in council planning systems for years.

These delays compound declining housing availability, worsening affordability and create greater uncertainty for proponents who are trying to build much needed new homes.

In early February, the HDA will meet to recommend proposals to be declared a State Significant Development (SSD) project, community consultation and assessment will then proceed.

The EOI process is ongoing, providing regular opportunities for industry to have their major residential development proposals considered, with submissions reviewed monthly.

For more information visit Housing Delivery Authority | Planning

Premier for New South Wales:

“For far too long, it has been made harder and harder for people to build homes in NSW, so it is wonderful to see these reforms starting to turn that around.”

“Without these major changes that are speeding up the delivery of new homes, Sydney risks becoming a city without a future because it’s simply too expensive to put a roof over your head.

“By speeding up the approval of new homes near existing infrastructure and removing red tape that seems to have been designed to slow down development, we’re delivering the homes that young people, families and workers need.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“We expected 80 to 100 EOIs in the first year, so to see this many in less than a month signals trust from the industry in the Minns Government to deliver.

“Building more homes for NSW is a priority for the Minns Labor Government and the HDA is a major step towards unlocking those homes.

“This pathway is about seeing good quality projects move through the planning system faster and as part of that process, if we don’t see shovels in the ground in two years, proponent will lose their approval.

“The Minns Government is making it easier to build more houses closer to jobs, infrastructure, parks and transport and we need more, quality, large scale residential development proposals from industry to build a better NSW.”

Eurobodalla Regional Hospital moves ahead with first concrete pour complete and highway roundabout works to begin

Construction of the new $330 million Eurobodalla Regional Hospital is on track, with the first concrete pour complete and work to build a new roundabout on the Princes Highway set to start in the coming months.

The new concrete slab forms part of the lower ground floor of the north-western corner of the hospital which will include the first paediatric department in the region and a contemporary maternity unit, supporting high-quality, patient-centred care.

The new maternity department has been designed with extensive input from staff and the community, and will offer a calming, modern and culturally safe environment for women and families.

The new paediatric department will complement other new services such as an intensive care unit and an MRI, enabling the hospital to provide comprehensive care for newborns, infants, and children.

To support future access to the new hospital’s site entrance, work to deliver a new roundabout on the Princes Highway will shortly begin, with construction expected to start in the coming months.

To ensure the safety of workers and motorists, temporary traffic conditions will be in place during this period, with work expected to be completed late 2025.

Staff and the community are encouraged to stay up to date with the latest project news and information by visiting the project website.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“The NSW Government is investing in the future of our local communities by delivering this critical health infrastructure project which will support the healthcare needs of the entire Eurobodalla Shire from Narooma to Batemans Bay.

“The $330 million new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital will be larger than both Moruya and Batemans Bay hospitals combined and has been designed with the capacity to grow as demand for health services changes.

“This exciting milestone is another step towards delivering a world-class hospital for the Eurobodalla community.”

Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland

“It’s very exciting to see the significant progress being made on the $330 million Eurobodalla Regional Hospital project, which will soon provide more health services and more specialist care for our community.

“I’m pleased to see the new paediatrics and maternity units taking shape, which will support elevated healthcare for families in the Eurobodalla, enabling and offering an enhanced level of service and care to our community.”

1,500 people receive care from NSW pharmacies for common skin conditions

Almost 1,500 people have received more convenient and easy-to-access care for common skin conditions as part of the NSW Pharmacy Dermatology Trial.

The trial, which has surpassed the six-month milestone, allows appropriately trained pharmacists to manage common minor skin conditions.

These conditions include impetigo (school sores), shingles, mild to moderate eczema and acute mild plaque psoriasis.

Over 480 pharmacies across the state are currently participating in the trial.

The skin conditions phase of the trial builds on trials which have enabled authorised pharmacists to undertake consultations for urinary tract infections (UTI) and the resupply of the oral contraceptive pill (OCP).

Since June 2024, authorised pharmacists have been able to offer the UTI service as part of usual business, and the resupply of OCP since September.

This initiative has allowed thousands of people with the option of conveniently obtaining a prescription through their local pharmacist, relieving pressure on general practitioners (GP) and freeing up GP appointments for people who need them the most.

While the supply and accessibility of GPs is a responsibility of the Commonwealth, challenges relating to access to primary care is impacting the state’s hospitals.

The NSW Government however is playing its part by embracing new and innovative initiatives to create pathways outside the hospital, including:

  • Empowering pharmacists to provide care for selected common conditions;
  • Delivering more urgent care services and clinics;
  • Delivering more virtual care services; and
  • Saving bulk-billing in NSW by providing payroll tax relief to GP clinics. 

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“Imagine, instead of struggling to find a GP appointment to receive a script for a minor skin condition, you could just pop down to your local pharmacy, and receive the care you need, when you need it.

“We’re providing thousands of people with the option of conveniently obtaining a prescription this way, relieving pressure on our GPs and saving GP appointments for people who need them the most.

“I am so pleased more than 1,400 people across NSW have been able to access more convenient, timely support for common mild skin conditions thanks to this trial.

“The NSW Government is committed to supporting innovative initiatives like this one that are helping improve access to primary care services.

Catherine Bronger, Senior Vice of President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, NSW Branch:

“Community pharmacists in NSW have provided immediate care for nearly 1,500 patients with minor skin conditions through the NSW Pharmacy Dermatology Trial.

With over 480 participating pharmacies, the initiative offers convenient prescription access, easing the burden on GPs and reserving their appointments for more critical cases.

This approach benefits both the community and its residents by making treatment more accessible and efficient.  The Pharmacy Guild of Australia is proud and honoured to be part of this critical initiative, supporting and evolving the NSW healthcare landscape.”

Contract awarded as Sheahan Bridge upgrade planning project progresses

The Albanese and Minns Labor governments are progressing plans for an upgrade of a key bridge on one of Australia’s busiest road freight corridors, as part of efforts to unlock access for more heavy vehicles.

The $20 million jointly funded planning project for the Sheahan Bridge Upgrade project on the Hume Highway at Gundagai has moved into its next phase of development with a contract awarded to provide a concept design for the bridge’s upgrade or replacement.

WSP Australia Pty Ltd will provide concept design development and environmental assessment of potential upgrade or replacement options for the northbound bridge over the Murrumbidgee River.

The current northbound bridge was built in 1977, with duplication of the southbound lanes officially opened to traffic by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on 25 May 2009 when he was Minister for Infrastructure and Transport.

While the load limit was increased from 68 to 85 tonnes in 2020 on the northbound bridge, for the safety of motorists Higher Productivity Vehicles still have to use a permit to travel on the NSW section of the Hume Highway due to the age of the bridge and structure limitations.

These limitations on the northbound bridge also restrict opportunities for contraflow during emergency response or planned maintenance activities on the southbound bridge.

The Federal and NSW Labor Governments are working together to ensure that this major bridge on the Hume Highway, the oldest and busiest highway in NSW, which follows the 200-year-old track traversed by Hume and Hovell in 1824, can meet the challenges of 21st century road freight.

The upgrade planning project will investigate potential solution options which include:

  • building a replacement bridge on a new alignment upstream (east) or downstream (west) of the existing bridge
  • replacing the existing bridge on its current alignment
  • strengthening the existing bridge.

Transport for NSW is now working with the contractor to further investigate each alternative and identify a preferred option.

It is expected a preferred option will be identified for public display in mid-2026 and Transport will keep the community updated as the project progresses.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Hume Highway is the major freight corridor from Sydney to Melbourne, the oldest and busiest highway in Australia. It has been Labor governments which have invested and delivered the crucial upgrades that have ensured freight, tourism and other road users can rely on this vital network.

“Instead of forcing HPVs to use permits, the NSW and Federal Labor governments are working together to deliver a fit for purpose bridge which will reduce red tape for HPV freight operators by enabling them to use this route without having to obtain permits.”

NSW Labor’s spokesperson for Cootamundra Stephen Lawrence MLC:

“All across regional NSW, Labor governments are working together to improve roads, bridges and other transport infrastructure.

“I am very pleased to see the Sheahan Bridge upgrade planning project progressing and look forward to learning what the preferred improvement option is.”

The next generation of NSW Electric Buses will be built in Nowra

The South Coast is set to become a new manufacturing hub for the next generation of public transport with the creation of a brand-new electric bus manufacturing facility in Nowra.

Australian owned bus manufacturer Foton Mobility Distribution is set to build a 6,000 square metre manufacturing facility in South Nowra from late 2025, subject to council approval.

This follows the Minns Labor Government awarding a contract to Foton to deliver 126 battery electric buses that will be built in Nowra and service bus routes across Greater Sydney.

The facility will also produce battery electric trucks, as well as hydrogen fuel cell engines, creating around 100 ongoing quality, skilled manufacturing jobs for local workers.

Foton’s bus contract was one of the first bus orders made through the NSW Government’s Zero Emission Buses (ZEB) program.

This program is also converting 11 existing bus depots in Greater Sydney to battery electric technology, building a new battery electric depot at Macquarie Park and procuring around 1,200 new electric buses by 2028.

Transport for NSW is delivering the ZEB program in stages in close consultation with industry, including manufacturers, to provide an opportunity to increase capability and capacity supported by a published pipeline of bus orders.

While the domestic manufacturing sector can’t be rebuilt overnight – facilities like this are the first step towards building things here in NSW again.

This facility delivers on the NSW Government’s commitment to domestic manufacturing, supporting local jobs and local industry to build the public transport our state needs.

This follows 12 years of offshoring by the former Liberal National Government, leading to NSW missing out on thousands of job opportunities and bringing lengthy delays and cost blowouts on major transport contracts.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“The offshoring of public transport by the former government was a complete disaster, which is why we’re building these buses here in NSW – creating local jobs and public transport that works.

“This state of the art facility in Nowra will create ongoing skilled jobs in regional NSW while also delivering emissions free world class public transport for the people of our state.

“Workers across NSW are great at building public transport like these buses, and under our government they’re building them here again.

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:

“When the Minns Labor Government says we want to build more buses here, we mean it.

“Once our partners at Foton get this plant up and running there will be an extra 100 quality manufacturing jobs right here. That’s great news for Nowra and a big boost for NSW manufacturing.

“We want our local manufacturers and suppliers have good opportunities to get involved in building the Zero Emissions Buses that we need. That’s why we have structured our zero-emissions bus program in a way that builds our bus manufacturing capacity for the long term.”

“We are at the beginning of our project to build the clean, green buses of the future. Transport for NSW announced the first battery electric bus orders under the Zero Emissions Bus program for Greater Sydney in December 2024.

“There will be many more orders to come for Sydney, Outer Metropolitan and Regional NSW and many good quality, skilled manufacturing jobs that will be created thanks to the Minns Labor Government’s support for building our buses, trains and ferries right here in Australia.”

Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement Courtney Houssos said:

“This new facility shows the high-quality products that NSW workers and businesses can deliver.

“The previous government sent contracts like this offshore, costing NSW thousands of jobs and billions of dollars. We are choosing to support local jobs and local businesses.

“By leveraging the power of government contracts like this, we can rebuild local industries, support local workers and grow the NSW economy, particularly in regional communities.

“This is an important milestone as we deliver on our pledge to bring domestic manufacturing back to NSW.”

Member for South Coast Liza Butler said:

“The Minns Government understands the importance of local jobs and skills training for regional communities.”

“The proposed new bus factory here in Nowra will provide fantastic employment opportunities for up to 100 people once fully operational and enable the re-skilling and upskilling of many workers who wish to be a part of the transition to zero emissions transport.”

Member of the Legislative Council Sarah Kaine said:

“We’re building Australia’s future right here in the South Coast and delivering good quality, local jobs in the process.”

“This is a Labor Government that is investing back into its regional economies and ensuring equal opportunity for local manufacturing of our world-class transport system. 

Visit to Poland

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong, and the Attorney-General, the Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP, will travel to Poland to attend the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp.

The world must never allow the memory of the Holocaust to fade. It is vital that the lessons of the past continue to be learnt to ensure this never happens again.

An estimated 1.1 million people were murdered in Auschwitz, almost a million of whom were Jews, before the camp was liberated on 27 January 1945.

What happened at Auschwitz and during the Holocaust is a reminder of the dangers of hatred, bigotry, racism and prejudice and the need to remain vigilant against a repetition of the atrocities perpetrated there.

The 80th anniversary of the liberation is also an opportunity to acknowledge the remarkable contributions and enduring resilience of the approximately 27,000 Holocaust survivors and their families who made Australia their home after World War II.

The Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism in Australia, Ms Jillian Segal AO, will join the official Australian delegation in Poland.

Australia is a proud member of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, and is committed to Holocaust remembrance, education and research, and ongoing efforts to counter the spread of Holocaust denial and antisemitism.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs will also visit Switzerland and Austria this week, including for meetings with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, His Excellency António Guterres, and the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Mirjana Spoljaric.

Filming an employee’s genitals “unprofessional” but not “criminal, NSW Police

A NSW Police sergeant received only a warning and a transfer to another command after filming a colleague’s genitals and posting the footage to a group chat in November 2023. A complaint of serious bullying and misconduct was made to the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) who referred the complaint to the NSW Police for internal review.

Greens MP and spokesperson for justice Sue Higginson said “A senior officer has violated a junior officer’s privacy and right to be safe at work, and all that’s happened is a warning and a transfer. The air of secrecy and impunity around the NSW Police is reminiscent of the handling of charges of abuse against the Catholic Church,”

“The LECC is supposed to be the tough cop on the beat when it comes to police misconduct in NSW, but we have seen repeatedly that it is not fit to deal with the deep and systemic cultural issues within the Police that are failing police and the community. The system as it stands is that police investigate police and it’s a broken system. Either the LECC needs more power or we need a new oversight and integrity body,”

“In the 2023-24 year, the LECC received 21% more complaints than the year previous, representing a 50% increase over the previous 3 years – police misconduct is an increasing epidemic. If the LECC is not properly empowered or resourced for these increases, the independent oversight of police is declining in real terms,” :Annual Report:

“The culture of cover-up in the NSW Police cannot be resolved by another review that will only ever be considered by the police themselves. I speak with cops and former cops regularly who say the system is broken and that it is well known that if you complain about bad behaviour or systems, you may end up the target of a complaint. The LECC is limited in what they can do and the Minns Labor Government has shown they aren’t interested in proper oversight of the police,”

“I have been calling for a Parliamentary inquiry into the culture of the NSW Police to fix these issues, but the Government has turned this proposal away every time. In any other workplace, if you filmed someone’s genitals and sent it to colleagues you would be fired and on criminal charges. Why are the NSW Police treated differently?” Ms Higginson said.