Justice for Buddy Kelly, Community rallies at Coroner’s Court

Dozens of community members have rallied at the NSW Coroner’s Court in Lidcombe today calling for the reopening of the coronial investigation into the death of Lewis “Buddy” Kelly in 1983. Buddy Kelly was just 16-years-old when he was found dead on railway tracks outside of Kempsey and the initial investigation into the circumstances of Buddy’s death was completely inadequate with no autopsy, no blood alcohol readings and with the police failing to take individual statements from key witnesses.  

In 2020, Buddy’s body was exhumed with the permission of his family by the NSW Coroner to be forensically examined. Four years later, Buddy’s family are calling for answers and for an investigation into new evidence that has been reported to the NSW Police and Coroner.   

Buddy’s sister Monica Kelly spoke in front of the Coroner’s Court today, “It’s been four years since our family made the impossible decision to have our Buddy exhumed, and more than 41 years since he was taken from us and denied his life. We need answers and we need them urgently,”  

“What our family has gone through has been four decades and four generations of trauma. We have not received updates from the Coroner about the investigation, and for four years we have had to live with the freshly opened wound of Buddy’s death. If there is any information that can be provided to us, then it should be. Our lives are passing by while waiting for the results of this investigation that started more than four years ago,”  

“We will keep going down this path for as long as it takes, no family could rest if they had gone through the same trauma as us. It is impossible to see why there has not been more progress on finding the truth behind Buddy’s death even though we are now years down the track from the Coroner exhuming him,”  

“We also know that there has been fresh evidence given to the NSW Police and the Coroner that should have been the trigger for a fresh investigation to start. Everyday that there is no progress, and that we aren’t told what is going on, is another day of injustice for Buddy and for us,”  

“This journey we are on trying to access justice for Buddy and our families should not be this long and hard. It has been 4 years since we saw the exhuming of the body. Things are not moving fast enough and we have been left out. There should be better processes and support in place for our family. We are doing this because we want the system to change so that we can access justice and so that other families that may follow ours don’t have to do it so hard. We just want a fair and proper process while we find the truth about our Buddy. It’s what everyone deserves.”  

“The Coroner has a responsibility to see justice served, and in our case the injustice is extensive, painful and ongoing. We are here today to show the world that we are not going away, and that we will not give up on justice for Buddy,” Ms Kelly said.  

Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 10 December 2024

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 10 December 2024. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions. 

Lord Mayoral Minutes  

Launch of new Mariyung fleet services

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported noting the historic launch of the new Mariyung fleet service from Newcastle Interchange to Sydney Terminal on December 3, 2024. The CEO will write to the Minister for Transport expressing Council’s congratulations and support and advocate for increased and quicker services between Sydney and Newcastle.

Mandatory track changes requirements for Council reports and policy documents

An amended Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported noting the commitment from the CEO that all reports and policy documents submitted to the Council Chamber will include a version with track changes or detailed commentary clearly showing all modifications, additions, and deletions from the previous version at the time of publication of the agenda papers.

World Stroke Day morning tea

An amended Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously adopted that called for City of Newcastle to continue its support of World Stroke Day and acknowledged and thanked former Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes for holding the inaugural World Stroke Day in 2016, and subsequent morning teas each year in collaboration with HMRI

Ordinary business 

Adoption of Council policies

Council voted to approve revised and updated Council Policies including the Investment and Borrowing Policy, Art Gallery Acquisition and Deaccessioning Policy, Media Policy and Social Media Policy.

Adoption of Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee’s Strategic Work Plan

Council voted unanimously to endorse the Strategic Work Plan of City of Newcastle’s Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee.

Adoption of the Walking and Mobility Plan

Council voted to adopt the Newcastle Walking and Mobility Plan, noting the summary engagement report from the recent public exhibition. The Plan is a 10-year framework that sets out the vision, objectives, and actions to support the community’s desire for Newcastle to be a city where walking is a safe, accessible, convenient and enjoyable part of people’s lives.

Draft Newcastle 2040 review

Council voted unanimously to place the draft revised Community Strategic Plan – Newcastle 2040 on public exhibition for a minimum of 28 days.

Demolition, alterations and additions to the No.1 Sportsground grandstand

Council voted unanimously to approve the development application for the demolition, alterations and additions to the No.1 Sportsground grandstand, with consent granted subject to compliance with the conditions set out in the Draft Schedule of Conditions.

14 Sunderland Street, Mayfield – adoption of heritage listing

Council voted unanimously to endorse the planning proposal prepared under Section 3.33 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 to amend Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012 to create a new heritage item at 14 Sunderland Street Mayfield. City of Newcastle will forward the planning proposal to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for finalisation.

22 Victoria Street, Mayfield – adoption of heritage listing

Council voted unanimously to endorse the planning proposal prepared under Section 3.33 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 to amend Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012 to create a new heritage item at 22 Victoria Street, Mayfield. City of Newcastle will forward the planning proposal to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for finalisation.

13 Section Street, Mayfield – adoption of heritage listing

Council voted unanimously to endorse the planning proposal prepared under Section 3.33 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 to amend Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012 to create a new heritage item at 13 Section Street, Mayfield. City of Newcastle will forward the planning proposal to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for finalisation.

115 Maryland Drive, Maryland – telecommunications facility

Council voted unanimously to approve the development application to erect a ‘telecommunications facility’, granting consent subject to compliance with conditions set out in the draft schedule of conditions.

Parkway Avenue, Hamilton South – roundabout safety improvements 

Council voted unanimously to approve roundabout safety improvements at two roundabouts on Parkway Avenue Hamilton South, at the intersections with National Park Street and Smith Street.

Code of Conduct annual statistics

Council noted City of Newcastle’s Code of Conduct Complaints Statistics Report for the period 1 September 2023 to 31 August 2024.

Response to questions regarding Newcastle Airport

Council approved City of Newcastle undertaking community engagement within the Newcastle local government area to better understand awareness and support for Astra Aerolab. The findings of this community engagement will be reported to the Council in 2025.

Tender report – purchase of Summerhill Waste Management Centre landfill compactor 

Council voted unanimously to accept a tender for the purchase of a Landfill Compactor for the Summerhill Waste Management Centre.

Rescinding of tender award – construction of operational area for recycled materials transfer at Summerhill Waste Management Centre

Council voted unanimously to rescind the tender for the construction of an operational area for recycled materials transfer at Summerhill Waste Management Centre.

Late Item

505 Minmi Road

Council voted for the Lord Mayor and the City of Newcastle considers any action necessary, including legal responses, to protect the planning powers of the democratically elected City of Newcastle Council, including its LEP and planning functions, with respect to 505 Minmi Road.

Notices of Motion 

Youth Mock Council 2024 and investigating the re-establishment of a dedicated youth space

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion that congratulated the Newcastle Youth Council on the Youth Mock Council held in July 2024 and reiterated its commitment to the Youth Council and quality civics engagement and education. City of Newcastle staff will engage with the Youth Council to assess the need, requirements and viability of a dedicated youth space. 

Investigating opportunities for new and upgraded sporting facilities in the Western Suburbs 

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that acknowledged the growing need for new and upgraded sporting facilities in our city’s western suburbs and requested a report be provided to Councillors assessing the viability of new or upgraded facilities.

Citizenship Ceremonies 

Council supported an amended notice of motion that delegates the decision to schedule the January citizenship ceremony to the Lord Mayor, in his capacity as the Presiding Officer of Citizenship Ceremonies, and in line with the Lord Mayor’s existing delegations.

Lambton Pool

Council supported an amended notice of motion that included a request that staff consider, as part of the December quarterly budget review process, funding for the installation of a platform at Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre that would enable those with mobility issues to enter the 25m and 50m pools more easily and safely.

111 Beaumont Street, Hamilton – place activation

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion requesting that City of Newcastle staff engage with Hamilton Business Improvement Association to determine events throughout 2025 that the vacant spaces within 111 Beaumont Street could support and enters into short term licenses with the community groups best suited to support those events, for an appropriate period before and after events.

Commissioning an independent review of council processes, procedures and performance

Council unanimously adopted an amended notice of motion for an independent review of Council’s processes, procedures and performance to uphold public trust and ensure high governance.

One step closer to a more pedestrian-friendly city

City of Newcastle is investing $2 million into footpaths this year as it takes the next step to make walking and active transport the preferred choice for short trips by 2034.

Councillors voted to adopt the Walking and Mobility Plan on Tuesday night, paving the way to implement a shared vision for enhanced pedestrian safety, accessibility and convenience across the city.

The plan includes a framework for determining how projects will be identified, prioritised, and scheduled.

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said the adoption of the 10-year plan reaffirms a commitment to building and supporting walkable neighbourhoods.

“Walking provides wide-ranging social, environmental and health benefits, and this plan ensures we’re taking the right steps so they can be enjoyed across the community,” Cr Kerridge said.

“One of the first unanimous resolutions of this elected Council was to commit to delivering at least 20 kilometres of new footpaths over this new term of Council, because we know that having the right pedestrian infrastructure is vital to realising our vision of a more walkable Newcastle.

City of Newcastle’s Executive Manager Transport & Regulation Ryan Tranter said almost $2 million has already been allocated this financial year for footpath projects, including Freyberg Street, New Lambton and Traise Street, Waratah, where works are underway.

“Some new projects will update and expand existing pathways, while others will provide missing links and new crossing infrastructure,” Mr Tranter said.

“It’s all about taking a systematic, data-driven approach to make sure we are focusing our resourcing in the most beneficial areas for the community.”

Twenty-four key actions will guide the delivery of the plan, focused around promoting the safety and prioritisation of pedestrians, building and maintaining walkable neighbours, supporting walking trips and destinations, and fostering and celebrating walking in our communities.

Councillor Elizabeth Adamczyk, Chair of the Access Inclusion Standing Committee, said that when we refer to walking, we include all pedestrian movements, including mobility scooters, wheelchairs, and prams. 

“The adoption of this Walking and Mobility Plan will ensure pedestrians of all ages, abilities and mobilities, feel safe within the public road space,” Cr Adamczyk said.

“Social equity and inclusivity are at the heart of this plan, because we want to make sure the benefits of walking can be enjoyed by everyone. 

“Including accessibility and socio-demographic factors such as age and disability as essential considerations when prioritising new pedestrian infrastructure projects is important to ensure that what we deliver is accessible and safe for the whole community”. 

Actions in the plan were updated following feedback from its public exhibition earlier this year, to provide clarity around how accessibility will be improved.

It followed an extensive consultation process with the community and other relevant stakeholders to shape the plan.  

The Walking and Mobility Plan aligns with the main objectives of the Newcastle 2040 Community Strategic Plan, helping to make the city a more liveable, sustainable and creative place.

$4.25 million grants for community-led programs to prevent domestic violence

The Minns Labor Government is continuing to invest in meaningful action to prevent domestic and family violence, today opening expressions of interest for community-led primary prevention initiatives.

Up to $4.25 million in grant funding is on offer to local organisations statewide, including regional and rural, for proposals that address the drivers of domestic, family and sexual violence in our community.

Proposals that align with the Pathways to Prevention strategy will be given priority consideration, including gender-based violence prevention programs that:

  • Focus on high-impact settings such as schools, workplaces and sporting clubs
  • Engage men and boys in prevention initiatives
  • Align with the ’Change the Story’ framework, including related frameworks ‘Changing the Picture’, ‘Changing the Landscape’ and ‘Pride in Prevention’
  • Support LGBTQIA+ communities through inclusive programming
  • Support migrant and refugee communities
  • Explore innovative approaches, including the use of digital spaces such as social media.

Successful projects will run over a three-year period.

Following the EOI, eligible organisations will be invited to submit detailed proposals for funding consideration.

The full grant application process for the Primary Prevention Multi-Year Partnership Grants Program will be run in early 2025.

The NSW Government has committed $38 million over four years to roll out the state’s first dedicated primary prevention strategy, to partner with local organisations on addressing the drivers of domestic, family and sexual violence.

For more information and to apply, go to: https://dcj.nsw.gov.au/service-providers/grants/grants-open/nsw-primary-prevention-multi-year-partnerships-grant-program.html

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

“Violence against women and girls can and must be prevented.

“Our government’s first dedicated primary prevention strategy provides a roadmap of the work we need to do to address the drivers of violence against women and stop the violence before it starts.

“We want to partner with local organisations and the community on programs that disrupt the drivers of gendered violence, promote healthy and respectful relationships, and change attitudes towards women. That will be the key to ending violence against women and girls.”

Support:

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

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

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

More well-located homes for St Leonards

The Minns Labor Government is speeding up the delivery of new housing using streamlined solutions to planning assessment.

More than 280 new homes at the Telstra Exchange site in St Leonards have been approved in a concurrent rezoning and assessment process.

The State Significant Development proposal worth $209 million will include 272 build-to-rent homes, 10 affordable housing units, 84 serviced apartments and retail stores, all within a 43-storey mixed-use tower.

The streamlined planning process where a site is concurrently rezoned and assessed is the same model that will be offered to proponents who opt-in to the soon-to-be established Housing Delivery Authority.

The site was rezoned under the Crows Nest Transport Oriented Development Accelerated Precinct and the assessment has been approved a short time later.

The proposed development will create 250 construction jobs and a further 40 ongoing jobs, with the existing Telstra Exchange building to be integrated into the new build.

Delivering well-located homes close to transport, jobs and community amenity has been a priority for the Minns Government, as well as finding new and innovative ways to speed up planning processes.

To support the community with more homes, this project will raise up to $9.8 million in development contributions for Lane Cove Council to improve local infrastructure such as parks, community facilities and local roads.

A further $3 million will be provided by NSW Housing and Productivity Contribution for State and regional infrastructure projects such as roads, parks, hospitals and schools.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This project is a great example of an innovative infill development proposal which will provide nearly 290 new homes plus new short-term accommodation within six kilometres of the Sydney CBD.

“The Telstra Exchange site will retain its operations at this location while enabling redevelopment over its existing building for much needed new homes.

“This rezoning and assessment pathway is similar to what proponents will have access to when working with the Housing Delivery Authority, this will speed up the delivery of good projects.

“This project will be backed with $12.8 million in combined developer contributions to both Lane Cove Council and the NSW Government Housing and Productivity fund. This contribution will help deliver new and improved public infrastructure for the St Leonards community.” 

New overtaking lanes open as part of the Newell Highway upgrade

Three new overtaking lanes south of Moree are now open thanks to a $261.1 million investment between the Australian and New South Wales governments, providing safer and more efficient road journeys.

For drivers of the Newell Highway the upgrades are a welcome improvement, with new northbound and southbound overtaking lanes south of Moree, and a new northbound lane now open at Bellata.

The works are part of the Newell Highway Heavy Duty Pavement Upgrades, which are being delivered in four sections. Remaining activities include:

  • the installation of a pedestrian refuge and turning lane, as well as switching on the remaining streetlights at Bellata
  • construction of north-west NSW’s largest heavy vehicle rest area north of Narrabri
  • improved pavement, culverts and two new overtaking lanes south of Edgeroi.

The project will also upgrade 20 kilometres of the Newell Highway between Narrabri and Moree, delivering new heavy-duty road pavement, intersection improvements and wider road shoulders.

North of Narrabri, traffic has switched over to a recently finished section of new highway, providing a safer and more comfortable drive for motorists.

The Newell Highway Heavy Duty Pavement Upgrades not only improves safety, it reduces future maintenance requirements and costs, improves the highway’s flood resilience and improves freight productivity and access to the Moree Special Activation Precinct.

Construction on these essential upgrades began in mid-2022, and has already created job opportunities for more than 940 people.

The Australian Government is contributing $205.7 million to these works, as part of an $1.5 billion total investment in future-proofing the Newell Highway.

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“The Australian Government is proud to be working with our state counterparts by investing in the future of regional NSW.

“The $1.5 billion we’re investing in the Newell Highway will pay dividends for decades, ensuring this essential transport corridor will serve local motorists and the road freight industry alike.”

NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison:

“The Newell Highway is a major inland regional route that connects Queensland and Victoria and is travelled by thousands of locals, tourists and key freight operators every day.

“The opening of three new overtaking lanes is an important milestone for this highway upgrade project which will greatly improve the way people move around the state’s north-west.

“The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are pleased to be working together to improve road safety and reduce travel times for motorists who travel on this critical national highway.”

Senator for NSW Deborah O’Neill:

“The Australian Government is investing in the road infrastructure which keeps freight moving and travellers safe.

“We’re partnering with the NSW Government to deliver projects that local communities need and deserve.”

NSW Independent Member for Barwon Roy Butler said:

“The mix of road users travelling on the Newell Highway means it’s not uncommon for faster moving vehicles to come up behind slower moving heavy vehicles or holidaying caravanners.

“The provision of extra overtaking lanes is a vital safety initiative that helps to keep traffic flowing smoothly and reduces some of the frustration that can come from not being able to safely pass.”

NSW Labor’s spokesperson for Northern Tablelands Peter Primrose MLC said:

“These new overtaking lanes will improve regional travel, especially during the end of year school holiday period, lead to improved efficiency for freight operators who use the Newell Highway, and safer road travel for holiday makers and regular Newell Highway users on the western side of the Northern Tablelands.

“The whole project is a great example of the Australian and NSW Governments collaborating to prioritise investment in regional communities.”

Work progressing for new palliative care units in Western Sydney

Work to deliver enhanced palliative care facilities for communities in western Sydney is progressing, with planning and design for new, purpose-built palliative care units at Westmead and Nepean hospitals now completed.

The completion of the design phase for the palliative care units at both Westmead and Nepean hospitals paves the way for the tender process to appoint a building contractor to commence next year.  

The NSW Government is investing $93 million as part of the World Class End of Life Care Program to deliver new or redeveloped palliative care facilities across the state, including at Nepean, Westmead, Wyong, Tamworth, and Orange hospitals. 

The new purpose-built palliative care units, offer more privacy, comfort, and dignity to support people in their final stages of life and ensure they receive the highest standard of care. 

Extensive consultation with staff and the local community has played an important role in the design development for each unit at Westmead and Nepean Hospitals, and ensures the palliative care space meets the needs of the local community.

At Westmead Hospital, the new unit will include bedrooms with ensuites, communal spaces, a multi-faith room, and direct access to a shared outdoor area. This facility will be located within an extension to the Clinical Acute Services Building and has been designed to offer privacy and access to complementary health services within Westmead Hospital. 

At Nepean Hospital, the new unit which is on the top floor of the new Stage 2 Redevelopment building, will feature bedrooms with ensuites and include a rooftop courtyard, as well as family-orientated, shared spaces aimed at creating a supportive, inclusive setting for patients and their loved ones. 

Construction timeframes for the new palliative care units at Westmead and Nepean hospitals will be confirmed following the appointment of a building contractor.  

Minister for Health Ryan Park: 

“The NSW Government’s investment to enhance palliative care facilities is focused on delivering respectful and purpose-built spaces which provide dignity and comfort for people in their final stages of life. 

“These units at Nepean and Westmead hospitals will ensure patients and their families have both privacy and comfort, as well as enhanced access to palliative care services and facilities.” 

Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown: 

“It is important that the design for these new palliative care facilities included input from health staff and the community. It will provide our Nepean hospital patients and their families with the comfort, ease, and solace they deserve during these difficult times.

“Our Government’s $93 million commitment is part of the World Class End of Life Care Program highlighting our dedication to expanding access to quality and compassionate care for communities throughout NSW.” 

Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis

“The new unit at Westmead Hospital will provide quality end-of-life and supportive care in a calm, homely environment, supporting local patients and their families during a difficult time.” 

Hospital performance worsens under Labor

Independent health data released today by the Bureau of Health Information (BHI) reveal the human cost of the Minns Labor Government’s industrial chaos and cuts to the health budget. 

Hospitals in NSW are continuing to face unprecedented pressure with record presentations to emergency departments and only 61.3% of patients starting their treatment on time – the worst result on record. 

Elective surgery waitlists have also grown to 98,608 – up 7.7% on the same quarter last year. 

Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said Labor’s real cuts to the health budget two years in a row have led to poorer patient outcomes and increasing pressure on hospital staff.

“67,737 patients left an ED without treatment in the September quarter – a whopping 9.8% increase on the same quarter last year. 

“Behind every one of those numbers is a patient trying to get better. They don’t want Labor’s buck passing; they want access to quality healthcare when they need it,” Mr Speakman said. 

Shadow Health Minister Kellie Sloane said NSW Labor has today tried to shift the blame to Federal Labor, blaming GP shortages for the Minns Government hospital failures. 

“Chris Minns and the Health Minister have decided to throw a weak Prime Minister Anthony Albanese under the bus to distract from their failure to adequately invest in our health system and their months of industrial chaos.”

“This is an appalling attempt by the Minister to shift focus and blame, ignoring the most alarming statistics which show potentially life-threatening presentations to EDs are the highest on record,” Ms Sloane said.

Shadow Minister for Regional Health Gurmesh Singh said patients starting Emergency Room treatment on time is the worst since reporting began in 2010. 

“In Regional NSW, patients are having to travel further for care while beds remain closed under this government. These statistics show in black and white what our communities are telling us – that Labor is failing to run the Health system,” Mr Singh said. 

Key Stats:

  • 61.3% of patients started their treatment on time – the lowest of any quarter since BHI started reporting in 2010. 
  • Fewer than half of triage 2 patients, which are defined as potentially life-threatening presentations, are being treated on time. 
  • Over 67,000 patients left emergency departments without treatment, a 9.8% increase on the same quarter last year.
  • 1 in 10 patients spent longer than 11 hours and 29 minutes in the ED.
  • There were 98,608 patients on the elective surgery waiting list at the end of September– a 7.7% increase in a year – yet the number of elective surgeries was down 3.9% from the same quarter last year. 
  • Ambulance responses were slower – the median response time for emergency (“P1”) was up 0.8 minutes; and the percentages of emergency (“P1”) responses with a call to ambulance arrival within 15 and 30 minutes were down 2.8 and 3.0 percentage points respectively, compared with the same quarter last year

Deepening Australia-Papua New Guinea ties through rugby league

The Australian and Papua New Guinea (PNG) Governments are partnering with the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) to deepen our connections through rugby league.

Australia will support a PNG team to enter the National Rugby League (NRL) competition no later than 2028.

As PNG prepares to mark its 50th anniversary of independence in 2025, this partnership celebrates our countries’ shared history and future, reflects our strategic trust and opens new people-to-people and economic opportunities.

The establishment of a PNG team in the NRL is an important symbol of our contemporary partnership.

It will deliver significant economic benefits to both countries through investment in new infrastructure and by boosting PNG and Australia’s sports and tourism sectors.

The Australian Government will also partner with the ARLC on a Pacific Rugby League Partnership for girls and boys, and women and men to play rugby league from the grassroots to the elite level across PNG, Fiji, Samoa and Tonga.

This Partnership will use rugby league to help increase school retention, promote positive health and nutrition, build gender equality and foster youth leadership.

It will invest in girls’ and women’s rugby league across the region, cultivating pathways and new opportunities, and work toward including a PNG Women’s team in one of Australia’s premier state competitions.

This will build on Australia’s existing investments in sports development across the Pacific – which include programs for netball, rugby union, Aussie rules and cricket – and complement Australia’s broader development partnerships in the region.

Australia and PNG are vital to each other’s future. Australia is proud to be PNG’s primary security and development partner.

This new partnership will be underpinned by shared strategic trust and strong people-to-people links and reflects our commitment to delivering peace, prosperity and opportunity for our people and our region.

Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese:

“A Papua New Guinea NRL team is a game-changer for Australia’s relationship with PNG and a unifying force – no two countries have a greater passion for rugby league.

“Australia’s relationship with the Pacific is profoundly important and our sporting ties are unique.

“Partnering on rugby league is a genuine and powerful way of building lasting ties between our peoples, and ensuring long-term development, social and economic outcomes for PNG and the Pacific.

“Our partnership will create new opportunities for girls’ and women’s rugby league across PNG and the Pacific, recognising the power of sports programs in championing inclusion and improving gender equality.”

Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea James Marape:

“This one team will be for one people, one country, one nation, a national unifier.

“We deeply appreciate our relationship with Australia. While government-to-government ties are important, at the heart and soul of this relationship must be people-to-people connections. Sport has the unique power to unite our two peoples, who share an ancient history and even the same DNA, as seen in the bond between Papua New Guineans and Torres Strait Islanders.

“An NRL team for PNG is more than just sports – it is a national unification strategy. With our diverse cultures and people, rugby league can bring us together as one nation. At the same time, it strengthens the shared history and people-to-people links between PNG and Australia. 

“For us, this partnership is not only about rugby league but also about anchoring the deep connection between our two countries. Sport is a powerful tool to solidify and celebrate this relationship, creating a bridge that connects our communities on a personal and cultural level.

“As we look to our 50th anniversary of independence, we envision a future where a PNG NRL team represents not just sporting excellence but the enduring partnership and shared destiny between PNG and Australia. This is more than a game – it is a symbol of unity and mutual respect.” 

Female Officer charged over AVO breach – Northern Region

A police officer – attached to North West Metropolitan region – has been charged following an investigation into alleged domestic violence related offences.

Officers attached to Tuggerah Lakes Police District commenced an investigation after receiving a report of alleged breaches of an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order between Tuesday 3 and Tuesday 10 December 2024.

Following inquiries, police attended a Central Coast home about 6pm yesterday (Tuesday 10 December 2024) and arrested a 39-year-old woman, a senior Constable attached to a command in the North West Metropolitan region.

She was taken to Wyong Police Station where she was charged with two counts of breach AVO.

The woman was granted conditional bail to appear before Wyong Local Court on Thursday 16 January 2025.