Appeal for information after alleged sexual touching – Lake Macquarie

Police are appealing for public assistance after an alleged sexual touching in the state’s north.

About 10.30pm on Sunday 20 October 2024, police were called to Fassifern Railway Station, following reports of a sexual touching.

Upon arrival, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were told an unknown man allegedly approached a 15-year-old girl and inappropriately touched her.

As inquiries continue, officers attached Police Transport Command North Central are hoping to speak with a man who may be able to assist with the investigation.

The man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, early 30s, with a thin build, and a brown/orange beard.

He was last seen wearing a black jumper, white t-shirt, black shorts, black shoes, and carrying a black tote bag.

Crucial supports for Aboriginal victims of family violence in the Hunter region

Aboriginal victim-survivors of family violence and their children will receive crucial, early intervention supports following the NSW Government’s roll-out of the Safe and Strong program in the Hunter region.

Safe and Strong demonstrates the government’s commitment to ending domestic and family violence and preventing the cycle of abuse in the community.

Safe and Strong is funded through a $13 million investment under the National Partnership Agreement with the Commonwealth Government.

It uses a dual model of early intervention support for both victim-survivors and their children who are experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, family violence.

Service providers will deliver specialist early supports such as counselling, family capacity building, and supported playgroups.

Caseworkers will help families to identify early signs of violence in their homes, and deliver therapeutic, trauma-informed and culturally safe support focusing on the needs and experiences of victim-survivors and their children.

Eleven Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) will deliver Safe and Strong in 10 priority locations across NSW, including:

Maitland and Cessnock: Mindarriba Aboriginal Land Council – a social, health and learning hub for the local Aboriginal community. Mindarriba is dedicated to connecting with members of the community and is focussed on helping those who need it most.

Port Stephens: Warlga Ngurra – a specialist early intervention and homelessness service for women and their children operating throughout the Hunter including Raymond Terrace and Karuah. Warlga Ngurra empowers vulnerable individuals, enabling them to fully participate in the social and economic aspects of life in the local community.

Aboriginal-led, trauma-informed and culturally safe strategies recognise the importance of culture, connection to Country and the role of men’s and women’s business in responding to and healing from family violence.

This project is funded for 12 months and will be independently evaluated to measure its impact and effectiveness.

Safe and Strong demonstrates the NSW Government’s ongoing commitment to addressing family violence within our communities and aligns with the objectives of the NSW Domestic and Family Violence Plan 2022-2027.

Federal Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said:

“To achieve our goal of ending gender-based violence in one generation, we need to provide genuine support for our young men and boys now.

“That’s why the Albanese Labor Government has worked to elevate the voices of children in the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children.

“We have invested $4 billion to deliver the National Plan and our Government is proud to invest in supports that will lead to long-term change and provide meaningful support to young men and boys to help them break the cycle of violence, as well as support victim-survivors.”

Minister for Families and Communities and Member for Port Stephens, Kate Washington said:

“Evidence shows that early intervention supports can have a direct impact in building resilience for children and young people who are experiencing family violence.

“Any child experiencing family violence is one child too many. We are doing all we can to tackle this abhorrent horror in the Port Stephens and Hunter community by delivering supports that are aimed to help victims heal and recover.

“This is an important program to help Aboriginal families and communities in the Hunter stay safe and end the cycle of abuse in their homes.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Member for Maitland, Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Safe and Strong funding is a welcome addition to the outstanding supports delivered by Mindaribba Local Aboriginal Land Council to families and individuals in the Maitland area.”

“It was great to see that Mindaribba had been identified as one of the eleven Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations to be listed in the top 10 priority locations in NSW.”

“Making sure that Aboriginal People in Maitland can access culturally appropriate and sensitive supports driven by their own communities is a priority that can now be met with increased efficiency.”

“At a time when domestic and family violence is at a critical high, the delivery of these funds through the Department of Communities and Justice adds another layer of recognition to the rights of men, women and children to live safely in a violence-free environment.”

Chief Executive Officer Mindaribba Local Aboriginal Land Council, Tara Dever said:

“The Safe and Strong funding marks a significant shift in the way the NSW Government is addressing and listening to Aboriginal Voices.

“As Aboriginal People we have long sought the opportunity for Mob to be able to access community driven trauma informed supports in a culturally safe space.

“All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, men and women have the right to live with full human dignity in a safe, violent free environment, including one free of family violence.

“The Mindaribba Local Aboriginal Land Council is elated to now be able to deliver a wraparound service that is driven by community for community.”

Manager Warlga Ngurra Women and Children’s Refuge, Belinda Reed said:

“We are deeply honoured and excited to receive the Safe and Strong funding from the Department of Communities and Justice.

“This support will enable Warlga Ngurra to strengthen our vital work with Aboriginal women and their children, providing early intervention and support for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence.

“Our community faces unique challenges, and this funding will help us deliver culturally safe, responsive services that empower women, children, and families to heal, thrive, and break the cycle of violence.

“Together, we can create stronger, safer futures for our people.”

Greens Statement on Cuts to Art & Music Therapies

The Australian Greens are deeply concerned about the impact of hasty changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

The Government has recently announced changes that will significantly reduce disabled people’s access to music and art therapies.  

The Greens are calling for the NDIS to establish its Evidence Advisory Committee prior to implementing wholesale changes to the therapies that are widely utilised by participants. The EAC will have a role in providing advice on the evidence base for therapeutic supports accessed through the NDIS, including assessment of outcomes and value.

Senator Jordon Steele-John, Greens Spokesperson for Disability Rights and Services:

“I am deeply concerned about the changes that are being rushed through by the NDIA. 

“I have heard from NDIS participants that being able to undertake art and music therapies is very meaningful to them and that they have seen improvements in their wellbeing, their motor skills, and their capacity to communicate with others. 

“Engaging in any type of therapy requires significant time and energy. Nobody wants those therapies to succeed more than us, as disabled people. Implying that disabled people are purposefully engaging in therapies to waste time and money – greatly disrespects our agency.

“I have heard from providers that they feel like the rug has been pulled out from under them. They are shocked by this significant change to their industry and are demanding that these changes do not proceed.

“Defining all music and art-based therapy as “not evidence-based” is yet another ignorant assumption about disability support, made by this government.

“Disabled people are tired of this Labor government’s untested ignorant assumptions, defining the supports we can receive, without the opportunity for meaningful consultation.

“The NDIS Review recommended the establishment of an Evidence Advisory Committee (EAC) to examine and evaluate evidence. This committee won’t be established until mid-2025. The Greens are calling for the government to properly assess the therapies available through the NDIS, rather than this rushed job that meets their budgetary goals while leaving disabled people worse off.”

Background: 

  • The NDIA is enabled to make these decisions based on the legislation that was passed by the major parties in October 2024. The changes to music and art therapy will not come back to the parliament. 
  • Music & art Therapy is currently funded through the Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living category, meaning that providers of music & art therapy can charge up to $193.99 an hour under the NDIS pricing guide.
  • Yesterday (26/11/24) the NDIA & Bill Shorten announced that art & music therapy will now only be available through the Community Participation Budget, meaning providers can charge up to $67.56 for one on one session, or $193.99 for a group session.
  • This will be enforced through a new Operational Guideline that will be released on 2 December 2024, and will come into effect on 1 February 2025
  • For people who have art or music therapy as a stated support in their plan, they can continue to access it as normal (and providers can still charge them the higher rate).
  • The stated reason for the change is that there isn’t sufficient evidence that art & music therapy can help participants improve or maintain their functional capacity.

Greens secure $500 million for social housing upgrades; no coal, oil and gas funding in Future Made In Australia, end commercial financing of fossil fuel projects overseas; Greens will pass Future Made In Australia and other bills this week

After constructive negotiations, Australian Greens have secured life-changing upgrades to 50,000 social homes across the country, who will have their homes electrified and save approximately $1,800 a year on power bills.   

The Greens have also secured significant amendments to the Future Made In Australia Bills which will ensure that no support will be provided to coal, oil and gas under Future Made in Australia and commercial investments and programs of Export Finance Australia.

The deal is part of an agreement with the government on a package of amendments and reforms to secure the passage of over 20 bills through the Senate including some of the Future Made in Australia Bills, Treasury Bills including Build to Rent, and other Bills.

An additional $500 million will be allocated to expand the Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative to upgrade public and community homes to lower power bills for tenants. It will be proportionally distributed to the states without requirement of co-contributions from the states, meaning 50,000 social homes will be retrofitted with energy efficient upgrades such as air conditioning, insulation and shading; electric hot water water systems, cooktops and ovens; and solar panels and batteries. An estimated quarter of all social homes across the country could be retrofitted under the program.

Amendments to the Build to Rent legislation will increase the minimum lease term that must be offered to tenants in new developments from three to five years.

The government has also agreed to support Greens amendments to retain the government’s power to override the Reserve Bank where there is disagreement. The ability of the Reserve bank to direct the lending activities of banks will also be retained.

Agreement on a large number of other amendments to an agreed list of other bills has also been reached.

The new investments in social housing and energy upgrades builds on the previous $3 billion for social housing and $1.7 billion for household electrification previously secured by the Greens.

The Greens have secured the following package of changes in good faith negotiations with the government this week:

  • Future Made in Australia funding will be closed off for coal, oil and gas projects.
  • Export Finance Australia will now be legally prevented from financing any domestic or overseas fossil fuel projects on their balance sheet. Around $1.5 billion of coal, oil and gas projects have been financed by EFA since 2009 – this kind of financing will now not be possible.
  • $500 million for the Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative to lower power prices for tenants. It will be proportionally distributed to the states without requirement of co-contributions from the states, meaning  an additional 50,000 social homes will be retrofitted with energy efficient upgrades such as air conditioning, insulation and shading; electric hot water water systems, cooktops and ovens; and solar panels and batteries. Current federal funding for the program is $300 million so an additional $500 million more than doubles federal funding. This takes the total social homes to be retrofitted to 110,000, a quarter of the 446,000 social homes in Australia.  If states choose to contribute matching funding the program could expand to up to $1 billion. This program was initially secured by the Greens in previous negotiations with the government and will now be massively expanded. 
  • Government will support the Greens amendments to retain existing powers for governments to overrule the RBA and for the central bank to be able to direct commercial banks where to direct credit. 
  • Extend the lease period from 3 years to 5 years on Build to Rent leases, meaning every lease under this scheme will have long term lease security. 
  • Portfolio level agreed amendments within the list of bills below.

Greens Leader Adam Bandt:

“Thanks to the Greens, people in 50,000 public and community homes will receive life-changing upgrades and save approximately $1,800 a year on power bills.

“The Greens have secured $500m to electrify Australian homes starting with those most in need, cutting power bills and pollution at the same time.

“In negotiations on Future Made in Australia, the Greens have stopped billions of dollars of public money going into coal, oil and gas projects, here or overseas.

“Australia’s export finance agency has shamefully invested around $1.5 billion in coal, oil and gas projects overseas on their commercial account. That’s not possible any more.

“Greens pressure works. Having delivered good outcomes that will help people, the Greens now turn to keeping Peter Dutton out and pushing for cheaper rents, cheaper groceries and no new coal and gas in a coming minority parliament.  

“We can’t keep voting for the same two parties and expecting a different result.”

Greens spokesperson for Housing and Homelessness Max Chandler-Mather MP:

“The Greens have more than doubled federal funding for a government program that will see life improving upgrades to a quarter of all public and community homes across Australia, saving social housing tenants approximately $1,800 a year on their power bills.

“This means insulation, air conditioning, shading, and bill saving rooftop solar and batteries for hundreds of thousands of people living in social housing who are often forced to suffer through brutal summers and winters in homes in desperate need of basic repairs.

“We said from the start the Greens were ready to work constructively, and in just one week we have agreed to pass Labor’s two housing bills and secured $500 million for social housing upgrades, adding to the $3 billion we have already secured for social housing.” 

Greens spokesperson for Treasury Senator Nick McKim:

“The Greens are using our power in Parliament to fight for renters and mortgage holders. I’m relieved to see the Treasurer agreed to retain the power to cut interest rates. The Greens are fighting for mortgage holders and the government should do the same.

“Labor and the Liberals are still on a unity ticket about unlimited rent increases, new coal and gas approvals and letting the supermarkets price gouge.

“The Greens are here to push for better. Get outcomes. Make the government fix the problems, not just tinker around the edges.

“Right now times are tough for a lot of us, but nothing changes unless your vote does.

“Putting more Greens in the parliament means we keep Peter Dutton out and we have more leverage to push Labor to get outcomes on housing, climate and cost of living.”

The Greens will now pass the following Bills through the Senate this week:

Treasury 

Attorney General

Future Made in Australia 

Other portfolios:

Greens Secure Deal to Electrify Public Housing in Tasmania

Greens pressure on the Government has delivered a major windfall gain for Tasmania, with electrification upgrades set to benefit at least 1,750 Tasmanian public and social housing households, saving residents around $1,800 a year according to government modelling.

Greens Senator for Tasmania Nick McKim said the agreement marked a significant win for the state, securing funding to help households reduce energy bills while slashing emissions.

“This is a major win for climate, and  for people living in public and social housing in Tasmania,” Senator McKim said.

“Electrifying these homes means lower power bills, warmer homes in winter, and cleaner energy for our state.”

“For so many Tasmanian families these upgrades will ease the cost of living and improve quality of life.”

The funding, part of a $500 million national spend secured by the Greens, will allow for energy efficient upgrades such as air conditioning, insulation and shading; electric hot water systems, cooktops and ovens; and solar panels and batteries.

“Tasmania should be leading the way in the clean energy transition, and this deal is a step toward ensuring that everyone can benefit from it,” Senator McKim said.

“Tasmanians have been hit hard by rising costs, and this deal shows what the Greens can deliver when we hold the balance of power.

“This funding wouldn’t exist without the Greens, and we’re proud to be securing real outcomes that make a difference in people’s lives.

“Having the Greens in Parliament means better outcomes for people and the planet.”

Labor does the bidding of big business to protect native forestry logging

Australia’s native forests have been thrown under a fleet of log trucks after Prime Minister Albanese abandoned the environment on the instructions of Australia’s logging and mining industries. 

“It’s now crystal clear that the PM and his Forests Minister Julie Collins are simply puppets of logging and mining interests.”

“Any chance of better protections for nature have been lost due to big corporate interests completely capturing the Labor Party.”

“This was a naked display of power by big polluters, and the boardroom of the BCA is now acting like the third chamber of the Commonwealth parliament.”

“The Greens will keep fighting to end native forest logging.”

“It’s now abundantly clear – a vote for Labor is a vote to destroy nature.”

“If we want to save Australia’s precious native forests we need more Greens in Parliament.”

Pollution rises again under Labor, remains higher under Albanese than Morrison

The latest quarterly emissions data has revealed emissions remain higher under Anthony Albanese than Scott Morrison, as the Greens call on Labor to stop backing new coal and gas mines.

In the year to June 2022 – the last quarter of the Morrison Government – 438.4 million tonnes of emissions were released.

In the quarterly data released today, they sit at 440.6 million tonnes per annum in the year to June 2024.

The data also shows that pollution has risen 3.5% since the last quarter, up from 109.5 million tonnes in the March quarter to 113.4 million tonnes in the June quarter. 

The Greens say to drive down emissions and take the action needed to limit global warming to 1.5 or 2 degrees, Labor needs to stop approving coal and gas projects.

Since coming into office Labor has approved 28 new coal and gas projects, and both the Prime Minister and Climate Change Minister have indicated they won’t announce Australia’s 2035 climate targets before the next election.

Leader of the Australian Greens, Adam Bandt MP:

“Climate emissions are higher under Anthony Albanese than under Scott Morrison.

“Under Labor, emissions are rising and they have approved 28 new coal and gas projects.

“Labor have disappointed the country on climate, talking up renewables while approving 28 new coal and gas projects and lifting emissions. 

“To have any chance of a safer climate, Labor must stop approving new coal and gas projects and start rapidly cutting emissions.

“Coal and gas are keeping emissions high, but Labor and Liberal are backing more. Labor has lifted emissions and Peter Dutton would be even worse. We can’t keep voting for the same two parties and expecting a different result on climate.”

Lebanon ceasefire

Australia welcomes today’s announcement of a ceasefire agreement to bring an end to the hostilities between Israel and Hizballah.

This is a critical step for alleviating immense human suffering and ensuring displaced communities on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border can return home.

An end to the violence in Lebanon will also assist in de-escalating heightened tensions in the region.

Australia has been a part of the international coalition pushing for a ceasefire since the escalation of the conflict in Lebanon.

We commend the tireless efforts of negotiators and call on all parties to adhere to the ceasefire deal.

An end to the violence in Lebanon must also be a catalyst for an end to the war in Gaza.

Australia reiterates calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the unimpeded flow of aid, the protection of civilians, including humanitarian workers, and for the immediate release of all hostages.

Additional humanitarian assistance to Sudan

Australia will provide additional assistance to address famine and widespread humanitarian needs in Sudan, which now faces the world’s largest hunger crisis and the world’s largest displacement crisis.

Over half the population in Sudan live with acute hunger, and the ongoing conflict continues to threaten civilians. For the first time globally since 2017, famine has been declared in areas of North Darfur. Over 11 million people have fled their homes since the conflict started in April 2023.

Australia will provide an additional $17 million, which brings Australia’s total humanitarian assistance to Sudan and neighbouring countries since the outbreak of the conflict to $50 million.

In addition to today’s announcement, we welcome the recent release of funds from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), which Australia supports. We also welcome the release of funds from the International Federation of Red Cross and Crescent Societies Disaster Response Emergency Fund to Sudan, to which Australia contributes.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:

“Australia condemns the appalling violence in Sudan including towards civilians and aid workers. We call on all parties to make progress on negotiations and agree a permanent ceasefire.

“2024 is the deadliest year on record for aid workers – 26 have been killed in Sudan this year. Australia is working to galvanise international commitment to protect aid workers and ensure safe and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian support.”

Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:

“The conflict in Sudan is taking a heavy toll on civilians, with more than half the population living with extreme shortages of food.

“Australia stands with the people of Sudan. Our humanitarian funding will provide critical aid for people affected by this appalling conflict.

“Today’s announcement brings Australia’s total humanitarian assistance to Sudan and neighbouring countries to $50 million since the outbreak of the conflict in April 2023.”

Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Tim Watts MP:

“Sudan is now both the world’s largest hunger crisis and the world’s largest displacement crisis.

“We call on all parties to abide by international humanitarian law and enable safe and unimpeded access for aid workers to deliver lifesaving humanitarian assistance.”

Launch of ASEAN-Australia Centre to strengthen Southeast Asia ties

I am pleased to launch the ASEAN-Australia Centre, delivering a key commitment of the Albanese Government from the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit earlier this year.

The Centre will be launched tonight at Parliament House in Canberra alongside H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN.

The ASEAN-Australia Centre will build on the Labor Government’s work to deepen engagement with Southeast Asia and will focus on further increasing business, education, cultural and community connections with Southeast Asia. 

Key initiatives of the ASEAN-Australia Centre will include: 

  • launching an Emerging Leaders Program to support the brightest minds from the region to build skills and connections; 
  • investing in expanding the BRIDGE school partnerships program to connect teachers and students in Australia, Southeast Asia and Timor-Leste; and
  • developing a Young Women Entrepreneur Exchange to supercharge the business and creative ventures of Australian and Southeast Asian women.

The Centre is also supporting creative industry exchanges, cultural initiatives and Southeast Asia literacy through a Grants Program. 

The Centre invites applications related to creative industry exchanges, cultural initiatives that drive two-way trade and connect our region, and practical projects that strengthen Southeast Asia literacy in Australia. Information is available on the GrantConnect website and applications are open until 10 January 2025. 

I’m also pleased to announce a partnership between the ASEAN-Australia Centre and National Museum of Australia with a world-first First Nations Art Exhibition to tour Southeast Asia from 2025. This partnership delivers on recommendations from Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040. 

From the day the Albanese Government was elected, we have worked to deepen our ties with Southeast Asia because we know how important these relationships are for Australia’s future.

With the launch of the ASEAN-Australia Centre, we have delivered on another commitment to help make Australia stronger and more influential in our region and the world, and to build a better future for Australians.