Coalition stands firm as Labor keeps capitulating

Today, the Coalition has secured the support of the Senate to stand with Israel and affirm its inherent right to defend itself and protect its citizens.

In a remarkable 24 hours, the Albanese Labor Government has once again changed its position, reinforcing its internal confusion and division over Labor’s position on Israel.

In accepting significant Coalition amendments to the motion forced through the House of Representatives yesterday, the Albanese Government has only added to the confusion, inconsistencies and weakness in its positions.

The Coalition’s successful amendments included Israel’s right to defend itself as well as the condemnation of those committed to the destruction of Israel, and the actions of those seeking to celebrate and promote the actions of terrorists.

However, Labor’s decision to reject other Coalition amendments which confirmed Australia’s long-standing support for a negotiated two-state solution continues its record of trashing decades of bipartisanship on the issue.

Without a negotiated two-state solution, which addresses critical issues of security guarantees, agreed borders and rights of return, Labor is instead doubling down on Minister Wong’s ill-conceived arbitrary timeline for a recognition that resolves none of the issues of dispute.

Foreign Minister Wong’s further remarks about international consensus were a significant misrepresentation of the US position in a stunt that was either naïve or deliberately misleading.

Labor’s inability to sustain a firm position on Israel continues to put Australia at odds with our major ally and security partner in the United States.

The ceasefires we should all be supporting are where all hostages are released, while both Hamas and Hezbollah surrender their terrorist infrastructure, capability and leadership. That would give Israelis, Palestinians and Lebanese people the best chance of peace.

Labor’s housing crisis gets worse

The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics building activity data has confirmed there is no end in sight to Labor’s housing crisis.

2023-24 saw the lowest home building commencements in over a decade, dropping 8.8 per cent to just 158,690 new starts.

Australians know Labor’s promise to build 1.2 million homes over five years has ground to a halt, with industry leaders confirming the Coalition’s predictions of a shortfall by more than 400,000 homes.

This is far less than what was built under the former Coalition government, where the number of dwellings commenced during the last full five calendar years from 2017 to 2021 was 1,028,703.

Additionally, trade apprenticeship numbers have also declined, with completions down 8.6 per cent and commencements down 11.8 per cent, further impacting the construction sector.

To put Labor’s housing crisis into more perspective:

  • The number of loans provided for the purchase or construction of new homes is at a 15-year low.
  • Net permanent and long-term arrivals in the 12 months to July 2024 was 463,150, almost 60 per cent greater than the 293,860 net arrivals in the equivalent year before the pandemic.
  • Since the election, national median rents have increased by 23 per cent to $632 per week from $512 in May 2022.
  • The National Housing Accord envisages 240,000 new homes each year, however, the past 12 months have seen only 166,200 new home building approvals across Australia.
  • One new home needs to be built every 2.2 minutes to keep up with Labor’s promise to build 1.2 million homes.
  • The twelve-interest rate rises since the election has added at least an extra $20,000 per year to a family with a $750,000 mortgage.

Under Labor, housing will never be a priority, maintaining mortgage and rental repayments has never been more difficult, and home ownership has never been further out of reach.

Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 8 October 2024

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 8 October 2024. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Lord Mayoral Minutes 

Congratulating new and returning Councillors

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that congratulates all successful candidates and welcomes them to the Chamber as City of Newcastle Councillors.

Appointment of City of Newcastle representatives on Newcastle Airport related companies

A Lord Mayoral Minute was laid on the table that noted that in accordance with personal promises made prior to election, as Lord Mayor, Dr Ross Kerridge wants to use the Directors Fees associated with Newcastle Airport positions to establish a personal fund for charitable purposes.

Councillor seating arrangements and community-focused governance

A Lord Mayoral Minute was supported that notes the impending motion to seat councillors by party affiliation rather than ward groups diverges from the Lord Mayor’s election promise, but he will accept the councillors’ decision.

Change to 2024 adopted meeting schedule

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that adopted a change in Council’s meeting cycle moving the Ordinary Council Meeting from Tuesday 22 October 2024 to Tuesday 29 October 2024.

Ordinary business

Election of Deputy Lord Mayor

Council voted unanimously to elect Cr Callum Pull, Cr Charlotte McCabe, Cr Declan Clausen and Cr Deahnna Richardson as the Deputy Lord Mayor for a period of one year each during the Council term.

Countback Election

Council voted unanimously to approve, pursuant to section 291A(1)(b) of the Local Government Act 1993, that casual vacancies occurring in the office of a Councillor within 18  months after the last ordinary election of Councillors for the Council on 14 September 2024 are to be filled by a countback of votes cast at that election for the office in accordance with section 291A of the Act and authorises the CEO to notify the NSW Electoral Commission of Council’s resolution within seven days of the decision.

Appointment of Councillor members to City of Newcastle committees

Council voted to appoint Councillor members to City of Newcastle Committees.

Appointment of Councillor members to external committees

Council voted unanimously to appoint Councillor members to external Committees.

Adoption of Instruments of Delegation Council to the CEO, Lord Mayor and Development Applications Committee

Council voted to adopt the Instruments of Delegation to the Chief Executive Officer, the Lord Mayor, and the Development Applications Committee, maintaining the fact tenders exceeding $1 million will require a decision by Council resolution.

Appointment of City of Newcastle representatives on Newcastle Airport related companies

Council voted to lay on the table the nomination of the Lord Mayor and CEO as City of Newcastle’s representatives to Newcastle Airport entities.

Notices of Motion 

Expansion of Newcastle’s Footpath Network

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that City of Newcastle commits to the expansion of Newcastle’s Footpath Network, ensuring safer and more accessible pathways for all residents, by committing to deliver at least 20 kilometres of new footpaths over this new term of Council (and up to 30 kilometres over the term if feasible). Council also supports the proactive approach to footpath planning initiated during the last term of Council, moving away from only delivering reactive footpath projects towards a consultative, strategic, and data-driven approach that ensures efficient and equitable delivery of needed accessible walking infrastructure for all Novocastrians.

Expansion of Newcastle’s Playground Renewal Program – Stevenson Park

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that City of Newcastle commits to expanding Newcastle’s successful playground renewal program which has already seen 35 parks and playgrounds upgraded across the City and commits to delivering the next phase of investment in the playspace at Stevenson Park in Mayfield West during this term of council, ensuring continued collaboration with the Friends of Stevenson Park and local stakeholders.

Minmi Road Western Corridor widening project

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that City of Newcastle notes that funding for the widening of Minmi Road was initiated by a Lord Mayoral Minute from Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes in February 2022 and recognises the enabling construction work already  completed during the first quarter of this financial year, including the installation of the new  roundabout at the intersection of Newcastle Road and Cowper Street, which will support the   flow of diverted traffic during construction. Construction on the Minmi Road widening project is scheduled to commence in early 2025.

Councillor seating arrangements

Council supported a notice of motion that determined the seating arrangements for the new Council term.

Community invited to share feedback on Newcastle Show public holiday

City of Newcastle is inviting Novocastrians to help determine whether the first day of the 2025 Newcastle Show should be declared a local public holiday.

A community survey will gather feedback from people who live, work and run businesses in Newcastle to gauge support for the proposal, with specific questions about the economic and social benefits as well as tourism industry promotion of the region.

Newcastle ShowExecutive Director Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer David Clarke said the community has traditionally supported the idea of a local public holiday.

“City of Newcastle conducted community consultation in 2023 and 84 per cent of respondents supported a local public holiday for the Newcastle Show,” Mr Clarke said.

“The Newcastle Show is an important historical, social and cultural event that dates back to 1901, and visitor numbers have continued to increase since the interruption of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As part of the community survey City of Newcastle will consult with chambers of commerce, banks, major employers and schools that would likely to be impacted, should the day be declared a local public holiday.”

“If the day was to be declared a local public holiday it would apply to all employees whose place of work is within the Newcastle Local Government Area.”

Alternatively, a local event day may be declared, as has been the case in recent years. A local event day is not a public holiday, but can be considered as one, for those employees in the area who have agreed to observe the day in their relevant industrial agreement and any other employers who want to participate.

The community survey is now open and will close at 5pm on 5 November.

Feedback will then be presented to Council for consideration, prior to an application being made to the NSW Government. 

You can have your say by completing the online survey here before 5pm on 5 November http://haveyoursay.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Newcastle-regional-show-day-2025

The 2025 Newcastle Show will run from Friday 28 February to Sunday 2 March.

Consultation to help make silica workers across NSW safer

Public consultation is underway on the form and scope of a new register in NSW to monitor and track the health of at-risk workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) – otherwise known as silica dust.

Silicosis is a preventable occupational disease caused by inhalation of very fine silica dust particles, with workers at greatest risk in mining and construction including the engineered stone industry. 

Eliminating the risks associated with silica is a high priority for the Minns Government and a number of initiatives have been introduced including:

  • a ban on engineered stone, including a federal ban from 1 January 2025 on its importation.
  • tougher safety laws to protect workers
  • increased SafeWork NSW inspector presence to enforce regulations
  • funding for a SafeWork NSW Silica Team.

The new silica worker register will be used to ramp up health screening services for at-risk workers, minimise the impacts of silica dust exposure and prevent illness.

The NSW Government on Have Your Say is seeking feedback from the community, including from past and present workers and employers in construction, manufacturing, mining and tunnelling.

The feedback will help ensure the silica worker register reflects industry needs and protects workers and the community.

SafeWork NSW is conducting the consultation and will carefully consider all feedback received.

The closing date for submissions is Sunday, 3 November 2024.

For more information, visit: https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/silica-worker-register

Minister for Work Health and Safety, Sophie Cotsis:

“The Minns Government is committed to ensuring workers across the state are safe at work and the new silica worker register is an important step in the fight against silicosis.

“Silicosis is entirely preventable and feedback from past and present workers, unions and employers will help to ensure the new register protects workers.

“The new register will help us to ramp up and target health screening services, minimise the impacts of silica dust exposure and prevent illness.”

World first vehicles boost capability for NSW Ambulance

NSW Ambulance will roll out eight specially designed vehicles known as Hazardous Area Rescue Ambulances (HARA), the first of their kind in the world, optimising response capabilities during natural disasters and in difficult terrain.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said the community will benefit from the specialist capabilities of the HARA Mercedes-Benz Unimog vehicles, as part of a major $14.8 million funding package by the NSW Government to further build the state’s flood rescue capabilities.

The HARAs are designed to drive through flood waters up to 1.2 metres and are equipped with safety features for operation in hazardous environments. The vehicles have also been made to operate around fire grounds, with the inclusion of a burn-over crew protection system, replacement of flammable components, and by wrapping critical vehicle infrastructure in fire-retardant material.

The rear of the vehicle is a fully operational ambulance, with a specially designed stretcher loading system to assist paramedics in patient handling and for patient comfort.

The HARAs are equipped with the latest technology and purpose-built features, improving the organisation’s capability to deliver the very best outcomes for patients.

The vehicles have been purpose modified by NSW Ambulance to withstand harsh environments with enhanced safety features including a reinforced exoskeleton to protect paramedics and patients from falling trees.

HARAs will be rolled out over the coming months, with the vehicles proposed to be strategically stationed at NSW Ambulance heavy rescue stations based in Tamworth, Rutherford, Cowra, Wagga Wagga and Bomaderry, as well as special operation team locations in Point Clare and Sydney.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“I’m so pleased our Ambulance service will be the first in the world to get these vehicles.

“These high-tech vehicles, will mean our world class clinicians will be even better prepared for any scenario they face – which could include floods or bushfires.

“Once they’re rolled out these vehicles will be an invaluable addition to NSW Ambulance.”

Member for Heathcote, Maryanne Stuart:

“I am proud to join the Minister for Health, Ryan Park MP in Heathcote today and see these innovative vehicles ahead of the rollout. They are long overdue and I’m so appreciative that a Minns Labor government has delivered on these essential vehicles. 

“They will ensure communities across Heathcote with our challenging landscape and right across NSW receive world-class care and will be an invaluable resource during natural disasters.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan:

“The HARA vehicles are the first of their kind and an essential addition to our fleet giving clinicians greater access to patients during natural disasters, such as in fire grounds and floods.

“The 4WD vehicles will be operated by our highly trained special operations paramedics and have been specifically modified by NSW Ambulance to withstand harsh environments.”

$410,000 to upgrade health facilities on the Mid North Coast

The Mid North Coast Local Health District will benefit from a $410,000 funding boost from the NSW Government to upgrade health facilities in the region.

The Minns Labor Government is investing a total of almost $12 million in 61 projects as part of the Regional Health Minor Works Program.

Port Macquarie Base Hospital, Kempsey District Hospital and Macksville District Hospital will share a $235,000 allocation to replace outdated waste management systems in each facility’s operating theatres.

Wauchope District Memorial Hospital will also receive $175,000 to replace the decking structure between the main building and the hospital’s rehabilitation unit, improving accessibility for patients and staff at the facility.

NSW Regional Health Minister Ryan Park:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to investing in health infrastructure to support better health outcomes for rural and regional communities.

“This investment will allow Mid North Coast Local Health District to upgrade equipment and health facilities to enhance the working environment for health staff and improve patient experiences.

“The program is one of a number of investments our Government is making to strengthen rural and regional health services, so people have access to the best possible care close to home.”

Labor Spokesperson for Port Macquarie, Cameron Murphy MLC:

“I’m proud to be part of a government which is making this important investment in regional health facilities.

“This funding will benefit staff and patients, and it means we can upgrade outdated systems in operating theatres in Port Macquarie, Kempsey and Macksville and also improve accessibility for patients in Wauchope.”

Labor Spokesperson for Oxley, Anthony D’Adam MLC:

“Through investments like this one, our government is improving access to care in our regional, rural and remote communities.

“The replacement of outdated waste management systems at Port Macquarie, Kempsey and Macksville hospitals will ensure that we can continue to safely remove surgical waste at each of the facilities in an appropriate manner.

“The upgrade to the deck structure at Wauchope District Memorial Hospital will enable patients, staff and visitors have improved accessibility when moving between the main building and the rehabilitation unit.”

Multilingual NSW Academy launch invests in State’s diversity

The Minns Labor Government is investing $7.5 million into Multilingual NSW which will deliver the new Multilingual NSW Academy for translators and interpreters to further strengthen NSW’s linguistic diversity and government services.

The Multilingual NSW Academy will support the development and sustainability of translating and interpreting services across the State and fulfil a 2024-25 Budget commitment.

The Academy will explore new opportunities for partnerships and collaborations with leading training organisations, including University of New South Wales, Macquarie University, Western Sydney University and TAFE NSW. The Academy aims to increase the specialist and digital competency of Multicultural NSW’s more-than 1,000 language professionals by providing them with skills to work more effectively on NSW Government assignments.

Digital uplift through technology and training will be a key feature of the Academy supported by an investment in new technology. Additionally, the Academy will embrace the customer-centric way of working as championed by the Department of Customer Service.

At a recent event to recognise the work of NSW Government translators and interpreters and launch the new Multilingual NSW academy, three long serving Multicultural NSW employees were recognised for their 40-year professional commitment to their communities.

Polish translator Czeslaw Olechnowicz, Hindi interpreter Neena Sinha and Thai translator and interpreter Songsri Foran were recognised with medals to commemorate their service.

Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:

“Translators and interpreters have a crucial role in ensuring everyone in NSW has access to important information and services, which is why we’re investing in our people.”

“Multilingual NSW is focusing on building the skills and capabilities of our translators and interpreters so that language is no longer a barrier to our multicultural community accessing government services.”

“This significant investment delivers on the government’s plan to build strong, diverse communities and a better NSW for everyone.”

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“With almost 1 in 3 people living in NSW born overseas and more than 280 languages spoken in homes across the state, it is essential we deliver the resources and services our communities need to stay connected.”

“We are working on a Digital Inclusion Strategy which puts people at the centre of how we roll out technological innovations and develop solutions which focus on diversity and accessibility and bridge the digital divide.”

“This digital funding will support the rollout of new technology which will support more effective translation and interpreting services to benefit our linguistically diverse residents.”

“This is about delivering digital for people, with the needs of the community being considered at every step.”

Visit to Laos for ASEAN-Australia and East Asia summits

Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, will travel to Vientiane, Laos from 9-11 October for the 4th Annual ASEAN-Australia Summit and 19th East Asia Summit.

This visit is vital to advocating for Australia’s interests for a more prosperous and stable region, and will build on the success of the 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit held in Melbourne in March, where leaders reaffirmed their commitment to securing peace and a sustainable future for the region.

Deepening engagement with Southeast Asia is a priority of the Australian Government. Stability in the region is crucial for Australia’s future.

ASEAN is Australia’s second largest two-way trading partner. Trade supports one in four Australian jobs, with half a million jobs in Australia already linked to trade with Southeast Asia. More than one million Australians have Southeast Asian heritage, reflecting our personal ties in the region.

In Vientiane, Prime Minister Albanese will meet with leaders and business representatives to discuss work underway to boost two-way trade and investment through Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Strategy to 2040.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“I look forward to building on the success of the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit earlier this year and thank Prime Minister Sonexay for hosting these vital meetings.

“We are committed to working with our partners to pursue a peaceful, stable and prosperous region with ASEAN at the centre.

“We are also acting to grasp economic opportunities in a region of incredible vitality and promise. Trade creates jobs for our nation and helps build our Future Made in Australia agenda.

“My Government will continue to work closely with our partners to maximise opportunities for Australian businesses and workers within the region.”

Excellence celebrated at 25th Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science

The 25th anniversary of the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science celebrates the outstanding contribution made by scientists, innovators and teachers to uplifting Australia’s way of life.

Ground-breaking research into children’s anaesthesia, life-saving treatments for blood cancer, and novel paths to creating a net zero future are awarded in this year’s ceremony.

Prime Minister’s Prize for Science: Professor Matthew Bailes is recognised for his world-first discovery of fast radio bursts. An expert in astrophysics, his work is helping to determine how much normal matter exists in the universe.

Prime Minister’s Prize for Innovation: Professor Andrew F. Wilks and Dr Chris Burns are recognised for inventing and commercialising a drug called momelotinib that is used to treat myelofibrosis, a rare form of blood cancer.

Frank Fenner Prize for Life Scientist of the Year: Professor Britta Regli-von Ungern-Sternberg is recognised for her life-changing research into reducing risks associated with anaesthesia for children, to make surgery and recovery safer.

Malcolm McIntosh Prize for Physical Scientist of the Year: Distinguished Professor Tianyi Ma from RMIT University is recognised for groundbreaking work in renewable energy, which could support Australia in its clean energy transition and the path to net zero.

Prize for New Innovators: Dr Andrew Horsley, founder of Quantum Brilliance, is recognised for his groundbreaking innovations towards making quantum computing an everyday technology, unlocking a range of potential new applications for the field in Australia and abroad.

Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Primary Schools: Mr Daniel Edwards from Montello Primary School in Tasmania is recognised for creating unique opportunities for students of all abilities and backgrounds to overcome challenges, engage with STEM subjects and consider a career in science.

Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools: Ms Alice Leung from Concord High School is recognised for her creative teaching strategies to equip students from diverse backgrounds with STEM knowledge and skills for the future.

The Albanese Government announced that from this year, more money will be available for the teaching prizes so that recipients receive the same amount as the other major prize categories.

This change recognises the critical role that our teachers play in fostering engagement by children from all backgrounds in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The achievements of all 2024 prize recipients.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said this year’s winners showed the breadth and depth of Australia’s scientific talent.

“Australia has world-class scientists, researchers and teachers. This year’s winners show just how bright the future is for Australian science.

“On behalf of all Australians, I congratulate the 2024 prize recipients and thank them for their contributions.”

Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic said the prizes highlighted the potential of our science sector.

“Science is at the heart of so much of Australia’s way of life – from medicines, to robotics, telecommunications and artificial intelligence.

“The great ideas and hard work of our scientists and researchers are creating a better life for all Australians.

“This Government recognises our brilliant science teachers who are inspiring the next generation of Australian scientists.

“To every young person out there – know that as a scientist, you can make a huge difference to the world and even the universe.”