A man will face court charged with numerous offences following an investigation by Newcastle City detectives.
In January 2022, detectives attached to Newcastle City Police District commenced an investigation after receiving a referral from the Australian Federal Police regarding the alleged uploading of child abuse material through a social media platform.
Following extensive inquiries, about 8.10am yesterday (Thursday 24 October 2024), officers executed a search warrant at a house in Kotara and arrested a 23-year-old man.
Police also seized a number of items in relation to child abuse material, as well as five gel blaster firearms, two sets of throwing knives, a set of throwing stars and a trench knife.
The man was taken to Newcastle Police Station where he was charged with ten offences – possess unauthorised prohibited firearm (five counts), possess, or use a prohibited weapon without a permit (two counts), two counts of possess child abuse material and one count of possess bestiality material.
He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Friday 25 October 2024).
The Victorian Greens have responded to the Allan government’s plan to fast-track high-rise apartment blocks and remove stamp duty for investors, saying that proceeding without guaranteeing any new public and genuinely affordable housing will simply funnel more profits to wealthy developers while Victorian suffer through more housing stress.
The Greens said that while they welcome more housing near transport and services, without policies to require building genuinely affordable homes in these zones, Labor’s plans will simply let developers get away with building more expensive penthouses, and young people will not benefit.
The Greens say that fast-tracking the plans of wealthy property developers and providing short-term stamp duty concessions for property investors without forcing them to build any public and genuinely affordable homes will actually make the housing crisis worse.
The Greens have been calling for inclusionary zoning to ensure that 50% of these new activity areas are public and genuinely affordable housing for the people who need them the most.
Greens spokesperson for Public and Affordable Housing, Samantha Ratnam:
“If Labor wants to fundamentally reshape our city, they need to do it in a way that creates housing that teachers, nurses and young people can actually afford, but right now Labor is just giving incentives to wealthy property developers to build expensive houses that won’t solve the housing crisis.
“We’re in the worst housing crisis we’ve seen in decades and property developers are building expensive houses, hoarding land and keeping homes empty.
“If Labor actually cared about building homes that young people can afford, they’d require developers to build genuinely affordable and public homes in these zones, rather than just allowing developers to build expensive luxury apartments.
“Labor must commit to building more public and affordable housing – not just expensive luxury apartments.”
The Victorian Greens warn that the Allan government must guarantee public and affordable housing otherwise their skyrise plan will do nothing to fix the housing crisis and will only make housing more expensive and further lock out young people.
Labor’s high-rise plan doesn’t ensure any public and affordable housing at the sites and today property developers are saying they would force apartment prices up by at least 15 per cent – making housing affordability even worse.
The Victorian Greens say that this is exactly why we need to ensure public and affordable homes in these new activity zones, otherwise this plan is going to drive up prices and make it even harder for young people and essential workers to find somewhere to live.
The Victorian Greens have been calling for inclusionary zoning that would ensure that at least 50% of new housing are public and affordable homes In these new zones.
The Greens are also calling for structural reform of the tax system which currently locked young people and workers out of buying a home – like getting rid of negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount.
Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell:
“Today property developers made it clear that Labor’s plan is to build more expensive luxury apartments. Developers want to build apartments that are at least 15% more expensive than now – that’s the opposite of what we need!”
“We need more genuinely affordable and public homes that young people, nurses, and everyday workers can afford – not expensive luxury apartments.”
Quotes attributable to Greens spokesperson for Public and Affordable Housing, Samantha Ratnam:
“Labor must commit to more public and genuinely affordable homes in these new activity zones otherwise they’re not doing anything for young people struggling through the worst housing crisis in decades.”
“Labor is intent on enabling wealthy developers and corporations to cash in on luxury apartments and it’s only going to make things worse.”
“Labor can’t knock down thousands of public homes and only offer expensive apartments in return.”
Today I announce appointments of five highly qualified individuals to lead Australian posts in Alofi, Funafuti, Ottawa, Paris and Rome.
Australia’s engagement with the world is driven by our diplomats. Their ability to build influence and advocate for Australia is critical to promoting our national interests abroad.
I am pleased to announce the following appointments:
Merchant fee surcharges were levied on tens of millions of customer card transactions, despite repeated legal advice during the term of the former Liberal-National government that the government agency surcharges were unlawful.
The issue was identified by the NSW Auditor-General during settlement of the Department of Customer Service (DCS) financial statements for 2023-24 and brought to the attention of the current Government.
The current Secretary of DCS, Graeme Head, sought further information from his Department which revealed that Service NSW’s practice of charging merchant fees had been flagged as unlawful in legal advice received from the Crown Solicitor’s Office between February 2016 and December 2022. Despite this, merchant fees continued to be passed onto customers.
Merchant fee surcharges are levied to recoup transaction fees charged by payment providers including banks. Recouping the cost of merchant fees was directed by NSW Treasury in 2012.
Typical surcharges on Service NSW transactions include 30 cents for a 1-year licence renewal, 29 cents for a marriage certificate and $1.92 to renew registration for a small car (like a Toyota Corolla). The average surcharge on a Revenue NSW payment in 2023-24 was $0.92.
It’s currently estimated that 92 million transactions unlawfully incurred about $144 million in merchant fees from 2016 across Service NSW and Revenue NSW.
The Minns Labor Government has established an incident management taskforce and is progressing urgent work to shut down the unlawful charging of merchant fees.
The Treasurer, Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, and Minister for Finance have written to the NSW Ombudsman requesting an investigation into possible serious maladministration.
The Secretary of DCS has also referred the matter to the Ombudsman and the Independent Commission Against Corruption, noting the apparent failure to act on the 2016 Crown Solicitor’s advice.
The taskforce led by DCS has switched off fees being charged directly by Revenue NSW and the Rental Bond Board, and stopped fees on more than 80 per cent of Service NSW transactions.
Merchant fee surcharges have been switched off for more than 90 per cent of online payments, including the top 12 Service NSW transactions such as renewing a driver licence or vehicle registration or paying a fine.
Service NSW is urgently continuing work to switch off fees on all remaining transactions, including thousands of credit card terminals in Service NSW Service Centres. These transactions span several technology platforms and are conducted on behalf of multiple agencies.
While this work is being completed, alternate payment methods are available which do not incur a surcharge, such as paying in a Service Centre by cash or online with over-the-counter support from Service NSW staff.
The majority of Government transactions take place through Service NSW, but as a result of this information being uncovered, all departments have been instructed to report to NSW Treasury by 30 November on whether they charge merchant fees for services and to confirm they have the legal authority to do so.
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib:
“Our most immediate priority has been to stop these charges as quickly as possible.”
“It is deeply concerning that this practice has been ongoing, despite legal concerns being raised.”
“While the individual amounts typically charged may appear to be small, they have been charged unlawfully.”
“The community rightfully deserves an explanation about how this was allowed to continue for so long under the previous government.”
Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos:
“We have acted swiftly to establish a taskforce to deal with this issue. Our immediate efforts are focused on switching off the payment methods that charge these merchant fees as quickly as possible.
“We will get to the bottom of what happened and why millions of people were unlawfully charged merchant fees.
“Families, households and businesses expect governments to conduct themselves lawfully. That’s why all agencies have been instructed to examine their own processes.”
The Singleton Local Government Area has received $7 million in funding from the Albanese and Minns Governments to help improve the resilience of Kilfoyles Bridge and Stanhope Road ahead of future flood events.
The funds, provided through the Regional Roads Transport Recovery Package, will go towards:
Raising Stanhope Road at Elderslie; and
The betterment of Kilfoyles Bridge and approaches on Luskintyre Road with a two-lane concrete structure.
Work to raise the road level along a one kilometer section of Stanhope Road is already underway and will involve major culvert upgrades to better manage drainage and improve access to the route during future rainfalls.
The funding also covers raising Kilfoyles Bridge and approaches on Luskintyre Road by at least 2.2 metres, and upgrading the bridge to a two-lane concrete structure with a higher bridge deck and scour protection. This work is expected to start in November 2024.
The improvements will help reduce the likelihood of road and bridge closures during severe weather and reduce costs for ongoing repairs and maintenance.
These upgrades are jointly funded through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister:
“We are working with the Minns Government and regional councils to ensure communities have resilient infrastructure they can rely on every day, but particularly in times of crisis.”
“Upgraded roads and bridges will help residents stay connected during flooding and improve access to emergency services.
“By raising the road and increasing the capacity of culverts, these projects will also reduce turbulence and help flood water escape quickly.”
Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi:
“We’ve seen over the last few years the devastation that constant rain and flooding has had on our communities and on our vital infrastructure.
“Keeping our roads and bridges open during flood events is vital to stop communities being isolated.
“It’s all about building back better and it’s about the Albanese Labor Government working with the states and the local government so that we can build back better and give people the future they need.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison:
“This key investment by the Minns and Albanese Labor Governments will improve Singleton’s resilience to floods.
“Workers, students, tourists, freight operators and other residents will be able to continue to go about their business, get to education and medical appointments with less inconvenience and disruption during disasters.
“This will reduce their reliance on Surf Life Saving and the State Emergency Service (SES), particularly for residents of smaller communities like Lambs Valley and Stanhope.
NSW Labor’s spokesperson for Upper Hunter Emily Suvaal:
“These flood resilience projects will keep communities better connected during disasters while importantly protecting lives and livelihoods across the Upper Hunter.
“It’s great to see all three levels of government working together to deliver projects that make such a big difference to our regional communities.”
Singleton Council Mayor Sue Moore:
“I’m very pleased to have State and Federal Governments working together to improve access in times of flooding for Singleton rural communities.”
Singleton Council General Manager Justin Fitzpatrick-Barr:
“Stanhope Road and Kilfoyles Bridge form an important transport route for the community and agricultural businesses but in times of flooding, they become inundated and unpassable for days at a time.
“By upgrading and raising the level of this road and bridge, we’ll keep our community connected during future flooding disasters.
“We’re extremely grateful to the Australian and NSW governments for their support to deliver these integral infrastructure projects for Singleton.”
The Minns Labor Government is calling on the best and brightest in developing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology tools to improve the NSW Planning Portal and speed up assessment timeframes to deliver more homes, jobs and infrastructure.
The NSW Planning Portal processes all the state’s Development Applications (DA) as well as Complying Development Certificates (CDC) and Concurrence and Referrals (C&R) for DAs that require state agency advice.
The NSW Government has launched two Requests for Proposals (RFP) seeking innovative technology and AI solutions to integrate into the Planning Portal as a feature of the Next Generation NSW Planning Portal Ecosystem. The first RFP asks for:
Products to improve DA quality and assessment times that can be integrated into the existing Portal
Products or services that use AI to provide data analytics and spatial insights
Products to strengthen cybersecurity and improve user privacy including document security and certificate forgery
A second tender seeking a range of technology enhancements to upgrade the core platform functionality of the NSW Planning Portal which include:
Making this legacy platform more efficient through upgrades to assessment and implementation planning
Seeking products that improve security through data processing and document migration and validation
Enhancements to the core platform, making it more reliable and improving the user experience
These two RFPs follow the NSW Government’s $5.6 million investment to introduce AI into the planning system with 16 councils currently trialling AI solutions through the AI Early Adopter Grant.
To provide a Request for Proposal for the NSW Planning Portal, applicants should respond by 3pm on Friday 1 November: NSW Planning Portal – Pega Upgrade – SR00252 | buy.nsw
To provide a Request for Proposal for the Next Generation NSW Planning Portal ecosystem applicants should respond by 3pm on Monday 4 November: Next Generation NSW Planning Portal Ecosystem – SR00132 | buy.nsw
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
“The NSW Planning Portal services millions of people, it should be utilising the best technological platforms available to us.
“AI can assist planners to determine DAs much faster and that means faster assessments for housing across NSW.
“We are also looking for solutions to improve the core technology of the Planning Portal to improve user experience.
“The Minns Labor Government is bringing the planning system into the 21st century.
“Our Early Adopter AI grant Program has already seen 16 councils commence technology trials to help their planners free up valuable time and energy to improve assessment times. This next round of technology enhancements will bring us even closer to the future of digital assessment in the planning system.”
The Liverpool community is a step closer to having a new purpose-built ambulance station at Prestons following the purchase of a site on Enterprise Circuit.
The new Prestons Ambulance Station is being delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $615.5 million NSW Ambulance Infrastructure Program.
Health Infrastructure and NSW Ambulance carried out a thorough evaluation of the site to ensure the location best meets the needs of our emergency ambulance operations and paramedic staff.
New ambulance stations are located at places which optimise ambulance response performance and meet the needs of local community. NSW Ambulance identified Prestons as a high priority location following a comprehensive service planning process using best practice modelling software to map Triple Zero (000) calls.
The next steps for the project include design development and seeking planning approval for the new ambulance station. Construction and operational timeframes will be determined as the project progresses.
The NSW Ambulance Infrastructure Program will deliver 30 additional ambulance stations and supporting infrastructure across Sydney, the Central Coast, Newcastle and Wollongong over the coming years, boosting frontline emergency ambulance care.
Health Infrastructure is working with NSW Ambulance and other Government stakeholders to identify potential sites for new ambulance stations.
Sites are confirmed for North Sydney, South Windsor, Oran Park, Berowra and now Prestons.
New stations across south-western Sydney are also planned to service the communities of Raby, Prairiewood, Doonside, Glenmore Park, the Aerotropolis and Bargo.
Minister for Health Ryan Park:
“I’m delighted our paramedics will have a purpose-built ambulance station to support them while they deliver world-class emergency mobile medical care to our communities well into the future.
“The purchase of the site marks a significant milestone in delivering a vital health service for the local community and surrounding areas.
“The new ambulance station at Prestons will bolster the ambulance station network across the growing communities of south-western Sydney and support existing ambulance stations including at Liverpool and Macquarie Fields.”
Member for Macquarie Fields Anoulack Chanthivong:
“I welcome this investment in urgent medical care services for our rapidly-growing region.
“An ambulance service at Prestons means more local jobs for south-west Sydney, and better response times in emergencies. It’s a win-win for our fast-growing communities.”
Member for Liverpool Charishma Kaliyanda:
“As Liverpool grows, it is important that we invest in health infrastructure to meet the needs of the community.
“The new station is a testament to the NSW Government’s dedication to providing first-class emergency services in the fast growing communities of south west Sydney.
“We know health services like Liverpool Hospital are under a lot of pressure, and this announcement demonstrates that the NSW Government is actively working to ensure Liverpool has what we need to meet the demand, now and into the future.”
Member for Leppington Nathan Hagarty:
“This new ambulance station in Prestons will provide better care for families across the region.
“South-western Sydney is growing rapidly, and it’s crucial that our frontline services grow with us.
“This new station will strengthen the entire network and ensure our local paramedics have the resources and facilities they need to respond quickly and effectively in emergencies.”
Essential workers will receive significantly more support to move and settle into the Northern Rivers thanks to a successful Minns Labor Government initiative, The Welcome Experience, being extended into the region making it easier for local organisations to attract workers to making the move.
Originally piloted during 2023 in Broken Hill, Muswellbrook, Bega, Walgett, Coffs Harbour, Corowa, Griffith and Goulburn, The Welcome Experience has been such a success it is now being rolled out to additional locations since September this year and is now operating in 55 Local Government Areas.
The Welcome Experience will now provide workforce support to the additional town locations of Tweed, Lismore, Ballina, Byron and Richmond Valley thanks to a successful tender application from new host agency, Regional Development Australia (RDA) Northern Rivers.
As part of The Welcome Experience, host agencies help essential workers make the regions their home, forge social connections, access childcare and schooling options, join sporting clubs and even assist with finding job opportunities for partners.
Launched in June last year, The Welcome Experience has helped 665 essential workers and their families to move to regional New South Wales, including 346 health workers, 110 educators and 42 police staff.
The Northern Rivers can look forward to similar type success stories that have emerged after the program was rolled out to other regions over the last few months.
Host Agencies in new delivery locations such as Dubbo, Port Macquarie, Kiama and Inverell are now onboarding Local Connectors, plus engaging their local communities and gathering feedback to assist them to tailor the delivery of The Welcome Experience to meet specific needs of communities.
Among the new host agencies is RDA Murray, which has reported a positive stream of enquiries since September from essential workers considering the move to the Albury area.
RDA Program Manager for Albury Karin Willcox is already assisting two registered nurses and their children move to the region from New Zealand.
Karin has organised arrangements for the family ahead of their arrival, including airport pickup, car rental, childcare, schooling options, and even securing furniture for their new home.
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:
“Our Government is focusing on ensuring regional NSW receives the services it needs and attracting essential workers is critical to making that happen.
“If people get to hear first-hand info about schools or childcare, and that there is a good bunch of people in the local netball team, plus insights on cafes and places to fish, you are making them feel welcome.
“Recognising the area’s needs, the Government is pleased the procurement process has been completed to engage RDA Northern Rivers to set up services in five towns that will boost the attraction of essential workers.
“The Welcome Experience has a strong track record of warmly welcoming workers to regional NSW and encouraging them to build lasting connections in their new communities, and I look forward to seeing RDA continue this valuable work in the Northern Rivers region.”
NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery and State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said:
“I congratulate Regional Development Australia (RDA) Northern Rivers on successfully tendering to be host agency for The Welcome Experience in towns across our region as this organisation has a track record of building capacity through strengthening networks.
“We need to attract and retain more essential workers as our population grows, and providing workforce support with relocations and settling into a new community for workers and their families is a no-brainer.
“Some councils provide new residents with a welcome pack to help them navigate their new surroundings, and this Minns Labor Government initiative is that concept writ large, offering a wraparound set of services specific to our region.
“The Welcome Experience’s pilot sites have been successful in helping hundreds of health workers, educators and police move to the regions, and I look forward to more success in Lismore, Tweed, Byron, Ballina and Richmond Valley.”
RDA Northern Rivers Director of Regional Development Anthony Schreenan said:
“The Welcome Experience will support new essential workers through every step of the relocation process, from when they first consider the move, to when they decide to make their home in the Northern Rivers and build connections in the community,” Mr Schreenan said.
“We are so happy to be able to benefit from The Welcome Experience, the pilot showed that the key to retaining workers is welcoming them into the community, and that’s more than finding a house to live in and school for the kids.
“It’s becoming part of the local sports club, getting to know fellow parents, connecting with the people at your local and building networks of friendship.
“Our Local Connector will provide a concierge service, connecting with essential workers who are considering relocating to our region and providing information about the region, finding a place to live, access to schools and amenities, and services available.
Locations delivering The Welcome Experience:
Region
Location Government Areas
Successful Host Agency
Northern NSW
Glen Innes Severn and Inverell
Attract Connect Stay Glenn Innes
North Coast & Rivers
Tweed, Lismore, Ballina, Byron and Richmond Valley
RDA Northern Rivers
Mid North Coast
Kempsey, Nambucca and Port Macquarie Hastings
RDA Mid North Coast
Mid North Coast
Coffs Harbour and Bellingen
Boambee East Community Centre
Hunter
Muswellbrook, Singleton and Upper Hunter
Muswellbrook Shire Council
New England
Armidale, Tamworth and Uralla
RDA Northern Inland
Moree Plains
Moree Plains
Moree Plains Shire Council
Orana region
Bourke, Dubbo (incl Wellington) and Walgett
RDA Orana
Central West
Bathurst, Cowra, Lachlan, Lithgow, Oberon, Orange, Parkes and Weddin
Skillset
Western NSW
Balranald, Broken Hill, Central Darling,
Regional Solutions Community Development
Far West NSW
Unincorporated Far West and Wentworth
Regional Solutions Community Development
Murray
Albury, Federation and Greater Hume
RDA Murray
Eastern Riverina
Temora, Tumut, Wagga Wagga
RDA Riverina
Western Riverina
Griffith, Leeton,
RDA Riverina
Southern NSW
Goulburn Mulwaree, Hilltops, Queanbeyan-Palerang, Snowy-Monaro, Upper Lachlan, Wingecarribee and Yass Valley
Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla have concluded an historic visit to Australia.
The Royal visit was The King’s first visit to Australia as Sovereign.
It showcased the very best of modern Australia, including our strong communities, scientific innovation and rich cultural diversity.
In Canberra, Their Majesties honoured fallen Australians at the Australian War Memorial, visited Parliament House and learned more about Australia’s unique environment and the impact of climate change on our ecosystems at the National Botanic Gardens.
The spectacular Fleet Review of the Royal Australian Navy, the visit to the Sydney Opera House and the community barbecue in Western Sydney were highlights of Their Majesties’ Sydney visit, and gave them the opportunity to meet a wide range of Australians.
The King and Queen’s visit focused attention on important work being done in our community to improve the lives of everyday Australians.
The King met the Australians of the Year at the ground-breaking Melanoma Institute, and met Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community representatives to hear about a range of community projects at the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence. The King also visited a sustainable NSW Homes community housing project which will soon provide 75 affordable homes to people in Sydney’s inner-west.
The Queen assisted volunteers at OzHarvest to prepare meals and spent time hearing from women’s safety advocates about their vital work at Government House.
To mark the Royal visit, the Australian Government made a $10,000 national contribution to Greening Australia on behalf of all Australians. Greening Australia is a national not-for-profit committed to restoring Australia’s diverse landscapes and protecting biodiversity in ways that benefit communities, economies, and nature.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
“It was an honour to welcome The King and Queen to Australia for this historic visit, the first by a Sovereign since Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2011.
“Their Majesties met a range of extraordinary Australians who demonstrated the best of our great country.
“I look forward to meeting The King again in Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.”
