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Eighth Australia-China high level dialogue

The Australia-China High Level Dialogue, which brings together representatives from industry, government, academia, media and the arts, will be held in Adelaide this week.

The Dialogue, which was established in 2014, is another opportunity to progress discussions across the breadth of Australia and China’s relationship, including on trade and investment, cultural ties, and regional and international security.

Former Trade Minister, the Hon Dr Craig Emerson, will co-chair the Dialogue as head of the Australian delegation.

Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ms Jan Adams AO PSM, and Australia’s Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, Mr Scott Dewar will also participate as delegates.

Former Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Julie Bishop, will join the Dialogue again this year and participate as a session lead, reflecting continued bipartisan support for the Dialogue.

The Dialogue is co-hosted by the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations and the Chinese People’s Institute for Foreign Affairs.

China’s delegation will be led by Mr Wang Chao, President of the Chinese People’s Institute for Foreign Affairs (CPIFA).

This is the fourth time Australia has hosted and the first time the event has been held in Adelaide.

Labor’s student debt relief bill is a PR stunt

Deputy Greens Leader and spokesperson for Higher Education, Senator Mehreen Faruqi, has responded to Labor’s bill that was introduced today claiming to wipe $3 billion of student debt.

The bill is nothing more than a mirage to give the impression that the Labor government is wiping student debt, when in fact it will have little impact. Around 3 million Australians have over $74 billion in student debt, so shaving off $3 billion in indexation just scratches the surface.

Equally, the inclusion in the bill of a Commonwealth payment for students undertaking placements in nursing, teaching and social work is wholly inadequate and excludes hundreds of thousands of other students required to do unpaid placement work.

Senator Mehreen Faruqi:

“Labor’s student debt relief bill is nothing more than a PR stunt, not genuine cost-of-living relief.

“Labor steals our lines about wiping student debt, because they know it’s what people want, but they are really just tinkering with indexation. The Greens are the only party with a genuine commitment to wipe student debt.

“Student debt is another cost for millions of people trying to make ends meet on top of so many other cost-of-living pressures. A cost that can and should be erased if Labor just wiped student debt entirely. It just goes to show that Labor doesn’t really care about helping people cope in a cost-of-living crisis.

“What Labor is proposing is trimming around the edges, throwing around fancy numbers and pretending to help ordinary people when they’re not. We can all see through the Labor mirage.”

“All students required to do a placement must get paid. Not a lesser supplementary amount, but at the very least, minimum wage.

“Once again, Labor’s half-baked measures fall short of doing what’s needed.”

Australian Medical Students’ Association:

“We are deeply disappointed that medical students remain excluded from the Commonwealth Prac payment. The medical degree’s structure and high demand results in over 2,000 hours of unpaid labour and study, which cannot be completed part time.

“Without support measures like paid placements, we are cutting out most of society from joining the medical workforce, leaving it only for privileged people who can pay their way through the degree.

“Nobody should be forced to make the choice between paying the bills and contributing to our healthcare system.”

Students Against Placement Poverty:

“The legislation passing through the parliament is labelled as financial support for placement students, but we know that most students will still be missing out entirely. The lucky few will get a few dollars an hour for their work, and will have to wait another year before receiving anything. Placement poverty continues despite what the Labor Party promises to students.

“Students Against Placement Poverty rejects any suggestion that this legislation fixes the issue. We will not stop organising until all placement students are covered by a real payment of at least minimum wage, including international students and students in all the degrees currently ignored by the government.”

Ngaire Bogemann, President of the National Union of Students:

Referring to the new HECS indexation system: “The reality is that even under this change, tertiary students will continue to get a raw deal.

“The reality is placement poverty won’t end until all students undertaking mandatory placements are paid at least minimum wage and the Fair Work Act is amended to make unpaid placements illegal.

“The NUS has advocated over many years for an end to placement poverty and is very pleased to see steps taken towards this… However, the promise of a measly $8 an hour is a slap in the face to the many nursing, teaching, midwifery and social work students across the country who are currently providing crucial labour in key skills shortage areas for free.”

ACT Government exploring opportunities to re-naturalise Sullivan’s Creek

The ACT Government has released the Sullivan’s Creek Re-naturalisation Opportunities Report, which identifies ways the natural environment in the area could be transformed to promote environment in the suburbs and provide a biodiversity corridor through the heart of the city.

Minister for the Environment, Parks and Land Management Rebecca Vassarotti said the report includes a variety of suggestions to turn the creek into a community hub where people can relax, play, learn and connect with nature.

“Right now, Sullivan’s Creek is a concrete labyrinth that runs right through the heart of our city, often collecting sediments and algae that are really detrimental to water quality,” Minister Vassarotti said.

“Already in Canberra we’ve seen the massive positive impact renaturalisation projects can have on building positive community spaces, urban biodiversity and environment in our suburbs.

“That’s why we want to open a dialogue with Canberrans about bringing Sullivan’s Creek up to its full potential, turning it into an ecological corridor that protects water and fosters even greater biodiversity down the spine of the inner north.

“Today we’re releasing the Sullivan’s Creek Re-naturalisation Opportunities Report to share the outcome of extensive consultation with the community in 2023, showcasing community needs and desires at the forefront of the report’s recommendations.

“Based on the feedback we’ve received from Canberrans, the report includes suggestions tailored to managing flood risks, creating vibrant and inviting green spaces, and contributing to the positive health and wellbeing of people living in our beautiful city.

“There are numerous benefits to re-naturalising Sullivan’s Creek, including restoring the native habitat and supporting the movement of native species, improving water quality, building resilience to climate change and enhancing our connection with nature.

“The report released today is aspirational but will set the vision for an area that brings our community together and revitalises the landscape. This report will be used as the foundation for any future plans for the site, subject to the considerations of the next government, and further consultation and investigation, ” said Minister Vassarotti.

Sullivan’s Creek and the surrounding waterways and landscape are significant to the Ngunnawal community. The report also includes opportunities to strengthen Connection to Country and invigorate the cultural aspects.

For more information on the Sullivan’s Creek Re-naturalisation project, or to read the Sullivan’s Creek Re-naturalisation Opportunities Report, visit the ACT Government’s YourSay Conversations project webpage.

Free community event to celebrate renewed coastal precinct

Residents and visitors are being encouraged to drop in and enjoy a free community event this weekend to celebrate the reopening of the renewed Bathers Way precinct at South Newcastle Beach.

Skateboarding, roller skating and BMX bike demonstrations in the newly-built skate bowl will be among the highlights of the family-friendly activities, which will be held between 8.30am and 11.30am on Sunday.

Community members using the new facilities in the Bathers Way precinct at South Newcastle Beach.

A wheelchair-dedicated session will also be held to celebrate the inclusive aspects of the South Newcastle Beach project, including the Hunter’s first wheelchair-accessible (WCMX) skate bowl.

Pop-up stalls from local business and community organisations will provide on-the-spot bike check-ups, free coffee and plenty of information, with Camp Quality ensuring the crowds are well fed with a fundraising community barbecue.

Face painting stations and a DJ will keep the vibe pumping as community members make the most of the new recreational facilities in the spectacular coastal precinct.

City of Newcastle delivered the next stage of its landmark Bathers Way coastal revitalisation project this month, transforming South Newcastle Beach into a vibrant hub for community activity.

The upgraded shared pathway provides a more accessible connection between Shortland Esplanade and King Edward Park and forms a key link in Bathers Way coastal walk, which links the city’s five iconic beaches.

New seating, shade and viewing areas along the upper and lower promenades make the most of the panoramic location, while exercise equipment, the inclusive skate bowl and terrain park for skaters, scooters and riders including wheelchair athletes of all skill levels provide a range of active and passive recreation opportunities.

New accessible amenities, murals by local artists and the restoration of the 115-year-old heritage stone arches and shelter cap off the multi-faceted project, which has transformed a long dormant part of the coastline.

For the latest information about the free community event visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/bathersway

Community invited to take first steps towards Mayfield local centre upgrade

City of Newcastle is inviting Mayfield residents and businesses to take part in a series of “walk-shops” to uncover ideas for the future of their suburb.

Two walking tours will visit four locations within the Maitland Road shopping precinct to explore how locals use these areas now, and what could be done to make them more vibrant, active spaces.

The feedback will help guide concept designs for future placemaking activities and start to inform the development of the Mayfield Local Centre upgrade.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle was committed to collaborating with the Mayfield community.

“Our Local Centre upgrades are designed to refresh and revitalise neighbourhood shopping precincts across Newcastle, which in turn encourages residents to support local businesses,” Cr Nelmes said.

“We want to work with the community to implement revitalised infrastructure, improved landscaping, and public art that aims to create an inviting space for people to meet, relax and enjoy retail offerings in a safe and welcoming environment.

“This first stage of consultation will help inform future planning for Mayfield, allowing us to capture the community’s thoughts on how they use their local centre, and how we can better activate these spaces for the benefit of all.”

Walking tours will be held at 11am on Thursday, 22 August and 10.30am on Sunday, 25 August.

Participants will be encouraged to give their feedback on each of the sites located within the Maitland Road precinct between Kerr Street and Silsoe Street.

Visit https://PlanningMayfield.eventbrite.com.au to sign up for one of the tours, or visit the Have Your Say page on City of Newcastle’s website to share feedback online before 13 September.

The Mayfield project will be delivered through City of Newcastle’s Local Centres program, which invests in communities across Newcastle.

Concept planning and detailed design work for priority sites in Mayfield is expected to occur in 2025, along with further engagement, with construction earmarked for 2026.

Previous projects have delivered upgrades in Beresford Avenue, Beresfield; Mitchell Street, Stockton; Young Street, Carrington; James Street Plaza, Hamilton; Llewellyn Street, Merewether; Joslin Street, Kotara, Sandgate Road, Shortland; Nelson Street, Wallsend, Blackbutt Village, New Lambton and Darby Street, Cooks Hill.

Talking traffic lights: NSW leading on driverless safety tech

Self-driving robotic vehicles are communicating with traffic lights on the streets of Sydney, as part of an intelligent transport trial that positions New South Wales as a global leader in road safety innovation.

The vehicle-to-infrastructure technology under development aims to save lives by feeding data about pedestrians, cyclists, other motorists and traffic light signal changes to driverless vehicles, as well as manually operated vehicles.

Two self-driving vehicles will drive in live traffic on the streets of Chippendale using wireless connectivity to interact with traffic lights equipped with Transport for NSW’s Sydney Coordinated Adaptive Traffic System (SCATS).

As the automated vehicles approach the traffic lights, the software under development – Cit-e, sends messages about the intersection’s layout, right of way, timing of signal changes and warnings of imminent hazards including vulnerable road users.

A receiver in the vehicle uses the information in conjunction with the vehicle’s position, direction and velocity to gauge whether it is likely to commit a red-light violation or endanger other road users.

The self-driving vehicles used in the live traffic trial are designed by University of Sydney’s Australian Centre for Robotics and have undergone rigorous safety testing at Transport’s Future Mobility Testing and Research Centre in Cudal.

The Cit-e software could be launched commercially as early as next year by SCATS, and can be retrofitted to standard vehicles and traffic infrastructure meaning it could be in use long before the arrival of driverless vehicles.

The trial will be showcased at the Intelligent Transport Systems Summit in Sydney from 13-15 August – and delegates from around the world will get to experience the integrated solution on the Chippendale circuit which is a collaboration between Transport, iMOVE Cooperative Research Centre and Sydney University.

Minister Graham will be announcing the new technology in a keynote at the summit at 1:30pm today.

Find out more about SCATS

Learn more about Future Mobility at Transport

Read the Transport Technology Strategy

Minister for Roads, John Graham said:

“As cars get smarter, there’s the opportunity to make them safer and save lives on NSW roads.

“This innovative technology will put NSW at the forefront of the national conversation on smart car innovation and road safety.

“This vehicle-to-infrastructure technology can make a difference now, years before driverless vehicles become the norm because it can be retrofitted to existing intersections and built into the cars of today.

“Along with the safety benefits, this technology will also reduce traffic congestion, with communication between cars and infrastructure allowing the variation of a green-light windows to alleviate long queues.”

Secretary of Transport for NSW, Josh Murray said:

“This is a joint project with Sydney University and iMove to future-proof our traffic network and prepare our roads for an automated driving future.

“While this signals a real-world trial of the cutting-edge technology, at its core is an extension of Transport’s SCATS offering – a home-grown NSW Government innovation. Developed in house 40 years ago, SCATS is the global leader in intelligent traffic signals control and has been installed in more than 63,000 intersections across 216 cities in 32 countries.

“That’s NSW-know-how delivering proven safety benefits to one billion people globally.

“These new trials help us understand the challenges, and demonstrate the feasibility, of introducing emerging technology so we’re able to channel it in our day-to-day running of the network.”

Extra guidance for families and children dealing with the harms of cyberbullying

A new one-stop-shop to help families navigate the difficult world of cyberbullying has been launched today in a collaboration between the NSW Labor Government and Federal eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant.

The Spotlight on Cyberbullying website brings together free and easily accessible cyberbullying prevention resources for parents, carers, teachers and schools.

The launch comes after NSW Deputy Premier and Education Minister Prue Car tasked NSW Chief Behaviour Advisor Professor Donna Cross to develop an evidence-led suite of anti-cyberbullying resources as part of her role, as NSW develops a nation-leading approach to social media and its role in bullying and violence among young people.

As part of the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing work to address the harms posed to young people by social media, Prof Cross worked with eSafety Commissioner Inman Grant to develop the free and easy-to-use tools, resources and webinars for parents and carers, school staff and the wider community.

The new best practice resources include frameworks, toolkits, videos, classroom and family learning materials, guides on how to respond to specific online situations, and advice and support for parents/carers and teachers, available to all states and territories.

Cyberbullying prevention and online safety have been prioritised in NSW by the Minns Labor Government, with initiatives including:

Implementing a mobile phone ban in all NSW public schools from Day 1, Term 4, 2023.
Partnering with the South Australian Government to host a social media summit to explore formulating a public health response to minimising the harms caused by social media. The upcoming summit will be attended by Meta whistleblower Frances Haugen.
Launching a $2.5 million research fund to investigate the impacts of excessive screen time, video games and mobile phone use on young people and their learning.
Delivering new syllabuses for teachers that explicitly address respectful relationships, online safety, cyberbullying, consent education and harassment or abuse.

A comprehensive Evidence Review highlighting effective evidence-based policies and practices to reduce cyberbullying, led by Professor Cross, has also been released today, which the NSW Government will consider in the lead up to the October Social Media Summit.

The new site can be used by teachers in addition to existing anti-bullying resources available through the NSW Department of Education.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“Our Government is prioritising young people’s online safety, and working to ensure our children can stay safe online.

“These new resources will help families, who may struggle with how to help when their children become victims of cyberbullying or other harmful online behaviours.

“I thank eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant and our NSW Chief Behaviour Advisor Professor Donna Cross for their work in establishing these practical resources.”

NSW Chief Behaviour Advisor Professor Donna Cross said:

“We know that young people are more likely to be cyberbullied outside school hours than at school – so it is vital that parents and carers also have evidence informed digital skills, knowledge, and the tools they need to support their children.

“These are nation leading resources that ensure quality evidence is used to inform its approach to tackling cyberbullying and other behaviours influenced by social media.”

E-Safety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said:

“Education remains a cornerstone of eSafety’s work.

“Our focus on prevention and early intervention though initiatives like Spotlight on Cyberbullying is central to these efforts.

“Spotlight on Cyberbullying delivers a one-stop online shop aimed at preventing online harms and collaborating closely with education sectors and schools, nationwide.”

eSafety is hosting a range of events for the National Week of Action against Bullying and Violence, including Virtual Classrooms for primary students; teacher professional learning and parent/carer webinars.

Providing cancer care closer to home for children in regional NSW

Children living with cancer in regional NSW will be able to receive care closer to home, thanks to a $100,000 funding boost for the Sporting Chance Cancer Foundation.

The funding, announced today by Health Minister Ryan Park, will go towards the James Tedesco Outreach Program, run by the Kids Cancer Centre at Sydney Children’s Hospital (SCH), Randwick.

The program is led by outreach nurses, who work closely with local medical teams and local GPs involved in a patient’s care to provide children, adolescents and their families with necessary support and practical assistance, saving them from having to travel hundreds of kilometres.

In 2022, the Sporting Chance Cancer Foundation pledged three years of support to fund an Outreach Clinical Nurse Consultant for the James Tedesco Outreach program. The role, which officially started in April this year, is supporting families and helping with the establishment of new outreach centres. The additional $100,000 funding boost will help continue this important work.

The Sporting Chance Cancer Foundation provides almost one million dollars a year to major children’s hospitals across Australia, including SCH and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, to support Clinical Nurse Consultant positions for outreach programs for children living with cancer.

Named in honour of Sporting Chance patron, James Tedesco, the James Tedesco Outreach Program provides support and education to regional and rural patients, communities and hospitals.

The Kids Cancer Centre cares for more than 200 patients and families from regional NSW and the ACT every year, with all of these families able to access outreach services.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“I’m really proud to offer our support to the Sporting Chance Cancer Foundation through a $100,000 grant for its James Tedesco Outreach Program.

“Having the ability to deliver care closer to home, reduces the inequity experienced by regional, rural, and remote families with children and adolescents living with cancer.

“This initiative enables children to receive care and treatment in their local communities with the support of their local healthcare networks, while allowing children to remain in the comfort of their homes, supported by their families.”

Member for Coogee Marjorie O’Neill:

“I’m really thrilled the NSW Government is supporting the Sporting Chance Cancer Foundation’s James Tedesco Outreach Program based at the Kids Cancer Centre in Randwick.

“The ongoing generosity and work of the Sporting Chance Cancer Foundation plays an important part in supporting some of the youngest members our community dealing with cancer.”

Mark Taylor, Chairman of Sporting Chance Cancer Foundation:

“As the current Chairman and a Patron of the Sporting Chance Cancer Foundation, I’d like to thank the NSW Government for the support of our wonderful nurses. Their work across NSW with kids diagnosed with cancer and their families has an extremely positive impact within the family unit and is often life changing.”

James Tedesco, Patron of Sporting Chance Cancer Foundation:

“I’ve been a patron of Sporting Chance for a number of years now and I’m very proud to be involved in this charity and to see first-hand the service they provide for kids and families in need and the difference they make.”

Dr Richard Mitchell, Director of the Kids Cancer Centre:

“While it’s incredibly challenging having a child diagnosed with cancer, it makes it even harder when you are away from home. Sadly, this is the case for almost half of the patients we see.

“Our outreach program aims to relieve this burden and ensure children can receive the care they need as close to home as possible.”

Getting NSW nightlife back on its feet

Outdated conditions that force patrons to be seated while drinking outside a licenced premises will be removed as part of the Minns Labor Government’s crusade to strip back useless red tape and rebuild nightlife and vibrancy across the state.

A blanket ban on standing and drinking as part of approvals for outdoor dining on footpaths in front of licensed venues will be scrapped.

The rule was part of COVID-era provisions to encourage outdoor dining and the use of footpaths. It is currently being used by around 145 licensed venues, including 60 pubs, clubs and small bars.

In future, the simple approval pathway under the Liquor Act will no longer have a blanket condition that stipulates patrons must be sitting down to consume alcohol in outdoor areas.

Individual venues will still need to meet safety and compliance standards.

The reform is part of a suite of changes that will form the NSW Government’s second tranche of Vibrancy Reforms.

The first tranche:

Made temporary outdoor dining provisions permanent
Ended single neighbour noise complaints against local pubs and other licensed venues
Made it easier to activate streets for festivals and events (Open Streets program) and a regulatory model that allows streamlined approvals for repeat events (Permit, Plug, Play)
Expanded Special Entertainment Precincts that empower local councils to change the rules around noise and opening hours in a designated area to support live entertainment and nightlife
Increased incentives for live music and live performance, with two hours extended trading and an 80% reduction in liquor licence fees for licensed venues offering live music and performance
Easier pathways for extended trading hours for major events like the Olympics and World Cups.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“For too long Sydney’s nightlife has been strangled by red tape.

“We’re fixing this by removing the restrictions destroying entertainment venues, tackling the housing crisis head on and helping the city get back on its feet.

“Having an economy that fires up at 5pm during the week is critical for global cities like Sydney.”

Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said:

“We are getting the social scene back on its feet in Sydney and right across NSW.

“A blanket ban on standing with a drink in hand is a red tape hangover that has no place in 2024.

“Adults should be trusted to choose whether they stand or sit while having a drink.”

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

“Our government is making a stand to elevate NSW back to its rightful place as no.1 for having a vibrant, diverse and inclusive night-time economy.

“We’ll get there with common-sense regulations that support businesses and communities to enliven our city.”

Funding boost to improve flood resilience in Dungog

Motorists and community members travelling to, from and around the Dungog Shire will soon benefit from safer journeys with close to $9 million committed to support improved flood-resilient infrastructure.

Dungog Shire Council will receive funding as part of the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package which is jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

As part of the funding, a new 76-metre concrete bridge will be built across the Paterson River at Gresford.

Work will also be carried out on 21 river crossings targeting rural, predominantly low-level causeways and small bridges across the region.

The package also funds pavement strengthening on Hooke and Lord Streets which will improve resilience and reduce ongoing maintenance costs for council.

Senator Jenny McAllister, Minister for Emergency Management:

“The Albanese Government is working with the NSW Government and regional councils to ensure communities have resilient infrastructure they can rely on every day.

“Not only will this funding enable Dungog Shire Council to boost their efforts in fixing the current damage, but it will also improve the resilience of the community during future flooding events.

“This project will deliver more reliable infrastructure and assets that keep regional communities in NSW connected, especially during times of severe weather.”

Paul Scully, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces:

“We’re changing the way we traditionally address disasters, by focusing on prevention, mitigation, adaptation and resilience by making planning decisions that improve community resilience over the long term.

“Today’s announcement is proof of this new focus with the funding package to strengthen local infrastructure for the Dungog community.”

Jihad Dib, Minister for Emergency Services:

“The Dungog Shire has experienced flooding as a result of severe weather in the past, which is why these upgrades are so important to the community.

“These projects are important for building resilience in the region, helping communities bounce back quicker after heavy rainfall.”

Jenny Aitchison, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads:

“The Minns and Albanese governments, along with local councils, are prioritising efforts to improve and clear the natural disaster damage repair backlog for communities across the whole of regional NSW.

“We are proud to be delivering these vital investments in the Dungog Shire.

“In particular, Gresford residents will benefit from the new bridge across the Paterson River, providing a flood-resilient link that will service our community well in all types of weather for many years to come.”

Emily Suvaal, NSW Labor’s spokesperson for the Upper Hunter:

“This important work will improve the daily lives of motorists, residents and visitors to the Upper Hunter.

“These upgrades will improve safety significantly while also ensuring a stronger and more reliable road network that keep communities better connected when natural disasters hit.”

Dungog Shire Council Mayor John Connors:

“This is a wonderful outcome for the people of the Dungog Shire and, in particular, the people of Gresford who have had to contend with access issues for years.

“The improved river crossings and causeways across the shire will ensure access for residents and emergency vehicles after heavy rainfall events is returned more rapidly, and a new bridge over the Paterson River at Gresford will allow for all-weather access for the community and better economic opportunities for rural producers to utilise larger vehicles, with reliance on the natural river crossing a thing of the past.

“We have been advocating for this funding for almost two years on behalf of the community, who deserve roads and infrastructure that can withstand the sometimes-challenging environment.

“We’re very grateful to the Australian and NSW Governments for providing this funding so we can deliver these vital projects.”