Woman charged following unauthorised protest – Hunter Region 

A woman has been charged following an unauthorised protest near Maitland today.

About 3pm (Tuesday 2 July 2024), police were called to the rail corridor at Thornton, following reports persons had allegedly entered the rail corridor and were causing obstruction to trains.

Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District, with assistance from Police Rescue, attended the site and arrested a 69-year-old woman from Victoria.

She was taken to Maitland Police Station where she was charged with enter inclosed non-agricultural lands serious safety risk, cause obstruction to railway locomotive or rolling stock and hinder working of mining equipment.

She was refused bail to appear before Maitland Local Court tomorrow (Wednesday 3 July 2024).

GREENS TO INTRODUCE BILL FOR TRUTH AND JUSTICE COMMISSION

Following the failure of the 2023 Voice to Parliament Referendum, the Greens will introduce a Bill to establish a Truth and Justice Commission in the next sitting week.

The Commission will be empowered to inquire into particular matters relating to historic and ongoing injustices against First Peoples in Australia and the impacts of these injustices on First Peoples, and make recommendations to parliament.

The Albanese Labor Government committed to implementing the Uluru Statement from the Heart “in full” before the election and on election night in May 2022, as well as during the Voice campaign. The Uluru Statement from the Heart includes three components: Truth, Treaty and Voice.

With 65,000 years of culture, country, connection and languages Australia’s First peoples are still waiting for the delivery of justice.

The Commission will investigate:

  1. Historical systemic injustices perpetrated by the Commonwealth government, Commonwealth government bodies and non-government bodies against First Peoples since pre colonial times.
  2. Ongoing systemic injustice perpetrated by the Commonwealth Government, Commonwealth bodies and non-government bodies.
  3. The causes and consequences of historical injustice, including a historical analysis of the impact of colonisation and an evaluation of the contemporary relationship between First Peoples and the Commonwealth Government and the impact of contemporary policies, practices, conduct and laws on First Peoples.
  4. How historical injustice can be effectively and fairly acknowledged and redressed in a culturally appropriate way.
  5. How ongoing injustice can be addressed or redressed, including recommended reform to existing institutions, law, policy and practice and considering how the Commonwealth Government can be held accountable for addressing these injustices and preventing future injustice.
  6. How best to raise awareness and increase public understanding of the history and experiences of First Peoples before and since the start of colonisation.

The Commission will submit to the President and the Speaker a report containing its findings of fact and any recommendations relevant to the inquiry that the Commission thinks fit. The report must be submitted on or before the end of the period of four years starting on the commencement of the Commission’s work, unless that period is extended by a resolution of the Senate.

Greens portfolio holder for First Nations, Resources, Trade, Tourism and Northern Australia, and Yamatji Noongar woman, Senator Dorinda Cox:

“We have been waiting for the opportunity to not just tell our truths, but to have Australia deeply listen to our experiences, past and present as the oldest living culture in the world, Australia’s First Peoples.

“I know as a proud First Nations woman, with lineage to my Irish and French ancestry – we are a diverse and multicultural nation. We are now in the third chapter of our story, but missed the opportunity to understand and enshrine the experiences of First Peoples and our shared and interconnected past.

“We want Australians to know that in this process we will begin to heal as a nation,  we will understand that the work that we do now must be grounded in our self determination to chart our pathway forward to achieve better outcomes for First Nations people, communities and our collective futures.”

Greens Leader Adam Bandt MP:

“Telling the truth is a critical first step to healing and bringing our country together.

“We must tell the truth about the violence and dispossession in this country’s history if we want to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past. First Nations people have called for a Truth and Justice Commission to achieve that truth-telling.

“The misinformation peddled during the referendum campaign showed the urgent need for a deeper discussion about the truth of our country’s history. Since the referendum, which left a lot of people hurting, Labor has failed to offer any pathway forward.

The Greens are proud to introduce this Bill for a Truth and Justice Commission to begin the healing process of truth-telling for First Nations people and the broader community.”

Greens spokesperson for Attorney General Senator David Shoebridge:

“Justice for First Nations Peoples needs a solid foundation of truth, and a Truth Commission could help deliver that essential and missing element.

“The full extent of the injustices faced by First Nations peoples, together with their deep rooted strengths, are truths the community must hear then respond to.

“Truth telling commissions around the world have been extraordinarily effective ways to empower communities in telling their stories, and create commitment for much-needed change.”

NEW SCHOOLS DEAL MUST DELIVER CAPITAL FUNDING FOR PUBLIC SYSTEM

The Greens say a new report from the Australian Education Union showing a growing number of public schools with insufficient space to meet enrolments puts pressure on Labor to include capital funding from the Commonwealth in the new national schools agreement.

The 2024 State of our Schools survey found that 19% of principals didn’t have enough classrooms at their schools, while 40% said they’d run out of space in the next three to five years.

Before the last election Labor said if elected they would “work with States and Territories as part of the next school funding agreements so that school systems have the facilities they need to teach growing numbers of students”. But under questioning in Senate Estimates last month the government refused to commit to meeting its pre-election pledge.

Greens spokesperson on Primary & Secondary Education, Senator Penny Allman-Payne:

“Labor’s paltry one-off $215 million injection to the public system was used primarily for basic maintenance and repairs like repairing decrepit and unhygienic toilet blocks and fixing drainage in playgrounds.

“Labor will provide zero ongoing Commonwealth funding to public schools, but will continue to pour public money into the fee-charging private system, with another billion dollars set to go out the door over the next four years.

“Under Labor, private schools like the Prime Minister’s former high school, which recently pocketed $5 million from the Commonwealth, will continue to expand their facilities while public school kids cram into freezing demountables.

“Labor pledged before the election that they would ensure public schools had the capital funding they need to provide the facilities our kids deserve. If Labor introduces legislation to lock in the new school funding arrangements later this year, the Greens will use our numbers in the Senate to push them to keep that promise.”

City of Newcastle strengthens ties with three of its neighbours

City of Newcastle will take on greater leadership in NSW through new accords with Upper Hunter, Muswellbrook and City of Coffs Harbour councils. 

Newcastle has entered memoranda of understanding (MoU) with two of our Hunter neighbours, as well as fellow regional coastal council Coffs Harbour. 

IMAGE CAPTION: (l-r) Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Upper Hunter Shire Mayor Maurice Collison and Muswellbrook Shire Mayor Steve Reynolds at a recent meeting of the Hunter Joint Organisation.Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Upper Hunter Shire Mayor Maurice Collison and Muswellbrook Shire Mayor Steve Reynolds at a recent meeting of the Hunter Joint Organisation.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the four councils will gain valuable expertise and a stronger collective voice from each MoU. 

“We’re in a unique position to both be a leader in the local government sector and to learn from the successes of other councils,” Cr Nelmes said.  

“As a financially sound and well-resourced council, we have plenty of success stories that are worth sharing and I look forward to exploring new opportunities through closer ties with our neighbours.

“Newcastle, Coffs Harbour, Muswellbrook and the Upper Hunter are each vital parts of our state, and we’re stronger, smarter and better off when we collaborate.” 

City of Newcastle Acting CEO David Clarke said the accords would pool the knowledge of each council in many areas of expertise.  

“We’re exploring opportunities to share insights and capabilities, as well as the potential for staff exchange program with our MoU partners, which is a golden way to share the rich expertise of each council and just one of the many benefits of these agreements,” Mr Clarke said. 

“We’ve already applied for grants in partnership with some of the councils to fund projects together and had had success working with the NSW Government. City of Newcastle’s CEO Jeremy Bath has worked hard on this and deserves a lot of credit.” 

As part of the MoU, City of Newcastle’s planning team has already met with their Muswellbrook and Upper Hunter counterparts to outline Newcastle’s award-winning Accelerated Development Assessment program. 

City of Newcastle has applied for grant funding to roll out Accelerated Development Assessment – its streamlined determination tool for low-impact developments – to its three new MoU partners over the next 12 months. 

In the past year, Newcastle and Coffs Harbour have worked together on a range of submissions to the NSW and federal governments on issues that affect both large coastal councils. 

Coffs Harbour Mayor Paul Amos said the coastal council areas’ similarities made them logical partners.  

“This is a tremendous opportunity for Coffs Harbour to work closely with Newcastle on all manner of things, and the MoU will be of particular advantage in areas where challenges are common to both councils,” Cr Amos said.  

“It makes every sense for Coffs and Newcastle to align as two major regional, coastal cities – each with ambition for continual improvement.  

 “While the MoU is non-binding on either council for any actions, it paves the way for a mutually beneficial partnership.” 

Muswellbrook Shire Mayor Steve Reynolds said his council saw its Newcastle MoU as mutually beneficial. 

“We look forward to working with the City of Newcastle and exploring opportunities for joint advocacy and funding prospects to benefit the region and enhance our capability,” Cr Reynolds said. 

“Improved efficiencies and learnings will support better outcomes across the board.” 

Upper Hunter Shire Mayor Maurice Collison said his council’s new accord would bring a suite of benefits.  

“By collaborating across boundaries, we can share valuable knowledge and resources, leading to enhanced service delivery and sustainable regional growth,” Cr Collison said. 

“This MoU represents our commitment to working together for the economic and social prosperity of our communities. Our combined efforts will ensure that we are better equipped to address the complex issues facing local government.” 

Better protection for victim survivors of domestic and family violence from today

From today, victim-survivors of domestic, family and sexual violence have stronger protections in New South Wales, with the criminalisation of coercive control and stronger bail laws coming into effect.

The New South Wales Government is working to provide enhanced, ongoing, wraparound support for victim-survivors of domestic, family, and sexual violence, and strengthened laws are an important foundation for this work.

As of today, New South Wales is the first Australian jurisdiction to have a standalone dedicated offence of coercive control.

Significant bail reforms, introduced to Parliament by the Minns Labor Government in May, will also come into effect from today, making it more difficult for those accused of serious domestic violence offences to get bail.

Criminalisation of Coercive Control

Following the passing of the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Coercive Control) Act 2022, if found guilty, perpetrators can face up to seven years in prison.

Coercive control is an insidious form of abuse which can manifest in different ways. It is a pattern of behaviour that may include financial and emotional abuse, violence and intimidation, threats against pets or loved ones, tracking someone’s movements, or isolating them from family and friends.

Coercive control has been strongly linked to intimate partner homicide. The NSW Domestic Violence Death Review Team has found that 97% of intimate partner domestic violence homicides in NSW between 2000 and 2018 were preceded by the perpetrator using emotional and psychological abuse as a form of coercive control towards the victim.

Training has been provided to ensure this law is appropriately implemented and prosecuted, and accompanied by support for victim-survivors:

  • NSW Police have undergone, and are continuing, training to recognise and respond to the complex and nuanced signs of coercive control.
  • The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Judicial Commission of NSW and Legal Aid have delivered training on coercive control to judicial officers, legal staff and key justice agencies.
  • A free training program is being delivered to approximately 1,000 specialist domestic and family violence workers which will cover behavioural indicators, practical interventions, and how coercive control may be experienced in different communities.

Training and implementation have been overseen by the Implementation and Evaluation Taskforce and its reference groups.

Stronger bail laws to protect victim survivors

Under the new laws, people charged with serious domestic violence offences will be required to show cause why they should not be detained until their case is determined.

This will apply to those charged with offences, in the context of intimate partner relationships, that carry a maximum penalty of 14 or more years jail.

These offences include sexual assault, kidnapping, and choking to render someone unconscious with intent to commit another indictable offence.

The show cause test will also apply to the coercive control offence.

The unacceptable risk test in the Bail Act is also strengthened from today. Under these changes, before granting bail, bail decision makers must consider:

  • ‘Red flag’ behaviour that could constitute domestic abuse, such as behaviour that is physically abusive or violent; behaviour that is sexually abusive, coercive or violent; behaviour that is stalking; behaviour that causes death or injury to an animal; behaviour that is verbally abusive; or behaviour that is intimidation.
  • The views of victims and their family members about safety concerns in domestic violence matters involving intimate partners.

The commencement of this legislation also means that from today:

  • The categories of offences for which bail decisions can be ‘stayed’ are expanded to include serious domestic violence offences, the coercive control offence, and serious sexual assault offences. This means that the accused person remains in custody while prosecutors bring a detention application before the Supreme Court.
  • It is easier to prosecute perpetrators who use tracking devices in a domestic violence context.

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“From today, coercive control in current and former intimate partner relationships will be a crime punishable by up to seven years’ imprisonment.

“Abuse against a current or former intimate partner is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

“In terms of the bail laws, we believe in the presumption of innocence, but it is also important to recognise the right of victim survivors to be safe from harassment, intimidation or violence at the hands of a current or former intimate partner.

“The safety of victim-survivors must be a paramount consideration.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“The criminalisation of coercive control in NSW is a significant day for victim/survivors. Not only does it add further legal weight to their experiences but gives the NSW Police Force another mechanism to address domestic and violence.

“NSW is leading the country with these laws. Criminalising coercive control sends a strong message: this vile, criminal behaviour is not tolerated.

“The mandatory training is thorough, it shows how seriously the NSW Police Force are taking this, and it ensures all operational police can identify and take action against coercive control offences in NSW. The feedback I’m getting from the police on the ground is that the training is valuable, comprehensive and officers feel well supported.”

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

“The NSW Government is committed to keeping women and girls safe and reducing the incidents of domestic and family violence.

“Today’s commencement of coercive control and bail laws sends a strong message to perpetrators that abuse is unacceptable.

“We have listened to the lived experience of victim-survivors about reforms that are needed in the system, including implementing a Primary Prevention Strategy to address the drivers of violence and stop it before it starts.”

Local plans to help councils reduce disaster risk for communities

A new set of draft guidelines that will assist councils to develop localised Disaster Adaptation Plans (DAPs) that reduce the risk and impact of climate related hazards and help communities recover faster are now out for community consultation.

Disaster Adaptation Plans are a key pillar of the State Disaster Mitigation Plan, which was launched by the NSW Government in February 2024, and provide the roadmap for reducing risk.

The NSW Reconstruction Authority is leading the development of the draft guidelines, which propose that DAPs are shaped locally, coordinated regionally and facilitated by the state.

The guidelines also recognise the role of collaboration and engagement with stakeholders from a variety of sectors when developing DAPs, including local councils, community, the insurance and banking industries and private businesses.

The consultation period provides the opportunity for feedback on the draft guidelines before they are introduced formally in late 2024. The consultation period starts on Monday 1 July and closes on Friday 23 August.

For more information on DAPs, visit the NSW Reconstruction Authority.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“We’re shifting the dial on how we address disasters, focusing on prevention, by making planning decisions that do not put people in harm’s way.

“Historically, the state’s ability to prevent and prepare for disasters hasn’t worked as there has been only three per cent of funding spent on prevention and 97 per cent spent after an event.

“But we know that every dollar we invest in better preparing communities reduces future costs and will help make communities more resilient.

“And to make that happen, we need to work collaboratively across all levels of government and closely with the community to help address these challenges and reduce our risk.”

Minister Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“Successive years of Natural Disaster Declarations have highlighted the need for NSW to meet the challenges of the future, by working with local communities to identify ways to better address natural hazards.

“The increasing risk of natural disasters also increases pressure on our emergency services staff and volunteers, who are responding to these events to keep communities safe. These plans will help to manage that risk by identifying opportunities to reduce the impact of disasters before they occur.

“These guidelines are an important first step towards the development of DAPs, which will help reduce the risk to human life and make communities stronger.”

Acting CEO of the NSW Reconstruction Authority Mal Lanyon said:

“The NSW Reconstruction Authority is the first entity of its kind in NSW with the dual responsibility of proactively reducing the impact of future disasters before they happen, as well as recovering communities after a disaster.

“These guidelines are an important first step towards the development of DAPs, which will reduce the risk to human life and make communities stronger.”

Central Coast highway upgrade completion paves way for safer journeys

Motorists will benefit from safer, smoother and more reliable journeys on the Central Coast Highway between Point Clare and the West Gosford Lookout on Kariong Hill, with safety improvement work now completed.

The NSW Government provided $2.4 million from the Safer Roads Program to upgrade a section of the Central Coast Highway between Brisbane Water Drive Interchange, Point Clare, and Woy Woy Road at Kariong Hill.

The work included line marking, installation of new guard rails, signage and vehicle activated signs.

Transport for NSW started work in February 2024 and completed the safety improvements in June 2024.  

This is another example of the NSW Labor Government continuing with its commitment to improve safety on our regional and rural roads.

Regional Roads and Transport Minister Jenny Aitchison:

“Safety is our number one priority on all NSW roads and the work completed on the Central Coast Highway reflects our commitment to making much-needed improvements wherever they are needed.

“This upgrade will provide a stronger and safer road network for the 37,000 motorists who use this section of road each day.

“The NSW Government is proud to be investing in improving regional roads to serve the needs of the community now and into the future.”

Minister for the Central Coast David Harris:

“The Central Coast is a rapidly growing area which is why we need road upgrades such as these.

“This improvement work will make a big difference helping to reduce crashes and that’s going to help motorists not only be safer but feel safer while driving on this busy section of road.

“The project has also provided a welcome boost to the local economy by supporting between 30 and 50 jobs.”

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch:

“This safety upgrade is a win for motorists, visitors and freight operators travelling to, through and around the Central Coast.

“With new line marking and guard rails installation, all road users will benefit from a safer and more reliable section of road.

“I’m proud to be part of a government that’s funding projects that will save lives and improve the commute of the thousands of people who use the Central Coast Highway each day.”

Better bus services secured for isolated communities

The future of popular Tumut to Wagga Wagga and Wyangala to Canberra bus services has been secured thanks to a commitment by the Minns Labor Government to continue investing in delivery of the services.

During an extensive four-year trial which commenced under the former government but was never funded to continue into the future, demand for both services has been strong.

Now, as more people opt to catch the bus to access healthcare, education, employment and social opportunities, the Tumut to Wagga Wagga service operated by Goodes Coaches has been confirmed as an ongoing service with a three-year contract put in place.

Patronage for this service, which also has stops at Adelong and Tarcutta and connects with NSW TrainLink services at Wagga Wagga Station, has grown after the addition of a new service on Saturdays in addition to the original Wednesday service.

The trial Wyangala to Canberra service operated by LiveBetter Services which runs each Friday has been extended for another year.

Bookings for this service, travelling via Darby Falls, Cowra, Koorawatha, Bendick Murrell, Murringo, Boorowa have grown strongly following a targeted information campaign.

Through the 2024-25 Budget the NSW Labor Government confirmed a record $44.5 billion spend over four years on regional transport and roads.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“These services are giving isolated country communities the opportunity to better connect with regional centres for essential healthcare, education, employment and social opportunities.

“They’re also providing people with better connections with other modes of transport to travel to Sydney and other major cities.

“Investments in these services are all part of the NSW Labor Government’s plan to build better communities while ensuring we have the roads and transport infrastructure we need to improve the lives of people in NSW.”

Labor’s Duty MLC for Cootamundra Stephen Lawrence said:

“It’s fantastic to see more and more people taking advantage of these great public transport options the NSW Labor Government is delivering.

“In the country where people have to travel long distances to access essential services, we know investment in public transport is critical to help reduce disadvantage and open up opportunities.”

Labor’s Duty MLC for Goulburn Bob Nanva said:

“Not everyone has access to a car and for some people these bus services provide their only link to better healthcare, education, employment and social opportunities. That’s why we’re backing them in for isolated communities.”

“I encourage more people to take advantage of this important service that the NSW Labor Government is investing in.

Independent Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr said:

“The success of the trial shows that the Tumut-Wagga bus service is greatly valued as an important link between the Snowy Valleys and Wagga, allowing passengers to easily access services, shops, transport links and other facilities.

“The confirmation that the service is locked in for the next three years is great economic and social news for communities along the route and provides certainty to passengers who can continue to travel to and from Wagga safely, reliably and affordably.”

Landmark laws to protect people caught up in digital defamation

NSW and the ACT today become the first jurisdictions in Australia to adopt new national laws to modernise defamation law for the digital age with legislation coming into effect.

Changes in the Defamation Amendment Act 2023 (NSW) will improve the balance between freedom of speech and protection of reputation when someone publishes content through a digital intermediary.

Social media platforms, review websites, search engines, content hosts and service providers are examples of digital intermediaries, along with organisations and individuals who use online platforms to host forums inviting third-party comments (known as forum administrators).

These reforms address the High Court’s decision in Fairfax Media Publications v Voller. This case involved several media companies acting as forum administrators. The High Court found the media companies to be publishers of comments posted on their social media pages by third-party users responding to their content.

Under the new laws, the media companies, as forum administrators, may be able to rely on a new defence. This defence is for digital intermediaries who ‘innocently disseminate’ defamatory content.

Many forum administrators are ordinary people, rather than media companies. For example, a parent might host a Facebook page for other parents to discuss issues relating to the school which their children attend. A member of a local sporting club might host a Facebook page for members to share information about upcoming games.

These forum administrators may also be able to rely on the new innocent dissemination defence if a member of the forum posts defamatory content on the Facebook page. To access the defence, the forum administrator must do certain things, such as providing an email address or other easily accessible way for people to complain of defamatory content. 

The reforms will also benefit victims of online defamation. The reforms establish a simple process by which a person can submit a complaint to a digital intermediary. If the digital intermediary does not take down the content within seven days, they can lose access to the innocent dissemination defence.

The reforms also empower courts to order digital intermediaries who are not party to defamation proceedings to take down defamatory content.

The legislation implements reforms developed through Part A of the Stage 2 Review of the Model Defamation Provisions, led by the NSW Government.

The Act also extends the defence of absolute privilege to reports made to police, such as a complaint of sexual assault. This would address any chilling effect the threat of defamation proceedings could have on making a complaint.

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“The previous defamation laws were passed at a time when the sort of digital access we now enjoy could not have been imagined by most of us.

“It is essential our laws reflect the world in which we live, and these changes aim to address the challenges posed by the rapid spread of defamatory information online and clarify the legislation for complainants and publishers.

“In designing the new laws, it was essential to strike a balance between not unreasonably limiting freedom of expression in circumstances where third parties publish defamatory matter via digital intermediaries and protecting reputations.

“It was crucial, too, that freedom of speech was protected. This is a basic tenet of open democracy such as the one we enjoy in Australia and allows for the exchange of ideas and opinions. However, it must be balanced with the right to protect one’s reputation and people must also be able to seek redress if they believe theirs has been unjustly damaged.”

New era of industrial relations in NSW as Industrial Court begins work today

The Industrial Court of New South Wales today commences operations as a one-stop shop for industrial justice as well as work health and safety matters.

The court and the Industrial Relations Commission will be independent umpires for industrial relations in NSW, with the power to force unions and government agencies to come together, mediate disputes and arbitrate final outcomes in pay disputes.

Established last year by the Industrial Relations Amendment Act 2023, the Industrial Court will act as a superior court of record, with equivalent status to the Supreme Court and the Land and Environment Court.

Three eminent and respected practitioners of the law were formally appointed by the Governor earlier this year.

Ingmar Taylor SC, a nationally recognised expert in employment law and work health and safety, will be appointed President of the Industrial Relations Commission and a judge of the Industrial Court.

David Chin SC, a specialist in work health and safety, industrial, employment and discrimination law, who co-authored The Modern Contract of Employment, will be the commission’s Vice-President and a judge of the Industrial Court.

Jane Paingakulam, who has practiced primarily in criminal law and provided advice to government agencies on public sector issues, will be the commission’s Deputy President and a judge of the Industrial Court.

The NSW Industrial Court will hear all industrial relations matters relating to NSW state government and local government employees. Private sector employees will remain in the commonwealth’s jurisdiction under the Fair Work Commission.

The Industrial Court will hear matters relating to work health and safety in New South Wales and will again have jurisdiction over matters that were transferred to other courts when the Industrial Court was abolished in 2016.

The new court will be temporarily located in Bridge Street, Sydney whilst the commission’s premises in Parramatta undergo refurbishment.

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“The Minns Labor Government has delivered for working people with this court, ensuring state and local government employees have access to an independent umpire.

“Today, three eminent legal practitioners have been sworn-in, commencing work in NSW’s newest one-stop shop providing access to justice in industrial and work, health and safety matters.”

Acting Minister for Industrial Relations Tara Moriarty said:

“This is a historic day for industrial relations in NSW. The Minns Labor Government promised meaningful reforms and we have delivered.

“I congratulate The Honourable Justice Taylor, President, The Honourable Justice Chin, Vice-President, and The Honourable Justice Paingakulam, Deputy President, on their swearing in today.”