GREENS WELCOME LONG AWAITED SEXUAL VIOLENCE JUSTICE REVIEW

Greens leader in the Senate and spokesperson on women Senator Larissa Waters said:

“The Greens welcome Labor’s long awaited announcement today for an Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) inquiry into how the justice system handles sexual violence.

“The government doesn’t have to wait for the ALRC to work with the states to deliver the funding needed for sexual violence support services across the country.

“Many victim-survivors of sexual, family and domestic violence describe the court process as horrific and retraumatising.

“Over the past 18 months in particular we have seen high profile cases played out in court, with intense media coverage, and the impact those proceedings can cause for those individuals and all victim-survivors.

“We know that an alarming number of people still disbelieve or victim-blame survivors of sexual violence. Partially because of this, almost 9 in 10 incidents of sexual assault nationally are not reported to the police.

“Work on prevention should mean addressing rape culture, through well funded and expert delivered consent and Respectful Relationships education in schools.

“So far we’ve seen commitments from some state governments to strengthen the legal definitions of consent, and to make stealthing an offence. These are good steps forward, but we need to harmonise the laws to ensure everyone understands that only informed and enthusiastic consent means yes.

“I salute the strength of anyone who seeks justice through the courts for sexual violence, as it is often retraumatising and horrific for all victim-survivors of gendered violence.

“To change the unacceptable rates of sexual violence and end Australia’s culture of sexual violence, harassment and abuse, we need to support victims to come forward, and dismantle the power imbalances and gender stereotypes that deter them from doing so.

“It will be important to survivors that any ALRC recommendations are taken seriously and implemented promptly, they have waited long enough for a justice system that actually delivers justice for sexual violence survivors.

“We look forward to working with the government to identify problems with criminal justice responses to sexual violence and strengthen trauma-informed approaches and wrap-around services.”

Arts Minister marks milestone as Gallery expansion lays the foundation for cultural tourism boom

NSW Arts Minister John Graham officially unveiled the foundation stone for the expansion of Newcastle Art Gallery today as work on City of Newcastle’s landmark infrastructure project continues.

The moment marks a significant milestone in the Gallery’s expansion, which hit new heights last month with the installation of a 33 metre high tower crane to facilitate the next stage of construction.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation Chair Suzie Galwey, Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon and NSW Arts Minister John Graham unveil the foundation stone at the site of the Newcastle Art Gallery expansion.

Minister Graham joined Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon and Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation Chair Suzie Galwey for the official ceremony, unveiling the bluestone paver commemorating the major funding partners involved.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it was fitting to etch the name of the NSW Minister for the Arts and Tourism into a site that will become a regionally significant cultural destination.

“By more than doubling the size of Newcastle Art Gallery and delivering a suite of modern facilities of international standing, this project will offer a home to one of Australia’s most significant public collections of art,” Cr Nelmes said.

Mr Graham, who is also the NSW Minister for Jobs, said it was pleasing to see the positive economic impact this project would deliver for the community, now and into the future.

“Major infrastructure projects provide a valuable economic boost to local communities, with the expansion of Newcastle Art Gallery creating 170 jobs, including 152 in construction and 18 ongoing once it is complete,” he said.

“This project is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when all levels of government and the local community work together to achieve a common goal, which will deliver positive benefits for the wider region for generations to come.”

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon welcomed the progress of the expansion project.

“Like all Novocastrians, I am delighted to see progress being made on this important project for our region,” Ms Claydon said.

“Newcastle Art Gallery has been at the centre of our city’s rich cultural history for over 45 years and this expansion project will enhance Newcastle’s reputation as a cultural tourism destination, boost the economy and create jobs for locals.”

Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation Chair Suzie Galwey said its members and donors were thrilled to mark another milestone on a project they have supported for so long.

“The Foundation thanks its members and donors for their generosity and unwavering support for this project over many years. We believe today’s milestone will inspire additional excitement and community support as the Foundation works towards its ambitious $13 million philanthropic goal,” Ms Galwey said.

Former Lady Mayoress Cathy Tate, State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp, Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation Chair Suzie Galwey, Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon, NSW Arts Minister john Graham, City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath and Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton.

The expansion project includes an additional 1,600 square meters of exhibition space with dedicated areas for the Gallery’s collection on the lower level, while the upper level will cater for a variety of travelling exhibitions, including international shows.

The project will deliver a new café and retail shop, multi-purpose and educational program space, a secure international standard loading dock, and will extend the building’s footprint east along Darby Street and Queen Street.

The project is supported by $5 million from the Australian Government under the Regional Recovery Partnerships and $5 million from the New South Wales Government under the Regional Recovery Package, as well as $12 million from the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation made possible through the Valerie and John Ryan bequest, Margaret Olley Trust, and community fundraising over many years. A further $1 million is currently being sought through the Foundation’s public fundraising campaign.

Community at the centre of recovery in NSW Central West

Recovery efforts in the Central West will be boosted under the joint Commonwealth and State Government $100 million Central West Recovery and Resilience Package with a range of programs set to get underway next month. 
 

NSW Premier Chris Minns joined Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib and Member for Orange Phil Donato in Eugowra on Tuesday to make the announcement and update the community on the package.

Community consultation sessions across the flood affected communities of the Central West will commence in February ensuring local community members have the opportunity to influence the design of the $40 million housing program.

The NSW Reconstruction Authority, working with the 4 local councils, will lead the consultation stage of the housing program, engaging with communities through information sessions, workshops and online communication tools.

Community members will be briefed on technical data and flood modelling and will be asked to share their experiences and insights from the November 2022 floods to help build a shared understanding of risk in the region.

The $40 million housing program could offer a range of products to eligible households, including raisings and retrofits to floodproof existing dwellings as well as buybacks and relocations.

$57 million of the funding will be used for a Community Asset Program and a Regional Transport Resilience Fund – funding allocations for both will be released in February and both will also be open for applications from local councils.

The Regional Transport Resilience Fund will see vital transport infrastructure like bridges and flood crossings replaced and roads improved while the Community Assets Program will focus on places that bring communities together, like sporting fields, parks and playgrounds, recreational centres and libraries.

Importantly, both programs focus on building back better to ensure communities are better prepared in the face of natural disasters.

To help oversee delivery of the landmark $100 million package, Mayors from Cabonne Shire, Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan will join representatives from the NSW and Federal Governments at a Community Leaders Forum, to be chaired by the Member for Orange Phil Donato.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“We know people just want to get back into their homes, that’s why flood recovery remains a key priority for the NSW Government.

“We’re committed to ensuring the community remains at the centre of recovery efforts.

“This is not about a simple fix, it’s a concerted effort making sure that communities in the Central West can build back stronger and an acknowledgement that the NSW Government is standing with them for the long-haul.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“Recovery doesn’t happen overnight – it’s a long-term issue that requires evidence-based planning and community leadership.

“I’m proud to say the NSW Government is committed to delivering practical action on the ground to help people get back on their feet, with the involvement of local leaders and their communities.”

Member for Orange, Phil Donato said:

“We know a wide range of recovery and reconstruction work still needs to be done across the region and I am glad the work is progressing to make this happen.

“It is critical that the communities that are still dealing with the after-effects of the 2022 floods will remain at the centre of flood recovery efforts.”

Coalition calls for the Opera House to be lit up red for 2024 Lunar New Year celebrations

The NSW Opposition is urging the Minns Labor Government to light up the iconic sails of the Sydney Opera House in red again this year, to mark the Lunar New Year celebrations.
 
Lunar New Year celebrations is a highly significant occasion, with the Year of the Dragon being considered to be particularly important.
 
NSW Liberal Leader Mark Speakman said that Sydney is one of the most diverse cities in the world.
 
“Multicultural communities across NSW, like our Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean communities, have made great contributions to this state,” Mr Speakman said.
 
“As in previous years, it’s appropriate that we show our respect and support for these communities by lighting the Opera House.”  
 
Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism, Mark Coure, said this has become a Lunar New Year tradition in NSW, one that has been ongoing for decades.
 
“From Hurstville to Chatswood to Liverpool to Fairfield, we have some of the largest Lunar New Year events in the world outside of Asia,” Mr Coure said.
 
“This year is particularly important as it is the Year of the Dragon, representing honour, good fortune and nobility for 2024.”
 
“I call on Premier Chris Minns to continue this wonderful display of unity and friendship by lighting up the Sydney Opera House to mark the beginning of Lunar New Year on Saturday, 10 February 2024.”
 
Celebrations for the Year of the Dragon are set to take place over 16 days, from Saturday 10 February 2024 to Saturday 25 February 2024.

Minns has no ideas for Western Sydney Infrastructure

The NSW Opposition is calling out Premier Chris Minns spin on the delivery of transport infrastructure in Western Sydney.
 
The former Liberal and Nationals Government together with the Coalition Federal Government invested over $15 billion to build the future transport infrastructure for the Western Sydney Airport and Aerotropolis including:

ProjectsTotal Investment
Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport$11 billion
M12$2 billion
The Northern Road$1.6 billion
Bringelly Road$500 million
Elizabeth Drive Upgrade$200 million
Werrington Arterial Road Upgrade$52 million

While Chris Minns takes the credit for the former Government’s investment, Labor’s own budget[1] reveals the transport and infrastructure capital spend is forecast to drop by 25% in four years.
 
The Opposition is also calling out Chris Minns’ claim of $600 million in road investment over the next five years, asking if it’s an appropriate level of funding:
 

  • What portion of the $600 million is for delivery and/or planning funding?
  • Is the $600 million a new allocation of funding from the Labor’s first budget or is the funding provided by the former Government’s final budget?

 
Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward commented “I don’t know how Chris Minns plans to deliver transport infrastructure with a cut of 25% in overall funding in the future.”
 
“Chris Minns is all complaints and no responsibility, in order to deliver the positive future Western Sydney deserves you need to invest in its future.”
 
“It is easy to claim credit for infrastructure projects you don’t have to plan, fund and start delivery on, what is difficult is managing the NSW Budget in order to be able to consistently fund infrastructure investment.”
 
“The Government needs to stop the spin and actually outline and commit to which roads in the region are on their infrastructure priority list, no answers can only mean no investment.”

PARLIAMENTARY LIBRARY ANALYSIS REVEALS LABOR SPENDING PEANUTS ON HEATWAVE MITIGATION

Heatwaves are the biggest climate-related killer – more deadly than storms, fires and floods combined.

The only existing dedicated funding for heatwave mitigation projects at the Federal level is through the Disaster Ready Fund (DRF). Parliamentary Library analysis has revealed that last round the DRF funded just 2 heatwave mitigation projects for a measly combined total of $3.2M in funding. This contrasts to the $11.1B spent in fossil fuel subsidies last year, a 3,500x difference.

According to government analysis, heatwave related deaths are expected to climb to over 1000 annually in each of the following major cities by 2050: Perth (1419), Melbourne (1149), Sydney (1015) and Brisbane (1072). This is around double current figures for Melbourne and a 500% increase for Brisbane.

The Greens are calling on the government to coordinate a National Heatwave Plan, including the following elements:

  1. Updating the National Construction Code to take into account expected climate change impacts and ensure all new construction is heatwave resistant, including mandating light-coloured roofs, 8 star energy efficiency, high-performance insulating windows, and passive heating and cooling systems.
  2. Facilitate a mass roll-out of urban greening to reduce the Urban Heat Island Effect, including planting millions of shade trees across our cities to achieve a minimum urban green cover target in every suburb of 30%, and expanding shaded public green space within walking distance of residents.
  3. Fund a proactive outreach program to mobilise an army of paid staff and volunteers to go door to door in high-risk areas during a heatwave to offer support and advice, including identifying vulnerable populations (people experiencing homelessness, pregnant people, people with disabilities and chronic illnesses) and developing targeted support for them.
  4. An easy to access one-off payment for people to help ease the increase in energy costs for cooling their homes.

Elizabeth Watson-Brown, Greens spokesperson for Transport, Infrastructure and Sustainable Cities said:

‘While Labor and LNP are giving billions in subsidies to coal and gas corporations each year, they have spent peanuts to help everyday people who are sweltering in their homes.

‘Over the next few decades, tens of thousands of Australians will die from heat-related illness if the government doesn’t take action to ensure our homes are heatwave resilient, and our cities and suburbs have enough tree coverage to prevent urban heat islands

‘You shouldn’t need to fret over your energy bill when there’s a 37 degree day like today, and turning on the aircon could well be what protects you from serious heatstroke.

‘At their Wednesday caucus meeting, Labor should immediately resolve to deliver a heatwave plan that includes planting millions of shade trees, making all of our buildings heat-resistant and liveable, coordinating an outreach army to check in on vulnerable people during heatwaves, and a one-off payment for people to help ease the increase in energy costs for cooling their homes.’

Construction on Western Sydney Airport Metro reaches new heights in Luddenham as development surges ahead

Work is powering ahead on the Western Sydney Airport Metro line with nearly one kilometre of a new bridge (viaduct) located between Orchard Hills and Luddenham completed.

The bridge, consisting of 36 piers, one every 28 to 40 metres, and 308 concrete segments will be 3.5-kilometre long as part of the new Western Sydney Airport metro line.

The foundation for the new metro station at Luddenham is also complete, ready for work on the station build to commence next month.

Situated up to 13.5 metres above ground, Luddenham Station will be the only station on the new line located on a viaduct. 

Work on the remaining part of the metro line is also in full swing, with four tunnel boring machines excavating the 9.8-kilometre tunnels and earthworks underway to complete sections of the railway at ground level.

The Metro line’s six new stations will also become a crucial connection for workers and travellers making their way to Western Sydney’s new international airport and surrounding areas.

The NSW Government has already approved a number of major projects in the region including data centres at Huntingwood and Kemps Creek, each worth over $1 billion.

Significant investment is also being driven into the area surrounding Luddenham Metro Station with Sydney Water nearing construction completion of an Integrated Water Recycling Hub.

The government continues to work to cut red tape imposed by the former government on development, further driving the creation of jobs in this growing region of Sydney.

Find out more about Luddenham Station   

NSW Premier Chris Minns said: 

“This project represents a massive opportunity for NSW, driving billions of dollars worth of investment and thousands of new jobs in this growing region of Western Sydney.

“Since being elected the NSW Government has worked tirelessly to cut red tape to drive development while charging ahead with the construction of Australia’s largest public transport project.” 

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said: 

“Making progress on Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport is vital for Western Sydney residents, and the greater Sydney economy.

“This project will not only improve public transport access to the future Western Sydney Airport, it’s also delivering major economic stimulus for Western Sydney, supporting more than 14,000 jobs.

“There’s more to do, but I am delighted to see progress being made on this world class infrastructure project, which will benefit our local communities for generations to come.”

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said: 

“Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport will become the new transport spine for Greater Western Sydney connecting travellers from the new airport to a growing region and the rest of Sydney’s public transport system. 

“People will be able to step off a plane and onto a train as soon as the airport opens its doors.

“When complete, Luddenham Station will deliver a rail service to the future research, innovation and commercial precinct in Luddenham and provide world-class travel for people in an area with limited public transport options.”   

Women in Construction Industry Innovation Program Year 2 grant applications now open

The Minns Labor Government has today opened the grant funding applications for the second round of Women in Construction Industry Innovation Program.

Construction continues to be one of the most male-dominated industries in Australia, with 12% representation of women across the sector and only 2% in trade roles.

The Industry Innovation Program supports a range of industry-led initiatives across the state to increase the number of women working in construction, improve workplace culture, create inclusive and safe work environments, and to empower women in leadership roles.  

The 21 funding recipients under Year 1 of the Program, lead initiatives ranging from education opportunities for women entering the industry via mentoring, work experience programs and opportunity showcases and site visits for school-based students – to training for established workforces, with the introduction of training to influence existing workplace behaviours to develop respectful and safe cultures on site.

Initiatives also included embedding flexible work practices and providing a variety of child-care support mechanisms for parents and carers, which helps to address the obstacles that prevent women from considering a career in construction.

An example of a funded initiative comes from the Infrastructure Sustainability Council who lead the program, “Sustainability: a credible construction career path.” This program aims to attract women to the industry and empower inclusive work practices through the development of a skills framework, creation of educational resources for organisations and the delivery of a mentoring program for NSW construction businesses.

The Industry Innovation Program is being delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $20.2 million Women in Construction Program.

For information on how to apply for grant funding, visit the NSW Government Industry Innovation Program Year 2 grants page.

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said:

“The demand for construction workers continues to be high across the state. As we continue to deliver infrastructure projects it is paramount we increase the proportion of women in construction to improve industry diversity and productivity.

“Increasing the participation of women in construction is not about meeting quotas; it is about cultivating a skilled, versatile and experienced workforce.

“Empowering more women to choose a career in construction will lead to greater innovation, diversity, and progress, ultimately building a stronger and more inclusive future for the industry.

The Minns Labor Government is wholeheartedly committed to encouraging more women in the construction industry.

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

“Our commitment to increasing participation of women in trades and non-traditional roles is unwavering. Through the Women in Construction program, we are actively working to empower women to consider a career in the construction industry through education and skills development.

“The future of our trades industry lies in embracing the diversity and capabilities of all workers. The Industry Innovation Program aims to engage the industry in creating a safe, inclusive and dynamic workforce that welcomes and supports women in all trade roles.

“Closing the gender gap in construction can lead to improved performance, enhanced innovation and ensures sustainable growth.

“By working with industry stakeholders, we can unleash the full potential of women in this industry and build a strong and diverse future.”

Infrastructure Sustainability Council Chief Executive Officer, Ainsley Simpson said:

“The NSW Government’s commitment of more than $20 million to increase the number of women working in construction shows the important steps the industry is taking towards a more gender-balanced workplace. 

“Thanks to the Industry Innovation Program funding, the Infrastructure Sustainability Council is playing a part in breaking down cultural barriers that may prevent women from considering careers in this field.

“The implementation of a skills framework and creation of resources will help companies throughout the industry to engage and attract women into construction roles.”

Australians save $250 million thanks to Albanese Government cheaper medicines

Australians have saved $250 million on cheaper medicines in 2023 thanks to the Albanese Government.

Changes to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and the introduction of 60-day prescriptions are working to reduce everyday costs for Australians.

On 1 January 2023, for the first time in the 75-year history of the PBS, the Albanese Government lowered the maximum cost of prescription medications listed on the PBS saving Australians more than $240 million in 2023.

Since September 2023, 60-day prescriptions have made selected PBS medicines cheaper for Australians with a range of ongoing stable health conditions, already saving patients over $7.2 million.

Almost 2 million 60-day scripts were dispensed between September and December 2023, and with the number of medications available as 60-day scripts set to rise to 300 by September this year the savings will continue to grow.

The Albanese Government also reduced the PBS Safety Net Threshold, so more pensioners and concession cardholders get free medicines, sooner.

This has reduced the yearly medicine costs for those 2 million Australians by as much as 25 per cent.

From 1 February 2024, Australians with advanced melanoma will have access to the combination medicine nivolumab with relatlimab (Opdualag®).

Opdualag will be listed for the first time to treat patients with advanced stage melanoma that has spread to other parts of the body and cannot be removed by surgery.

Australia has the highest melanoma rates in the world with one person dying from melanoma every six hours.

Around 940 patients each year are expected to benefit from this listing. Without the PBS subsidy, they could pay around $315,000 per course of treatment.

At the same time, the Government is supporting local pharmacies to continue their crucial role in the healthcare system, especially in regional, rural and remote parts of the country.

Through the Regional Pharmacy Transition Allowance and the Regional Pharmacy Maintenance Allowance, the government provided $26 million to eligible pharmacies between 1 July and 31 December 2023.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“We know Australians have been doing it tough, which is why we are providing cost of living relief without adding to inflation.

“Our cheaper medicines policy means over the past year Australians have saved $250 million on prescriptions – this is real cost of living relief, putting money back into people’s wallets.

“Combined with our tripling of the Medicare bulk billing incentive and opening of 58 Urgent Care Clinics across the country, we’re making it easier and cheaper for Australians to see a doctor.”

Minister Mark Butler said:

“Cheaper medicines have helped Australians save over $250 million on medicines in 2023, with more savings to come in 2024.

“With cheaper medicines we are supporting millions of Australians with chronic, ongoing conditions so they don’t have to choose between health care and paying the bills.  

“The listing of Opdualag will be life changing for Australians living with advanced stage melanoma. Instead of paying over $315,000 for treatment now the maximum they will pay is PBS prices.

“The Albanese Government is continuing to make medicines cheaper so that all Australians can access the medication they need regardless of their bank balance.”

Appointment of Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Consuls-General

Today I announce the appointment of highly qualified individuals to lead Australian diplomatic posts in Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, Mauritius, Poland, Timor-Leste, and Samoa, as well as the Australian Mission to ASEAN.

Our overseas representatives drive Australia’s engagement with the world, advancing Australia’s interests and upholding the rules, standards and norms that underpin peace and prosperity.

I am pleased to announce the following appointments:

I thank the outgoing Ambassador, High Commissioner and Consuls-General, for their contributions to Australian diplomacy.