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New early intervention service to support Aboriginal victim-survivors of family violence and their children

A new early intervention family program will deliver crucial therapeutic, trauma-informed and culturally safe support to victim-survivors of domestic and family violence and their children to help disrupt the cycle of abuse.

Preventing and eliminating domestic and family violence is a priority for the NSW Government.

Evidence shows that early intervention can improve the lives of children and young people, including those who have experienced family violence, building resilience as they recover.

Funded with $13 million under the National Partnership Agreement with the Commonwealth Government, Safe and Strong uses a dual model of early intervention support for both victim-survivors and their children who are experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, family violence.

Service providers will deliver specialist early supports such as counselling, family capacity building, and supported playgroups.

Case workers will help families to identify early indicators of violence in their homes, and deliver therapeutic, trauma-informed and culturally safe support focusing on the needs and experiences of victim-survivors and their children.

There are 11 Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) that will deliver Safe and Strong in 10 priority locations across NSW, and service delivery will commence in the remaining 22 priority locations in early 2025.

ACCOs are best placed to understand community need and deliver services to achieve better results for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and their children, and have been prioritised to deliver this service.

Aboriginal-led, trauma-informed and culturally safe strategies recognise the importance of culture, connection to Country and the role of men’s and women’s business in responding to and healing from family violence.

Locations for delivery of Safe and Strong were selected using domestic violence crime and child protection data, to identify areas of the highest need.

Safe and Strong demonstrates the NSW government’s ongoing commitment to addressing family violence within our communities and aligns with the objectives of the NSW Domestic and Family Violence Plan 2022-2027.

The early intervention service complements the range of domestic and family violence supports already in place in NSW, including the Specialist Workers for Children and Young People program, Staying Home Leaving Violence and Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Services.

This project is funded for 12 months and will be independently evaluated to measure its impact and effectiveness.

The NSW Government has committed $245.6 million in the 2024-25 Budget to improve support for domestic and family violence victim-survivors and expand programs that reduce the rate of violence, including in early intervention and primary prevention.

Federal Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said:

“To achieve our goal of ending gender-based violence in one generation, we need to provide genuine support for our young men and boys now.

“That’s why the Albanese Labor Government has worked to elevate the voices of children in the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children.

“We have invested $3.4 billion to deliver the National Plan over the past 3 budgets and a further $4.4 billion to harness opportunities to prevent violence and support legal services as announced at the 6 September National Cabinet meeting on gender-based violence. This includes work that will have a specific focus on supporting First Nations children and young people.

“Our Government is proud to invest in supports that will lead to long-term change and provide meaningful support to young men and boys to help them break the cycle of violence, as well as support victim-survivors.”

NSW Minister for Families and Communities Kate Washington said:

“Domestic and family violence can tear families apart; and the impact on children and young people can be lifelong.

“Many children who enter the child protection system have come from houses of violence and carry that trauma with them.

“The Safe and Strong program is designed to stop the cycle of abuse by identifying families at risk and offering timely support so more Aboriginal children can stay safely with their families.”

NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“It is critical that we respond to the impacts of domestic and family violence on Aboriginal people.

“Early intervention is an important strategy and the services to help Aboriginal people and communities, including children, will be developed and delivered by and with Aboriginal people.

“We know the best way to close the gap is by Aboriginal people shaping and driving outcomes for Aboriginal people, in partnership with the NSW Government.”

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

“The NSW Government is committed to keeping families safe from the harm and horror of domestic and family violence.

“To make sure our action in this space is meaningful and sustainable, we must address domestic and family violence from every angle – this includes genuine preventative and early intervention action.

“It’s important to treat children and young people as victim-survivors in their own right and ensure that child-focused early support is provided.

“Through Safe and Strong, we are making sure that victim survivors of domestic and family violence and their children have the support they need to recover, heal and rebuild their lives.

Dhungutti woman Ashlee Donohue CEO of Mudgin-Gal Aboriginal Women’s Centres said:

“Mudgin-Gal means ‘Women’s Place’, which reflects our mission to provide a safe space for Aboriginal women and families.

“We are committed to preventing domestic and family violence in our communities through the Safe and Strong program.

“Using a family approach through early intervention, we will continue to deliver culturally safe and trauma-informed support services to families.

“By identifying early indicators of violence, we can support families who are at risk of family violence and stop the violence before it starts.”

Support Services

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000.

For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN on 13 92 76.

NSW Grandparents Day perfect time to celebrate family

This Sunday 27 October is NSW Grandparents Day – a day for families to come together to celebrate grandparents and those who play grandparent roles in our lives.

NSW Grandparents Day has been an initiative under the NSW Ageing Strategy since 2011 and is celebrated on the last Sunday of October.

Whether they’re nan and pop, grandad and grandma, nonna and nonno or mama and papa or simply a grand-friend, NSW Grandparents Day is an occasion to enjoy family fun, whether that’s a picnic, a trip to the park or simply reading a book together.

The NSW Government provides over $50,000 in funding to local libraries to deliver activities to help the community celebrate Grandparents Day this Friday through the weekend. Events include special storytime, digital programs and even musical performances. This year, 105 libraries across NSW will be running events for the whole family.

For more information and ways to celebrate, visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/family-and-relationships/grandparents-day/story-time-library-resources

Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said:

“NSW Grandparents Day recognises the diversity of grandparent relationships and the roles of older people in our community.

“It’s important to celebrate the contributions grandparents make to their families and communities.

“The bond between grandparents and grandchildren is special and should be celebrated year-round, but having a special day to recognise that connection and do an activity together is a great way of acknowledging their special and meaningful contributions to family and the community.

“If you can’t make it to a library for storytime, there are still plenty of other ways to thank grandparents such as having a morning tea together, sending them a hand-drawn card, or by calling them on the phone.”

Illegal tobacco inquiry

The Opposition has today called for a Parliamentary Inquiry into the illegal tobacco (“chop chop”) trade in NSW. 

This inquiry would cover, but not be limited to, organised crime links to the illegal tobacco trade in NSW, departmental responsibility for enforcement, licensing schemes for tobacconists, landlord responsibilities, increasing penalties, money laundering schemes operating via tobacconists, improved education and public awareness.

Shadow Health Minister Kellie Sloane says we are seeing an alarming increase in the supply of illegal tobacco in NSW, which has been linked to organised crime syndicates.

“Profits from illegal tobacco sales are lining the pockets of criminals, with the growing trade estimated to be worth billions in Australia. This inquiry will give parliament the opportunity to hear from experts, small businesses, health professionals and law enforcement to ensure we have the right legislation in NSW to crack down on this illegal trade,” said Ms Sloane.

“We know that users of illegal tobacco report significantly worse health outcomes than smokers of legal tobacco[1], and given the lower cost and easy access to illegal tobacco, NSW is at risk of going backwards on fifty years of public health progress in reducing nicotine and smoking rates.” 

Shadow Minister for Regional Health Gurmesh Singh says the illegal tobacco trade is putting pressure on small businesses across New South Wales, especially in the regions.

“The regulation of the tobacco industry has been a cornerstone of our health response to smoking for decades. It’s important to our communities to have an open inquiry into the illegal aspects of this industry.”

Key Facts: 

  • NSW Health data shows there has been an increase in the number of tobacconists opening, rising from 14,500 four years ago to 19,500 today. 
  • Tobacco smoke accounts for around half of the estimated preventable cancers deaths in Australia.
  • Some batches of illegal tobacco contain bulking agents such as twigs, raw cotton and grass clippings. Fungal (mould) spores have also been detected.[2]
  • The ATO has estimated that 1,234 tonnes of illegal tobacco went undetected in the Australian market in 2020–21, worth approximately $1.89 billion, and that approximately 10 % of Australia’s tobacco market were illicit. [3]
  • Since 2018, authorities have seized nearly 480,000 kilos of illegal tobacco, which equates to nearly 22 million cigarettes and $731 million in lost excise. [4]

[1] https://www.tobaccoinaustralia.org.au/chapter-3-health-effects/3-27-health-effects-of-smoking-tobacco-in-other-fo

2 https://www.tobaccoinaustralia.org.au/chapter-3-health-effects/3-27-health-effects-of-smoking-tobacco-in-other-fo

3https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0955395924001099#:~:text=The%20ATO%20estimated%20that%201234,%E2%80%9316%20(Australian%20Taxation%20Office%2C

4 https://www.ato.gov.au/about-ato/tax-avoidance/the-fight-against-tax-crime/our-focus/illicit-tobacco

80 redundancies confirmed at TAFE NSW

The hypocrisy of Labor has been laid bare today with NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education admitting in Parliament that TAFE NSW will shed 80 jobs in a restructure.

In response to a question from Shadow Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Minister Justin Clancy in Question Time, the Minister admitted, “there will be some offered the opportunity for transfer or made redundant.” “Out of this new operating model I expect the net change will be that 80 employees will lose their positions”.

The admission comes at a time when NSW continues to face an acute skills crisis, with the most recent data from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) showing that under the NSW Labor government, apprentice and traineeship commencements have fallen to their lowest level since 2020. Program enrolments for VET in Schools have dropped to figures not seen since 2019, while the number of government-funded students and courses are also at a four-year low.

Mr Clancy said it is vital the NSW Labor Government comes clean and reveal the location of these 80 job losses, including if any are in regional parts of NSW. The Minister must also confirm impacted departments, following previous reports administration, IT facilities management, and accounting job would be slashed.

“The need for strong, well-supported NSW TAFE institutions has never been greater, the last thing we need is to be taking a knife to our vocational education and training sector.

“NSW Labor has talked a big game, continuously claiming to be “Rebuilding TAFE”, but this announcement demonstrates yet again that the Minns Labor government will say one thing but do another.

Australia and the United Kingdom to power up cooperation on climate and energy

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, met today on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Apia, Samoa.

This was the first meeting between the two leaders since the election of the Starmer Government.

The Prime Ministers discussed Australia’s and the United Kingdom’s modern and dynamic relationship, underpinned by close personal ties and strong security, trade and investment links.

The two leaders considered how the two countries could step-up their work together to meet common challenges and to realise new opportunities.

Australia and the UK agree that the transition to net zero represents economic opportunity. The Albanese and Starmer Governments believe private capital and the power of government can be leveraged to shape a clean energy future in the interests of working people. The transition paves the way for new industries, new technologies, new job opportunities and a revitalisation of each nation’s industrial base.

To this end, the Prime Ministers agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation on climate change and energy by negotiating a dynamic new partnership. The Australia–UK Climate and Energy Partnership will focus on the development and accelerated deployment of renewable energy technologies, such as green hydrogen and offshore wind, to support the economic resilience and decarbonisation goals of both countries.

The partnership will also build upon the two countries’ long-standing cooperation on international climate action, including on renewable energy and climate finance.

The Prime Ministers agreed the Minister for Climate Change and Energy of Australia and the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero of the United Kingdom will take this important work forward.

The two leaders also announced grant recipients under the Australia-UK Renewable Hydrogen Innovation Partnership Program. Under this program, the two Governments will support six cutting-edge projects focused on industrial decarbonisation.

On trade and investment, Prime Ministers discussed gains under the ambitious Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement. The United Kingdom’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership later this year will also present new opportunities for the region.

Discussions on defence and strategic cooperation focused on working together to ensure the AUKUS partnership delivers for the security and stability of the Indo-Pacific and beyond. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to negotiating a bilateral treaty, as announced by Defence Ministers in September 2024, to develop the SSN-AUKUS submarine for both nations. 

The Prime Ministers also reaffirmed their commitment to an approach that sets the highest non-proliferation standards and to sustaining peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, respectful of sovereignty and rules.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“Australia and the UK are longstanding partners, with common values and aligned strategic interests. It was great to congratulate Prime Minister Starmer in person after his election win in July.

“We had a productive discussion, including agreeing to negotiate a new climate and energy partnership. This partnership will ensure we maximise the economic potential of the net zero transition, and build on our long-standing cooperation on international climate action and shared commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

“We share a vision for a modern and transformed Australia-United Kingdom relationship, which delivers tangible benefits and prosperity to both our nations and the Indo-Pacific.”

Prime Minister Keir Starmer

“The UK and Australia share many things in common, including our governments’ determination to improve the lives of working people, drive economic growth and ensure cleaner, more affordable energy.

“This partnership underscores our commitment to powering up the UK with clean energy projects that will benefit communities across the country.

“Together, we’re delivering better futures for our two countries, whether that’s through protecting our national security with projects like AUKUS or delivering on our net zero commitments.”

Man charged over child abuse material, firearm and weapons offences – Newcastle

A man will face court charged with numerous offences following an investigation by Newcastle City detectives.

In January 2022, detectives attached to Newcastle City Police District commenced an investigation after receiving a referral from the Australian Federal Police regarding the alleged uploading of child abuse material through a social media platform.

Following extensive inquiries, about 8.10am yesterday (Thursday 24 October 2024), officers executed a search warrant at a house in Kotara and arrested a 23-year-old man.

Police also seized a number of items in relation to child abuse material, as well as five gel blaster firearms, two sets of throwing knives, a set of throwing stars and a trench knife.

The man was taken to Newcastle Police Station where he was charged with ten offences – possess unauthorised prohibited firearm (five counts), possess, or use a prohibited weapon without a permit (two counts), two counts of possess child abuse material and one count of possess bestiality material.

He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Friday 25 October 2024).

GREENS SAY PUBLIC AND AFFORDABLE HOMES NEEDED IN ANY NEW HOUSING PLANS

The Victorian Greens have responded to the Allan government’s plan to fast-track high-rise apartment blocks and remove stamp duty for investors, saying that proceeding without guaranteeing any new public and genuinely affordable housing will simply funnel more profits to wealthy developers while Victorian suffer through more housing stress.

The Greens said that while they welcome more housing near transport and services, without policies to require building genuinely affordable homes in these zones, Labor’s plans will simply let developers get away with building more expensive penthouses, and young people will not benefit.

The Greens say that fast-tracking the plans of wealthy property developers and providing short-term stamp duty concessions for property investors without forcing them to build any public and genuinely affordable homes will actually make the housing crisis worse.

The Greens have been calling for inclusionary zoning to ensure that 50% of these new activity areas are public and genuinely affordable housing for the people who need them the most.

Greens spokesperson for Public and Affordable Housing, Samantha Ratnam:

“If Labor wants to fundamentally reshape our city, they need to do it in a way that creates housing that teachers, nurses and young people can actually afford, but right now Labor is just giving incentives to wealthy property developers to build expensive houses that won’t solve the housing crisis.

“We’re in the worst housing crisis we’ve seen in decades and property developers are building expensive houses, hoarding land and keeping homes empty.

“If Labor actually cared about building homes that young people can afford, they’d require developers to build genuinely affordable and public homes in these zones, rather than just allowing developers to build expensive luxury apartments.

“Labor must commit to building more public and affordable housing – not just expensive luxury apartments.”

LABOR MUST ENSURE AFFORDABLE HOMES OTHERWISE SKYRISE PLAN WILL ONLY DRIVE PRICES UP

The Victorian Greens warn that the Allan government must guarantee public and affordable housing otherwise their skyrise plan will do nothing to fix the housing crisis and will only make housing more expensive and further lock out young people.

Labor’s high-rise plan doesn’t ensure any public and affordable housing at the sites and today property developers are saying they would force apartment prices up by at least 15 per cent – making housing affordability even worse.

The Victorian Greens say that this is exactly why we need to ensure public and affordable homes in these new activity zones, otherwise this plan is going to drive up prices and make it even harder for young people and essential workers to find somewhere to live.

The Victorian Greens have been calling for inclusionary zoning that would ensure that at least 50% of new housing are public and affordable homes In these new zones.

The Greens are also calling for structural reform of the tax system which currently locked young people and workers out of buying a home – like getting rid of negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount.

Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell:

“Today property developers made it clear that Labor’s plan is to build more expensive luxury apartments. Developers want to build apartments that are at least 15% more expensive than now – that’s the opposite of what we need!”

“We need more genuinely affordable and public homes that young people, nurses, and everyday workers can afford – not expensive luxury apartments.”

Quotes attributable to Greens spokesperson for Public and Affordable Housing, Samantha Ratnam:

“Labor must commit to more public and genuinely affordable homes in these new activity zones otherwise they’re not doing anything for young people struggling through the worst housing crisis in decades.”

“Labor is intent on enabling wealthy developers and corporations to cash in on luxury apartments and it’s only going to make things worse.”

“Labor can’t knock down thousands of public homes and only offer expensive apartments in return.”

Appointment of High Commissioners and Ambassadors

Today I announce appointments of five highly qualified individuals to lead Australian posts in Alofi, Funafuti, Ottawa, Paris and Rome.

Australia’s engagement with the world is driven by our diplomats. Their ability to build influence and advocate for Australia is critical to promoting our national interests abroad.

I am pleased to announce the following appointments:

I thank the outgoing high commissioners and ambassadors for their contributions to advancing Australia’s national interests.

NSW Government takes action after customers unlawfully charged for merchant fees

Merchant fee surcharges were levied on tens of millions of customer card transactions, despite repeated legal advice during the term of the former Liberal-National government that the government agency surcharges were unlawful.

The issue was identified by the NSW Auditor-General during settlement of the Department of Customer Service (DCS) financial statements for 2023-24 and brought to the attention of the current Government.

The current Secretary of DCS, Graeme Head, sought further information from his Department which revealed that Service NSW’s practice of charging merchant fees had been flagged as unlawful in legal advice received from the Crown Solicitor’s Office between February 2016 and December 2022. Despite this, merchant fees continued to be passed onto customers.

Merchant fee surcharges are levied to recoup transaction fees charged by payment providers including banks. Recouping the cost of merchant fees was directed by NSW Treasury in 2012.

Typical surcharges on Service NSW transactions include 30 cents for a 1-year licence renewal, 29 cents for a marriage certificate and $1.92 to renew registration for a small car (like a Toyota Corolla). The average surcharge on a Revenue NSW payment in 2023-24 was $0.92.

It’s currently estimated that 92 million transactions unlawfully incurred about $144 million in merchant fees from 2016 across Service NSW and Revenue NSW.

The Minns Labor Government has established an incident management taskforce and is progressing urgent work to shut down the unlawful charging of merchant fees.

People who have been charged fees are encouraged to register for updates on the Government’s response at service.nsw.gov.au/about-us/our-services/merchant-fees or by calling Service NSW on 13 77 88.

The Treasurer, Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, and Minister for Finance have written to the NSW Ombudsman requesting an investigation into possible serious maladministration.

The Secretary of DCS has also referred the matter to the Ombudsman and the Independent Commission Against Corruption, noting the apparent failure to act on the 2016 Crown Solicitor’s advice.

The taskforce led by DCS has switched off fees being charged directly by Revenue NSW and the Rental Bond Board, and stopped fees on more than 80 per cent of Service NSW transactions.

Merchant fee surcharges have been switched off for more than 90 per cent of online payments, including the top 12 Service NSW transactions such as renewing a driver licence or vehicle registration or paying a fine.

Service NSW is urgently continuing work to switch off fees on all remaining transactions, including thousands of credit card terminals in Service NSW Service Centres. These transactions span several technology platforms and are conducted on behalf of multiple agencies.

While this work is being completed, alternate payment methods are available which do not incur a surcharge, such as paying in a Service Centre by cash or online with over-the-counter support from Service NSW staff.

The majority of Government transactions take place through Service NSW, but as a result of this information being uncovered, all departments have been instructed to report to NSW Treasury by 30 November on whether they charge merchant fees for services and to confirm they have the legal authority to do so. 

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib: 

“Our most immediate priority has been to stop these charges as quickly as possible.”

“It is deeply concerning that this practice has been ongoing, despite legal concerns being raised.”

“While the individual amounts typically charged may appear to be small, they have been charged unlawfully.”

“The community rightfully deserves an explanation about how this was allowed to continue for so long under the previous government.” 

Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos:

“We have acted swiftly to establish a taskforce to deal with this issue. Our immediate efforts are focused on switching off the payment methods that charge these merchant fees as quickly as possible.

“We will get to the bottom of what happened and why millions of people were unlawfully charged merchant fees.

“Families, households and businesses expect governments to conduct themselves lawfully. That’s why all agencies have been instructed to examine their own processes.”