Man dies after assault; man charged – Raymond Terrace

A man will appear in court charged after another man died following an assault in the Hunter region yesterday.

Just before 2am (Tuesday 9 April 2024), emergency services were called to Cambridge Avenue, Raymond Terrace, following reports a man was found with serious head injuries.

NSW Ambulance paramedics attended and treated a 38-year-old man; however, he died at the scene.

Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were told the injured man was involved in an altercation when he was reportedly assaulted.

As part of inquiries, police arrested a 29-year-old man nearby.

He was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station before being transferred to Maitland Hospital for assessment.

Upon his release from hospital, the man was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station and charged with murder.

He was refused bail and will appear before Raymond Terrace Local Court today (Wednesday 10 April 2024).

Raptor Squad charge man over alleged armed affray – Newcastle

Raptor Squad officers have charged a man in Newcastle following an investigation into an alleged armed affray last month.

About 4.40pm on Saturday 2 March 2024, officers attached to Nepean Police Area Command were called to an address in Cranbrook following reports a man had been threatened with a knife.

Witnesses told police two men had been involved in an altercation, during which one man lunged at the other with a large kitchen knife before fleeing the scene.

Local police commenced initial inquiries, before the matter was taken carriage of by State Crime Command’s Raptor Squad.

Following extensive inquiries, about 11.40am today (Monday 8 April 2024), a 25-year-old man was arrested in Bar Beach, Newcastle.

He was taken to Newcastle Police Station, where he was charged with use offensive weapon with intent to commit indictable offence, use knife in public place – cause person to fear for safety, and affray.

The man was refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court tomorrow Tuesday 9 April 2024.

Appointment of Special Adviser

Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin (Rtd) will serve as Special Adviser to the Australian Government on Israel’s response to the Israel Defense Forces strikes which killed Zomi Frankcom, and six of her World Central Kitchen colleagues.

Air Chief Marshal Binskin served as Chief of the Australian Defence Force from 2014 to 2018, and prior to that, as Vice Chief of the Defence Force, and Chief of Air Force. In 2020, he Chaired the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements and he is currently Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority and the Pacific Security College.

His experience and expertise mean ACM Binskin is eminently qualified to provide the Australian Government advice on the sufficiency and appropriateness of steps taken by the Israeli Government.

ACM Binskin will engage with Israel and the Israel Defense Forces on the response to the attack which killed Zomi and her colleagues. Australia has made clear to the Israeli Government our expectation and trust that this engagement will be facilitated.

This work will include examination of:

  • Arrangements for the investigation of this incident.
  • IDF policies and procedures for operational incidents.
  • Measures taken to hold those responsible to account.
  • If further investigation is warranted.
  • Measures adopted to prevent such incidents happening again.

The Special Adviser will provide advice to the Australian Government regarding any further representations or actions that could be taken to ensure a full and transparent investigation and to hold those responsible to account.

The Australian Government has been clear that we expect full accountability for these deaths. The appointment of ACM Binskin will ensure the family of Zomi Frankcom, and the Australian people can have confidence in this process.

30 years since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda

Today marks 30 years since the start of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, a period of unspeakable brutality and inhumanity.

In just 100 days, more than one million people, including entire families, were slaughtered simply because of their ethnicity.

We honour those who lost their lives and the resilience of those who carry forward their memories.

Australia acknowledges the deep suffering of the Rwandan people and recognises that Rwanda’s story is not defined only by these events.

The country’s journey to recovery is a rightful source of pride for the people of Rwanda.

Australia remains unwavering in its support for accountability for serious international crimes committed in Rwanda, including through the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, which carries forward the legacy of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda.

World Health Day 2024

On World Health Day, Australia is investing up to $45.5 million in six new initiatives to strengthen health systems across the Pacific and Southeast Asia.

Our support recognises that improving health systems is vital to ensuring our region is resilient against current and future health challenges, including those posed by climate change.

Among the new initiatives are training for essential health workforce skills, including critical care, nursing and midwifery, and support to improve disease surveillance and response, including tackling the increasing challenge of antimicrobial resistance.

The package also includes funding to strengthen health information systems, so that health workers have the data they need to manage health services, including having the right medicines in stock.

In addition, we are supporting greater inclusion of people with psychosocial disabilities, working with their representative organisations to increase access to quality, rights-based mental health services.

The activities will draw on Australian and international expertise, including from Alfred Health, Australian National University, Beyond Essential Systems and mSupply Foundation, CBM Australia, University of Technology Sydney, and University of Sydney.

Today’s announcement is part of Australia’s Partnerships for a Healthy Region initiative, which works with governments and civil society organisations in the Pacific and Southeast Asia to build resilient, equitable and inclusive health systems.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:

“Australia is working with governments and civil society organisations in the Pacific and Southeast Asia to build more resilient health systems, better equipped to handle current and future health challenges, including those posed by climate change.”

“Access to quality, effective and inclusive health services is everyone’s right. A healthier region benefits all of us and underpins our shared success, prosperity and stability.”

Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:

“Australia is a longstanding and committed partner for our region’s health. This World Health Day, we are reaffirming that commitment with a substantial package of support.

“Working with partners with deep local connections and long-term relationships in health is a critical way to deliver sustainable results.”

GAS PIPELINE RUPTURE AT AGEING RIG EXPOSES NEED FOR STRONGER REGULATION OF OFFSHORE FOSSIL FUEL INDUSTRY

The Greens have today raised concerns about NOPSEMA’s regulation of the offshore fossil fuel industry following a pipeline rupture at an ageing gas rig off the Victorian coast, causing pollution visible on the ocean’s surface.

The pipeline linking two Esso/ExxonMobil platforms is being investigated by NOPSEMA as the source of a suspected hydrocarbon spill.

Esso is currently applying to use the Gippsland Basin for sea dumping carbon capture and storage (CCS).

Greens spokesperson for healthy oceans, Peter Whish-Wilson: 

“Australia desperately needs stronger laws and regulations to govern the offshore fossil fuel industry. The current regulatory framework doesn’t provide sufficient environmental or economic protection from impacts of the offshore oil and gas sector – including impacts relating to the decommissioning of ageing and toxic offshore oil and gas rigs.

“NOPSEMA is supposed to have oversight and regulate the environmental management of the offshore fossil fuel industry, but coastal communities are fast losing confidence in the ‘independent’ regulator, which has become more of an enabler than an investigator of offshore oil and gas projects. 

“Big fossil fuel corporations make millions from Australia’s offshore oil and gas fields and repeatedly get away with failing to clean up after themselves. 

“If Esso cannot manage to decommission rig infrastructure safely I highly doubt it’s capable of carrying out risky carbon capture and storage it has planned for the region.

“These corporations simply cannot be trusted and are only concerned with their bottom line – they will always try to cut costs at the expense of the environment and the taxpayer who is left to clean up their mess, so it’s critical that NOPSEMA’s investigation into the Esso/ExxonMobil pipeline rupture is carried out with the utmost transparency.”

Demerit point wiped for 1.1 million safe drivers

From today, more than 1.1 million motorists will begin to see a demerit point scrubbed from their licence as reward for maintaining good driver behaviour during the first year of the NSW Government’s demerit point trial that promotes safer roads.

The 12-month demerit point trial, which ended on January 16, provided an incentive for drivers to follow the rules and those who remained offence-free will now benefit with a demerit point removed.

The scheme gave 1.7 million motorists the chance to have a demerit point erased, with about 65 per cent of those to benefit from Sunday.

The trial has been extended for another 12-months as the NSW Government sharpens its focus on road safety in 2024.

Anyone with a NSW unrestricted licence, including professional drivers, and a demerit point on their record, has another opportunity to have a point scrapped if they remain offence-free between 17 January 2024 and 16 January 2025.

The vast majority of eligible motorists will see their demerit points removed immediately, but a small cohort will need to wait until offence notifications are finalised and court settlements processed.

To find out more about the Demerit Point Trial Scheme, visit https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/topics-tips/demerit-points.

Minister for Roads John Graham said:

“Thanks to the drivers who followed the rules over the twelve month trial we are all safer as a result.

“The NSW Government believes in encouraging safety and the demerit point trial is part of our carrot-and-stick approach to reward good driving behaviour as well as appropriately penalising poor behaviour on the roads.

“I urge all motorists to renew their commitment to safe driving in 2024. The demerit point trial can provide further incentive to do so.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“Many people in regional NSW depend on driving for their livelihood or just to get around and do not have the public transport alternatives of other more populated areas. The reward of a demerit point being removed will be a meaningful one to many of those people.

“This trial is unapologetically about encouraging safer driving and that’s exactly what we need in the regions where we have a third of the state’s population but more than two-thirds of all road fatalities.”

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“Eligible drivers will not have to do anything as they will automatically have their demerit point returned. Drivers will be able to check this in their demerit point summary of the Service NSW app or by logging into their MyServiceNSW account via the Service NSW website.”

“Customers can also check their demerit points balance at their local Service NSW Centre by showing their NSW driver licence or people can contact Service NSW on 13 77 88 if they have any questions.”

Fee-Free TAFE removing financial barriers for people in NSW

The Albanese and Minns Governments’ Fee-Free TAFE initiative is continuing to exceed targets, removing financial barriers so more people in NSW can learn new skills in areas where the economy needs them most.

New figures reveal 182,124 people in NSW enrolled in Fee-Free TAFE during 2023, smashing the initial first-year target, with a very encouraging number of people taking up study in areas like education, health, construction and IT.

Fee-Free TAFE – which is jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments – removes financial barriers for training in areas facing significant skill shortages, with enrolments prioritised for groups excluded or under-represented in the labour market.

As of 31 December 2023, there were over:  

  • 34,630 enrolments in the Care sector
  • 9651 in the Technology and Digital sector
  • 8728 in the Construction sector.

Priority groups were strongly represented with the enrolment of 62,925 job seekers, nearly 10,000 people with disability and more than 15,154 First Nations people.

118,620 enrolments were women and students from regional and remote areas numbered more than 70,000.

Almost 50,000 people in NSW who speak a language other than English at home also took advantage of Fee-Free TAFE.

Fee-Free TAFE provides big savings for students.

A student studying to become an early childhood educator or undertaking a Certificate III in School Based Education and Support need not find $1600 in course fees, similarly someone undertaking a Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping wouldn’t need to pay almost $2,000 in course fees.

The Albanese Government is providing a further $414.1 million over 2024 – 2026 to States and Territories to fund the delivery of at least another 300,000 Fee-Free TAFE and VET places.

the Minister for Skills and Training, Brendan O’Connor MP:

“Fee-Free TAFE has transformed the lives of students from diverse backgrounds right across NSW, at the same time making sure there is a strong pipeline of workers to fill in-demand jobs.

“The initiative has helped ease cost-of-living pressures for students and is helping respond to the worst skills crisis we have experienced in 50 years.

“Fee-Free TAFE is helping people in NSW, and across Australia, to acquire skills to ensure they have meaningful work, well-paid jobs and career progression.”

the Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan MP:

“Fee-Free TAFE is targeted at increasing workforce participation of priority groups and helping people get the skills they need for the jobs they want.

“We are committed to tackling the skills shortages, by supporting students with free training opportunities who can then enter the workforce in highly paid, highly skilled jobs.

“The Fee-Free TAFE program highlights the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments’ commitment to strengthening the VET system and placing TAFE at the heart of vocational delivery across New South Wales and Australia.”

Recovery support for flood-affected communities

Disaster assistance is now available in the Blue Mountains, Camden, Hawkesbury, Kiama, Liverpool, Penrith, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Sutherland, Upper Lachlan, Wingecarribee, Wollondilly and Wollongong Local Government Areas (LGAs) following the impact of flooding from 5 April 2024.

The assistance measures are being provided by the Australian and New South Wales Governments through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Support includes:

  • Funding for affected local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets.
  • Assistance for eligible residents to help meet immediate needs like emergency accommodation or small cash payments to purchase essential items generally provided from evacuation or recovery centres.
  • Grants for eligible residents to replace lost essential household items to maintain basic standard of living.
  • Grants for eligible residents to undertake essential structural repairs to restore their homes to a safe and habitable condition.
  • Concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers, sporting and recreation clubs, and non-profit organisations to repair or replace damaged or destroyed property.
  • Freight subsidies for primary producers to help transport livestock and fodder.

Acting Federal Minister for Emergency Management Catherine King said floods had caused widespread damage across NSW in a very short amount of time.

“It’s important that we act quickly to activate disaster support so affected communities can begin their clean-up and recovery,” Minister King said.

“I want to thank those who have worked hard to start the clean-up efforts so quickly and I want to assure those whose lives have been disrupted that we will support them through their recovery.”

“The NSW Government is continuing to assess the damage and fully understand the impact of this disaster, and the Australian Government stands ready to respond to any requests for assistance.”

NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib acknowledged the efforts of the emergency services and volunteers.

“We are grateful to our volunteers and to our communities who have worked together to keep each other safe as these intense storms passed through NSW,” Minister Dib said.

“The SES has continued to work throughout the night to reach out to communities and I’m confident that with the work they’ve been doing, that we are being incredibly proactive.”

“Work to assess the impact of flooding across the state is being conducted as quickly as possible, with disaster declarations like these a crucial first step in unlocking assistance.”

For information relating to financial assistance, replacing lost documents, location of your nearest recovery centre and more, please contact Service NSW on 13 77 88 or visit www.nsw.gov.au.

To apply for a concessional loan or primary producer grant, contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit Rural Assistance Authority.

Further information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at Disaster Assist.

Waste Levy lifted for Hawkesbury residents

The NSW Government has lifted the waste levy fee for residents in the Hawkesbury LGA, to help them recover from intense heavy rainfall and flash flooding.

The community will not have to pay to dispose of flood-generated waste and debris at landfill sites until 30 June 2024. The local landfill gate fee may still apply.

The exemption covers waste on both public and private land, including damaged building materials, furniture, carpet, gardening debris, and any other flood-related products.

Lifting the levy fee makes it easier for locals to get rid of flood-affected household items in a safe and efficient way. It also provides financial relief as the Hawkesbury community gets back on its feet as soon as possible.

This decision follows exemptions granted to Wollongong, Shoalhaven, Shellharbour, and Kiama Local Government Areas.

As the flood water recedes and clean-up efforts progress, the Environment Protection Authority could expand this benefit to other LGAs if necessary.

The EPA is working with Regional Emergency Management Committees impacted by the recent severe weather to offer assistance, including waste levy exemptions for flood-damaged items.