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Kennedy Community Centre set to soar

Work is underway on the $113 million Kennedy Community Centre Stage 1 Project, which is set to elevate the Hawthorn Football Club facilities to a nationally-significant sporting venue.

Once complete, the centre will include the ‘Harris’ Elite Training and Administration Facility, which will comprise of an MCG-sized oval with lighting, an indoor training field, aquatic facilities, unisex change rooms, function centre, public amenities and a carpark area with lighting.

An adjacent AFLW and Community oval and three-level pavilion will also be delivered, featuring full broadcast capabilities and grandstand seating.

Construction is expected to be completed by late 2025.

The Australian Government has committed $15 million to the project. The Allan Labor Government ($15 million), the Hawthorn Football Club ($73 million), the AFL ($5 million) and the Kingston City Council ($5 million) have provided the remaining $98 million towards the project.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“‘Teamwork is the thing that talks’ – and my Government is very pleased to be working with the State Government, Kingston City Council, the AFL and the Hawthorn Football Club to help bring this great project to life.

“This centre will be a focal point and a home for community sport, men and women, boys and girls, all ages and so many sporting codes.

“It will be a place in the best of the Australian tradition – where sport belongs to the people and sport brings people together.”

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said:

“The Australian Government is pleased to partner with the Hawthorn Football Club, the Victorian Government, the City of Kingston and the AFL to deliver this wonderful project.

“The project will deliver the best facility of its type in southeast Melbourne for the community, encouraging both passive and active participation in the sport.”

Federal Member for Isaacs Mark Dreyfus said:

“I’m delighted the Kennedy Community Centre is being supported to become a hub for Dingley, Isaacs and the broader community.

“Sport is an integral part of the Isaacs community spirit – it brings us together and promotes teamwork, inclusivity and resilience. The Centre will be a great asset for local sport and help boost our local economy.”

Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said:

“This is such an exciting step in helping deliver the Hawthorn Football Club elite facilities for the club’s AFLW team while creating a home base for the brown and gold for many years to come.”

Mayor of City of Kingston Cr Jenna Davey-Burns said:

“Our Council is passionate about supporting sport, particularly the participation of women and girls, and we are thrilled to see the Kennedy Centre project come to fruition.

“Community sport is all about great physical and mental wellbeing, provides a real sense of belonging and helps build strong connections. It’s great to think we could soon be seeing the next generation of Tilly Lucas-Rodds, Jazzy Flemmings, Chad Wingards and Jai Newcombes getting their start on a brand-new community oval here in Dingley Village.”

STILL NO ENFORCEMENT BODY TO HOLD MPS TO ACCOUNT, TWO YEARS ON

Today is the second anniversary of the day the government adopted former Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins’ Set the Standards report, after its release in November 2021.

The recommendations in that report were intended to be adopted within 12 months. With the Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission (IPSC) now delayed until October 2024, an enforcement body to uphold the codes of conduct for parliamentary behaviour will be almost two years overdue.

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

“When former Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins released the Set the Standard Report in 2021, the recommendations were intended to be fully implemented within 12 months – not 3 years.

“Establishing an independent, trauma-informed Parliamentary Workplace Support Service to support staff and MPs dealing with harassment and abuse has been a huge step forward, as has the adoption of long overdue draft codes of conduct for the parliamentary chambers, but without enforcement powers, they cannot solve the problem.

“I am proud of the progress that has been made, but we still need an Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission (IPSC) to enforce codes of conduct.

“The timeframe for that IPSC was first extended until February, and has now blown out 1 whole year until October 2024.

“We know that without real prospects that an MP will be sanctioned, staff are reluctant to come forward. Consequences are crucial.

“As a member of the Parliamentary Leadership Taskforce I know that work to set up the IPSC is complex, but there is no excuse for it having been so slow.

“The Greens will continue to push for real accountability and transparency, so that here in Parliament our workplace is leading by example to Set the Standard.”

SCATHING CLOSING THE GAP REVIEW SHOWS IT’S TIME TO GET SERIOUS ABOUT HANDING MONEY AND DECISIONS OVER TO FIRST NATIONS PEOPLE

Following the review of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, the Greens support the Review’s calls for urgent fundamental changes in the way government departments engage with the priority reforms.

The Greens also reiterated their expectation that the government will advance Truth and Treaty through a Makarrata Commission in this term of government.

Senator Dorinda Cox, Greens First Nations portfolio holder said:

“This review is excruciating reading but it is also a brave and necessary act of Truth Telling.

“What this review confirms is we are closing no gaps. It says government departments scorn accountability. It says actions by the government, and I’m quoting here, “exacerbate rather than remedy disadvantage and discrimination”.

“I am appalled by the reported lack of accountability from government departments. The complacency. The business as usual, government-knows-best approach to First Nations communities.

“This is the definition of institutional racism. This is the arrogance of white bureaucrats, systems and managers reinforcing the disempowerment of our people.

“These attitudes keep First Nations people out of schools, out of hospitals, out of workplaces.

“These attitudes empower state violence against our people and ensure we do not get justice.

“Many First Nations people trusted the Albanese government last year when they said they wanted to put us in charge of our own solutions.

“That trust cannot be broken. It’s time for the government to put their money where their mouth is, and that means handing both money and decision-making power over to Aboriginal Controlled Community Organisations.

“This is everyone’s business. It’s not just up to people with the Blak portfolios to solve these problems – we need every Minister and every Head of Department to understand it is their job to Close the Gap. And we need them to know there will be consequences if they don’t.

“Business-as-usual has failed, and it’s clear from these results that the government does not know what’s best for our people.

“Now is the time for Truth and Treaty.

“The referendum campaign clearly demonstrated the need to have an honest and informed discussion about our shared history so we can speak the truth, heal and move forward together through Treaty and the affirmation of First Nations Sovereignty – which has never been ceded.

“We have an opportunity to do things differently in this country by starting that process now.”

FELS REPORT SHINES LIGHT ON PRICE GOUGING AND INFLATION

The Greens welcome the findings of the comprehensive report led by Professor Allan Fels AO on the disturbing practices of price gouging and unfair pricing within Australia’s major industries, including the supermarket sector.

“The findings of Professor Fels’ report are a testament to the urgent need for reform within our supermarket industry and beyond,” Greens Economic Justice spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

”It confirms what many Australians have long suspected – that excessive corporate profits and monopolistic practices are contributing significantly to the cost of living crisis and undermining our social fabric.”

“Professor Fels was clear that there is a lack of competitive pressure in the supermarket sector and that Australia needs divestiture laws to break up big business.”

“The Greens could not agree more.”

“There is no doubt that corporate profiteering is occurring in Australia. A corporate super-profits tax would help rein it in and provide extra revenue for the government to help people struggling to make ends meet.”

“The upcoming Senate inquiry into these matters will be a pivotal moment for supermarket CEOs to face public scrutiny.”

”We intend to examine into the issues highlighted by Professor Fels, ensuring that the CEOs of these corporations answer for their actions.”

“We thank the ACTU and Professor Fels for this important report.”

GREENS WIN A RIGHT TO DISCONNECT IN FAIR WORK BILL

Following months of negotiations with the government and the crossbench, the Greens have secured support in their push for a legislated right to disconnect for workers.

As a long-time campaign and demand of the Greens, this win allows workers to ignore contact from their employers outside of work hours, unless they are paid for it.

The amendments to the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes No. 2) Bill 2023 will give employees an enforceable right to refuse contact from their employer out of hours unless that refusal is unreasonable. Where the issue cannot be resolved at the workplace, and the behaviour continues, the Fair Work Commission can issue stop orders. If they are breached, the normal civil remedies of the Fair Work system will apply.

Factors like the reason for contact, the level of contact, compensation, job role and responsibility, and workers’ personal circumstances will be taken into account in deciding what is reasonable contact.

Having reached agreement with the government and crossbench on the right to disconnect, the Greens will back the bill when it comes before the Senate today.

Greens Leader Adam Bandt said:

“The Greens have won workers a right to disconnect,” Mr Bandt said.

“Whether you’re a nurse, teacher, or hospo worker, the Greens believe you shouldn’t have to answer calls or texts from your boss on your day off or after hours if you’re not being paid for it.

“The Greens are in Parliament to fight for workers, and by winning workers a right to disconnect, we have reclaimed the weekend for millions of people who need that time off.

“This is especially a big win for women and carers who are often forced to juggle work and caring responsibilities.”

Senator Barbara Pocock said:

“This right will make a real difference for millions of Australian workers and their families who need some backup when they want to say no to 24/7 contact from their workplace.

‘The right is clear, practical and reasonable. It will make a difference for workers who are not paid for being available and who donate many unpaid hours to their workplace.

‘In implementing this right, we are playing catch up with 20 other nations who have already acted on this massive problem.

‘This change will help workers protect their mental health and improve work-life balance. It will especially help those in insecure jobs who need that legislative backup.

“I want to thank the government and the Senate crossbench for their constructive engagement and their support for our right to disconnect plan.

GREENS SAY PARLIAMENT’S CONTINUED BACKING OF ISRAEL’S INVASION “UNFORGIVABLE”

History will condemn Labor’s backing of a massive humanitarian catastrophe, the Greens say, after the government voted with the opposition to double down on its support of the State of Israel’s invasion of Gaza.

The vote occurred as the death toll in Palestine climbs towards 30,000 people, millions of Palestinians are displaced and facing starvation, dehydration and death from disease, and Israeli troops turn their sights on the city of Rafah.

The International Court of Justice has said there is a plausible basis to claims of genocide, commencing an investigation that the Australian Government has also refused to support.

Adam Bandt MP, Leader of the Australian Greens said:

“As the death toll rises and civilians are slaughtered, it is unforgivable that Labor continues to back the invasion of Gaza,” Mr Bandt said.

“Even after 27,000 deaths, widespread humanitarian catastrophe and orders from the International Court of Justice to prevent genocide, Labor has doubled down on its backing of Israel’s invasion of Gaza.”

“International pressure is crucial to securing a permanent ceasefire, but Labor keeps backing the invasion.

“Labor should join the growing global push for a permanent ceasefire, the release of the hostages and an end to the occupation of Palestine.”

Senator Jordon Steele-John, Greens spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Peace said:

“There is no room for equivocating on the crime of genocide. Labor is trying to present this as complicated – there is nothing morally complex about opposing an invasion which has killed tens of thousands of innocent people,” Senator Steele-John said.

“Now that the International Court of Justice believes there is a plausible basis to claims of genocide in Gaza, ignorance is not an excuse. Continued silence as the death toll mounts and evidence of genocide builds amounts to complicity in what is going on in Gaza.

“Every day, we see horrifying new evidence of what the State of Israel’s invasion means: mass graves, schools and hospitals turned into rubble, all backed by Israeli officials using genocidal language.

“Labor has abandoned everyone in the community who are pushing for a permanent ceasefire, the release of all hostages and an end to the occupation of Palestine.

City of Newcastle kicking goals with strategic approach to sports facilities

More than $20 million has been invested into upgrading and expanding Newcastle’s sporting facilities during the past three years as City of Newcastle (CN) moves forward with the delivery of its Strategic Sports Plan.

Representatives from sporting codes across the city were updated on the progress of the Plan during last night’s third annual Sports Summit, which was established by CN in 2022 to support a more collaborative relationship with local sporting groups.

Cr Margaret Wood, Cr Peta Winney-Baartz, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Cr Elizabeth Adamczyk, CN Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy and CEO Jeremy Bath attend the 2024 Sports Summit

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said CN was kicking goals in the implementation of its 10-year Strategic Sports Plan, which was designed to address future demand and inform the ongoing supply, maintenance and upgrade of sporting infrastructure across the Local Government Area.

“City of Newcastle is committed to upgrading sporting facilities across the community for the benefit of all, which is why we’ve invested more than $20 million during the past three financial years to enhance our sportsgrounds and amenities,” Cr Nelmes said.

“This includes everything from field layout, drainage and irrigation upgrades to major projects such as the stage one redevelopment and stage two planning and design of No.1 Sportsground and a $1.25 million upgrade at Myers Park.

“We’re also delivering on our promise to develop more inclusive, accessible and female-friendly facilities and amenities, with upgrades completed at Lugar Park and major grandstand redevelopment projects almost complete at Darling Street Oval and Passmore Oval.

Chair of CN’s Sports Infrastructure Working Party, Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz, said that implementation of the City’s Strategic Sports Plan, adopted in 2020, is progressing well.

“Since adopting the Plan, I’m pleased to say that we’ve implemented or are progressing 84 per cent of its 93 recommendations, working collaboratively with sporting clubs across the City to ensure we cater for the needs of our community now and into the future.”

Cr Winney-Baartz said CN also provides funding to assist sporting codes with minor capital works projects.

“With ongoing changes to representatives on sporting committees it’s important to hold regular workshops and forums with the sporting community to keep them up to date with City of Newcastle processes,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“This includes educating them on future funding opportunities such as CN’s Recreation facilities grants, which allow groups to apply for grants of up to $10,000 to help upgrade existing facilities or develop new ones.

“Nine projects will be delivered in 2023/24 following on from successful grant applications last year, including new artificial turf wickets at Ballast Park in Stockton, new grandstands for the New Lambton Eagles at Alder Park, as well as creating the region’s first 18-hole disc golf course at Beresfield.

“We’re proud to work closely with our sporting clubs to ensure our community has continued access to high quality sporting and leisure opportunities.”

Councillor Margaret Wood, co-chair of CN’s Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee, said the Strategic Sports Plan 2020 also aligns with CN’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan.

“This plan ensures that City of Newcastle commits to advocating for the equal rights of all, providing services, programs, events and facilities that are respectful and inclusive of people with disabilities, their families and carers,” Cr Wood said.

CN manages 63 sportsgrounds venues, which are home to 152 fields that span over 370 hectares.

The Sports Summit brought together representatives from all codes that utilise CN’s outdoor facilities, providing an opportunity for them to learn about council processes relating to fees and charges, ground allocation, project works and grants.

NSW Government introduces integrity reforms

The NSW Government is set to introduce reforms to help restore public trust and improve public integrity, transparency, and accountability.

The reform package will include amendments to the Independent Commission Against Corruption Act 1988 to make it a legislative requirement for the Government to respond to recommendations of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) directed to the Government.

The NSW Government is also moving to address recommendations made by the ICAC in Operation Witney and Operation Keppel.

Operation Witney was an investigation into the former Member for Drummoyne and allegations concerning improper influence and breach of public trust.

In response to the investigation’s findings, a draft regulation will be tabled in Parliament proposing to:

expand the interests required to be disclosed by Members of Parliament
require Members to disclose new matters including conflicts of interest
require all Members to make disclosures on an ongoing basis instead of periodically, for publication on the NSW Parliament website.

The draft regulation, if made, will implement recommendations 1 and 4 of the Operation Witney report and bring NSW into line with the disclosure obligations in other Australian jurisdictions, including the Commonwealth. The Government intends to introduce the proposed changes on 1 July 2024 after consultation with relevant Parliamentary Committees.

In response to Operation Keppel, which concerned the former Member for Wagga Wagga, the Government will amend the preamble to the NSW Ministerial Code of Conduct to include principles and guiding values recommended by the ICAC.

Further reforms include guidelines for the preparation and funding of business cases in respect of grant applications by non-government entities, and boosting education programs to ensure Ministers are aware of their integrity obligations.

The package of reforms reaffirms the Government’s commitment to the highest standards of integrity. This builds upon recent announcements including a ban on political parties accepting donations from clubs which have gaming machines and the tightening of government grant regulations.

NSW Government delivers on commitment to tackle skills shortage

The NSW Government is continuing to reskill the state with applications now open for the NSW Public Sector Apprentices and Trainees Program, delivering on the Government’s commitment to employ 1000 extra apprentices.

The $93.5 million investment, committed during the state election, will provide an opportunity for up to 1000 apprentices and trainees to join more than 30 government agencies and state-owned corporations.

Under the former government the NSW skills sector was undervalued and neglected, which lead to a 33% decline in apprenticeship and traineeship commencements since 2011.

But the NSW Labor Government understands how important a strong vocational education system is for skills and training in NSW.

With broad skills shortages across the State, apprentices and traineeships provide a unique mix of on-the-job training with formal study that makes them vital additions to the future NSW workforce.

Under this program specific industries which have significant skills shortages, including in transport, electricity, water, IT, and cyber security will be targeted.

Over 3 years of training, until June 2026, successful applicants will be able to:

earn and learn on the job
have access to excellent career opportunities and industry experience
gain support from highly experienced and skilled industry professionals
build hands-on, practical experience
earn nationally recognised qualifications.

There are more than 50 qualifications available in the program with more than half of the roles based regionally.

Get more information about the initiative and register interest on The 1000 NSW Public Sector Apprentices and Trainees Program.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“The NSW Government is committed to giving more young people opportunities to learn new skills, to get good paying jobs and to begin to fill the skills shortage.

“Prior to the election we committed to addressing the shortage of skilled workers in NSW, following 12 years of underfunding and neglect.

“Under the former government we saw apprentice and trainee numbers plummet, as NSW lost out on vital skilled workers in priority areas like transport, electricity and IT.

“This is an important step in reversing that trend and rebuilding the skilled workforce NSW needs.

“Today we are proud to be delivering on a major election commitment by increasing the skilled workforce in NSW by 1000 and we won’t just train them, we’ll hire them too.”

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“A job in the Department of Customer Service (DCS) can be incredibly rewarding, supporting the people of NSW with important frontline and digital services through leading Government agencies like Service NSW.

“Service NSW personnel do a great job for the people of NSW and I encourage those interested to apply for these opportunities and do an apprenticeship or traineeship with Service NSW or any of the NSW agencies involved.

“Service NSW is the one-stop-shop for government services and these new roles will open the door to career pathways, giving candidates vital workplace experience and employment opportunities in an organisation that is making services more accessible to everyone.”

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

“The NSW Labor Government is directly tackling the skills shortage by investing in and training the next generation of workers to build a highly skilled and resilience workforce.

“We’re not just plugging gaps; we’re launching careers. If you’re a recent high school graduate or an adventurer seeking a new path, you should seize this opportunity and make the most of it.

“If you are a recent high school graduate, or if you’re considering a new career, I strongly encourage you to you to apply and become and apprentice or trainee in the public service.

“Today’s investment in apprentices and trainees is tomorrow’s investment in a thriving NSW economy. Apprentices and trainees will gain on-the-job work experience and emerge with a nationally recognised qualification that will absolutely broaden their career opportunities.

The program will also position the NSW public sector as a leader in the employment of apprentices and trainees as we build capacity within our own agencies.”

NSW Government’s Operation Victa stops fire ants at the border

The NSW Government has continued to take a hardline approach to the threat of imported red fire ants, as the Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty announced the successful results of Operation Victa over the past weekend.

Over the first weekend in February, Operation Victa activated another wave of security checks on heavy vehicles at the border between New South Wales and Queensland, turning back any non-compliant vehicles.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and NSW Police, supported by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, stopped 100 high-risk vehicles at Chinderah to check loads and ensure biosecurity requirements were met.

Of the 100 vehicles stopped, 55 vehicles originated from the Red Imported Fire Ant infested zone in southeast Queensland.

Four vehicles did not comply with the requirement to hold relevant biosecurity documentation and were not permitted to enter the state.

These vehicles also failed to have a clean truck and clean equipment to ensure all fire ant carrier materials had been removed.

Additional investigations will determine if additional enforcement actions are required.

Breaching the emergency biosecurity order carries penalties of up to $1.1 million for an individual and up to $2.2 million for a corporation.

All vehicle operators stopped at the border were questioned on their knowledge of the Biosecurity (Fire Ant) Emergency Order (No 1) 2024 during the inspection process. Importantly, the vast majority demonstrated their awareness and responsibility.

Operation Victa is ongoing and will continue to target commercial movements of fire ant carrier material and specific heavy vehicle types to improve biosecurity compliance.

The first wave of Operation Victa in September 2023 stopped 99 vehicles and directed 7 to return to Queensland, as they failed to comply with biosecurity requirements.

In December 2023, the second wave operation resulted in 75 vehicles stopped with all vehicles found to be compliant.

The government is working closely with the National Fire Ant Eradication Program to undertake tracing and surveillance activities, after fire ant nests were discovered and destroyed at South Murwillumbah and at Wardell, south of Ballina.

NSW Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Regional NSW, Minister for Western NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“The NSW Government takes the threat of red fire ants seriously and is committed to continuing to take a hardline approach to protect NSW and our agricultural industry from their impacts.

“I thank the NSW Department of Primary Industries, the NSW Police and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator for their coordinated response over the weekend.

“We require businesses supplying and transporting potential fire ant materials to understand the rules and we are providing information through many channels.

“The NSW contribution to the National Fire Ant Eradication program was increased from $15 million under the former National Liberal NSW Government to $95 million under our government because we take biosecurity seriously.

“This increase in resourcing and funding has meant the NSW Government’s fire ant response teams are well equipped to respond to fire ant nest sightings with the necessary urgency.”