Visit to Australia by Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, along with the Governor-General Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, will welcome Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla to Australia in October this year.

This will be The King’s first visit to Australia as Sovereign.

The King shares a long history with and affection for Australia, having previously made 15 official visits to our nation and having visited every state and territory.

During this visit, The King and Queen will travel to the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales.

Official Australian portraits of The King and Queen have now been released and can be downloaded from the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet website.

In the official portraits, The King wears The Sovereign’s Badge of the Order of Australia, while The Queen wears the Wattle Brooch which was gifted to Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to Australia in 1954.

Australians can request printed versions of the portraits through their Federal Member of the House of Representatives or Senator in their state or territory.

Planning is currently underway for the Royal Visit, and more information will be provided in due course.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“I am honoured to welcome The King and Queen on their first Royal Visit to Australia later this year, they are always welcome visitors.

“The King has a deep regard for our great nation, and has always spoken warmly of the time he has spent here and the astounding beauty of our extraordinary continent.

“I look forward welcoming The King and Queen back to Australia for this important visit.”

New transport services launched in isolated communities

Isolated Outback communities previously starved of transport options will soon have access to new bus services funded by the NSW Labor Government. The Brewarrina Outback Express and the Barraay Waraba, meaning ‘Fast Turtle’ in Gamilaraay language, will each offer flexible pre-booked transport services for the Brewarrina and Collarenebri communities on a trial basis for 24 months. The two services will give communities greater access to vital health care, employment, social and recreation opportunities which are often for taken for granted in larger towns and cities. Each service is expected to prove popular as in Brewarrina and Collarenebri, the proportion of households without a registered motor vehicle is well above the state average. In Collarenebri it’s actually twice the state average. Both services have been able to get up and running thanks to funding from the government’s Transport Access Regional Partnerships (TARP) grants program. The Brewarrina Local Aboriginal Lands Council received a grant to operate the Outback Express which will run three days a week from 31 July, servicing the Brewarrina community as well as four neighbouring Aboriginal villages — Bush Queen, Barwon 4, Newtown and Billabong. In late August the Express will also extend to offer a return service from Brewarrina to Bourke once a week on Thursday, and once a fortnight on a Friday from Weilmoringle to Brewarrina. This will allow residents from Brewarrina and Weilmoringle reliable access to essential services such as medical care. The Barraay Waraba (Fast Turtle) project was proposed by the Healthy Communities Foundation and will establish a regular and reliable transport service between Collarenebri and Moree every Thursday, as well as between Collarenebri and Walgett on Monday and Friday. The Point to Point Transport Commissioner has been working side by side with Transport for NSW to help these two providers become accredited to operate the services. The Brewarrina Outback Express starts operating on 31 July and bookings can be made in person from 30 July at 105 Bathurst Street in Brewarrina or by calling 6839 2273. The Collarenebri Barraay Waraba (Fast Turtle) service is planned to start on 18 July and bookings can be made from Wednesday 17 July by calling 02 5809 9505 or by dropping into the Healthy Communities office at 11 Wilson Street in Collarenebri. Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said: “Outside of school student travel there was previously no transport options for residents of Weilmoringle, 100 kilometres north of Brewarrina. 02 7225 6000 52 Martin Place Sydney NSW 2000 GPO Box 5341 Sydney NSW 2001 OFFICIAL 1 OFFICIAL “Now thanks to investments the NSW Labor Government is making to reduce isolation and improve access to transport where it’s needed most, residents in places like Weilmoringle have a regular service they can rely on to get them to the doctor, grocery store or other transport services. “These might sound like small things to people in the city but our government understands that investing in services like the Outback Express and Barraay Waraba Fast Turtle can actually make a huge difference to people’s lives by helping to close gaps in life expectancy, educational, employment and other outcomes we often see in remote parts of our state.” Independent Member for Barwon Roy Butler said: “The Brewarrina Outback Express and the Barraay Waraba (Fast Turtle) will vastly improve travel opportunities and help reduce isolation. “People living in remote communities shouldn’t miss out on travel opportunities, family visits and important appointments because of a lack of transport options. Improving public transport to remote communities will help have an impact on everything from cost-of-living pressures to medical outcomes for people in the bush. “I hope the local communities will take advantage of these new services and that we make sure they’re around for a long time to come.” Labor’s spokesperson for Barwon Stephen Lawrence said: “In Collarenebri, there is no current transport option other than limited transport for those with medical needs, no transport available at all to get to Walgett and, limited availability of private vehicles. “This is just one community I’m delighted to see will benefit from the NSW Labor Government’s investments in improved access to transport. “For too long these communities were overlooked by the city-centric former Liberal National Government and I’m proud Labor is directing investments responsibly where they’re needed most.” Brewarrina Shire Council Mayor Vivian Slack-Smith said: “This is a service the Brewarrina and Weilmoringle communities have long been calling for. “Thank you to the Brewarrina Local Aboriginal Lands Council, who will operate the service, and to Minister Aitchison and the Transport Access Regional Partnerships (TARP) grants program for funding this vital service. “It will make a real difference in the lives of many in our community, helping them to have easier access to services and opportunities in town, and the wider region.”

NEW PARTNERSHIP TO SUPPORT NEWCASTLE

The program helping to break down barriers to accessing government payments and services for people experiencing homelessness has expanded to include more locations across Australia.

Minister for Government Services Bill Shorten, has announced 9 new partnerships, including in Newcastle, bringing the total to 27 nationwide.

“I’m pleased to announce BaptistCare HopeStreet has welcomed the opportunity to partner with Services Australia in Newcastle,” Minister Shorten said. 

“In this program, Services Australia Community Partnership Specialist Officers (CPSOs) works alongside community organisations to connect people to government payments and services.

“As Minister for Government Services one of my priorities is simplifying access to government support, and Community Partnerships do just that.

“Working alongside non-government organisations, learning from each other’s expertise, and listening and responding to the needs of people accessing these services, the partnerships have delivered real results.

“We are meeting people where they are, working with them individually to understand their circumstances and tailoring support to connect them to essential government services.”

Since Community Partnerships began as a then pilot in 2022, CPSOs have assisted customers on more than 33,642 occasions.


The majority of these customers had complex barriers to accessing government services, were homeless or experiencing housing instability and just under half were experiencing mental ill health.

Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon, said the Community Partnership will bolster the existing support available for individuals and families in Newcastle.

“This is an important service that is making a huge difference to vulnerable people in need.”

“By continuing and extending this initiative, more people experiencing vulnerability will be able to access and engage with government services, in their local community and get the support they need.

“This will have wide-reaching benefits for many Novocastrians.”

Operations Lead for Community Services with BaptistCare, Elizabeth Hukins welcomed the opportunity to partner with Service Australia.

“BaptistCare HopeStreet is thrilled to be partnering with Services Australia to enable vulnerable people in Newcastle to have better access to federal government services.  We are excited to introduce this program to our locations in Windale and Wallsend.”

For more information about Community Partnerships visit servicesaustralia.gov.au/community-partnership-specialist-officers

City of Newcastle investigates affordable housing on inner city site

Investigations are underway into the potential for affordable housing on a parcel of land owned by City of Newcastle in Hunter Street.

The strategically positioned site, known as Rail Bridge Row, sits as a junction between King Street, Hunter Street and the Foreshore.

It was purchased by City of Newcastle from Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation in 2020 with a vision for a mixed-use development with potential for ground floor retail, affordable housing and commercial uses. 

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said while the future of the site was still being investigated, affordable housing is central to the discussions.

“With cost of living pressures exacerbating the housing stress being experienced by thousands of Novocastrians, increasing the supply of affordable housing in Newcastle is a key priority,” Cr Nelmes said.

“As part of our vision for the ongoing revitalisation of the CBD, a mixed-use development on this site could help ease the affordable housing shortage, while supporting investment and creating more jobs in Newcastle.

“We are currently working through various investigations and early design options and will soon commence site assessments for the early works and approvals needed to support future development on the site, along with exploring potential partnership opportunities with Community Housing Providers.”  

The 4,125 sqm lot at 280 Hunter Street stretches from Brown Street to near the intersection of Darby and Hunter Street and is opposite the Crown Street light rail stop.

Investigations are also assessing whether the site can also enhance the city’s active transport network. 

“We’re committed to delivering safe, connected and convenient cycleways across the city,” Cr Nelmes said.

“This site could also provide an opportunity to deliver an important east-west commuter cycleway connection, strengthening Newcastle’s cycling infrastructure while enhancing the sustainability and liveability of our city.”

One Nation: The Boats Are Still Coming

They never give up, those people smugglers.

This is especially the case when they detect an Australian government gone weak at the knees on border security.

There appears to have been a significant uptick in attempts by people smugglers to breach our borders since the High Court released an immigrant detainee last year, only for the Albanese Labor government to panic and release another 148 of them into the community. Quite a few of them have since reoffended, some quite seriously. They were obviously in detention for a reason—to keep the Australian community safe from them—but that doesn’t seem to have entered into Labor’s calculations.

Instead, Labor has sent a clear signal: criminals will roam free if they can make it to Australia.

The people smugglers have listened. Indonesian authorities have detained five suspected groups this year, while another four boats have reached Australia, including two that reached the mainland in Western Australia, and another that reached Christmas Island in May.

This week, there have been two boats carrying a total of around 70 people intercepted and turned back to Indonesia. The people being smuggled are from all over: Bangladesh, China, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and India. It was reported that one group paid up to $15,000 each to people smugglers. It’s a business model that sells false hope, and one of the reasons it makes money right now is because of Albo’s weakness.

Labor – again caving to the fanatics in its left faction, has gotten rid of temporary protection visas, one of the most effective deterrents to people smuggling. These are essentially visas that allow a genuine political refugee to stay in Australia on a temporary basis until conditions in their home country improve so they may safely return. Labor has also dragged its feet on upgrades to patrol boats and surveillance aircraft, needed more than ever now that people smugglers have changed tactics.

Labor must reinstate TPVs to stem the growing tide of people smuggling and make sure we don’t return to bad old days under Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard, when those incompetent prime ministers oversaw some 50,000 people arrive illegally in Australia on more than 800 vessels. That was the last time we didn’t have TPVs. More than 1200 people died.

We’re not downplaying the difficult task of monitoring millions of square miles of ocean, but is it too much to ask of any government to do one of the most basic jobs a government can have—secure our borders?

Hunter Line police operation Continues

Details

  • Trains continue to be affected by an ongoing police operation at various Hunter Line locations.
  • Nightly from 5.30pm until 7am the next morning, limited buses replace trains between Scone, Dungog and Newcastle Interchange.
    Buses will not run to the normal train timetable so please allow plenty of extra travel time, delay overnight or early morning travel if possible or consider using other transport. 
  • At other times of the day, extended travel time may be experienced, or trains may be replaced by limited buses at short notice.
  • It is not clear how long this disruption will continue, but we are committed to keeping passengers updated as the situation progresses. 
  • Check transport apps, information screens and listen to announcements for service updates.

Bus routes1HU  Telarah, then all stations to Newcastle Interchange and return4HU  Dugong, then all stations to Maitland and return7HU  Warabrook Station to University shuttle bus18HU  Scone, then all stations to Lochinvar, Maitland, Victoria Street, then all stations to Beresfield, Warabrook, then all stations to Newcastle Interchange and return19HU  Dungog, then all stations to Maitland, Victoria Street, then all stations to Beresford, Warabrook, then all stations to Newcastle Interchange and return26HU  Singleton, all stations to Lochinvar, Maitland, Victoria Street, then all stations to Beresfield, Warabrook, then all stations to Newcastle Interchange and return

Eight vehicles set alight – information sought – Muswellbrook

Police are appealing for public assistance after several vehicles were set alight in the state’s Hunter region.

About 1:30am today (Sunday 14 July 2024), emergency services responded to reports of several vehicles on fire in a carpark in Brentwood Street, Muswellbrook.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District found eight vehicles alight.

All vehicles were destroyed in the fire however, there were no reports of injuries, and no structures were damaged.

The fire is being treated as suspicious and police are appealing for anyone with information or relevant dashcam vision to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Strengthening broadcasting and media partnerships in the Indo-Pacific

The Albanese Government’s new Indo-Pacific Broadcasting Strategy will increase access to trusted and reliable news, deliver quality content and foster engagement across the region.

Labor made an election commitment to deliver the Strategy, which will help Australia build closer relationships with countries in our region and restore our place as a partner of choice, as we work towards a peaceful, stable, and prosperous world.

The Strategy provides a framework to help foster a vibrant and independent media sector, counter misinformation, present modern multicultural Australia, and support deeper people-to-people engagement.

There are three key areas that the Strategy focuses on:

  • Support the creation and distribution of compelling Australian content that engages audiences and demonstrates Australia’s commitment to the region.
  • Enhance access in the region to trusted sources of media, including news and current affairs.
  • Strengthen regional media capacity and capability and boost connections between Australian-based and Indo-Pacific media and content creators.

To help media organisations in the Pacific, Southeast Asia and South Asia  provide quality media services, the Government is establishing the Indo-Pacific Media Fund. One of the Fund’s first initiatives is to support the Australian Associated Press to provide targeted training and access to news content in the Pacific.

The Strategy is underpinned by the Government’s investment of $40.5 million over five years from 2022-23 in the ABC to create new content, improve digital engagement, increase ongoing support for media partners in the Pacific, Southeast Asia and South Asia, and expand Radio Australia’s FM footprint across the Pacific.

The PacificAus TV initiative is also receiving $28.4 million over five years from 2022-23 to bolster the viability of Pacific regional media and expand access to Australian commercial television programs.

These contributions build on Australia’s longstanding support for the region, such as the Pacific Media Assistance Scheme and the PNG-focused Media Development Initiative which have supported the resilience, independence and professionalism of the Pacific media sector for more than a decade.

To reflect the varied media sectors and Australia’s diverse relationships across the region, the Strategy is accompanied by the Australia-Pacific Media and Broadcasting Partnership, Australia-Southeast Asia Media and Broadcasting Initiative and Australia-South Asia Media and Broadcasting Initiative.

Images and video are available at DFAT’s media library

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:

“Media plays a crucial role in elevating the voices and perspectives of our region and strengthening democracy.

“The Government is committed to supporting viable, resilient and independent media in the region, by deepening media connections and sharing content that builds a richer understanding of modern, multicultural Australia.”

Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:

“A healthy Fourth Estate is imperative in the era of digital transformation and misinformation.

“This Strategy continues Australia’s longstanding commitment to supporting a robust media sector in our region.

“By leveraging Australia’s strengths, we can partner with the region to boost media connections, and foster a diverse and sustainable media landscape.”

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

“Australia and the Pacific share close cultural and people-to-people links, and an enduring love of sport. These connections will be further enriched by the boost in Australian content, allowing us to watch, read, and listen to shared stories across the region – from rugby to news and music.

“We also look forward to continuing and expanding our support for media development, including through the new phase of the Pacific Media Assistance Scheme and future opportunities through the Australia-Pacific Media and Broadcasting Partnership.”

More paramedics to join NSW Ambulance

NSW Ambulance has welcomed 82 new paramedic interns today after they were officially inducted into the service at a ceremony in Sydney.

This is the fifth class to join NSW Ambulance this year, with 54 of the paramedics joining the team from interstate and two from New Zealand.

Following completion of a tertiary degree at university, the paramedic interns have completed six weeks of induction with NSW Ambulance.

They will now be posted across the state to complete the on-road portion of their 12-month internships.

More than half of this class will start their careers in regional NSW, with 16 heading to Hunter New England, 12 to the North Coast, 15 to Southern NSW and four to Western NSW. This is a significant boost for these regional areas and will further assist NSW Ambulance in providing world-class emergency and mobile healthcare across the state.

Following their year as an intern, the paramedics will return to Sydney to complete their training before taking up permanent positions in metropolitan and regional areas.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to supporting our paramedic workforce, having started the roll out of 500 additional paramedics in regional, rural and remote communities and investing in a record pay increase for paramedics in December making them among the highest paid in the country

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“I’m proud to welcome our latest paramedic interns to NSW Ambulance where I know they will provide the people of NSW with the best care possible when they are unwell and at their most vulnerable.

“I congratulate these new paramedic interns for reaching this milestone as they start their careers on the frontline of emergency healthcare in NSW and thank them for their dedication to their community.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive, Dr Dominic Morgan:

“I warmly welcome these interns into NSW Ambulance where each of them will play a vital role in keeping the people of NSW safe and healthy.

“I know all who were inducted today have demonstrated a high level of clinical skills and dedication to their training.”