GREENS TO ESTABLISH MENOPAUSE INQUIRY

The Greens have secured support to establish a Senate inquiry into menopause and perimenopause on Monday, to understand its health impacts and its economic impacts on women and people who menstruate, and the impacts on the broader economy.

Menopause happens between the ages of 45-60, and perimenopause which precedes it can last for up to ten years and begin as early as your 30s. Both can be physically and mentally debilitating, with significant financial consequences.

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

“People experiencing physically and mentally debilitating menopause and perimenopause symptoms have for too long been forced to suffer in silence.

“Women are sick of being invisible and their health needs neglected. We need good policy to address the economic, social and health impacts of peri and menopause.

“The inquiry would look at the economic, physical, mental and financial impacts of menopause and perimenopause, as well as cultural perceptions and attitudes about a health issue affecting half our population.

“80 per cent of Australian women experience menopausal and perimenopausal symptoms that can range from mild to extremely severe. 

“The financial impact of this can be profound, for women, as well as their employers and the economy, as many women at the peak of their career are leaving the workforce. 

“The gendered cost of treatment is yet another financial burden that only women face, on top of the costs of a lifetime of menstruation. 

“We need evidence-based policies to reduce the impact of menopause and perimenopause on women’s participation in the workforce, and the adequacy of existing leave entitlements. 

“Unions have already started campaigning on this issue, proposing a policy to give employees who have painful periods or menopause symptoms paid leave — similar to the family and domestic violence leave policy. 

“We also need more awareness both by GPs and by patients of the symptoms of peri and menopause, so that people know what treatments are available to them, and make them affordable.

“Once the inquiry is on foot, we’ll be inviting submissions from women, health professionals, employers and experts about what federal funding and policies need to be developed to support women in this phase of life.”

LONG-AWAITED MARINE INVASIVE SPECIES SENATE INQUIRY REPORT RELEASED

The Greens call for the Albanese Government to urgently consider and implement recommendations handed down today in a Senate inquiry report into marine invasive species.

Greens spokesperson for healthy oceans, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said:

“The spread of marine invasive pests is arguably one of the most significant environmental challenges we face in our oceans, but is rarely talked about or acted upon. The Greens hope the release of this critical report today will change this.

“This historic Senate report has been years in the making and its important recommendations were directly informed by over 150 stakeholders from around the nation –  including recreational and commercial fishers, scientists, First Nations and other communities, the Tasmanian, Victorian and NSW governments, and federal agencies such as the FRDC and CSIRO.

“The Greens would like to thank everyone who participated in the Senate inquiry and who have been working for years to raise awareness and educate people regarding this issue, including the need for Federal Government leadership and funding.

“I moved for this inquiry because invasive long-spined sea urchins have range-shifted down our east coast with climate change and decimated precious marine ecosystems and fisheries in their wake. It’s been obvious very little has been done by any level of government to coordinate or manage a response to this worsening menace.

“Kelp forests that underpin the Great Southern Reef are Australia’s forgotten forests. Entire swathes of these ecosystems are becoming totally barren due to the spread of long-spined sea urchins, and it’s predicted that Tasmania has already lost a third of its productive east coast reefs due to this invasive species. 

“The Senate heard that the loss of marine biodiversity and habitat resulting from the unchecked spread of invasive urchins has had severe impacts on commercial and recreational fisheries, tourism businesses and local communities along the Great Southern Reef – spanning southern NSW, down through Victoria and Tasmania, and as far as New Zealand.

“Stopping new fossil fuel projects and reducing emissions is the number one priority to prevent rapidly increasing ocean warming which is the root cause of the spread of climate-related marine invasive species. However efforts must also be focused on better managing the spread of destructive pests and on adapting to our changing environment.

“The Great Barrier Reef rightly receives hundreds of millions of dollars to help tackle the invasive crown-of-thorns starfish, while the Great Southern Reef gets next to no funding or support to tackle risks presented by the long-spined sea urchin and other climate change pressures. This is despite 70% of the Great Southern Reef’s species not being found anywhere else on earth, far more than the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef. 

“The critical Senate inquiry report serves as a blueprint for federal government leadership and action to protect the Great Southern Reef. All sides of politics agree that action is needed to protect the Great Southern Reef and I implore the Albanese Government to urgently consider and implement recommendations handed down today in the Senate inquiry report.”

META’S RACIST DEPICTIONS OF GUN-WIELDING PALESTINIAN CHILDREN NEEDS URGENT INVESTIGATION FROM ESAFETY COMMISSIONER

WhatsApp’s AI depiction of gun-wielding children when promoted with ‘Palestine,’ demonstrates the need for immediate investigation into racist portrayals of Palestinians across Meta from Australia’s eSafety commissioner. 

This comes after Deputy Leader of The Australian Greens and spokesperson for anti-racism, Mehreen Faruqi, questioned the eSafety commissioner in Senate Estimates on Meta’s shadowbanning and censorship of content voicing support for Palestinians and reports that Meta translated ‘Palestinian’ and the Arabic phrase “Praise be to Allah” to “Palestinian terrorists.”

Senator Faruqi said: 

“Layer by layer the racism and biases in these mega social media platforms are unraveling for all to see. 

“The AI imagery of Palestinian children being depicted with guns on WhatsApp is a terrifying insight into the racist and Islamophobic criteria being fed into the algorithm. 

“This is right on the heels of Meta translating bios of Palestinian activists to label them as terrorists and shadowbanning Palestinian content. Meta has so far failed to address the issues or give a compelling explanation. 

“How many more racist ‘bugs’ need to be exposed before serious action is taken? The damage is already being done. Meta must be held accountable. 

“The eSafety commissioner must urgently investigate the racist and Islamophobic imagery being produced by Meta.”

Statement on Russia’s decision to revoke ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty

Australia deplores the Russian Federation’s decision to revoke its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. It is an affront to all who want a world without nuclear weapons. 

President Putin is once again showing his contempt for international rules and norms in pursuit of his own political objectives. His actions undermine global peace and stability.

Australia joins partners to call on the Russian Federation to reverse this course of action immediately.

With 178 ratifications, the Treaty is an essential part of the global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime, with the goal of ending nuclear weapons tests permanently.

Achieving universal membership of the Treaty is fundamental to this goal.

Australia urges all countries which have not yet done so to sign and ratify the Treaty without delay.

Australia welcomes the efforts of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation to pursue universalisation and entry into force of the Treaty

Wallsend’s rich history to be celebrated with 150th event

City of Newcastle will host a large-scale community event to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Wallsend’s municipality in 2024.

The event will be planned in partnership with the Wallsend community and include family-friendly activations throughout the town centre, cultural performances, storytelling and a legacy time capsule to be developed with local schools.

Last tram leaving Wallsend terminus for the depot in 1949

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Wallsend’s Indigenous and post-colonial history was unique to the region and the suburb’s emergence as a strong multicultural community was worth celebrating.

“Wallsend’s history stretches back tens of thousands of years and in 1874 was declared a municipality home to many workers and their families of the Wallsend-Newcastle Coal Company,” Cr Nelmes said.

“In recognition of the important role Wallsend’s community has played in our city’s growth and development, City of Newcastle is planning a large-scale celebratory event for the community with a range of free activities for locals and visitors to enjoy.

“The event will be held in August, a time where in recent years thousands of people have descended on the town centre for the popular Winter Fair, activating Wallsend Park and Nelson Street.”

School children at Wallsend Branch Library in 1948

Ward Four Councillors welcomed the event, which will be an opportunity to showcase Wallsend’s history and culture to a broader audience while demonstrating the town centre’s modern vibrancy.

“Wallsend is a unique, dynamic and close-knit community, which has emerged as a multicultural hub attracting many young families to set down their roots in the area,” Cr Deahnna Richardson said.

“Our 150th celebration will be the hallmark event of the year for Wallsend, with rides, music, cultural activities and the opportunity for people to immerse themselves in the suburb’s history,” Cr Callum Pull said.

“City of Newcastle will engage with the community including traditional custodians, schools, businesses, sporting groups, and the heritage association to deliver an event that celebrates Wallsend through time, its present community and leave a legacy through public art and a time capsule for future generations,” Cr Elizabth Adamczyk said.

“We know the community loved the Wallsend Winter Fair delivered through the former business association and while that event has stalled post COVID-19, the 150th celebration will be an opportunity to bring thousands of visitors back to the beautiful Wallsend town centre.” Cr Nelmes said.

The Wallsend 150th celebration will be held on Saturday 17 August 2024 from 1-6pm, with the full program of events to be delivered in consultation with the local community.

Next steps in protecting Newcastle’s cultural heritage

The community is invited to help guide future heritage planning as the city continues to undergo significant revitalisation by identifying which streets, buildings and places contribute most to Newcastle’s cultural identity.

City of Newcastle (CN) has undertaken a comprehensive review of its existing Newcastle City Centre and Newcastle East heritage conservation areas (HCA) with the draft report findings to be publicly exhibited, following endorsement by the elected Council at Tuesday’s Ordinary Council Meeting.

The report outlines the current planning context, assesses the appropriateness of boundaries, and identifies items that contribute to or detract from each heritage conservation area in the city centre.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it is essential to review and update the conservation management strategies, policies, and planning framework for these areas to ensure their heritage value is understood and protected for future generations.

“The buildings, streets, and precincts of these two HCAs have experienced significant change brought about by the recent economic revitalisation of Newcastle City Centre,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Recommendations outlined in the report incorporate an analysis of feedback made during early community engagement to better understand what people feel contributes to Newcastle’s heritage significance and cultural identity.

“The review found residents living within the two HCAs generally want to maintain and conserve the special character of these areas. The community also identified several distinct character areas for protection and conservation, particularly in the Newcastle City Centre HCA.”

The methodology used in the report is based on NSW Heritage criteria and is consistent with City of Newcastle’s commitment to heritage conservation under its Heritage Strategy and Heritage Policy.

“Following public exhibition, further community and industry feedback will be used to help investigate how and where land use protections for these areas could best be applied for continued revitalisation of the Newcastle City Centre while ensuring our rich and diverse cultural heritage remains protected and conserved,” Cr Nelmes said.

The draft Newcastle City Centre Heritage Conservation Areas Review Report will go on public exhibition from Monday 6 November to seek community and industry feedback, with a report going back to the elected Council following the exhibition period.

Visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay for more information.

Call for tender to construct new community facility at Blackbutt Reserve

City of Newcastle is moving ahead with the creation of a new multipurpose community facility and kiosk at Blackbutt Reserve, with the contract for construction to open for tender tomorrow.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the project supports the final stage of the Carnley Avenue Recreation Area Masterplan, detailed within the Blackbutt Plan of Management 2012.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes with Blackbutt Reserve volunteer Liz Alder in front of the existing kiosk, which will be replaced by a new multipurpose community building and kiosk.

“As the green heart of our city, Blackbutt Reserve welcomes countless locals and visitors each year who take advantage of the picturesque walking trails, unique wildlife exhibits and family-friendly playgrounds,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The construction of this multipurpose facility and kiosk will be a significant step in delivering our shared vision for Blackbutt Reserve, to further enhance the visitor experience and complement the amenity and playground upgrades.

“The new facility will be designed to suit the unique environment at Blackbutt Reserve, and will replace the existing kiosk, which was installed as a temporary facility.

“Construction of the new building and kiosk is expected to begin in early 2024 and be completed by the end of that year.

“This project will ensure the much-loved Blackbutt Reserve continues to create memorable experiences for Novocastrians and visitors now and into the future.”

An artist's impression of the proposed community facility and kiosk to be built at Blackbutt Reserve.

Alongside a licensed café with an undercover dining and seating area, the multipurpose community facility will feature a community space, enabling groups to gather and collaborate and host events, and for school groups to visit and learn about our environment.

Optimising views over Blackbutt Reserve, the new facility and kiosk will be inclusive and accessible, catering for people with mobility and other sensory impairment issues.

Tender submissions can be made from tomorrow via www.tenderlink.com/newcastle

City of Newcastle celebrates sporting life of Deaf community through Australian-first exhibition

Experiencing what it’s like for an athlete to watch lights instead of listening for the starter’s gun is just one of the features of Australia’s first major exhibition to explore the importance of sport in Deaf culture.

“More Than Sport – History, Culture and Connection in Deaf and Hard of Hearing Communities” officially opened at Newcastle City Library today ahead of the 60th anniversary of the Australian Deaf Games, which will see more than 1000 athletes, officials and visitors converge on Newcastle and Lake Macquarie for the week-long event in January next year.

Deaf Sports Australia General Manager Phil Harper, Deaf Games Australia co-patron Katie Kelly OAM, Deaf Sports Australia President Hannah Britton and Councillor Margaret Wood attend the opening of More Than Sport at Newcastle City Library.

Curated by Deaf Sports Australia, which is also celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2024, the accessible exhibition at the Library’s Lovett Gallery will showcase stories from across Australia and around the world through a series of videos, photographs and memorabilia.

Archival footage of Deaf sports, legendary Australian Deaf and Hard of Hearing athletes and major tournaments such as the 2005 Melbourne Deaflympics and Australian Deaf Games will be displayed without any accompanying sound to help create a ‘deaf’ atmosphere, with videos featuring people signing in Auslan (Australian Sign Language). Text-based stories will also have QR codes to access an Auslan translation.

Deaf Sports Australia General Manager Phil Harper said competitions in Australia can be traced back as far as 1895, when the Victorian Deaf cricket team faced their South Australian counterparts. The first deaf sports club, the Melbourne Deaf Cricket Club, was established in 1881.

“Sport has been a key motivator for people who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing to connect with one another for more than 140 years,” Mr Harper said.

“The curatorial team that put this exhibition together is comprised of several people from the Deaf community. They’ve developed the content to celebrate our history, our pioneers and champions, as well as the role technology has played in improving our access to sport.”

Australia’s proud history in Deaf sports is highlighted by recognising John Lovett, a giant in Australian and international Deaf sports and through our athletes such as gold medal winning paratriathlete Katie Kelly OAM, dual Commonwealth Games swimmer Cindy-Lu Bailey OAM, the most successful woman in Deaflympics history, as well as skier Andrew Swan, a Deaflympics Winter Games gold medallist and Frank Bartolillo, an Olympian in fencing.

Visitors can view memorabilia from different eras, as well as the John Lovett trophy, which is awarded to the winning state or territory at the Australian Deaf Games.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle is proud to help the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community mark a new milestone.

“Newcastle prides itself on being a liveable and inclusive city so we’re delighted to showcase the past, present and future of Deaf sport in Australia,” Cr Nelmes said.

Councillor Margaret Wood, co-chair of City of Newcastle’s Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee said the community-driven exhibition has been developed as a collaboration between City of Newcastle Libraries staff and members of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.

“I want to encourage Novocastrians to visit the exhibition and also attend an event during the Australian Deaf Games in January, where competitors from all over Australia and Pacific Island nations will utilise 12 venues across our city during this major sporting event,” Cr Wood said.

The “More Than Sport – History, Culture and Connection in Deaf and Hard of Hearing Communities” exhibition will be on display at the Lovett Gallery until March 2024.

School students will be provided with a workbook as part of an exhibition experience, which features fun activities such as learning more about Auslan.

For more information go to: https://newcastle.nsw.gov.au/library/experience/exhibitions

For details about the Australian Deaf Games go to: https://whatson.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/event/the-2024-australian-deaf-games

Spotlight on NSW’s abundance of critical minerals and high-tech metals

Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos this week met with key stakeholders to discuss the NSW Government’s approach to its new Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy.

The industry roundtable marked an important step in collaborating with the sector to directly inform the NSW Government’s renewed strategy.

To be released in 2024, the new strategy will consider new opportunities to encourage domestic processing and manufacturing, boost regional economies, develop skills and training, and safeguard the state’s clean energy supply chain.

More than 40 stakeholders from the sector attended the event at NSW Parliament, including representatives of mining companies, industry bodies and unions.

Discussions at the roundtable focused on ways the NSW Government could support the sector to unlock the full potential of NSW resources, encourage investment and leverage the state’s strong ESG credentials.

NSW has an abundance of critical minerals and high-tech metals that are crucial for developing low-carbon economies and achieving the state’s net zero goals.

Critical minerals and high-tech metals are essential components in electric vehicles, smartphones, computers, solar panels, batteries, and a range of defence and medical equipment.

The consultation with the industry comes shortly after the Federal Government announced a $2 billion expansion in critical minerals financing.

The funding was welcomed by the industry as a way to provide support for processing and to strengthen Australia’s position as a world-leading provider of critical minerals to drive the global transition to net zero.

Minister Houssos also gave the opening ministerial keynote address at the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC), the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

During the speech the Minister promoted NSW as an attractive and stable investment destination, highlighted the state’s skilled and well-trained workforce and highlighted its plans to engage more in mineral processing.

It was also announced that NSW would again be hosting IMARC with the conference remaining in Sydney in 2024. This year’s conference attracted a record number of delegates from across Australia and overseas.

Submissions on the new NSW Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy are open until 17 November 2023.

Have your saylaunch on the critical minerals and high-tech metals strategy.

Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos said:

“NSW has globally significant deposits of critical minerals and high-tech metals. Showcasing the state at IMARC is an opportunity to capitalise on their increasing global demand and drive investment to the state.

“This is the second year Sydney has hosted the biggest mining event in the Southern Hemisphere and we’re pleased it will return once more in 2024, with the NSW Government as host partner.

“This year more than 8500 delegates gathered. This record attendance is testament to the strength of our mining and exploration sector.

“It was great to hear the views of industry at the roundtable. The new strategy will provide certainty and stability for the sector as it embarks on a new period of growth.

“We are collaborating closely with the industry and with unions to establish a clear framework to guide government action and support the critical minerals and high-tech metals sector in NSW.”

NSW Director of the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) Lucy McClean said:

“We thank the Minister for Natural Resources for taking the time to meet with industry to discuss the importance this strategy will have for the minerals sector.

“NSW has so much to offer the global economy and the new strategy is an opportunity to help build a strong exploration and mining sector to support our future.”

Chief Executive Officer for the NSW Minerals Council Stephen Galilee said:

“Mining is a key contributor to many regional communities across NSW. The minerals industry is deeply intertwined with the history and economic development of many communities across the state.

“An effective critical minerals and high-tech metals strategy will complement the NSW Government’s commitment to supporting the industry and provide a solid framework for the long-term future of the resources sector in NSW.”

NSW Government trucking in emergency fodder for Tenterfield fire-affected farmers

The NSW Government has today trucked in an initial 200 tonnes of emergency feed to Tenterfield so farmers impacted by the local fires can access feed. The fodder supplies are being trucked into Tenterfield due to the minimal local supplies.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and Local Land Services (LLS) are operating an Agricultural and Animal Services Functional Area (AASFA) in the Tenterfield area so that emergency assistance can be offered.

Assistance available for farmers includes:

  • Emergency fodder
  • Emergency stock water (where there is an immediate animal welfare concern)
  • Animal assessment and veterinary assistance
  • Stock euthanasia and burial
  • Livestock feeding and management advice
  • Care of animals including pets and companion animals in evacuation centres.

Landholders must register their requests for emergency fodder by contacting the Agricultural and Animal Services hotline on 1800 814 647launch to access support.

Once a landholder registers for emergency fodder, AASFA will urgently assess their need and contact them to schedule a pickup from a local distribution point or arrange a delivery time.

Primary producers should report damage including stock and fodder losses, damage to crops, pastures, fencing and other farm infrastructure through the Natural Disaster Damage Survey.

This will ensure we understand the severity and distribution of the damage and can target resources and assistance in the appropriate areas.

Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty said:

“The NSW Government is moving quickly to ensure farmers in Tenterfield have what they need, including fodder.

“We have received 58 requests for assistance, this includes 51 requests for fodder, five for emergency stock water, and two for animal assessment.

“This is in addition to 207 tonnes of emergency fodder that was distributed to fire affected landholders in the Kempsey area last month.

“I encourage landholders with animal welfare related issues to contact the Agriculture and Animal Services Hotline on 1800 814 647launch to access support.”