Australian News – Page 61

Newcastle Airport to welcome first direct flights from Hobart

The Minns Labor Government’s Aviation Attraction Fund (AAF) will support a brand-new seasonal flight from Hobart to Newcastle, connecting the two cities directly for the first time.

On 2 December 2025, Jetstar will launch the seasonal route, which will operate three times a week from December to April, a link that will give Tasmanians direct access to NSW’s second biggest city.

The route will unlock access to new visitors for Newcastle and the Hunter, providing a boost for businesses and jobs throughout the region’s visitor economy.

Destination NSW is working with Jetstar and Hobart Airport to help promote the service – the third new route this year to be launched through the Minns Labor Government’s AAF, which has already connected Newcastle with Denpasar, in Bali, and Perth in 2025.

The new service comes at a transformational time for Newcastle Airport. Its new international terminal will unlock opportunities for the region, welcoming more visitors and turbocharging local tourism and trade. The Minns Labor Government will continue to work with Newcastle Airport to secure new routes.

It is also a transformational time for the NSW visitor economy amid the recently announced Visitor Economy Strategy 2035, which emphasises the need for investment in aviation capacity to achieve the government’s major growth ambitions and that strategy’s expenditure goals.

The strategy sets out a bold new roadmap to generate $91 billion in visitor expenditure by 2035, with a target of 8.5 million new airline seats, as well as 40,000 more hotel rooms and an additional 150,000 jobs.

The AAF funding for the Hobart-Newcastle flight is just one way in which the Minns Labor Government is boosting aviation capacity, with two other aviation funds announced this year – the $12.5 million NSW Take Off Fund and the $16 million Western Sydney International Take-Off Fund.

These investments, combined with work across accommodation, jobs, events, marketing and industry support and development, will ensure that supply meets growing demand, making it easier and more attractive for people to visit NSW.

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said:

“The Minns Labor Government is proud to have worked with Newcastle Airport and Jetstar to secure this new seasonal route, which will boost the local visitor economy and better link Tasmanians to Newcastle and the Hunter.

“The recently launched Visitor Economy Strategy sets out our vision to grow the NSW visitor economy to $91 billion in visitor expenditure by 2035, and increasing domestic aviation capacity will be instrumental in achieving this.

“The strategy outlines a need to add 8.5 million new airline seats to NSW airports to achieve our ambitions for the visitor economy and this new route from Hobart to Newcastle brings us one step closer to that.”

Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said:

“Tassie here we come! This is devilishly good news for the people of Port Stephens and the Hunter.

“Not only can locals jump on a Jetstar flight direct to Hobart, we’ll be welcoming Tasmanians to the Hunter too.

“The NSW Government’s investment in Newcastle Airport will mean more people can experience everything Port Stephens and the Hunter has to offer, bringing a welcome boost to local businesses.”

Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton said:

“The direct flights between Newcastle and Hobart are a big win for both regions. This connection links the Hunter with Tasmania’s capital, opening new opportunities for tourism, business and the wider economy, while giving our community easy access to Hobart’s culture and wilderness.

“More choice for our passengers is at the heart of what we do and Hobart adds another exciting destination to our growing network. With our international terminal now complete, the benefits are clear. We’ve launched direct flights to Perth with one-stop connections to Europe, Bali services take off on 21 October and now Hobart joins the network. And behind the scenes, we’re working hard to deliver even more exciting routes that matter to our region. It’s proof we’re delivering the airport this region deserves – one that makes travel easy and opens doors at home and abroad.”

Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully said:

“Jetstar’s new route will provide a major tourism boost across Hobart and the Hunter.

“The Qantas Group already carries more tourists into Hobart and Newcastle than any other airline – and arrivals are set to soar yet again.

“Starting in December, Jetstar’s new direct seasonal service between these two cities will create another 22,000 low-cost seats a year, further strengthening inbound tourism.

“We want to thank the Tasmanian and New South Wales governments and Hobart and Newcastle airports for their strong support of the new route.”

Greens Statement on the anniversary of the October 7 attacks

On October 7 the Australian Greens mourn those killed on this day two years ago and the hundreds of thousands of people who have been killed since. The Greens continue to call for peace and to end the cycle of violence that both predates and has intensified since October 7.

The Greens acknowledge the trauma, pain and grief that the whole community has been feeling over the past two years. On this day in particular, we extend our solidarity to the Jewish community impacted by the attacks.

The attacks on October 7, the killing of civilians and the taking of hostages were condemned by the Greens at the time and continue to be condemned today. After two years, hostages are still held by Hamas. There must be an urgent release of the hostages. These calls cannot be separated from the calls to end the ongoing genocide and occupation in Palestine.

Peace, non-violence and justice are core values for the Greens, and these values require both a condemnation of the attacks by Hamas and doing all we can to end the genocide in Palestine by the State of Israel – a genocide that is fuelled through a global collusion of countries that supply it with weapons.

Tens of thousands of people have been killed by the Israeli military in Gaza over the past two years. Unlike the brutal attacks by Hamas, the Australian Government is implicated in this genocide through its ties to the Netanyahu Government. That must end. Sanctions on the Israeli leadership and ending the two-way arms trade must happen now.

The UN’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, the International Criminal Court’s interim ruling, the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion and numerous statements, resolutions and findings from leading human rights authorities make clear that the Australian Government must act to end the violence.

The Netanyahu Government has inflicted unjustifiable and disproportionate violence over the past two years on the people of Palestine and the surrounding countries. This must not be forgotten today.

The State of Israel’s occupation of Palestine, the apartheid system in the West Bank, genocide in Gaza and attacks on neighbours are antithetical to peace. So too is hostage taking and violence against civilians.

The Australian Greens were founded on four key pillars, one of which is peace and non-violence. The Greens will apply this pillar universally as all violence is interrelated, all lives are precious and it is the only way to share this one small planet with justice

Labor Premier Chris Minns moves to absolve 20 years of law-breaking within Corrective Services NSW in defiance of NSW Ombudsman

The Minns Labor Government has been met with alarm and outrage as it makes the extraordinary move to defy recommendations of the NSW Ombudsman to enable Corrective Services NSW to find inmates guilty of crimes without enough evidence to prove their guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

A NSW Ombudsman Report released last year found that Corrective Services NSW had repeatedly broken the law by applying the incorrect standard of proof when penalising inmate behaviour. The Ombudsman also found that Corrective Services NSW had forced inmates to sign forms indicating they were guilty of offences when they had evidence to prove their innocence, had defied international law by locking up young Aboriginal men, and had breached their legal requirements to allow inmates to call witnesses to inmate discipline hearings.

The Ombudsman found that:

1 in 3 charges laid against inmates during discipline proceedings were incorrect,

80% of the cases where the inmate pleaded not guilty contained no record of reasons for the subsequent guilty finding,

Corrections Officers broke the law by failing to notify governors, nurses and security officers in 48% of cases,

70% of charges were not finalised until after a guilty verdict had already been determined,

74% of inmates penalised for correctional centre offences had vulnerability indicators that should have factored into their penalty, but did not, and

43% of inmates penalised were Aboriginal.

Labor Corrections Minister Anoulack Chanthivong has announced changes to the standard of proof to enable inmates to be convicted and given criminal penalties on the civil standard of proof. This will mean inmates can be found guilty on the balance of probabilities rather than beyond reasonable doubt.

Greens MP, spokesperson for justice and Solicitor Sue Higginson said:

“The Ombudsman report that revealed that Corrective Services have been breaking the law for 20 years, through applying the wrong and lesser standard of proof, perpetuating such gross and systemic injustice against inmates, was shocking,”

“It’s utterly astounding that rather than fix the defiance and injustice, the Minns Labor Government is defying the Ombudsman to absolve the decades of lawbreaking and injustice, by stripping inmates of the most foundational human right and democratic principle, the presumption of innocence until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt. The Minns Labor Government has signalled that it will change the law to change the standard of proof,”

“The NSW Ombudsman found that in the dark underbelly of NSW prisons, a nasty kangaroo court system is being used to impose punishment on inmates where Corrective Services does not have enough evidence to prove their guilt, by using the “balance of probabilities” as the lesser standard of proof, rather than the proper criminal standard. We are talking about decades of deliberate and harmful law breaking by a public agency,”

“Corrective Services has been running an illegal kangaroo court, unfairly dishing out harmful punishments on powerless inmates. It’s incomprehensible that now the Minns Labor Government wants to enshrine this unfair, arbitrary, oppressive and currently illegal approach in law,”

“The Ombudsman exposed that 1 in 3 charges laid by Corrections against inmates under this racket are completely incorrect. In 80% of cases where an inmate pleaded not guilty, there were no recorded reasons to prove their guilt. In 70% of cases charges were not even laid until after a guilty verdict had already been found, and an inmate had been punished,”

“The Ombudsman’s investigation found that inmates have been denied their legally enshrined right to plead ‘not guilty’ to correctional centre offences and denied the right to call witnesses. It’s precisely Corrective Services’ illegal use of the “balance of probabilities” standard of proof that allows this grave injustice and lawlessness to thrive,”

“This culture of deliberate law-breaking is dangerous and harms the community, workers, and inmates. Labor plans to lock in a culture of lawlessness and injustice and worsen outcomes for inmates,”

“The punishments imposed by these kangaroo courts will increase the likelihood of inmates reoffending by traumatising them, depriving them of contact with loved ones, and by limiting their avenues for rehabilitation. Prisons are already catastrophically failing to rehabilitate offenders,”

“Labor Premier Chris Minns is defying the Ombudsman, defying the presumption of innocence that underpins our justice system, and defying his obligation to uphold the law in New South Wales by changing this standard of proof and by letting Corrections off the hook after 20 years of lawlessness and harm.”

Background:

The full Ombudsman report is accessible here.

Case studies identified by the Ombudsman report:

Colin was found guilty of the offence of failing to comply with correctional centre routine (CAS Regulation clause 39) and the offence of intimidation (Regulation clause 138). At the hearing, Colin requested to call a Justice Health nurse as a witness, but the delegate refused his request because he didn’t know the nurse’s name. Colin made a complaint to our office about his request to call the nurse. The governor dismissed the charge following our inquiries and recorded on the discipline action form that it was because ‘procedural fairness was not afforded to inmate’. He also directed that OIMS be amended to ‘reflect dismissal and inmate to be informed.’

Moses was charged with disobeying direction (CAS Regulation clause 130) after refusing to allow an officer to look between his buttocks during a strip search after the officer suspected he saw a syringe secreted there. Moses objected to the direction, saying that he was not going to do it because he ‘was molested as a kid’. He was then told, ‘Just hand over the syringe, you’ll get 7 days pound, happy days, if you fail to comply with my directions, you may be segregated for 14 days and regressed’. Moses was then secured in a segregation cell. It is not clear from the paperwork how long he remained confined and why it was considered necessary to confine him. At the hearing, Moses is recorded to have pleaded guilty and stated ‘I didn’t have nothing – was probably toilet paper.’ He was found guilty of the offence of disobey direction and penalised 56 days off television, buy-ups and contact visits. There is no record on OIMS for any related charge for the suspected syringe.

Tina was charged with the offence of failing a prescribed drug test (Regulation clause 153). As recorded in the IDAF, at the hearing conducted 8 days later, Tina stated the following ‘Miss, I told you the truth that it was dirty – You know I have been asking everyone to help me. I’ve asked for D&A [Drug and Alcohol] Nurse to get back on program.’ There was no record of a referral to the Intensive Drug and Alcohol Treatment Program in either the misconduct package or OIMS.

Kent, an Aboriginal man with a recorded history of self-harm, was charged with, and found guilty of, disobeying a direction (Regulation clause 130) and penalised with 28 days off buy-ups. The misconduct report stated that Kent was found sitting in his cell with a razor blade and was threatening self-harm. The correctional officer gave ‘multiple directions’ to Kent to hand over the razor, then threatened to remove it by force or ‘chemical munitions’ if he did not comply within 2 minutes. Kent did not comply at first, but eventually put the razor down. The witness statement recorded that Kent was then cuffed and strip searched. According to the case notes he was placed on hourly suicide watch. OIMS contains no record or indication an ISP was developed in response to this incident.

Labor’s knee-jerk bail laws will see state prison population continue to balloon, disproportionately affecting First Nations people

The Victorian Greens have said Labor’s rushed, knee-jerk bail laws won’t improve community safety and will see the state’s prison population continue to balloon, following the release of a report on prisoner numbers overnight.

The report by Victoria’s Sentencing Advisory Council found that Victoria’s prison population has surged by 62 per cent in the last 20 years.

This was largely driven by an increase in the number of people charged with offences but not released on bail, with the number of people being held on remand jumping from 649 unsentenced prisoners in 2005 to 1,994 last year.

The report also found Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people remained over-represented in the state’s prisons, with roughly 1 in 60 Aboriginal Victorians currently in custody, compared to 1 in 100 two decades ago.

Earlier this year, the Premier rushed through new bail laws that went against what First Nations communities, human rights groups, and the community had been calling for under Poccum’s Law.

The push for Poccum’s Law – evidence-based bail laws that prioritise community safety – arose following the death in custody of First Nations woman Veronica Nelson, after the inquest into her death labelled Victoria’s bail laws an ‘unmitigated disaster’.

Victorian Greens spokesperson for justice, Katherine Copsey MLC:

“The Premier has clearly been more focused on optics than implementing policies that are proven to improve community safety.

“The last time Labor rushed bail reform we saw a doubling of the number of First Nations women in Victoria’s prisons and deaths in custody.

“And now this year the Premier has again implemented a rushed, knee-jerk policy on the run.

“Public safety is not about more police and more prisons, it is about more care. The government should stop defunding intervention and bring back a reinvestment strategy that funds prevention and diversion.

Greens Welcome Triple Zero Custodian Bill, Call for Further Penalties

Senator Hanson-Young, Greens spokesperson for communications, responds to Triple 0 Custodian legislation introduced today.

“To avoid another deadly disaster, Australians deserve a telecommunications regime with stronger penalties, stronger regulations and a watchdog with teeth.

“The Greens welcome the long awaited introduction of legislation for a Triple 0 Custodian today after 18 long months.

“Optus has fundamentally failed Australians and what we now need is a change of culture that puts public safety ahead of profits.

“Australians should be able to trust that if they dial Triple 0, someone will answer the phone.

“While Optus must be held to account for their failure, the Government also has responsibility to ensure that this most essential service works.

“We welcome any steps that will help to restore Australians’ faith in the Triple 0 system and we will be closely analysing this legislation.

“When the legislation comes to the Senate later this month, the Greens will look to increase penalties for these big companies, including criminal penalties. If a deadly incident like this were to happen again, the highest of penalties should be on the table.

“It’s time the Government sent a strong message to these telecommunications companies that public safety must come first.

“We need far stronger penalties and far stronger regulation. These companies have been self-regulating for far too long and it’s putting Australians at risk.”

Visit to Australia by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will welcome the Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore, Lawrence Wong, to Australia from 6 to 9 October 2025.

This will be Prime Minister Wong’s first official visit to Australia since taking office, and coincides with 60 years of diplomatic relations between Australia and Singapore.

Australia and Singapore have a deep and longstanding relationship, underpinned by strong economic ties, strategic trust and a close defence partnership.

Prime Minister Albanese and Prime Minister Wong will meet at Parliament House on Wednesday 8 October 2025 for the 10th Australia–Singapore Annual Leaders’ Meeting.

Leaders will discuss deepening cooperation under the next phase of the Australia–Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

This visit will be the fourth time the leaders have met. Prime Minister Albanese last met with Prime Minister Wong in May this year in Singapore.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“Australia’s prosperity and economic future are linked with Southeast Asia.

“Deepening our relationship with Singapore means more jobs, more trade, and improved security for Australians.

“Singapore is vital partner and close friend to Australia and we’re united by our commitment to an open, stable and prosperous region.

“Our discussions will focus on our ambitious commitments under the next phase of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, building on our long history of cooperation.”

Condemnation of Antisemitic Vandalism in Melbourne

The hateful graffiti sprayed in Fitzroy this morning is deeply disturbing.

Hamas is a listed terrorist organisation in Australia. Supporting them is not free speech, it is a crime. Those responsible must face the full force of the law.

Victorians deserve to feel safe in their own community. The AFP and ASIO should support Victorian Police to track down those behind this disgraceful act and bring them to justice.

Hate has no place on our streets.

Next chapter dawns bright for Lambton Park cafe

Construction is underway to transform a locally significant building in one of the city’s most popular parks into a vibrant, accessible café at the heart of Lambton.

Originally built in the 1940s as a Baby Health Centre and later converted into tea rooms in 2017, the site will be redesigned into a welcoming dining destination named First Light.

Image: From L-R: State Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery, Cr Mark Brooker, Cr Siobhan Isherwood, Cr Peta Winney-Baartz, City of Newcastle Executive Director Corporate Services David Clarke, and cafe operator Angelo Luczak celebrate that construction is underway to transform the former Baby Health Centre in Lambton into a vibrant new cafe. Executive Director Corporate Services David Clarke said the project reflects City of Newcastle’s commitment to public spaces that foster connection and belonging.

“This project is a tangible example of how we’re revitalising community assets into inclusive infrastructure that enriches everyday social life,” Mr Clarke said.

“Lambton Park is already a cherished community destination, and by transforming this notable building into an accessible café, we’re creating a space that welcomes everyone, from young families to older residents.

“Its location near the library and playground makes it a natural hub for social interaction, wellbeing and connection.”

An artists impression of Lambton Park Cafe frontThe new upgrades will include open-plan dining, a commercial kitchen and a front pergola for additional seating.

Accessible amenities and a ramp to the new rear deck, which overlooks Lambton Park’s playground area, will ensure the café is a welcoming destination for all members of the community.

The upgrades are supported by $1 million from the NSW Government through the Crown Reserve Improvement Fund.

State Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery said the project’s progress was a welcome milestone.

“I’m very pleased to see the next stage of this project progressing as Council engages its chosen operators to commence the works on the Lambton Café project,” Ms Hornery said.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the works complete so that our community can benefit from this café, partially funded via $1 million from the NSW Government’s Crown Reserves Improvement Fund.”

An artists impression of Lambton Park Cafe rearThe redevelopment also marks a new chapter for three accomplished names in Newcastle’s hospitality scene, who are joining forces to bring First Light to life.

Mister Sister Manager Angelo Luczak, Luke Marshall, Director of The Kiosk Newcastle, and Corey Park-Pearson, owner and chef at Parks Bistro and Catering, each bring a wealth of regional and national experience.

Mr Luczak said the team shares a vision to bring a fresh dining experience to Lambton and create a space that feels like home.

“The idea of teaming up has been floating around for years, we’ve always shared a deep respect for each other’s craft and passion for hospitality, and this project is the perfect time to bring that dream to life,” Mr Luczak said.

“With strong ties to the local hospitality scene and a diverse network of friends, collaborators, and customers, we see First Light becoming more than just a café. Our vision is to be a go-to meeting spot for locals, coffee lovers and foodies from across Newcastle and beyond.

“We’re proud to work with local farmers, coffee roasters and suppliers to build a seasonal menu that celebrates quality and workmanship. Everything we do is grounded in community, connection, and a genuine love for good coffee, food and company.

“We’re looking forward to contributing to the vibrant and valuable hospitality culture that makes Newcastle such a remarkable place to live and dine.”

The café is expected to open early 2026 .

2nd anniversary of 7 October attack

The 7th of October 2023 was a day of pain and terror for Jewish people around the world, and we must never forget the atrocities that were inflicted by Hamas.

The attack on innocent people at a music festival that promoted ‘friends, love and infinite freedom’ underlined a core truth, that Hamas stands in opposition to all humanity, and all that we value as human beings.

Two years on, we remember all those who were lost on that day, the largest loss of Jewish life on any single day since the Holocaust. Over 1,200 innocent lives ruthlessly taken without mercy.

We remember Australian Galit Carbone, who was tragically murdered by Hamas. We hold Galit and her loved ones in our hearts.

Today, we also think of those still held hostage and join with our partners around the world in calling for the hostages to be returned immediately, and with dignity. We stand with their families, and with all those who have had to hold this two year vigil, which must feel like an eternity.

The Australian Government also stands with Jewish people around the world, who feel the cold shadow of history’s darkest chapter in any act of antisemitism. We will always stand against antisemitism, and so should everyone.

Australia welcomes President Trump’s plan to end the conflict in Gaza after almost two years of conflict and a devastating loss of civilian life.

Australia has consistently been part of the international pressure for a ceasefire in Gaza, the return of hostages, for aid to flow and for a two-state solution.

It is our duty to do everything in our power to see a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. The State of Israel and the State of Palestine living side by side, within internationally recognised borders, in peace and security.

Appeal to locate a man missing from Lake Macquarie

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the state’s north.

Leo Hampton-Tungutalum, aged 22, was last seen on The Boulevarde, Toronto, about 1.30pm on Friday 3 October 2025.

When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for Leo’s welfare.

Leo is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, 175cm tall, medium build, brown eyes, short beard and black hair.

He is known to frequent the Lake Macquarie and Sydney metropolitan areas.