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Palestine Protestor charged – Operation Shelter

A man has been charged over alleged offensive comments made during protest activity at the weekend.

Officers from Sydney City Police Area Command commenced an investigation, following reports of offensive comments made by an attendee at a pro-Palestine rally in Sydney’s CBD on Sunday (15 October 2023).

Following extensive inquiries, investigators arrested a 63-year-old man at a home in Mt Druitt about 8pm yesterday (Monday 16 October 2023).

He was taken to Mt Druitt Police Station, where he was charged with use offensive language in/near public place/school.

The man was granted strict conditional bail and is due to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday 15 November 2023.

Inquiries continue.

GREENS CALL FOR $250M TRUTH COMMISSION IN WAKE OF DUTTON’S MISINFORMATION CAMPAIGN

Following a corrosive misinformation campaign led by Peter Dutton, the Albanese Labor government must lay the groundwork for lasting First Nations justice through a $250 million commitment to a Truth and Justice commission, Adam Bandt said on Sunday morning.

National truth processes played a vital part in healing processes in Canada, New Zealand and South Africa. Victoria established the Yoorrook Justice Commission in May 2021 to hear, record and address the truths about First Peoples’ experiences of colonisation in Victoria from 1788 to now. The Yoorook Justice Commission has the powers of a Royal Commission.

A national Truth and Justice Commission would work alongside and in support of local and state level truth telling processes, and would help initiate processes in regions and states where none currently exist.

Greens Leader Adam Bandt MP said:

“Peter Dutton is the master of misinformation, and there’s an urgent need now for truth-telling and healing,” said Mr Bandt.

“Peter Dutton sowed fear and division with a Trumpian misinformation campaign. To lay the groundwork for lasting justice, we now need truth-telling and healing.

“The Greens are calling today for $250 million to be committed to a Truth and Justice Commission in this term of Parliament.

“There’s no need for delay and we can’t leave the country without a clear pathway forward. A national Truth and Justice Commission would bring everyone together to talk honestly about the violence and dispossession of First Nations peoples so we can heal and move forward together.

“To First Nations people who are hurting today, to everyone who is heartbroken, demoralised, exhausted or angry, the Greens are with you. The Greens will not stop fighting to advance First Nations justice.

“The Greens will push the government to establish a Truth and Justice Commission and work towards Treaties that recognise First Nations peoples’ sovereignty.”

Greens portfolio holder for First Nations, Senator Dorinda Cox said:

“This country is founded on violence and dispossession, but many people across the country have no idea of the truth of what happened to First Nations people during colonisation, nor the ongoing impacts of colonial systems and institutions.

“A $250 million commitment to a Truth and Justice Commission would begin the process of recognising and repairing the harms of 234 years of injustice, and allow our country to come together in an honest conversation where everyone has access to the truth.

“Until we tell the truth about our past and begin work towards a Treaty with First Nations people that recognises our sovereignty, there will be a painful hole in the centre of our democracy.

“It’s time to show some ambition. We must use this moment and momentum to drive the real change that will come through Truth and Treaty and the affirmation of First Nations Sovereignty.”

BACKGROUND

A truth-telling process involves exploring, understanding, and reckoning with our painful past and the impact it continues to have on First Nations people and their cultures.

The Truth and Justice Commission will be an independent body that investigates and reveals past wrongdoing to resolve ongoing and historical conflict and heal from it.

The Commission will have the powers of a Royal Commission and will investigate and reveal wrongdoing and human rights abuses perpetrated against First Nations people since colonisation to the present day.

The Truth and Justice Commission will lay the foundations for agreement making between governments and First Nations people, as well as foster healing and national unity based on truth-telling.

The Commission’s work will be underpinned by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and led by First Nations people.

LABOR FAILS BRISBANE RESIDENTS AFFECTED BY FLIGHT NOISE

Today Elizabeth Watson-Brown, Greens spokesperson for Transport, Infrastructure and Sustainable Cities introduced a Private Member’s Bill into federal Parliament. The Bill introduces hourly caps on flights, a late night curfew on non-emergency flights over Brisbane and brings in a long-term plan to move more flights over the water rather than over the city — in line with similar legislation that successfully manages flight noise over Sydney.

The Labor government did not support the Bill. After refusing to meet with affected residents, Transport Minister Catherine King has again failed to act on Brisbane flight noise by refusing to support the Greens Brisbane Airport Curfew and Demand Management Bill 2023.

Two Labor Prime Ministers, Anthony Albanese and Kevin Rudd, have campaigned on addressing flight noise in the past but they have since abandoned the issue.

Since the establishment of the second runway at Brisbane Airport in 2020, complaints have spiked, making Brisbane now the most complained about airport in the country. A 2022 survey run by local community group Brisbane Flight Path Community Alliance showed that 74% of the 2000 respondents agreed or strongly agreed that they experienced mental distress related to aircraft noise.

Brisbane Airport intends to double the number of flights through Brisbane Airport by 2035, which will lead to even more residents being affected by excessive flight noise unless the federal government acts.

Elizabeth Watson-Brown, Greens Spokesperson for Transport, Infrastructure and Sustainable Cities said:

“Labor has failed people struggling with excessive flight noise in Brisbane yet again.”

“The Greens put forward a simple, common sense Bill that would have legislated three things: a curfew from 10pm to 6am, a cap on total flights per hour, and a long-term plan for more flights over the water. But despite these being similar regulations fought for by both Anthony Albanese and Kevin Rudd in the past, Labor has failed to support them today.”

“If it weren’t apparent already from the fact that Minister King has refused to meet with the community affected by flight noise, it’s clear now: the Minister and her government has chosen the side of Brisbane Airport Corporation’s profits over those of people just wanting a decent night’s sleep.”

“The Greens and the community won’t stop our fight for real action on excessive flight noise.”

Defence support for assisted-departures for Australians

The Australian Government has safely airlifted 255 people utilising two Royal Australian Air Force flights (a KC-30A and a C-17A Globemaster III) and a Government-supported private charter from Ben Gurion Airport in Israel, to Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The deployment of the two Defence aircraft, activated under Operation BEECH, follows the commencement of Australian Government assisted-departure flights from Tel Aviv on 13 October, 2023. Including the first flight on October 13, operated by Qantas, more than 400 Australians have now been airlifted from Israel on Government-supported flights.

Subject to factors including the security environment, the Australian Government is planning additional flights departing from Tel Aviv to Dubai today, for Australians wanting to leave. We encourage Australians wanting to leave to take these opportunities.

In addition, we have secured flights for onward travel to Australia for Australians arriving in Dubai.

The situation is highly challenging and rapidly changing. The Australian Government is considering whether further assisted-departure flights are required.

Australians in the affected areas who want to leave need assistance with departure should register via DFAT’s Crisis Portal or by calling the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 (from overseas) or 1300 555 135 (from within Australia).

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will continue to provide updates to registered Australians.

Since Thursday, Services Australia has been assisting in the response to this developing crisis, with experienced staff taking consular calls on behalf of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Services Australia is also working with DFAT to identify what additional services may be required as the situation evolves over the coming days and weeks to ensure Australians are supported in their time of need, such as a referral avenue to social workers if required.

Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. Richard Marles MP said:

“The safety of Australians impacted by this conflict is paramount for the Australian Government.”

“The activation of two Defence aircraft provides critical options for Australia as the conflict in Israel continues to evolve.”

“Australian nationals and visa holders who wish to leave Israel should ensure they are registered with DFAT via their crisis portal.”

QMinister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon. Penny Wong said:

“More than 1,200 Australians previously registered have now left Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including more than 400 Australians and their families on four Australian Government assisted-departure flights.”

“We continue to consider options to assist Australians who want to leave Israel or the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

“We encourage Australians who want to leave to take the first option available, do not wait for a different option.”

Minister for Government Services, the Hon. Bill Shorten MP said:

“The National Emergency Call Centre staffed by Services Australia plays a critical role in times of crisis.”

“Since the call centre activated at 2am on Thursday until midnight (AEDST), staff answered 1620 calls from people concerned about the situation in Israel and Gaza, seeking support to return home during this distressing time,” Minister Shorten said.

“It’s important they know the Australian Government is ready to provide assistance, and I know the professional social workers and call centre staff at Services Australia will do everything they can to provide that help.”

Plibersek embarrassed by her national environment laws go-slow

Today’s revelations that Tanya Plibersek’s flagged changes to national environmental laws have been delayed by at least another year should be regarded as yet another case of embarrassing incompetence from the Albanese Government.

Revealed as part of correspondence with the Greens, this delay breaks numerous Labor promises that the new environmental laws would be completed by the end of 2023.

As part of her response to the Samuel Review last year, she explicitly said that her new laws “would be prepared in the first six months of 2023” and that the exposure draft would be “introduced into Parliament before the end of 2023”.

Today’s news will also create even more uncertainty among stakeholders, many of whom are already highly frustrated by Ms Plibersek’s inability to drive sensible and balanced reforms. Numerous stakeholders, including the Opposition, have not even been consulted by the Minister about her specific legislative changes.

This means increased uncertainty for both the environmental movement and the business community, and will have a chilling effect on investment.

This additional 12 month delay also makes a complete lie of much of Ms Plibersek’s rhetoric as Minister about her desire to make urgent and sweeping changes to the EPBC Act.

As recently as last week, Ms Plibersek was even incredibly trying to present the impression that she was “two months ahead of schedule”. In a matter of days, that has been shown to be another falsehood.

It should be remembered that the former Coalition Government had actually completed much of the necessary work on these national environmental reforms way back in January 2021, at the time of the release of our own response to the Samuel Review. Ms Plibersek is therefore now running at least three-and-a-half years behind the Coalition’s schedule.

The basic reality is that Ms Plibersek has spent far more time distracted by other personal priorities – including pushing for a ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament – than on the core issues in her portfolios.

New data demonstrates Labor is failing Australian skills

The number of Australians taking up skills training is in free fall under the Albanese Government. The latest data from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) confirms today that over its first year of government Labor have presided over a 37.4 per cent decline in new training starts. Worryingly, NCVER found a 42.9 per cent decline in commencements for female trainees and apprentices.

This means there are around 37,225 less Australians commencing training as an apprentice today, such as an electrician, or as a trainee, such as a childcare worker, than when Labor took office. This has dire consequences for the training pipeline and our economy.

The freefall in apprentice and trainee starts follows a steady decline in the number of Australians in-training under Labor. Trade apprentices in-training hit record highs in the final months of the Coalition Government and as of June 2022, there were 415,240 apprentices and trainees in-training, which was 21.6 per cent higher than at the same time in 2021. Under Labor, this number has now fallen to 387,505.

Labor came to power promising it would solve skills shortages and deliver more opportunities for Australians to get into training. But the reality is they have delivered a collapse in apprenticeship and traineeship starts and a decline in the number of Australians in-training. This will hit the Australian economy hard.

Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Minister for Industry, Skills and Training Sussan Ley said NCVER’s official update sounded the alarm over Labor’s approach to skills.

“Today’s data demonstrates that while Anthony Albanese talks a big game on skills, he just isn’t delivering, in fact he has overseen an almost 40 per cent decline in new training starts in his first year alone” the Deputy Leader said.

“I am shocked by the collapse in women taking up training opportunities, especially given Labor said this was a key priority for them.

“Labor’s skills record is already in tatters, as the cost-of-living crisis worsens I am deeply concerned their failures will only worsen and everyday Australians will pay the price.”

Rainbow of sand provides welcome sight off Stockton coastline

Stockton residents are celebrating the arrival of a 75-metre-long dredger spraying a rainbow of sand off the coastline, as it works to buffer the area from further coastal erosion.

The Danish vessel Trud R, named after the daughter of Norse god and protector Thor, arrived in Newcastle over the weekend to begin depositing an initial 100,000 cubic metres of amenity sand to help renourish Stockton Beach.

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty, Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley and Stockton SLSC Director of Life Saving Brendon Ryman celebrate the arrival of the dredger at Stockton.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes joined Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty, Minister for Hunter Yasmin Catley, Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon MP and members of the Stockton Community Liaison Group today to watch the long-awaited process in action.

“The commencement of amenity sand nourishment represents a significant milestone for the Stockton community and City of Newcastle as we continue to work with the NSW Government to protect Stockton’s coastline,” Cr Nelmes said.

“From City of Newcastle’s development of the state’s first certified Coastal Management Program to the NSW Government’s commitment to delivering $21 million for mass sand nourishment, our work to protect the coastline has been a collaborative effort between the local community and three levels of government.”

Sand for amenity nourishment is being sourced from the outer channel of Newcastle Harbour, then strategically placed by rainbowing, a process that involves jetting a sand slurry from the dredger into the near shore zone at the southern end of Stockton Beach. The duration of the work is dependent on weather conditions.

City of Newcastle Project Manager Noor Timol, City of Newcastle Executive Director Planning & Environment Michelle Bisson, Stockton CLG Member Ron Boyd, Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Stockton CLG Member Simon Jones and City of Newcastle Executive Manager Environment & Sustainability Marnie Kikken.

City of Newcastle’s Executive Director Planning and Environment, Michelle Bisson, said the work that began today is the next step towards long-term mass sand nourishment.

“We’re pleased to see the beginning of amenity nourishment for Stockton, which will see 100,000 cubic metres of sand provide a buffer from further erosion,” Ms Bisson said.

“While this important work is undertaken, further investigation and planning into sourcing 2.4 million cubic metres of sand required for mass sand nourishment will be managed by the NSW Government.”

Chair of the Stockton Community Liaison Group, Barbara Whitcher, said the community is pleased the next stage of work for Stockton’s coastline has commenced.

“It’s great to see that, at long last, additional sand is going to be placed near the beach to help prevent further erosion at Stockton,” Ms Whitcher said.

“We’re grateful to the Federal Government and City of Newcastle for the funding provided for the first step towards long-term sand nourishment.”

Amenity sand nourishment at Stockton is being delivered by Department of Regional NSW and NSW Public Works and was made possible by a $6.2 million grant obtained by the NSW Government through the Coastal Estuarine Risk Mitigation Program, which includes $4.7 million from the Federal Government and $1.5 million from City of Newcastle.

The grant also funds the studies into viable sources of sand from the North Arm of the Hunter River and offshore sources, in addition to the environmental approvals needed for mass sand nourishment.

To further protect Stockton’s coastline until mass sand nourishment takes place, the construction of a buried protection structure at the southern end of the existing Mitchell Street seawall is underway.

The draft Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program, which includes an expanded list of management actions to support the long-term strategy of mass sand nourishment, is in the final phase of development ahead of public exhibition in 2024.

The draft Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program will broaden the geographical area covered by the program to include the northern end of Stockton Beach from Meredith Street to the Port Stephens Local Government Area boundary.

NSW Government invests record $100 million into gambling harm minimisation ahead of GambleAware Week

The first GambleAware Week under the Minns Labor government will focus on the true cost of gambling on the community and the record $100 million investment in harm minimisation to combat it.

The theme for this year’s GambleAware Week, which starts today, is ‘What’s gambling costing you?’ to encourage people to think beyond the monetary costs of gambling.

Gambling costs aren’t just measured in dollars, there are also family impacts including time away from loved ones, impacts on physical and mental health and community impacts.

The first Minns Labor government budget delivered a $100 million funding injection to reduce gambling harm across NSW. 

Funding for gambling harm minimisation is the next important step in the government’s long-term commitment to tackling money laundering, implement gaming reform and reduce the harmful impacts of gambling across communities.

The NSW Government will redirect the $100 million fine imposed on Star Casino by the NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC) over 5 years to fund harm minimisation initiatives.

This huge funding injection will allow for the enhancement of services and initiatives to reduce harm in the community from gambling including:

  • $6.4 million to enhance self-exclusion and introduce third-party exclusions in pubs and clubs
  • $3.4 million for the independent panel, established in July this year, to run and evaluate a cashless gaming trial in pubs and clubs, with expressions of interest recently called for venues to take part.
  • $21.7 million each year, for 3 years, from 2024–2025 to fund other gambling harm minimisation initiatives and reforms, including those recommended by the independent panel.
  • $10 million additional investment in 2023 for the Responsible Gambling Fund, through the Office of Responsible Gambling, for the provision of GambleAware counselling and support services.
  • As more and more people are exposed to gambling, through sports betting, gambling advertising, or even gambling through kids’ games, GambleAware Week aims to increase awareness of the risks of gambling and ensure people know where to find help and support services in NSW communities.
  • GambleAware local service providers are located in every health district across the state, and are there to help anyone who thinks themselves, their friends or family members might be participating in risky gambling behaviours.

The GambleAware phone line 1800 858 858launch is open 24 hours a day for anyone needing support. It is free and confidential.

Forty-five events are being held right across the state over the 5 days to educate parents and the wider community about the risks of gambling harm and the wide range of information and support available.

Event highlights include GambleAware Week showcases in Goulburn, Shellharbour and Unanderra; and roundtables in Bankstown, Liverpool and Campbelltown. Information sessions, workshops and community drop in events are being held in Wallsend, Albury, Bathurst, Wyong, Manly, Mayfield, Belmont and Hornsby. Information stalls will be located at key shopping centres including Freedom Plaza Cabramatta, Miranda Westfield and Westfield Bondi Junction.

Local councils are getting on board too with free events at Manly, Mona Vale and Hornsby libraries. Major clubs are doing their part too hosting events including at Tradies Gymea, Panthers Bathurst, St George Leagues Club and Souths Juniors. 

For those directly impacted by gambling harm there will be access to essential items and support at key times from Prosper at the Rotary Community Centre Campsie and through the Newtown Mission at the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre.

The community is encouraged to take advantage of these special eventslaunch to get the support they need with a number of online options available as well. 

GambleAware Weeklaunch runs from Monday 16 October to Sunday 22 October.

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

“We know there are people out there experiencing gambling harm in our community, and we are concerned the impact this has on individuals, their families and the broader community.

“We are committed to increasing awareness of the risks of gambling, in all forms, and I can assure people there is a lot of help and support out there in NSW communities, that is freely available and accessible.

“This GambleAware Week we encourage everyone to talk with friends, family or colleagues if you are worried about what gambling could be costing them.

“Our first budget delivers $100 million in harm minimisation initiatives, including funding for the NSW Office of Responsible Gambling to provide support to people affected by gambling harm through these GambleAware services as well as working to prevent harm before it occurs by investing in education and awareness raising.

“Everyone has a role to play in keeping our community safe. We encourage everyone to take part in GambleAware Week and show our combined commitment to preventing gambling harm.

“One of our key election commitments was to ban external gambling signage from venues, as we know that can be triggering for gamblers, and that ban is in place as of 1 September this year, with 99% of venues compliant. It shows that when government, industry and community work together we can get positive results.” 

Removal of all external signage is just one part of the NSW Government’s broader gaming reform to reduce harm including:

  • reducing the cash input limit from $5000 to $500 for all new electronic gaming machines from 1 July 2023
  • capping the number of gaming machine entitlements in circulation
  • banning political donations from clubs involved in gaming
  • introducing Responsible Gaming Officers at venues with more than 20 machines
  • expanding a third-party exclusion register to the whole state
  • establishing an independent panel of expert stakeholders including industry, harm minimisation organisations, academics, law enforcement, cyber security and the union movement to oversee the cashless gaming trial and recommend an implementation roadmap for gaming reforms.

Major milestone for Barton as traffic moves to new alignment

The Barton Highway upgrade will hit its biggest milestone to date this month as the first vehicles travel on the final alignment for the first time.

The Australian and NSW governments have together committed $200 million towards the upgrade of the Barton Highway, with $150 million provided by the Australian Government and $50 million by the NSW Government.

All northbound Barton Highway traffic will switch onto the new lanes, while work is carried out to prepare the existing highway for southbound-only traffic.

When the reconfiguration of the existing highway is complete, the 7km length of duplication from just north of the NSW-ACT border to just south of Kaveneys Road intersection, will be open to 4 lanes, signalling the completion of the first stage of the Barton Highway upgrade.

Planning is now well underway for the second stage of duplication, which will start at the northern end of the first stage, near Kaveneys Road, and extend north towards Gooda Creek Road.

The Barton Highway project team will be at the upcoming Murrumbateman Field Days on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 October at Murrumbateman Recreation Grounds at site Y35 where the community can find out the latest updates on the project. Transport for NSW will also be promoting road safety and its Be Truck Aware campaign at sites Y36 and Y37.

More information will be shared with the community about the traffic switch, completion of the first stage of duplication, and next steps for the southern tie-in and second stage of duplication when available.

Get more information on the Barton Highway.launch

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

“It is great to see strong progress on this project, which has battled the poor conditions of La Nina weather conditions resulting in higher-than-average rainfall.

“Despite this, work has carried on, with an impressive 254,000 cubic metres of earthwork completed and 60,000 tonnes of road surface rolled out.”

Federal Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Minister and Member for Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain said:

“The Barton Highway is a strategically important rural highway linking the southern and western areas of NSW to the ACT, and this duplication will help improve safety for all motorists making this journey.

“The ultimate goal will be a fully duplicated Barton Highway between the ACT and the Hume Highway, providing motorists with consistent, separated 2-lane driving conditions in each direction and constant overtaking opportunities without the need to merge.”

NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said:

“We’re improving safety by separating traffic with a central median, improving travel time and increasing capacity of this major highway to better meet the needs of the future population.

“We’re also listening to the community and have another opportunity for the community to find out more about the overall project at the upcoming Murrumbateman Field Days on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 October at Murrumbateman Recreation Grounds.”

Assistant Minster for Competition, Charities and Treasury, Assistant Minister for Employment, Member for Fenner Andrew Leigh said:

“The safety of the Barton Highway has been a serious problem for many years. This is a project that will save lives and improve the commute of the thousands of Canberrans who use the Barton Highway every day.

Many Canberrans have campaigned for years for the duplication of the Barton Highway. It’s great to see state and federal governments working together to deliver for the community.”

OFFICIAL VISIT TO AUSTRALIA BY THE PRIME MINISTER OF THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomes the Prime Minister of Fiji, The Hon Sitiveni Rabuka, and Mrs Suluweti Rabuka to Australia from 16 – 21 October for an official Guest of Government visit.

Australia and Fiji have a close and longstanding relationship that is underpinned by mutual respect and trust.

The Prime Ministers will renew and elevate the Fiji-Australia Vuvale Partnership, which has set out the shared principles and priorities of our relationship since 2019 – and work together to strengthen peace, prosperity and resilience in the Pacific.

Australia and Fiji acknowledge that climate change remains the single greatest threat to the livelihoods, security and wellbeing of our region. Both countries are committed to taking ambitious climate action and boosting disaster resilience.

This will be the first official visit to Australia by a Prime Minister of Fiji since 2019.

The Prime Ministers last met in Nadi on 15 March where they held bilateral talks at the Blackrock Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief Camp.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“I am delighted to welcome Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to Australia.

“Australia and Fiji are natural partners and we deeply value our close and longstanding relationship.

“I look forward to strengthening our partnership with Fiji on economic recovery, promoting people-to-people links, security and cyber cooperation.”