Minns Government Integrity

The Opposition acknowledges the actions taken by the Premier today in relation to the Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, and Minister for the Hunter. 

The Government has shown a blatant disregard in Parliament to questions regarding a number of perceived conflicts of interest of other Ministers.

Given today’s revelations and referral to the Independent Commission Against Corruption, the Premier must now provide answers to questions asked by the Opposition regarding perceived conflicts of interest and give confidence to the people of NSW that relevant steps have been taken to manage any perceived conflicts of interest.

FULL FUNDING FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS NOW

The Greens have welcomed the AEU’s new campaign for fully funded public schools and are calling on governments to stop gifting money to elite private schools and finally deliver on the promise of Gonski.

Greens spokesperson on schools, Senator Penny Allman-Payne said:

“Congratulations to the AEU for launching their For Every Child campaign for fully funded public schools. The union is right: public school kids deserve 100% funding.

“But schools can’t wait until the end of the next national funding agreement to get the money they desperately need. That’s 2028. Another five years away.

“That means a public school student in year 7 today will graduate high school having never experienced a fully resourced education.

“There are currently 2.6 million kids enrolled in public schools in Australia. About 2.5 million of them have never experienced a single day at a fully resourced school. Not one day. How many more kids are governments prepared to let down? What’s an acceptable number?

“Things are getting desperate. Overworked teachers, often forced to pay for basic educational resources schools can’t afford, are leaving in droves. Out-of-pocket costs for parents and carers are soaring. More students are disengaging and performance is dropping. 

“Australia now has one of the most privatised and inequitable school systems in the world. It’s a system that heaps privilege onto a fortunate few under the guise of ‘parental choice’, while robbing millions of disadvantaged kids of their futures.

“Labor has an historic opportunity to right the wrongs of the past. They have a weak and chaotic opposition, friendly governments in every mainland state and territory, and a budget surplus of $20 billion. They could end this crisis tomorrow.

“The Greens are calling on Labor to guarantee full funding to all public schools from the start of the next national funding agreement in January 2025.

“Our kids can’t wait any longer.”

ALBANESE MUST ADDRESS AAD UNCERTAINTY

The Albanese Government must set the record straight and address rising fears about what science programs will be axed as a result of a $25 million cut from the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD). 

Concerns continue to be raised from within the AAD about the future of Australia’s Antarctic science programs, following an email sent to staff revealing the division is set to cut approximately 16% of its operating budget. 

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

“Science is the currency of the Antarctic Treaty and if the Albanese Government wants to secure Australia’s leadership role in the region it must properly fund our scientific efforts.

“It’s shocking that we are not hearing more from the Australian Government on this, given we claim 40% of Antarctica as Australian Territory.

“AAD staff are languishing in uncertainty right now. It’s time for the Albanese Government to put its money where its mouth is: prioritise science and fund all Antarctic projects as originally planned.  

“Science programs have suffered a death by a thousand cuts in Antarctica. The Morrison Government had a penchant for big announcements and cutting ribbons on Antarctic projects, but not for investing in people and critical science programs. Whether or not Labor reverses these latest cuts will show us if it is any different.

“Instead of funding fossil fuels, the Albanese Government should be funding science – especially at this juncture in history when scientists are warning of a reduction in Antarctic sea ice equivalent to a once every 7.5 million year event.

“More than ever our planet depends on us understanding the Antarctic region, and that means we need to fund the necessary science to achieve that.” 

LABOR’S SAFETY NET BILL IS A PARACHUTE WILL HOLES

Greens’ Social Services spokesperson, Senator Janet Rice, has slammed Labor’s paltry increase to Centrelink payments that will leave millions of people on poverty-payments.

The Greens introduced a suite of amendments to Labor’s Strengthening the Safety Net Bill –  including implementing recommendations from the Government’s-own Robodebt Royal Commission, the Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee, and the Womens’ Economic Inclusion Taskforce – to help make life easier for the most vulnerable Australians. 

Senator Janet Rice, Greens spokesperson for Social Services said:

“The Labor Government claims they’re leaving no one behind. Labor is leaving everyone on JobSeeker behind with this bill.

“If Labor cared about helping those struggling the most, they would have backed the Greens amendment to raise all Centrelink payments above the poverty line to $88 a day.

“While the Greens will never stop a cent going towards the people who need it most, this bill was pathetically inadequate at addressing the systemic problems plaguing our social security system and still leaves millions of Australians on poverty-payments.

“We know the cost of living crisis has hit those on JobSeeker hardest. Labor managed to find room in the budget for $9000 a year in Stage 3 tax cuts for every billionaire and politician in the country, but can’t raise Centrelink above the poverty line for struggling Australians.

“When it comes to income support, we don’t have a real safety net. As a witness at the bill’s  inquiry said: “I wouldn’t call it a safety net, I would call it a parachute with holes. If you are on JobSeeker, you are going to hit the bottom at some point.”

“All this bill does is put a tiny patch on some of those holes. The increase works out to be around $4 a day, which is less than a cup of coffee and won’t help anyone pay their rent.

“The Greens tried in good faith to improve this bill in ways we thought Labor could support, even proposing amendments based on the Government’s-own Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee and the Robodebt Royal Commission that Labor established, and a recommendation from the RC report that the Prime Minister tearfully endorsed.

“Instead of listening to the community, and their own advisory bodies, the Labor Government teamed up with the Liberals to vote all these amendments down, betraying Robodebt victims, single mothers, and everyone on Centrelink payments struggling to keep a roof over their heads.

“Labor ignored an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in lifting Australians out of poverty and building a strong social safety net for everyone who needs it.

“With paltry bills like this from Labor that don’t even keep pace with record rent hikes and skyrocketing grocery prices, we are in real danger of creating a permanent underclass of people in this country that can’t afford to participate fully in society.

City set to roll out welcome mat for Run for the Voice campaigner Pat Farmer

City of Newcastle will welcome ultramarathon runner Pat Farmer into Wallsend in August as part of his epic six-month run around Australia in support of the Voice to Parliament.

The former Federal Liberal MP will be four months into his 14,400km Run for the Voice journey, which is designed to raise awareness, support and engagement for the upcoming referendum.

Pat will take a break from his demanding schedule, which sees him run up to 80km each day, to share his views on the Voice during City of Newcastle’s family-friendly event at Wallsend’s Federal Park from 11am to 1pm on Saturday 19 August.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle was proud to endorse the ‘Yes’ campaign, and support the tireless campaigning of Pat Farmer to raise awareness about the importance of the upcoming constitutional referendum.

“On behalf of the City of Newcastle, I commend the Hon. Pat Farmer AM for his amazing feat of endurance, all in the name of raising awareness about the importance of voting ‘Yes’ at the upcoming referendum for the Voice to Parliament,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Newcastle has a long and rich history of standing side-by-side with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community to enact positive change, having established the Guraki Aboriginal Advisory Committee more than two decades ago, while also being the first city to raise the Aboriginal Flag over a civic building under the leadership of former Lord Mayor Joy Cummings.

“We’re proud to be the first local council in Greater Newcastle to formally endorse the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the ‘Yes’ campaign, reflecting the views of our progressive and inclusive community.”

Ward Four Councillor Deahnna Richardson applauded Mr Farmer’s efforts to promote understanding of the proposed constitutional amendment.

“City of Newcastle supports the call for a constitutionally recognised voice that would enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to provide advice to Parliament on policies and projects that impact our lives,” Cr Richardson said.

“Pat Farmer’s Run for the Voice is a wonderful initiative that will bring more awareness and understanding of this important issue to communities right around Australia.”

Ward Four Councillor Elizabeth Adamczyk said City of Newcastle’s community event will provide an accessible way for people to learn more about the upcoming referendum and the ‘Yes’ campaign.

“I encourage Novocastrians to come out and show their support for Pat and the Voice at our family-friendly event at Wallsend later this month,” Cr Adamczyk said.

Find out more about Pat and track his travels around Australia at www.runforthevoice.com

Visit fromtheheart.com.au for more information on the national campaign.

Statement from Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes on the passing of the Hon. Richard Face

It’s with much sadness that I acknowledge the passing of the Hon. (Richard) Jack Richard Face, former State Member for Charlestown, Minister for Gaming and Racing and Minister Assisting the Premier on Hunter Development in the Carr Labor Government, who passed away peacefully last night.

Born in Merewether and attending Merewether Public School, Broadmeadow High School and Newcastle Technical College, Richard served as the Labor State Member for Charlestown from 1972 to 2003.

Richard was a very strong supporter of local government and played an integral role in preserving the Glenrock State Conservation Area for the community. He worked closely with my mum and dad on that important campaign.

Richard was always generous with his advice, time and guidance, and was a man with true Labor values who always strongly supported me running for Council – first as a Councillor, and then as Lord Mayor.

On behalf of the City of Newcastle, the elected Council and all Novocastrians, I pass on my sincerest condolences to Richard’s partner Gay, and his family and friends.

A celebration of Richard’s life, his contribution to public policy and the Labor movement will be held on Wednesday, 9 August at Pettigrew Family Funerals, Mayfield West at 12 noon.

Statement on the Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education and the Minister for the Hunter

Today I have met with the Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education and Minister for the Hunter, Tim Crakanthorp.

I have formed the view that Mr Crakanthorp has failed to comply with his obligations under the Ministerial Code of Conduct to promptly notify me of a potential conflict of interest. 

This has given rise to concerns that he may have acted in matters in which he had a conflict between his public duties and the property interests of members of his family.

This is unacceptable and I have referred the matter to the ICAC.

Mr Crakanthorp’s failure to comply with the letter and the spirit of the Ministerial Code of Conduct has caused me to lose confidence in his ability to discharge his duties as a Minister.

In light of this, I have asked Mr Crakanthorp to resign and he has agreed.

On forming Government, I clearly set out my expectations to my Ministers that they conduct themselves with the highest integrity to maintain the public’s trust in government.

Deputy Premier Prue Car will assume responsibility as interim Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education and Training.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley will assume responsibility as interim Minister for the Hunter.

Applications open to fund Spring Holiday Break activities

Regional councils and eligible not-for-profit organisations are encouraged to apply for funding to deliver events and activities for young people during the upcoming Spring school holidays under the Holiday Break program.

Minister for Youth Rose Jackson said applications are now open for the popular program, which has funded everything from science exhibitions and song writing classes to virtual reality tournaments and surfing clinics for young people in the regions.

“That’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the type of opportunities that the Holiday Break program provides to keep young people entertained and engaged during the school holidays,” Ms Jackson said.

“We know how expensive it can be for parents and carers to find things to do during school breaks so it’s important that the events and activities on offer are free to help ease some of that financial pressure for regional families.”

Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, said young people in regional NSW often face financial and geographical barriers that impact their ability to access recreational and social activities within their local communities.

“The program provides young people across regional NSW with wonderful opportunities to connect, have fun and learn new skills during the school holidays. I am pleased to see the program supporting young people and our vibrant regional communities.”

Funding of up to $8,000 will be available to 93 regional councils and eligible not-for-profit organisations to cover the cost of running youth events from Saturday 23 September to Sunday 8 October 2023.

The funding can be used to support a wide range of activities including youth concerts and music events, dances and discos, sport and recreational activities, and art and theatre workshops.

The NSW Government also has a growing base of program partners including Rugby NSW, KYUP!, Create NSW, One Giant Leap Foundation, and the NSW Office of Sport, who have hosted activities such as self-defence workshops, song writing classes, holiday camps and an aerospace academy.

The NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors is another program partner that provides young people from a refugee background with access to free holiday activities.

Community Services Coordinator Jasmina Bajraktarevic-Hayward said it’s a chance for young people who are often processing traumatic settlement journeys to try new sport and recreational activities, show their creativity and develop friendships.

“The program plays an important role in helping young people from a refugee background get to know their community and environment, make new friends and engage in activities that have profound therapeutic impacts through creation of safety, connections and mastery,” Ms Bajraktarevic-Hayward said.

Funding applications are open now until 5pm Sunday 13 August 2023, or when funds are exhausted.

To find out more and for program guidelines, visit www.nsw.gov.au/holidaybreak.

NSW to go green and gold as Matildas score Sydney final

Following the Matildas’ triumphant win over Canada in their final pool match of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, the NSW Government is getting behind the team in the lead up to their round of 16 match on Monday 7 August which will be played in Sydney at Stadium Australia.

Buildings will turn green and gold, and messages of support will be displayed across the transport network, with everyone encouraged to wear green and gold to show their support!

The Matildas have already made history with the biggest ever Australian winning margin in a World Cup match.

It is only fitting that the Sydney Opera House is illuminated next Monday from 6pm.

The Central Station Clock Tower will go gold and the lighting inside the Central Station Concourse will go green and gold in tribute.

A message of support will be amplified across screens on the transport network, in Metro and train stations, buses and bus stops, at light rail platforms and on ferry wharves, as well as across more than 100 Service NSW centres.

The NSW Government will also turn its social channels green and gold for the day.

In addition, everyone is urged to wear green and gold where they can, as we barrack for the women’s team to make the quarter-final round.

Next Monday’s match will also be screened at the FIFA Fan Festival at Tumbalong Park, in Darling Harbour, which is providing a lively and very popular destination for crowds to join in on the FIFA Women’s World Cup atmosphere.

The FIFA Fan Festival site shows every game for free on large screens, along with live performances and street food.

The Matildas qualification for the round of 16 comes with Sydney in the grip of Women’s World Cup fever.

The Sydney Football Stadium (SFS) has hosted 2 sell-out matches in a row while crowds have been growing at live fan sites.

As the mighty Matildas toppled Olympic champions Canada on Monday night in Melbourne, a crowd of 4000 fans watched from the Tumbalong Park live site in Darling Harbour.

A combined total of 80,853 fans attended the epic Colombia versus Germany game along with the England versus Denmark match at the SFS over the weekend – both full crowds.

Upcoming matches are expected to continue breaking World Cup viewing records across the world, with Sydney hosting games in all remaining stages right through to the final at Stadium Australia on Sunday 20 August.

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 is firmly on track to be the biggest ever, with 1.65 million tickets across the tournament’s 64 games sold.

At 550,800, Sydney has already sold more tickets than any other host city for the tournament ever.

Outside the stadiums, the atmosphere is building towards the knockout rounds. More than 118,000 people have so far attended the free FIFA Fan Festival site at Darling Harbour.

Live sites are being hosted in many local government areas to ensure fans across NSW get their taste of World Cup fever.

Find out more information about everything taking place at the FIFA Fan Festivallaunch website.

For those unable to visit the FIFA Fan Festival, councils across Sydney and NSW will also be screening FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 games at live siteslaunch.

Fans are encouraged to use public transport to travel to the game and the live site. Visit transportnsw.infolaunch to plan your trip.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“We are so proud of the Matildas making the final 16.

“We are celebrating this achievement by turning Sydney green and gold next Monday.

“NSW is proud to be part of this World Cup and we are so proud of what the Matildas have achieved so far.

“Sydney has come alive and we are taking this to the next level.

“Let’s take the Matildas to the next round.”

Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said:

“The atmosphere in Sydney is electric and rising by the day. This was a huge weekend in which every seat for both games in Sydney was taken followed by an incredible win by the Matildas in Melbourne which takes them on to the next round.

“This is a defining moment for the rise of women’s sport and we are proud Sydney is the main stage where it will play out, including hosting the Final.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled for the Matildas who will now look ahead to their next game in Sydney.”

NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“The Matildas kicked off their campaign in Sydney in front of a record crowd of 75,000 people, and we can’t wait to see another packed house at Stadium Australia.

“NSW is undoubtedly the sports capital of Australia, and the entire state will be behind the Matildas as they go for glory.

“I encourage everyone to don the green and gold, get to the game or a community fan site, to witness this once in a lifetime opportunity.” 

NSW Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said: 

“The Matildas have made Australia proud and we’re all getting behind the team for their match next Monday.

“It’s truly an exciting time for women’s sport. The Matildas are superb athletes and great role models that women and girls can aspire to.”

Football NSW CEO John Tsatsimas said:

“It’s been fantastic to see so much support for the Matildas from across the NSW community.

“We are incredibly proud of their achievements and of the role our NSW representatives have played in getting the team this far.

“We are excited to see the state turn green and gold on Monday and look forward to the ongoing implementation of the NSW Football Legacy Program to ensure we can cater for the next generation of female football stars.”

Demerit point reduction trial gets Parliament green light

More than 1.7 million drivers will be eligible to have a demerit point scrubbed from their licence after Parliament on Wednesday endorsed the Minns Labor Government’s trial to encourage safer driving.

The Road Transport Amendment (Demerit Point Reduction Trial) Bill 2023 passed both houses and will come into effect 6 months earlier than originally flagged.

To qualify for a demerit point to be wiped, drivers who have not incurred any demerits since 17 January will need to continue that spotless behaviour until 17 January next year. It normally takes 3 years for a demerit point to be expunged from a driver’s record.

The trial which was announced as a policy during the state election, had originally been slated to start on July 1, but the Government is determined to allow drivers who do the right thing the chance to shed a demerit point sooner.

It is expected to take about 3 months to finalise offences, so eligible drivers will start seeing one demerit point removed from mid-April 2024.

Learner and provisional licence holders are not included in the trial given they are subject to strict conditions of the NSW Graduated Licensing Scheme.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“This is good news for safe driving. We want to encourage drivers to do the right thing which is why we are adding this incentive into the licence system rather than only relying on deterrents and demerits to get the road safety message through.

“Reducing the road toll and rewarding safe driving across the state is the aim of this trial and I am pleased the parliament agreed, with bipartisan support.

“It’s time we put safety back at the centre of our road rules, not revenue raising.”

Minister for Roads John Graham said:

“The demerit trial is an important carrot for drivers to remain offence-free over a 12-month period and we will closely watch the results to see if there is a net safety benefit for motorists, pedestrians, and communities.

“Under the previous government, there were almost a million demerit points on record and the road toll still rising. We are trying something different to encourage drivers to do the right thing and improve safety on our roads. We can’t expect to keep doing the same thing and get different results.”