Today I will travel to Timor-Leste to meet with newly appointed Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão and his government, and to reaffirm Australia’s deep and broad friendship with our close partner.
During the visit I will also meet with President José Ramos-Horta and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Bendito Freitas.
Australia and Timor-Leste are close neighbours, friends and partners. These deep bonds form the foundation on which we can build our futures together. We are equal stakeholders in an open, stable and prosperous region.
From economic development, through to assisting Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN, Australia is committed to supporting Timor-Leste as a sovereign, secure and resilient nation.
We cooperate across a wide range of sectors, including health and human development, education and skills, and defence and security.
This cooperation reflects the deep reservoir of respect, friendship and solidarity between the Timorese and Australian people.
This will be my second visit to Timor-Leste as Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Newcastle Museum is turning back the clock to the days of paddle steamers and horse drawn carriages as part of a special exhibition showcasing one of Australia’s best model railways.
Created by noted modeller Ross Balderson and a small group of fellow enthusiasts, Newcastle 1899 depicts the Newcastle Railway precinct in miniature at the turn of the century, complete with steam trams chugging their way up and down Scott Street.
The working model is complemented by a bustling harbor filled with historically accurate ships including tugboats “Champion” and “Commodore” and the paddle steamship “SS Namoi”.
Creating it was a labour of love for Mr Balderson, who has been working on it for more than a decade after being inspired by an image in a railway book taken by renowned Newcastle-based photographer Ralph Snowball.
“I have produced numerous model railway layouts throughout my life recreating New South Wales locations and capturing moments in time of our past history,” Mr Balderson said.
“I chose to model Newcastle after first being inspired by one single photograph published in a railway book, which showed a scene looking across Newcastle’s railway station platforms and rail yard to a row of moored sailing ships loading goods at Queens Wharf.
“With the assistance of Greg Ray and David Hampton I have been given the opportunity to show the model at Newcastle Museum, displaying how the city once appeared back in the days of sailing ships and horse drawn vehicles.”
City of Newcastle Director of Museum, Archive, Libraries and Learning, Julie Baird, said Newcastle Museum welcomed the opportunity to showcase this unique peek into Newcastle’s past.
“Ross and his supporters have spent the past 10 years painstakingly recreating the Newcastle Railway Station precinct, drawing from historical photographs, measuring existing buildings, and hand-painting backdrops to develop a breathtaking record of Newcastle in the age of sail and steam,” Ms Baird said.
“The model is a superb reflection of the complex and varied skills that contribute to model-making, combining artistic flair, precision accuracy and detailed research to create one of the finest examples of historically accurate miniature railways in Australia.
“Newcastle Museum plays an important role in interpreting and preserving our city’s fascinating history for future generations and we are proud to be able to display the model for the first time in Newcastle.”
Local history buffs and railway enthusiasts who have been following the progress of the build through the Lost Newcastle and the Rediscovered Newcastle Facebook groups will finally have the chance to see the model in real life when it is displayed in Newcastle Museum’s Link Gallery from 7-9 July.
Lost Newcastle founder and Newcastle Councillor Carol Duncan said it has been wonderful watching this project from afar and can’t wait to finally see it in person.
“Ross and his supporters are so incredibly passionate about this project and it’s been fascinating to see this model come together over the years,” Cr Duncan.
“I encourage everyone to take the chance this weekend to check out this working model at Newcastle Museum, which provides an insight into a time in Newcastle’s history that otherwise could be lost to future generations.”
Newcastle 1899 will be displayed alongside Hexham-ish, a model railway built by Steve Curry based on the J & A Brown railway that operated for over 130 years between Hexham and Minmi.
Steve has been responsible for scratch-building highly detailed models of the J & A Brown locomotive fleet, including a representation of The Buck, which is on permanent display at Newcastle Museum.
Entry to the museum is free, and both model railways will be available to view during regular opening hours of 10am-5pm. Both layouts will operate, with trains running throughout the day.
Patients suffering from hard-to-treat bacterial infections across NSW will soon have better access to limb and life-saving therapy known as phage therapy.
Minister for Medical Research David Harris today announced the NSW Government will invest $3.5 million over the next 2 years to urgently address an ongoing global manufacturing bottleneck in delivering phage therapy.
Bacteriophages or ‘phages’ are viruses that selectively infect bacteria and can kill them. With increasing concern of antibiotic-resistant bacteria worldwide, phage therapy research is taking place as an alternative or addition to traditional antibiotics.
Mr Harris said the NSW Government investment will increase phage therapy access for patients with serious bacterial infections, such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR), sepsis and prosthetic infections.
“NSW is a world leader in the development of phage therapy, however, we know there is a global manufacturing bottleneck due to the very few facilities worldwide that can manufacture high-quality phage products. This is severely limiting supply which impacts the delivery of this treatment.” Mr Harris said.
“This significant investment will allow NSW experts to increase manufacturing capabilities right here in NSW via the Westmead Institute for Medical Research (WIMR) and bypass the international issues that are slowing down access.
“This is a win for patients and a boost for our local clinical research bodies.”
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said the investment will help drive innovation in the development of phage therapies.
“Phage therapies are an exciting field of medicine and could be the answer to the rapidly growing problem of antibiotic-resistant infectious diseases,” Mr Park said.
“We know that antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats facing global health systems and can lead to longer hospital stays, higher medical costs and increased mortality.”
Director of the Centre for Infectious Disease and Microbiology at WIMR and founder of Phage Australia, Professor Jon Iredell, welcomed the announcement.
“Phage Australia opened a new clinical trial last year to treat patients around Australia and we are thrilled to have treated 30 patients so far. However, we have had to restrict the size of the trial due to limited access to high-quality phage preparations,” Prof. Iredell said.
“These funds will increase local manufacturing capability at the Westmead Institute for Medical Research, which until now has only been able to treat 1 patient per month.
“This means we can double current capacity and begin to address the growing demand from around Australia and from overseas, for NSW-manufactured phage therapies.”
Mr Harris announced the funding at a meeting with visiting international Professors interested in the research on phage therapy being undertaken by Phage Australia.
Hosted by senior executives within the NSW Health Division of Clinical Innovation and Research, the meeting showcased the work of Phage Australia and included discussions about how best to collaborate and innovate in the global fight against antimicrobial resistance.
Phage Australia are world leaders in the development and manufacture of phage therapy. It is a national consortium and key NSW members include Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network and the University of Sydney. So far, patients have been treated in NSW at hospitals including within Western Sydney Local Health District and Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network.
The work to implement stage 2 of the Minns Labor Government’s landmark rental reforms is underway, with consultations open across the state.
After 12 years without a voice, the Minns government is asking renters – along with owners and industry – for their views on critical changes to make renting fairer.
Through this process, people in NSW can comment on changes that will help transform the system and bring it into the 21st century, including;
ending no grounds evictions by requiring a reason to end a lease
making it easier for renters to have pets
protecting renters’ personal information and privacy
making it easier to transfer rental bonds from one property to another
other ways to improve conditions for renters and take the pressure off.
The move paves the way for legislation to be introduced by the end of the year.
Aside from rental reforms, the Minns Government is taking steps to increase housing supply across the state with high-quality new homes to put downward pressure on rents.
That work includes an audit of surplus public land that could be rezoned for housing, speeding up project approvals and establishing the NSW Building Commission.
People in NSW can have their say on the rental reforms until August 11 2023.
Minister for Fair Trading and Better Regulation Anoulack Chanthivong said:
“Renters are under extreme pressure in a tight market, but they’re also saddled with unfair and outdated rules that make life even harder.
“We’re getting on with our commitment to rebalance the equation, give renters more protections and let them get on with their lives.
“We want to hear from everyone because renters and owners need each other, and they both need a fair set of rules.
“This consultation will give people across the state a voice on what they think of changes to improve stability and fairness in the current rental environment and into the future.”
The Broken Hill community has been given a first look at designs for the new purpose-built Acute Mental Health Inpatient Unit which will provide a modern and contemporary therapeutic space for people with mental health needs, their families, carers and staff.
Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson said the new co-designed facility will be built on the Broken Hill Base Hospital campus in Thomas Street, and will provide safe and reliable care for vulnerable people now and into the future.
“Having a space which complements recovery and is close to other related health services is essential. The design of this facility shows the future of mental health care in Broken Hill,” Ms Jackson said.
“We want to ensure communities in regional areas have access to comprehensive facilities and services to provide elevated support for those with mental health needs.”
The Mental Health Inpatient Unit will be built to the south-west of the current facility and adjacent to existing community mental health related services which received positive feedback during the master planning process.
The proposed location takes into account key considerations including options for future expansion, proximity to the Emergency Department which is also being expanded as part of the Broken Hill Health Service Redevelopment Project, and impact to hospital operations.
The new designs showcase the exterior of the building, including key features such as the front entry and main courtyard.
“Safe and secure outside spaces are an important consideration in the design, with the availability of natural light and fresh air, as well as Indigenous influenced landscaping, contributing to a therapeutic and culturally safe environment for all people in our community,” Ms Jackson said.
“Internally, the unit will be used flexibly to care for a range of mental health consumers including the most vulnerable and those with very high needs.”
FWLHD Chief Executive Mr Brad Astill said extensive consultation with staff, carers and the community, including Aboriginal representatives, has enabled the project team to take on feedback on various aspects of the building design to ensure it best supports clinical and staffing needs.
“Co-design has been crucial in providing valuable input into the infrastructure so that it meets the needs of Broken Hill and surrounding communities.”
“I encourage everyone in the community to view the concept designs and speak directly with the project team at a series of information sessions in July,” Mr Astill said.
Pop-up sessions will be held as follows:
Monday 10 July 2023, 3.30pm to 5pm Outside Coles Supermarket, South St, Broken Hill
Tuesday 11 July 2023, 9am to 10.30am Westside Plaza, 5 Galena St, Broken Hill
Tuesday 11 July 2023, 11am to 12.30pm Main Foyer, Broken Hill Health Service, Thomas St, Broken Hill
The Broken Hill Health Service Redevelopment also includes a $10 million upgrade to the hospital’s Emergency Department, which will be reconfigured to better meet the critical health needs of the region and includes tailored treatment spaces for children and those requiring mental health services.
As people across NSW celebrate NAIDOC Week 2023, Minister for Small Business Steve Kamper met with an Aboriginal business owner in Redfern today to discuss the opportunities and challenges for building a small business.
Hundreds of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and small business owners across NSW have received free, culturally safe and inclusive business coaching and advice through the Aboriginal Business Advisory Initiative (ABAI).
Support is exclusively for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who own a business or are thinking about starting a business in NSW. The ABAI provides independent, tailored advice face-to-face or over the phone.
The free advisory services are delivered by independent Aboriginal advisors who bring their own lived experience, knowledge of small business operations and strong community connections to the coaching sessions.
The Aboriginal Business Advisory Initiative can help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples at every stage of their business journey by supporting businesses start-up, encouraging business expansion, providing access to training and building capacity through greater connectivity to NSW Government procurement.
Arts, recreation and construction are some of the top industries supported by the Aboriginal Business Advisory Initiative, with the majority of people seeking advice on business planning and start up.
The Aboriginal Business Advisory Initiative is complemented by the Service NSW Business Connect program which has more than 100 independent business advisors, including multiple who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, who have experience running their own business and have qualifications in business-related disciplines such as business and commerce.
The program moved from Training Services NSW under the NSW Department of Education to Service NSW for Business on 1 October 2022.
NSW Minister for Small Business Steve Kamper said:
“The NSW Government is focused on removing barriers for small business owners at every stage of their business journey and is committed to seeing more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples build a small business.”
“The Aboriginal Business Advisory Initiative provides free, culturally safe and inclusive business coaching and advice face-to-face or over the phone.”
“More than 1000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across NSW have received independent, tailored advice from the Aboriginal Business Advisory Initiative and we want to see this number continue to grow.”
NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:
“We know that economic advancement contributes to Closing the Gap outcomes, which is why NSW specifically developed a fifth Priority Reform to focus on Aboriginal employment, business growth and economic prosperity – the Aboriginal Business Advisory Initiative supports this vision.”
“The NSW Government supports a flourishing Aboriginal business sector under NSW Closing the Gap Priority Reform 5 – Aboriginal economic prosperity, jobs and businesses.”
“Investing in strong Aboriginal businesses not only benefits all communities in NSW but creates lasting impacts in Aboriginal communities through wealth creation and employment.
“The NSW Government is committed to investing the $10 million over 4 years associated with the NSW Roadmap for Aboriginal Business Growth into strong partnership and collaboration with Aboriginal businesses in this state.”
Following yesterday’s chaos on Sydney’s train network, the Opposition is calling on the Minns Government to implement a fare free day next Monday to apologise to impacted commuters.
In February 2022 then Opposition Leader Chris Minns supported providing a fare free Monday following a shutdown of the train network during a period of negotiations with trade unions. [1]
Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward said “the Premier and Transport Minister need to step up and be accountable for what occurred yesterday”.
In February 2022 responding to similar incident Transport Minister Jo Haylen commented:
“The lights are out across our train network, and they are also out in the Transport Minister’s office,”
“It’s clear there is no accountability. No one knows who’s in charge and passengers are yet again paying the price.”[2]
Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward continued:
“In the past week we have seen the Premier and Transport Minister on leave with looming industrial action hanging over the State, the transport system grind to a halt and no one from the Government bothering to front up and provide answers on what they plan to do about it,” Ms Ward said.
“The Transport Minister launched a review promising to ‘fix’ Sydney trains, yet all we have seen is commuters inconvenienced and now the train system unable to function as a result of a single person phoning in sick.”
“The job of Government is to ensure the trains run on time, not issue press releases and reviews, The Government has a lot to answer for.”
Acting Leader of the Opposition Natalie Ward has called out the NSW Labor Government for spending more time in their first 100 days in office opening projects delivered by the former Liberal and Nationals Government than delivering their own election promises.
“The only list longer than Labor’s list of broken promises is their list of projects they’re taking credit for,” Ms Ward said.
“Labor Ministers need to spend less time swanning around cutting ribbons and taking credit for projects they often opposed, and more time getting their priorities right and delivering for the families and households of NSW.”
Projects the NSW Labor Government has taken credit for include:
Announced milestone on Coalition Government’s investment in the redevelopment of Westmead Children’s Hospital
Announced milestone on Coalition Government’s investment in new Shellharbour Hospital
Announced beginning of testing under Sydney Harbour of new Metro line
Opened a new sporting facility at Newport
Announced milestone on Coalition Government’s investment in the redevelopment of Shoalhaven Hospital
Expanded the Coalition Government’s inTouch urgent care service
Opened an upgraded road at Heddon Greta
Opened an upgraded railway station in Dubbo
Opened a new domestic violence refuge in Penrith
Announced milestone on Coalition Government’s investment in the Sydney Gateway project
Announced milestone on Coalition Government’s trial of the supply of the pill / UTI medication in pharmacies
Turned the first sod on construction of a primary school in Gregory Hills
Announced re-opening of Zig Zag railway
Announced milestone on Coalition Government’s investment in Australia’s first pride museum
Announced milestone on Coalition Government’s investment in the redevelopment of Liverpool Hospital
Announced opening of new concourse at Central railway station
Opened a new sporting facility at Heffron Park
Opened the RPA HealthOne hub at Green Square
Announced milestone on Coalition Government’s investment in social housing at Greenacre
Announced milestone on Coalition Government’s investment in the redevelopment of St George Hospital
Handed over 80 four-wheel-drive ambulances
Opened a renal dialysis service at Hornsby, part of the Coalition Government’s investment in the redevelopment of Hornsby Hospital
Announced milestone on Coalition Government’s investment in social housing at Parramatta
Re-announced the Coalition Government’s commitment to a new Urgent Care Clinic in Long Jetty
Announced milestone on Coalition Government’s investment in a new primary school at Liverpool
Announced milestone on Coalition Government’s investment in new facilities at Liverpool West Public School
Opened a new Acute Services Building at Prince of Wales Hospital
Opened a new STRONG Medicine centre in Concord
Expanded the Coalition Government’s Sustaining NSW Families program
Announced milestone on new Metro station at Barangaroo
Announced milestone on Coalition Government’s transferral of Goat Island
Announced milestone on Coalition Government’s investment in the new Westmead Health Precinct
Announced expansion of Coalition Government’s Single Employer Model approach to health care in regional NSW
Announced milestone on Coalition Government’s redevelopment of the Sydney Fish Markets
All Australians join the family of Constable Anthony Woods in mourning. He was a young man cruelly robbed of his future. A husband, son, brother and uncle taken from his loved ones. An Australian who went to work and never came home.
Like all police officers, Constable Woods knew the risks his job entailed. Yet he bravely performed his duties, putting himself in harm’s way so others could be safe.
The hearts of all Australians go out to his wife, Emily, and all his family. We grieve with his friends, his workmates, and the broader police community, whose every member feels each loss so very deeply.
A funding agreement is now in place for the Australian Government’s $55 million election commitment towards upgrading international terminal facilities at Newcastle Airport.
The funding will support construction of an upgraded international terminal to increase the capacity, efficiency and effectiveness of international passenger and border processing at Newcastle Airport.
This will bolster air transport links and connectivity opportunities for the Hunter.
Transforming Newcastle Airport into an international gateway will generate significant economic benefits for local and regional tourism and trade sectors.
The terminal works at Newcastle Airport are scheduled for completion in 2024.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:
“My Government wants to see regional centres like Newcastle grow and prosper into the future.”
“We are ensuring that every dollar that is invested has lasting benefits for the Hunter region.”
“We understand how important tourism is to the Hunter. And these upgrades will connect the region, and its incredible products, to the rest of the world.”
the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King said:
“Making Newcastle Airport an international gateway will unlock greater opportunities for local tourism while better connecting residents to the world.”
“The project will also support significant employment and economic stimulus during and after construction, providing even more of a boost for the Hunter.”
Qthe Member for Paterson, Meryl Swanson said:
“We are getting on with the job of delivering on our $55 million election commitment to contribute to the upgrade of international terminal facilities at Newcastle Airport.”
“The upgraded international terminal will be transformational for the whole Hunter region – for the aviation sector, for local tourism and for communities.”
