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FINAL REPORT OF THE ROYAL COMMISSION INTO THE ROBODEBT SCHEME

Today, Commissioner Catherine Holmes AC SC has delivered the Final Report of the Robodebt Royal Commission.

The Royal Commission has found that “Robodebt was a crude and cruel mechanism, neither fair nor legal, and it made many people feel like criminals. In essence, people were traumatised on the off-chance they might owe money. It was a costly failure of public administration, in both human and economic terms” (page xxix, Overview of Robodebt).

The Albanese Government thanks Commissioner Holmes and her team for their dedication, professionalism and forensic work throughout the Royal Commission process.

The establishment of the Royal Commission into the Robodebt Scheme was a key election commitment of the Albanese Government.

This is another step toward delivering justice for the more than 500,000 victims of the former Liberal Government’s unlawful five year long Robodebt Scheme.

The former Government implemented the Robodebt Scheme in 2015. And, for almost five years, Liberal Ministers dismissed or ignored the significant concerns that were raised, over and over again, by victims, public servants, community organisations and legal experts.

The Robodebt Scheme only came to an end in 2020 after the Federal Court found that it was unlawful in late 2019.

Upon receipt of the Royal Commission’s Final Report, the Government has decided to release it to the public immediately.

The Report can be accessed at Publications.

The Government will now consider the recommendations presented in the final report carefully and provide a full response in due course.

To those who shared their stories with the Royal Commission and who campaigned tirelessly to raise the alarm bells about the gross betrayal that was the Robodebt Scheme – thank you.

Throughout the Royal Commission process we have seen courage, leadership and ethics on display from victims, their advocates and whistle-blowers.

We also acknowledge the individuals, researchers, stakeholder groups, expert witnesses, government and non-government representatives who gave evidence by way of hearings and submissions. This evidence has helped inform the Royal Commission’s report and recommendations.

Two men charged following three-day joy ride – Hunter Region

Two men have been charged following a three-day joy ride in the Hunter Region this week.

Around 5am on Wednesday 5 July 2023, officers from Newcastle City Police District observed a white Hyundai Tucson on Harriet Street, Waratah, driving in a manner dangerous.

Checks on the vehicle revealed it was reported stolen during a break and enter at a Cameron Park address on Tuesday 4 July 2023.

Around 4.30am on Thursday 6 July 2023, the stolen vehicle was sighted by police travelling at speeds up to 180km/h on the M1 Pacific Motorway at Wahroonga.

A pursuit was initiated by officers from the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command; however, was terminated due to safety concerns.

Around 7.30am that morning (Thursday 6 July 2023), police spotted SUV on Croudace Bay Road, Belmont, before it collided into a police vehicle and fled the scene.

A second pursuit was initiated before later being terminated.

The Hyundai was located shortly afterwards at Gari Street in Charlestown, where police were told two men were seen abandoning the SUV and running into nearby bushland.

With the assistance of the dog unit, officers from Lake Macquarie Police District located and arrested two men at Park Street, Charlestown, before taking them to Belmont Police Station.

An 18-year-old man was charged with take & drive conveyance without consent of owner and a 22-year-old man was charged with be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner.

Both men were also charged with breach of bail and subsequently refused bail to appear before Belmont Local Court on Friday 7 July 2023.

Sex Crimes Squad detectives charge man with alleged online procurement of child – Strike Force Trawler

Detectives from State Crime Command’s Sex Crimes Squad have charged a man following an investigation into online grooming in Newcastle under Strike Force Trawler.

Strike Force Trawler is an ongoing investigation by Sex Crimes Squad’s Child Exploitation Internet Unit (CEIU) into the sexual abuse and exploitation of children facilitated through the internet and related telecommunications devices.

Earlier this month, detectives began engaging online with a 64-year-old Wallsend man, who they will allege was using a social media platform to approach and groom young boys for the purpose of sexual activity.

Following subsequent inquiries, about 9am today (Thursday 6 July 2023), strike force detectives attended a service station in Wallsend where they arrested 64-year-old man.

A short time later, officers executed a search warrant an address in Wallsend, where a number of electronic devices were located.

The items were seized to undergo further forensic examination.

The man was taken to Waratah Police Station, where he was charged with use carriage service-procure <16 years for sexual activity.

He was refused bail to appear in Newcastle Local Court today.

Inquiries under Strike Force Trawler continue.

PLIBERSEK’S 450GL BROKEN PROMISE RISKS BREAKING RIVER MURRAY

Environment Minister Plibersek is preparing the ground to break the Government’s election promise of delivering 450 gigalitres to the river Murray by 2024 under the Murray Darling Basin Plan.

Greens spokesperson for Water and the Environment, SA Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said:

“Our river needs action, not delay.

“A delay on the 450 gigalitres is a broken election promise to every South Australian and risks breaking our river Murray. This water must be delivered before the next election – South Australians are sick of excuses.

“Buybacks must be used now to secure the promised water, not a concocted delay designed to hide a broken election promise. That means standing up to the big irrigators in the upstream states.

“South Australia and our environment cannot afford another term of government where nothing happens to save the river. It’s been a wasted decade and the river needs more than hand wringing from Ministers about how hard the job is to do.

“If the Environment Minister is not up to the job, the PM should step in at National Cabinet, put money on the table, and push Labor premiers to deliver the water that the river and South Australia needs and was promised.

“The Minister has found time to approve 3 coal mines in the past 2 months but now says she’s run out of time to deliver the water that was promised to the river Murray. We need less river-wrecking coal mines and more water.

“The CSIRO and MDBA Chair Sir Angus Houston have warned climate change will rob the river of between 20-30% of water inflows. With El Niño coming this summer, the 450 gigalitres must be bought and delivered to protect the river.

“The Government needs to stop passing the buck and start taking responsibility for protecting our river.”

LABOR MUST COME CLEAN ABOUT THE BIAK MASSACRE 25 YEARS ON DURING PRESIDENT WIDODO’S VISIT

Indonesia’s President Widodo’s visit to Australia has ignited a pressing demand for an open and honest conversation about the ongoing West Papua crisis. With the 25-year anniversary of the Biak Massacre on 6th July, it serves as a stark reminder of the need for truth and accountability.

Since his election in 2014, President Widodo promised social reform for West Papua. However, the situation has only deteriorated, resulting in escalating tensions and deepening divisions between the Indonesian Government and the West Papuan people.

Almost 54 years since the ironically named ‘Act of Free Choice’ referendum for West Papuan independence, the human rights abuses, colonialism and impunity for the Indonesian military have continued. Successive Australian governments have remained silent and inactive.

We know that the Australian Defence Force has concealed war crimes committed by Indonesian military police in West Papua. The Australian Government Defence Intelligence Report, dated July 17 1998, uncovers an investigation conducted by an Australian military attache and intelligence officer, shedding light on the massacre of West Papuan men, women and children by Indonesian defence and security forces on Biak Island.

The hostage-taking of Phil Mehrtens by the West Papuan Liberation Army has raised significant concerns, and while Greens strongly condone this abhorrent act, it underscores the desperate cry for international attention towards the West Papuan crisis, and Australia must actively engage.

The Australian Greens will continue to call for an opportunity for the indigenous West Papuan people to participate in a free, democratic process to decide their own future.

Senator Steele-John, Australian Greens spokesperson for Foreign Affairs, Peace & Nuclear Disarmament said :

“The Australian Greens are calling on President Widodo to allow unfettered access to West Papua for United Nations officials and foreign journalists, as well as drop charges against political prisoners. For the Australian Government to continue to stay silent is to condone these abuses.”

“The Greens recognise that the indigenous people of West Papua should have the opportunity to democratically decide their own future in accordance with international standards of human rights and the principles of international law.”

“The government and ADF decision-makers must be held accountable for concealing the truth about the Biak Massacre.”

“Being complicit in covering up human rights abuses is on our region is shameful. Without the ability of West Papuans to exercise self-determination, stability and peace in the region will remain elusive.

“We watched as the Prime Minister & Foreign Minister championed President Modi during his visit to Australia, whilst the diaspora of the minority Indian community shared their concerns and fears. The Labor Government must not let this visit be the same if they want a free, peaceful and stable Indo-Pacific region.

“Friends must be able to talk frankly when they disagree and President Widodo must be included in that.”

Senator David Shoebridge, Australian Greens spokesperson for Defence said:

“Tomorrow marks 25 years since the devastating Biak Massacre which saw Indonesian defence and security forces torture and kill West Papuan men, women and children yet we are still no closer to finding out details of the attack and our government remains silent.

“The Australian Defence Force must come clean about what it knows about the atrocities that took place 25 years ago and tell what they know about war crimes by the Indonesian military in West Papua.

“We know that an investigation took place and evidence was gathered and provided to Defence but we are yet to see any of those findings.

“Allegations that Defence has destroyed photographic evidence are deeply troubling and require a detailed response from the ADF.

“West Papuans deserve justice, transparency and access to the truth and we support them in these calls.

“The Greens are calling for full transparency of Australia’s role in training Indonesian military units and the suspension of any funding for units found to be involved in human rights abuses.”

More GPs and ED doctors for regional NSW: expanding Single Employer Model

Access to healthcare in regional communities will be given a boost, after the NSW Government’s proposal to expand the Single Employer Model was approved by the Commonwealth Government.

The Single Employer Model provides a tailored, coordinated pathway for doctors wanting to become rural generalists during their training in public health facilities and private GP practices.

In turn, it will give more people across rural, regional and remote NSW greater access to locally available healthcare services.

The initiative achieves this by making it more attractive for junior doctors to enter the rural generalist training pathway, while supporting the delivery of services in emergency departments and general practices.

Rural generalists are GPs who provide primary care services, emergency medicine and have training in additional skills like obstetrics, anaesthetics or mental health services.

This specific training will ensure GPs have the right skills to practice in rural settings and can address the individual needs of regional, rural and remote communities.

The model is based on an innovative program trialled in the Murrumbidgee region.

The NSW Government will be able to access exemptions under Section 19(2) of the Health Insurance Act 1974 for up to 80 rural generalist trainees per year, as part of a 2022/23 federal budget commitment.

Federal Minister for Health Mark Butler said:

“The Single Employer Model is an innovative approach and will help to attract and retain the doctors we need to provide essential primary healthcare services into the future.

“We look forward to working collaboratively with the Minns government on the expansion of this innovative model, including the additional trials we announced in the May 2023 budget.

“We’ve seen the positive impact the Single Employer Model has made to the availability of healthcare services in the Murrumbidgee Local Health District.

“This innovative program will make training and working in rural general practice a more attractive option for young doctors and importantly it will make it easier for people in regional NSW to see a doctor close to home.

“The Albanese government is committed to supporting further trials to ensure this reaches communities in need across Australia.”

NSW Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said:

“Recruitment and retention of a primary health workforce is a major challenge for regional, rural, and remote NSW communities and addressing this is a priority for our government.

“This partnership with the Commonwealth Government means more of our regional and rural communities are set to benefit.

“We welcome this opportunity to improve access to primary care and essential medical services.

“This announcement by Minister Butler will ensure the creation of attractive and secure training opportunities to foster the next generation of rural generalist doctors in NSW.”

Local Aboriginal art finds a ‘Home’ at Dubbo Service Centre

A young and proud Wiradjuri woman from Wellington whose artwork is now displayed in Dubbo Service NSW Service Centre hopes to inspire other young Aboriginal people to paint and delve into the stories of their culture.

To celebrate NAIDOC Week, 20-year-old artist Shakyla Toomey’s painting ‘Home’ has been unveiled near the entry of the centre as part of Service NSW’s Aboriginal Artwork Initiative aimed at strengthening engagement with and acknowledging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

‘Home’ reflects how land and water is connected and how those elements have been essential for the continuity of the Wiradjuri people. Locals and other customers can enjoy and appreciate the artwork when completing government transactions at the Service Centre.

Service NSW’s Aboriginal Artwork Initiative was established after listening to staff and customer feedback to enhance relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and to make local centres more welcoming.

Dubbo is the first of 10 Service Centres engaging with local Aboriginal communities to display Aboriginal artwork and follows a successful pilot at Moree and Kempsey Service Centres in 2022 where staff engaged with Elders and Aboriginal community organisations to select an Aboriginal artist’s work to display in the Service Centre.

Service NSW also offers an Aboriginal Traineeship Program and partners with a group training organisation to provide an employment pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Today an Aboriginal trainee is working at Wellington Service Centre with the program offering onthe-job training, development and study with the opportunity to work towards a Certificate III in Customer Engagement.

Most graduates move into ongoing customer service roles with two Aboriginal trainees recently receiving ongoing roles at Dubbo Service Centre with the centre’s four Aboriginal team members working closely with the local Aboriginal Land Council and other community organisations to increase awareness of government services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

NAIDOC Week is from 2 to 9 July 2023 and is a celebration of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The theme for NAIDOC Week 2023 is ‘For Our Elders’.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Jihad Dib said:

“I recently visited Dubbo and attended the Service Centre where I had the chance to chat with many locals and it is great to see this community coming together to celebrate Australia’s long history.”

“Being able to share stories, especially through artwork, is a great way to engage and educate local communities whilst also bringing people together to share a sense of place.”

“Our Service Centres are a place where people from all walks of life come together to complete transactions so it is important they are reflective and inclusive of the communities they serve.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, David Harris said:

“As we celebrate NAIDOC week it is great to see this beautiful artwork unveiled in the Dubbo Service Centre.”

“I want to thank Shakyla Toomey for her passion and dedication to share Aboriginal culture and stories with her local community.”

“As people come to visit the centre it will surely start conversations which can lead to stronger bonds between community members.”

Artist, Shakyla Toomey said:

“I feel very proud that something I have created is now displayed in the Service Centre. The artwork represents my Country and my family and I now have a space to be able to share that with other people.”

“The blue represents the water and the red tones represent the earth that surround us. The goanna represents the Wiradjuri totem and the fish represents the food which helped our culture to survive.”

“The artwork is bright and vivid and I hope it grabs people’s eyes, making them stop, appreciate it and want to learn more about the Wiradjuri people.”

“I also hope my painting ignites inspiration within other Indigenous artists particularly young ones to explore their own stories and share them.”

$250,000 to support First Nations women into work

As part of the NSW Government’s Return to Work Pathways Program, $250,000 has been provided to Angus Knight Foundation to help First Nations women and girls gain employment.

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison congratulated Angus Knight Foundation (AKG Foundation) for its Women’s Business Return to Work project, which supports the NSW Government’s commitment to enhance women’s economic opportunity and advancement.

“Increasing women’s workforce participation is a cornerstone to achieving gender equality and economic security,” Minister Harrison said.

“Women face common and persistent employment barriers, and for some communities, there are additional complexities unique to their needs, life stages and circumstances.

“I am thrilled to support this project which will help Aboriginal women and girls to re-engage with the workforce and aspire to leadership in a culturally safe place.”

The AKG Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation established to advance Indigenous Peoples, including through employment and community development programs, education, and training. The Foundation supports specialised services for First Nations Women.

The Women’s Business Hubs create meaningful and lasting opportunities through providing a culturally safe space where women can come and dream, imagine and become. Each of the Women’s Hubs provide valuable access to employment pathways, quality learning, entrepreneurship, and educational and vocational training workshops.

Christianna Cartwright, Real Futures CEO & Chair of the AKG Foundation said “We are thrilled to be delivering the NSW Government’s Return to Work Pathways Program. We know First Nations women face adversity, but as the 2020 Wiyi Yani U Thangani Report found, ‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and girls have remarkable skills, knowledge and boundless potential’ and are capable, resilient and courageous in the face of adversity if given the right support. We have made it our purpose to offer this social, emotional and practical support to advance the economic participation and empowerment of women and girls.”

AKG Foundation operates across Blacktown City Council, Coffs Harbour City Council, Kempsey Shire Council, Newcastle City Council and Penrith City Council areas, which will see the impact of the Government’s funding reach many First Nations women across the State.

There were 13 successful projects of the $2.7m Return to Work Pathways Program, which will support more than 1,000 women over the next 2 years to become job-ready and to gain sustainable employment and carve out meaningful careers.

For more information, visit the Return to Work Pathways Program grant page.

More dedicated support for Macarthur’s diverse communities

Macarthur’s refugees, migrants and diverse communities will benefit from greater support with the NSW Government and the Western Sydney Migrant Resource Centre opening a new support location in the region.

The NSW Government and the Western Sydney Migrant Resource Centre officially opened its Campbelltown office today.

The Western Sydney Migrant Resource Centre plays a crucial role in the settlement and integration of refugees and humanitarian migrants by offering vital resources, guidance and a strong support network to those who are rebuilding their lives.

From settlement support and employment programs, to youth programs and aged services, the Western Sydney Migrant Resource Centre assists in addressing the multifaceted needs of refugees and migrants.

Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper attended the event, announcing the winners of a community competition to name the centre’s 2 new community rooms.

Before expanding to Campbelltown, the centre provided community outreach and support to new, established and emerging communities in the Liverpool region.

NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:

“The NSW Government has a strong and proud history of working collaboratively with the Western Sydney Migrant Resource Centre.

“This partnership has been a vital relationship over many years, most recently it was instrumental in providing support services to the Liverpool region’s diverse communities during COVID-19.

“The centre is a shining example of how local communities are best placed to find local solutions.

Western Sydney MRC Acting CEO Mohan Gunasekara said:

“Our expansion into Campbelltown is a direct recognition of the growing need for supports and services in the Macarthur region.

“I’m proud to be leading an organisation that has its heart in the community and works to empower some of our newest residents to settle and thrive.”

Deniliquin Hospital upgrade complete: modern health care for local community

Patients, staff and the community are set to benefit from a series of upgrade works at Deniliquin Hospital, as part of a $4.6 million joint investment by the NSW Government and the Australian Government.

NSW Regional Health Minister Ryan Park toured Deniliquin Hospital today and said the upgrades have created modern, fit for purpose clinical spaces for the community and staff at the hospital.

“The upgrades have provided an enhanced experience for patients, visitors and staff, and ensure the local community will continue to receive vital health care close to home,” Mr Park said.

“Works completed as part of the $4.6 million project include an upgraded emergency department, an upgraded day surgery unit and operating theatre, a relocation of the oncology unit to a purpose-built space, an enhanced paediatric care area and a new computed tomography (CT) scanner.”

“We are committed to ensuring every patient receives the highest level of care available and these upgrades demonstrate the NSW Government’s ongoing commitment to providing high quality healthcare in rural and regional areas.”

Mr Park also recognised the challenge of maintaining essential health services during the works.

“To complete a project of this scope with minimal disruption to services is a credit to the staff and contractors,” Mr Park said.

Helen Dalton, the independent Member for Murray, praised the roll out of the CT scanner.

“This new technology is a game changer for rural and remote communities,” Ms Dalton said.

“I am determined to work closely and constructively with the newly elected government on ensuring rural and remote communities have access to the most modern hospital infrastructure and health care.”

The Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler, said the upgrades will help people who live in the Deniliquin region to access health care where they live.

“All Australians deserve to have access to high-quality health care close to home when they need it,” Mr Butler said.

“The Australian Government is working hard to tackle this, so that people who live in rural and regional areas like Deniliquin don’t have to travel far from home just to get health care.

“The Deniliquin hospital upgrade of its facilities and equipment will be of great benefit to patients and the hospital’s hard-working health professionals.”