All hands on deck for a safer boating season

Water rescue first responders are preparing for a hot and busy summer ahead, as they mark the commencement of the 2023/24 boating season this Labour Day long weekend.

NSW Maritime, Marine Rescue NSW, NSW Police Marine Area Command, and Surf Life Saving NSW have converged on Botany Bay near Sans Souci to highlight the inter-agency cooperation needed to keep waterways safe.

This coincides with a NSW Maritime statewide operation over the long weekend to educate boaters about safety, ensure they meet licencing requirements and check they are appropriately equipped for a safe day on the water.

Predictions of a hot and dry summer have been confirmed with the declaration of an El Nino climate driver, putting water rescue groups on alert for another busy season on the state’s coastal and inland waterways.

Last year, there were 11 boating-related fatalities on NSW waterways and 48 drownings along the state’s coastline.

The NSW Government is committed to ensuring our emergency services and first responders have all the tools they need to keep the marine community safe, including specialised training and the latest technology.

To help lift the capability of rescue services, three new Marine Rescue NSW rescue watercraft (jet skis) will soon be operational on Sydney waterways, with two of these to be used on Botany Bay and Port Hacking. These small and maneuverable watercraft will allow for rescues in areas larger vessels cannot reach, such as those close to the coastline.

The boating season launch coincides with the conclusion of National Safe Boating Week, which this year highlighted the importance of wearing the right type of lifejacket and knowing how to maintain it.

For the latest water safety informationlaunch

More information on boating in NSW

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“This long weekend marks the start of what we expect to be a very busy season for our personnel and volunteers. We urge people to act responsibly and look out for each other in and around our waterways so we can all enjoy and make the most of a safe boating season.”

“Seeing Marine Rescue NSW, NSW Maritime, NSW Police Marine Area Command and Surf Life Saving NSW join forces on Botany Bay today provides an opportunity to recognise the people working tirelessly to keep us all safe on the water, and we ask the community to also prioritise safety while having fun this summer.”

“Each team has different strengths, capabilities and areas of focus, but we are all united when it comes to safety on NSW waterways.”

Minister for Police Yasmin Catley said:

“There’s nothing better than a hot summer day out on the water but it’s important that we stay safe while having fun.”

“I know the NSW Police Force Marine Area Command will be working around the clock this summer to help keep our waterways safe and I thank them for the important work they do.”

NSW Maritime Executive Director Mark Hutchings said:

“We’re calling on all skippers to check their vessels and safety equipment. Lots of boats will have been sitting idle over winter, so it’s crucial to give them a proper once over before heading out on the water.”

“We still see too many boaters without a lifejacket. Sadly, all five boating deaths this financial year were people not wearing a lifejacket. Our message is simple – service your lifejacket, take your lifejacket, and wear your lifejacket – it can only save you if you wear it.”

NSW Police Force Marine Area Commander Acting Superintendent Siobhan Munro said:

“We know that when the temperatures rise, the community flocks to our waterways so we are putting people on notice that police will be patrolling all the state’s waterways including dams and rivers and any dangerous and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.”

“We will be conducting drug and alcohol testing as well as compliance checks – so make sure that your vessel is in good working order, know your vessel’s capabilities and don’t go beyond its limits. Our goal is to get you home safely.”

Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Darren Schott said:

“Marine Rescue NSW is coming off its busiest year on record with volunteers completing more than 4,500 rescue missions across the state.”

“Always wear a lifejacket and log on with Marine Rescue NSW, if you don’t return as planned, we will initiate a search.”

Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steve Pearce said:

“We are headed for an extremely hot and dry summer and are expecting a major surge in numbers on beaches and waterways this season.”

“Swim between the flags, make sure you supervise your children, wear a lifejacket where it’s necessary, and if you do that, we’ll have a great summer and keep everyone safe.”

Richard Shields appointed as NSW Liberal Party State Director

Experienced corporate executive, councillor and former NSW Deputy State Director, Richard Shields, has been appointed as the NSW Division’s State Director.

Party Member for almost three decades, Richard brings extensive political and corporate experience to building successful state and federal Liberal campaigns. He has worked as an advisor for former federal Ministers Andrew Thomson and Senator Helen Coonan in the Howard Government, and headed up government relations for the Insurance Council of Australia and the Westpac Group.

Richard is also an experienced campaigner, working on numerous successful local, state and federal election campaigns.

“Since my first taste of political and campaign success as the President of the UNSW Liberal Club, I have been committed to the success of the Liberal Party,” said Mr Shields. “It is an honour and a privilege to lead the professional wing of our Party.”

“I bring to the role decades of political and campaign experience, and I look forward to using this experience to assist our Party in winning the next federal and state elections.”

“Labor’s failure to develop a plan addressing cost of living crisis and deal with the significant economic challenges facing NSW and Australia make the next federal and state elections winnable.”

“I look forward to working with the President, Jason Falinski to continue building our Party, and with the help of our members identifying future political candidates that best represent our diverse community.”

Chris Stone thanked the NSW Liberal Party Members and MPs for their support and encouragement over his years with the NSW Division.

“My years working for the NSW Liberal Party have been some of the most satisfying in my career,” Mr Stone said. “I am grateful for the incredible opportunities that I’ve had and the relationships that have been forged in the heat of campaigns.”

“As State Director I have had the honour of contributing to the victories of governments that have changed our state and our nation for the better. I’ve also had the opportunity to serve and support our Party Members, which is a particularly treasured part of my role.”

NSW Liberal Party President Jason Falinski said Richard Shields is an experienced and incredibly capable campaigner who will be able to take the organisation in a positive direction.
 
“The Party is in great hands with someone of Richard’s calibre, someone who has both the political experience and the ability to successfully deal with organisational challenges that face all large political parties.”
 
Mr Falinski also offered deep thanks to the outgoing State Director Chris Stone for his outstanding and dedicated service.
 
“On behalf of all Members of the NSW Division, I cannot thank Chris enough for the magnificent job he’s done in often challenging circumstances. He has been a devoted servant of the Liberal Party, and we continue to value his sage advice and look forward to his continuing involvement with the Party.”
 
NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman congratulated Richard Shields on his appointment as the NSW State Director.


“I have known Richard for many years,” Mr Speakman said. “As the Parliamentary Party holds the Minns Labor Government to account over its numerous broken promises, I look to Richard’s strong effort leading the Party secretariat to support this work.”

“I would also like to thank Chris for his tremendous work over the years for our Party. His multiple state and federal campaign victories for our Party will not be easily equalled.”
 
Federal Opposition Leader Peter Duttton welcomed Richard’s appointment and thanked our out going State Director.
 
“We need a strong Party organisation in the lead up to the next federal election; with Richard leading our team in NSW, we will be ready to campaign on our vision for a better Australia under a Liberal government.”
“He has big shoes to fill, and I thank Chris Stone for all of his work for the Liberal Party as an adviser, campaigner and indeed State Director.”

DISABILITY ROYAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS RELEASED; SENATOR STEELE-JOHN RESPONDS

Today is a historic day, the release of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability. 

This moment is a testament to the leadership, advocacy and sheer determination of disabled people dedication of disabled people across Australia who have experienced violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation.  

The Greens are calling on the Albanese Government to commit to chart and fund a clear action plan to achieving disability justice in Australia. 

There are three immediate actions the government must take now:

  1. The establishment of a Federal Minister for Disability. The community must have someone focused solely on disability issues, and accountable to the disability community at the ballot box.
  2. The establishment of a dedicated, ongoing mechanism through which disabled people can continue to report their experiences of abuse and neglect and one that can undertake investigations and have consequences. 
  3. Prioritise collective liberation and an end to segregation including immediately raising the disability support pension, and ending segregation in all settings. 

Lines attributable to Senator Jordon Steele-John, Australian Greens spokesperson on Disability Services, Health and Mental Health:

“The conclusion of the Disability Royal Commission marks a significant milestone for disabled people in this country. Reflecting on how far we’ve come together, I’m deeply proud of what we’ve achieved – for disabled people, by disabled people.

“The disability community has done our bit, now it’s time for Federal and State Governments to do theirs.

“While the Royal Commission has finished its work, the violence and abuse continues daily. This is why we are calling for urgent action. We will not let abled-bodied politicians put this report and its recommendations on a shelf to collect dust. The violence and abuse continue, the job for the government is just beginning, and the community are united in our call for urgent reform. 

“The only acceptable response to the profound injustices uncovered by the Royal Commission is action. 

“We need the Government to commit funding for the radical transformation that is needed across this country to end ableism and discrimination. We need a Minister for Disability whose job it is to ensure this reform happens. We need collective liberation; immediately raise the DSP, and put an end to segregation in our workplaces, our schools and our homes.

“Disabled people will no longer accept being kept out of view; we will not accept being restrained to our beds, we will not accept being locked in institutions and we will not accept abelism and segregation at the hands of government policies any longer. 

On Segregated Schooling
“The report recommends waiting until 2051 to end segregated schooling. This is widely inadequate. We can not as a society allow children, for another 30 years, to be separated from their peers. This is beyond shameful.

On Segregated Employment
“I am pleased there is agreement that Australian Disability Enterprises (ADE’s) must end. Now we have that agreement, I want to see the government lead this transition, immediately.

“I am deeply disappointed in the recommendation relating to equal pay. The report recommends a transition to the full minimum wage for disabled people by 2034. Our community deserve better, we deserve at the very least to receive the minimum wage for our work. If the Labor government was serious about addressing discrimination that would ensure all workers in this country are paid the minimum wage.”

On the Recommendation of an Establishment of National Disability Commission and a Disability Rights Act
“We support the establishment of a new complaints mechanism for disabled people to report their experiences of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation. This must be a broad, independent commission and we must ensure that those who continue to exploit and abuse disabled people will face the consequences. 

“The Disability Rights Act needs to apply to both public and private sectors from its commencement, with no caveats and no delays. It must uphold the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).”

Appointment of Australian Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Consuls-General

Today I announce new appointments of heads of mission and consuls-general, who will reinforce our diplomatic capability, build influence and advance Australia’s national interests around the globe.

I am pleased to appoint highly qualified individuals to lead Australia’s posts in Bali, China, Colombia, Estonia, Hong Kong, Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, Russia and Sweden.

I thank the outgoing heads of mission and consuls-general for their contributions to advancing Australia’s interests.

Disability royal commission findings handed down

The Coalition acknowledges the tabling of Report of the Disability Royal Commission in response to community concern about widespread reports of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of people with disability.

The Royal Commission was established by the Coalition in April 2019, and began to accept public submissions from 30 July that same year.

The Coalition will closely examine the Royal Commission’s report and scrutinise the Albanese Government’s response to the findings and the 222 recommendations to improve the health, housing, education, employment and legal systems for people with disabilities.

Having commenced the Royal Commission, we expect the Albanese Government to meaningfully and thoroughly respond to the report in a timely manner.

It has been a long road leading to the release of the Royal Commission’s findings, with 7,944 submissions received, 17,824 phone enquiries, 14 issues papers published and 1,785 private sessions held.

During this process the former Coalition government also agreed to Commissioner Sackville’s request to extend the Royal Commission for a further 17 months to September 2023.

The former Coalition government committed a total of $527.9 million, over five years, for the operation of the Royal Commission, including $148.8 million over three years to the Department of Social Services, the National Disability Insurance Agency and the National Disability Insurance Scheme Quality and Safeguards Commission to provide counselling services and other support to people with disability in connection with their participation in the Royal Commission.

The Opposition notes the Royal Commission’s report and acknowledges the Commission’s work.

Statement on Taipan end of Army service

The Opposition welcomes the Government’s decision to end early the service of the grounded MRH-90 Taipan helicopter fleet.


It was the former Coalition Government, under Minister of Defence Peter Dutton, which recognised and responded to the long documented problems with the Taipans.

Peter Dutton took the important decision to buy Black Hawks for the ADF as the better, more reliable helicopter.

Grounding the Taipan after the tragic loss of life in the Talisman Sabre crash was the right thing to do, and today’s decision to end service ahead of next year is welcome given the long held concerns with Taipan’s performance.

The Opposition acknowledges that several investigations relating to the crash and the performance of the Taipan remain ongoing and also calls on the Government to expedite and provide its findings.

Labor has not implemented the decision to replace the Taipans fast enough and the Army may be critically without sufficient replacement Black Hawks to transition away from the grounded Taipans.

This seriously impairs our combat readiness as the Army will not have enough helicopters to perform missions, including training and exercises with international partners.

It’s now imperative on the Government to complete the acquisition and entry into service of the Black Hawk replacement program without further delay.

National Police Remembrance Day

In time honoured tradition on the 29th of September, we commemorate National Police Remembrance Day.

Across the nation today, services, marches and motorcades will be held to honour the memories and deeds of all police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Since records began in 1803, more than 800 police officers have been killed on the job in jurisdictions around Australia.

The Wieambilla tragedy of last December will cast a most sorrowful cloud over this year’s commemorations.

We remember Queensland Police officers Constable Rachel McCrow and Constable Matthew Arnold who were killed in that premeditated and most depraved attack.

Our thoughts are with their families, friends and fellow officers, especially Constable Randall Kirk and Constable Keely Brough who survived the shootings.

The events at that rural property on that terrible day could not have been marked by greater contrasts. Between villainy and valour. Between resentment and responsibility. Between the very worst and the very best of humanity.

This year, Western Australia’s law enforcement community was rocked by the death of Constable Anthony Woods.

The brilliant, bubbly and brave young officer succumbed to his injuries days after being run down by a man trying to avoid arrest.

Constable Woods is in our memory too. And we are thinking of his wife Emily, parents Natalie and Todd, and siblings Nathan and Brooke.

Every day, our men and women in blue willingly place themselves in danger to contain and quash that danger for the rest of us.

They are motivated by a profound commitment to law and order and by the deepest compassion for the communities they serve.

Our police officers act with courage and composure even in the most dire circumstances.

Not to be forgotten are the partners, children, parents and wider families of our officers whose quiet and commendable fortitude helps them contend with the daily uncertainty that their loved one on the beat may not come home.

On National Police Remembrance Day, we promise to support those families who have suffered the terrible loss of a loved one in the line of duty.

In our remembrance of our fallen police officers and gratitude for all they have done, may we look to their qualities and deeds to inspire the best in ourselves.

Among the many words engraved on the walkway at the National Police Memorial in Canberra are these:

In an age of uncertainty the only certainty can be that law and order will prevail as long as we have dedicated police officers.

On National Police Remembrance Day, we honour all those who have maintained the law because of their service and sacrifice.

We thank them for serving the law to the end.

New Annual wraps up with weekend of free festival fun

First Nations culture will take centre stage this weekend as City of Newcastle’s 10-day New Annual festival wraps up with a host of free events.

Museum Park will be filled with the sights and sounds of the Awabakal people as part of Ngiarrenbumba Burrai (Our Country), featuring a program of dance, native food and language workshops and special performances.

New Annual Senior Producer & Curator Adrian Burnett, Ngiarrenbumba Burrai (Our Country) curator Luke Russell and Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz attend a First Nations dance workshop in Museum Park as part of New Annual.

The same location will tonight play host to This Land, a free musical showcase of nationally renowned and local First Nations artists presented in partnership with the University of Newcastle, headlined by Kamilaroi-Samoan R&B sensation, Becca Hatch.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the last weekend of New Annual offers great value for families.

“Around 50 percent of performances and activities at this year’s New Annual festival are free or under $25,” Cr Nelmes said.

“This weekend’s amazing events taking place across the city, also include live music and workshops, the exhibition by internationally renowned South Sudanese photographer Atong Atem, as well as the popular Chalk the Walk 3D art trail across the streets of Newcastle.

“Global Gathering at Museum Park on Saturday is a celebration of diverse traditions, food, art forms, and cultural expressions by people from all over the world who now call Newcastle home.”

Wheeler Place will host Shaun Parker’s Found Objects across the weekend, an epic outdoor, family dance theatre work utilising everyday objects. Following each performance there will be a 20-minute workshop giving the audience the opportunity to connect with the performers.

On Saturday, 20 artists will turn Wheeler Place into an urban canvas as part of the Easel’d Live Paint Jam.

Museum Park will also be taken over by up to 70 local drummers, who will feature in Dancenorth’s epic production, NOISE, with shows tonight and tomorrow.

Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said New Annual gives Novocastrians an important platform to showcase their talent.

“Half of the New Annual program is local, including singers, actors, dancers, artists and playwrights,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“It’s so exciting to see local talent on the bill alongside world-renowned arts and cultural practitioners from across Australia.

“Following a few tough years, the festival offers a vital economic boost for Newcastle’s recovering creative arts and live music sectors that were heavily impacted by COVID-19.”

Visit www.newannual.com for more details about the full program.

$10 million for Aboriginal organisations to Close the Gap

Expressions of interest are now open for Aboriginal organisations to apply for the next round of Community and Place Grants.

$10 million funding for the grants, to deliver immediate and tangible on-ground activities to support Closing the Gap, were confirmed in the first Minns Labor budget handed down on Tuesday 19 September.

In launching the grant round, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs David Harris said Aboriginal controlled organisations could apply for up to $250,000 in funding for new programs, infrastructure, equipment and vehicles.

“Aboriginal organisations know what their communities need to thrive and that is why this grants program is so important,” Mr Harris said.

“It gives Aboriginal communities a direct say and direct access to funding to make tangible differences on the ground.

“We know that to close the gap, Aboriginal people must determine, drive and own the desired outcomes in partnership with government and that is exactly what this program is all about.

The Closing the Gap NSW Implementation Plan 2022– 2024launch commits to drive tangible change against all 5 Priority Reform areas and 17 Socio Economic Outcome targets agreed in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. Community and Place grants support communities to deliver locally led solutions. $10 million in funding is available in this round.

Applications will be assessed via a 2-step process:

  • Stage 1: EOI from Monday 2 October to 30 October 2023. EOI applications will be assessed for eligibility and program alignment, with applications being approved to provide a full application by AANSW Deputy Secretary.
  • Stage 2: Full applications from 4 December 2023 to 29 January 2024.
  • Projects must be delivered between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025. 

Closing the Gap is a top priority for the Minns Labor government. The first Minns Labor government budget delivers $1.5 billion in targeted programs across the whole of government to Close the Gap and empower Aboriginal communities across NSW.

“We know that when Aboriginal people have a direct say on issues that affect them, we get better outcomes, and that is what we intend to do in government,” Mr Harris said.

Details of the grant program can be found at Aboriginal Affairs NSW: Grantslaunch.

NSW Government welcomes Disability Royal Commission findings and recommendations

The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability handed down its final report yesterday.

The NSW Government is reviewing the report, its findings and recommendations.

The final report, which has been made public today, makes 222 recommendations covering a wide range of issues and systems to strengthen the rights and inclusion of people with disability.

Since 2019, the royal commission held 32 public hearings, examined 837 witnesses, and received more than 10,000 submissions.  

The Department of Communities and Justice and the Disability Council NSW are co-convening a forum with stakeholders from the disability sector on October 23 to discuss the royal commission’s findings.

Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington will attend the forum.

The NSW Government’s formal response to the royal commission’s final report will be provided within the next 6 months.

Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said:

“Over the past 4 years, the royal commission has shone a light on the serious abuse, exclusion and injustice that people with disability face across our society.

“The fact that so many people with disability came forward to speak with the royal commission shows that these issues are far too common, and we all have to do better.

“The NSW Government is grateful to every person with disability, their families and communities, who shared their stories with the royal commission.

“We want to honour everyone’s contribution to the royal commission by carefully and methodically considering each of the 222 recommendations.”