The Unintended Consequences of Western Australia’s Cultural Heritage Laws on Farmers

Introduction

Western Australia’s controversial new cultural heritage laws have sparked anger and frustration among hundreds of farmers and landowners. The legislation has faced significant backlash due to its vague and confusing nature, potentially costly land surveys, and fears of accidental breaches. It is essential to consider the unintended consequences these laws may have on the agricultural sector and rural communities before they were passed, with support from the opposition, by parliament

The most concerning aspect of these laws is the Western Australia government’s announcement today they will need change. Why is that concerning? Because federally the Labor government is wanting to enshrine an Aboriginal Voice to parliament in the constitution, and that cant be changed. It means that unlike in Western Australia, any federal laws like the Heritage Act can’t be undone.

Passed with Merry Applause and Assistance from Liberal and National Parties

In an astonishing turn of events, these cultural laws were passed with the support of the Liberal and National Parties. This Labor/Liberal/National coalition can only be stopped if members of parliament are elected from Pauline Hanson’s One Nation who will hold the grand coalition to account.

Proposal to Change Laws

In an astonishing about-face, the WA government has only recently admitted they may have to change these laws. One Nation will keep the pressure on the West Australian government to ensure that these laws are off the table, and not just mashed up and re-presented in the same way.

What we do know, is that the Liberal Party and National Parties can’t be trusted to scrutinise any changes.

The Problem of Vague and Confusing Laws

One of the primary criticisms voiced by farmers is the vague and confusing nature of the cultural heritage laws. The legislation’s complex three-tiered system, requiring permits for various routine activities on land, has created uncertainty and confusion. Farmers are concerned about the potential consequences of unknowingly breaching these laws, which could lead to hefty fines and even jail time. The lack of clear guidelines and communication from the government has left farmers feeling anxious and unsure about how to proceed with their everyday activities.

The Burden of Costly Land Surveys

Another significant concern for farmers is the financial burden imposed by the requirement to conduct cultural heritage surveys on their land. Farmers argue that they should not bear the entire cost of these surveys. The fees charged by Local Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Services (LACHS) for assessments and consultations can be exorbitant, putting additional strain on already struggling agricultural businesses. The prospect of paying thousands of dollars for cultural heritage surveys, even on land that has been cleared for decades, is simply untenable for many farmers.

Lack of Meaningful Consultation and Representation

Farmers also express feelings of frustration and betrayal over what they perceive as a lack of meaningful consultation during the legislative process. Many argue that their voices were not adequately heard, and they were not given the opportunity to contribute to the development of these laws. It is not uncommon for large governments with super majorities to be arrogant, and Labor’s governing style is certainly emblematic of an out-of-touch government.

A Call for Dialogue and Reevaluation

Rather than pushing forward with laws that have caused unrest and division, there is a clear need for open dialogue and re-evaluation. The Labor/Liberal/National laws must be scrapped in their entirety.

There can be no way forward other than to totally unscramble this egg.

Conclusion

During their life, a person may need the help of a doctor a few dozen times, an electrician half a dozen, and your hairdresser once every 8 weeks. But a farmer, a farmer is a person we rely on to give us nutrition morning, noon, and night, from when we wake to when we fall asleep.

We can’t live without farmers. And these cultural laws are making life for farmers impossible.

Western Australia’s cultural heritage laws were introduced by an arrogant government that rarely thinks of the unintended consequences of their actions. Their implementation has created a deep rift between the government and the agricultural community. The concerns raised by farmers and landowners are valid and warrant serious attention.

Expansion of Quality Teaching Rounds Program

A successful program that helps teachers learn from each other about best classroom practices has been expanded thanks to almost $5 million in funding from the Albanese Government.

The Quality Teaching Round program developed by the University of Newcastle will be expanded across the country after starting in NSW and following successful trials in Queensland and Victoria.

It involves groups of four teachers observing each other and analysing each other’s teaching practices.

The evidence from the trials has shown that this helps teachers learn from each other and improves outcomes for students.

An additional 1,600 teachers are set to benefit and from Term 3 more early career teachers will be able to access the program.

Quality Teaching Rounds is one part of the National Teacher Workforce Action Plan that Education Ministers agreed to last year to address the national issue of teacher workforce shortages.

Minister for Education Jason Clare said:

“Our teachers are experts at what they do – and who better to learn from than each other. Over a decade of data shows this program works.

“It supports new and experienced teachers, and the evidence shows it helps improve students’ reading and maths.

“In the past nine years, it’s helped more than 4,700 teachers and benefited at least 785,000 students.”

Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon said:

“Quality Teaching Rounds, co-created by renowned Laureate Professor Jenny Gore and Dr Julie Bowe from the University of Newcastle is revolutionising teacher professional development.

“This additional funding from the Albanese Government will ensure more teachers benefit from this ground-breaking program, while also further establishing the University of Newcastle as a leader in education and professional development.

“This is a great outcome for teachers, students and our community.”

New eInvoicing Hub for Hunter businesses

A new eInvoicing Hub has been established for businesses in the Hunter region of New South Wales to help boost efficiency and combat scams.

The Hub, launched in Newcastle today, is a collaboration with local business groups. It aims to provide businesses with an opportunity to learn about the technology and help them realise the benefits of eInvoicing.

eInvoicing is a new standardised way to send and receive invoices via a secure network – using existing small business accounting software and apps.

It enables faster payments that can improve cash flow, and has in-built security, which helps to reduce the risk of invoice fraud and scams.

Adoption is growing, with more and more cost-effective solutions becoming readily available.

Over 33,000 businesses are registered for eInvoicing in Australia, including Bunnings, Woolworths and BOC Gas, and over 400,000 eInvoices have been delivered on the network.

Commonwealth Government agencies are also enabled, which allows us to offer 5‑day payment terms for our suppliers using eInvoicing under our Pay on Time or Pay Interest policy.

Together, with the support of local business groups, we want to create opportunities for local trading partners to exchange eInvoices and unlock the benefits of the technology.

Engagement activities will continue across the region in the lead up to and during NSW Small Business Month over October.

The Government encourages businesses and business advisers in the region to make the most of the initiative and find out more about how eInvoicing can help them.

If you want to find out more about eInvoicing, and how you can get started, visit ato.gov.au/eInvoicing.

Minister for Small Business, Julie Collins MP said:

“The Albanese Government is committed to ensuring small businesses are paid on time because we recognise how important cash flow is to small businesses, and eInvoicing is one of the tools that will help to achieve this.”

“Digital innovation such as eInvoicing means safer, faster and easier payments to small businesses allowing them to focus more on their core business and less time on administration.”

“We are committed to supporting small businesses in this community and across the country to improve their cash flow, utilise digital solutions and build their resilience.”

Assistant Treasurer, Stephen Jones MP said:

“The new eInvoicing hub is a great initiative for small businesses. I would like to congratulate the Hunter for blazing the trail and the Hub business and software partners for their support”.

“eInvoicing can make a real difference for Australia’s small businesses – improving their resilience to online scams and helping improve productivity by saving them time and money”. 

“As scams become more sophisticated, small businesses need to arm themselves with the tools and technology to protect their business and consumers.  With built-in security to disrupt scammers, eInvoicing will give small businesses an additional layer of protection against invoice fraud”.

Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon MP said:

“Newcastle and the Hunter have been at the forefront of innovation throughout history so it’s wonderful to be leading the way as the first regional e-invoicing hub for the business community.”

“I congratulate local business groups, Business Hunter, HunterNet and The Business Centre who worked with the ATO to successfully launch the Hub. I encourage Newcastle businesses to learn about the technology and realise the benefits of eInvoicing.”

SENATE INQUIRY INTO ADHD CARE TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARING IN PERTH

As the Senate inquiry into Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Assessment and Support Services in Australia enters a critical phase, a groundbreaking public hearing is scheduled to take place in Perth on Monday, 24th July. 

The hearing will provide a platform for West Australians with lived experiences of ADHD, ADHD advocacy bodies, First Nations organisations, healthcare professionals, and education advocates to present crucial evidence to the committee.

Approximately one million people in Australia are directly impacted by ADHD, a neurodevelopmental disability that is often misunderstood that can cause significant impairment and dysfunction in the lives of those affected. 

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

“People with ADHD have been left behind in this country for far too long. Over the past year of engaging closely with ADHDers, I’ve heard countless stories of people experiencing barriers around cost, wait time and stigmas associated with seeking ADHD assessment and support services.

“I am proud to be bringing the committee to WA. It’s clear that too many people in our community can not afford a diagnosis, and if they can, they’re being met with closed-books and long waitlists. The wait times are deplorable, and are leading to significant impacts on the quality of life for so many West Australians. 

“Particularly concerning is the impact on children and their families, with some children waiting up to two years to see a paediatrician to begin their journey of an ADHD diagnosis and support. 

“We are hearing from the community that more supports are needed following a diagnosis; including the need to have healthcare funded through Medicare and support hours available through the NDIS. 

“The goal of this inquiry is to create community-led recommendations that address the common barriers people encounter while seeing ADHD assessment and care. As this crucial inquiry advances, I remain optimistic that the committee’s findings will pave the way for a more accessible and compassionate system that benefits all ADHDers.”

MURRAY NEEDS ACTION, NOT DELAY

Responding to the announcement that the Murray Darling Basin Plan will not be delivered on time, Greens spokesperson for Water and the Environment, South Australian Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said:

“We need a plan for action, not a plan for delay to save the Murray Darling.

“The failure to deliver the Murray Darling Basin Plan on time is a broken promise to every South Australian and risks breaking our river Murray.

“Years of rorts, water theft and delays under the Liberal-Nationals had left our precious river in a precarious position. The Albanese Government had promised to deliver the Murray Darling Basin plan on time and in full.

“For years upstream states and big cotton have dragged the chain on ensuring South Australia gets the water it needs and has been promised.

“Our Murray needs an urgent recommitment to action not a go-slow on saving the River.

“Delaying further action on the plan for three more years is simply not an option if we want to preserve our river and the ecosystems that depend on it.

“We are in a climate crisis and facing what experts predict will be another summer of extreme heat. We cannot afford to delay the actions we know are urgently needed to protect our river.

“The Albanese Government needs to stand up to the big irrigators and the upstream states and deliver on the water that was promised for South Australia and for the environment.

“With Labor Governments in every Basin state, it’s time for real action to protect our river and to finally deliver the Murray Darling Basin Plan in full, including the 450gL for South Australia.

“The Greens are willing to work with the Government on reforms that are needed to ensure that more water is delivered but we cannot support continuing to kick the can down the road. We need a plan to deliver the water before the next election.”

Appointment of ACIAR Chief Executive Officer

Today I announce the appointment of Professor Wendy Umberger as Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).

ACIAR is Australia’s premier international agricultural research body. It plays a critical role in supporting research partnerships that achieve productive, profitable and sustainable farming systems in developing countries.

Previously, Professor Umberger established and led the Centre for Global Food and Resources at the University of Adelaide, which engaged with policymakers and industry to make positive change in agriculture, food and resource systems.

Professor Umberger is currently President of Australia’s Policy Advisory Council for International Agricultural Research and an Independent Director of Grain Producers South Australia.

I thank outgoing CEO Professor Andrew Campbell for his dedicated service and leadership of ACIAR since 2016.

Professor Umberger will commence her five-year term on 14 August 2023.

Labor failing to fight inflation first

The June Quarter Consumer Price Index (CPI) shows inflation is still running rampant at 6%.

Core inflation in Australia at 5.9% remains among the highest of the world’s advanced economies.

Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor said the data tells us what we know Australians are feeling every single day – prices are not coming down.

“Australians are feeling it when they pay their mortgages, their rent, their energy bills, their groceries,” Mr Taylor said.

“The latest labour force data shows Australians are having to work more hours just to make ends meet.

“Inflation is coming from Canberra because the Albanese Labor Government is failing to fight inflation first.

“Instead, it has the foot on the accelerator while the Reserve Bank is pumping the brake and when this happens, you blow up the engine.

“Labor’s dangerous cocktail of policies are making a bad situation worse.

“The test for this government from here is to get inflation back to the Reserve Bank’s target rate of 2-3% and keep it there while maintaining a strong economy.”

Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 25 July 2023

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 25 July 2023. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Lord Mayoral Minutes

Acknowledging Youth With a Mission (YWAM) Newcastle’s Assistance to Ukraine

A Lord Mayoral Minute was supported commending YWAM Newcastle for their bravery and community spirit in leading three delegations of dedicated Novocastrian volunteers to travel to Ukraine to provide assistance, outreach and support to many towns and cities, affected by the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

Sister Cities Program & Regional Partnerships

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported to develop a Council policy in regard to prospective sister city relationships, which are designed to promote and encourage friendship and cooperation between Local Governments, business leaders and the wider community, in addition to facilitating cultural exchange programs and economic development.

City of Newcastle World Cup Live Site

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that congratulated and thanked all those involved in the Newcastle live site at Wheeler Place for the Matilda’s opening match of the World Cup and encouraged Novocastrians to again show their support for the Matildas at the live site screenings on 27 and 31 July.

Supporting NRLW State of Origin in Newcastle

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported for City of Newcastle to continue to join City of Townsville, Venues NSW and McDonald Jones Stadium to advocate to the ARL Commission for Newcastle as the rightful New South Wales host city for WNRL State of Origin.

EV Kerbside Charging Grants

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that noted City of Newcastle’s (CN) ongoing development of a council-owned public EV charging network, which currently includes seven chargers installed across four sites, and called for CN to apply for a grant through the NSW Government’s EV Kerbside Charging Grants program, following the identification of additional key locations throughout the Newcastle LGA that would assist in the uptake of electric vehicles.

Thank you and farewell Joanne Rigby

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported extending sincere gratitude to and acknowledging the many contributions of Executive Director City Infrastructure, Joanne Rigby, who retires after more than 20 years of dedicated service to our community.

Ordinary business

Public exhibition of draft Environment Strategy

Council voted to publicly exhibit the draft Newcastle Environment Strategy 2023 for a period of 28 days. The Strategy provides a road map for achieving the three sustainability priorities and eight sustainability objectives in Newcastle 2040 over the next 10 years.

Adoption of Social Strategy

Council unanimously voted to adopt the Social Strategy 2023, following public exhibition. The Strategy provides a framework and actions towards a socially just and inclusive place for all.

Public Art Reference Group (PARG) Annual Report

Council received the Public Art Reference Group (PARG) Annual Report. The PARG act as an Advisory Committee to the City of Newcastle on public art.

Outcome of NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal Hearing

Council noted the decision of the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal’s regarding two Code of Conduct matters involving former Councillor Allan Robinson.

Public exhibition of Throsby, Styx and Cottage Creeks Flood Study

Council unanimously voted to publicly exhibit the draft Throsby, Styx and Cottage Creeks Flood Study for a period of 28 days.

Tender Report – Minor Civil Works – Contract NO. 2023/122T

Council voted to accept tenders for the casual hire of minor civil works for a two-year period.

Tender Report Biennial supply of Traffic Management Services – Contract No. 2023/121T

Council voted to accept tenders for the casual supply of traffic management services for a two-year period.

Tender Report – Natural areas rehabilitation tender panel – 2023/091T

Council voted to accept tenders for natural areas rehabilitation services for environmental assets across the Newcastle Local Government Area, which comprise of water courses and wetlands, coastal ecosystems, Endangered Ecological Communities and bushland reserves, and for planting programs within parks and open spaces.

Notices of Motion

Adoption of Liveable Housing Design to improve the adaptability and accessibility of new residential development

Council supported a notice of motion to call upon the NSW Labor Government to adopt the Liveable Housing Design Standards (silver level) introduced into the National Construction Code in 2022 and amend the 2023 NSW Land and Housing Corporation Design Requirements so that the Platinum Level Liveable Housing Design Guidelines are mandatory for all new social housing.

City of Newcastle will write to the Minister for Housing Rose Jackson MLC and the Minister for Planning Paul Scully, within 28 days.

Newcastle Ocean Baths and Canoe Pool – State Heritage Listing

Council supported an alternate notice of motion acknowledging that CN has prudently invested in upgrading the Newcastle Ocean Baths, which are owned by the NSW Government, to protect the facility for generations to come.

All works being undertaken at the Baths are assessed against strict heritage requirements. City of Newcastle will write to the NSW Government reiterating its previous correspondence to the former Minister for Heritage regarding the listing of the site on the State Heritage Register.

Community invited to provide feedback on updated flood study

Novocastrians are being invited to have their say on a study designed to provide updated information on flood risks in parts of Newcastle and ensure future developments are fit-for-purpose in these areas.

Councillors last night voted to place the draft Throsby, Styx and Cottage Creek Flood Study on public exhibition for 28 days.

City of Newcastle (CN) was required to update the previous study, completed in 2008, following significant changes to Australian Rainfall and Runoff guidelines used to estimate flood impacts and behaviour. The changes relate to modelling methodology, rainfall patterns, and estimation of climate change impacts.

CN is responsible under legislation passed by the NSW government for flood risk management, including the completion of flood studies such as the Draft Throsby, Styx and Cottage Creek Flood Study. Work on the updated study began in 2021 following a grant from the NSW Department of Planning and Environment.

The Flood Study seeks to define current and future flood risk and behaviour, in order to reduce the risk to life and property now and into the future.

Feedback collected during the public exhibition will be used to help refine the Flood Study and allow CN to work with other government agencies to improve our flash flood alert system and respond to flooding events to keep our community safe.

Once adopted, the updated Flood Study will give residents and businesses clearer advice on flood risk within the 51 km² catchment east of John Hunter Hospital, providing longer-term certainty to ensure fit-for-purpose developments and improve the community’s resilience to the potential impacts of floods and climate change.

City of Newcastle is encouraging all residents, business and property owners within the relevant catchment areas to visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay by 24 August 2023 to review the updated Flood Study and find out what it might mean for them.

Drop-in information sessions will also be held to give the community an opportunity to find out more about the updated study:

Saturday 12 August – 1:30pm – 4:00pm

Adamstown Community Hall (153A Brunker Road, Adamstown)

Monday 14 August – 3:30pm – 6:00pm

Digital Library (12 Stewart Avenue, Newcastle West).

More NSW students start the school day right as Foodbank School Breakfast 4 Health program passes 2 million serves

More than 2 million breakfasts have now been served to schoolchildren in NSW, as part of Foodbank’s Breakfast 4 Health program which the Minns Labor Government is committed to expanding.

The number of public schools participating in the program is set to double from 500 to 1000 over the next 4 years as the government delivers its $8 million funding promise.

Since the March election, another 17 public schools have started serving breakfasts with the program. An additional 100 schools have applied and are being assessed.

Schools interested in participating in the program can apply directly to Foodbank via its website, and are assessed according to need.

The School Breakfast 4 Health program has been shown to improve students’ nutrition and eating habits, their mental and physical health, as well as learning, concentration and school attendance.

The program runs in schools across NSW, including rural and regional areas, and is one way the government is helping to ease cost-of-living pressure on families and ensure all children can have a healthy start to their day.

Foodbank data indicates 80% of schools in the program reported an increase in attendance and 89% saw an increase in class engagement on days the program was run.

Premier Chris Minns and Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car celebrated the milestone on Wednesday with a visit to East Hills Public School, an early adopter of the program in south-west Sydney.

East Hills Public School Principal Donna Casey said up to 80% of students at the school participate in the popular breakfast program.

The school’s eatery was recently refurbished and has reopened this week to serve up healthy breakfasts before classes start.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“Making sure children are getting the most out of their time at school is my number one priority. This starts by ensuring that they are not hungry in the classroom.

“I have always said that as premier I want to address the cost of living crisis and this is an important step to not only help families but also give our students the best start to every school day.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“This program is such an effective way to make sure children can have a fresh and healthy meal before they sit down to learn.

“It’s an investment in our children’s education that’s also helping families with cost-of-living pressures, making sure all students are set up for a great day at school.”

East Hills Public School principal Donna Casey said:

“We have noticed an increase in student focus, engagement and emotional regulation throughout the day after the healthy breakfast.

“It’s also another way families can get involved in our school. Parents and younger siblings often join the students for breakfast, which is lovely to see.”