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NSW coastal communities betrayed

NSW coastal communities have been betrayed by the Member for Sydney, the Labor government and the Greens, as they try to derail and delay the Bill to ban offshore drilling in NSW Waters (PEP-11).

Shadow Environment Minister Kellie Sloane said the Labor and accomplices now must answer to the community for this terrible decision.

“Labor MPs said time and time again, before the election, that they were opposed to PEP-11 and would ban it,” said Ms Sloane. “They’ve had a chance to do so, and instead chose to break their promise to our coastal communities.”

“Protecting our environment and marine estate from the risks posed by offshore drilling is vitally important and there is no time for delay.”

Shadow Minister for Energy and Climate Change James Griffin said that this set back would not deter the Coalition, who will continue to work on making this Bill come to fruition.

“Let there be no doubt. Today we had an opportunity to legislate against offshore drilling,” Mr Griffin said. “That opportunity no longer exists thanks to a vote by Labor, Greens and the Member for Sydney. However, we’re not discouraged and will continue to work on bringing this important legislation to a vote.”

“It’s up to each MP who voted against proceeding with this Bill to explain themselves to their communities.”

Member for Pittwater, Rory Amon called out the Government’s decision to not support the Bill as more evidence of their inability to deliver for the people of NSW.

“Labor, Greens and the Member for Sydney talked big about protecting our oceans, but instead of taking action they chose instead to gad debate in Parliament on this Bill,” said Mr Amon. “This is either an attempt to see offshore gas mining and exploration proceed, or cynical politics to try and introduce a copy-cat Bill.”

“However, their ploy has real costs, as this delays any action on offshore gas projects until well into 2024 and leaves communities at risk.”

EPA SUSPENDS LICENCE OF LAKE MACQUARIE COMPOSTING FACILITY

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has suspended the licence of a Lake Macquarie green waste facility following repeated environmental breaches.

J E T Group Australia Pty Limited operates a composting and green waste processing business in Toronto, near Newcastle.

EPA Director Regulatory Operations, David Gathercole said their licence has been suspended as they failed to install leachate and stormwater management systems after being directed to by the EPA.

“J E T Group’s failure to take appropriate action is extremely disappointing, with their failure to install pollution controls meaning ammonia is able to escape the property,” Mr Gathercole said.

“Discharged ammonia can pollute waters, damage ecosystems and impact on human health.

“The EPA will take all necessary regulatory action against operators large or small when they fail to meet their legal obligation and put both the community and environment at risk.

“The waterways in the region deserve the best protection and the community has the right to expect them to remain pollution free.”

J E T Group has appealed the suspension notice to the Land and Environment Court.

The community will need to use an alternative facility while the facility’s licence is suspended. It is an offence under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (NSW) to transport waste to a facility that cannot lawfully receive it.

ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER COAL MINE GIVEN PLIBERSEK STAMP

Yesterday Minister Plibersek waved through another coal mine in Queensland, Star Coal, deeming that it would not have significant impact on the environment.

Greens spokesperson for the Environment Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said:

“Another day, another new coal mine, approved without concern for the environment.

“Minister Plibersek has just waved through a new coal mine in QLD, claiming that it will have no significant impact on our environment.

“The fact that any new fossil fuel project is allowed under our laws, no matter how big or small, is a red flag. It is the Environment Minister’s job to protect the environment, not hide behind bureaucracy as an excuse to allow more polluting fossil fuels.

“The Minister cannot say she is taking action on the environment or climate while approving new coal and gas projects. An environment plan that doesn’t stop pollution is not a real plan for the environment.

“Australia’s environment laws are clearly broken. Polluting projects are failing to be assessed for the emissions they create. We desperately need a climate trigger which will stop new coal and gas in its tracks.”

GOVERNMENT MUST COMMIT TO GAMBLING AD REFORMS IMMEDIATELY

In response to the gambling inquiry report out today, Greens spokesperson for Gambling Reform, Senator Janet Rice said:

“Today’s gambling inquiry report and its recommendations are a first step towards reducing the awful harm caused by gambling. The crucial test is the Government’s response – we need urgent action from Labor rather than continuing to deny, delay and defer until after the next election.

“It is good to see the inquiry recommend a national gambling regulator. This is something the Greens have long been calling for. Government must act urgently to establish a strong regulator with teeth.

“Government after government have allowed gambling harm to go unchecked for far too long. Corporations and governments have profited at the expense of vulnerable people and communities.

“The BetStop program has been delayed for far too long, and there’s still no clear timeframe for implementation. The Labor party can’t continue to hide behind reviews and reports – the time for action is now.”

Greens Communications spokesperson Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said:

“Gambling ads should be banned by footy finals time.

“Gambling addiction fuelled by advertising wrecks lives, communities and sport. The power and donations of the gambling lobby also infect our democracy.

“These recommendations are welcome but the Greens are concerned that the Government has not backed them immediately. The Communications Minister can and should act immediately to crack down on gambling ads.

“Footy finals are just around the corner and parents and sports lovers shouldn’t have to sit through another finals season being bombarded with betting odds and gambling ads.

“Three years is too long – 3 years means 3 more years of gambling ads fuelling addiction, wrecking lives and affecting children.

“I have told the Minister we are willing to work with the Government to make this happen. There is no reason for delay. Parliament is back in August, let’s get a move on then and start removing the harm this insidious industry that profits off addiction is doing to families.

“The proposed timeline puts implementation beyond the next election, leaving the door wide open for the cashed-up gambling lobby to get their tentacles into the Government and pressure them to water down the reforms we know we need now. We’ve seen this before and we shouldn’t let it happen again.

“The gambling lobby has powerful political influence, is cashed-up and donates to both the major parties. Now is the time for action, not words. At the very least the Government should back these recommendations on gambling advertising and implement them as soon as possible.”

Ambassador to Counter Modern Slavery, People Smuggling and Human Trafficking

Today I announce the appointment of Ms Lynn Bell as Australia’s next Ambassador to Counter Modern Slavery, People Smuggling and Human Trafficking.

The Ambassador plays a leading role in driving international cooperation, including through Australia’s work as Co-Chair of the Bali Process, which is crucial to addressing the abhorrent crimes of people smuggling, human trafficking and related transnational crime.

The Australian Government is committed to eradicating all forms of modern slavery. The Ambassador will work with partners in our region to strengthen their responses to modern slavery, and will work closely with the Operation Sovereign Borders Joint Agency Task Force.

Ms Bell is a career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was most recently Assistant Secretary, Crisis Preparedness and Management Branch. Ms Bell has previously served as a Senior Adviser at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and overseas in Papua New Guinea.

I thank former Ambassador Lucienne Manton for her contribution and commitment to Australia’s mission to counter modern slavery, people smuggling and human trafficking.

Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 27 June 2023

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 27 June 2023. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Ordinary business

Acceptance of offer – Newcastle Art Gallery expansion – Telstra asset relocation works

Council unanimously voted to not invite tenders for the Newcastle Art Gallery expansion Telstra asset relocation works. A satisfactory result would not have been achieved through the calling of tenders as the network assets are owned by Telstra Corporation Limited (Telstra) who have exclusive rights to carry out any modifications to their network.

Supplementary report – proposed sale of operational land – 55 Cowper Street, Wallsend

Council voted to adopt an alternative motion to lay this item on the table until reports are received on existing road reserves across the city and the road reserves lost in Newcastle by RMS/TfNSW in the last decade, as well as a plan for road reserves including strategic acquisitions, temporary and permanent uses.

Stage 1 of Hunter Estuary Coastal Management Program (CMP) completed

Council unanimously adopted an amended motion that endorsed the Hunter Estuary CMP Scoping Study, noted that the Hunter River Estuary is the most polluted in NSW and called for reinstatement by the NSW Government of the dedicated Hunter Catchment Management Authority or equivalent government agency, tasked with improving the health of the estuary. City of Newcastle will write to the Minister for the Hunter and Minister for the Environment requesting their assistance to urgently rectify this situation.

Making of the rate and charges for 2023/24

Council unanimously voted to make the Rates and Charges for the period 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024 in accordance with sections 532 – 535 of the Local Government Act 1993.

Interest on overdue rates and charges for 2023/24

Council voted to adopt the rate of 9.0% per annum on interest on overdue rates and charges for the period 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024 (inclusive). Interest is waived for ratepayers who on the basis of financial hardship, enter into an agreement to pay outstanding rates over a period of time.

Executive monthly performance report

Council received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for May 2023.

Tender report – biennial hire of plant trucks and equipment

Council voted to accept tenders for the casual hire of plant, trucks, and small plant and equipment for a two-year period.

Tender report – construction of operational area for recycled materials transfer at Summerhill Waste Management Centre

Council unanimously voted to accept a tender for the construction of an operational area for recycled materials transfer at Summerhill Waste Management Centre, enabling the existing operations to continue until the Materials Recovery Facility project is completed.

Notices of Motion

Pedestrian crossings

Council unanimously voted for an amended notice of motion calling for City of Newcastle to develop a Newcastle Local Pedestrian Crossing Policy and explore the delivery of new crossings in a variety of areas across the city including locations in Hamilton South, Merewether, Hamilton North, Cooks Hill, Mayfield, New Lambton, Minmi, Elermore Vale and Tighes Hill.

Newcastle Inner City Bypass – further advocacy

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion calling on City of Newcastle to write to the Member for Wallsend, appropriate Ministers and Shadow Ministers calling on the newly elected NSW Government to urgently review aspects of the Inner City Bypass project, to ensure the opportunity to deliver a meaningful active and public transport connection between two of the City’s main catalyst sites (John Hunter Hospital and University of Newcastle) and opportunities for refinements to minimise biodiversity and habitat losses, are not lost.

National Parks Estate advocacy – 505 Minmi Road

Council supported a notice of motion that City of Newcastle writes to the Member for Wallsend and Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, calling for the urgent implementation of the Government’s election commitment to investigate the protection of 505 Minmi Road for conservation in the National Park Estate, reiterating the elected Council’s strong support for this option to permanently protect the Green Corridor.

Endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that notes and applauds the announcement that the Albanese Labor Government will be delivering Australia’s first Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics across all states and territories as part of the Labor Government’s $58.3 million commitment to theses clinics.

City of Newcastle will write to Federal Member for Newcastle and Deputy Speaker, the Minister for Health and Aged Care, and the Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care advocating for Newcastle to be included in any subsequent funding for further clinics.

Supercars 500 and climate change

Council supported an amended notice of motion that that notes that the NSW Government and Supercars Australia are yet to commit to any extension of the Newcastle 500, with the final decision subject to Council endorsement. It also noted Council’s previous resolved support for the electrification of Supercars, and opportunity to utilise Supercars to promote the use of public transport and electric vehicles in the city.

Invitation to the NSW Local Government Minister

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion that notes Council unanimously supported a motion for the NSW Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig to hold a Local Government Summit.

Late item

Social and affordable housing advocacy

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that City of Newcastle offers the city’s support as a partner with the State and Commonwealth Governments to deliver on $2 billion in national commitments to deliver thousands of additional social dwellings, to support additional social and affordable housing in the city in response to the housing crisis.

Frontline clinicians to shape delivery of healthcare in NSW

Frontline clinicians throughout NSW will come together to offer their expertise and advice to help inform and shape the delivery of healthcare.

NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM said the newly established NSW Health System Advisory Council will empower healthcare workers to guide the planning and implementation of measures to drive positive change throughout the NSW public health system.

The members of the advisory council bring their experience from all corners of the NSW Health system and include doctors, nurses, midwives, and allied health professionals who work on the frontline day in, and day out.

The council will provide independent and impartial strategic clinical advice on key priorities and functions of the health system, reporting to Ms Pearce as the NSW Health Secretary.

Ms Pearce said the council will be critical to developing new ideas for implementation in hospitals and health services statewide.

“High quality and safe healthcare requires constant innovation and collaboration, and this group will be at the forefront of how we make those changes,” she said.

“It’s so important the voices of clinicians are factored into all of our decision-making, and I look forward to seeing the many contributions this group makes in developing solutions to statewide issues.”

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said the experiences of the last few years during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how innovative ways of working can be developed to address new challenges.

“I am looking forward to attending the first meeting of the advisory council next month, listening to and learning from the expert advice and guidance of the advisory council, and hearing its ideas on how we can continue to deliver excellent healthcare experiences and outcomes for the people of NSW,” Mr Park said.

“Each member of the group will draw on the diverse expertise and experiences of their many colleagues to reflect the views of clinicians throughout the health system.

“They will also work alongside members of the Aboriginal clinical community and GPs to inform our future decision-making.”

NSW Government moves to prohibit religious vilification

The NSW Government will introduce new legislation to parliament that prohibits vilification on the grounds of religious belief, affiliation or activity.

The NSW Labor Government committed to amending the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 to prohibit religious vilification within its first 100 days in office. This bill follows through on that commitment.

The bill amends the Anti-Discrimination Act to make it unlawful to, by a public act, incite hatred towards, serious contempt for, or severe ridicule of, a person or group of persons, because of their religious belief, affiliation or activity.

A public act includes any form of communication to the public, verbal and non-verbal.

The amendments in the bill are modelled on the existing provisions that make vilification unlawful on the grounds of race, sexuality, transgender status and HIV/AIDS status.

This new law will also protect people who do not hold religious beliefs or affiliations or who do not engage in religious activity, in recognition that these are also beliefs about religious matters that should be protected.

The government consulted closely on the proposed amendments with a broad range of stakeholder groups, including religious faith and religious advocacy organisations and community advocacy organisations, legal stakeholders and NSW Government agencies.

NSW Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“No one should have to encounter public hate due to their religious beliefs, and it is high time the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 was changed to reflect this.

“For the most part, we are a tolerant society, and we welcome people to NSW from all over the world. However, we need to have laws that protect people of faith from public actions that incite hatred, serious contempt for, or severe ridicule for religious beliefs.

“We committed, as an election promise, to introduce legislation making religious vilification unlawful within our first 100 days in office. We are here to make good on our promises and get things done by making this change to the Anti-Discrimination Act.”

NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:

“The unfortunate reality is that certain forms of religious vilification are on the rise. No matter your personal beliefs, this is unacceptable.

“Members of the Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and Sikh faiths have all raised concerns about the growing levels of intolerance towards members of their communities.

“This much needed legislation will provide our faith communities with similar protections provided to members of diverse and multicultural communities.”

Minns Government better connects housing and infrastructure growth

Communities with high levels of housing growth will soon have access to funding of $1 billion over the forward estimates, and up to $700 million per year beyond that, to invest in and speed up the delivery of vital infrastructure to support homes and jobs.

New housing growth in NSW will now come with more closely connected infrastructure for community needs as the Minns Government’s Environmental Planning and Assessment (Housing and Productivity) Contributions Bill passed the NSW Legislative Council last night.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the reforms aim to address housing supply shortages by dealing with a key bottleneck – infrastructure.

“The former Government left us with the biggest housing crisis this state has ever seen, so we’re taking action to get new home builds moving and supporting infrastructure funding.

“These reforms lock in infrastructure contributions of up to $700 million each year into the future helping to create great places around new housing.

“Our infrastructure contribution reforms set up a stronger system with a fair and consistent charge applied across Greater Sydney, Lower Hunter, Central Coast and the Illawarra-Shoalhaven, to help pay for the infrastructure needed to support growing communities.

“It includes $1 billion over 10 years for grants to local councils for regionally significant facilities like sporting complexes and open spaces.”

The Bill passed both Houses today, despite being opposed by the Liberal and National Parties despite them taking a similar plan to the last election.

“After 12 years of inaction on housing and effectively creating our current housing crisis, the Liberals and Nationals cynically voted against these reforms to better connect homes, jobs and infrastructure,” said Minister Scully.

“They voted against it despite taking a very similar plan to the election only a matter of months ago.”

The new infrastructure contributions scheme replaces the ad-hoc Special Infrastructure Contribution system with a new broad-based charge, called the Housing and Productivity Contribution. The new scheme will not affect the local infrastructure contributions currently paid to councils.

It is intended that the new system will come into effect from 1 October 2023.

More information can be found on the Department of Planning and Environment’s website.launch

Startups confirmed for Techstars accelerator in Sydney

Twelve tech startups have been given a unique opportunity to set their companies up for future success after being selected for an accelerator program run by leading global investment business Techstars.

The 3-month program at Sydney’s Tech Central district starting in July provides startup founders with seed funding, training and access to a network of mentors to build their entrepreneurial skills.

The selected startups work across a range of sectors including AI, climate tech, fintech and healthtech.

Minister for Industry and Trade, Anoulack Chanthivong, confirmed the successful startups today and said it was an incredible opportunity for the companies involved.

“Taking part in an accelerator program like this can be a game-change. It will provide startup founders with the tools and knowledge they need to grow their business, Mr Chanthivong said.

“This is also an opportunity that gives founders access to an investor community that secure the investment needed to take them to exciting new heights,” Mr Chanthivong said.

“As the largest pre-seed investor in the world, we’re delighted to have Techstars onboard at our growing innovation hub at Tech Central, where they’ll continue to support the next generation of cutting-edge companies.”

Techstars Managing Director, Kirstin Hunter, said they received strong interest in the Sydney accelerator program with almost 500 applications received.

“We’re pleased to have such a diverse group of unstoppable founders on board for our accelerator. These 12 companies stood out to us for their passion and their innovative approach to solving some of society’s biggest problems,” Ms Hunter said.

“At Techstars, we believe anyone anywhere can be a world changing entrepreneur, and from our new base at Tech Central in Sydney, we’re looking forward to using our global network to accelerate the next wave of innovators that can make a lasting impact across the community.”

Nikki Tugano, founder of SeenCulture, said of being selected:

“What excites me most is the global opportunities that come with being in Techstars’ world-class accelerator program. I’m personally also super grateful to be working with Kirstin Hunter and Program Manager Lauren Fong because they’re so purpose led and really care about diversity, equity and inclusion. For SeenCulture, we want to achieve product market fit ASAP, so that’s going to be a huge focus for us in this program.”

The first Techstars Accelerator Program in Sydney will commence on July 10.

Get more information on Techstarslaunch.

The 12 companies selected for the Techstars Accelerator Program are:

DogBase – An online platform for working dog handlers to track and measure performance.
Femtek – The first menstrual health focused smart ring built exclusively for women to improve body literacy during sleep.
Gecko – A booking system customised for event rental businesses.
GoTradie – A purpose-built messaging app that simplifies the way tradies and worksites connect, communicate and collaborate.
LARKI – A web portal providing 3D laser scan surveys to assist early-stage architecture projects.
Mantaray Climate – A procurement platform that provides companies with data and tools to make more climate-friendly supply chain decisions.
Outread – An AI-powered platform that provides short summaries of research articles from top journals.
Pico – A platform that makes learning coding simpler for high school students.
SeenCulture – A software solution that helps business leaders stabilise and optimise their existing workforce.
some.place – An immersive commerce platform for retail brands to connect with their customers.
Latent Knowledge – A platform that helps institutions accelerate research performance.
Violet – A not-for-profit organisation that provides tools and support for people caring for others in the last stages of life.