Crucial rental reforms pass the Parliament

The passage of the Rental Fairness Bill means the Minns Labor Government has:

  • Closed existing loopholes and extended the ban on soliciting rental bids so it applies to third-party platforms and owners, not just real estate agents,
  • Empowered the NSW Rental Commissioner to gather pricing data from agents, allowing them to advocate for renters and provide quality advice to government, and;
  • The powers needed to get on with designing and implementing a portable bond scheme that will deliver significant financial relief to renters.

After 12 years without a voice, the Government has heard renters and is acting to boost their rights and deliver relief.

When designed and in place, a portable bonds scheme will deliver critical financial relief to renters by making sure they don’t have to pay twice.

Closing loopholes and providing the NSW Rental Commissioner with the powers needed to find solutions across government will pave the way for further action.

Aside from rental reforms, the Minns Government is taking steps to increase housing supply across the state and ease pressure on the rental market, including creating a pathway for faster planning decisions and incentives for developers to include affordable housing in their plans.

The NSW Government has also begun an audit into surplus public land that could be rezoned for housing, it has included housing supply in the Sydney Metro review and the Government will establish a Building Commission to make sure NSW is building good quality, affordable homes. 

Minister for Fair Trading and Better Regulation Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“Our focus is on getting the balance right with responsible reforms that deliver better rights for renters and changes to get new homes built to drive down rents.

“In the existing system, a renter paying $550 per week faces a bond cost of $2,200 if they want to move.

“A portable bonds scheme will end the system that sees the average renter forced to spend the equivalent of 11 weeks’ groceries to move from home A to home B.

“Today’s reforms are the first step, not the last. We’re already working on the next tranche of changes to deliver relief, including making it easier to have pets in rentals and ending no-grounds evictions.”

Minns Government lowers poker machine entitlements in NSW, reduces cash feed-in limit on new machines

The NSW Government has reduced the number of poker machines able to be operated in the state by more than 3000.

The NSW Government is delivering on its ongoing commitment to gaming reform, reducing gambling harm and preventing money laundering.

Under regulation, pubs and clubs need to have sufficient gaming machine entitlements to legally operate poker machines, and these entitlements can be traded between venues.

The government has lowered the state’s cap on poker machines entitlements available to pubs and clubs across NSW by more than 3000, limiting it to entitlements currently in circulation.

The Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority has also approved a tenfold decrease in the cash feed-in limit for all new poker machines entering service from 1 July.

The new limit will be $500, down from $5000, reflecting the government’s pre-election commitment.

These announcements follow on from the government’s ban on external signage for gaming rooms, which will come into effect on 1 September 2023.

Venues have until then to remove signs like ‘Dragon’s Den’, ‘VIP Lounge’ or other names that allude to gambling.

The government has also already passed legislation that bans political parties accepting financial donations from clubs with gaming machines from 1 July 2023.

Prior to the election, the NSW Government committed to a number of changes to curb gambling harm and prevent money laundering, including:

  • increasing the forfeiture of gaming machines entitlements
  • implementing a cashless gaming trial of 500 machines
  • establishing an independent panel to oversee the cashless gaming trial.

For more information about gaming machine entitlements (GME), visit Liquor and Gaming NSWlaunch.

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

“We promised the people of NSW that we’d reform the gaming sector in a way that reduced gambling harm while future-proofing the industry.

“One of these commitments was to reduce the number of poker machines in this state – and this is an important step forward.

“Further down the track, we’ll also be changing the GME forfeiture scheme so that for every 2 entitlements traded, 1 will be forfeited – which will see numbers drop at a faster rate.

“It’s important that as we navigate through these changes, we engage with industry so that we can ensure vibrancy of our hospitality and gaming industries.”

OneCrown cemeteries to be amalgamated on 1 July under new name

OneCrown cemeteries is set to complete amalgamation of Rookwood General, Northern Metropolitan and Southern Metropolitan cemeteries by 1 July under the new name of Metropolitan Memorial Parks.

Within his first few weeks the new administrator Ken Morrison has been able to steer the three cemeteries through the complex amalgamation process. As part of this amalgamation OneCrown cemeteries will now be known as Metropolitan Memorial Parks.

This decision is part of a wider strategy to encourage the public use and enjoyment of the green space that can be found in our crown cemeteries.

Metropolitan Memorial Parks Administrator Ken Morrison said: 

“The NSW Government has provided us with a clear directive to amalgamate the three crown cemetery operators and we are getting on with the job.”

“This important step means we can now take the necessary steps to ensure the provision of available and affordable interments for all communities, and long-term sustainability of the crown land we manage.”

“Our new name reflects the important services we provide to the community – supporting people to grieve, celebrate life, and remember loved ones, as well as providing much-needed green space for the community.”

NSW Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:
“We are pleased by the direction and action taken by Ken Morrison and the Metropolitan Memorial Parks team to date.”

“We will continue to work collaboratively with Metropolitan Memorial Parks to address the challenges our cemeteries sector is currently facing.”

NSW Government engages interim Biosecurity Commissioner

The NSW Government has appointed an Interim Biosecurity Commissioner who will guide the formation of an independent biosecurity commission and begin work to map out the pest and weed threats impacting the state.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said interim Commissioner Dr Marion Healy has more than 20 years of high-level expertise and experience related to identifying and managing the biosecurity risks related to the movement of plant products and their impact on the Australian environment.

“Last month I announced plans to establish an independent biosecurity commission and today I am pleased to welcome Dr Healy as interim commissioner,” Ms Moriarty said.

“I know biosecurity risks present the most significant threat to the primary industries sector, the economy, the environment and our communities, and today’s appointment demonstrates that we are delivering on our election commitments.

“Dr Healy is well-respected by her peers across the industry and her biosecurity expertise will ensure the independent biosecurity commission is equipped and ready on day one to build and strengthen the resilience of our agriculture industry.”

Ms Moriarty said Dr Healy, working with the Department of Primary Industries, will during the next 3 months;

  • develop a discussion paper on the role and powers of the NSW Biosecurity Commissioner for targeted consultation across Government and stakeholders
  • engage the Natural Resources Commission to develop a baseline report on the extent of pests and weeds on public lands
  • commence scoping guidelines and focus of the $10 million Good Neighbour Program.

“It’s really important that we tackle the biosecurity challenges that come from pests and weeds and that government are good neighbours,” Ms Moriarty said.

“Farmers and landowners do their very best to keep weeds and other pests out, and we need to make sure all other landowners are doing the same – including the government.”

The statutory position of Independent Biosecurity Commissioner will be created and appointed by the end of 2023.

New course helps hair and beauty industry to ‘Spot a Spot’ and save a life

The NSW Government has launched a new online course to equip the hair and beauty industry with the skills to start a conversation about skin changes that could save a life.

Developed by TAFE NSW in conjunction with the Australian Melanoma Research Foundation, Hair and Beauty Australia (HABA), and Keune Australia, the ‘Spot a Spot’ course is the first in Australia to target hairdressers, barbers and beauticians to increase early awareness and prevention of skin cancer.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“Australia has some of the highest melanoma rates in the world, but we know that 90 per cent of melanomas can be treated successfully if caught early.”

“The NSW Government is committed to increasing the rates of early detection of melanoma in the battle against skin cancer, and this is a great initiative to help people detect the early signs of this potentially-deadly disease.”

NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Tim Crakanthorp said:

“One Australian is diagnosed with melanoma every 30 minutes and it results in around 1300 deaths every year.”

“But we know early detection matters, which is why this new course is a great example of TAFE NSW working with industry to identify skills needs and fast-tracking solutions that benefit, not only the workforce but the wider community.”

“By offering free places for TAFE NSW apprentices studying Certificate III in Hairdressing and Barbering and Certificate IV in Beauty, we’re working to equip the next generation with the skills to have these important conversations.”

Maureen Harding, the National President of HABA, said:

“I’ve been a hairdresser for 50 years and have had these conversations with my clients, including ones that turned out to have lifesaving outcomes.” 

“What’s great about this course is that it can be completed in an hour and on a mobile device. It offers practical information about what makes a spot suspicious and different ways to start a conversation with a client about a subject that can be very scary.”

Dr Wayne Harvey from the Australian Melanoma Research Foundation said:

“Early detection of melanoma is associated with high survival rates. Hairdressers and barbers are in regular contact with their clients and access hard-to-see spots, so they are very well placed to recognise skin changes.”

“Helping the industry to develop the skills to recognise a suspicious spot and then confidently talk about skin changes with their clients has the potential to significantly contribute to reducing the incidence of melanoma long term.”

The story aired on 7 News, Sunday 18 June: NSW TAFE hair and beauty students being trained on how to spot skin cancers on customerslaunch.

Community consultation to honour contemporary veterans

The NSW Government has commenced consultation with contemporary veterans and their families to seek feedback on how their service can be further acknowledged.

The survey is an important step to hear directly from the veteran community in response to the proposal to establish a new memorial to honour their service and sacrifice.

The NSW Office for Veterans Affairs is leading the consultation process which includes an online survey for veterans of recent operations, as well as forums to enable further discussion once the survey results have been analysed.

The information received from the survey and community consultation will complement the current NSW Government Veterans Strategy and Actional Plan which is in place until the end of 2024.

Minister for Veterans David Harris said:

“The NSW Government values our veteran community and is working hard to ensure that veterans and their families are acknowledged and supported.

“I encourage all veterans from recent conflicts and peacekeeping operations to share their thoughts via an online survey so we can hear what the community values as an important way to honour their service.

“The survey is completely anonymous, and it is important that veterans and their families share their views with us. The results will be analysed, and the data will then help inform us about the needs and wishes of our veteran community.

“This could be a new memorial to honour contemporary service, a living and interactive memorial space that veterans and their families can use, or other ideas.”

The survey will be open for another 2 weeks and closes on Sunday 9 July 2023.

Get more information at Veterans Affairslaunch.

KoreaTown Eastwood set to pop

Fans of K-Pop, KBBQ and Korean dance can celebrate as the vision of a group of Eastwood locals comes alive. On Rowe Street Eastwood a determined project group are working to share and enjoy these popular elements of Korean culture and much more with the wider community.

The project, funded by NSW Government, has been named “KoreaTown” and their vision for Eastwood includes K-Pop music festivals, street-dancing, Korean traditional dance performances, baked goods, Korean cuisine and night markets served up to a thriving night-time precinct around the clock.

KoreaTown is just one of 21 new projects supported by the NSW Government’s Uptown program. This program was brought in to encourage local businesses to collaborate and build a self-sustainable cultural district. Each district was then given tools and resources to brand their project and brought to the table their ideas. The goal is to create a vibrant area that is to be enjoyed by locals and visitors all year round.

Minister for Music and the Night-Time Economy John Graham said the Korean Community of Commerce will use the $198,200 Uptown grant to bring their vision of marketing Eastwood as ‘KoreaTown’ to life.

“The KoreaTown district team will use this funding to commence an advertising campaign with the goal of attracting four million visitors to Eastwood to enjoy the great food, entertainment and Korean goods on offer” Mr Graham said.

“Ideas like this will not only enhance our state’s global reputation, but it will also highlight the vibrant, diverse, and exciting opportunities available to visitors and residents across Greater Sydney.”

Moko Eastwood owner and KoreaTown representative Jong Hoon Park said Rowe Street, Eastwood was already home to 120 Korean shops and restaurants.

“We are only a small street, but we are full of Korean culture, and we want to encourage more people to come and experience what we have to offer,” Mr Park said.

“The Uptown grant will allow our collective to hire a marketing agency to promote Eastwood as KoreaTown through partnerships that will showcase our offering whether daytime or into the night.”

NSW 24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues said KoreaTown was just one of the great district visions for Sydney to come out of the Uptown program this year.

“Uptown will help these districts to deliver brilliant night-time experiences that will enhance greater Sydney’s rich social fabric and bring more visitors to these great locations,” Mr Rodrigues said.

For more information visit Uptown grant programlaunch.

BACKGROUND

Over the last few years, Ryde Council recognised the areas need for its own identity, formally referring to the area as KoreaTown and installing a new car park to accommodate the influx of visitors to the area.

Among the 21 Uptown recipients are Little India Harris Park Business Association (City of Parramatta), an LGBTQIA+ Rainbow District in Darlinghurst (City of Sydney), as well as precincts in the Northern Beaches, Inner West, Hornsby, Woollahra and Blacktown councils.

Man charged over domestic and traffic incidents; police cars rammed – Port Stephens-Hunter PD 

A man will face court tomorrow after being charged with alleged serious domestic and traffic related offences on the state’s Mid North Coast. 

In March 2023, officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District commenced an investigation after a woman was allegedly assaulted by a man known to her at Upper Allyn. 

When the 37-year-old man was unable to be located by officers, a warrant was issued for his arrest and police commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

On Friday 2 June 2023, police were called to John Hunter Hospital after a woman had presented with serious injuries requiring surgery.

Further inquiries suggest the woman had allegedly been kidnapped by the man six weeks earlier and was held against her will.

About 5pm the next day (Saturday 3 June 2023), the man allegedly assaulted officers during an attempted arrest, before he fled the scene in a Jeep Cherokee towing a camper trailer.

Police attempted to stop the vehicle on Kendall Street in Bellbird; however, when the vehicle failed to stop as directed, a pursuit was initiated.

The pursuit continued through Kulnura, where the Jeep swerved to avoid road spikes and collided with a tree, causing the trailer to separate from the vehicle. The pursuit was terminated shortly after due to safety concerns. 

Just before 5pm yesterday (Friday 23 June 2023), an off-duty officer observed the man travelling in an allegedly stolen Toyota Landcruiser on the New England Highway in East Maitland.

The man was followed to the carpark of Metford Railway Station where he was approached by police.

It will be alleged the man then rammed two police vehicles before rolling the Landcruiser. Two passengers in the vehicle suffered minor injuries.

The man was arrested and taken to Maitland Police Station, where he was assessed by paramedics and taken to hospital under police guard for assessment.

On his release from hospital, the man was returned to Maitland Police Station and charged with twenty-three offences including:

  • Two counts of common assault (DV),
  • Stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm (domestic),
  • Take/detain person with intent to obtain advantage cause actual bodily harm (DV),
  • Four counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm (DV),
  • Reckless grievous bodily harm (DV),
  • Two counts of use etc offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention,
  • Two counts of hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty,
  • Two counts of assault police officer in execution of duty without actual bodily harm,
  • Police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously,
  • Destroy or damage property,
  • Drive motor vehicle during disqualification period,
  • Two counts of dishonestly obtain property by deception,
  • Aggravated B&E & commit serious indictable offence-armed,
  • Take & drive conveyance w/o consent of owner, and
  • Drive recklessly/furiously or speed manner dangerous.

The Maitland man was refused bail and is due to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Sunday 25 June 2023.

Two senior constables – both males – suffered minor injuries during the arrest.

Investigations are continuing.

LABOR CAVES TO BIG BUSINESS ON TAX TRANSPARENCY

Labor has yet again done the bidding of big business and wound back its plans for tax transparency, showing who really pulls the levers in Australia, the Greens say.

“Just as they did with million dollar fines for dodgy bank executives, Labor is answering their corporate masters’ call when it comes to tax transparency,” Greens Economic Justice spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

“Australia could have had world leading laws on tax transparency, but those plans fall apart once big business gets on the phone to give this Government its marching orders.”

“The likes of PwC and the fossil fuel lobby have far too much say in how laws are written in this country, and it is largely thanks to their donations to the Labor and Liberal parties.”

“It is nothing less than entrenched corruption and state capture for big donors to political parties to be able to dictate the laws that will apply to them.”

Sanctions on persons involved in the downing of Flight MH17

The Australian Government has imposed targeted financial sanctions and travel bans on three persons involved in the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17.

Australia has been working closely with the Netherlands and European Union to coordinate sanctions on those who were convicted by the District Court of The Hague in November 2022 for their contribution to the downing of Flight MH17 and the murder of all 298 individuals on board.

Today’s sanctions target Sergey Dubinskiy and Leonid Kharchenko, who were both found guilty by the District Court of The Hague. The third convicted perpetrator Igor Girkin, was sanctioned by Australia in 2014 for supporting separatist activity in eastern Ukraine.

Australia has also sanctioned Sergey Muchkaev, a Colonel with the Russian Armed Forces who in July 2014 was the Commander of the 53rd Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade, which supplied the Buk-TELAR that downed Flight MH17.

As either separatist leaders within the so-called ‘People’s Republic of Donetsk’ at the time of the downing of Flight MH17, or a member of the Russian Armed Forces, the three people sanctioned today actively supported actions and policies that threatened the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

These sanctions demonstrate the Australian Government’s ongoing commitment to hold to account those responsible for the downing of Flight MH17.

Working closely with our partners, in particular the Netherlands, Australia is steadfast in our commitment to seek truth, justice and accountability for the victims of the downing of Flight MH17. We continue to pursue all avenues available to us.

Our thoughts remain with those who lost their lives, their families and loved ones.