Building a stronger and more efficient justice system

The NSW Parliament has today passed a Bill that will help support and ensure an efficient, fit-for-purpose justice system in NSW.

The amendments in the Justice Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous) Bill 2023 form an essential part of the NSW Government’s commitment to a healthy program of legislative maintenance and review. This Bill introduces several amendments to improve, clarify and update legislation across various areas of the justice system, and plays a key role in good governance.

This Bill introduces amendments that address developments in case law, close gaps, provide clarity and updates where needed, and support operational improvements. Key features of the Bill include:

  • Amending the Fines Act 1996launch to allow for the completion of prescribed activities to be treated as payment of a penalty notice. This change allows for the making of a regulation to facilitate the Pre-Court Diversion Scheme, announced last week. The Scheme will enable $400 criminal infringement notices (on-the-spot fines) to be issued for the possession of small quantities of drugs and for personal use, with the fine to be considered paid if the person completes a tailored alcohol and drug health intervention.
  • Amending the Bail Act 2013launch to permit a court to impose a pre-release bail condition requiring the accused to be accompanied by a specific person upon release from custody.
  • Amending the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002launch to allow the continued use of email applications for search warrants, following a trial period, improving efficiency and justice system processes.
  • Amending the Terrorism (Police Powers) Act 2002launch to implement recommendations of the statutory review of that Act. This includes an amendment to extend the preventative detention scheme for a further three years, and amendments to ensure that a person on a preventative detention order has the right to contact the Ombudsman and is informed of that right.

Read the full Bill here: Justice Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous) Bill 2023 (nsw.gov.au)launch

The most recent substantial Justice Miscellaneous Bill was passed in 2020.

NSW Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“This Bill is an investment in our justice system. It ensures that legislation is fit for purpose and introduces reforms to make our justice system more efficient and easier for everyone, from judicial officers who apply the law to the people who come before the courts and the wider community.”

“The justice system is dynamic and evolves over time. It is important that the legislation that underpins it is kept up to date and clear in its intention and application.”

“The Bill amends a number of Acts and seeks to address multiple elements of the justice system quickly and efficiently.”

Major construction milestone in Royal Prince Alfred Hospital redevelopment

Major construction is underway on the $940 million redevelopment of the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPA), which will deliver the biggest transformation in the hospital’s 140-year history.

Premier Chris Minns, Health Minister Ryan Park and Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully joined health workers at the site for a traditional sod-turn event to mark the important milestone.

The major milestone follows the recent approval of the State Significant Development Application for the project.

The $940 million RPA Hospital Redevelopment, with over 700 acute beds available at the end of the project, includes:

  • expanded and enhanced emergency department and intensive care units. With the hospital’s Emergency Department to expand from 42 treatment spaces to 91 treatment spaces
  • more than a 50% increase in the adult intensive care bed capacity from 49 adult intensive care unit (ICU) beds to 74 adult ICU beds
  • state-of-the-art operating theatres.
  • expanded and improved adult and paediatric inpatient accommodation/beds
  • increased interventional and imaging services
  • enhanced maternity services and neonatal services. With the Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Special Care Nurser increasing capacity by more than 30% from 34 beds to 45 beds
  • improved signage and landscaping throughout the hospital campus
  • a new open garden courtyard.

Work on the redevelopment is being carefully planned to ensure clinical services remain operational during construction, while staff and the community will continue to be updated as the project progresses.

The start of major construction marks the completion of enabling works on site, which includes the temporary relocation of the helicopter landing site to the roof of a multi-storey carpark located off Hospital Road and Grose Street, on RPA’s western campus.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“RPA is one of Australia’s leading hospitals, renowned for its excellence in providing innovative health care and education.

“It is exciting to see the redevelopment taking shape in the heart of Sydney not only for local inner west residents but for patients right across the state who may require the complex healthcare and cutting-edge services that RPA is renowned for.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“The RPA Hospital redevelopment is a once-in-a-generation project which will continue to deliver world-class healthcare facilities to our communities right across the state.

“This major investment will enhance access to vital health services including construction of a new 15-storey clinical services building, an expanded emergency department and intensive care unit, more inpatient beds, as well as medical imaging, operating theatres and neonatal areas.

“I want to thank all the clinicians, staff and the community who have been engaged in the planning and design of the redevelopment every step of the way.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This state significant development approval will deliver the biggest transformation in the RPA hospital’s 140-year history of caring for the community.

“It is an investment in our future to ensure the growing populations have access to the highest quality health care for years to come.

“The project will generate 1400 construction jobs and 900 additional health related jobs when it’s complete. I am pleased it will be not only be able to provide high-quality health care it will also be able to give the local economy a boost in the process.”  

Get more information on the Royal Prince Alfred hospital redevelopment.launch

War Widows honoured in Sydney and across NSW

War widows in New South Wales were honoured today with events across the state to commemorate the second annual War Widows Day.

War Widows Day is held annually on 19 October, the birthday of Mrs Jessie Vasey OBE CBE (1897-1966), founder of the Australian War Widows Guild.

Mrs Vasey, widow of Major General George Vasey who was killed en route to New Guinea during the Second World War, founded the NSW War Widows Graft Guild, a self-help organisation to support women widowed in the War to come to terms with their loss, while creating opportunities to support themselves and their children financially.

There are more than 15,000 war widows in NSW. Over 1,200 veterans transition from the ADF into NSW annually, and many of these veterans have a family that has supported them through their service.

This year, the Guild, now known as Australian War Widows NSW, is partnering with Legacy to recognise war widows and celebrate their contributions to their families, their communities, and the nation.

Minister for Veterans David Harris will join war widows and the defence and veteran community at a commemorative service at the Cenotaph in Martin Place.

Get more information on how to support War Widows Day.launch

Minister for Veterans David Harris said:

“From the Great War and Second World War, through to more recent conflicts and peacekeeping operations, the service of our veterans is acknowledged and commemorated at various times throughout the year.

“Yet, every veteran has a family, and we must not forget the important role that family plays in thelives of veterans, and the sacrifices that families also make that allow veterans to serve their country.

“Families of our veterans are their primary support network, and families too can be affected by the service of their loved ones.

“It is wonderful that we now have a War Widows Day. The NSW Government designated this day last year, and it is great to see this gaining traction around the country.

“NSW is leading the way in many aspects of veteran support, and with thanks to Australian War Widows NSW we are now paving the way for support to families too.”

CEO of Australian War Widows, Ms Renee Wilson said:

“Today is a special day as war widows from around New South Wales have come together to acknowledge War Widows Day, in honour of our founder, to celebrate the contributions to our families, our communities and our nation.

“I invite you to continue to stand with our war widows and widowers, and to show your support through purchasing a limited release lapel pin or support our ‘Buy a Widow a Coffee’ campaign, to help raise much needed funds to help us to deliver our social connections program.” 

Consistent, timely and secure health information: NSW Government to deliver single digital patient record

The NSW Government has announced that work is underway on a new single digital patient record (SDPR) system.

The current system for recording health records is complex, cumbersome and outdated.

Currently we have 9 systems used for electronic medical records, 10 patient administration systems and 5 pathology laboratory information manage systems in use across NSW Health.

NSW Health is now working on a single streamlined system to record patient records to replace and consolidate what is currently available.

The current system(s)

Currently, these systems are not connected statewide.

Data is routinely collected but is often unable to be shared or integrated in real time.

This can create duplicative data collection or create information gaps in decision making.

As a result, patients may have to recall and repeat complex medical information when they’re feeling unwell.

Often this is when patients are receiving care at different locations or from separate treatment teams and impacts the experience of care they receive.

Benefits to patients

The new system will improve patient experience through better continuity of care.

The SDPR will reduce the need for patients or their carers to recall and repeat health information.

It will provide patients with secure access to relevant medical data to help them make informed care choices and self-manage their own health and wellbeing.

And it will also facilitate more informed consultations.

Benefits to clinicians

The SDPR will provide clinicians with access to full patient clinical information in any location, supporting better continuity of care for patients.

The new system will promote clinical safety and quality, reducing unnecessary duplication of care.

It will also reduce the amount of manual administration, streamline record keeping and give clinicians more time at the bedside.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“The NSW Government’s new single digital patient record, will deliver healthcare workers and their patients with consistent, timely and secure health information.

“A consolidated and centralised record keeping system will provide a holistic and integrated view of the care a patient receives right across the NSW public health system.

“As Health Minister, one of my priorities is to embrace innovative solutions to find efficiencies in the way we deliver care.”

NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM said:

“We can now move into the next exciting phase of this project, which is to work together across all of NSW Health on the design, build and testing of the Single Digital Patient Record, so we can create a world-class digital platform that meets the diverse needs of our clinicians, staff, patients and carers.

“The Single Digital Patient Record will support NSW Health’s ongoing commitment to delivering safe, timely, high quality, equitable and patient-centred healthcare for the people of NSW.”

Understanding the Family Law Amendment Bill 2023 Through Pauline Hanson’s Lens

This week Senator Pauline Hanson rose in the Senate to speak to the Family Law Amendment Bill 2023. As a pivotal player in the discussions and formation of this legislation, her insights offer an in-depth understanding of the changes this bill seeks to bring and the concerns surrounding them.

Hanson’s Support and its Roots

Pauline Hanson, as the deputy chair of the Joint Select Committee on Australia’s family law system, has played a significant role in this legislation. Some of the recommendations she championed have been reflected in the bill. Other important perspectives of One Nation have not been reflected. These changes have been a long-time advocacy point for her, emphasising the paramount importance of children’s best interests in family law cases.

Controversy Over Shared Parental Responsibility

One of the major points of contention One Nation highlights is the removal of the presumption of shared parental responsibility. Introduced in 2006, this presumption was intended to underline that parents share equal responsibility for their child’s care. It was never about ‘equal time’ but rather the commitment and responsibility shared between parents. Hanson fears that by removing this, the legislation might unintentionally bias the system further.

Drawing on the words of family court veterans like Professor Richard Chisolm and Emeritus Professor Patrick Parkinson, Hanson underscores their concerns about rolling back the clock to when mothers were primarily considered the primary caregivers after separation. Parkinson particularly mentioned this change as a “fundamental shift” in the family law system’s underlying values.

Addressing Biases Against Fathers

Pauline Hanson’s speech emphasised a potential systemic bias against fathers. She cites studies and evidence indicating that fathers often face challenges in family court, with many being concerned about their children’s safety in shared parenting arrangements. The removal of shared parental responsibility, Hanson argues, will amplify these biases.

Child’s Wishes and Preventing System Manipulation

One of the commendable points of the bill, according to Hanson, is its focus on a child’s wishes. Independent Child Lawyers (ICLs) will now be required to learn and advocate for these wishes, ensuring that children have a voice in the court proceedings. However, this also demands specialised training for ICLs to accurately represent children, sometimes as young as five.

Another supported aspect is the mechanism to prevent the misuse of the family law system, especially during bitter separations. But again, Senator Hanson emphasises the need for fairness in its application, ensuring both mothers and fathers are treated equitably.

Recommendations for the Child Support System

While many of Hanson’s proposals are present in the bill, she expresses disappointment regarding the child support system reforms. Highlighting Professor Parkinson’s observations on the existing system’s “perverse incentives”, Hanson lists her recommendations. From assessing salaries based on a 38-hour working week to having child support payments reviewed by Services Australia, these changes aim for a fairer system that genuinely supports children.

A Call for Fairness

Pauline Hanson’s speech underscores her commitment to fairness in Australia’s family law system. She believes in a system that doesn’t discriminate based on gender, race, or religion. The evidence collected during the joint select committee inquiry, she feels, should have paved the way for reforms that leaned into justice and fairness.

In concluding her speech, Pauline Hanson expresses her deep sympathies for families navigating this system and promises to continue fighting for genuine reform in Australia’s family law system.

In summary, the Family Law Amendment Bill 2023 brings forth several changes and revisions that can significantly impact Australian families. Through Pauline Hanson’s perspective, we gain a deeper understanding of the implications of these changes and the need for continuous scrutiny and advocacy for a fair system.

MEETING WITH THE PRESIDENT OF LITHUANIA

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda in Canberra today – the first visit by a Lithuanian President to Australia in 17 years.

The productive relationship between Australia and Lithuania is underpinned by shared democratic values, a commitment to human rights and open markets, and strong people-to-people ties.

President Nausėda welcomed Australia’s close partnership with the European Union, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to the conclusion of a comprehensive and ambitious Australia-EU Trade Agreement and to building trade and economic relations.

Prime Minister Albanese and President Nausėda reaffirmed their condemnation of Russia’s illegal, immoral and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, and reiterated their steadfast support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. President Nausėda thanked Australia for its close cooperation with NATO.

Australia and Lithuania have been united in expressing their condemnation of the abhorrent attacks on Israel by Hamas and in underlining the importance of protection of civilian lives and of respect for international humanitarian law.  

The leaders last met in July this year at the NATO Leaders’ Summit in Vilnius.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Albanese

“Australia is fortunate to be home to a thriving Australian-Lithuanian community, one of the largest and most active Lithuanian diaspora groups outside of Europe.”

“Strong community ties underpin the modern Australia-Lithuania relationship, which is warm and continues to evolve to meet shared opportunities and challenges.”

New Suburbtrends Rental Pain Index Highlights Ongoing Challenging Conditions for Australian Renters 

Suburbtrends’ latest “Rental Pain Index” for October 2023 provides another disturbing snapshot of the Australian rental market. Building on our comprehensive methodology, this month’s report reveals ongoing challenging conditions, with every suburb in the top 16 scoring the maximum index of 100, underlining the urgency of the crisis at hand.

Kent Lardner, the founder of Suburbtrends, asserts, “This month, we see NSW and QLD as dominant players in contributing to rental stress, particularly in locations like Thorneside in QLD and Greenacre – South in NSW. In such areas, renters are allocating as much as 45% of their income to secure housing, an unsustainable financial burden.”

New to the index this month are glaring vacancy rates, most notably in the worst-affected suburbs, registering below 1%. This trend is consistent with last month’s concerning figures. “These strikingly low vacancy rates exacerbate the existing rental stress, making it increasingly difficult for renters to find suitable housing,” Kent observes.

Nationally, among the top 25 worst-affected suburb groups, rental affordability consistently crosses the 35% threshold, often considered well above the tipping point for financial stress. Remarkably, the index shows that such financial impositions are not limited to any single state but are widespread, flagging a critical issue that needs immediate multi-state intervention.

Kent reiterates, “The current index should serve as a stern wake-up call for policymakers. It’s not merely about escalating numbers but about deteriorating living conditions for Australian renters. As we enter the final quarter of the year, there is an urgent need for targeted policy interventions to alleviate the immense strain renters are under.”

For further details, the complete Rental Pain Index and dataset for October 2023 are now available for download and also supported by a new embeddable map.

ANOTHER SITTING WEEK, ANOTHER TRANSPHOBE STUNT

Liberal Senator Alex Antic is up to his usual antics this week — introducing a virulently transphobic and homophobic bill to Parliament.

The Australian Greens LGBTIQA+ Spokesperson, Stephen Bates MP, condemns Antic’s hate-fuelled stunt.

There are huge gaps in the provision of gender affirming healthcare in Australia. 

That’s why last election the Australian Greens called for a national LGBTIQA+ health and wellbeing action plan, new national professional standards, an extra $285m over four years in additional funding, and $15 million in dedicated funding to cover out-of-pocket costs for trans and gender diverse people trying to access gender affirming healthcare.

Australia’s healthcare system is already not meeting the needs of trans people — and all the Liberal Party is trying to do is make it even worse. 

STEPHEN BATES MP, AUSTRALIAN GREENS LGBTQIA+ SPOKESPERSON said:

This is loser behaviour. It feels like every sitting week there is another stunt by transphobes desperate for media attention. 

The Senator has the implicit backing of the Liberal Party in introducing his bill and goes to show that you can never trust the Liberals with LGBTIQA+ rights.

This is an Opposition that is just whipping up culture war after culture war, trying to see what sticks — because they have nothing of substance to offer.

Access to healthcare for trans people needs to be led by the trans community and medical experts — not hate-fuelled politicians. When it comes to trans healthcare, we need more funding, more access, and fewer restrictions. 

There are very real consequences to the ongoing anti-trans hate campaigns. We all have a responsibility to protect trans kids. 

We should not give this man and his crusade against trans kids any more oxygen.

Transphobia has no place in our Parliament. Trans rights are non-negotiable.

GREENS SECURE CRITICAL REVIEW INTO DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION IN THE MIGRATION SYSTEM

The Greens have secured a comprehensive review of the Significant Cost Threshold, an outcome with significant potential to reduce discrimination in Australia’s migration system and improve life for many families seeking to make a life in Australia.

The Significant Cost Threshold is the mechanism that allows the Government to deport disabled people on temporary visas or refuse visas to disabled people and their families.

The public review will include a specific reference to the effect of the Significant Cost Threshold on non-citizen children born in Australia to people on temporary visas.

The Greens have been campaigning to end discrimination in the migration system, with families facing deportation because of children born or acquiring disabilities.

The Greens secured the review in exchange for committing to support the government’s Pacific Engagement Visa enabling legislation in the Senate.

We thank Minister Giles for his constructive engagement on this issue.

Immigration and Citizenship spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said:

“We are committed to ensuring that Australia’s migration system is fair and inclusive, and today is a significant step towards achieving that goal.”

“We will continue to stand up for the rights of everyone, no matter where they come from, or their disability.”

“Our migration laws need to be brought in line with community expectations and meet Australia’s obligations under international law.”

Disability spokesperson Senator Jordon Steele-John said:

“Our migration system must be made far more accepting of disabled people.”

The migration system is ableist. It deliberately provides for discrimination based on disability, which is grossly unfair and inhumane.

“This blatant discrimination belongs in the dustbin of history.”

GREENS IMPLORE LABOR TO HEED GROUNDBREAKING SOUTHERN OCEAN REPORT AND FUND ANTARCTIC SCIENCE OVER FOSSIL FUELS

The Greens implore Labor to heed a groundbreaking Southern Ocean report and fund Antarctic science over fossil fuels.

More than 200 scientists from 19 countries today released a new assessment of trends in Southern Ocean ecosystems, in what is being hailed as “an IPCC report for the Southern Ocean”.

The Marine Ecosystem Assessment for the Southern Ocean report was released to coincide with this year’s international meeting of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) in Hobart. 

Greens spokesperson for healthy oceans, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said:

“This groundbreaking report clearly states that the long-term maintenance of the Antarctic and Southern Ocean can only be achieved through urgent global action to address climate change and ocean acidity. 

“Australia has a 40% claim to Antarctica territory, so it’s in the Australian Government’s best interest to take this report’s advice seriously. Yet as one of the world’s biggest world’s largest consumers and producers of coal that is still approving new coal and gas projects in 2023, Australia still has a devastatingly long way to go before being considered a global leader in tackling climate change. 

“The Southern Ocean and Antarctic are integral to understanding global weather patterns. Around half of the carbon dioxide taken up by the whole ocean is absorbed by the Southern Ocean, meaning more than ever our planet depends on us protecting these regions.

“Instead of funding fossil fuels, the Albanese Government should be funding Antarctic science, starting with increasing funding and cleaning up the Australian Antarctic Division.”