Jacinda Ardern reminds us that kindness and strength are not mutually exclusive

Through the sheer power of her example, Jacinda Ardern has reminded us all that kindness and strength are not mutually exclusive. Even more importantly, she has shown that a true leader possesses both.

It has been a privilege to work closely with Jacinda during her term as Prime Minister of New Zealand, and to witness the many qualities she brought to the role: empathy and insight; intellect and decisiveness; a powerful work ethic matched by a great policy brain; a lightness of touch backed by a firm hand.

Throughout it all, Jacinda has been a fierce advocate for New Zealand and a great friend to Australia. She has been an inspiration to so many and, on a personal level, a friend to me.

It was only fitting that Jacinda was the first foreign leader to visit Australia following our election, and I was pleased to host her again for the 2022 Australia-New Zealand Leaders’ Meeting.

As a fellow Commonwealth leader, I met with Jacinda and co-operated on issues, particularly security in our Pacific region and climate change.

I witnessed her diplomatic skill at forums including the Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting, APEC and the East Asia Summit. To see her in action, elevating New Zealand on the world stage, was an inspiration.

Her response to the atrocity perpetrated in Christchurch is emblematic of the leader I so admired.

I will always carry in my mind that image of Jacinda in a headscarf, offering the embrace of a nation to a community stricken by grief and fear. When that community was brought so terribly low, she reached high and brought people together. Sadly, as we have seen only too clearly, that is not the instinct of every leader across the world, but it has emphatically been Jacinda’s every step of the way.

Jacinda Ardern has been the very embodiment of the common ground on which nations find their greatest cohesion and strength.

But Jacinda’s gift and her extraordinary qualities as a leader stemmed from more than knowing the right gesture at the right moment, or finding the right words in the right tone. She matched all this with action, with a determined pursuit of justice and with gun reforms to keep New Zealanders safe.

We saw it in response to the shocking loss of life – including 17 Australians – in the White Island disaster.

And we also saw it in her determination to address the ever-growing problem of climate change, not least the very real threat it poses to our Pacific neighbours.

Australia and New Zealand are family. Our relationship is one which transcends leaders and personal ties, and I look forward to the next chapter of our co-operation, with the next prime minister of New Zealand.

The story of the friendship between our two countries is a strong and a permanent one. Nevertheless, we have come to the end of a chapter.

Even the way Jacinda has brought it to a close has been a demonstration of her qualities. A model of modern leadership, after giving her all she will depart on her own terms, with deep humility, with hope for her nation’s future and with the grace she showed all through her time in office.

Not many leaders get to do that.

From prime minister to prime minister, from friend to friend, I wish Jacinda and her family well in the next stage of their lives. When she leaves office, she will go with my admiration and my gratitude.

Australia is losing a friend and the world stage is losing a class act, but her legacy will continue. May the example of her kindness and strength continue to cast its glow in a world that really needs it.

Blue Mountains Line back on track after crucial repairs completed

Passenger services on the main western rail line in the Blue Mountains will resume tomorrow following last month’s freight train derailment.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the 3.49am service from Lithgow to Sydney will be the first passenger train through now that repairs to the track between Lawson and Linden have been completed.

“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government prioritised getting this line reopened before the end of school holidays, because we know how important it is for commuters and families to have reliable  train services  through the Blue Mountains,” Mr Toole said.

“Crews have put in a mammoth effort to get this line reopened, replacing 18.1 kilometres of damaged track, installing more than 15,000 new sleepers and 24,000 tonnes of ballast and replacing or repairing 92 pieces of signalling equipment.

“I thank local residents for their patience; their cooperation has allowed us to get the job done as quickly as possible.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said Transport for NSW and Sydney Trains had to rebuild the entire damaged track in extremely difficult terrain, which required detailed planning and specialist engineering expertise.

“The Blue Mountains rail line is a critical freight corridor linking east with west,” Mr Farraway said.

“We worked closely with the freight industry during the repair period, opening the adjacent track to allow for diesel freight train movements across this critical supply chain.

“It’s great news that following the completion of repairs, full freight access will resume on the Blue Mountains line, as well as intercity and regional passenger train services.

“I’d like to thank our rail freight industry, passengers and the local community for their patience and understanding while the repairs were undertaken. I would also like to acknowledge the professionalism of the engineering and trackwork teams who completed the significant repairs to the rail corridor.”

THE MASSIVE RECOVERY TASK BY THE NUMBERS:

  • Damage to infrastructure spanned about 10km, comprising broken rail and damaged and broken concrete sleepers, signaling equipment and electrical assets
  • Removed and disposed of 15,000 concrete sleepers (which will be recycled)
  • Removed and disposed of more than 18km of broken and damaged rail (which will be recycled)
  • Removed 24,000 tonnes of spoil and ballast
  • Removed 92 pieces of critical signaling equipment
  • Installed 26,500 tonnes of new ballast to build and stabilise the ground the track, sleepers and rail
  • Replaced more than 15,000 concrete sleepers, each weighing approximately 300kg, with the terrain requiring manual handling to position and align each sleeper
  • Installed and clipped into position more than 18.1km of new rail
  • Welded and adjusted more than 210 sections of rail to ensure alignment
  • Installed 92 pieces of new critical signaling equipment
  • Installed 1.1km of electrical leads
  • Tested 16km of signaling infrastructure
  • Inspected and adjusted more than 17km of overhead wiring
  • More than 140 frontline staff worked each shift, with a total of 420 staff working within each 24-hour window
  • More than 70 pieces of specialised machinery were used during each shift.

Boosting Tech Central’s R&D Infrastructure

A high-tech multiuse facility that provides critical infrastructure to the artificial intelligence, Medtech, space, and robotics sectors is among four projects set to share in $8 million, as part of the NSW Government’s Tech Central Research and Innovation Infrastructure Fund.

Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Alister Henskens said the successful projects will provide specialised equipment and deliver collaborative programs with a focus on existing industry and research strengths across the Tech Central Innovation District which stretches from Surry Hills to Camperdown. 

“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is committed to translating our state’s incredible R&D capabilities into tangible outcomes that create new jobs and industries, which will grow the economy and help secure a brighter future for the people of NSW,” Mr Henskens said.

“Tech Central already boasts tech giant Atlassian as an anchor tenant, three world-leading universities, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and over 100 research institutes.

“Its status as a nation-leading centre of innovation and development will be enhanced by these projects, harnessing the power of local expertise to bring significant physical and digital infrastructure across its target industries and research areas, from the University of Sydney, University of Technology Sydney and ARIA Research.”

NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte said the Fund brings further innovation, R&D and industry talent to Tech Central that will complement existing tenants.

“The successful applicants will accelerate the development of Tech Central as a place where people will come together to innovate, collaborate and explore new markets,” Professor Durrant-Whyte said.

“These projects, which also include a Vaccine and RNA Design Centre, have been chosen for their capacity to add to the already vibrant technological and innovative ecosystem, with the aim to realise their potential, commercialise and raise their profile locally and internationally.”

More information and full details about the successful recipients can be found online.

Australia celebrates its corrections staff

The country’s 25,000 frontline correctional staff, including more than 10,500 from NSW, are being celebrated today as part of the annual National Corrections Day.

The state’s custodial officers, Community Corrections staff, industries workers, psychologists and programs officers, Security and Intelligence, and administration staff are among those being acknowledged for the seventh year running.

Minister for Corrections Geoff Lee said National Corrections Day was an opportunity to applaud the vital work corrections staff do to rehabilitate offenders and keep the community safe.

“Today we rally around our exceptional Corrective Services NSW staff and give them a well-deserved pat on the back for keeping our prisons and communities safe while simultaneously working towards reducing re-offending,” Dr Lee said.

“CSNSW staff juggle a lot at once, including working face-to-face with offenders in custody and the community, collaborating with various units within corrections, and liaising and connecting with other government and non-government agencies too.

“It’s a tough job and I look forward to getting out to one of our state’s busiest prisons today, the Metropolitan Remand and Reception Centre, to personally congratulate staff and spend time with them on the ground on this special day.”

CSNSW Acting Commissioner Luke Grant applauded the efforts of staff across the organisation, thanking them for what can be a dangerous job at times.

“I’m incredibly proud of our staff – our multi-disciplinary team – who work together every day to ensure our correctional system remains one of the best in the world,” Mr Grant says.

“Corrections staff don’t get enough recognition, so being able to publicly recognise them today is an honour. I hope National Corrections Day gives the entire workforce a morale boost and helps them to know how appreciated they are,” Mr Grant said.

Corrections Day was established by CSNSW in 2017 before it was adopted nationally and by New Zealand in 2018. The day will be marked across NSW with workplace morning tea, barbecues, and awards ceremonies.

Expanded Moruya Hospital Emergency Department opens

The Moruya community will benefit from expanded emergency treatment and care services with treatment spaces more than doubled at the Moruya Hospital Emergency Department (ED), following investment from the Liberal and Nationals Government.

Premier Dominic Perrottet officially opened the new ED today, which will ensure a seamless transition for staff into the new $260 million Eurobodalla Regional Hospital.

“Our strong economic record has enabled long term commitments to boost healthcare services across regional NSW,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Growing the capacity of the emergency department in Moruya is key to ensuring we provide the community with high-level emergency health care now and into the future.

“This emergency department will be crucial in preparing the local workforce for the expanded services that will be offered at the brand new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital, with construction set to be completed in 2025.

The new ED includes additional resuscitation and consulting spaces for patients as well as a new undercover vehicle ambulance bay.

Upgrade works have also included an enhanced Close Observation Unit which will provide 24 hour specialist supervision and care for patients with complex medical, or surgical needs. 

Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the community can expect to see early works begin on the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital in coming weeks, including Aboriginal archaeological works.

“The Liberals and Nationals in Government know how important health care is in the regions, and the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital will not only change lives, but save lives,” Mrs Taylor said.

“Today is an exciting day for the region, and will ensure the health needs of the people of the entire Eurobodalla community from Narooma to Batemans Bay are met while work continues on delivering the new hospital.”

The expanded Moruya ED is part of the $260 million Eurobodalla Regional Hospital redevelopment which will deliver a sustainable, modern and purpose-built hospital.

The Eurobodalla Regional Hospital will be built to accommodate a Level 4 health facility including:

· Emergency Department

· Eight bed Intensive Care / Close Observation Unit

· Increased capacity for chemotherapy and increased access to renal dialysis

· Surgical and operating theatres and a day stay surgical unit

· Expanded medical imaging department, including MRI service

· Ambulatory care for community and outpatient services

· Paediatric and maternity beds, and a special care nursery

· Mental health beds for short term admission

· Enhanced education and training facilities, including a simulation laboratory.

Eurobodalla Regional Hospital is part of the NSW Government’s record $11.9 billion investment in health infrastructure over four years to 2025-26, with nearly a third of the capital allocation in this financial year going towards regional and rural health facilities.

Since 2011, the government has delivered more than 180 health capital projects across NSW, with more than 130 projects currently underway – of those, more than 90 are in rural and regional areas. This includes the new South East Regional Hospital at Bega, jointly funded by the NSW and Commonwealth governments.

The NSW Government is investing $4.5 billion to recruit 10,148 full time equivalent (FTE) staff to hospitals and health services across the state over the next four years, as part of the 2022-23 Budget, with 3,800 of those positions in rural and regional areas.

The NSW Government is also incentivising hard-to-fill, critical roles in hospitals and health facilities with an $883 million investment targeted at recruiting and retaining staff in regional, rural and remote areas.   

Detention of Dr Yang Jun

Today marks four years since Australian citizen, Dr Yang Jun, was detained in China.

Our thoughts are with Dr Yang and his family.

Dr Yang faced a closed trial in Beijing on 27 May 2021 and he still awaits a verdict.

The Australian Government is deeply troubled by the ongoing delays in his case.

Since Dr Yang was detained, the Australian Government has called for basic standards of justice, procedural fairness and humane treatment to be afforded to Dr Yang, in accordance with international norms and China’s legal obligations.

The Australian Government will continue to advocate for Dr Yang’s interests and wellbeing at the highest levels and provide consular assistance to Dr Yang and his family.

WOODSIDE NEEDS TO CLEAN UP AFTER ITSELF

An oil tower containing toxic chemicals once used by Woodside to produce oil near the Ningaloo Reef ceased operations and should have been decommissioned by the company in 2018.

Woodside originally planned to tow the tower to Perth for disposal within six months, but a flooded compartment and malfunctioning valves meant the tower could not be moved.

The regulator, NOPSEMA, said the problems demonstrated Woodside, which had skipped a planned 10-yearly inspection of the compartments, had not maintained the tower properly. NOPSEMA are investigating whether Woodside’s poor maintenance was a breach of the law.

Greens spokesperson for resources and tourism, and Yamatji-Noongar woman, Senator Dorinda Cox said:

“Woodside appears to only be interested in profit. Their negligent attitude is clear as this issue remains unresolved since 2018.

“Woodside engaged Dutch company Heerema to decommission this offshore infrastructure in mid-2022, but instead of action we get excuses.

“When will the Australian Government strengthen the laws and regulations that govern the decommissioning of these toxic facilities? We know the industry will delay and cut costs to save their billion-dollar bottom line at the expense of the environment and the taxpayer.

“Failure to uphold their responsibility to maintain this tower demonstrates Woodside’s blatant disregard for rules and regulations. We shouldn’t be waiting any longer for them to clean up this mess, it sets a shocking precedent for other fossil fuel companies.

“The Greens call on the regulator to direct Woodside to immediately decommission this toxic tower and prevent the company from putting the precious Ningaloo Reef at risk for another 18 months. Ningaloo is a world heritage-listed marine playground, and the pride of West Australians, holidaymakers and our multi-million-dollar tourism industry.”

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

“We shouldn’t be risking our marine wildlife for the sake of sparing a multibillion dollar company a few bucks and some convenience, and regulators shouldn’t let these oil and gas giants run roughshod over our oceans.

“Putting our marine life at risk to suit the financial interests of one of the world’s biggest polluters isn’t acceptable. 

“A toxic chemical spill this close to the Ningaloo Reef World Heritage Area would be devastating for WA’s precious marine wildlife, including thousands of species of whales, sharks, fish, turtles and corals.

“Big businesses make millions of dollars in profits from this oil field, they can afford to clean up after themselves.” 

GREENS SLAM POTENTIAL DEAL ON FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY REGIME

The Greens have criticised the possibility of a deal between Labor and Liberal to pass the Financial Accountability Regime (FAR) without fines for law-breaking bankers.

“The Hayne Royal Commission highlighted the systemic misconduct and greed within the banking and financial services industry, and if we are going to change that we need the threat of large fines on bank executives who break the law,” Greens Economic Justice Spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

“Having already broken the agreement struck with the Greens to create million dollar fines for banking executives, Minister Jones pledged to consult in good faith on the Bill.”

“That should not mean just asking the big banks for marching orders.”

“Labor has a choice here. It can support consumers by working with the Greens to impose fines on dodgy bank executives, or it can join the Liberals and roll over to the big banks.”

“Any deal between the major parties would be yet another sign that the big banks are still calling the shots in Parliament.”

GREENS CALL FOR ACCELERATION OF GAS CODE OF CONDUCT

The Greens have called for the rapid introduction of an interim Mandatory Code of Conduct with teeth for gas companies, to lay bare the excuses these massive corporations are using to justify wielding their market power to the detriment of climate and consumers.

Gas companies are reportedly refusing to sign up new commercial customers, threatening blackouts and skyrocketing prices, attempting to cause chaos in retaliation to the Government’s price caps on gas.

The Greens say with no set deadline on the introduction of the code of conduct, but with repeated and growing cartel-like behaviour by the gas industry, parts of the Code should be implemented immediately. Consultation on the final code does not close until February 7.

Separately, the ACCC has on Tuesday issued its interim compliance and enforcement guidelines for the gas industry.

Senator Mehreen Faruqi, acting Leader of the Australian Greens said:

“Gas companies are trying to hold the country hostage, sparking chaos in the energy sector and anxiety for ordinary people already experiencing intense cost of living pain – as a retaliation for Government efforts to rein in their never-ending profiteering,” Senator Faruqi said.

“The Labor Government must immediately intervene with an interim code of conduct to make sure that gas corporations can’t hide behind this excuse to cause chaos in the energy sector by arbitrarily withholding supply, and overcharging the country for its own gas.

“This needs to be an inflection point where we move away from dirty, expensive gas, instead of allowing them to hide behind flimsy excuses while threatening to cause chaos in energy markets.

“When a corporation is threatening people with withholding power unless they’re allowed to charge whatever they want, there is no point negotiating with them. They are drunk on market power that they’ve been allowed to wield unchallenged for years.

“Big gas corporations like Woodside and Santos are making obscene, five-fold profits. They are turbocharging natural disasters that cost Australia $5 billion in just one year according to Treasury. The Tax Office has labelled them ‘systemic non-payers of tax’ and in most cases they don’t even pay any royalties.

“For the sake of people and planet, we have to get out of coal and gas.”

Senator Dorinda Cox, Australian Greens Resources Spokesperson said:

“We urgently need a code with teeth, and regulatory authority that stops this constant public power game between the Federal Government and industry. 

“Right now, Australians across the country are under pressure from rising costs of living, and suffering natural disaster-related loss and damages. Meanwhile, gas companies are threatening power outages and price spikes just to protect their bottom line, what the government’s own Minister calls  ‘Putin profits’.

“Labor talked a big game during the election, promising to end the climate wars. Now they need to step up, be courageous, and stop the gas industry from dictating the rules.”

Broadway smash hit Come From Away breaks ticket sale records

The Civic Theatre has set a new box office record less than a month out from the Newcastle debut of the hit Broadway musical Come From Away.

More than 11,000 tickets have already been sold for the critically acclaimed production, and three new dates have been added in an extended season that will now open at the Civic Theatre on Wednesday 15 February.

Come-From-Away-2.jpg

Come From Away shares the incredible real-life story of the 7,000 air passengers from around the world who were grounded in Canada in the wake of 9/11, and the small Newfoundland community that welcomed the ‘come from aways’ into their lives.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said strong ticket sales indicate there is an appetite for Broadway theatre amongst Novocastrians and visitors seeking to have a good time following three years of pandemic-induced disruptions.

“It’s been 30 years since an international touring Broadway production landed in Newcastle and it’s clear that as a city, we are ready to welcome a live musical theatre production of this calibre,” Cr Nelmes said.

“With its remarkable true story about kindness and humanity, Come From Away is sure to enhance the cultural life of our city with Novocastrians and visitors ready to get back out there and enjoy themselves in 2023.

“Come From Away joins a stellar line-up on Newcastle’s 2023 major events calendar, which kicked off with Elton John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, which attracted more than 50,000 people to the city and injected more than $12 million into the local visitor economy.

“Major events are a clear economic driver and Come From Away is another significant drawcard for our city that will provide considerable benefits for Newcastle’s visitor economy.”

Civic Theatre Manager Leonie Wallace said Come From Away has already smashed the ticket sales of previous live musical theatre performances.

“With four weeks still to go, ticket sales have exceeded our expectations and previous ticket sales records held at Civic Theatre,” Ms Wallace said.

“Tickets sales have been recorded across a wide geographical area, with Newcastle-based purchases complemented by sales from as far away as Tasmania, Brisbane, Armidale, Narrabri and Coffs Harbour.

“Come From Away is also attracting new audiences to the Civic Theatre, with more than 45 per cent of bookings from first-time customers.

“Due to popular demand, we’ve added another three performances to the extended run of Come From Away and look forward to seeing this spectacular production come to life on stage with our theatre’s iconic proscenium arch, grand tiered seating and incredible atmosphere.”

Come From Away is showing at Newcastle’s Civic Theatre from 15 February until 5 March 2023.

The production runs for 100 minutes and is recommended for ages 10 and older.

Tickets are on sale now. For more information, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au