Deputy Prime Minister to attend Shangri-La Dialogue

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP will visit Singapore from 10-12 June 2022 to attend the 19th Shangri-La Dialogue.

The visit will be Deputy Prime Minister Marles’ first overseas engagement as Minister for Defence, providing an invaluable opportunity to meet with regional counterparts from over 30 nations.

“I am honoured to represent Australia at such an important forum to discuss security challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region in complex and challenging times,” Deputy Prime Minister Marles said.

“The Indo-Pacific is in the midst of the most consequential strategic alignment of our time. I welcome the role this Dialogue plays in shaping robust conversation on strategic challenges and regional security dynamics.”

The Shangri-La Dialogue is the largest regional security dialogue in the Indo-Pacific, attended by high-level international representatives.

This year’s Dialogue is an important opportunity for in-person regional engagement at ministerial level, which was limited by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Australia remains committed to working with our partners across the region to promote our shared interests of a peaceful, inclusive and resilient Indo-Pacific.

“I look forward to sharing Australia’s strategic outlook at the Dialogue, and outlining our regional priorities.”

While in Singapore, Deputy Prime Minister Marles will participate in the tenth Australia-Japan-United States Trilateral Defense Ministers’ Meeting with Japanese Minister of Defense, Kishi Nobuo and United States Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin.

Secretary of Defence, Mr Greg Moriarty, and the Chief of the Defence Force, General Angus Campbell will also attend the Shangri-La Dialogue.

Further information on the Shangri-La Dialogue can be found at https://www.iiss.org/events/shangri-la-dialogue/shangri-la-dialogue-2022

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH”: TIWI ISLANDER TAKES AUSTRALIAN  GOVERNMENT TO COURT OVER THE BAROSSA GAS PROJECT AS  DRILLING ABOUT TO BEGIN 

Senior Lawman and Tiwi Traditional Owner Dennis Tipakalippa is taking the federal offshore oil and gas regulator to court to challenge its decision to approve Santos’ plans to drill the Barossa gas field, saying he and his people were never consulted about the drilling. 

Santos received approval in March 2022 from the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA) to drill up to eight gas production wells off the Northern Beaches of the Tiwi Islands. 

Mr Tipakallipa, who was chosen by his community to represent them, is asking the Federal Court to set aside Santos’ drilling approval, saying, contrary to Santos’ legal obligations, he and his community were never consulted about the drilling plans. 

Plaintiff and Munupi Senior Lawman, Dennis Tipakalippa: “Santos say they did consultation for this drilling project, but no one spoke to me as a Traditional Owner and Senior Lawman for the Munupi clan. My clan, the Munupi, own these Northern Beaches. It’s our land that’s closest to the drilling site. We are the ones who are going to be affected. They never came to me in person or face to face. I think they couldn’t face my people. 

The legal action was filed just as Santos is set to commence drilling, with Tiwi Islanders saying the drilling proposal poses a fundamental threat to their food sources, culture and way of life, and that they should have been consulted. 

Mr Tipakalippa: “We spend a lot of time out in the water – hunting, fishing. We only ever take what we can eat in a day, no more. We respect our homelands, our sea country and it looks after us. Santos should have respected us and consulted in the proper way. They think they can just go ahead with drilling our sea country without even talking to us. Enough is enough.” 

Mr Tipakalippa and his community are particularly concerned by impacts on their sea country if an oil spill occurs. He is also worried that increased shipping may interfere with the breeding patterns and nesting grounds of turtles, dugongs, whales and other marine species essential to Tiwi ceremonies, songlines and cultural practices. 

“The drilling may be out in the ocean, but that’s our sea country and we know how the waters move. I’m also worried about all the noise from the choppers overhead and all those big ships going by. The turtles could be killed by those ship propellers. Their shells all chopped up. Or they will be scared away and not nest here anymore,” Mr Tipaklippa said.

Marine scientist & energy campaigner for the Environment Centre NT, Jason Fowler, concurs with the Tiwi Islanders concerns: 

“Drilling production wells in the Barossa field will have a huge impact on marine life in the Timor  Sea because it means two years of non-stop heavy industrial shipping activity and huge volumes of chemicals, cement and waste dumped into the sea during the drilling process. 

“Any mistake at the Barossa field, such as a well blowout or ship collision, could be devastating to the Tiwi Islands, particularly during the summer monsoon when strong northwest trade winds will push any oil spill towards the Tiwi coast. Tropical cyclones regularly cross the Timor Sea which greatly increases the chances for these disasters to occur. 

“Santos have rejected key safety measures such as locating oil spill clean up equipment at Port Melville on the nearby Tiwi Islands, ceasing drilling during cyclone season and ruling out the mandatory use of double hulled ships. This all adds up to increased risk to Tiwi Islanders who will have limited ability to react if an oil spill occurs.” 

Santos was required by law to consult with people who might be impacted by the drilling plans, including Tiwi people. Lawyers from the Environmental Defenders Office will argue that because Santos failed to consult Mr Tipakalippa and his community, the decision by Australia’s offshore regulator, NOPSEMA to approve the environmental plan is invalid. 

Alina Leikin, Special Counsel for the Environmental Defenders Office: 

“In seeking approval for this project, Santos had a legal obligation to consult with people who might be impacted by the drilling. Our client is arguing that consultation did not occur, and so the approval is invalid.  

“The stakes couldn’t be higher for the Tiwi community. Their food source, their traditional practices, their culture and the country they’ve protected for millennia will be at risk if this drilling goes ahead. These waters and the life within them mean everything to Dennis and his community, but they didn’t have a chance to voice their concerns before the drilling was approved. They were sidelined from the consultation process. 

The outcomes of this case will be significant, given that it is Australia’s first ever legal action brought by a First Nations person challenging an offshore project approval because of lack of consultation. 

Ms Leikin: “This case could establish what constitutes adequate consultation with First Nations people in relation to offshore gas developments. It could have significant implications for how mining companies view their consultation obligations with First Nations people.”  

This case is not the first time that Tiwi Traditional Owners have voiced their concerns over a lack of consultation by Santos. In February 2022, Traditional Owners from the neighbouring Jikilaruwu clan took the South Korean government to court in an attempt to stop it from financing the project, about which they said they had not been consulted. 

Mr Tipakalippa: “It’s all about our future generations. That’s what I worry for. What are they going to have, who are they going to be? Our lives are not just lived on the land, but in the sea – this home that we have loved for thousands of generations.  

Major rise in Australia’s charity sector revenue and expenses 

The latest Australian Charities Report shows a major rise in total sector revenue and expenses.  

Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commissioner Dr Gary Johns said the report, released today, illustrates Australian charities’ major contribution to the economy and to thousands of communities. 

“Pleasingly, the eighth edition of the Australian Charities Report shows that we have a resilient charity sector. It is hugely important economically and employed more than 10 per cent of Australia’s workforce in the 2020 reporting period. Enormous public support for charities is clear, with donations increasing to $12.7 billion. However, expenses also increased by $10.2 billion,” Dr Johns said.

“It was a landmark year for the sector, starting with devastating bushfires in many parts of Australia. Charities responded to help impacted communities with the generous support of the Australian public. There was unprecedented disruption with the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, causing many charities to change, reduce or cease operations for varying periods. Nearly 2,000 charities did not operate, with 650 citing COVID-19 as a reason.

“The disruption may have led to charities incurring additional costs as they tried to shift and change to meet changing needs and requirements. It meant the need for sustained support was never felt as keenly as it was in 2020. There may be some bruises and scars to show for it, but there is no doubt that charities are built on a strong foundation of resilience, innovation and, importantly, public support, trust and confidence.”

The report is mainly based on data 49,000 charities submitted in their 2020 Annual Information Statements — most reporting on the 2020 calendar year or the 2019 –20 financial year. It also includes JobKeeper data supplied by the Australian Taxation Office.

JobKeeper payments to ACNC-registered charities supported an estimated 331,000 individuals between April and September 2020. This reduced to approximately 128,000 individuals between October and December 2020, and 86,000 between January and March 2021.

“JobKeeper helped relieve the financial stress brought about by the response to the pandemic for some charities. Total revenue in the sector rose to $176 billion, an increase of $10 billion on the previous year, which suggests many charities were able to navigate the challenges of 2020 with the support of government,” Dr Johns said.

This edition captures charity program data for the first time, giving an insight into the work of the sector across 75,000 programs. Approximately 7% of charities reported that they operate overseas, in 217 countries or regions. The five most common countries were Cambodia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Kenya and Papua New Guinea.

Explore the interactive data (including state by state figures) and download Annual Information Statement data by visiting the ACNC section on data.gov.au               

Key stats

In the 2020 reporting period:

  • Charities’ revenue rose to $176 billion — up by more than $10 billion on the previous period
  • Donations rose by 8% to $12.7 billion
  • Revenue from government rose to $88.8 billion — up $10.7 billion on the previous period, accounting for 50.4% of total revenue  
  • Other major revenue sources were goods and services (32.5%) and donations or bequests (7.2%)  
  • The 50 largest charities by revenue accounted for 33% of total sector revenue
  • Expenses increased by $10.2 billion
  • Charities employed 10.5% of all employees in Australia — 1.38 million people
  • There was a rise in the proportion of full-time and part-time staff
  • Education charities employed the most staff — more than 330,000
  • Volunteer contribution was high at 3.4 million volunteers, but decreased by 220,000 on the previous period
  • 51% of charities reported no paid staff
  • Environment charities reported the most volunteers — 810,000
  • Approximately half of the sector’s expenses were employee expenses

NSW Government lifts wages and recognises health workers

The NSW Government has today announced a new public sector wages policy to provide increased pay for public sector employees including nurses, teachers and paramedics.
 
The new two-year policy provides among the highest public sector wages growth in the country with employees offered a 3.0 per cent remuneration increase per annum in 2022-23 and 2023-24, with a possible further 0.5 per cent on offer in 2023-24 for employees that make a substantial contribution to productivity enhancing reforms. This provides for remuneration increases of up to 6.5 per cent over two years under the new policy.
 
The policy will apply to new industrial agreements that are struck from 1 July 2022.
 
In addition, a one-off payment of $3,000 will be provided to employees in the NSW Health Service in recognition of their work on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
The payment covers paramedics, midwives, cleaners and all other permanent staff employed by the NSW Health Service.
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet announced the new wages policy which continues the NSW Government’s record of strengthening frontline services.
 
“A strong public service is essential to delivering what matters to make daily life better,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“Our sound economic management allows us to invest in our people through higher wages and more frontline workers and continue to deliver the best services in the country and a brighter economic future for the people of NSW.”
 
Treasurer Matt Kean said the increase in wages was fair and sustainable in the current economic climate.
 
“NSW is currently enjoying the lowest unemployment on record and it is important to maintain competitive wages to attract and retain the best talent. In the context of a strong and growing economy this two-year increase to wages is an affordable and sensible policy.”
 
Minister for Employee Relations Damien Tudehope said a $3,000 one-off payment to Health workers was recognition of a workforce that has stepped up above and beyond.
 
“The health workforce went to extraordinary lengths during the pandemic and has earned the admiration and gratitude of the entire state,” Mr Tudehope said.
 
The new wages policy has been developed to support productivity enhancing reforms and modernisation of the public service.
 
“To deliver the best public services we need to adapt to new technology and ways of working. In this wages policy we are putting additional pay increases on the table for workplace reforms that deliver better outcomes for the public – a win for workers and the community.” Mr Tudehope said.
 
The Government’s position is to limit executive remuneration increases to 2.0 per cent in the next year.

NSW secures largest health workforce boost in history

A record 10,148 full-time equivalent staff will be recruited to hospitals and health services across the State over four years, in the nation’s largest-ever health workforce boost, as part of the NSW Government’s 2022-23 Budget.
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet said 7,674 more workers would be recruited in the first year, which will help ease pressure on COVID-fatigued health staff and fast-track more elective surgery for patients.
 
“Everyone in NSW is indebted to our health workers for their selfless efforts throughout the pandemic, remembering for a long time there was no vaccine and they risked their lives each day to care for patients,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“This record investment will help us care for health staff across the State, providing the respite and back-up they need. It will also boost staff numbers in hospitals to deliver quality health care closer to home, ensuring better health outcomes and a brighter future for NSW families.”
 
The additional staff will include nurses and midwives, doctors, paramedics, pathologists and scientific staff, pharmacists and allied health professionals, as well as support and ancillary staff who ensure the continued operations of NSW hospitals and the wider public health system. 
 
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the NSW Government’s $4.5 billion investment over four years is intended to relieve pressure on existing staff and will ensure there are appropriate levels of health staffing for its pipeline of health infrastructure projects.
 
“Backing in our existing staff with additional staff to support them is critical.  As the NSW Government has delivered 170 hospitals and health facilities since 2011, with a further 110 underway, this funding will also ensure those new hospitals will have the workforce of today and the future,” Mr Hazzard said.
 
Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the staffing boost will also be extended to rural and regional NSW, where communities are waiting with open arms to welcome additional skilled health professionals.
 
“This Government has funded more positions for health staff in the regions than any other. We are leading the nation in our efforts to bring the best and brightest health professionals to the bush,” Mrs Taylor said.
 
Treasurer Matt Kean said a strong feature of this health workforce budget was a boost to NSW Ambulance which has been under unprecedented pressure, with historically high call rates.  
 
“We will provide immediate relief and support for NSW Ambulance, with $1.76 billion to recruit 2,128 new staff and open 30 more stations,” Mr Kean said.
 
“Four years ago, we delivered more ambulance staff than any previous NSW Government. Now thanks to our outstanding economic management, we can deliver even further support for our dedicated paramedics.”

Gangs must be stopped, so must ill-considered laws 

Outlaw criminal groups are a dangerous and too often deadly threat to community safety, but any new laws to deal with them must be based on clear evidence and the subject of targeted and careful consideration.

While the Law Society of NSW considers there is already ample police power to confiscate criminal assets and proceeds of crime, the experts on our committees are ready and willing to engage in genuine consultation on any proposed measure relating to ‘unexplained wealth’.

Our committees are made up of some of the most experienced practitioners in our state and are able to offer invaluable input to help ensure any measure is just, fair, targeted appropriately and designed to avoid any unintended consequences. 

The Law Society notes coverage of this issue includes reference to Police to act against those they ‘have proved’ have “wealth more than the lawfully acquired value of their wealth.” To whom are police to present this proof and will the person the subject of the application be afforded the procedural fairness of being able to refute the police assertion? 

The Law Society would be most concerned if a proposed power to confiscate ‘unexplained wealth’ would reverse the onus of proof. This could require a person who may have absolutely no connection with the drug trade, or any other criminality, to prove their wealth was not the result of criminal activity. This approach upends centuries of criminal law requiring the Crown to prove its case.

I invite the Deputy Premier and Police Minister along with his Commissioner and the Attorney General to discuss with me in confidence any measures the government is considering and to commence the consultation process.

More than 2000 extra staff for NSW Ambulance

NSW Ambulance will recruit 2,128 new staff and open 30 more stations in a $1.76 billion boost to frontline emergency care, as part of the NSW Government’s 2022-23 Budget.
 
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said the record investment means NSW Ambulance will have the largest paramedic workforce in Australia, now and well into the future.
 
“Ambulance services across Australia are experiencing unprecedented demand but this funding will ensure NSW is well placed for the challenges ahead,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“The investment will help increase capacity both in terms of available paramedics to respond to patients, and available staff to help answer the record volume of calls.
 
“Our strong economic management means we can deliver a brighter future for NSW families by giving them confidence emergency support will be there in their time of need.’’
 
The $1.76 billion over four years will provide NSW with 1,858 extra paramedics, 210 ambulance support staff, 52 nurses and eight doctors.
 
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the Government will continue its record spending on ambulance infrastructure, so the larger workforce has access to the best facilities.
 
“NSW Ambulance, the Health Services Union and the NSW Government have worked collaboratively ensuring we get the right number of paramedics, in the right places when and where needed. This massive boost to paramedics we believe will make a positive difference,” Mr Hazzard said.
 
In this Budget, the NSW Government will deliver 30 new stations including at Warilla, Kincumber, Lisarow, Gateshead, Swansea, Cherrybrook, Raby and Narellan in the coming year, with 22 more stations to come over the following three years.
 
Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the investment in ambulance infrastructure and workforce is great news for those living in regional and rural areas.
 
“This funding will bring more jobs to the regions, provide a nicer working environment for local paramedics and most importantly, help us to save lives,” Mrs Taylor said.
 
NSW Treasurer Matt Kean said the pandemic has made it clear continued investment in frontline healthcare workers is crucial.
 
“We are always thankful for the outstanding commitment, compassion and tireless efforts of our ambulance staff but especially throughout the pandemic,” Mr Kean said.
 
“This announcement shows we are continuing to provide record levels of investment in these frontline healthcare workers and the critical services they provide.”      

Free training to deliver in-demand winter skills

More than 1,500 fee-free training places are up for grabs as part of the NSW Government’s Winter Skills program, which aims to get people skilled for a bumper winter tourism and hospitality season.
 
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said in-demand short courses would be on offer across parts of regional NSW to help people gain on-the-job experience while supporting local industries.
 
“The NSW Government has consulted with local businesses and industry groups to identify the key skills needed this winter season,” Mr Toole said.
 
“So whether it’s learning how to be a tour guide, pouring a beer at a pub, making a coffee at a local cafe, or lending a hand across the wine regions, regional NSW is keen to have you.”
 
Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the program will train people to work in the ski industry and related hospitality roles, bar tenders, wait staff and more, to help businesses meet demand for workers. 
 
“NSW’s winter getaway destinations will be packed with people this season, so now is the perfect time for people looking to get skilled and work in some of the most beautiful places in our state,” Mr Henskens said.
 
“Following the success of the Winter Skills campaign last year, the program has been expanded to include the Snowy Mountains, Blue Mountains, Southern Highlands, Hunter Valley and the Central West.”
 
Some of the courses available include Food Safety Supervision, Statement of Attainment in Hospitality, Statement of Attainment in Outdoor Recreation and Statement of Attainment in Public Safety.
 
Minister for Hospitality and Racing Kevin Anderson said the State’s pubs, clubs, restaurants, bars and other hospitality businesses have been impacted over the past few years.
 
“From Perisher to Thredbo to villages packed with fireplace warmed restaurant and cellar doors, we want to make sure our hospitality venues continue to be the lifeblood for local communities,” Mr Anderson said.
 
“This initiative will ensure our local hospitality businesses have access to a pipeline of skilled and job-ready workers, helping address industry needs and skills shortages as a result of the pandemic and the gradual re-emergence of international travel.”
 
For more information and to enrol in courses, visit https://skills.education.nsw.gov.au/initiatives/winter-skills.

Stunning new walk opens in the snowies

The second stage of a world-class multi-day walk, featuring the country’s highest suspension bridge between Guthega and Charlotte Pass in Kosciuszko National Park is now complete.
 
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the spectacular new nine-kilometre track along the upper Snowy River is helping to establish the region as a key eco-adventure tourism destination.
 
“Once all four stages are complete, the 55-kilometre Snowies Alpine Walk will be a world-class experience for visitors to enjoy even more of Kosciuszko National Park, and puts the Snowy Mountains region firmly on the domestic and international tourism map,” Mr Toole said.
 
“The Snowies Alpine Walk includes Australia’s highest suspension bridge at 1,627 metres above sea level and will create more than 30 jobs, attracting an expected 50,000 visitors per year.”
 
Minister for Environment James Griffin said the project is part of the largest ever investment in national park visitor infrastructure and could compete with the likes of Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain Overland Track.
 
“The opening of this section of the walk marks the completion of the second of four stages, and I’m thrilled to see increased access in this beautiful part of the world,” Mr Griffin said.
 
“The Snowies Alpine Walk is putting NSW on the map for multi-day hikes, and it’ll be a must-do walk for anyone who loves Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain Overland Track. In fact, I reckon it’ll be a strong competitor with the Overland.
 
“I want to see everyone who comes to our magnificent NSW national parks arrive as visitors, and leave as conservationists, and this walk will help us achieve that.”
 
Member for Monaro Nichole Overall said the construction of the walkway would open doors for nature-based tourism experiences.
 
“I’m incredibly excited for this walk to showcase the majestic alpine and sub-alpine landscapes unique to the Snowy Mountains region,” Ms Overall said.
 
The Snowies Alpine Walk project was awarded more than $17 million by the NSW Government Regional Growth – Environment and Tourism Fund program.
 
Additional funding of $10 million from the Australian Government’s Regional Recovery Partnerships program has enabled construction to commence on stage four.
 
Always check the NPWS website for track updates before you go: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/

NSW launches first virtual student hub

International students across NSW and around the globe will have access to free employability programs and English language mentors thanks to a new interactive platform from the NSW Government.
 
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade Stuart Ayres said the Study NSW Virtual Student Hub will bring together onshore and offshore students and provide them with a range of programs to help them thrive.
 
“By setting up the Hub we are creating an inclusive and accessible platform to build a sense of community and belonging to support all international students,” Mr Ayres said.
 
“As our state’s largest services export, international education is critical to the NSW economy.  
 
“The Hub is one of the many ways we are supporting our international students to ensure they make the most of their time studying with NSW education providers.”
 
The Hub provides international students with guidance and support through three key program streams:

  • monthly Study NSW welcome and wellbeing events
  • an English conversation club connecting students with mentors
  • a 25-part accelerate event series focused on personal and career development

 
Second-year University of Sydney student from New Delhi, Ava Khan said the Hub will help students feel supported and better able to adapt to new ways of learning.
 
“The Hub will make it so much easier to connect with other students, build a network and make sure we don’t feel alone no matter where we live,” Ms Khan said. 
 
The Study NSW Virtual Student Hub is being delivered in partnership with Vygo and Campus Consultancy. The Hub is now live and open for program registrations at www.study.sydney/programs/virtual-student-hub.