Community sporting clubs and organisations can now apply for life-saving defibrillators as part of the NSW Government’s Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program.
Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said the NSW Government has committed $2 million over four years to the program, ensuring more sporting clubs and councils are equipped to respond to life-threating emergencies.
“Whether you’re at your local sailing club or playing footy with your mates, when someone has a cardiac arrest, time is crucial – they can happen to anyone, anytime, or anywhere so it’s vital that a defibrillator is readily accessible,” Mr Henskens said.
“Through this funding, the NSW Liberals and National Government is ensuring our sport clubs and venues are safe environments for everyone, both on and off the field.”
Since 2017, more than 2,000 devices have been installed at sports facilities across the State.
Co-deputy Director of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute Professor Jamie Vandenberg said people who play sport may think they are healthy but sudden cardiac arrest does not discriminate.
“Sudden cardiac arrest is a devastating disease which takes the lives of nine out of ten people who suffer an arrest outside of hospital. It’s vital we install as many life-saving defibrillators as possible across NSW and beyond and that people know how to use them,” Professor Vandenberg said.
“I encourage sporting clubs to apply for these generous grants that will help prevent the trauma, and the heartache, that cardiac arrest causes families.”
The Local Sports Defibrillator Program is available to sport and recreation clubs, associations and organisations as well as councils and service clubs. Up to $3,000 is available per device with organisations able to apply for up to three devices.
Applications are open and close Friday 10 February 2023. For more information, visit www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/local-sport-defibrillator-grant-program.
Author: admin
PARLIAMENT PASSES NATIONAL ANTI-CORRUPTION COMMISSION BILLS
The Albanese Government has today delivered on our promise to the Australian people to return integrity, honesty and accountability to government by legislating a powerful, transparent and independent National Anti-Corruption Commission in 2022.
The Albanese Government’s National Anti-Corruption Commission will:
- Have broad jurisdiction to investigate serious or systemic corrupt conduct across the Commonwealth public sector by ministers, parliamentarians and their staff, statutory officer holders, employees of all government entities and government contractors;
- Operate independent of government, with discretion to commence inquiries on its own initiative or in response to referrals, including from whistleblowers and the public;
- Be overseen by a statutory Parliamentary Joint Committee, empowered to require the Commission to provide information about its work;
- Have the power to investigate allegations of serious or systemic corruption that occurred before or after its establishment;
- Have the power to hold public hearings in exceptional circumstances and where it is in the public interest to do so;
- Be empowered to make findings of fact, including findings of corrupt conduct, and refer findings that could constitute criminal conduct to the Australian Federal Police or the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions; and
- Operate with procedural fairness and its findings will be subject to judicial review.
The legislation also provides strong protections for whistleblowers and exemptions for journalists to protect the identity of sources.
Australians waited years for the former Government to implement their pledge for a Commonwealth integrity commission. They never even introduced a bill.
This is a historic day for our Parliament, and the nation.
The Government has already begun the search for Australia’s first National Anti-Corruption Commissioner through a merit-based, transparent and robust recruitment process, adhering to the highest standards of integrity and accountability.
With today’s vote, we now look forward to the establishment of the National Anti-Corruption Commission in mid-2023.
STRENGTHENING AUSTRALIA’S RELATIONSHIP WITH VIETNAM
Today Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with the President of the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Vuong Dinh Hue, during his visit to Australia as a Guest of the Australian Parliament.
They discussed the vibrant trade, investment, education and defence links between Australia and Vietnam, underpinned by the Strategic Partnership and strong people to people links, ahead of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year. Australia and Vietnam share a commitment to a peaceful and prosperous region and an ambition to boost trade and investment, including to create jobs in both countries and drive the clean energy transformation.
They also discussed international issues and reiterated their commitment to ASEAN centrality and a region which is peaceful, prosperous, stable and in which sovereignty is respected. They reaffirmed that disputes, including those in the South China Sea, should be resolved peacefully in accordance with international law, particularly the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They also reaffirmed their commitment to freedom of navigation and overflight. They maintained the call that any Code of Conduct for the South China Sea should not prejudice the rights of all states under international law, particularly UNCLOS.
They announced Australia and Vietnam’s shared intention to elevate the relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This announcement reflects the high level of mutual strategic trust and ambition in the relationship and will place Australia in the top tier of Vietnam’s closest partners. It demonstrates a further deepening of Australia’s relationship with Southeast Asia.
During his visit, National Assembly President Hue will also meet with the Governor‑General, Parliament’s Presiding Officers, senior Federal Government ministers, and the Leader of the Opposition. In Melbourne, President Hue will promote the impressive education linkages between our countries and strengthen business engagement.
Prime Minister Albanese said:
“Australia and Vietnam share close bonds and a vision for a stable, peaceful, resilient and prosperous region.”
“Our shared ambition to elevate our formal ties is a reflection of our deepening cooperation on significant issues – economic, climate and strategic. It demonstrates clearly the government’s determination to deepening Australia’s relationship with Southeast Asia.”
“I look forward to continuing to strengthen Australia-Vietnam ties as we celebrate our 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year.”
Foreign Minister Wong said:
“Vietnam is a close partner and friend to Australia in Southeast Asia.
“Our two countries are working closely together to boost cooperation on climate change, expand economic and trade opportunities, and deepen our longstanding people-to-people ties.
“We share a strategic interest in a peaceful stable and prosperous region, with ASEAN at its centre.”
NSW State Teams for 2023 National Netball Championships named
Netball NSW is excited to announce the athletes that have been selected in the 17U & 19U teams which will represent the State at the 2023 National Netball Championships in Darwin in April.
First contested in 1985, the annual tournament provides emerging talent from across the country the opportunity to represent their respective State or Territory and compete for national honours.
The Nationals are an important step in Netball Australia’s pathway, with many Australian Diamonds having previously represented their State or Territory in the event.
Mardi Aplin – General Manager of Performance & Pathways at Netball NSW – said this is an exciting and talented group of athletes
“Congratulations to all selected athletes, we know you will represent NSW with Waratah pride,” she said.
“Head Coach of the 17U side, Amber Cross, and the 19U team coach, Jen Wright, cannot wait to start the campaign this weekend when all players and staff will come together for the first State Team Camp.
“Because of so much talent trialling, the selection process was very hard but that is a great problem to have because it highlights the competition for places.
“We wish everyone selected the best as they start preparation for the National Netball Championships and Go NSW!”
In 2023 NSW will be looking to go back-to-back having claimed the Gold Medal in both the 17U and 19U Nationals in Tasmania this year.
2023 NSW 19U Team
- Aimee Landrigan (Camden & District)
- Amelia Kirgan (Bankstown City)
- Ana Kailahi (Blacktown City)
- Bella Lieberman (Manly Warringah)
- Eloise Egan (Manly Warringah)
- Eugenie Little (Manly Warringah)
- Frederika Schneideman (Randwick)
- Grace Whyte (Tumut)
- Mia Baggett (Bathurst)
- Monika ‘Otai (St George District)
- Millicent Tonkin (Newcastle)
- Samantha Bondietti (Manly Warringah)
2023 NSW 17U Team
- Allegra Mcdonald (Randwick)
- Ellie Hart (Campbelltown District)
- Evie Economou (Sutherland Shire)
- Hope White (Newcastle)
- Isabella Degei (Baulkham Hills Shire)
- Kelis Ogle (Liverpool City)
- Nevaeh Matenga (Liverpool City)
- Nicola Barge (Sutherland Shire)
- Olivia Harris (Penrith District)
- Sara Kent (St George District)
- Skye Thompson (Sutherland Shire)
- Yasmeen Janschek (Randwick)
SCHOOL DISRUPTION INQUIRY PUTS TARGET ON TEACHERS’ AND STUDENTS’ BACKS
The Greens say a Senate inquiry into school disruption, initiated by the Liberals and backed by Labor, risks being used as a platform to attack overworked teachers and First Nations, disabled and neurodiverse students.
Greens spokesperson on schools, Senator Penny Allman-Payne said:
“Labor and the Coalition today voted to set up an inquiry into school disruption. While disruption and lack of student engagement in Australian classrooms is a complex phenomenon worth exploring in its proper context, the inquiry’s terms of reference are deeply concerning.
“Instead of seeking to investigate the causes of disruption and student disengagement without prejudice, the terms of reference are loaded with assumptions and value judgements.
“I hope I’m wrong but I’m really worried that this inquiry will be used as a cudgel against overworked teachers, struggling parents and disadvantaged kids. I’m especially concerned that it’s going to provide a forum to target First Nations, disabled and neurodiverse students.
“Public school teachers, parents and carers have been telling us for years that their schools are understaffed and under-resourced and that this is worsening student outcomes and entrenching inequality.
“Perhaps the Senate could spend some more time inquiring into that rather than giving a soapbox to anti-public school culture warriors.”
BEHAVIOURAL CODES OF CONDUCT WILL MAKE PARLIAMENT A SAFER PLACE
Australian Greens Deputy Leader Senator Mehreen Faruqi has said that new behavioural codes of conduct developed by the Joint Select Committee on Parliamentary Standards, tabled today, will make parliament a safer place and set clear rules for behaviour in parliamentary workplaces.
Senator Faruqi is a member of the Joint Select Committee and participated actively in the inquiry.
Senator Faruqi said:
“These behavioural codes and standards will make parliament a safer place for everyone who works at and visits this place.
“I’m pleased that the report has acknowledged the intersections of discrimination that further marginalise First Nations people, people of colour, disabled people and LGBTQI+ communities, and the codes explicitly prohibit discrimination on these grounds.
“I have first hand experience of the damage that racism and sexism does to a person who doesn’t belong to the ‘dominant norm’ of white men in suits. There will now be a clear and unambiguous recognition that this is unacceptable – and that perpetrators will face consequences for their actions.
“The evidence we heard from witnesses showed an overwhelming desire for strong and enforceable codes, not meaningless platitudes.
“I really want to thank the courageous staff – current and former – who have spoken out about the toxic culture of parliament and have paved the way for a safer, more respectful, inclusive and diverse parliament.
“The codes were agreed to by consensus. They are a strong expression of this parliament’s desire to do better. I look forward to their implementation.”
The report of the committee is available here.
Dog lovers to head west with City of Newcastle unveiling plans for new fenced off-leash dog park
Maryland will become home to the city’s newest fenced off-leash dog park, with City of Newcastle unveiling a multi-stage masterplan featuring dedicated areas for both large and small canines.
The new facility will be located at Maryland Drive Reserve adjacent to the existing unfenced, leash-free area.
A concept design for the site, which is now on public exhibition for community feedback, incorporates two large, fenced areas that will provide separate spaces for different sized dogs to enjoy.
Shelters with tables, informal sandstone seating, dog bubblers and extensive landscaping including trees for shade, will provide added comfort for pets and their owners, while concrete pathways and a formalised car park with accessible parking will ensure the facility is suited to all dog-lovers.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the project will be delivered in three stages, with the first fenced area and amenities expected to be complete by mid-2023.
“With more than 63,000 dogs registered in our city, we know Novocastrians are passionate about their canine companions and want spaces where their four-legged friends can safely exercise and mix with other pets,” Cr Nelmes said.
“City of Newcastle is committed to providing a variety of off-leash options throughout Newcastle and has already delivered the city’s first fully fenced off-leash dog park at Acacia Avenue Reserve, as well as upgrades to the existing popular area in Islington Park.
“This new project at Maryland will provide a premier facility for dog lovers in our western suburbs, which is sure to be incredibly popular with pet owners who already make the most of the unfenced off-leash area within this reserve.”
The Maryland Dog Park forms part of the Dogs in Open Space Plan, which was adopted by City of Newcastle in 2019 to guide the provision, improvement and management of off-leash dog areas during the next 10 years.
Formalised off-leash dog areas enable people to take their dogs to a place where they can legally run free, exercise and socialise with other dogs. They also provide pet owners with a meeting place and an opportunity to connect with others in the community.
The Maryland Dog Park draft masterplan is on public exhibition until 5pm Friday 16 December, with further information and the ability for the community to have their say via City of Newcastle’s website.
NSW train agreement reached
Millions of Sydney and NSW rail commuters will now be able to catch a train without being unfairly hit by union disruption, following an agreement between the NSW Government and the Combined Rail Unions.
For too long school kids, people going to work and small businesses have had their lives and businesses turned upside down by industrial action by the rail unions.
Today we have put the people of Sydney first.
We have now agreed to a Fair Work Commission process which will result in a vote by the Combined Rail Unions and an ongoing arbitration process on a small number of outstanding items.
While these Fair Work Commission processes are underway, the Combined Rail Unions have agreed not to undertake any industrial action.
Getting life-saving tools to local sports clubs
Vaucluse sports clubs and organisations are encouraged to apply for new life-saving devices through the Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program.
Liberal candidate for Vaucluse, Kellie Sloane, welcomed the Perrottet Government program providing $2 million over four years to local sporting organisations and councils, so they can get equipped with defibrillators to respond to life-threating emergencies.
“We’re told by medical experts that the first eight minutes after a cardiac arrest are critical to a person’s survival, so early access to CPR and a defibrillator is essential in case of such an emergency,” said Ms Sloane. “With the Perrottet Government covering the full cost of up to three devices, I’m calling on all local clubs to apply to this potentially life-saving program.”
“With ten clubs across this electorate already participating, from the Bondi Bowling Club to Maccabi Hakoah Club, I think many more should also apply.
“Double Bay Sailing Club was awarded a grant for a defibrillator, which has been placed on response boats, so that when the club holds competitions it is accessible if there is ever an incident on water. I think it’s great how the club is looking after the safety of its members.”
Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said that since 2017 more than 2,000 devices have been installed at sports facilities across the State.
“Whether you’re at your local sailing club or playing footy with your mates, when someone has a cardiac arrest, time is crucial – they can happen to anyone, anytime, or anywhere so it’s vital
that a defibrillator is readily accessible,” Mr Henskens said.
“Through this funding, the NSW Liberals and National Government is ensuring our sport clubs and venues are safe environments for everyone, both on and off the field.”
The Local Sports Defibrillator Program is available to sport and recreation clubs, associations and organisations as well as councils and service clubs. Up to $3,000 is available per device with organisations able to apply for up to three devices.
Applications are open and close Friday, 10 February 2023. For more information on the Program, visit www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants.
Investing in training for dental technicians
The Perrottet Government is investing $774,000 in upgrading dentistry facilities and teaching equipment at TAFE NSW Randwick that will help train the next generation of dental technicians as part of a for students and staff.
Liberal candidates for Coogee and Vaucluse, Dr Kylie von Muenster and Kellie Sloane, welcomed this investment in the local TAFE and future health professionals.
“Dental and prosthetic technicians need to get a good handle on the tools of their future trade, and the Government’s investment in upgrading TAFE NSW Randwick gives our students an edge as they embark on their promising dental careers,” said Dr von Muenster.
“As someone who spent many years undertaking training to deliver allied health services, I know that my education really benefited from access to great equipment and facilities.”
“This funding for industry-leading equipment, such as new laboratory chairs, articulators, and micro-motors will support the delivery of in-demand training for dental technicians in Randwick, as students gain hands-on skills in denture making and the construction of mouthguards and orthodontic appliances.”
“The Perrottet Government has invested $3 million in TAFE NSW Randwick since 2019, to boost the quality of education for a variety of courses” said Ms Sloane. “The campus had recently received two Connected Learning Points to support virtual learning and new cameras, making our local TAFE the place to be for aspiring future cinematographers.”
“This funding clearly demonstrates the Perrottet Government’s commitment to giving this community great fit-for-purpose learning spaces they need to build their skills and get future jobs.”
Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the NSW Government is leading the nation in supporting people to get the skills they need for the jobs they want, which is helping grow the economy, securing a brighter future for the people of NSW.
“TAFE NSW trains 44 per cent of government funded TAFE students in Australia. It is the nation’s largest and best training provider, and we have invested record funding in TAFE NSW to ensure it continues to deliver a pipeline of skilled and job-ready workers,” Mr Henskens said.
“Our record skills budget is delivering more fee-free training which is helping people find indemand jobs and contributing to NSW’s low unemployment rate.”
For more information about courses available at TAFE NSW Randwick, visit www.tafensw.edu.au.