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GREENS WELCOME PASSAGE OF RESPECT AT WORK BILL

The Greens welcome the passage of the Respect at Work Bill in the Senate today, after facilitating a decision to send contentious costs provisions for a comprehensive review.

Greens leader in the Senate and spokesperson on women Senator Larissa Waters said:

“The Greens welcome and support this Bill. The significance of the changes it will make for women cannot be overstated. It is a positive and overdue reform to make workplaces safe and respectful for everyone.

“We are pleased that the government has heard the concerns raised by advocates, victim-survivors, legal experts and unions, the Greens and the cross-bench, on the need for improved costs protections.

“The Greens have worked with the Government to ensure this issue of costs is properly addressed, with a comprehensive review of costs to ensure legitimate discrimination cases are not deterred and justice denied.

“The Greens will keep the pressure up to ensure that no-one is priced out of standing up for their rights at work, whether that be for sexual harassment or any other type of discrimination.

“Equal access costs protections, where workers can take action without fear of paying the other side’s costs if they lose, already exist for whistleblowers to remove barriers for people calling out misconduct. The same should apply for calling out workplace harassment.

“While the review is underway, it is essential that clear guidance be provided to courts and tribunals on awarding costs and damages in workplace harassment and discrimination claims. That guidance must address the unfair advantage employers have over individual workers, and the significant toll that ongoing harassment can take.

“The Bill will also introduce a positive duty on employers to maintain a safe workplace. The adversarial ‘victim complaint’ approach has failed so many people, so putting the onus on employers is a critical step in changing that.

“We’re pleased to see this become law after the Morrison Government and One Nation blocked crucial amendments last year from the Greens and Labor that would have implemented this positive duty – a centrepiece of the Respect@Work recommendations.

“We were also pleased to get in-principle support from the Government to look at extending positive duty obligations to prevent race, age and disability discrimination, and will continue to push for that change.

“The Greens and the Jacqui Lambie Network also secured support for a full review of the operation of these provisions after 2 years. This Bill makes landmark changes and it is important that we review how these changes are working in practice and what further reforms or support might be needed to drive cultural change and put an end to workplace harassment.

“The passage of Respect at Work represents a generational opportunity to change workplace culture and the Greens are happy that Kate Jenkins’ landmark report and recommendations will finally be implemented.”

City of Newcastle champions disability inclusion in the workplace

A training video advocating for more inclusive workplaces will be launched today to raise awareness of the barriers and opportunities people with a disability face in employment.

Filmed earlier this year during City of Newcastle’s (CN) Count Us In disability inclusion festival, the video was produced in partnership with Community Disability Alliance Hunter (CDAH) to be used as a training, advocacy and educational resource targeted at employers and local businesses.

Video participants, community organisations and members of the local business community will take part in today’s launch at the Digital Library, which is among the events being supported by CN in the lead up to International Day of People with Disability on 3 December.

An inclusive art workshop facilitated by local artist Em Warren and Newcastle Art Gallery and an inclusive sports day for students with disability will also be supported by CN as part of its commitment and progress toward disability inclusion, in line with the actions adopted in the Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) 2022 –2026.

With at least 20 percent of people in our community living with a disability, Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said International Day of People with Disability presents an opportunity to reflect and undertake activities that foster discussion in the community about disability inclusion.

“City of Newcastle is committed to championing inclusion of all people in the community and improving employment outcomes for people living with a disability to ensure Newcastle is a liveable, sustainable and inclusive global city for all who live, visit or work here,” Cr Nelmes said.

“This International Day of People with Disability, we stand with Newcastle’s disability representative organisations who champion inclusion year-round and continue to raise awareness of the barriers people living with disability face every day.”

Councillor Margaret Wood, co-chair of CN’s Access Inclusion Advisory Committee, said there are significant barriers faced by people living with a disability, particularly when it comes to employment opportunities.

“Much work needs to be done in identifying the barries so we can improve employment opportunities for people living with disability and bridge those gaps,” Cr Wood said.

“We all get reward and personal satisfaction through meaningful employment. Our local workplaces need to genuinely reflect all people in the community and society with less judgement and more understanding.

“The training video prepared by CN and CDAH presents a localised understanding of how a diverse workforce can contribute to a truly inclusive community here in Newcastle.”

City of Newcastle is also proud to support CDAH and Speak Up Hunter with their Shifting the Line event on 9 December at Foreshore Park.

CDAH Executive Officer Andrew Vodic said Shifting the Line is a community event designed to raise awareness of some of the barriers and the strengths that people with disability use to overcome them.

“This event has been designed and planned by Speak Up Hunter, a CDAH peer group where people with intellectual disability have a real voice in the Hunter,” Mr Vodic said.

“This amazing group of people have used that collective voice to come up with this brilliant and worthwhile community-based activity. I encourage the community to come and hear what they have to say on disability awareness.”

Click here to view a two-minute teaser of the Disability Training Video.

International Day for People with a Disability (IDPwD) events in Newcastle:

Diversify your Workforce: Disability and Employment special screening
Friday, 25 November 2022
3:30pm – 5pm, Digital Library
Local businesses are invited to a special screening of the ‘Diversify your Workforce: Disability and Employment’ advocacy video, prepared by CN and CDAH, followed by a panel discussion led by Joseph Popov and Bill Armstrong over afternoon tea at the City Administration Centre’s Digital Library.

Activate Inclusion Sports Day Newcastle
Wednesday, 30 November 2022
10-12pm, Newcastle Basketball Stadium
Facilitated by Sports NSW, Activate Inclusion Sports Day is a one-day program designed to promote the pathways for inclusive sport and active recreation for students aged between 5-18 years with a sensory, physical or intellectual disability. Participants will experience a variety of modified sporting activities on the day facilitated by specialised coaches, with the support of students from local universities and community organisations.

Newcastle Art Gallery Community Art Workshop – Everyone is an artist with Em Warren
Saturday, 3 December 2022
10am – 12pm, Watt Space Gallery
Join local artist Em Warren on IDPwD day, as she facilitates this free inclusive art workshop. Em will share insights into her practice and guide you through a range of collage techniques inspired by ‘Summer at Carcoar’ by Brett Whiteley. Participants will create their own work of art using natural materials.

Shifting the Line community event
Friday, 9 December 2022
10-12pm, Foreshore Park
City of Newcastle is proud to support CDAH and Speak Up Hunter for their Shifting the Line community event, which raises awareness of some of the barriers and strengths that people with disability use to overcome them.

New CBD Metro Station takes shape

Sydney’s new Pitt Street metro station is taking shape as work powers ahead on the NSW Government’s major transport project, Sydney Metro City and Southwest, ahead of services commencing in 2024.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the new metro line would provide commuters with turn-up-and-go services every four minutes in peak under the Sydney CBD.

“A transport transformation is taking place deep beneath the surface of Sydney’s CBD with construction on the new City and Southwest metro line rapidly progressing and the new Pitt Street station fast taking shape,” Mr Perrottet said.

“This new metro connection includes five new stations through the CBD alone, as well as an additional two new stations in the city’s north, connecting our city like never before.”

Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said the transformation of the new metro station was another example of how the Liberal and Nationals Government was delivering when it comes to major transport infrastructure.

“This brand-new station on Pitt Street is taking shape before our very eyes, and will soon become a central hub for public transport commuters in the heart of the CBD,” Mr Elliott said.

“The extent of the modern infrastructure being built below our feet has to be seen to be believed. In 2024 commuters can look forward to jumping on metro services from Pitt Street that will take them to Barangaroo in four minutes, and North Sydney’s Victoria Cross, in seven minutes.”

Sydney Metro Chief Executive Peter Regan said the construction team was making significant headway on the station fit out, with escalator installation progressing, the southern station structure complete, and new platform screen doors already in place.

“Sydneysiders would be amazed at the amount of work already underway at this new landmark station, there will be an easy interchange with other modes of transport and include new bike parking for commuters,” Mr Regan said.

“When Pitt Street station opens in 2024, commuters will have access to two entrances on Park Street to the north and Bathurst Street to the south.”

Five of six escalators at the Pitt Street station south site are installed, with the final escalator on the south site to be installed by the end of the year.

A further eight escalators will be installed on the Pitt Street station north site over coming months, and façade and fit out of the south station structure will continue into the new year.

A total of 117 façade panels are being installed at the south site – weighing between 1.7 tonnes and 11 tonnes each.

Sydney Metro is Australia’s biggest public transport project. By 2030, Sydney will have a network of four metro lines, 46 stations and 113km of new metro rail.

Master plan released for new $300 million Rouse Hill Hospital

The growing Rouse Hill community is set to benefit from a range of new health services, with the release of the Master Plan for the $300 million Rouse Hill Hospital.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the new hospital on the corner of Commercial Road and Windsor Road Rouse Hill will include emergency services, inpatient and outpatient services that will be designed to take advantage of digital innovations in healthcare.

“The Master Plan released today for the Rouse Hill Hospital ensures communities in north western Sydney will have access to the very best health care much closer to home,” Mr Hazzard said.

“The new hospital will be specifically designed and built to embrace advanced digital technology and innovative models of care to bring world-class care right into the home.”

These innovative models include:

One Health urgent and emergency care that means a co-located emergency department, urgent care centre and general practitioner services with access to pathology, pharmacy and medical imaging services
One Health short stay care medical assessment services (up to 48 hours) for patients requiring further investigation, stabilization and direction to an appropriate care pathway
InTouch Care which will provide digital healthcare connectivity across all settings including the hospital, the community and in the home
Prehabiliation, Rehabilitation and Lifestyle Medicine which delivers therapy, education and interventions that support management of chronic conditions and improving health outcomes.

Member for Riverstone Kevin Conolly said the selected site and Master Plan for the new hospital campus ensured convenient and easy access to hospital services for the community.

“The Master Plan for the new hospital shows the building’s location on the hospital campus and how it relates to parking zones, public transport, access roads and other retail and community services. It also identifies future clinical expansion zones,” Mr Conolly said.

“The design will also emphasise comfort and wellbeing in order to benefit patient recovery, with courtyards providing access to pleasant views, sunlight and fresh air.”

Member for Castle Hill Ray Williams said the State Significant Development Application (SSDA) has also been lodged.

“The SSDA will allow enabling works to start onsite such as installing road access and in-ground services including water, electricity and gas,” Mr Williams said.

“I look forward to seeing early works commence in early 2023 following the review and finalisation of the clinical services plan and planning approval.”

The new hospital will include:

inTouchCare
Urgent and Emergency Care
Day Surgery Unit
Adult & Paediatric Short Stay
Ambulatory & Outpatient Care which includes Women’s Health, Ante/Post Natal Care, Cancer Care, Renal Dialysis, Mental Health, Infusion Centre and Paediatrics
Prehabilitation, Rehabilitation & Lifestyle Medicine Service
Multi-storey car park

The new Rouse Hill Hospital will complement Blacktown and Mt Druitt Hospitals and Westmead Hospital to ensure comprehensive health care throughout the north west. Western Sydney has benefited from the recent $700 million Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals Expansion Project which included a new emergency department, women’s and newborn health services, intensive care unit, operating theatres, and psychiatric emergency care service.

Western Sydney Local Health District will work in partnership with Health Infrastructure on the next phases of the project with the aim of commencing construction on the project in early 2023.

The NSW Government is investing a record $11.9 billion in health infrastructure over the four years to 2025-26. Since 2011, the NSW Government has delivered more than 180 health capital projects across NSW, with more than 130 projects currently underway.

Princes Highway upgrades driving ahead

Liberal Candidate for South Coast, Luke Sikora, welcomed the announcement of a major Hawken Road intersection, which will feature a grade-separated overpass, as part of the $500 million joint-funded Jervis Bay to Sussex Inlet Road Princes Highway upgrade.

Mr Sikora said the overpass will allow traffic access to the highway in both directions and improve connectivity to the surrounding local villages, as well as the safety of people using this road.

“I was originally inspired to get involved in politics when two of my school friends died in a car crash – and making these roads safer is one of the most important things I can do for our community.”

Member for South Coast, Shelley Hancock, said the Perrottet Government has been getting on with the job of delivering important infrastructure upgrades, but it requires a strong local advocate to ensure that the local focus can be maintained.

“Since 2011, our Government has committed $5.15 billion to deliver upgrades to the Princes Highway to ensure the road is safer for motorists, to improve traffic and freight efficiency, and importantly to improve connectivity to our coastal towns and villages.

“As part of the $500 million upgrade between Jervis Bay Road and Sussex Inlet Road Princes Highway upgrade, a new intersection will be delivered at Hawken Road, Tomerong featuring an overpass, improving safety and allowing east-west movements between Hawken Road and Blackbutt Range Road.

“Along with the duplication of the six-kilometre stretch of the Princes Highway between Jervis Bay Road and Hawken Road, this new intersection will provide safer journeys and better support local traffic, tourism, and freight movements,” Mrs Hancock said.

“The upgraded section of highway will also connect with the new Jervis Bay Road intersection, which is on track for early work to start later this year.”

Luke Sikora said it is essential that the community continues to be informed and consulted.

“I encourage our community to get involved in this project, and have a say as design progresses on the Hawken Road intersection, including work to identify the preferred corridor and access points for local roads and private properties,” said Mr Sikora. “I am pleased Transport for NSW will be meeting with residents at Tomerong next month to ensure they are consulted every step of the way.”

“If elected, I commit to the delivery a safer Princes Highway along the entirety of the south coast, ensuring safer trips for local residents and motorists,” Mr Sikora said.

Funding for the Macquarie Oval

One of Ryde’s premier sporting facilities, the University Oval at Macquarie Park, is getting a five million dollar funding boost.

Liberal Candidate for Ryde, Jordan Lane, said the Perrottet Government’s multi-sport community facility fund is helping local communities get amenities that help make sport more accessible and enjoyable.

“The Ryde community absolutely loves sport – whether playing or supporting – and our aspiring world cup champions and Brownlow winners will benefit greatly from this investment in our local facilities,” Mr Lane said.

“Sports keep people healthy, active and socially connected, and this funding will make the University Oval one of the best places for footy in Sydney. This funding will modernise University Oval, upgrading the playing surface, change rooms, lighting, community areas and match day amenities.”

Member for Ryde, Victor Dominello, said the project will receive $5 million from the NSW Government’s Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund, to upgrade amenities and enable the ground to host elite women’s AFL matches.

“Sport is part of the fabric of our community and the NSW Government has a strong track record of investing in community sporting infrastructure to deliver modern, accessible facilities,” Mr Dominello said.

“The upgrade will be a huge coup for local footballers and also enable University Oval to host AFLW night games.”

The Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund provides grants between $1 million and $5 million for new or upgraded sport facilities.

Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said the program prioritises projects that provide inclusive and accessible facilities that enable more people to play sport.

“These projects will not only provide more opportunities for people to play sport, but they will also generate a local sports facility infrastructure boom, creating jobs and delivering an economic boost for the community,” Mr Henskens said.

“This multi-million Government investment is delivering game-changing projects that promote participation and secure a brighter future for local communities across NSW.

WINNERS ANNOUNCED FOR 2022 PRIME MINISTER’S NATIONAL VETERANS’ EMPLOYMENT AWARDS

Australia’s top veteran and partner employers, employees and entrepreneurs were celebrated last night at the 2022 Prime Minister’s National Veterans’ Employment Awards in Canberra.

These Awards showcase the talent on offer in the veteran community – as employees and entrepreneurs, and also recognise the organisations that actively recruit, employ and support veterans and families.

The Awards highlight the importance this Government places upon supporting veterans to ensure a successful transition out of the military and into civilian life.

Key to this is veterans being able to find a meaningful job soon after they leave service.

The Federal Budget allocated $24 million to the Veteran Employment Program, to support defence personnel in their transition to civilian life and employment, while ensuring the skills and experience veterans and their families bring to the workforce is acknowledged by the community.

Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese said:

“I congratulate all those recognised in our National Veterans’ Employment Awards for their commitment to the Defence and veteran community.”

“Australians owe a debt of gratitude to those veterans who have served the nation, and to their families who supported them throughout their service.”

“Initiatives such as the Veteran Employment Program and the National Veterans’ Employment Awards go a long way towards helping employers and the Australian community understand the benefits of employing veterans and their families.”

“The careers of Defence family members are often impacted in support of their serving partners, particularly when moving regularly.”

“I am pleased to see the valuable contribution of defence families recognised as part of this year’s Awards.”

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Matt Keogh said:

“Our Veteran Employment Program will build on existing initiatives to raise awareness, highlight the benefits of employing veterans and veteran families, provide support to businesses to attract, recruit and retain veterans, and provide support to translate veterans’ military skills and experience for the civilian workplace.”

“There is a need to address misconceptions around veteran employment, educate employers and provide practical support to address barriers to veteran and veteran family employment.”

“The Program will support veterans to recognise and communicate the value of their skills gained in service, skills like leadership, teamwork, agility, discipline and an ability to work under pressure – all critical skills in the modern economy, all in demand by employers.”

More information about the Awards and the 2022 winners can be found on the Prime Minister’s National Veterans’ Employment Program website. For more information on the Veteran Employment Program, visit the www.veteransemployment.gov.au.

Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling provides 24/7 free confidential crisis support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families on 1800 011 046 or openarms.gov.au. Safe Zone Support provides anonymous counselling on 1800 142 072. Defence All-Hours Support Line provides support for ADF personnel on 1800 628 036 or defence.gov.au/health/healthportal. Defence Member and Family Helpline provides support for Defence families on 1800 624 608.

A full list of winners is below.

Category	Name/Representative	Company
Veteran Employee of the Year	Nick Elston	GSA Management Consulting
Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year	Garth Chester	Valenhold
Partner Employee of the Year	Katie Vidal	She Maps
Partner Entrepreneur of the Year	Kelly Willmott	Green Fox Training Studio
Employer of the Year – Large		Cubic Defence Australia
Employer of the Year – Medium		Bluerydge
Employer of the Year – Small		Viden
Excellence in Supporting Veteran and/or Partner Employment		Vertical Scope Group
Outstanding Employer of the Year		Bluerydge
Outstanding Contribution to Veteran and/or Partner Employment	Amanda McCue	Career Swag

GOVERNMENT WELCOMES BELL INQUIRY REPORT

The Albanese Government welcomes the final report from the Bell Inquiry, handed down today by the Hon Justice Virginia Bell AC.

The Inquiry examined the appointment of former Prime Minister, the Hon Scott Morrison MP, to administer multiple departments without disclosure to his colleagues or the public.

The unprecedented and inexcusable actions of the former Prime Minister were emblematic of the culture of secrecy in which the previous Government operated.

The Bell Inquiry confirms the Solicitor-General’s conclusion that the principles of responsible government were “fundamentally undermined” because Mr Morrison was not “responsible” to the Parliament, and through the Parliament to the electors, for the departments he was appointed to administer.

Justice Bell found the secrecy around the appointments was “apt to undermine public confidence in government” and was “corrosive of trust in government.”

The Inquiry has made six recommendations to improve transparency, accountability and restore public trust in Australian democracy, including:

Legislation to require public notice of the appointment of Ministers to administer departments and hold offices;
The publication of acting arrangements for Ministers; and
The publication of details of which Ministers are appointed to administer departments and an outline of divisions of responsibilities where more than one Minister is appointed to the same department.

I will recommend to the next meeting of Cabinet that the Albanese Government accept all six of Justice Bell’s recommendations.

The quick implementation of these recommendations will ensure that the Australian public can have full confidence that this breach of trust will never happen again.

I thank Justice Bell and her team for the efforts in conducting this Inquiry.

The full report and recommendations can be viewed at: https://www.ministriesinquiry.gov.au/

Cyclist dies after fall – Hunter Valley

A cyclist has died after falling from his bike while on a group ride in the Hunter Valley this morning.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were called to Upper Dartbrook Road at Upper Dartbrook, 16km north-west of Scone, about 7.25am today (Saturday 26 November 2022), responding to reports a cyclist had suffered head injuries in a fall.

They’ve been told the man was on a regular organised ride with a group of cyclists when his bike slipped while crossing a culvert and he fell, hitting his head.

His fellow cyclists commenced CPR until officers from Hunter Valley Police District and NSW Ambulance paramedics arrived; however, he could not be revived and died at the scene.

He’s been identified as a 59-year-old man from Scone.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

MASSIVE JUMP IN SUPPORT FOR TREATY, ACCORDING TO NEW DATA FROM RECONCILIATION AUSTRALIA

“According to new data from Reconciliation Australia, national support for Treaty has jumped to 72%. That’s a 25% increase in four years!” Said Senator Lidia Thorpe, the Greens spokesperson for First Nations.

Senator Lidia Thorpe said:

“We learnt yesterday that First Nations children are 10x more likely to be living in out of home care than non-Indigenous kids, less than half of them are living with First Nations carers. Forcibly taking children away from their community is an act of genocide, according to the United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.

“Today, Reconciliation Australia showed us that 60% of First Nations people have experienced racism in the last six months.

“We know that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are 26x more likely than their non-Indigenous classmates to be incarcerated.

“This is all evidence of systemic racism in this country. The solution is self-determination. It’s critical that First Nations people have more than just ‘a say’ over the matters that affect us.

“Everyone is better off when we are free to steer our own course, yet successive Governments continue to lock First Nations people out of decision making processes and force policies onto us that continue the violent legacy of colonisation.

“We need a Treaty to redefine and rebuild the relationship between the Government and First Nations people. A Treaty will restore our right to make decisions for ourselves, our families, our communities and our homelands.

“Through real justice, we can build a society where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

“Treaty was promised by Bob Hawke’s Labor government in the 80s and it’s still unfinished business today. There’s growing support for First Nations people to be in the driver’s seat when it comes to making decisions about our community, our country and our culture. The Greens will keep fighting to make this a reality.” Said Thorpe.