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World Trade Organization Director-General visits Australia

This week we welcome the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to Australia.

Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is the first woman and first African to hold the position of Director-General of the WTO.

We were very pleased to work with Dr Okonjo-Iweala in delivering significant outcomes at the WTO’s 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) in June this year in Geneva.

Dr Okonjo-Iweala’s visit is an opportunity to discuss how we can continue to work together to implement those outcomes, including investing in reforms to ensure the WTO can respond more effectively to the challenges facing the multilateral trading system.

In recognition of the importance of the WTO to Australia’s economic resilience, we will commit $5 million over four years for targeted capacity building to assist developing countries and least developed countries implement the outcomes of MC12 and access the benefits of WTO membership.

This includes $2 million to help developing countries implement the landmark WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. This is the first global set of rules that curb subsidies for illegal and unsustainable fishing, and an important step towards promoting the sustainability and economic viability of fisheries globally, including in the Pacific.

This commitment also includes $3 million over three years to support legal advice and training on WTO Law for developing and least developed countries through the Advisory Centre on WTO Law. This will help these countries understand and comply with WTO obligations, and participate more fully and effectively in the WTO.

These investments will help our regional partners better integrate into the global and regional rules-based trading system, implement domestic reform, and improve the lives of their citizens.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong said:

“The World Trade Organization is central to the rules-based order.

“Australia supports Dr Okonio-Iweala’s leadership and the WTO’s work with developing countries to enhance their ability to export, their international competitiveness, and their engagement in the global economy.

“This is fundamental to the stability and prosperity of our region and the world.”

Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator the Hon Don Farrell said:

“We are delighted to welcome Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to Australia for important discussions on international trade, the WTO’s central role in the rules-based international trading system and how we can work together to implement the historic outcomes we achieved in June.

“The strength of Australia’s economy relies on an open and rules-based global trading system.”

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry said:

“The Fisheries Subsidies Agreement represents a significant and meaningful contribution to the sustainability of our oceans and major milestone for the WTO, and we’re pleased to be working with Pacific partners to support its implementation.”

Assistant Minister for Trade said:

“I was pleased to work with Dr Okonjo-Iweala in delivering some truly significant outcomes at the WTO’s 12th Ministerial Conference.

“The WTO is fundamental to Australia’s interests – providing a stable and predictable framework for trade with the world and enabling all Members to hold others to account when the rules aren’t respected”.

GREENS SAY NO TO HANSON’S HATEFUL BILL

I rise to speak on the Australian Education Legislation Amendment (Prohibiting the Indoctrination of Children) Bill 2020. I feel like I’m uniquely placed to speak to this bill. I’ve been a state secondary school teacher for nearly 30 years. I started out my career as a health and physical education teacher, and I also taught sexuality, human relationships and sexual education. I’m also qualified to teach secondary school science as well as humanities. When I left the department, I was a head of humanities and languages.

This bill seeks to put restraints on what teachers of health and physical education, sexual education, and science and humanities can teach in their classes. It’s not about balance. It’s about hate and propaganda. We, as teachers, teach to the curriculum that we are provided. It is a curriculum that is grounded in truth and science. We don’t cherry-pick the bits of science that we agree with or disagree with, we don’t cherry-pick the bits of history that we like and are hard to face and we don’t discriminate against the children who are in front of us in our classes. During this debate, I’ve watched people on the other side of the chamber laughing when we’ve spoken about education around students’ gender. I invite you to come into a school and sit in front of a student who has made several attempts on their life because they have been subject to hate and transphobia. How dare you use our young people as political footballs. They are not wanting anything except to be accepted for who they are.

We teach a curriculum that is grounded in human rights and science. Young people are generous of spirit, they are accepting of others and they care about the planet and their future. They are critical thinkers, they are problem-solvers and they deserve an education that is grounded in truth, justice and human rights. They deserve an education that is grounded in science.

It is not teachers in schools who are attempting to indoctrinate our young people. They are professionals that work hard to give every young person in this country the positive future that they deserve. It is the people on the other side of this chamber who are seeking to indoctrinate people with their hateful and bigoted views in our schools. I will not subject young people in this country to your bigotry and hate. I will stand up every time I see it, and the Greens will call it out.

This bill isn’t about critical thinking; this bill is about legislating a far-right curriculum. Individual senators and parties interfering in what is taught in our schools instead of leaving it to the education experts is a very slippery slope. In the US, we see some states banning teachers from teaching about racism or sexuality, and some are even banning books. This bill is dangerous. As a teacher with over 30 years of experience in our schools, I know it is an injustice to the young people in our schools, and it is an insult to teachers.

GOVERNMENT DENIES YOUTH ALLOWANCE, JOBSEEKER AND DSP RECIPIENTS THE RIGHT TO EARN MORE AMIDST THE COST OF LIVING CRISIS

Labor has voted down Greens amendments to the workforce incentives bill which would have extended the work bonus to jobseeker and DSP recipients in addition to aged pensioners, enabling them to  earn more before their payments are cut.

Greens spokesperson for social services and government services, Senator Janet Rice, said: 

“We all know the rate of income support is too low. People are being forced to survive on starvation payments below the poverty line. If Labor isn’t going to raise the rate, the least they could do is allow people to work more before losing their income support. 

“Poverty is a political choice, and in a cost of living crisis, Labor has refused to make a concrete difference to the lives of those struggling the most.

“If Parliament can enable those on the aged pension to earn more before losing their income support, then why can’t we do it for people on Youth Allowance, Jobseeker and the DSP?”

WHO’S PAYING TO CLEAN UP RANGER URANIUM MINE?

If passed by the Senate, the Atomic Energy Amendment (Mine Rehabilitation and Closure) Bill 2022, will require Energy Resources of Australia (ERA) to continue rehabilitation of their  open-cut uranium mine site past 2026. 

ERA will be financially responsible for the rehabilitation of the site until it can be safely returned to the Mirrar Traditional Owners. They will need to incorporate the site back into the surrounding Kakadu National Park, and ensure the radioactive tailings remain safe for at least 10,000 years.

Greens spokesperson for resources Yamatji-Noongar Woman Senator Dorinda Cox said:

“The Greens welcome this bill, in Australia there hasn’t been a successful rehabilitation of a uranium mine. With the expected cost to be up to $2.2 billion it’s important ERA be made to bear the cost of the clean up.

“We need to ensure the sector doesn’t end up passing on the costs of rehabilitation to the public. We are concerned there’s no binding agreement with Rio Tinto to cover the costs of the rehabilitation if ERA are unable to.

“Ranger Mine was established without free, informed and prior consent. It’s paramount that Traditional Owners are involved in all stages of the rehabilitation process. The Mirrar people should be able to determine how they will interact with the land once ERA is gone, including dietary and cultural needs. 

“The waterways that can be affected by the radioactive tailings are used by the Mirrar people for fishing, swimming and drinking.

“Not only must the Mirrar people be consulted with, they must reap the benefits of all stages of the process through involvement with procurement.

“The British government announced they will honour Australians who were involved in nuclear tests with a service medal. This is the legacy of nuclear testing and uranium mining.”

Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 22 November 2022

Council update: Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 22 November 2022

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 22 November 2022. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Lord Mayoral Minutes

City of Newcastle and Ube City Sister City 42nd Anniversary
A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported to recognise that Monday 21 November 2022 marked the 42nd anniversary since City of Newcastle signed a Sister City agreement with Ube City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan.

Council will explore opportunities to partner with Ube on its GIGA School Concept, National e-Sports Championships, and carbon neutrality initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and invite Mayor Shinozaki and delegates to visit Newcastle in 2023.

City of Newcastle Accelerated Development Application System
A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that congratulated the Planning and Environment Directorate for the successful development, trial and roll-out of the new CN Accelerated Development Application System.

Council will explore opportunities to further highlight the success of the Accelerated Development Application System by collaborating with other government authorities on its adoption state-wide.

s.88 Domestic Waste Management Service Charge
A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that reaffirmed CN’s support for 100 per cent of section 88 Domestic Waste Management Service Charge funds to be returned to local government for reinvestment in recycling facilities, landfill diversion, community education, technology improvements and circular economy opportunities.

Council will call on the NSW Government and Opposition to commit to return 100 per cent of the waste levy to local councils to fund waste diversion from landfill initiatives such as those outlined in Our Sustainable Waste Strategy 2023.

Ordinary business

Tabling of Register of Disclosures of Interest – 1 August to 31 October 2022
Council noted the tabling of the Register of Disclosures of Interest for 1 August to 31 October 2022 by the Chief Executive Officer.

Application for (Newcastle) Show Holiday
Council voted to make an application to the Minister for Employee Relations seeking the proclamation of Show Day for Friday 3 March 2023 as a Local Event Day as set out in the Public Holidays Act 2010.

Adoption of Our Sustainable Waste Strategy
Council received the engagement report on Our Sustainable Waste Strategy and unanimously voted to adopt the Strategy, including the Strategic Framework, White Paper and Delivery Plan.

Adoption of Newcastle Cultural Precinct concept masterplan
Council unanimously voted to adopt the Newcastle Cultural Precinct Concept Masterplan to ensure long-term planning for protection of the city’s cultural institutions as well as ways of enhancing and better activating the precinct.

Endorsement of 2021/2022 Annual Report
Council unanimously voted to endorse City of Newcastle’s 2021/22 Annual Report and its submission to the NSW Minister for Local Government by 30 November 2022.

Adoption of Planning Agreement for 10 Dangar Street, Wickham
Council unanimously voted to adopt the Planning Agreement for 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, noting that no submissions were received during its public exhibition.

Public exhibition of Planning Agreement for 30 and 31 Vista Parade, Kotara
Council unanimously voted to place the Planning Agreement and Explanatory Note for 30 and 31 Vista Parade, Kotara on public exhibition for 28 days.

Supplementary report – adoption of Newcastle Heritage Policy
Council unanimously voted to adopt the Newcastle Heritage Policy, which outlines City of Newcastle’s commitment to heritage conservation by identification, preservation, conservation, celebration and promotion of the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Compliance and Enforcement Policy
Council unanimously voted to place the City of Newcastle’s Compliance and Enforcement Policy on public exhibition for 28 days.

Adoption of Council policies
Council voted to adopt City of Newcastle’s Donations Program Policy, Procurement Policy and Public Voice and Public Briefings Policy.

September quarterly budget review
Council received the September quarterly Budget review statement and voted to adopt the revised budget.

September quarterly performance report on the 2018-2022 delivery program
Council received the 2022-2026 Delivery Program – September quarterly performance report.

Executive monthly performance report
Council received the executive monthly performance report for October 2022.

Notices of Motion

Rates notice proposal to reduce vacant housing
Council supported an amended notice of motion to refer the matter of vacant housing and the rental housing crisis to the Affordable Housing Working Party to explore options to promote awareness, which could be undertaken by City of Newcastle and other relevant housing providers and stakeholders.

City of Newcastle will explore options to expand its ID (Informed Decisions) subscription to include the Housing Monitor, Economic Profile and Community Views tools.

Stockton erosion
Council supported a notice of motion that reiterated the urgency of addressing erosion at Stockton and called on the NSW Government to use its expertise to ensure a planning pathway is secured for offshore extraction. The NOM further resolved that a mass offshore sand nourishment delivery program must be led by the NSW Government and called on them to fund mass sand nourishment consistent with the Stockton Coastal Management Plan and direct Hunter Central Coast Development Corporation to complete the nominated work to secure the mining licence and planning approvals.

City naming policy
Council unanimously supported a notice of motion for City of Newcastle to develop a draft Naming Policy to provide a principle-based approach to naming of city assets consistent with the policies of the NSW Geographical Names Board, including consideration of local heritage, diversity, community sensitivity and consultation.

Co-funding an aerial bundled cabling program
Council unanimously endorsed an amended notice of motion that notes the collaborative relationship between Ausgrid staff, contractors and the City of Newcastle in managing electrical line clearances and Newcastle’s street tree canopy. City of Newcastle will support Ausgrid’s proposal for co-funding of Aerial Bundled Cable (ABC) upgrades in collaboration with Councils as part of their Draft Plan 2024-29, and will write to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment to request funding to support councils with their contribution. City of Newcastle will report to the elected Council on potential opportunities, in collaboration with Ausgrid, for local ABC upgrades in priority locations in the Newcastle LGA.

City’s regional waste strategy receives Council green light

City of Newcastle (CN) will move forward with plans to transform its Summerhill Waste Management Centre into a regional recovery hub following the adoption of its sustainable waste strategy.

Councillors approved the 20-year vision for the city’s waste strategy following a successful public exhibition and consultation period, which directly engaged with almost 20,000 people.

Our Sustainable Waste Strategy is focussed on reducing unnecessary waste going to landfill, increasing recycling rates, strengthening the economy and creating new jobs in Newcastle.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the community had shown its overwhelming support for the investment CN was making into a sustainable waste future.

“City of Newcastle is committed to delivering responsible, environmentally sustainable, and commercially feasible waste and recycling operations to manage our current and future waste streams,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Our Sustainable Waste Strategy will allow us to meet the expectations of the community, who overwhelming told us they supported the implementation of new waste programs and infrastructure and would be willing to change the way they manage waste at home to reduce what ends up in landfill.

“Summerhill Waste Management Centre lies at the heart of City of Newcastle’s vision and will play a key role in the region’s move towards a circular economy and its ability to address State and Federal targets of diverting 80% of recyclable waste and 50% of food waste from landfill.

“This includes City of Newcastle investing in the infrastructure needed at Summerhill to allow residents to significantly increase their recycling rates.”

The community has shown its support for the construction of a material recovery facility (MRF) and a food and garden organics (FOGO) processing facility, which are the two major infrastructure projects currently going through the planning process as part of the Strategy.

The MRF is planned to process up to 85,000 tonnes of plastics, paper, cardboard, glass and metals collected from kerbside recycling bins to be recovered at the site each year, while the fully enclosed FOGO processing facility will enable 50,000 tonnes of food and garden organics to be diverted from landfill and turned into compost for reuse annually.

Cr Nelmes said feedback from the community had also been incorporated into the Strategy, including a focus on resource recovery education programs for specific communities, engagement and collaboration with food rescue organisations and the healthcare sector, a site design focus on accessibility and usability and a feasibility assessment of a tip shop.

“As we implement Our Sustainable Waste Strategy, the views of the community will continue to inform our approach to reduce our emissions, protect our environment and change the way we return, reuse, repair and recycle resources,” Cr Nelmes said.

Inclusivity at the heart of new playspace for Gregson Park

An inclusive playground enriched with traditional indigenous elements are key features of a new million-dollar playspace proposed for Hamilton’s most historic park.

City of Newcastle has unveiled a concept design for the larger, reimagined playground and amenities upgrade at the much-loved Gregson Park, which will be placed on public exhibition for community feedback from today.

Councillor Carol Duncan, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Councillor Jenny Barrie.

Alongside a variety of traditional play equipment, the playground features a range of accessible, sensory and nature-based play options, with an array of traditional indigenous elements including a yarning circle to encourage knowledge sharing, bush tucker garden to enrich learning of native edible plants and a ‘meeting place’ to signify where people meet and gather round in circles.

Additional shade, a water feature, formal and informal seating, and footbridges are also featured as part of the concept design, complemented by an upgraded, accessible amenities building and new covered picnic area to ensure the park is an inclusive place for all.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said creating a new inclusive playspace enhanced by traditional Indigenous elements form part of the overall vision for Gregson Park in line with the adopted Gregson Park Masterplan.

“City of Newcastle is committed to delivering quality playgrounds and green spaces across the Newcastle LGA for locals and visitors to enjoy,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Extensive community engagement was undertaken as part of the preparation of the Gregson Park Masterplan 2021, with feedback into the concept design for a new playspace and upgraded amenities including consultation with First Nations Australians to appropriately capture indigenous elements in the design with further consultation still to be undertaken.”

Councillor Carol Duncan, who is also the Chair of the Community and Culture Advisory Committee, encouraged the community to have their say during the public exhibition period to ensure Gregson Park’s playspace continues to be enjoyed by families for generations to come.

“Gregson Park provides a green heart for the unique and historic suburb of Hamilton and is much loved by local families and the wider community,” Cr Duncan said.

“A reimagined playspace and upgraded amenities will enhance the future enjoyment of the park for the next generation, which is why we’re seeking feedback from a broad spectrum of our community to ensure we have it right.”

The detailed concept designs for Gregson Park playspace and amenities upgrade will be placed on public exhibition for three weeks from today until Friday, 16 December 2022.

Delivering new schools for Macquarie Park

Liberal candidate for Ryde, Jordan Lane, welcomed the Perrottet Government’s announcement of a new high school and primary school for Macquarie Park. Jordan said that the local area has been experiencing rapid growth, and a lot of effort is required to ensure that services and infrastructure keep up.

“As Ryde grows, local families need more amenities, green spaces and school spaces,” said Mayor Lane. “We are incredibly fortunate to have had a strong local representative in Victor  Dominello, who’s been able to recognise what our community needs and deliver it.”

“The Perrottet Government has recognised this community’s need, and has committed to delivering the Macquarie Park Education Campus, providing a new K-12 school in the growing area.”

The Liberal Member for Ryde, Victor Dominello, said the school developments in Macquarie Park would further transform Ryde into an education and employment powerhouse.

“We want to broaden the options for educational facilities so that the schools can be located in the optimal place to meet student demand,” Mr Dominello said.

“There is also tremendous opportunity for these schools to support their surrounding communities and to be part of a diverse mix of cultural, health and community facilities along with developments for commercial and residential use,” 

“The need for this education campus is all the more pronounced given the former Labor Government closed Peter Board High School and sold the land.” 

The Department of Education is partnering with Landcom to build the two schools as the Lachlan Line site offers the best location to:

  • meet population growth demand in Macquarie Park
  • cater for forecasted student enrolment to 2036
  • take advantage of strong public transport links.


Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said that the development of the Macquarie Park Education Campus is a priority for the NSW Government.

“Development of the campus will also provide opportunities for the government to partner with the private sector to drive the transformation of Macquarie Park, creating new jobs and investment opportunities for business, innovation, research and education,” Ms Mitchell said. 

“The NSW Government continues to invest in public education infrastructure with 118 new and upgraded schools under way, including the new Macquarie Park Education Campus.” 

The NSW Government is investing $8.6 billion in school infrastructure over the next four years, continuing its program to deliver 160 new and upgraded schools to support  communities across NSW. This builds on the more than $9.1 billion invested in projects delivered since 2017, a program of $17.7 billion in public education infrastructure. This is the largest investment in public education infrastructure in the history of NSW.
 

Parliamentary Inquiry into road safety

Road safety will be the focus of a new Parliamentary Inquiry as part of the NSW Government’s commitment to zero road deaths by 2050.
 
Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said the NSW Government will initiate an inquiry in the next term of Government to look at whether the Road Transport Act 2013 can be improved, particularly when it comes to dangerous drivers.
 
“This inquiry will hear directly from those impacted by dangerous driving so we can ensure this legislation is fit for purpose on an issue that is devastating for victims, families and the wider community,” Mrs Ward said.
 
“In 2021 we recorded the lowest road death toll in NSW in 99 years but every death is still one too many, which is why we’re committed to doing everything we can to prevent deaths and serious injury on our roads.
 
“I thank the Road Trauma Support Group NSW for its valuable feedback and advocacy on this important issue on behalf of families and victims of serious road crime.”
 
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the inquiry will consider the current licensing system in NSW.
 
“Country people make up around a third of NSW’s population but over the past five years, deaths on country roads have made up 67 per cent of lives lost on all roads,” Mr Farraway said.
 
“A death in a country town extends beyond the immediate family to the local cop who attends the scene, to the community who sees one less familiar face around.
 
“These are the impacts that I want drivers on our regional roads to think about the every time they get behind the wheel.
 
“Our aim is to prevent drivers from committing offences and engaging in dangerous behaviour in the first place to stop these preventable deaths.”
 
The Inquiry will complement the Law Reform Commission’s review of serious road crime and the experiences of victims of serious road crime and their families, announced by the Attorney General on 11 November 2022. 
 
In addition, on 17 November 2022, the NSW Government passed the Motor Accident Injuries Amendment Bill 2022 which enables the State Insurance Regulatory Authority to establish a trauma support service for families of those who have been injured or killed because of a motor accident. This new service will provide support in the period after the accident and will connect and guide those impacted by the incident.

NSW Government responds to State Infrastructure Strategy

All 101 recommendations of the Infrastructure NSW State Infrastructure Strategy 2022-2042: Staying Ahead will be supported in full or in-principle by the NSW Government.
 
Minister for Infrastructure Rob Stokes said the nine key strategic directions and 89 recommendations would be supported in full, while the remaining 13 recommendations are supported in-principle.
 
“The fortunes of NSW have been transformed on the back of this  government’s 11 years of infrastructure delivery, with more than $178 billion in projects built since 2011 and another $112.7 billion in the pipeline over the next four years,” Mr Stokes said.
 
“Throughout that time, the Government has sought the clear-eyed and independent advice of Infrastructure NSW to guide the allocation of taxpayers’ funds towards the projects that are needed most.
 
“By accepting the recommendations of the strategy, NSW will continue to enjoy the economic benefits that infrastructure creates.”
 
Transformative megaprojects will continue in addition to a wide range of less complex projects which can be delivered more easily by local construction companies.
 
“We are determined to transform NSW through infrastructure that creates opportunity, improves access and makes people’s lives better,” Mr Stokes said.
 
The State Infrastructure Strategy sets out the government’s priorities for the next 20 years, and combined with Future Transport 2056, The Greater Cities Region Plan and the 20-Year Economic Vision for Regional NSW, brings together infrastructure investment and land-use planning for our cities and regions.
 
The Government’s response to the Strategy is available online here.