Today I announce the appointment of Mr Justin Hayhurst as Australia’s next Ambassador to Japan, commencing in early 2023.
Australia and Japan share a Special Strategic Partnership, with an aligned strategic agenda, strong commercial relations, and enduring people-to-people links.
Japan is Australia’s second-largest trading partner, second-largest export market, and third-largest source of imports.
We are close, trusted and active partners in multilateral, regional and in plurilateral frameworks, including the Trilateral Strategic Dialogue, Quad, the East Asia Summit, World Trade Organization and G20.
Our security and defence relationship is critical to both nations and supports regional stability, prosperity and peace, enabled by a bilateral Reciprocal Access Agreement and the Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation signed by Prime Ministers this year.
Mr Hayhurst is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was most recently Deputy Secretary of the Geostrategic Group and Australia’s Senior Quad Official.
He was previously First Assistant Secretary International in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Mr Hayhurst has served overseas as Deputy Head of Mission, Beijing, and in the Philippines.
I thank Chargé d’Affaires Peter Roberts for his contributions to advancing Australia’s interests in Japan since July 2022.
The Federal Executive of the Liberal Party of Australia has received the final report of the Review of the 2022 Federal Election.
I would like to thank Brian Loughnane AO and Senator the Hon Jane Hume and the many people who assisted, including Liberal Party members and supporters who made over 600 submissions.
The Review is thorough and forward looking. It makes 49 recommendations relating to: the parliamentary team; Party structure; executives and memberships; pre-selections and candidates; demographics; and campaign preparedness.
While acknowledging the Party has a numbers of strengths, the Review also makes frank assessments about where we can do better.
While the election result in May was disappointing, the Liberal Party is determined to rebuild and offer Australians the strongest possible alternative at the next election.
The Federal Executive will carefully consider the Review and its recommendations, with a clear focus on making our Party stronger and returning to Government.
Significant impacts of three consecutive La Niña events added to the challenge of ensuring Newcastle’s famous coastline from Stockton in the north to Burwood Beach in the south remained safe and accessible for the community to enjoy.
Throughout 2022, City of Newcastle (CN) has delivered a program of work along the coastline which includes the emergency response to severe weather events which caused havoc along the coastline and damaged several coastal assets while at the same time undertaking the investigations and planning for coastal management over the longer term.
In the north, this program of work included completing emergency repair works at Stockton Beach where further beach erosion resulted from the series of weather events earlier in the year.
CN is also moving ahead with the work required to receive and place sand on Stockton Beach, with placement designs and environmental approvals expected to be finalised in early 2023.
In the shorter-term, CN has awarded the tender to build the first of three buried terminal protection structures designed to significantly reduce the chances of erosion in the event of large swells. Construction is anticipated to start early next year on the first structure, which will consist of underground vertical concrete piles that extend from street level to 8.5m below ground at the southern end of the Mitchell Street rock sea wall.
Significant work has also been undertaken on the development of the Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program (CMP), which progresses the Stockton 2020 CMP and extends the boundaries of the Program north to the Local Government Area border. The revised series of draft management actions listed in the Extended CMP will be circulated to community representatives, and their feedback will be considered in the final set of actions, which will go on public exhibition in mid-2023.
South of the harbour, good progress is being made on the stage one upgrade of the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths, with renewal of the pools and promenades on track for completion by mid-2023, ahead of re-opening of the baths for swimming by next summer. Consultation on stage two of the upgrade, which centres on the pavilion buildings, will commence early next year.
Just down the coastline work continues on the upgrade to Bathers Way at South Newcastle Beach. Improvements to stormwater drainage, removal of contaminated materials and measures to stabilise the cliff line in the area have been undertaken in addition to the upgrade works, leading to unavoidable program delays, along with supply chain and labour impacts of COVID-19. Despite this the lower promenade is almost complete, and the much-anticipated skate park and skate bowl are taking shape, with the facility expected to be completed in Autumn, and opened by mid-2023.
CN is moving forward with another key link in the city’s iconic coastal walkway, with tenders called for the design of the next stage of Bathers Way, which will create a more accessible shared path through the State heritage-listed King Edward Park. Once appointed, the design consultant will build upon an existing concept layout, with community consultation to inform the final design.
At Bar Beach, a series of emergency repairs have been undertaken following major storm events in April. Temporary stairs have been installed to allow lifeguards direct access from the viewing tower and promenade to the beach, as well as improving access to amenities and upgrades to access for lifesaving vehicles.
Further works are planned to follow the busy summer period, including improvements to accessways at four points between Bar Beach and Merewether Beach. The Bar Beach promenade area will also be upgraded, including construction of a new disabled access ramp, new stairs, upgrades to seawalls and the installation of new handrails.
The stretch of coastline between Bar Beach and Merewether is a key focal point for the development of the Southern Beaches Coastal Management Program (CMP), which is currently underway. The Southern Beaches CMP will cover the length of coastline from Nobbys in the north to Glenrock in the south, providing a long-term program of actions required to adapt to immediate and future changes on our coast. Community consultation on the development of the plan will occur throughout 2023.
Dixon Park’s new kiosk will be up and running for summer, completing the building’s transformation, including the iconic Mark Richards mural, which has been expertly renewed by Up&Up Inspirations. Sunnyboy Kiosk will serve up to 15 flavours of gelato, fresh juices, acai bowls, pastries, fish and chips, and hamburgers, with ample shade and seating, all overlooking Bathers Way – delivered as part of City of Newcastle’s ongoing coastal revitalisation works.
Exciting family-friendly activities, exhibitions, workshops and cultural experiences will engage and inspire young minds and relieve family budgets these school holidays, thanks to the NSW Government’s $5.9 million investment providing free admission to museums and galleries.
Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin said free general admission to Australian Museum, Museums of History NSW, Powerhouse Ultimo and the Art Gallery of NSW, plus a range of free activities across the State’s cultural institutions will provide families and young people with plenty of ways to feed their curiosity and imagination during the school holidays.
“The Liberals and Nationals know families are seeking enriching and memorable cultural experiences, which is why our cost-of-living initiatives ensure art and culture is accessible for all,” Mr Franklin said.
“We also know that keeping the kids entertained over the holidays can be costly for families, so these free activities will help to relieve the financial pressure on family budgets these school holidays.” Holiday activity highlights include:
Art Gallery of NSW – Drop in and Make Mechanical Sculptures 11am – 3:30pm Monday – Friday 3-20 January and Sundays 8-29 January
Art Gallery of NSW – Make art with us: Fantastic figures 11am–3.30pm Mondays – Fridays 3–20 January, and Sundays throughout January 2023
Powerhouse Ultimo – The Lab Studio 21 December – 26 January Suitable for all ages
Australian Museum – Drop In and Paint your favourite shark 10am – 4pm every Monday and Tuesday from 9 January 2023
Sydney Opera House – Wild City Exhibition 3-15 January, 2-5 pm daily
State Library of NSW – Imagine, the Wonder of Picture Books exhibition
Art Gallery of NSW Director Michael Brand said the newly opened Art Gallery extension will captivate children and parents alike with a range of immersive activities in the new gallery.
“The opening of the new building of the Art Gallery of NSW expands significantly on an already wide range of free activities available for children and families on site. These include wearable art workshops, digital art workshops, story time, drop in and make sessions and tours tailored for children,” Mr Brand said.
Making it home workshop – Art-making in the Aquilizan Studio, 11:30-1:30pm Thursdays – Sunday until 22 January
Powerhouse Ultimo, Powerhouse Castle Hill and Parramatta
The Lab Studio – a family-friendly interactive space at Powerhouse Ultimo – Free activities, 21 December 2022 – 26 January 2023 Suitable for all ages
Paper People Fashion workshop for all ages inspired by Zampatti Powerhouse at Powerhouse Ultimo – Free 21 December 2022 – 26 January 2023 Suitable for all ages
Creative Studio: Ableton Note Free 3 day music workshop for students in years 7 – 10 facilitated by Eric Chapus and Luke Warren in Parramatta, 10-2pm 11-13 January 2023
Creative Studio: Hope SiafegaFree 3 day graphic illustration workshop for years 7 -10 at Powerhouse Castle Hill, 10-2pm 18-20 January 2023
Upcycled Wearables 1hr workshop with Susie Rugg at Powerhouse Castle Hill, 7–8, 14–15 and 21–22 January 2023 Suitable for ages 5+
Sydney Opera House • Wild City Exhibition – Centre for Creativity, 3-15 January 2023 2-5 pm daily
State Library of NSW • Imagine … the Wonder of Picture Booksexhibition Suitable for young children. You’ll see original illustrations from old favourites such as Grug, Macca the Alpaca and Mr McGee and meet some new friends as well. Free Imagine Exhibition Tour 1 – 1.30 pm, Dates: 16 Jan, 19-20 Jan 23-25 January • Online Drawing workshop with Matthew Lin 10am Tuesday 17 Jan • Online Book quiz – 11am Wednesday 18 Jan • Drawing in the galleries, 1pm Friday 20 Jan • Storytime in Polish with Ewelina, Children’s Library 11am Monday 23 Jan • Author workshop with Kris Darell, (Author of Football Fever Junior Fiction) 10am Wednesday 25 Jan • Drawing birds with Andrea – free online drawing workshop, 2pm Wednesday 25 Jan
Australian Museum · Drop In and Paint your favourite shark in an immersive art adventure. 10am – 4pm Every Monday and Tuesday from 9th January 2023. Ages: 5+ Hintze Hall (outside Wild Planet)
Residents in Maroubra, Coogee, Pagewood and surrounding suburbs will have easier access to more than 1000 NSW Government services when a new Service NSW Centre opens at Westfield Eastgardens shopping centre in mid 2023.
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said a lease had been signed for the new Service Centre at Shop 227/9B, Level 2, Westfield Eastgardens, 152 Bunnerong Road, Eastgardens.
“The new Eastgardens Service Centre will be a one-stop shop for families, seniors, young professionals and businesses to conveniently access more than 1000 Government services, including vehicle registration, driver licences, Working with Children Checks, Seniors Card applications, owner builder permits and more,” Mr Dominello said.
“Customers going for their L and P Plates will be able to sit computer-based examinations, such as the Driver Knowledge and Hazard Perception tests, and will be able to also complete their driving test with more than 200 slots available per week at this location.
“The new Centre will open six days a week and will complement nearby high-traffic Service Centres at Botany and Bondi Junction, which over the past 12 months, have received more than 112,000 customers and 92,000 customers respectively.”
Fit-out for the new Service Centre is expected to start in early 2023.
Mr Dominello said the Eastgardens Service Centre would be state-of-the-art and provide high quality service and digital offerings, including a concierge who will greet and guide customers as they enter.
“Customers will be triaged to digital support or to speak to a Service Centre team member at the counter, so they spend less time waiting in line and can get on with their day faster,” he said.
“The Centre will also have a dedicated Savings Specialist to help customers apply from more than 70 government savings and rebates as part of Savings Finder program. Across NSW, customers save on average about $750 per appointment.”
Eastgardens Service Centre will be the seventh new metro Service Centre to be opened in Sydney since 2019, with another three due to open in 2023. Between 2017 and 2019, 24 Service Centres were opened across regional and remote NSW as part of a $20 million expansion of the network.
Hundreds of additional bus services will be available over summer to ensure Sydneysiders and tourists are able to travel to some of the State’s most iconic beaches.
Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said almost 300 additional services had been added to the timetable this summer so local commuters and tourists were able to enjoy a hassle-free trip to the eastern suburbs.
“Bondi, Coogee and other surrounding beaches are extremely popular tourist destinations and as Sydneysiders flock to the beach, the additional services are required to meet the summertime demand,” Mr Elliott said.
“The additional services provide commuters with a lot more options to ensure they can not only travel to appointments, entertainment venues, shopping and of course popular eastern suburbs beaches but also eases traffic congestion and parking issues.”
“These extra services will make it easier to travel between our iconic Bondi Beach during the peak summer season and Rose Bay Ferry Wharf where you can catch a ferry into the city.
“The services will be added to the existing 362 bus route connecting Sydney’s eastern beaches between Coogee and Rose Bay. Over the summer, services will run every 30 minutes, seven days a week until Thursday 26 January 2023,” Ms Upton said.
Mr Elliott said public transport patronage had soared across all modes of public transport as Sydneysiders geared up for a blockbuster summer of major events.
“Sydney commuters have again started to embrace public transport with the Sydney Light Rail network leading the way recording more than four million trips over two months,” he said.
“Public transport use across Greater Sydney was rebounding with patronage at 80 per cent of pre-pandemic levels on weekends and 70 per cent of pre-pandemic levels on weekdays.
“The Sydney Light Rail network has been a standout with the L2 Randwick and L3 Kingsford light rail lines hitting record patronage this year exceeding two million trips per month for September and October – proving light rail makes light work of crowds at the Moore Park Entertainment Quarter,”
Ferries were the strongest performer by mode during November 2022, returning to 98 per cent of pre-pandemic levels on weekends and 88 per cent of pre-pandemic levels on weekdays.
Buses are at 73 per cent of pre-pandemic levels while rail, including Metro, continues to be the most popular mode with about 873,000 average daily trips taken on weekdays.
The Illawarra is set to become a renewable energy and clean manufacturing powerhouse, following the release of the draft declaration of the Illawarra Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).
The NSW Government is leading the transformation of our energy system by building five massive REZs across the State. The development of the REZs under the NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap are critical to deliver cheap, reliable and clean electricity to homes and businesses in NSW as coal-fired power stations progressively close over the next 10 to 15 years.
Energy Minister Matt Kean said the Illawarra REZ draft declaration sets out additional transmission network capacity and the geographical area that will make up the Illawarra REZ.
“The Illawarra is well placed to become a renewable energy powerhouse, thanks to its existing energy, port and transport infrastructure, its highly skilled workforce and strong demand from existing industries to decarbonise,” Mr Kean said.
“The Illawarra REZ registration of interest attracted a significant response with 44 renewable generation and storage projects registering, representing more than 17 gigawatts of new projects which could unlock around $43 billion in potential investment.”
Parliamentary Secretary for Wollongong and the Illawarra Peter Poulos said once the REZ has been formally declared, we will begin the next phase of development, including engaging closely with the local community, industry, councils and other stakeholders.
“This REZ will ensure the Illawarra plays a central role in our renewable energy future, powering existing and emerging industries, including in offshore wind, green hydrogen and green steel production,” Mr Poulos said.
The draft declaration is now on public exhibition for six weeks until mid-February 2023 and can be viewed online at the link below. To provide feedback or to contact EnergyCo, please email contact@energyco.nsw.gov.au. For more information visit https://www.energyco.nsw.gov.au/ilw-rez
The Albanese and Perrottet Governments today announced a landmark deal to connect New South Wales’ Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) and plug Snowy 2.0 into the grid, to create thousands of new energy jobs, and deliver energy that’s more reliable, more secure and more affordable across the east coast.
The joint $7.8 billion deal will back eight critical transmission and REZ projects, supporting more than 3,900 jobs in the regions.
The Albanese Government’s Rewiring the Nation plan will enable $4.7 billion from the Commonwealth to join with $3.1 billion from the NSW Transmission Acceleration Facility, to help NSW realise its Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap and increase reliability across the east coast grid.
This agreement will unlock the below critical transmission and REZ projects:
Sydney Ring – Hunter Transmission Project (HTP);
Central-West Orana (CWO) Renewable Energy Zones (REZ);
New England (NE) REZ;
HumeLink;
VNI West;
Hunter-Central Coast (HCC) REZ, including potential offshore wind opportunities;
Sydney Ring – Southern Sydney Ring; and
South-West REZ.
Australia’s electricity grid needs to be strengthened and reconfigured to meet the demands of the rapidly changing electricity market it serves.
Today’s agreement marks the next step in its urgent upgrade to ensure reliability and affordability across the network.
This latest Rewiring the Nation backing follows the landmark deal between the Commonwealth, Tasmanian and Victorian governments for two undersea cables to link Tasmania’s Battery of the Nation projects to the mainland; the Victorian leg of VNI West (Kerang Link); and a range of REZ projects, including offshore wind.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:
“The Commonwealth has worked hand in glove with the states and territories to shield Australian households and businesses from the worst impacts of the energy crisis caused by Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.”
“But as well as that critical short-term action, the Australian economy can seize the opportunity of more affordable and reliable renewable energy over the long term– creating jobs in the regions that have always powered Australia, and insulating ourselves from global fossil fuel shocks at the same time.”
“Support for critical transmission infrastructure like Sydney Ring, VNI West and HumeLink, to get across the line, will help transform Australia into a renewable energy superpower.”
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said:
“This joint $7.8 billion funding deal will support the projected $32 billion in private investment for regional energy infrastructure by 2030.”
“This is our opportunity to invest in our future industries that will drive jobs and wealth creation in our State.”
NSW Treasurer and Energy Minister Matt Kean said:
“This is a huge win for NSW that will create new energy jobs across the state and unlock cleaner, cheaper and more secure energy. This investment will support the delivery of our Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap through fast-tracking the development of REZs and transmission infrastructure.”
“These projects are expected to support more than 3,900 jobs during the construction of this critical transmission infrastructure.”
Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said:
“The best way to lower energy prices for Australian households and businesses is by increasing firmed renewables across our grid, it is the cheapest and most abundant form of energy across our vast continent.”
“Today’s announcement helps make that a reality by supporting the projects to plug Snowy 2.0 into the grid and linking REZs to ensure the energy can be supplied from wherever the wind is blowing and the sun is shining, to where it’s used by households and industry.”
“Together, the Sydney Ring, VNI West and the HumeLink projects will increase network resilience and energy reliability for consumers and help put downward pressure on electricity bills in years to come.”
Australians travelling overseas over the festive period are urged to understand the health risks associated with any countries they are planning to visit, and in particular, consider the risks posed by measles and polio.
People should ensure they are fully immunised against measles and polio before travelling to any country in which the highly infectious diseases are present.
Measles and polio are found in numerous countries popular with Australian tourists – and it is concerning that immunisation coverage rates have fallen in some of these destinations.
Countries in which measles is commonly found include India, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Thailand. It is also widespread in some Middle Eastern countries and across Africa. Outbreaks have occurred in Europe, the UK, and North and South America in recent years.
If you travel to a country where measles is present and you are not fully immunised, you risk catching the disease, and spreading it – and severe illness – to others.
Two doses of measles-containing vaccine delivers lifelong protection against the disease in 99 per cent of vaccinated people – and people who have previously been infected are also immune.
Polio remains endemic in Afghanistan and Pakistan – and a further 33 countries have experienced outbreaks in 2022.
Vaccination against polio is recommended every 10 years for adults at higher risk of exposure to the disease.
Your vaccination status may be recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register – and your doctor can provide advice on whether you need to get vaccinated against measles or polio.
Christmas has come early for Newcastle beachgoers, with the opening of a new kiosk at Dixon Park Beach just in time for the busy summer school holiday period.
Newcastle’s newest beach coffee haunt, Sunnyboy Kiosk, serves up 15 flavours of gelato, fresh juices, acai bowls, pastries, fish and chips, and hamburgers, with ample shade and seating, all overlooking Bathers Way and delivered as part of City of Newcastle’s ongoing coastal revitalisation works.
Councillor Carol Duncan said the well-positioned kiosk will see it used year-round by locals and visitors.
“Newcastle’s southern beaches are world-renowned, and the revitalisation of the kiosk demonstrates City of Newcastle’s commitment to ensuring our incredible coastal assets remain accessible and attractive for our community to enjoy,” Cr Duncan said.
“The opening of the kiosk completes the building’s transformation and complements the iconic Mark Richards mural, which has been expertly renewed by Up&Up Inspirations.
“We look forward seeing how the community interacts with the revitalised space throughout the summer.”
Sunnyboy Kiosk lessee and operators Tom and Nova Carias said they were ready to serve up tasty treats for the community at Dixon Park Beach.
“Sunnyboy Kiosk will be the place to be this summer,” Ms Carias said.
“We opened our doors to the public this week just in time for the start of the summer school holidays and we look forward to sunny days ahead welcoming surfers straight out of the water, beachgoers off the beach with sandy feet and meeting locals who will make this their regular coffee haunt.”
The refurbishment of the Dixon Park Beach kiosk supports City of Newcastle’s Coastal Revitalisation program, which began in 2010 as part of a long-term commitment to enhance Newcastle’s coastline.
