Woman wanted on outstanding DV warrant arrested

Police have arrested and charged a woman wanted on an outstanding warrant in Sydney’s West.

Officers attached to the North West Metropolitan Region Domestic Violence High Risk Offender Team commenced an investigation to locate a 40-year-old woman, wanted on an outstanding warrant for breaching an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order.

Following inquiries and a public appeal, about 1.20pm today (Wednesday 15 February 2023) officers attached to the Domestic Violence High Risk Offender Team attended an address in Colyton, where a 40-year-old woman was placed under arrest and taken to Penrith Police Station.

She was charged for the outstanding warrant and breach of bail conditions.

The woman was refused bail and is due to appear at Penrith Local Court tomorrow (Thursday 16 February 2023).

NUCLEAR BOMBERS CAN LAUNCH FROM AUSTRALIA WITHOUT BREACHING TREATY OBLIGATIONS, MINISTER CLAIMS

Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong has just admitted in Senate Estimates that nuclear-capable bombers can rotate through Australia without breaching international obligations, under questioning from the Greens.

Australian Greens Senator and Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Jordon Steele John said: 

“Australians have resisted the nuclearisation of our military for decades and now the Albanese government is letting the Americans do it for us.

“Nuclear capable B-52 bombers have no place on Australian bases, on Australian shores or in Australian airspace. They are an offensive weapon that will destabilise our region.

“The decision for the Australian Government to allow American B-52s into Australia is another clear example of successive major party governments selling out Australian interests for the Americans.

“Whether it be the AUKUS pact, the coverup of how Australia became involved in the illegal US invasion of Iraq or this newest escalation in the force posture agreement. When it comes to the US, there is no Australian interest this government has not been willing to sell out.

“Australia needs to deeply reevaluate our relationship with the United States and pursue an independent, peaceful and cooperative foreign policy,” Senator Steele John said.

Australian Greens Senator and Defence Spokesperson David Shoebridge said: 

“It is highly alarming that Australian military facilities are being made available for the US to launch its nuclear capable bombers.

“The fact that we are allowing Australian military facilities to host US nuclear bombers should alarm all Australians who are concerned  with our collective safety.

“This decision not only makes us a nuclear target, it further erodes our sovereignty.

“The US has made it clear it won’t tell anyone when their B52’s are nuclear armed or not. This leaves Australia in the dark about our role in the USA’s global nuclear strategy.

“This decision directly contradicts the Defence Minister’s claims that our relationship with the US does not undermine Australia’s sovereignty.

“This will further destabilise our region and force Australia into an unwitting role in the global nuclear weapons threat,” Senator Shoebridge said.

GREENS URGE LABOR TO END NATIVE FOREST LOGGING IMMEDIATELY AND ENSURE JUST TRANSITION FOR WORKERS AS AUSTRALIA’S LAST WHITE PAPER MILL CLOSES

Greens forests spokesperson, Senator Janet Rice has called on state and federal Labor governments to commit to ending native forest logging immediately and ensure a just transition for forestry workers that are about to face an uncertain future, with Australia’s largest white paper producing plant, set to close. 

Greens spokesperson for forests, Senator Janet Rice said: 

“The end of white paper production at the Maryvale paper mill shows the writing is on the wall for Victoria’s native forest logging industry.

“Unions believe about 200 people may become unemployed as a result of this closure. The mill should have been supported to transition away from woodchips from native forests well before now, for example, by using supplies of logs from eucalypt plantations from western Victoria and Tasmania that are currently being exported. 

“Instead, workers will be left with the stress of job loss, in the midst of a cost of living crisis, wondering about their future.

The state government saw this coming but they chose to continue denying reality. With this woeful oversight by the state government, it’s time the federal government step up, commit to ending native forest logging across the country and ensure a just transition for workers.

“Recent supreme court cases have proven illegal logging and multiple breaches of state environment laws by VicForests, resulting in native forest logging operations grinding to a halt.

“Native forest logging is a dying industry and there’s no way around it. 

“Labor has a choice. They can either begin a fair transition for workers, or they can keep their head in the sand and leave more workers stranded.

“The Greens will keep fighting to secure meaningful climate and environment legislation, which must include saving what remains of Australia’s native forests and stopping the extinction of the iconic species that call these forests home.”

Additional humanitarian assistance to Türkiye and Syria

The Albanese Government will contribute an additional $8 million dollars to Australia’s response to the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, bringing the total to $18 million.

This funding will provide lifesaving assistance, with a focus on protecting those made most vulnerable by the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria. It will also support ongoing search and rescue efforts.

In Türkiye, we will contribute an additional $4.5 million. This includes $2 million to Australian NGOs through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership to deliver lifesaving assistance, with a focus on protecting those made most vulnerable by the earthquakes. Remaining funds will support ongoing search and rescue efforts and other emerging needs arising from this crisis.

In Syria, $3.5 million will be provided to the United Nations Population Fund to deliver maternal and child health services and protect women and girls without safe housing. This is in addition to the $3 million that Australia has committed to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

We extend Australia’s deepest sympathies to families and communities that have lost loved ones in the earthquakes, including families here in Australia.

The earthquakes have also exacerbated the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria, where years of conflict have driven millions from their homes.

In addition to the earthquake response, the Australian Government will provide $15 million through trusted partners to assist conflict-affected Syrians and their host communities in Syria, Lebanon and Jordan.

Imagery of the Australian Government’s Disaster Assistance Response Team in Türkiye is available at: https://multimedia.dfat.gov.au/fotoweb/albums/Y-agmMww5crkgPyn/

Changes to the Shadow Ministry

Senator the Hon. Sarah Henderson will become the Shadow Minister for Education. I know Sarah will continue her outstanding advocacy and dedication to the cause in the shadow education portfolio, just as she has in the shadow communications portfolio.

I am pleased to announce the Hon. David Coleman MP will return to the Coalition frontbench to become the Shadow Minister for Communications. David has been a fine contributor for the Coalition, and as a former minister, I know he will take up this role with his customary diligence.

These new appointments will strengthen the Coalition’s representation in critical portfolio areas. I look forward to continuing to work with Senator Henderson and Mr Coleman as they carry out their new roles.

I again thank the Hon. Alan Tudge MP for his service to the Coalition team since his election in 2010. He departs the parliament with the Coalition’s best wishes for his future endeavours.

My strong Coalition team will continue their hard work and their unity in holding the government to account.

I can assure all Australians that the Coalition will continue to focus on delivering positive plans and policies for the future of our country in 2023 and in the lead-up to the next election.

City of Newcastle supports Voice to Parliament with free community barbecue

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders will have the floor at a free community barbecue hosted by City of Newcastle on Sunday 26 February at Hamilton’s Gregson Park, for anyone wanting to learn more about the forthcoming Voice to Parliament referendum.

Held in collaboration with City of Newcastle’s Guraki Aboriginal Advisory Committee as referendum campaigns begin in earnest around the country, the Newcastle BBQ for the Voice to Parliament will include a sausage sizzle and addresses from Indigenous leaders.

Representatives of the national From The Heart campaign will also be on hand to answer questions from the community about the Uluru Statement from the Heart, the referendum process, and the proposed amendment to the Constitution.

It comes as a national week of action gets underway on 20 February ahead of the proposed referendum slated for the second half of the year, which will ask Australians to vote on whether they support a constitutionally enshrined body that would allow Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to have input on laws and policies that directly affect them.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the event was an important step in bringing the community together to promote awareness and understanding of the proposed constitutional amendment.

“City of Newcastle is proud to support the ‘yes’ campaign and provide an accessible public forum for the community to be informed on what this referendum means for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, whose enduring resilience, knowledge, and relationship with the land for more than 60,000 years deserves long overdue constitutional recognition,” Cr Nelmes said.

Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon MP, will join the line-up of speakers at the event.

“I am proud to be part of the Albanese Labor Government which is putting this important question to the Australian people,” Ms Claydon said.

“This referendum is about two things: constitutional recognition and ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a say on the policies and laws that affect them. The Voice is an important first step in delivering the Uluru Statement from the Heart in full: Voice, Treaty, Truth.”

Keynote speaker and Uluru Statement from the Heart signatory, Sean Gordon, said the “recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the constitution will acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rightful place as the first peoples of this country and will provide a voice to ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities have a greater say in laws, policies, and programs that impact our communities. The referendum to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is the most import referendum since the constitution was established in 1901. A successful referendum will demonstrate our maturity as a country and will be the next step in our journey toward reconciliation between black and white Australia.”

From The Heart Director Dean Parkin said now is the opportunity for Australia to seize this historic moment and recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Constitution.

“All around the country, supporters of constitutional recognition are sparking thousands of conversations in this week of action with friends, families and neighbours,” Mr Parkin said.

“It’s a chance to explain how a ‘yes’ vote at this year’s referendum will give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people a say in the laws and policies that directly impact their lives, and to deliver practical change.

“Australia has a huge opportunity to change the dial in our communities and see genuine, practical change. Seeking advice from people in Indigenous communities leads to better outcomes – because the people on the ground know their issues best.

“We are having this referendum because it’s time to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Constitution in a way that they requested – recognition through a Voice to Parliament.”

The Newcastle BBQ for the Voice to Parliament will be held from 11am to 1pm, with a list of speakers to be announced soon. Stay up to date via the Facebook event page.

Visit fromtheheart.com.au for more information on the national campaign.

NSW Acts to protect construction jobs

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is taking action to protect the 400,000 construction jobs across the state by strengthening industrial relations and procurement oversight for Government projects.

The boost to the Construction Compliance Unit will further protect the state’s $116.6 billion infrastructure pipeline and the jobs and families it supports.

The move comes after the federal Labor Government abolished the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) and the federal building code of conduct.

The federal instruments had successfully underpinned productive growth and lawful conduct in the industry, supporting the construction boom in NSW over the last decade.

In response to federal Labor abandoning sensible regulatory safeguards in the construction industry, the NSW Government is stepping in to fill the void by:

· Boosting funding to the NSW Construction Compliance Unit (CCU) by $1.3 million a year for proactive monitoring, reporting and compliance activities;

· Increasing unannounced site visits on NSW Government-funded infrastructure projects by the CCU and

· Commencing an open consultation with industry stakeholders to review the NSW Building and Construction Procurement Guidelineswhich regulate the conduct of building and construction work on NSW Government projects.

These measures will protect against cost and time blow outs that would lead to a less productive industry with fewer jobs.

Treasurer Matt Kean said the Liberal and Nationals Government was committed to a flourishing construction industry that delivers for workers, taxpayers and the broader community.

“The benefits of our record infrastructure pipeline will be felt far and wide and we cannot allow Labor’s sabotage of a successful regulatory framework to put those projects and jobs in jeopardy,” Mr Kean said.

“We are just catching up from Labor’s abysmal record on infrastructure delivery in this state and proper regulation of the construction industry is a crucial part of the Liberal and Nationals delivering for the people of NSW.”

Minister for Employee Relations Damien Tudehope said opposition to regulation of the construction industry and the ABCC was not in the best interests of workers.

“The Liberal and Nationals Government has a proven track record of driving a consistent pipeline of good jobs in construction and we want this to continue,” Mr Tudehope said.  

“Construction union membership is under 10 per cent in Australia but we know from the experience in other states that this minority can impose an enormously damaging impact from shutting down projects, coercive and illegal action and dragging out industrial disputes with ambit claims.

“Whether it’s promoting compliance when a new tunnel is being dug or at a motorway expansion project, these measures will mitigate against the risk of delay or interruption to the state’s major infrastructure projects.”

Brian Seidler, Executive Director of Master Builders Association NSW, said following the abolition of the ABCC last year, it was pleasing to see the NSW Government taking steps to ensure that construction sites here have some protections from unlawful and coercive behaviours.

“Since at least 1982 multiple Royal Commissions and judicial enquiries have recognised that the unique nature of commercial construction means that the industry is especially vulnerable to unethical and illegal behaviour, and as such requires special measures in order to deter illegal behavior,” Mr Seidler said.

“Greater oversight and increased funding for the NSW CCU to undertake proactive monitoring, reporting and compliance activities is welcomed.”

Productivity Bootcamp for South Coast youth

The Perrottet Government’s two-year funding boost for the Productivity Bootcamp will give hundreds more young people from the South Coast access to training construction industry opportunities.

Liberal Candidate for South Coast, Luke Sikora, welcomed the $3.2 million extension of the program, which will help 16 to 25 year olds develop pre-trade skills for jobs on local construction projects.

“This funding for additional training opportunities will help us to bolster out local workforce in a critical industry that will be building South Coast’s future,” said Mr Sikora. “I am proud to be running for the Perrottet Government which is investing in empowering our communities and building South Coast’s future.”

Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the funding boost builds on the Liberal and Nationals Government’s record $3.1 billion skills budget, which is part of our long-term economic plan to keep NSW moving forward.

“The South Coast continues to benefit from the Liberal and Nationals government’s record infrastructure investment, but with that comes great demand for skilled workers.

“We’re already investing record funds in TAFE NSW and delivering an unprecedented level of fee-free training to help people get the skills they need for the jobs they want.

“This funding for Productivity Bootcamp builds on that, delivering practical, challenging and hands-on skills for young people seeking jobs in the construction industry.”

The funding will enable Productivity Bootcamp to deliver an additional 11 eight-week programs and one five-week program at its South Nowra centre over two years.

Productivity Bootcamp founder and director Paul Breen said the company has been delivering strong results in previous Bootcamps in Western Sydney since 2015.

“Our Bootcamp program provides a transformative 8-week intensive course that arms young people with the skills and attitude needed to be successful,” Mr Breen said.

“It helps young people develop the skills and attributes demanded by employers, such as reliability, communication and teamwork.”

Life saving defibs for local sporting clubs

Grassroots sport will be safer for players, spectators and volunteers as part of a $500,000 push to install life-saving defibrillators at community facilities across NSW.

Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said 191 devices will be installed thanks to the latest round of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program.

“With more than 8,500 people experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrest each year in NSW, this program provides sports with early access to a defibrillator in the worst case scenario,” Mr Henskens said.

“Since the Liberal and Nationals Government introduced this program in 2017, more than 2,000 defibrillators have been installed at sports facilities across NSW.”

The grants cover the full cost of equipment under the program with several sporting organisations receiving multiple devices.

Up to $3,000 was available per device and with more people participating in sport and active recreation, these devices will ensure our sports facilities are better-equipped to respond to life-threating emergencies.

Professor Jamie Vandenberg, Co-deputy Director of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, said nine out of every 10 people who suffer a cardiac arrest outside of hospital don’t survive.

“We want to change that statistic so it’s vital that we get as many defibrillators installed across NSW,” Mr Vandenberg said.

“Every one of these new devices could prove lifesaving and help us achieve our goal.”

More information about the program is available online.

Westinvest funds huge boost to sporting fields across Western Sydney

From grassroots junior sports teams to elite athletes, residents across North West and Western Sydney will benefit from a huge boost in funding for sports facilities, thanks to the NSW Government’s $5 billion WestInvest program.

Premier Dominic Perrottet, Treasurer Matt Kean and Minister for Sport Alister Henskens today announced more than $316.7 million in funding for local councils and community groups in the Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Parramatta, Cumberland, Fairfield, Hawkesbury, Strathfield and The Hills LGAs to deliver 15 new and upgraded sports facilities across Western Sydney.

The projects funded under the $1.6 billion WestInvest Community Project Grants – Competitive Round, range from new indoor and outdoor sports courts for basketball, netball and tennis, to upgrades to community ovals to support football and cricket to skate parks and new pools.

The projects include:

· $53.7 million for Cumberland Council to transform an underutilised site at Greystanes into a precinct for indoor and outdoor sport including netball, AFL, football, cricket, baseball, rugby league, rugby union, cricket, basketball, volleyball and badminton;

· $16 million for Fairfield City Council to upgrade the Endeavour Sports Park with a new synthetic field, sized for two soccer pitches, an AFL or a cricket pitch;

· $9.8 million for Hawkesbury City Council for the Tamplin Field redevelopment project for a new synthetic field to enable games, training and events in all weather;

· $5.6 million for the City of Parramatta Council to deliver the North Granville Community Open Space Upgrade project which will upgrade FS Garside Park and construct a natural turf football field and install new sports field lighting, seating and a regional sized playground.

· $3.5 million for the Blue Mountains Council to transform the Pitt Park Athletics oval into a dedicated state-of-the-art athletics sporting precinct. 

· $1 million for The Hills Shire Council to transform Fred Caterson Reserve in Castle Hill to support a range of indoor and outdoor sports.

· More than $573,000 for the Strathfield Municipal Council to deliver the Upgrade to Cooke Park Skatepark project to provide state of the art facilities to young skaters. 

Premier Dominic Perrottet said a sporting club is the heart and soul of a local community and WestInvest is enabling communities in North West and Western Sydney to grow, exercise and thrive.

“From the Pitt Park athletics complex in the Blue Mountains, Fred Caterson Reserve in The Hills to Tamplin Field in Hawkesbury, local communities across will benefit from a huge variety of sporting facilities funded by WestInvest,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Through the WestInvest fund we are laying the foundations to support for the next Harry Kewell, Pat Cummins, Alana Kennedy, Ian Thorpe and Paige Hadley.”

Treasurer Matt Kean said WestInvest will deliver world class facilities to support all sports ranging from junior level to the professionals to people who want to get more exercise and kick a ball around.

“This type of community infrastructure is critical for our future sporting stars to thrive from the day they step on to the sporting field. Athletes in Western Sydney deserve the best facilities to compete and perform so they can strive for greatness,” Mr Kean said.

“These facilities range in size and scale and cater to just about every sport from basketball, netball and volleyball to badminton and roller sports.”

Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said the WestInvest funding was another example of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s strong track record of investment in community sport facilities.

“From grassroots sport through to the elite, these investments will turbocharge sport participation in Western Sydney, providing quality local facilities for players of all ages and abilities,” Mr Henskens said.

“It builds on the enormous amount of work we’ve done to invest in community sport infrastructure across our state.”

To find out more about WestInvest visit www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/westinvest