LABOR ALLOWING AUSTRALIA TO CONTINUE TO BE A DUMPING GROUND FOR GOODS PRODUCED BY FORCED LABOUR.

The Australian Greens are continuing their campaign to ban the importation of goods produced by forced labour by proposing amendments to the Customs Legislation Amendment (Controlled Trials and Other Measures) Bill 2022

Despite Labor voting  in support of banning products produced by forced labour when they were in opposition, today in Senate Estimates they could not confirm that they would do so again. 

A wide range of community organisations are joining the Greens to call on Labor to prioritise this change.The outgoing UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet produced a report in 2022 that called on the Australian Government to block the import of goods made from forced labour from all countries.

Across our region, forced labour is occurring en masse, and many in the Australian community would be surprised to know that forced labour produces many goods that are used in Australia. 

The latest Global Slavery Index found 50 million people worldwide now live in modern slavery. It also showed Australia’s at risk of importing at-risk products which amount to US $17.4 billion. 

In Indonesia, forced labour is seen in industries including the production of palm oil and onboard fishing vessels. In Malaysia, migrant workers have been forced to produce garments. In Turkmenistan, state-sanctioned forced labour is used in the cotton industry. Since 2017, the Chinese government has imprisoned more than one million Uyghurs and subjected those not detained to forced production of garments, electronics, home decorations and more.
 

Senator Jordon Steele-John, Australian Greens spokesperson for Foreign Affairs, Peace & Nuclear Disarmament said:

“The Australian Government must do all it can to ensure that human rights are upheld globally. 

“Amending the Customs Act would enforce a global ban. It would send a clear message to all countries that Australia sees modern slavery as unacceptable and that our community will not accept goods that have been produced by forced labour.

“We are calling on the Australian Labor Party to support this change, as they did in opposition. We have the opportunity to pass the Greens amendments when the Customs Act is next before the parliament. We could see this parliament take immediate action to stop forced labour imports and no longer have Australia implicated in these horrific human rights abuses. 

“It’s time for Australia to no longer fall behind, and join countries like Canada and the United States who have implemented a ban. 

Carolyn Kitto, Be Slavery Free said:

‘No-one wants to buy products which have been produced through another person being in slavery like conditions. The social licence to be exposed to such goods is rapidly disappearing. The Australian Government needs to catch up with the desire of the Australian people and the practices of others globally in banning the import of products made with forced and child labour.

If we truly want a level playing field for Australian business we need to make it easier for companies seeking to do the right thing for people to work freely in their supply chains. 

We risk becoming a dumping ground for products made with forced labour which are banned from entering the USA, Mexico, Canada, the European Union and the UK.

We have seen the effectiveness of ‘forced labour ban legislations’ in driving change in labour rights for marginalised workers. 

Background

  • In 2021 a bill to ban the importation of goods produced by forced labour passed the Australian Senate, with the support of the Greens and the Australian Labor Party. This bill did not progress through the House of Representatives prior to the dissolution of the 46th Parliament. 
  • In November 2022, Senator Jordon Steele-John introduced the same legislation as a private senator’s bill.
  • The bill would amend the Customs Act to ensure a ban on the import of goods produced by forced labour. 
  • Further steps will be taken by the Australian Greens to move an amendment in the Senate to the Customs Legislation Amendment (Controlled Trials and Other Measures) Bill 2022 to legislate the forced labour ban. 
  • The Modern Slavery Act Review, released in May 2023 available here. 

Independent review into the Afghan Locally Engaged Employee Program

The Albanese Government is committed to standing by those who helped Australia’s mission in Afghanistan, and will implement all of the recommendations of the final report of the Independent Review into the Afghan Locally Engaged Employee (LEE) Program.

Established on 10 November 2022, the Independent Review led by Dr Vivienne Thom AM has made seven recommendations to improve the design and delivery of the Afghan LEE program. Work to implement the recommendations has already begun.

Consistent with the Report’s recommendations and the program’s original intent, the Government has expanded eligibility for certification to include security guards and former Afghan government and military officials who were employed with the Australian mission in Afghanistan. Applicants from these cohorts who were previously found to be ineligible will be contacted, where possible.

As part of its commitment to improve the administration of the program, and ensure consistency across Government, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Department of Defence will undertake a review of relevant historic decisions.

All applicants will still need to demonstrate they were employed with Australia and at risk as a result of that employment, to be eligible for certification.

Dr Thom’s Review confirms many of the concerns raised by the Senate Inquiry into Australia’s Engagement in Afghanistan. The Morrison Government failed to adequately plan for the evacuation of Afghan LEE and oversaw a program characterised by inconsistencies and irregular decision making, poor administration, and inadequate communication with applicants.

In line with the Report’s recommendations and the Government’s commitment to finalising certifications for individuals and their families as a matter of priority, new applications for certification under the Afghan LEE Program will close on 30 November 2023, with the Program closing by 31 May 2024.

The Government is committed to supporting Afghans and has allocated 26,500 dedicated places in Australia’s Humanitarian Program for Afghan nationals through to 2025-26. Since the fall of Kabul, more than 12,000 permanent humanitarian visas have been granted to Afghan citizens under the Humanitarian Program, and the Department of Home Affairs continues to prioritise Humanitarian visa applications from Afghan LEE and their immediate family members.

Since 2013, more than 2,500 Afghan LEE and their families have arrived in Australia under the Afghan LEE program and have made valuable contributions to the Australian community.

In undertaking the Review, Dr Thom met with Ministers and engaged with whole-of-government and public stakeholders.

The final Report, along with the Australian Government’s full response to the Independent Review is available online: Afghan Locally Engaged Employee Program.

The Government would like to thank Dr Vivienne Thom AM for her leadership of the review as well as all stakeholders who participated in the Review process.

Opposition moves to ban offshore mining and exploration to protect our coastal communities

The NSW Coalition will introduce legislation to prevent offshore coal, gas, mineral and petroleum mining and exploration in NSW waters, fulfilling an election commitment and renewing calls for the Federal Labor Government to prevent offshore mining in neighbouring Commonwealth waters.

The Minerals Legislation Amendment (Offshore Drilling and Associated Infrastructure Prohibition) Bill 2023 will deliver on the Coalition’s policy to prevent offshore mining and exploration in NSW waters.

“The former NSW Coalition Government was consistently opposed to offshore mining due to the grave concerns we hold about the possible impact on the environment,” Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said.

Shadow Environment Minister Kellie Sloane has called on the Labor Government to support the legislation saying “the Coalition will always stand up for the environment and our communities, who have said loud and clear that care deeply about our pristine coastline”.

“The NSW and Federal Labor Governments must confirm that they support our ban, otherwise the uncertainty of future offshore exploration and mining will continue to hang over our coastal communities,” Ms Sloane said.

Member for Pittwater Rory Amon, who will introduce the Bill in the Parliament, said this fulfils a key election promise and makes it abundantly clear that anyone looking to drill for gas in NSW waters won’t have the opportunity.

“Pittwater is just one of many coastal electorates who hold deep concerns about the environmental impact of mining and exploration off our shore,” Mr Amon said.

“I made clear prior to the election that this would be a priority of mine, and I am pleased that this is one of my first actions as the Member for Pittwater. This is a strong demonstration that the Coalition will continue to stand up for our communities, and the people of NSW, and act when the Labor Government fails to do so.”

To help tackle beach erosion, the proposed legislation will continue to allow mineral exploration or mining in NSW waters for beach nourishment where a clear public benefit can be demonstrated.

FAMILY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE FUNDING LEAVES HALF OF WOMEN AT RISK

In estimates last night the Government revealed that funding to end violence against women and children is less than half the amount the women’s safety sector says is needed.

Labor continues to ignore the women’s safety sector’s sustained calls for $1 billion in funding, leaving frontline family and domestic violence services with no choice but to turn away victim-survivors.

Greens leader in the Senate and spokesperson on Women, Larissa Waters said:

“The Government has said it wants to end violence against women within a generation but it’s not stumping up the funds to deliver that. The total commitment over the next five years is $2.23 billion, less than half the $5 billion the sector needs to ensure no one is turned away.

“The government has spoken often about difficult choices in the lead up to the budget, but right now they are choosing to spend $313 billion on tax cuts for billionaires and baulking at $1 billion a year for women escaping violence. It’s worse than disappointing, it’s a betrayal.

“Violence against women and children has not reduced since the first National Plan to end it  12 years ago. Labor must provide the funds required for the National Plan to succeed, or they risk squandering another 10 years, and more women’s lives.

“While the Labor Government continues to underfund frontline family and domestic violence services, victim-survivors are turned away from crisis accommodation and one woman is murdered every 10 days in this country.

“Labor are saying one thing about a ‘women-centred’ budget but doing another by shortchanging women in need. They’re choosing to put tax cuts for our highest income earners – of which two thirds are men – above women’s safety.

“What more does the sector need to do to convince the government to stump up the funds they need to meet demand and keep women and children safe?”

Have your say on the revitalisation of Newcastle Ocean Baths

The final stage of the upgrade to the Newcastle Ocean Baths is underway with City of Newcastle calling for community input into preliminary options for the pavilion buildings.

Substantial progress has been made on stage one of the renewal, the pool and promenade areas, ahead of re-opening the facility for swimmers by this coming summer.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it was great to see the progress of the project and encouraged the community to share their thoughts on potential options for the pavilion buildings ahead of design commencing for the final stage of the project.

“It’s exciting to see the pool area take shape because this is such an important facility for Novocastrians and the broader region,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Before design of the pavilion buildings starts, it’s important to understand what the community needs from the facility, and how that could be achieved given the location and constraints of the site.”

City of Newcastle Executive Director City Infrastructure Joanne Rigby said City of Newcastle was committed to creating an inclusive community space, while also recognising the site’s unique character and heritage features.

“Different building configuration options present different experiences for users, and it’s essential we consider the needs of the broader community now and for decades to come during the renewal of the pavilion buildings,” Ms Rigby said.

“A User Needs Analysis is underway to examine requirements like community space that welcomes all visitors in an accessible and inclusive way and is sensitive to the site’s heritage, as well as being resilient to coastal inundation and predicted sea level rise.

“We have developed different layout options and are looking for feedback from the community given the broad range of people’s individual opinions and needs.”

The feedback will inform the concept design of the renewed pavilion buildings, which will commence in the coming months.

City of Newcastle worked closely with the Newcastle Ocean Baths Community Reference Group during the planning and design phases of the stage one upgrade, and this group met again last week to discuss the progression of stage two and the options that have been developed.

Themes raised during the Community Reference Group meeting included accessibility, options for a café and kiosk to operate alongside community spaces, and change facilities.

The upgrade of the pavilion buildings presents an opportunity to deliver an expanded community space by adding a second storey to the northern pavilion, an option that the Community Reference Group discussed at last week’s meeting.

City of Newcastle Executive Manager Project Management Robert Dudgeon said that construction of the pool itself is nearing completion, and precast concrete panels have been installed in the wet well area to support the new pumps, which have arrived and will be installed over the winter period.

“We are continuing work to restore the historic bleachers, and foundations are in place for the return of the historic art-deco curved stairs leading from the pool up to the pavilion area,” Mr Dudgeon said.

“As we near completion of the pool, we are constructing the new pool deck, which will provide a safer surface for walking around the pool edge.

“Once construction is completed there will be a period of commissioning and testing the new pumps and systems, with a re-opening of the pools and return to swimming anticipated by summer this year.”

The $9.5 million recovered from the sale of City of Newcastle’s Fred Ash building is helping fund the Newcastle Ocean Baths stage one upgrade along with $3 million in funding from the NSW Government’s Public Spaces Legacy Program. The NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program is an investment in high quality public open space and delivers vital infrastructure for communities to love the place they live.

From today, community members are encouraged to visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay to learn more about the project, view the preliminary options, and provide feedback by 12 June.

Newcastle crowned NSW’s ‘Top Tourism Town’

Newcastle has been hailed NSW’s ‘Top Tourism Town’ by Business NSW at the Local Government NSW Destination & Visitor Economy Conference in Manly.

City of Newcastle (CN) was presented with the award by NSW Tourism Industry Council Executive Director, Paula Martin, in recognition of its strategic initiatives to increase visitation and support tourism development for local operators and hospitality businesses.

Top-Tourism-Town.jpgNewcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the award was recognition of CN’s collaboration with industry, government, and tourism operators to boost the local visitor economy.

“This accolade acknowledges City of Newcastle’s leadership in growing our city as a must-see destination,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Cementing our city’s status as a premier tourism and major events destination, we partnered with Venues NSW to secure Newcastle as the first stop on Sir Elton John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour in Australia under a strategic Major Events Partnership and has since secured a coveted spot on the upcoming world tour of American pop powerhouse Pink in February 2024.

“Attracting headline acts of this calibre is a testament to Newcastle’s growth as a world-class events and cultural city and indicative of a thriving local economy.

“Major events are a key part of our Destination Management Plan as a primary driver of the local tourism visitor economy, delivering both an immediate and ongoing benefit for the community and economy, with greater visitation, investment and liveability outcomes.

“We are committed to ongoing investment in major events and tourism through event sponsorship, industry development, our recent tourism brand refresh ‘Seek Off Beat’ and targeted marketing campaigns which are integral to building a thriving, diverse and robust visitor economy.”

From 2024, the expansion of Newcastle Airport will pave the way to attract more international events, while international hotel brands like Crystalbrook and QT have already recognised Newcastle’s expanding tourism appeal, investing millions of dollars to open five-star hotels in the city.

“To help attract more leisure visitors, a key action in Newcastle’s Destination Management Plan has been to work with the business sector to increase the number of bookable visitor experiences on offer,” Cr Nelmes said.

“By continuing to leverage our city’s unique offering in a way that appeals to visitors from outside the region and abroad, Newcastle’s future as an international tourism and major events destination is bright.”

Newcastle will now vie for Australia’s Top Tourism Town title at an event later this year.

Watch City of Newcastle’s winning-award submission video.

$1 million in grants and sponsorships on offer from City of Newcastle

Projects that attract people to public places, enhance community well-being and strengthen the city’s reputation as a tourism, business and events destination are set to share in almost $1 million from City of Newcastle (CN).

Applications are now open across 12 grants and sponsorship funding categories to support social, cultural, environmental and economic initiatives.

Initiatives ranging from a learn to swim program for refugee women, and an indigenous and disability sports clinic, through to workshops teaching Auslan to the community using popular songs are just some of the programs delivered under CN’s community support grant funding last year.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said grants and sponsorship funding is vital to enhancing community well-being and contributing to building a welcoming, liveable and inclusive city.

“City of Newcastle’s annual grants and sponsorships program has seen amazing initiatives come to life, from programs that help engage our culturally and linguistically diverse communities in local sport to major events like SailFest, which welcomed thousands of people to our harbour city,” Cr Nelmes said.

“We provide funding to a wide variety of activities, projects and events annually, including recreation facilities, community initiatives, arts, culture and heritage, as well as environmental and social inclusion projects.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said social inclusion, recreation participation and economic development were at the heart of CN’s grants and sponsorships program.

“Last year, City of Newcastle funded upgrade projects for local clubs who use our sporting and recreation facilities right across the city, whilst event sponsorship provided a great way to increase visitation to the city,” Cr Clausen said

“We’re looking forward to seeing a range of new applications come through this year for projects and initiatives that benefit the community and create a vibrant city for all.”

Grants that target minor infrastructure improvements for recreational facilities and sustainability upgrades are also available under the infrastructure grants category.

Event sponsorship grants are available for events that promote active and vibrant spaces, attract local and out of region visitation and enhance Newcastle’s profile as an events city, while economic development sponsorships will be provided for activities that enable skills and innovation, and are considered city-shaping initiatives.

Applications for grants and sponsorship funding are open from tomorrow until 30 June 2023. Further details can be viewed on City of Newcastle’s website by visiting newcastle.nsw.gov.au

VISIT TO SINGAPORE AND VIETNAM

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will travel to Singapore from 1 to 2 June to deliver the keynote address at the 20th Shangri-La Dialogue, and to meet with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong for annual bilateral discussions.

Through his keynote address to the Shangri-La Dialogue, the Prime Minister will outline Australia’s vision for the Indo-Pacific region. Convened by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, the Dialogue is the premier regional forum for senior government and thought leaders to discuss regional security dynamics and challenges.

Meetings with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will focus on strengthening our bilateral cooperation, implementing the Singapore-Australia Green Economy Agreement, signed in October 2022, as well as strengthening mutual food and energy security, defence cooperation and trade and investment ties.

The Prime Minister will travel to Vietnam from 3 to 4 June to mark 50 years of diplomatic relations between our two countries.

In Vietnam the Prime Minister will hold meetings with Vietnam’s senior leaders and promote Australian business and education ties. Leaders will discuss ways to boost trade, investment and education links and expand cooperation on climate, energy and the environment.

Vietnam is an increasingly important economic and strategic partner for Australia in Southeast Asia, an area of focus for the Albanese Government. 

This is the Prime Minister’s first official visit to both Singapore and Vietnam.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“At the Shangri-La Dialogue I will outline Australia’s vision for a stable, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

“Australia is committed to expanding and deepening ties with our partners in Southeast Asia to address shared challenges and ambitions.

“I look forward to the Annual Leaders’ Meeting in Singapore, where Prime Minister Lee and I will discuss the broad range of work underway as part of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

“My first official visit to Vietnam is an opportunity to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations and agree on new areas of economic, trade and other cooperation to deliver a stronger relationship into the future.”

Hunter, Central Coast and Central West studentsawarded for excellence in Public Education 

Students from across the Hunter, Central Coast and Central West received scholarships at the 2023 Proudly Public! Awards night at Sydney Town Hall on Monday.

They are among over 700 public school students and educators from across Australia to receive scholarships administered by the Public Education Foundation in 2023.

Since the launch of PEF’s scholarships program in 2009 over 3,000 students and more than 120 educators have been supported with greater than $8.5 million in life-changing scholarships administered by the Foundation.

A list of Hunter, Central Coast and Central West student and teacher recipients is attached below, with full details in the link.

Department of Education Acting Secretary Murat Dizdar thanked the Public Education Foundation for its ongoing support of public education in NSW.

He said the scholarships helped to remove barriers to achievement created by social and economic disadvantage.

“These scholarships are about recognising student excellence, potential and ability and rewarding students so they can continue to reach their potential,” Mr Dizdar said. 

“Behind many of these awards are extraordinary stories of resilience and a commitment to learning against the odds, especially during the pandemic, bushfires and floods. 

“I am proud of our students, teachers and leaders who have attained scholarships. It is their efforts that combine to create the extraordinary public education system we have in NSW, one that believes in the individual no matter your postcode and as part of its DNA is determined that every individual connects, succeeds and thrives in public schools.”

Public Education Foundation CEO David Riordan said the awards celebrate the enduring values of Australian public education. 

“Every student deserves the opportunity to achieve their full potential, and these scholarships will help make that possible,” Mr Riordan said.

The Public Education Foundation is a charity dedicated to enhancing the value and reputation of public education by providing life-changing scholarships to its students, teachers and principals. 

For a full list of scholarship recipients visit: https://www.publiceducationfoundation.org.au/

Walter and Eliza Hall Trust Opportunity Scholarship

Isla Farr                                   Oxley High School

NSW Teachers Federation Primary Scholarship

Charlie Palmer                        Gwandalan Public School

Kua Swan                               Glendore Public School

Public Education Foundation Primary Scholarship

Levi Nicholson                        Scone Public School

Felicity Samuel                       Wadalba Community School

Levi Nicholson                        Scone Public School

Felicity Samuel                       Wadalba Community School

Niyahla Wright                        Glendore Public School

Waratah Education Foundation Primary Scholarship

Dhakota Hodges                     Glendore Public School

Kaitlyn Mulligan                       Woodberry Public School

Alana Newland                        Glendore Public School

Lily Nguyen                             Glendore Public School

Waratah Education Foundation Secondary Transition Scholarship

Eliza French                            Glendore Public School

Jakeisha-Lee McBride            Glendore Public School

Aboriginal Education Council Scholarship

Hannah Baillie-Angeles          Bulahdelah Central School

Kailee Good                            West Wallsend High School

Jie Matthews                           West Wallsend High School

Nakiesha Vickery                    Northlakes High School

Andrew Casey Indigenous Scholarship

Charlie Deacon                       West Wallsend High School

Connected Communities Scholarship

Destyni Bight                           Coonamble High School

Jordan Briar                            Coonamble High School

Braydon Dodd                         Coonamble High School

Madie Hodgson                       Coonamble High School

Rihanna McBride                    Coonamble High School

Public Education Foundation Indigenous Scholarship

Beau Hinton                            Coonabarabran High School

Yooralla Samuel                     Wadalba Community School

Una May Smith Scholarship

Ashlee Dawson                       West Wallsend High School

Tae-Lani Gordon                     Glendore Public School

NSW Teachers Federation Refugee Scholarship

Maryam Hossein Zadeh         Callaghan College Waratah Campus

Friends of Zainab Senior Secondary Scholarship

Maryam Hossein Zadeh         Callaghan College Waratah Campus

Narges Eftekhari                     Callaghan College Jesmond Campus

Madina Khanzada                   Callaghan Collage Waratah Campus

Unions NSW Jeff Shaw Memorial Scholarship

Caitlin Blanch                          Peel High School

VET in Schools Scholarship

Chloe Lund                              Denison College of Secondary Education, Kelso High Campus

Woodcock Family Scholarship

Harry Brown                            Singleton High School

Katie King                               Singleton High School

Hunter Mcloughlin                   Scone High School

Koby Newman                        Singleton High School

NSW Teachers Federation Award for HSC Excellence

Rebecca Oewns                     Gosford High School

Lara White                              Newcastle High School

NSW Cookery Teachers Association Scholarship

Emilie Coe                              Dunedoo Central School

Rilee Perry                              Whitebridge High School

Nurses and Midwives Health Scholarship

Anastasia Walsh                     Nyngan High School

Public Education Foundation Tertiary Scholarship

Dinara Jayarathna                  Taree High School

Alishea Rankin                        Coonabarabran High School

Hugh Shadwell                       Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School

Teachers Health Early Career Scholarship

Jessica Burg                           Oxley High School

Ad campaign backs Same Job Same Pay laws to close labour hire loopholes 

The Mining and Energy Union is today launching an advertising campaign to support the Albanese Government’s proposed Same Job Same Pay laws for labour hire workers and challenge mining company scare campaigns. 

The print, television and social media campaign will continue until the new laws pass Parliament. 

MEU General Secretary Grahame Kelly said that despite mining company fear-mongering, Same Job Same Pay laws would be good for the industry. 

“Mining companies are notorious for throwing their weight around when governments propose changes requiring them to act in the community’s best interests. 

“But Same Job Same Pay will be a positive for mining because it will end a rort affecting the workers and regional communities that sustain the industry. 

“Same Job Same Pay will improve wages and conditions for labour hire workers and prevent them being treated as second class citizens. It will strengthen collective bargaining by ensuring companies stick to their end of the bargain. And it will be great for regional communities who lose out when big employers cut wages for half the workforce.”

Mr Kelly said that over the past decade, big mining companies have replaced thousands of good, permanent mining jobs with insecure, lower-paid labour hire jobs, cutting wages while their profits have grown. 

He said Same Job Same Pay laws would close the loophole that allows companies to avoid paying the wages and conditions negotiated under site Enterprise Agreements by outsourcing jobs to labour hire companies paying barely above the legal minimum. 

The practice means that on many mine sites, labour hire workers are paid from $30,000 to $50,000 a year less than permanent workers for doing the same job. Workers in other industries including transport and manufacturing are also affected. 

“We know that workers in industries apart from mining are also the victim of labour hire loopholes, being paid less than permanent employees performing the same job. 

“We encourage all workers who want to end this rort to get on board and help make sure Same Job Same Pay becomes a reality.” 

The ads have started airing today and the campaign is being officially launched at Parliament House in Canberra, where a delegation of MEU coal mineworkers has been briefing MPs about the misuse of labour hire and the need for Same Job Same Pay laws. The campaign will include events in regional areas in the months ahead.