OMBUDSMAN PAINTS A DAMNING PICTURE OF IMMIGRATION DETENTION

A new Convention Against Torture (OPCAT) report by the Commonwealth Ombudsman into immigration detention reveals the disturbing and inhumane reality for those being detained, the Greens say. 

“This report shows that people in immigration detention centers are being subjected to cruel and inhumane treatment, including physical restraint without proper justification or medical guidance,” Greens Immigration spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

“The report also highlights the use of firefighting equipment on Christmas Island as a technique to control the movement of people in detention and to clear them from particular areas, which is completely unacceptable and must be investigated immediately.”

“Labor must now take responsibility for inhumane conditions in its immigration detention centres, and take immediate action to investigate and fix these issues.” 

“We cannot stand idly by as the basic human rights of those in detention are continually violated.”

“This report is yet another argument for a Royal Commission into offshore and onshore immigration detention, and an end to mandatory immigration detention.”

The report can be read here.

WORLD MARKS TREATY ON PROHIBITION OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS OVER WEEKEND BUT AGAIN AUSTRALIA IS SILENT

Over the weekend, the world marked the second anniversary of the entry into force of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. On the 22nd of January 2021, this treaty became binding on all states parties, entrenching its place in international law. 

In 2018, the Labor party adopted a resolution that commits it to signing and ratifying the TPNW in government. We are yet to see this happen. 

On the 28th of October 2022, Australia had an opportunity to vote ‘yes’ to the TPNW. Instead, we abstained. This was a move in the right direction, but not a big enough one. This vote provided an opportunity for Australia to reaffirm its commitment to a world free of nuclear weapons.

The co-chairs of the Parliamentary friends of the TPNW  released a joint statement, which can be read here:
 

Senator Jordon Steele-John said:

“The Australian Greens will continue to call on the Australian Government to sign and ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.”

“Today marks 50 years since Australia ratified the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. The Foreign Minister has been quick to announce the Government’s continued commitment to a nuclear free world, but wants “universal support” before ratifying the TPNW. This is a delaying tactic. “

“Last year, in a Senate urgency motion, Labor voted “no” that the government should instruct Australia’s representatives at the United Nations to vote in the affirmative during the upcoming UN First Committee vote on the Treaty on the Total Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and signal the government’s intent to sign and ratify the treaty. We are under no illusion as to the ALP’s intentions.”

“AUKUS will continue to undermine our commitment to a nuclear free world. Our friends in the region know it, Australians know it, and it’s time the government knew it too. Having nuclear submarines in our waters is destabilising the region. There is no doubt about this.”

“Across the globe and here in Australia, people are speaking up and opposing the continuing proliferation of nuclear weapons. . In opposition, Anthony Albanese was enthusiastic and explicit about the Labor Party’s commitment to sign the treaty. Yet, as Prime Minister, he has failed to show the political courage to do what is necessary. “

“The war in Ukraine and rhetoric about the use of nuclear weapons, particularly by President Putin, is a reminder that denuclearisation is urgent. The TPNW is the best instrument we have against this ever-present threat.”

“Australia must play a constructive role toward global disarmament, and we must not delay any longer. The Australian Greens will continue to work to make this a reality. “

“Almost 80 percent of Australians back the signing of the TPNW. The Labor party membership backed the signing of the TPNW. The Greens have been absolutely unwavering in our backing of signing the TPNW. Let’s get it done.”

POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OF SHAGHAYEGH KHADEMI AND MAHYA VAHEDI

Australian Greens Senator Larissa Waters has today written to the Iranian Ambassador stating her political sponsorship of Shaghayegh Khademi and Mahya Vahedi. 

Shaghayegh Khademi is a 23 year old who was abducted by security forces from her home in September 2022. After a 10 minute ‘trial’, in which she was not allowed a lawyer, she was sentenced to 16 years imprisonment.

Mahya Vahedi is a children’s and women’s rights activist. According to her brother, she was arrested at her workplace on 15 January 2023 with no explanation. Her whereabouts are still unknown, and Senator Waters’ letter includes a demand for information about her situation.

Their families and the Iranian diaspora in Australia are greatly concerned for both women, as Iranian authorities have continued to carry out executions of people who joined protests following Jina Mahsa Amini’s death. 

The Australian Greens are calling on the Australian Government to do more than the current sanctions that are in place on some Iranian officials. The current sanctions do not go far enough and are not as strong as those imposed by other countries, including Canada. 

The community is desperately calling for more to be done to show Iranian authorities that these abhorrent acts will not be tolerated. 

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

“Today I have written to the Iranian Ambassador, stating my political sponsorship of Shaghayegh Khademi and Mahya Vahedi. 

“Shaghayegh is only 23 years old, and faces 16 years imprisonment after a trial that was conducted in just 10 minutes – with no lawyer present. 

“Mahya is a children and women’s rights activist whose whereabouts remain unknown, since she was arrested with no explanation on 15 January 2023.

“We are in solidarity with protestors across Iran, and with all communities fighting for the rights of women. Until Iran is free, until women are free, we will join you and raise our voices until we are louder than the oppressors.

“The Australian Government’s response to Iran since Jina Mahsa Ahmini’s death in September 2022 has been too slow and has fallen short of what the community is asking for. 

“The Australian Greens remain in solidarity with the women of Iran. We condemn the Iranian government’s violent crackdown on protesters and request the release of all arrested protestors. 

“The Australian Government must clearly express to the Iranian regime that they, and countries like them, will face consequences from the international community for allowing violence against women and minorities within their borders.

“We are calling for the Australian Government to expand the Magnitsky sanctions to include financial asset freezing and further visa bans on people linked to the Iranian regime including key security officials, Basiji Militia, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp and the morality police.”
 

SENATOR CALLS FOR REVIEW OF GOVERNMENT USE OF CONSULTANTS

There is a pressing need for a review of government use of private accounting firms and the Big Four consulting firms according to the Greens Finance spokesperson, Senator Barbara Pocock.

Her call comes in the wake of news that one of the ‘Big 4’ consulting firms, PwC, has breached confidentiality after the Tax Office consulted them on new rules to prevent multi-national tax avoidance.

“Sharing details of proposals to reign in tax avoidance with firms like these whose employees then behave unethically, is like putting the fox in charge of the henhouse.” Senator Pocock said in response to the scandal. “What confidence can tax-payers have that conflicts of interest like these are not widespread?”

“These companies, PwC, Deloitte, EY and KPMG, are raking in hundreds of millions of dollars each year doing work that should be done by the public sector, and without appropriate assurances about ethical behaviour,” she said.

The firms are among the biggest political donors to both major parties.  Last year PwC won Government contracts worth more the $300 million.

“The influence of the Big Four goes beyond donations and contracts,” Senator Pocock said. 

“They rip the heart out of the public service by poaching good people and are contracted often for hugely inflated fees to undertake policy analysis and run programs that could and should be done much more efficiently by a robust public sector – behaving ethically and without conflicts of interest” she said.

The Albanese Government has promised to cut down on consulting and last year’s budget indicates a proposed cut to ‘External Labour’ of $3 Billion over four years from 2022-23. But in response to a Question on Notice from Senator Barbara Pocock, the Department of Finance was unable to disaggregate cuts to consultants from other categories included under ‘External Labour,’ which makes it difficult to measure the Commonwealth’s actual  total spend on consultants and hold them to account.

Senator Pocock is calling for a review of the outsourcing of government work to external consultants. “We need to rebuild the capability of the public service and we need a thorough review of conflict of interest and ethical behaviour processes across the consulting sector where government work is underway,” she said. 

“These big companies are poaching some of our best and brightest public servants and, in this case, an employee has clearly misused information that they have become privy to in the process of consultation on sensitive government policies.

“This example of conflict of interest and dishonesty may be the tip of an unethical iceberg which the public deserves to know about – and it must be investigated and its wider prevalence prevented” Senator Pocock said.

Next steps in the expansion of the Newcastle Art Gallery

Artists from across Australia are being invited to make their mark on the expansion of Newcastle Art Gallery as the project takes the next step towards construction.

Newcastle Art Gallery will commission four new works of art to be displayed on the hoarding (temporary fencing) erected around the site for the duration of the construction work, which is on track to begin mid-year.

An expression of interest for artists was launched by Newcastle Art Gallery today, coinciding with City of Newcastle opening a tender for the four contractors shortlisted to complete the main construction works.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said these steps were a positive sign of things to come for the Art Gallery.

“It’s wonderful to kick off the new year with two important milestones for this much-anticipated project continuing on time towards the planned completion of our reimagined Newcastle Art Gallery at the end of 2024,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The expansion will provide greater access to our nationally significant collection and a wider range of prominent exhibitions.

“In the meantime, however, it is important to give our community as many avenues as possible to stay connected to the Newcastle Art Gallery including an outreach program at local schools, our Night Galleries digital displays throughout the city, and a new six-part podcast series, Conversations from the Collection.

“Given the site’s prominent location in the heart of our city, the construction hoarding project offers a unique opportunity for established or emerging artists to reach new audiences while also improving the external view of the work zone.

“I can’t wait to see the calibre of concepts proposed by artists during this expression of interest period, and also look forward to the successful construction company and timelines being confirmed at a future Council meeting following the tender process.”

Local and national artists and collectives working in all mediums are invited to apply for this project, with the chosen works of art to be digitally reproduced for display on the construction hoarding.

For more information visit www.nag.org.au/

The street hoarding project is being supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW.

The $40 million expansion project is supported by $5 million from the Australian Government under the Regional Recovery Partnerships program and $5 million from the New South Wales Government, as well as $10.5 million from the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation made possible through the Valerie and John Ryan bequest, Margaret Olley Trust, and community fundraising over many years. A further $2.5 million is being sought through the Foundation’s public fundraising campaign.

Innovative partnerships see inner city housing boom

The NSW Government has appointed a consortium including one of Australia’s leading community housing providers, Bridge Housing, and national infrastructure developer Capella Capital, to deliver the $230 million renewal of Elizabeth Street, Redfern.

Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said the development will see around 300 new homes built, including over 100 social housing dwellings and a new 3,500 square metre community facility.

“We’re transforming Sydney’s inner city to deliver multiple benefits to the local community, including much-needed new housing close to jobs, public transport and open space,” Mr Roberts said.

“Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC) is proud to be partnering with Bridge Housing and Capella Capital on this project, demonstrating the NSW Government’s commitment to working with the community housing sector to leverage private capital and expertise that delivers a diverse mix of housing and benefits for the Redfern-Waterloo community.”

The proposed development is located opposite Redfern Oval, walking distance to multiple train stations, and will feature a modern design and high-quality features, in line with the evolving look, feel and culture of the local area.

Minister for Families and Communities, and Minister for Disability Services, Natasha Maclaren-Jones said in addition to more than 100 social homes, the project proposes a mix of housing including affordable homes, homes for key workers, disability support units and private homes.

“The new social homes to be delivered at Redfern will be used to accommodate local relocations from the planned renewal of the Waterloo Estate, supporting greater connection to Country for Aboriginal residents and the broader community,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.

Bridge Housing CEO, Rebecca Pinkstone, said they were delighted to have been selected to bring the project to life as the project developer in collaboration with Capella Capital.

“The development will become a blueprint for how the community housing sector, working in partnership with government, institutional investors, commercial lenders and the private sector, can deliver social and affordable housing at scale,” Ms Pinkstone said.

“With thirty years’ experience in the delivery of quality housing and services, Bridge Housing is uniquely positioned to deliver affordable housing designed for the local community. The development will provide a template for how large-scale development can be undertaken to support a diverse and vibrant city.”

Construction is expected to begin in 2025, and will create over 700 jobs during the project, subject to planning approval.

For more information, please visit: www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/land-and-housing-corporation/greater-sydney/redfern

NSW Welcomes Record Intake of Junior Doctors

Staff and patients in NSW public hospitals are set to benefit from a major workforce boost with almost 1,100 medical graduate interns starting work in city and country hospitals this week – more than any other state or territory in Australia.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard and Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor extended a warm welcome to the class of 2023, the biggest intake of medical graduate interns ever in NSW.

Minister Hazzard said the new medical graduates were ready to launch rewarding careers in health, working with and learning from NSW’s experienced and highly skilled medical staff in hospitals across the state.

“These new doctors have chosen a very rewarding career path and during their internships will build their skills and gain diverse experience across a range of medical specialties in metropolitan, rural and regional areas,” Mr Hazzard said.

“They will also be a tremendous boost to their colleagues already in the hospitals – our dedicated health staff who have performed remarkably during a very challenging three years.

“The NSW Government is continuing to invest in building the state’s health workforce so that communities continue to receive world-class healthcare in public hospitals in our cities and rural and regional areas.”

Minister Taylor said the new medical graduates will be welcomed with open arms to our rural and regional hospitals, with almost one third or 396 of the positions in the bush.

“The NSW Nationals and Liberals in Government are committed to strengthening our regional health workforce, and ensuring the people of rural and regional NSW continue to have access to the high-quality healthcare they need and deserve,” Mrs Taylor said.

“Interns seeking to complete their internship in our regions were able to apply through the Rural Preferential Recruitment pathway and, this year, 176 Rural Preferential intern positions were available – an increase of 13 positions from 2022.”

Interns are medical graduates who have completed their medical degree and are required to complete a supervised year of practice in order to become independent practitioners.

The new doctors starting their internship will be entering a training program with networked hospitals throughout the state, providing formal and on-the-job training.

They receive two-year contracts to rotate between metropolitan, regional and rural hospitals to ensure the diversity of their experience. They also rotate across different specialties during the intern year, including surgery, medicine and emergency medicine.

The NSW Government is investing a record $33 billion in health as part of the 2022 – 23 NSW Budget. The NSW Government has also announced the largest workforce boost in the nation’s history with a $4.5 billion investment over four years for 10,148 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff to hospitals and health services across NSW.

Cash back for Sydney drivers

Money will start hitting the bank accounts of Sydney motorists in a matter of days with the NSW Government’s Toll Relief Rebate Scheme open from today.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said drivers from Sydney’s western suburbs would be the biggest winners of the scheme.

“We are putting more money back in the pockets of NSW families particularly those across Western Sydney who use our world-class motorway network,” Mr Perrottet said.

“From today, half a million drivers across our state will be able to get up $750 back on their tolls which will provide a boost to their household budgets.

“This is all about making moving around our city as easy as possible, and thanks to the NSW Liberal and Nationals long-term economic plan, we’re able to provide relief to drivers at a time when they need it most.”

Treasurer Matt Kean said the number of people benefiting from the new scheme would more than double and include everyone from families to professional drivers and pensioners.

“Once a driver spends $375 on tolls in a year they will be able to claim the 40 percent rebate up to that $750 limit,” Mr Kean said.

“Pensioners can claim that cash along with free car registration and a free driver’s licence as we help them drive their pension dollars further.”

Rebates will be backdated to 1 July 2022 with the first payment expected to be made within days of applications being received.

This is just one of more than 70 cost of living rebates initiated by the Liberal Nationals Government and another example of providing practical, simple and tangible savings for household budgets.

Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said drivers across Western Sydney from Rouse Hill to Liverpool will benefit from the scheme.

“We know Western Sydney families, workers, tradies, and truckies are amongst the biggest users of our motorways because of the time savings they deliver,” Mrs Ward said.

“Now, not only will they still be able to enjoy the travel time savings, they will be getting money back on the trip costs as well.

“This scheme is for every driver across NSW but we’re particularly encouraging those in Western and South Western Sydney to apply and take advantage of the savings on offer.” 

Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said eligible motorists need to register through their MyService NSW account to receive the rebate.

“Motorists wishing to claim the rebate simply need to link their toll account to their MyService NSW account when lodging their claim. Payments will then be made directly to their nominated bank account,” Mr Dominello said.

“Anyone needing any assistance can call 13 77 88 or visit a Service NSW centre.”

For more details on the new Toll Relief Scheme please visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/toll-relief-rebate-scheme

More than two million free RATs for vulnerable communities

Vulnerable communities will continue to receive free access to Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) with the NSW Government extending the program to 30 April 2023.

Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Services Natasha Maclaren-Jones said the NSW Government has already distributed more than two million free RATs to vulnerable communities, ensuring they have access to the help they need.

“Vulnerable communities should not need to worry about the cost of RATs. They need to be able to take a test when they feel sick or exposed to COVID-19 so they can seek medical help as quickly as possible,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.

“The Liberal and Nationals Government is committed to easing cost of living pressures, and ensuring those most vulnerable to the virus can detect it early so they can receive the medical help they need.”

This builds on the millions of tests already available to vulnerable and multicultural communities, homelessness services, social housing tenants, children and young people in out-of-home care, and Commonwealth Concession Card holders.

Minister for Multiculturalism and Minister for Seniors Mark Coure said the extension of the program gives Commonwealth Concession Card holders in NSW greater certainty.

“By extending this program we are taking away the stress for these communities of needing to pay for Rapid Antigen Tests,” Mr Coure said.

“They will be able to continue accessing the tests for free until the end of April and keep themselves and their families safe.”

Eligible Commonwealth Concession Card holders in NSW can access 10 Rapid Antigen Tests until 30 April 2023.

Tests are available through 210 neighbourhood and community centres, and Service NSW centres across the state. To find one near you, visit www.dcj.nsw.gov.au/rapid-tests.  

COMMUNITY-LED RESPONSE TO IMPROVE COMMUNITY SAFETY IN ALICE SPRINGS

The Australian Government is working in partnership with the Northern Territory Government and local communities to take action in response to the urgent challenges facing Alice Springs.

The Northern Territory Government will introduce immediate temporary restrictions on alcohol sales as a circuit-breaker measure to improve community safety in Central Australia.

The Northern Territory and Australian Governments have also agreed to appoint a Central Australian Regional Controller, Dorrelle Anderson, to lead consultation with communities regarding the reintroduction of alcohol restrictions and an opt out system for individual communities. This consultation will conclude by February 1st.

The Australian Government will invest $48.8m over two years in Alice Springs to tackle crime, keep women and children safe and provide support to young people in communities.

The plan to improve community safety in Alice Springs includes:

  • $14.2 in additional funding for extra high visibility Police and law enforcement operations including targeting grog running, and increasing liquor licensing compliance inspectors and boosting security guards in public places.
  • A $2m investment to improve CCTV, lighting and safety measures throughout Alice Springs.
  • $5.6m for additional emergency accommodation and safe spaces to give young people a place to go to at night and boost the effectiveness of the night patrol program which starts in February and will help get young people off the streets.
  • $2m for the Tangentyre Women’s Council to boost Domestic Violence services.
  • Providing $25m to extend funding for safety and community services which are currently scheduled to end in June 2023 to provide certainty to providers and their employees and ensure this work continues.

The Australian Government has already targeted investment in Central Australia in the 2022-23 Budget including justice, health, community safety, infrastructure and housing.

Justice reinvestment

  • $99 million for First Nations justice measures, including $81.5 million in funding for up to 30 community-led justice reinvestment initiatives across Australia, with Alice Springs identified as a priority site.

Indigenous Health

  • $19 million for First Nations health infrastructure projects in Central Australia in partnership with the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress. This includes funding for the rebuild of the Muṯitjulu Health Service Clinic, funding for renovations of the Ltyentye Apurte (Santa Teresa) Clinic, and funding for a new health hub in Alice Springs.

Community Safety and Support

  • $20 million for Gap Youth Centre and other youth services in Alice Springs, to continue to provide hands on support.
  • $15 million provided to the Northern Territory Government under the Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence National Partnership Agreement, to support family, domestic, and sexual violence responses and ensure women and children can access the support they need to live free of violence

Indigenous housing

  • $100 million for housing and essential services in Northern Territory Homelands with an immediate boost of $25 million and a further $75 million allocated in 2023-24

By listening to and working in partnership with local communities, these circuit-breaker measures will improve community safety on the ground in Alice Springs.

We remain focused on working in partnership with the Northern Territory Government and local communities, because we know that the best solutions come from local communities themselves.