Second youth charged following skatepark assault – Charlestown 

A second youth has been charged over the alleged assault of another teenager on the state’s Hunter region.

On Thursday (8 September 2022), officers from Lake Macquarie Police District commenced an investigation after receiving information regarding an assault at a skatepark in Charlestown.

Police were told a 14-year-old male was allegedly assaulted by a group of males, causing him serious facial injuries. The teenager remains in John Hunter Hospital undergoing treatment.

Following inquiries, a 14-year-old boy was arrested and charged by detectives on Friday (9 September 2022). He remains before the courts.

About 5.30pm yesterday (Saturday 10 September 2022), investigators arrested as 12-year-old boy at a unit in Cooks Hill.

He was taken to Newcastle Police Station and charged with assault with intent to rob in company cause grievous bodily harm.

The boy was refused bail to appear before a children’s court today (Sunday 11 September 2022).

Investigations continue.

Teenager charged following skatepark assault – Charlestown 

A teenager has been charged as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged assault of another teenager on the state’s Hunter region.

On Thursday (8 September 2022), officers from Lake Macquarie Police District commenced an investigation after receiving information regarding an assault at a skatepark in Charlestown.

Police were told a 14-year-old male was allegedly assaulted by a group of males, causing him serious facial injuries. The teenager remains in John Hunter Hospital undergoing treatment.

Following inquiries, a 14-year-old boy was arrested by detectives at a home in Cooks Hill, about 9.30pm (Friday 9 September 2022).

He was taken to Newcastle Police Station and charged with assault with intent to rob in company cause grievous bodily harm.

The teenager was refused bail to appear before a children’s court today (Saturday 10 September 2022).

Investigations continue.

Chevron favours Asian markets over everyday Australians

California-based energy company, Chevron, wants Western Australia to be excluded from the Australian Domestic Gas Security Mechanism, so as to reassure its customers in Asia and protect its windfall profits. 

A significant portion of natural gas produced by Chevron comes from their Gorgon, Wheatstone and the North West Shelf projects in Western Australia. 

Greens spokesperson for resources, Yamatji-Noongar Woman Senator Dorinda Cox said:
“While everyday Australians are facing a cost-of-living and energy crisis, Chevron is reaping in massive profits and continuing to destroy the climate.

“Chevron is putting its profits above the wellbeing of everyday Australians. Its Gorgon gas project paid $7 million in tax in the 2019/20 financial year, while producing as much as $32 million a day. Its Wheatstone project paid no tax or royalties in 2021. 

“Chevron claims to be a good corporate citizen yet it’s putting the market over people. Australia is facing an energy crisis and any impact on their international exports could be redirected to the Australian domestic market

“For decades, both Liberal and Labor governments have been taking political donations from mining companies and giving them massive tax handouts and tax breaks in return.”

Libs: The Death of Queen Elizabeth II

Never in modern history has there been a more dignified monarch, a more dutiful leader, or a more decent human than Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

An extraordinary life which touched so many has sadly come to an end.

The last page has been inked on an exceptional reign.

She was our Sovereign.

As she was for other nations of the Commonwealth spread across the world’s continents and oceans.

A Monarch who ruled with an empathetic heart and wisdom both innate and gained from almost a century of life and experience.

Her Majesty was gentle, kind, and much-loved.

Following her Coronation on the 2nd of June 1953, our Queen said:

“I have in sincerity pledged myself to your service, as so many of you are pledged to mine. Throughout all my life and with all my heart I shall strive to be worthy of your trust.”

Not only did our Queen earn our trust, she also won our admiration.

In serving the people, the people marvelled at her unflagging service.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II lived through the pivotal events of the 20th and 21st centuries – wars and conflicts, depression and recession, the end of empire and decolonisation, the race to the moon and the attainment of civil rights, the brilliance of Olympic Games and the barbarity of terrorism.

She led Britain through the darkest of days and through the times of triumph.

Though the world changed around her, she remained steadfast in her devotion to God, her country, and to the Commonwealth.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II visited Australia on sixteen separate occasions between 1954 and 2011, with her reign spanning sixteen separate Australian Prime Ministers.

She visited every state and territory, helped to open our new Parliament House and the Sydney Opera House, and attended the Commonwealth Games in Brisbane and Melbourne. Wherever she went, crowds choked the streets, cheering, clapping, and waving flags to express their adoration.

Despite her royalty, she possessed extraordinary humility, greeting all those she met with courtesy, treating them as equals and offering an attentive ear.

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II again exemplified the optimism, poise and stoicism which she carried throughout life and which inspired so many. She told the people of the United Kingdom, via broadcast, “We will succeed… better days will return… We will meet again.” Seventy-six years earlier as an eighteen-year-old Princess, she had insisted on joining the Army, donning a uniform and training as a truck driver and mechanic to support the war effort.

Today, a comforting warmth has left the world. One of humanity’s brightest lights has gone out.

May our memories of our dear Queen inspire the very best in us, just as she drew inspiration from her subjects.

As the Leader of the Opposition, and on behalf of the Federal Coalition, I offer my heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family and to the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is finally at peace with her beloved husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip.

Thank you, Your Majesty, for everything.

NSW Liberal: VALE HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II

On behalf of the people of New South Wales, I extend my deepest sympathies to all members of the Royal family, following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who has passed away at the age of 96.
 
Today we reflect on the remarkable life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
 
The young Princess Elizabeth became Queen of England at the age of 25 after the death of her adored father, King George VI, in 1952. Her Coronation took place in Westminster Abbey on 2 June 1953.
 
Her official title was Her Majesty Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, Queen of Australia and Her other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth.
 
Queen Elizabeth II went on to become the longest-reigning British monarch, Australian sovereign and leader of the Commonwealth of Nations, which she navigated for seven decades – with dignity, courage and commitment.
 
She has been an inspiration to the global community and here in New South Wales, visiting our State 12 times.
 
As the first reigning monarch to visit our nation, Queen Elizabeth set foot for the first time on Australian soil in 1954 at Farm Cove in Sydney Harbour where an unprecedented crowd of more than one million people greeted her.
 
The public’s overwhelming jubilation and enthusiasm at seeing the young monarch was the beginning of the state’s long-held joy in her frequent visits.
 
Her Late Majesty will forever be connected to pivotal moments in our State’s history. She officially opened the Parliament of New South Wales in 1954, Sydney Opera House in 1973, Parramatta Stadium in 1986, and Darling Harbour in 1988.
 
She also visited NSW regional areas including Newcastle, Lismore, Orange, Dubbo, Armidale, Tamworth and Wagga Wagga, drawing huge crowds of well-wishers.
 
While we mourn her passing, it is the occasion for the people of NSW to offer thanks for a lifetime of public duty to the Crown, the Commonwealth, and to millions of people across the globe.
 
More information on how NSW will pay tribute and observances will be provided later today at nsw.gov.au

SAILS OF SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE ILLUMINATED IN HONOUR OF HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II

The sails of the Sydney Opera House will be illuminated tonight in honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Prime Minister of Australia and NSW Premier have announced.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier Dominic Perrottet announced the lighting the sails of the Sydney Opera House as a fitting tribute to Her late Majesty.

“The late Queen Elizabeth the Second played an important role to the people of Australia during her reign and the lighting of the Sydney Opera House is a fitting tribute on behalf of the people of Australia,” said Mr Albanese.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the tribute on our most recognised icon will be a symbolic gesture on behalf of the NSW Government.

“The tribute on the sails will recognise Her late Majesty’s immense contribution to our state and nation, a fitting tribute as she officially opened the Sydney Opera House in 1973,” said Mr Perrottet.

The lighting of the Sydney Opera House sails will take place over two days from 7.30pm to midnight on Friday, 9 September and from 6.30pm to midnight on Saturday, 10 September.

For information on condolences and floral tributes visit:

PASSING OF QUEEN ELIZABETH THE SECOND

The passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second will bring deep sadness to the people of the United Kingdom, to our fellow Australians and to countless admirers of Her Majesty around the world.

Amidst our grief, the people of Australia offer our gratitude for a remarkable life lived in service of faith and duty.

We recognise this will be a time of profound personal loss for the Royal Family, who are mourning a beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Over the course of her reign, The Queen visited our shores on 16 occasions, traveling to every state and territory across our vast continent. Her affection for this country and our people was lasting, real and returned many times over. In particular, we recall the sympathy and personal kindness she extended to Australians afflicted by tragedy and disaster.

Her Majesty The Queen was also Head of the Commonwealth, and today we join together with the extended Commonwealth family of nations in sorrow and mourning for her loss.

At this time, on behalf of all Australians, I send my deepest condolences to our new King and the Royal Family. Like his mother before him, The King has a deep and lasting connection to Australia, a love of our beautiful country and a deep affection for our people.

In the coming weeks, we will commemorate our late Queen with every state honour.

I hope all Australians who wish to pay their respects can participate in the gatherings, commemorations and tributes that will be held, as well as share their own reflections and memories.

The Governor-General and myself will be part of Australia’s presence at Her Majesty’s Funeral. Further details about Australia’s remembrance of Her Majesty The Queen will be announced over coming days.

In our parliamentary democracy, the passing of the Crown from one generation to the next is rare but also seamless.

In the coming days, the Governor-General and I will be speaking with The King.

On behalf of all Australians, we will be sharing with The King the sorrow of Australia as well as our best wishes to him as he takes up his duties as Sovereign.

May our Queen rest in peace, and may God bless our King.

NSW Labor: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Today, marks the end of an era as we wake to the news that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has passed.

On behalf of the NSW Labor Party and Opposition, I offer our deepest and sincere condolences to the Royal Family who today are mourning the death of their beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and Queen. 

For seven decades, she led with grace and poise. She has shown the utmost integrity, composure and an impeccable dedication to the service of her country and the Commonwealth.She has truly been a constant and reassuring figure in both good times and bad times.

May she rest in peace. 

NSW Labor Commits $17 million to Kids Helpline

A Minns Labor Government will boost access for mental health services for young people in New South Wales by committing $17 million to the Kids Helpline over four years to increase their capacity to respond to a rising number of calls.
 
For more than 31 years, the Kids Helpline has been at the forefront of providing digital mental health and wellbeing services for children and young people in Australia and New South Wales, and it stands apart as the publicly recognised national helpline for children and young people aged 5-25.
 
Increasing levels of demand, and increasing counselling contacts means that alternative funding has been required to support the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people in New South Wales. In fact, there has been a 25 per cent jump in the number of people seeking mental health services compared to pre-pandemic levels.
 
Approximately 31 per cent (or 147,368) of all attempted contacts to the Kids Helpline came from children and young people based in New South Wales – approximately 404 contacts per day, or one contact every 4 minutes.
 
In 2021, counsellors provided 27,984 counselling sessions to young people based in New South Wales which was a 12 per cent increase on the number of sessions in 2020.
 
2021 also saw a 111 per cent increase (1,588 responses) in the number of emergency referrals made to ambulance, police, or child safety services in New South Wales. 44 per cent of the concerns were related to alleged child abuse, 26 per cent to suicide attempts, and 11 per cent to allegations of sexual assault.

The increased demand and counselling contacts, coupled with rising costs means that alternative funding has been required to support the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people in New South Wales.

NSW Labor’s funding will:

  • Further increase the Kids Helpline’s capacity to respond to more children and young people in New South Wales and support more young people in deeper and more meaningful ways;
  • Help more children and young people across the whole of New South Wales to get help when they need it by ensuring ongoing access to Kids Helpline services, 24/7, no matter where they live;
  • Strengthen the integration of Kids Helpline with local, area and state-wide services across mental health, child protection, education, employment, and other social systems in New South Wales;
  • Assist appropriately qualified counsellors to obtain practical skills and capabilities needed to deliver quality mental health service by recruiting up to 28 FTE additional counsellors to respond to children and young people; and
  • Build the New South Wales mental health service system’s capability to respond more rapidly to the impacts of crises on children and young people.

 
Chris Minns, NSW Labor Leader said:

This R U OK day we are reminded that while it is important to check in on the mental health on those in our lives, it is also important the necessary support systems are in place and are adequately funded.
 
‘I’m really concerned about the rising mental health crisis facing children and young people in New South Wales, which has been exacerbated by COVID-19, by social media, and the constant pressures of growing up in a digital age.
 
‘The services provided by yourtown’s Kids Helpline provides New South Wales kids with invaluable support at any time of the day, when they need it most. I want to make sure they have the resources to continue to provide that essential support.’

Ryan Park, Shadow Minister for Mental Health said:
 
‘The work done by yourtown is foundational in keeping our children safe and supporting their mental health whenever they may need it.
 
‘When a child reaches out for help, we want to ensure there are always adequate services available to support them.
 
‘This R U OK day, NSW Labor are committing to putting our money where our mouth is when it comes to the mental health of children in NSW.

Restricting Mobile Phones in classrooms to Improve Learning and Social Development

A Minns Labor Government will restrict the use of mobile phones in NSW public high school classrooms to improve students’ learning and social development.

NSW Labor will also conduct a review into the impact of technology on children and young people and will develop digital media literacy programs with a focus on online ethical behaviours, data privacy and critical thinking skills.

The mobile phone policy would replicate similar initiatives used in South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia, which restrict the use of mobile phones, smart watches, tablets and headphones, unless students are under the instruction of a staff member.

Education outcomes in NSW have been declining over the past decade, with NSW now ranked 23rd in reading, 31st in maths and 23rd in science compared to other countries in the PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) rankings.

In 2006, NSW was effectively ranked 6th in reading, 9th in maths and 3rd in science.

Labor’s announcement is based on evidence from schools such as Davidson High School, and follows consultation with parents and organisations like the Heads Up Alliance and the Centre for Digital Wellbeing, who have been advocating the benefits of this initiative.

Currently, students from kindergarten to Year 6 are not permitted to have mobile phones in their possession during the school day.

Under the proposed policy, students from Years 7 to 12, would have their phones turned off during school hours and kept off and out of sight until the end of the school day.

There will be exemptions for students with special circumstances, such as needing to monitor a health condition, or when under the direct instruction of a teacher for educational purposes or with teacher permission for a specified purpose such as for language translation and communication.

NSW Labor Leader Chris Minns said:

“As a parent of three children myself, I’m worried about the impact of phones and devices on our kids.

“Our kids are the first generation to be fully immersed in this technology, so we cannot be sure what the impacts will be on their young, developing minds.

“Limiting phone use in schools will help cut distractions, deal with cyberbullying and help students catch up academically.

“This will help teachers to teach and students to learn in a focused and supportive environment.”