LABOR’S PRRT CHANGES ARE LESS THAN THE BARE MINIMUM

Greens Treasury spokesperson, Senator Nick McKim, has responded to Labor’s proposed changes to the Petroleum Resource Rent Tax (PRRT).

“Labor’s changes to the PRRT have been designed by the gas industry.”

“The government considered two models that would likely have brought in more revenue and discouraged more gas development.”

“But the gas industry didn’t like these models so the government came up with a third model which the gas cabal loves.”

“Under Labor’s proposed changes the more profits gas corporations make, the less extra tax they pay.”

“And Labor’s proposed changes are also designed to encourage more investment in gas.”

“These changes are less than the bare minimum and will continue to fuel the breakdown of the planet’s climate.”

“This is a rerun of Wayne Swan’s Mining Tax.”

“Labor has again designed tax changes in consultation with the resources sector so that the extra tax goes down if profits go up.”

Community is key to shaping the future of Broadmeadow

City of Newcastle (CN) has begun consulting with the community about ideas and feedback on the transformation of Broadmeadow over the next 20 years.

CN is leading the development of the Broadmeadow Place Strategy, in partnership with the NSW Government. A new approach is being taken, where CN will lead the work to develop the place strategy and play an integral role in the strategic planning for the area.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Minister Paul Scully and City of Newcastle Director Planning and Environment Michelle Bisson at Broadmeadow.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said she welcomed the opportunity to work alongside the NSW Government to deliver long-term outcomes for the community and rezone land to support 2,000 new homes.

“We know our population is growing, and Broadmeadow provides a unique opportunity to deliver housing, job opportunities and public spaces and facilities right in the heart of the Newcastle LGA,” Cr Nelmes said.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said a partnership between the NSW Government and council would deliver the best result for the community.

“We will work together to develop plans to transform Broadmeadow into a vibrant and connected community, with an abundance of housing, public spaces, and job opportunities,” Mr Scully said.

“This Place Strategy will inform detailed master planning for the precinct, and I encourage everyone to be part of the planning process and help shape Broadmeadow’s future.”

Locals who live, work and play in Broadmeadow are encouraged to help guide future change.

“We want to better understand the precinct’s opportunities from the community’s perspective. Working with the community, and considering advice from the technical experts, we will plan for Broadmeadow’s future and create a new and enhanced place for people to live in and visit for years to come,” Cr Nelmes said.

Planning is in the early stages and there will be a range of opportunities for the community to provide their feedback on plans as they develop over the next 12 months.

The public is invited to provide feedback via a short survey available on City of Newcastle’s website (https://haveyoursay.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/broadmeadow-place-strategy) and information drop-in sessions will be held so the community can learn more about the project.

Community information drop-in sessions will be held on:

  • Wednesday 31 May from 10-1pm at Hamilton Library (46 James Street, Hamilton)
  • Saturday 3 June from 1-4pm at Hamilton Library (46 James Street, Hamilton)
  • Wednesday 7 June from 4-7pm at City of Newcastle Digital Library (12 Stewart Avenue, Newcastle West).

Sensors to help improve parking in Darby Street

City of Newcastle (CN) will install parking sensors along Darby Street to help improve parking availability for customers of local businesses.

Darby Street commercial precinct was selected as a location for the new technology in response to feedback received during the recent Streets as Shared Spaces trial, and as part of recommendations identified in CN’s Parking Plan ‘On the Street’.

Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said supporting local businesses by improving parking turnover in this popular area is a priority.

“We conducted extensive consultation with businesses, as part of the highly successful Darby Street Streets as Shared Spaces project. From this feedback, we heard parking turnover was a concern for businesses, who requested that City of Newcastle explore more options to improve parking availability,” Cr Clausen said.

“Most businesses surveyed in the Darby Street and Hamilton precincts supported the installation of parking sensors.

“Installing the sensor technology will allow us to collect data on parking occupancy and turnover, ensuring parking spaces and restrictions suit the needs of customers and traders now and into the future.

“Many local businesses have told us that some drivers are parking well beyond the two-hour limit, which prevents people who are coming for a meal or coffee from being able to find a spot on Darby Street. The sensors will support our staff in enforcing the existing time restrictions, whilst ensuring turnover.”

In the coming weeks, sensors will be set beneath the road pavement in parking spaces along Darby Street (between Queen and Bull Street), Council Street (between Darby Street and Council Street Carpark exit) and in the Council owned carpark behind the Hotel Delany.

The sensors do not collect identifiable information, but work by recording when a vehicle arrives in a parking spot and when it leaves, monitoring the length of time the vehicle has stayed in the space.

Additional locations for parking sensors are under review for commercial precincts in Beaumont Street, Hamilton, and selected areas of Hunter Street, Newcastle.

Installation is planned to occur later this year in Hamilton, with areas in the Hunter Street precinct in Newcastle under consideration for installation in line with current infrastructure works in this area.

Lambton pool grandstand demolition gets underway

With summer now behind us, the Lambton Swimming Centre is gearing up for the construction of a new grandstand capable of hosting 800 people during school swimming carnivals as part of City of Newcastle’s continued investment to protect and enhance the popular facility.

Demolition of the existing 60-year-old concrete grandstand gets underway today with the program of work timed to coincide with the upcoming closure of the pool on 28 May for the winter period to minimise impact on pool users.

Chair of City of Newcastle’s (CN) Infrastructure Advisory Committee Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said replacing the grandstand reflects CN’s commitment to investing in quality upgrades to its inland pool facilities, as outlined in the draft ‘Inland Pools Strategy 2043’.

“City of Newcastle is committed to maintaining and investing in the Lambton Swimming Centre to ensure it continues to meet the expectations and evolving needs of the 185,000 community members, sporting clubs and visitors that enjoy the pool each year,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

The design for the new grandstand retains the existing roof structure and includes much-needed storage space for operational requirements including equipment for school and sporting groups, while also including upgraded accessibility considerations.

Cr Winney-Baartz said with Lambton Swimming Centre being the most popular swimming centre in the Hunter, it’s important that the site’s offerings expand to serve the community.

“With a growing population, replacing the current grandstand with a structure that can accommodate up to 800 people while also catering for the needs of sporting clubs and improved accessibility will contribute to Lambton Swimming Centre’s safe operation into the future while meeting the needs of its many diverse users,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

CN has invited tenders for the construction of the new concrete grandstand and hopes to appoint a tenderer for the work by the end of the month.

A scheduled program of maintenance has commenced at Lambton Swimming Centre and includes safety upgrades, painting, and changeroom improvements, whilst the installation of a more efficient heating system is also underway.

CN’s draft Inland Pools Strategy 2043 outlines a plan for the management and renewal of CN’s five swimming pools over the next 20 years. The community is invited to provide feedback on the strategy before 5pm on 12 May 2023 by visiting www.haveyoursay.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/inland-pools-strategy.

EXTENDING THE FINANCIAL SAFETY NET FOR SINGLE PARENTS

The Albanese Labor Government is committed to helping single parents balance their work and family responsibilities.

The Federal Budget 2023-24 will expand access to financial support by raising the age cut-off for the Parenting Payment (Single) from 8 to 14.

Many single parents – overwhelmingly women – face difficulty balancing caring responsibilities and work.

These difficulties do not end when their child turns eight.

We also know that many single mothers have experienced violence from a previous partner and are at greater risk of financial hardship.

They need more support.

This Budget will extend the Parenting Payment (Single), so eligible carers can access that support until their youngest dependent child turns 14.

From 20 September 2023, and subject to the passage of legislation, single parents will no longer have to transfer to JobSeeker when their youngest child turns eight.

These parents will continue to receive the higher support, with a current base rate of $922.10 per fortnight (95 per cent of the Age Pension), until their youngest child turns 14.

With these changes, eligible single parents currently on JobSeeker will receive an increase to payments of $176.90 per fortnight.

By 14, children have typically settled into high school and need less parental supervision, and single parents are in a much stronger position to take on paid work.

More than 90 per cent of parents who will benefit from this change are single mothers.

Labor’s Budget changes will provide additional financial support to at least 57,000 single principal carers, including 52,000 women and around 5,700 First Nations carers.

This represents a $1.9 billion investment through to 2026-27.

Mutual obligation requirements will remain in place for recipients of Parenting Payment (Single) to encourage single parents to participate in employment, study or training, and maintain connections with the labour force so they can return to work when their children are older.

Our Budget is all about helping families deal with day-to-day financial pressures while creating more economic security for them over the long term. This change extends that support to some of the families who need it the most.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“Single parents carry the world on their backs.

“They sacrifice so much to give their children a better life.

“This is about giving them the greater security and better support they deserve.

“No one held back and no one left behind has always been the principle that guides me.

“This change to single parent payments is about making things fairer for parents who are already doing it tough.

“I know this will make a big and immediate difference for tens of thousands of mums, dads and children right across Australia.”

Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth said:

“No parent should have to choose between meeting their children’s needs and their family’s safety or economic security.

“Reduced opportunities to participate in paid work, coupled with the additional costs associated with raising children, make single parent households more vulnerable to economic insecurity.

“Labor’s changes will support more single parents and their children to ensure they have the safety net they need and that they are supported to re-enter the workforce when their children get older.

“We will always seek to do more to provide a safety net to those who need it.”

Mayfield tree planting and playground opening

Mayfield residents have come together today to celebrate the opening of a new playground at the Avon Street Reserve, which was upgraded as part of City of Newcastle’s annual playground replacement program.

The community event also provided an opportunity for City of Newcastle to plant a tree to mark the coronation of avid environmentalist King Charles III.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen, Councillor Katrina Wark, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, City of Newcastle Tree Planting Officer Michael Linsley and Councillor Deahnna Richardson help plant an Australian Red Cedar at the Avon Street Reserve to mark the coronation of King Charles III.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes helped plant the Australian red cedar at the Avon Street Reserve today, following the formal ceremony for the newly-crowned British monarch, which was held in London on 6 May.

Tree planting activities have been held around the world to celebrate the coronation, while King Charles III himself recently planted the final tree in Britain’s Queen’s Green Canopy initiative, which saw more than three million trees planted across the United Kingdom in honour of his mother’s reign of more than 70 years.

Cr Nelmes said City of Newcastle is committed to increasing urban forest canopy cover for future generations and for wildlife.

“Late last year City of Newcastle created a living legacy for the long-lasting reign of Queen Elizabeth II by planting a 700m long avenue of native trees in Maryland as part of the Australian Government’s Planting Trees for The Queen’s Jubilee Program,” Cr Nelmes said.

“It seems only fitting to plant a new tree today in honour of the coronation of King Charles III who, like his mother, is well known for his interest in the environment and conservation.

“This Australian Red Cedar will grow into a large feature tree that will add shade to the park and complement this fantastic new playground, which is already being well utilised by the local community.”

Councillor Katrina Wark, Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Councillor Deahnna Richardson and Mayfield community members officially open the new playground at the Avon Street Reserve.

The Avon Street Reserve playground was one of five new playgrounds upgraded across Newcastle this year as part of a $750,000 investment into delivering improved recreational opportunities for families across the local government area.

Other new playgrounds have been opened at Loch Ness Drive Park in Fletcher, Waratah Park in Waratah, Harold Myers Park in Birmingham Gardens and Vera Wilson Park in Beresfield.

GREENS WELCOME ABOLITION OF PARENTSNEXT, CALL ON LABOR TO COMMIT TO TRANSPARENT CO-DESIGN PROCESS FOR NEW SCHEME AND END MUTUAL OBLIGATIONS

The Greens welcome the abolition of ParentsNext and congratulate all the advocates and parents who have won this hard-fought battle. 

The Greens have been calling on the federal government to abolish ParentsNext for years, and while this is a positive step, Labor has flagged a new co-designed program set to replace ParentsNext. The devil will be in the details, and the Greens call on Labor to commit to a transparent co-design process.

Senator Janet Rice, Greens spokesperson for Social Services, said: 

“The co-design process must be transparent and lead by affected parents.

“Though a welcome announcement, it’s yet another example of Labor tinkering around the edges ahead of a budget that will likely do nothing for the vast majority of people on Centrelink payments or single parents. 

“Mutual obligations are punitive and coercive for everyone on income support, not only parents with kids under 6. Jobseeker and all Centrelink payments are woefully inadequate, not just for people on Jobseeker that are over 55. 

“No one deserves poverty. That’s true whether you’re 20 or 60, a parent or childless, a renter or student or living with a disability. No one. 

“Labor is spending $368 billion on nuclear submarines and $254 billion on tax cuts for the rich.

“Budgets are about choices. Instead of doubling down on leaving people without heating or food or medicines as they struggle to pay the rent, Labor can choose differently.

“Labor must axe the Stage 3 tax cuts, end punitive mutual obligations, and raise all Centrelink payments above the poverty line.”

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

“Around 95 per cent of ParentsNext participants are women, and this program has been allowed to punish and stigmatise them since its introduction in 2018 – which the Greens tried to disallow at the time.

“Rather than supporting women to get back to work, ParentsNext often meant women had to skip paid work, endure stress and stigma, and were left unable to feed their kids when their payments were cut. It should never have been approved and we’re glad to see the back of it.

“The Government must now deliver on all of the recommendations of its Women’s Economic Equality Taskforce, including restoring support to single parents until their youngest turns 16.

“The upcoming budget must fully reverse the Gillard government’s shameful decision to cut off Parenting Payment Single when kids turn 8, not tinker around the edges with a lift to 13 or 14.

“Budget savings should never have been made by pushing people into poverty. If Labor are serious about taking a gendered lens to this budget, they could start by scrapping the Stage 3 tax cuts, which mostly benefit rich men, so we could fund things that will actually help the people who need it.

GAS GIANTS STILL PRRTYING WHILE THE PLANET BURNS

The Greens have responded to reports that the government’s planned changes to the Petroleum Resource Rent Tax will increase revenue by only $3B over the next four years.

Comments from Greens Treasury spokesperson, Senator Nick McKim:

“Labor’s changes to the PRRT look like they have been designed by the gas industry.”

“Labor is still raising more from student debt increases than they are from gas giants.”

“Under Labor’s minimalist reforms, the increase in student debt will still be higher than the total PRRT.”

“The Greens have proposed a comprehensive overhaul of the PRRT that would collect almost ten times as much additional revenue than Labor’s fiddling at the margins.”

“By introducing a baseline 10% royalty, wiping out accumulated deductions and applying a conventional depreciation schedule to PRRT expenses, the Greens plans would net an additional $29B over the next four years and an additional $94B over the decade.”

Comments from Greens spokesperson for Resources and First Nations, and Yamatji Noongar woman, Senator Dorinda Cox:

“We all heard Woodside’s Meg O’Neill warn the government about tax ‘overreach’ during her Press Club address, but Jim Chalmers must have pretty short arms if this is considered overreach.”

“Australian taxpayers expect transparency and integrity in parliament not the insidiousness of state capture becoming standard practice.”

“These fossil fuel companies need to pay their fair share, so the government can properly invest in housing, healthcare, and take real action on the climate crisis that these companies are accelerating.”

“Considering there’s $284B in unclaimed tax deductions that gas giants have accumulated under the PRRT, the Treasurer prying only $3 billion from them is a pitiful drop in the ocean.”

“You know the PRRT is utterly broken when Woodside and Santos are set to record massive profits in the next financial year.” 

“How much longer will the Albanese Government continue to allow mining companies to take resources that don’t belong to them, for free, and sell them off for unimaginably large profits, when the money raised from PRRT could address the cost of living crisis impacting everyday Australians?”

Greens: PM ALBANESE SUCKING UP TO KING CHARLES IS BEYOND EMBARRASSING

The Australian Greens have announced Deputy Leader Senator Mehreen Faruqi as their new spokesperson on the Republic.

Senator Faruqi has criticised Prime Minister Albanese for his decision to attend King Charles’ coronation and pledge allegiance to the new monarch.

Senator Faruqi said:

“The only reason Prime Minister Albanese should be going to the UK to meet King Charles is to tell him that we are finally cutting the apron strings. 

“Now would be the perfect time to double down on becoming a republic, but instead the Prime Minister is swearing loyalty to an outdated institution. 

“During a brutal cost of living and housing crisis, it is disgusting that the Prime Minister has made it a priority to fly to the UK to bask in the excesses, pomp and pageantry of an institution so out of touch with everyday people. 

“The British Monarchy and their obscene wealth is a racist, colonial institution built on the blood, backs and stolen wealth of brown and black people. The violent legacies of British colonialism are felt by people and countries all over the globe, including here in Australia, a nation born of dispossession and violence.

“More and more of us are waking up to the historic crimes of the British Royal Family and wanting to cut ties with the British Monarchy. But while nations like Barbados are becoming a republic and speaking truth about empire, the Prime Minister is taking us backwards with his cringeworthy behaviour.

“Pledging allegiance to the head of another country is woeful. We should have an Australian head of state.

“Becoming a republic is an important step towards achieving racial justice on this continent. Moving to a republic has to be done hand in hand with truth-telling and Treaty for First Nations people.

“Prime Minister Albanese’s tepid commitment to the republic movement is yet another example of Labor trying to have it both ways.”

Fifth Australia-Malaysia Annual Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

Today I am pleased welcome Malaysia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, to Adelaide for the fifth Australia-Malaysia Annual Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AFMM).

I was born in Malaysia, and as Australia’s Foreign Minister it is a privilege to host the AFMM in my hometown of Adelaide. Australia is a multicultural and diverse nation, home to more than 172,000 Malaysian born people.

Australia and Malaysia are close friends and partners. Our strong partnership is grounded in a shared history of friendship and cooperation, and people to people ties.

The AFMM provides an opportunity to enhance bilateral engagement under our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This includes advancing our trade and investment, green economy, education, and science and innovation ties, and our cooperation on defence and regional security, including under the Five Power Defence Arrangements.

I look forward to building on the discussions I had with Foreign Minister Zambry in Kuala Lumpur in February. We share an interest in a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

Australia is committed to working with Malaysia to support ASEAN’s vital contribution to regional peace and security.

This is the first time the AFMM has been held in Adelaide. Foreign Minister Zambry’s visit coincides with celebrations to mark 50 years of sister city relations between Adelaide and George Town, Penang.