In a devastating blow to Australians who value the integrity of our constitution, the Liberal, Labor and Greens party teamed up to pass the ‘machinery’ bill that is required to run a referendum on the Voice.
We were not surprised that the Labor party would stack the decks for their outrageous Voice proposals but we were absolutely gutted to see the Liberals roll over to allow Labor exactly what they wanted.
Passing this bill takes aim to destroy our constitution, and it wasn’t the only act of political bastardry in parliament house yesterday.
A group of Aboriginal Australians, who travelled to Canberra to make urgent representations opposing the Voice, were ignored by the major parties whilst the machinery bill was being voted on.
Do you think any of the big party leaders showed these courageous Australians any attention? No.
This group of great Australians paid for their own flights; they were that keen to have their voices heard.
No leaders other than a handful of gutsy pollies, including Pauline Hanson and Malcolm Roberts, showed any interest in listening to the proud Aussies give their perspective.
Do you think this delegation of brave Aussies got any media attention? No.
The media were more interested in covering the arrangements that have made the Liberals a sub-branch of the Labor party. Courtesy of the Liberals, the government has been provided with a fat, woke-left-wing slush fund of taxpayers’ money for a ‘civic’ education program as part of the referendum process.
We are sure ‘re-education’ camps are firmly on the menu for anyone who dares question the extremist left’s demands that Aboriginals swallow their shocking paternalism and neo-colonial posturing.
Apart from formalising their status as a sub-branch of the Labor Party, the Liberals also spent the day voting against amendments our Senators put forward to the referendum bill. The amendments would have saved Aussies $100mill by holding the vote on the same day as the federal election and inserting citizen-initiated referendums into the bill.
How cheeky of One Nation, trying to save tax-payers $100mil AND giving everyone a voice by turning the politician’s referendum process on its head and handing it over to the people.
Extended outdoor dining options could be here to stay on Newcastle’s renowned eat street following a successful six-month trial by City of Newcastle.
Councillors will vote next week to retain the popular raised outdoor dining deck installed along a section of Darby Street under the NSW Government’s Streets as Shared Spaces initiative.
Key features of the trial recommended to be retained include the raised outdoor dining deck, a pedestrian crossing adjacent to the Headphones Courtyard and the reduction of the speed limit to 30km/h.
Extensive consultation was undertaken with businesses, residents, and the community before and during the trial, which was designed to encourage increased visitation and trade along Darby Street after the impacts of COVID-19 while also improving pedestrian and cyclist safety.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said feedback from businesses and the community showed strong support for the improvements.
“In the first three months of the trial we saw a 67% increase in visitation, a 13% increase in cyclists using Darby Street, and average vehicle speeds north of Council Street were reduced from 42km/h to 30km/h,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Overall, most people (69%) who provided feedback in our online survey support retaining the trial infrastructure.
“This trial gave us a unique opportunity to try new things and test ideas for community spaces and we can take these learnings to other commercial areas across the Newcastle LGA.”
Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said he worked closely with a small number of businesses and residents who raised concerns about the loss of parking and noise impacts from the traffic calming infrastructure.
“During the trial we had some feedback that noise was being generated by speed humps at the southern entry of the 30km/h zone while others provided feedback about cyclist safety at the northern entry,” Cr Clausen said.
“Should the infrastructure be retained, these items would be addressed with a revised design for the traffic calming infrastructure, which would be placed on public exhibition in April for the community to review and comment on.
“We also heard that the community supported the continuation of the free, two-hour timed parking in the Queen Street carpark which was introduced to compensate for on-street parking losses.”
Council will consider the future of the trial infrastructure at next week’s Council meeting.
The trial was made possible with a $500,000 grant from the NSW Government through the Streets as Shared Spaces program (Round 2) and funding from the City of Newcastle’s Urban Centres Program.
More than $137 million has been earmarked for investment into local facilities and infrastructure projects as part of a record Budget balancing community needs with a $6.9 million surplus.
The Council will place its 2023-24 Budget on public exhibition for community feedback next week.
It includes City of Newcastle’s largest annual capital works program to date, with almost 270 projects planned across the city during the next financial year.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said a key focus of this Budget is maintaining ongoing financial sustainability alongside the delivery of a high level of essential community services.
“Our list of projects extends across the city, with increased investments in community infrastructure, facilities and services that will help renew and reinvigorate Newcastle as we continue to build an inclusive, liveable, and sustainable city,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Infrastructure renewal is a priority to deliver everyday benefits to all Novocastrians, with $26.5 million to be invested in roads, bridges, footpaths and community buildings including $7.5 million for our citywide road resurfacing program.
“Almost $20 million will be spent delivering new and improved parks, playgrounds, sporting and aquatic facilities, which provide important opportunities for the community to engage in active and healthy lifestyles.
“This includes $5 million towards the first stage of the landmark all-abilities playground and water park at Foreshore Park and construction of the reimagined playground and amenities upgrade at Hamilton’s much-loved Gregson Park, as well as $7.5 million to improve inland pools and ocean baths across the city, including the continued revitalisation of the Newcastle Ocean Baths and delivery of the Lambton Park Swimming Centre grandstand upgrade in time for the new swim season.
“These projects are fundamental to improving the way we work and live, as well as ensuring we continue to be an attractive destination for visitors and investment.”
Other Budget highlights include:
$22.5 million towards the expansion of Newcastle Art Gallery
$14 million to complete the remediation of the former landfill site at Astra Street in Shortland
$13.5 million for environmental sustainability, including $1.5 million towards street tree planting
$8 million towards planning and protecting our coastline, estuaries and wetlands
$6.9 million for urban and city centre revitalisation projects including the next stage of the East End upgrade in the Hunter Street Mall, and Local Centre upgrades at New Lambton
$5 million will be invested in cycleways and transport options
$4.9 million on stormwater upgrades to address localised flooding
$4.7 million towards the construction of an organics facility to compost food and garden waste and a materials recovery facility to increase our capabilities for recycling and reuse of waste products
$4.2 million towards the replacement of the Boscawen Street Bridge to reduce the risk of flooding in the Wallsend CBD
$2 million to continue works to beautify and improve access along Bathers Way.
City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said prudent financial management will deliver a second consecutive surplus budget without compromising our capacity to maintain services and meet community commitments.
“City of Newcastle is not immune to the unprecedented levels of inflationary pressures and high costs of living impacting our community,” Mr Bath said.
“However, through prudent financial management, we will improve our budget position to a $6.9 million surplus in 2023–2024. Our current and future budget surpluses will provide funding for unforeseen and future projects in our city.”
Central to our future prosperity is the growth of a NSW economy that works in the interests of people – not the other way around.
The Liberals and Nationals have sold off over $90 billion worth of public assets but failed to set our economy up for the future. Since they came to office 12 years ago, the number of people in NSW finishing apprenticeships each year has more than halved; the state has lost 42,000 manufacturing jobs; and NSW gross debt has increased by five times to over $128 billion.
And by selling off so many public assets, our budget has lost billions of dollars in dividends that were previously reinvested back into essential services like schools and hospitals.
Labor’s Fresh Start Plan will build a strong economy for the future and provide jobs growth and skills to fulfill the ambitions of the people of NSW.
Across the state, we’ve heard from families and businesses struggling with rising power bills.
For 12 years, our electricity network has been sold off to the highest bidder without adequate investment in renewable energy. This has left NSW more exposed to the impact of global affairs on energy supply.
The results speak for themselves – record high energy prices, and an energy system on the brink of disaster.
We will create the NSW Energy Security Corporation, a state-owned body that will accelerate investment in renewable energy assets to deliver cleaner and more reliable energy and help keep the lights on.
Labor believes everyone should have access to affordable, reliable and sustainable transport – whether that be road, rail, bus, light rail, bike or emerging platforms.
Newcastle Basketball, City of Newcastle and the State Member for Lake Macquarie Greg Piper have today announced a new $30 million basketball stadium will be built in Newcastle.
The NSW Government will fund the construction of the regional level, indoor basketball facility in Newcastle after committing an additional $5 million to a previous $25 million commitment for what was then intended to be a new stadium on Hillsborough Road, Charlestown.
The new facility will be built on a Crown Land site managed by City of Newcastle opposite McDonald Jones Stadium in Broadmeadow. The 12-court stadium will be built in two stages; stage one seeing the construction of up to eight courts, and stage two including a show court for 2,000 spectators.
Independent Lake Macquarie MP Greg Piper, who secured the additional funding commitment from the NSW Government, said the facility will be a major boost for basketball in the region.
“I’m really glad the Government has agreed to this extra funding and I’m hopeful that Labor will match it,” Mr Piper said.
“It’s a shame the stadium couldn’t be built on the originally-intended site in Lake Macquarie, but this still gives us a first-class regional facility which can be accessed by everyone from Morisset to Port Stephens.
“We all know that construction costs have soared by more than 20% in recent years, so this additional money will make sure we get the regional facility we deserve rather than a scaled-back version of the original.
“It will not only cater for our next generation of basketball stars but also major events and sports tourism, so I’m very pleased to have got the $30m required to build this fantastic regional facility.”
Newcastle Basketball President Kristi Faber said the new stadium will be one of the largest in Australia and will serve its massive catchment of Newcastle, Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie.
“This is a great result for Newcastle basketball. We would like to thank the State member for Lake Macquarie, Mr Greg Piper, for his ongoing support of this project,” Ms Faber said.
“The only thing preventing further growth is our existing stadium beside Broadmeadow Train Station, which is 53 years old and just too small to cater for player demand.
“Because we currently utilise six courts, with only two of these being full size, registrations for all our competitions and programs typically fill within a week. This means we are turning children away literally every week of the year.
“This funding allows elite and amateur basketball to remain in Newcastle, which is the geographical centre of our catchment. The new site on Turton Road has great public transport links, and ample accommodation and hospitality venues to support national tournaments that will now come to Newcastle.”
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the proposed development immediately across from Broadmeadow sports and entertainment precinct would deliver vital new sporting infrastructure for the community.
“For more than half a century Newcastle has been the physical and spiritual home of basketball in this region, with a proud tradition of developing players who have gone on to represent the sport at the highest level,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Today Newcastle Basketball’s ability to meet the demand for the sport in the region has been constrained by the ageing stadium at Broadmeadow, which is no longer fit for purpose as local basketball booms in popularity.
“It will also provide a facility that allows Newcastle to finally have a team in the Women’s National Basketball League.
“Newcastle will have a venue capable of not only hosting a professional women’s team, but also state and national basketball tournaments, which will increase tourism and deliver positive economic benefits for local businesses.”
The Crown Land site is home to Wallarah and Blackley Ovals, is owned by the NSW Government and is managed by City of Newcastle.
Acting Executive Director Creative and Community Services Lynn Duffy said City of Newcastle was preparing a precinct plan for the surrounding sportsgrounds including Arthur Edden Oval, Ford Oval, Kentish Oval and Harker Oval, to ensure ongoing and equitable access to and best utilisation of sporting facilities.
“City of Newcastle will work closely with the sporting groups and other stakeholders who currently use Wallarah and Blackley Ovals to see local training and club games continue with minimal disruption,” Ms Duffy said.
The catchment of Newcastle Basketball includes the state electorates of Lake Macquarie, Swansea, Newcastle, Charlestown, Wallsend and Port Stephens.
The new Stadium was originally proposed to be built on Hillsborough Road, Charlestown but was refused by the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel in May last year on multiple grounds.
More than 1,200 newly arrived international students and their families were officially welcomed to the city by the Lord Mayor today and equipped with resources, services and programs to orientate them with everything Newcastle has to offer.
The Lord Mayor announced a new International Student Ambassador initiative developed by the University of Newcastle (UoN) and supported by City of Newcastle (CN) to help cultivate a culture of belonging for all international students living and studying in Newcastle.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said international students enhanced Newcastle’s global reputation in education and were an asset to the city’s cultural fabric.
“City of Newcastle is partnering with University of Newcastle to help forge meaningful relationships with international students and set up the foundations for a life-long network of cultural exchange and collaboration,” Cr Nelmes said.
“We welcome international students’ skills, knowledge, diversity of experience and cultural expression that actively contributes to the economic opportunities and the richness of our city.
“Investing in people and enabling them to grow is one of the best ways that local government can drive the local economy, and we aim to double international student arrivals by 2030, as outlined in CN’s Economic Development Strategy.
“The Strategy is built on addressing skills gaps in collaboration with the University of Newcastle, TAFE, and secondary schools. Students are presented with opportunities to grow their skills and acquire the knowledge needed to participate in emerging economic opportunities that will come as the city and region transitions to renewable energy technology, biomedical innovation and aerospace manufacturing.”
University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky said international students were an important part of campus life.
“We’re delighted to be welcoming our international students to the city and our campuses. The pandemic made it difficult with online and remote learning. We missed all of our students, but we’re so pleased to have them back,” Professor Zelinsky said.
“This year, we have welcomed our University’s largest cohort of commencing international students ever. They have helped bring our campuses to life with activity and have contributed to the culture and diversity of our communities.
“We are working with City of Newcastle to ensure that international students experience the best our city can offer. Our new International Student Ambassador roles initiative is one of the ways we’re helping to ensure students get the opportunities to build meaningful connections and succeed in our region.”
At today’s event, students were given the opportunity to showcase their creativity and talent through a collaborative artwork piece titled ‘All cultures weave’, providing a vivid representation of the rich cultural tapestry they bring to the city. The collaborative weaving artwork activity speaks to all cultures and will be installed within University of Newcastle’s NUSpace building.
Expressions of interest for the new International Student Ambassador roles will open mid-2023 for members of the Newcastle community who have a deep understanding of the benefits and challenges facing international students.
Visit MoveToNewcastle webpage for free resources, services and will shortly include more information about the International Student Ambassador Program.
Liberal candidates for Gosford, Terrigal and The Entrance welcome the announcement that a re-elected Perrottet Liberal Government will provide commuters with a yearly saving of up to $480 by cutting the weekly Opal cap by 20 per cent, putting more money back in the pockets of hardworking families.
Under the plan, the weekly adult cap will be cut from $50 to $40, while the cap for concession holders will be cut from $25 to $20.
Liberal candidate for The Entrance, Nathan Bracken, said this is a direct saving for all commuters – putting money back into the pockets of the people of the Central Coast.
“Locals of The Entrance electorate are among those that stand to make real savings and it’s all thanks to the Perrottet Liberal Government’s long term economic plan that will keep NSW moving forward.” Mr Bracken said.
Liberal candidate for Gosford, Dee Bocking, said this will deliver more than a thousand dollars’ worth of savings to some families who rely on public transport for their daily commute.
“Only a Perrottet Liberal Government will cut the cost of travel for the people of Gosford and across NSW thanks to our long-term economic plan to keep NSW moving forward.” Ms Bocking said.
Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, said for the average commuter who hits the cap every week and works 11 months of the year, this could provide up to $480 in transport cost relief.
“This weekly travel discount is yet another commitment a re-elected Perrottet Liberal Government will deliver to help ease cost of living pressures for families.” Mr Crouch said.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said this would make a big difference to family budgets, putting more money back in their pockets for other weekly essentials.
“We recognise there are significant household budget pressures right now and that is why we will deliver significant cost relief for commuters,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We will slash the weekly caps on public transport fares by 20 per cent, putting more money back in the pockets of hard working families.
“Commuters will be able to travel across the entire transport network – on our ferries, trains, metro, buses and light rail services – as many times as they like without paying more than $40 a week, while students and concession holders will only pay $20 a week.
Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said if re-elected a Liberal Government would introduce the discount from May this year.
“The weekly savings on public transport fares will put cash back in the pockets of everyone who uses public transport regularly – for a family of two adults and 2 kids, this could mean an annual saving of nearly $1,400 a year in the household budget,” Mr Elliott said.
“The reduced cap means Adult Opal card commuters will save $10 a week or $480 a year (based on 48 weeks of travel).
“The Child/Youth and Concession weekly Opal cap will also be reduced from the current $25 cap to $20 – a saving of $5 a week or $200 a year (based on 40 weeks travel for school/tertiary education).”
The weekly travel caps would be in place on all trains, metros, buses, light rail and ferries from 1 May 2023 to 30 June 2024 and would apply when you travel with an Opal card or credit card, debit card or linked device on public transport in the Opal network.
This weekly travel discount is in addition to $7 billion already delivered in cost of living measures including more than 70 rebates, like our $250 energy rebate, toll relief program, small business rebate, our active kids and creative kids vouchers, regional seniors travel card, first lap swim vouchers, solar for low income households program and more.
A re-elected Liberal and Nationals Government will immediately deliver on a range of key priorities in the first 100 days of government to support families through uncertain economic times and keep NSW moving forward.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said a re-elected Liberal and Nationals Government would not waste a minute putting its plan for NSW into action.
“My number one priority will be to continue to provide families the support they need, including slashing $250 off every household power bill and cutting the weekly Opal cap by 20 per cent,” Mr Perrottet said.
“I will also charge my team with getting straight to work delivering expanded health services at pharmacies, expanding our First Home Buyer Choice policy, and with setting up the Kids Future Fund accounts.
“We will continue to drive the major infrastructure projects that are transforming our state, including kicking off the first stage of work on the new Western Sydney Metro lines which will connect our city like never before.
“With uncertain economic times ahead, only the Liberal and Nationals long-term economic plan will keep NSW moving and provide certainty and security to families across the state.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the NSW Liberal and Nationals plan would tackle cost of living pressures now and lay the foundations for a brighter future for families and businesses long-term.
“Our plan puts people first, prioritising help with household bills now and rolling out landmark reforms that create opportunities for the future – from help studying for your first career to buying your first home.”
Key Priorities for the first 100 days:
· Open expressions of interest for our NSW Kids Future Fund on Service NSW, and work with TCorp to finalise the design of the account.
· Make the $250 energy bill rebate available for all households that undertake a comparison of their current energy deal.
· Direct Transport for NSW to reduce the Opal cap by 20 per cent, effective 1 May.
· Introduce and pass legislation in Parliament to:
o Expand the First Home Buyer Choice program, giving eligible homeowners the opportunity to continue paying an annual fee instead of stamp duty for future home purchases.
o Allow domestic and family violence victim-survivors to have their first home owner status reinstated.
o Increase community involvement in planning decisions.
o Legislate the right to one-year of free preschool for all children.
o Ban offshore mining and exploration in NSW waters.
· Appoint a new Supply Chain Commissioner and hold the first industry roundtable, with a focus on regulatory barriers.
· Roll out a trial in pharmacies across the state for the diagnosis and treatment of UTIs and the renewal of contraceptive pill scripts.
· Make the $1,000 Small Business Fees and Charges rebate available through Service NSW.
· Continue planning works for the construction of new preschools on school sites across NSW.
· Establish the cashless gaming transition taskforce – including industry and harm minimisation experts – to lead the implementation of our plan for cashless gaming.
· Commence the procurement process for the business cases for the four new Sydney Metro lines to ensure Western Sydney has the infrastructure needed for a growing population.
· Commence industry and stakeholder consultation on our ‘reasonable grounds eviction’ policy, standard three and five year lease agreements and design of the rental bond rollover scheme.
· Open applications for the expanded Farm Innovation Fund from July 1 to help farmers invest in innovation and infrastructure to futureproof their operations.
· Go-live of our website reporting on the delivery of election commitments.
