Container Penalty Mocks Representative Democracy
Without informing the public or Parliament, Coalition government ministers decided in 2012 to penalise future governments if they changed the Coalition’s policy of not developing a container terminal at the Port of Newcastle. The ministers’ decision makes a mockery of representational democracy. Ministers decided that an offending future government would
Vale John Coombs
On Behalf of the Maritime Union of Australia and the International Transport Workers’ Federation and with great sadness it is my responsibility to inform you that John Coombs, Retired National Secretary of the Maritime Union of Australia, passed away after a long illness. On behalf of our membership, officers and
Homelessness Report is a Blueprint for Action
The National Council of the St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia welcomes the recent release of the Federal Parliament’s final report into Housing and Homelessness in Australia. The majority of the 35 recommendations in the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Committee’s report align with
Homelessness Goes Unnoticed
Dear Editor It is National Homelessness Week, which gives The Salvation Army, and other Not for Profit (NFP) organisations in the community, an opportunity to highlight the key issues affecting people experiencing homelessness in Australia. These issues can go unnoticed, they are often hidden but their impact can be devastating,
Bringing the PM up to Speed
The Hon Scott Morrison MP Prime Minister Via PM’s contact page Dear Mr Morrison, I refer to your support for a container terminal at the Port of Newcastle. You may wish to consider that the Port of Newcastle lease is unlawful under NSW legislation: the Commonwealth’s “Competition and Consumer Act
Renewal of Gas Exploration Permits off Newcastle
Gas companies making plans to drill offshore from Newcastle. Opponents fear the PEP 11 gas exploration permit off the coasts of Sydney and Newcastle will be renewed today by Federal Resources Minister Keith Pitt. The joint venture companies currently holding the exploration permit continue to move forward with their plans
Taylor’s Do-nothing EV Document
Incentives for electric vehicles make sense to Biden, Boris, and OECD – but Taylor apparently knows better. By Behyad Jafari, Electric Vehicle Council chief executive. The goverment’s discussion paper was acutely disappointing. Angus Taylor’s ‘Future Fuels’ discussion paper is “yet another flaccid, do-nothing document that will prevent Australians getting access
Slow Dismantling of NDIS by Coalition
Minister Robert’s comments are a smokescreen for NDIS “power grab.” By Senator Jordon Steele-John Australian Greens DIsability spokesman. Comments by Minister Robert about the NDIS as cynical, misleading and offensive. Minister Robert’s comments about our NDIS are deeply concerning and a smokescreen for a much broader power grab from the
Gas Generation Losing to Renewables
Data reveals 2020 was a shocker for gas. Gas generation in Australia’s largest electricity grid fell by 19 percent in 2020 while solar and wind had a record year despite the COVID-19 pandemic. “This latest data clearly shows that gas is on the way out and has no role to
Two Iconic Manly Ferries Saved, Two More To Go
The Maritime Union of Australia has welcomed a backflip by the NSW Government, with two of the four internationally-recognised doubled-ended Manly ferries to be saved from the scrap-heap, but pledged to continue fighting to have all four vessels remain in service. Transport Minister Andrew Constance has responded to the campaign
Family Court Defended Against Fairfax Media Claim
Law Council rejects corruption claims in Family Court Dr Jacoba Brasch QC The Law Council of Australia rejects an assertion reported by Fairfax Media on 12 and 13 January 2021 that “the Family Court of Australia has many corruption issues” including “corrupt” judges. Such comments undermine public confidence in the
Another Bleak Year for Jobseekers
Millions face a bleak New Year as Coronavirus payments are cut again. By Dr Cassandra Goldie CEO, Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) The Federal Government is on a course to undo the remarkable achievement of alleviating poverty for 2.3 million people, plus over a million children, by repeatedly slashing
Salvos Christmas Message
Dear Editor, From Major Bruce Harmer. This year has brought with it some of the greatest challenges we have faced in Australia. From drought, to devastating bushfires and a global pandemic, it would be fair to say that we are all looking forward to a fresh new year. But as
Ocean Baths Story Correction
Incorrect report in Newcastle Herald regarding contract for Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade. By Michelle Meehan, City of Newcastle A report in today’s Newcastle Herald incorrectly claims that the architecture firm that in 2017 developed widely criticised concept designs for the Newcastle Ocean Baths pavilions has been awarded the contract for
Government Accepts Media Protections
Law Council says PJCIS recommendations on media freedom “a positive beginning.” By Pauline Wright, President, Law Council of Australia. The Law Council has long called for meaningful reforms to the legal framework for media freedoms in Australia. The government’s acceptance of recommendations, made by the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence
Superannuation ~ On Foxes and Henhouses
Almost $900 billion in super assets could be exempt from crucial performance tests. Almost half of the super system may could be exempt from a crucial government performance test that would reveal to workers if their fund is a dud, new analysis from Industry Super Australia (ISA) shows. An eyewatering
Cook’s Secret Mission ~ Not Entirely With the Natives’ Consent
By Robert Hill [Article referenced is here] CAPTAIN COOK’S SECRET ORDERS AND THE CONSENT OF NATIVES There are often incorrectly cited references to Captain Cook’s claim to Australia for the King of England as being in breach of his orders and as invalid as Cook did not obtain the “consent
Senate Approves Cashless Welfare Card Rollout
Community organisations slam decision to continue discriminatory and punitive Cashless Debit Card. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peak organisations, legal services, and human rights organisations have slammed the decision of the Morrison Government and Pauline Hanson’s One Nation Party, with the abstention of the Centre Alliance in the Senate, giving
ASIO Powers Expand Without Safeguards
Law Council raises grave concerns about lack of safeguards in new ASIO powers. The Law Council of Australia is deeply concerned that the compulsory questioning powers of ASIO are set to be significantly expanded, without crucial safeguards and out of line with other nations in the Five Eyes alliance. While
Narrabri Gas ~ Unacceptable Risk to Aquifer
NSW Farmers do not approve Narrabri Gas Project. James Jackson, President, NSW Farmers Federal government approval of the Narrabri Gas Project has failed to allay the concerns of farmers about the consequences of any potential groundwater loss due to contamination or loss of supply. The Federal and State Governments have