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
Highest Income, Greatest Beneficit
Retirement Review highlights growing divide. Dr Cassandra Goldie, ACOSS CEO The Retirement Incomes Review released today (20 November 2020) finds that the annual cost to taxpayers of superannuation tax concessions is an eye-watering $41.5 billion. People on the highest incomes disproportionately benefited from these generous superannuation tax concessions, while older
NSW Budget Amiss on Social Housing
NSW Budget missed opportunity to address increasing homelessness by investing in social housing construction and jobs. Katherine McKernan, CEO of Homelessness NSW Homelessness NSW welcomes ongoing funding for homelessness services and additional investment to provide housing and support for people sleeping rough, however, the NSW Budget is a missed opportunity
Nationalise Kwinana for Fuel Security and Employment
By Ian Bray Maritime Union of Australia The Federal Government should examine purchasing BP’s Kwinana oil refinery, rather than allowing it to be closed. This would not only save 600 jobs but drastically improve Australia’s fuel security. By nationalising the refinery — one of only four in Australia and the
Like the Harbour, the Mystery Slowly Deepens
By Greg Cameron Public Affairs consultant Did Port of Newcastle Investments Pty Ltd (PoN) testify to the Federal Court in closed session last week that it is unlikely to develop a container terminal at Newcastle due to paying the NSW government’s penalty on container traffic above a minimal specific cap?