Newcastle residents offered opportunity to provide feedback on local government elections

BY JORDAN REGNIS

An amendment put forward by Liberal councillor Callum Pull, will allow members of the Newcastle community to provide feedback on local government elections.

It comes after a number of key issues were identified from the 2021 local government election, where issues like accessibility affected both residents and candidates.

Councillor Pull says, "just having a ramp at places like king street pre-poll, which is one of the biggest pre-polls in the city,

"In other elections, they have had that, I think there was a federal election as well recently where it wasn't accessible". 

The councilor added accessibility issues particularly affected older and less mobile residents throughout the election.

The amendment was moved and carried unanimously by council, asking for the electoral commission to offer a response to the issues brought forward.

The feedback can be viewed on City of Newcastle's 'Have Your Say' page on their website and is available until 5:00pm on 24th May. 

Female and Hunter MPs Aplenty in New State Cabinet

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Five of the Hunter's seven Labor MP's have been given positions in Chris Minns' new state government. 

Swansea MP, Yasmin Catley is one of the big winners in the new ministry, being elevated to the Police and Counter-terrorism portfolio.

Charlestown MP, Jodi Harrison becomes the new Minister for Women, Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, and Seniors.

Port Stephens MP, Kate Washington moves into the Families and Communities and Disability Inclusion portfolios.

Maitland's Jenny Aitchison is now the Minister for Regional Transport and Roads.

The Hunter locals are among a host of others elevated to new positions in an historic 50% female-led ministry. 

Meanwhile, Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp becomes Minister for the Hunter and retains his shadow role in Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education.

The Premier has also thrown his support behind Lake Macquarie MP Greg Piper as the new speaker for the Lower House.  

He says, he looks forward to seeing an Independent in the seat. 

"It's very difficult for a speaker who is drawn from the ruling party to give that sense of independence that we expect of someone in that position, but when the person who in in the speaker's role comes as an Independent, it will truly be an independent role," Mr Piper said. 

Mr Piper noted whilst he's proud to be endorsed for the role, he won't let it distract him from getting things done in his electorate. 

Image: Premier's Office

Proposed Legislation Aims to Ensure Fair Treatment for Casuals in Hunter's Coal Mining Industry

BY BEN CLIFFORD

The Albanese Labor Government is taking action to address unfair laws which have resulted in reduced long-service leave entitlements for casual employees in the black coal mining industry.

The proposed legislation aims to provide equal treatment to casual workers compared to their permanent counterparts.

Under current laws, casual employees accrue long-service leave through a calculation which unfairly counts their working hours, resulting in a disadvantage for casuals who often work compressed fortnightly rosters.

Federal Member for Hunter, Dan Repacholi, has expressed support for the proposed changes.

"This Bill will iron out the unfair laws currently disadvantaging casual workers in the coal mining sector," he said.

Mr Repacholi also emphasized the new laws will make a significant difference in the Hunter region.

"This will have a huge impact in the Hunter, as we have plenty of casuals that work in the mining industries," he said. 

"[Casual workers] should be making sure that when they take their long service leave, they get paid the same as what they would if they were a full-time employee. They shouldn’t be criticised or disadvantaged just because they are a casual." 

Once instilled, the legislation is expected to benefit around 6,000 workers in the industry.

Mount Thorley-Warkworth Mine in the Hunter Valley

Labor's Takeover in Full Swing

BY OLIVIA DILLON 

The weekend saw Labor comfortably retain all seven of its existing Hunter seats, in line with a state-wide swing in the party's direction. 

It comes after the Liberals failed to name a host of candidates until the last minute, adding to what's being described as a lacklustre campaign performance across the Hunter and the state.

One of the Labor's biggest results could be seen in Port Stephens, where Kate Washington enjoyed a two-party preferred swing of 16.5%. 

There's now pressure on the incoming MPs and state government to get moving on a number of promised and pressing commitments. 

Namely, the proposed privatisaiton of Hunter Water has been a regionally-contentious issue for some time. 

In the lead-up to the election, Chris Minns and Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp, said the first thing they would do is ensure Hunter Water stays in the public hands. 

"We'll get moving very quickly on stopping privatisation of Hunter Water in particular; we hope to legislate that way in fact," Mr Crakanthorp said. 

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery, who easily retained her long-held seat, agrees it's the first thing on the agenda, but said the corporation needs to do better in working alongside the new state government. 

"They've kept the people at arms length deliberately and played politics over the last 12 years, and they need to start getting in-touch with the wants and needs of people in Wallsend," she said. 

Ms Hornery says the key issue in many Hunter electorates moving forward, will be the region's housing affordability crisis. 

Vote-counting for the election continues today. 

Tim Crakanthorp pledges to never privatise Hunter Water in a social media post.

Royal Life Saving NSW swimming upstream amid funding cuts

BY EMILY WILLIAMS

There are concerns for the Hunter's Learn to Swim program, with the Labor government planning to cut back on its funding for Royal Life Saving (RLS) NSW.

These cuts coming after 90 drowning deaths across the country were recorded in the 2022-23 Summer. 

NSW recorded the same amount of drowning deaths as Victoria and Queensland combined, with the Hunter being one of the worst regions in the state.

Royal Life Saving NSW's CEO Michael Ilinsky says these cuts will only lead to more drownings.

"It's a significant concern to us, taking away from our most vulnerable and that leads to the potential of more fatal drownings across the state," he said.

RLS NSW had been working with both the Coalition and Labor Governments, seeking a $1.2 million core funding commitment for drowning prevention.

At this stage, there is no funding commitment from the Liberal Government.

RLS NSW is the leader of drowning prevention and water safety education in the state and has been doing so for 125 years.

Learn to swim programs are already playing catch up, with Covid-19 leading to the cancellation of 3.5 million swimming lessons across the state. As a result, 40% of year six students are unable to swim 50 metres.

Ilinsky says it is unacceptable, especially in a country like ours.

"We wonder why people are going into our aquatic environments and getting into trouble," he said.

"Their core skills are missing, their ability to swim and survive is missing."

RLS NSW is urging the party elected this weekend to ensure children have access to high quality learn to swim programs, particularly in areas with heightened drowning rates; like the Hunter.

NSW Labor Committs to Hunter Clean Energy Transition Authority

BY OLIVIA DILLON

 

NSW Labor has committed to creating a Hunter Clean Energy Transition Authority if it forms government this month, to guide the region through the closure of its coal-fired power stations. 

 

Formed in a bid to guide workers and businesses towards emerging industries, the authority would be similar to one established in Victoria, following the closure of the Hazelwood Power Station and Mine. 

 

It's role would be to help maximise job opportunities, re-skilling and re-deploying workers as businesses close. 

 

The Opposition hasn't yet disclosed how it will pay for the authority.

But, Shadow Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley, said the party is committed to establishing a partnership between the agency, and its proposed TAFE Manufacturing Centre for Excellence. 

She also said it will ensure the region maintains its status as an energy powerhouse. 

Liddell Power Station is slated to close in April 2023.

One Nation Candidates Call for the Re-Opening of Hunter Police Stations

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The One Nation Candidate for Wallsend is remaining strong in his push to re-open the Wallsend and Beresfield Police Stations.

Pietro Di Girolamo, is still seeking accurate data from local and state authorities on crime rates across the electorate. 

He said, despite reaching out to officers at the Waratah local command on three occasions, he's been unable to get a hold of any specific statistics for the Hunter region.

"It seems clear to me that the bureaucracy, the police command, is not prepared to provide information to me as the local candidate. I don't know why; they haven't given me a reason." 

He also said after a string of break-ins and harassments in the Wallsend area in particular, residents are looking for something to be done. 

"The incumbent (Sonia Hornery MP) says having more cops on the street is the way to go. I disagree with that statement. I believe having a point of presence right in the heart of Wallsend is a deterrent for someone who wants to cause malicious damage or attempt break-and-enters," Mr Di Girolamo said.

The Candidate added almost everyone he's spoken to in the community has been in favour of re-opening the facilities. 

The party's candidate for Kurri Kurri Quintin Blake, is also fighting to re-open the police station at Kurri Kurri, and is set to issue a public statement on it's progress tomorrow. 

Image: NBN

NSW Coalition Promises $102 Million to Redevelop Scone Hospital

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The NSW Coalition has made it's largest pre-election funding commitment to date, with $102 million pledged to redevelop the Scott Memorial Hospital at Scone if re-elected on March 25.

Deputy Premier Paul Toole made the announcement this morning in the ultra-marginal seat of Upper Hunter.

Minister for Regional Health, Bonnie Taylor says the redevelopment will deliver a new state-of-the-art hospital building, consolidating services now at different sites across the hospital campus.

The commitment also includes an upgrade to worker accommodation. 

Image: Monument Australia

NSW Greens Launch Plan to Tackle Domestic Violence

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The NSW Greens have launched their plan to tackle domestic and family violence across the Hunter and the state. 

The minor party has committed to fully fund and deliver on the recommendations of the NSW Women’s Alliance 2023 Election Platform, calling for action to end gendered violence. 

This includes funding frontline and recovery services, increasing legal assistance for women, and delivering primary prevention programs. 

The party has also put a call out to all Newcastle state election candidates to commit to funding the Domestic Violence Resource Centre run locally by Jenny's Place. 

Greens MP and Spokesperson for Domestic Violence and Abuse Abigail  Boyd, says $500,000 isn't a lot to ask to fully fund the service. 

She also said it's about time money was spent to enact lasting change. 

"You can see the other parties are very happy to commit funding to greyhound racing and to subsidies for the fossil fuel industry."

"There are so many streams of funding that we could cut out of the budget and direct towards domestic violence funding that would actually make a real difference," Ms Boyd said. 

Image: NSW Greens

State Labor Commits to Open Access to Wickham Park

BY OLIVIA DILLON

State Labor says it will help give residents better access to Wickham Park if it wins next month's election. 

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp joined Shadow Minister for Transport Jo Haylen, and Great Lifestyle of Wickham spokesperson Lyn Kilby for the announcement this morning.

It says it will see the installation of gates and a path between the park and the end of Holland Street. 

Currently blocked-off by a fence, some residents wanting to access the park have to walk over a kilometre. 

Jo Haylen, said it's a common sense move. 

"It shouldn't be that hard to put in a gate and a fence, so that families and community can come together to walk their dogs and to be active. That's the kind of city we want in the future, and that's what Labor will deliver if we're elected next month," she said. 

Lyn Kilby says the area's growing population needs to be catered for. 

"The public domain is supposed to set up for pedestrians to have the lifestyle that's been promised by NSW planning and local government planning. At the moment, the planning is not accessible for all the people who have come here and bought all this real estate to make a life." 

 

NSW Labor Promises $21 Million for Stockton Renourishment

BY OLIVIA DILLON

NSW Labor has promised to put $21 million towards mass sand nourishment of Stockton Beach if they win the election next month. 

Shadow Local Government Minister Greg Warren visited the town today, to make the pledge for a long-term solution to the decades-long issue. 

The coastal town has lost more than 10 million cubic metres of sand off it's beach, and it's estimated up to 2.5 million cubic metres is needed to re-nourish and maintain it.

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp said it's about time action was taken. 

"Chris Minns and I promised the people of Stockton we'd present our commitment prior to the election day, and today we deliver on that promise," Mr Crakanthorp said. 

"For too long, this project has been caught up in bureaucracy, but a NSW Labor Government will see the talk stop, and the work begin." 

Labor's commitment would see a memorandum of understanding between them, City of Newcastle, and NSW Public Works, to ensure the government agency holds the dredging license. 

The party plans to seek help from the Port of Newcastle for a long-term solution, and will work closely with the Stockton Beach Taskforce throughout the process.

 

Tim Crakanthorp, said the community has waited long enough already. 

"Getting sand back on Stockton Beach has been a long-time focus of mine. We brought a 10,000-signature petition to Parliament, we've had representations, Notices of Motions, and finally we're here today," he said. 

"I'm really excited that we can say a Labor government will fix this."

"The Stockton community has waited long enough under this Liberal government. Only NSW Labor will get this done." 

Labor Promises New High School in Medowie

BY OLIVIA DILLON

State Labor has said it will build a public high school in Medowie if it wins the March state election. 

Land was set aside for the project on Ferodale Road forty years ago, but no government has followed through with plans since. 

However, Opposition Education Spokeswoman Prue Car has announced, a NSW Labor government would commit $53 million to the project, and would commence work on the project in the first term of government. 

The school would cater for up to 600 students initially and would be operational in four years.

Port Stephens MP Kate Washington, said it's something the community has been fighting for for generations.

"Medowie is a town of more than 10,000 people and growing. it has two independent high schools, but no public high school. The need has been there for a long time; everyone knows Medowie needs a public high school," she said. 

In response to the pledge, Education Minister Sarah Mitchell, said Labor's commitment won't be enough to build a brand new high school.  

However, Ms Washington, says it's about time a commitment was made. 

"If she wants to quibble about the dollars, she should be putting a high school in Medowie and telling us how much she will fund it. Her solution is to squeeze more kids into the high schools in Raymond Terrace. That is the cheapest and nastiest solution for the families of Raymond Terrace and Medowie," Ms Washington said.  

"The upcoming state election couldn't be clearer; if the families of Medowie want a public high school, they must vote for Labor, because only a Labor Government will deliver it." 

Back to business for Singleton Council as Deputy Mayor re-elected

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Councillor Tony Jarrett has been re-elected as Deputy Mayor, as Singleton Council returns after its by-election hiccup.

The local government elections in December had to be overturned because of a glitch in online voting which locked some residents out.

It's Cr Jarrett's third time in the role, though the Council's current term will be cut short to line up with the next election period in 2024.

The nine councillors saw their Oath and Affirmation of Office on Tuesday evening.

The only change to the roster was Labor's Sarah Johnstone seizing a spot from Independent Belinda Charlton.

Ms Charlton was recognised at the meeting for her contributions since December.

Deputy Mayor Tony Jarrett and Outgoing Councillor Belinda Charlton.

Singleton council braces for election day this weekend

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Singleton residents will head to the polls on Saturday, with the whole council up for re-election after a botched vote last December.

Those results had to be thrown out after a glitch with the iVote system locked a number of voters out from the local government election.

Pre-polling at the Singleton Youth Venue Auditorium closes at 5pm on Friday.

The booths will be open from 8am to 6pm on Saturday. 

Singleton residents can cast their ballot at the following booths tomorrow:

• Broke Public School Cochrane Street, Broke
• Elderslie Community Hall at 758 Elderslie Road, Elderslie
• Glendon School Of Arts Hall at 897 Glendon Lane, Glendon 
• Jerrys Plains Community Hall on Wambo Street, Jerrys Plains 
• Kirkton Public School on Standen Drive, Lower Belford 
• Milbrodale Public School at 2615 Putty Road, Milbrodale 
• Mount Pleasant Public School at 226 Goorangoola Road, Bridgman 
• Singleton Heights Public School on Dorsman Drive, Singleton Heights 
• Singleton High School on York Street, Singleton 
• Singleton Public School on Elizabeth Street, Singleton
  

Early voting to open Monday for Singleton council election

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Early voting opens on Monday for the Singleton Council elections.

Residents are headed back to the polls, after the December results were thrown out, due to a major glitch with online voting.

Voters can cast their pre-poll at the Singleton Youth Venue Auditorium at 9 Bathurst Street.

It's open from 9am to 5pm from Monday to Saturday.

Postal votes are also already open for residents.

Election day is Saturday 30 July.

Newcastle named safest Labor stronghold in the country

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A post-election pendulum's revealed, Newcastle is the Federal Government's safest seat in the country.

According to ABC election analyst Antony Green, Labor's Sharon Claydon holds the seat with an 18 percent margin on the two-party preferred count.

Meanwhile, Paterson with 3.3 percent, Hunter with 4 percent, and Shortland with 5.8 percent were among the party's most marginal electorates.

Singleton residents to return to the ballot box for council vote in July

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Singleton residents will return to the polls next month, to vote for a council a second time, after the a court threw out the December results, due to a glitch in online voting.

The by-election has been called for Saturday July 30.

Everyone enrolled to vote in the Singleton Council area as of Monday 20 June will need to vote.

All nine councillors are in contention, though Mayor Sue Moore's position wasn't voided by the Supreme Court decision.

It's understood, all candidates have been or will be reimbursed for the costs of their original campaigns.

PM promises $50 million technology partnership for University of Newcastle

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Prime Minister was in the Hunter on Wednesday morning, announcing a $50 million investment in a new business and research partnership with the University of Newcastle and the University of New South Wales.

The universities will work with 27 industry partners, including 23 small businesses, to develop and deploy new technology options.

They'll explore advances in hydrogen fuel and storage, green aluminium and other metals, zero emissions aviation, and ultra-low-cost solar.

The industry collaborators have also promised more than $220 million in co-investment, and it's expect to create 1,600 jobs over the next four years.

It's the third in the Federal Government's Trailblazer program, aiming at taking advantage of research capabilities to meet manufacturing goals.

Scott Morrison says it's important to see sectors come together for the future of the Hunter and the country.

"A key part of our economic plan is to ensure that we achieve that collaboration, and it supports in particular advanced manufacturing in this country, so we make things here in this country," Mr Morrison said.

"Our advanced manufacturing sector is growing, and it's performing strongly, and it will continue to grow and that's why today I'm launching our plan for modern manufacturing."

Liberal Candidate for Shortland Nell McGill and Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

Prepoll booths open for business, but some Hunter locals forced to vote outside

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Prepoll booths have opened across the Hunter this week, as voters rush to beat the crowds on May 21.

There were still waits of up to ten minutes at a booth on King Street in Newcastle's CBD.

But some voters in wheelchairs had to have their ballots brought out to them, after they struggled to make it up the stairs at the polling booth.

A centre at the Toronto Amateur Sailing Club told a similar story, with many people with disabilities also finding it difficult to make it up the narrow stairs.

It's understood neither site, both in population centres, has ramp access, Labor's Candidate for Hunter Dan Repacholi writing on social media, there was "heavy machinery travelling along the walkway".

Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon and Mr Repacholi have both written to the Electoral Commission about the issues.

Image credit: Dan Repacholi.

Paterson Candidate Calls for an End to Campaign Slurs

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Liberal candidate for Paterson Brooke Vitnell is calling for an end to "grubby gutter politics", after being targeted by vandals and online trolls over her appearance. 

Ms Vitnell has faced a barrage of sexual slurs throughout her campaign. When speaking to The Daily Telegraph, she said she has been repeatedly attacked on Facebook because of her looks, with some users employing inappropriate symbols to depict her face and body. 

She also said she has had to reprint more than 800 campaign posters since the announcement of the election, and lost more than 100 corflute signs in one evening to vandals in what she called a "coordinated attack" against her. Some signs were torn down and others were graffitied with sexual imagery. 

One of Ms Vitnell's largest campaign signs in the region had to be reinforced with screws after being stolen six times, but was then defaced by vandals who spay-painted male genitalia next to her face. 

Ms Vitnell expressed her disdain for the attacks, and claims they escalated significantly in the lead-up to the opening of pre-poll voting today. 

"I certainly don't think this happens to male candidates in marginal seats. This is a coordinated attack by those opposite to disparage me based on how I look and attack my character, because in tight contest they don't have anything else left to do other than attack people with disparaging sexual remarks and try to discredit them," she said. 

Her call to end the abuse also stems from fears the barrage of slander will deter women from entering politics in the future. 

"Grubby politics need to be a thing of the past. We need more women in our parliament. We need more women to put their hand up and represent their community," Ms Vitnell said. 

"Our Parliament needs to be representative of our country. 51% of our population are women and they need to be encouraged to put their hand up, not deterred, because if they do, they'll face sexist sledges and remarks." 

In response, Paterson MP Meryl Swanson has come out in support of Ms Vitnell, describing the situation as appalling. 

"I am sorry you have been targeted in such a way. I know how you feel and I find it appalling. My team and I delete such comments as soon as we are aware of them, and expect all candidates to do the same. In my experience it is usually not 'those opposite' who make such comments but people who are just vile in nature."

Ms Vitnell said the attacks would not deter her from her campaign in the lead-up to the election. 

"All it does for me is harden my resolve that I want to fight for this community. It encourages me to keep on going."

Image: Brooke Vitnell's Facebook Page