NSW Government Urged To Release Costings On Promises

BY JARROD MELMETH

The state opposition is calling on the NSW Government to come clean about how it plans to pay for their promises leading up to the state election.

Labor says the Government's Pre-election Budget Update confirmed that the state net worth has fallen by $2.4 billion, the surplus has fallen by $273 million and the Berejiklian Government has not announced a single savings or revenue measure.

Shadow Minister for Finance and Member for Cessnock Clayton Barr said the government are making promises which cannot be funded by the existing budget.

"For the last 8 years, the way that the government has balanced the books has essentially been to sell the farm; you sell the kitchen sink, sell the caravan, sell the boat, sell the trailer.

"They have sold everything in New South Wales to, what they call to balance the books. It is a furphy. Eventually, you run out of things to sell.

"Going forward they're continuing to make promises they cannot afford which means they have to keep on selling stuff," Mr Barr said.

Labor says they have had all of their policies and promises costed by the parliamentary budget office and Mr Barr says he "challenges the government to do the same."

$650 Million Announced For Two Upper Hunter Bypasses

BY JARROD MELMETH

Federal and State Labor has announced $350 million in joint funding for the Singleton Bypass on the New England Highway if both levels form government.

The federal opposition has committed $250 million to the project, while the NSW opposition has allocated $100 million.

Singleton town centre is considered one of the states worst traffic chokeholds where the New England Highway runs through the town.

Labor says more than 3,700 trucks travel through Singleton per day which impacts on the existing road network, road safety and on public amenity in the local community

Federal Member for the Hunter Joel Fitzgibbon said it is no secret that Singleton is a traffic nightmare.

“In my years as the local member I’ve had to fight for four big New England Highway projects: the Belford Bends Deviation, the Scone Bypass, the Muswellbrook Bypass and the Singleton Bypass.

“The first two are complete and with Federal Labor’s announcement and Michael Daley’s commitments today, we hope to start building the other two soon,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

NSW Shadow Minister for Roads Jodi McKay said NSW Labor will still commit $100 million in the event both tiers do not form government.

Meanwhile, NSW Labor has also committed $266 million to the Muswellbrook bypass, matching the Liberal Governments announcement last week.

Ms McKay said only Labor can be trusted to deliver the projects.

"John Barilaro said just a couple of weeks ago, before the Liberal/National announcement of $266 million, that he did not see the project as a priority. 

"He has suddenly acted when he realised his job is on the line, and that is the only reason that he made that announcement," Ms McKay said.

The current situation at Muswellbrook where the New England
Highway runs through the town.

The current situation at Singleton where the New England
Highway runs through the town.

Mayor Defends Beach Bowl Design

BY JARROD MELMETH

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes has defended the design of an $11 million upgrade to South Newcastle Beach skate park following a notice of motion at Tuesday night's council meeting.

Cr John Church with the support of other Newcastle Independent Councillors put forward the notice urging council to reconsider the design citing issues with its impact on the coastline.

Cr Church said concerns have been raised with him around the skate bowl element of the design as it is planned to protrude 18-metres towards the ocean from the existing seawall.

"This is a very exposed environment. We have had a number of storm events through the years going right back to the Sygna in 1974 and more recently the Pascha Bulker storm.

"We know this is a very exposed site. We know that this skate bowl will fill with sand and debris, and we know it will cost a lot of money to maintain," Cr Church said.

Plans for the upgrades were unveiled in June when the State Government contributed $5million to the project which plans to reconstruct and transform South Newcastle Beach.

Mayor Nelmes said engineers have signed off on the project.

"They have looked at the 1 in 1000 year storm event and have signed off on the engineering that will allow this facility to function as a skate bowl that is part of a promenade.

"I'm happy to have a look at and review the reports that have been done around the engineering, however, the project has already changed significantly from the idea that was first mooted about 18-months ago to actually take into consideration all of the concerns that had been raised by a very small group of people around the beach," Mayor Nelmes said.

The notice of motion was supported, committing to a review and finalisation of the coastal engineering report to ensure the proposed skate bowl does not negatively impact on the beach and coastline, and to engage in broader community consultation on the project.

Artist impression of the new South Newcastle Beach precinct.

Proposed Policy Changes For The Port Of Newcastle

BY JARROD MELMETH

The NSW Government have proposed changes to the Environmental Planning Policy at three Ports across the state.

Planning Minister Anthony Roberts announced yesterday policy changes for NSW's three largest seaports, Newcastle, Botany and Kembla, to streamline their operations.

Mr Roberts said the amendments give the port operators and their tenants the ability to undertake essential, day-to-day development on land within the lease areas more efficiently, subject to compliance with standards.

"Essential maintenance, installation of pollution control measures and other requirements of a working port will be able to be built under the exempt and complying development pathways.

"In addition, we are also protecting our ports from incompatible land-use encroaching on their sites and making it harder to go about their business," Mr Roberts said.

A container terminal at the Port of Newcastle has been a point of contention after it was revealed earlier this year the NSW Government had entered into an agreement meaning that if Newcastle was to build a container terminal, it would have to compensate Port Botany for any containers it handled above a limit of 30,000 a year.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald said the proposed changes would ensure Port land is protected for potential future expansion but does not set out provision for the possibility of a container port.

"It will protect the future of the Port of Newcastle. It is the primary bulk commodity port. It is already allowed to move a certain amount of containers as part of the agreement. In the future it means that those uses can continue," Mr MacDonald said.

The Department of Planning is calling on anyone interested in the amendments to review and comment on the proposed changes.

The Port of Newcastle. Image: NSW Mining.

Abbott vs Washington: Mambo Wetlands battleground for pre-poll

BY JARROD MELMETH

Independent Port Stephens councillor Jaimie Abbott has been officially endorsed as the Liberal Party candidate for the State seat in the March 2019 election.

In 2013, Cr Abbott unsuccessfully contested the federal seat of Newcastle but managed a swing of 3.7 per cent to the Liberal Party.

Cr Abbott was elected as an independent east-ward councillor in the 2017 Port Stephens local elections.

Cr Abbott said whatever the outcome, she would still remain on Port Stephens council until the end of her term.

"When I first got elected, I made the pledge that I would always put my community first and nothing will change that. It is at the forefront of every decision I make on council," Cr Abbot said.

One of the major issues of contention for Port Stephens in the lead up to the March elections is the NSW Governments sell-off of the Mambo Wetlands at Salamander Bay, which Ms Abbot says she is a strong advocate for and will not be changing her stance on the issue under new leadership.

"I moved a motion at council last year, which was supported unanimously, which included compulsorily acquiring the site and I still believe that is the best way forward to make sure that we can return the land back into public ownership," Cr Abbott said.

Port Stephens MP Kate Washington said she congratulates Cr Abbott on the endorsement but does not know what to make of her position on the Mambo Wetlands.

"She is a Liberal Party member. She has claimed to have influence with the Premier. Why on Earth the land has not been returned to public hands yet? I don't know," Ms Washington said.

L-R: Liberal Candidate for Port Stephens Jaimie Abbott & incumbent MP
Kate Washington.

MP Labels Mambo Wetlands Buy-Back Plans "A Flop"

BY JARROD MELMETH

It has been two years since the NSW Government sold the Mambo Wetlands at Salamander Bay and six months since the Premier wrote to Port Stephens Council indicating that the government would explore its options for purchasing the site back.

In her letter, the Premier said the government was looking to purchase the land through the Coastal Lands Protection Scheme which is used to bring coastal lands into public ownership. The Department of Planning administers the scheme, which receives an annual budget allocation of $3 million for strategic acquisitions.

In Parliamentary question time, Port Stephens MP Kate Washington asked the Minister for Planning when the Department will make a determination on the application to repurchase the Mambo Wetlands site at Salamander Bay using the funding from the Coastal Lands Protection Scheme.

Minister for Planning Anthony Roberts responded saying the Department of Planning has offered to purchase the land but "at this point in time the owner of the Mambo Wetlands site has not accepted the offer."

Ms Washington said if the owner is not willing to sell it back, the government must use its powers to compulsorily acquire the land.

"The government could have already acquired the land. The government knew when they sold it off, how precious this land was. Once they did it they said it was a mistake. They are responsible for fixing their mistake and they have the power to do it," Ms Washington said.

In March, the NSW Labor opposition committed to buying back the land if it forms government in the March 2019 state election.

Mambo Wetlands Site at Salamander Bay.
Photo: Port Stephens Examiner.

State Government planning to move ambulance bill collection to Revenue NSW

BY JARROD MELMETH

Debt collectors could be unleashed on unsuspecting residents in the Hunter and across the state who have an outstanding ambulance bill under new laws proposed by the NSW Government.

Under the current laws, a person with an outstanding ambulance debt – unable to pay the fee could seek to have work order applied to address the matter, but under the proposed changes the Chief Commissioner of State Revenue is authorised to take action without taking court action.

Cessnock MP and Shadow Minister for Finance, Services and Property Clayton Barr has labelled the proposed changes as an extremely tough and heartless approach.

"The government are proposing to move to a very heavy-handed draconian-style model where there will be no prisoners taken. It will just seek to seize property, seize assets, seize payments and make sure that ambulance bill is paid, no matter what your circumstances are," Mr Barr said.

The State Debt Recovery Bill 2017 was first introduced into the NSW Parliament in November last year and only recently passed the Legislative Assembly last week and is set to be debated in parliament this week.

Shadow Minister for Health Walt Secord said the changes will affect those who are most vulnerable in our community.

"We will have a situation where elderly patients with chest pains will hesitate calling an ambulance in a life-threatening situation - or delay their call until it is too late. Lives will be put at risk," Mr Secord said.

Pictured: Clayton Barr.

Hunter Roads need more funding: Federal MP

BY JARROD MELMETH

Four key infrastructure projects in the Hunter have been highlighted as “desperately in need of support" in the federal Parliament on Monday.

Speaking in Parliament yesterday, Federal Member for Hunter Joel Fitzgibbon highlighted the Glendale Interchange, the Singleton by-pass, the Muswellbrook by-pass and the proposed Cessnock Ring Road as being ignored by both State and Federal Governments.

The new rapid build correctional centre in Cessnock is a particular issue the Hunter MP has taken aim at as he believes there has been a lack of physical and social investment to support the growth from the centre.

Mr Fitzgibbon said a combination of population growth and lack of infrastructure in the region is causing headaches for residents.

"The Hunter is doing very well economically and our diversity continues to grow and our economy is continuing to grow as well but we have got growing pains and these projects, most of these projects have been on the books for a decade. People know of the traffic gridlock every morning and afternoon. We need to get funding back into these projects," Mr Fitzgibbon said.

Return and Earn Proving Popular in the Hunter

BY JESSICA ROUSE

The Mount Hutton Return and Earn Collection Point in the Hunter is proving to be among one of the most popular in the state.

The State Government has revealed their Container Deposit Scheme has so far seen 18 million containers collected across the state - 27, 813 of those from Mount Hutton alone.

It's a pleasing result for the government after the scheme copped it's fair share of criticism across the region for a lack of machines across the region.

Collection points in the Hunter to get 10 cents for your eligible container include the Woolworths at Singleton, Cessnock, Medowie, Salamander Bay, Mayfield, Mount Hutton and Jesmond. There are also over-the-counter collection points at McDougalls Hill, North Rothbury, Tenambit, Woodberry and Red Head.

Image 2GB Sydney.

EARLIER:

Hunter MP's want Return and Earn fast-tracked.

Return and Earn Reverse Vending Machine first in the Hunter

 

A Compromise Sought for The Store Building

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Newcastle Greens councillor John Mackenzie will tonight be asking council stand up for the city's working-class heritage.

Councillor Mackenzie will be moving a motion at Newcastle City Council's meeting to keep the facade of The Store building in Newcastle West intact and incorporate it into the state government's proposed bus interchange for the site.

He said they're not calling for the interchange not to be built altogether, they just want a compromise that works for everyone.

"We're not even suggesting that the whole of the building stay, there's a compromise here and that compromise is the opportunity to keep the facade and to build around it in a way that creates a hybrid that's something old and something new and points to the future direction of Newcastle."

The Store, formerly known as the Newcastle Co-operative Store was built in 1898 and was a thriving commercial entity in the heart of the city.

There's an immense amount of community support for the building - community consultation found 84% of submissions supported keeping the Store, 62% of those submissions called for the facade to be retained and incorporated into the interchange.

"The Store has an enormous history in Newcastle. The whole city basically was built on the back of the Newcastle Co-operative Store and that building even though it doesn't look how it did in its heyday it really represents an important moment in the political history of our city."

"Just to demolish it entirely I think does a disservice to the importance of the working class history of Newcastle. I think that's an important symbol and an important monument and it's up to council to defend the heritage of this city, we don't want generic buildings for the entirety of the city," said Councillor Mackenzie.

Image nbnnews.com.au

Hunter School Cleaners Fear For Their Jobs

BY ANNABEL ROBINSON

School cleaners are now in fear of losing their jobs.

The NSW Government is suggesting they will have to reapply for their jobs at the end of every contract as of next year. This will result in their accrued sick leave, recreational leave and long service leave becoming obsolete.

Cleaners current employment guarantees and conditions have been in place since 1994 and many cleaners fear that finding another job will be difficult as new contractors may not want to employ older people.

State Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery, will move a Notice of Motion today calling the NSW Government to provide cleaners with better job security.

School cleaners are valued in the community as they have provided us with their service for decades keeping our school environments clean and safe.

"There will be an increasing loss of jobs because the providers will employ less people and expect others to work longer and as a result our schools won't be clean," Sonia said.

Sonia says the only thing fueling the Government's actions is to save money on wages and this is truly unfair and she will be urging the Premier to take steps in protecting our cleaners jobs and conditions.

Labor's Fair Go For Renters

BY ADAM ACHURCH

Labor launched their "Fair Go for Renters" petition this week, in order to push the government into action and bring on a debate within Parliament to make changes to laws involving renters within the Hunter region.

Shadow Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation and Swansea MP Yasmin Catley believes:

"This petition will bring the debate right into Parliament- and force the Government to say whether it supports fairer rules for renters."

One of the major problems within renters and landlords is the "No Grounds" provisions, which allows landlords to evict tenants without giving any reason.

With Newcastle's percentage of renters alone sitting at 39.9 percent, the housing market becoming less and less affordable, tenants are scared of bringing up issues with landlords due to the risk of eviction.

"People shouldn't be scared to point out a broken window or a leaking tap just in case the landlord decides to turf them out," said Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp.

Labor is willing to work with both landlords and tenants, to come up with a fairer alternative to "No Grounds" provisions.

Yasmin Catley and Tim Crackenthorp Launch The Fair Go For Renters Petition

On Track for a Faster Train from Newcastle to Sydney

BY JESSICA ROUSE

It might only be a trial, but Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald is confident a new fast train from Newcastle to Sydney could be permanent.

Starting in November, the trial will see Novocastrians slash 26 minutes off the train trip from Newcastle to Sydney by taking out stops at Cardiff, Fassifern and Eastwood.

Once the new Wickham Transport Interchange is finished the new service will leave at 5:03am, replacing the 4:40am service.

It'll stop at Hamilton, Broadmeadow, Morisset, Wyong, Tuggerah, Gosford, Woy Woy, Hornsby, Epping and Strathfield both ways. 

Scot MacDonald says they've been working on this one for a while and is really pleased the Transport Minister has agreed to the trial.

"The approach that I think has worked here is saying to the Minster, look we don't have to lock anything in, we don't have to have a permanent change at this stage, but at least lets have a trial and see how it goes and as I say I think they'll be a good demand for this." 

Coming back home from Sydney will be quicker as well, 11 minutes will be trimmed off the trip from Central to Newcastle on the 3:45pm train.

The government says the trial was part of the $1.5 billion More trains More Services Program to improve the network, and even better everyone likes a sleep in, no matter how small.

"I think it's terrific for people to not have to get up quite so early, it's still an early start obviously, but I think its what people in Newcastle have been calling out for," said Scot MacDonald.

Wallsend misses out again

BY JARROD MELMETH

The NSW State Government are being accused of halting progress on flood mitigation works in Wallsend after an application for funding to the Office of Environment and Heritage was denied.

In 2007, prior to the June long-weekend floods, Newcastle City Council produced a draft plan warning that Wallsend was at serious risk of catastrophic flooding – saying that floodwaters could rise to several metres in just minutes. 

The Wallsend electorate has applied to the Office of Environment and Heritage for a long time to assist with rebuilding bridges in the area, which has also been promised under the re-elected Newcastle Labor government in the lead up to the local council elections earlier this month.

State Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery said the application was put to the State Government for funds to undertake the Wallsend Flood Mitigation Plan.

"The Wallsend Flood Mitigation Plan is about looking at steps to ensure that when we do receive flash flooding - and it will happen again in Wallsend - that we can prevent a loss of life and loss of businesses," Ms Hornery said.

Although the Labor Party held government when the 2007 floods occurred, Ms Hornery said under the Labor Government they were only able to complete studies before losing office in 2011.

"Decisions about what we really needed to do only really occurred when the Liberal Party took power in 2011, and the reason for that is, we experienced the flooding in mid-2007, and then we undertook a series of very complex studies into what needed to be done and what the answers and solutions were. That took a few years and so by that time the Liberal Government were elected," Ms Hornery said.

Road Funding for Port Stephens

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Five of Port Stephen's worst road blackspots won't be a danger for much longer, with a funding boost from the state government.

As a part of the Safer Roads Program $3 million will be invested into projects like off-road cycleways and widened lanes on Nelson Bay Road, nearly $800,000 into two intersections on Lemon Tree Passage Road and traffic calming devices in a couple of areas.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald says in regional areas, including the Hunter, 254 people have lost their lives on local roads. That's two-thirds of the total road toll for 2016.

"It's really targeted at some of those areas where there's evidence of crashes and injuries and even death. Regional NSW is unfortunately disproportionately represented in terms of road deaths and road injuries."

The five upgrades are:
- $300,000 for off-road cycleways at roundabouts, and widening lanes for more cycleways on a 9.5km length of nNelson Bay Road and east of Marsh Road, Williamtown/Salt Ash
- $795,000 for two intersections on Lemon Tree Passage Road, Tenilba Bay
- $1.65 million to install a two lane roundabout at intersection of Raymond Terrace Road and Seaham Road at Nelsons Plains
- $120,000 to install traffic calming devices, improve road surface with increased friction and improve sight distance at intersection of Shoal Bay Road and Gowrie Avenue at Nelson Bay
- $190,000 to install traffic calming devices to reduce risk of crashes on Foreshore Drive, Port Stephens Drive, Salamander Bay

Scot MacDonald says ironically, the money being used for the projects comes from drivers themselves. 

"Look unfortunately the money comes out of speed camera revenue which is dedicated to going back to safer roads. No one likes to be pinged and pay those fines, but at least if you do get caught and you do pay that fine you understand the money is going back to Safer Roads Program,." he said.

Image ferrovial.com

Maitland Independent Mayoral candidate wants to breathe new life into Walka Water Works

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Maitland Independent Mayoral Candidate Philip Penfold is planning to breathe new life into Walka Water Works should he be elected on September 9.

He wants to see council put together a DA and approach the state government for funding to refit the cafe and re-open the small museum which once operated on the site.

"Walka Water Works is a fantastic asset to the city of Maitland, though unfortunately the pump house has been let go for far too long. So my proposal is for council to prepare plans, costings and a DA to have a project shovel ready to convert part of it into a cafe."

Philip Penfold says the site is already heavily used by the people of Maitland - there's a park run every Saturday and it's teeming with families on the weekend so having the appropriate amenities in place would only be of benefit.

"I think families will greatly enjoy a cafe or restaurant out there on Walka Water Works for the people of Maitland."

Walka Water Works Image David Threlfo Twitter
@David_Threlfo

Morale very low among Newcastle's bus drivers

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Transport operator Keolis Downer has only been operating in Newcastle for six weeks and already they're being blamed for mistreating and underpaying their workers.

Morale is reportedly very, very low among Newcastle's bus drivers as they deal with the frustration of allegedly being given incorrect wages, shift penalties and superannuation payments which has left them out of pocket for over a month.

Shadow Minister for the Hunter Kate Washington says the company is also blaming bus drivers for services being cancelled when in most situations it has been the company's fault alone.

"Six weeks in and we've seen 170 services cancelled and those cancellations have been blamed on the drivers. Drivers who aren't being paid for the hours they're working and that's just not on,"

Image showbus.com

"I've heard from at least three different drivers but I understand it is across the workforce and there are systemic problems in the system that Keolis Downer is trying to implement. Morale is very, very low amongst all the drivers, they don't feel like they're being given respect," said Kate Washington.

In a statement, Keolis Downer say there have been no cuts to services across Newcastle's public transport but they have had a lot of drivers unable to work due to the terrible flu season.

They say they are in the process of recruiting more drivers to make up for those unable to work and even though it's inconvenient for customers, they'd rather them be healthy and safe and not catch the flu from sick drivers.

Already they've welcomed eight new drivers to their Newcastle fleet in the past week.

But Kate Washington wants answers to the claims of mistreatment and she's written to the Transport Minister demanding support.

"It just feels like Newcastle has been the guinea pigs in all of this. And the government now needs to revise and review its plans to further privatise public transport elsewhere, there are plans afoot for Sydney and that needs to stop now."

Hunter Street light rail construction to start next month

BY JARROD MELMETH

Light rail construction on Hunter Street will start from September 12 between Auckland and Darby Streets.

Works will include relocating essential services such as water, gas, electricity and telecommunications, civil construction work including road reconfiguration and laying light rail track on the road.

Traffic will be temporarily diverted around construction zones during the build, Honeysuckle Drive, Wharf Road and King Street will be available for road users to get around the city centre.

Revitalising Newcastle Program Director Michael Cassel says the construction area will be closed to ensure the safety of the construction personnel.

"It's also to ensure that we get through the zone as quickly as possible, we have elected to put diversions in place for traffic and will close that section of the road down.

On what is next for the light rail construction Mr Cassel says the project will progress through all of Hunter Street and Scott Street throughout the next 12 months.

"We are very cautious not to set very tight deadlines because as we have always said we are subject to weather and what we find in the ground and they are always challenging. We have worked hard to make sure the traffic diversions will work well; we have worked very hard to ensure there is ample parking for people who wish to drive into the city, but we are also improving public transport to give everyone an option.

"The light rail team has spent over a year laying the groundwork to ensure light rail construction will run as smoothly as possible. This includes creating new pedestrian and vehicle access points between Hunter Street and the harbour. It’s now time to get on with installing light rail tracks," Mr Cassel said.

Mr Cassel also reiterated the steps being taken by Revitalising Newcastle, to help surrounding businesses through the construction.

"We are ensuring that footpaths remain open and the entrances to all businesses remain open throughout the construction period. We are also putting on lots of planned activities to draw people back into the city, as well as lots of information and updates regularly on the best ways to move around the city," Mr Cassel said. 

Work in the Auckland and Darby Street construction zone is due to be completed by the end of 2017.

Light rail construction works at Auckland & Darby Streets Newcastle.

Father calls for a coronial inquest into son's death

BY RACHEL STORER

Tim Macpherson, beloved son and father. (Facebook)

The heartbroken father of the Hunter man who was killed during construction of the Barangaroo Ferry Hub said he never expected to bury his son and is now calling for an inquiry.

Tim Macpherson was tragically crushed by a falling steel beam in March and never went home to his wife Ashleigh, son Jack and his unborn daughter.

His father Iain Macpherson is now calling for a coronial inquest into his death and has the backing of the MUA and NSW Senator Doug Cameron.

Mr Macpherson said there were several safety issues on the barge Tim was working on including cluttered work spaces and piles of building materials restricting access on deck.

He was told by another worker who escaped the beam that "Timmy had no where to go mate... no where to go," because of the clutter.

He also claims the barge itself shouldn't have been in operation in the first place as it didn't pass initial safety tests.

Construction of the Barangaroo Ferry Hub where Tim was killed. (ABC)

The Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) claims the state government's ferry wharf which opened in June is riddled with safety concerns including overheating black paint on surfaces and metal gates that are too heavy for staff.

Mr Macpherson received only one letter of condolence from the NSW government and asked if their "high quality transport infrastructure" is worth losing lives for.

"The state government were beating their chest about the great thing it was to have a project moving forward on time.

"Whatever the dollar cost, there are people who go home to their families in wheelchairs or didn't go home at all just to see that 'marvelous' edifice built," Mr Macpherson said.

Mr Macpherson wants to ensure his daughter-in-law is properly looked after and has praised the CMFEU and MUA for their help lobbying for the inquest.

He said he also hopes parents tell their children that no job is worth the money if the risks are too high.

Fed up with young workers being exploited: Hornery

BY JARROD MELMETH and JESSICA ROUSE

Exploitative business practices are being called out and Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery is calling for more protections for workers both young and old who are being exploited by them.

It comes after reports last week of the Fair Work ombudsman pursuing legal action against Tokyo Sushi outlets throughout NSW, including one in Fletcher.

The business allegedly underpaid seven workers more than $22,000 between January and September 2016.

Sonia Hornery is moving a Notice of Motion in the NSW Parliament calling on the government to do more to protect vulnerable young workers who are being exploited and cheated out of the wages they are legally obligated to receive.

"I'm not sure how the government will react to this, but hopefully they'll see the sense and fact that they know that there's an award and the award is important. I'm sure they'll see the sense in the fact that it's not appropriate to allow any business to underpay staff," said Sonia Hornery.

"I think the notice of motion will prompt other people to come forward about these reports. I guess its also making businesses aware and any companies aware that young workers or older workers, it's important and not just important but mandatory that you pay them the award rate."