Latest news with #Dalzell
Scoop
5 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Contractor Being Finalised For Ashburton's Second Bridge
The likely contractor to build Ashburton's second bridge should be announced by September. NZTA is in the process of applying for consents and permits for the project, including developing plans to find and relocate up to 140 skinks in the area. The Government announced in December it would fund the 360-metre bridge, with construction expected to start in mid-2026, pending approvals. NZTA project director Lonnie Dalzell said there will be an announcement on the appointment of the 'Early Contractor Involvement' in the next few weeks. The contractor chosen for that role enters into a negotiation for the design and construction contract for the project - but if an agreement isn't reached, NZTA can go back to the market to find another contractor. Dalzell said NZTA is continuing to work through property acquisition, approvals and procurement, including the process to bring a construction contractor on board before the detailed designs are completed. 'This will allow the contractor to be involved in refining the details of the design, look at improved construction methods, understand the local opportunities and address any potential issues. 'We expect to complete this process later this month and to award a design and construct contract at the end of the year. 'We will have more clarity on project costings once we work through the detailed design process.' Once the design and construction tender is settled, it will finalise the price of the project, for both the NZTA-funded bridge and the council-funded road to the bridge on the Tinwald side of the river. A number of consents have been lodged or are in the process of being lodged, and in some cases, NZTA and the council are applying for the same consents. Where overarching applications are being lodged, they are seeking separate consents for the portions of the project specific to either NZTA or council. "So, in other words, it is not two consents sought for the same piece of work,' Dalzell said. 'A process is underway for consent applications to the regional council, with those applications due to be lodged later this month. This relates to NZTA's bridge and embankment construction, and the council's work on the connecting road and associated infrastructure.' An 'outline plan of works' will also be lodged with council, detailing how aspects of the project will be constructed, he said. Both parties have been granted archaeological authority for the project, a legal permit that ensures the protection of cultural and heritage sites during construction and how they will manage any potential archaeological finds. 'Last month, we applied for the necessary wildlife permit and have developed a Lizard Management Plan for DOC approval, which includes how we intend to rehome the lizards, including monitoring and pest control.' A lizard survey found 11 southern grass skinks, considered 'At Risk – Declining' in New Zealand, within the project boundary he said. 'It is expected that there are more, and we are preparing plans for finding and relocating up to 140 of these skinks during construction.' NZTA has also been working with Environment Canterbury to provide enhanced habitat for bird nesting ahead of the breeding season, particularly for the threatened, black-billed gull (tarāpuka), away from the project area and ahead of construction starting. Three existing, raised gravel islands in the river around the SH1 bridge have been identified as suitable habitat for nesting birds, and NZTA has started clearing the islands of vegetation and debris downstream of the bridge. NZTA staff will provide an update on the Ashburton Second Urban Bridge project at the council meeting on August 20. A public update on the project will take place on September 11 from 3:30-6:30pm at the Event Space at Te Whare Whakatere, Ashburton Library and Civic Centre. NZTA will run the information session for the public to come and see the plans and ask questions.
The National
14-07-2025
- Business
- The National
Here's how a wealth tax on Scotland's luxury properties could work
Writing in The National, Craig Dalzell said that the Scottish Government's refusal to reform Council Tax for a decade is 'completely unacceptable' when there is a simple solution. He argued that the current system is 'outdated and badly broken', and that as well as reforming how local authorities are funded, it would place most of the tax burden on those with more expensive homes. Currently, Council Tax bands are based on property values from April 1991, but house prices in some areas have since surged. The Scottish Government recently said that there is no 'political consensus' to undertake a revaluation of those bands. READ MORE: James McMurdock MP worked for bank while 'claiming Covid loans' Dalzell argues that instead of the current system, local authorities should tax properties on a percentage of the market value. The Property Tax would generate millions from estates and plush mansions across Scotland, as well as those who own more than one property. And, extending this Property Tax to include estates and land could work as an additional wealth tax. A rate of 0.63 per cent, when Common Weal produced a paper on the issue, would "have been revenue neutral compared to Council Tax", Dalzell said. This would mean a tax cut for eight out of 10 households in Scotland, Dalzell claimed, 'as the burden of paying the tax would be placed more fairly on those who lived in the most expensive houses'. 'We calculated that the 'break even' point then would have been a house worth something like £400,000. This is based on a flat rate of tax, too,' Dalzell writes. 'We would argue that councils should have the power to add progressive rates on extremely valuable properties, such as £1 million-plus mansions or, as is the case with the current Council Tax, additional multipliers for multiple home ownership. 'This would immediately act as a wealth tax both on the most expensive properties but also on multiple property ownership.' Council Tax is currently paid by those who occupy the property, many of whom are tenants. Dalzell argues that property owners should pay up instead and tenants would only pay a basic rate. 'Landlords would have to pay any multiple ownership surcharges themselves,' he added. READ MORE: Inside the Scottish Greens leadership contest Extending this Property Tax to include land around large properties could bring in an additional £450m a year, Dalzell says. 'This could be adjusted down to account for subsidies for small farms, or up to better tax the 422 people who own half of Scotland,' he said. 'One of the major advantages of both of these taxes – one that negates objections from both the UK and Scottish Government whenever taxes on the wealth have been suggested – is that they completely bypass the idea that the rich will simply leave the country. 'Recent studies have shown that the idea of 'millionaire flight' basically isn't a thing.'
The Advertiser
12-06-2025
- The Advertiser
Victims at risk as cops waver on warning about abusers
Failing to alert victims about the release of their abusers from jail is putting lives at risk, a domestic violence advocate warns. A state coroner recommended victims be given at least 48 hours' notice before violent partners are released from custody. It follows an inquest into the 2020 death of Noeline Dalzell, who was fatally stabbed by her abusive ex-partner in front of their three children. The proposal has drawn criticism from Victoria's police union, which says officers should be focused on responding to family violence incidents, not delivering release notifications from behind a desk. Swinburne sexual violence expert Rachael Burgin said the recommendation reflected the bare minimum of police responsibility, saying "the most fundamental job of police is to protect and serve". She said timely information was crucial for victims, so they can plan for their safety and access support from family violence services. "We cannot continue to see women and children's safety be at risk because of challenges like resourcing," Dr Burgin told AAP. "I would expect police in their role to protect and serve the community, would be taking this very seriously." State Coroner John Cain in November found police missed opportunities to protect Ms Dalzell before she was murdered by James Fairhall. Fairhall was released from custody three months earlier for breaching a family violence intervention order designed to protect Ms Dalzell. He is now serving a 25-year sentence for her murder. Among 11 recommendations, Judge Cain echoed calls from the 2016 Royal Commission into Family Violence for an improved information-sharing system between agencies. He also called on police to carry out an independent review of its family violence units, saying investigators' actions fell short of best practice. Victims are only notified about their abusers' movements if they opt-in to an alert system through the Victorian Victims Register. The Police Association of Victoria said notifications should sit solely with the Department of Justice and Community Safety. "We don't have enough police to respond to victims of violence when they call us in the first place, let alone committing to further processes that would further diminish our emergency response and preventative abilities, by sending officers out in person to deliver these messages," the union told AAP on Thursday. Victoria Police echoed those sentiments in a letter to the coroner. "We believe it wouldn't be appropriate for Victoria Police to have sole responsibility for notifications in every family violence related case within the Victorian court system," the statement said. The force's stance highlights systemic failure when addressing victim safety, opposition police spokesman David Southwick says. "Victoria Police saying it doesn't have the resources to warn women when violent perpetrators get out of jail shows a failure in the system and a failure of government," Mr Southwick said. A state government spokesperson said it was "completely unacceptable" women were still placed in danger after perpetrators were released from of custody. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) Lifeline 13 11 14 Men's Referral Service 1300 766 491 Failing to alert victims about the release of their abusers from jail is putting lives at risk, a domestic violence advocate warns. A state coroner recommended victims be given at least 48 hours' notice before violent partners are released from custody. It follows an inquest into the 2020 death of Noeline Dalzell, who was fatally stabbed by her abusive ex-partner in front of their three children. The proposal has drawn criticism from Victoria's police union, which says officers should be focused on responding to family violence incidents, not delivering release notifications from behind a desk. Swinburne sexual violence expert Rachael Burgin said the recommendation reflected the bare minimum of police responsibility, saying "the most fundamental job of police is to protect and serve". She said timely information was crucial for victims, so they can plan for their safety and access support from family violence services. "We cannot continue to see women and children's safety be at risk because of challenges like resourcing," Dr Burgin told AAP. "I would expect police in their role to protect and serve the community, would be taking this very seriously." State Coroner John Cain in November found police missed opportunities to protect Ms Dalzell before she was murdered by James Fairhall. Fairhall was released from custody three months earlier for breaching a family violence intervention order designed to protect Ms Dalzell. He is now serving a 25-year sentence for her murder. Among 11 recommendations, Judge Cain echoed calls from the 2016 Royal Commission into Family Violence for an improved information-sharing system between agencies. He also called on police to carry out an independent review of its family violence units, saying investigators' actions fell short of best practice. Victims are only notified about their abusers' movements if they opt-in to an alert system through the Victorian Victims Register. The Police Association of Victoria said notifications should sit solely with the Department of Justice and Community Safety. "We don't have enough police to respond to victims of violence when they call us in the first place, let alone committing to further processes that would further diminish our emergency response and preventative abilities, by sending officers out in person to deliver these messages," the union told AAP on Thursday. Victoria Police echoed those sentiments in a letter to the coroner. "We believe it wouldn't be appropriate for Victoria Police to have sole responsibility for notifications in every family violence related case within the Victorian court system," the statement said. The force's stance highlights systemic failure when addressing victim safety, opposition police spokesman David Southwick says. "Victoria Police saying it doesn't have the resources to warn women when violent perpetrators get out of jail shows a failure in the system and a failure of government," Mr Southwick said. A state government spokesperson said it was "completely unacceptable" women were still placed in danger after perpetrators were released from of custody. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) Lifeline 13 11 14 Men's Referral Service 1300 766 491 Failing to alert victims about the release of their abusers from jail is putting lives at risk, a domestic violence advocate warns. A state coroner recommended victims be given at least 48 hours' notice before violent partners are released from custody. It follows an inquest into the 2020 death of Noeline Dalzell, who was fatally stabbed by her abusive ex-partner in front of their three children. The proposal has drawn criticism from Victoria's police union, which says officers should be focused on responding to family violence incidents, not delivering release notifications from behind a desk. Swinburne sexual violence expert Rachael Burgin said the recommendation reflected the bare minimum of police responsibility, saying "the most fundamental job of police is to protect and serve". She said timely information was crucial for victims, so they can plan for their safety and access support from family violence services. "We cannot continue to see women and children's safety be at risk because of challenges like resourcing," Dr Burgin told AAP. "I would expect police in their role to protect and serve the community, would be taking this very seriously." State Coroner John Cain in November found police missed opportunities to protect Ms Dalzell before she was murdered by James Fairhall. Fairhall was released from custody three months earlier for breaching a family violence intervention order designed to protect Ms Dalzell. He is now serving a 25-year sentence for her murder. Among 11 recommendations, Judge Cain echoed calls from the 2016 Royal Commission into Family Violence for an improved information-sharing system between agencies. He also called on police to carry out an independent review of its family violence units, saying investigators' actions fell short of best practice. Victims are only notified about their abusers' movements if they opt-in to an alert system through the Victorian Victims Register. The Police Association of Victoria said notifications should sit solely with the Department of Justice and Community Safety. "We don't have enough police to respond to victims of violence when they call us in the first place, let alone committing to further processes that would further diminish our emergency response and preventative abilities, by sending officers out in person to deliver these messages," the union told AAP on Thursday. Victoria Police echoed those sentiments in a letter to the coroner. "We believe it wouldn't be appropriate for Victoria Police to have sole responsibility for notifications in every family violence related case within the Victorian court system," the statement said. The force's stance highlights systemic failure when addressing victim safety, opposition police spokesman David Southwick says. "Victoria Police saying it doesn't have the resources to warn women when violent perpetrators get out of jail shows a failure in the system and a failure of government," Mr Southwick said. A state government spokesperson said it was "completely unacceptable" women were still placed in danger after perpetrators were released from of custody. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) Lifeline 13 11 14 Men's Referral Service 1300 766 491 Failing to alert victims about the release of their abusers from jail is putting lives at risk, a domestic violence advocate warns. A state coroner recommended victims be given at least 48 hours' notice before violent partners are released from custody. It follows an inquest into the 2020 death of Noeline Dalzell, who was fatally stabbed by her abusive ex-partner in front of their three children. The proposal has drawn criticism from Victoria's police union, which says officers should be focused on responding to family violence incidents, not delivering release notifications from behind a desk. Swinburne sexual violence expert Rachael Burgin said the recommendation reflected the bare minimum of police responsibility, saying "the most fundamental job of police is to protect and serve". She said timely information was crucial for victims, so they can plan for their safety and access support from family violence services. "We cannot continue to see women and children's safety be at risk because of challenges like resourcing," Dr Burgin told AAP. "I would expect police in their role to protect and serve the community, would be taking this very seriously." State Coroner John Cain in November found police missed opportunities to protect Ms Dalzell before she was murdered by James Fairhall. Fairhall was released from custody three months earlier for breaching a family violence intervention order designed to protect Ms Dalzell. He is now serving a 25-year sentence for her murder. Among 11 recommendations, Judge Cain echoed calls from the 2016 Royal Commission into Family Violence for an improved information-sharing system between agencies. He also called on police to carry out an independent review of its family violence units, saying investigators' actions fell short of best practice. Victims are only notified about their abusers' movements if they opt-in to an alert system through the Victorian Victims Register. The Police Association of Victoria said notifications should sit solely with the Department of Justice and Community Safety. "We don't have enough police to respond to victims of violence when they call us in the first place, let alone committing to further processes that would further diminish our emergency response and preventative abilities, by sending officers out in person to deliver these messages," the union told AAP on Thursday. Victoria Police echoed those sentiments in a letter to the coroner. "We believe it wouldn't be appropriate for Victoria Police to have sole responsibility for notifications in every family violence related case within the Victorian court system," the statement said. The force's stance highlights systemic failure when addressing victim safety, opposition police spokesman David Southwick says. "Victoria Police saying it doesn't have the resources to warn women when violent perpetrators get out of jail shows a failure in the system and a failure of government," Mr Southwick said. A state government spokesperson said it was "completely unacceptable" women were still placed in danger after perpetrators were released from of custody. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) Lifeline 13 11 14 Men's Referral Service 1300 766 491
Perth Now
12-06-2025
- Perth Now
Police slam call to alert victims of abuser's release
Police should be responding to family violence incidents, not stuck behind a desk delivering news to victims that abusers are being released from custody, a union says. Victoria's police union has slammed a recommendation from State Coroner John Cain that officers warn victims when perpetrators were getting out of jail or about their court outcomes. The recommendation was made following an inquest into the 2020 death of Noeline Dalzell, who was fatally stabbed by her abusive ex-partner in front of their three children. Judge Cain in November found police missed opportunities to protect Ms Dalzell before she was murdered by James Fairhall. Fairhall had been released from custody three months earlier for breaching a family violence intervention order designed to protect Ms Dalzell. He is now serving a 25-year sentence for her murder. Among his 11 recommendations, Judge Cain echoed calls from the 2016 Royal Commission into Family Violence for an improved information-sharing system between agencies. He also called on Victoria Police to carry out an independent review of its family violence units, saying investigators' actions fell short of best practice. Currently, victims are only notified about their abusers' movements if they opt-in to an alert system through the Victorian Victims Register. At the time of the report's release, Ms Dalzell's brother Malcolm and sister-in-law Jenny said the government had to implement the recommendations in full. "The state coroner has given government a road map forward, which if implemented, can help avoid our suffering being repeated," the couple said in a statement. The Police Association of Victoria said notifications should sit solely with the Department of Justice and Community Safety, allowing more police on the streets. "We don't have enough police to respond to victims of violence when they call us in the first place, let alone committing to further processes that would further diminish our emergency response and preventative abilities, by sending officers out in person to deliver these messages," the union told AAP on Thursday. "These perpetrators are leaving jails, not police stations. The responsibility for notifications should sit with the department that runs those facilities." Victoria Police echoed those sentiments in a letter to the coroner rejecting the recommendation. "We believe it wouldn't be appropriate for Victoria Police to have sole responsibility for notifications in every family violence related case within the Victorian court system," the statement said. "In some instances, there are other agencies involved who might be better placed to provide timely notifications of court outcomes or prison releases. "Last year alone, we arrested more than 30,000 offenders - that's about 84 a day, or one every 17 minutes." 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) Lifeline 13 11 14 Men's Referral Service 1300 766 491
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Keir Starmer pushes John Swinney to re-open Scottish steel plants
The Prime Minister has said he was "horrified" when he discovered the Clydebridge and Dalzell mills in Lanarkshire were mothballed. The news follows the UK-US deal which removed tariffs on metals exported to the US. Keir Starmer has accused the SNP of negotiating a "bad deal" which he claims has failed to secure work for the Lanarkshire sites which represent the remnants of Scotland's once booming steel industry. Both the Lanarkshire steelworks are currently mothballed with workers either on care and maintenance duties or on furlough. Dalzell and Clydebridge mills are controlled by the GFG Alliance which is run by Indian metals tycoon Sanjeev Gupta. The Scottish Government supported the businessman to buy the mills through a £7 million loan back in 2016, however, Mr Gupta is now facing various legal claims and criminal prosecution for failing to file his accounts on time. It was reported last year that liberty House CEO Mr Gupta was facing prosecution for failing to file accounts for more than 70 companies registered in the UK. In a column for The Sunday Times, the Prime Minister wrote: "This Labour Government will always support our proud steel industry. So I'm horrified the Dalzell and Clydebridge steelworks are lying mothballed, with workers on furlough. "All because the SNP negotiated a bad deal and has no industrial strategy to bring work to those mills. We're standing up for Scottish steel, now John Swinney needs to step in and get those plants up and running again." The comments from the PM comes after, last week, the UK announced last a trade deal with the US which is hoped to boost steel production across the country. "I'm proud we've secured a deal that slashes tariffs on the steel and aluminium industries to zero," Starmer added in his column. READ MORE: Swinney: Independence will be 'central' to SNP 2026 election campaign Assisted Dying supporters confident as vote edges closer However, SNP MP Pete Wishart has said successive UK governments failed to help save Dalzell, Lochaber aluminium smelter and the Grangemouth oil refinery. Mr Wishart said: "The audacity of Keir Starmer to attempt to wash over the UK government's betrayal of Scottish industry is insulting. "They put emergency support in for Scunthorpe steelworks and deliberately legislated to exclude Scotland and therefore, Dalzell works from any such help, now or in the future. He added: "Like the Tories, Labour are making it abundantly clear that Scotland will always be an afterthought for Westminster ? the SNP is the only party that will always be on Scotland's side."
