Latest news with #YasminCatley
Sydney Morning Herald
2 days ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Eastern suburbs lotto: Drug diversion scheme differs wildly across postcodes
Uptake even fluctuated dramatically between neighbouring PACs. For example, officers stationed in the Eastern Suburbs PAC, covering areas north and west of Bronte, diverted people onto the scheme in less than 6 per cent of instances, compared with 26 per cent at Eastern Beaches, which covers Clovelly through to Little Bay. Low-level drug users were more likely to receive a fine in areas known for hosting music festivals: Sydney Olympic Park and Centennial Park, both of which host a number of festivals every year, fall within the remit of Auburn, which had the highest diversion rate in NSW of 32 per cent, and Eastern Beaches PAC, respectively. The type of drug users were caught with also proved hugely influential in whether they were issued a fine. About 23 per cent of people caught with cocaine and 29 per cent of those caught with MDMA avoided court, compared with 3 per cent with meth and 2 per cent with heroin. While the proportion of cannabis users diverted through the scheme appeared to be low, they are predominantly dealt with under the state's Cannabis Cautioning Scheme, in operation since 2000. About 37 per cent of users receive a caution under that scheme, according to 2023 Bureau of Crime and Statistics & Research analysis, although that figure has fallen over the past 20 years. Loading More than 11,000 officers have completed training on the court diversion scheme, according to police data provided to parliament. Acknowledging during budget estimates in March that the EDDI was 'not achieving what we want it to achieve', Police Minister Yasmin Catley foreshadowed changes to the scheme but declined to provide details. 'As police have described to me, we need to make some changes,' she said. 'Police have never opposed this. This is something that we're happy to work together on. From the Drug Summit, we'll see some changes, but police are certainly supportive of some changes to be made to EDDI.' It is four months since the co-chairs of the Drug Summit handed the government their final report. The state government is yet to respond to its 56 recommendations, although Health Minister Ryan Park said in late June it would do so this year 'as requested by the co-chairs'. The report recommended broadening the EDDI's eligibility criteria, including addressing restrictions on possession of multiple drugs, criminal history and threshold quantities. It also recommended limiting police discretion and 'ensuring a clear monitoring and evaluation framework'. Catley told the Herald the scheme was being considered alongside the Drug Summit recommendations, which the government will respond to 'in the coming weeks'. 'Make no mistake – drugs are illegal and cause widespread harm in our community,' she said, describing the diversion as giving police 'another way to address low-level drug possession'. 'We want this scheme to work and see more people complete health interventions,' she said. Faehrmann said the drug diversion laws had been an 'abject failure', claiming the number of people still being charged demonstrated the discretion provided to police was the scheme's fundamental problem. 'It's incredibly frustrating that thousands of people are still being sent to court for minor drug possession each year while recommendations for reform from the Drug Summit have been sitting on the premier's desk for months,' she said.
The Age
2 days ago
- The Age
Eastern suburbs lotto: Drug diversion scheme differs wildly across postcodes
Uptake even fluctuated dramatically between neighbouring PACs. For example, officers stationed in the Eastern Suburbs PAC, covering areas north and west of Bronte, diverted people onto the scheme in less than 6 per cent of instances, compared with 26 per cent at Eastern Beaches, which covers Clovelly through to Little Bay. Low-level drug users were more likely to receive a fine in areas known for hosting music festivals: Sydney Olympic Park and Centennial Park, both of which host a number of festivals every year, fall within the remit of Auburn, which had the highest diversion rate in NSW of 32 per cent, and Eastern Beaches PAC, respectively. The type of drug users were caught with also proved hugely influential in whether they were issued a fine. About 23 per cent of people caught with cocaine and 29 per cent of those caught with MDMA avoided court, compared with 3 per cent with meth and 2 per cent with heroin. While the proportion of cannabis users diverted through the scheme appeared to be low, they are predominantly dealt with under the state's Cannabis Cautioning Scheme, in operation since 2000. About 37 per cent of users receive a caution under that scheme, according to 2023 Bureau of Crime and Statistics & Research analysis, although that figure has fallen over the past 20 years. Loading More than 11,000 officers have completed training on the court diversion scheme, according to police data provided to parliament. Acknowledging during budget estimates in March that the EDDI was 'not achieving what we want it to achieve', Police Minister Yasmin Catley foreshadowed changes to the scheme but declined to provide details. 'As police have described to me, we need to make some changes,' she said. 'Police have never opposed this. This is something that we're happy to work together on. From the Drug Summit, we'll see some changes, but police are certainly supportive of some changes to be made to EDDI.' It is four months since the co-chairs of the Drug Summit handed the government their final report. The state government is yet to respond to its 56 recommendations, although Health Minister Ryan Park said in late June it would do so this year 'as requested by the co-chairs'. The report recommended broadening the EDDI's eligibility criteria, including addressing restrictions on possession of multiple drugs, criminal history and threshold quantities. It also recommended limiting police discretion and 'ensuring a clear monitoring and evaluation framework'. Catley told the Herald the scheme was being considered alongside the Drug Summit recommendations, which the government will respond to 'in the coming weeks'. 'Make no mistake – drugs are illegal and cause widespread harm in our community,' she said, describing the diversion as giving police 'another way to address low-level drug possession'. 'We want this scheme to work and see more people complete health interventions,' she said. Faehrmann said the drug diversion laws had been an 'abject failure', claiming the number of people still being charged demonstrated the discretion provided to police was the scheme's fundamental problem. 'It's incredibly frustrating that thousands of people are still being sent to court for minor drug possession each year while recommendations for reform from the Drug Summit have been sitting on the premier's desk for months,' she said.
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
Major step forward for Broadmeadow precinct: 3200 homes to be built
The Broadmeadow precinct has taken a major step forward with the completion of the state-led rezoning of the first four government-owned sites. It marks the beginning of the most significant urban renewal project to be undertaken in Greater Newcastle, which will occur progressively over the next 30 years. New planning controls will enable up to 3200 homes to be built on government-owned land, including five to 10 per cent affordable housing, while supporting up to 2350 new construction jobs. "This rezoning is a huge win for the Hunter and marks another important step towards making this major project a reality," Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said. "People have been waiting a long time for clarity around this site. The community has been calling for certainty and that's exactly what we're delivering today. This project isn't just about building homes; it will also create thousands of new jobs for our region." The Hunter Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) will be the delivery co-ordination agency and will support the transformation of the 313-hectare precinct into a vibrant community with services and access to entertainment and sporting facilities. The completion of the rezoning for the four state-owned sites (Go Karts and stadium forecourt, Newcastle Showground, Basketball Stadium and PCYC and the Locomitive Heritage Park) comes less than a month after the Property Council called for the finalisation of the precinct's stage 1 rezoning, the commitment of critical funding, and the appointment of a dedicated agency to coordinate delivery. The rezoning will preserve significant heritage sites and deliver new public and green spaces, as well as new pedestrian and transport links to connect to surrounding areas, including Broadmeadow Train Station. The Newcastle Herald reported last month that a new Newcastle Entertainment Centre, considered to be the centrepiece of the precinct, had been listed in the planning section of the NSW Infrastructure Pipeline website. The pipeline provides a forward view of state government infrastructure that is under development. It includes infrastructure projects with a minimum capital value of $50 million that the government has committed to commence planning for. A newly released artist's impression shows the entertainment centre located adjacent to Hunter Stadium. "Broadmeadow is about to enter an exciting new chapter. This rezoning will help deliver new homes, including much-needed affordable housing, and jobs right in the heart of Greater Newcastle," Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said. "The NSW government is working to provide new well-located homes for Broadmeadow, which will deliver new jobs and an economic boost in the Hunter region. The Broadmeadow Place Strategy, approved earlier this year and jointly delivered by the state government and the City of Newcastle, will guide new development in the precinct. HCCDC will now prepare an infrastructure delivery plan for the rezoned land, in collaboration with the City of Newcastle and other relevant state government agencies. Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp said the renewal would breathe new life into Greater Newcastle. "Locals will be able to live, work and play in a community that's vibrant, sustainable, and well-connected," he said. "This project will create thousands of jobs for our region, both during construction and over the long term, bringing new energy and opportunity to Broadmeadow. It's about investing in our future and creating a thriving, connected community." The Broadmeadow precinct has taken a major step forward with the completion of the state-led rezoning of the first four government-owned sites. It marks the beginning of the most significant urban renewal project to be undertaken in Greater Newcastle, which will occur progressively over the next 30 years. New planning controls will enable up to 3200 homes to be built on government-owned land, including five to 10 per cent affordable housing, while supporting up to 2350 new construction jobs. "This rezoning is a huge win for the Hunter and marks another important step towards making this major project a reality," Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said. "People have been waiting a long time for clarity around this site. The community has been calling for certainty and that's exactly what we're delivering today. This project isn't just about building homes; it will also create thousands of new jobs for our region." The Hunter Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) will be the delivery co-ordination agency and will support the transformation of the 313-hectare precinct into a vibrant community with services and access to entertainment and sporting facilities. The completion of the rezoning for the four state-owned sites (Go Karts and stadium forecourt, Newcastle Showground, Basketball Stadium and PCYC and the Locomitive Heritage Park) comes less than a month after the Property Council called for the finalisation of the precinct's stage 1 rezoning, the commitment of critical funding, and the appointment of a dedicated agency to coordinate delivery. The rezoning will preserve significant heritage sites and deliver new public and green spaces, as well as new pedestrian and transport links to connect to surrounding areas, including Broadmeadow Train Station. The Newcastle Herald reported last month that a new Newcastle Entertainment Centre, considered to be the centrepiece of the precinct, had been listed in the planning section of the NSW Infrastructure Pipeline website. The pipeline provides a forward view of state government infrastructure that is under development. It includes infrastructure projects with a minimum capital value of $50 million that the government has committed to commence planning for. A newly released artist's impression shows the entertainment centre located adjacent to Hunter Stadium. "Broadmeadow is about to enter an exciting new chapter. This rezoning will help deliver new homes, including much-needed affordable housing, and jobs right in the heart of Greater Newcastle," Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said. "The NSW government is working to provide new well-located homes for Broadmeadow, which will deliver new jobs and an economic boost in the Hunter region. The Broadmeadow Place Strategy, approved earlier this year and jointly delivered by the state government and the City of Newcastle, will guide new development in the precinct. HCCDC will now prepare an infrastructure delivery plan for the rezoned land, in collaboration with the City of Newcastle and other relevant state government agencies. Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp said the renewal would breathe new life into Greater Newcastle. "Locals will be able to live, work and play in a community that's vibrant, sustainable, and well-connected," he said. "This project will create thousands of jobs for our region, both during construction and over the long term, bringing new energy and opportunity to Broadmeadow. It's about investing in our future and creating a thriving, connected community." The Broadmeadow precinct has taken a major step forward with the completion of the state-led rezoning of the first four government-owned sites. It marks the beginning of the most significant urban renewal project to be undertaken in Greater Newcastle, which will occur progressively over the next 30 years. New planning controls will enable up to 3200 homes to be built on government-owned land, including five to 10 per cent affordable housing, while supporting up to 2350 new construction jobs. "This rezoning is a huge win for the Hunter and marks another important step towards making this major project a reality," Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said. "People have been waiting a long time for clarity around this site. The community has been calling for certainty and that's exactly what we're delivering today. This project isn't just about building homes; it will also create thousands of new jobs for our region." The Hunter Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) will be the delivery co-ordination agency and will support the transformation of the 313-hectare precinct into a vibrant community with services and access to entertainment and sporting facilities. The completion of the rezoning for the four state-owned sites (Go Karts and stadium forecourt, Newcastle Showground, Basketball Stadium and PCYC and the Locomitive Heritage Park) comes less than a month after the Property Council called for the finalisation of the precinct's stage 1 rezoning, the commitment of critical funding, and the appointment of a dedicated agency to coordinate delivery. The rezoning will preserve significant heritage sites and deliver new public and green spaces, as well as new pedestrian and transport links to connect to surrounding areas, including Broadmeadow Train Station. The Newcastle Herald reported last month that a new Newcastle Entertainment Centre, considered to be the centrepiece of the precinct, had been listed in the planning section of the NSW Infrastructure Pipeline website. The pipeline provides a forward view of state government infrastructure that is under development. It includes infrastructure projects with a minimum capital value of $50 million that the government has committed to commence planning for. A newly released artist's impression shows the entertainment centre located adjacent to Hunter Stadium. "Broadmeadow is about to enter an exciting new chapter. This rezoning will help deliver new homes, including much-needed affordable housing, and jobs right in the heart of Greater Newcastle," Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said. "The NSW government is working to provide new well-located homes for Broadmeadow, which will deliver new jobs and an economic boost in the Hunter region. The Broadmeadow Place Strategy, approved earlier this year and jointly delivered by the state government and the City of Newcastle, will guide new development in the precinct. HCCDC will now prepare an infrastructure delivery plan for the rezoned land, in collaboration with the City of Newcastle and other relevant state government agencies. Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp said the renewal would breathe new life into Greater Newcastle. "Locals will be able to live, work and play in a community that's vibrant, sustainable, and well-connected," he said. "This project will create thousands of jobs for our region, both during construction and over the long term, bringing new energy and opportunity to Broadmeadow. It's about investing in our future and creating a thriving, connected community." The Broadmeadow precinct has taken a major step forward with the completion of the state-led rezoning of the first four government-owned sites. It marks the beginning of the most significant urban renewal project to be undertaken in Greater Newcastle, which will occur progressively over the next 30 years. New planning controls will enable up to 3200 homes to be built on government-owned land, including five to 10 per cent affordable housing, while supporting up to 2350 new construction jobs. "This rezoning is a huge win for the Hunter and marks another important step towards making this major project a reality," Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said. "People have been waiting a long time for clarity around this site. The community has been calling for certainty and that's exactly what we're delivering today. This project isn't just about building homes; it will also create thousands of new jobs for our region." The Hunter Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) will be the delivery co-ordination agency and will support the transformation of the 313-hectare precinct into a vibrant community with services and access to entertainment and sporting facilities. The completion of the rezoning for the four state-owned sites (Go Karts and stadium forecourt, Newcastle Showground, Basketball Stadium and PCYC and the Locomitive Heritage Park) comes less than a month after the Property Council called for the finalisation of the precinct's stage 1 rezoning, the commitment of critical funding, and the appointment of a dedicated agency to coordinate delivery. The rezoning will preserve significant heritage sites and deliver new public and green spaces, as well as new pedestrian and transport links to connect to surrounding areas, including Broadmeadow Train Station. The Newcastle Herald reported last month that a new Newcastle Entertainment Centre, considered to be the centrepiece of the precinct, had been listed in the planning section of the NSW Infrastructure Pipeline website. The pipeline provides a forward view of state government infrastructure that is under development. It includes infrastructure projects with a minimum capital value of $50 million that the government has committed to commence planning for. A newly released artist's impression shows the entertainment centre located adjacent to Hunter Stadium. "Broadmeadow is about to enter an exciting new chapter. This rezoning will help deliver new homes, including much-needed affordable housing, and jobs right in the heart of Greater Newcastle," Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said. "The NSW government is working to provide new well-located homes for Broadmeadow, which will deliver new jobs and an economic boost in the Hunter region. The Broadmeadow Place Strategy, approved earlier this year and jointly delivered by the state government and the City of Newcastle, will guide new development in the precinct. HCCDC will now prepare an infrastructure delivery plan for the rezoned land, in collaboration with the City of Newcastle and other relevant state government agencies. Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp said the renewal would breathe new life into Greater Newcastle. "Locals will be able to live, work and play in a community that's vibrant, sustainable, and well-connected," he said. "This project will create thousands of jobs for our region, both during construction and over the long term, bringing new energy and opportunity to Broadmeadow. It's about investing in our future and creating a thriving, connected community."
Daily Mail
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Former Greens candidate horrifically injured during arrest at pro-Palestine protest hits out at NSW Premier from her hospital bed
A former Greens candidate, who was left with a serious eye injury after being arrested by police at a pro-Palestine rally has unleashed at NSW Premier Chris Minns. Hannah Thomas has undergone surgery following the injury suffered during the protest in Sydney's south-west, outside Lakemba business, SEC Plating, which the Greens have accused of supplying materials used by the Israeli military. Ms Thomas, who challenged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in the seat of Grayndler at the last election, is at risk of losing vision in her right eye, following the clash with police. She has since issued with a court attendance notice by police and charged with hinder/resist police and refuse/fail to comply with direction to disperse. She is expected to appear in Bankstown Local Court on August 12. 'I just wanted to say thanks so much for the overwhelming support I've received... I've been lucky to be looked after so well by the staff at the hospital,' she said from her hospital bed on Sunday. 'I don't want to go into too much detail about the traumatic events on Friday, but, I'm 5'1' and I weigh 45kg. I was engaged in a peaceful protest and the actions of NSW Police have left me potentially without vision in my right eye permanently. 'This is because of Chris Minns and (police minister) Yasmin Catley and their draconian anti-protest laws. 'The anti-protest laws aren't just a threat to people protesting for Palestine, but for any person who wants a safer world for all of us.' Police issued a move-on direction to the group of around 50 protestors at about 5.35am on Friday to disrupt the alleged unauthorised protest. The NSW Greens claimed Lakemba business was involved in the supply chain to make Israeli fighter jets. Ms Thomas allegedly refused to comply with the order and sustained facial injuries when she was arrested before being taken to Bankstown Hospital for treatment. A photo of Ms Thomas on Saturday showed the severity of her injuries, with her entire right eye closed, swollen and bloody, while she sat in the back of an ambulance. The right side of her face was also covered in blood while her eye was black. NSW Greens MP Sue Higginson wrote to NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb and Police Minister Yasmin Catley to complain about the actions of the officers at the rally. 'I am writing to you to express my deep concern that no critical incident has been declared following the (alleged) assault by NSW Police against a community member at a public assembly in Belmore,' Ms Higginson wrote. 'As you know, a critical incident is an incident involving a NSW police officer that results in the death or serious injury of a person. 'Having witnessed the grievous injuries (allegedly) caused by the police to Hannah Thomas, spoken to on ground witnesses who witnessed what occurred and with the knowledge that Hannah has experienced serious injuries and hospitalisation, I am calling for a critical incident to be declared urgently.' Four others were arrested and charged during the protest, including a 24-year-old man who was allegedly found in possession of a stolen police body-worn camera. Police said the camera was stolen by an unknown protester during a scuffle and was tracked to the 24-year-old's location. It is not clear exactly what caused Ms Thomas' injuries but doctors are reportedly fearing she may not regain sight in her right eye. The Greens meanwhile have said they have spoken with lawyers to potentially represent Ms Thomas and the other protesters who were arrested during the incident. Ms Thomas has attended anti-Israel protests in the past, having called on Australia to impose sanctions on Israel, whose government she accused of genocide. She was among dozens of demonstrators who descended on Albanese's electorate office to demand action after Greta Thunberg's 'Freedom Flotilla' was seized by Israeli defence forces earlier this month. A spokesperson for NSW Police previously told Daily Mail Australia: '[Ms Thomas] sustained facial injuries while being arrested for allegedly failing to comply with a police direction and the arrest was discontinued and (she) was taken to Bankstown hospital for treatment.'
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Staff front 'kangaroo court' probe after arrest threat
Senior government staff have faced terse questions over the passage of anti-protest and hate speech laws after threats they could be arrested for refusing to front an inquiry. NSW Premier Chris Minns' chief of staff James Cullen, his deputies and two senior staff for Police Minister Yasmin Catley showed up on Friday after being summoned to appear earlier in June. The parliamentary inquiry is probing the swift introduction of laws in February after the discovery of a caravan at Dural, on Sydney's outskirts, containing explosives and a list of Jewish sites. Mr Minns and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese initially labelled the caravan incident a thwarted terror attack in late January when a media leak disclosed the earlier caravan find. But inquiry chair Rod Roberts on Friday criticised the terrorism label, saying it would have led to fear and consternation in the community. "I can't see how the premier standing in front of a press conference saying there is no other alternative to terrorism provided any calm to anybody," the independent MP said. It later emerged the caravan was thought to be part of what investigators labelled a "criminal con job" that was staged in an attempt to gain leverage with police. Senior NSW police told the inquiry in April they believed it was a ruse virtually from the outset. Controversial laws that passed parliament included curbs on the right to demonstrate near places of worship. But Mr Cullen, appearing frustrated and occasionally interrupting questions, repeatedly defended the premier's language about the caravan find. "This was not a line dreamt up by the premier," he told the committee inquiry in a tense exchange with Mr Roberts. "It was not a term thrown around lightly at all. "There's a very convenient rewriting of history and squashing of time and concepts." The three pieces of legislation were drafted during a 12-18 month period when there was a marked rise in anti-Semitic incidents, Mr Cullen said. "The relationship that's been constructed by some between the Dural caravan event and those three pieces of legislation is extremely ... unfair." They included graffiti and arson attacks on a synagogue, a preschool's fire-bombing and other incidents in areas with large Jewish populations, all of which had drawn widespread condemnation, he said. Mr Minns - who, along with the police minister, cannot be compelled to appear before the upper house - told reporters his perspective had been "well ventilated". Following news the staffers could face arrest, Mr Minns on Wednesday said they had been summoned to an inquiry that was "close to a kangaroo court". Mr Roberts had addressed five empty chairs a week earlier when the government staffers did not appear, prompting the drastic but legal step of threatening to arrest them. Mr Minns criticised parliamentary "shenanigans" on Friday and said his focus was on supporting the people of NSW.
