It was a collective effort to bring the multicultural safety videos to life
A new series of videos that focus on home fire safety, smoke alarm safety and bushfire safety have been released and are available for all.
Developed jointly with Fire Rescue Victoria, the videos were launched at an event hosted by Wyndham Community Education Centre on Friday 14th March.
Reflecting on his personal experience migrating to Australia more than 20 years ago, Deputy Chief Fire Officer Alen Slijepcevic said that fire safety was often lower down the list of priorities for multicultural communities. “Many recent migrants don’t know what smoke alarms are and probably never had them in their homes.” He said these videos would become a talking point and help communities think about the fire risks in Victoria especially those in the home.
FRV Deputy Commissioner Community Safety Joshua Fischer said it was reassuring that a separate community checking process showed the videos were accurate, simple and easy to understand. These resources aim to make fire safety information as accessible as possible for multicultural communities.
The resources are available year-round on both fire agency websites.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
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Released 07/03/2025
ACT Corrective Services has implemented a comprehensive strategy to prevent, track, and respond to sexual coercion and violence at the Alexander Maconochie Centre. The new plan addresses a recommendation from an independent review, while also reaffirming the ACT Government’s commitment to addressing sexual violence, as well as upholding a safe environment for detainees and staff.
Minister for Corrections, Dr Marisa Paterson, said the strategy aimed to foster a safe, respectful environment for both detainees and staff.
“Sexual coercion or violence has no place in our correctional system. Our main objective of this strategy is to foster a correctional environment where everyone feels safe and respected, whether in our care or in our employment. This strategy is a crucial step in reaching that goal,” Dr Paterson said.
Dr Paterson said the strategy’s focus on prevention, response, and monitoring reflected a proactive approach to tackling sexual coercion and violence in all its forms.
“We are committed to preventing incidents of sexual coercion and violence through education, awareness, and early identification of risks. Staff are trained to respond to disclosures in a trauma-informed, person-centred manner, ensuring that those in the care of corrective services receive the support they need,” she said.
The strategy includes several key initiatives:
Conducting risk assessments during admission to ensure appropriate cell placement.
Informing detainees about our zero-tolerance stance and the disciplinary process.
Ensuring detainees are aware of supports available, including access to police and external reporting agencies.
Offering information and awareness programs on sexual coercion and violence.
Building staff capability to support detainees during disclosures with trauma-informed practices.
Improving record-keeping and data analysis to identify trends and areas for improvement.
Holding perpetrators accountable and prompt disciplinary measures is a core principle of the strategy.
Quotes attributable to Leanne Close, ACT Corrective Services Commissioner:
“ACT Corrective Services takes the issue of sexual coercion and violence very seriously. This strategy has been developed following extensive consultation with experts, staff and detainees, representing a modern, person-centred response to such incidents.
“We know that sexual coercion and violence are among the most underreported crimes in the general community. This is exacerbated in the correctional environment, where organisational and sub-cultural barriers can hinder disclosure.
“This strategy addresses those barriers and reinforces our zero-tolerance approach to sexual coercion and violence. We’re dedicated to continuous improvement and will review the effectiveness of our actions within 12 months of implementation.”
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
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Released 06/03/2025
An inspiring humanitarian leader who has advanced the status of women and girls in Canberra and around the world, Lauren Cannell, has been named the 2025 ACT Woman of the Year.
Mrs Cannell has been recognised for her work as the Chief Executive Officer and founder of Educación Diversa, an international not-for-profit that empowers women and girls through innovative art-based educational programs, campaigns and projects.
Educación Diversa works with children and adolescents both here in the ACT and globally, teaching them about human rights, sexual and reproductive health, and the elimination of violence in accessible ways. Mrs Cannell says her goal is to help young people reach their full potential while also helping to achieve gender equality.
“At Educación Diversa, we use art for accessibility. Typically, in underdeveloped countries, with kids who’ve experienced trauma and/or neglect, we use art as it heals neural pathways, and it means everyone can take part,” Mrs Cannell said.
“Most of us in the humanitarian sector don’t do this work for the recognition, we start our own not-for-profits because we see need. Being a finalist and having a platform to grow awareness is so important because it will help me to expand the program nationally and then internationally.”
Other award recipients include Jayanti Gupta, who has been named ACT Senior Woman of the Year, and Anjali Sharma, who has been named ACT Young Woman of the Year.
As the founder and presenter of the Gender Equity Matters program on 2XX FM, Mrs Gupta has used her platform to highlight issues and achievements relating to gender and women in the ACT. She is also the founder and Chair of the Integrated Women’s Network (IWN), which delivers health and wellbeing workshops, as well as International Women’s Day events.
“Being nominated for the ACT Women’s Award is inspiring and motivates you to do more. Many other women have fought for the rights we have achieved today, so why not pass the good deeds around?” Mrs Gupta said.
Ms Sharma is a climate change activist and role model who has campaigned extensively for environmental reform and justice. She is currently leading a team of young women in Canberra to advocate for and champion the Duty of Care Bill, developing the capacity of young women as climate activists in the ACT.
“One of the goals of advocacy is to spread your message and to know that what you’re doing is reaching communities and people on the ground. While awards are never the purpose of activism, it’s a sign that what we’re doing is working, which is an honour and a privilege,” Ms Sharma said.
The ACT Women’s Awards recognise women and gender diverse people who have made an outstanding contribution to the lives of women and girls in the ACT. Minister for Women, Dr Marisa Paterson MLA, congratulated the award recipients as they were announced at the ACT Women’s Awards event held on 6 March in the lead up to International Women’s Day.
“Congratulations to the inspiring women who have had their names added to the ACT Women’s Honour Roll this year, and to all the finalists for their impressive work,” Minister Paterson said.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have so many exceptional leaders in the ACT dedicated to uplifting and empowering women and girls in our community.
“Achieving gender equality is a top priority for the ACT Government, and this can only be achieved through strong collaboration with non-government organisations, businesses, and the wider community. Awards like this, which recognise leadership in advancing the status of women and girls, are exceptionally important.”
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
ACT is reducing over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait children in out of home care – Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate
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Minister for Children, Youth and Families, Michael Pettersson MLA, said the 2024 Family Matters Report, released by SNAICC on 21 November 2024, highlights progress in addressing the over representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in out of home care.
“Notably, the ACT is one of only two jurisdictions that have reduced the rate of over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in out of home care,” Minister Pettersson said.
“The rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in the ACT in out of home care has decreased from 14 children per 1000 in 2022 to 11.7 in 2023. Contributing to this positive result is the comprehensive reform program being undertaken across the Children, Youth and Families system and the ongoing implementation of the recommendations from the Our Booris Our Way Final Report.”
“The Family Matters report underscores the importance of children growing up safe and cared for within their family, community, and culture. It also provides critical data on children’s interactions with child protection systems and projects future trends in over-representation if current conditions persist.”
“Today also marks a significant moment between the Community Services Directorate and the Our Booris Our Way Implementation Oversight Committee. Both parties will recommit to continued collaboration to implement the recommendations from the Final Report.”
”Our Booris Our Way Implementation Oversight Committee, in partnership with the ACT Government, has worked hard over the last 6 years to drive real and enduring change. Changes that benefit our children and families but will also have a positive impact on the experiences of ALL children and families in the ACT,” said Natalie Brown, Chair of Our Booris Our Way Committee.
Several milestones have been achieved through the partnership between the Our Booris Our Way Implementation Oversight Committee and the ACT Government, including:
Embedding the Child Placement Principle into the Children and Young People Act 2008;
Continued funding of the Care and Protection Legal Advocacy Service;
Commencement of the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People Commissioner.
“Together we must ensure that our children and young people in the Canberra community have greater opportunity to reach their full potential by growing up safe and supported”, Natalie Brown, Chair of Our Booris Our Way Committee said.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
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Released 03/03/2025 – Joint media release
Up to 7,500 households in the nation’s capital will benefit from bill busting energy upgrades, with the Albanese Government investing $12.9 million for rooftop solar and batteries across social housing in the ACT.
The program will bring down energy bills for good using Virtual Power Plants (VPP) to connect and combine renewable energy resources. By joining a VPP, households with solar panels and batteries can access savings on their energy bills.
This is lasting cost of living relief by ensuring some of the most vulnerable households are better insulated from bill shock, with homes that are fitted out to stay cool in the summer and warm in the cold Canberra winters.
The ACT Government will provide a greater weighting through the procurement process for products that are Australian made.
The new funding is part of the Commonwealth’s $500 million expansion of the Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative (SHEPI) and will enable more than 100,000 social housing properties across Australia – almost 25% of the country’s social housing stock – to save on energy bills and reduce emissions.
Upgrades delivered under the Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative could save tenants around $1,800 on their energy bills each year.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen:
“The Albanese Labor Government is bringing down bills for good through the renewable energy transformation.
“While Peter Dutton’s Coalition spruiks a $600 billion nuclear scheme that will prolong coal, make bills more expensive, risk blackouts and shrink our economy, we are delivering the clean, cheap, reliable and resilient energy system that Australians deserve.”
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Josh Wilson:
“Every Australian deserves a home that is safe to live in, comfortable and cheaper to run, and energy efficiency upgrades can make a real difference to these outcomes.
“After the recent hot weather and knowing the challenge of winter is ahead, we’re reminded of just how vital these upgrades are in bringing year-round comfort and lowering bills to some of the most vulnerable households.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Homes and New Suburbs Yvette Berry:
“Every Canberran should have access to safe, secure, and affordable housing.
“Today’s announcement builds on our ongoing commitment to improve the comfort and energy affordability of public housing. Our new public housing builds maximise energy efficiency, including a 6-star energy rating and energy efficient appliances.
“The existing public housing stock is also being upgraded through the Home Energy Support Program, with ceiling insulation and or electrification upgrades already completed in over 2,500 properties since the program began in 2023.
“The latest SHEPI funding marks a further investment in public housing, that is critically important to our community’s overall economic and social wellbeing.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water, Suzanne Orr:
“The ACT Government is committed to ensuring no Canberrans are left behind as we transition to net zero. We welcome this significant further investment by the Australian Government which will see rooftop solar panels and batteries installed at thousands of social housing properties.
“These solar and battery systems will be operated as a Virtual Power Plant, delivering an innovative and long-term solution to reducing electricity costs and supporting grid reliability.”
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
ACT Ambulance Chief Officer retires after over 50 years of service – Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate
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ACT Ambulance Service (ACTAS) Chief Officer Howard Wren will be retiring from his role after over 50 years in the ambulance and healthcare fields.
Chief Officer Wren’s last day in office will be Friday, 28 February 2025. ACTAS General Manager, Clinical Governance Unit, Mr Patrick Meere, will be interim ACTAS Chief Officer while a recruitment process is underway.
Throughout his career Chief Officer Wren’s impact on NSW and ACT healthcare has been significant, leaving a legacy for many years to come. Some of the key initiatives that Chief Officer Wren has been part of include:
Guaranteeing a defibrillator is available in every frontline ambulance
Ensuring effective pain relief is accessible to patients
The education and training of many paramedics
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Dr Marisa Paterson, has paid tribute to Chief Officer Wren for his dedicated service to the Canberra community.
“Chief Officer Wren’s career progression is a remarkable representation of what it means to build from the ground up. His journey as a paramedic reflects an unwavering commitment to his peers and the community.
“The Canberra community is indebted to Chief Officer Wren in leading reform that has set our ambulance service up for years to come.”
Quotes attributable to outgoing ACTAS Chief Officer, Howard Wren:
“When I started my career as a paramedic in 1974, all that was required was to be over 18, have an unrestricted driver’s license and a few first aid certificates. Back then, never did I envision that the service would grow so much, with paramedics now being qualified health professionals.
“This is one of many changes I have witnessed across my five decades of service. Paramedics are now also more gender diverse than they have ever been and are equipped with life-saving tools that just weren’t available 50 years ago. I am proud to have been a part of each change no matter how big or small, helping improve healthcare, not just in the ACT, but across the nation.
“I’m retiring knowing the ACT community is in safe hands. ACTAS truly is one of the most forward-thinking and innovative ambulance services in the country, filled with exceptional people. It has been a privilege to have been a part of this organisation and to have served the Canberra community.
I would like to start by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we meet, the Bundjalung people, and pay my respects to their elders past, present and future.
I would also like to acknowledge Jenni Beetson-Mortimer, CEO of Northern Rivers Community Gateway and Chair of the NSW Financial Inclusion Network – thank you for inviting me, Jenni.
Thank you to all the wonderful presenters, panel members and attendees who join us – there are so many wonderful representatives here today from organisations that provide critical support for our communities.
Well thank you very much to Northern Rivers Community Gateway for inviting me to speak with you all at the 5th Financial Inclusion Conference.
As the Federal Assistant Minister for Social Services and the Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, as well as your local Federal Member for Richmond – it’s wonderful that this important conference could be held right here in beautiful Kingscliff.
I am very much looking forward to the wonderful insights that will be shared over the next two days.
This conference is in fact extremely timely – as many people in our area are now relying on much-needed financial help and support, in the wake of severe weather here on the North Coast.
The severe weather associated with ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred has seriously impacted us here on the North Coast – with much devastation to people, their homes, their livelihoods and their communities.
My office has been one of the main points of contact during this time, fielding calls for help; assisting with disaster payments, insurance claims, grants, emergency housing and getting people to safety.
Recovery is a long process, and the Albanese Government is standing by the people of NSW throughout their journey to rebuild.
That’s why we swiftly activated timely support for the community, through Personal Hardship Assistance, jointly funded with the State Government – the Disaster Recovery Allowance and Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP), to support those impacted.
We know this is particularly important for our most vulnerable and for those on a low-income, who are needing to replace lost or damaged essentials, repair their homes, and of course rebuild their lives.
This support is just part of a suite of comprehensive aid that people will require to get back on their feet, and I will go through some of those other measures shortly.
We know too that this weather event has come at a time where many Australians are already feeling financial pressures.
That’s why there’s never been a more important time to work together – and through the help of organisations and volunteers, such as many of yourselves here today – provide the frontline support that vulnerable Australians need.
The Albanese Government is committed to improving financial wellbeing.
Under the Financial Wellbeing and Capability Activity, which includes Emergency Relief, financial counselling and financial resilience services, we have increased our investment to around $150 million per year.
This funds a range of community organisations across our nation, including many organisations represented here today, to deliver a wide range of supports and services to vulnerable people in need, helping them navigate financial crises, manage financial stress and hardship, and overall, improve financial wellbeing.
Thankfully, through working with over 190 community organisations across the country, we can provide around 430,000 vulnerable Australians with Emergency Relief annually.
And while we are very proud to be providing this funding, it is thanks to the organisations and their volunteers on the ground that so many people receive the support they need, when they need it.
Now, Emergency Relief is not just providing food and water, clothing, fuel and medicine vouchers – but also budgeting assistance and referrals to other services to address underlying causes of financial strain.
We cannot underestimate the negative effects that financial pressures can have on an individual or a family.
Mounting financial pressure puts an extreme strain on a relationship and a family unit.
Sometimes this stress can contribute to higher rates of domestic and family violence, which is particularly compounded in the aftermath of a natural disaster.
That is why financial stability and resilience is so vital.
From 1 July 2025, our government has proudly committed $27.4 million over five years to the National Debt Helpline so any person seeking financial counselling has access to support.
Through the Helpline, which you can call on 1800 007 007, anyone can access a financial counsellor either over the phone or through the web chat.
They can also remain anonymous, should they wish to.
This allows people to access the support they need in a way that best suits them.
As many of you know, financial counsellors support people to build the knowledge and confidence to make informed financial decisions and to advocate for themselves, where it is safe and appropriate to do so.
And this support, support with respect, is so critical.
Because we know the consequences of when people are ill-advised – that sometimes the most vulnerable can fall into a cycle of predatory debt.
That’s why I’m so proud of the No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS), and the role that plays in assisting at-risk individuals to access help through fair and safe loans.
Car repairs, registration, medical and dental costs, and education costs – these are all things that can creep up on a person without warning and send costs spiralling.
Through NILS, people can access loans of up to $3,000 that can be paid over two years with no interest, fees or charges.
We know this can make a world of difference when someone is struggling.
Our government is also investing $51.5 million over 5 years from 1 July 2025 to continue the Saver Plus program, which helps families receive matched savings of up to $500 for education costs for themselves or their children.
This important program, led by the Brotherhood of St Laurence in partnership with ANZ, has helped more than 64,000 Australians save more than $30 million since 2003 – and I understand you will hear more about this successful program throughout this conference.
By supporting people with techniques to manage finances, providing them with incentives to save, and by giving better options to those in need – we are helping to improve lives and helping to build overall financial resilience.
The support that the Northern Rivers Community Gateway, and all other community organisations represented here today provides is incredibly important, and I would like to take a moment to thank you for the great work you have done and will continue to do.
Your support lets people know that they are not alone and that they are valued – at what can often be the most isolating, stressful and daunting time in a person’s life.
As we all navigate financial pressures as well as extreme weather events, let’s keep working together to make our country stronger, and help people become more financially resilient and economically independent.
I ask all of you here today to make use of this conference, to listen and to share your thoughts and ideas on ways forward and next steps.
The NSW Government will crack down on the predatory practice of ‘claim farming’ where vulnerable people are pressured to lodge compensation claims.
Claim farmers often use unethical and high-pressure tactics to target those such as child abuse victim-survivors.
The NSW Government is introducing the Claim Farming Practices Prohibition Bill 2025, to:
prohibit a person from contacting another person to solicit them to make a relevant claim
prohibit a person from buying or selling a relevant claim referral
prevent lawyers who are convicted of these offences from charging legal costs in relation to the claim, and to require them to refund any costs already received.
Claim farmers may obtain someone’s personal information without consent to make unsolicited contact and use high-pressure tactics such as harassment and intimidation.
The practices used by claim farmers can cause distress to victim-survivors who are pressured to lodge civil compensation claims.
Claim farmers charge referral fees to ‘sell’ the claim to a legal practice or another claim farming organisation.
They often make promises about legal entitlements that may not be correct or in the claimant’s best interests.
The bill will prohibit claim farming for personal injury claims under the Civil Liability Act 2002 and arising from intentional torts (intentional acts that result in injury or death).
The Civil Liability Act 2002 applies to many types of claims, including serious injury, medical negligence, and public and product liability.
Intentional torts cover acts such as child abuse, assault and deprivation of liberty.
Existing offences such as fraud will still apply in addition to the claim farming bill. Dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception currently carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment.
Prohibiting claim farming will not prevent abuse victims from bringing a claim for compensation, which can be done by contacting a lawyer directly.
Attorney General Michael Daley said:
“It’s abhorrent that individuals and organisations are seeking to profit off vulnerable people such as victim-survivors of child sexual abuse.
“The NSW Government is listening to advocates who have called for a ban on this predatory and exploitative practice that worsens the trauma experienced by victim-survivors.
“We have carefully consulted with the community and are moving to stop the harm inflicted by this egregious behaviour.”
More vulnerable Australians will soon have better access to essential government services and programs that build their social connections within their own communities.
The Albanese Labor Government is investing $989,000 to bolster neighbourhood houses, neighbourhood centres and community centres across the country.
These community-based organisations provide support to access Federal Government services such as Centrelink and emergency relief in geographically isolated and disadvantaged communities. They also offer programs to help vulnerable Australians better engage with their communities such as digital literacy programs, employment skills and education pathway training, one-on-one coaching, and nutrition and cooking classes.
The Australian Neighbourhood Houses and Centres Association (ANHCA) will use the funding to administer grants of up to $15,000 to eligible organisations to deliver more than 50 community-based projects.
ANHCA is the national peak body representing more than 1,000 neighbourhood houses, neighbourhood centres and community centres around Australia – accessed by more than 400,000 disadvantaged Australians each week.
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth visited Derwent Valley Community House in New Norfolk, Tasmania today. It provides people with information, educational, cultural and social supports and resources including cooking classes, learner driving programs, and help with literacy.
Minister Rishworth said by supporting place-based solutions to addressing disadvantage, we can help build stronger and more resilient communities, and help Australians who need extra support.
“The Albanese Labor Government is pleased to partner with ANHCA to deliver better outcomes for neighbourhood houses and community centres by addressing services gaps identified by the community and removing barriers vulnerable groups face to access support,” Minister Rishworth said.
“ANHCA is well-equipped with the expertise, community knowledge, and sector understanding to ensure that Government funding is being used and delivered where it is needed most.
ANHCA President Liz Bonner said: “This dedicated funding for neighbourhood houses, neighbourhood centres and community centres across Australia is very welcome support for a sector that provides Australia’s essential social infrastructure and contributes so much to social cohesion, at a time when the cost of living pressures are challenging community connection.”
The funding is delivered under the Strong and Resilient Communities – Inclusive Communities (SARC – IC) Activity which is designed to support people on pathways to self-reliance and empowerment through local community-driven solutions. The Government has invested $49.5 million in SARC – IC projects since 2022.
Council last night agreed to request the Minister for Planning to appoint an independent panel to consider submissions received for Planning Scheme Amendment C282gben, which affects all industrial land across Greater Bendigo.
The proposed amendment seeks to provide a clearer policy for all industrial-zoned land, land identified for the proposed Bendigo Regional Employment Precinct.
Amendment C282gben proposes to partially implement the Greater Bendigo Industrial Land Development Strategy 2024 (GBILDS) by making the following changes:
Rezoning 1029 Calder Highway, Maiden Gully from Industrial 1 Zone to Public Conservation and Resource Zone
Introducing the draft Greater Bendigo Industrial Development Guidelines to replace the Good Design for Industry 1997
Making changes to the Municipal Planning Strategy, Planning Policy Framework and Operational Provisions of the Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme
Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said the proposed amendment responded to strong continued demand for larger scale industrial land.
“The region needs to ensure an adequate pipeline of suitably located and adequately sized industrial land to meet long term needs of industry,” Cr Metcalf said.
“This is not only about trying to attract new industry to Greater Bendigo but to retain the many businesses already here that provide local jobs and are looking to expand into the future.
“Several changes are included in the proposed Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme Amendment to give effect to the strategy and the guidelines.”
The Amendment was publicly exhibited for five weeks from October 31 to December 5, 2024.
Thirteen submissions were received from landowners, consultants and referral authorities. Seven submissions supported or requested no changes to the amendment. Six submissions, although largely in support of the principle of the amendment, requested changes. These will be reviewed by the independent panel.
Council last night agreed to refer submissions to an independent panel appointed by the Minister for Planning. There will be a further report to Council once the Planning Panel report has been received.