THE state government’s short-term holiday letting plan would embrace the sharing economy and give consumers more choice while cracking down on bad behaviour, Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter and Central Coast, Scot MacDonald, said. The reforms recognised the estimated $31 billion annual contribution of online booking platforms such as Airbnb to the Australian economy, while stamping out party houses through a Code of Conduct, he said. Critics say the plan doesn’t go far enough.
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Don’t bag supermarket staff in your plastic rage
THE union for retail workers has launched a ‘Don’t Bag Retail Staff’ campaign in its efforts to stop abusive behaviour towards retail workers in the lead-up to the banning of single-use plastic bags in supermarkets. Nationwide, Woolworths will also phase out single-use plastic bags in their stores on June 20, with Coles to do the same on July 1. “While we understand that some customers may be frustrated by this change, there is no excuse for abusive or violent behaviour towards retail staff,” the union said.
Youth share in funding
PARLIAMENTARY Secretary for the Central Coast and the Hunter, Scot MacDonald, is urging local youth organisations to apply for a share of $1.5 million in Youth Opportunities grant funding. One-off grants of between $10,000 and $50,000 are available to not-for-profit organisations and councils for youth-led and youth-driven community projects.
Regulator’s mining blitz
THE Resources Regulator has focused the NSW mining and petroleum sectors on their compliance obligations during its state-wide blitz into issues ranging from work health and safety to mine site rehabilitation. Eighty inspectors and regulatory officers from the safety, environment and compliance teams visited 109 mine and petroleum sites across the state – including 30 Hunter sites – and generally found good compliance with legislative obligations.
Club service recognised
Pam Durie, the woman who founded Toronto Croquet Club in 1992, will receive a Distinguished Long Service Award from Sport NSW next week. The award will be presented at State Parliament House, by the Minister for Sport, Stuart Ayres. “Pam's involvement with croquet and Toronto Croquet Club continues,” club member Marion Davies said. “She still enjoys her games and also is involved in all aspects of the club having been a coach and referee.”
