City Hub 9 May 2019

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city hub 9 MAY 2019

Tanya Plibersek reign check

BY ALEC SMART Tanya Plibersek is a seasoned and highly capable MP. She was a member of the House of Representatives since 1998, Deputy Leader of the Australian Labor Party (ALP) since 2013, and a Minister in the Rudd-Gillard-Rudd revolvingdoor governments (Minister for Health her last portfolio until the ALP’s defeat at the 2013 general election).

As Minister for the Status of Women, Plibersek initiated policies such as convening the National Council to reduce violence against women and their children.

She then released the Government’s White Paper on Homelessness, The Road Home, which set a goal of halving homelessness by 2020, and also campaigned for the end of discriminatory legislation against same-sex de facto couples to enable them to marry.

However, the contest for the seat of Sydney, for which she has been re-elected seven times since 1998, is hotting up with the Greens and Liberal Party fielding viable candidates.

Residents add life to the city In the 20 years Plibersek has held her seat, what does she feel are some of the most significant changes, for better or worse, to her electorate?

“I like a lot of the changes,” she states. “Having more residents in the CBD and inner-city areas, for example. I remember 20-30 years ago you could walk through Sydney on a Sunday afternoon and it felt very dead. I like the liveliness of having more residents. “[However] I do worry that some parts of our city haven’t kept up with the infrastructure you need when you have more residents close together in a highly urban environment… I don’t think our public transport has kept pace and consequently getting around the city is harder and more stressful than it used to be.

Other matters concern her too, such as education and health.

“Our schools are creaking at the seams; even

“I think WestConnex is going to be an absolute nightmare for traffic in my electorate and I’ve been making that point for some time,” she says, “particularly the area around Alexandria where traffic will be coming out of the Sydney Park end of WestConnex tunnel going onto streets in Alexandria, Zetland, Rosebery and Beaconsfield.

On Gardeners Road they’re expecting 60,000 extra cars a day.”

“The State Government hasn’t listened to that,” she says, “they’re just taking traffic jams from Western Sydney and moving them into our suburban streets.”

Tanya Plibersek stands for Sydney. Photo: Alec Smart

schools that used to be quite small are really struggling to accommodate all the students that they’d like to fit in,” she says.

“We see it with health as well; our local hospitals are brilliant, world-class facilities, but you can see the pressures on them with increasing waiting times in Emergency and for elective surgery. With some GPs it’s hard to get an appointment…

Transport is a big issue for Ms Plibersek.

“I’m very concerned that the Metro Rail the NSW State Government is building at the moment should have at least one stop between Waterloo and Sydenham. South from Waterloo we’re going through some very fast-growing in-fill areas and Green Square Station is already struggling… The suburbs used to be either single

houses on quarter-acre blocks, or factories, but that light-industrial neighbourhood has now changed to high-density urban living and it needs public transport to reflect that.”

We really want to make sure that we’re supporting high quality education Plibersek is very critical of the (ALP-endorsed) WestConnex construction, a 33-kilometre (primarily underground) toll road currently under construction, which links the M4 and M5 motorways and is projected to blow out to more than $45 billion in costs.

ALP support for TAFE What are her thoughts on encouraging youth into learning and training beyond high school?

The ALP has an admirable record of investing in further education, including introducing the Higher Education Participation and Pathways Program (HEPPP), which encouraged under-represented groups, such as indigenous communities, to aspire to a university education, but TAFE colleges nationwide are threatened with closure.

“We are lifting the aspiration for post-high school study,” she confirms, “whether it’s TAFE or university, because nine out of ten jobs created in the next five years will require a TAFE or a university qualification. Targeting the most disadvantaged students to get into education is part of our plan.

“Our first policy is that two out of every three dollars of public funding will go to public TAFE,” she says, “though where there are high-quality private operators that have a proven track record and provide niche educational experience, we’re happy for them to receive public funding.

“What we saw though, in recent years, was the setup of a whole load of dodgy operators that ripped off students and signed them up in very aggressive ways and then people finished with a debt and no qualification. We really want to make sure that we’re supporting high quality education and that the bulk of our support goes to public TAFE.”

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BY MICHAEL HITCH It’s not just you; it seems that everyone’s got a bone to pick with sniffer dogs.

New research has proven that deploying drug detection dogs at festivals and public places encourages dangerous drug consumption.

The study, conducted by RMIT University, not only found that sniffer dog presence increases unsafe drug practices, but also has the potential to cause lasting trauma.

Despite the inaccuracy of sniffer dog detections, the practice has been severely ramped up with an increased presence at both music festivals and train stations.

Lead researcher of the study, Dr Peta Malins, said that the increased deployment of sniffer dogs was directly causing a rise in unsafe drug consumption practices, an unnecessary price to pay for a practice that only helps police to be “seen”.

“People I spoke to were choosing to still take their preferred substances in higher quantities prior to going past the dogs, stashing them in vaginal or anal cavities, or waiting to purchase drugs from unknown suppliers inside events,” she said.

“Police tend to find drugs on only approximately one quarter of the people the dogs identify in these

Sniffer dogs are on the nose. Photo: Garry Knight Flickr

contexts, and even police protocols seem to acknowledge that a dog identification may not itself, alone, necessarily constitute sufficient reasonable grounds.

“Despite evidence showing they do not effectively deter people from using drugs, and instead increase risks of harm, the sniffer dog operations continue to expand around Australia. I think that the sniffer dog operations are a very visible way for police to be “seen” to be doing something about drugs.”

Stigma and shame The report also found that as well as igniting stigma and shame,

especially for people in marginalised groups, sniffer searches also induced significant mental health concerns such as distress and anxiety.

Shelley Smith, a spokesperson from the Ted Noffs Foundation which launched the Take Control Campaign, said that these operations rely on profiling tactics and are destroying relationships between police and the community.

“We know that a lot of profiling goes into it. Police are more likely to stop young people, people of colour, Indigenous people, people who look like they’re someone who uses drugs. So, it’s heavily biased in the first place.

“This is quite violating and yeah, people who may have had bad run-ins with the police or dogs or anything like that, it can be quite traumatising and damaging on mental health.

“I just think it contributes to an overall feeling, not of safety, which is what the police are ideally there for, but just making people feel more unsafe.”

President and Co-Founder of Harm Reduction Australia, Gino Vumbaca, said that while sniffer dogs are used to uphold a health and safety standard, these dog deployments lack a “real world” approach.

Sniffer dog operations are a very visible way for police to be ‘seen’ to be doing something “There’s this view that people shouldn’t use drugs and that’s true. But Harm Reduction Australia operates in the real world... we know that people will still take risks, people will consume drugs and what we want to make sure of is that this doesn’t end up in a tragic event.” city hub 9 MAY 2019

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Can Kerryn cure our democracy?

BY MERRILL WITT Wentworth MP Dr Kerryn Phelps has given the electorate some very good reasons for keeping the Independent in the House of Representatives. In the six months since winning the traditionally safe Liberal seat - a remarkable feat that robbed the Morrison Government of its majority Phelps has shown the advantages of doing politics differently.

At a packed community forum in a Paddington pub last Wednesday, Phelps acknowledged that “a bit of luck has been on her side”.

Two weeks after she entered parliament, Chisholm MP Julia Banks spectacularly resigned from the Liberal Party, citing bullying and misogyny in her own ranks. Her decision swelled the number of Independents on the crossbench and plunged the Coalition further into minority government.

Sensing an opportunity to make good on a campaign promise, Phelps worked with the crossbench and Labor on an amendment to a government migration bill that sensibly gave a panel of medical experts the power to determine whether Dr Kerryn Phelps. Photo: Supplied asylum seekers in offshore detention should be transferred to Australia for care. supportive crossbench” and a “responsive Labor opposition” that was willing to have Functional supportive crossbench “sensible and authentic conversations” Despite a ferocious government scare about the issue. She describes the campaign, the Medivac Bill passed, legislation as a win for “decency, integrity marking the first time in almost 80 years and humanity”. that a sitting government had lost a lower The bill’s passing could also be rightly house vote on legislation. characterised as a win for democracy. It At the Paddington forum, Phelps highlights what can be achieved when the tells her audience that the successful all-too-familiar partisan bickering in the negotiation of the bill’s passage came House of Representatives is momentarily about from having a “functional and suspended.

party lines to achieve a “good outcome for everyone”.

Phelps’ commonsense approach and conversational style seemed to hit the right note with the voters attending the Paddington forum. A 78-year-old British Indian doctor, who immigrated to Australia 25 years ago, told Phelps “she was a breath of fresh air” and an antidote to “the corruption and selfserving behaviour of most politicians”.

Phelps is a big believer in listening to experts and members of the community

Phelps is a big believer in the power of “evidence-based decision-making”. In her latest book, The Cancer Recovery Guide, she tells her readers that “the more information you have, the more confident you are to engage in the decision-making process”.

So far, Phelps has used this advice to good effect in her political career. She’s a big believer in “listening to experts and members of the community” and then working hard to develop consensus across

The fact that a fair number of Phelps’ Wednesday night audience are at or close to retirement age should ring alarm bells in the Liberal Party. The Liberals are confident that anger about the dumping as Prime Minister of former popular local MP Malcolm Turnbull has dissipated, especially among the electorate’s wealthy retirees, most of whom have always voted Liberal.

Phelps describes her Liberal opponent, former diplomat Dave Sharma, as an “arch-conservative”. She says that if the government changes hands, Wentworth voters “will be better served by a socially progressive but economically conservative independent” with experience in building “lines of communication” with Labor, the minor parties and other Independents.

Sharma is selling himself as a “modern Liberal,” which unfortunately could serve to remind voters of Tony

Abbott, Craig Kelly and the other party dinosaurs who have stymied any chance of real political debate and meaningful reform, particularly with regard to climate change action.

In contrast to Sharma’s low-key pronouncements on the need to do more to address climate change, Phelps has made her position on the issue very clear. She recently teamed up with six other lower house Independent candidates to issue a joint statement opposing the proposed Adani coal mine and advocating an energy plan that would make renewables 50 per cent of the power mix by 2030.

Major parties on notice Designed to convince voters of the advantages of having more Independents in the parliament, the joint statement also puts the major parties on notice in the event that either Labor or the Liberals need to form a minority government after the election.

Phelps is also appealing to younger voters with a promise to push for pill testing at music festivals. On the pill testing issue, like others, Phelps has sought out the advice of professionals. In this case, she’s been listening to accounts from emergency room doctors, police and other frontline workers who attest to the life-saving effectiveness of trials conducted in other states.

At a time when facts are often dismissed as “fake news,” perhaps Phelps’ consultative, evidence-based approach to developing policy in the community’s best interest offers a potential cure for the cancer on our democracy.

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MEET THE CANDIDATES FOR WENTWORTH Come and put your questions directly to the candidates Sunday 12 May 3:00pm to 4:30pm Tim Murray Labor

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Meet the challengers

By ALLISON HORE

Dave Sharma. Photo: Supplied

Dave Shamra (Liberals) After his party lost the seat in last year’s Wentworth by-election, the pressure is on for Liberal candidate Dave Sharma to win it back.

And with less than 2,000 votes after preferences separating Mr Sharma from the winner, Dr Kerryn Phelps, winning it back is certainly possible.

Mr Sharma’s campaign this year involves rebranding himself as a “modern Liberal,” one who believes in scientific value and wants action on climate change. His campaign posters don’t even carry the usual Liberal Party logo.

“It’s really just about who I am,” he told the Guardian when asked about the new label.

“In the by-election, there was a sense of, ‘we

just don’t know who you are’. But now people know me a bit better and they know my views and outlook are forward-looking, pragmatic and focused on future problems.”

Born in Canada, Mr Sharma moved to Sydney’s northern suburbs with his family when he was young. After graduating from high school, Mr Sharma attended Cambridge University in the UK where he completed both a Bachelor and Master of Arts. He also completed a Masters of International Relations at Deakin University.

From diplomat to businessman Mr Sharma is a former diplomat, and was the Australia’s Ambassador to Israel between 2013 and 2017. Now he is a businessman, chairing the board of an Israeli technology company and leading another government relations and accounting firm.

Last year, former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull came under fire from some Liberal Party members for failing to offer anything other than “token support” to Mr Sharma in his bid for the seat of Wentworth. Mr Turnbull had been a very popular representative in the area

We need to take personal responsibility for our society and the nation before his exit following the leadership spill.

But after a chance encounter at the Rose Bay wharf, Mr Turnbull wished Mr Sharma luck in the coming election.

“Amazing who you see at a commuter stop!

Great to run into an old friend @TurnbullMalcolm down at the #RoseBay wharf this morning,” Mr Sharma tweeted.

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His tweet elicited Mr Turnbull’s reply, “Great to see you Dave! Good luck on the 18th of May”.

Will the online wishes of the former Prime Minister be enough to pull Mr Sharma over the line?

Tim Murray (Labor) Running for the Labor party is economist and entrepreneur Tim Murray.

Mr Murray was born in Waverly before moving to China where he developed businesses for Austrade for 20 years. He moved back to Sydney with his wife and family in 2013, and now lives in Tamarama where he is an active member of the local surf life-saving club.

For Mr Murray, it’s climate change that he feels the people of Wentworth are more concerned about, but he also sees education and broadening job opportunities for young people as crucial.

“The people of Wentworth want a sensible climate policy, a great education system, the opportunity for young people to buy a home and Indigenous recognition. At this election, there is a stark contrast between what Labor and Liberal can offer you,” Mr Murray explains on his website.

He says that while the people of Wentworth are passionate about climate change, there is more that they can do to make a difference in their community. If elected, he says he will work with the community to make this possible.

Lowest uptake of solar “The people of Wentworth are passionate about addressing climate change, yet we have the lowest uptake rate of solar energy in the country,” his website says.

“We need to take personal responsibility for

Tim Murray. Photo: Supplied

our society and the nation, and supporting a government that has a climate policy will help us do that. Together we can meet and exceed target reductions in carbon emission.”

In the last federal election, Labor candidate Evan Hughes received just under 18 per cent of the primary vote, and in last year’s Wentworth by-election, Mr Murray won only 11.5 per cent of the vote. The significant swing against Labor can be accounted for by the presence of Dr Phelps on the ballot sheet.

While this election is likely to be a two-horse race – between Dr Phelps and Mr Sharma – there are pockets of Wentworth where Labor maintains a majority. In voting booths in Kings Cross and Surry Hills, Labor came out on top.

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Asbestos policy needs support

BY JOAN HENSON Linden Thorley’s home was covered in deadly asbestos after an Australia Street warehouse fire on June 17 last year.

It took over 10 months to completely clean his address of asbestos. His home had to be demolished as the structure could not remain after the removal of 100 millimetres of soil.

Affected residents were not able to clean their homes until the fire site was cleaned to avoid re-contamination. The site was cleaned by the end of August.

Thorley urged councillors to ratify their draft policy in a speech to council last Tuesday, but said its emergency response plan “essentially facilitates the process that occurred in the aftermath of the Australia Street fire”.

In a February letter to council’s general manager, Michael Deegan, Thorley and his wife, Nipu Jayatilleke, claimed adjoining properties were left to “negotiate differences between consultant hygienists’ advice”.

They suggested that the policy include the adoption of “an external disaster recovery expert” to coordinate communication, and an independent hygienist.

State, federal support needed In last week’s meeting, Greens councillor Louise Steer said, “There are still some issues [with the policy], as some residents have pointed out, including Mr Thorley. But these cannot necessarily be resolved at council level. We need to get state and federal governments involved in helping us”.

In late August, she and Independent councillor Pauline Lockie moved that Council report on how it could adopt the Office of Local Government Model Asbestos Policy by October 30 that year.

Last week, Leichhardt Council’s former policy was rescinded. Ashfield and Marrickville Councils

One of 12 fire trucks that responded to asbestos fire.

Photo: Matthew DiGergio on Facebook

had not had plans.

Steer praised eight months of development by council officers which resulted in guidelines modelled on “best practice”.

She told City Hub that local councils shoulder disproportionate responsibility in asbestos

emergencies, because state guidelines are not clear on the chain of command for dealing with them.

The Inner West Council spent $1 million cleaning open areas several times to avoid contamination during the Australia Street crisis.

Steer believes a compensation fund should be created for councils to be reimbursed for clean-up costs.

Associate Lecturer at Macquarie Law School and the former director of the NSW Environmental Defenders Office Dr Andrew Burke says, “Councils don’t have the resourcing or authority to do what’s really needed in these situations for the residents”.

Asbestos debris was found by Thorley on Australia Street on July 19, more than a month after the fire.

Local concern about the potential for the site to further contaminate the area led to an emergency residential meeting at which Newtown State Member, Jenny Leong, intervened. She said that Council orders issued on June 22 for the owner to remove the asbestos could have been enforced through the Land and Environment Court to expedite the process, or the Council could have done the clean-up itself.

On August 14, Council carried a motion to enforce its order “without further notice”.

Councils don’t have the resourcing or authority to do what’s needed in these situations

Weekly NSW asbestos emergencies Burke said that because residential emergencies happen almost weekly throughout NSW, “councils might be a bit cautious about the precedent of getting caught up paying for the clean-up and having to recuperate the costs later”.

Mr Thorley said a council officer has advised him that his feedback “raised significant issues” and would recommend Council “look at how this can be implemented in a separate emergency response policy”.

Councillor Lockie has confirmed that, “the emergency plans will go beyond asbestos to cover all emergencies, which is why work on it is still ongoing”.

A council officer’s response to a comment arising from the policy’s 28-day viewing says that specialist advice is being gathered for “the development of a comprehensive Incident Management Plan and Business Continuity Plans”, and that asbestos management will be included.

Comment from the NSW Minister for Energy and the Environment, Matthew Kean, was not sought due to time constraints.

Law reform could designate “clearer lines of responsibility” but this would “need to come from the state”. A single agency could then take charge.

He suggests the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

This would address Thorley’s recommendations, which Burke said “make a lot of sense... it would be cheaper and more efficient to have one person who was paid for by some level of government that could engage everybody properly, and could also engage these communication issues”.

On Steer’s recommendation, Burke said that the Protection of Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO) had the provisions to create such an emergency fund.

During the Australia Street crisis, there was a protracted disagreement between the owners of the fire site and their insurer, which delayed the site’s clean-up and resulted in the site being contained by adhesive.

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Graffiti distresses Holocaust survivors

BY VANESSA LIM Swastika graffiti has struck Bondi twice now, potentially distressing Holocaust survivors who may suffer from trauma and PTSD. The February swastika graffiti attack has been followed up by another attack in April at various places including the Bondi Beach murals.

NSW Jewish Board of Deputies chief executive Vic Alhadeff denounced the anti-semitic graffiti.

He said, “Swastikas represent the Nazi regime which this country fought so bravely against in World War II, and they also represent the ultimate in race hatred which can lead to mass murder and genocide”. COA Sydney, an organisation that provides care services to the senior Jewish community in Woollahra, shared its deep concern at the anti-semitic attacks. Chief executive officer of COA Sydney Rachel Tanny commented on how racist graffiti attacks affect the senior Jewish community.

Aged survivors relive trauma She said, “As an organisation working in aged care, we provide services to many of the Holocaust survivors in our community. A lot of them still experience severe trauma and PTSD as a result of the brutal treatment the Nazis inflicted upon them and their families”. “Many of our local [senior] residents are the sole survivors of their entire extended families. To have to witness this [graffiti] occurring causes them to relive the trauma and fear they have already experienced in Nazi Germany.”

Waverley Mayor John Wakefield sympathised with the Jewish community.

He said, “We understand the extreme distress, anguish, fear and disgust that racist symbols can elicit, especially within Australia’s multicultural community and amongst all fair-minded people”.

Mr Wakefield condemned the swastika graffiti, saying, “Waverley Council is appalled by the

when they walk along the peaceful ocean is especially cutting”.

Vic Alhadeff agreed that there was no place for anti-Semitism in Australia. He commended the efforts that Waverley Council and the federal government have taken to minimise anti-semitic attacks.

He said, “All forms of bigotry are abhorrent and this is not what Australia is about. We applaud the federal government for committing funds for CCTV cameras at Bondi and we applaud Waverley Council for acting on this important issue so quickly”.

Ms Tanny also emphasised the necessity to fix the issue.

She said, “To be honest, I am particularly shocked that this has happened more than once.

From the very first instance this occurred there should have been proper lighting and cameras installed on the same day”.

This concern for more CCTV cameras has been addressed by the Waverley Council, which is now installing more CCTV cameras around Bondi.

Bondi murals where anti-Semitic graffiti was displayed before cleaning. Photo:Vanessa Lim

graffiti attack that took place in February and April in parts of Bondi. Racism has no place in our culturally diverse community and we condemn the vandalism in the strongest terms”.

Vic Alhadeff commented that the anti-semitic graffiti wasn’t the only kind of attack to affect the Jewish community in the past few weeks.

Proper lighting and cameras should have been installed on the first day this occurred He said, “There has been an alarming spike in anti-semitic incidents in recent weeks. From the swastikas at Bondi Beach to appalling posts on social media and targeting members of parliament

who happen to be Jewish”.

The most notable example is Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, a Jewish member of parliament, who has experienced anti-semitic attacks online. He has also been a victim of anti-semitic graffiti attacks against him on his election posters.

The recent anti-semitic attacks have disappointed Ms Tanny, who labels Australia as a “free and safe” country.

She said, “This is Australia – a country where we are supposed to be free and safe – a pledge which these survivors made when they became Australian citizens. For them to have fled persecution to find it dogs their steps in this country is positively shameful. Of all the places, for survivors, their descendants, and really any Jews at all to have to see this hateful vandalism

Increased security measures Mayor Wakefield said, “Waverley Council is committed to maintaining public safety at Bondi Beach through various security measures including ranger patrols and CCTV surveillance, which is currently in place and is being increased”.

Waverley Council emphasised its concern for the safety and inclusiveness of the local community.

Mr Wakefield said, “Waverley Council strives to ensure that our beautiful and vibrant part of the world remains welcoming, strong, inclusive, resilient and fair”.

Waverley Council has also been open to working with the federal government on this matter. “We welcome any support from the federal government to help us continue to improve safety at Bondi for our vibrant and inclusive community and millions of visitors each year,” Mr Wakefield said.

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Life in the cruelty factory

BY MARK MORDUE Tom Studens from the Australian Unemployed Workers Union steps up to the microphone to talk about Newstart payments that have not risen in real terms for a quarter of a century.

Sixty people occupy the hall. They’re here in answer to an unemployment and welfare crisis.

The Sydney Street Choir – a group dealing with homelessness, mental illness, addiction and social disadvantage through “the power of song” – have just bawled their way through a re-worded version of the Whitlam-era, ALP election anthem “It’s Time”. Later they give us a guts-and-glory reading of the Beatles classic, “Help”. Between those two songs a string of people who’ve been on Newstart give us their testimonials.

Raise the rate campaign The Addison Road Community Centre Organisation is launching the “Raise the Rate” campaign at Gumbramorra Hall in Sydney tonight. They are partnering with the Australian Council for Social Services to push for a significant increase to Newstart payments by $75 a week.

A lot to ask? After 25 years, maybe not.

When you’re on a standard Newstart payment of $278 per week, it won’t be long before you’re unable to keep up with the rent, pay your electricity and phone bills, or buy essential groceries. You can’t figure out how to get a job because you don’t even know how you can live.

The pressure from the privatised “job providers” to comply with their routine twenty-job-applicationsa-month “contract” – along with attending their box-ticking interviews in the name of vocational supervision – is so grinding it can crush you. Bad luck if you’re young and living in a failing regional centre; or if you’re over 50 and out of a job. And God help you if you’re a single parent.

There are now over 800,000 Australians on Newstart, Youth Allowance or related income

Mr Studens’ claim hard to believe. Suicide ideation is a common by-product of being caught up in Newstart. Most people here just shake their heads and understand.

Mr Studens states it openly: “Our bodies and our lives have been sold out. We say enough!”

Andrea Leong from the Science Party acknowledges Mr Studens’ speech. “People are valuable,” she says. “The problem is, ‘welfare’ has become a dirty word. It’s been corrupted But its real meaning is connected to well-being, for us as individuals and for our society as whole.”

The cruelty factory Jim Casey of The Greens calls Centrelink and Newstart “The Cruelty Factory”. Everyone knows the system has little to do with getting people employed and much to do with driving them away.

“It’s designed to break people. The most vulnerable and the most weak are forced to cop it sweet. And yet we have never been wealthier as a nation. The top 1 per cent of the population have as much as the bottom 70 per cent.”

Pas Forgione, ‘Raise The Rate’ Campaign Coordinator, Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) at Addison The UAP’s Paris King Orsborn asks for a Road Community Centre. Photo: Courtesy of Andrea Finno minute’s silence for Mr Studens’ lost friend. She support. They join some three million living That’s unsurprising. But it is still disappointing, feels strongly about unemployment and Newstart below the poverty line, many of whom have one more indictment of a seemingly broken from “personal experience”. It’s why she attended casual and part-time jobs, fearful of sliding back political system. Labor has at least promised “a tonight, her first ever political meeting, as a into a punitive Newstart system, and willing to review” of Newstart. The need is urgent. candidate. accept the most unreliable employment conditions Addison Road Community Centre Organisation to scrape by.

CEO Rosanna Barbero thanks the Sydney Street The problem is, ‘welfare’ has While the AUWU’s Tom Studens speaks, Choir for raising our mood. She explains how candidates for the inner west Sydney seat of Addi Road “works in the community. We see become a dirty word Grayndler in the 2019 federal election sit listening: how people are doing it tough. The powerlessness Jim Casey of the Greens and Paris King Orsborn Mr Studens tells the crowd that a colleague of they feel in the system. And how so many people of the United Australia Party (UAP). With them his in the AUWU killed himself and there are are down on themselves because of it. It’s why is Andrea Leong, leader of the Science Party (and many cases like this. He believes this death is Addison Road Community Centre Organisation herself a candidate for the Senate), present tonight directly connected to Newstart. has got behind this cause.”

Mark Mordue is Communications & Media on behalf of an absent Majella Morello, who is “We can’t prove a causal relationship,” he says, Adviser for the Addison Road Community Centre running for Leong’s party in this electorate. “because we can’t ask a dead person.”

Organisation.

Neither of the two major parties is present.

Anyone who has been on Newstart does not find

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city hub 9 MAY 2019

FEATURE

Herbal Medicine

By Madison Behringer Shaping up to be their biggest year yet, the Hemp, Health & Innovation Expo (HHI) will be returning to Sydney next weekend for their fourth year in a row. Held over two huge days the HHI Expo will be filling the Rosehill Racecourse Exhibition Centre with activities, talks, exhibitions, a wide range of hemp products. Let’s not forget the brand-new The Food Hempire (think a massive Eat Street with all things hemp food!). From its inaugural year in 2016, the HHI Expo always had one clear goal and value. HHI Event Coordinator and owner of Tilba Hemp Co Michelle Crain explained the expo’s ideals to City Hub saying, “We have always focused on educating and informing the Australian public on what the Cannabis Sativa plant can do for us now and into the future, in the hope of removing the stigma that has been attached to the plant for so long.”

The HHI Expo is family friendly, all-inclusive and has a huge range of things to see, do, eat and interact with over the course of the two-day event. The HHI Expo sums up what goes on throughout the big weekend at Rosehill Racecourse: “Through workshops, displays, speakers and exhibitors, we bring all the research, science, innovation, products, industries and uses of hemp together under one roof.”

Crain spoke with us about a brand-new instalment for the Expo this year – an Eco Fashion Showcase.

“This year we are showcasing hemp clothing and accessories available from various exhibitors from around Australia as well as a show-stopping evening gown that has been specifically designed for the Expo featuring hemp fabrics.”

Photo: Supplied by HIH

Crain says attendees will be sure to have “a day of experiencing many different products they may not have seen or heard about, lots of yummy hemp inspired food and drinks. Clothing, beauty, health, building products and information.”

The HHI Expo has always sought to remove the stigma surrounding the Cannabis Sativa plant, and encouraging Australians to become open-minded to the benefits and possible uses of the plant. Returning to the Expo this year will be the 2019 Australian Cannabis & Hemp Symposium, which will bring together the world’s leading medical professionals, academics, research associates, pharmacists, activists and entrepreneurs to open up a conversation with the public about the many uses and benefits of

Photo: Supplied by HIH

the Cannabis plant and conduct Q&A sessions.

Included in the line-up of speakers is Dr Sanjay Nijhawan, Medical Director at the Australian Cannabis Access Clinics (CAC). Dr Nijhawan spoke with City Hub about the conception of the clinic and its foundations.

“The clinics were established to help consult patients with a range of indications, and those whose regular medical practitioners or specialists are more comfortable referring patients to a clinic with in-depth knowledge of medicinal cannabis to be prescribed in a safe and transparent way.”

For the first time since the HHI Expo’s conception, the Cannabis Access Clinics will be conducting a limited amount of one-on-one, 15 minute consult sessions to determine the

eligibility of individuals to get TGA (Therapeutic Goods Association) approval for medical cannabis.

“Our team at the Cannabis Access Clinics will be holding screening consultations at our booth over the HHI weekend,” said Dr Nijhawan, going on to say, “we also look forward to breaking down the barriers to communicating with health professionals and debunking some of the myths associated with medicinal cannabis.”

Dr Nijhawan is proud of the work innovative and game-changing work CACs are doing, saying, “It has been just over 12 months since the Cannabis Access Clinics started consulting patients. I am proud to say that our team has a 100% approval rate and we will highlight the breadth of that experience with real-world case studies from Australia.”

The 2019 HHI Expo is set to break down even more barriers than previous years and with a massive line-up of new events and experiences, it is set to be the biggest one yet. Michelle said of this year’s event, “This Expo sees the largest numbers of Exhibitors since our inaugural event in 2016, with the inclusion of onsite Medicinal Cannabis Clinics.”

The Expo is family-friendly, has the largest amount of exhibitors since its inception, and will have more food on offer than ever before. A huge range of hemp inspired clothing, products and accessories will be available and it will be a weekend filled with opportunities to see, taste and touch everything the HHI Expo has to offer.

May 18-19. Rosehill Racecourse Exhibition Centre, James Ruse Drive, Rosehill. $20-$200+b.f.

Tickets & Info: www.hhiexpo.com.au

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT American Psycho The Musical

Ben Gerrard.

Photo: George Sandman Popov

Barely had it hit the shelves in 1991 before Brett Easton Ellis’ controversial novel about a narcissistic Wall Street serial killer was pulled off again, only being sold in shrink wrap to people over 18. In 2000, American Psycho was turned into a film, receiving mixed but emphatic reviews. Then, somewhat surprisingly, it was adapted as a stage musical in 2013, with a book by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and music/lyrics by Duncan Sheik. Alexander Berlage is directing a forthcoming production of the musical at The Hayes and says the reaction he gets from people ranges from “how does that work?” to “makes total sense” depending on how they interpret American Psycho.

“There are three different types of people; there are those who have read the book; those who have seen the film; and those who think they’ve seen the film and it’s often those who think they’ve seen the film who find it most bizarre that you could do a musical based on it,” says Berlage.

He believes most people completely misunderstand story, failing to see beyond the excesses and extreme violence. Ellis’ book is really an exploration of existentialism and a “really fucked up world”, which in fact, is the perfect basis for a musical.

“What better things to sing about than a fucked up world?” says Berlage. He believes most people have the wrong idea about the story.

“It’s actually deeply funny and profoundly moving at the same time […] I think it’s a musical both for people who love musicals, and people who hate musicals, cause it doesn’t sound like your average musical.”

Berlage describes it as Shakespearean in scale and depth, yet filled with pop culture.

The music landscape includes 80s hits from people like Human League, Phil Collins, Tears For Fears, interwoven with an impressionistic electronic and vocal original score. Despite the setting, Berlage does not think the story has dated.

“It feels incredibly current. It’s set in the 90s but the characters we encounter feel so contemporary.”

And what of the much-discussed violence?

“There will be blood but it won’t be a blood bath.” (RB) May 10-Jun 9. Hayes Theatre, 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point. $50-$65+b.f.

Tickets & Info: www.hayestheatre.com.au

a&e

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city hub 9 MAY 2019

Joseph K Danen Young stars as Joseph K in this new production based on the classic novel The Trial by Franz Kafka. Performances will be at The Limelight on Oxford, a venue which stages some of the very best in independent theatre.

The play which boasts a fresh cast of nine, surrounds Joseph K, a bank executive who finds himself arrested for a crime which is not revealed to the audience.

“I would describe it as a political absurdist farce drama. It is a comedy though, it is riddled in comedy,” enthuses Young. “Joseph finds himself in this massive bureaucratic loop trying to figure out how to clear his name and everything just starts to get a little bit surreal in his life.”

Upon reading the premise of the play readers may initially perceive this as solely a mystery/drama – but does it work well as a comedy? “Yes, definitely! There’s a couple of good gags in there, but the comedy just comes from the absurdity of the situation. It is mysterious and what we have been doing in rehearsals is trying

not to play it as a comedy and look for the underlying drama, but when we have done that and played it authentically the comedy has just been there.

We’ve just found it in rehearsals.

We may have been running a scene and then suddenly everybody is just pissing themselves laughing!”

When asked what the resounding themes in this play are,Young pondered momentarily, “It conveys that the level of control which we think we have in this world isn’t anywhere near what we actually have and that we’re all helpless and stuck in this capitalist dystopian bully left wing side society.”

Audiences never learn of the crime which Joseph K is arrested and prosecuted for. Does this tarnish the enjoyment of the play? “No, not at all. It keeps that thread of mystery and intrigue throughout the whole play. There are so many questions that come up and there are just no answers.

I don’t believe that the crime is

important to the story. I really think that if you found out what Joseph’s crime was that would actually tarnish the play.”

Young explained that anyone who wants to have a good laugh at the daily grind should enjoy this play. “Joseph K is definitely written as the ‘everyman’ so he does have this universal appeal - there’s much of him which audiences can relate

to. I would say anybody who has experienced the real world should come along and watch this play – that’s pretty much everyone who is over 18 years of age and has left school! (MMo) Until May 18. Limelight On Oxford, 231 Oxford St, Darlinghurst. $30-$40+b.f.

Tickets & Info: www.limelightonoxford.com.au

Nina Oyama Needs A Lift Nina Oyama has received 13 driving offences since getting her P’s. She’s also mucked around throughout her uni degree, but only in her mid-20s. She has starred in ABC’s award-winning show Utopia and has held a regular spot on Tonightly With Tom Ballard. This comedy season, Nina will be bringing her new solo stand-up show Nina Oyama Needs A Lift to audiences around the country. She will be performing at The Factory Theatre in Sydney as part of Sydney Comedy Festival, with the tour showcasing her first debut comedy hour.

Nina is up-front and hilarious when speaking to City Hub and gave us a rundown of Nina Oyama Needs A Lift.

“Basically…the show is about how I have 13 driving offences and how I was basically a dropkick kid”, she said before continuing, “I’ve written a show that I like, and I know it’s not ‘funny’ to say but I feel…good!”

12 STAGE 14 SCENE 15 Sounds 15 SCREEN

Nina’s upcoming show surrounds itself around her 13 driving offences, but at its core, Nina Oyama Needs A Lift focuses

on audiences being able to relate to her stories and attitude.

“I mostly write for myself but I hope that people find it relatable.

Arts Editor: Jamie Apps For more A&E stories go to www.altmedia.net.au and don’t forget to join the conversation on Twitter at @AltMediaSydney

Whenever I do this show I ask the audience to clap if they’ve ever had a driving offence. I talk about stuff that people don’t like to admit that they relate to.”

When asked what prompted her to lay bare her driving offences and related stories onstage, Nina laughed and said: “I owe the government thousands and thousands of dollars from these driving offences so I thought…why not write a show about them so I can make my money back?!”

Nina Oyama Needs A Lift is not a stand-up show for the fainthearted, with Nina concluding, “I highly discourage people who like clever, topical comedy to come to this show. However, if ya’ll [are] looking for a show that will make you feel better about yourself, come see my show!” (MB) May 15-19.The Factory Theatre, 105 Victoria Road, Marrickville.

-$25+b.f.Tickets & Info: www.sydneycomedyfest.com.au

Contributors: Irina Dunn, Mark Morellini, Olga Azar, Rita Bratovich, Erika Echternach, Joseph Rana, Madison Behringer, Allison Hore, Renee Lou Dallow, Alannah Maher.

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R O Y

O R T U S O

P R E S E N T S

BOB DYLAN John Waters Glenn Shorrock Wendy Matthews Doug Parkinson Wes Carr Abstract Entertainment presents a tribute to Bob Dylan as distinct as the man himself as five renowned Australian artists bring you five unique perspectives on the work of the greatest living songwriter!

FRIDAY 24 MAY / STATE THEATRE ABSTRACTENTERTAINMENT.NET

city hub 9 MAY 2019

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REVIEW: Sherlock Holmes And The Ripper Murders Photo: Craig O_Regan

This is a very clever fictional version of the infamous Jack The Ripper murders case, using many of the known facts and imagining the rest.Written by British author and screenwriter, Brian Clemens, whose admirable list of writing credits includes TV series’ The Avengers and The Professionals as well as many other shows, movies and plays. Here, he appropriates the immortal Sherlock Holmes as his hero, giving volume to the Ripper story, and allowing Clemens to create a credible plot and satisfying solution to the mystery.

As ever, the Genesian Theatre Company has

gone all out on sets and costumes, delivering us convincingly back to Victorian-era London.

Lighting is used to great effect, transforming the stage into a gloomy, ominous dark London street in the wrong part of town and creating genuine tension. The performances are all strong, with John Willis-Richards bringing the familiar aloof, intellectual aspects of Holmes but also showing a sensitive, vulnerable side in his affection for Katherine Mead (Zoe Crawford). Peter David Allison is the perfect foil as Dr Watson, more reactive and pragmatic. Crawford completes the

chemistry in the trio, adding female sensibility.

Genesian favourite, Sandra Bass is delightful as Mrs Hudson, Holmes’ housekeeper, exuding a calculated air of mischief.

It’s a play of conspiracy and intrigue with themes that resonate still today. It is also filled with lots of witty humour and charm, amplified by the vintage ambience of this historical and quaint theatre. (ID) Until Jun 15. Genesian Theatre, 420 Kent St, Sydney. $25-$30+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.genesiantheatre.com.au

THE NAKED CITY

NO LAUGHING MATTER!

With Coffin Ed In a world where a reborn nationalism is very much to the forefront throughout the political landscape, the recent election of a TV comic in Ukraine probably came as no surprise.That Volodymyr Zelensky won by a landslide, with 73% of the vote, says a lot for the average voter’s disillusionment with modern-day politics and the elites that call the shots – the kind of sentiment that helped put Donald Trump in the White House.

Whether a similar scenario to that in the Ukraine could ever happen in Australia is highly unlikely, although politics here is certainly rife with plenty of accidental comedians. Despite the millions he has thrown at election advertising, Clive Palmer is still viewed by many as a figure of mirth, partly defined by his roly-poly appearance and his endless self-promotion.

Likewise, the now sacked One Nation candidate Steve Dickson, originally promoted as a family man, who featured in the extraordinary Al Jazeera sting telling an exotic dancer in the US to “slide your hand onto my c—k.” Nothing to really laugh about but he then generated the statement, asking for privacy for himself and his family, with the rather unfortunate typo that he was “no longer of pubic (sic) interest.”

Yes, when it comes to Australian politics and elections, in particular, the gags just keep flowing and the really serious issues are often overshadowed by much of the media’s obsession with generating a cheap or trivial laugh. On the one hand, you have the serious political

commentators, largely in the ABC and the ‘quality’ print media – on the other, there is often a dumbing down of politics in general. The other of course being the Murdoch tabloids, commercial radio and television in general.

Stand up comedy has never been bigger in this country, comedy festivals are huge and many of

the comedians are worshipped as modern day sages. It might be seen as a conspiracy theory but there’s a good argument that much of the electronic media has been overrun by a cartel of stand-ups and comedy festival headliners.

The Goodies once did a famous skit on their UK TV show where the country was being

Edmond Thommen BLENDEDnudes #5 The human form and the female form, in particular, have long been a staple of artistic expression.This month local artist Edmond Thommen’s works which explore the female figure in an incredibly deep, intricate and layered manner will be on display at the M2 Gallery.

Thommen describes himself first, and foremost, as a photographic artist who’s artistic magic starts with the camera and his photographs.

From there Thommen uses these pictures to form the basis of his works, which may soften or highlight the body’s outline by blending it into several layers of images he superimposes on the 14

city hub 9 MAY 2019

figure. Sometimes the figure seems to disappear behind a barrage of organic materials or manmade structures - until the viewer’s eyes start to actively search for the lines that in his or her mind “must be there” behind the image.

These works are a testament to years of careful observation in photography, composition, lighting and design. BLENDEDnudes #5 is set to be both a visual and intellectually journey for all viewers.

Until May 21. M2 Gallery, 4/450 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills.

Info: www.m2gallery.com.au

Immortalised in pixel form

overrun by a plague of Rolf Harris’. I sometimes wonder if our mass media is being hijacked by an epidemic of stand-ups.

They now dominate TV game shows, reality shows and light entertainment in general as well as providing comic relief on shows such as The Project and the 7.30 Report. It’s not uncommon for some comics like Mark Humphreys to appear on multiple networks, swapping satire on the ABC for a quiz show gig on Ten. Whilst some former stand-ups like Charlie Pickering offer edgy political and social comment most of their fellow comics are there for a good laugh.

The trouble of course really starts when you need to distinguish between the deliberate comedians and the unintentional, like many of the commentators on Fox After Dark. Here’s where the lines become really blurred and political outrage inspired by Rupert Murdoch becomes just another form of not very funny stand up.

Volodymyr Zelensky originally starred in a TV series as a teacher who accidentally becomes president after a wild, expletive-laden political rant goes viral on Ukrainian social media. Did I originally say that a similar scenario was unlikely in Australia? Perhaps not at the forthcoming Federal election but who knows what the future might hold. The stand-ups are everywhere and maybe their conquest of the media will soon lead to loftier political ambitions. On the other hand look out for Steve Dickson, Mark Latham and Clive Palmer as joint headliners at the next Sydney Comedy Festival.

By Jamie Apps When The Mae Trio lost their cellist in 2017 the remaining two members of the group had to rethink their career and plans for the future.

Luckily those remaining two members were sisters Maggie and Elsie Rigby who were both determined to stick together in music. With the release of their latest self-titled record, now under the monicker The Maes, the duo have shown they have found a distinct voice.

During the opening stages of their national tour, Maggie took some time out of her busy schedule to speak with City Hub about the process of finding a new voice as a duo and the process of writing music with her sister.

“Once we became a duo we had to figure out what it was that we wanted to say musically,” reflected Maggie. During this process, Maggie explained that “who we were, and where we came from quickly became a big part of the conversation.”

As such Maggie and Elsie chose to go back to their folk music roots

The Maes

with the self-titled album. A decision which has proven to be incredibly wise, with glowing reviews across the board.

Whilst the record is an exploration of their roots Maggie was quick to also say the process was also “quite an adventurous process.” As part of this process of exploration and adventure, the duo was able to collaborate with new people, perform in various different

incarnations with accompanying cello or double bass, and most of all write from a much more personal perspective.

“It can be very liberating to be honest and raw, but it can also be difficult,” said Maggie before continuing, “You feel more connected to [the music] and the way people respond to it is thus a little bit more personal than the stuff we had done previously.”

Little May - Blame My Body Maggie is also of the belief that she and Elsie write in very complementary ways.

“We’ve been touring together for so long now that very often the experiences that we’re having are similar or parallel to each other. So I love the way that both Elsie and I take those experiences but write about them and interpret them very differently.”

Looking ahead to the show in Sydney tomorrow Maggie is excited to once again be performing to a crowd that knows their music intimately.

“There is something incredibly exciting and satisfying to be playing to people who already know our music.We do so much touring, particularly overseas, playing to people who have never heard of us so we’re kind of introducing ourselves and music to them.Whereas it’s such a reward and a treat for people who already know our music. It’s like having a second, deeper, conversation with an audience.”

May 10.The Vanguard, 42 King St, Newtown. $20+b.f.Tickets & Info: www.thevanguard.com.au

All Is True

Poms

This is an imagined biopic using fact and intuitive judgement, based on Shakespeare’s life after he laid down his quill and returned from London to his home in Stratford.

Written by Ben Elton, the script is tilted empathetically towards Shakespeare (played

by Kenneth Branagh who also directed), dealing belatedly with the death of his son, Hamnet, at age 11. His wife,Anne (Judi Dench) and unmarried daughter, Judith (Kathryn Wilder) harbour their own grievances while ministering to ever more indulgent self-pity from Shakespeare. Meanwhile, Shakespeare’s

There’s not much to cheer about here - this film drops the ball in every aspect.

Poms has a cute premise: a group of older women in a retirement community decide to form a cheer squad and compete in a national cheerleading competition.That all the other competing teams are much younger, more flexible, and can achieve circus style feats does not phase this motley crew of six who can barely bend at the hip.That should have been a good core for a charming, humorous story, but instead, the lack-lustre script is choked with bad

unhappily married daughter, Susannah, threatens to besmirch the family name by stepping outside the bounds of Puritan society.

The film is very measured, with clustered scenes of short dialogue and lots of gardening. Ian McKellen makes a delicious cameo appearance as Earl Of Southampton and there’s a rather sly reference to King Lear in his exchange with Shakespeare - for McKellen fans.The cinematography is gorgeous with rich colours and sets and some very clever framing. It’s a nice film if not especially brilliant. (RB) WWW

Little May has just completed their second album titled Blame My Body. The album is extremely personal, featuring songs about the challenges faced by females in their early 20s and the pressures that society puts on them.

Both members of the Little May duo open up through their music about their struggles and anxieties, which gives each song an authentic feel.

The single Apples brilliantly showcases the Little May’s new sound of dazzling drum and guitar pieces interwoven with Liz Drummond’s vocals.

The first track on the album, Lover, is also worth paying attention to for its intoxicating beat and honest lyrics. The record as a whole is a powerful voice for women and their inner strength. (EE) WWWW

jokes, flat personalities, an un-thrilling plot arc, and underwhelming performances.

Diane Keaton, who plays the main character, Martha, seems like she’d rather be anywhere else. Everyone else is equally dull, except Jacki Weaver who plays sparky, salacious Sheryl. Unfortunately, her character is just a compound of cliche with some of the sassy humour bordering on tasteless.

The editing is awful and there’s a b-grade quality to the whole film. Poms bombs. (RB) W1/2

Detective Pikachu Rather than following the more traditional Pokémon story path Detective Pikachu takes inspiration from noir style detective films to create something truly unique and compelling for viewers of all ages.

Detective Pikachu follows Tim Goodman (Justice Smith) who is attempting to come to terms with the sudden disappearance of his father. During a visit to his fathers home,Tim finds a wisecracking,

caffeine addicted, cute little character known as Pikachu (Ryan Reynolds).This new unlikely pairing then set out to solve the mystery behind the disappearance.

By shying away from the origin story tropes this film is able to explore a much more fleshed out and deep world of Pokémon, where the ‘pocket monsters’ live side by side in perfect harmony with their human companions/counterparts.

Whilst the plot of Detective Pikachu is simple, and at times incredibly predictable, there’s a nostalgic wonder which it imbues upon the audience. Pair this with the wonderful performance from Reynolds, who’s impeccable comedic timing carries over from his performances in Deadpool, and you have the first truly special Pokemon film. (JA) WWW1/2 city hub 9 MAY 2019

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