VOICE - THE FRONTLINE OF LOCKDOWN - INNER SYDNEY
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VOICE
SP R I N G 2 0 2 1 • I SSU E 140
INNER
SYDNEY
THE FRONTLINE
OF LOCKDOWN
18
4 EDITORIAL 14 Injecting room turns twenty
5 NOTICEBOARD Australia’s first supervised injecting centre is still going strong
despite the pressures of gentrification.
6 NEWS
10 Happy end to work dispute 16 Aged care: where sexism and racism
An unprecedented deal reached between staff and
management at Newtown bookstore Better Read Than Dead
walk hand in hand
The royal commission’s final report highlighted the extent of
has sent shockwaves around Australia’s retail sector.
abuse and devaluation of (predominantly) women in residential
aged care. For the abuse to stop, systemic change is required.
11 Life on the frontline
Within a few months of COVID disrupting life in Sydney for a
second time, the Addison Road Community Centre saw a
18 Behind closed doors
Crown Towers, at 75 storeys, is now Sydney’s tallest building.
20 percent rise in food demand every week.
But it should not exist, and certainly not where it is — in prime
location on the harbour.
12 No going back
Reacting to the latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel
on Climate Change, Australian scientists warn that — unless we
20 Discrimination in the name of faith
The religious zealots are on the crusade again, this time hoping
act now — a hotter, drier and more dangerous future awaits.
to resurrect the Religious Discrimination Bill.
2 | Inner Sydney Voice | Spring 2021 | innersydneyvoice.org.au
CONTENTS
12 20
32
25
22 A few bad apples, or rotten to the core? 31 Who we are
Seemingly all of a sudden, Australia’s conservatives seem more As long as we accept injustices perpetrated by the Morrison
than a little stirred up by Critical Race Theory — so what is it? government, claiming “this is not who we are” is disingenuous
at best.
25 Saving our heritage
June marked 50 years since the Green Bans saved a significant 32 An invisible divide
proportion of Sydney’s historical buildings and parklands from Sydney once saw itself as a city free of class divides and open
destruction and high-rise development. to social advancement. But your postcode can predetermine
your life outcomes.
28 Sydney in the thirties
A collection of photographs by prolific amateur photographer 34 Three refugees share their stories
Percy James Bryant has been added to the City of Sydney June recognised Refugee Week — Australia’s peak annual
Archives. activity celebrating the positive contributions made by
refugees to Australian society. Here, three refugees share their
30 Public protest or selfish ratbaggery? stories.
Free speech doesn’t give you the right to endanger other
people’s health —or to biff horses. 35 CITY GLIMPSES/FROM THE VAULT
COVER Volunteers pick-and-packing at the Addi Road Food Relief Hub PHOTO Mark Mordue
innersydneyvoice.org.au | Spring 2021 | Inner Sydney Voice | 3
VOICE
INNER
SYDNEY
SPRING 2021 | ISSUE 140
EDITORIAL
Inner Sydney Voice is the journal of the Inner With news announced that school closures. Families without wifi or
Sydney Regional Council for Social
Development Inc. We are a non-profit
Sydney’s lockdown is to be unable to afford laptops have found
organisation committed to the idea of extended well into September, themselves excluded from online
information as a tool for community I’m mindful to keep calm, carry learning. Meanwhile, families reliant
development. Inner Sydney is defined as the on, and stay sane. After all, I upon school meals to provide adequate,
LGAs of City of Sydney, Bayside, Randwick, count myself blessed: I’ve an nutritious food for their children have
Waverley, Woollahra, and Inner West.
income, able to work from become dependant on volunteer food
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY home, and live kid-free. Others relief groups (see page 11).
We acknowledge and pay our respects to the aren’t so fortunate. Because — This widening of inequality is likely
traditional custodians of the lands across the while viruses such as COVID-19 to persist for some time, even after —
areas we service, particularly the Gadigal should skip social status and fingers crossed — the pandemic
people of the Eora Nation, traditional
custodians of the land on which our office is
cultural backgrounds — as recedes. Those children who have
located. We pay our respects to Elders, past we’ve seen, rather than helping fallen behind fellow classmates in
and present. to level out inequalities in education because they struggled to
society, the pandemic access lessons online could suffer the
EDITOR Christopher Kelly continues to discriminate by effects of this later in life unless they
hitting the disadvantaged the are offered additional catch-up support.
CONTRIBUTORS
Hugh Breakey | Percy James Bryant hardest. The economic effects of the pandemic
Pep Canadell | Nat Cromb | Kathy Eager People already marginalised before are also likely to linger for longer than
Joelle Gergis | Chris Gibson | Michael Grose the coronavirus materialised — the virus itself, especially for the low-
Mark Mordue | John Moyle | Anna North international students, refugees, paid. For Sydneysiders unable to work
Luke Pearson | Tim Ritchie | Dallas Rogers
asylum seekers, single parents, people from home, income has been lost and
Jess Scully | Alec Smart | Jennifer Wilson
Anita Westera living with disabilities, and low-
income families — have been
DESIGN Stevie Bee further disproportionately
Rather than
MEMBERSHIP + SUBSCRIPTIONS
impacted by the responses helping to level
deployed to tackle the crisis.
Saskia Eichler-Cheney
Most of the official advice on out inequalities
PRINTING Goliath COVID-19, such as who should
isolate and who should
in society, the
WEBSITE innersydneyvoice.org.au vaccinate, has focused on pandemic
those vulnerable to the virus —
PUBLISHER
Inner Sydney Regional Council for Social the elderly or those with continues to
Development Inc trading as Inner Sydney Voice chronic illnesses. Official advice discriminate
ABN 86 770 127 254 tends to overlook those
Rear 770 Elizabeth Street Waterloo NSW 2017 disadvantaged by by hitting the
PHONE 9698 7690
EMAIL admin@innersydneyvoice.org.au
socioeconomic position or
language barriers.
disadvantaged
FACEBOOK facebook.com/innersydneyrcsd
TWITTER @innersydneyrcsd Non-English speakers tend the hardest.
not to engage with television
DISCLAIMER + COPYRIGHT for their primary source of
The opinions expressed in Inner Sydney Voice information, for example. Rather than financial stress intensified.
magazine do not necessarily represent the
views of the publisher, the publication nor our
being glued to Gladys at 11am every With continuing waves and variants
funders. Unless stated otherwise, opinions day, non-English speakers turn to the of COVID undoubtedly emerging in the
belong to contributors, not the organisation internet for advice — particularly from future, it is crucial that important
or group with which they work. While every Facebook and other social platforms. lessons are learned now. Namely, that
effort has been made to ensure the accuracy This leads to people gathering the vulnerable are not forgotten and
of the information, no responsibility can be
accepted by the publisher for any contributions.
information from dubious sources. that marginalised groups are not left
Copyright belongs to the contributors. As was seen in the 2020 lockdown, behind. Come to think about it, viruses
those from poorer communities with don’t discriminate. They just expose the
Join and subscribe: Please see back cover children are particularly hard hit by inequalities that already exist . . .
4 | Inner Sydney Voice | Spring 2021 | innersydneyvoice.org.au
noticeboard
Looking after your mob
Acknowledging the pain just have to be yourself and
and suffering of First ask, in your own way, so you
Nations people and the look after your mob.”
higher rates of suicide in
Aboriginal and Torres Be emergency-
Strait Islander prepared
communities has Emergencies can happen at
prompted suicide any time, and often when
prevention organisation we least expect. Floods,
R U OK? to launch a storms, fires, and heatwaves
targeted campaign can damage your home and
aimed at Indigenous force you to leave your
Australians. an issue of major concern for many home for a period of time. Such events
The ‘I ask my mob, in my way, are communities and a public health are disruptive, yet we can reduce the
you OK?’ campaign encourages First priority. “These numbers represent our stress and hardship that follows by
Nations people to engage and offer loved ones; relatives, friends, elders taking some simple steps now.
support to their family, friends and and extended community members The Emergency Preparedness
colleagues who may be struggling with who are all affected by the tragedy of Handbook for people living in social
life. “The message is so simple and these deaths,” says Satour. Dr Vanessa housing is your guide to becoming
powerful. It is steeped in our cultural Lee-Ah Mat is the chair of the R U OK? ‘emergency prepared’. It was
practice of being a community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander developed by Inner Sydney Voice in
ensuring no one is left behind,” says Advisory Group. “Nationally, Indigenous conjunction with the Redfern and Surry
campaign manager — and Pitjantjatjara, people die from suicide at twice the Hills Community Resilience committee,
Yankunytjatjara and Pertame man — rate of non-Indigenous people,” says Dr including emergency services and
Steven Satour. “It’s really about asking Lee-Ah Mat. “We know that starting government agencies.
the question and being prepared to conversations early can stop little Inner Sydney Voice believes that
listen. It’s not always about fixing the problems growing into big ones.” residents’ local knowledge and lived
problem right then and there. Being Included among the free suite of experience of their community should
able to articulate your feelings and just resources — available at ruok.org.au — be at the centre of decision making,
have someone listen is a really are videos highlighting the many ways therefore we also worked closely with
powerful way to show your support.” Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander the community in the development of
Developed with guidance from the R peoples can ask, “are you OK?”. Kevin this handbook which contains valuable
U OK? Aboriginal and Torres Strait Yow Yeh is a Wakka Wakka and South information on how to prepare for an
Islander Advisory Group — which Sea Islander man who has lent his emergency.
provides professional counsel and voice to the campaign. “When I know a
voices of lived experience to guide the friend or a family member is going n If you would like to receive a printed
campaign — the resources feature through some hard time, I copy email admin@
engaging and authentic stories that reach out by saying, ‘You innersydneyvoice.org.au.
promote a sense of connection, hope right or what?’ That allows This resource is also
and identity. “The resources give us the them to answer yes or no, available for download at
opportunity to get conversations but also open up about cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au in
started with individuals, organisations, what’s going on in their seven community
and communities across Australia,” life,” says Yow Yeh. “The languages — Chinese
says Satour. most important thing for Simplified, Chinese
Reducing deaths by suicide and mob to remember,” adds Traditional, Russian,
suicidal behaviour among Aboriginal Satour, “is that you don’t Vietnamese, Spanish,
and Torres Strait Islander Australians is have to be an expert. You Indonesian, Korean.
innersydneyvoice.org.au | Spring 2021 | Inner Sydney Voice | 5
NEWS
Elections postponed again
A new date for the local announced its choice of candidate to government changed legislation in a
government elections has been challenge Clover Moore for Sydney lord bid to bolster the business vote by
set for Saturday 4 December mayor: lawyer and executive, Shauna allowing two votes to property owners.
2021. The decision was made Jarrett. Conceding it is highly unlikely Although the Liberals managed to
in response to the ongoing she will unseat the long-serving increase the roll by 20,000 businesses,
COVID-19 pandemic. incumbent, Jarrett says her aim is to it failed to translate into an increased
“We have taken this step to win up to four council seats. turnout. Whilst coming second in the
postpone the election to ensure the “Nothing is impossible in politics, but poll, the Libs scored just 18.95 percent
safety and wellbeing of our it is not about me becoming lord mayor of the votes in 2016, compared to
communities, voters, polling staff and of Sydney,” said Jarrett. “It is about me Moore’s 57.83 percent.
candidates,” said local government leading the team and doing a refresh of Jarrett joins Labor councillor Linda
minister, Shelley Scott, Greens
Hancock. The candidate and
state’s 5.2 million
125 former
voters will be able COUNCILS Marrickville
to cast their councillor Sylvie
ballots in person, 5,000 Ellsmore, small
by post or online
— using the
CANDIDATES business
advocate Angela
electronic voting 5,200,000 Vithoulkas, and
system, iVote. Indigenous leader
In addition to
VOTERS Yvonne Weldon in
making iVote challenging
available for the first time in local the City of Sydney.” Jarrett was Moore — who is seeking a historic fifth
council elections, the NSW government officially endorsed at the top of the term — for the mayoralty.
has implemented changes to reduce Liberal ticket in July. Married to former Candidate nominations were set to
congestion on polling day by ensuring NSW finance minister Greg Pearce, open on 26 July, but have been
voters have 13 days to cast their ballot. Jarrett said the upcoming election was delayed until 25 October. Nominations
The government has committed $37 about laying the groundwork for the will close on 3 November. This year’s
million to ensure the election is Liberals to boost its presence on City election will see around 5,000
delivered in a COVID-safe way. council, and be ready for “next time”. candidates vie for 1,200 councillor
Meanwhile, the Liberal Party has Ahead of the 2016 election, the NSW positions across 125 local councils.
Residents vote to demerge
The Inner West Council has councillor for Marrickville, Colin Hesse, the Inner West local government area
organised for residents to vote said: “The continued refusal by the being de-amalgamated, so as to
on deamalgamation at the Labor councillors to support a restore the former local government
4 December local government referendum of residents on the areas of Ashfield, Leichhardt and
election. amalgamation demonstrates just how Marrickville?”
The Local Government Act allows distanced from the community the Since the amalgamations — which
councils to undertake polls on specific Labor machine is.” Hesse described as “undemocratic” —
questions — including at election times. With the motion carried, the the role played by local government in
Five Greens and three independent community will have a direct say in the planning decisions has shrunk
councillors supported the motion; five forced amalgamation of three inner dramatically. “Bigger local government
Labor and two Liberal councillors west councils in 2016 — Ashfield, effectively dilutes the community voice,
opposed it. Leichhardt and Marrickville. In the poll, and that can only suit the already
Speaking to Green Left, Greens voters will be asked: “Do you support powerful,” said Hesse.
6 | Inner Sydney Voice | Spring 2021 | innersydneyvoice.org.au
NEWS
A ‘step in the right’ direction?
Revised plans for estate. However, calls had
the Waterloo South been made for more than
redevelopment have 900 social housing units
been approved by at the site.
NSW planning Reacting to Stokes’s
minister Rob Stokes. sign-off of the plans, Ron
Responding to the Hoenig, MP for Heffron,
revisions, Sydney lord said: “I am outraged that
mayor Clover Moore said: the state’s planning
“This is a step in the right minister green-lighted
direction. We will kicking out 3,000 public
continue to work closely housing tenants from
with the state their homes in Waterloo.
government to ensure This is public land that is
more social and to be handed over to
affordable housing is part of the mix.” disabilities to access the Waterloo developers to build 30-storey towers
The plans were revised in an effort Metro station. for the rich.”
to break a deadlock between the City Due to go on public exhibition later The period leading up to the public
of Sydney and the Land and Housing this year, the plans allocate almost 30 exhibition is an opportunity for the local
Corporation (LAHC) over the scale of percent (847 dwellings) to social community to digest the revised plans.
the development. Originally, LAHC housing — including public housing and Residents are reminded that they have
proposed height and density even affordable housing for low-income not yet been approved and that it is
greater than existing developments in earners. Currently, there are about 749 highly unlikely there will be any
the CBD. Also, LAHC’s plans did not social housing units in Waterloo South, relocations happening within the next
include sufficient green space or meaning the revised proposal would year. Tenants will receive six months
adequate road gradient for people with add 98 social housing properties to the notice to vacate.
LGBTQ+ not counted in census
LGBTQ+ advocates have mental health services, education, and argue the ABS should have gone a step
slammed the Australian community and social services. further and asked questions on gender
Bureau of Statistics for once It is well documented that the and sexuality. “Without these
again failing to include LGBTQ+ community is more likely to questions, the once-in-five-year
questions in the census about experience discrimination, bullying and snapshot of the population won’t
sexual orientation, gender abuse, and be at greater risk of mental capture the full diversity of our
identity or variations in sex health issues, self-harm and suicide. “If community,” said Anna Brown, chief
characteristics. the government doesn’t ask questions executive of Equality Australia.
“Failing to capture the LGBTQ+ about sexual orientation, gender The ABS considered including
community in the census data has a diversity and variations in sex questions on gender and sexuality in
real and profound effect on us being characteristics, it won’t understand our the 2016 census, but decided not to
recognised as part of the Australian needs and ensure we have access to after advice from assistant treasurer
population,” said Amnesty vital life-saving services,” said Kenny. Michael Sukkar. By excluding such
International’s Lucy Kenny. Although some of the 2021 census questions, said Kenny, LGBTQ+
Census night, held on 10 August this questions on cohabitation and families Australians are being told that their
year, is the government’s quinquennial recognised those in same-sex identity is irrelevant. “Our erasure from
opportunity to gather data to better relationships, the question of sex only the census means we are missing a
understand the population’s needs — offered respondents to choose male, crucial opportunity for validation. We
particularly in relation to health and female or non-binary. LGBTQ+ groups are being told that we do not count.”
innersydneyvoice.org.au | Spring 2021 | Inner Sydney Voice | 7
NEWS Mundey remembered Urban conservationist and the inner city, and guarded unionist Jack Mundey, who valuable historic buildings against died last year aged 90, was demolition,” Masselos said. memorialised at a tree- Mundey — who rose to planting ceremony in prominence in the 1970s as an Centennial Parklands in outspoken leader of the Builders June. Labourers Federation and the A Moreton Bay fig has been Green Bans movement — “fought planted in a prominent location for the environment before the near Anzac Parade in honour of worth of environmental activism Mundey’s pivotal role in defending was recognised”, said Randwick Sydney’s environment and City mayor, Danny Said. “He heritage. pioneered the path-breaking Green valued the importance of people and Mayor of Waverley, Paula Masselos, Bans that combined union power with the power they possess when they said Mundey’s active leadership in the the environmental movement and work together. He is the reason so preservation of Sydney’s urban together with building workers and much of Sydney’s character has been heritage created a valuable legacy for community groups saved urban green retained in the face of generations to come. “Mundey spaces, preserved workers’ houses in overdevelopment.” (See page 25.) The Kid hits No. 1 in the US Waterloo-born where he shared a singer/song- much more concise writer the Kid expression of Laroi (pictured excitement: “I. F*CKIN. left) has scored LOVE. YOU. ALL. WHAT his first US THE MF.” number one During a recent with a duet with livestream, Laroi Justin Bieber. revealed to fans that he Called ‘Stay’, was in quarantine after the track rose contracting COVID-19. to the top spot However, while he was of the Billboard describing his Hot 100 chart in predicament, Laroi August. received a text Reacting to the informing him he was news on Instagram, the 18- home now COVID-free. year-old said: “This is not because of The Kid Laroi — real name Charlton only a big moment for me, COVID but Howard — becomes the first Australian- but a really big moment for trust me I born solo male artist to top the US Australia. Growing up all I been there charts since Rick Springfield with ever wanted to do was in spirit lol.” ‘Jessie’s Girl’ just over 40 years ago. In ‘make it big’ in America and He also February, Laroi hit number one on the show everyone what we celebrated ARIA albums chart, making him the have to offer. It’s been a his success youngest Australian solo artist in while since I’ve been back on Twitter, history to do so. 8 | Inner Sydney Voice | Spring 2021 | innersydneyvoice.org.au
NEWS
Walking on Country
Described as a Our songlines have
“transformative always been there. They
experience for locals are under bricks and
and visitors alike”, a water, but we’re bringing
harbourside walk will them up to the surface,
soon enable people to and what we are adding
take a unique journey to them now is a
on Gadigal Country contemporary voice.”
from Pirrama (Pyrmont) A bara — the
to Woolloomooloo. traditional shell hook
Devised by Wiradjuri crafted and used by
curator Emily McDaniel, the Gadigal women for fishing
9km walk — named Emily McDaniel on on the harbour — has
Yananurala (Walking on the harbourside walk been selected as the icon
Country) — will include audio for the walk to be used on
and text-based installations that hear.” It is, she added, “an wayfinding signage and maps. Waanyi
highlight the historical and cultural Acknowledgement of Country in its artist Judy Watson has created a six-
significance of places along the truest, most ancient form”. metre tall bara that will take pride of
harbour foreshore. The walk will also The name ‘Yananurala’ was chosen place on the Tarpeian Precinct Lawn
interpret new and old Aboriginal stories following extensive consultation with above Dubbagullee (Bennelong Point),
and perspectives through public the City of Sydney’s Aboriginal and as a monument to the Eora, and one of
artworks at Pirrama (Pyrmont), Torres Strait Islander advisory panel, the stops along Yananurala.
Barangaroo, Ta-ra (Dawes Point), local Aboriginal community “Our plans for a walk along the
Warrane (Circular Quay) and representatives and the Metropolitan harbour foreshore will help further
Woolloomooloo. Local Aboriginal Land Council. It recognise Aboriginal spirituality and
“As you walk the shoreline, interact derives from the language of the enduring presence, cultural heritage
with public art and stories, hear Gadigal people and combines two and contemporary expression in a
whispers of language and place your words ‘yana’ (walk) and ‘nura’ prominent and creative way,” said
feet in the water, you are introducing (country). The ‘la’ adds an instruction: Sydney lord mayor, Clover Moore. Signs
yourself to this Country so that it will “So, you go walk Country!”. “Naming along the habourside walk will appear
remember you,” said McDaniel. “This is brings Country to life,” said advisory before Christmas and the rest of the
about you seeing what we see, feeling panel member, Beau James. “I look at installations will be introduced in the
what we feel and hearing what we Yananurala as contemporary songlines. first quarter of next year.
People’s park upgrade
City of Sydney has announced playground — known locally as
plans to upgrade Redfern’s the ‘people’s park’ — was
Douglas Street playground. developed from unused land
The upgrade is part of the City’s belonging to the Rachel Forster
parks renewal program. Over the next Hospital in 1975. Local
ten years, council plans to upgrade residents have called for the
more than 60 parks across the City park’s history to be
area — from small pocket parks (such commemorated in the new
as Douglas Street) to larger local parks. design. Council will hold public
Following an historic example of consultations for community
community action, the Douglas Street feedback early next year.
innersydneyvoice.org.au | Spring 2021 | Inner Sydney Voice | 9
NEWS FEATURE
Happy end to work dispute
An unprecedented deal Evie Wyld and Michelle de
reached between staff Kretser. The letter called the
and management at campaign “a litmus test for
Newtown bookstore Australian literature and for
Better Read Than Dead retail working conditions
has sent shockwaves across the continent”.
across Australia’s retail Following the industrial
sector. CHRISTOPHER action, Better Read Than
KELLY reports. Dead’s owners contacted the
union to resume
landmark negotiations, and on 27 July
A agreement with
historic
conditions.” That’s how the Than Dead were to agree to the
staff voted unanimously to
accept the offer, which
included redundancy rights, full
Retail and Fast Food Workers demands of the union, then we would restoration of penalties for working
Union (RAFFWU) described the have to close our doors.” The store’s Sundays, 20 days paid domestic
outcome of a workers’ rights owners added that the union’s claims violence leave, 26 weeks paid parental
crusade at inner west were “entitlements the majority of leave, as well as a suite of health and
bookstore Better Read Than workers in Australia are not entitled to”. safety policies.
Dead. After an almost year- They also described the industrial In a statement, management
long campaign by the store’s action as “aggressive” and said the confirmed that an in-principle
staff (pictured above) and the strike was “detrimental to genuine agreement had been reached with
RAFFWU — which culminated negotiations”. staff. “Better Read Than Dead is the
in industrial action — an in- During the action some workers at first non-university bookstore to have
principal enterprise bargaining the independent bookstore had “been achieved such a result and represents a
agreement has been reached targeted” with legal threats. positive move for the entire industry.
with management. Commending them on standing up to The enterprise agreement strikes a
RAFFWU secretary Josh Cullinan the intimidation, Cullinan said that, at good balance between the current
said the move to industrial action was one time, management appeared to be difficult financial circumstances that
“outrageous and unprecedented in the willing to “run the business into the Better Read Than Dead is experiencing
sector”. It came after initial attempts to ground rather than negotiate with and providing job security for the staff.”
negotiate an agreement with the King workers”. The statement continued: “Whilst
Street store’s owners broke down in But staff refused to back down. It Better Read Than Dead was
June. The strike included a ban on helped to have strong community disappointed in the manner in which
overtime, handling cash transactions, support. Customers and local business the negotiations were initially handled,
refusing to process online orders or owners came into the shop with the final result is testament to a more
update the window display. flowers; supportive messages were reasoned approach from both parties.
Staff claims ranged from improved posted on social media. “These types Better Read Than Dead hopes that this
job security, the adoption of anti- of situations can really worry and upset agreement sets an example as to
discrimination, bullying and harassment workers, so the support has been industrial relations in the entire
policies, and a base hourly rate of $25. fantastic,” said Cullinan. industry.”
Workers also requested “clear In the meantime, the workers’ The historic outcome, said Cullinan,
delineation of roles and campaign was attracting attention and will reverberate across the country’s
responsibilities, with the right for staff winning support from Australia’s literary retail sector. “Each of these conditions
to refuse additional duties beyond community. An open letter of solidarity is far superior to any major retail or
classification level”. was signed by 245 Australian authors fast-food agreement in Australia.” It is,
Initially, the owners resisted the including David Marr, Di Morrissey and he added, “a pathway to a $25 per-
demands saying that: “If Better Read Christos Tsiolkas, Melissa Lucashenko, hour living wage in the future”.
10 | Inner Sydney Voice | Spring 2021 | innersydneyvoice.org.auNEWS FEATURE
Life on the frontline
Within a few months of COVID Rosanna Barbero, CEO for Addison as captain of Australia, Craig explains
disrupting life in Sydney for a Road Community Organisation says, “I that in big matches “it’s the first 45
second time, the Addison Road can feel things ramping up. We have 30 minutes that are the hardest, not the
Community Centre recorded a shifts, AM and PM, and around 260 second half. Because it’s in the first 45
20 percent rise in food demand volunteers a week now. As well as all that you’re trying to establish control.”
every week. MARK MORDUE the civil society groups working with It’s not intentional, but you can hear
reports. us, we also have hampers being in that analysis something of an active
delivered individually by our volunteers strategy for facing down the pandemic
he playlist in the hall to people’s homes. It’s very hard for now. It can feel like COVID-19 has no
T rocks along to Johnny
Cash’s ‘Ring of Fire’ and
Creedence Clearwater
people and their kids all at home in
heavy lockdown. And it’s privileged to
think you can just go online and order
time limits or shape at all, of course.
And that the lockdown in Sydney will
just drag on. It’s precisely this endless
Revival’s ‘Down on the Corner’. home delivery as a solution. Not feeling that a simple but powerful thing
Someone must like their old everyone can do that. like food relief meets and eases.
classics. Volunteers packing “We’ve been talking to people and It does not hurt that Addi Road set
hampers inside the Addi Road we know in south-west Sydney that the up the Food Relief Hub last March
Food Relief Hub pick up on the police are knocking on doors. Teachers when COVID-19 first hit and we got a
musical tempo. They’re joined at school are picking up on where there taste of what a lockdown could be like.
by ex-Socceroo and Addi Road is a lack of engagement with kids and The alliance with Craig Foster and his
ambassador Craig Foster, who letting the police know. The police are ability to rally donors and volunteers
has been coming here for the going to these homes to try and help, through his media connections and
last year promoting our food as often what is happening is there #PlayForLives campaign has been
security and social justice might only be one computer shared phenomenal. In our ‘first 45’ we were
work. between five or more people. And even also able to establish strong bonds with
Local police and a few young ADF if kids have access to the computer, the all kinds of wonderful individuals,
soldiers have also come along to see parents don’t know how to help them businesses and community groups that
what we are doing and how best to engage with the online learning have returned to work with us.
work with us in getting the food programs. It’s not simple and can be Now we are back at it, playing our
hampers out there — and simply to confusing, particularly for primary second half. As people deal with the
better understand what is going on. school age children. As best they can, latest lockdown in Sydney and
Energy, information, plans for future the police are trying to help. corresponding issues like job loss or
action . . . there’s a lot being packed “So you see how complicated it reduced working hours and economic
together here today. gets. The feelings of helplessness. insecurity, as well as feelings of
Vans and vehicles have been rolling Delivering food becomes a way to isolation and amplified anxiety, we’ve
up all morning to collect around 800 engage and find these things out and put our team out there again,
boxes of food. Among the community not frighten people. There is a answering all these difficulties through
organisations and charity groups tendency to see these things in terms the Addi Road Food Relief Hub. We’re
picking up hampers are Newtown of numbers in the media. But these are doing our best to ensure families and
Neighbourhood Centre; JNC (The very human concerns and troubles as individuals have enough food to get by
Junction Neighbourhood Centre), who well as logistical, health and inequality and find some sense of strength and
work with communities everywhere concerns. And they require a response unity in the community. In the process,
from Glebe to Maroubra; Lighthouse on that human level too.” we’re trying to make sure we establish
Community Support operating from Back inside the Addi Road Food some control over the inequality and
Lakemba across the south west; Relief Hub, conversation with Craig fear in the next half of a long hard
Marrickville South Collective, a Foster inevitably turns to football. With game we plan to win.
constellation of charity groups; and the everybody so hands-on and involved
Fijian Association with whom Addi Road there’s no need to discuss the pandemic n To donate to the Food Relief Hub, go
has forged very close bonds. over and again. Asked about his time to addiroad.org.au/donations/2021
innersydneyvoice.org.au | Spring 2021 | Inner Sydney Voice | 11C L I M AT E
NO GOING BACK
Reacting to the latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Australian
scientists warn that — unless we act now — a hotter, drier and more dangerous future awaits.
A
ustralia is arrived in Australia. This includes in the The report confirms global warming
experiencing region of the East Australia Current, is driving a significant increase in the
widespread, rapid where the ocean is warming at a rate intensity and frequency of extremely
climate change more than four times the global average. hot temperatures in Australia, as well
not seen for The report finds even under a as a decrease in almost all cold
thousands of years and may moderate emissions scenario, the extremes. The IPCC noted with high
warm by 4°C or more this global effects of climate change will confidence that recent extreme heat
century, according to a highly worsen significantly over the coming events in Australia were made more
anticipated report by the years and decades. Every fraction of a likely or more severe due to human
Intergovernmental Panel on degree of global warming increases the influence.
Climate Change (IPCC). likelihood and severity of many These events include: the Australian
The assessment, released in August, extremes. That means every effort to summer of 2012–13, also known as the
also warns of unprecedented increases reduce greenhouse gas emissions Angry Summer, when more than 70
in climate extremes such as bushfires, matters. percent of Australia experienced
floods and drought. But it says deep, Australia has warmed by about 1.4°C extreme temperatures; the Brisbane
rapid emissions cuts could spare since 1910. The IPCC assessment heatwave in 2014; extreme heat
Australia, and the world, from the most concludes the extent of warming in both preceding the 2018 Queensland fires;
severe warming and associated harms. Australia and globally are impossible to and the heat leading into the Black
The report is the sixth produced by explain without accounting for the extra Summer bushfires of 2019-20.
the IPCC since it was founded in 1988 greenhouse gases in the atmosphere The IPCC report notes very high
and provides more regional information from human activities. confidence in further warming and heat
than any previous version. This gives us The report introduces the concept of extremes through the 21st century —
a clearer picture of how climate change Climate Impact-Drivers (CIDs): 30 the extent of which depends on global
will play out in Australia specifically. It climate averages, extremes and events efforts to reduce greenhouse gas
confirms the effects of human-caused that create climate impacts. These emissions. If global average warming is
climate change have well and truly include heat, cold, drought and flood. limited to 1.5°C this century, Australia
12 | Inner Sydney Voice | Spring 2021 | innersydneyvoice.org.auwould warm hazards due to sea-level rise, changing
to between coastal storms and coastal erosion — HOW TO FIGHT
1.4°C to 1.8°C. changes highly relevant to beach-
If global loving Australia. This century, for
CLIMATE DESPAIR
average example, sandy shorelines in places As Anna North discusses, as
warming such as eastern Australia are projected individuals we’re not powerless — not if
reaches 4°C to retreat by more than 100 metres, we act collectively.
this century, under moderate or high emissions
Australia pathways. To help stop climate change, we’ve
would warm The IPCC report says, globally, sometimes been told to change our
to between climate change means oceans are personal habits: recycle, reuse,
3.9°C and becoming more acidic and losing take shorter showers, etc.
4.8°C. oxygen. Ocean currents are becoming But these individual choices are dwarfed
The IPCC more variable and salinity patterns — by the actions of corporations and countries.
says as the the parts of the ocean that are saltiest Just 100 companies are responsible for 70
planet warms, and less salty — are changing. It also percent of the world’s carbon emissions
future means sea levels are rising and the since 1988, and sweeping changes aren’t
heatwaves in oceans are becoming warmer. This is possible without government intervention —
Australia — leading to an increase in marine not to mention the fact that poverty and
and globally heatwaves such as those which have other factors constrain the choices many
— will be contributed to mass coral bleaching on people can make in the first place.
hotter and last longer. Conversely, cold the Great Barrier Reef in recent decades. But experts say we’re not completely
extremes will be both less intense and Notably, the region of the East powerless, and there’s a way to live in an
frequent. Hotter temperatures, Australia Current which runs south age of climate change without giving up or
combined with reduced rainfall, will along the continent’s east coast is sticking your head in the sand. It’s not
make parts of Australia more arid. A warming at a rate more than four times necessarily about going vegan or making
drying climate can lead to reduced river the global average. The phenomenon is your home zero waste, either. Instead, the
flows, drier soils, mass tree deaths, playing out in all regions with so-called key to fighting despair is to think beyond the
crop damage, bushfires and drought. “western boundary currents” — fast, individual and seek community support and
The southwest of Western Australia narrow ocean currents found in all solutions — especially those that put
remains a globally notable hotspot for major ocean gyres. This pronounced pressure on governments and companies to
drying attributable to human influence. warming is affecting marine make the large-scale changes that are
The IPCC says this drying is projected ecosystems and aquaculture and is necessary to truly curtail emissions.
to continue as emissions rise and the projected to continue. The most important step, many say, is
climate warms. In southern and eastern Like all regions of the world, collective action. Around the world, people
Australia, drying in winter and spring is Australia is already feeling the effects are already working on communal solutions
also likely to continue. of a changing climate. The IPCC to environmental degradation, and have
Heat and drying are not the only confirms there is no going back from been for generations. Putting pressure on
climate extremes set to hit Australia in some changes in the climate system. elected officials is one of the most important
the coming decades. The report also However, the consequences can be collective actions people can take. People
notes: observed and projected slowed, and some effects stopped, can urge their political representatives to
increases in Australia’s dangerous fire through strong, rapid and sustained support climate investments, public transit,
weather; a projected increase in heavy reductions in global greenhouse gas and clean energy. Getting involved in
and extreme rainfall in most places in emissions. Now is the time to start communities doesn’t just multiply your
Australia, particularly in the north; and adapting to climate change at a large impact — it can also stave off despair.
a projected increase in river flood risk scale, through serious planning and on- It’s also important to remember that for
almost everywhere in Australia. ground action. many communities the world over, facing a
Under a warmer climate, extreme major threat to the present and future is
rainfall in a single hour or day can n Authors: Michael Grose, climate nothing new. Indeed, social movements
become more intense or more projections scientist (CSRIO); Pep from the opposition to apartheid in South
frequent, even in areas where the Canadell, chief research scientist Africa to Indigenous rights activism have
average rainfall declines. (CSRIO); Joelle Gergis, senior lecturer seen a lot of reason for despair, and no
For the first time, the IPCC report in climate science (Australian National evidence for hope, and have still figured out
provides regional projections of coastal University) how to fight the fight.
innersydneyvoice.org.au | Spring 2021 | Inner Sydney Voice | 13INJECTING ROOM
TURNS TWENTY losing a single client, there are calls by service, and it’s not like we haven’t had
Australia’s first medically
some in the rapidly gentrifying a few things thrown at us, whether it
supervised injecting centre is community of Kings Cross/Potts Point was the media, politics or the
still going strong despite the to see it either closed or relocated. pandemic,” Dr Jauncey said.
That is unlikely to happen as the After many years of lacklustre
pressures of gentrification, centre’s operators, Uniting, own the debate by NSW politicians, police and
reports John Moyle. building in Darlinghurst Road, and a religious leaders on how to address the
2016 NSW Health and the Department growing heroin epidemic in Sydney,
T
wenty years ago, of Justice report concluded that “based and particularly in Kings Cross, it took a
Australia’s first on the evidence of significant ongoing personal drug tragedy in the life of
medically- need in Kings Cross, the current former NSW Labor premier Bob Carr —
supervised injecting location of the service is appropriate”. whose younger brother Greg died after
centre (MSIC) Speaking to the Sydney Sentinel, Dr a heroin overdose — to force the issue.
opened in Kings Cross. At the Marianne Jauncey, medical director, Carr oversaw the 1999 Drug Summit,
time, it was one of around 40 Uniting Medically Supervised Injecting which paved the way for the centre to
worldwide — and the first in Centre, says the fact the centre still open for trials in 2001.
the English-speaking world. exists is a significant achievement in For Kings Cross, this happened
Today, as the centre celebrates 20 itself. “The most obvious success is that against the background of ambulance
years of continued operations without we are still here after 20 years of calls for overdoses every 12 hours and
14 | Inner Sydney Voice | Spring 2021 | innersydneyvoice.org.auDRUGS
gutters blocked with spent syringes at became comfortable enough to ask for society about the centre feeds into the
the height of the AIDS epidemic. The help. fact that anything in any way that is
centre then went through a series of “Even though I had an addiction, I undesirable and unpleasant, we are to
three trial extensions over nearly a was being treated as a human being, blame.”
decade until the Keneally Labor and I got referred to the Kirketon Road In June 2018, the Victorian
government legislated to overturn the Centre where they had methadone government opened a medically
trial status and grant the centre maintenance and I got onto the supervised injecting centre in North
permanent status. subcutaneous patches, which were Richmond, originally with 3,000
Justine Muller grew up in monthly,” Street said. “This freed me up registrations. It did this based on
Woolloomooloo and recalls her from that daily reminder, kept me out of research and practical assistance from
schooldays. “I used to walk up to the the Cross, and in my case it allowed me the Kings Cross centre. The Victorian
Cross every day to go to school and I to volunteer with Uniting.” government is now looking at a
would see needles,” she said. “I also Local historian and musician Warren location for a second MSIC, which begs
remember the controversy when the Fahey supports the idea of the MSIC the question as to why, after 20
injecting centre first came about and I but does not agree with its location on successful years of operation, are there
remember clearly the huge difference Darlinghurst Road. “It’s the right service not MSICs being rolled out across NSW,
that it made not seeing those needles in the wrong place,” Mr Fahey said. “It which has a growing problem with
around anymore.” has an economic impact that people intravenous drug use?
The Kings Cross centre is not a drain refuse to consider because they get “It doesn’t make sense that there
on the public purse, as some claim, emotional about it because of the are not more centres,” Fahey said.
being funded from the Confiscated service the clinic provides.” “People in Liverpool are not going to
Proceeds of Crime and, after an initial Brandon Martignago
set up cost of $1.3 million, its current is the new chairman of
operational costs stands at around $2.5 the Potts Point I used to walk up to the Cross
million a year — or an average of $34 Partnership, every day to go to school and
per injection. representing
Kevin Street is one of those clients businesses in the area.
I would see needles. I also
who, after a long struggle, has used the He is also the owner- remember the controversy
centre to break his link with heroin. operator of Dulcie’s when the injecting centre first
Growing up in a dysfunctional family, small bar located in the
he spent many formative years in state vicinity of the centre.
came about and I remember
training schools for boys where he He has a different clearly the huge difference it
suffered under a brutal and sexually opinion. “It’s really made not seeing those needles
abusive regime. amazing that we still
On the outside, he quickly went back have the injecting around anymore.
to the inside. While incarcerated in centre and that after 20 Justine Muller, who grew up in Woolloomooloo
Long Bay Correctional Complex, he had years it still has a place
his first shot of heroin, which gave rise in the community, and it is one of the come into the city and back, so they
to an addiction that lasted from 1981 all things that we need to move forward don’t benefit.” For Dr Jauncey, it is one
the way through to 2019. “My periods with,” Martignago said. “Part of the of the few regrets she has had since
of abstinence would never last more issue of doing business in the taking over in 2008. “I am saddened
than six months and it wasn’t about the community is the injecting centre and that we are the only one [in Sydney],”
actual drug, it was what the drug some of the outreach programs that do she said.
offered me in the way of medicating a a world of good for us.” Despite the support of Brad Hazzard,
painful upbringing,” Street, who is now While the centre’s Darlinghurst Road the NSW minster for health, few other
a former drug user, said. location will continue to be debated politicians will offer more than token
The average drug user will use for across various local social media pages support for the centre and will not
around 13 years and will have a number and groups, those arguing against it enter into a debate about rolling them
of attempts at quitting before getting need to know that Uniting has no plans out across the state, where they are
clean. Though his period of use was of going anywhere. “To suggest that all desperately needed. As with so many
longer than the average, Street’s the behavioural issues that happen up other issues in our society, it is time to
pathway to breaking the addiction and down Darlinghurst Road is our fault drop the stigmas and move forward.
came about in a familiar way. After he is fanciful,” Jauncey said.
started using the MSIC’s facilities, he “Unfortunately, the stigma in our n Courtesy Sydney Sentinel
innersydneyvoice.org.au | Spring 2021 | Inner Sydney Voice | 15AGED CARE
WHERE SEXISM AND RACISM WALK HAND IN HAND
The royal commission’s final in terms of equal rights, opportunities, rights, opportunities and wellbeing of
respect . . . But the last few months Australian women. Members of
report highlighted the extent have highlighted just how misguided parliament have been stood aside, and
of abuse and devaluation of we’ve been. There has been widespread a major reshuffle within the federal
condemnation of these situations and coalition cabinet has resulted in an all-
women in residential aged their perpetrators. And rightly so. time high number of women sitting
care. As Kathy Eager and Around the same time these high- within the inner sanctum. These are all
profile sexual assaults started making welcome changes. However, none are
Anita Westera explain, headlines another report was likely to impact on the one sector of
for the abuse to stop, published, the substance of which also society where women are the most
highlighted the extent of abuse and vulnerable — the aged-care sector.
systemic change is required.
devaluation of (predominantly) women:
the aged care royal commission’s final Women’s work
W
e’ve heard a report. You may recall it received a As is widely acknowledged, the aged-
lot of horror brief window of media attention after care sector is underfunded and so are
stories in being released by the prime minister, the staff who work in it. Like childcare,
recent months together with the health and aged care aged care is traditionally ‘women’s
about women ministers, at short notice on a sunny work’. Women represent 87 percent of
being abused. It seems each Sydney day following a week of high workers in the residential aged-care
new day brings yet another speculation regarding the historical sector and 89 percent of workers in the
news item where a man (and rape allegations against a current homecare sector. Men represent just 12
they are invariably males) has cabinet member. The final report was percent of registered nurses in aged
used his position of power and titled Care, Dignity and Respect, the care and 14 percent of personal care
influence to denigrate and antithesis of the interim report which workers. It is no wonder pay rates are
abuse a female colleague, had been titled Neglect. so low. No one could seriously argue
student, partner, acquaintance, In the months since, there has been that funding and pay rates would be so
client or worker. significant public outrage, debate and low if aged care was traditionally
We thought we’d come a long way, national demonstrations regarding the ‘men’s work’.
16 | Inner Sydney Voice | Spring 2021 | innersydneyvoice.org.auELDER ABUSE
Women live longer and need of incidents were unlawful sexual their specific care needs thought about
more aged care contact. Extrapolating from that study, or listened to”. The estimated
Two-thirds (64 percent) of all people in this equates to more than 1,700 cases prevalence of physical abuse is five
receipt of aged care are women. of unlawful sexual assault per year or percent. This includes people being
Women live longer and require aged- 33 cases every week. This study further physically restrained against their
care support for longer. While both investigated incidents “displaying wishes, not being allowed out of their
sexes want to age at home, men are perpetrator behaviours of rape, sexual bed/chair/room or outside, and/or
more likely to be able to do so. Reflecting assault, including touching the being hurt or treated roughly by staff.
stereotyped relationships, the typical resident’s genital area without consent”
pattern is of a wife looking after her and specifically looked at the victim What will it take to get from
husband until he dies before her. impact for these incidents. neglect to care, dignity and
The older you are, the more likely Extraordinarily, 58 percent of these respect?
you are to be a woman who lives on were assessed by aged-care staff as The priority for additional funding is
her own. Given this, no one should having “no impact” on the victim. This clear: more funding is required to make
seriously expect demand for residential is a shocking statistic. It is alarming in residential aged care safer and kinder.
aged care to reduce into the future. An what it says about the culture of the This requires adequate staff ratios, a
increasing number of women are living aged-care sector. better mix of skills, improved staff
for longer with no partner or family to continuity and more effective clinical
look after them. This is already Elder abuse in aged care governance. At the same time, more
reflected in residential aged care. While The recent aged-care royal funding is required to address the
women represent about half of people commission tried to get to terms with community aged-care waiting list. But
in aged care who are under 75 years, this issue. They produced these changes alone will not be
the female percentage increases “experimental estimates of the sufficient. We need to understand that,
steadily with age. There are more than prevalence of elder abuse in Australian just like women’s rights issues
30,000 people aged between 95 and aged care facilities”. They estimated everywhere, systemic change is
106 years in aged-care homes this year. that the prevalence of elder abuse in required. The task is to end decades of
78 percent are women. Australian residential care is 39 neglect due in large part to a culture
percent. This estimate only includes underpinned by sexism and ageism.
Aged care is unsafe, especially people reporting emotional abuse, The community is now standing in
for women physical abuse and/or neglect. They judgement waiting for the government
Aged care is unsafe for many residents, were unable to estimate the prevalence to seriously address the systemic
mostly women. While most incidents of financial, social, or sexual abuse. issues underpinning sexual assault and
are between residents, residents are They estimated the prevalence of abuse in parliament house and in the
also assaulted by staff and visitors. neglect to be 31 percent. This included broader community. In the same way,
Aggression can take many forms, people who reported concerns about the community must now also stand in
including physical, verbal, sexual and how they are helped with daily living judgement waiting for the government
material aggression. Extrapolating from tasks such as showering, eating, to seriously address the systemic
a study of 178 services, the best toileting and getting around. It also issues underpinning the abuse and
available estimate is that there are included concerns about how neglect of women in the aged-care
close to 40,000 reportable incidents “medication is managed, wounds are system.
and 15,000 non-reportable incidents in looked after, catheters are used and/or
aged-care homes each year. This pain is managed; concerns about n Professor Kathy Eagar is Professor
equates to more than 100 reportable accessing a GP, dentist, mental health of Health Services Research and
incidents every day. services, and/or other allied health Director of the Australian Health
The Aged Care Act 1997 requires services; and/or care staff rarely being Services Research Institute (AHSRI) at
providers to report allegations, or a able to spend enough time attending to the University of Wollongong.
suspicion, of a “reportable assault” on the person’s individual needs”.
a resident. But the act allows for The estimated prevalence of n Anita Westera is a research fellow
exemptions including when a reportable emotional/psychological abuse is 23 with the Australian Health Services
assault is “perpetrated by a resident percent. This includes people who Research Institute (AHSRI), University of
with an assessed cognitive or mental reported feeling “forced to be Wollongong and has worked in aged
impairment . . .” In this case, the home dependent on staff, treated like a child, care policy, research, advocacy and
does not have to report the incident. forced to wear continence pads, being governance roles for over three
This study reported that 4.4 percent shouted at by staff, and/or not having decades.
innersydneyvoice.org.au | Spring 2021 | Inner Sydney Voice | 17You can also read
