A study released by the Australian Gambling Research Centre (AGRC) today shows that gambling companies are using the pandemic as an opportunity to prey on people who may have more time on their hands because of lockdown or job loss and are feeling anxious and alone.
“The underhanded and sneaky tactics used by gambling campaigns through this pandemic show exactly why we need proper regulation nationally and in all States and Territories, including a national regulator and a national self-exclusion register”, Greens spokesperson on Gambling Senator Rachel Siewert said.
People are migrating to gambling online due to the nature of the pandemic and there is not enough regulation and oversight of these huge companies whose profits have gone up during COVID and who are preying on people going through a difficult time in their lives.
Gambling behaviours are connected to emotional wellbeing and mental ill health.
The relationship between the Liberal and Labor parties and the gambling industry, with gambling revenue received by state governments creates an inherent conflict of interest when implementing appropriate regulations and restrictions.
Governments need to act both State and Federally so that we have strong regulation that protects our community, not these weak regulations.
We can all agree that big companies should not be using manipulation and predatory techniques to profit off everyday Australians.
Author: admin
More evidence of shameful lack of support for disadvantaged and people on low incomes in Anglicare’s Jobs Snapshot
The Australian Greens said today Anglicare Australia’s Jobs Snapshot once again demonstrates the urgent need for a permanent increase to JobSeeker and Youth Allowance to ensure that the payment is above the poverty line.
It is absolutely shameful that in a country as wealthy as Australia the Government is not ensuring that disadvantaged people and those people on low incomes are properly supported through this crisis”, Greens spokesperson on Family and Community Services Senator Rachel Siewert said.
The Government also needs to fix the employment services system in this country, it is not fit for purpose and instead of cutting over a billion dollars from employment services that money should be invested in better delivery of service.
The budget did not deliver for many unemployed Australians, for example there are hundreds and thousands of jobs in the care economy, not only would that help vulnerable Australians obviously it creates employment.
We are not all in this together. The Government is turning a blind eye and giving the cold shoulder to the people that were out of work before this crisis and to the million people who have entered the income support system because we are in a recession.
The Government has no plan to manage the mortgage and rental stress that is coming now that Jobseeker is back below the poverty line.
It’s pretty galling that the Government keeps talking about the mental health of Australians when they are keeping so many people in limbo on whether they will be living on $40 after Christmas.
I have just introduced a Greens private senator’s bill to reinstate the original rate of the Coronavirus Supplement to $550 a fortnight for people on Youth Allowance, JobSeeker and the Disability Support Pension.
This is the sixth bill to increase JobSeeker – formerly Newstart – that I have introduced in my 15 years in Parliament. Those in Parliament who support an increase to JobSeeker should vote for their professed values.
If this bill is passed it will reinstate the original rate of the Coronavirus Supplement at $550 a fortnight for people on Jobseeker and Youth Allowance and extend the supplement to people on DSP and those on the Aged Pension accessing Commonwealth Rent Assistance.”
Live entertainment industry on it's knees deserves PM's urgent attention
The Greens are again urging the Morrison Government to do more for the Arts and Entertainment Industry after a report released today shows two out of every three jobs in the live entertainment sector have been lost this year.
Greens Spokesperson for the Arts Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said:
“The Arts and Entertainment Industry was completely ignored in last week’s budget despite being the hardest hit by Covid19.
“These latest figures confirm the crisis the Industry has been telling the Government it is in for half a year now.
“Despite pleas for specific industry assistance since March, the Morrison Government continues to fail artists, creatives, support crews and all the businesses that depend on it.
“Not even the fact the industry pulls in hundreds of billions of dollars each year, which is now at great risk, is enough to motivate the PM to actually provide proper support.
”The live entertainment sector that commissioned the EY Report is calling for an extension to JobKeeper, support with insurance for events and more funding for grants programs, and the Greens back their calls.
“The PM can’t keep turning a blind eye, it’s time he reached a bit deeper into his Government’s pockets and pulled out proper support for the arts and entertainment industry.
“The PM found three times as much for the construction industry which has only suffered a quarter of the job losses. Our artists, creatives, crews and supporting businesses shouldn’t suffer just because the PM prefers tool belts to arts and culture.
“We will be pressing the government on this issue in Estimates next week.”
Budget delivers for hard of hearing
The Australian Government will implement key initiatives from the Roadmap for Hearing Health, investing $21.2 million over five years.
Addressing a meeting of the Hearing Health Sector Alliance today, Minister for Regional Health, Mark Coulton, said the Government’s investment reflects its ongoing commitment to improving access to hearing support services for vulnerable Australians.
“With more than 3.6 million Australians currently affected by hearing loss and that number expected to reach 7.8 million by 2060, it is vital we have the services and support that allow them to best live to their potential,” Minister Coulton said.
“That’s why the Government is investing in and reforming its hearing services to improve access and quality of services for all Australians.
“With numerous efforts already underway, including development of paediatric standards and increasing screening in remote areas, we today announce the implementation of key initiatives from the Roadmap for Hearing Health.”
Minister Coulton said the announced Roadmap initiatives focused on making Australians well aware of the importance of hearing health and ensuring services reach those who need them, especially the vulnerable.
“Targeted activities to improve outcomes for Indigenous children and efforts to upskill the aged care workforce will see better outcomes for some of the most in need,” he said.
“Regional Australians will be pleased to hear about specific measures to ensure their access to services continues and improves with funding for a rural workforce audit and summit and implementation of new tele-audiology standards to allow this tool to bridge the gap between rural Australians and necessary hearing tests.
“We expect the $5 million awareness campaign to help break down the stigmas that surround hearing loss and to encourage more Australians to get their hearing checked.
“We know how important early identification is in minimising further damage and increased awareness will certainly help.”
Minister Coulton said the initiatives announced in the Budget followed work by members of the Hearing Health Sector Alliance to develop the Roadmap.
“Members of the Hearing Health Sector Alliance played a central in role in developing the Roadmap and it is particularly pleasing to be able to discuss its implementation with them today,” Minister Coulton said.
“The Commonwealth will continue to work with states and territories to deliver further elements of the Roadmap.”
Hearing Health Sector Alliance Chair, Dr Tony Coles, welcomed the announcement, saying it was important the Government was funding the five key priority areas by the Hearing Health Sector Alliance and included in the Roadmap for Hearing Health.
“We’re delighted this funding will assist more Australians protect their hearing health, fund research into hearing loss, and support those who need greater access to audiological services.
“With one in six Australians experiencing hearing loss, and links between hearing loss, falls, depression and anxiety, cognitive impairment and dementia, it is important for Australians to protect their hearing and to gain a greater understanding to prevent, treat and manage hearing loss,” Dr Coles said.
“The Hearing Health Sector Alliance is looking forward to working collaboratively with the Federal Government to implement these important initiatives as part of the Roadmap for Hearing Health, which will improve hearing outcomes for all Australians.”
Roadmap initiatives announced in the Federal Budget are:
- $5 million hearing health awareness campaign
- $7.3 million for research to develop a sound evidence base for effective treatment, service delivery, and prevention of hearing loss
- $5 million for improvements in and early identification of hearing and speech difficulties for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
- $2 million for initiatives in the aged care sector to improve the capability of the aged care workforce to support people with hearing loss.
- $400,000 for development and adoption of new tele audiology standards for hearing services.
- $200,000 to support rural service delivery through a workforce audit and a rural hearing workforce summit.
HIA New Home Sales Data Continues To Demonstrate Homebuilder’s Phenomenal Success
Today’s Housing Industry Association (HIA) New Home Sales Report for September 2020 again demonstrates how HomeBuilder is providing the stimulus the construction industry needs that is protecting tradies’ jobs.
The HIA’s data shows that in the four months since HomeBuilder was announced, new home sales have risen 49.8 per cent compared to the four months to June 2020.
Also following HomeBuilder’s announcement, new home sales have been higher in each month than any month in the past two years.
This phenomenal result shows HomeBuilder is delivering on its promise to protect the jobs of Australia’s tradies by providing the stimulus the construction industry needs as we get to the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic.
HIA Chief Economist Tim Reardon said today;
“HomeBuilder has been successful in providing consumer confidence for those customers that had delayed a major investment decision earlier in the year.”
“The program has also brought buyers into the market that would otherwise not been able to purchase their first home for a number of years.”
“This increase in sales will support the construction of detached homes in the wake of the COVID recession and pull the rest of the economy forward into 2021.”
Today’s data adds to the growing number of leading indicators that show that HomeBuilder is delivering the support the residential construction industry needs. Recent data shows;
- In August 2020, the number of loans for the construction of new dwellings rose to its highest level in over a decade, up by 22.9 per cent for the month and 34 per cent through the year.
- HomeBuilder has seen first home buyers flood into the housing market. First home buyer loans rose dramatically in August to be 17.7 per cent higher for the month, up 37.3 per cent through the year – the highest level since October 2009.
- ABS Building Approvals data for August 2020 shows private sector house approvals are at their highest level since February 2019, with over 9,000 approvals recorded.
Across the board the construction industry is saying that HomeBuilder is delivering for Australia’s tradies and home buyers, which is driving stimulus in the economy at a time its needed most.
The Morrison Government is committed to doing all we can to help Australians get into a home of their own as part of our Economic Recovery Plan for Australia.
Caring For Mental And Physical Health During The Pandemic
The Morrison Government recognises it is a very challenging time for many Australians, with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on daily life and work having taken a considerable toll on the mental health of individuals and communities.
This is especially so in Victoria, which has endured the worst of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and is subject to further restrictions.
Nationally, since 16 March, there has been a 15% increase in the number of Medicare-subsidised mental health services delivered, with 7.4 million services provided and $819 million paid in benefits.
In Victoria, between September and October, the number of Medicare-funded mental health items has increased by 31% compared to the same period last year. In addition, the use of Beyond Blue’s Support line was 77% higher in Victoria than in the rest of the country, while Victorian use of Lifeline was 16% higher and Kids Helpline 24% higher than the rest of the country. Victorian state data also shows a 33% increase in child and youth contacts in community mental health services for eating disorders.
This data is of significant concern.
We encourage all Australians, and especially Victorians, to continue to stay on top of their mental and physical health and wellbeing wherever possible throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
It is okay not to feel okay. Help is available.
Through unprecedented investment in mental and physical health to support Australians during the pandemic and the restrictions used to contain it, the Morrison Government is ensuring essential supports are available whenever and wherever needed.
We have committed $2.4 billion to provide all Australians with access to telehealth, invested $5 million to fast track electronic prescribing, and provided $25 million to support home delivery of medicines. These services are ensuring everyone can look after their health from home, even if they are subject to movement restrictions.
The Government is also continuing to prioritise mental health and suicide prevention services, with record investment in mental health estimated to be $5.7 billion in 2020–21 alone.
We have made an additional 10 Medicare-subsidised individual psychological therapy sessions available each calendar year through a $100.8 million investment in the 2020–21 Federal Budget. If you or your loved ones are concerned about your mental health, you can get in touch with your local GP to discuss access to these items or other Medicare supported mental health options available to you.
The Government has also provided more than $500 million extra funding to rapidly scale up other vital mental health services to help Australians deal with lockdowns, the challenges of isolation, fear for loved ones, and concerns about employment.
This has included funding for the Beyond Blue’s Coronavirus Wellbeing Support Service, Lifeline, SANE, headspace and Kids Helpline, among other vital services. Information about these and many other free or low cost services is also available on the national mental health digital portal, Head to Health, at www.headtohealth.gov.au.
In addition to these nationally available supports, the Government is continuing to invest in specific extra services to support Victorians during this time and ensure everyone has access to essential care.
We provided $26.9 million to establish dedicated HeadtoHelp mental health clinics at 15 locations across Greater Melbourne and regional Victoria. These clinics are making mental health services more accessible in local communities. They are providing care delivered by multidisciplinary teams of mental health professionals, including GPs, mental health nurses, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers and other health workers. You can contact your local HeadtoHelp clinic on (1800595212) or online at www.headtohelp.org.au.
Lifeline, Kids Helpline, Beyond Blue and headspace have also received additional funds to ensure they have the capacity to respond to the much greater demand for services in Victoria.
We encourage everyone to make use of the many services available, but also to connect with others to seek and provide support. Even if we are required to stay physically distant, staying socially connected is a vital part of looking after our mental health and wellbeing. We can all play a part in keeping each other safe and well.
Anyone worried about their mental health, loneliness, finances, family, or other circumstances can contact the Beyond Blue Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service for free advice and counselling on 1800 512 348 or online. Immediate advice and support is also available through Lifeline (13 11 14) or Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800).
This is especially so in Victoria, which has endured the worst of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and is subject to further restrictions.
Nationally, since 16 March, there has been a 15% increase in the number of Medicare-subsidised mental health services delivered, with 7.4 million services provided and $819 million paid in benefits.
In Victoria, between September and October, the number of Medicare-funded mental health items has increased by 31% compared to the same period last year. In addition, the use of Beyond Blue’s Support line was 77% higher in Victoria than in the rest of the country, while Victorian use of Lifeline was 16% higher and Kids Helpline 24% higher than the rest of the country. Victorian state data also shows a 33% increase in child and youth contacts in community mental health services for eating disorders.
This data is of significant concern.
We encourage all Australians, and especially Victorians, to continue to stay on top of their mental and physical health and wellbeing wherever possible throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
It is okay not to feel okay. Help is available.
Through unprecedented investment in mental and physical health to support Australians during the pandemic and the restrictions used to contain it, the Morrison Government is ensuring essential supports are available whenever and wherever needed.
We have committed $2.4 billion to provide all Australians with access to telehealth, invested $5 million to fast track electronic prescribing, and provided $25 million to support home delivery of medicines. These services are ensuring everyone can look after their health from home, even if they are subject to movement restrictions.
The Government is also continuing to prioritise mental health and suicide prevention services, with record investment in mental health estimated to be $5.7 billion in 2020–21 alone.
We have made an additional 10 Medicare-subsidised individual psychological therapy sessions available each calendar year through a $100.8 million investment in the 2020–21 Federal Budget. If you or your loved ones are concerned about your mental health, you can get in touch with your local GP to discuss access to these items or other Medicare supported mental health options available to you.
The Government has also provided more than $500 million extra funding to rapidly scale up other vital mental health services to help Australians deal with lockdowns, the challenges of isolation, fear for loved ones, and concerns about employment.
This has included funding for the Beyond Blue’s Coronavirus Wellbeing Support Service, Lifeline, SANE, headspace and Kids Helpline, among other vital services. Information about these and many other free or low cost services is also available on the national mental health digital portal, Head to Health, at www.headtohealth.gov.au.
In addition to these nationally available supports, the Government is continuing to invest in specific extra services to support Victorians during this time and ensure everyone has access to essential care.
We provided $26.9 million to establish dedicated HeadtoHelp mental health clinics at 15 locations across Greater Melbourne and regional Victoria. These clinics are making mental health services more accessible in local communities. They are providing care delivered by multidisciplinary teams of mental health professionals, including GPs, mental health nurses, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers and other health workers. You can contact your local HeadtoHelp clinic on (1800595212) or online at www.headtohelp.org.au.
Lifeline, Kids Helpline, Beyond Blue and headspace have also received additional funds to ensure they have the capacity to respond to the much greater demand for services in Victoria.
We encourage everyone to make use of the many services available, but also to connect with others to seek and provide support. Even if we are required to stay physically distant, staying socially connected is a vital part of looking after our mental health and wellbeing. We can all play a part in keeping each other safe and well.
Anyone worried about their mental health, loneliness, finances, family, or other circumstances can contact the Beyond Blue Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service for free advice and counselling on 1800 512 348 or online. Immediate advice and support is also available through Lifeline (13 11 14) or Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800).
Business benefits from City’s million-dollar event and project funding
Thirty-one events, activations and initiatives to re-energise Newcastle and boost the COVID disrupted local economy, have received a $1.1 million cash injection from City of Newcastle’s Events Sponsorship and Special Business Rate programs.
Festivals of comedy, sailing and beer, spectacular park lighting, and virtual tours to entice people to explore the city’s history and creative culture, have received well needed financial support aimed at stimulating the local economy.
Fifteen projects that promote, beautify and develop the City Centre and Darby Street have shared in a pool more than $930,000 under the Special Business Program, while a further 16 events and activations have received $177,000 from the Event Sponsorship Program.
City of Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the funding will help activate public spaces and strengthen the city’s reputation as a destination for tourism, business and events.
“Not only will businesses stand to reap substantial economic gains from the unique and engaging events and activities funded, the projects will breathe life into the city centre and encourage people to spend locally.”
“These funding programs are more important than ever in the wake of COVID-19 and its unprecedented economic and social impacts on our community.
“COVID-19 has caused major disruption to the city’s vibrant event calendar, so it’s heartening to see this financial boost go towards reinvigorating COVID-safe sporting, cultural and entertainment events that will attract visitors to Newcastle.”
After a cancelled 2020 event due to COVID-19 restrictions, Newcastle’s Sailfest will be back for a special regatta on the harbour and celebration of all things sailing in April next year.
“Newcastle Harbour provides a perfect stage for people on the Foreshore to see everything from Olympic-class boats in action through to model yacht racing,” Newcastle Yacht Club CEO Paul O’Rourke said.
“We are grateful to receive financial support that enables us to continue this event in 2021. Sailfest brings together people from all walks of life to celebrate the sport of sailing and enjoy the beauty of our harbour.”
Festive cheer will sweep the city centre in December with a life-size Christmas tree maze set to pop up in Civic Park and Santa flying in from the North Pole for a week of free family photos.
“Local businesses will be hoping for a strong Christmas trade to see off what has been a tough year for the retail and hospitality sectors. By providing fun, playful and free family activities in the City Centre we’re expecting a positive flow on effect to our unique hospitality and retail traders while also providing jobs for people working in the events and entertainment sector,” Enigma Newcastle Managing Director Peter Chapman said.
SPECIAL BUSINESS RATE FUNDED PROJECTS
Live Spots – City-wide initiative to establish live music ‘spots’, creating ambiance and passer-by entertainment for business precincts; creating income and promotion opportunities for local musicians.
Creative Newcastle - An ambitious project to bolster Newcastle’s arts, business and night-time economy sector, through digital development, data collation, promotion and events.
City Lights for Social Change - Permanent lighting array for Civic Park creating a spectacular lightscape to attract people to walk from and through Hunter and King Street, Civic Park to Darby Street.
Discover Newcastle Mobile Adventures - A digital app-based treasure hunt game designed to bring families, tourists, school and social groups into the city centre and promote foot traffic to different landmarks and highlights of the city’s business precinct.
Made In Newcastle - A city-wide undertaking in collaboration with local businesses, regional tourism, and Newcastle’s vibrant arts community to run a series of events over many months in 2020 – 2021.
Newcastle Food Month - month-long project promoting what makes Newcastle and the surrounding precincts a gastronomic playground.
Archaeology Alive Walking Tour - showcasing archaeological excavations undertaken in the Newcastle and Darby Street SBR area, and delivered through the City of Newcastle App.
UP&UP Street Art Workshops – Create Your Space - will activate Wheeler Place with interactive street art workshops and live painting exhibitions during the New Annual Festival in February 2021.
Christmas in the City - will activate spaces in the City Centre and Darby St, attracting people to the areas prior to Christmas and encourage people to spend at local businesses
The Little Green - is a celebration of nature, music, giving and community in the form of a space-making installation in the Hunter Street Mall area.
Newcastle Food Month Marketing Campaign – HUNTERhunter in collaboration with the Newcastle Food Month, will undertake a 3-month multi-faceted digital and traditional media campaign to promote the Newcastle Food Month Festival.
Chalk the Walk, Newcastle - 3D artwork trail in key City Centre and Darby Street outdoor locations.
“Created in Newcastle” by The Real Film Festival 2020 - will deliver new ways of reconnecting film, arts and culture across city precinct businesses to strengthen the Newcastle business sector.
Open House Newcastle - is an immersive installation, to be located at the old Newcastle Station, inviting the community to walk through spaces entirely created by, and using local retailer products.
Makers & Traders Newcastle - “Project 360” will use virtual tours and podcasts to enable visitors and locals to experience Newcastle’s creative offering; encouraging bookings, sales and connection through an integrated checkout. A beautifully designed Treasure Map will make the navigation of creative opportunities and experiences easier for visitors and locals alike.
EVENT SPONSORSHIP RECIPIENTS
Surfing the Spectrum – will provide autistic children and their families support to come to the beach and participate in 30 minute surfing lessons.
Australian Walking & Cycling Conference – exploring the potential for walking and cycling to not only provide for transport and recreation, but as solutions to the challenges of liveability, health, community building, economic development and sustainability.
Bloody Long Walk – 35km walk through Newcastle finishing at Newcastle Beach, raising money for the MTIO Foundation.
Celebration of Cricket – two major junior cricket carnivals attracting participants from around NSW, in support of junior sport and visitation for participants and their families to Newcastle.
King of Concrete – Australia’s premier skateboarding bowl competition at Bar Beach Skate Park.
Sailfest – The second annual SailFest Newcastle Regatta will incorporate the prestigious TP52 Gold Cup, iconic ‘Cock of the Harbour’ race and historic Newcastle Harbour Regatta, offshore yacht racing and inshore activities such as Olympic Class dinghy and keelboat racing, along with TrySailing events for junior sailors and families.
Newcastle Comedy Festival – 2 week non-stop comedy celebration featuring international stars, homegrown legends and next-big-things across 22 shows utilising a range of local venues.
Junior Theatre Australia – week-long festival including student workshops, professional development, celebrity performances, pilot workshops, award ceremonies and performances of new theatrical works.
Newcastle Show – a centre ring show of livestock parades, show jumping and attractions such as fireworks, agriculture pavilion with displays and judging, exhibition centre; show bag and sideshow alley with carnival rides, games and shopping.
Girls Day Out – Multisport participation event focused on building the interest and participation of girls in a variety of sports, particularly those traditionally dominated by male participants.
Australian Water Polo League – support for the Hunter Hurricanes home games at Lambton Pool and a unique event at Queens Wharf allowing water polo to be played in Newcastle Harbour.
Newcastle Jets Women – support for the Newcastle Jets W-League campaign, with their home matches played from No 2 Sportsground for the upcoming season.
T20 Bash - short form cricket competition held across multiple venues around the City; hosting visiting teams to compete against local clubs over the summer.
New Run – Newcastle’s premier running festival, now in its 15th year, offers runners a marathon, half marathon, 10km, 5km, and 2km events along Newcastle’s coastal and harbour shorelines.
Newcastle Beer Fest – celebration of independent craft beer, featuring 35 brewers from across Australia, hosted at Foreshore Park and including a range of entertainment offerings in the salute to beer.
By Hook and by Cook - Newcastle will be the place to catch, buy, eat, cook and enjoy seafood as part of an inclusive and collaborative event to celebrate and highlight the Newcastle seafood industry.
MORE COURT PROTECTIONS FOR ‘REVENGE PORN’ VICTIMS
Victims of intimate image abuse will have the same court protections as other sexual assault complainants while judicial officers will have greater powers to order images and recordings be destroyed, under legislation to be introduced in NSW Parliament today.
Attorney General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Mark Speakman said the proposed Criminal Procedure Act 1986 reforms acknowledge the seriousness of these types of offences and the distress and damage they inflict on victims’ lives.
“Coming to court can often involve extensive questioning about intimate details of a victim’s experience and the terrible hurt caused. These reforms are aimed at helping to reduce the trauma of that experience,” Mr Speakman said.
The proposed reforms mean victims can give evidence remotely and in a closed court, access a support person, have their identity protected from publication, and avoid cross-examination by an unrepresented accused personally.
“It is vital victims know if they report intimate image abuse that they will be appropriately supported in court, while also helping them regain privacy and dignity,” Mr Speakman said.
The proposed reforms also allow the court to order an offender to remove, retract, delete or destroy an intimate image when found guilty of threatening to distribute it without consent.
“What happens to intimate images can be a source of ongoing fear and trauma for many victims, and our Bill seeks to address that anxiety,” Mr Speakman said.
“It will give victims some sense of control and peace of mind that even when only a threat is made, that those images can no longer be accessed or disseminated in the future.”
Today’s Bill reinforces the Government’s commitment to addressing this vile form of intimate abuse and follows its implementation of the Crimes Amendment (Intimate Images) Act 2017.
“Unfortunately, the rapid advent of technology has facilitated a rise in this type of criminal behaviour, so it is crucial our justice response keeps pace,” Mr Speakman said.
Research by the e-Safety Commissioner indicates 11 per cent of Australian adults have experienced image-based abuse. According to the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, there were 296 charges for intimate image offences between July 2018 and June 2019, while 420 charges have been laid between July 2019 and June this year.
Further details of the Bill will be available on the NSW Parliament website this afternoon when it is second read in the Legislative Assembly.
RECORD FUNDING FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN 2021
The NSW Government will allocate a record $1.3 billion in 2021 to more than 2000 public schools across NSW – a $50 million increase on 2020.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced the Resource Allocation Model (RAM) funding today, which is provided on top of a school’s base allocation, and can be used for more teachers, literacy and numeracy programs, and teacher training.
“I want to ensure every child in NSW has the opportunity to be best they can be, no matter where they live or what their circumstances may be,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This funding will support the NSW Government’s education reforms including overhauling the NSW curriculum and making sure we have the most skilled teachers at the front of the classroom.”
The allocation of RAM funding recognises the needs of schools across NSW differ and takes into account the socio-economic profile of students, Aboriginal student numbers, students with disability and English language proficiency.
It is in addition to the schools’ base allocation funding which is more than $8.8 billion this year.
Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said the funding certainty allowed schools to plan for 2021.
“The allocations are part of a total of $10.1 billion in annual funding being delivered to public schools for 2021, supporting our students and improving their learning outcomes,” said Ms Mitchell.
“I want to see this funding improve outcomes for our students. Schools have enhanced financial tools that allow them to build this money into their school plans so that students receive more of the benefit.”
The NSW Government is working towards creating Australia’s best education system and providing students with world-class education no matter where they live.
Man charged with murder over suspicious death of New Zealand firefighter in the Hunter
A man has been charged with murder following the suspicious death of 43-year-old New Zealand man, Ian Pullen, two years ago in the Hunter region.
Just after 5.30am on Saturday 29 September 2018, emergency services were called to Carrington Street, Glenridding, after a man’s body was located on the side of the road.
The man was later identified as 43-year-old New Zealand firefighter, Ian Pullen, who had arrived in the Hunter region to assist with bushfire efforts.
Detectives from Hunter Valley Police District established Strike Force Awabakil to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mr Pullen’s death.
Following extensive inquiries and numerous public appeals, a 29-year-old man was arrested at Newcastle Police Station about 10am today (Wednesday 14 October 2020).
He was charged with murder, dangerous driving occasioning death and fail to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing death.
He was remanded in custody to appear at Newcastle Local Court later today (Wednesday 14 October 2020).
Investigations under Strike Force Awabakil are ongoing.