More families will have access to preschool thanks to a new round of funding announced today, creating additional places in preschools for children on waitlists.
The NSW Government is continuing its commitment to increase access to preschool for communities across the state with another round of Start Strong Capital Works Grants for community preschools.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said the NSW Government understands that preschool is incredibly important to a child’s development and their performance later in their schooling.
“Not only are we helping cater to growing demand for more places in preschools with these grants, we’re also supporting jobs in the construction industry during this time of economic recovery,” Ms Mitchell said.
Eligible not-for-profit organisations can apply for funding to build, renovate or extend their facilities to deliver a community preschool, or purchase a vehicle for a mobile preschool to cater for increasing enrolments.
The NSW Government has committed $10 million in funding as part of the Start Strong Capital Works Grants program for 2020. This is an increase on the $8.3 million allocated in 2019.
Grant applications from not-for-profit community preschools and mobile preschools operating in areas of the state where there is a demonstrated shortage of places will be prioritised.
“This funding will ensure even more children in NSW have access to 600 hours of quality early childhood education in the year before school, giving them the social, cognitive and emotional skills to transition to school as well as benefiting them in the longer term,” Ms Mitchell said.
Grants are available in five categories, including: construction of a new centre based community preschool facility, extending an existing centre based community preschool facility, renovating existing or new premises for a centre based preschool, purchase of replacement vehicles for existing mobile preschools, and responding to crisis situations.
Applications can be submitted online from now until 23 August 2020. For more information, visit the Department of Education website at: https://education.nsw.gov.au/early-childhood-education/operating-an-early-childhood-education-service/grants-and-funded-programs/capital-works-grants
NEW CYBER TASK FORCE TO DRIVE STANDARDS
An Australian first collaboration between the NSW Government, AustCyber and Standards Australia has seen the creation of a task force charged with accelerating the adoption of industry standards for cyber security across Australia.
Made up of a cross-sector group of industry experts, including in defence, energy, health and financial services, at its first meeting today the task force agreed the focus should be:
- Improving the practice of cyber security across Australian businesses
- Harmonising baseline standards and providing clarity for sector-specific additional standards and guidance
- Enhancing competitiveness standards by sector for both supplier and consumers
- Providing greater interoperability
- Supporting Australian cyber security companies to seize opportunities and go global.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the task force was another critical step in bolstering government’s cyber security defences and creating a strong cyber security ecosystem.
“We know that the current plethora of different security standards make it difficult for government and industry to know what they’re buying when it comes to cyber security,” Mr Dominello said.
“By bringing together industry to identify relevant standards and provide other practical guidance, we aim to make government more secure, whilst providing direction for industry to build their cyber resilience.
“This will realise our ambition for NSW to become the leading cyber security hub in the Southern Hemisphere.”
AustCyber CEO Michelle Price said trust in the digital infrastructure now driving Australia’s economy is at the core of Australia’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and cyber security functions as an insurance policy for a resilient economy.
“The economy’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic has proven Australia can take leaps towards embedding digital technologies, but the quality of this digitisation and digitalisation along with its trustworthiness is now under immense pressure – and is obviously being targeted by malicious cyber actors,” she said.
“There is a risk underlying the speed of digital transformation in Australia, and the new standards will be critical in helping deliver a consistent, industry-focused framework for NSW. The newly established task force will help NSW businesses understand what they need to do to tackle the complex challenge of protecting against cyber attacks.
“This work will also provide a pilot for the rest of the country to enable rapid adoption of consistent, internationally harmonised cyber security standards and guidance. Cyber security is one of Australia’s most promising growth sectors and importantly protects our digital infrastructure and data.”
CEO of Standards Australia Adrian O’Connell said the cyber task force is an exciting opportunity to strengthen cyber security across the board.
“Standards Australia looks forward to working alongside the NSW Government, AustCyber and the members of the task force in providing information around technical guidance and promoting industry backed security practices through the use of standards,” Mr O’Connell said.
The task force creation follows the NSW Government’s record $240 million investment in the cyber industry last week
NSW PLANNING SYSTEM POWERS PAST JOBS TARGETS
The NSW Government’s Planning System Acceleration Program is on track to reach its target of creating opportunities for 30,000 jobs in half the time originally anticipated.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian today announced a further 19 planning projects that will have their assessments fast-tracked through the program, which, if approved, will see the State reach its jobs target in three months instead of six.
“When we approve projects, we create jobs; it’s as simple as that,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“If approved, this latest tranche of projects will see $4.7 billion invested in our State and deliver almost 15,000 jobs,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Projects in the third tranche of the program include an over-station development at Sydney Metro Victoria Cross, a new solar farm, a new school in Camden, affordable housing in Gosford, and a land release in Yass Valley that will allow more than 5,000 new homes to be built.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said getting shovel-ready projects out the door as fast as possible is helping NSW rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“So far this program has unlocked $1 billion of economic investment a week – far surpassing any other State’s planning acceleration programs,” Mr Stokes said.
To date, 48 major projects have had their assessments finalised through the program, which has created opportunities for more than 25,000 jobs, $13 billion in economic benefit, more than 8,000 new homes and more than 2 million square metres of open space, parks and land for environmental conservation.
“We’re establishing a new normal for the NSW planning system, with faster decision making and simpler processes. And with local councils now following our lead with their own acceleration programs, NSW will remain the pounding heart of the Australian economy.”
To be considered for a fast-tracked assessment through the Planning System
Acceleration Program, a development application (DA) or rezoning must already be in the State’s system, deliver a public benefit, demonstrate an ability to create jobs during construction and once complete, be able to commence construction within six months (for a State Significant Development application or State Significant Infrastructure application) or allow a DA to be lodged within six months (for a rezoning).
Decisions on projects in Tranche 3 of the Planning System Acceleration Program will be made by 17 July 2020.
For more information visit: www.planning.nsw.gov.au/fast-tracked-assessment
Second man charged after officers allegedly assaulted – Maitland
A passenger who allegedly fled from police has been arrested and charged after three officers were assaulted, one of them suffering a fractured eye socket, in the Hunter region last night.
About 8.40pm (Sunday 21 June 2020), an officer from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District stopped a Ford hatchback on Trevor Street, Telarah, after it was allegedly driving dangerously.
Police will allege two men, the driver and a passenger, got out of the car and approached the officer as he was walking towards them.
The driver, a 20-year-old man, allegedly pushed the male officer. As the sergeant tried to arrest the man, the passenger inserted himself between the men.
The driver then allegedly punched the officer to the face, before both men allegedly fled the scene on foot.
Shortly after, the driver was sighted at a nearby railway corridor trying to jump a fence when two officers attempted to restrain him. The driver allegedly punched a constable multiple times before jumping over the fence.
A senior constable followed him over the fence and was also allegedly punched before the 20-year-old man was eventually arrested and charged. He remains before the courts.
The sergeant was taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment for a fractured eye socket. The two other officers were treated for minor lacerations and soft tissue damage at Maitland Hospital. All have since been discharged.
Following further inquiries, a 24-year-old man was arrested at a home on Ada Street, Telarah, just after 3pm today (Monday 22 June 2020).
He was taken to Maitland Police Station and charged with assault police officer in execution of duty cause actual bodily harm, resist officer in execution of duty and escape police custody.
The man was refused bail to appear at Maitland Local Court tomorrow (Tuesday 23 June 2020).
$223 Million To Unlock Hundreds Of Local Infrastructure Jobs
The Morrison and McGowan Governments will support construction jobs across Western Australia by jointly investing an additional $223 million to deliver shovel-ready infrastructure projects and urgent road safety upgrades.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said further investment in infrastructure would play a critical role in the Commonwealth’s JobMaker plan and help the West Australian economy as it recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Partnering with state and territory governments to invest in more major infrastructure projects across Australia is a key part of our JobMaker plan to rebuild our economy and create more jobs,” the Prime Minister said.
“This funding injection means we have brought forward or provided additional funding in excess of $1 billion Western Australian in the past eight months.
“This package builds on the fast tracking of $868 million for infrastructure in Western Australia which we announced last November, locking in priority upgrades that will bust congestion, improve safety and boost jobs at a time we need it most.”
Finance Minister Mathias Cormann said the Australian Government’s $176 million contribution builds on its nationwide $100 billion, 10-year infrastructure pipeline.
“Federal funding for this package has been drawn from the recently announced $1.5 billion allocation to priority shovel-ready projects and targeted road safety works.
“We are continuing to work closely with all levels of Government making decisions to create jobs and support our economic recovery,” Senator Cormann said.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Government had worked closely with State, Territory and Local Governments to identify shovel-ready projects to help reinvigorate the economy and get money flowing into jobs and businesses as soon as possible.
“In Western Australia, this will see us investing in critical shovel-ready projects along the Great Eastern and Bussell Highways, Exmouth Road and Toodyay Road while simultaneously delivering a dedicated road safety package for life-saving improvements right across regional WA,” Mr McCormack said.
“Overall this package is estimated to support more than 1,000 jobs during construction, which is absolutely fantastic news for locals and communities across the state.
“By investing in critical infrastructure projects across the country, we are doing more than just supporting local jobs and businesses at this critical time. We are investing in our future beyond COVID-19 by delivering lasting infrastructure which will kick-start our economic recovery and benefit Australians for years to come.”
Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan said the Regional State Road Safety Improvement Program would see the two Governments invest $100 million across the state to deliver improvements over the next year.
“The Road Safety Improvement Program will widen, seal or install audio-tactile line markings on more than 20 regional routes right across the state to reduce run-off-road crashes,” he said.
“These works will improve road safety, saving lives and bolstering the resilience of the state’s road networks, which is absolutely critical for our regional roads.
“The package will immediately help support economic activity and WA jobs, and is another sign of the State and Commonwealth Governments working collaboratively in the interests of Western Australians.”
Senator Cormann further said that bringing forward these key infrastructure projects is part of $13.8 billion in infrastructure funding for Western Australia that the Federal Government has committed to transport infrastructure projects to date.
“The Federal Government is committed to projects that get West Australians home sooner and safer. But particularly as we look to grow the West Australian economy on the other side of the COVID-19 crisis, we want to guarantee work for local trades and keep money flowing through local businesses throughout the construction phase and beyond,” Senator Cormann said.
Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the funding injection would also deliver shovel-ready fixes to Thomas Road.
“For Perth motorists that includes creating dual lanes for an extra kilometre between the Kwinana Freeway and Nicholson Road and a much-needed intersection upgrade,” Mr Tudge said.
“Thomas Road is used by around 19,000 vehicles every single day and this funding means shovels will be in the ground sooner to support local jobs and the economy.”
Western Australian Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti said the funding injection would support local jobs, businesses and the economy while providing lasting infrastructure to help the state bounce back as COVID-19 restrictions ease.
“This funding injection will help us start work on even more critical regional road infrastructure including the dualling of Bussell Highway, upgrades to key tourism roads in Exmouth and key freight roads through Toodyay.
“These projects will support our local regional economies, creating and supporting local jobs whilst also improving safety.”
The jointly funded package is supported by investments from the Commonwealth ($176 million) and WA Government ($47 million).
Statement On Malicious Cyber Activity Against Australian Networks
Protecting Australia’s economy, national security and sovereignty is the Government’s top priority.
Based on advice provided to the Government by our cyber experts, the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), Australian organisations are currently being targeted by a sophisticated state-based cyber actor.
This activity is targeting Australian organisations across a range of sectors, including all levels of government, industry, political organisations, education, health, essential service providers, and operators of other critical infrastructure.
We know it is a sophisticated state-based cyber actor because of the scale and nature of the targeting and the tradecraft used.
The Australian Government is aware of and alert to the threat of cyber-attacks.
The ACSC has already published a range of technical advisory notices in recent times, to alert potential targets and has been briefing States and Territories on risks and mitigations.
Regrettably, this activity is not new – but the frequency has been increasing.
Our objective is to raise awareness of these specific risks and targeted activities and tell you how you can take action to protect yourself.
Cyber security is a shared responsibility of us all. It is vital that Australian organisations are alert to this threat and take steps to enhance the resilience of their networks.
All Australian organisations who might be concerned about their vulnerability to sophisticated cyber compromise can take three simple steps to protect themselves:
- Patch your internet facing devices promptly – ensuring any web or email servers are fully updated with the latest software.
- Ensure you use multifactor authentication to secure your internet accessible infrastructure and cloud-based platforms.
- Become an ACSC partner to ensure you get the latest cyber threat advice so you can take the earliest possible action to protect yourself online.
The ACSC and the Department of Home Affairs has published a more detailed technical advisory with advice for Australian businesses and organisations to protect themselves, which is available here.
The ACSC has also been actively working with targeted organisations to ensure that they have appropriate technical mitigations in place and their defences are appropriately raised.
The Government’s 2016 Cyber Security Strategy – backed by a $230 million investment over four years – has strengthened Australia’s cyber security foundations, stimulated private sector investment in cyber security and positioned Australia as a regional cyber security leader. The Government will release a new Cyber Security Strategy in the coming months, which will include significant further investments.
The Government also invested a further $156 million to build cyber resilience and expand the cyber workforce as one of our election commitments and we invested additional funding for a whole-of-government cyber uplift program.
The work of the Government’s Critical Infrastructure Centre and Trusted Information Sharing Network has also been focussed on the threats to critical infrastructure and other systems of national significance.
But there is more to do and we must do this work together – cyber security is a whole of community effort – government, industry, and individuals.
The risks are present and will continue to be present. That is why these investments are necessary and the protections we put in place necessary. The Australian Government will continue to do everything to keep Australians safe.
The Government encourages organisations, particularly those in the health, critical infrastructure and essential services, to take expert advice, and implement technical defences to thwart this malicious cyber activity.
Further information on how you can protect yourself and your business from cyber threats is available at www.cyber.gov.au.
Officers injured after vehicle stop – Maitland
Three officers have been assaulted – one sustaining a fractured eye socket – after a vehicle stop in Maitland overnight.
About 8.40pm (Sunday 21 June 2020), an officer attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District stopped a silver Ford hatchback on Trevor Street in Telarah after it was observed driving in a dangerous manner.
Police will allege one male exited the vehicle and walked towards the Sergeant, attempting to block his vision of the car.
At this time, the officer observed another male exit from the driver’s side of the vehicle before he began acting erratically and allegedly pushed the officer in the chest.
As the officer attempted to arrest the driver, the second male allegedly inserted himself between the two men. The driver then allegedly punched the officer to the left side of his face, impacting with his eye.
Both men then fled the scene on foot.
Shortly after, the driver was sighted at a nearby railway corridor trying to jump a fence when two officers attempted to restrain him. During the melee, the driver allegedly punched a Constable in the neck and shoulder area multiple times before jumping over the fence.
A Senior Constable followed him over the fence and was also allegedly punched before the 20-year-old man was eventually restrained and arrested.
The man was taken to Maitland Police Station and charged with driving without a licence, drive vehicle under influence of alcohol, assault police officer in execution of duty cause actual bodily harm, escape police custody, two counts of resist officer in execution of duty, and two counts of assault police officer in execution of duty without actual bodily harm
The Curlewis man was refused bail to appear in Maitland Local Court today (Monday 22 June 2020).
Two female occupants of the Ford are assisting police with inquiries, while the male occupant remains outstanding.
The Sergeant was taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment for a fractured eye socket. The two other officers were treated for minor lacerations and soft tissue damage at Maitland Hospital. All have since been discharged.
Police investigate stabbing – Waratah
Police are appealing for witnesses following a stabbing at Waratah.
Just after 2pm today (Sunday 21 June 2020), emergency services were called to a shopping centre on Wallace Street where they found a woman with a stab wound to her arm.
The 26-year-old was taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District have established multiple crime scenes in the car park and have commenced inquiries.
Police have been told the woman was stabbed by a man, who then fled the scene.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, or the events leading up to it, is urged to contact police immediately.
Greens welcome new senator for Victoria, Lidia Thorpe
The Australian Greens have today announced that Lidia Thorpe will be the next Senator for Victoria, following a massive state-wide ballot of the Victorian Greens membership.
Lidia Thorpe, Aboriginal leader, activist and Gunnai-Kurnai/Gunditjmara woman will be sworn into Parliament in the coming months to fill the casual vacancy soon to be left by Senator Richard Di Natale.
Victoria Greens Co-Convenors Effy Elden and Ella Webb said thousands of members took part in the vote over two weeks, with Lidia Thorpe securing a decisive victory.
“We are delighted to announce the next Senator for the Victorian Greens, who was elected directly by our membership at the culmination of a fantastic grassroots preselection process. We are proud to be the only progressive party in Victoria whose members currently have a genuine say in their parliamentary representation.
“The Victorian Greens have over 3,600 members who were eligible to cast their vote in the state-wide preselection. With 65% choosing to participate, they have delivered a clear and decisive result in selecting Lidia.
“We look forward to seeing Lidia Thorpe join our fellow Victorian Greens MPs Adam Bandt & Janet Rice, as well as the rest of our federal team in parliament later this year.”
Building upon her work as the Member for Northcote, Lidia has a strong track record of fighting for environmental and social justice that benefits the whole community.
“It’s an incredible honour and a huge responsibility to be chosen by Greens members as the next Senator for Victoria. I won’t let you down,” Lidia Thorpe said.
“It’s so important for kids growing up today in places I grew up to know they can do what I’ve done. Kids in the Commission flats, or out in country towns, or single mums, or survivors of domestic violence. This isn’t out of your reach.
“I’m ready to fight for the issues we all believe in – climate, injustice, inequality. Now more than ever, we need to not accept the old ways – this is our chance to build back better, and I’m ready to bring us together to get it done.”
Leader of the Australian Greens, Adam Bandt MP said he was thrilled to be able to work with Lidia in the federal parliament.
“Parliament is due for a shake up, and Lidia’s fearless advocacy for economic and social justice will strengthen the case for a Green New Deal and provide a voice for so many people that have been let down by politics,” Adam Bandt MP said.
“From being the first Aboriginal woman elected to Victorian parliament, to winning renters rights, forestry protections and LGBTIQ support, Lidia has an incredible track record of fighting for change.
“With an escalating inequality and climate crisis, there has never been a more important time to make sure the Greens reach new communities to speak with everyone in this country and leave no one behind.
“I’m proud I’ll be working alongside Lidia in Canberra. She’ll be an incredible addition to the Australian Greens team.”
Woman's body found in Maitland home; man charged
A man has been charged with murder following the discovery of a woman’s body at a home in the Hunter overnight.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were called to a home on Galway Crescent at Metford shortly before 1.30am (Saturday 20 June 2020), where they spoke to a 20-year-old man outside.
Subsequent inquiries located the body of an 18-year-old woman deceased inside the home. She is yet to be formally identified.
The man was arrested and taken to Maitland Police Station.
A crime scene has been established at the home and inquiries are now underway by detectives attached to Port Stephens-Hunter PD, assisted by State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad.
The man has since been charged with murder and refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court tomorrow (Sunday 21 June 2020).