Four PINs issued after border and isolation breaches – COVID-19 update

Police have issued four Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) in the last 24 hours relating to three separate breaches of COVID-19 Public Health Orders.
On Wednesday (26 August 2020), officers attached to Operation Border Closure raised concerns over the validity of a permit produced by a 41-year-old man at the Wodonga Place, South Albury, checkpoint.
Initial checks indicated his reason for travel was consistent with the permit, and the man was granted entry, but the matter was referred to local police to conduct further inquiries.
After establishing the man had travelled to Eden, police attended a caravan park to speak with him but he could not be located.
Following further inquiries, police returned to the caravan park just before 1pm yesterday (Thursday 27 August 2020), as the man was attempting to leave.
He was directed to return to Victoria and advised he would be issued with a $1000 PIN for failing to comply with requirements of the Public Health Orders.
In a separate incident, a ride-share vehicle was stopped at a border checkpoint on the Hume Highway at Albury, about 10am yesterday (Thursday 27 August 2020).
The driver inquired whether he would be allowed to re-enter NSW if he dropped his customer home in Westmeadows, Victoria.
Checks on the man’s 22-year-old male customer revealed he did not have a valid permit to be in NSW.
He was issued with a $1000 PIN and escorted back into Victoria.
About 6pm on Monday 27 July 2020, police from Operation Border Closure stopped a taxi at the checkpoint on Wodonga Place, South Albury, and spoke with the driver who provided all necessary documentation, before speaking with his passengers – a 41-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman.
Checks revealed the man was meant to be in self-isolation and the woman had crossed the border for reasons inconsistent with her permit.
The pair were directed to return to their homes in Albury and advised police would conduct further inquiries.
As a result of those inquiries, the man and woman were each issued with $1000 PINs yesterday.
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

Ensuring A Consistent Australian Foreign Policy

The Morrison Government will introduce new legislation to ensure the arrangements states, territories, councils and universities have with foreign governments are consistent with Australian foreign policy.
The Commonwealth Government has exclusive responsibility for conducting Australia’s foreign affairs. However, state and territory governments and their entities currently also enter into arrangements with foreign governments in a range of areas – from trade and economic cooperation to cultural collaboration and university research partnerships – without having to inform the Commonwealth.
Under the reforms, the Foreign Minister will have the power to review any existing and prospective arrangements between state and territory governments and all foreign governments.
Arrangements that adversely affect Australia’s foreign relations or are inconsistent with our foreign policy could be prevented from proceeding or terminated.
The laws will cover state or territory entities, including departments, agencies, local governments and universities established under state or territory law.
The Commonwealth Government has the policy expertise and comprehensive understanding of the risks and opportunities associated with any arrangements with foreign governments.
This legislation will support state and territory governments to ensure they are acting in a way that serves Australia’s national interests, is consistent with our values and aligned with our foreign policy objectives. This will give states and territories the confidence necessary to enter into arrangements with foreign government entities.
The Morrison Government looks forward to working closely with state and territory governments, councils and universities and providing all Australians with the certainty that all levels of government are aligned to ensure a consistent approach to managing Australia’s foreign relations.

SUPPORTING VETERANS’ FAMILIES IN LEGACY WEEK

This weekend marks the start of Legacy Week, the annual appeal to support the families of veterans who have served for our country.
Acting Minister for Veterans Geoff Lee said Legacy Week is now in its 78th year and will be held this Sunday, 30 August to Saturday, 5 September 2020.
“The current social restrictions should not stop us from supporting this very worthwhile cause,” Mr Lee said.
“Thousands of Australian men and women are currently serving overseas and Legacy stands ready to assist their families when needed.”
Legacy President Gregory Wrate said Legacy has held a badge day since 1942 to raise funds to support the widows and families of veterans who have died, been severely injured or left with mental health issues as a result of their military service.
“This year will be tough with the reduced opportunity to do any face-to-face fundraising and the inability to engage with the public but the health of the community and our many volunteers and supporters is more important,” Mr Wrate said.
“This Legacy Week, I am asking Australians to consider donating online to allow us to continue providing financial, educational and emotional support to our beneficiaries.”
The funds raised from Legacy Week assist approximately 60,000 people with services such as counselling, housing, medical, advocacy and social support.
When Australian Defence Force soldier Major Michael Wiltshire died from a brain tumour at the age of 42, Legacy supported his widow Kerrie and two children, James and Emily.
“It could have all gone so differently without Legacy’s support and influence,” James said.
“We have had many strong role models come into our lives. I’m currently applying to join the Air Force and I doubt I would have had the confidence to go for it, if it wasn’t for the encouragement of Legacy.”
To donate online, please visit www.legacyweek.com.au.

SYDNEY METRO WEST A STEP CLOSER

Construction of the Sydney Metro West, from Greater Parramatta to the CBD, is another step closer with the NSW Government today shortlisting three consortia to deliver the mega project’s first two major tunnelling packages.
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said the project will create more than 10,000 direct new jobs and 70,000 indirect jobs, with many of them generated by these new tunnelling contracts.
“These contracts will require tunnellers, electricians, plumbers, carpenters, concrete workers, truck drivers, labourers and security guards,” Mr Constance said.
“The three shortlisted consortia have a wealth of Australian and international experience in delivering high quality infrastructure projects. We expect to be in a position to award the first contract by the middle of next year.”
Due to the scale of this city-shaping mega project the tunnelling and excavation works have been separated into geographically-specific contract packages between Westmead and the Sydney CBD.
The following consortia have been shortlisted for two packages:

  • John Holland, CPB Contractors and Ghella Australia Joint Venture (JHCPBG JV);
  • Gamuda and Laing O’Rourke Australia Joint Venture (GALC JV); and
  • Acciona Australia and Ferrovial Australia Joint Venture (AF JV)

They will firstly participate in the Central Tunnelling Package, with the successful tenderer awarded a contract to build 11 kilometres of twin tunnels from The Bays to Sydney Olympic Park.
The remaining two tenderers will then bid for the Western Tunnelling Package, with the successful tenderer awarded a contract to build 9 kilometres of twin tunnels from Westmead to Sydney Olympic Park.
The successful tenderer for the Central Tunnelling Package will not be eligible to be awarded the Western Tunnelling Package, driving greater competition in the delivery of Australian tunnelling infrastructure.
Sydney Metro West will double rail capacity between Greater Parramatta and the Sydney CBD, transforming Sydney for generations to come.
This once in a century infrastructure investment will have a target travel time of about 20 minutes between Parramatta and the Sydney CBD. It will link new communities to rail services and support employment growth and housing supply.
The planning process for the Sydney Metro West project is progressing with Sydney Metro currently addressing community feedback raised as part of the project’s first Environmental Impact Statement.
Subject to planning approval, work on the project is expected to start in The Bays later this year, with the first of four mega tunnel boring machines expected to be in the ground before the end of 2022.

Man injured in motorcycle crash at Raymond Terrace

A man is recovering in hospital following a police pursuit in the state’s Hunter region.
About 12am today (Thursday 27 August 2020), officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were travelling along Port Stephens Street in Raymond Terrace when they attempted to stop a Suzuki motorbike.
It’s alleged the motorbike failed to stop and officers initiated a pursuit.
Shortly after, the bike hit a gutter at a roundabout at the intersection of Port Stephens Street and Bourke Street
The rider, a 29-year-old man, was treated at the scene before being taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment to a serious leg injury.
He remains at the hospital under police guard in a stable condition.
An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash has commenced.

COVID-19 update: Man charged after entering NSW on vessel from Victoria

A man has been charged with breaching COVID-19 Public Health Orders after entering NSW from Victoria on a boat.
About 4pm on Tuesday (25 August 2020), officers from Marine Area Command attempted to communicate with the sole occupant of a vessel east of Cronulla, as they had reason to believe the boat had travelled from Victoria.
The 61-year-old man refused to disembark and became aggressive towards officers, producing a knife.
Specialists officers attended a short time later and boarded the vessel.
The man was tasered before being arrested and taken to Sutherland Hospital for treatment.
He was later released and taken to Sutherland Police Station, where he was charged with not comply with noticed direction – COVID-19.
He was granted conditional bail to appear at Sutherland Local Court on Thursday 10 September 2020.
In separate incidents, three Penalty Infringement Notices were issued to individuals since the last COVID-19 update.
* A 32-year-old man was issued a $1000 PIN by officers from Murray River Police District after he was stopped for the purposes of a random breath test on the Olympic Highway, Gerogery. The man was issued a PIN for entering NSW without a valid permit yesterday.
* A 34-year-old woman was issued a $1000 PIN by officers from Murray River Police District after attempting to cross the border via Wodonga Place, Albury. When spoken to by officers, she produced a Victorian licence and claimed to be working in NSW, which proved to be false.
* A 38-year-old man was issued a $1000 PIN by officers from Campsie Police Area Command following an inspection of a business on Ernest Street, Lakemba. The business had been warned previously but failed to rectify the issues.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

Cannabis plants seized; hydroponic setup dismantled – Raymond Terrace

A man will face court today after cannabis plants were seized and a hydroponic setup uncovered in Raymond Terrace yesterday.
Following an investigation by officers attached to the Port Stephens-Hunter Drug Unit into the cultivation of prohibited drugs, investigators executed a crime scene warrant at a home on Sturgeon Street, Raymond Terrace about 11am yesterday (Wednesday 26 August 2020).
During the search, police allegedly located and seized a dozen mature cannabis plants inside a hydroponic setup, steroids and ammunition. The hydroponic setup was dismantled.
A short time later, a 28-year-old man arrived at the property and was placed under arrest.
He was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station and charged with cultivate prohibited plant, possess prohibited drug and possess ammunition without permit.
He was refused bail to appear at Raymond Terrace Local Court today (Thursday 27 August 2020).

Correctives employee charged over alleged inappropriate relationship with inmate

Detectives have charged a Corrective Services NSW employee over an alleged inappropriate relationship with a former inmate at a correctional centre in the state’s Hunter Region.
In June this year, detectives from the Corrective Services Investigation Unit commenced an investigation under Strike Force Canopus, following a referral from a correctional facility in state’s Hunter region, over an alleged inappropriate relationship between a female employee and former male inmate.
Following extensive inquiries, officers arrested a 52-year-old woman at a home at Muswellbrook just before 10.30am yesterday (Thursday 27 August 2020).
She was taken to Muswellbrook Police Station and charged with engage in relationship with inmate cause safety risk and engage in sexual conduct compromise sentence.
Police will allege in court that the woman, who is a Service and Programs Officer for Corrective Services NSW, commenced a romantic relationship with a 56-year-old man, while he was an inmate at the facility.
She was granted strict conditional bail to appear at Muswellbrook Local Court on Monday 21 September 2020.
The woman’s employment has been suspended.

Richard Di Natale resigns from Parliament

Former Greens Leader and Senator for Victoria Dr Richard Di Natale will deliver his valedictory speech to the Senate this afternoon by remote video link. He will highlight serious failings in Australian politics to deal with the issues Australian people care about and outline a prescription to rejuvenate our democracy.
After 10 years in the Australian Senate, and five as Leader of the Greens, Richard Di Natale today makes his final speech to the chamber from locked-down Melbourne. The former doctor will diagnose the last decade of Australian politics as captured by vested interests and failing to address the major issues faced by our nation.
“I got into politics because, as a doctor – especially in First Nations health – I saw that the political decisions being made were the decisions that most affected people’s lives, and I wanted to make a difference. It was a wakeup call for me to see that the influence of money and vested interests are so strong in our politics.” Dr Di Natale said
“Our parliament has failed the Australian people over the last decade. Climate action is the biggest example of how the nation has been let down.
“Ten years ago, in balance-of-power, the Australian Greens worked to ensure the introduction of world-leading climate laws, with the Greens leading the debate on the issues that truly matter to our nation’s future including; climate action, democratic and political donation reforms; anti-corruption measures; a meaningful social safety-net and addressing inequality.
In the depths of the crisis, Dr Di Natale will point to COVID-19 as a glimmer of hope for Australian politics – with political maneuvering largely taking a back-seat to expert advice in determining the policy response.
“COVID-19  has shown up the cracks in our society. Inequality is running rife and the virus exploiting our vulnerabilities but has also provided an opportunity for real change. If we listen to experts rather than vested interests – in health, in climate change, in economics – we can build a better society. .
“COVID has provided a clear example that bold action is possible from any government. We can make good policy and deliver good outcomes by listening to the experts and working cooperatively. This should be standard operating procedure for Australian politics. It shouldn’t have taken a pandemic to teach us this.
“We must strengthen our democracy by opening our parliament to a greater diversity of voices and ending the influence of corporations and lobbyists over our politicians.   We must reject the  politics of hatred and division fuelled by parties like One Nation, and too often endorsed by other politicians and parts of the media.
“Despite the setbacks of the past decade I leave politics feeling confident about the future.
Young people around the world are mobilising and social movements are gathering steam. The Greens are strong and resilient. We have the support of millions of Australians and we are the only party with genuine solutions to today’s problems,” Senator Di Natale concluded.

Greens call on PM to stand down Sukkar

The Greens are calling on the Prime Minister to stand down Assistant Treasurer Michael Sukkar while the Department of Finance investigates the misuse of taxpayer-funded positions, and to consider whether Sukkar’s actions are in breach of the Ministerial Standards.
“The Prime Minister has asked Australians for their trust over the past few months. But Morrison continues to throw integrity overboard with his failure to act on the ongoing, multiple scandals involving his ministers,” Greens co-Deputy leader, Senator Larissa Waters, said.
“It’s a case of ‘do as I say, not as I do’, with Morrison. He jumped on the chance to smear Labor during its branch stacking scandal a few months ago, but deflects all responsibility when its his own frontbenchers making headlines.
Senator Waters, Greens spokesperson for Democracy, said the latest branch stacking scandal was further proof of why the Greens’ National Integrity Commission Bill is needed, which passed the Senate almost a year ago.
“The public generally thinks politicians are all corrupt, in it for themselves, and behave like pork chops in parliament, and I don’t blame them,” Senator Waters said.
“We are still waiting for the Prime Minister to call my federal watchdog with teeth on for a vote in the House of Representatives, almost a year after the Senate passed it. The government hasn’t introduced its own legislation.  And it has rejected the Greens’ calls for a code of conduct for all politicians and senior staff to prevent exactly the sort of behaviour we’ve seen reported this week.
“To Morrison, I say: tick tock. I’m not the only one getting fed up with your delaying tactics.”