$41.7 million boost to commercialise lifesaving medical discoveries

An innovative nasal treatment to fight COVID-19, common colds and flu is being taken to the next stage of testing, thanks to the Morrison Government’s $500 million Biomedical Translation Fund.
Developed by Australian biotech company Ena Respiratory, INNA-051 works by stimulating the innate immune system, the first line of defence against the invasion of pathogens into the body.
The Government, alongside Brandon Capital Partners has committed $11.7 million to test the nasal spray treatment that targets the primary site of most respiratory virus infections, including SARS-CoV-2, the strain of coronavirus that causes COVID-19, and influenza.
The program has been designed so that if successful, INNA-051 will be manufactured and formulated in Australia, creating manufacturing jobs into the future.
In addition, four further projects will also share in almost $30 million dollars to commercialise their ideas. Each of these projects provide the potential to greatly improve the treatment for issues such as respiratory diseases, chronic pain and autoimmune diseases.
Minister for Health Greg Hunt said successful outcomes of the projects will improve the lives of Australians and potentially millions of people around the world.
“Australia’s health and medical researchers are world class and this investment will continue the proud Australian tradition of discovery and translation that saves lives and improves lives,” Minister Hunt said.
“The Morrison Government is backing Australia’s next generation of medical advances and this investment means these businesses have the potential to take their technology to the next level.”
Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said this funding underpins the Morrison Government’s determination to deliver better health outcomes, while also encouraging economic growth and creating jobs.
“The Biomedical Translation Fund fosters potential breakthroughs that will not only improve people’s lives, but also help Australian companies create more jobs and grow into new markets,” Minister Andrews said.
“The Morrison Government is looking to develop our manufacturing capacity in medical products and this fund is yet another way we can help commercialise great Australian ideas right here at home.”
Funding consists of equal parts Commonwealth and private sector funding and is operated by three private sector fund managers: Brandon Capital Partners, OneVentures Healthcare Fund and BioScience Managers.
The other four investments made through the Fund are:

  • OneVentures Healthcare Fund has committed $9.5 million to Kira Biotech. Kira Biotech is researching treatments for autoimmune disease, a condition where the immune system attacks healthy cells or the body’s organs. Kira Biotech’s research directs components of the body’s normal immune response to the impaired cells of a person suffering from an autoimmune disease, allowing the immune system to work properly.
  • BioScience Managers has committed $10 million to medical device company Closed Loop Medical. Closed Loop Medical’s technology aims to improve treatments for conditions of the body’s nervous system. The technology being developed will record and measure a person’s unique response to stimulation and provide a tailored outcome for the patient. The technology has the potential to be applied to disorders including Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy and bladder dysfunction.
  • BioScience Managers has also committed $5 million to Adherium. Adherium is developing a digital medication monitoring system for people with respiratory diseases. The monitoring system will initially help people with conditions like asthma, by tracking their drug usage and issuing reminders to ensure they take their medication.
  • Brandon Capital Partners’ MRCF BTF Fund has invested more than $5 million in Polyactiva. Polyactiva’s novel polymer technology delivers medication to the eyes. Its lead product will be used for treating glaucoma, the leading cause of blindness affecting 70 million people globally. Polyactiva’s novel delivery technology will provide six months of therapy from a single treatment, overcoming many of the challenges of delivering medication with eye drops.

The Morrison Government continues to invest in the cutting-edge medical technologies and treatments that will save lives, while growing a sector that can create jobs for Australians now and into the future.

A moment to reflect and say thanks to organ and tissue donors and their families

Today is DonateLife Thank You Day – an annual day where we pause, reflect, and thank donors and their families for generously giving the gift of life.
Federal Minister responsible for organ and tissue donation, Mark Coulton, said the gift of organ and tissue donation is a generous act that is life-changing for another person.
“On DonateLife Thank You Day we stop and give thanks to those who have given someone hope and an opportunity to continue life,” Minister Coulton said.
In 2019, 1,683 lives were transformed by the generosity of 548 deceased and 239 living organ donors and their families that said ‘yes’ to organ donation. A further 12,000 Australians benefited from eye and tissue donation.
“Australia has a world class transplant clinical system but ultimately the gift of a transplant is not possible without donors and their families,” Minister Coulton said.
“Because over 4,500 donors and their families said ‘yes’ to organ and tissue donation since the national program began in 2009, more than 13,000 transplant recipients and their families say thank you.”
“For those waiting for a transplant, organ and tissue donation can mean the difference between life and death, being healthy and sick, between seeing and being blind, or between being active and never walking again. It means that people can resume an active life with their family, in their workplace, their school and their community.
“Australians of all ages, faiths and cultural backgrounds might one day be in need of an organ or tissue transplant.
“I encourage all Australians to reflect on the life-changing benefits of organ and tissue donation and to show your support by joining the Australian Organ Donor Register at donatelife.gov.au – it’s easy and takes less than a minute – and have the all-important conversation with your family, so they know your intentions.”

Melbourne Airport Rail to create jobs for years to come

The Melbourne Airport Rail Link route will take travellers into the heart of the CBD in less than 30 minutes following an historic agreement announced today between the Australian and Victorian governments
Prime Minister Scott Morrison joined Premier Daniel Andrews to announce the route for the project, which will connect Victoria’s regional and metropolitan rail networks to the airport for the first time.
From 2029, Victorians will be able to catch a train directly from the CBD to the airport.
“The airport link is a nationally significant project and Victorians have been waiting a long time for it to become a reality. With construction to start in 2022, the agreement will support up to 8,000 jobs during construction,” the Prime Minister said.
“When complete, the link will slash travel times, bust congestion and be a major boost to the economy.”
Airport trains will run through the Metro Tunnel, meaning families in the booming south-eastern suburbs can get to the airport without changing trains, and the majority of Victorians can get to the airport with just one interchange from their closest station.
It also means that tourists visiting Victoria will be able to get from the airport to regional Victoria in a hassle-free way – meaning more visitors and jobs for our regions.
Melbourne Airport Rail will see 10-minute turn-up-and-go services running from Melbourne Airport through the heart of the city, providing direct connections to key sites including Melbourne University, the Parkville medical precinct, Melbourne Central and Flinders Street stations and the St Kilda Road business precinct.
Premier Daniel Andrews said today’s announcement was a historic day for all of Victoria.
“This project has been talked about for a long time, its key to our recovery and this design means it will benefit all Victorians,” Mr Andrews said.
“As we continue our recovery, we need a long-term plan. We need a pipeline of jobs for Victorians looking for work now, and for those who will need jobs in the future. We said we’d deliver this project, and we’re keeping our promise.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said this vital piece of infrastructure would transform travel to and from Melbourne Airport.
“The aviation industry is so important to Australia’s economy and by investing in this rail link, we’re making it even easier for Victorians to travel to and from Melbourne Airport,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“This investment is an important part of the economic road back – it will be a job-creator for Victorians and a huge boost to so many local businesses across the construction industry.”
Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said a rail line to the airport was long overdue for Melbourne.
“Our objective has always been to deliver a rail connection that is fast, affordable and built as quickly as possible,” Mr Tudge said.
“For those in the south east it will mean a trip to the airport without changing trains, and for others just one change.”
Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan said that Airport Rail via Sunshine means that the majority of Victorians can access the airport by rail, as quickly as possible.
“This will give Victorians the fastest, most direct trip to the airport through the Metro Tunnel which will deliver more trains, more often.”
Melbourne’s west will also have direct airport access via a single interchange at Sunshine Station, or Footscray Station for Werribee and Williamstown line passengers.
Passengers on all city loop trains will be able to connect to airport trains at Flinders Street and Melbourne Central.
Passengers from the regional centres of Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo will travel to the airport via a single interchange at Sunshine, while passengers from Gippsland will be connected via a single interchange at a choice of locations along the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines.
It delivers the best possible integration with the existing network and paves the way for future improvements to regional and western metropolitan lines.
Melbourne Airport Rail will use the new fleet of High Capacity Metro Trains – the biggest and most passenger-friendly trains on Victoria’s train network.
The Victorian and Australian governments have committed $5 billion each in funding. Detailed planning and development work is currently underway, which will inform more detailed cost estimates.
Construction will begin in 2022, with a target completion date for Melbourne Airport Rail of 2029 – subject to the business case and relevant Victorian and Federal planning, environmental and other government approvals.

City of Newcastle sets its five-year climate plan

City of Newcastle intends to transition to a fleet of electric vehicles, build operational resilience through additional renewables and battery storage, and switch all city lighting to LED over the next five years under a new Climate Action Plan.
The Plan covers both City of Newcastle operations and Newcastle as a whole to accelerate emission reduction across the City through a suite of sensible and prudent action and initiatives.  Working collaboratively with other progressive organisations, the Plan takes advantage of the economic opportunities that arise from a clean energy and low-emissions industry landscape.
Summerhill-Solar-Farm-1.JPGThe Climate Action Plan is listed for consideration at Tuesday’s Ordinary Council Meeting and replaces the 2020 Carbon and Water Management Action Plan (CWMAP).  The Plan sets new targets and outlines innovative and sustainable programs to achieve net zero emissions by 2030.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Climate Action Plan would build upon the achievements of recent years that has led to Newcastle being recognised as one of Australia’s leading Cities in sustainability.
“City of Newcastle has formally committed to the Paris Climate Agreement and we accept there is a global climate emergency.  We owe it to our children to prioritise concrete action on climate change.
As Novocastrians, we have seen firsthand the impacts of climate change, be it the erosion of Stockton Beach or increasingly severe storms that beached the Pasha Bulka,” Cr Nelmes said.
“The Climate Action Plan sets ambitious goals and priorities for the next five years and follows the successful delivery of our previous Plan which included the transition to 100 percent renewable electricity.
“The City, in developing this Plan, has worked closely with the community, business and industry, while assessing global best practice and applying it in a local context.
“Over the next five years we’ll take advantage of emerging technology and utilise more recycled and low-emissions materials in our operations.
“We’ll also look to our large fleet of vehicles and will work on a transition to electric vehicles as they become more prevalent, diverse and economically competitive.  City of Newcastle, in collaboration with other city partner organisations, has been slowly investing in the rollout of vehicle charging infrastructure to support the international shift to electric vehicles.”
“We’re proud to be one of the most progressive cities in the country when it comes to tackling climate change and are confident this new Plan will keep us moving down this path of sustainability.  It’s important that as a city leader we respond to the increasing calls from our community to tackle what is this generations most important challenges.”
In the next five years under the Climate Action Plan, City of Newcastle will:
·       Reduce fuel use by 50% through transitioning CN’s fleet to electric options
·       Reduce electricity use by 30% by switching all lighting to LEDs (or equivalent)
·       Increase renewable energy and battery storage
·       Support development of sustainable infrastructure
·       Encourage new community renewable energy projects
Under the previous climate plan, City of Newcastle has: 
·       Reduced electricity usage by 21 per cent
·       Upgraded 31 per cent of streetlights to LEDs
·       Secured 100 per cent of electricity from renewable sources
·       Reduced potable water usage by more than 14 per cent
·       Slashed the City’s carbon footprint by 77 per cent for all operations other than waste
·       Reduced liquid fuel use by 7 per cent
City of Newcastle is a founding member of Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI), a founding member of the Business Renewables Centre, a member of the Cities Power Partnership, a member of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, and recently became a Pioneer City for ICLEI’s CitiesWithNature program.

Third person charged over suspicious death of New Zealand firefighter Ian Pullen

A third person has been charged in relation to the suspicious death of a New Zealand man in the Hunter region two years ago.
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 local volunteers fighting bushfires.
Detectives from Hunter Valley Police District established Strike Force Awabakil to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mr Pullen’s death.
A man and a woman have since been charged over the death; they remain before the courts.
Following further inquiries, about 9.10am today (Monday 23 November 2020), detectives attended a Whittingham home and arrested a 21-year-old woman.
She was taken to Singleton Police Station and charged with accessory after the fact to murder.
She was refused bail to appear at Muswellbrook Local Court later today (Monday 23 November 2020).

Disqualified driver charged after allegedly travelling more than 50km/h over the speed limit – Hunter

A disqualified driver will face Court after she was allegedly detected travelling nearly twice the speed limit in the Hunter Region.
About 11.30am this morning (Sunday 22 November 2020), officers from Traffic and Highway Patrol Command were conducing speed enforcement duties on John Renshaw Drive at Black Hill, when they detected a Hyundai Elantra sedan allegedly travelling at 116km/h in a 60km/h road work zone.
A short time later, police stopped the driver, a 29-year-old woman. Checks conducted by police showed she was a disqualified driver.
It will be alleged in Court the road surface where the offence took place was loosely laid newly paved surface with no lane markings and was driving with a two-year-old child secured in the back seat.
The woman was arrested and taken to Maitland Police Station where she was charged with driving at a speed dangerous, exceed speed by more than 45km/h and drive whilst disqualified – 2nd offence.
The woman from Dungog was refused bail and is due to appear before Maitland Local Court on Monday 23 November 2020.

$41.7 million boost to commercialise lifesaving medical discoveries

An innovative nasal treatment to fight COVID-19, common colds and flu is being taken to the next stage of testing, thanks to the Morrison Government’s $500 million Biomedical Translation Fund.
Developed by Australian biotech company Ena Respiratory, INNA-051 works by stimulating the innate immune system, the first line of defence against the invasion of pathogens into the body.
The Government, alongside Brandon Capital Partners has committed $11.7 million to test the nasal spray treatment that targets the primary site of most respiratory virus infections, including SARS-CoV-2, the strain of coronavirus that causes COVID-19, and influenza.
The program has been designed so that if successful, INNA-051 will be manufactured and formulated in Australia, creating manufacturing jobs into the future.
In addition, four further projects will also share in almost $30 million dollars to commercialise their ideas. Each of these projects provide the potential to greatly improve the treatment for issues such as respiratory diseases, chronic pain and autoimmune diseases.
Minister for Health Greg Hunt said successful outcomes of the projects will improve the lives of Australians and potentially millions of people around the world.
“Australia’s health and medical researchers are world class and this investment will continue the proud Australian tradition of discovery and translation that saves lives and improves lives,” Minister Hunt said.
“The Morrison Government is backing Australia’s next generation of medical advances and this investment means these businesses have the potential to take their technology to the next level.”
Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said this funding underpins the Morrison Government’s determination to deliver better health outcomes, while also encouraging economic growth and creating jobs.
“The Biomedical Translation Fund fosters potential breakthroughs that will not only improve people’s lives, but also help Australian companies create more jobs and grow into new markets,” Minister Andrews said.
“The Morrison Government is looking to develop our manufacturing capacity in medical products and this fund is yet another way we can help commercialise great Australian ideas right here at home.”
Funding consists of equal parts Commonwealth and private sector funding and is operated by three private sector fund managers: Brandon Capital Partners, OneVentures Healthcare Fund and BioScience Managers.
The other four investments made through the Fund are:

  • OneVentures Healthcare Fund has committed $9.5 million to Kira Biotech. Kira Biotech is researching treatments for autoimmune disease, a condition where the immune system attacks healthy cells or the body’s organs. Kira Biotech’s research directs components of the body’s normal immune response to the impaired cells of a person suffering from an autoimmune disease, allowing the immune system to work properly.
  • BioScience Managers has committed $10 million to medical device company Closed Loop Medical. Closed Loop Medical’s technology aims to improve treatments for conditions of the body’s nervous system. The technology being developed will record and measure a person’s unique response to stimulation and provide a tailored outcome for the patient. The technology has the potential to be applied to disorders including Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy and bladder dysfunction.
  • BioScience Managers has also committed $5 million to Adherium. Adherium is developing a digital medication monitoring system for people with respiratory diseases. The monitoring system will initially help people with conditions like asthma, by tracking their drug usage and issuing reminders to ensure they take their medication.
  • Brandon Capital Partners’ MRCF BTF Fund has invested more than $5 million in Polyactiva. Polyactiva’s novel polymer technology delivers medication to the eyes. Its lead product will be used for treating glaucoma, the leading cause of blindness affecting 70 million people globally. Polyactiva’s novel delivery technology will provide six months of therapy from a single treatment, overcoming many of the challenges of delivering medication with eye drops.

The Morrison Government continues to invest in the cutting-edge medical technologies and treatments that will save lives, while growing a sector that can create jobs for Australians now and into the future.

Four PINs issued following Malabar party

Police will issue four Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) following an alleged breach of Ministerial Directions under the Public Health Act in Sydney’s east overnight.
About 12.30am today (Sunday 22 November 2020), officers from Eastern Beaches Police Area Command, with assistance from the Central Metropolitan Operations Support Group (OSG), responded to reports of a loud party at Malabar Headland National Park.
On arrival, police observed at least 150 people inside a disused military bunker, before the group scattered and attempted to run from the area.
Officers spoke with the organisers, four men – aged 34, 28 and two aged 25 – who will all be issued $1000 PINs for fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to s 7/8/9 – COVID-19.
Eastern Beaches Police Area Commander, Detective Superintendent Rohan Cramsie, said police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches which may impact on the health and safety of the community.
“It is the responsibility of everyone in this state to follow the rules and keep our community safe from further exposure to COVID-19,” Det Supt Cramsie said.
“Not only are events like this illegal, this particular party was extremely dangerous for partygoers and emergency service personnel due to the location and terrain.
“With summer and the Christmas season approaching, we urge the community to listen to the advice of our health professionals to keep our family and friends safe and well,” Det Supt Cramsie said.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related Public Health Order is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.

NSW Police concludes NSW/Victorian border operation

The NSW Police Force will re-open the NSW/Victorian border at midnight tonight, following an unprecedented four-month police operation that facilitated the movement of more than five million vehicles.
On Wednesday 8 July 2020, the Public Health (COVID-19 NSW and Victorian Border) Order 2020, under section 7 of the Public Health Act 2010, directed that no one could enter NSW from Victoria, unless they fulfilled specific exemption criteria.
Over the past four-and-a-half months, more than 14,000 police officers from across the state have travelled to various locations across the NSW/Victorian border in support of the operation.
The high-visibility operation included General Duties officers from across NSW, as well as Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, and other specialist units, such as the Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit and Dog Unit.
At the commencement of the operation, NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller APM appointed Assistant Commissioner Scott Whyte as the Operation Commander and Superintendent Paul Smith as the Forward Commander.
Police were assisted by the Australian Defence Force (ADF), with 1200 personnel from all three services – Army, Navy and Air Force – deployed from Thursday 9 July 2020 to Friday 30 October 2020.
The operation also benefited from the assistance of other NSW Government agencies, including Transport for NSW, and other law enforcement jurisdictions, including Victoria Police.
During the operation, police and ADF members manned 27 border checkpoints within five Police Districts across both Southern and Western Region.
More than 100,000 police shifts were completed, with an average of 500 police officers manning checkpoints along the border each day.
More than 80 per cent of vehicle movements were undertaken by local residents within border towns.
However, seventeen Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) and seven charges were laid in relation to border control directions during the operation.
Almost 800 traffic infringements were issued, and more than 70 charges were laid for a range of offences, including drug supply, weapon possession and drink driving.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said the government has been focused on responding to the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic since the start of this crisis.
“All of the public health orders have been consistent with our commitment to keep the people of NSW and particularly our border communities safe,” Mr Elliott said.
“The border closures have been an extraordinarily difficult decision to make, but I cannot commend highly enough the dedication and professionalism of both NSW Police officers and our Australian Defence Force officers who have implemented the operational responses to limit the spread of the virus between NSW and its surrounding states.”
NSW Police Force Commissioner Mick Fuller said the operation had undoubtedly saved lives, by preventing the spread of COVID-19 into NSW.
“From day one we said this would be a dynamic operation, and I am proud of the job our officers, in partnership with ADF members, have done in protecting the people of this state,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“Some have travelled long distances to be here, often for weeks at a time in difficult conditions, manning dozens of checkpoints, while acting in line with the health advice and making sure our community is protected.
“Today marks a new chapter in our fight against COVID-19, but I want to be clear – police will continue to enforce all public health orders as this pandemic evolves.”
Superintendent Paul Smith said the support of local communities from the coast to the South Australian border throughout the operation had been a major contributing factor to its success.
“I would like to extend my thanks to those border communities who were patient and complied with our directions over the past four months,” Superintendent Smith said.
“Police worked closely with local Members of Parliament and the mayors of border communities to minimise disruption to everyday lives.
“Not only was the community’s patience appreciated, but many of our officers have reported stories of their generosity, kindness and gratitude – which will not be forgotten.”
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any public health order, 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.

Man dies in hospital a day after being rescued from creek – Lake Macquarie

An elderly man has died a day after being rescued from a creek when he crashed his mobility scooter in the Lake Macquarie area yesterday.
Passers-by went to the aid of an 87-year-old man when his scooter ran off a footpath, rolled 6m down an embankment and into the creek below Freemans Drive at Cooranbong, about 3pm (Saturday 21 November 2020).
Emergency services arrived to find passers-by supporting the man in waist-deep water.
Fire and Rescue NSW officers carried the man to the roadway where he was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics then taken to John Hunter Hospital suffering hip and rib injuries.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District have been advised the man died in hospital about 11.30am today (Sunday 22 November 2020).
Inquiries continue.