Australian Greens Peace and Disarmament spokesperson Senator Jordon Steele-John said allegations by American Marines that Australian special forces shot and killed a prisoner because there was no room for them on a helicopter were disgraceful and appalling.
“These allegations, if proven to be true, are war crimes and the individuals responsible must face the full weight of the law for their actions,” Steele-John said.
“When you have American Marines and the Drug Enforcement Agency saying they don’t want to work with Australian special forces because of their alleged criminal behaviour then you know that something is very seriously wrong.
“This is clearly a much larger problem then just the individuals involved in this case, and the many others that have surfaced over the last few months. What we are beginning to see emerge here is a sinister cultural problem within our defence forces that must be investigated, owned and addressed.
“Australians expect that our defence forces will act respectfully, and lawfully, when undertaking operations in foreign conflict zones in our name. If that is not the case, then we deserve to know.”
Govt’s Arts and Entertainment Rescue Package Unspent
Not a single dollar of the $250m arts and entertainment package the PM announced with Guy Sebastian four months ago has been spent, the Department has revealed under questioning by Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young at Senate Estimates today.
“The Morrison Government has failed the arts and entertainment industry. The fact not a single dollar of this so-called rescue package has gone to an artist or creative four months after the announcement is a kick in the guts,” Greens Spokesperson for the Arts Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.
“The arts and entertainment industry was shutdown overnight in March and has been the second hardest hit with job losses, yet the PM didn’t even put money on the table for it until June and now still hasn’t spent a cent.
“The Prime Minister was excited to be sharing the stage with Guy Sebastian, but despite the fanfare nothing been delivered. Again Scott Morrison is all sizzle and no sausage.
“It’s hardly coming to the rescue if eight months after being hit by Covid19 restrictions the industry is still waiting for support. It’s like promising a struggling swimmer a lifebuoy and not throwing it out till their too weak to hold onto it.
“The Morrison Government has shown nothing but contempt for the arts. We know he prefers footy, but he should also value a $112bn contribution to our economy and the benefits for other sectors likes hospitality and tourism.
“The PM should be ensuring the $250 money gets out the door immediately, and then quadrupling it so the industry worth so much to our economy, culture and social fabric, has a chance of survival.”
$13.6 million to support the mental health of new and expectant parents
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the incidence and severity of perinatal depression and anxiety. Since March 2020, the number of new callers to the Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA) helpline has doubled. 43% of all calls to the PANDA helpline come from Victoria.
The Morrison Government is supporting expectant and new parents providing $13.6 million through our $43.9 million Perinatal Mental Health and Wellbeing Program to extend vital national perinatal mental health services.
Almost 100,000 Australian parents are affected by perinatal depression and anxiety each year. One in 10 women experience this while pregnant and one in seven in the year after birth. Men can also experience perinatal mental illness, with about one in 10 expectant and new fathers experiencing depression, anxiety or other forms of emotional distress.
Callers to the helpline are also presenting with more intense and enduring mental illness with call times rising from 15 to 30 minutes prior to COVID-19 to 30 to 45 minutes.
In May our Government provided $320,000 additional funding for the PANDA helpline and in September a further $350,000 in funding to ensure that the helpline is able to meet the increased demand from parents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in Victoria.
The $13.6 million in additional funding will ensure that PANDA and other key national programs will continue to support women and their families affected by perinatal mental illness, or experiencing grief after the death of a child during this challenging period.
Dedicated perinatal mental health support, perinatal loss and bereavement peer support, and perinatal mental health promotion and training will be delivered by trusted organisations right across Australia. This will complement the work being done by Primary Health Networks in ensuring tailored local mental health services are available on-the-ground in every community.
The new program will extend funding for existing national perinatal mental health and wellbeing services including:
- PANDA’s National Perinatal Anxiety and Depression helpline
- Red Nose’s helpline and peer support
- Sand’s helpline and peer support
- the MumSpace website (www.mumspace.com.au) which hosts the MumMoodBooster treatment program and the MindMum smartphone app
This funding builds on the $1.3 million delivered to Sands Australia for an intensive support service to families affected by stillbirth, as well as $3 million for national education and awareness programs to demystify stillbirth and reduce its incidence announced last year.
The Morrison Government continues to prioritise better mental health for all Australians, with an unprecedented $5.7 billion to be spent on mental health in 2020–21.
Steps toward better mental health for young Australians
The Australian Government is ensuring the mental health and wellbeing of young people remains a priority during a challenging time.
Today marks National headspace Day – an initiative aimed at helping youth take small steps every day to improve their mental health.
Minister for Health, Greg Hunt and Minister for Youth and Sport, Richard Colbeck, encouraged young people to take time out for themselves.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on the lives of young people across Australia,” Minister Hunt said.
“Whether you are struggling to focus on study, have lost a job or finding it difficult to connect with others – there are professional teams and services like headspace available to offer support.”
There are currently 124 headspace services in Australia and many are planning headspace Day events and celebrations.
Since 2006, headspace has provided more than 3.6 million services and supported more than 626,000 young Australians to strengthen their wellbeing and manage their mental health.
In 2019–20 alone, headspace supported nearly 130,000 young people.
In 2020–21, the Government is providing over $130 million to support headspace services across Australia, and has also committed to expand the headspace network to 153 services by 2022.
Minister Colbeck said every year one in four young Australians experienced mental health issues.
“More than ever many young people are facing family or relationship conflict, a disconnection from study and work, financial stress and social isolation,” he said.
“During times like these, focusing on the everyday things that support a young person’s wellbeing helping them form healthy habits, develop resilience and manage stress or anxiety.
Minister Colbeck said the Government was also committed to ensuring the mental health of young people is maintained through provisions from the 2020-21 Budget.
“The Australian Government has invested an unprecedented $5.7 billion in mental health support in 2020-21 alone,” Minister Colbeck said.
The support builds on the ongoing work to develop a whole-of-government National Youth Policy Framework to inform how policies and programs support young Australians and improve their lives.
For more information on the headspace Day and how to be involved, along with digital wellbeing kits, visit www.headspace.org.au.
Follow headspace on social media and share your favourite tip using #headspacetips and #headspaceday.
City’s 2019/20 financials confirm record infrastructure investment and impacts of COVID-19
City of Newcastle’s confirmed 2019/20 financials show it delivered a record investment in capital works of $92.5 million while running the first deficit in seven years of $3.6 million due to the impacts of COVID-19.
The financial statements show the City remains in a strong financial position with net assets of $1.72 billion and total cash reserves of $353 million, including unrestricted reserves of $22.6 million.
The Audit Office of NSW’s assessment has shown the City outperformed in all audited financial key performance ratios for 2019/20 reflecting the high standards of governance of the City’s finances, including oversight by the independent Audit and Risk Committee.
Acting CEO Ken Liddell said the latest financial statements demonstrate City of Newcastle’s capacity to respond to rising service expectations and unforeseen events.
“The prudent financial management of City of Newcastle means we have weathered the impacts of COVID-19 well and are in a position to deliver a stimulus budget for 2020/21 from existing reserves, without borrowing money.
“Because of our robust financial position, City of Newcastle was able to respond quickly to the social and economic disruption of COVID-19 including a $5 million community and economic resilience package and additional community infrastructure investment to support 700 local jobs.
“The total financial impact of COVID-19 reduced City of Newcastle’s operating position for 2019/20 by $9.9 million, including a reduction in user charges of $5 million, interest revenue of $2.9 million and additional expenditure of $2 million.
“Despite this impact, the City delivered a net operating deficit of just $3.6 million, less than the forecast deficit predicted in March of $8.3 million.
“The fact City of Newcastle has produced net operating surpluses for the last six financial years reflects a positive pattern of financial performance and a commitment to long-term financial sustainability.
“The Audit Office’s assessment of City of Newcastle’s financial statement shows a clean bill of health across all performance ratios which is further evidence of the City’s strong financial management.
“When it comes to major economic downturns through global crises such as COVID-19, governments at all levels have a responsibility to accelerate investment to both keep people employed and uplift economic activity.
“We have continued to deliver high-quality services and projects in a financially responsible way.”
The City of Newcastle delivered a record investment in works across the Local Government Area in 2019/20, including:
- $16.6 million on waste management, incorporating the expansion of Cell 9 at the Summerhill Waste Management Centre
- $14.1 million on infrastructure and property investment including the newly opened Local Emergency Operations Centre
- $9.9 million on renewal and maintenance of the City’s roads
- $7.8 million on renewal and maintenance of the City’s stormwater network
- $7.6 million for fleet renewal
- $6.5 million on IT modernisation
- $5 million on Smart City initiatives including the city’s large-scale solar farm
- $3.7 million for City Hall façade upgrades and the new Visitor Information Centre
- $3.5 million on parks, facilities and open space including the playground replacement program
- $2.4 million on Libraries including the new Digital Library.
Meanwhile, City of Newcastle is bringing its method of calculating infrastructure in need of renewal in line with best practice to ensure ratepayers’ money is spent where it is needed most.
All NSW councils are required to estimate the total cost of bringing existing assets up to a satisfactory standard, however the methods for calculating this cost vary and the results are not audited by the Audit Office of NSW unlike other financial key performance ratios.
The condition of the City’s roads, stormwater drainage, footpaths, bridges, buildings and recreational assets are measured against an Office of Local Government (OLG) five-point scale, which rates infrastructure condition from excellent, to very poor.
Following a change to the Local Government Code of Accounting Practice, City of Newcastle now considers assets rated 3 out of 5 on the OLG key to be satisfactory and therefore these assets are no longer included as infrastructure in need of renewal, also known as a ‘backlog’.
City of Newcastle Interim Chief Financial Officer Scott Moore said other leading NSW councils, including City of Sydney, factor in assets rated in poor and very poor condition when calculating their ratio whereas City of Newcastle previously also included assets rated as satisfactory.
“Allocating personnel and expenditure to renew infrastructure in satisfactory condition takes away from City of Newcastle’s ability to deliver a works program that meets the community’s needs,” Mr Moore said.
“Infrastructure rated as satisfactory is fit for purpose and therefore does not need replacing.
“By using this best practice model, we are freeing up funds to be used where they deliver the best value for our community, including key renewal projects such as the Newcastle Ocean Baths.
“Our infrastructure in need of renewal is calculated at only $37 million using this best practice OLG method, which is much more accurate than the $126 million recorded last year as it also including $101 million related to assets rated as satisfactory.
COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS EASED AT RELIGIOUS GATHERINGS AND GYMS
Restrictions for religious gatherings and gyms will be eased under relaxed COVID-19 safety rules announced today.
From Friday 23 October:
- Religious gatherings/places of worship (excluding weddings and funerals) can have up to 300 people, subject to a COVID-19 safety plan; and
- Gyms will only be required to have a COVID-19 safety marshal if there are more than 20 people in the gym at one time.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said as the NSW Government eases restrictions the community should continue to be COVID Safe.
“Our aim is to provide as many opportunities as we can for organisations and the community to carry on with their work and lives as much as possible,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We want to keep moving forward but for that strategy to be successful we need everyone to follow the COVID-19 Safety Plans.”
Minister for Health Brad Hazzard thanked religious leaders and the community for their ongoing support of the efforts to control COVID-19.
“The impact of COVID-19 is being felt right across the community but the further easing of restrictions to allow 300 people at religious gatherings is another cautious step towards a ‘COVID-normal’ life,” Mr Hazzard said.
“COVID-19 is still lurking amongst us so I urge all leaders to continue encouraging everyone at their religious gatherings and places of worship to comply with the health advice to keep themselves and others safe.”
Religious gatherings exclude weddings and funerals. However, from 1 December, the number of people who can attend weddings will be lifted to 300 people subject to the four square metre rule indoors and two square metre rule outdoors.
People attending a religious service will be required to provide their name and contact details when they enter so they can be used for contact tracing. They are also being urged to wear a mask when attending places of worship.
NSW Health Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said NSW Health continues to work closely with the gym sector to develop further guidance to ensure every measure is taken to keep people safe when they visit the gym.
“People can help stop the spread of COVID-19 in gyms by visiting at less busy times, practising good hand hygiene before, during and after workouts, maintaining physical distancing especially when working out, and wiping down equipment with detergent and disinfectant each time it is used,” Dr Chant said.
Each gym facility is required to have a COVID Safe plan.
ALL NSW PUBLIC SCHOOLS TO BENEFIT FROM INTERNET UPGRADES
The NSW Government will partner with Telstra to provide a $328 million internet upgrade to more than 2000 public schools across NSW.
The funding will see internet speeds increase more than tenfold and roll out more than 5,200 km of fibre.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said NSW public school students will now have the fastest internet access for a public education system in the country.
“I want to ensure every child in NSW has the opportunities to be the best they can be, no matter where they live or what their circumstances may be,” Ms Mitchell said.
“This upgrade will bypass existing network constraints meaning all our schools will be on a high-speed connection in the next 18 months, three years ahead of schedule.”
Schools require large bandwidths and can sometimes run into service problems when hundreds of students and teachers are accessing the internet.
Ms Mitchell said this upgrade would resolve the problem delivering faster, more reliable internet access.
“The internet speed will no longer constrict teachers’ lesson, and they will benefit from more reliable video conferencing and professional development opportunities,” Ms Mitchell said.
“This is not just about downloading websites and videos faster. The project will give students access to new immersive learning opportunities.”
Telstra Enterprise Group Executive Michael Ebeid said the project would deliver world-class connectivity and opportunities to NSW students.
“We know that digital inclusion, particularly for students, is a lead indicator for future employment opportunities,” Mr Ebeid said.
“That’s why we’re thrilled to be working with the NSW Department of Education to ensure all students, regardless of where they live, will have access to the amazing learning opportunities that quality, high-speed connectivity brings.
“Once complete, Telstra will have rolled out more than 5,200 km of fibre across every corner of the state, making this one of the largest fibre networks in the world.”
Officer charged – Northern Region
A police officer has been charged over alleged off-duty assaults in the state’s Hunter Region.
In February, an investigation commenced after a physical altercation between neighbours was reported, which involved an off-duty male police officer.
Their inquiries also uncovered another physical altercation between the off-duty officer and the neighbour’s son, which occurred in December 2019.
Following extensive investigations, the 39-year-old detective senior constable – who is attached to Northern Region – was served a Future Court Attendance Notice yesterday (Tuesday 20 October 2020), for assault occasioning actual bodily harm and two counts of common assault.
He is due to appear at Toronto Local Court on Tuesday 1 December 2020.
His employment status is currently under review.
Two men charged over alleged sexual assaults of teenage girls near Newcastle
Detectives have charged two men over the alleged sexual assaults of two teenage girls in the Hunter region earlier this month.
Detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad commenced an investigation following reports two girls, aged 14 and 17, had been physically and sexually assaulted by two unknown men at Glendale on Friday 2 October 2020.
Investigators were told the girls were walking along Frederick Street with two other friends when they were approached by the men, who made threats toward the group before allegedly sexually touching the girls and then allegedly sexually assaulting them.
The girl’s friends went to get help before the 17-year-old girl was able to run to a nearby shop and returned with staff members who assisted the younger girl.
Emergency services were contacted, and the men fled the scene.
Following extensive inquiries, detectives executed two search warrants at homes at Argenton and Williamtown about 6am yesterday (Tuesday 20 October 2020).
During the searches, police seized a number of items relevant to the investigation, as well as cannabis and a cannabis plant, which was located at the Williamtown property.
Two men – aged 19 and 24 – were arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station.
The 24-year-old Williamtown man was charged with sexual intercourse without consent, aggravated sex assault-victim under the age of 16 years, aggravated sexual intercourse child aged 14-16 years, assault child aged 14-16 with intent to commit sexual offence, intentionally sexually touch child aged 10-16, aggravated intentionally do sexual act with child aged 10-16, two counts of incite another to sexually touch them without consent, cultivate prohibited plant and possess prohibited drug.
The 19-year-old Argenton man was charged with aggravated sex assault-victim under the age of 16 years, assault child aged 14-16 with intent to commit sexual offence, and three counts of intentionally sexually touch child aged 10-16.
Both men were refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Wednesday 21 October 2020).
Woman airlifted after serious crash – Lake Macquarie
A woman has been airlifted to hospital after a serious crash at Lake Macquarie this morning.
About 6.15am (Wednesday 21 October 2020), emergency services were called to the M1 at Morisset, following reports a Toyota Hi-Ace van had left the roadway and crashed.
Police were told the Toyota and a Kenworth B-double prime mover were both travelling north when the truck has attempted to change lanes. The Toyota attempted to take evasive action and has lost control causing the vehicle to leave the roadway and roll.
The Toyota driver, a 36-year-old woman, was trapped for a short time before being released by Fire and Rescue NSW.
She was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being airlifted to John Hunter Hospital where she underwent surgery for a fractured arm and head injuries.
The truck driver, a 34-year-old man, was uninjured.
Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District attended and commenced inquiries into the cause of the crash.
Police are urging anyone who may have dashcam footage of the incident to contact Crime Stoppers.