The NSW Government has welcomed the first wave of international visitors following today’s reopening of national borders.
Around 5000 passengers across 27 flights will pass through Sydney International Airport today, arriving from USA, Japan, Singapore, Canada, New Zealand and Fiji.
Amid celebrations at Sydney International Airport, where arrivals were greeted with music and imagery from the Destination NSW Feel New tourism campaign, NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said the return of overseas visitors would boost tourism, investment and trade.
“Millions of people around the world dream of visiting Sydney and our regional areas, it’s great to see the planes return and their dreams coming true,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We are investing more than $530 million into the sector as part of our tourism and events recovery package. This ensures visitors get to experience the very best of what NSW has to offer.”
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade, Minister for Tourism and Sport and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the timing could not be better for international visitors to return to NSW and be reinvigorated.
“NSW is the best place in the world to visit, study, invest and do business and late summer and early autumn is the perfect time to experience the unique outdoor and cultural lifestyle Sydney and NSW are famous for,” Mr Ayres said.
“We have an incredible calendar of world-class events lined up from Australian premieres of hit productions, to World Cup qualifiers and our internationally-renowned Vivid Sydney, on top of remarkable natural wonders that extend from spectacular coastlines, over breathtaking mountain ranges to stunning outback regions.
“For us to reach our ambition to be the premier visitor economy in the Asia Pacific, we need airlines to fly in and for locals and visitors to embrace our world class venues and hospitality, which is why we are investing $60 million to incentivise international airlines to re-commence flights to Sydney through our Aviation Attraction Fund.
“This all about showcasing NSW’s diverse and compelling destinations and experiences and I am delighted our tourism and hospitality operators are now able to extend the warm welcome they have been waiting to offer our overseas friends after two difficult years.”
Prior to COVID-19, NSW’s visitor economy was the largest in Australia, contributing $38 billion and supporting over 100,000 businesses and nearly 300,000 jobs.
All foreign visitors to Australia are required to provide proof that they are double-vaccinated with an approved COVID-19 vaccine.
Unvaccinated travellers are still required to apply for a travel exemption to come to Australia and undergo hotel quarantine for seven days if they are granted permission to enter the country.
Author: admin
School life returns to normal
COVID Smart settings in NSW schools have been revised, giving students the first taste of normal school life since the pandemic began two years ago.
Core COVID Smart measures will remain in place, including enhanced cleaning and maximising natural and mechanical ventilation in line with health advice.
From Monday 28 February:
- Cohorting requirements and activity restrictions will be relaxed – enabling students to engage and interact more freely across classes and year groups.
- Schools will be able to welcome more visitors onto school grounds, including parents, and will resume activities such as assemblies and school camps.
- Mask requirements will be lifted for high school students and staff.
From Monday, 7 March:
- Mask requirements will be lifted for primary school and early education staff.
Staff in Schools for Specific Purposes will continue to be required to wear masks based on health advice.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the relaxation of some measures while keeping others in place was a sensible approach that gives students, staff and parents more freedoms to enjoy school life while keeping the school community safe.
“It is time to afford our students and parents more normality. Everyone wants to get back to the school activities and events we all love,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The return to school and the start of term has been a success, COVID transmission has reduced throughout the community, and while there will still be cases and bumps in schools it is time for our students to enjoy normal school life.”
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said this was the first time since the pandemic started two years ago that students have enjoyed this level of normality.
“We know transmission in schools is extremely low, and not a single school has closed since school returned despite the levels of community transmission,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Relaxing cohorting and restrictions on visitors will let more parents engage with their child’s school and allow students to participate in cross-year group activities, which is welcome news for both students and parents everywhere.
“The return to school, and now the return to school life, is successful because of the tremendous efforts and teamwork from all parents, staff and students. I thank all of our school communities for their support.”
COVID Smart settings will continue to be reviewed and updated, as necessary on health advice.
Shouting a second round of free RSA courses
By popular demand, an additional 5,000 fee-free Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) courses are now up for grabs to help people get jobs in the hospitality industry.
Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens and Minister for Hospitality Kevin Anderson said thousands of people had taken up the opportunity to gain the free qualification courtesy of NSW Government funding, since it rolled out two weeks ago.
“These RSA courses have been more popular than happy hour at your local pub or club, and now we’re shouting a second round to help thousands more people get jobs,” Mr Henskens said.
“Whether you are a school-leaver or looking for a career change, now is the perfect time to gain your free qualification to enter the dynamic hospitality industry.”
The RSA courses are available through TAFE NSW and other registered training organisations, which will be delivered either online or face-to-face in less than a day.
People who have previously worked in the industry are also being encouraged to return to the sector. Anyone whose RSA competency card has expired within the past two years, or will expire before 30 June can complete a free online refresher course.
“The hospitality sector supports more than 300,000 jobs across NSW and it’s fantastic that so many people have already taken up the free RSA courses,” Mr Anderson said.
“We know staff shortages have been impacting the hospitality sector and that is why we have extended the free RSA courses to get people behind the bar, to serve the drinks and collect money for the till.”
Clubs NSW CEO Josh Landis said the shortage of workers has been a huge challenge for NSW clubs and welcomes the extension of the free RSA courses.
“We hope this initiative will encourage more people to consider a career in hospitality, which offers incredible opportunities for professional growth and development,” Mr Landis said.
For more information visit, https://skills.education.nsw.gov.au/rsa.
WestInvest to transform local communities
Local councils across West and South-West Sydney will be eligible for up to $400 million in funding as part of the first wave of the $5 billion WestInvest program.
Residents will also be invited to put forward ideas for community enhancing projects ahead of the WestInvest program launch at the end of March, as part of a “Have Your Say” campaign.
The new $5 billion WestInvest program is made possible by the Government’s successful WestConnex asset recycling strategy, which will help fund and deliver transformational projects that will enhance communities and help create jobs throughout West and South-West Sydney.
A total of $2 billion will be reserved for high priority community projects with an initial $400 million directly allocated to 15 Western Sydney Local Government Areas to advance shovel-ready local projects.
The initial Local Government tranche will deliver immediate community benefit, with each local council eligible for between $20 million and $35 million, depending on population size.
The remaining $1.6 billion of the $2 billion community project fund will be allocated through a competitive round of grants open to non-government organisations, including community groups, not for profits, Local Aboriginal Land Councils and local councils.
The $2 billion community project fund, including the Local Government tranche, is set to launch before the end of March for eight weeks, with successful projects expected to be determined by September.
The NSW Government will be consulting with local councils and other key stakeholders on the draft guidelines over the coming weeks to ensure WestInvest delivers the greatest community benefit.
A further $3 billion will be made available to NSW Government agencies to deliver transformational projects that are ready to go and will benefit local communities. The community is being invited to put forward ideas to help ensure the best projects are funded through the “Have Your Say” campaign.
WestInvest funding will be provided to build new and improved facilities that will deliver community benefit and help turbocharge economic recovery across six areas:
- Parks, urban spaces and green space;
- Enhancing community infrastructure such as local sporting grounds;
- Modernising local schools;
- Creating and enhancing arts and cultural facilities;
- Revitalising high-streets;
- Clearing local traffic.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the landmark program would have the twin benefits of delivering new infrastructure and supporting jobs in one of the youngest, fastest growing and most diverse regions in the nation.
“West and South-West Sydney are already incredible places to live, and this program will secure a brighter future for families and residents by helping build new and improved facilities,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We want people to love living locally, and this investment will deliver improved facilities, more open spaces, convenient services and stimulate the economy.
“This unprecedented boost will capitalise on the major investments we have made in critical projects, such as Metro West and Western Sydney Aerotropolis, to transform Western Sydney.”
Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the area was emerging strongly from the pandemic and WestInvest would help take the pivotal region to a new level.
“Western Sydney is one of the most diverse and dynamic economic centres in the world and WestInvest will support the region’s growth to make residents’ lives here truly exceptional,” Mr Ayres said.
“Our communities here are a rich mix, with a huge cross-section of cultures and people from all walks of life, and the programs funded through WestInvest will reflect and enhance that diversity.
“The pandemic made it clear where we need to do more to improve liveability in our communities and deliver better local facilities and I am excited to see work already underway to turn WestInvest ideas into reality.”
Treasurer Matt Kean said the WestInvest program would be rolled out as rapidly as possible to ensure West and South-West Sydney communities could see benefits quickly.
“This is a well-thought out, planned and transparent investment program that will move quickly to ensure the people of West and South-West Sydney see real change, really soon,” Mr Kean said.
“This is about funding transformational projects that everyone will benefit from every day – it’s about revitalised high streets, improved parks, new sporting fields, more pools, better local traffic flow and active transport links and much more.”
Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman said the Government is strongly supporting locally-led solutions to improve LGAs and communities.
“This major investment by the NSW Government will bring together our local councils and their communities to develop and improve targeted and significant local infrastructure projects,” Mrs Tuckerman said.
“I encourage everyone in the LGAs to submit suggestions. We want to support our rich and diverse communities in West and South-West Sydney in ways they want and need.”
The 15 Local Government Areas eligible for support through WestInvest are:
| 1. Blacktown | 6. Canterbury-Bankstown | 11. Liverpool |
| 2. Blue Mountains | 7. Cumberland | 12. Parramatta |
| 3. Burwood | 8. Fairfield | 13. Penrith |
| 4. Camden | 9. Hawkesbury | 14. Strathfield |
| 5. Campbelltown | 10. The Hills | 15. Wollondilly |
The $5 billion Westinvest Fund is broken down as follows:
- $3 billion for NSW Government agencies to deliver transformational projects;
- $2 billion for high priority community projects;
- $1.6 billion allocated to community groups, non-government organisations and local councils;
- $400m allocated directly to the 15 local councils.
The allocation of all $5 billion will be informed by the community “Have Your Say” process.
For more information visit nsw.gov.au/westinvest
Return and Earn hits 7 billion containers returned milestone
More than $700 million in container refunds have now been earned by NSW residents through Return and Earn as the State reaches the 7 billion drink container mark.
Environment Minister James Griffin said Return and Earn has well and truly become part of life in New South Wales with 78 per cent of adults having participated and two-thirds of participants doing so once a month or more.
“Return and Earn is a triumph because it hits that sweet spot of improving our environment and delivering direct economic wins to the community,” Mr Griffin said.
“Along the way, the Return and Earn network has achieved a 52 per cent reduction in the volume of drink container litter in NSW and delivered more than 625,000 tonnes in materials recycled.”
“Not only is it having a measurable environmental impact with two in every three containers supplied in NSW redeemed through the scheme for recycling, Return and Earn has also become a stalwart of community fundraising activities in NSW.
“More than $30 million has already been raised for charities such as PCYC NSW, the Starlight Foundation and community groups via donations and fees since the scheme started.
“It’s encouraging that thousands of schools, community groups, charities and sporting clubs are making Return and Earn the new ‘sausage sizzle’, helping raise much needed funds for their own projects and causes.
“Return and Earn is an inspiring example of how small changes to our routine can have a significant collective impact.”
Return and Earn is a partnership between the NSW Government, scheme coordinator Exchange for Change and network operator TOMRA Cleanaway. Launched in December 2017 it has become the state’s largest litter initiative.
More information on Return and Earn is available at www.returnandearn.org.au.
Labour hire rort must end at Grosvenor to ensure safety
Anglo American’s acknowledgement their labour hire rort at the Grosvenor mine needs to change if safety is to improve is welcomed by the Mining and Energy Union.
Coal production at the notoriously gassy mine began again this week almost two years after an underground methane explosion left five miners with horrific burns.
In a statement issued yesterday Anglo American claimed it “plans to review the employment model at Grosvenor… we have been progressively increasing the number of permanent roles at our five mining operations in Queensland, including creating around 130 new permanent jobs over the last six months”.
Rather than employ its workforce directly at the Grosvenor metallurgical coal mine near Moranbah, as it does at other mines, Anglo American uses labour hire firm One Key.
All coal workers at the Grosvenor mine are employed by this labour hire firm. These workers are employed under different employment agreements to those directly employed in permanent jobs by Anglo American at other mines – they have fewer rights and can be sacked more easily.
A recent inquiry into the May2020 explosion heard if coal workers reported unsafe work practices, they could lose money under so-called ‘safety penalties’ or even be sacked – completely legally.
An inquiry recently heard 14 potential incidents of methane exceedance were recorded at longwall 104, where the explosion occurred, in the eight weeks leading up the explosion.
It found the mine’s gas drainage systems could not cope with the rate of production.
“The labour hire arrangements at Grosvenor are at the heart of the safety issues, Anglo needs to employ their workers directly in permanent jobs,” says Stephen Smyth, Queensland District President of the Mining and Energy Union.
“If Anglo American want to eliminate deaths and injuries at their mines, they can start by giving their workers direct permanent jobs instead of holding them at arm’s length, and they can start listening when they are told about safety issues.
“They don’t need to do reviews or consultations, or any other time-wasting nonsense, they can make all the coal workers at Grosvenor permanent Anglo American employees today.
“One Key has got form for putting production before safety, removing them from the equation would be a huge relief for the workforce.
“Since the incident the workers have formed a union lodge which means they will have a stronger unified voice when it comes to safety, rostering, pay and other issues.”
Statement from the Australian Greens on Ukraine
The Australian Greens condemn Vladimir Putin’s military aggression in the Ukraine, as we condemn all military aggression. We call on all parties to remember the human cost of war and to work peacefully through diplomatic channels to de-escalate the situation.
We affirm the right of the people of Ukraine to sovereignty and territorial integrity.
As leaders of global military powers bring the world closer to the brink of war, the Greens emphasise that the cost of war is borne by ordinary people, and call on the Australian government to use every effort to de-escalate tensions and bring the focus back to diplomacy.
We call upon our Foreign Minister to use Australia’s Autonomous Sanctions framework to respond to Russia’s actions.
Greens welcome offshore oil and gas exploration ban in NSW
The NSW Government’s decision to ban offshore oil and gas exploration has been welcomed by the Greens, who have commended the coastal communities that have fought tirelessly for the win.
Greens spokesperson for healthy oceans, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said:
“Today’s decision by the NSW Government is momentous – but this win belongs to all those ocean-goers who have rallied hard on this matter for years in a bid to protect their local marine ecosystems and avoid irreversible changes to the Earth’s climate.
“It is unforgivable that our government continues to invite big oil and gas corporations to explore our marine environment for the very product that is killing our oceans. People want their leaders to start taking bold and radical climate action, and today’s news is welcome proof that with enough sustained pressure people power and protest action works.
“I call on all other states to resist the toxic influence of big oil and gas companies and follow NSW’s momentous lead on banning oil and gas exploration in state waters. Especially the Victorian, West Australian and Tasmanian Governments which all have dangerous offshore oil and gas projects in the works – these projects are already threatening their coastal communities and local fisheries with things like risky seismic testing.
“The Greens will continue our plan to ban all new oil and gas exploration in our Commonwealth waters. New Zealand, Greenland, Spain, Denmark, Costa Rica, France, Belize and Portugal have all implemented bans on new oil and gas exploration – there is no reason Australia shouldn’t do the same.”
Pitt determined to see Beetaloo emissions bomb detonated in the dying days of the government
Minister Keith Pitt has this morning recommitted the Government to fracking the Northern Territory’s Beetaloo Basin through the funding stream that was previously struck down by the Federal Court.
The Beetaloo Cooperative Drilling Program will now see $19.4 million in grants awarded to Liberal Party-aligned donor Empire Energy.
Empire Energy, who today have been promised almost $20 million in public money to frack the NT’s Beetaloo Basin, have previously donated $40,000 to the Liberals and $25,000 to NT Labor. Empire’s Chair has personally previously donated over $200,000 to the LNP.
Australian Greens Leader Adam Bandt MP said:
“Scott Morrison is using the dying days of his government to cause as much climate damage as he can, all with Labor’s backing.
“By signing off on NT Labor’s giant climate bomb, the Liberals are putting lives at risk.
“Gas is as dirty as coal, and the Betaloo gas project will be worse for the climate than the Adani coal mine. The NT gas fields contain almost 70 years’ worth of Australia’s total climate pollution, and today Keith Pitt has signed off on detonating that climate bomb.
“The only way we’ll break the bipartisan coal and gas grip on this country is by putting Greens in balance of power.”
Greens Resources and Minerals Spokesperson Senator Dorinda Cox said:
“Minister Pitt’s decision today is a climate grenade that this government is throwing over their shoulder on the way out. What a desperate act from a dying government.
“This decision will cause enormous destruction to Country. My heart goes out to people of the Gudanji, Yanyuwa, Garrwa, Jingili, Mudburra and Alawa nations over this dreadful news, who are on the frontline as as the last line of defence for their land, skies and waters.”
“Once again decisions are being made about our land that desecrate our cultural heritage, while simultaneously wrecking the climate for our kids, where mining interests take precedence over Traditional Owners’ right to their land.”
Moderna vaccine rollout expanded to include kids aged six years and older
The Australian Government has accepted advice from leading immunisation experts to make the Moderna (SPIKEVAX) COVID-19 vaccine available for children aged six years and older from 24 February 2022 – broadening the previous recommendation for children aged 12 years and older.
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommendation follows the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approval of Moderna for children aged six years and older on 17 February 2022.
Pfizer continues to be available to children aged five and over, and nearly half of children aged between five and 11 have already received one dose of the Pfizer vaccine since it became available in January this year.
With Moderna being made available for children aged six and above, parents and carers will have more choice and flexibility in the vaccine they choose for their child.
The Australian Government has secured more than 25 million doses of Moderna and is well placed to continue to achieve world leading vaccination rates against COVID-19.
Before any COVID-19 vaccine can be supplied for use in Australia it undergoes a rigorous evaluation by the TGA for safety, quality and effectiveness. The TGA will only approve a vaccine once it has established that the benefits greatly outweigh any potential risks.
Moderna has been clinically proven to produce a strong immune response in children. Most side effects are mild and short-term, and similar to those experienced by children who have received the Pfizer vaccine.
For children aged between six and 11 years old, a paediatric dose of Moderna is half the dose currently provided for people aged 12 years and over – two doses of 50μg per dose (0.25mL), eight weeks apart, or three doses for immunocompromised children.
The recommended eight-week interval can be shortened to four weeks for children at risk of moderate to severe COVID-19, for example those with underlying health conditions, in an outbreak or before international travel.
The TGA and ATAGI will continue to actively monitor the safety of the vaccine in children and adults both in Australia and overseas and will not hesitate to take action if safety concerns are identified.
Moderna is not currently recommended for anyone under the age of six years.
Australia was one of the first countries in the world to commence a whole of population COVID-19 booster program. Over 10.9 million Australians have already received a booster dose over recent weeks.
Over 94.3 percent of Australians have completed their primary course of vaccination.
1.12 million Australian children aged six years and older have received a first dose of vaccination.
All Australians who are currently eligible for their primary course of vaccination, or for their booster dose, and who have not yet acted are urged to make a booking as soon as possible to get vaccinated.
To book a vaccination please use the COVID-19 Clinic Finder and make your appointment.