The NSW Liberal Party Room has today elected the Hon Dominic Perrottet MP as the Party leader, and the Hon Stuart Ayres MP as the Deputy.
On behalf of all Party Members, I would like to congratulate Dominic and Stuart, and wish them the very best for the challenges ahead, as our state begins its difficult journey out of the COVID pandemic.
Dominic will be building on the outstanding work of his Liberal predecessors, including the amazing work of the Hon Gladys Berejiklian protecting lives and livelihoods from the devastation of the global pandemic.
Dominic and Stuart are both exceptional Members of Parliament and longstanding Members of the Liberal Party. Like Gladys, Dominic was heavily involved in the Party since a young age, and had served as the Young Liberal President and on the NSW State Executive.
Dominic grew up in West Pennant Hills, with his 11 siblings, and worked to support himself through the University of Sydney; graduating with degrees in commerce and law, and going on to work as a commercial lawyer.
He is also the founder and co-ordinator of the Hills St Vincent De Paul Young Adults Program and the Castle Hill Leadership Programme. Dominic and his wife Helen are raising their six kids in Beecroft, juggling the demands of work and busy family life – from school drop-offs and pickups, to kids’ sport and dancing recitals.
The Perrottet Government has a testing road ahead to get NSW back on the path to recovery, and to make sure that our state remains the best place anywhere in the world to live, work, and raise a family. And the Perrottet team is ready for that task.
With Stuart Ayres as Dominic’s very capable deputy, the Perrottet Government will have a very strong voice representing our fastest growing region – Western Sydney – at the top of the NSW Government.
I would also like to again thank the Hon Gladys Berejiklian for her service and dedication to our Party, our community and the state of NSW, over her decades of service.
State President
The Hon Philip Ruddock AO
Author: admin
Woman dies following crash – Tea Gardens
An investigation is underway after a woman died in a two-vehicle crash on the state’s Mid North Coast today.
Just before 11.30am (Monday 4 October 2021), emergency services were called to Pindimar Road near Myall Way, Tea Gardens, after reports a Subaru Forrester and a Nissan Dualis had collided.
Police have been told a woman stopped her Nissan Dualis on the shoulder of Pindimar Road, when it was struck by a Subaru Forrester.
Emergency services attended; however, the 64-year-old woman died at the scene. She is yet to be formally identified.
The Subaru driver, a 46-year-old man, was freed after being trapped and airlifted to John Hunter Hospital in a serious condition.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District established a crime scene which has been examined by specialist police from the Crash Investigation Unit.
As the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash is ongoing, anyone who may have dashcam footage or CCTV is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
A report will be prepared for the Coroner.
Woman charged after teenage girl allegedly detained and assaulted in Sydney's west
Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad detectives have charged a woman after a teenage girl was allegedly detained and assaulted in Sydney’s west earlier this year.
In July 2021, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad established Strike Force Tumbridge to investigate reports a 14-year-old girl had been detained, assaulted and supplied drugs by a man and woman known to her.
Following extensive inquiries, a 24-year-old woman was arrested at Berkshire Park about 9.30am on Sunday (3 October 2021).
She was taken to Penrith Police Station and charged with kidnap in company with intent serious indictable offence occasion actual bodily harm, supply prohibited drug, steal from person, intimidation and damage property by fire with intent to injure.
Police will allege in court that the woman drove the girl to a hotel in Parramatta, where she was supplied methylamphetamine (ice) and gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB).
It will be further alleged that the girl was then taken to a unit in Greenacre, where she was sexually and physically assaulted.
The woman appeared at Parramatta Bail Court the same day, where she was formally refused bail to reappear at Bankstown Local Court today (Tuesday 5 October 2021).
Investigations under Strike Force Tumbridge are continuing, and further arrests are expected.
The Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad is comprised of detectives who are specially trained to investigate matters against children and adults, including sexual assault, serious physical abuse, and extreme cases of neglect.
Anyone with concerns about suspected child abuse or exploitation should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. People should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.
Man dies after car hits tree – Hunter region
A man has died following a single-vehicle crash in the Hunter this morning.
Shortly before 8.30am (Tuesday 5 October 2021), emergency services were called to George Booth Drive at Buchanan, following reports a vehicle had left the road and hit a tree.
Upon arrival, police located the body of the driver – a man believed to be aged in his 40s – however, he is yet to be formally identified.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District established a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
George Booth Drive remains closed in both directions between John Renshaw Drive and Richmond Vale Road, local diversions are in place. Drivers are urged to expect delays.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
National Cabinet Statement
National Cabinet met today to discuss Australia’s COVID-19 response, recent outbreaks of COVID-19 and the Australian COVID-19 Vaccine Strategy.
National Cabinet expressed its gratitude to outgoing New South Wales Premier, the Hon Gladys Berejiklian. As a founding member of National Cabinet, the Premier has made a significant contribution to the national pandemic response and been a driving force to lead New South Wales through the pandemic, saving lives and livelihoods.
National Cabinet continues to work together to address issues and find solutions for the health and economic consequences of COVID-19.
Since the beginning of the pandemic there have been 107,171 confirmed cases in Australia and, sadly, 1,307 people have died. More than 38 million tests have been undertaken, with 1,350,083 tests reported in the past 7 days.
Globally there have been over 233.6 million cases and sadly over 4.7 million deaths, with 486,746 new cases and 9,002 deaths reported in the last 24 hours. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to surge in many countries around the world.
Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine roll out continues to expand. To date, over 28 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in Australia, including 341,129 in the previous 24 hours.
In the previous 7 days, more than 1.9 million vaccines have been administered in Australia. More than 78.4 per cent of the Australian population aged 16 years and over have now had a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, including over 89.4 per cent of over 50 year olds and more than 94.8 per cent of over 70 year olds.
More than 55 per cent of Australians aged 16 years and over are now fully vaccinated, including almost 72 per cent of over 50 year olds and more than 79 per cent of Australians over 70 years of age.
Today, Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly provided an update on current outbreaks of COVID-19. The Chief Medical Officer noted the outbreaks in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory.
All leaders reiterated the importance of Australians, especially those in vulnerable groups, to get two doses of a COVID-19 vaccination.
Professor Brendan Murphy, Secretary of the Commonwealth Department of Health, provided an update on the work being done by the Commonwealth and all states and territories looking at health system capacity for managing COVID-19 cases during Phases B and C of the National Plan, and the Chief Medical Officer provided an update on the Test, Trace, Isolate and Quarantine (TTIQ) work underway through Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC).
National Cabinet received a briefing from Lieutenant General John Frewen, DSC, AM, Coordinator General of the National COVID Vaccine Taskforce (Operation COVID Shield). Specific workstreams are underway to support a higher level of vaccination uptake amongst Indigenous Australians and the disability sector. mRNA vaccines are now available for Australians aged 60 years and above across the majority of Australia, including all primary care settings.
National Cabinet agreed to meet next on Friday, 5 November 2021.
Vaccine Rollout
Lieutenant General John Frewen, DSC, AM provided a detailed update to National Cabinet on plans to increase vaccination rates amongst disabled and Indigenous Australians. With sufficient supplies available in October to vaccinate all Australians, and with around 10,000 vaccination sites, additional measures are being enacted to support uptake and reduce hesitancy.
National Cabinet noted the preliminary advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) on booster doses, published on 23 September 2021. ATAGI will provide further advice on third dose requirements for specified individuals to complete their primary course vaccination in October. The Commonwealth will provide an update on boosters and third dose vaccinations following advice from ATAGI, with significant planning underway with states and territories to commence a booster/third shot program in late 2021, subject to ATAGI advice.
National Cabinet noted the AHPPC statements on schools, mandatory vaccinations of health care workers, ventilation and visitation in aged care, which recommend increased visitation for families of people in residential aged care facilities and actions to support schools to remain open.
Health System Capacity
National Cabinet received advice from the Health System Capacity Cross Jurisdictional Working Group on surge planning and that all states and territories confirmed that effective systems were in place at a state and territory level. National Cabinet requested further analysis of regional reports of the Local Health Network (LHN)/Primary Health Network (PHN) collaborative care pathways.
National Plan to Transition Australia’s COVID-19 Response
National Cabinet received an update from Professor Jodie McVernon from the Doherty Institute. National Cabinet noted but did not yet endorse the interim analysis showing that TTIQ measures continue to contribute to controlling transmission of the Delta variant, and that case-initiated contact tracing, as has been used in the recent NSW Delta outbreak, can effectively assist health responses in outbreaks involving high case numbers to deliver an effective partial TTIQ impact. National Cabinet further noted the interim update on 7-day home quarantine for vaccinated arrivals and infection risk. To assist with further planning for possible future 7-day quarantine arrangements, all states and territories committed to providing more detailed data on COVID cases recorded in their hotel quarantine systems.
National Cabinet noted the Commonwealth’s updated progress to adjust border settings to allow for safe and secure international travel by vaccinated Australians.
International travel for fully vaccinated
The Commonwealth will introduce an International COVID-19 Vaccine Certificate for outbound travellers to present at foreign borders and at the Australian border. This certificate has been designed to meet the new standards specified by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and endorsed by the World Health Organization.
The international certificate will display a Visible Digital Seal (VDS), as specified by the ICAO standard. A VDS is a QR code that’s as secure as a passport chip, using the same highly secure e-passport technology. VDS is compatible with existing passport control systems around the world and with COVID-19 travel apps such as the IATA Travel Pass that many airlines are using.
The new international certificates will become available for Australians by the end of October, both digitally and in printable form, through a simple process in myGov.
TGA ‘recognition’ of two new vaccines
The TGA has provided advice that Coronavac (Sinovac) and Covishield (AstraZeneca/Serum Institute of India) vaccines be considered ‘recognised vaccines’ for incoming international travellers to be regarded as appropriately vaccinated. This is in addition to the four vaccines approved for use in Australia – Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson.
This advice follows detailed assessments by the TGA to determine the protection against infection and serious illness offered by vaccines not registered for use in Australia.
‘Recognition’ status does not constitute Australian regulatory approval, as regulatory approval would enable a company to provide that vaccine for administration within Australia.
Recognition of these vaccines supports Australians to be able to return who have had these vaccinations overseas, and will enable reopening to other groups such as international students who have been vaccinated with these vaccines in countries such as Indonesia, India and China.
Facilitated Commercial Flights
The Commonwealth outlined its offer of assistance to source and coordinate suitable cohorts of returning Australians for a home quarantine trial.
Implementation of the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements
National Cabinet received an update on progress with the implementation of the recommendations from the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements. National Cabinet noted that while delivery of many of the recommendations were underway, more needed to be done to be prepared for the coming high risk weather season.
National Cabinet agreed that jurisdictions would focus on urgently delivering the seven priority areas identified by the National Federation Reform Council. Emergency Management Ministers have been asked to identify additional actions for immediate delivery before the end of the year.
At the next meeting, National Cabinet will receive a briefing on the 2021-22 high risk weather season.
Energy – National Cabinet Reform Committee
National Cabinet endorsed the final package of reforms for the post-2025 National Electricity Market, as agreed by the Energy National Cabinet Reform Committee.
The proposed reforms act on the recommendations of the Energy Security Board (ESB), following two years of widespread consultation and in-depth analysis.
The full suite of reforms set out immediate, initial and long-term changes to deliver a fit-for-purpose electricity market into the future. This includes further work and design principles for a potential capacity mechanism to deliver investment in an efficient mix of capacity that meets reliability at lowest cost. The ESB will also continue further work on a congestion management model.
This outcome demonstrates the shared commitment across all National Energy Market jurisdictions to deliver affordable, reliable electricity to consumers.
Cheers to COVID-Safe picnics
Although it’s not possible to get out to your favourite restaurant or watering hole at the moment, the city’s beautiful parks are the perfect place to meet up with up family and friends for a COVID-Safe picnic, provided you’re fully vaccinated.
Under the current NSW Government guidelines, if you are fully vaccinated, you can attend an outdoor gathering in a public place of up to five people for exercise or outdoor recreation. So, if you’ve had two COVID-19 vaccinations, it’s time to pull your picnic blanket and basket out of hiding and pack your favourite food and drinks to make the most of the Spring weather. If you head to one of the following Newcastle parks between 8am and 8pm, it’s even consume an alcoholic beverage:
- King Edward Park
- Harbour Foreshore and Foreshore Park
- Bar Beach Hill
- Stockton Foreshore
- Centennial Park
- Nesca Park
- Civic Park
- Pacific Park
- Islington Park
- Gregson Park
If you’re picnicking at one of the City’s parks, please use the bins provided or take your rubbish with you and adhere to COVID-19 rules at all times.
If you’re not fully vaccinated, you can still get outside and enjoy your local park for exercise and recreation with one other person that you do not live with, or your nominated “singles bubbles” visitor.
During the stay at home orders which have been in place since early-August, Newcastle’s parks and open spaces have been more important than ever, with locals making the most of public spaces in their own backyard. Don’t forget that you can only visit parks in your Local Government Area, or within 5 kilometres from your home.
For a full list of Newcastle’s parks and to find one near you visit our Playgrounds and Park page.
Andrew Constance Statement
After almost 20 years serving in the NSW Parliament, today I have made the decision to nominate for local preselection for the federal seat of Gilmore.
There has been a lot of speculation over the past few weeks, but I will be resigning as Transport and Roads Minister this week and as the Member for Bega by the end of the year.
I am very conscious of getting our community out of Covid lockdown and working alongside our small businesses to rebound as strongly as we can.
I want to thank my incredible Ministerial team, led by Stuart Wallace and Ann Lewis, and my wonderful electorate office staff, some of whom have been with me since the very beginning.
Like so many of us, I am heartbroken for my long-time friend Gladys Berejiklian. By retiring from State Cabinet and NSW Parliament, I will provide an incoming leader the opportunity to fill this position.
Gladys has been an amazing leader on both a personal and broader community level. Her care and support during Black Summer, in which we worked so closely together, is something that is very dear to my heart.
Gladys is one of the best Premiers we have ever seen. I hope she bounces back as strongly as possible, because I know we have not seen the end of her yet.
During my almost two decades in state politics, and ten and a half years as a Cabinet Minister, I have had the privilege of serving as Minister for Disability Services, the State’s Treasurer, as well as Infrastructure, Transport and Roads Minister.
I am very proud of being part of the team which launched the National Disability Insurance Scheme to provide support to some of our most vulnerable community members. I have also had the privilege of working on some of the biggest road and rail projects in the nation’s history, including the duplication of the Princes Highway and Sydney Metro.
During my time as Treasurer I worked closely with Premiers Gladys Berejiklian and Mike Baird to free up billions of dollars through the leasing of poles and wires, which has turned NSW into a much better place for our community.
Whilst the party is looking to a new direction at a State level, I do not want to walk away from serving my local community. I will continue representing my community on key local issues, such as the new hospital developments, and ensuring the community is listened to on vital projects such as the Milton Ulladulla and Moruya Bypasses.
I love our region, its people and I could not be more proud to continue to serve. From Black Summer to the pandemic, we are the strongest and most resilient communities that you will ever see.
It has been the greatest honour serving you in NSW Parliament for almost twenty years and I plan to continue my work on a federal level.
New Public Health Advice for NSW Reopening
New public health advice sets out how NSW will continue to tackle COVID-19 as the state begins to reopen when it reaches the 70 per cent double dose vaccination target.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said while high vaccination rates were the key factor in the roadmap to recovery, COVID-19 will continue to circulate in the community.
“NSW is leading the nation in so many ways with its pandemic response but particularly in its vaccination efforts. I urge those who are yet to get vaccinated to do so quickly to protect yourself, your loved ones and the community,” Mr Hazzard said.
“We are closing-in on the 70 per cent double dose mark and when we achieve it there will be significant changes to our public health advice and the key difference will be how that advice is applied to people who are vaccinated and to those who are not.
“Vaccination will provide greater freedoms as our society opens up and it reduces the risk of you spreading the virus to someone vulnerable, which could cost them their life.
“Despite the ongoing challenges that will continue to be posed by COVID-19, we have the opportunity to lead the world which is why it is vital everyone is vaccinated and follows the updated public health advice that will be in place from 11 October.”
Some of the key public health advice for the general community will be:
- Everyone, vaccinated and not vaccinated, is urged to get tested if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 and immediately self-isolate until a negative result is received.
- Whether you are vaccinated or not vaccinated, if you test positive for COVID-19 you must self-isolate for 14 days.
- Close contacts in the community will include household members of positive cases and close social contacts of positive cases, such as partners and friends, who you spent time in close proximity with, even if fully vaccinated. Anyone may also be assessed as a being a close contact following a risk assessment, including at workplaces, high-risk settings, such as healthcare and aged care, and other specific settings such as schools and child care centres, or where an outbreak has been identified.
- If you are a close contact of a positive case and vaccinated, you must get tested and self-isolate for seven days. On day six after exposure, you must get tested again. If a negative result is received and you are well, you can end isolation after day seven. For the following seven days you must work from home where practicable, not attend hospitality settings, and not attend a high-risk settings even if it is your place of work.
- If you are a close contact of a positive case and not vaccinated you must get tested and immediately self-isolate for 14 days. On day 12, you should get tested again. If a negative result is received, you can end isolation after day 14.
- The Service NSW QR code check-in system will remain in place in the general community. This system will be used to notify people who were in the same venue as a positive case. People will be asked to monitor for symptoms and get tested if they become unwell. Other settings, including schools, workplaces and high-risk settings, such as healthcare and aged care, will have specific risk assessment approaches.
- People aged 16 years and over will only be allowed entry into some venues or settings if fully vaccinated, along with people with exemptions. In some venues, children under 16 will have to be accompanied by a fully vaccinated member of their household to enter. This includes hospitality venues, non-critical retail stores, personal services, sporting, recreation and entertainment facilities and events. Critical retail such as supermarkets and pharmacies will still be accessible to those not fully vaccinated. There are several options to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or exemption.
Some of the key public health advice for the business community will be:
- If a staff member tests positive, whether they are vaccinated or not vaccinated, they must self-isolate for 14 days and follow the advice from NSW Health. Businesses will refer to their COVID-19 Safety Plan and risk assessment approach for further instructions on notifying other staff.
- Businesses must inform NSW Health if three or more employees test positive for COVID-19 in a seven-day period.
- NSW Health guidelines will enable businesses to assess workplace risk if a COVID-19 case is identified and confirm actions to be taken.
- Businesses can reduce the risk of closure or staff going into isolation by implementing rigorous COVID-19 Safety Plans. Other proactive steps businesses can take include ensuring staff are vaccinated and implementing regular onsite testing programs for workers.
With respect to vaccination compliance and obligations:
- Businesses will be responsible for taking reasonable measures to stop unvaccinated people entering premises. For example, having prominent signs stating requirements, Service NSW QR codes, staff checking vaccination status upon entry and only accepting valid forms of evidence of vaccination.
- Authorised officers will monitor businesses re-opening, particularly those that have vaccination requirements, for example hospitality, retail, gyms, and personal services (e.g. hair, beauty).
- Penalties may apply for individuals and businesses who don’t comply. On the spot fines of $1,000 may apply to individuals for not complying, or for using fraudulent evidence of vaccination or check-in. On the spot fines of $5,000 may apply to businesses for not complying with the Public Health Order vaccination requirements. Further penalties may apply for significant breaches.
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said it is important to note that the new advice may be updated by NSW Health as case numbers and evidence changes.
“We will continue to do what we have done throughout this pandemic, which is to regularly update our advice, informed by experience, feedback, and emerging evidence. It is only in partnership that we can reopen in a safe way.”
Visit nsw.gov.au for the latest information.
Critical Incident declared after two men seriously injured in motorcycle crash – Lake Macquarie
A critical incident investigation has been launched after two men – including a police officer – suffered serious injuries following a motorcycle crash in the state’s Lake Macquarie region today.
About 4.40pm (Monday 4 October 2021), emergency services were called to Mandalong Road near Deaves Road, Mandalong, after reports of a crash between two motorcycles.
A 36-year-old on-duty senior constable, riding a marked NSW Police Force motorcycle, suffered serious injuries and was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a serious but stable condition.
The second rider, a 69-year-old man, also suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to Royal North Shore Hospital in a serious but stable condition.
A crime scene was established by officers from Lake Macquarie Police District, which will be examined by specialist police from the Crash Investigation Unit.
A critical incident team from the Tuggerah Lakes Police District will now investigate all circumstances surrounding the incident.
That investigation will be subject to independent review.
No further details are available at this time.
Better hearing services for more Australians
The report of an independent review of the Australian Government’s Hearing Services Program has been released today. The review was undertaken to provide ideas and recommendations for the government to consider, including ways of ensuring the program improves the outcome of vulnerable Australians who live with hearing loss, by being more client and outcomes focused.
Minister for Regional Health, Dr David Gillespie, said the Government would carefully consider the various recommendations put forward as part of the review process.
‘I want to ensure that as part of this process we preserve choice, improve the equity, effectiveness, and sustainability of the program, and build on the key priorities from the Hearing Health Roadmap that the Government has already funded in Budget 2020. Whether you are born with hearing loss or it occurs later, it can have a huge impact on your life,’ Minister Gillespie said.
‘Right now, 1 in 6 Australian adults suffers from hearing loss, and this is expected to rise to about 1 in 4 adults by 2050, as the population ages.
‘The Government wants to ensure that all Australians with hearing loss, wherever they live, can get top-quality assistance to help them get the best out of their lives.
‘The Hearing Services Program already provides an excellent service, and with the help of the independent review, we have been keen to see additional ideas put forward that will build on the program’s strengths to make it even better for even more people.
‘There are a range of recommendations that the Government will consider in depth before making a comprehensive response to the review in due course,’ Minister Gillespie said.
The Minister would like to assure all stakeholders that the Government will be consulting further on how to take some of the recommendations forward and provide certainty to the sector. ‘In the meantime, I encourage interested parties and consumers of hearing services to continue to be involved in the outcomes of the review through the hearing services team in my department’.
The review confirmed the program was highly valued, both by people with hearing loss and those who support them personally and in their school or work lives. In 2019–20, it provided more than 1.4 million services to Australians, including providing and fitting hearing aids for more than 392,000 people.
The Government set up the independent review in August 2020 to seek further ideas about how to further strengthen the program and make it more accessible, especially for people outside the major cities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The review was also tasked to explore reasons as to why more than half of those who are eligible are not accessing the program.
‘On behalf of the Government, I would like to thank the expert panel – Professor Mike Woods and Dr Zena Burgess – and everyone who has contributed to this review,’ Minister Gillespie said.
Stakeholders including consumer advocacy groups, hearing services clients, providers, industry, professional associations, and academics participated in the review.