The Greens say evidence presented at today’s inquiry into the government’s COAG Legislation Amendment Bill shows just how far the PM has strayed from legal, constitutional and democratic norms.
Greens deputy leader and spokesperson on democracy Senator Larissa Waters said:
“After today’s hearing no one can be left in any doubt about just how anti-democratic and dangerous the government’s attempt to shield National Cabinet from scrutiny really is.
“All the expert witnesses agree that this Bill would undermine the rule of law, increase secrecy, erode accountability and open the door to increased executive powers. That should be something that worries all Australians.
“The Morrison Government is the most secretive government in history. They eagerly relied on cabinet secrecy to hide information about Covid decisions, the ‘gas-led recovery’ and the women’s safety taskforce.
“This Bill is a blatant attempt to prevent proper scrutiny of the government’s abysmal vaccination rollout, its shambles of a national quarantine program, and its pandering to fossil fuel donors.
“The government has offered no compelling policy rationale for a Bill that offers complete, unfettered secrecy to a wide range of decisions affecting us all. It is impossible to reconcile this Bill with the PM’s statements on the international stage about Australia’s commitment to open government.
“As the President of the Australian Human Rights Commission said today, this Bill gets the balance wrong. Trust in government is vital, particularly in emergency situations, yet this government seems determined to undermine public trust at every turn.
“The PM continues to do all he can to duck transparency and accountability. His war on transparency and accountability has to end.
“The Greens will be voting against this Bill and we urge Labor to join us.”
New milk bank ensures the best start for premature babies in Queensland
Premature babies across Queensland will get live-saving access to breast milk, with a new Australian Government-funded milk bank opening in Brisbane to supply donor human milk to hospitals across the state.
Minister for Health, Greg Hunt, said human milk was proven to lead to better health outcomes for premature and sick babies who couldn’t breastfeed.
“Without breast milk, premature babies spend longer in hospital and are at greater risk of infection and sepsis,” Minister Hunt said.
“They are also at great risk of contracting necrotising enterocolitis, a disease that has a tragically high mortality rate.
“Human milk banks collect, screen, process, and distribute donated human milk as a better alternative to infant formula for premature babies. It is estimated that the demand for human donor milk for premature babies is around 7,600 litres per year across the country.”
As part of the 2019–20 Budget, the Australian Government provided $2.0 million to Lifeblood to expand its coordinated network of donor human milk banks.
Federal Member for Brisbane, Trevor Evans, welcomed the opening of the milk bank and Australian Red Cross Lifeblood’s commitment to Queensland infants.
“Lifeblood – in collaboration with the Queensland Milk Bank – has established the facility six months ahead of schedule,” Mr Evans said.
“Babies across a network of 19 Queensland hospitals are already receiving life giving human milk that is protecting their wellbeing.
“But that is only one part of the important work of the milk bank. The new Brisbane facility will also allow our leading scientists to undertake innovative research into new therapeutic applications using the bioactive compounds in milk.
“This work will develop new products to help premature and sick babies thrive.”
Lifeblood now supplies pasteurised donor human milk to 30 hospitals across four states. With funding provided by the Australian Government, Lifeblood is on track to deliver the goal that – within the next 18 months – all premature babies in Australian Neonatal Intensive Care Units requiring donor human milk have access.
Teach NSW calling for the world's best teachers
Overseas and interstate STEM teachers will be the target of a new campaign to boost teacher numbers in NSW public schools.
The NSW Government will spend $13.5 million on a program to bring more than 500 qualified STEM teachers from other countries and states into NSW classrooms.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said the plan to recruit ‘standout’ international and interstate teachers is part of a broader strategy to boost and sustain a high quality teaching workforce.
“There are more than 91,000 teachers employed in NSW public schools, and we are opening the door to even more expert teachers looking to teach in our great system,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Our education system is amongst the largest in the world, and I am confident that by opening the door to more high-quality teachers from other jurisdictions, we will also become amongst the highest performing in the world.”
This initiative builds upon the NSW Government’s recently announced new employment-based pathways into teaching, and will further increase our supply of great teachers. It is also aligned with the Productivity Commission’s White Paper recommendation to leverage the status of NSW and entice great teachers to work here so we can continue to improve our education system.
“NSW is an incredible place to live and work – attracting the best teachers from around the world will help turbocharge our recovery from the pandemic by ensuring our students have access to more high quality teachers,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Our state boasts the biggest education system in the southern hemisphere and we should be using that position to attract the best teachers from around the country and the world to help our students get ahead.”
The overseas focus will be on countries whose teachers have high potential to succeed in the NSW public school system, such as Canada and the UK.
Under the initiative, 460 teachers will be recruited between 2022-23, and 100 in 2023-24.
Working alongside other agencies, including the Commonwealth Government, the Department of Education will help successful recruits with relocation and other support including Australian border control measures, quarantine and visa requirements.
This initiative forms part of the NSW Government’s new Teacher Supply Strategy, due for release soon.
NSW Government invests in TAFE teachers
The NSW Government is investing $1 million to fund training for industry experts who want to pursue a rewarding career change as a TAFE NSW teacher.
The investment will allow 200 industry professionals across the State to upskill with guaranteed employment at TAFE NSW.
This is in addition to $3.1 million from the NSW Government to fund 525 scholarships across the state since 2019.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the scholarships will give those that have years of experience in their field the opportunity to grow the industries they love by training the next generation.
“TAFE NSW teachers are highly experienced in their industries, and the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment is the formal qualification which enables them to train the next generation,” Mr Lee said.
“With the scholarship covering the fees, this will ensure the best and brightest in high-demand industries like engineering, plumbing, carpentry, electrotechnology, nursing, early childhood education and aged care consider a career as a TAFE NSW teacher, without needing to weigh up the cost.
“What sets TAFE NSW teachers apart is that they not only pass on their knowledge and expertise, but they have professional networks which are a vital connection to jobs for students.”
“Teachers play an incredibly significant role in the lives of students. That’s why we’re investing in the best of industry to work at TAFE NSW and help us shape the future workforce.
“This is a real commitment and real investment in TAFE as our comprehensive public training provider.”
Applications are open for world-class educators, innovative industry experts and motivated administration staff to join TAFE’s dynamic organisation. Positions include full-time, part-time and casual basis, spanning over 130 locations across NSW and online.
For more information on the Training and Assessment Scholarships, visit: www.tafensw.edu.au/jobs
Roadmap to recovery reveals path forward for all of NSW
NSW has a clear path to follow out of the pandemic and lockdowns, with the roadmap for easing restrictions at the 80 per cent double dose target revealing a brighter future for the community.
From the Monday after NSW hits the 80 per cent (aged 16 and over) double dose vaccination target, eased restrictions will allow those who are fully vaccinated to have up to 10 people visit their home, participate in community sport, and access hospitality venues (where drinking while standing up will be allowed indoors). All premises will operate at 1 person per 4sqm indoors, and 1 person per 2sqm outdoors.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the 80 per cent roadmap will also remove the limit of fully vaccinated guests for weddings and funerals, and remove customer caps for personal services such as hairdressers.
“I know people are counting down the minutes until we reach 70 per cent double dose and the freedoms that will provide, and today we are providing further certainty by announcing the 80 per cent roadmap and future settings,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Vaccination remains our ticket to freedom so we need to work even harder to get jabs in arms, to help stop the spread, minimise outbreaks and ensure people are protected when we open up.”
Given updated health advice, adjustments have been made to the 70 per cent roadmap. Regional travel will now not be allowed until 80 per cent (fully vaccinated only), and a booking cap has been introduced for hospitality venues of 20 people per booking.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the NSW Government is considering changes to incoming international arrival caps, so more people can return home for Christmas.
“The NSW Government’s 70 per cent roadmap lifts fully vaccinated people out of lockdown and when we reach 80 per cent, restrictions will ease even further,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The key continues to be vaccination rates, so please do not hesitate and book in for your free COVID-19 vaccine today so we can reach these targets as soon as possible.
“I must also clarify that travel between Greater Sydney and regional NSW will only be permitted when the state reaches 80 per cent double dose. This change is necessary to give some regional areas the time they need to increase local vaccination rates.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the milestone marked a shift in gear for the State’s economic recovery.
“There’s a real sense of optimism returning to our community as our vaccination rates keep climbing and that’s giving businesses the confidence they need to reopen and for people to start returning to work and getting their lives back on track,” Mr Perrottet said.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard thanked the people of NSW for their sacrifices.
“Our health workers continue to rely on people to make smart choices, to keep a safe distance, not go to work when they are feeling unwell and to get tested when they show the slightest of symptoms.
“It’s that dedication which allows us to ease some of the restrictions again and to begin the process of opening up the state,” Mr Hazzard said.
The roadmap may be fine-tuned by NSW Health as we monitor the COVID-19 situation over the coming weeks.
From 1 December further changes will be introduced including all venues moving to the 2sqm rule, masks will not be required indoors at offices, indoor pools and nightclubs can reopen, and unvaccinated people will have greater freedoms.
If you are not booked in for a COVID-19 vaccine, please book an appointment as soon possible. For the latest information visit nsw.gov.au/covid-19
City’s swimming centres to reopen Monday
Swimming centres across Newcastle are set to welcome swimmers back on Monday, following the NSW Government’s decision last week that outdoor public pools can reopen.
Newcastle’s five inland swimming centres have been closed since the conclusion of the summer season in April and have remained closed in line with the Public Health Order which only allowed natural swimming pools, like Newcastle and Merewether Ocean Baths, to open.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes welcomed the decision to reopen the city’s swimming centres.
“The importance of exercise can’t be understated during the extended stay at home orders, so I’m pleased that Newcastle’s swimming centres are able to safely reopen to swimmers from Monday.
“As the weather continues to warm up, people have flocked to the city’s beaches and ocean baths, which have remained open throughout the stay at home orders.
“Reopening outdoor pools will provide more options for swimmers across the entire local government area, not just at the city’s beaches and baths.
“City of Newcastle has delivered new playgrounds at Mayfield and Wallsend Swimming Centres, as well as a new accessible changeroom area at Mayfield Swimming Centre, in time for reopening.”
The latest NSW Government advice states that from 27 September members of the public can resume swimming at outdoor public pools either within your local government area or within 5km of your home.
Beresfield, Lambton, Mayfield, Stockton and Wallsend Swimming Centres will reopen on Monday 27 September with COVID-safe plans in place.
Those attending Newcastle’s swimming centres will be required to adhere to NSW Government advice, check in, wear masks while not swimming and maintain physical distancing. Pool visitors will be encouraged to swim and go, and all indoor and outdoor areas including grandstands, changerooms and bathrooms will be open and subject to capacity limits based on the 4sqm rule. Community sport, training programs and learn to swim lessons remain suspended.
Saturday 18 September marked the official start of the summer season at local beaches and baths, with lifeguards now on patrol daily at Bar, Dixon Park, Merewether, Newcastle, Nobbys and Stockton Beaches, as well as Newcastle and Merewether Ocean Baths.
For more information on pool opening hours, please visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/swimming-centres
Incentives overhaul a big win for regional teachers
Teachers and students at schools across regional NSW will benefit from a complete overhaul of how the government attracts and retains teachers in the bush.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the NSW Government commissioned the Review of Rural and Remote Incentives in NSW Public Schools, which focused on improving the benefits for regional teachers by ensuring they are fair and flexible.
“We are already investing record amounts in school infrastructure and technology in regional parts of the State, so it’s time our incentives program is upgraded to attract top quality teachers to the bush,” Mr Barilaro said.
“At the heart of these investments are our regional kids who deserve the best teachers and best education no matter where they live.”
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said she commissioned the review in response to conversations and feedback from teachers working in regional, rural and remote areas.
“The government is accepting all recommendations put forward by the review, and we will immediately begin implementing reforms to attract and retain teachers in regional NSW,” Ms Mitchell said.
“We have the most generous incentive system in Australia, however over time it has grown in complexity. This is the first time we have inspected all aspects of the system to make it fair and flexible, allowing teachers to create a package that works best for them and their circumstances.
“We will create a smarter transfer point system and an easier-to-understand benefits package for teachers, ranging from additional salary, better professional development opportunities, rent assistance and family support.”
The NSW Government has committed $15 million to action initiatives immediately in response to the Incentives Review, including:
- Increasing the value of targeted recruitment bonuses from $10,000 to up to $20,000, making schools located in the hardest-to-staff parts of the State more attractive for prospective employees;
- Giving more employees the opportunity to experience regional NSW by doubling the number of teach.Rural scholarships to 120 per year, and expanding the investment in the Rural Experience Program to fund up to 50 places from 2022;
- Expanding eligibility so temporary teachers can receive incentives like the Rural Teacher Incentive, Retention Bonus, and Experienced Teacher Bonus, enabling a greater number of employees to be attracted to the regions; and,
- Working alongside the Teacher Housing Authority NSW to upgrade, repair and build new accommodation for teachers in areas of high demand.
Principals, teachers, key education stakeholders and experts will be consulted with and help co-design longer-term initiatives, including:
- The revamping and simplification of the transfer point system to reduce inequity, better communication on what is available for teachers in the regions, and allowing employees to work on a bespoke package which suits their individual circumstances;
- The creation of a more holistic approach to regional relocation which focuses on ‘families’ rather than just individuals; and,
- The establishment of a centralised team to oversee regional staffing.
“Regional NSW is an incredibly attractive place to live and work. I want to see more people experience teaching in Regional NSW and I want to remove barriers for anyone wanting a teaching career in the bush,” Ms Mitchell said.
The review recommendations support the initiatives included in the Teacher Supply Strategy due for release later this year.
The full report can be downloaded here: https://education.nsw.gov.au/about-us/strategies-and-reports/review-of-rural-remote-incentives-report
Woman charged after travelling on train in breach of the Public Health Order
A woman has been charged after allegedly breaching the Public Health Order by travelling on a train from Sydney to the state’s Mid North Coast earlier this month.
On Thursday 9 September 2021, officers from Mid North Coast Police District received reports that a 22-year-old woman had failed to isolate after a positive COVID-19 test and was travelling by train from Strathfield to Coffs Harbour with her three children.
About 10.40pm, police stopped the train at Kempsey and removed the woman and her children from the train.
They were taken by NSW Ambulance paramedics to a special health hotel at Port Macquarie to quarantine.
Following further inquiries, the 17 passengers and six crew on board the train at the time were also taken to the quarantine hotel, under the care of NSW Health.
Other passengers who alighted the train at stations throughout the journey, were also contacted by NSW Health.
The police officers involved were managed in line with requirements in the Public Health Orders.
Following further investigations, the woman was issued a court attendance notice (CAN) for fail to comply with self-isolation direction, upon her release from hotel quarantine about 10.10am yesterday (Saturday 25 September 2021).
The woman is due to appear at Port Macquarie Local Court on Wednesday 10 November 2021.
Driving, drug, weapons charges after man allegedly conducts burnouts near Cessnock
A man has been charged with driving, drug and weapons offences following an investigation into dangerous driving and burnouts in the Hunter region.
On Wednesday 22 September 2021, officers from the Newcastle-Hunter Sector of Traffic and Highway Patrol were notified of a white Toyota Hilux spray painted black allegedly conducting burnouts in Bellbird in the early hours of the morning.
Following inquiries, officers – with assistance from Hunter Valley Police District – executed a search warrant at a home on Kempe Street, Cessnock, about 1.45pm yesterday (Thursday 23 September 2021).
During the warrant, police seized a Toyota Hilux, a Mercedes Van, two slingshots, methylamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, ammunition, number plates and mobile phones.
A 28-year-old man was arrested at the home and taken to Cessnock Police Station.
He was charged with 14 offences including:
- Possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit (x2)
- Possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority
- Unlawfully possess number plates
- Drive motor vehicle during disqualification period
- Drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous
- Interfere with person’s enjoyment or risk safety
- Use light vehicle with dangerous frontal protrusions
- Use light vehicle with seatbelt missing or defective
- Use light vehicle not comply with tyres standard
- Use vehicle with defective body or structural member
- Possess prohibited drug
- Possession of equipment for administering prohibited drugs
- Not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19
The Cessnock man was granted conditional bail to appear at Cessnock Local Court on Wednesday 13 October 2021.
Traffic Inspector for the Newcastle-Hunter Sector, Inspector Mick Buko, said this manner of driving is reckless and can have serious consequences.
“Not only is this behaviour dangerous, it also puts other innocent members of the public at risk, and we simply won’t tolerate it.
“Anyone who observes this sort of dangerous driving is encouraged to report it to your local police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000,” Insp Buko said.
Investigations are ongoing into further alleged driving offences.
Man allegedly caught breaching Public Health Orders twice in three hours – Raptor Squad
Raptor Squad have charged four men for allegedly breaching the state’s Public Health Orders, including one man who was stopped by police in Western Sydney twice in just three hours.
Officers from the Raptor Squad were conducting proactive patrols targeting known associates of organised crime networks when they observed a man leaning in the passenger window of a Volkswagen SUV talking with another man – neither of whom were wearing masks – on Woodstock Street, Guildford, about 1pm on Thursday (23 September 2021).
As police approached, the man moved away from the SUV and attempted to walk onto a nearby property.
Officers stopped and spoke with both men – aged 28 and 46 – and it was established that neither had a reasonable excuse for leaving their home.
Both men were arrested and taken to Granville Police Station.
The 28-year-old Guildford man was charged with not comply with noticed direction re s7/8/9 – COVID-19 and fail to comply with carry face covering directive.
The 46-year-old Westmead man was charged with not comply with noticed direction re s7/8/9 – COVID-19.
They are due to appear at Fairfield Local Court on Tuesday 26 October 2021.
About 8pm that night, Raptor Squad officers were conducting proactive patrols in Fairmount Street, Merrylands, when they observed two men in a Toyota Corolla suddenly leave as police approached.
Officers stopped the car and spoke with both men – aged 30 and 19 – and it was established that neither had a reasonable excuse for leaving their home or travelling in the same vehicle.
During a subsequent search of the men and the vehicle, police located prescription drugs.
The 30-year-old passenger was arrested and taken to taken to Granville Police Station, where he was charged possess prescribed restricted substance, breach of bail and not comply with noticed direction re s7/8/9 – COVID-19.
The man was refused bail and appeared at Fairfield Local Court yesterday (Friday 24 September 2021).
Meanwhile, the driver was issued with two traffic infringements for minor car defects and inquiries into further Public Health Order breaches are ongoing.
About 11pm (Thursday 23 September 2021), officers from Cumberland Police Area Command stopped a black Toyota Corolla on Clyde Street, Granville, for the purpose of a random breath test.
Further inquiries revealed the 19-year-old driver had been directed by Raptor Squad officers to return to his residence from Merrylands just three hours prior.
The man was arrested and taken to Parramatta Police Station, where he was charged with not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19.
He was granted conditional bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court on Wednesday 6 October 2021.
Strike Force Raptor was established in 2009, before becoming a standalone squad in 2021. Raptor Squad conducts proactive investigations and intelligence-based, high-impact policing operations to prevent and disrupt conflicts, and dismantle any network engaged in serious organised criminal activity.
Anyone with information, including relevant photos and videos, that may assist the Raptor Squad can report it directly to investigators via their online reporting page: https://www1.police.nsw.gov.au/Default.aspx?id=49 or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Information provided to investigators will be treated in the strictest of confidence.