Nominations are now open for members of Australia’s first-ever Council of Elders – a panel of representatives charged with providing advice and feedback on aged care issues around the country.
In another important response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, the council will be established as part of the Morrison Government’s comprehensive $17.7 billion reinforcement of the sector.
It comes as Australia today marks the inaugural Ageism Awareness Day and the United Nation’s International Day of Older Persons.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, and Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, said in keeping with both awareness initiatives, the Council of Elders will ensure older Australians and the issues they face, are at the heart of Australia’s generational reforms.
“Our aged care reforms are all about providing respect, care and dignity to senior Australians, and we want to ensure the voices of those senior Australians are heard at the highest levels in this process,” Minister Hunt said.
“The Council of Elders will have about 10 members appointed from nominations right across Australia, including rural, regional and remote areas.”
Successful nominees will represent the diverse life experiences and characteristics of senior Australians and bring the views and perspectives of others to the table.
“The Council of Elders will be consumer focused,” Minister Hunt said. ‘Its members will be independent of government and must not be affiliated with aged care services providers’.
Council members will have a lived understanding of aged care and must be able to engage with their community, the Government and ministers on aged care reforms.
Minister Colbeck said in addition to public nominations, interest had also been sought from peak bodies and community organisations representing senior Australians.
“Council of Elders members are expected to represent the views of older Australians, so they will remain independent of any of the organisations that may put their name forward,” Minister Colbeck said.
“The guidance and feedback from council members will help keep us on track as the Morrison Government continues to work closely with aged care stakeholders and providers on a path to offering higher-quality individual needs-based care.”
The Council of Elders will provide advice to the Minister for Health and Aged Care and the Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, and also to the National Aged Care Advisory Council (NACAC) which is also being established under the aged care reforms.
The Council of Elders chair will also have a seat on the NACAC to directly share the perspective of senior Australians with this group.
Information relating to nominations can be found here.
The nomination process will close 15 October 2021, with the membership of the Council of Elders to be announced later this year.
Author: admin
International Day of Older Persons helping keep us connected
Older Australians are today recognised for the vital contributions they make to communities around the country as part of the United Nation’s International Day of Older Persons.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt and Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, said the global day of awareness marked an important opportunity to show our gratitude to seniors Australians – from our parents to neighbours and friends.
“The value older Australians bring to communities across our nation is immeasurable,” Minister Hunt said.
“From passing on family traditions and recipes, sharing words of wisdom to younger generations, or seeing the successes of the past come to life in the present, senior Australians across the country have made our nation what it is today.”
Minister Colbeck said it was particularly important to continue strengthening our connections with senior Australians as we continue to navigate the impacts of the global pandemic.
“We know the impact COVID-19 has had across our nation – but it has been felt particularly by older and more vulnerable Australians,” Minister Colbeck said.
“As lockdowns continue across so many regions, it is more important than ever that we check in on those people we love most to ensure their physical and emotional needs are being met.
“Whether it’s a face-to-face visit, text message, a video chat or a phone call, I encourage everyone to check in regularly with all the senior Australians in our lives.”
Minister Colbeck also paid tribute to workers across the aged care sector who have helped ensure residents in facilities across Australia stay connected with family and friends.
The Government provides funding for a number of measures to help senior Australians remain connected and supported in their communities. These include:
- The Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line (1800 171 866)
- The Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement (1800 22 22 00)
- Translation and interpreter services (131 450)
- Community Visitors Scheme, supporting community-based organisations to recruit volunteers to visit older people to provide friendship and companionship
Ageism Awareness Day
Peak industry organisations like the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) and the Council of the Ageing (COTA) are also marking today as Australia’s inaugural Ageism Awareness Day.
A live social media video by OPAN will touch on conversations about ageism, its impact, and how we can each play a part in combatting harmful stereotypes. To find out more, visit OPAN’s Facebook page. To register for a webinar held by COTA today, visit the Every Age Counts website.
Be Connected
For more details about thriving in the digital world, including e-safety training and learning resources, visit the Be Connected website, designed to empower all Australians to develop digital skills and confidence.
mRNA COVID-19 vaccines available for Australians 12+
From today, all Australians aged 12 and over are eligible to receive an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine through Australia’s network of GPs and community pharmacies.
The decision by the Australian Government to open up mRNA vaccines to the 60 and over age group will give Australians more options and encouragement to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, if they haven’t already.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt said we are on track to ensuring every eligible Australian can receive a COVID-19 vaccine by the end of this month, with more than 28 million doses administered to date.
“More than 77 per cent of eligible Australians have received one COVID-19 dose and 54 per cent are fully vaccinated,” Minister Hunt said.
“We have now passed the United States on percentage of first doses administered and I thank all Australians who have come forward so far and received a COVID-19 vaccination. It will make a significant contribution to returning to COVID normal.
“I encourage everyone who is not yet vaccinated to call your local GP, Community Pharmacy, State or Commonwealth Hub and make an appointment today. It can protect you and your loved ones.”
Australia currently has two mRNA COVID-19 vaccines approved for use by the Therapeutic Goods Authority (TGA) and included in our rollout program on the advice of the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI).
These are the Spikevax (Moderna) and Comirnaty (Pfizer) vaccines. As they are both mRNA vaccines, they are very similar and are highly effective at preventing severe illness and death from COVID-19.
The Commonwealth has been working closely with other jurisdictions, which have been progressively announcing the availability of mRNA vaccines for people aged 60 and over at state and territory-run clinics.
The COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder has been updated to allow people aged 60 and over to find sites that administer the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.
Next steps to reopen to the world
Australia is ready to take its next steps to safely reopen to the world, with changes coming to the international border.
Our government is setting out the framework for how international travel will look in coming months.
With first dose vaccination rates at over 78 per cent and double dose rates nationwide at 55 per cent and on track to reach 70 per cent in some jurisdictions over the next week, our government has been finalising plans so Australian families can be reunited, Australian workers can travel in and out of our country, and we can work towards welcoming tourists back to our shores.
Within weeks, large parts of the country will be moving to Phase B and then to Phase C of the National Plan to safely reopen Australia and to stay safely open. Under Phase C, international travel is on track to reopen safely to fully vaccinated Australian travellers. Many countries around the world have now safely reopened to international travel and it will shortly be time for Australia to take the next step.
To enable fully vaccinated Australians to travel, our government is finalising new arrangements.
Following completion of home quarantine pilots in New South Wales and South Australia, it is anticipated that states and territories that are ready to do so will roll out:
- Seven day home quarantine for Australian citizens and permanent residents fully vaccinated with a vaccine approved for use in Australia or ‘recognised’ by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
- 14-day managed quarantine for anyone not vaccinated or vaccinated with a vaccine not approved or recognised by the TGA.
Australian citizens and permanent residents who cannot be vaccinated – for example if they are under 12 or have a medical condition – will be treated as vaccinated for the purposes of their travel.
States and territories will begin this program at different times given their varying vaccination rates but we expect the system to commence in November.
Under Phase B and C of the National Plan, 14-day managed quarantine caps apply to unvaccinated arrivals. These will return to previous levels at Phase B of the National Plan. We will work with states and territories to remove all travel caps on vaccinated Australians.
In line with the National Plan, our government is balancing the need to minimise the risk that the spread of COVID-19 presents, with the need to live with the virus.
The Government’s intention is that once changes are made in November, the current overseas travel restrictions related to COVID-19 will be removed and Australians will be able to travel subject to any other travel advice and limits, as long as they are fully vaccinated and those countries’ border settings allow. Border settings and quarantine requirements in other countries continue to change and we strongly encourage all Australians to closely monitor DFAT travel advice, available on smartraveller.gov.au.
These changes mean there will be no travel restrictions if you are a vaccinated Australian entering or leaving our shores.
We will also work towards completely quarantine-free travel for certain countries, such as New Zealand, when it is safe to do so.
Testing is expected to continue to be a requirement of international travel, but subject to further medical advice, Rapid Antigen Tests may be used.
Australians who want to travel overseas once restrictions are removed will be able to access an internationally recognised proof of vaccination document in the coming weeks to prove their vaccination status abroad. The proof of vaccination for international travel will include a QR code that is readable globally, and will comply with the standards set out by the International Civil Aviation Organisation. Engagement with commercial airlines and foreign governments has already begun to ensure they are familiar with the system.
We know it has been an extraordinarily difficult 18 months for Australians overseas trying to come home and for Australians with family and friends overseas.
To maximise the number of Australians who can return, our government is also offering facilitated flights into any state or territory that agrees to commence seven day home quarantine trials for returning Australians.
More than 680,000 Australians have returned since the Government recommended people reconsider the need to travel abroad in March last year. The Government stands ready to assist more people to return with the cooperation of states and territories.
Australian citizens and permanent residents who have been vaccinated with a TGA-approved vaccine overseas can already visit their GP or local pharmacist in Australia to have their COVID-19 vaccination status updated in the Australian Immunisation Register, to be able to show proof of vaccination in Australia.
In coming weeks the government will finalise the processes for people to be able to show their vaccination status if they have had a TGA ‘recognised vaccine’. People who have received vaccines not recognised by the TGA, or who are unvaccinated, will be required to undertake 14 days of managed quarantine on arrival.
In addition to the four COVID-19 vaccines that have been approved and registered for use by the TGA – Pfizer (Comirnaty), AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria), Moderna (Spikevax) and COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen – the TGA has also been reviewing other vaccines in widespread use around the world for the purposes of determining ‘recognised vaccines’.
We need to ensure that we keep Australians safe without creating unnecessary obstacles to people who have been fully vaccinated overseas from coming to our country.
Today, the TGA has published its initial assessment of the data on the protection offered by the Coronavac (Sinovac) and Covishield (AstraZeneca/Serum Institute of India) vaccines and has advised that these vaccines should be considered as ‘recognised vaccines’ for the purpose of determining incoming international travellers as being appropriately vaccinated.
Declaring certain COVID-19 vaccines as ‘recognised vaccines’ is separate to a regulatory decision on whether they are approved for use for vaccination in Australia, which has not been made by the TGA.
The recognition of these two additional vaccines is a major milestone towards more Australians vaccinated overseas getting home sooner.
The TGA will continue its assessment of other vaccines for the purpose of determining ‘recognised vaccines’ based on the available data and data that is provided.
In coming weeks the Minister for Health will consider updates to the Biosecurity Act Emergency determinations to facilitate some of these changes for fully vaccinated Australian travellers as we move forward on the National Plan to get Australia back to normal and reopen our country safely.
59,000 visitors to City’s Digital Library in its first year
Novocastrians have embraced the chance to learn digital skills and access cutting edge technology at the City’s newest library, which has attracted more than 59,000 visitors in its first year.
The Digital Library is co-located with City of Newcastle’s Customer Service Centre and mobile Council Chamber on Level 1 of 12 Stewart Avenue, creating an award-winning community and civic hub that has proved popular with local residents and city workers since opening in September 2020.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said COVID-19 had brought the need for digital skills into greater focus during the past year as parents and students had to adapt to working and learning from home.
“In this highly digital age it’s more important than ever for our community to have access to the tools required to enhance their skills and equip themselves with a greater understanding of technology,” Cr Nelmes said.
“The Digital Library offers a community-based, educational environment where physical collections are complemented by a diverse range of technology-based library experiences.
“During its first year, the library hosted school excursions, digital storytelling workshops in partnership with Compass Housing’s Grow a Star Project, three school holiday programs for children to explore virtual reality, robotics and coding, and a youth film night.
“Online literacy programs were also offered for seniors to navigate the Newcastle Library app, and events were held to help over 50s explore new technologies as part of University of the Third Age’s 30th anniversary celebrations.
“The Digital Library is successfully helping people bridge the digital divide through a range of unique programs and services, which are improving digital literacy and promoting digital inclusion for people of all ages.”
The Digital Library offers the community access to a podcasting studio, an industrial 3D printer, Pepper, the programable robot, and a digital multimedia ‘Magic Box’, which provides a unique way of reading and interacting with the Library’s rare book collection through interactive video, photos and newspaper articles.
It also features a Grab’n’Go collection of the latest and most popular books, CDs and DVDs, large touchscreens with access to thousands of newspapers and magazines, along with free access to Wi-Fi, tablets and personal computers.
All Newcastle Libraries including the Digital Library remain closed in line with NSW Government advice. While the libraries are closed, members can access the eLibrary or Library 2U delivery service by visiting newcastle.nsw.gov.au/library
The Digital Library is co-located with City of Newcastle’s Customer Service Centre and mobile Council Chamber on Level 1 of 12 Stewart Avenue, creating an award-winning community and civic hub that has proved popular with local residents and city workers since opening in September 2020.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said COVID-19 had brought the need for digital skills into greater focus during the past year as parents and students had to adapt to working and learning from home.
“In this highly digital age it’s more important than ever for our community to have access to the tools required to enhance their skills and equip themselves with a greater understanding of technology,” Cr Nelmes said.
“The Digital Library offers a community-based, educational environment where physical collections are complemented by a diverse range of technology-based library experiences.
“During its first year, the library hosted school excursions, digital storytelling workshops in partnership with Compass Housing’s Grow a Star Project, three school holiday programs for children to explore virtual reality, robotics and coding, and a youth film night.
“Online literacy programs were also offered for seniors to navigate the Newcastle Library app, and events were held to help over 50s explore new technologies as part of University of the Third Age’s 30th anniversary celebrations.
“The Digital Library is successfully helping people bridge the digital divide through a range of unique programs and services, which are improving digital literacy and promoting digital inclusion for people of all ages.”
The Digital Library offers the community access to a podcasting studio, an industrial 3D printer, Pepper, the programable robot, and a digital multimedia ‘Magic Box’, which provides a unique way of reading and interacting with the Library’s rare book collection through interactive video, photos and newspaper articles.
It also features a Grab’n’Go collection of the latest and most popular books, CDs and DVDs, large touchscreens with access to thousands of newspapers and magazines, along with free access to Wi-Fi, tablets and personal computers.
All Newcastle Libraries including the Digital Library remain closed in line with NSW Government advice. While the libraries are closed, members can access the eLibrary or Library 2U delivery service by visiting newcastle.nsw.gov.au/library
Applications open for not-for-profit support
Charitable not-for-profit organisations facing financial impacts from COVID-19 restrictions can now apply for the NSW Government’s support package which has been boosted to $330 million.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the COVID-19 JobSaver Payment expansion and extension would support eligible registered charities working in the social services and animal welfare sectors.
“These organisations have been working tirelessly throughout the pandemic to support our most vulnerable people and this package will provide them with financial support,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We’ve reduced the turnover reduction threshold for registered charities in the social services and animal welfare sectors from 30 per cent to 15 per cent so that organisations can get acess to the support they need to continue delivering important services.”
The Government’s total commitment to the expansion of JobSaver for this sector now amounts to $280 million, after JobSaver was extended in line with restrictions being extended. A $50 million Social Sector Support Fund is also available to assist not-for-profits in continuing to support our communities through the impacts of the pandemic.
The Fund will provide grants to eligible not-for-profits and a Workforce Surge Payment to support social sector organisations to respond to COVID-19 outbreaks, for example where staff have had to isolate.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Alister Henskens said not-for-profits play a pivotal role in the social services sector, delivering support to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.
“This targeted and multilayered support package will ease financial pressures for not-for-profits so that they can focus on continuity of their services,” Mr Henskens said.
“Our Government is working hard to support the social services sector during this challenging time and this financial package is another example of ways we’re assisting non-government organisations across NSW.”
Details on how to register for the Social Sector Support Fund are available online. For more information about JobSaver eligibility criteria for registered charities, visit the Service NSW website https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/jobsaver-payment.
NSW's first trade statement maps way for global success
The NSW Government has today released the first ever NSW Trade Statement, a bold plan to transform the State’s exports and trading performance on the world stage, create jobs and support economic recovery.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, Industry and Trade, John Barilaro said the NSW Trade Statement puts trade at the top of the agenda giving a clear direction on future support for NSW business, creating more and better jobs for NSW.
“Today marks a significant step forward for our State, with the NSW Trade Statement outlining a vision that will ensure economic growth and prosperity into the future,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Despite the challenges of the past few years and COVID-19 changing global trade patterns, the demand for NSW products and services continues to grow.
“Exports make up 15 per cent of the NSW economy, worth $96 billion, and we are setting ourselves an ambitious target to double that to $200 billion by 2031.
“As we move forward with our roadmap to freedom, there has never been a more important time to advance our industries and give NSW businesses the support and connections they need to succeed beyond our borders, boost jobs and establish our State as the nation’s premier exporting hub.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the NSW economy was the nation’s engine room, with exports today supporting one in five jobs in Australia.
“The NSW Trade Statement responds to challenges identified for our State and also details how we’ll double exports in the next ten years, with the first milestone anticipated to be reaching $130 billion in exports by 2024,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Work is already well underway in delivering the actions set out in the NSW Trade Statement, including the appointment of six global Commissioners to facilitate new export growth opportunities and open doors for NSW businesses overseas.
“We’re also increasing our NSW overseas trade presence from 21 to 55 specialists in more than 21 high potential locations, to give businesses access to the local connections and networks for success.”
Co-chair of the Trade and Industry Advisory Committee (TIAC) Margaret Jack AM said the NSW Trade Statement will help boost NSW’s economy following the impacts of COVID-19.
“Our world is experiencing rapid economic, social and geopolitical changes and to thrive in a COVID-19 resilient world, we must understand and adapt to the key challenges and opportunities that exporting has to offer,” Ms Jack said.
The NSW Trade Statement outlines strategies to expand NSW exports including:
- increasing the number of exporting businesses from NSW, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs);
- exporting a more diverse range of goods, services and technologies, reflecting the true breadth and depth of NSW’s world leading capabilities;
- not only growing exports in established markets, but also increasing the number of overseas markets that we export to; and
- building new pathways like ecommerce for how we export to reach a global customer base of billions of consumers.
Mr Barilaro said the NSW Trade Statement gives clear direction on how government will assist exporters to harness new global market opportunities.
“This is an ambitious challenge, but NSW has never settled for ordinary,” Mr Barilaro said.
“From our north to our south, east to west, I want everyone to maximise their potential and this NSW Trade Statement is our guide to get there.”
To view the NSW Trade Statement, please visit: https://investment.nsw.gov.au/nswtradestatement.
Pin point progress on your local council's Coastal Management Program
Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock today announced the release of a new interactive map that allows the community to see the progress coastal councils are making with their Coastal Management Programs (CMPs).
Mrs Hancock said the innovative tool makes it easier for people to see what work is underway to help manage their local coastlines.
“Now our coastal communities can jump online and easily see progress on their council’s CMP, as well as how many grants their council has received through the NSW Government’s Coastal and Estuary Program,” Mrs Hancock said.
“In addition to links to the relevant local council’s website for more information, the new map has clickable colour-coded icons to reflect which stage in the process the CMP is up to.
“It’s a valuable asset that is going to help facilitate local communities to engage even more with councils and their efforts to protect and preserve their precious coastline.”
Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment and Member for North Shore Felicity Wilson said the NSW Government is committed to working with local councils to assist with planning and managing the state’s coastlines and estuaries.
“This new interactive map is another example of how the NSW Government is supporting councils and their communities to protect their local environment,” Ms Wilson said.
“Grants under the Coastal and Estuary Program help councils plan for the future and protect these unique natural assets, which are brimming with native flora and fauna, and are also popular places for recreation.”
Coastal councils can apply at any time during the 2021–22 financial year for funding towards planning and studies to help develop their CMP.
View the map at www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/water/coasts/coastal-management/programs/coastal-management-program-progress.
Statement from Premier Gladys Berejiklian
I have had to make an extremely difficult decision overnight, but one which I feel obliged to do because of the love and respect that I have for the people of New South Wales and the high regard which I have for the office of Premier.
I was advised late yesterday afternoon the Independent Commission Against Corruption would today release a public statement in which it will state it is investigating allegations made about me concerning matters relating to the former member for Wagga Wagga.
As it will be clear from the ICAC statement, the issues which it is investigating are historic matters that have already been the subject of numerous attacks on me by political opponents during the last 12 months.
Many of the matters were the subject of questions I was asked by the opposition while appearing before an estimates committee hearing earlier this year. I want to be very clear, in all the decisions I have ever made as a Minister or as Premier for New South Wales, my first consideration has always been the well-being and welfare of the people of this state.
I state categorically, I have always acted with the highest level of integrity. History will demonstrate that I have always executed my duties with the highest degree of integrity for the benefit of the people of NSW who I have had the privilege to serve.
As the leader of the New South Wales Government, I have expected the highest of standards of myself and my colleagues. I have made it clear on numerous occasions that if any of my ministers were the subject of allegations being investigated by an integrity agency or law-enforcement, then he or she should stand aside during the course of the investigation until their name was cleared. The reason for my stance was not to have made any presumptions as to their conduct, but rather to maintain the integrity of the public office which was held whilst an investigation was completed.
That same standard must apply to me as Premier.
However, standing aside is not an option for me as the Premier of New South Wales. The people of New South Wales need certainty as to who their leader is during these challenging times of the pandemic. I cannot predict how long it will take the ICAC to complete this investigation, let alone deliver a report, in circumstances where I was first called to give evidence at a public hearing nearly 12 months ago. Therefore, it pains me to announce that I have no option but to resign the office of Premier. My resignation will take effect as soon as the New South Wales liberal party can elect a new Parliamentary leader.
In order to allow the new leader and government a fresh start, I will also resign from the New South Wales Parliament once I have consulted the electoral commission on appropriate timing for a by-election given the COVID restrictions.
My resignation as Premier could not happen at a worse time, but the timing is completely outside of my control as the ICAC has chosen to take this action during the most challenging weeks of the most challenging times in the history of NSW.
That is the ICAC’s prerogative. Resigning at this time is against every instinct in my being and something which I do not want to do, I love my job, and serving the community, but I have been given no option following the statement issued.
To continue as Premier would disrupt the State Government during a time when our entire attention should be focused on the challenges confronting New South Wales. I do not want to be a distraction from what should be the focus of the state government during this pandemic, which is the well-being of our citizens.
Notwithstanding the challenges of the last few years and few months in particular, I have never felt stronger, nor more confident in my leadership. I have absolutely no regrets during my time in public life. At times we all stumble, pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and start again stronger and wiser than before. I have done this many times, as we all have.
My only regret will be not to be able to finish the job to ensure the people of New South Wales transition to living freely with COVID.
However, I am extremely confident that whoever succeeds me will be more than capable of continuing this job. Please give them your trust and confidence. We will come through this period stronger, more resilient, and appreciating what really matters in life.
I feel strong, energised and optimistic about the future of this great state.
I want to thank the thousands of our frontline heroes who have kept us safe and kept us going during the darkest days in our state history. I owe you a debt of gratitude.
Nothing that we can say or do will be able to demonstrate the significance of what you have done.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Liberal Party to whom I owe my career, the people of the electorate of Willoughby who have elected me five times to be their member of Parliament, my Parliamentary colleagues for their support and hard work, my outstanding and loyal staff past and present, and all the professional public servants with whom I have worked.
I also want to thank my family and friends who have provided me with unconditional support and understanding when I have not been as present due to my responsibilities. Most importantly I want to thank you, the people of New South Wales. When the chips were down in the past years, in particular during the drought, bushfires and then COVID, we stood alongside each other. We have grieved and supported each other during these tragedies. I hope you know that you will remain foremost in my thoughts.
The courage that you display in your lives every day has inspired me every step of the way. The courage and the support you have shown me has humbled me and made me a better leader and a better person. Serving you has been the greatest privilege of my life. Please know that every day I gave it my all and worked as hard as I could to create a better future for our state and its people.
I truly believe that New South Wales is a place where every person, irrespective of their background and circumstances has the opportunity to be their best, to make a difference.
So as I address you for the final time as your Premier, please stay the course and stay safe. We will be shortly out of this lockdown and be able to get on with our lives. NSW and its people will come out of this lockdown stronger, and together we will build a future full of optimism and hope.
Finally, thank you again for giving me the honour of being your Premier
Female Police Civilian employee charged – Sydney
A NSW Police Force civilian employee has been charged following an investigation into an alleged incident of false representation.
In August 2021, officers from The Hills Police Area Command commenced an investigation after reports a 30-year-old woman had purported to be a man and child – to a woman known to her.
Following inquiries, the woman was issued a Court Attendance Notice today (Thursday 30 September 2021) for false representation resulting in a police investigation.
She is due to appear before Parramatta Local Court on Wednesday 10 November 2021.
Her employment status is under review.