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.
Author: admin
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.
Female Officer charged – South West Metropolitan Region
An officer has been charged over an alleged domestic-related incident.
Officers from Campbelltown City Police Area Command commenced an investigation yesterday (Friday 1 October 2021), after reports a 27-year-old woman was allegedly harassing a 33-year-old man – who was known to her – via phone.
Following inquiries, the woman was arrested at a home in Bardia later the same day and taken to Campbelltown Police Station.
The woman – who is attached to the South West Metropolitan Region – was charged with use carriage service to menace/harass/offend.
She was granted conditional bail to appear before Campbelltown Local Court on Tuesday 5 October 2021.
The officer is currently suspended without pay.
Landmark PBS Listings to reduce the cost of medicines for Australians
From 1 October 2021, Australians with multiple sclerosis (MS), multiple myeloma, macular degeneration and keratitis will have access to new and expanded medicines listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), reducing the cost of treatment for patients and their families.
Kesimpta® (ofatumumab) will be listed on the PBS to treat patients with relapsing-remitting MS. Relapsing-remitting is the most common form of MS with 70 to 75 per cent of people with MS at some point suffering from the relapsing-remitting stage of the disease.
MS is the most commonly acquired neurological disease in younger adults. More than 25,600 Australians live with MS and more than two million people are diagnosed worldwide. The average age of diagnosis is between 20 to 40 years and on average three times as many women have MS as men.
Without PBS subsidy, around 500 Australians might pay more than $28,000 per year for treatment.
Also from 1 October 2021, subsided access to Beovu® (brolucizumab) will be available for the first time to treat people with wet age-related macular degeneration.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a chronic disease of the macula. It’s the most common macular disease in Australia. AMD is responsible for half of all blindness and severe vision loss in this country.
Patients who have not responded to first-line anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment will now have access to this new treatment option. Without PBS subsidy, around 12,800 Australians might pay more than $8,800 per year for this new treatment option.
The PBS listing of Pomalyst® (pomalidomide) will also be extended from 1 October 2021, to include use in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone for the treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma in patients who have been previously treated with lenalidomide.
Representing Australia’s third most common blood cancer (after lymphoma and leukaemia), approximately 18,000 Australians are living with multiple myeloma at any given time. Myeloma is a type of cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow.
Without PBS subsidy, around 210 patients per year might pay more than $72,600 per course of treatment.
Ikervis® (ciclosporin) will also be made available from October 1 2021 for the treatment of severe keratitis with dry eye disease. Severe keratitis is inflammation of the cornea and is characterised by damage or lesions on the corneal surface.
Dry eye disease is a common ocular condition that is characterised by dryness of the conjunctiva and cornea. Patients with dry eye disease experience reduced tear production or tear film instability, which leads to discomfort and visual disability.
Without PBS subsidy, around 7,500 patients might pay more than $900 per year of treatment.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said these medicines will improve thousands of lives and without listing, the medicines would cost Australians suffering from these conditions much more.
“Since 2013, the Coalition Government had approved more than 2,700 new or amended listings on the PBS. This represents an average of around 30 listings or amendments per month – or one each day – at an overall investment by the Government of $13.8 billion,” Minister Hunt said.
“Without PBS subsidies many Australians would be thousands of dollars out of pocket, instead they’ll only pay $41.30 per script or $6.60 with a concession card for these medicines.
“The Morrison Government’s commitment to ensuring Australians can access affordable medicines, when they need them, remains rock solid.”
These PBS listings have been recommended by the independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee.
City pledges continued action on climate change
City of Newcastle continues to demonstrate its leadership in addressing climate change, with Councillors voting to join the international Cities Race to Zero and Cities Race to Resilience campaigns at Tuesday’s Council meeting.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said that by taking the Cities Race to Zero and Cities Race to Resilience Pledges, City of Newcastle has reinforced its stance on the urgent need for real action on climate change and a commitment to action in the lead up to the International Climate Conference (COP26) in Glasgow in 2026.
“City of Newcastle is a leading government authority in Australia with regard to implementing strong and decisive initiatives to address climate change, which is why we have already formally committed to the principles and targets of the Paris Climate Agreement,” Cr Nelmes said.
“We’re committed to a sustainable future for our city, and to becoming a net zero emissions city by mid-century which is in line with global efforts to limit global warming. City of Newcastle is leading by example and will reach net zero emissions for operations by no later than 2030.
“By taking the Cities Race to Zero Pledge, we join over 750 global cities who are advocating for stronger action on climate change and resilience, and commit to continued climate change action in the lead up to COP26.”
The international Cities Race to Zero campaign is an avenue for local government to showcase climate leadership, advocate for and commit to stronger action in support of Race to Zero, a global campaign which rallies leadership and support from businesses, cities, regions, investors for a healthy, resilient, zero carbon recovery that prevents future threats, creates decent jobs, and unlocks inclusive, sustainable growth.
Cities Race to Resilience is a sister campaign to Race to Zero which focuses on building resilience to climate change and provides an opportunity to showcase action within a local context.
City of Newcastle is a member of number of committees and programs formed to prioritise climate change action. Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes Chairs the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, and City of Newcastle is a founding member of ICLEI, a founding member of the Business Renewables Centre, a member of the Cities Power Partnership and recently became a Pioneer City for ICLEI’s CitiesWithNature program.
Cities Race to Zero aligns to Global Covenant of Mayors (GCoM) commitments and the Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI) GreenClimateCities program, and allows City of Newcastle to report its climate change action progress through an existing CDP-ICLEI reporting mechanism.
In January 2020, City of Newcastle became the first New South Wales Council to be powered by 100 per cent renewable electricity and the city’s Climate Action Plan 2021-2025 was endorsed by Council in July 2020. The Climate Action Plan acts as a roadmap for achieving positive impacts such as increasing clean energy, continuing resource efficiency, reducing emissions in our supply chain, supporting sustainable transport and addressing important issues such as setting targets for net zero emissions and building a vision for a low carbon economy.
City of Newcastle on track to appoint contractor for Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade
Tenders for a construction contractor to complete the Stage 1 upgrade of Newcastle Ocean Baths have closed with City of Newcastle on track to appoint a head contractor at the October Council meeting.
The Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade is a staged project with the pools, promenades and pumps prioritised for Stage 1 while the upper concourse and pavilion building will be considered in Stage 2.
Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said a less visible but highly important part of the Stage 1 work is the upgrade of the pumps which will see three new submersible pump sets constructed adjacent to the existing pumpstation, which is being retained as a heritage feature.
“Newcastle Ocean Baths is approximately four times the size of an Olympic sized swimming pool and holds around 6.5 million litres of water,” Cr Clausen said.
“Currently the pool is operated by being filled and drained once a week with no or limited circulated water in-between when the oceans are calm, as is often the case during peak-use periods in summer.
“A new pump system with capacity to turn the pool water over in six hours will significantly improve water quality and clarity.”
City of Newcastle Acting Director of Infrastructure and Property, Joanne Rigby, said six pumping system options were considered before a final wet well structure was specified to deliver improvements to health and safety and equipment reliability and maintainability.
“There is a lot to consider for infrastructure located in a sea water environment. Currently we need to replace the pumps every three months, however we expect to get up to six years of life from the new pump system,” Ms Rigby said.
“Safety for our pool maintenance team will also be improved with the ability to operate the pump system remotely, minimising the need to access the infrastructure which, in the current location in large swell events, is hazardous or just not possible.”
The new pump system will be located underground to the north of the existing pump house with only the pumpstation access lids being visible.
City of Newcastle is committed to funding the renewal of Newcastle Ocean Baths and has directed the $9.5 million recovered from the sale of the Frederick Ash Building towards the project.
Stage 1 of the Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade also received $3 million in funding from the NSW Government under the NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program.
Newcastle 500 to return as Supercars season opener in March
Newcastle’s economy and COVID-hit tourism industry is set to benefit from the season opener of the 2022 Supercars Championship series converging in the city for the Newcastle 500 on 4-6 March.
The flagship event was rescheduled from the final event of the season to the first race of the 2022 season, following a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the confirmation of the event date provides certainty to local residents and businesses and is a welcome boost to the economy and racing fans’ spirits following prolonged COVID-19 restrictions.
“Newcastle and the Hunter enjoy a huge racing supporter base and I’m confident they will love to attend the season opener,” Cr Nelmes said.
“This is a welcome announcement for our residents and businesses which confirms that the Christmas and January holidays will be unaffected by the track set-up.
“Newcastle’s beaches will remain accessible to the public during the track installation period in February through the usual road connections, and during the three-day event by following Bathers Way from King Edward Park.
“Businesses can also now prepare for the post lockdown busy trading period over the summer and hopefully enjoy the extra visitation and economic benefit that Supercars brings.
“Event organisers will work with NSW Health to deliver a robust COVID-safe event that adheres to Public Health Orders to ensure the safety of our community.”
The five-year agreement to host the Newcastle 500 concludes with the 2022 event, which was discussed at last night’s Ordinary Council Meeting.
City of Newcastle will undertake a full analysis of the event, including economic benefits to the region and impacts on residents.
A report will come back to the elected council to determine any extension beyond 2022.
Like with previous events access to the beach and facilities will remain open both during a shorter bump-in and during the event. Council’s expectation is that the event organisers will minimise disruptions to residents and beachgoers in the lead up to the event.
City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said talks are ongoing with Destination NSW and Supercars Australia regarding the future of the event in Newcastle.
“We look forward to reviewing the outcomes of the new time slot and Newcastle being host of the first race of the season,” Mr Bath said.
“Newcastle has cemented its rightful place as a premier events destination and we have our eyes set on an event-led economic recovery, with an impressive line-up of potential major events being planned for 2022.”