Renowned physicist Dr Cathy Foley AO has been appointed Australia’s next Chief Scientist.
Dr Foley, who has spent the last two years as the CSIRO’s Chief Scientist, will take over from Dr Alan Finkel AO whose tenure comes to an end in December 2020.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Dr Foley had the background needed to deliver during such a pivotal time in history.
“As we recover from COVID-19 and look to rebuild a brighter future, the role of the Chief Scientist has never been more important,” Prime Minister Morrison said.
“Dr Foley has a big task ahead to drive collaboration between industry and the science and research community, as we look to create jobs for the COVID-19 recovery and for the future.
“I would like to thank Dr Alan Finkel AO for his outstanding contribution as Chief Scientist over the past five years. He has been a valued and respected voice to Government, and I know he will continue to make a significant contribution to the Australian and international science communities.”
Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews also thanked Dr Finkel for his service and said Dr Foley would bring a unique mix of experience to the role.
“Dr Foley is highly regarded in the scientific community, has extensive experience working with government, but most importantly understands how to drive collaboration between industry and researchers,” Minister Andrews said.
“We know science will play a crucial role in helping to create jobs at this critical time, and Dr Foley’s skills as a talented science communicator will help sell that important message.
“Like me, Dr Foley is also a strong advocate for women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and her lived experience will make her an important role model for aspiring young scientists.”
Dr Foley is the second woman to be named Australia’s Chief Scientist, after Professor Penny Sackett, who held the role from 2008-2011.
Dr Foley is a Fellow of both the Australian Academy of Science, and the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering. She is an accomplished scientist who has made significant contributions in the area of physics relating to superconductors.
Her appointment as Australia’s Chief Scientist is for three years, starting in January 2021.
Author: admin
Tasmania to help more Australians return home
The Australian and Tasmanian Governments have agreed to provide an additional 450 spaces in quarantine facilities in Hobart hotels to help more Australians return home from abroad.
The Tasmanian Government has indicated it would increase its quarantine capacity spaces if it can confirm additional hotel contracts, which will then make it possible for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, in partnership with Qantas, to arrange facilitated commercial flights to help Australians return home.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the additional capacity was on top of the 6,315 weekly quarantine spaces currently agreed to by states and territories.
“We’re working every option to help as many Australians return home as quickly as possible,” the Prime Minister said.
“We thank Premier Gutwein and his government for their willingness to help us tackle the challenges our friends and family are facing overseas amidst the pandemic.”
The Commonwealth is continuing to work with state and territory authorities to further increase the quarantine capacity they can offer, as well as further facilitated flights.
Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein said Tasmania was pleased to support the national effort to help Australians in need.
“Tasmania will never turn its back on its fellow Australians, and as I have said for some time, we stand ready to play our role to help bring Australians home,” the Premier said.
“This is being achieved in a COVID-safe way for returning Australians and Tasmanians, with all inbound passengers required to be tested prior to travel, and will need to return a negative COVID-19 test on or after day 10 of their quarantine period before entering our community.
“This deal also means supporting our hotel industry which has seen a significant downturn in bookings this year.”
Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne said DFAT officials would work with Qantas to ensure the most vulnerable Australians registered are given priority access to these flights.
“Our focus is on helping Australians who want and need to return,” Minister Payne said.
“More than 411,000 Australians have returned since 13 March and around 30,600 have been assisted by the Australian Government including on 66 directly facilitated flights.”
The Government continues to assist vulnerable Australians overseas through consular assistance and through the Hardship Program. Financial assistance is available to help cover the costs of flights where other sources of finance have been exhausted.
More than 7,000 Australians of the 26,200 registered with DFAT on 18 September have returned since, including around a quarter who were considered vulnerable.
We continue to encourage Australians trying to return to Australia from overseas to register with DFAT through the nearest embassy or high commission or via Smartraveller.
The Government is underwriting the cost of the flights, and airfares will be available at commercial rates to passengers, with loans through DFAT available to those who need assistance.
More details on the flights will be available on smartraveller.gov.au and qantas.com.
The Tasmanian Government has indicated it would increase its quarantine capacity spaces if it can confirm additional hotel contracts, which will then make it possible for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, in partnership with Qantas, to arrange facilitated commercial flights to help Australians return home.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the additional capacity was on top of the 6,315 weekly quarantine spaces currently agreed to by states and territories.
“We’re working every option to help as many Australians return home as quickly as possible,” the Prime Minister said.
“We thank Premier Gutwein and his government for their willingness to help us tackle the challenges our friends and family are facing overseas amidst the pandemic.”
The Commonwealth is continuing to work with state and territory authorities to further increase the quarantine capacity they can offer, as well as further facilitated flights.
Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein said Tasmania was pleased to support the national effort to help Australians in need.
“Tasmania will never turn its back on its fellow Australians, and as I have said for some time, we stand ready to play our role to help bring Australians home,” the Premier said.
“This is being achieved in a COVID-safe way for returning Australians and Tasmanians, with all inbound passengers required to be tested prior to travel, and will need to return a negative COVID-19 test on or after day 10 of their quarantine period before entering our community.
“This deal also means supporting our hotel industry which has seen a significant downturn in bookings this year.”
Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne said DFAT officials would work with Qantas to ensure the most vulnerable Australians registered are given priority access to these flights.
“Our focus is on helping Australians who want and need to return,” Minister Payne said.
“More than 411,000 Australians have returned since 13 March and around 30,600 have been assisted by the Australian Government including on 66 directly facilitated flights.”
The Government continues to assist vulnerable Australians overseas through consular assistance and through the Hardship Program. Financial assistance is available to help cover the costs of flights where other sources of finance have been exhausted.
More than 7,000 Australians of the 26,200 registered with DFAT on 18 September have returned since, including around a quarter who were considered vulnerable.
We continue to encourage Australians trying to return to Australia from overseas to register with DFAT through the nearest embassy or high commission or via Smartraveller.
The Government is underwriting the cost of the flights, and airfares will be available at commercial rates to passengers, with loans through DFAT available to those who need assistance.
More details on the flights will be available on smartraveller.gov.au and qantas.com.
City puts Indigenous storytelling in spotlight for NAIDOC Week
A podcast series exploring the storytelling traditions of our local Aboriginal communities will be launched today as part of City of Newcastle’s NAIDOC Week celebrations.
Produced through the City’s Libraries in support of this year’s NAIDOC Week theme, Newcastle’s First Storytellers: Always Was, Always Will Be highlights our region’s rich Indigenous culture and history.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said through the contributions of contemporary and well-known Newcastle identities, the podcast beautifully articulates how local Aboriginal communities share and tell stories.
“NAIDOC Week is an important opportunity to acknowledge that our nation’s story didn’t begin with European settlement and recognise that First Nations peoples have occupied and cared for this continent for more than 65,000 years,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were Australia’s first explorers, first navigators, first engineers, first farmers, first botanists, first scientists, first diplomats, first astronomers and first storytellers.
“Our NAIDOC Week podcasts provide the perfect opportunity to showcase the region’s rich cultural history and long tradition of Indigenous storytelling.”
The podcast series includes six compelling episodes, which can be accessed by searching for ‘Newcastle Libraries REAL’ on your favourite podcast app, with a new episode added each day.
It features local author and member of the Stolen Generation Donna Meehan; John Maynard, Professor of Indigenous Education and Research (Indigenous History) at the University of Newcastle and one of the world’s most respected voices on Indigenous history; Jake Ridgeway, a young singer, songwriter and performer based in Newcastle; Ray Kelly Jnr, a member of a local family synonymous with the Aboriginal community of Newcastle and Aboriginal Elder William Smith.
Artist, entrepreneur and activist Saretta Fielding, who is a member of the Wonnarua Nation, will share her story in the second episode of the podcast, while a selection of her acclaimed artwork, design prints, fabrics and fashion items will be on display at Wallsend Library from 8-30 November.
Newcastle Art Gallery is also celebrating NAIDOC Week with a filmed performance of local Torres Strait Islander artist and singer Toby Cedar, which will be shared on their website and Facebook page, while Newcastle Museum has a permanent exhibition that allows you to learn about the history and technology of a traditional punnah (stringy bark) canoe, which was built onsite and is on display at the museum.
To find out more about our NAIDOC Week activities visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/explore/things-to-do/naidoc-week or to listen to some of our other podcast series visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/library/experience/digital-programs/library-podcasts
NEW SCHOOLS PART OF THE COVID-19 RECOVERY PLAN
The NSW Government is continuing its record commitment to school infrastructure with three new and three upgraded schools across the state benefitting from more than $300 million as part of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Education Minister Sarah Mitchell today announced the site selected for the new primary school at Edmondson Park.
“We’re committed to delivering high-quality school infrastructure across the state, which is why we are building a new primary school in Edmondson Park and will also build new primary schools at Googong and Murrumbateman,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We will also deliver major multimillion dollar upgrades to Carlingford West Public School, Picnic Point High School and North Sydney Public School.”
Mr Perrottet said the school infrastructure projects would benefit those beyond the school gates by keeping people in work at a critical time.
“This stimulus package will not only deliver quality schools to communities across NSW, it will support economic growth through job creation, which is vital for our state’s recovery from this pandemic,” Mr Perrottet said.
“It is estimated these projects will support up to 1,500 jobs across metropolitan and regional areas of New South Wales.”
Ms Mitchell said the intention is to commence procurement, including construction, for the six projects as soon as possible.
“I’m proud that we are continuing our record investment in school infrastructure right across NSW,” Ms Mitchell said.
The NSW Government is investing $6.7 billion over four years to deliver more than 190 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. This is the largest investment in public education infrastructure in the history of NSW.
ROADS FUNDING IN NSW BUDGET
Two of the state’s crash black spots are among the big winners in the 2020-21 NSW Budget, with $35 million in planning money for the duplication of Heathcote Road and another $44 million in planning money for the duplication of Picton Road.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said duplicating Heathcote Road is not an easy task and will take time but will be well worth it.
“Duplicating Heathcote Road will significantly improve safety for the 36,000 drivers who use the road every day,” Mr Constance said.
“We need to get this road right to accommodate future growth from the Illawarra to Western Sydney, and to ensure we have the right infrastructure in place for generations to come.”
“Last year alone there were 13 crashes with three people killed on Heathcote Road – these numbers are unacceptable, and this Government is committed to fixing road safety along this corridor as soon as possible.”
Today’s Heathcote Road announcement is in addition to the $183 million in state and federal funding already announced for duplication between Infantry Parade and The Avenue, and $73 million for Heathcote Road Bridge.
Preliminary work was carried out in 2019 in preparation for the upgrade, including the relocation of utilities and the gas main along Heathcote Road.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said this year’s Budget would continue the NSW Government’s investment in vital road upgrades to keep people safe while also supporting our State’s economic recovery.
“We know every dollar spent on these upgrades will make a big difference to motorists using these roads every day and at the same time will provide much needed jobs during our economic recovery from the pandemic,” Mr Perrottet said.
The additional funding for the Picton Road duplication in the Wollongong and Wollondilly areas will be delivered over the next four years, for planning to improve safety and connectivity along the road.
“Picton Road is a major arterial road providing connection between the Hume Highway at Wilton and the Princes Highway near Mount Ousley, linking Port Kembla, the Illawarra region and the south coast with Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne,” Mr Constance said.
“This commitment will allow Transport for NSW to complete the strategic business case for the upgrade, as well as finalise modelling and options testing at the Picton Road and Hume Highway interchange.
“The funding will also support the completion of the concept design, environmental assessment and planning approvals, and allow the development of the final business case and detailed design of the upgrade.”
Upgrading Picton Road was identified as key to meeting the demand for additional freight and improved safety in the NSW Freight and Ports Plan for 2018-2023.
The Picton Road strategic business case, including preferred upgrades, is due to be completed in the second half of 2021. Once completed, work will start on concept and detailed design.
Early work, for the already funded upgrade on Heathcote Road between Holsworthy and Voyager Point, is expected to start in early 2021, with major work planned to commence in September 2021 and completion expected in late 2024.
ENERGY SUPERPOWER PLAN TO TURBOCHARGE RENEWABLE ENERGY ZONES AND PUMPED HYDRO
More than 9,000 jobs and $32 billion of private investment is expected to roll into the regions by 2030, under the NSW Government’s Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap, released today.
The Roadmap lays out the Government’s 20 year plan to deliver Renewable Energy Zones, energy storage such as pumped hydro, and on demand supply like gas and batteries, needed to reduce emissions and provide cheap, reliable electricity across the State.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the Roadmap will deliver Australia’s first Renewable Energy Zones in the Central West and New England regions by 2030.
“The stimulus the Renewable Energy Zones will provide to regional communities will unlock over 9,000 new jobs and will be a huge boost to farmers and land owners, with $1.5 billion in lease payments expected to go to landholders hosting new infrastructure by 2042,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The Roadmap will make sure that renewables are developed where regional communities want them and where they are compatible with farming.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the Roadmap will grow the economy, create jobs and deliver an expected $32 billion of private sector investment in electricity infrastructure by the end of the next decade.
“Coming out of this crisis, not only are we stimulating the economy to create jobs now, we are looking toward the reforms NSW needs to secure our future,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This is a big productivity plus. The Roadmap will help boost our energy security and deliver to NSW some of the cheapest prices in the OECD, cutting power bills for families.”
Energy Minister Matt Kean said the Roadmap will support the private sector to bring 12 gigawatts of renewable energy and 2 gigawatts of storage, such as pumped hydro, online by 2030.
“Our priority is to keep the lights on and get power prices down, with the Roadmap forecast to save NSW households an average of $130 and small businesses an average of $430 on their electricity bills each year,” Mr Kean said.
“NSW has some of the best natural resources in the world and this Roadmap is about acting now to leverage our competitive advantage and to position NSW as an energy superpower.”
Water Minister Melinda Pavey said the Roadmap includes $50 million in grants to support the delivery of pumped hydro projects.
“Pumped hydro is a proven form of large-scale storage and NSW has some fantastic pumped hydro opportunities,” Ms Pavey said.
“This plan delivers the long term certainty needed for the private sector to invest now and drive jobs and investment in the regions.”
Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders said the Roadmap cements the region as the renewable hub of the future.
“Our community is thrilled to have the State’s first Renewable Energy Zone right here in the Central West unlocking opportunities for jobs and investment that will be the foundation for our future prosperity,” Mr Saunders said.
The Roadmap sets out a plan to modernise the State’s electricity infrastructure by:
- Cutting red-tape and speeding up approvals for transmission infrastructure in Renewable Energy Zones, while protecting the interests of consumers,
- Creating a long term investment signal for new generation in Renewable Energy Zones, long duration storage such as pumped hydro, and on demand supply, like gas and batteries, and
- Making sure that renewable projects proceed where local communities want them and in ways that are consistent with farming.
For further information and to view the Roadmap visit: https://energy.nsw.gov.au/
Missing woman and dog located – Hunter region
A missing elderly woman from the Hunter and her dog have been located safe and well this morning.
The 82-year-old was last seen about 6.20pm yesterday (Sunday 8 November 2020), at her home in Abermain, when she told her husband she was walking the dog.
Following extensive inquiries, she and her Maltese terrier, Susie, was located near Neath about 9.35am today (Monday 9 November 2020), both safe and well.
Police would like to thank the public and media for their assistance.
Search to resume for Hunter woman missing while walking her dog
Police are set to resume searching for an 82-year-old woman who has gone missing from her home in the Hunter region overnight.
Mrs Joy Morrow was last seen about 6.20pm (Sunday 8 November 2020), at her home in Abermain, when she told her husband she was walking the dog, but has not been sighted since
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District were alerted and a ground and air search commenced involving local police, SES volunteers, residents and the police airwing, PolAir.
The search has continued throughout the night but has been temporarily suspended with it to resume about 7.30am.
Police are renewing their appeal for anyone who may have seen Mrs Morrow, or her dog Susie, to call Muswellbrook Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Mrs Morrow is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 152cm tall and 80kg with a solid build and short dark hair; she speaks with an Irish accent.
At the time she was wearing a multi-coloured shirt with ¾ sleeves, black skirt and slippers. She was walking with her 13-year-old Maltese terrier called Susie. Mrs Morrow may appear disoriented or confused.
Police are especially asking local residents to check their sheds, backyards and garages in case Mrs Morrow has taken shelter overnight.
Anyone who may have seen Mrs Morrow is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Appeal to find Hunter woman missing while walking her dog
Police are appealing for assistance to find an 82-year-old woman who has gone missing from her home in the Hunter region.
Mrs Joy Morrow was last seen about 6.20pm (Sunday 8 November 2020), at her home in Abermain but has not been sighted since and officers from Hunter Valley Police District were alerted.
Mrs Morrow is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 152cm tall and 80kg with a solid build and short dark hair; she speaks with an Irish accent.
At the time she was wearing a multi-coloured shirt with ¾ sleeves, black skirt and slippers. She was walking with her 13-year-old Maltese terrier called Susie. Mrs Morrow may appear disoriented or confused.
A search of the area is now underway by local police with PolAir assisting.
Anyone who may have seen Mrs Morrow is urged to contact Muswellbrook Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
National Incident Centre: a year of continuous operation
For the first time in its history, Australia’s National Incident Centre (NIC) has been activated continuously for more than one year, working across Government to respond to unprecedented health emergencies faced by Australia and the world.
The NIC was activated in November 2019 in response to a measles outbreak in Samoa, and continued to act during the 2019–20 bushfires, the Whakaari Island volcano eruption and, most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic.
From December 2019 and into January 2020, the NIC was concurrently managing three different situations, also for the first time ever.
I want to thank all of the extraordinarily talented, dedicated and hardworking staff of the National Incident Centre over the past year. Led by the Department of Health, the staff have been drawn from across Government, including the ADF.
Their work around the clock allowed Australia to maintain an air bridge for critical and scarce global supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) and test kits at a time of international shortage. The NIC has literally been the Operations Headquarters for Australia’s national response to the pandemic.
Never has the National Incident Centre been more important, and its worth is shown in the Medical Journal of Australia’s paper, which attributes the saving of 16,000 lives to the comprehensive and early nature of Australia’s response.
The staff of the NIC have embodied the concept of real and profound public service. We are fortunate to have had such a well-prepared and well-drilled centre as the NIC in place before the pandemic. We are even more fortunate to have such an extraordinarily capable and dedicated team to help save lives and protect lives across Australia.
As the Department of Health’s emergency operations centre, the NIC coordinates Australia’s health emergency response to national and international incidents. It is also the primary means of communication between the World Health Organization and Australia for public health events, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
A significant accomplishment was distributing millions of masks and other PPE from the National Medical Stockpile in response to the bushfires and COVID-19 to states and territories, aged care facilities, disability service providers and Primary Health Networks.
As part of the COVID-19 response, key staff from a range of agencies across the APS were seconded to help operate the NIC. At its peak, the NIC engaged more than 200 employees, including liaison officers from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australian Border Force and the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. Surge staff have included epidemiologists and analysts from the Department of Defence, the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
The NIC has also engaged in public information, community awareness and communications. The Australian Government has the strongest commitment to informing the community about the latest health advice and developments. This includes a national campaign, website, fact sheets, media liaison and social media.
The NIC was first formally activated for the SARS outbreak of 2003. It has since been activated for a range of emergencies including the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004, the Bali bombings of 2005, the H1N1 Pandemic in 2009, the Victorian bushfires of 2009, and the Christchurch earthquake of 2011.
I thank the hardworking public servants in the NIC, which will remain activated for as long as this national health emergency demands.