Personal Protective Equipment for Primary Health Networks in Victoria

The Australian Government has today announced significant quantities of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be made available for GPs, community pharmacies and other healthcare providers across Greater Melbourne, Moorabool Shire, City of Greater Geelong, Surf Coast Shire, Borough of Queenscliff and Bass Coast Shire who need to see their patients within their practices.
Health professionals in these areas are able to request a package of PPE from the National Medical Stockpile (NMS) through their local Primary Health Network (PHN) with an initial allocation of up to:

  • 725,000 surgical masks;
  • 725,000 N95 masks;
  • 175,000 pairs of gloves;
  • 175,000 gowns; and
  • 175,000 goggles.

These will be made available through the five PHNs relevant to the Commonwealth hotspot, namely:

  • North Western Melbourne;
  • Eastern Melbourne;
  • South Eastern Melbourne;
  • Western Victoria; and
  • Gippsland.

These packages will assist to further supress the COVID-19 infection rate occurring across Melbourne and builds on the recent commitment to support NSW as announced on 12 July 2021.
The Australian Government is committed to ensuring that healthcare professionals have access to the critical PPE supplies they require to continue to safely see their patients during this COVID-19 outbreak.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Australian Government has deployed more than 90 million masks, 5.8 million gowns, 6.5 million pairs of gloves and 1.1 million goggles from the National Medical Stockpile.

More support for youth mental health in Victoria

The Morrison Government is providing $3 million to support young Australians in Victoria, ensuring they can access mental health support if and when they need it during this lockdown.
The funding will be matched by the Victorian Government and delivered through headspace, helping meet the critical demand for youth mental health services across the state.
This additional investment to headspace services, complemented by co-funding from the Victorian Government, will support a surge workforce of clinicians to immediately boost the capacity of 32 headspace services across Victoria for six months.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt MP, said the Government is profoundly committed to safeguarding the mental health and wellbeing of young Australians, who have been substantially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is a tough time for our young Australians and we want them to know that they are not alone, which is why we’re putting more health professionals on the ground to meet increased demand,” Minister Hunt said.
It is vital young Victorians can get the mental health support they need, where and when they need it. This is even more so when their lives are upended by COVID-19-related restrictions.”
The funding will also ensure Primary Health Networks and headspace National can integrate activities through the National headspace Program for monitoring and evaluation activities. This further complements the Morrison Government’s $152 million program to reduce wait times and manage demand at headspace services across the nation.
Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention,
David Coleman MP, said the Government had made more than $500 million in direct supports to respond to the mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic including $43.9 million in targeted support for Victorians during the 2020 lockdowns.
“We know that extended lockdowns can have significant impacts on the mental health of young Australians and our Government has worked quickly to ensure that additional support is available for those who need it,” Assistant Minister Coleman said.
If the Victorian lockdown is extended, the Commonwealth will provide additional support in consultation with the Victorian Government.
Targeted mental health support for Victorians during the pandemic has included $12 million to bolster the capacity of Beyond Blue, Lifeline and Kids Helpline, and support headspace outreach services. An additional $31.9 million was also provided last year during Victoria’s extended lockdown to establish 15 HeadtoHelp mental health clinics across Victoria and to further enhance digital and phone services for vulnerable groups.
The Morrison Government continues to make mental health a national priority, investing a record $2.3 billion in the 2021-22 Budget for the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan to lead landmark reform of the mental health system. This includes a record $6.5 billion in mental health and suicide prevention services and supports in 2021-22, doubling since 2012-13.
Australians looking for support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic can access the Beyond Blue Coronavirus Wellbeing Support Service anytime via telephone at 1800 512 348 or online at coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au.
Anyone experiencing distress can seek immediate advice and support through Lifeline (13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), or the Government’s digital mental health gateway, Head to Health.
If you are concerned about suicide, living with someone who is considering suicide, or bereaved by suicide, the Suicide Call Back Service is available  at 1300 659 467 or www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au.

Paralympics Australia outgoing chief executive recognised

Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck has credited outgoing Paralympics Australia chief executive Lynne Anderson for forging greater pathways for athletes.
Ms Anderson has announced she will step down from her role at the end of 2021 after six years leading the organisation.
Minister Colbeck said Ms Anderson had showcased extraordinary leadership during her tenure.
“She has championed the needs of the Australian Paralympic movement starting with those who matter most – the athletes,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Ms Anderson has strengthened the pathways for aspiring para-athletes, taking advantage of every funding opportunity to ensure our Australian representatives can make their mark on the world stage.
“She has worked tirelessly to reinforce athlete welfare – an increasingly important aspect as we navigate the impact of the pandemic on professional sport.”
She has also been a fierce advocate for corporate support.
Minister Colbeck said Ms Anderson’s professionalism and experience extended to her role as a member of the Sport Integrity Australian Advisory Council.
“The Morrison Government, through the establishment of the advisory council, has been able to draw from Ms Anderson’s breadth of experience and professionalism, ensuring matters of sports integrity are dealt with comprehensively,” Minister Colbeck said.
“I thank her for her contributions to sport in Australia and wish her every success in the future.”

Transformation of Hamilton’s James Street Plaza close to complete

After three months of construction the City of Newcastle’s transformation of James Street Plaza on Hamilton’s Beaumont Street is nearly complete.
The last pavers are being laid and the final placement of street furniture, artwork and landscaping is planned for the coming weeks.
Lord-Mayor-Nuatali-Nelmes-with-Councillor-Carol-Duncan-Janice-Musumeci-from-the-Hamilton-BIA-and-City-of-Newcastle-staff-at-James-Street-Plaza.JPG
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it is wonderful to see the renewed plaza taking shape for the community to soon enjoy.
“Hamilton locals told us they wanted a safer, more appealing place to spend time, and this really delivers on that vision,” Cr Nelmes said.
“This is a place where we hope to see the community gather and activate the space with music, markets and food.”
Janice Musumeci from Hamilton Business Association Inc said local businesses are looking forward to the plaza being open to the public and a hub for community activity.
“We’re already exploring ideas for how we can activate James Street Plaza for the whole community like live music spots and regular markets. It will be an inclusive and versatile space.
“Hamilton is already seeing great business growth so this will be a great drawcard to bring people back to supporting local businesses.”
Councillor Carol Duncan said the upgrade has been a collaboration with community and business in the area.
“Through our ongoing conversations with business owners we heard lots of ideas for improving this space and how it could be better utilised for the community,” Cr Duncan said.
“It is especially exciting to see the lighting display coming together, with installation underway this week.”
In June the community was asked to vote on their favourite of three lighting designs put forward by the University of Newcastle’s Future Art Science & Technology Lab (FASTLab), each celebrating a different aspect of Hamilton’s history and character.
The “Microcosmic Mosaic” concept proved to be the favourite and was developed into a full-length animation which will soon light up the space.
In addition to the lighting display, the rich history of Hamilton is reflected in artworks in the renewed plaza, informed by the research of local historian Ruth Cotton, author of Hidden Hamilton and through collaboration with the Newcastle Museum.
Final works will take place in the coming weeks before the community is welcomed into the upgraded space next month.

Two new vaccination centres open

Two new NSW Health vaccination centres have opened their doors this morning, boosting the NSW Government’s contribution to the Federal Government’s vaccine rollout.
The growing number of NSW Health sites complements the GP Network, which has and will continue to deliver the majority of COVID-19 vaccines across NSW.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the opening of these centres was another important milestone as NSW Health works towards vaccinating up to 200,000 people each week, if sufficient vaccine supply becomes available.
“The new centres are an important addition to the vaccine rollout and add to the more than 100 NSW Health vaccination clinics and outreach locations across the state,” Ms Berejiklian said.
The mass vaccination centre in Belmont, Lake Macquarie, which has been transformed from an old Bunnings Warehouse into a vaccine centre in six weeks, began administering jabs this morning.
The centre will have capacity to administer up to 20,000 Pfizer vaccinations each week and will employ around 100 nurses, 25 pharmacists/pharmacy technicians, and around 200 other support staff.
The new vaccination clinic on Pitt Street in the Sydney CBD also began administering vaccines this morning, and has capacity to administer up to 7,000 Pfizer vaccinations each week.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said NSW Health has worked incredibly hard to turn these vaccine centres around within weeks.
“I would like to thank our NSW Health team and the hundreds of nurses, pharmacists/pharmacy technicians and support staff who are ensuring thousands of people receive their vaccine each day,” Mr Hazzard said.
Mass vaccination centres at Macquarie Fields in Sydney’s south-west and Wollongong are set to open in the coming weeks.
To check your eligibility and book an appointment use the  vaccine eligibility checker:
https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility

NSW Police statement regarding Public Health Order breach

Police attached to the hotel quarantine operation were notified of an alleged breach of the Public Health Order (Covid-19 Air Transportation Quarantine) at a hotel on Sussex Street, Sydney, about 8.45pm on Friday (16 July 2021).
Following inquiries, a 46-year-old woman was issued a $1000 Penalty Infringement Notice for not wear face covering yesterday (Sunday 18 July 2021).
NSW Police assisted Australian Border Force with the transfer of the woman to Sydney International Airport this afternoon (Monday 19 July 2021), following the cancellation of her visa, departing to the United Kingdom.
 

Accelerated 2021 COVID-19 business support grant open

From tomorrow, eligible NSW businesses, sole traders and not-for-profit organisations will be able to apply for up to $15,000 from the first of the NSW Government’s economic support packages: The 2021 COVID-19 Business Support Grant.
Applications for the second tranche of assistance, which includes the Micro Business Support Grants and the JobSaver program, will open from Monday, July 26.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said over $4 billion had been directed by the NSW Government to where it is needed most to help families and businesses during this difficult time.
“From the outset of the pandemic we’ve always said we would do whatever was necessary to protect people and jobs and this suite of measures will do exactly that,” Mr Perrottet said.
“These programs will provide timely and targeted support for businesses to help them with much needed cash flow, maintain employees and provide relief for business expenses, for which no other government support is available.
“We’re committed to keeping businesses in business, and people in jobs which is why we’re providing tax-free grants of between $7,500 and $15,000 to help alleviate some of the economic pressures being faced during the current COVID-19 lockdown.”
The 2021 COVID-19 Business Support Grant will be available to NSW businesses that have a turnover of more than $75,000 and up to $50 million, and have a total annual wages bill of below $10 million.
Businesses can expect to start receiving funds from the Business Support Grant from the end of July.
Eligible businesses for the 2021 COVID-19 Business Support Grant will receive:

  • $15,000 for a decline in turnover of 70 per cent, or more;
  • $10,500 for a decline in turnover of 50 per cent, or more;
  • $7,500 for a decline in turnover of 30 per cent, or more.

Minister for Digital and Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the digital application process would be available for business owners through Service NSW.
“The digital architecture is already in place to deliver these grants into the bank accounts of the businesses in need as quickly and as seamlessly as possible,” Mr Dominello said.
“Applying businesses will use the same quick and easy online application tool as previous grants, which saw 97 per cent of users give the process a thumbs up.”
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said small businesses were the backbone of the State’s economy, representing more than 98 per cent of businesses in NSW.
“It’s imperative that every effort is made to safeguard our businesses, no matter the size; we want to keep businesses thriving, whilst keeping our community safe”, Mr Tudehope said.
“From Monday, businesses, sole traders or not-for-profit organisations across NSW impacted by the public health restrictions may be eligible for grants of up to $15,000.”
From July 26, the Micro Business Support Grant will be available for eligible businesses with a turnover of between $30,000 and $75,000 that experience a decline in turnover of 30 per cent or more. Eligible businesses will receive $1,500, tax-free, per fortnight of restrictions.
In addition, the joint NSW Government and Commonwealth JobSaver program will help small and medium businesses retain staff.
Eligible businesses with a turnover from $75,000 and up to $50 million who maintain their staff headcount will receive tax-free fortnightly payments of 40 per cent of their weekly payroll, with a minimum payment of $1,500 per week, and a maximum payment of $10,000 per week. Eligible non-employing businesses will receive $1,000 per week. These payments will also be made fortnightly.
For more information on the 2021 COVID-19 Business Support Grants visit: www.nsw.gov.au.
Support for individuals impacted by the current COVID-19 restrictions and stay-at-home orders is available through Services Australia. For more information visit: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/covid19.

COVID-19 Update: Restrictions – 17 July 2021

Given the number of infectious cases in the community, the following changes will be made to further limit the spread of the COVID-19 Delta strain.
On the basis of updated health advice, the following changes come into effect across Greater Sydney including the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour until 11.59pm on Friday, 30 July:
From 11.59pm on Saturday, 17 July:

  • Retail premises will be required to close (‘click and collect’, takeaway and home delivery can still operate), except the following can remain open:
    • Supermarkets and grocery stores (including butchers, bakeries, fruit and vegetable stores, liquor stores and fishmongers);
    • Stores that predominantly sell health, medical, maternity and infant supplies;
    • Pharmacies and chemists;
    • Petrol stations;
    • Car hire;
    • Banks and financial institutions;
    • Hardware, nurseries and building supplies;
    • Agricultural and rural supplies;
    • Pet supplies;
    • Post offices and newsagents; and
    • Office supplies.
  • In addition to the stay-at-home rules, residents of Fairfield, Canterbury-Bankstown and Liverpool LGAs cannot leave their LGA for work except for emergency services and healthcare workers (including aged and disability workers). Where those workers do need to leave their LGA for work, they are required to be tested every three days, even if they do not have symptoms;
  • Anyone who leaves the home must have a mask with them at all times. They must be worn when you are working outdoors, in outdoor markets, outdoor shopping strips, and in an outdoor queues waiting for products such as coffee and food; and
  • All carpooling to be stopped unless among members of the same household.

From 12.01am on Monday, 19 July:

  • All construction to be paused; and
  • Non-urgent maintenance, including cleaning services, and repair work on residential premises to be paused.

From 12.01am on Wednesday, 21 July:

  • Employers must allow employees to work from home if the employee is able to do so, failure to do so can result in a fine of up to $10,000.

We are constantly reviewing the health advice and will continue to update the community if any changes are required.
All other restrictions currently in place across Greater Sydney including the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour will remain in place.
These decisions have not been made lightly and we understand this is a difficult time for the community and appreciate their ongoing patience.
It is vital people continue to come forward for testing to help us find any COVID-19 cases in the community.
Restrictions in regional NSW remain unchanged.
For the latest information visit www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19

National Cabinet Statement

The National Cabinet met today to discuss Australia’s COVID-19 response, recent outbreaks of COVID-19 and the Australian COVID-19 Vaccine Strategy.
National Cabinet continues to work together to address issues and find solutions for the health and economic consequences of COVID-19.
National Cabinet discussed the outbreak in Greater Sydney and the additional measures introduced by the New South Wales Government to stop the spread of the virus. National Cabinet has agreed to a suppression strategy for COVID-19 with the goal of no community transmission.
All leaders expressed their full support for NSW to get on top of the current outbreak. National Cabinet noted the Commonwealth’s extension of the COVID-19 Disaster Payment support for Greater Sydney and Victoria, based on Commonwealth hotspot declarations.
Since the beginning of the pandemic there have been 31,632 confirmed cases in Australia and, sadly, 912 people have died. More than 22.5 million tests have been undertaken in Australia. Testing has increased nationally over recent days with 797,127 tests reported in the past 7 days.
Globally there have been over 188.8 million cases and sadly over 4 million deaths, with 559,490 new cases and 8,339 deaths reported in the last 24 hours. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to surge in many countries around the world.
Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine roll out continues to expand. To date 9,806,809 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in Australia, including a record 175,002 in the previous 24 hours.
In the previous 7 days, more than 935,237 vaccines have been administered in Australia. To date, more than one third (34.5 per cent) of the Australian population aged 16 years and over have now had a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, including over half (58.6 per cent) of over 50 year olds and almost three quarters (74.5 per cent) of over 70 year olds. More than one in eight (12.9 per cent) Australians aged 16 years and over are fully vaccinated including more than 16.8 per cent of over 50 year olds and more than 29.2 per cent of Australians over 70 years of age.
Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly provided an update on current outbreaks of COVID-19 in a number of locations and of both the Alpha and Delta variants. Australia has successfully suppressed a number of outbreaks since the beginning of the pandemic, built on strong health measures.
Lieutenant General John Frewen, Coordinator-General of Operation COVID Shield, provided a detailed briefing on the vaccination program. The vaccination program continues to expand with detailed planning underway to expand access points for aged care workers and to bring forward significant additional access points through community pharmacies in both rural and metro areas. National Cabinet further agreed to consider expanding access to vaccinations on weekends through different channels.
National Cabinet received an update from the Secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet on the four step plan to reopening and the progress of the COVID-19 Risk Analysis and Response Taskforce report and the Doherty modelling for the National Plan to transition Australia’s National COVID Response.
All leaders reiterated the importance of Australians, especially those in vulnerable groups, to get a COVID-19 vaccination.
National Cabinet agreed to meet next on Friday, 23 July 2021.
Commonwealth COVID-19 Disaster Payment
National Cabinet noted the changes to the COVID-19 Disaster Payment to standardise and streamline Commonwealth financial support when a public health lockdown occurs in a Commonwealth declared hotspot.
The rate the COVID-19 Disaster Payment will be paid to individuals who live or work in a Commonwealth declared hotspot at the rate of $600 per week if a person in paid employment has lost over 20 hours; or $375 per week if they lost between 8 hours and less than 20 hours of work, or have lost a full day of work. Hours lost must have occurred within the lockdown period.
If a lockdown is seven days or more, the Commonwealth will open applications for the COVID-19 Disaster Payment on day eight. If a lockdown is for less than seven days, and a commitment has been made by the State or Territory Government to provide significant economic support, for the same lockdown period, the COVID-19 Disaster Payment is open for applications seven days after the lockdown was declared. The $10,000 liquid assets test will no longer apply.
Business Support Payments
National Cabinet noted the new arrangement for business support payments in the event of a significant lockdown of greater than 14 days. The Commonwealth will fund 50 per cent of the payment if an agreement is reached with the relevant jurisdiction to fund the remaining 50 per cent. The support payment will cease when restrictions are eased or when the location is no longer declared a Commonwealth hotspot.
The support payment will be available to non-employing and employing entities, including not-for-profits, with an aggregated annual turnover between $75,000 and $50 million, if their turnover is 30 per cent lower than a relevant comparison period, and they maintain their headcount of full-time, part-time and long term casual employees as at a specified date.
Eligible entities will receive 40 per cent of their state payroll payments, with a minimum payment of $1,500 and a maximum payment of $10,000 per week. For non-employing businesses, such as sole traders, the payment will be set at $1,000 per week.
National Cabinet noted the existing arrangements jointly announced by the Commonwealth and NSW Governments on 13 July remain in place, with small and medium businesses impacted by the current lockdown supported by the new payment from week four of the current lockdown.

NSW Government Weekly Update – 16 July 2021

COVID-19 FIGHTING FUND TO PROTECT BUSINESSES, SAVE JOBS AND SUPPORT NSW THROUGH LOCKDOWN

  • The NSW Government announced a comprehensive economic support package worth billions of dollars aimed at helping businesses and people right across the state fight through the current COVID-19 lockdown.
  • The commitment will now be up to $5.1 billion, including more than $1 billion from the Commonwealth as part of a business and employee support program.
  • For more information on the $5.1 billion support package visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19

TEACHER VACCINATIONS PRIORITISED IN SOUTH WESTERN SYDNEY

  • More than 10,000 teachers and school staff in South Western Sydney’s areas of COVID concern will have priority access to the vaccine rollout.
  • A vaccine hub will begin operating at Fairfield Showground this Friday, 16 July to vaccinate teachers and aged care workers.
  • Eligible staff will be issued links to access a vaccine appointment and they will need to provide proof of employment when they arrive for their vaccination.

EXPANDED COVID-SAFE CHECK-IN MANDATE TAKES EFFECT

  • Customers and businesses are reminded that the use of the NSW Government’s COVID-Safe Check-In will be mandatory at most workplaces and retail businesses in the State.
  • Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said check-in information from these additional venues is critical to support the work of NSW Health contact tracing teams in the fight against the highly contagious Delta variant of COVID-19.
  • More information regarding the expanded COVID-Safe Check In mandate including affected businesses and industries can be found on nsw.gov.au.
  • Businesses who need to register for the NSW Government QR code can find the application form and more information at https://www.nsw.gov.au/register-your-business-as-covid-safe
  • For those without a digital device, businesses must provide a tablet or other device to assist customers complete the online check in form.

SUPPORT FOR COMMERCIAL TENANTS AND LANDLORDS UNDER COVID FIGHTING FUND

  • Eligible commercial tenants and landlords will receive greater support and certainty during the current restrictions with the NSW Government acting quickly to implement the Retail and Other Commercial Leases (COVID-19) Regulation 2021 as part of the $5.1 billion COVID-19 economic support package.
  • Commercial and retail landlords will be required to attempt mediation before taking certain actions, such as recovering a security bond, locking out or eviction against a tenant impacted by the Public Health Orders.
  • For more information on mediation support and the Small Business Commission visit: https://www.smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au/

NSW GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE FOR RENTERS AND LANDLORDS

  • The NSW Government has announced new support for renters and landlords impacted by the COVID-19 lockdown, including up to $210 million in grants to eligible landlords.
  • Residential tenants will have greater protection with a targeted eviction moratorium, which will be implemented through legislative changes.

SUPPLY DROP FOR SCHOOLS AS TERM 3 BEGINS

  • More than a thousand schools now have access to extra equipment to assist online learning for the start of Term 3.
  • Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said a major operation has been undertaken so that thousands of devices and supplies are available for schools across the state.

RELIGIOUS AND MULTICULTURAL LEADERS THANKED FOR DELIVERING MESSAGE

  • Religious and community leaders are being thanked by the NSW Government for helping deliver the crucial stay at home message to our multicultural community.
  • Minister for Multiculturalism Natalie Ward said there is overwhelming support to ensure everyone is aware of the public health orders.
  • For more resources in your language, please visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/resources-other-languages

LOCKDOWN LIFELINE: MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT PACKAGE FOR NSW

  • People in mandatory isolation will have access to around the clock wellbeing and mental health support and there will be increased access to services for parents, young people and multicultural communities who are struggling during the lockdown.
  • As part of a joint Commonwealth and NSW Government package worth $17.35 million, NSW will provide $5.1m for a range of mental health services across NSW.
Beyond Blue 1800 51 23 48
Lifeline Australia 13 11 14
Domestic Violence Line 1800 65 64 63
1800RESPECT 1800 73 77 32

If you are in an emergency, or at immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, please contact emergency services on Triple Zero (000).
DRIVERS REMINDED TO SLOW DOWN IN SCHOOL ZONES

  • Drivers are being reminded to slow down and take extra care with school zones back in force across New South Wales.
  • Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said while most students in Greater Sydney are learning from home this week, schools remain open for those who need to attend and school zones are still enforced from the first day of term.