Australians with COVID-19 who are at risk of hospitalisation will now have access to an additional antibody treatment, as the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) announced today it has granted provisional approval for sotrovimab to be used in Australia.
Earlier this month, the Australian Government secured an initial allocation of over 7,700 doses of the novel monoclonal antibody treatment sotrovimab and a first shipment is already in the country and ready to be deployed through the National Medical Stockpile from next week.
The sotrovimab treatment requires a single dose to be administered through an intravenous (IV) infusion in a health care facility and has been shown to reduce hospitalisation or death by 79 per cent in adults with mild to moderate COVID-19, who are at risk of developing severe COVID-19.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said sotrovimab will provide an important new way to treat the disease and reduce hospitalisations for people who are most at risk from COVID-19.
“Vaccination remains the most important and safest way for Australians to protect themselves and their loved ones from COVID-19 – and I continue to thank Australians for their take up of the COVID-19 vaccine,” Minister Hunt said.
“This treatment will provide another tool in the ongoing challenge against COVID-19, in addition to the COVID-19 vaccines, which are being rolled out in record numbers across the country.”
Sotrovimab will provide further options to protect vulnerable Australians at risk of developing severe COVID-19, however, not all Australians with COVID-19 will need to access the treatment.
It is expected that sotrovimab will be targeted for the treatment of Australians over 55 years old who have COVID-19 and also have one or more of the following risk factors for disease progression – diabetes, obesity, chronic kidney disease, heart failure, lung disease and moderate to severe asthma.
The National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce is finalising its recommendation for use. People who are asymptomatic or who are not at risk of developing severe COVID-19 will not require access to sotrovimab.
Medical experts estimate that eight to 15 per cent of adults with COVID-19 will be recommended for treatment with sotrovimab and this treatment must be given within five days of symptoms onset.
Where a doctor prescribes this treatment for their patients with mild to moderate COVID-19, who are at risk of developing severe COVID-19, it will be made available free of charge through the public health system.
The TGA has given approval to GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Australia Pty Ltd to make sotrovimab available for use in Australia. It is the second COVID-19 treatment to receive regulatory approval in Australia, following the TGA’s approval of Remdesivir.
Sotrovimab is approved for emergency use in the US, Singapore and Canada, however Australia is the first OECD country to issue a formal regulatory approval for sotrovimab.
As with all products procured for the Stockpile, this treatment will be provided to states and territories as needed.
Australia’s purchase of sotrovimab has been supported by the Science and Industry Technical Advisory Group (SITAG), which is the Australian Government’s expert group advising on COVID-19 vaccine and treatment purchases.
Author: admin
National Cabinet Statement
The National Cabinet met today for the 52nd time 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.
Since the beginning of the pandemic there have been 42,228 confirmed cases in Australia and, sadly, 974 people have died. More than 28.9 million tests have been undertaken. Testing has increased nationally over recent days with 1,410,219 tests reported in the past 7 days.
Globally there have been over 209.9 million cases and sadly over 4.4 million deaths, with 665,241 new cases and 9,554 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 16.5 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in Australia, including 303,304 in the previous 24 hours.
In the previous 7 days, more than 1.7 million vaccines have been administered in Australia. More than 51 per cent of the Australian population aged 16 years and over have now had a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, including over 74.1 per cent of over 50 year olds and more than 84.5 per cent of over 70 year olds.
More than 28.8 per cent of Australians aged 16 years and over are now fully vaccinated including more than 42.2 per cent of over 50 year olds and more than 55.8 per cent of Australians over 70 years of age.
Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly provided an update on current outbreaks of COVID-19. The Chief Medical Officer has announced a number of hotspots across Australia including Greater Sydney and rural NSW, Greater Melbourne and the Australian Capital Territory.
Leaders noted the health system capacity in place is able to support the current outbreaks.
Lieutenant General John Frewen, Coordinator-General of Operation COVID Shield, provided an update on the vaccine roll out.
All leaders reiterated the importance of Australians, especially those in vulnerable groups, to get a COVID-19 vaccination. Both the AstraZeneca and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines are registered for use in Australia and are proven to be effective in preventing serious illness and death, as well as limiting transmission.
National Cabinet noted the work underway through the COVID-19 Risk Analysis and Response Taskforce report and the Doherty modelling for the National Plan to transition Australia’s National COVID Response.
National Cabinet further noted work of the Data and Digital Ministers Meeting around incorporating the proof of vaccination status into existing state and territory check-in apps to assist with contact tracing, noting that it will be optional for individuals to include their vaccination status.
National Cabinet agreed to meet next on Friday, 27 August 2021.
Afghanistan – Evacuees
National Cabinet noted the efforts underway to evacuate Australian citizens and permanent residents and their families, and humanitarian visa holders, including Afghan locally engaged employees, from Afghanistan given the rapidly changing situation.
The situation on the ground in Afghanistan necessitates urgent action and that securing the safe and orderly departure of Australians and humanitarian visa holders was a high priority.
The Prime Minister noted that jurisdictions were working very closely together to support the evacuation efforts and thanked them for providing 935 quarantine places, above caps, to returned travellers from Afghanistan.
The Commonwealth will provide resettlement services for humanitarian visa holders in each Australian jurisdiction, which will include specialist physical and mental health services for vulnerable travellers requiring extra support.
National Freight Movement Protocol and Code
National Cabinet noted that Transport Ministers have agreed to an updated Freight Movement Protocol and Code that delivers a streamlined and more consistent approach to COVID-19 testing in line with recent advice from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee.
Proposed Development Contributions Plans to Fund Future Infrastructure
Consultation on an improved approach to funding future infrastructure to support growth in the city will be considered by the elected Council on Tuesday night.
The draft Section 7.11 and 7.12 Development Contributions Plans propose that new developments pay a levy towards the financial cost of necessary improvements to community infrastructure like roads, footpaths, parks and playgrounds to support new residents and growth in the Local Government Area.
City of Newcastle Manager Regulatory, Planning and Assessment Michelle Bisson said the City’s Development Contribution Plans have been updated to bring Newcastle in line with neighbouring Councils and ensure ratepayers weren’t being short-changed.
“Our city is experiencing a development and population boom, with a forecast 23,000 new residents and 11,500 new dwellings by 2036, which is why we need to ensure public infrastructure keeps pace with growth and is equitably funded,” Ms Bisson said.
“Under the draft plans, our proposed contribution rates will still be less than surrounding Councils, while allowing for an additional $6.5 million per year to be raised for investment in essential roads, sporting facilities and playgrounds.
“The draft Development Contribution Plans won’t apply to minor works undertaken on existing residential dwellings under $200,000, which means pools, garages and minor extensions won’t be affected.
“The draft Plans reflect Newcastle’s emergence as an urbanised city, ensuring future development makes a reasonable contribution toward the cost of infrastructure required to cater for those future populations, while keeping our city as one of the lowest contribution schemes in the region.”
In the 2019/20 financial year, the City collected $2.49 million in development contributions (outside of the Western Corridor). In the same period, the City spent $3.05 million on identified infrastructure projects, including Beresfield Local Centre public domain works, the fit out of Civic Station Visitor Information Centre, and other connectivity projects such as pathways, bus stops and cycleways.
“Development contributions will help fund important community infrastructure over the next 15 years as our City continues to grow, including the cycleway network, pedestrian accessibility and mobility network, local area traffic management works, bus shelters, parks and playgrounds, sporting grounds and recreation facilities, and town centre public domain improvements,” Ms Bisson said.
If endorsed by Council, the draft Plans will be publicly exhibited for 28 days, allowing the community and the development sector to make submissions.
The draft Section 7.11 and 7.12 Development Contributions Plans propose that new developments pay a levy towards the financial cost of necessary improvements to community infrastructure like roads, footpaths, parks and playgrounds to support new residents and growth in the Local Government Area.
City of Newcastle Manager Regulatory, Planning and Assessment Michelle Bisson said the City’s Development Contribution Plans have been updated to bring Newcastle in line with neighbouring Councils and ensure ratepayers weren’t being short-changed.
“Our city is experiencing a development and population boom, with a forecast 23,000 new residents and 11,500 new dwellings by 2036, which is why we need to ensure public infrastructure keeps pace with growth and is equitably funded,” Ms Bisson said.
“Under the draft plans, our proposed contribution rates will still be less than surrounding Councils, while allowing for an additional $6.5 million per year to be raised for investment in essential roads, sporting facilities and playgrounds.
“The draft Development Contribution Plans won’t apply to minor works undertaken on existing residential dwellings under $200,000, which means pools, garages and minor extensions won’t be affected.
“The draft Plans reflect Newcastle’s emergence as an urbanised city, ensuring future development makes a reasonable contribution toward the cost of infrastructure required to cater for those future populations, while keeping our city as one of the lowest contribution schemes in the region.”
In the 2019/20 financial year, the City collected $2.49 million in development contributions (outside of the Western Corridor). In the same period, the City spent $3.05 million on identified infrastructure projects, including Beresfield Local Centre public domain works, the fit out of Civic Station Visitor Information Centre, and other connectivity projects such as pathways, bus stops and cycleways.
“Development contributions will help fund important community infrastructure over the next 15 years as our City continues to grow, including the cycleway network, pedestrian accessibility and mobility network, local area traffic management works, bus shelters, parks and playgrounds, sporting grounds and recreation facilities, and town centre public domain improvements,” Ms Bisson said.
If endorsed by Council, the draft Plans will be publicly exhibited for 28 days, allowing the community and the development sector to make submissions.
The draft plans:
Draft 7.11 Plan applies to residential accommodation comprising new additional dwellings/lots (outside of the Western Corridor area). The contribution rate is charged per dwelling / lot.
Draft 7.12 Plan. The contribution rate is charged as a percentage of the estimated cost of the development.
Hunter Regional Councils Contribution Rates
Lake Macquarie Council per dwelling / lot
- Belmont $27,731.21
- Toronto – Central $28,295.60
- Glendale catchments $21,685.12 – $24,206.59
- Charlestown $25,509.92
Port Stephens Council per dwelling / lot
- Central Growth Corridor $19,649.00
- Raymond Terrace – Rural $17,686.00
- Tomaree Peninsula $18,444.00
- Fern Bay $15,814.00
Maitland Council per dwelling / lot (3 bed dwelling/lot rate used for comparison)
- Thornton North $20,088 – $29,998
- Lochinvar $19,070 – $25,744
- Louth Park $8,258 – $14,857
- Gillieston Heights $6,825 – $11,863
- Farley $22,224- $30,000
- City Wide (other) $4,173 – $7,505
Note: This information is provided for indicative comparison purposes only. Information on respective Council contribution rates was sourced in early 2021 and are subject to indexation each quarter in accordance with those Council’s respective contributions plans.
Key Facts
- Existing dwellings are unaffected by the draft Plans
- Draft Plans would generate an additional $6.5 million to be invested in community infrastructure, including cycleways, footpaths, playgrounds and libraries
- Approximately 70% of projected dwelling stock anticipated to comprise secondary dwellings, 2 bedroom units, multi dwelling housing) to house the future population growth by 2036 – cost per dwelling in these circumstances is around $10,000-$13,000.
- Single dwellings will only be 5% of the total future housing stock. The contribution rate for a single dwelling house of approximately $17,000 is comparable to similar rates in adjoining LGAs, for example $16,000 in Fern Bay, $22,000 in Glendale and $26,000 in Charlestown.
- Development contributions do not adversely affect affordability. The following is an extract from the 2021 Productivity Commission Report (p33):
- “Contributions do not necessarily add to the final price of new housing. The maximum price achievable for a new apartment or dwelling will be determined to a large degree by the broader housing market, with consideration of the unique characteristics of the property and its location. When a contribution is levied, to the extent that the broader housing market and characteristics of the dwelling are no different, the maximum price achievable for the dwelling would remain unchanged.”
New protections and compliance rules to carry NSW through to vaccination targets
In response to the evolving Delta outbreak, NSW will extend the current lockdown in Greater Sydney until the end of September, and introduce new rules targeting the local government areas of concern, where the vast majority of new cases are emerging.
NSW Health and Police have worked together to develop a set of additional COVID controls for the state to reduce transmission and ensure compliance.
Additional rules for the LGAs of concern:
From 12.01am Monday, 23 August the following additional rules will apply for residents and businesses in the LGAs of concern:
- Curfews will be introduced from 9pm to 5am (except for authorised workers, emergencies or medical care) to help reduce the movement of young people;
- Outdoor exercise is limited to one hour per day;
- The following retail premises must close except for click and collect: garden centres and plant nurseries, office supplies, hardware and building supplies, landscaping material supplies, rural supplies, and pet supplies (tradespeople are allowed to shop in-store where relevant); and
- All exams and other education or professional development related activities will move online, not including the HSC. The government will provide further information on its education plan in due course.
The following new restrictions around workplaces and authorised workers from the LGAs of concern will be introduced:
- Childcare workers and disability support workers who live or work in the LGAs of concern must have their first vaccination dose by 30 August;
- Authorised workers who work outside their LGA of concern are only permitted to work if rapid antigen testing is implemented at their work-site or they have had their first vaccination dose by 30 August.
- From Saturday, 28 August, authorised workers from the LGAs of concern are required to carry a permit from Service NSW declaring that they are an authorised worker and cannot work from home; and
- From Saturday, 28 August, anyone entering an LGA of concern for the purposes of work must carry a worker permit issued by Service NSW.
From 12.01am Monday, 23 August, workers from the Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland and Fairfield LGAs will no longer have to have been tested for COVID-19 in the previous 72 hours to work outside their LGA.
Special powers will also be given to the NSW Police Force including:
- Power for the Commissioner of Police to lockdown apartment blocks while health assesses the COVID risk;
- Power for the Commissioner of Police to declare a residential premise a COVID-risk premise and require all people to present to police during compliance checks;
- Powers to allow police to direct a person who has been issued with an infringement notice to return to their place of residence; and
- If a person from outside an LGA of concern is found to be in an LGA of concern without a reasonable excuse, they will be fined $1000 and required to isolate at home for 14 days.
Additional measures for Greater Sydney (including regional NSW until 28 August)
From 12.01am Monday, 23 August, the following additional rule will also be introduced for Greater Sydney (including regional NSW until 28 August):
- Mask wearing will be mandatory when outside your home, except when exercising.
There have been a number of cases in Early Childhood Education and Care Services, so parents and carers across the state are strongly encouraged to keep their children at home, unless they need to be at those services.
For the latest information visit www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19
NSW Government Weekly Update – 20 August 2021
For the latest COVID-19 advice & information please visit www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19
NEW PROTECTIONS AND COMPLIANCE RULES TO CARRY NSW THROUGH TO VACCINATION TARGETS
- In response to the evolving Delta outbreak, NSW will extend the current lockdown in Greater Sydney until the end of September, and introduce new rules targeting the local government areas of concern, where the vast majority of new cases are emerging.
- Additional rules for the LGAs of concern:
- From 12.01am Monday, 23 August the following additional rules will apply for residents and businesses in the LGAs of concern:
- Curfews will be introduced from 9pm to 5am (except for work, emergencies or medical care) to help reduce the movement of young people;
- Outdoor exercise is limited to one hour per day;
- The following retail premises must close except for click and collect: garden centres and plant nurseries, office supplies, hardware and building supplies, landscaping material supplies, rural supplies, and pet supplies (tradespeople are allowed to shop in-store where relevant); and
- All exams and other education or professional development related activities will move online, not including the HSC. The government will provide further information on its education plan in due course.
- The following new restrictions around workplaces and authorised workers from the LGAs of concern will be introduced:
- Childcare workers and disability support workers who live or work in the LGAs of concern must have their first vaccination dose by 30 August;
- Authorised workers who work outside their LGA of concern are only permitted to work if rapid antigen testing is implemented at their work-site or they have had their first vaccination dose by 30 August.
- From Saturday, 28 August, authorised workers from the LGAs of concern are required to carry a permit from Service NSW declaring that they are an authorised worker and cannot work from home; and
- From Saturday, 28 August, anyone entering an LGA of concern for the purposes of work must carry a worker permit issued by Service NSW.
- From 12.01am Monday, 23 August, workers from the Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland and Fairfield LGAs will no longer have to have been tested for COVID-19 in the previous 72 hours to work outside their LGA.
- Special powers will also be given to the NSW Police Force including:
- Power for the Commissioner of Police to lockdown apartment blocks while health assesses the COVID risk;
- Power for the Commissioner of Police to declare a residential premise a COVID-risk premise and require all people to present to police during compliance checks;
- Powers to allow police to direct a person who has been issued with an infringement notice to return to their place of residence; and
- If a person from outside an LGA of concern is found to be in an LGA of concern without a reasonable excuse, they will be fined $1000 and required to isolate at home for 14 days.
- Additional measures for Greater Sydney (including regional NSW until 28 August)
- From 12.01am Monday, 23 August, the following additional rule will also be introduced for Greater Sydney (including regional NSW until 28 August):
- Mask wearing will be mandatory when outside your home, except when exercising.
- There have been a number of cases in Early Childhood Education and Care Services, so parents and carers across the state are strongly encouraged to keep their children at home, unless they need to be at those services.
- For the latest information visit www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19.
INCREASED SUPPORT FOR LEARNING FROM HOME
- Learning from home has become easier for parents and teachers of primary school students, with the introduction of guided learning packs in NSW public schools and additional training for teachers.
- The guided learning packages are specifically designed for K–6 students and have been developed by a team of curriculum experts and designers to ensure they are easy to navigate for students, parents and carers.
- They include a full week of learning activities with stage-specific video content which includes teacher guidance, open-ended activities and wellbeing checks.
- All subjects within the K-6 curriculum are addressed on a weekly basis and each day begins with a student wellbeing activity, as well as a brain break during the day and additional activities for students who finish the work early.
- The packs are not mandatory but provide a way for teachers to supplement what is already working for them.
- The Department of Education is also running new learning from home professional development courses designed using insights from last year and the current learning from home period.
- The Learning from Home Hub is also constantly being updated with great materials for students, teachers and parents with over 2 million visits last month.
NSW GOVERNMENT EXTENDS FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR TENANTS AND LANDLORDS
- The NSW Government has announced it will provide increased security for tenants and financial support for landlords by extending the Residential Tenancy Support package.
- The Residential Tenancy Support package will now be paid for a second month and eligible landlords can now apply for up to $3,000 to cover the two months from 14 July 2021, assuming they have reduced rent for their tenant by at least that much.
- Landlords who have already applied can make an additional application and those who are yet to apply will be able to make one application for the total amount of rent waived, up to $1,500 a month.
- Landlords will also have the option to apply for the COVID-19 land tax benefit instead of applying for the Residential Tenancy Support Payment, which is an offset of the land tax liability equal to the rent reduction granted.
- Eligible COVID-19 impacted residential tenants who cannot meet their residential rent payments will be protected from eviction during the moratorium period commencing from 14 July and finishing at the end of 11 September 2021.
- For more information on the package or to apply go to Residential tenancy support package | NSW Fair Trading.
EXTRA COVID TESTING SITES TO SUPPORT FREIGHT
- Two additional freight-friendly pop-up testing sites are opening along key regional freight routes to support the industry and keep drivers COVID-Safe.
- The pop-up sites opening in Yass on Friday and in Ballina on Monday were in addition to the six sites already set up across the state to make it easier for heavy vehicle drivers to get tested.
- The new sites, which will be supported by onsite pathology staff 24 hours a day, seven days a week, will make it easier for heavy vehicle drivers to get tested and get back on the road.
- To find out more, visit: www.transport.nsw.gov.au/operations/freight-hub/transport-for-nsw-response-to-covid-19-for-freight-industry.
URGENT ASYLUM SEEKER FUNDING BOOST OPENS
- Specialist organisations supporting asylum seekers and temporary visa holders who need emergency support can now apply for a share of a $5.5 million funding boost from the NSW Government, in response to the current COVID-19 outbreak.
- This funding will be available to NGOs who deliver immediate support to temporary visa holders, particularly asylum seekers, who are among the most vulnerable members of the community.
- The total funding package to support asylum seekers and temporary visa holders in response to the current outbreak is now $6.25 million, including $5.5 million for this program and $750,000 initially allocated for emergency relief.
- Eligible NGOs can apply for the latest grant through: www.multicultural.nsw.gov.au/grants.
NEW ACTION PLAN OUTLINES BOLD VISION FOR HIGHER EDUCATION SECTOR
- On Thursday, the NSW Government released its first NSW Higher Education Strategy Action Plan to drive stronger and more effective partnerships between Government and the higher education sector.
- The plan addresses how the NSW Government will support collaborations with universities and the VET sector, and develop agile and future-focused education models that puts industry, university and TAFE in the same classroom.
- Key actions outlined in the plan include:
- Simplify procurement arrangements between the NSW Government, universities and VET training providers.
- Incentivise and encourage partnerships between universities and the VET sector through a ‘Collaboration and Innovation Fund’
- Support new education models including the Aerotropolis Multiversity, and the Institutes of Applied Technology.
- Increase participation of underrepresented regions and groups in higher education.
- Support and fund the reskilling and upskilling of displaced workers.
- Enhance experience of international students through a new integrated digital platform and promotion of global contributions of higher education providers beyond their educational offerings.
- The Action Plan is now available online and will be updated each year.
TARGETED EMERGENCY SUPPORT FOR ARTISTS AND ARTS AND CULTURAL ORGANISATIONS
- Individual artists and small to medium arts and cultural organisations impacted by COVID-19 restrictions will soon be able to apply for COVID Development Grants to support the development of new work.
- The NSW Government is providing emergency targeted support through grants of up to $5,000 for individuals and groups, and up to $10,000 for small to medium organisations to alleviate the disruption the pandemic has caused for the cultural and creative sectors.”
- Up to $300,000 in small development grants will be delivered through Create NSW.
- Funding is available for the creation, development and presentation of new works, employment of artists and arts and culture workers, skills development and training, marketing, fundraising and promotional costs, workshops and other public programs, and to purchase equipment or digital resources to deliver new programs and projects.
- Applications for the COVID Development Grants are now open on the Create NSW website at www.create.nsw.gov.au.
HOSPITALITY AND SOCIAL MEDIA SKILLS BOOST FOR NSW VISITOR ECONOMY
- The NSW Government has partnered with Restaurant & Catering Australia and Facebook to deliver a suite of free, new skills development and training programs designed for individuals and businesses engaged in the State’s visitor economy.
- The programs, delivered by Destination NSW, will be offered to individuals and businesses wishing to upgrade their customer service skills and enhance their social media capability.
- The hospitality training modules and registrations for the social media webinars both commence in mid-August. The programs, part of Destination NSW’s NSW First industry development program, involve:
- 1,400 micro credentials available to tourism and hospitality staff across three modules: Managing customer expectations in terms of COVID-safe practices, emotional awareness in customer service, and an introduction to customer service (delivered in partnership with Restaurant and Catering Australia.)
- Five webinars about Facebook and Instagram for Tourism to help optimise a business’s Facebook presence; engage audiences on social media; create Instagram stories; capture social content on a smartphone; and inspire action on Instagram.
- For more information and to register for either program, go to www.destinationnsw.com.au/NSWFirst.
DATE SET FOR 2022 SENIORS FESTIVAL
- The date has been set for next year’s NSW Seniors Festival, with activities planned over 10 fun-filled days from 25 March to 3 April 2022.
- Events being planned include the free Premier’s Gala Concerts and the NSW Seniors Festival Expo at the International Convention Centre in Darling Harbour, along with the NSW Seniors Festival Comedy Show.
- Seniors can also get involved in local events with the NSW Seniors Festival Grants Program supporting a range of activities across the state.
- Like this year, the 2022 NSW Seniors Festival is currently planned to be a mix of face-to-face and online entertainment and activities.
- The Premier’s Gala Concerts are scheduled to be held on 30 and 31 March 2022 at the Aware Super Theatre, ICC Sydney alongside the NSW Seniors Festival Expo.
- Information about ticket release dates will be announced on the NSW Seniors Festival website at www.seniorsfestival.nsw.gov.au in the new year.
Static checkpoints as part of Operation Stay at Home
Traffic and Highway Police have today established three static checkpoints in the Lake Macquarie and Central Coast areas to discourage and stop motorists leaving Greater Sydney as part of COVID-compliance operations in Northern NSW.
Three high-visibility checkpoint locations were set up on the M1 and Wyee Road at Morisset, and on the Pacific Highway at Lake Munmorah, to interact with drivers on the main entry points to the Hunter region and Northern NSW.
From this morning’s operation:
- 2220 random breath tests conducted
- 17 PINs issued relating to the Public Health Order
- 18 vehicles turned around at checkpoints
- 31 Traffic Infringement Notices issued
Officers will continue mobile and static operations as part of Operation Stay at Home and Operation Boundary Response to ensure drivers are complying with current Stay at Home Orders in place.
Blaming individuals is not a Covid strategy
Statement from Greens Senator for NSW, Dr Mehreen Faruqi, following today’s announcement of 633 new locally-acquired Covid-19 cases in NSW:
“Today’s COVID-19 numbers are just devastating.
“But simply telling people to ‘stay home’ is not going to cut it when people aren’t getting the financial support they need to do so. The vast majority of people are doing the right thing, and have been for weeks. Blame-shifting onto individuals is very unhelpful.
“We know people are having to go to work in areas with high transmission because the alternative is that their families go hungry. Workplaces are some of the most common areas of viral transmission. That has been the reality throughout this pandemic. People pick the virus up at work and bring it home to their families.
“Telling people off and high-profile police operations might be a cheaper strategy than proper, widely-available wage subsidies and income support payments, but it won’t get this virus under control.
“It’s crushing to watch NSW authorities lean on public shaming and so-called ‘compliance theatre’ here. It’s completely nonsensical and dangerous.
“Shifting the blame for government failures onto individuals and multicultural communities needs to stop.”
Morrison's Afghan Refugee Offer an Insult
Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s refusal to increase Australia’s humanitarian intake to respond to the Afghanistan crisis is an insult and a failure of leadership, the Greens say.
“Given Australia’s decades of interference in Afghanistan and our culpability for the current instability, today’s announcement is grossly inadequate and a complete failure of leadership,” Greens spokesperson for Immigration and Citizenship Nick McKim said.
“Both Canada and the UK are offering 20,000 humanitarian places for displaced Afghan people, and Australia should do likewise in addition to our existing intake.”
“These visas are crucial to protect people including women, human rights advocates, LGBTIQ+ people, journalists, people who supported Australian defence and consular personnel, and people from ethnic and religious minorities like Hazara people who have previously been persecuted by the Taliban.”
“The Australian government’s response to the crisis has been flat-footed, inadequate, too little too late, and consistent with its existing heartless immigration policies.”
“There is a moral imperative for the Australian Government to help Afghan people in their hour of crisis – in a crisis which our country did so much to create.”
Prospective Marriage Visa holders
The Greens welcome the news that holders of Prospective Marriage Visas, who applied more than 12 months ago, will be exempt from the travel ban.
“This is an epic win for couples who have been unfairly separated through the pandemic,” Greens Immigration and Citizenship spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.
“They already had to prove their relationships to the Department, and spent thousands of dollars on paperwork.”
“Their relationships and marriages have been unnecessarily put on hold, and it’s great they can now resume their lives together.”
“Congratulations to the thousands of people who lobbied so hard for this result.”
The Greens in June successfully moved a motion in the Senate calling on the Government to make holders of Prospective Marriage visas automatically exempt from the travel ban.
Roundtable discussion to support employers with COVID-19 vaccination
Minister for Industrial Relations, Michaelia Cash, today led a virtual roundtable discussion with around 50 leaders from unions, employer groups and government to discuss how best to support the vaccination rollout in workplaces.
Minister Cash brought together stakeholders to address concerns about how they can and should approach COVID-19 vaccination policies in the workplace and to support the vaccine rollout more broadly.
“It was a positive meeting and really pleasing to see employer groups and unions come together in the spirit of co-operation,” Minister Cash said. “It was clear from the discussion that participants are united in the goal to have as many Australians as possible vaccinated against COVID-19.”
Minister Cash praised the record number of people who are being vaccinated, noting that around 50 per cent of the country will have had at least one dose of the vaccine by the end of this week, demonstrating that the Australian Government’s approach of encouraging, rather than mandating, is working.
“I want to thank the millions of Australians who have already come forward to get vaccinated. This will help protect themselves, their family and their community.
Minister Cash reiterated the Australian Government’s position that vaccination is free and voluntary, unless a state or territory public health order is in place.
“The Australian Government’s position of voluntary vaccination does not detract from individual employers seeking their own advice and mandating for their workforce if they have assessed that it is the right decision for them.”
The Fair Work Ombudsman presented on recently released updated guidance on COVID-19 vaccinations and the workplace to assist employers and workers in determining their approach to vaccination.
At the roundtable, there was strong support for the positive role businesses and unions can play in supporting workers to get vaccinated. Participants agreed to work together to develop a work plan, in consultation with all relevant sectors. Providing easy access to vaccines was identified as a priority, through both increased points of contact in the rollout, and businesses making it as easy as possible for workers to get vaccinated. There was also a clear, strong call for consistency in state and territory approaches to public health orders and regulating work health and safety.
The Prime Minister announced after National Cabinet on 13 August 2021 that the Commonwealth, state and territory work, health and safety regulators would consider a Statement of Regulatory Intent. The Statement would make clear that businesses not subject to public health orders are not in breach of their work health and safety duties if they do not mandate vaccination. Businesses must still of course ensure they have a safe system of work in place in relation to COVID-19.
The Government encourages employers and employees to work together when it comes to COVID-19 vaccination. Cooperation is critical and all businesses are encouraged, no matter what vaccination policy they are considering, to consult closely with their workers about managing the risk of COVID-19 in the workplace.
Attendees at the roundtable included the Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd; Fair Work Ombudsman Ms Sandra Parker; the Australian Information and Privacy Commissioner, Ms Angelene Falk; and CEO of Safe Work Australia, Michelle Baxter, who answered questions about rights and obligations under employment, privacy and work health and safety laws.
More information on these topics is available at:
Fair Work Ombudsman
Safe Work Australia
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
Australian Human Rights Commissioner