The weather is getting cooler but NSW Seniors Card deals are warming up with savings available on energy costs this winter.
Minister for Seniors Natalie Ward said an exclusive EnergyAustralia deal will help ensure seniors have more money left over for doing the things they love.
“NSW Seniors Card and NSW Senior Savers Card members who sign up for EnergyAustralia’s ‘Total Plan’, receive 27 per cent off electricity, 25 per cent off gas and up to a $100 energy credit,” Mrs Ward said.
“Saving on basic living costs leaves more in the wallet for things that stave off social isolation, such as catching the train to see friends, groceries for a family dinner or buying a four-legged companion.”
Member for Oatley Mark Coure said this deal is a way to thank our seniors for their invaluable contributions to society.
“People aged over 60 are respected members of our communities and deals like this are a thank you for their lifelong contribution,” Mr Coure said.
Mark Brownfield, EnergyAustralia Residential Executive, said seniors can also call for a free ‘Energy Health Check’.
“We’ll review your current energy bills to ensure you’re getting a fair price and see if you’ll be better off with our exclusive offer,” Mr Brownfield said.
“We understand getting value for money matters, so we’re pleased to give seniors this great discount and up-front credit on their gas and electricity.”
EnergyAustralia is among more than 7,500 NSW businesses offering deals for seniors. Other offers include half-price RSPCA senior pet adoptions and 50 per cent off metro to regional NSW TrainLink fares and five per cent off IGA gift cards.
For NSW Senior’s Card discounts plus terms and conditions, visit: www.seniorscard.nsw.gov.au/discounts/discount-directory
NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team arrests Sydney man
A Sydney man who allegedly supports the Islamic State terrorist organisation has been arrested after a NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) investigation.
Police executed search warrants in Chester Hill and Sefton, NSW, yesterday (Friday, 18 June 2021) and arrested a 24-year-old Chester Hill man.
The man has been charged with membership of a terrorist organisation, namely Islamic State, and is expected to face Parramatta Local Court today (19 June 2021).
Yesterday’s arrest follows a seven-month investigation by the NSW JCTT into the man, whom police will allege had pledged allegiance to Islamic State.
Police will further allege the man’s rhetoric online was escalating, that he had collected a large amount of extremist material and he was in possession of several improvised explosive recipes.
Australian Federal Police Commander Counter Terrorism Investigations Stephen Dametto said the priority of the NSW JCTT investigators was to prevent any harm to the community.
“The actions of this man do not represent the Islamic faith. His actions are criminal and they represent hatred and terror,” Commander Dametto said.
“We will allege in court that this man was a member of ISIS and it shows there are still those in the community that seek to do us harm. The items found show that this individual posed a significant risk to the Australian community and we will act early to ensure safety of the Australian people”.
“This investigation shows that the influence of IS remains an enduring threat and it maintains the ability to inspire and radicalise individuals in Australia”
“The actions taken yesterday highlight the great partnership and commitment of the NSW Police, the AFP, NSW Crime Commission and ASIO in working together to keep the NSW and Australian community safe.”
NSWPF Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Michael McLean, commended the dedication of NSW JCTT investigators to the safety of the people of NSW.
“Yesterday’s arrest is a great example of the strength of the partnerships and collaboration in Australia’s counter terrorism framework,” Acting Assistant Commissioner McLean said.
“The NSW JCTT works cooperatively and diligently to act in response to those who choose to follow an extremist ideology that is not compatible with the diverse, inclusive values of the community.
“Our greatest asset in combating terrorism is our community. You are our eyes and ears and we need you to continue to work with us to help us to keep everyone safe.”
The man has been charged with membership of a terrorist organisation, 102.3(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth), punishable by imprisonment for 10 years.
The NSW JCTT is comprised of members from the Australian Federal Police, NSW Police Force, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and the NSW Crime Commission.
Anyone with information about extremist activity or possible threats to the community should come forward, no matter how small or insignificant you may think the information may be. The National Security Hotline is 1800 123 400.
There is no ongoing threat to the community relating to this investigation.
Drugs and $240,000 cash seized; man charged with 80 offences – Hunter Region Enforcement Squad
A man has been charged with 80 offences as part of an investigation into the supply of prohibited drugs in the state’s Hunter region.
In February 2021, officers from Hunter Region Enforcement Squad established Strike Force Hanging to investigate the supply of methylamphetamine throughout the Newcastle and Port Stephens regions.
As part of investigations, a search warrant was executed at a house on Honeysuckle Drive, Newcastle, on Tuesday 13 April 2021.
Police seized more than $240,000 cash that was found in a handbag and book safe, and 14grams of methylamphetamine hidden in a microwave.
A 34-year-old woman who was home at the time of the search was arrested and charged with supply prohibited drug and two counts of deal with proceeds of crime. She remains before the courts.
Following inquiries, a 36-year-old man was arrested at Maitland Police Station yesterday (Friday 18 June 2021).
He was charged with 80 offences including supply prohibited drug, supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis, possess prohibited drug and deal with property proceeds of crime.
The Newcastle man was refused bail and appeared before Maitland Local Court yesterday, where he was formally refused bail to reappear before the same court on Thursday 24 June 2021.
Hunter Homeless Connect benefits from Lord Mayor’s prayer breakfast support
A local organisation that provides vital support to people who are experiencing homelessness or doing it tough is the beneficiary of the 2021 Annual Lord Mayor Prayer Breakfast.
Hunter Homeless received a cheque for $15,155 from Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes on Thursday after Newcastle’s church and businesses community united at the annual early-morning fundraiser at NEX Newcastle.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said she was thrilled to present the funds to such a worthy organisation that contributes immensely to improving the lives of people every day.
“Hunter Homeless Connect does invaluable work connecting vulnerable people in our community with vital services and support.
“The funds raised will go towards the Community Services Directory and “Connecting the Hunter” program to allow Hunter Homeless Connect to continue to deliver on its mission during the pandemic and in the face of the current housing crisis.
“The Annual Lord Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast brings together more than 400 like-minded people and organisations to celebrate shared values that benefit our community.
“These values unite us and help all Newcastle residents, irrespective of their background.
“By joining together in compassion, respect, tolerance, justice and equity we can achieve great things for our city.
“I thank Pastor Rick Prosser and Maria Thomas from Kingdomworks, and the many others who made this year’s event such a success.”
Chair of the Hunter Homeless Connect Jenn O’Sullivan said the financial boost will allow the local organisation to maintain its highly valued welfare programs and will provide opportunities to expand.
“We are so grateful to receive such incredible support from the Newcastle community through the Lord Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast.
“Hunter Homeless Connect provides a dignified and practical way for people experiencing homelessness, to identify inclusive and welcoming environments, have access to services and connection to members of the community without judgment.
“From humble beginnings in 2009, the annual Hunter Homeless Connect Day has gone from strength to strength, providing direct, on-the-ground resources and support to those doing it tough such as food, clothing, bedding, phone cards, free haircuts and health services and much more.
“The Homeless Connect Directory helps people find community and government services, accommodation providers, food banks, emergency relief and financial assistance.
“Without the support of this event and the Newcastle community, Hunter Homeless Connect would not be able to be there for those most vulnerable in our community.”
The Annual Lord Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast is a gathering of churches, charities, businesses and community leaders. Since the event began in 2009, more than $100,000 has been raised for local charities.
Vice Regal visit to mark completion of Newcastle City Hall restoration
Australia’s Head of State will next week join City of Newcastle officials, key project stakeholders and esteemed guests in marking the completion of the exterior restoration works to Newcastle City Hall.
His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (RETD), Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, and Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley will travel to Newcastle on Friday morning for a civic ceremony, which will include a commemorative plaque unveiling and performances by the Australian Army Band Newcastle, the Marching Koalas youth marching band and the University of Newcastle Choir.
City of Newcastle has invested $20 million in the project, completed in stages under the Newcastle City Hall Conservation Management Plan adopted by Council in 2008, including works to the clock tower and the building’s iconic sandstone façade to preserve this important piece of history for many more years to come.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it would be an historic moment to welcome Their Excellencies to Newcastle to formally recognise the project’s completion.
“Originally opened in 1929, Newcastle City Hall is a rich part of our City’s history and is one of our most unique and prestigious buildings, setting the scene for many special events such as weddings and school formals, as well as holding the former Council chambers where historic decisions have been made,” Cr Nelmes said.
“In 1977, under the leadership of the City’s first female Lord Mayor Joy Cummings, Newcastle City Hall became the first civic building in Australia to fly the Aboriginal flag, and last month the Torres Strait Islander flag was raised atop City Hall for the first time alongside the Australian, Aboriginal, United Nations, New South Wales, and City of Newcastle flags.
“It is wonderful to join with the Governor-General and Mrs Hurley to celebrate the next milestone in Newcastle City Hall’s history.”
His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley said he was delighted to accept the Lord Mayor’s invitation to officially reopen City Hall.
“It is a pleasure to return to Newcastle after a warm reception in 2018, when myself, as the then Governor of New South Wales, and Linda visited Newcastle City Hall for the Australian Croquet Championships and Inter State Shield,” His Excellency said.
“Congratulations to the City of Newcastle and all organisations involved in the successful refurbishment of this state heritage-listed building, in which the form, detail and appearance of its iconic façade have importantly been retained.”
City of Newcastle worked closely with the NSW Government Architect’s Office and specialist heritage engineers and stonemasons to investigate the façade’s condition and explore repair options.
The project was completed in three stages following a successful early trial restoration to the eastern façade in 2009-2010, which provided critical information for the overall restoration about the original construction methods and techniques.
The ‘yellowblock’ sandstone used in the original construction of City Hall is understood to have originated from a quarry in Sydney’s North Bondi, now closed.
There have been several repairs to the façade over the years, including during the 1980s and structural strengthening of the clock tower following the devastating 1989 Newcastle earthquake, as well as interior refurbishments.
Fast Facts
- Newcastle City Hall was opened in 1929 and has undergone several interior and exterior refurbishments to preserve its rich history.
- City of Newcastle has invested $20 million in the project, which was completed in three stages following a trial area restoration from 2009-2010:
- Stage 1: Clock Tower construction – 2014 to 2016
- Stage 2: South and East façades construction, including the main balcony, porte cochere and vehicle ramps – 2016 to 2019
- Stage 3: North and West façades construction – 2019 to 2021.
- The overall scope of works across all stages includes:
- Replacement of deteriorated stones that could not be retained
- Repair of original stones
- Repair of original timber doors
- Replacement of exterior lighting
- Reconstruction of vehicle ramps
- Structural repairs to reinforced concrete floor and roof slabs
- Replacement of flagpoles, including installation of two additional poles
- Repairs to the clock mechanism and clock faces
- Repairs to the copper pyramid and urn atop the tower.
- Newcastle City Hall, along with the Civic Theatre, was listed on the State Heritage Register in September 2012.
Thank God It's Friday – new voucher program to turbocharge CBD economy hit hard by COVID
Businesses in the Sydney CBD heavily impacted by the pandemic will benefit from a new $50 million stimulus program that will offer 500,000 NSW residents four $25 vouchers for use towards dining and entertainment experiences.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the vouchers, which can only be used on Fridays, will boost the city economy, support jobs and bring fizz back to Friday in the city.
“We have listened to businesses and know that it’s time to make Fridays fun again and ensure the Sydney CBD doesn’t just survive but thrives,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This will be a targeted program designed to get more people back into the heart of the greatest city on earth and on the way through spend a little extra on retail and services businesses.
“It’s about making Friday’s fantastic and fun and at the same time helping the Sydney CBD which has been hit hardest by COVID with a reduction in CBD workers and the absence of overseas visitors for more than a year.”
Short term arrivals to NSW in April sat at just under 11,000 – a 96 per cent decrease on pre-pandemic averages of around 234,000 per month.
Minister for Digital and Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the program, which is expected to go live before Summer, will again be delivered via the Service NSW app.
“The ‘TGIF’ voucher scheme will be a boon for businesses across the Sydney CBD. It will also be seamless for customers to access and use the vouchers, as there will be no need for them to re-prove their identity if they have already downloaded their Dine & Discover vouchers. Furthermore, there will no restriction on customers using multiple $25 vouchers for one meal or discover activity,” Mr Dominello said.
“The Service NSW app is fast becoming the backbone of our state’s digital service delivery. Mass adoption of the app enables us to switch on new digital programs, like the ‘TGIF’ vouchers, in a way that few Governments around the world are capable of doing.
“The program will be inclusive, with a non-digital option available to customers without a smartphone.”
Eligible businesses must be physically located within postcode 2000.
Similar to Dine & Discover, the program will be open to businesses in the dining and entertainment industries.
- Customers will need to be aged 18 and over and will require a MyServiceNSW account;
- Only one set of vouchers will be issued per person. Each individual voucher can only be used once, and vouchers can only be redeemed on Fridays;
- The vouchers can be added together for a single purchase up to $100;
- The vouchers cannot be used for alcohol, tobacco or gambling;
- The same eligibility criteria will apply for these vouchers as for Dine & Discover;
- Registration will be available through all Service NSW channels;
- Further details, including how customers can register their interest for the program, will be released soon.
Suspicious hotel fire – Lambton
Police are investigating after a suspicious fire at a pub near Newcastle overnight.
About 4.40am (Friday 18 June 2021), emergency services were called to a hotel on Elder Street, Lambton, after reports part of the building was alight.
A neighbour extinguished the blaze prior to Fire and Rescue NSW arrival, with minimal damage sustained to the building.
Fire crews attended a short time later to fully extinguish the flames, while police extinguished a small grass fire a short distance away in Lambton Park.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District have established a crime scene, which is in the process of being forensically examined.
Police have been told three men were seen running from the scene a short time after.
The blaze is being treated as suspicious and police are urging anyone who may have seen or heard anything in the nearby vicinity between 4.30am and 4.45am to contact Newcastle Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Labour Force May 2021 – Unemployment rate drops to 5.1 per cent
Labour force figures released today by the ABS show that seasonally adjusted employment surged by 115,200 in May 2021, exceeding all market expectations, to stand at a record high of 13,125,100. Employment is now 130,400 (or 1.0 per cent) above its pre-COVID level in March 2020.
The vast majority of the rise in employment over the month was due to a robust increase in full-time employment, which rose by 97,500 (or 1.1 per cent) in May, to a record high of 8,965,200. Full-time employment is now 100,100 (or 1.1 per cent) higher than it was in March 2020.
Part-time employment also increased in May, by 17,700, to stand at 4,160,000, and is now 30,300 (or 0.7 per cent) above its pre-COVID level.
Female employment rose by 69,400 in May 2021, to a record high of 6,255,000, and is now 97,500 (or 1.6 per cent) above the level recorded in March 2020.
Male employment also rose by 45,800 in May, to a record high of 6,870,200, and is now 32,900 (or 0.5 per cent) above the level recorded in March 2020.The level of unemployment in Australia fell by 53,000 over the month, to 701,100 in May 2021, and is now 22,400 (or 3.1 per cent) below the level recorded in March 2020.
The unemployment rate also declined over the month, by 0.4 percentage points, to 5.1 per cent, and is now 0.2 percentage points below the 5.3 per cent recorded in March 2020.
The participation rate also increased strongly, by 0.3 percentage points in May, to 66.2 per cent in May 2021, and is above the 65.9 per cent recorded in March 2020.
Aggregate hours worked rose by 25.2 million hours (or 1.4 per cent) over the month, and is now 51.6 million hours (or 2.9 per cent) above the level recorded in March 2020.
The underemployment rate decreased from 7.8 per cent in April 2021, to 7.4 per cent in May – the lowest rate recorded since January 2014.
While Australia’s labour market rebound from the pandemic has beaten even the most optimistic of expectations, the Government remains acutely aware that more than 700,000 Australians remain out of work.
This is why the Government’s 2021-22 Budget measures have been designed to cement Australia’s economic recovery and secure our prosperity through initiatives including: a further $15.2 billion in infrastructure investment; additional tax cuts for businesses and individuals; a further $2.7 billion to extend the Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements program and; an additional $500 million to expand the JobTrainer Fund.
The Government has put in place a prudent macroeconomic policy framework to ensure that Australia continues to rebound strongly from the COVID-19 induced recession and creates sustainable jobs well into the future.
Superannuation Reforms Pass Parliament – Making your super work harder for you
The Morrison Government has today passed through the parliament landmark reforms to Australia’s superannuation system. These reforms will help ensure superannuation works in the best financial interests of all Australians by removing unnecessary waste, increasingly accountability and transparency, and providing more flexibility for families and individuals.
The passage of the Treasury Laws Amendment (Your Future, Your Super) Bill 2021 will save Australians $17.9 billion over 10 years.
- Having your superannuation follow you, preventing the creation of unintended multiple superannuation accounts when employees change jobs. This will commence from 1 November 2021.
- Making it easier to choose a better fund, with access to a new interactive online YourSuper comparison tool. This will commence from 1 July 2021.
- Holding funds to account for underperformance, to lower fees and protect members from poor outcomes. The Government will require superannuation products to meet an annual objective performance test. Those that fail will be required to inform members and persistently underperforming products will be prevented from taking on new members. Members will be notified by 1 October 2021 if their fund fails this test.
- Increasing transparency and accountability, with the Government strengthening obligations to ensure trustees only act in the best financial interests of members and provide better information regarding how they manage and spend members’ money in advance of Annual Members’ Meetings and through enhanced Portfolio Holdings Disclosure.
The passage of the Treasury Laws Amendment (Self Managed Superannuation Funds) Bill 2020 today will also increase the maximum number of allowable members in self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) and small APRA funds from four to six from 1 July 2021.
This will provide Australians with more flexibility and control in managing their retirement savings.
In addition, the passage of the Treasury Laws Amendment (More Flexible Superannuation) Bill 2020 will help boost the retirement savings of Australians by giving them more options to contribute to their superannuation.
The Bill extends the bring‑forward arrangements to people aged 65 and 66 for non-concessional contributions made on or after 1 July 2020. These changes complement previous actions by the Government to improve flexibility of the retirement system that allowed people aged 65 and 66 to make contributions without meeting the work test.
The Bill will cut red tape by removing the excess concessional contributions charge, which currently applies to contributions in excess of the concessional contributions cap. This will ensure that from
1 July 2022, Australians saving for their retirement are not financially disadvantaged by inadvertent breaches of the cap.
Australians will also be supported to make additional contributions to their superannuation to make up for amounts that they may have withdrawn due to COVID-19. From the 2021-22 financial year, individuals who released superannuation under the COVID-19 early release scheme will have the option of recontributing these amounts as non-concessional contributions, over and above the existing caps.
Together, these are the most significant reforms to superannuation since the introduction of compulsory superannuation in 1992 and build on the Government’s prior reforms which have included consolidating 3.3 million unintended multiple accounts worth $4.3 billion, capping fees on low balance accounts, banning exit fees and ensuring younger Australians do not pay unnecessary insurance premiums.
Through these measures, the Morrison Government will ensure the superannuation system works harder for all Australians by reducing waste, holding underperforming funds to account and strengthening protections around the retirement savings of millions of Australians.
Expanded PBS listing to save Australians around $120,000 a year
More than 800 Australians with stage IV advanced or metastatic kidney cancer will now have improved access to a heavily subsidised treatment through an expanded listing on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
From 1 July 2021, Cabometyx® (cabozantinib), will now be available as a first line treatment for Australians with stage IV clear cell variant renal cell carcinoma (RCC). It has been available as a second line treatment for patients with advanced RCC since 2018.
Taken once daily, the oral treatment blocks the action of proteins called receptor tyrosine kinases, slowing the rate at which the tumour grows and improving progression-free survival time compared with some other treatments.
Kidney cancer is the seventh most diagnosed cancer in Australia, with an estimated 4,000 Australians diagnosed in 2020. RCC accounts for 90 per cent of all kidney cancers and is frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage.
Cabometyx® can cost around $120,000 a year without subsidy, but will now be available for $41.30 per script, or as little as $6.60 for patients with a concession card.
Since 2013, the Australian Government has approved more than 2,600 new or amended listings on the PBS.
This represents an average of around 30 listings or amendments per month – or one each day – at an overall investment by the Government of $13.2 billion.
Providing the best quality care and support to Australians with deadly cancers is a high priority for our Government.
As part of the 2021-22 Budget we announced a number of measures to support our already strong national cancer screening programs and in April, we held a Ministerial Roundtable with Cancer Australia, the first step in the development of a visionary ten-year Australian Cancer Plan.
These initiatives consolidate Australia as a world leader in the early detection and treatment of cancer.