The joint NSW Government and Commonwealth JobSaver program will be significantly boosted to give greater support to businesses and individuals impacted by the extended lockdown.
JobSaver payments will now be available to businesses with an annual turnover of between $75,000 and $250 million, up from $50 million, which have experienced a revenue decline of 30 per cent or more.
The maximum weekly payment has also been substantially increased, with employing businesses that maintain their employee headcount now able receive between $1,500 and $100,000 per week, up from $10,000, with payments based on 40 per cent of their weekly NSW payroll.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the additional support would help deliver businesses and individuals the financial assistance needed during the necessary extension of the lockdown.
“We know these restrictions are tough but necessary to get the current situation under control and that is why we are coming to the table to help businesses and individuals with more financial support,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We don’t want people to have to worry about how they are going to keep the lights on or reopen their businesses when restrictions ease, which is why we are investing billions to give people that piece of mind.”
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said this latest round of assistance continued to build on the NSW Government’s COVID-19 support measures, with billions now committed, including the $4.1 billion announced earlier this month.
“We know that keeping workers in jobs is critical, which is why we’ve fought hard to secure additional support to help businesses hold onto their staff,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We appreciate how difficult it is for businesses right now, and we are also prioritising getting money out the door and into pockets as fast as possible.”
Applications for JobSaver opened on Monday with more than 14,000 applications already received and almost $28 million approved for payment so far. Payments are expected to start hitting bank accounts from 31 July.
Businesses can expect to receive funds in their accounts within five to ten business days from their approval date, and the arrangements announced today will be backdated, so businesses that have already received a first payment on previous settings will be topped up when their next payment is made.
JobSaver payments are available from week four of the lockdown. Non-employing business remain eligible for a maximum of $1,000 per week.
Businesses have also received much needed support from the 2021 COVID-19 Business Grant to cover the first three weeks of lockdown, with more than $118 million paid to businesses so far from more than 56,000 applications received.
For more information on COVID-19 support available, visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/2021-covid-19-support-package.
Support for individuals impacted by the current COVID-19 restrictions and stay-at-home orders is also available through Services Australia. For more information visit www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/covid19.
Author: admin
Charges laid as inquiries continue – Strike Force Seasoned
A man has appeared in court today charged as part on ongoing inquiries by Strike Force Seasoned into an alleged assault.
Strike Force Seasoned was established by the Central Metropolitan Region in response to an unauthorised protest in Sydney’s CBD on Saturday 24 July 2021.
Investigations commenced after a senior journalist, covering the protest, was allegedly assaulted and had his mobile phone stolen at Victoria Park, Broadway.
Following inquiries, strike force investigators arrested a 54-year-old man at a home on Brighton Street, Petersham, just before 7pm yesterday (Monday 26 July 2021).
A search warrant was executed at the home with officers seizing relevant clothing, a mobile phone, and cannabis.
The man was taken to Newtown Police Station and charged with affray, two counts of common assault, possess prohibited drug, steal from person and not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19
He was refused bail to appear at Newtown Local Court today (Tuesday 27 July 2021), where he was formally refused bail to reappear at the same court on Tuesday 17 August 2021.
As investigations continue, police have released vision of two men who may be able to assist with inquiries.
Both men are described as being of solid build.
One man is depicted with facial hair, and is shown wearing dark pants, a grey hooded jumper, with a dark puffer vest, black sneakers and a black cap. He was wearing a black satchel bag.
The second man is shown wearing black tracksuit pants, black sneakers, a grey and black hoodie with a light-coloured cap, with his face covered.
Investigators are following up every report, with 58 people charged and 135 PINS have been issued.
Anyone with information on the identity of the two men, or with vision of the weekend’s protest activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers through the online portal or by contacting 1800 333 000. Every single report will be investigated.
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any public health order or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community by contacting Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.
Officer injured during confrontation; police pursuit – Lake Macquarie
A man has been arrested after a senior constable was injured during an attempted arrest and police pursuits in Lake Macquarie.
About 2.45pm yesterday (Tuesday 27 July 2021), officers attached to Northern High Visibility Policing Team attended a carpark on the Pacific Highway at Bennetts Green and observed a grey Volkswagen Amarok utility bearing stolen NSW registration plates.
Officers approached the ute where the male driver attempted to drive off.
A male senior constable smashed the driver’s window to remove the keys from the ignition, during which the driver resisted, causing the officer’s arms to be pushed into shattered glass.
The male driver then fled the scene in the utility onto South Street, Windale.
A pursuit was initiated and continued in the surrounding streets but was terminated a short time later.
Numerous patrols were conducted throughout the area, however the vehicle could not be located.
Following inquiries, police identified that the ute had been stolen from Valentine between 6pm on Sunday 25 July 2021 and 8.50am on Monday 26 July 2021.
The senior constable was taken to John Hunter Hospital with minor injuries to his arms and has since been released.
As part of ongoing inquiries, the Northern HVP Team attempted to stop a grey Amarok ute northbound on the Pacific Highway about 9am today (Wednesday 28 July 2021).
A pursuit was initiated with the Amarok allegedly reaching speeds of approximately 160km/hr in a sign-posted 100km/hr zone.
During the pursuit, additional resources were requested before the utility crashed into bushland off Lakeview Parade, Pelican.
The driver and sole occupant fled the ute on foot where officers from Lake Macquarie Police District, Operation Utah, Traffic and Highway Patrol and the Dog Unit conducted an extensive search and arrested a 35-year-old man in Little Pelican a short time later.
The Caves Beach man was taken to Belmont Police Station where he is currently assisting police with their inquiries.
Nine arrested after police pursuit – Lake Macquarie
Nine people, including eight teenagers, have been arrested following a police pursuit in the Hunter region today.
About 11.15am (Wednesday 28 July 2021), officers attached to Newcastle-Hunter Traffic and Highway Patrol observed a Honda Civic allegedly travelling at speed southbound on the Hunter Expressway.
A pursuit was initiated at Church Street, Minmi, with the vehicle allegedly reaching speeds of 120km/hr in a sign-posted 90km/hr zone.
Officers terminated the pursuit at Metcalfe Street, Wallsend, due to the manner of driving.
The vehicle was subsequently sighted by several police vehicles across Newcastle City and Lake Macquarie Police Districts, before being abandoned at Arthur Street, Cardiff, shortly after midday.
A perimeter was established by officers from Lake Macquarie, Newcastle City, Port Stephens-Hunter and Hunter Valley Police Districts, assisted by PolAir, the Dog Unit and the Police Transport Command.
Nine people were arrested, including a 19-year-old woman and eight teenagers – aged between 13 and 17.
All nine have been taken to Belmont Police Station where inquiries are continuing.
Lake Macquarie Police District Commander, Superintendent Danny Sullivan, praised the efforts and collaboration between neighbouring police districts and specialist resources.
“While this incident occurred across various locations, it demonstrates the great team work between all our police officers, regardless of district boundaries – we are one team protecting the people of the Hunter,” Supt Sullivan.
As inquiries continue, police will also be investigating any alleged breaches of the current Public Health Order.
$3.3 million to support Australians living with a rare disease
The Morrison Government is providing $3.3 million to support the approximate two million Australians living with a rare disease, providing them with support, raise awareness and create new educational programs.
The new funding will drive the development and delivery of awareness and education resources, and care and support services, for people living with a rare disease, their families and carers, health professionals and the wider population.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said the funding would help to provide new supports to those living with rare diseases.
“Rare diseases are defined as those that affect fewer than 5 in 10,000 people. It’s estimated there are more than 7,000 rare diseases affecting about 8% of the Australian population. Most have genetic origins and many have no known cure,” Minister Hunt said.
“The Morrison Government took the first nationally coordinated step to address rare diseases with the release of the National Strategic Action Plan for Rare Diseases in February 2020 and this funding helps to build on these key foundational steps.”
The University of New South Wales has received $1.9 million to deliver the Rare Disease Awareness, Education, Support and Training Project (RArEST). This project will develop and deliver rare disease resources, education and training which will include a focus on mental health, and social and emotional wellbeing.
Rare Voices Australia has received $1 million for its Rare Awareness Rare Education Project (RARE Project). This project will develop and deliver rare disease awareness, information and education activities including a national rare disease digital platform. This digital platform will provide specific information on how to access rare disease expertise, support and services in the health and disability systems, and elsewhere.
The Australian National University has received $198,000 over 2 years for work to enhance healthcare provider awareness to improve the timely and accurate diagnosis of rare diseases. The project will develop a diagnostic reasoning tool to support recognition of rare diseases with different presentations, based on 3 indicative diseases – myositis, primary immunodeficiency disorder and sarcoidosis.
The Morrison Government is also funding the Childhood Dementia Initiative with $185,000 for the National Childhood Dementia Awareness, Support and Education Project. This project will develop and deliver awareness, information, and education for families and health professionals about childhood dementia, a term used to describe over 70 rare genetic neurodegenerative disorders.
The National Strategic Action Plan for Rare Diseases was developed by Rare Voices Australia in consultation with stakeholders, including people living with a rare disease, their families and carers.
The plan highlights three main pillars – awareness and education, care and support, and research and data. It can be found on the Australian Government Department of Health website.
City continues activation of unused space in National Park
Work is about to start to triple the number of basketball courts located within the inner city’s National Park.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the decision to add four basketball courts was based on the popularity of the existing courts since opening in September last year.
“Each weekend, hundreds of mostly young people flock to National Park to use the blue basketball courts and the green space located on the site of the former bowling club building,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Based on the demand, we’re continuing our re-activation of the former tennis courts located near the corner of National Park and Parry Streets by increasing the total number of basketball courts to six.
“By delivering four additional courts, we’re increasing the opportunity for our community to get outdoors to participate in casual sport and exercise.”
Seating, shade shelters and a drinking fountain will also be installed as part of the work, with lighting to be considered during the development of the National Park Plan of Management and associated Landscape Masterplan.
The Lord Mayor said the long-term future of the space would be determined through the National Park Plan of Management and Landscape Masterplan.
“We recently consulted with our community regarding the future of National Park to inform the revised National Park Plan of Management and Landscape Masterplan, which are now under development.
“National Park is such a unique recreation space located in the heart of Newcastle. It will continue to play an important part in the liveability of our city into the future.”
Local basketball coach, Kristy Flores, who has played and coached USA college basketball, said that the local basketball community has welcomed the news of additional courts in National Park.
“Newcastle has a growing number of basketball players and it’s been fantastic for both amateurs and professional players to have access to such great community facilities. I’m sure that once the additional courts are complete and there’s space for spectators to sit and relax, that National Park will become even more popular a recreational hub,” said Flores.
National Park is one of Newcastle’s largest and oldest sportsgrounds and open space reserves, covering over 20 hectares and is currently home to a range of community facilities including sportsgrounds, netball courts, croquet club and athletics track.
The northwest corner of the park was formerly home to tennis courts and a bowling club, which was later occupied by charity Life Without Barriers until 2017.
In 2019 City of Newcastle commenced a process to provide safe public access to the northwest corner of the park, including demolishing the fire damaged Life Without Barriers building and turfing the area for passive recreation.
Construction on the new courts will commence this week. For a complete listing of basketball courts throughout Newcastle click here.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the decision to add four basketball courts was based on the popularity of the existing courts since opening in September last year.
“Each weekend, hundreds of mostly young people flock to National Park to use the blue basketball courts and the green space located on the site of the former bowling club building,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Based on the demand, we’re continuing our re-activation of the former tennis courts located near the corner of National Park and Parry Streets by increasing the total number of basketball courts to six.
“By delivering four additional courts, we’re increasing the opportunity for our community to get outdoors to participate in casual sport and exercise.”
Seating, shade shelters and a drinking fountain will also be installed as part of the work, with lighting to be considered during the development of the National Park Plan of Management and associated Landscape Masterplan.
The Lord Mayor said the long-term future of the space would be determined through the National Park Plan of Management and Landscape Masterplan.
“We recently consulted with our community regarding the future of National Park to inform the revised National Park Plan of Management and Landscape Masterplan, which are now under development.
“National Park is such a unique recreation space located in the heart of Newcastle. It will continue to play an important part in the liveability of our city into the future.”
Local basketball coach, Kristy Flores, who has played and coached USA college basketball, said that the local basketball community has welcomed the news of additional courts in National Park.
“Newcastle has a growing number of basketball players and it’s been fantastic for both amateurs and professional players to have access to such great community facilities. I’m sure that once the additional courts are complete and there’s space for spectators to sit and relax, that National Park will become even more popular a recreational hub,” said Flores.
National Park is one of Newcastle’s largest and oldest sportsgrounds and open space reserves, covering over 20 hectares and is currently home to a range of community facilities including sportsgrounds, netball courts, croquet club and athletics track.
The northwest corner of the park was formerly home to tennis courts and a bowling club, which was later occupied by charity Life Without Barriers until 2017.
In 2019 City of Newcastle commenced a process to provide safe public access to the northwest corner of the park, including demolishing the fire damaged Life Without Barriers building and turfing the area for passive recreation.
Construction on the new courts will commence this week. For a complete listing of basketball courts throughout Newcastle click here.
More support for the most vulnerable
Hundreds of people will be supported to secure or maintain housing in the private rental market as part of a $12.5 million NSW Government support package.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said $10 million would support 990 private rental assistance packages, with a focus on individuals and families escaping domestic violence and young people aged 16-24 years old.
“There’s a lot of people doing it tough right now and it’s important that our strong social safety net is there to support the people who need it most,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This package also includes $2.5 million to deliver food relief to those most in need, with Foodbank and OzHarvest engaged to provide support.”
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Alister Henskens said rent assistance packages like Rent Choice Start Safely and Rent Choice Youth supported close to 18,000 households to secure or maintain housing in 2020-21.
“These support packages provide people with a roof over their head and the support they need to live independently,” Mr Henskens said.
“This additional funding will secure housing for hundreds of people and give them a strong foundation to improve their health and general wellbeing.”
Attorney General and Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Mark Speakman said the investments made during the pandemic were supporting women and their children across NSW to escape abuse.
“No person deserves to live in fear of violence. Rent Choice Start Safely ensures victim-survivors have the confidence to flee abuse without the fear of financial insecurity or not being able to afford a place to live,” Mr Speakman said.
“It is helping put a stop to domestic violence by providing a pathway for victim-survivors to escape, have a safe place for them and their children to sleep, and access other wrap-around supports so they can begin the journey of recovery.”
More information about housing and homelessness support is available online.
Free of charge advice for businesses affected by lockdown
Small businesses affected by the current COVID-19 lockdown and restrictions are encouraged to seek free-of-charge advice from the NSW Government’s business advisory service Business Connect.
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said Business Connect had advisors across the state who were ready to help businesses navigate the current situation.
“We know many small businesses across NSW and particularly in the Sydney metropolitan area are doing it tough at the moment,” Mr Tudehope said.
“While some businesses have had to shut their doors to comply with the Public Health Orders, others are experiencing reduced foot traffic and challenges with cashflow, paying rent and wages.
“But Government support is available, including Business Connect. All of the advisors have previously owned small businesses and they can advise business owners on ways to make it through this health pandemic and plan for the future. All advice provided is free of charge if it relates to COVID-19.”
Mr Tudehope said Business Connect had helped more than 40,000 businesses since the program started in 2017 and the service had more than 60 free-of-charge webinars available for small businesses coming up, through to September 2021.
“There are new webinar topics addressing issues being faced by business owners during this difficult period, including dealing with disputes, starting your own online store, cash flow essentials and building a more resilient business,” Mr Tudehope said.
“The webinars are a great way for all small business owners to upskill and learn from experts, with other key day-to-day topics, from cyber security to social media marketing.”
In addition to helping small businesses, Business Connect can also assist medium enterprises and in some circumstances, social enterprises and not-for-profit organisations, if eligible.
Mr Tudehope said other Government support measures that could benefit small businesses through the current COVID-19 lockdown include:
- The 2021 COVID-19 Business Grant is available to eligible NSW businesses that have a turnover between $75,000 and $50 million (inclusive), and a total Australian wages bill of $10 million or less. They can claim grants between $7,500 and $15,000 to cover the first three weeks of restrictions. Businesses can apply now by visiting service.nsw.gov.au;
- The JobSaver scheme, to be delivered together with the Commonwealth, will provide cash flow support to help eligible businesses retain staff. This will be up to 40 per cent of weekly payroll with a payment of between $1,500 to a maximum of $10,000 per week, provided staffing levels are maintained at the level as of 13 July 2021. Eligible non-employing businesses will receive $1,000 per week;
- The Micro Business COVID-19 Support Grant is available for eligible businesses with a turnover of more than $30,000 and less than $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;
- Land tax relief equal to the value of rent reductions provided by commercial, retail and residential landlords to financially distressed tenants, up to 100 per cent of the 2021 land tax year liability;
- Residential landlords who decrease rent for impacted tenants can apply for a grant of up to $1,500 or land tax relief depending on their circumstances.
- Introduction of legislative amendments to ensure a short-term eviction moratorium for rental arrears where a residential tenant suffers loss of income of 25 per cent due to COVID-19 and meets a range of criteria;
- No recovery of security bonds, or lockouts or evictions of impacted retail and commercial tenants prior to mediation.
For more on Business Connect visit www.nsw.gov.au/businessconnect
For more information on the support measures for businesses visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/covid-19-help-businesses
High School students launch future careers in tech
High school students across the State will kick-start their future tech careers, thanks to new virtual TAFE courses on offer for students to study as part of the HSC.
Cyber Security, Big Data, Cloud Computing, and Game Design are just some of the 20 new courses students can study from next year under the Schools Launchpad program.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the NSW Government is committed to future-proofing the State’s workforce and meeting skills shortages in the technology sector.
“These cutting-edge courses are already garnering strong interest from students right across the State,” Mr Lee said.
“In the virtual Game Design course, students will learn to create concepts, design 2D and 3D digital animations, and write code using industry-standard game engines.
“We know there is a huge demand in NSW for tech talent, the role of Game Designer alone is set to grow by 25 per cent in the next five years.”
The courses have come at the right time, with the Computer System Design and Related Services sector in NSW forecast to grow by 10,300 jobs over the next three years.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said the courses were providing high school students with more options in in-demand industries as thousands of students begin to select their HSC subjects.
“The Launchpad is part of the NSW Government’s Curriculum Reform in schools, which is building strong foundations for primary students and creating job opportunities for our senior students,” Ms Mitchell said.
“These students will graduate high school with not only their HSC but a qualification they can translate straight into paid employment as soon as they finish Year 12.”
Managing Director of Microsoft Australia Steven Worrall said the courses provide students with the skills the industry demands.
“These virtual TAFE courses will help students develop the skills required to thrive in the digital age, an age where technology will underpin every industry and where tech talent is in huge demand.”
Students who complete the virtual courses will graduate with a nationally recognised VET qualification that forms part of their HSC and contributes to an ATAR.
Expressions of Interest are now open for all Schools Launchpad courses. Students can express their interest via their school Career Counsellors.
For more information, visit www.tafensw.edu.au/launchpad.
Council rates relief for bushfire victims extended for another six months
The NSW Government is continuing to support victims of the devastating 2019-20 bushfires, announcing $2.5 million to fund another six months of council rate relief for those who lost their main properties.
Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Disaster Recovery John Barilaro said the NSW Government is committed to continuing to help our local communities recover from the devastating bushfires.
“I am pleased to announce council rate relief has been extended for a further six months for people whose main property was significantly damaged or destroyed by bushfires, if it has not yet been rebuilt or changed ownership,” Mr Barilaro said.
“This financial support for property owners is in addition to the NSW Government footing the bill for the initial bushfire clean-up with more than 3,600 properties cleared across the state.”
Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said the extension comes after more than $5.4 million in council rate relief has already been provided to over 3,300 property owners to reduce the financial burden on bushfire victims as they rebuild their lives.
“In February 2020, the NSW Government announced it was funding six months of council rate relief for owners of homes, farms and businesses whose properties suffered damage beyond repair in the bushfires,” Mrs Hancock said.
“Then in June last year, we announced a further six months of rate relief for eligible property owners to ensure they can direct more of their finances towards rebuilding.”
Member for Bega Andrew Constance said funding has been paid directly to 34 local councils which means eligible ratepayers don’t have to pay anything and it does not cost local government anything to support these property owners.
“Our north and south coasts suffered terribly during the 2019-20 bushfires and I am pleased to say that these areas have received significant council rate relief,” Mr Constance said.
“As the local member of two of the hardest hit regions, I know that the additional support will be welcomed across our region and will further assist in taking pressure off residents as they rebuild their lives.
Mrs Hancock said the additional rate relief will cover the second half of the 2020-21 rates period, recognising that some owners are still in the process of recovering and rebuilding their properties.
“We’re encouraged by the positive feedback and response we’ve had to helping NSW property owners affected by the 2019-20 bushfires, so much so that we’re considering an additional six months of relief.”