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SCOTT MORRISON’S NEW YEAR CUTS TO HIT MILLIONS OF AUSTRALIANS

Scott Morrison is bringing in the new year by cutting crucial financial support to millions of Australians, who stand to lose up to  $300 per fortnight.
From today, the economic support payments once lauded by Scott Morrison as crucial lifelines will be slashed, cutting support from the economy, small businesses and local communities and ripping hundreds of dollars from the pockets of some of Australia’s most vulnerable.

  •          From 1 January, Scott Morrison is slashing the rate of the JobSeeker coronavirus supplement by $100 per fortnight, hurting over two million Australians.
  •          From 4 January, Scott Morrison is slashing the rate of JobKeeper by $200 per fortnight for those on the top rate, and $100 per fortnight for those on the lower rate.

These cuts to support come at a time of heightened uncertainty, new COVID-19 outbreaks and when Australia is already in the grip of a jobs crisis.
At a time when 2.2 million Australians are looking for work or more work and 90,000 more are expected to join unemployment queues by March, according to the Government’s own forecasts, now is not the right time to be cutting crucial support.
After the end of March, unemployment payments are scheduled to go all the way back down to the old Newstart rate of $40 a day.
Business, economists, experts and those who work on the front line with people who have lost their jobs are all calling for a permanent increase to the base rate of unemployment payments.
In a country like Australia, people should not have to live in poverty.
The new year should be a time of optimism and hope but Scott Morrison is choosing to deliver a financial blow to millions of Australians.
Instead of a plan to create jobs, boost wages and tackle underemployment or outlining a permanent increase to JobSeeker, the Morrison Government is focused on cutting vital support, cutting workers’ pay and cutting superannuation.

Dive into 2021 with City’s Summer School Holiday program

Say farewell to 2020, and dive into 2021 with the City of Newcastle’s Summer School Holiday program.
Designed for families to have fun together, the program features activities that children of all ages can enjoy at the City’s signature attractions including Blackbutt Reserve, Newcastle Museum, Newcastle Art Gallery, Newcastle Library, Civic Theatre, Fort Scratchley, parks, pools, beaches and more.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said 2021 was time for families to reset and start the year with some fun together these school holidays, by celebrating everything that makes Newcastle unique.
“Families don’t need to travel far to enjoy the wonders of their own backyard and celebrate everything that makes Newcastle so unique, this school holiday period,” Cr Nelmes said.
“With a range of free and bookable options at our cultural facilities, there’s no limit to the amount of fun families can have this summer in Newcastle.
“Whether it’s cooling off at one of the City’s local pools or iconic beaches, or escaping the heat to join in fun events and activities at our cultural facilities, families are spoilt for choice for ways to enjoy summer in our beautiful city.
“Kids and teens will relish the opportunity to channel their inner rockstar at Newcastle Art Gallery in response to works of art on display in the summer exhibition WE CAN BE HEROES: a backstage pass.
“Over at Newcastle Museum, discover where art meets science in a unique Cyanotype workshop exploring the world’s first photographic process.
“Get hands on with Newcastle Libraries and enjoy the vast range of activities and workshops on offer, from digital displays to virtual reality demonstrations and beyond, or cool off in air-conditioned comfort at Civic Cinema whilst enjoying movies for all ages on the big screen.
“There are also plenty of open-air options to get the kids off screens and devices and out into the fresh air. Explore Blackbutt Reserve and feed the friendly critters or enjoy a picnic with a view and get a historical fix at Fort Scratchley.”
Visit City’s Summer School Holidays page for a full list of activities and facility opening times.
There’s always so much to see and do in Newcastle – stay in the know by visiting What’s On in Newcastle.

Drugs and cash seized; man charged – Port Stephens

A man will face court today charged with drug and property offences in the Hunter region.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were conducting patrols of Oyster Cove following reports of a grey utility undertaking dangerous driving behaviour in the area.
Police were driving along Oyster Cove Road when they located a grey Holden ute stopped on the side of the road with two men changing a tyre on the vehicle.
Officers stopped and spoke with two men – aged 20 and 25.
Following further inquiries, police conducted a search of the vehicle where they located methylamphetamine and more than $2,000 in cash – some of the notes were melted together.
The 20-year-old was arrested and taken to Nelson Bay Police Station.
He was charged with supply indictable quantity prohibited drug and deal with the proceeds of crime, as well as a breach of bail offence.
The Lemon Tree Passage man was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Tuesday 5 January 2021).

Latest breaches of Public Health Orders

Police have taken legal action against eight people, including a man who allegedly attempted to leave hotel quarantine without satisfying the requirements under the Public Health Act.
Just after 8am yesterday (Tuesday 5 January 2021), police performing hotel quarantine duties at a hotel on Elizabeth Street, Sydney, were called to assist with a guest attempting to leave his room.
Officers were told the 43-year-old man, who arrived in Sydney from Los Angeles on Wednesday 23 December 2020, had refused COVID testing during his quarantine period and was therefore required to complete a further 10 days in hotel quarantine.
It’s alleged the man challenged police in the hallway and questioned police powers under the Public Health Act before the officers physically escorted back to his room.
Additional security officers were allocated to the floor to ensure the man complied with the quarantine order.
Following further inquiries, the Queensland man was charged with not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19.
He has been refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today (Wednesday 6 January 2021).
In a separate incident overnight, a man has been issued a $1,000 Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN) following a gathering at a home in Guildford.
About 10.45pm (Tuesday 5 January 2021), officers attached to Cumberland Police Area Command attended a home on Clement Street and discovered a house party with between 30 and 40 guests in attendance.
Police were told the group had earlier been playing loud drums in the backyard.
The homeowner, a 23-year-old man, was issued a $1,000 PIN for not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19. Inquiries are continuing.
Meanwhile, six people have also been fined for allegedly not wearing masks across Greater Sydney up until 5pm yesterday (Tuesday 5 January 2021).
– Officers from Police Transport Command (PTC) spoke with a 27-year-old man who was not wearing a face mask about 7.15am, as part of patrols on a Western Line train. The man stated he was in a hurry and didn’t have a face mask. He was issued a $200 Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN).
– About 1pm, PTC officers spoke to a 24-year-old man who was not wearing a mask on a Southern Line train. He told police he had some at home but forgot. He was issued a $200 PIN. The man was again spoken to by police at 2.20pm at Sydenham Railway Station, where he was given a warning and told to get a mask before boarding another train.
– PTC officers were patrolling Campsie Railway Station about 4.30pm, when they approached a 20-year-old man who was not wearing a mask. The man said he had taken it off while on the train before questioning police powers. He was issued a $200 PIN.
– A 23-year-old man was approached by PTC officers at Sydney Railway Station about 2.40pm, after he was observed riding a scooter on the platform after getting off a train. Despite being told not to ride on the platform, the man – who was not wearing a face mask – continued to ride the scooter. The man eventually stopped and put a mask over his face. Inquiries revealed he didn’t have an opal card and while being moved on from the area, the man removed his face covering. He was subsequently issued a $200 PIN as well as infringements for travelling without a valid ticket and riding the scooter on the platform.
– About 4.30pm, officers attached to PTC approached a 27-year-old woman who was not wearing a face mask at Campsie Railway Station. The woman became aggressive with police and was subsequently issued a $200 PIN.
Police also issued 29 warnings across Greater Sydney to people not wearing masks yesterday.
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.
Anyone with information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of COVID-19-related ministerial directions is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

One charged and two fined for not wearing masks in public across Sydney

Police have charged one person and fined two others who allegedly breached a Public Heath Order by not wearing a mask in public areas yesterday.
About 9.30am (Monday 4 January 2021), officers from Burwood Police Area Command stopped a man on The Boulevarde, Strathfield, after they allegedly saw him steal an energy drink from a nearby grocery store.
Police spoke to the man, who had taken off his mask, and told him he was under arrest for shoplifting.
During this time, the man allegedly refused to properly wear his mask and became aggressive with officers.
He allegedly verbally threatened police before being arrested and taken to Burwood Police Station, where he was charged with shoplifting, resist officer in execution of duty, two counts of intimidate police officer in execution of duty, and not wear fitted face covering in retail/business premises.
He was refused bail and is due to appear in Parramatta Local Court today (Tuesday 5 January 2020).
Two people were issued Penalty Infringement Notices for allegedly not wearing masks across Sydney up until 5pm yesterday (Monday 4 January 2021):

  • About 12.20pm, officers from Police Transport Command (PTC) stopped a 35-year-old man who was allegedly not wearing a mask at Seven Hills Railway Station. Officers attempted to issue the man a warning a number of times however he allegedly swore at police and told them to fine him. The man was issued a $200 PIN.
  • About 3pm, officers saw a 39-year-old man allegedly not wearing a mask at a shopping centre on Church Street, Parramatta. The man had allegedly been warned about not wearing a mask earlier in the day. He was issued a PIN.

Police also issued more than 25 official warnings across Greater Sydney to people not wearing masks yesterday.

City praised for drought response efforts

City of Newcastle’s water saving action has gained attention, with Hunter Water reporting an impressive 20% reduction in consumption during recent Level 1 and 2 Water Restrictions*, saving in excess of 80 megalitres of precious water and an estimated $220,000.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle is committed to long-term water efficiency initiatives and maintaining the momentum beyond the impressive results to-date.
“City staff acted quickly and worked collaboratively with Hunter Water and key stakeholders to reduce water consumption across the city, as soon as water restrictions were announced,” said Cr Nelmes.
“Initiatives included minimising irrigation practices at sporting fields, parks and Blackbutt Reserve, installing new rainwater tanks, using surface water catchment ponds at Summerhill Waste Management Centre, and auditing water use at inland pools.
“In addition, the City implemented efficiency strategies such as temporarily ceasing the water intensive annual planting regime at King Edward Park, and installing smart water meters at key sites across the city that track water usage in real time and help identify leaks.
“The City is currently installing new sand pipe infrastructure near Summerhill to access dam and non-potable water for washing down trucks and dust suppression. We will continue to use leak detection measures, improve irrigation practices, use nozzles, limit travelling irrigators, avoid daytime watering where possible, and increase staff awareness of water usage to change behaviours.
“Now that Smart Water Choices have replaced Level 1 Water Restrictions, City of Newcastle will continue to work with Hunter Water to ensure we are leading the way and using water as efficiently as possible, whilst continuing to provide amenity at key sites across the Local Government Area.
“This is an impressive result, but we must not be complacent. Collectively we need to continue to be mindful of our water consumption behaviours on an ongoing basis, particularly over this peak Summer water-usage period.
“We encourage Novocastrians to adopt simple everyday water saving behaviours that they demonstrated during Level 1 Water Restrictions.”
Hunter Water’s Executive Manager Customer Strategy & Retail, Victor Prasad, acknowledged the excellent water saving efforts of City of Newcastle.
“City of Newcastle has achieved a fantastic result and I applaud their ongoing commitment to saving our most precious resource,” said Mr Prasad.
“Hunter Water is grateful to all Councils across our area of operations for working closely with us during the period of water restrictions to drive down water use and encourage everyone to love water.
“We will build on these results to save even more drinking water by exploring opportunities for recycled water schemes to irrigate public open spaces and playing fields.”
*Hunter Water’s Level 1 and 2 Water Restrictions were in effect between September 2019 to 1 October 2020.

Licensee issued $5000 PIN; three others fined for alleged Public Health Order Breaches

Police have issued a licensee a $5000 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) after a Fairfield venue allegedly breached a Public Health Order.
Officers from Fairfield City Police Area Command, licensing police and South West Metropolitan Operations Support Group attended a venue on Spencer Street, Fairfield, about 9.30pm on Saturday (2 January 2021) after concerns were raised about the number of guests at a wedding.
Police observed a large group at the location and spoke to the venue operator, a 46-year-old man. He was advised a number of guests would be required to leave, which he complied with.
Following further inquiries, the licensee of the venue attended Fairfield Police Station yesterday afternoon (Sunday 3 January 2021).
He was issued a $5000 PIN for failing to comply with noticed direction s7/8/9-COVID-19-Corporation.
Separately, three individuals have also been fined in recent days for breaching the Public Health Order:
– A 27-year-old Cronulla woman has received two PINs in three days for failing to self-isolate as required under the Public Health Act. Officers from Tweed/Byron Police District attended a resort at Byron Bay about 8.30pm on Thursday (31 December 2020), after receiving information in relation a possible breach of public health orders. Police were told the woman had been notified she was a close contact of a positive COVID case but was not self-isolating and had not been tested. The woman was provided advice about testing facilities and self-isolation before being given PPE to assist with safe travel to the facility. Officers returned to the resort about 8pm the following day (Friday 1 January 2021), and found the woman was not self-isolating. The woman was issued a $1000 PIN for failing to comply with the direction under S7/8/9 of the Public Health Act. About 3.30pm yesterday (Sunday 3 January 2021), police were again called to resort after reports the woman was not self-isolating, instead swimming in the resort pool. Following inquiries, the woman was issued with another $1000 PIN for failing to comply with the direction under S7/8/9 of the Public Health Act.
– Two people have been issued PINs after leaving their Northern Beaches home to holiday on the state’s north coast. On Saturday (3 January 2021), police were notified that a man and woman, both aged 32, had left their Collaroy home the previous day to travel to Yamba for a holiday. Officers from Coffs/Clarence Police District spoke with the pair and determined they didn’t have a lawful excuse for leaving their home and, in doing so, had breached the Public Health (COVID-19 Northern Beaches) Order. Both were issued an $1000 PIN.
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.
Anyone with information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of COVID-19-related ministerial directions is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Man assaulted – Hawks Nest

Police are appealing for public assistance after a man was assaulted in the Hunter region at the weekend.
About 11.30am on Saturday 2 January 2021, a 56-year-old man was walking along Curlew Avenue, Hawks Nest, when he was approached by two unknown men.
Police have been told one of the men grabbed the 56-year-old by the shoulder and demanded he hand over his wallet before punching him in the face, while the second man stood nearby.
The man fell to the ground while the first man continued to assault him.
A short time later, a passing motorist stopped to render assistance as the unknown men fled the scene.
The bystander assisted the 56-year-old, who sustained minor injuries which did not require hospital treatment.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were notified yesterday (Sunday 3 January 2021) and commenced inquiries.
The men are both described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged in their early 30s, between 170cm-180cm tall, with slim builds and short dark hair.
The first man is further described as having facial stubble and missing a number of teeth.
Police are also appealing for the male motorist who stopped to render assistance to come forward, as he may be able to assist police with their inquiries.

Supporting the World Transplant Games 2023 in Perth

Perth will host the 2023 World Transplant Games in a major sporting coup for Australia.
The Morrison Government today announces it will provide Transplant Australia with $600,000 towards its preparations for the event which is expected to lure more than 1300 athletes and thousands more supporters from around the world.
Minister for Sport, Richard Colbeck and Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government Mark Coulton said securing the World Transplant Games would significantly boost awareness and provide inspiration for transplant recipients around the world.
“This will be a spectacular showcase of what can be achieved from transplant athletes who have had either an organ or bone marrow transplant,” Minister Colbeck said.
“The Games are the world’s largest awareness event promoting the importance of organ and tissue donation and just how high transplant recipients can aim in their recovery.”
Minister Colbeck said it also marked another major sporting event in the same year Australia will host the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“Australia has already proven itself as an enviable host of global sporting events and securing the World Transplant Games serves to reinforce that reputation,” he said.
It will be the third time Australia has hosted the biennial event. Previous World Transplant Games were held in Sydney in 1997 and the Gold Coast in 2009.
It will also be a triumphant return for the Games after the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the cancellation of the 2020 event in Texas.
Previously Australia has fielded teams in 20 of the 21 games, with competition in core sports including athletics, 3-on-3 basketball, road racing, cycling, darts, badminton, table tennis, volleyball, petanque, tennis, squash, tenpin bowling, and sprint triathlon.
Lawn bowls, beach volleyball and football are also under consideration.
Minister for Regional Health, Mark Coulton, said hosting the World Transplant Games provides an opportunity to celebrate Australia’s success stories.
“The games will highlight the importance of organ and tissue donation and will be a good chance for Australians to consider registering to become a donor and to discuss their intentions with their family,” Mr Coulton said.
“The games will see many visitors to Perth and Western Australia, and provide a boost for local businesses, hospitality and tourism.”
World Transplant Games Federation and Transplant Australia CEO, Chris Thomas, said the event is living proof that donation can lead to those with chronic organ failure living long and healthy lives.
“After the challenges of 2020 the world’s transplant population will be looking for a host city that’s modern, with excellent sporting facilities and first class health care services,” Mr Thomas said. “Perth will be a beautiful destination.
“Australia’s reputation across the world with how we handled the coronavirus pandemic gives people confidence they will be able to travel here safely to participate in this inspirational celebration.”
More information about the 2020-21 MYEFO statement is available online: www.budget.gov.au
To find out more about Transplant Australia and the World Transplant Games see www.wtgf.org

STATEMENT FROM GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN AND BRAD HAZZARD 2 JANUARY 2021

Given the risk of COVID-19 transmission on the Northern Beaches and across Greater Sydney (including Wollongong, Central Coast and Blue Mountains), the following adjustments are being made.
From midnight tonight, the southern zone of the Northern Beaches will be subject to the same restrictions as Greater Sydney.
Restrictions for the northern zone of the Northern Beaches remain the same with stay at home orders in place until 9 January 2021;

  • No visitors to the home.
  • Five northern zone residents can gather outdoors (not at homes) for exercise and recreation, from within the same zone.
  • Non-essential businesses remain closed.

Given the general risk in Greater Sydney, new measures are required to reduce the transmission potential of COVID-19 while maintaining economic activity.
The following measures for Greater Sydney (including Wollongong, Central Coast and Blue Mountains) are effective from midnight tonight;

  • Face masks will be mandatory in the following indoor settings: shopping (retail, supermarkets and shopping centres), public/shared transport, indoor entertainment (including cinemas and theatres), places of worship, hair and beauty premises. Face masks will also be mandatory for all staff in hospitality venues and casinos and for patrons using gaming services. Compliance will start from Monday, 4 January 2021 with $200 on the spot fines for individuals for non-compliance. Children under 12 are exempt but are encouraged to wear masks where practicable.
  • Gym classes reduced to 30 people.
  • Places of worship and religious services limited to 1 person per 4sqm up to a maximum of 100 people per separate area.
  • Weddings and funerals limited to 1 person per 4sqm up to a maximum of 100 people.
  • Outdoor performances and protests reduced to 500 people.
  • Controlled, outdoor gatherings (seated, ticketed, enclosed) reduced to 2,000 people.
  • Night clubs not permitted.

People are still encouraged to limit non-essential gatherings and reduce their mobility where possible to further minimise the risk of transmission in the community.
Whilst these measures do not apply to areas outside Greater Sydney (including Wollongong, Central Coast and Blue Mountains), we urge all residents and visitors across the State to practise COVID safe behaviours and get tested even if symptoms are mild.
We thank the community for their patience and understanding.
Our priority is always to protect the health and safety of the community.