NSW: COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS EASED

Restrictions for outdoor dining and outdoor music performances will be eased, under relaxed COVID-19 safety rules.

  1. From this Friday, 16 October restrictions at hospitality venues will be eased to allow one patron for every two square metres in outdoor areas (previously this was one person per four square metres).

Businesses wishing to take advantage of the relaxed restrictions must use electronic methods, like QR codes, to record and keep contact details.

  1. Under changes effective immediately, 500 people will be able to attend outdoor seated music performances and rehearsals, subject to the four square metre rule and people being seated (previously 20 people were permitted).

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the community and businesses are doing a great job of working together to keep COVID-19 at bay, which meant the rules could now be relaxed.
“In NSW, we are focused on keeping the virus under control but also ensuring our economy keeps going and these changes will allow hospitality venues to increase their capacity in a COVID-Safe way,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This is also a big boost for our music industry with more people in NSW able to enjoy music in the outdoors over the summer.
“Our aim is to provide as many opportunities as we can for businesses and organisations to succeed – but for that strategy to be successful we need everyone to follow their COVID-19 Safety Plan.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said relaxing the rules to one patron per two square metres in outdoor areas will provide a big boost to hospitality businesses.
“Cafés, restaurants, pubs and clubs can now open up to more people as we enter summer and this will help drive recovery and keep people in jobs,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This is an important change and increasing capacity for patrons was something raised by many stakeholders at the recent Summer Summit.”
Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said easing the rules would breathe more life into hospitality venues after a rocky year of closures and limited re-openings, giving the community more opportunities to dine out.
“This is another step toward as normal a life as possible in a COVID-19 world, and will draw more people to our hospitality venues to catch up with family and friends, particularly in outdoor spaces as summer approaches,” Mr Hazzard said.
“In doing so we increase our risk, so it’s important everyone continues to practise physical distancing and good hand hygiene, and to get tested if unwell and stay home until a negative result is obtained.”
NSW Health Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said hospitality venues will still be required to have a COVID-19 Safety Plan.
“Hospitality venues will also need to use electronic methods to capture and keep contact records of their patrons, if they wish to take advantage of the new eased restrictions,” Dr Chant said.
Organisers of outdoor music performances or rehearsals are required to have a COVID-19 Safety Plan, which must cover:

  • Wellbeing of the audience
  • Physical distancing requirements for audience
  • Hygiene and cleaning requirements
  • Record keeping of all attendees.

Facilitator, Roundtable of Vocal, Instrumental and Music Education Organisations (RIVMEO), Stephen O’Doherty, said the easing of restrictions will make a big difference to thousands of musicians for whom making music for the enjoyment of others is a central part of their life.
“The checklist provided by Health will be of great assistance to groups in planning outdoor performances and rehearsals. It is a helpful and sensible way to phase in the return of group music,” Mr O’Doherty said.
You can find more information on the COVID-19 Safety plan for outdoor music performances here.

NEW 10 YEAR STRATEGY TO SUPPORT 850,000 CARERS

The NSW Government’s new 10-year strategy released during National Carers Week will ensure the states 850,000 carers will receive better support and recognition to improve their financial and physical wellbeing.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said the strategy aims to help carers overcome the challenges involved with caring for loved ones.
“National Carers Week is a significant time to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contribution unpaid carers make to our communities,” Mr Ward said.
“Under the strategy, the NSW Government will make it easier for carers to access information and services, reduce financial stress and look after their own health and wellbeing.”
This includes a new landing page for carers on the Service NSW website and an awareness campaign, It’s Caring, to help carers self-identify and seek help.
Action plans, released every two years, will set out the steps NSW Government agencies and the sector are taking to better support and recognise carers.
In NSW, carers provide care and support to a family member or friend who has a disability, mental illness, alcohol or drug dependency, long-term health condition or the elderly.
Carers NSW CEO Elena Katrakis said the strategy will provide an important framework and direction for supporting carers over the next 10 years and help to overcome the many challenges carers face.
“Carers are providing more hours of care than ever before and this new strategy will make it easier for carers to access the information and support that they need to continue their vital caring roles,” Ms Katrakis said.
To access the NSW Carers Strategy 2020-2030 please visit https://www.facs.nsw.gov.au/inclusion/carers
Information on National Carers Week is at https://carersweek.com.au/

One business and 16 individuals fined, and a woman charged over weekend COVID breaches

Police have issued one business and 16 individuals with Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) and charged one person at the weekend following a number of alleged breaches of Ministerial Directions under the Public Health Act.
Just after 2.30pm on Saturday (10 October 2020), officers from Kings Cross Police Area Command attended a restaurant at Macleay Street, Potts Point, to conduct a business inspection.
It was established that the restaurant was using an outdated COVID Safety Plan and was not up to date with the current requirements under the Public Health Act.
Further, the manager was unable to locate a copy of the venue’s liquor licence, as required under Liquor Regulation 2018.
Following further inquiries, the manager was issued a $5000 PIN.
Just before 12.30am last Friday (9 October 2020) officers attached to Operation Border Closure stopped a Nissan Patrol at the checkpoint on Murray Valley Way, Euston.
Police spoke with the 53-year-old female driver, who indicated she did not have identification or a permit because her purse had been stolen. She verbally provided details to be checked, which revealed that there was no driver’s licence recorded for that identity, and entry into NSW had been refused four days prior.
While speaking with the woman, officers noticed a handbag on the back seat of the vehicle, which was then established to belong to her. It contained identification in a different name – the woman’s true identity.
During a search of the woman’s belongings, police also located and seized heroin and further checks revealed the woman’s licence was suspended until 2021.
The woman was issued a Court Attendance Notice for drive whilst disqualified and possess prohibited drug and is due to appear in court at a later date.
She was also issued with a $1000 PIN for fail to comply notice/direction in relation to section 7/8/9 COVID-19 and a second $1000 PIN for fail to provide/give false information on request COVID-19 Border Control.
Officers from Operation Border Closure also stopped a Hyundai Getz about 10pm on Friday at the checkpoint on Murray Valley Way, Euston, and spoke with the 26-year-old male driver.
The man said he had travelled from South Australia and was not aware he required a permit.
Subsequent checks revealed the man had attempted to enter NSW at the Tooleybuc checkpoint just after 8pm, was refused entry and advised entry was only permitted via the Sturt Highway at the Mildura checkpoint.
Police issued the man with a $1000 PIN and refused entry into NSW.
About 1am on Saturday (10 October 2020), officers attached to Operation Border Closure stopped a Holden Commodore at the Barham checkpoint and spoke with the 50-year-old female driver, who was unable to produce a permit to enter NSW.
During a subsequent search of the vehicle, police located a 60-year-old woman in the boot of the car.
Both women were issued with $1000 PINs for fail to comply notice/direction in relation to section 7/8/9 COVID-19.
The older woman was also charged with a breach of bail and issued a Traffic Infringement Notice for travel in/on boot of motor vehicle.
She is next due to appear at Deniliquin Local Court on Tuesday 3 November 2020.
Further, as previously reported, a 19-year-old woman was charged, and 11 people were issued PINs following an unauthorised protest in Sydney CBD on Saturday.
The woman is due to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday 3 November 2020.
Police are reminding the community that restrictions still apply for travel from Victoria into NSW, and exempt residents must use specific routes to be granted entry at the southern border.
Under a new exemptions issued by the NSW Government on Friday, returning NSW residents and residents of Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, and the ACT and Northern Territory may enter NSW at one designated checkpoint without a permit and only if they meet certain criteria.
These residents will only be granted entry at the George Caffey Bridge on the Sturt Highway at Mildura.
In addition, they must not have been in Victoria in the previous 14 days, other than travelling on the Sturt Highway for the purpose of getting to or from NSW and South Australia.
More information about restrictions at the border can be found at: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/what-you-can-and-cant-do-under-rules/border-restrictions
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 who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 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.

Investigation underway into fatal crash near Lake Macquarie

A man has died following a single-vehicle crash in the Lake Macquarie region this morning.
About 5.15am (Tuesday 13 October 2020), emergency services were called to the M1, near Palmers Road, at Freemans Waterhole, following reports a car had left the road and rolled down an embankment.
On arrival, officers from Lake Macquarie Police District located the driver and single occupant of the vehicle, a man, deceased. He has not been formally identified.
A crime scene was established, and investigations are continuing into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
As investigations continue, any witnesses or anyone with dash cam vision is urged to come forward.
Traffic diversions remain in place – visit www.livetraffic.com for more information.

Appeal to locate missing boy – Hunter region

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a missing boy from the Hunter region.
Connor Fitzsimmons, aged 12, was last seen leaving a home and riding his scooter on Kookaburra Street, Woodberry, about 11.10am yesterday (Monday 12 October 2020).
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were contacted and have commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.
Police and family hold concerns for his welfare due to his age and a medical condition.
He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 140cm tall, with a thin build and dark brown faded hair. He was last seen wearing a camouflage cap, a grey hooded jumper, black jeans and black ‘Nike’ runners.
He is known to frequent the Wallsend and Newcastle areas.
Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to contact police immediately.

Charges laid over alleged Hunter hydroponic house

A man has been charged with additional drugs offences as part of a two-year investigation into a hydroponic house in the state’s Hunter region.
About 7.30pm on Saturday 24 March 2018, officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended a home on Honeysuckle Drive, Aberglasslyn, where they located a large amount of cannabis.
Officers established a crime scene, with Strike Force Devom set up to conduct an investigation into the alleged cultivation of cannabis.
Two days later (Monday 26 March 2018), strike force detectives executed a search warrant at the property, which they will allege in court had been converted into a hydroponic house.
Officers located and seized a number of items, including 321 cannabis plants and over 22kg of loose cannabis leaf.
As part of ongoing inquiries, police attended a home on Dimmock Street at Hunterview, near Singleton, on Wednesday 16 September 2020, where officers allegedly located and dismantled an elaborate hydroponic setup.
A 28-year-old man was arrested and charged; he remains before the courts.
Following further inquiries, police issued the man a Court Attendance Notice for cultivate large commercial quantity of prohibited plant yesterday (Monday 12 October 2020).
He is due to next appear at Muswellbrook Local Court on Monday 16 November 2020.

Recognising the work of our carers

The enormous contribution of carers is being celebrated as part of National Carers Week.
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Richard Colbeck, said more than 2.65 million carers give their time, effort and love to look after a partner, family member or friend who needs them.
“The commitment of carers across Australia to support senior and vulnerable Australians should not be underestimated,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Carers are integral to the quality of life and independence of many Australians and make an important economic contribution to the community.
“For all those people who put the needs of others before their own, we say thank you.”
Minister Colbeck said the Government is particularly conscious of the additional demands the COVID-19 pandemic is having on carers across the country.
“We know the need to limit visitors to their home has increased the level of worry and stress for carers, but help and support is available,” Minister Colbeck said.
In what also marks World Mental Health Week, the Government has released a number of mental health packages to help support people and their carers during the COVID-19 pandemic including:

  • The Head to Health website supports people and their carers needing help coping with anxiety or worry about COVID-19
  • Dedicated coronavirus digital resources and a 24/7 phone counselling service led by Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) staffed by accredited mental health professionals
  • Additional funding to bolster critical phone and online support services, including Lifeline (13 11 14), to help ensure it can meet increased demand.

“The Australian Government has also invested $48.1 million to implement the National Mental Health and Wellbeing Pandemic Response Plan,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Through this plan, we provided $3 million to boost services through the Carer Gateway, as well as $500,000 to Carers Australia to encourage carers of people with a mental illness to connect with others in the same circumstances, and to access online resources for their own wellbeing and self-care.”
“Anyone at any time can become a carer so this year—and beyond—we acknowledge and commend the outstanding contribution made by carers in our community,” he said.
Support network, Carer Gateway, is among the services which offers counselling, connection with other carers, coaching, courses and emergency respite services.
Carers can contact Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737, to speak to trained worker in their local area to help find the services and support required.
The Commonwealth Home Support Programme also supports care relationships through planned respite services for older people, allowing carers to take a much needed break from their usual caring responsibilities.
Senior Australians, their families and carers also have access to a free dedicated mental health support line for those impacted by the spread of COVID-19.
The phone line offers practical help and guidance during this challenging time.
The number is 1800 171 866 and the service is open Monday to Friday between 8:30am to 6pm.
For more information, please visit the Carer Gateway.
National Carers Week continues until 17 October.

LABOR: RECOVERY REQUIRES REAL ECONOMIC REFORM

Australia needs political leadership that will ensure we emerge from the recession stronger than we were before it began.
History tells us attempting to deal with recessions by restoring pre-crisis conditions is a sure path to failure.
We need reform. Real reform.
Effective economic reform, as always, should focus on the three Ps – population, productivity and participation.
With the pandemic meaning that more people are leaving Australia than arriving, population will not be increasing.
Childcare reform is needed to boost participation in the workforce and productivity. That motivates Labor’s plan to address the absurd design flaw in our tax and childcare systems which discourages many working mothers from working full time.
Caps on childcare subsidies mean women who want to work more than three days a week often see the cost of childcare consume the bulk or even all of their wages.
For so many working women, it’s simply not worth working more than three days a week.
This derails careers, it deprives working women of opportunities they’ve earned.
This makes no sense.
It’s holding back families from getting ahead and it’s holding back our economy.
It means we are not fully utilising our nation’s greatest resource – our people.
A Labor government will fix this.
We will remove the $10,560 a year annual cap on the childcare subsidy from July 1 2022.
We will also increase the maximum childcare subsidy to 90 per cent – cutting costs for 97 per cent of all families in the system.
We will require the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to design a price regulation mechanism to ensure every taxpayer family benefits from this reform.
Families should be able to work out their own working arrangements without one gender being disadvantaged.
The economic payoff will be huge. Modelling shows that clearing the way for greater female workforce participation will boost economic growth by $4 billion a year.
Then there is the benefit to children.
The human brain develops 90 per cent of its capacity in the first five years of life.
Our reform will give children greater access to early childhood education, which will improve their prospects in later life.
This will benefit workplaces – not just day-to-day productivity but years of valuable experience and knowledge and skills.
Labor’s childcare change represents fundamental structural reform that will not only change lives, but also turbo charge economic growth.
This underlines the difference between Labor and the conservatives.
While the Liberals resist reform, Labor governments drive change in the national interest.
We take on the tough reform tasks that change our nation for the better.
Universal health care. Affordable university education. Compulsory superannuation. The National Broadband Network. The NDIS.
Then there are the great economic reforms of the Hawke and Keating era which set the platform for three decades of economic growth and prosperity.
Our childcare initiative is cut from the same cloth.
It is not just about fairness. It will transform our national economy for the better.

Prime Minister Opens New Military Vehicle Centre Of Excellence

 
The Morrison Government has officially opened Rheinmetall Defence Australia’s Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE) in Redbank, Queensland, which will see hundreds of long-term jobs created for Queensland workers.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says the new defence industry facility in Redbank is part of the Economic Recovery Plan to create jobs as the nation recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are committed to keeping Australians safe, while protecting the nation’s interests in a rapidly changing global environment,” the Prime Minister said.
“This week’s budget has seen the Federal Government bring forward $1 billion worth of capability projects and reservist days to support jobs, the Australian defence industry and the wider economy.”
“This Queensland centre will be where some of the most advanced armoured vehicles in the world will be produced, by Australian workers.”
“The MILVEHCOE will create more than 450 long-term jobs and become a national asset for military vehicles.”
The Prime Minister also congratulated Rheinmetall Defence Australia for securing work to export at least 30 Lance Turrets from MILVEHCOE to Hungary.
“This is a significant export order, and a clear demonstration of the Government’s commitment to supporting Australian defence industry to achieve export success,” Mr Morrison said.
“We make things in Australia. We do it well. And this is an example of how we are continuing to make things in Australia.”
“Defence is one of six priority areas under our $1.5 billion Modern Manufacturing Strategy and is backed by measures from Tuesday’s budget. This includes the JobMaker hiring credits to boost employment, a $2.8 billion programme to support apprenticeship and trainee jobs through wage subsidies and tax incentives so businesses can deduct the full cost of any eligible assets and to offset loss against previous profits, for businesses with a turnover of under $5 billion.
Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said the vehicles from MILVEHCOE represent a new level of capability for the Army.
“As outlined in the 2020 Force Structure Plan, the Boxer will provide enhanced mobility, firepower, protection and situational awareness to our troops,” Minister Reynolds said.
“They will allow our Australian Defence Force personnel to rapidly deploy, achieve their missions and importantly, return home safely.”
“I join the Prime Minister in congratulating Rheinmetall Defence Australia on securing new export opportunities. A resilient and internationally competitive defence industry is essential to Australia’s national security.
Minister for Defence Industry, Hon Melissa Price said MILVEHCOE represented a watershed in Defence self-reliance, backed by a secure domestic supply chain provided by home-grown Australian businesses.
“Australian industry will play a vital role delivering and sustaining key Australian defence capabilities at the facility,” Minister Price said.
“Rheinmetall will use suppliers across Australia to design, build, assemble, test and support the Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles and training systems.”
“The work at this facility is terrific news for Queensland workers and defence companies across the country.”
Rheinmetall will use the MILVEHCOE facility to build and assemble the majority of Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles, which are being delivered to the Australian Army under the $5 billion LAND 400 Phase 2 project.
The facility will also be used to conduct integration, support and heavy grade repair for the logistics trucks and modules being delivered under the LAND 121 Phase 3B and 5B projects.

HEAVY LIFTING REACHES MAJOR MILESTONE OVER NEWCASTLE ROAD

Dozens of workers have spent the night installing a 34-metre-long bridge across Newcastle Road.
Minister for Roads Andrew Constance said the new 44 tonne steel truss was lifted into place overnight, marking a major milestone on the project.
“This complex process was carried out in the very early hours of this morning. Crews had to use a 400 tonne all terrain crane to lift the truss into position.
“This creates the main structural part of the shared bridge path, which is the first to span Newcastle Road.
“Crews worked for 15 hours straight to ensure it was safely placed and secured before the crane could be moved out of the way and Newcastle Road reopened.”
Mr Constance said the bridge is a steel arch design and drivers will today see the main span is a red hue in colour.
“This bridge is expected to improve traffic flow on Newcastle Road once complete, as the pedestrian lights just west of the ramp will be removed when it opens to pedestrian and cycle traffic next year,” Mr Constance said.
“This $15 million NSW Government-funded project is also helping sustain 45 full time positions and providing work for 62 contractors and suppliers in these difficult times.”
The next stage of early work on the Newcastle Inner City Bypass project will include site preparation and utility relocation in New Lambton Heights.