One of Australia’s oldest public schools will undergo a $53 million makeover that will almost double student capacity and create hundreds of jobs.
The expansion of the Fort Street Public School in Millers Point is the latest to be approved as part of the NSW Government’s Planning System Acceleration Program.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the development at Upper Fort Street in Millers Point will boost the school’s capacity from 220 students to 391 students, create 229 construction jobs and 20 new operational jobs.
“Fort Street was established as one of Australia’s first public schools in 1849. Its expansion and redevelopment will provide better teaching and learning facilities for students and teachers, as well as providing new and improved open space,” Mr Stokes said.
“The project includes the refurbishment of important heritage buildings such as the Fort Street Public School itself, the Bureau of Meteorology (Met) Building, and the Messenger’s Cottage.”
“It will also provide new open spaces for students to enjoy, including a new amphitheatre and central plaza as well as new roof gardens on top of the new southern buildings and the existing Met Building.”
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said the expansion of Fort Street Public School is critical to ensuring long-term primary school demand is met in Sydney.
“The NSW Government is responding to the need for additional public education infrastructure by investing $6.7 billion over four years to deliver new schools and upgrade existing schools,” Ms Mitchell said.
“This represents the biggest investment in school building in the history of NSW.”
This is the latest project to be approved as part of the NSW Government’s Planning System Acceleration Program. To date, the program has created opportunities for more than 50,000 direction jobs and more than $25 billion of economic investment.
THOUSANDS OF NOVOCASTRIANS OPPOSE CENTRELINK CLOSURE
Almost three and a half thousand Novocastrians have signed a petition against the planned closure of Newcastle Centrelink offices.
Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon, who established the petition, spoke on behalf of signatories in a speech about Centrelink in the House of Representatives.
Ms Claydon said the Morrison Government plans to close both the Newcastle CBD and Mayfield Centrelink offices.
“Not content with capping staff and slashing resources, the Morrison government recently turned its attention to shutting down Centrelink’s physical presence in communities—the very offices that people go to when they need help,” Ms Claydon said.
“The first I heard was when the minister wrote to me to tell me that the government will be closing the Mayfield and King Street Centrelink offices to replace them with a single office in a yet to be determined location. He talked coldly of ‘consolidation’ – which of course we all know is Liberal code for cuts, cuts and more cuts.”
Ms Claydon said she was overwhelmed by the response to her campaign against the closures.
“It has been quite incredible, actually. I have received dozens and dozens of calls, letters and emails of solidarity. People wrote to me about how much they relied on Centrelink’s frontline services. They shared their personal stories about what those offices meant to them and their families, and they sent me copies of the letters that they had sent to the minister urging him to axe this stupid plan.
“If I was heartened by the letters of support, I was completely overwhelmed by the support for my community petition. Today, I’d like to formally record in the Australian parliament that 3,458 Novocastrians signed this petition which called on the government to axe this terrible plan and leave Newcastle’s Centrelink offices alone,” Ms Claydon told the House.
Ms Claydon said she had recently learned that the Newcastle closure was part of a bigger plan.
“Initially, we thought it was just the one office. Then we learned of another and another and another. It quickly became clear that they weren’t isolated decisions. No, they were part of a devious, coordinated plan to shrink Centrelink’s frontline footprint by stealth.
“Of course, the Morrison government wasn’t honest with the public about these plans, which will leave jobseekers—needy and vulnerable Australians—out in the cold.”
Ms Claydon thanked everyone who had participated in the Newcastle campaign against shutting down local Centrelnk offices.
“I’d like to sincerely thank each and every person who took the time to write, to call, to email or to drop in to my office to register their dissent,” Ms Claydon said.
“On this matter, there can be no doubt: Newcastle loudly, proudly and unequivocally said ‘no’ to these closures.”
Ms Claydon said Centrelink has always been there for Australians when they have been at their lowest ebb.
“When people face bereavement or disability they look to Centrelink for support. When they take on caring duties or get sick they rely on Centrelink to get them through.
“Indeed, it’s Centrelink that millions of Australians have turned to in recent months as COVID-19 restrictions threatened or destroyed an unthinkable number of jobs and businesses.”
Sharon’s complete speech on the Services Australia Governance Amendment Bill 2020 is available here.
Man to face Court charged with sexual offences – Newcastle
A man has been charged with sexual offences alleged to have occurred near the Newcastle baths earlier today.
About 3.00pm on Sunday 11 October 2020, officers from Newcastle City Police District attended the Newcastle Baths on Shortland Esplanade, following reports a man at the beach a man had allegedly exposed himself towards a group of boys in the changeroom area of the baths.
The man left the baths a short time later and security at the baths notified police.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District commenced an investigation and arrested a 22-year-old man.
The man was taken to Newcastle Police Station and charged with two counts of intentionally do sexual act with child between 10 and 16, carry out sexual act with another without consent and wilful and obscene exposure.
The man has been refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court tomorrow (Monday 12 October 2020).
Unlicensed driver charged after crashing unregistered car into house – Raymond Terrace
A man will appear in court today charged after crashing an unregistered car into a house in the Hunter region last night.
About 9.20pm (Saturday 10 October 2020), officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were patrolling in the Raymond Terrace area, following reports of a suspicious vehicle.
Police observed a silver Holden Commodore travelling on Links Road; however, it drove away in the opposite direction.
A short time later, the Holden was located crashed into a home on Scott Close, Raymond Terrace.
The crash caused extensive damage to the front concrete veranda of the home, estimated to be valued at more than $40,000.
The driver, a 23-year-old man, was arrested and taken to John Hunter Hospital for mandatory testing.
He was later taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station and charged with drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, never licensed person drive vehicle on road and use unregistered registrable class A motor vehicle on road.
The man was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Bail Court today (Sunday 11 October 2020).
Inquiries are continuing.
Woman charged and 11 PINs to be issued following Sydney protest
Police have charged a woman and will issue 11 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) for breaching the Public Health Order following an unauthorised protest in Sydney.
A high-visibility police operation was launched in response to the unauthorised protest that took place about 1pm today (Saturday 10 October 2020), to ensure the safety of the community and enforce the current Public Health Orders.
General duties officers from Surry Hills Police Area Command and across the Central Metropolitan Region were assisted by specialist police from the Public Order and Riot Squad, Police Transport Command and Traffic and Highway Patrol Command.
The large group gathered in Taylors Square and were warned the mass gathering was in breach of the NSW Public Health Order, that prohibits outdoor gatherings of more than 20 people.
Following a speech, the group began to split, each making its way down Oxford Street, before the majority ended up in Hyde Park and then dispersing.
During the operation, a 19-year-old woman was arrested and taken to Kings Cross Police Station.
She was charged with resist or hinder police officer in the execution of duty, assault officer in the execution of duty and not comply with noticed direction s 7/8/9 – COVID-19.
The Bronte woman was granted conditional bail and is due to appear before Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday 3 November 2020.
A further 11 people will be issued $1000 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) in relation to breaches of the Public Health Order and one move on direction was issued.
Police appeal following pursuit with stolen vehicle near Singleton
Police are appealing for information to locate the occupants of a stolen vehicle, that was located crashed through a fence in the state’s Hunter region today.
About 1.30am (Saturday 10 October 2020), officers from Hunter Valley Police District were called to Bridge Street, Branxton, after reports of suspicious activity.
Upon arrival, police observed an unknown man standing next to a Holden utility, and subsequent checks revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen from a house at Singleton earlier in the evening.
As police approached the vehicle, it drove off along Russell Street and down Railway Street.
When the vehicle failed to stop, a pursuit was initiated, however, it was terminated due to safety concerns.
A short time later, police located the utility abandoned and on its side in a paddock near Standen and Corinda drives, after having hit a fence.
A search of the surrounding area was conducted, but the occupants of the vehicle could not be located.
A crime scene was established, with a number of items seized from the vehicle that will undergo forensic examination.
An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is underway and investigators are appealing for anyone who may have seen the vehicle, or who may have information, to contact Singleton Police Station on (02) 6578 7499 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Updated travel advice for exempt residents travelling between NSW and SA
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 exemption issued by the NSW Government yesterday (Friday 9 October 2020), 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.
Those who are unable to meet the requirements for an exemption will be refused entry into NSW and must return to Victoria.
Other specific circumstances of travel from Victoria into NSW will still require a permit. Apply here: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-covid-19-nsw-border-entry-permit
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
There are no restrictions in place for states or territories other than Victoria to cross the NSW border; however, each has its own entry requirements and travel restrictions from NSW.
The community is reminded they must also comply with any border rules of the state or territory they are entering or leaving.
The Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) provides police with the power to enforce Public Health Orders. It is an offence for a person to fail to comply with an order, and severe penalties apply, which include a maximum penalty of up to $11,000 and/or six months imprisonment for individuals.
The standard penalty will be a $1000 fine by way of a Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN).
It is an offence to provide false information when applying for permits or exemptions, with a maximum penalty of $22,000 and/or two years imprisonment for individuals.
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour that 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.
Liberal & Labor put millionaires before the million unemployed with deal to pass tax cuts
Leader of the Australian Greens Adam Bandt & Economic Justice Spokesperson Nick McKim have today slammed a deal between the Labor and Liberal parties to ram through tens of billions of dollars in tax cuts and corporate welfare.
Liberal & Labor also opposed Greens amendments that would have excluded millionaires from the tax cuts, and ensured goods purchased with company tax credits were made in Australia.
“Liberal and Labor have put the millionaires ahead of the million unemployed,” said Mr Bandt.
“In the middle of a recession, it is rampantly obscene that Liberal and Labor have fast-tracked tax cuts for millionaires.
“Instead of fighting Tories, Labor is cuddling them.
“Liberal and Labor have rammed through major changes to Australia’s tax system with zero pause or time for scrutiny.
“This budget is a trickle down con-job that spends big, but spends badly, and will prolong the recession. It favours millionaires over the millions, and puts corporate welfare ahead of helping people recover from the pandemic.
“This was a chance for our government to invest in delivering full employment and meaningful work in clean industries, as well as investing in the care economy, education, affordable housing, renewables and sustainable infrastructure. Instead, Liberals and Labor chose a gas-powered future that delivers billions in corporate welfare and tax cuts for millionaires.”
Greens Economic Justice Spokesperson Nick McKim said:
“The Government and Labor worked together to block amendments that would have excluded millionaires from the tax cut, and ensure goods purchased with company tax credits were made in Australia,” Senator McKim said.
“Last night Anthony Albanese said the budget didn’t go far enough to boost Australian manufacturing – but today rejected a chance to fix it.
“These tax cuts deliver $2500 for millionaires, $250 for the working poor and a kick in the teeth for the unemployed.”
Aged care research centre to draw on world’s best practice
Flinders University has been awarded the contract to develop the first stage of the Australian Government’s new $34 million Aged Care Centre for Growth and Translation Research.
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Senator Richard Colbeck, said the centre, would draw on world best practice and examine new ways to deliver care for senior Australians, and training and education for aged care providers.
Stage 1 will establish the model for the centre and set the research priorities for the first year of operation.
“We expect to see improvements in aged care practice, as well as workforce efficiencies and the use of technology to continue to improve aged care,” Minister Colbeck said.
“It will promote workforce reforms based on evidence from research, provide an incubator to fast-track research into practice, and provide a forum to ensure that innovations can be taken up by the sector.”
The centre is one of the strategic actions from Australia’s Aged Care Workforce Strategy – A Matter of Care.
It will be pivotal in enhancing and fast-tracking the reform required to ensure the delivery of quality aged care services.
Minister Colbeck said the centre’s priorities will be informed by the findings from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety and lessons learned through the COVID -19 pandemic.
It comes on top of the 2020-21 Budget allocation of $10.3 million over three years for the Aged Care Industry Council to implement an aged care workforce strategy.
The Council will be a significant partner in guiding the operation of the centre and disseminating its work to the sector.
“Older Australians deserve the best care possible, delivered by a skilled and capable workforce, using best-practice models of care and the latest technologies,” Minister Colbeck said.
Following establishment of the model, a request for tender will be released seeking a consortia to establish and operate the Centre from early 2021. Australian Government funding will continue through to 30 June 2024.
Medical boost for Murray Darling Network
The Central West of New South Wales is set to benefit with 37 medical student places to be funded by the Australian Government at Charles Sturt University’s new medical school in Orange.
Minister for Education Dan Tehan said it was important to ensure students and communities shared in the benefit that locally offered medical degrees would bring to the region.
“Regional Australia needs more doctors,” Mr Tehan said.
“Charles Sturt will be able to deliver a fully rural medical program that will allow students who grow up in country Australia to complete their medical degree at a rural university campus.
“This will also bring students from the cities to study and work in regional locations.”
The Orange medical school is one of five new rural medical programs that form the Murray-Darling Medical Schools Network, and are sharing in $74 million in funding to help attract and retain doctors who understand local issues and concerns.
With building activities underway at Orange, students will be able to take advantage of cutting-edge learning facilities as well as student accommodation.
“As most medical training currently happens in the cities, this will mean students in Orange and the Central West of NSW can train within their local area,” Mr Tehan said.
“These new rural medical schools ‘flip’ the current model of medical training and students can do most of their training in regional Australia.”
Authorised by The Hon Dan Tehan MP, Liberal Party of Australia, Parliament House, Canberra
Minister for Regional Health Mark Coulton said regional Australian communities needed more doctors in the right place, at the right time.
“The Government is investing in the Murray-Darling Medical Schools Network to help attract and retain doctors in rural and regional Australia,” Minister Coulton said.
“We know greater exposure to rural training opportunities leads to more doctors and health professionals choosing rural careers.”
Minister for Regional Education and Federal Member for Calare Andrew Gee said he was excited to see Charles Sturt University’s new medical school open next year with 37 medical student places.
“We fought long and hard for this medical school which will train doctors in the bush for practice in the bush,” Mr Gee said.
“It is only fair that country students have the same educational opportunities as their city cousins and that includes training to become a doctor.
“Orange’s new medical school has lasting significance and will be training our country medical workforce for generations to come.”
Once all rural medical schools are operating, around 140 students will begin their medical studies across the Murray-Darling region of New South Wales and Victoria every year.
Charles Sturt University, one of the Network members, is partnering with Western Sydney University to deliver a fully rural medical program at Orange.