Support for drought and bushfire impacted regional communities across NSW is continuing through our public schools, with the NSW Government announcing the extension of the Drought Entitlement Maintenance Program to 2023 to keep teachers in rural schools.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro and Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell announced the extension of the program today, continuing the Government’s commitment to supporting regional communities hardest hit by drought and bushfires by locking in staffing numbers at local schools.
Mr Barilaro said regional communities need support from governments now more than ever, despite conditions improving across the state and this announcement reaffirms the NSW Government’s commitment to boosting jobs in the regions.
“Regional communities have done it tough over the last few years and we know how important our schools are when it comes to keeping life in country towns. That is why the NSW Nationals are committed to providing stability for our students by supporting schools to keep their staff, regardless of fluctuations in enrolments,” Mr Barilaro said.
“This program will support our regional kids, keep families local, provide crucial jobs in country towns and keep our regional communities strong. Every additional teaching job means an extra family in town, shopping at local stores and injecting money into local economies.”
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the Entitlement Maintenance Program began in 2018, in acknowledgement of the fact that enrolments in schools might have fluctuated due to the relentless nature of the drought, posing the risk of decreasing staff numbers.
“I know how crucial it has been to provide students and families with stability throughout some of the toughest years our state has ever seen,” Ms Mitchell said.
“With drought, bushfires, floods and a global pandemic, kids need consistent support from principals, teachers and school staff who they know and trust.”
Ms Mitchell added that the schools currently involved in the Entitlement Maintenance Program will automatically have their staffing numbers extended; meaning schools won’t have to reapply for these positions.
“268 schools in regional and remote parts of NSW will benefit from the extension of this program, which is a great thing for our country kids,” Ms Mitchell said.
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NSW GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES $100 MILLION REGIONAL JOB CREATION FUND
Regional businesses that can increase employment by expanding production lines or relocate operations to regional NSW from interstate or overseas will have access to support grants of up to $10 million under a new program designed to create more jobs across the state.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the $100 million Regional Job Creation Fund will provide businesses with the money they need to fast track expansion plans, to create jobs and stimulate the local economy.
“NSW businesses have demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of drought, bushfires and COVID-19 and this unprecedented funding program will help them thrive instead of just survive,” Mr Barilaro said.
“I have set an ambitious target for the Regional Job Creation Fund to create at least 5,000 new direct jobs across regional NSW in the next three years by providing businesses with the equipment, infrastructure and capacity they need to create new opportunities and attract new customers.
“Regional NSW is the engine room of our state and this program will deliver immediate economic stimulus as businesses leverage new opportunities by providing work for tradies and suppliers.
“Regional NSW’s abundance of natural resources, its pool of skilled labour and the NSW Government’s record infrastructure spend is providing businesses and industry with everything they need to succeed.”
Mr Barilaro said the Regional Job Creation Fund will provide grants between $100,000 and up to $10 million to undertake projects that create jobs, including those that;
- Replace, upgrade or adapt existing plant or equipment, including technology or energy efficiency upgrades
- Enable existing regional NSW businesses to establish an additional production line
- Relocate a business from interstate or internationally to regional NSW, or onshore an activity currently being undertaken overseas to regional NSW
- Develop new tourism experiences and attractions to create new demand in a region.
Applications are now open and will close on Friday 14 May 2021 or when program funding is fully allocated.
For information about eligibility criteria and program guidelines, go to www.investregionalnsw.com/RJCFund
TAFE NSW DEVELOPS VIRTUAL REALITY HEALTH TRAINING
The NSW Government today announced TAFE NSW has partnered with key health industry players to deliver a virtual reality point-of-care blood testing pilot.
TAFE NSW joined with NSW Health Pathology, CognitiveVR, and global leader in in vitro diagnostic solutions, Werfen, to develop the innovative training solution.
Healthcare workers will use a virtual reality (VR) headset to perform hands-on blood testing and equipment maintenance in a safe, virtual environment.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the NSW Government is setting a new standard of excellence in the use of emerging technologies in training.
“I’m pleased to announce TAFE NSW has teamed up with Werfen, NSW Health Pathology and CognitiveVR to develop a world-first training simulation to expand and increase acute care PoCT capability,” Mr Lee said.
“Importantly, the PoCT VR pilot aims to provide medical professionals with greater access to practical training and ensure workers have the critical diagnostic testing skills they need to provide the right care for our citizens during this challenging time.
“This demonstrates how TAFE NSW is working with industry leaders to develop high-tech, immersive training solutions to address real-world challenges.”
Minister for Health and Medical Research Brad Hazzard said it would overcome limitations such as travel time, social distancing or the availability of blood testing devices.
“The simulation aims to provide healthcare professionals across the state, including in regional and remote areas, with greater access to hands-on training scenarios, ultimately increasing the quality of care while also reducing time away from clinical care.”
General Manager of Werfen Australia and New Zealand Sally Hickman said the immersive technology pilot aims to determine if VR training methodology can deliver a user experience that is equal to, or better than, face-to-face on-site training.
“Designed specifically for the Werfen GEM Premier 5000 whole blood testing system, the VR solution seeks to provide a more tactile approach to training to improve muscle memory and reinforce processes,” Ms Hickman said.
NSW PROTECTED BY AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST AVIATION FLEET
The people of NSW will this season be protected from bushfires by the single largest aerial fleet of any fire agency in Australia.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott and NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) Commissioner Rob Rogers AFSM unveiled the full firefighting fleet of the NSW RFS aircraft at RAAF Base at Richmond today, the largest aviation investment by any State in the nation.
From the impressive Large Air Tanker (LAT) Marie Bashir, helicopters and Citation ‘Birddog’ aircraft, the range of equipment and capabilities were put on show as firefighters were winched and water bombers tested during a training exercise.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said NSW is leading the way in tackling fires both from the air and on the ground.
“The NSW Government has invested $26.3 million to provide the LAT ‘Marie Bashir’ and Citation ‘Birddog’ aircraft that will undertake line scanning operations. Last season, the LAT proved its value time and time again,” Mr Elliott said.
“We’ve also unveiled two new Bell 412 Helicopters, an investment of $6.3 million that will further enhance capability across the state.
“No matter what Mother Nature throws at us; we have the ability to respond. If we experience a wet summer, these aircraft can assist rescuing people in floodwaters, or they can transport our crews to fast moving grass fires this bush fire season.
“NSW RFS and Australian Defence Force aircraft successfully rescued 51 people from imminent danger last bushfire season. These new aircraft will double this capability, and along with the two BK117 helicopters, enhance our rapid aerial and remote area firefighting operations.”
NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) Rob Rogers said that the RFS is committed to ensuring our firefighters have the tools they need year round to help protect lives and property.
“These impressive aircraft are just part of the fleet, with more than 100 call-when-needed and contracted aircraft, that have and will continue to support firefighting operations across NSW this bush fire season,” Commissioner Rogers said.
“Many of these aircraft have proved themselves already this season and the support from the sky will continue to be invaluable.”
“I also take this time to thank our volunteers who time and time again give so much to protect the people and property of NSW.”
The fleet of NSW RFS aircraft will be based at various locations including RAAF Base Richmond and Bankstown Airport and will deployed across the State and interstate as needed.
This follows the NSW Government’s recent announcement of $192.2 million over five years to commence implementation of key recommendations arising from the Independent NSW Bushfire Inquiry, including $5.4 million to enhance the existing RFS aerial fleet, training facilities and to trial night time aerial firefighting.
New medicines for Australians with multiple sclerosis, lymphoma, carcinoma and reproductive cancers
From 1 November, the Morrison Government will invest more than $86 million over the next four years to provide greater access to life saving medicines for Australians living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and various forms of cancer.
MS is the most commonly acquired neurological disease in younger adults with over 25,600 Australians living with multiple sclerosis and over 2.3 million people affected globally.
The average age of diagnosis is only 30 and around 75% of those affected with multiple sclerosis in Australia are female.
There is a high clinical need for effective treatments for patients with progressive forms of relapse onset multiple sclerosis.
Mayzent® (siponimod) will be listed on the PBS for the first time to treat those patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis.
Without PBS subsidy, these patients would pay more than $25,000 per year for treatment with approximately 800 patients benefiting from this listing each year.
The PBS subsidy now means patients will only need to pay $41 per prescription, or $6.60 with a concession card.
In addition to this listing, Australians diagnosed with a rare type of lymphoma which affects the skin will receive subsidised access to a new medication and specialised treatment from 1 November 2020 through an investment of over $11.5 million.
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that affects the skin and causes an accumulation of malignant T-cells in the skin, resulting in raised, rash-like or itchy patches of skin, skin lumps or ulcers and swollen lymph nodes.
Uvadex® (methoxsalen) will be listed on the PBS for the first time for treatment of patients with erythrodermic cutaneous T-cell lymphoma who have not responded to other treatments.
Around 75 patients per year may benefit from this listing. Without PBS subsidy, these Australians would pay more than $3,400 per year.
Concurrently, two new items will be introduced on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) for the use of extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) in combination with Uvadex® to treat the condition, as recommended by the Medical Services Advisory Committee.
ECP is a type of treatment that involves attaching a patient to a machine that removes some of their blood. The machine separates the white blood cells, and the red blood cells and plasma go back into the body. The white blood cells are mixed with Uvadex®, exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, then put back into the patient. ECP activates the patient’s immune system to fight the cancer.
Other PBS listings from 1 November – announced in the Budget 2020-21 – include the expanded listing of:
- Tecentriq® and Avastin® (atezolizumab and bevacizumab) for use in combination to treat patients with advanced unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type of primary liver cancer. An average of 500 patients per year may benefit from this. They would normally pay up to $170,000 for a course of treatment without PBS subsidy
- Lynparza® (olaparib) for the treatment of newly diagnosed advanced high grade epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancers. An average of 300 patients per year may benefit from this listing and would normally pay around $140,500 per course of treatment for this medicine.
These PBS listings have been recommended by the independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee.
Since 2013, the Australian Government has approved over 2,450 new or amended listings on the PBS.
This represents an average of around 30 listings or amendments per month – or one each day – at an overall investment by the Government of $11.8 billion.
The Morrison Government’s commitment to ensuring that Australians can access affordable medicines, when they need them, remains rock solid.
JOBS BOOST AS SYDNEY FISH MARKET HITS MAJOR MILESTONE
The new Sydney Fish Market has hit a major milestone with a contract awarded to begin construction, creating jobs for NSW now and into the future.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the award of a contract on the pivotal $750 million project demonstrates the NSW Government’s commitment to stimulating the economy while providing infrastructure for the local community and visitors alike.
“The new Sydney Fish Market, is set to become a world-class cultural icon for Sydney, creating jobs for the economy, boosting tourism and showcasing Sydney’s beautiful Blackwattle Bay,” Mr Ayres said.
“After careful consideration and a competitive process Multiplex has been appointed to start construction on the fish markets, with work to start early next year.
“Fast-tracking our infrastructure projects is vital in stimulating our State’s economic recovery in these challenging times.”
“More than 700 jobs will be created during construction, with a further 700 jobs to be supported upon completion in 2024, providing a much-needed boost to the local economy.
“Once complete, the new Sydney Fish Market will play a vital role in attracting local and international visitors to bolster tourism in Sydney and stimulate the local economy.”
David Ghannoum, Regional Managing Director Multiplex said the new Sydney Fish Market is set to become one of Australia’s best tourist destinations.
“We are excited to have been awarded the tender and to work with the NSW Government on this game-changing project,” Mr Ghannoum said.
“With its award-winning design, the modernised Sydney Fish Market will retain an authentic marine and seafood market experience and strengthen its position as one of Australia’s leading tourist destinations.”
Greg Dyer, CEO of Sydney Fish Market said the new Sydney Fish Market will transform the area, returning the foreshore to the public, opening more public space, and improving pedestrian and cycling links.
“The new market will be world class. Representing the very best traditions of the present market but utilising stunning design and architecture to house our operations – fishers, wholesalers, retailers and restaurants – in what will be an amazing experience for local, interstate and overseas visitors”
The Sydney Fish Market redevelopment is one of many projects fast tracked through Government’s new Planning System Acceleration Program, introduced to keep people in jobs and the economy moving in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Multiplex will begin work in early 2021, after the completion of early works and site preparation, and the entire project is on track to be completed in 2024.
The current Sydney Fish Market site will remain fully operational while the new site is being built.
For more information, visit insw.com/blackwattlebay
Pandemic leave disaster payment for Queensland workers
Queenslanders who can’t earn an income because they must self-isolate or quarantine, or are caring for someone with COVID-19 can now access support with a $1500 Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment.
The Australian Government has extended Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment arrangements to include Queensland following agreement with the Queensland Government.
The $1500 lump sum Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment is already available in Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales and Western Australia.
If an individual is instructed by a health official to self-isolate or quarantine, and has used up all appropriate leave entitlements, including any special pandemic leave, they may be eligible for the payment. They may also be eligible if they’re the parent or guardian of a child aged 16 or under who has been instructed to isolate as they are a close contact or has tested positive for COVID-19, or they are caring for someone with COVID-19.
In line with arrangements with other states, Queensland workers will not be eligible for the payment if they are receiving income, earnings or salary maintenance from work, receiving JobKeeper Payment or other forms of Australian or Queensland Government income support.
To date, more than $15.5 million in Pandemic Leave Disaster Payments has been paid for some 10,300 granted claims since 6 August.
The fastest and easiest way to make a claim is over the phone by calling 180 22 66. Please do not visit a service centre.
More information is available at www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/disaster.
Pandemic leave disaster payment for South Australia
The Australian Government has extended Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment arrangements in place with Victoria, New South Wales, Western Australia and Tasmania following agreement with the South Australian Government. The Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment is a lump sum payment to help an individual during the 14 day self-isolation, quarantine or caring period.
The agreement will see the Commonwealth Government extend the $1,500 Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment to South Australian workers who cannot earn an income because they must self-isolate, quarantine or care for someone with COVID-19.
If an individual is instructed by a health official to self-isolate or quarantine, and they have used up all appropriate leave entitlements, including any special pandemic leave, they may be eligible to make a claim. They may also be eligible if they’re the parent or guardian of a child aged 16 or under who has been instructed to isolate as they are a close contact or has tested positive for COVID-19, or they’re caring for someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
In line with arrangements with other states, South Australian workers will not be eligible for the payment if they are receiving income, earnings or salary maintenance from work, receiving the JobKeeper Payment or other forms of Australian Government income support, or receive a Pandemic Leave payment from the South Australian Government.
The payment can be claimed again should an extended self-isolation or quarantine period longer than 14 days be instructed by health officials, or their period of caring is extended.
To date, more than $15.5 million in Pandemic Leave Disaster Payments have been paid for more than 10,300 granted claims since 6 August.
The fastest and easiest way to make a claim is over the phone by calling 180 22 66. Please do not visit a service centre.
The agreement will see the Commonwealth Government extend the $1,500 Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment to South Australian workers who cannot earn an income because they must self-isolate, quarantine or care for someone with COVID-19.
If an individual is instructed by a health official to self-isolate or quarantine, and they have used up all appropriate leave entitlements, including any special pandemic leave, they may be eligible to make a claim. They may also be eligible if they’re the parent or guardian of a child aged 16 or under who has been instructed to isolate as they are a close contact or has tested positive for COVID-19, or they’re caring for someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
In line with arrangements with other states, South Australian workers will not be eligible for the payment if they are receiving income, earnings or salary maintenance from work, receiving the JobKeeper Payment or other forms of Australian Government income support, or receive a Pandemic Leave payment from the South Australian Government.
The payment can be claimed again should an extended self-isolation or quarantine period longer than 14 days be instructed by health officials, or their period of caring is extended.
To date, more than $15.5 million in Pandemic Leave Disaster Payments have been paid for more than 10,300 granted claims since 6 August.
The fastest and easiest way to make a claim is over the phone by calling 180 22 66. Please do not visit a service centre.
PLUM and HATS helping to save Indigenous kids hearing
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families are being encouraged to use an Australian Government toolkit to ensure young children are meeting their milestones for hearing and speaking.
The Australian Government has made ending avoidable deafness for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children a priority, with their rates of hearing loss and ear disease significantly higher than the non-Indigenous population.
Between 2018–19 and 2022–23, almost $104.6 million will be provided for ear health initiatives to reduce the number of Indigenous Australians suffering avoidable hearing loss, and give Indigenous children a better start to education.
The Parent-evaluated Listening and Understanding Measure (PLUM) and the Hearing and Talking Scale (HATS) have been developed by Hearing Australia in collaboration with Aboriginal health and early education services.
As part of a $21.2 million package of funding over five years from 2020-21 to advance hearing health in Australia, the 2020–21 Budget includes an additional $5 million to support early identification of hearing and speech difficulties for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, and embed the use of PLUM and HATS Australia-wide.
Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services will be able to access $2 million from that funding, through the Service Maintenance Program, to establish quiet spaces that can be used for audiology assessments.
PLUM and HATS uses questionnaires that help parents and carers, early childhood educators and health professionals to screen for hearing and communication difficulties in young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and ensure action can be taken to address problems early.
The Australian Government has also provided $30 million for diagnostic hearing assessments and follow-up treatment for Indigenous Australian children in the years before starting school. The resulting Hearing Assessment Program – Early Ears (HAP-EE), also delivered by Hearing Australia, was co-designed with the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health sector and other stakeholders.
HAP-EE was initially focussed on rural and remote areas, and more than 3,100 diagnostic hearing assessments in 93 communities have been conducted from when it began in 2019 to September 2020. The program will be expanded to metro areas by the end of the year.
Other ongoing initiatives include the Healthy Ears Program providing a range of clinical ear health services for Indigenous children and youth, including ear nose and throat (ENT) and speech pathology. Funding is also available to deliver access to culturally safe surgery, streamline care pathways, train health professionals, supply equipment and provide the Care for Kids’ Ears health promotion resources.
More information about PLUM and HATS is available online – https://plumandhats.nal.gov.au
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families can also call 134 432 to have their child’s hearing assessed. Hearing Australia is offering appointments in many Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services, in its hearing centres and via teleservice.
Appeal for information after child approach – Medowie
Police are appealing for information after reports of a child approach in the Hunter region yesterday.
About 5.40pm (Thursday 23 October 2020), a seven-year-old boy was walking in Willow Close, Medowie, when a man riding an orange and black motorbike pulled up beside him.
Police have been told the male rider asked the boy to get on the bike. He refused and walked away. The man then conducted a U-turn and drove out of Willow Close in an unknown direction.
The incident was reported to officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District who commenced an investigation.
As inquiries continue, police would like to speak to a man who may be able to assist with their inquiries.
The man is only described as having greyish coloured hair and wearing a khaki-coloured back-pack.
Police are appealing to anyone who might have been in the Medowie area yesterday and either saw the motorbike or has dash-cam footage, to come forward.
Inquiries are continuing.