Australian Greens Education spokesperson Senator Mehreen Faruqi has said that the latest Child Care Recovery Package, announced today, is yet another band-aid which does little to heal the wound. A long-term plan is needed for this essential service.
Senator Faruqi said:
“Announcing sporadic measures in dribs and drabs every few months is no way to support early learning workers and families. The government must come up with a long term plan that involves proper funding and abolishing childcare fees.
“Early childhood educators were cut off from JobKeeper before anyone else, and the government still refuses to provide a wage guarantee.
“Rather than suspending the Activity Test until April, it should be scrapped for good.
“Early childhood education is an essential service. Educators, families and centres have had a horror 2020. It’s time to provide long-term certainty for everyone,” she said.
Further Investment In Three New Australian COVID-19 Vaccine Research Projects
The Morrison Government will invest almost $6 million in additional funding from the Medical Research Future Fund’s (MRFF) Coronavirus Research Response to support research and development of three Australian COVID-19 vaccines.
The rapid development of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines is a critical Australian Government priority.
Under the competitive, peer reviewed COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate Research Grant Opportunity, funding will be allocated for the further development of three COVID-19 vaccines.
The University of Melbourne will receive almost $3 million to develop two vaccine candidates. Both vaccines are targeting the tip of the spike protein, known as the receptor binding domain, but use different vaccine techniques to compare which vaccine maximises the production of neutralising antibodies.
- protein vaccine – this vaccine introduces a protein into the body to maximise the antibody immune response to neutralise viral infectivity
- mRNA vaccine – this vaccine represents a genetic sequence that supports the human body to make the protein which would then maximise the antibody response to the tip of the spike protein to neutralise viral infectivity
The University of Sydney, will receive almost $3 million for a Phase 1/1b clinical trial to test the safety and effectiveness of a novel DNA-based COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine is being developed so it can be administered using a needle-free system. The trial is a partnership with four of Australia’s most experienced vaccine trial sites and aims to enrol 150 healthy volunteers. Findings from the trial will inform evaluation of the vaccine in larger Phase two and three trials.
Subject to further work, the resulting vaccines could eventually be deployed in Australia and around the world.
These investments build on existing MRFF support for COVID-19 vaccines, including $5 million provided to the University of Queensland for their innovative ‘molecular clamp’ technology and $1 million to Vaxine for their COVAX-19® vaccine.
Our Government continues to invest in medical research to supercharge the development of promising vaccines to save lives and protect lives.
The Government has invested more than $2 billion in COVID-19 research and development.
This includes $1.7 billion to secure early access to over 84.8 million COVID-19 vaccine doses and $362 million for diagnostics, vaccine development, antiviral development, clinical trials, digital health research infrastructure and research into the human immune response to COVID-19 infection.
Research plays a critical role in ensuring Australia maintains its world-class health system and is particularly important as the world responds to COVID-19.
Lifting the burden for those living with dementia
Helping lift the burden for people living with dementia and those who care for them is the focus of an awareness campaign across Australia this week.
With the theme “A little support makes a lot of difference”, Dementia Action Week starts today, World Alzheimer’s Day.
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Richard Colbeck, said both initiatives provide an opportunity to help those grappling with the difficult health diagnosis.
Around Australia more than 447,000 people live with dementia.
Alzheimer’s is the most common form.
“It is very confronting, not just for the individual, but for their family and friends,” Minister Colbeck said.
He said the correct support could make all the difference – particularly as COVID-19 continues to present challenges for aged care facilities across Australia.
“Dementia already affects nearly half a million Australians and the number is rising rapidly,” Minister Colbeck said.
“For Australia, and similar countries around the world, it represents a huge health challenge.
“While dementia is a progressive condition, people can continue to live active and happy lives for many years after diagnosis.
“They deserve support not just from their families but from the community as a whole, to allow them to live their best lives as long as possible.”
By following appropriate infection control protocols, it is important aged care providers continue to allow visitation for dementia patients and their families during the pandemic, Minister Colbeck said.
He urged all providers to consider the industry-agreed Aged Care Visitor Access Code which ensures the response to the pandemic was proportionate and in the best interests of the residents.
Dementia Action Week is organised by Dementia Australia, which receives Government funding of $38 million over three years from 2019 to 2022 to deliver the National Dementia Support Program.
As well as improving awareness and understanding, the program connects people living with dementia with services that support them to self-manage and live well for as long as possible.
Dementia Australia launched an ongoing campaign to reduce discrimination against people with dementia in May 2020.
It aims to increase dementia awareness and understanding, across the public, consumers, and healthcare professionals.
It is also delivering the Government’s $3.7 million Dementia Friendly Communities program.
Additionally, the Specialist Dementia Care Program funds specialist dementia care units in residential aged care homes.
The units provide specialised care to people with very severe behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia and aim to reduce or stabilise symptoms so that people can move into less intensive care settings.
Minister Colbeck said a further investment of $185 million in the Dementia, Ageing and Aged Care Mission was also providing much needed support.
“This vital investment continues to drive support for our researchers as they look for more effective treatments, as well as ways to prevent Alzheimer’s and improve brain health,” Minister Colbeck said.
Dementia Action Week continues until Sunday, 27 September.
More information can be found here.
The Aged Care Visitor Access Code can be found here.
City Deal To Create 10,000 Jobs And Transform Perth CBD
A new billion-dollar partnership between the Commonwealth Government, State Government and City of Perth has been finalised, unlocking economic benefits and opportunities for the Perth CBD.
The $1.5 billion City Deal will re-energise Perth, bringing government and private investment into the CBD, creating almost 10,000 jobs while encouraging more people back into the city creating flow on economic benefits for small businesses.
The Perth City Deal includes:
- $695 million investment by the Commonwealth Government, State Government and Edith Cowan University, to move its law and business schools, along with the world class Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts into the Perth CBD, creating the State’s first inner-city university campus. More than 9,200 students and staff are anticipated on campus from day one.
- $360 million investment from the State Government, Curtin University and Murdoch University to expand or establish new presences in the Perth CBD. Murdoch University will create a vertical campus and eSports Stadium linked with Singapore and East Asia, while Curtin University will build a CBD knowledge and innovation precinct.
- $105 million has been allocated to the Perth CBD Transport Plan to upgrade cycling and walking infrastructure, bus stop accessibility upgrades and enhance Roe Street. The centrepiece of this plan is the new Swan River Causeway Bridge.
- A $20 million investment into the Perth Cultural Centre precinct will see immediate improvements in lighting, security, wayfinding and environment and the development of a longer-term vision for the space to become a place of destination for all visitors to the city.
- $42 million to develop the Perth Concert Hall into a premier world class music venue.
- Up to $100 million to redevelop the WACA and transform it into a state of the art sporting facility including an inner city swimming pool
- $20 million for the East Perth Power Station to upgrade necessary infrastructure and improve connectivity to the site and surrounding areas while plans for redevelopment and preservation of the historic buildings and heritage progress.
- $36 million to provide facilities, safety improvements and services for homeless people in the city.
- $18 million for the creation of an Australian Space Robotics, Automation, and AI Command Control Complex to encourage start-ups, small businesses, and researchers supporting the development and operation of robotic and remote asset management activities in space.
- $10 million towards a WA Indigenous Business and Employment Hub in partnership with the Wirrpanda Foundation to provide support and advice to Indigenous businesses, job seekers and entrepreneurs.
- $4 million of funding to undertake a pre-feasibility study for an Aboriginal Cultural Centre to be located in Perth on the traditional lands of the Wadjuk Noongar people.
Under this plan more than 25,000 students and staff will be bought into the city and the construction of the campuses will bring over $1 billion of investment to Perth’s CBD. It is estimated this will create more than 4,100 construction jobs and nearly 1000 ongoing direct jobs.
Under the deal, Edith Cowan University will move their law and business schools into the CBD, along with the world class Western Australian Performing Arts Academy.
Murdoch University will establish a vertical campus that will include partnerships with STEM, other higher education providers and an eSports stadium linking to Singapore and South East Asia. The campus will also include a digital futures academy, and Aboriginal CBD Centre, professional development and cultural activities.
Curtin University will develop an east end ‘historical heart’ development, building on their existing CBD campus and establishing a knowledge and innovation precinct in the CBD.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Perth would benefit for generations to come from the game-changing investment in education, culture, jobs and lifestyle.
“This is a JobMaker investment which will generate employment for thousands of hard-working West Australians, it will boost those businesses that are already in the CBD and it will drive new businesses to open,” the Prime Minister said.
“WA, like the rest of Australia, needs a targeted economic stimulus which will provide a boost now and into the future, and this is what we’re delivering.”
Premier Mark McGowan said the Perth City Deal will see more than $1.5 billion worth of investment into the Perth CBD unlocking thousands of local jobs and creating flow on economic benefits for small businesses.
“This City Deal has given us the unique opportunity to collaborate with the Commonwealth Government, universities and local businesses to help re-energise our capital city,” he said.
“We have worked to establish up to three university campuses in our CBD which will create up to 5000 direct and indirect jobs while re-energising Perth.
“This will have positive flow on effects for small businesses including retail, restaurants and bars while returning vibrancy to our capital city.”
Finance Minister Mathias Cormann said City Deals are the Federal Government’s proactive approach to help develop our cities and regions.
“The opportunity is to bring all levels of government together as well as the private sector and the community to provide a coordinated investment plan for Perth,” he said.
“We have negotiated an ambitious City Deal that unlocks Perth’s incredible future potential while continuing to develop it into a vibrant, exciting and liveable capital city.”
Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the new deal will help drive people into the Perth CBD.
“More people and students in the CBD, means more activity, a better vibrancy and more money flowing for retail, restaurants and tourism,” Mr Tudge said.
Western Australian Transport and Planning Minister Rita Saffioti said the City Deal aligns with the McGowan Government’s key objective to connect, activate and future proof Perth’s communities.
“The Perth City Deal is creating exciting new opportunities in the planning and transport spaces while also re-energising our capital city,” she said.
“The Perth CBD Transport Plan will feed into METRONET, closing gaps on the shared path network while encouraging people to embrace new modes of transport.
“The new university campuses highlight what density can achieve and the positive effect it can have on creating well planned and vibrant communities.
“This new deal will create and support local jobs, encourage more people into our CBD and provide a much needed boost for local businesses.”
Chair Commissioner for Perth Andrew Hammond said the City of Perth welcomes the announcement of the Perth City Deal as a transformative landmark deal between all three tiers of government.
“The City’s commitment includes $25 million toward the redevelopment of the iconic WACA, specifically funding the addition of a community aquatic facility, and $10 million toward the CBD Transport Plan to upgrade Roe Street and facilitate regeneration of the area.
“We look forward to working in partnership with the Federal and State Government and the wider community to bring the Perth City Deal to fruition and secure the future prosperity and liveability of our great city.”
World-Class Education Campus To Revitalise Perth’s CBD
Perth’s city centre will receive a major boost under the Perth City Deal – a plan which will bring Edith Cowan University’s world-class Creative Industries, Business and Technology Campus into the heart of the city.
The $695 million project will form the centrepiece of the Perth City Deal. By 2025 the campus will draw more than 9,200 students and staff into the CBD.
That number will grow to over 11,000 by 2034 with thousands and thousands of spectators expected to attend more than 300 public performances in the heart of the City every year.
The development will create $1.5 billion of economic stimulus and more than 3,000 jobs during construction, as well as over 380 ongoing jobs.
The ECU City Campus will bring together programs in technology, industry and creativity, including the WA Academy of Performing Arts, the school of Business and Law and an advanced technology and cyber security centre.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Perth would benefit for generations to come from the game-changing investment in education, culture, jobs and lifestyle.
“This is a JobMaker investment which will generate employment for thousands of hard-working West Australians, it will boost those businesses that are already in the CBD and it will drive new businesses to open,” the Prime Minister said.
“WA, like the rest of Australia, needs a targeted economic stimulus which will provide a boost now and into the future, and this is what we’re delivering.”
Premier of Western Australia Mark McGowan said the investment also supports longer term recovery by leveraging Perth’s enviable position as a pandemic safe destination.
“Our strong response to COVID-19 means there is no better place to be in the world than WA, and the new campus will attract both domestic and international students when our borders are safe to re-open,”
Premier McGowan said.
“The Western Australian Government will be investing $150 million in grant funding and CBD land for this transformational project which will support local jobs and encourage people back into the Perth CBD.
“As part of the deal, the current ECU site will revert to full WA Government control and ownership and the State Government will now embark on a masterplan for the site.
“The new university will attract thousands of people into the city, delivering a huge boost to local businesses and building on Perth’s reputation as a vibrant cultural and entertainment district.
Finance Minister Mathias Cormann said the new campus will help support Perth’s economic recovery, creating thousands of jobs while reinvigorating the City by bringing lots more people into the CBD on a regular and consistent basis.
“We have committed $245 million to help make this city-shaping project a reality,” Senator Cormann said.
“This campus will be a major catalyst for an exciting rejuvenation of Perth’s CBD, attracting locals and visitors to live, work and play in the city while creating great opportunities for local businesses.”
“The WA Academy of Performing Arts is a world class, world renowned institution, which has produced some of this country’s best known performers, including none other than Hugh Jackman.
“With more than 300 public performances a year, it will attract more than 100,000 unique visitors into the city creating great excitement across Perth for generations to come.”
Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the relocation of the ECU campus would be a transformational change for Perth with the economic flow-on to last for decades.
“Thousands of students flooding into the city will inject more life, vibrancy and dollars into the city centre and its local businesses,” Mr Tudge said.
“COVID-19 has had a profound impact on all our cities and this element of the City Deal is exactly what WA needs right now because it means local jobs and a boost to the economy.”
Western Australian Minister for Transport and Planning Rita Saffioti said the campus added to other significant commitments to support the Perth City Deal that will enrich Perth’s city centre and boost the livability of the area.
“Every great city needs a lively CBD at its heart, and our investments will bring this in spades,” Ms Saffioti said.
“I can’t wait to see more people riding our world quality public transport and using our state of the art cycling infrastructure to visit and support our amazing small businesses.”
ECU Vice-Chancellor Steve Chapman praised the City Deal model for achieving great outcomes for the university and the city.
“This is an outstanding result for ECU and for the state. We are delighted to be working with all levels of government to create Perth’s first comprehensive university campus in the heart of the city,” Professor Chapman said.
“It is a transformational project which will change the face of our city and shape the future for ECU and its students.
“This campus will be where technology, industry and creativity meet to deliver the innovative thinkers, adaptive learners and global citizens who will be the leaders of tomorrow.”
With the announcement of these significant investments, the three levels of Government and their private partners will now work together to finalise the Perth City Deal that will deliver our joint vision of creating a vibrant, liveable and productive Perth city.
City on track to deliver 7,000 square metres of additional shade at Foreshore Park
City of Newcastle is already three-quarters of the way towards its goal of creating a greener public space within the Foreshore precinct.
The City began a four-year tree replacement program in Foreshore Park during 2017 as part of its preparations for the inaugural Newcastle 500 Supercars event.
Since then, City of Newcastle has planted 51 advanced trees, including 10 Kentia palms and 41 Norfolk Island pines, as part of its target to increase the amount of shaded canopy in the popular East End park from 2,800sqm to 9,800sqm.
The tree plantings to date have been located around the perimeter of the park, strengthening the boundaries of the space and reinforcing the avenue plantings at Wharf Road. They have already contributed a projected shade canopy of 7,370sqm, or more than 75 per cent of the City’s overall goal.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said that although there will be some replacement planting occurring with advanced trees in the nursey now ready, the majority of the remaining plantings would be completed in conjunction with the Harbour Foreshore Precinct Masterplan, which has recently finished its first phase of community engagement.
“This is a generational opportunity to reimagine one of the City’s premier parks to suit the needs of a growing community following extensive community engagement,” Cr Nelmes said.
“The masterplan process will look at the current functions and management of the park and how they might be better utilised now and into the future.
“Early feedback has highlighted the significance of the Foreshore’s environment to the community, with 70 per cent of those surveyed nominating tree planting as the most important natural element of the Foreshore masterplan.
“We are proud of the work that has been completed to date at Foreshore Park, with the new tree plantings offering significantly more shade cover than was previously available.
“The remaining trees and shrubs required to achieve the commitment for canopy increase will be placed in accordance with a community-endorsed masterplan.
“These new plantings will help with the integration of nature and the built environment and strengthen the character and use of the park, while significantly contributing to the City’s biodiversity and environmental need.”
City of Newcastle and the masterplan consultants will work closely with stakeholders to achieve the desired character for the Harbour Foreshore and prepare a masterplan that will produce the targeted canopy cover for the site.
The first meeting of the newly formed Harbour Foreshore Community Reference Group was held recently to discuss future directions for the concept designs.
Libraries return to live programs
City of Newcastle Libraries live programming is back this Spring after a period of restricted offerings due to COVID-19. Our library programs will be COVIDSafe and inclusive.
Programs are restricted to 20 participants and bookings are essential as, unfortunately, we won’t have space for drop ins. If you are unwell, or someone in your household is unwell, please stay home. If you cannot make it to a program please cancel your ticket, so someone else can join in the fun.
While not everyone will be able to join in ‘live’ at the library, all our programs will have an online streaming or recorded equivalent.
Time restrictions at libraries have been removed to permit study and extended stays.
Live face to face onsite programs commence at library sites, pop-up spaces and outdoor library events across the City from 1 October. Children’s based activities such as the Paul Jennings Exhibition and Grow Story Stomp in Civic Park will be held next month.
Volunteers and library partners will return allowing support programs and local history and digitisation projects to continue.
Considered measures have been taken to ensure the libraries meet Public Health Order requirements including the preparation of spaces with additional safeguards.
Library members and visitors are encouraged to practise good hygiene, maintain social distancing and stay home if you are feeling unwell.
For more information about Newcastle Libraries services and programming, visit the Newcastle Libraries website or call 4974 5300.
Stockton Swimming Centre to undergo emergency maintenance
A routine inspection at Stockton Swimming Centre ahead of the upcoming summer season has uncovered a maintenance issue at the facility which requires emergency repair work.
Repair works will take a number of weeks, meaning that Stockton Swimming Centre is unable to reopen as scheduled on 28 September.
Unrelated, City of Newcastle is undertaking safety improvements and rebuilding the Lexie’s accessway at Stockton Beach, with works expected to be complete in time for the upcoming school holidays.
The emergency works at the Swimming Centre, which relate to a blockage in the reticulation system, have already commenced, with the Centre expected to reopen mid-October.
LAUNCH OF COVID SAFE SUMMER PLAN
A new plan will ensure NSW residents can get out and about this summer in a COVID-safe way, while keeping the economy moving.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes, Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello, Member for Manly James Griffin and NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant outlined the NSW Government’s new COVID Safe Summer Plan this morning.
The Plan supports local businesses by encouraging more outdoor dining in the lead up to the Christmas-New Year period and throughout the summer months.
It also provides clear instructions to help keep COVID under control as residents enjoy the warmer months.
“We know how much our community loves fresh air, beaches and parklands, but we will all need to do that a bit differently this summer,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The COVID Safe Summer Plan encourages the community and local businesses to take advantage of our glorious warm weather while using public spaces safely.
“In NSW we are continuing to try to get the right balance between keeping the State open for business, while keeping control of the virus.”
The Plan has five pillars which will help support the current public health orders, rules and regulations:
- Marking out safe distancing in our parklands and highly visited public spaces from the beginning of October,
- Encouraging all beachgoers to ‘Keep a beach towel length between you’ (1.5 metres) and anyone not from the same household,
- Running a COVID Safe summer program of events in our parklands and public spaces,
- Encouraging local businesses to take advantage of outdoor dining, and
- Partnering with councils on a ‘new local’ campaign, to showcase alternative public spaces for the community to enjoy.
Mr Stokes thanked local councils who are already keeping the community safe as the warmer months arrive.
“Our councils are leading the way, by trialling approaches on their beaches like changing parking arrangements and creating safe swimming areas so that beaches remain safe and welcoming places for the community,” Mr Stokes said.
“Sydney is the greatest parkland city on earth, and the pandemic has emphasised how important it is for our well-being that we all have access to public spaces and parklands. This plan ensures a common-sense approach.”
Mr Dominello said COVID safety must be the priority of every citizen and business owner this summer.
“While summer is a time to get out and about and spend time with friends and families, we cannot be complacent because we are still in the midst of a pandemic. We must all remain vigilant and look out for each other,” Mr Dominello said.
“We need people to continue to do the simple things. Whether it’s maintaining good hand hygiene, keeping physical distance, wearing a mask in public places where physical distance can’t be maintained and using digital check-in solutions such as the Service NSW app – these behaviours are now part of the new normal. We can’t afford to drop our guard over the summer months.”
Mr Griffin said NSW will lead the way in showing the world how to still enjoy the summer while remaining COVID Safe.
“We don’t need to retreat indoors this summer – we just have to do things a little differently so we can enjoy places like the Northern Beaches and stay safe,” Mr Griffin said.
Dr Kerry Chant said outdoor activity was inherently safer than indoor activity.
“People need to remember to stay home, isolate and get tested if they have symptoms, always practice good hand hygiene and maintain one and a half metre social distancing,” Dr Chant said.
The COVID Safe Summer Plan can be accessed here: https://www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/premiers-priorities/great-public-spaces/covid-safe-summer.
Police issue 31 PINs and charge three people over four unrelated COVID-19 breaches
A man will re-appear in court today after being charged with providing false details at a border checkpoint, while two others were charged for illegally crossing the border, and 31 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) were issued for other COVID-19 breaches at the weekend.
Officers from Operation Border Control stopped a Ford Focus at the Wodonga Place checkpoint at South Albury about 8.30am on Friday (18 September 2020), and spoke with the occupants – a 27-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman.
The man presented a ‘child access and care arrangement’ permit stating he had dropped the children off in Victoria and was returning to NSW, while the woman presented a permit, which only allowed her entry via Sydney Airport.
Police noted that the vehicle was not equipped with child restraints and the man provided different names for the children while talking with different officers and could not recall their ages or dates of birth.
Following further inquiries, police searched the man and his vehicle, locating and seizing a butterfly knife, a folding knife, a replica Glock pistol, a wooden mace, a tomahawk and drug paraphernalia.
The man was arrested and taken to Albury Police Station, where he was charged with not provide/give false etc info – COVID-19 Border Control, possess unregistered firearm-pistol, custody of knife in public place, have custody of an offensive implement in a public place and two counts of possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit.
He was refused bail and is due to re-appear at Albury Local Court today (Monday 21 September 2020).
The woman was refused entry to NSW and directed to return to Victoria.
As previously reported, a Victorian couple were charged with fraud, property and drug offences after alleging hiding in a utility to enter NSW without valid permits earlier this month.
The 31-year-old man and 35-year-old woman were arrested at Mathoura by officers from Murray River Police District about 4pm on Friday (18 September 2020).
The pair have been refused bail to next appear at Griffith Local Court on Wednesday (23 September 2020).
In a separate and unrelated incident, officers from Tweed/Byron Police District were called to a park on South Beach Road, Brunswick Heads, about 7pm yesterday (Sunday 20 September 2020), following reports of a large gathering.
On arrival, police could hear loud drums and observed about 100 people dancing, who also noticed the police’s arrival and ran from the location.
Three people were stopped by police, with one man – aged 45 – initially refusing to provide his details. After being advised he would be arrested if he refused to provide identification, the man produced his driver’s licence.
Following inquiries, police issued $1000 PINs to the 45-year-old man, a 42-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman and directed them to leave the area.
Additionally – also as previously reported – 28 people will be issued $1000 PINs after being located at a house party at Bondi Junction about 1.20am on Saturday (19 September 2020), which was in breach of the Public Health Order.
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 crime via NSW Police social media pages.