Following reports of a mass forced-labour program in Tibet, Greens Senator Janet Rice has called on the Chinese Government to allow access to the region so journalists and officials can look into these allegations.
Senator Janet Rice, Greens Foreign Affairs spokesperson said:
“Reports of a mass labour program in Tibet are deeply disturbing. This program has dangerous parallels with the enforced labour, indoctrination and surveillance of the Uighur people.
“The Tibetan people have suffered under Chinese Government oppression for many years. They have been deprived of their right to freedom of speech and their right to freedom of religious observance. Now it looks like hundreds of thousands of rural workers are being channelled into so-called “training” centres.
“The Morrison Government should raise Australia’s deep concerns and call on the Chinese Government to allow access to Tibet so that officials and journalists can see for themselves what is going on.”
Author: admin
Uni Rallies Essential To Fight Cuts And Autocracy
Australian Greens Education spokesperson Senator Mehreen Faruqi has said she was proud to speak at and attend heavily-policed student rallies at the University of Sydney today, which were organised in opposition to the federal government’s proposed university fee hikes and funding cuts.
Senator Faruqi said:
“I was so proud to stand with students and staff in opposition to these terrible fee hikes and funding cuts.
“Unfortunately my speech was cut short by NSW police moving us on.
“It was outrageous to see, yet again, a heavy-handed police presence at these vital ongoing student rallies.
“It’s nothing less than authoritarian to shut down safety-conscious, socially distanced rallies while thousands are allowed to congregate at the footy.
“Public protest is a fundamental right and a cornerstone of a functioning democracy.
“Classes are in full swing and face-to-face. Police action at these rallies is not about public safety – it’s about shutting down democracy,” she said.
Sign language milestone for Senior Australians
Senior Australians who are deaf or hard of hearing will have access to sign language services for a broader range of daily activities as part of a Federal Government funding boost.
A $13 million injection will mean sign language services will be more accessible for deaf elders aged 65 and over.
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Richard Colbeck, said the initiative marked an important milestone for elders who use Auslan in their everyday communication.
Today marks International Day of Sign Languages.
“Hearing limitations can have a profound impact on the daily activities of senior Australians,” Minister Colbeck said.
“The Morrison Government is committed to ensuring anybody dealing with hearing loss can still live life to the full.”
Certified interpreters will provide Auslan, American Sign Language and International Sign Languages as part of the new service due to launch in November.
Signed English for deaf consumers and tactile signing and hand-over-hand for deafblind users will also be available.
It means those in need will have access to interpreters for a range of daily activities from face-to-face appointments and online learning to community and family functions.
The service, which will also include on-demand video remote interpreting, will be offered nationally, seven days a week and after business hours.
“I thank Australian Deaf Elders and members for advising how together we can address this gap and develop the new service,” Minister Colbeck said.
“I know many Australians who are deaf or hard of hearing have benefited from sign language interpreters at press briefings during the recent bushfires and the COVID-19 health emergency,” Minister Colbeck said.
“The Government will continue to identify and remove barriers so senior Australians can live healthy, active and socially connected lives.”
For more information about this and other sign language services available to senior Australians visit the My Aged Care website or call 1800 200 422.
Australia Now Eligible To Purchase COVID-19 Vaccine Doses Through COVAX
The Australian Government has joined the COVAX facility, enabling the purchase of COVID-19 vaccine doses as they become available.
The COVAX facility provides access to a large portfolio of COVID-19 vaccine candidates and manufacturers across the world.
This agreement opens up additional supplies for Australia, from which we could access vaccines for up to 50 per cent of our population under a two dose treatment requirement.
Under the agreement, Australia will commit an initial $123.2 million to be part of the purchasing mechanism of the facility, meaning we can receive offers to purchase vaccines when they become available.
Purchases of vaccine doses will be negotiated as the potential vaccines are proven to meet safety and effectiveness standards.
This investment is in addition to the agreements with Oxford University/AstraZeneca and University of Queensland/CSL for supply of vaccines, opening up additional supply options for Australia.
Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said participating in COVAX is an important part of Australia’s strategy to secure early access to any safe and effective vaccines.
“A COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to protect the Australian community,” Minister Hunt said.
“Whoever finds a COVID-19 vaccine must share it. Australia signing up to the COVAX Facility is an important part of our commitment to this principle.”
“Being a part of COVAX means we’re giving Australians the best chance of accessing a safe and effective vaccine, but also our neighbours in the Pacific and Southeast Asia, and partners overseas,” Minister Hunt said.
Any COVID-19 vaccine doses purchased on behalf of Australians will have to meet the rigorous safety and quality standards of the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
Foreign Minister Marise Payne said it is in Australia’s – and our region’s interests – to support the facility.
“Access to vaccines will play a critical role in the economic recovery of our region from this pandemic,” Senator Payne said.
“Now more than ever, we must come together as global community to ensure that our response leaves no one behind.”
“The facility is a major endeavour, but together we can work to end the acute phase of the pandemic by the end of 2021.”
The COVAX facility was established by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance as part of an international vaccine partnership with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, the World Health Organization and other organisations.
It aims to ensure that there is equitable access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines, when available, through facilitating purchases, funding access for developing countries, and allowing countries to trade or donate doses.
This is Australia’s second commitment to the COVAX facility, with $80 million donated in August to the COVAX Advance Market Commitment – a collaborative effort to provide doses to developing countries, enabling more countries to protect their most vulnerable groups.
Australia’s contribution supports a global coordination effort to ensure equitable and affordable access to COVID-19 vaccines, which is essential to reinvigorate the global economy.
Eighty self-financing countries, including Australia, have joined the COVAX Facility and a further 92 countries are eligible to access vaccines through the Advance Market Commitment.
In addition to individual country allocations, 10 per cent of manufactured doses will be retained by the COVAX facility to address sporadic outbreaks and for humanitarian use.
The COVAX facility provides access to a large portfolio of COVID-19 vaccine candidates and manufacturers across the world.
This agreement opens up additional supplies for Australia, from which we could access vaccines for up to 50 per cent of our population under a two dose treatment requirement.
Under the agreement, Australia will commit an initial $123.2 million to be part of the purchasing mechanism of the facility, meaning we can receive offers to purchase vaccines when they become available.
Purchases of vaccine doses will be negotiated as the potential vaccines are proven to meet safety and effectiveness standards.
This investment is in addition to the agreements with Oxford University/AstraZeneca and University of Queensland/CSL for supply of vaccines, opening up additional supply options for Australia.
Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said participating in COVAX is an important part of Australia’s strategy to secure early access to any safe and effective vaccines.
“A COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to protect the Australian community,” Minister Hunt said.
“Whoever finds a COVID-19 vaccine must share it. Australia signing up to the COVAX Facility is an important part of our commitment to this principle.”
“Being a part of COVAX means we’re giving Australians the best chance of accessing a safe and effective vaccine, but also our neighbours in the Pacific and Southeast Asia, and partners overseas,” Minister Hunt said.
Any COVID-19 vaccine doses purchased on behalf of Australians will have to meet the rigorous safety and quality standards of the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
Foreign Minister Marise Payne said it is in Australia’s – and our region’s interests – to support the facility.
“Access to vaccines will play a critical role in the economic recovery of our region from this pandemic,” Senator Payne said.
“Now more than ever, we must come together as global community to ensure that our response leaves no one behind.”
“The facility is a major endeavour, but together we can work to end the acute phase of the pandemic by the end of 2021.”
The COVAX facility was established by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance as part of an international vaccine partnership with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, the World Health Organization and other organisations.
It aims to ensure that there is equitable access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines, when available, through facilitating purchases, funding access for developing countries, and allowing countries to trade or donate doses.
This is Australia’s second commitment to the COVAX facility, with $80 million donated in August to the COVAX Advance Market Commitment – a collaborative effort to provide doses to developing countries, enabling more countries to protect their most vulnerable groups.
Australia’s contribution supports a global coordination effort to ensure equitable and affordable access to COVID-19 vaccines, which is essential to reinvigorate the global economy.
Eighty self-financing countries, including Australia, have joined the COVAX Facility and a further 92 countries are eligible to access vaccines through the Advance Market Commitment.
In addition to individual country allocations, 10 per cent of manufactured doses will be retained by the COVAX facility to address sporadic outbreaks and for humanitarian use.
City unites to address surging youth unemployment
Local organisations are being encouraged to make a commitment to expand opportunities for young people as youth unemployment approaches 20 per cent.
The Greater Newcastle Youth Employment Charter is an initiative of the City Taskforce aiming to combat the impact of growing youth unemployment exacerbated by COVID-19 while recognising and celebrating the important role of youth in our community.
City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said local organisations can play a key role in supporting young people to find and maintain work in these challenging times.
“The local youth unemployment rate has hit 19.8 per cent, well above the state’s 13.5 per cent and now two in five people under the age of 25 are not working the hours they would like to in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.
“The Hunter has a higher proportion of people aged 15-24 years working in the accommodation, food, retail, arts and recreation services than many other parts of Australia. These industries have been hardest hit by COVID-19.
“Consequently, COVID-19 has had a significant and disproportionate impact on young people, so collectively we must act.”
Organisations across the region can engage with the Charter by making five commitments regarding youth employment, youth training, youth voice, youth support and youth celebration.
Several organisations have already pledged to prioritise professional development opportunities for young people, establish structured mentoring programs, ensure youth are represented in decision-making processes and expand trainee, apprenticeship and graduate positions.
Port of Newcastle CEO Craig Carmody said it was important that the region’s businesses made a commitment to creating opportunities for young people.
“These are challenging times and our youth need opportunities to build technical skills and knowledge so they can contribute to the region’s economic recovery and long-term prosperity. Port of Newcastle is already working to play its part today, through initiatives like our Indigenous STEM scholarship, while also pursuing plans to grow and diversify in order to create many more direct and indirect employment opportunities for future generations,” Mr Carmody said.
“Our vision is that youth trained in STEM disciplines can look forward to local, highly technical roles requiring years of training and attracting higher wages – these roles could be working directly at the new Multi-purpose Deepwater Terminal or in any of the many associated businesses and operators spawned from its operation.”
The University of Newcastle Hunter Research Foundation’s Lead Economist Dr Anthea Bill, who provides local employment research insights to the City Taskforce, said COVID-19 has caused disruption at a vulnerable time for young people as they transition between education and work.
“Young people are more vulnerable in the labour market because they have shorter work histories and less acquired skills and qualifications. They are also more likely to work in jobs which are casual and therefore more likely to have hours cut when an economic downturn hits,” Dr Bill said.
“That is what makes affirmative action like the Youth Unemployment Charter all the more crucial.”
All Greater Newcastle organisations are encouraged to sign the Youth Unemployment Charter. Visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au for more information.
FLEXIBLE REGULATIONS FOR BUSINESSES EXTENDED TO 2021
Supermarkets and pharmacies can continue to trade and receive deliveries 24 hours a day as rules introduced by the NSW Government have been extended until next year.
The Government responded to the COVID-19 pandemic in March by amending the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 to allow around-the-clock trading and delivery hours as well as the extension of café and restaurant take away capabilities.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the orders will be extended for another six months until March 25, 2021.
“Our quick response to the immediate challenges of the pandemic ensured everyone had access to essential household goods, businesses remained viable and the economy kept ticking,” Mr Stokes said.
“Six months down the track it’s obvious we still need this flexibility. The pandemic has taught us that we can be nimble and reduce red tape where necessary.
“We have to live with the virus for a little while yet, so we’ve extended these orders and will review them before the new expiry date in March next year.”
Mr Stokes added that extended operating hours for the construction industry, introduced to ensure COVID Safe working conditions, will also continue.
“The construction industry is a key driver for jobs growth during the recession so we needed to find ways to support it while keeping workers safe from the virus,” he said.
Since March, the NSW Government has issued eight Ministerial orders under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 to:
– Extend retail trading, delivery and waste removal hours;
– Allow home businesses to operate 24 hours a day;
– Provide more flexible conditions for takeaway food and beverage facilities, food trucks and ‘dark kitchens’;
– Allow construction sites to operate the same hours on weekends and public holidays as they would on weekdays;
– Permit temporary pop up cycleways within the City of Sydney; and
– Allow temporary vehicle sanitisation stations to be built to provide professional cleaning for taxis, Ubers and community transport vehicles.
Further information on the Planning Ministerial orders can be found here: https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/Policy-and-Legislation/COVID19-response
NSW LEADS THE WAY ON AGRICULTURAL WORKERS’ CODE
The NSW Government will become the first jurisdiction to write the new Agricultural Workers Code into public health orders, paving the way for the $15.9 billion NSW primary industries sector to find skilled workers for the upcoming harvest.
Premier Berejiklian said the Code was critical to supporting the agricultural industry and ensuring regional communities can capitalise on this year’s bumper crops.
“NSW is an agriculture production powerhouse and the Agricultural Workers’ Code enables the State’s farmers to be the launching pad for NSW to commence recovery from the economic impact of COVID-19,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The Code means that farmers from Warialda to Wagga Wagga can get the best skilled workers to help them with this year’s harvest, regardless if they’re from Queensland, South Australia, Victoria or the Northern Territory.”
Acting Deputy Premier Paul Toole said the Code was common sense policy that would ensure farmers could access the workers they need to run their farms.
“I’m glad NSW has worked proactively to ensure our farmers can tap into the skills they need despite the unprecedented COVID-19 restrictions impacting movement across State borders – from shearers to contract harvesters and fruit pickers,” Mr Toole said.
“This is a win for farmers and will support jobs in agriculture right across the state.”
Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW Adam Marshall said the NSW Government had been a driving force behind the interjurisdictional agreement.
“Our farmers have just come out of the worst drought on record, and they are now poised to begin their recovery with the largest winter crop harvest since 2016, and they need the workforce to take advantage of that,” Mr Marshall said.
“This Code will allow the critical free movement of agricultural workers across state borders so that primary industries can not only continue to feed and clothe the nation, but be the driving force behind the economic recovery from COVID-19.”
Agricultural workers travelling between NSW and Victoria will need a permit and relevant identification and will be required to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as appropriate.
Travelling workers will also need to keep records of their movements. Agricultural employers need to support workers to perform self-isolation in the first 14 days after entry into NSW, and must have a COVID safety plan in place
Appeal to locate man missing from Newcastle
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the state’s Hunter region.
Andrew Weatherstone, aged 47, has not been seen or heard from by family and friends since 6pm on Saturday (19 September 2020).
He was reported missing to officers from Newcastle City Police District, who commenced an investigation to locate him.
Police and family hold concern for his welfare due the disappearance being out of character.
Andrew is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 190cm tall, of medium build, with brown hair, brown eyes and a moustache.
It is believed he is driving a white Toyota Camry sedan, and is known to frequent Newcastle and surrounding suburbs.
Anyone who may have information are urged to contact Newcastle Police Station on (02) 4926 6537 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Anyone with information about this incident 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 crime via NSW Police social media pages.
Woman charged following alleged break and enter – Port Stephens
A woman has been charged over an alleged break and enter, during which a resident suffered a medical episode and died, at Port Stephens overnight.
About 12.20am (Wednesday 23 September 2020), emergency services were called to a home on Old Main Road, Anna Bay, after reports of a break and enter.
Police will allege in court that a woman attended the home about 11pm and spoke to the occupants, two women – aged 59 and 37 – known to her.
The woman left before allegedly returning about an hour later and entered the home through a window. She was escorted out the front door by the younger woman.
The older woman was found soon after, suffering a medical episode. She was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics, before being taken to John Hunter Hospital where she died a short time later.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District established a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
A short time later, a 47-year-old woman was arrested nearby and taken to Raymond Terrance Police Station.
She was charged with aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence and refused bail to appear before Raymond Terrace Local Court today (Wednesday 23 September 2020).
Police will prepare a report for the information of the Coroner and a post-mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death.
21 PINs to be issued following Broadway protest
Police will issue 21 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) for breaching the Public Health Order following an unauthorised protest at Broadway today.
Officers attached to Inner West Police Area Command attended the grounds of a Sydney university about 11.30am (Wednesday 23 September 2020), in response to information received about planned protest activity.
Following an outdoor seminar, the group moved through the grounds about 1.30pm, sitting down on City Road, obstructing traffic.
With the assistance of officers from Leichhardt and South Sydney Police Area Commands along with Traffic and Highway Patrol, the Public Order and Riot Squad (PORS), Operation ODIN, and the Mounted Unit, they were removed from the road.
After moving to Victoria Park, the large group were warned the mass gathering was in breach of the NSW Public Health Order.
The crowd dispersed with 21 people to be issued $1000 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) in relation to breaches of the Public Health Order.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related Public Health Order is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.