Police have charged a man after he allegedly produced false documentation to leave hotel quarantine in Sydney.
On Friday 4 September 2020, a 30-year-old Victorian man arrived at Sydney Airport without an exemption.
The man was taken into hotel quarantine; however, the following morning he provided what he claimed to be a valid exemption document stating he was in NSW to visit his terminally ill grandfather in hospital.
The man was subsequently released from the hotel.
Following inquiries, police determined the documentation he provided was false. Further checks revealed the man’s grandfather was not in hospital.
Yesterday (Monday 7 September 2020), police attended a home on Rodley Avenue at Penrith where they arrested the man.
He was charged with fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to 7/8/9 -COVID 19, and produce false or misleading application.
He was given bail to appear in Penrith Local Court on 12 October 2020.
The man was returned to hotel quarantine.
Images released as police investigate aggravated robbery in Merewether
Police have released CCTV images and are appealing for public assistance following an aggravated robbery in Newcastle at the weekend.
About 3pm on Saturday (5 September 2020), a 45-year-old man parked a blue BMW M2 coupe on Lloyd Street, Merewether, and sat down on a nearby bench.
A short time later, three unknown men arrived in a Toyota Kluger 4WD – believed to have been stolen from an Islington address the day before (Friday 4 September 2020) – when they approached the man and punched him before taking his keys, wallet and phone.
All three men drove away in the BMW and were last seen heading west towards Scenic Drive.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District were called and commenced an investigation.
As inquiries continue, police have released CCTV images of three men they wish to speak to who may be able to assist with their inquiries.
They are all described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance and aged in their mid-20s.
One man is also described as being of a solid build, with mohawk-style hair and a ponytail. He was last seen wearing a grey hoodie.
A second man is described as being of slim build, wearing a black t-shirt and jeans.
Police are also appealing for anyone who may have seen a blue BMW M2 coupe with NSW registration DSS 71W, to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Australia Leads Way on Global Health Action
Australia has led a successful push for worldwide action to tackle two key global health issues – cervical cancer and eye health.
The Morrison Government welcomes the recent adoption of two Australian-led resolutions by member states of the World Health Organization (WHO):
- Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control: Accelerating the Elimination of Cervical Cancer as a Public Health Problem.
- Integrated People-Centred Eye Care, including Preventable Vision Impairment and Blindness.
Australia was successful in adding Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control to the World Health Assembly agenda in 2018, and led the development of the resolution. Australia is a global leader on cervical cancer elimination. The resolution garnered co-sponsorship from a number of countries.
We now stand ready to work with the international community to take these commitments forward.
The resolution on Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control has been recognised by the President of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), Princess Dina Mired of Jordan, as “a generational commitment to eliminate a cancer for the first time”.
“Civil society applauds this achievement, which will bring true momentum to providing girls and women the health care they need to thrive,” she said.
“UICC salutes Australia’s global leadership in championing this cause, inspiring countries with the highest burden of cervical cancer and greatest needs to also commit to elimination.”
The cervical cancer resolution highlights the importance of women’s and girls’ sexual and reproductive health rights in responding to public health issues like cervical cancer.
Australia’s world leading cervical screening and HPV immunisation programs are highly effective at preventing and detecting cervical cancer. Australia remains on track to eliminate it in this country by 2035.
Australia’s leadership reinforces the clear pathway for countries to fast track and strengthen action to eliminate cervical cancer worldwide.
About 800 to 900 Australian women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, with more than 200 deaths. Since the start of the National Cervical Screening Program in 1991, using the Pap test, there has been a 50 per cent reduction in cervical cancer incidence and mortality in Australia.
The resolution on Integrated People-Centred Eye Care, co-led by Australia and Indonesia, is an important step in ensuring eye health is integrated as part of universal health coverage worldwide. It supports implementation of effective strategies to address eye care needs, global research, and targets for eye health by 2030.
Globally, at least 1 billion people have a vision impairment that could have been prevented or is yet to be addressed, and this rate is expected to rise. The burden of poor eye health is particularly felt by vulnerable communities and low and middle income countries.
Australia’s global leadership aligns with our strong domestic eye health agenda. This includes Federal Government support for a five-year plan to improve access and close the gap in preventable blindness rates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, funding for eye checks for people with diabetes under the KeepSight program, and activities to raise awareness about macular disease in line with the National Strategic Action Plan.
$500 Million Paid To Keep Australian Apprentices And Trainees On The Job
More than $500 million has been paid to 51,200 employers to keep 89,300 apprentices in work to protect workers and businesses from the impact of COVID-19.
Since launching the Supporting Apprentices and Trainees wage subsidy in April, these payments have ensured stability for apprentices, trainees and employers across Australia.
Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, said this critical measure is helping the economy recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This $500 million milestone demonstrates the Government’s commitment to a skilled economic recovery,” Minister Cash said.
“This targeted financial support is providing rapid and direct assistance to protect jobs and keep businesses, apprentices and trainees connected to the benefits of training already undertaken.
“The $2.8 billion wage subsidy is a vital part of rebuilding our economy, while at the same time, building a skilled workforce for the future.”
Assistant Minister for Vocational Education, Training and Apprenticeships, the Hon Steve Irons MP, said the Supporting Apprentices and Trainees wage subsidy is available to small and medium businesses who retain an apprentice or trainee. In addition, employers of any size that re-engage an eligible out of trade apprentice or trainee are also eligible.
“The initial $1.3 billion package was extended and expanded in July with an additional $1.5 billion of investment from the Government. This will see up to 180,000 apprentices and 90,000 employing businesses supported,” Assistant Minister Irons said.
“Eligible employers will receive a subsidy of 50 per cent of an apprentice’s or trainee’s wage—up to $7,000 per quarter—with the program also extended to March 2021.”
Minister Cash said the wage subsidy is part of the Australian Government’s $6.5 billion investment in VET in 2020-21.
“We are working closely with jurisdictions to establish the $1 billion JobTrainer Fund, with a $500 million investment to the JobTrainer fund, matched by the state and territory governments,” Minister Cash said.
“This will provide up to an additional 340,700 free or low-fee training places to help Australians upskill and reskill in areas of demand.”
Further information on how to apply for the Supporting Apprentices and Trainees wage subsidy is available at https://www.employment.gov.au/supporting-apprentices-and-trainees
Australia Secures Onshore Manufacturing Agreements For Two COVID-19 Vaccines
A free COVID-19 vaccine will be available progressively throughout 2021 in Australia, if promising trials prove successful, following a $1.7 billion supply and production agreement between the Australian Government and pharmaceutical companies.
Under the agreement, the University of Oxford/AstraZeneca and the University of Queensland/CSL will provide more than 84.8 million vaccine doses for the Australian population, almost entirely manufactured in Melbourne, with early access to 3.8 million doses of the University of Oxford vaccine in January and February 2021.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said both vaccines would need to be proven safe and effective, and meet all necessary regulatory requirements, prior to being made available to the public.
“Australians will gain free access to a COVID-19 vaccine in 2021 if trials prove successful,” the Prime Minister said.
“By securing the production and supply agreements, Australians will be among the first in the world to receive a safe and effective vaccine, should it pass late stage testing.
“There are no guarantees that these vaccines will prove successful, however the agreement puts Australia at the top of the queue, if our medical experts give the vaccines the green light.”
Health Minister Greg Hunt said Australians would be among the first in the world to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, once it is available.
“The Australian Government is a strong supporter of immunisation in that it is a safe and effective way to prevent the spread of many diseases in the community that can cause hospitalisation, serious ongoing health conditions, or even death,” Minister Hunt said.
“All vaccinations help save lives and protect lives. This vaccination though is fundamental to the safety of individuals and our nation and it will protect our elderly and our frail and we can all help save lives.”
“While the Government supports immunisation, it is not mandatory and individuals maintain the option to choose not to vaccinate.
“Any decisions regarding vaccines will be based on the advice of the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation and other experts, and will be contingent on a vaccine meeting all requirements with regard to testing and safety.”
This commitment forms a crucial part of the Federal Government’s response to COVID-19 and our strategy to protect the health and wellbeing of Australians and the national economy.
The Prime Minister also remains committed to ensuring early access to the vaccines for countries in the Pacific as well as regional partners in Southeast Asia. Both agreements allow for additional orders to be negotiated and for doses to be donated or on-sold (with no mark-up) to other countries or international organisations.
Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said these agreements demonstrate what can be achieved when researchers and industry work together.
“Both these vaccines were initially tested by the CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness in Geelong, while the UQ vaccine is being developed with $5 million in support from the Federal Government,” Minister Andrews said.
“Now our nation’s manufacturing prowess will ensure Australia is in the strongest position to roll out a vaccine as quickly as possible, if and when it proves safe and effective.
“The work we are doing now will also build our knowledge and strengthen our local manufacturing capability, which will grow our pharmaceutical and medtech sectors for the future.”
The University of Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is world leading, having entered Phase three trials. To date it has generated strong immune responses, with no significant safety concerns.
The University of Queensland (UQ) vaccine has been developed in Australia by world class scientists and researchers, with support from the Australian Government.
UQ has recently announced that pre-clinical testing showed the vaccine is promising and already effective in animal models.
This production and supply agreement is part of the Australian Government’s COVID Vaccine and Treatment Strategy and was recommended by the expert advisory group – COVID-19 Vaccine and Treatments for Australia – Science and Industry Technical Advisory Group.
The deal leverages the manufacturing capability of experienced Australian pharmaceutical manufacturer CSL/Seqirus and will ensure that the vaccines will be manufactured onshore, to the highest quality standards at the earliest possible time.
Australia has a long history of vaccine development and vaccination which ensures Australians are protected from deadly and debilitating diseases including vaccines for rubella, polio and cervical cancer.
The Australian Government is contributing significantly to vaccine development work both in Australia and around the world, investing $362 million in vaccines, therapeutics and COVID medicines – including $257 million in vaccines.
Extension Of Temporary Relief For Financially Distressed Businesses
The Morrison Government will continue to provide regulatory relief for businesses that have been impacted by the Coronavirus crisis by extending temporary insolvency and bankruptcy protections until 31 December 2020.
Regulations will be made to extend the temporary increase in the threshold at which creditors can issue a statutory demand on a company and the time companies have to respond to statutory demands they receive.
The changes will also extend the temporary relief for directors from any personal liability for trading while insolvent.
These measures were part of more than 80 temporary regulatory changes the Government made designed to provide greater flexibility for businesses and individuals to operate during the coronavirus crisis.
The extension of these measures will lessen the threat of actions that could unnecessarily push businesses into insolvency and external administration at a time when they continue to be impacted by health restrictions.
These changes will help to prevent a further wave of failures before businesses have had the opportunity to recover.
In addition, the Government is providing an unprecedented level of support totalling $314 billion to cushion the blow for workers, households and businesses during the coronavirus crisis.
As the economy starts to recover, it will be critical that distressed businesses have the necessary flexibility to restructure or to wind down their operations in an orderly manner.
The Government will continue to help businesses successfully adapt and restructure so that they can bounce back on the other side of this crisis.
HELP TO IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH AT WORK
The NSW Government is seeking feedback on proposed guidelines to promote mentally healthy workplaces in NSW.
Minister for Better Regulation, Kevin Anderson, said a draft SafeWork NSW Code of Practice for managing the risks to psychological health is being developed to provide simple and practical guidance for workplaces to promote improved mental health.
“Mitigating and managing mental health risks at work can be complex, that’s why we’ve drafted a practical guide for employers, making it easy for them to create a mentally healthy workplace,” Mr Anderson said.
“Mental health is everybody’s business and it is vital that every single workplace in NSW has the tools to create a positive and healthy environment.”
NSW will be the first state in Australia to develop a code of this kind that encompasses a broad overview of risks to psychological health covering all NSW workplaces.
“We want to hear from the public as to how clear and effective the draft code is. Once the consultation period has ended, every submission received will be considered,” Mr Anderson said.
Minister for Mental Health, Bronnie Taylor, stressed the importance and benefits of having a mentally healthy workplace for employers and employees.
“Most of us spend about one-third of our waking lives at work. It’s a huge part of what we do and can have a huge impact on our mental health in a positive or negative way,” Mrs Taylor said.
“Knowing how to prioritise the mental health and wellbeing of staff, is more important than ever, and can also make a big difference to workplace morale and productivity.”
Individuals and organisations are invited to comment on the consultation paper. Submissions can be made at www.safework.nsw.gov.au
BUSHFIRE REBUILD TO BE EXEMPT FROM KOALA POLICY
The NSW Government is cutting red tape to help homeowners affected by the devastating 2019-20 bushfire season get back on their feet by allowing them to clear land and rebuild without doing koala habitat surveys.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the changes to the Koala SEPP have been shaped by feedback from councils and fire-affected local communities and were necessary to facilitate the safe and timely rebuilding and repair of homes.
“What those people went through was devastating and while protecting the habitat of our koalas is vital, we must make it easier for those who lost everything in last summer’s traumatic bushfires,” Mr Stokes said.
“What we have done is include a provision in the Koala SEPP to allow homeowners impacted by the bushfires to clear the land around where their home previously stood in order to rebuild more quickly.
“It’s the role of government to change things for the better when and where we can and there is a clear need to support these people right now. By allowing them to clear and develop their land without considering these requirements, it will save them much-needed money and time.”
The change is supported by a number of checks and balances to ensure development does not impact koalas, including requiring any rebuilding of homes destroyed by fire in the last five years to occur on the same site.
The amendment will enable an Asset Protection Zone to be created around the damaged or destroyed home and any clearing and development within this area will not need to consider the Koala SEPP, saving applicants time and money in the development application process.
“NSW has faced an unprecedented series of catastrophic events from flooding, bushfires to COVID-19. Our regional communities are doing it tough and we need to support them in any way we can.”
The Guidelines to the Koala SEPP were recently exhibited. The Department Of Planning, Industry and Environment is now carefully reviewing the 2,200 submissions made. The draft will be revised taking into account issues raised in submissions.
‘BEST IN CLASS’ TO SUPPORT MORE TEACHERS AND STUDENTS
More than 700 HSC teachers at 300 schools across NSW have already benefitted from the NSW Government’s Best in Class team of teachers.
The team has spent the last six months supporting HSC students and will now expand to support more teachers with mathematics and writing across all secondary years.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell announced 16 new teachers will be hired to join the Best in Class team.
Ms Berejiklian said the NSW Government is focusing on the core subjects of literacy, numeracy and STEM in implementing its new curriculum.
“The ‘Best in Class’ team have done an excellent job supporting teachers with remote learning techniques during the pandemic and offering easy-to-access teaching materials online.
“The team will now expand to ensure teachers across NSW are equipped with the best skills to support students, with a focus on writing and mathematics.
“The teachers selected to deliver the program stand out and we want to replicate these great teaching methods across the all the State’s classrooms.”
Ms Mitchell said the team has proven invaluable during the pandemic, developing on-demand professional learning materials and supporting staff remotely.
“The ‘Best in Class’ team directly supported teachers during the pandemic. This effort was supplemented by the HSC Hub which has had over 33,000 user visitors since going live on July 1,” Ms Mitchell said.
“The teams and these additional streams will continue to grow, developing and delivering the best teaching practices to teachers across the state as we continue our focus on lifting student performance statewide.”
Best in Class is a team comprising 66 of the state’s best teachers who will share their classrooms skills directly with those teachers and students who need it most, while also developing a new ‘best practice’ teaching package.
FIRST NSW AI STRATEGY TO MAKE LIFE EASIER FOR CITIZENS
An artificial intelligence (AI) strategy released by the NSW Government today will create jobs and deliver smarter and better services to citizens across NSW.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the strategy will create thousands of jobs across NSW including demand for IT professionals, cyber security experts, data scientists, and engineers.
“This is great news for citizens, researchers and businesses. We know how important AI is and this strategy puts us at the forefront of this emerging space,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Science, technology, engineering and mathematics will play a pivotal role in shaping our State’s future economy and we cannot be spectators on the sidelines. We must lead and be the engine room for future jobs.”
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the strategy sets a bold roadmap for the trusted, tested and transparent use of AI in government services.
“Whether it’s at home, online, on the road or at the supermarket, the use of AI is becoming more prevalent in day-to-day life and is often deployed in subtle ways to make customer interactions and services more seamless,” Mr Dominello said.
“This strategy brings together the three key pillars of privacy, transparency and security, within the prism of ethics.”
A new body, the NSW Government AI Review Committee, will be established to oversee the use of AI across government. The Committee will be chaired by the NSW Government Chief Data Scientist, Ian Oppermann and work with all government agencies.
The strategy also prioritises the development of AI skills in government and will strengthen industry partnerships through a consistent approach to procurement of AI products and services.
Current examples of the use of AI in NSW Government include:
- Transport for NSW’s use of AI and machine learning to anticipate required maintenance and proactively schedule downtime for maintenance, which helps increase passenger safety and equipment reliability.
- NSW Health’s use of algorithms from deidentified medical records, to assist with the early detection and treatment of sepsis in emergency department waiting rooms, which helps to save patient lives and improve service levels.
- NSW Department of Planning, Industry & Environment use drones and AI to identify and protect threatened plants and animals which is part of the Saving our Species program.
The AI Strategy is the third pillar of the State Government’s commitment to making NSW the digital capital of the southern hemisphere, having recently launched policies on the Internet of Things and Smart Infrastructure.
The digital suite is secured by the record $240 million State-wide investment in cyber security, announced in June.
For more detail on the NSW Artificial Intelligence Strategy go to https://www.digital.nsw.gov.au/policy/artificial-intelligence-ai