A new online toolkit is helping businesses as they continue to navigate the challenges of COVID-19.
Developed by the NSW Government’s business advisory service, Business Connect, the toolkit includes more than 35 webinars on a range of business-related subjects, fact sheets and training videos.
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the webinars contained invaluable tips for business owners across the state.
“It’s been a really tough year for small businesses, with drought, bushfires, floods and the ongoing COVID-19 global health pandemic hitting the hip pockets of business owners right around the state,” Mr Tudehope said.
“This is just one way businesses can get access to the tools and resources they need to relaunch or re-establish during these challenging times.
“Anyone can access the toolkit, and since the webinars are all pre-recorded, they can be watched at any time.”
Topics include Building a Successful Online Store, Survive and Thrive during COVID-19 and Brand Building.
“I also encourage small businesses to look at other services available from Business Connect, as there are more than 120 Business Connect advisors who can provide free-of-charge advice during COVID-19.”
Mr Tudehope said 97 per cent of businesses who used Business Connect would likely recommend the program.
Other webinar topics include Business Disruption: Rural and Regional, presented by Sue Williams, founder of the Great Lakes Food Trail, Organic Facebook Marketing, and Smart Phone Flat Lay Photography.
To access the Business Connect Online Toolkit click here.
JCTT investigators re-appeal for information over assassination of Turkish Consul-General and his bodyguard in 1980
The NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) is re-appealing for assistance from the community after new details came to light in the investigation into the 1980 assassination of a Turkish diplomat and his bodyguard in Sydney’s east. Turkish Consul-General
Sarik Ariyak, aged 50, and his bodyguard, Engin Sever, aged 28, were shot outside a residence on Portland Street, Dover Heights, about 9.45am on Wednesday 17 December 1980.
Mr Ariyak and Mr Sever were leaving the residence in separate vehicles, when they were approached by two unknown men, who fired multiple shots at close range before fleeing the area on a motorcycle.
Mr Ariyak died at the scene, and Mr Sever died a short time later at St Vincent’s Hospital.
Despite extensive investigations by police at the time and over the years, no one has ever been charged.
Following a formal review last year, the NSW JCTT, which comprises the NSW Police Force’s Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Command, the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and the NSW Crime Commission, established Operation Esslemont to re-investigate the murders and is using advancements in investigative techniques and forensic technologies.
To assist their initial inquiries, the NSW Government reward for information was increased to $1 million on the 39th anniversary (17 December 2019), which has assisted in providing a number of new lines of inquiry.
Acting on these new lines of inquiry, police divers from Marine Area Command recently conducted initial searches in Sydney Harbour off Greenwich Point regarding items of interest to the investigation.
As investigations continue – both domestically and internationally, JCTT officers are re-appealing to the community for information, which may assist with current lines of inquiry.
Investigators are keen to speak with anyone who may have details relating to the persons responsible for, and assisting in; the planning and carrying out of the assassination, and the concealment of items such as the motorcycle, weapon and other items used during the assassination both before and after the offence.
NSW Police Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Commander, Assistant Commissioner Mark Walton, said despite encouraging leads being followed by investigators, the JCTT needs further community assistance.
“Operation Esslemont investigators have been working meticulously through the original case files and have established new and significant lines of inquiry,” Assistant Commissioner Mark Walton said.
“Since our appeal late last year, we have received incredible interest from the community but given the politically motivated nature of the assassination, we believe there’s still a reluctance to help us.
“But experience tells us that the passage of time – particularly changes in relationships between people with knowledge of a crime – coupled with a hefty reward can be the key to breaking the wall of silence.
“With that in mind, I urge anyone who has information that will help the JCTT deliver justice for Mr Ariak and Mr Sever to come forward now and share what they know with investigators.”
JCTT investigators remind the community that the $1 million reward remains in place for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for Mr Ariak and Mr Sever’s murders.
Anyone with information that may assist Operation Esslemont investigators 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.
Nine arrested as part of investigation into IED detonation – Canterbury
Police will address the media after nine people were arrested following an investigation into an IED detonation that injured a woman in Sydney’s inner west earlier this year.
On Monday 8 June 2020, a woman was inside her home on Robert Street, Canterbury, when she noticed a fire on the front balcony about 11.20pm.
The woman walked outside to investigate and when she tried to extinguish the fire, an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated.
The 55-year-old woman was treated at the scene, before being taken to Concord Hospital for treatment of burns to her face, hands, chest and legs.
A 19-year-old man who was also home at the time was uninjured.
Detectives from Burwood Police Area Command established Strike Force Shalimah to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Following extensive inquiries, strike force investigators, with assistance from Auburn, Fairfield and Campsie Police Area Commands and Central Metropolitan Region ODIN, attended homes across Sydney from about 7am today (Thursday 13 August 2020), and arrested eight males, aged between 17 and 20.
They were taken to Mascot, Bankstown, Burwood and Fairfield Police Stations.
Search warrants were executed at three homes in Zetland, Concord and Fairfield, where officers seized clothing, phones and other items relevant to the investigation.
Just before 9am, an 18-year-old man was arrested after attending Mascot Police Station
Inquiries continue.
Anyone with information that can assist Strike Force Shalimah investigators are 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.
COVID-19 update: Man charged with spitting at police
Police have charged a man in Sydney’s CBD after he allegedly spat at multiple officers yesterday.
About 6.30pm (Wednesday 12 August 2020), officers from Sydney City Police Area Command were called to a hotel on George Street, Sydney, after reports of an altercation.
Police stopped a man at Railway Square, at the intersection of George and Lee Streets and the 32-year-old was arrested after he refused to provide details and attempted to walk away.
His identity was established, and he was issued a move-on direction.
After failing to comply, the man was arrested and taken to Day Street Police Station where he allegedly repeatedly spat at multiple officer’s while being held in custody.
The man was charged with use offensive language in/near public place/school, refuse/fail to comply with direction under Part 14, and not comply noticed direction re spitting/coughing – COVID-19.
The man was refused bail to appear at Central Local Court today (Thursday 13 August 2020).
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.
Government laziness is impeding the important work of the Disability Royal Commission
The second progress report of the Royal Commission into the Violence, Abuse, Exploitation and Neglect of People with Disability makes it clear that the limitations of confidentiality provisions are impeding on people’s willingness to speak with the Commission and affecting the scope of the Commission’s work, Australian Greens Disability Rights and Services spokesperson Senator Jordon Steele-John said.
Steele-John also said there was still significant work that needed to be done to engage with Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory with data showing that three quarters of submissions had come from individuals and organisations in the Eastern States.
Steele-John also said there was still significant work that needed to be done to engage with Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory with data showing that three quarters of submissions had come from individuals and organisations in the Eastern States.
“The failure of the Morrison government to strengthen witness protections is risking the loss of vital evidence and will ultimately weaken the Royal Commission’s findings, and therefore recommendations,” Steele-John said.”I first flagged this issue with Attorney General Christian Porter back in November 2019 and made several inquiries to his office since then with no response. The Chair, Ronald Sackville, has made similar inquiries and spoken of the issue in public hearings of the Royal Commission in Townsville and in Sydmney.
“An entire section of this progress report is devoted to confidentiality protections, or lack thereof, and the challenges the situation presents to the important work of the Commission. It is simply not good enough that more than a year into this process these simpole legislative changes have still not been made!
“There is no other way to describe the attitude of the Morrison government towards the Disability Royal Commission other than ‘laziness’.
“It is critical that these changes are urgently made to ensure that our Royal Commission can get on with its work and so that people can feel safe in the knowledge that their privacy will be protected.”
“An entire section of this progress report is devoted to confidentiality protections, or lack thereof, and the challenges the situation presents to the important work of the Commission. It is simply not good enough that more than a year into this process these simpole legislative changes have still not been made!
“There is no other way to describe the attitude of the Morrison government towards the Disability Royal Commission other than ‘laziness’.
“It is critical that these changes are urgently made to ensure that our Royal Commission can get on with its work and so that people can feel safe in the knowledge that their privacy will be protected.”
Government laziness is impeding the important work of the Disability Royal Commission
The second progress report of the Royal Commission into the Violence, Abuse, Exploitation and Neglect of People with Disability makes it clear that the limitations of confidentiality provisions are impeding on people’s willingness to speak with the Commission and affecting the scope of the Commission’s work, Australian Greens Disability Rights and Services spokesperson Senator Jordon Steele-John said.
Steele-John also said there was still significant work that needed to be done to engage with Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory with data showing that three quarters of submissions had come from individuals and organisations in the Eastern States.
Steele-John also said there was still significant work that needed to be done to engage with Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory with data showing that three quarters of submissions had come from individuals and organisations in the Eastern States.
“The failure of the Morrison government to strengthen witness protections is risking the loss of vital evidence and will ultimately weaken the Royal Commission’s findings, and therefore recommendations,” Steele-John said.”I first flagged this issue with Attorney General Christian Porter back in November 2019 and made several inquiries to his office since then with no response. The Chair, Ronald Sackville, has made similar inquiries and spoken of the issue in public hearings of the Royal Commission in Townsville and in Sydmney.
“An entire section of this progress report is devoted to confidentiality protections, or lack thereof, and the challenges the situation presents to the important work of the Commission. It is simply not good enough that more than a year into this process these simpole legislative changes have still not been made!
“There is no other way to describe the attitude of the Morrison government towards the Disability Royal Commission other than ‘laziness’.
“It is critical that these changes are urgently made to ensure that our Royal Commission can get on with its work and so that people can feel safe in the knowledge that their privacy will be protected.”
“An entire section of this progress report is devoted to confidentiality protections, or lack thereof, and the challenges the situation presents to the important work of the Commission. It is simply not good enough that more than a year into this process these simpole legislative changes have still not been made!
“There is no other way to describe the attitude of the Morrison government towards the Disability Royal Commission other than ‘laziness’.
“It is critical that these changes are urgently made to ensure that our Royal Commission can get on with its work and so that people can feel safe in the knowledge that their privacy will be protected.”
INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY: 2020 IS THE YEAR TO LISTEN TO YOUNG PEOPLE
Australian Greens Youth spokesperson, and Australia’s youngest Senator, Jordon Steele-John has called for greater engagement with young people to help shape our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Today is International Youth Day and the theme for 2020 is Youth Engagement for Global Action, which seeks to highlight the need for greater engagement with young people to enhance formal institutional politics and process at the local, national and global level.
“This International Youth Day the future has never looked more challenging for young people,” Senate Steele-John said.
“As a result there has never been a better time or a more urgent need to listen to, and engage, with young people than the crossroads we now find ourselves at.
“We must take urgent action on Climate Change within the next decade or it will be my generation, and the generations after mine, that will pay the heaviest price in terms of global heating, mass extinction and resource pressures globally.
“Unemployment is higher than it’s ever been, the workforce is becoming increasingly casualised and long term cuts to the tertiary education sector mean that job prospects for young people are bleak.
“This dual economic and climate crises has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and it is young people who are feeling it the hardest.
“It’s clear from the lack of action on climate change, sustained political attacks from those in power on funding for, and access to, our tertiary institutions, and the fact that work has never been more insecure that only the Greens care about creating a future for all of us!”
The Greens’ plan to empower young people:
- Reinstate funding for National Youth Week;
- Reinstate funding for the national youth peak body;
- Reestablish a Federal Minister for Youth (independent of Sport)
- Give 16 and 17 year olds the right to vote; and
- Implement a Youth Jobs guarantee to help young people to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Major parties reject the need for parliamentary standards
Despite the conduct of politicians having declined year on year and public confidence in democracy bottoming out, both major parties have rejected the need for binding, independently enforced parliamentary standards proposed by the Greens.
Responding to today’s bipartisan recommendation of the Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee to oppose the Greens Parliamentary Standards Bill introduced in October 2019, Greens Leader in the Senate and spokesperson on democracy, Senator Larissa Waters said:
“With scandal after scandal and regular poor behaviour, the public generally thinks politicians are all corrupt, in it for themselves, and behave like pork chops in parliament.
“With parliamentary sittings due to resume shortly, sadly we clearly need stronger, independently enforced standards that apply to all parliamentarians and their senior staff to act with integrity, avoid conflicts of interest, and use resources in the public interest.
“In recommending this bill not be passed, the major parties have failed the test of whether they want to set an example for the public and help to end corruption and restore public trust in democracy, rather than act like spoilt toddlers.
“Alarming levels of disrespect had been allowed to flourish in parliament, from corruption and selfish opportunism to appalling behaviour that would not be tolerated in any other workplace.
“Pauline Hanson wearing a burqa in the Australian senate as part of a political stunt, Fraser Anning talking about the ‘final solution’ in his maiden speech, James McGrath threatening to leak my address on national television last year – all show how desperately needed parliamentary standards are.
“The existing Ministerial Standards are weak, opaque, and enforced completely at the Prime Minister’s discretion – it’s not good enough. Those standards have not deterred the litany of questionable behaviour by Ministers, both in and out of the chamber.
“Parliamentarians have a duty to serve and to represent, and should set a good example – if people in such positions of leadership can be openly sexist, homophobic, and corrupt, what kind of license does that give the rest of the country?” Senator Waters concluded.
Additional Information
The report, including the Greens dissenting remarks, is available here: https://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query%3DId%3A%22publications%2Ftabledpapers%2Fabcd6bf1-160f-4476-89d2-50ec04e594ec%22
The Greens bill requires all politicians to respect others, to avoid conflicts of interest, to act with integrity, and to ensure that power and public resources are always used in the public interest.
It would establish a new independent enforcement agent with teeth, the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner, who can investigate breaches of the code of conduct and take action when politicians’ behaviour fails to meet public expectations.
For serious allegations, the new Public Standards Commissioner could refer the matter to the Greens proposed National Integrity Commission for a more comprehensive investigation.
The bill also sets out a process to review and strengthen existing standards for lobbying, post-parliamentary employment, political donations, and campaign financing.
In their additional remarks, the ALP did again voice its support for a federal ICAC; the Greens’ bill for a federal ICAC passed the Senate with Labor’s support almost a year ago.
Australian youth offering hope during hard times
Today we recognise and celebrate the contribution of young people across Australia as part of International Youth Day.
Established by the United Nations, International Youth Day offers a chance to raise awareness of the need to ensure the engagement and participation of youth at every level.
Minister for Youth and Sport, Richard Colbeck, said while the COVID-19 pandemic is putting a lot of demands on young people, they are rising to the challenge.
“Australian youth face significant challenges in this unprecedented period,” Minister Colbeck said. “But across every State and Territory, there are shining examples of young people offering hope in hard times.
“Of course, 2020 has been a difficult year for everybody – none more so than for young people trying to navigate through their education or early careers.”
Minister Colbeck said around Australia, a range of projects are providing support and showcasing the important role young people are playing across the community.
- In Tasmania, the West Tamar Youth Advisory Council has been supported to transfer its activities online due to COVID-19. The Council is determined to continue engaging in the community and has been holding online interviews to continue to give young people a voice. The online content also includes sessions covering study tips and information as well as virtual cooking classes;
- In Far North Queensland, Deadly Inspiring Youth Doing Good (DIYDG), an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth led volunteer group, aims to empower young people through workshops, training, storytelling and advocacy opportunities; and
- In Victoria the University of Melbourne Pathways to Politics Program for Women aims to increase female participation in politics by equipping young women with the skills and knowledge to succeed in running for elected office, and to thrive as political leaders.
Nationally, the Country to Canberra project is empowering rural teenage girls to reach their leadership potential, running programs that provide education, leadership and mentorship opportunities.
Minister Colbeck said the Morrison Government also recently launched a $1 million program to help all young Australians reach their full potential, providing Youth Advocacy Support Grants to organisations advocating on behalf of young people, especially those from disadvantaged or marginalised backgrounds.
“Projects like these give a voice to our young people,” Minister Colbeck said.
“They help keep young Australians connected in a physically-distant world and they remind the community just how important it is for young people to actively participate in and contribute to our society.”
Additionally, The Morrison Government is delivering unparalleled support for young Australians through the vital JobKeeper program, providing education and new opportunities through the Supporting Apprentices and Trainees package and JobTrainer and helping young people realise the dream of owning their own home and more young tradies to stay in work through HomeBuilder.
Minister Colbeck said work continues on the completion of the 2020 Australian Youth Development Index — a one-stop shop for information related to the most significant issues young Australians face.
“Good public policy hinges on solid evidence-based research and current statistics,” Minister Colbeck said. “It will be a valuable resource.”
SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR COMMUNITIES AND THE PREVENTION OF FAMILY VIOLENCE
Today I was pleased to announce at a special Caucus meeting that I have appointed Senator Jenny McAllister to the role of Shadow Assistant Minister for Communities and the Prevention of Family Violence.
In this role Jenny will support the excellent ongoing work of Linda Burney MP who is a champion for vulnerable Australians as Shadow Minister for Families and Social Services.
The creation of this new role reflects the importance of social services to Labor and the community. This portfolio will play a crucial role in tackling economic and social disadvantage, and family and domestic violence.
Jenny has been a strong advocate for women and for Australians facing financial hardship.
I am confident Jenny will perform this role with the compassion, integrity and dedication she has brought to her continuing roles as Shadow Cabinet Secretary and Shadow Assistant Minister to the Labor Leader in the Senate.