The National Cabinet has today endorsed measures for the resumption of sport and recreation activities across Australia.
A set of National Principles along with the Australian Institute of Sport’s, Framework for Rebooting Sport in a COVID-19 Environment, will be used to guide the staged return of activity as efforts to stop the spread of the virus continue.
Minister for Youth and Sport, Richard Colbeck, said the announcement signalled an important step as Australia, slowly and resolutely, emerges from the pandemic.
“The National Cabinet decisions map out a careful and sensible road ahead for the safe resumption of sports and recreation in Australia,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Both the National Principles and the Framework recognise the key role sport and recreation plays in the Australian community and the many health, economic, social and cultural benefits it provides.”
He said emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic would not be easy or fast – but planning for the future of sport and recreation would be a critical part of our national recovery.
“I fully support the National Cabinet’s firm resolution that the resumption of sport and recreation activity — at any level — must not compromise the health of individuals or the community,” Minister Colbeck said.
The National Principles make clear how sporting and recreational activities can only happen where stringent, public and personal health measures are observed and required standards met.
The Framework for Rebooting Sport in a COVID-19 Environment was developed by the AIS after extensive consultation with sports organisations.
It guides the staged resumption of sport and recreation at high performance, community, and individual levels.
The National Cabinet also agreed to establish a specialist COVID-19 Sports and Health Committee.
The committee will include relevant sports medicine and health experts from the AIS, sports, and governments to monitor and support the resumption process.
It will report to the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee
“I want to stress that the resumption process will at all times be subject to the current circumstances of jurisdictions and under the direction of relevant public health authorities,” Minister Colbeck said.
“We can expect some variation because of local factors including COVID-19 epidemiology, risk mitigation strategies, and public health capacities.
“Today’s endorsement by the National Cabinet of the resumption of sport and recreation in Australia is a great step forward.
“However, we must all continue to play our part to keep ourselves, our families, and our communities safe from spread of COVID-19.”
AIS Framework for rebooting sport (PDF)
Author: admin
Breakdown of latest Public Health Act charges and Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs)
Police have charged three people under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) and issued two COVID-19-related Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) for offences within the past 24 hours.
Yesterday’s CANs and PINs included:
- About 12.55am on Saturday (2 May 2020), officers from Lake Macquarie Police District were called to Motherwell Street, Edgeworth where they spoke to 15 and 16- year-old juveniles. The boys were arrested and taken to Toronto Police Station, where they were charged with 12 offences including property theft, trespass, assault police and not comply with noticed direction COVID-19. The teens were refused bail.
- About 1.20pm yesterday (Saturday 2 May 2020), officers from South Sydney Police Area Command were patrolling James Street Reserve, Redfern, when they noticed a man allegedly drinking alcohol in an alcohol-free zone. He could not provide police with a reasonable excuse for being at the location. Subsequent checks revealed the man had previously been issued two warnings and a $1000 PIN for breaching Ministerial Directions. The 63-year-old man was arrested and taken to Mascot Police Station and charged with not comply with noticed direction (COVID-19) and refused bail to appear before Parramatta Bail Court today (Sunday 3 May 2020).
- About 1am on Saturday (2 May 2020), police patrolling Old Canterbury Road, Dulwich Hill, noticed a vehicle driving erratically. Police stopped and spoke with the 37-year-old female driver who could not provide a reasonable excuse for being outside. A search of the woman’s vehicle revealed a small amount of illicit drugs. They were seized for examination and the woman was arrested and taken to Newtown Police Station where she was issued with a PIN for not complying with noticed direction (COVID-19).
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.
City of Newcastle makes thousands of online training courses available free to community
Thousands of courses are available to Novocastrians to upskill during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Newcastle Libraries members can access free of charge more than 8,000 e-learning courses and 13,000 video tutorials on topics such as resume writing, skills for retraining, and how to start a business, via social networking site LinkedIn’s online learning platform, Lynda.
Courses will be curated for strategic business development opportunities, including digital literacy for small business, online retail, digital marketing and business transformation.
It’s part of City of Newcastle’s $5.5 million COVID-19 Community and Economic Development Resilience Package, under which a raft of support measures aims to foster community connections in the wake of the pandemic.
The City has also expanded the libraries’ subscription to online tutoring program Studiosity.
For students in Years 3 to 12, Studiosity provides access to free one-to-one tutoring in mathematics, science and English 24/7, year-round, through the Newcastle Library App.
This is particularly useful for students who are currently home-schooling or engaging in online learning as a result of the coronavirus.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said with COVID-19 changing the way we live, work and play, resulting in more downtime at home for many, City of Newcastle had moved to fill the void with practical, accessible tools for personal and professional development.
“We know that the ability to learn and relearn is a critical skill for the 21st Century,” the Lord Mayor said.
“The benefit of these courses is the upskilling of the local workforce during a period of economic downturn, empowering people to learn and improving community wellbeing.”
Beyond formal education, there is also the opportunity to take up a new hobby, learn a language or research that project you’ve been meaning to start, with several reference and research electronic databases, such as Mango languages, Hobbies and Craft reference centre, Carters Price Guide to Antiques, Encyclopaedia Britannica, and many more at your fingertips.
The antidote to writer’s block or the value of grandma’s antique plate are just a few clicks away.
These resources are available to all Newcastle Libraries members.
You can become a member online to gain instant access at home via the free Newcastle Library App or the website, newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Library. It is free to join if you live or work in the Newcastle region.
For further support, you can phone 4974 5300 to speak with a library staff member between 9.30am and 5pm on weekdays, and 9.30am and 1.30pm on Saturdays.
Newcastle Libraries members can access free of charge more than 8,000 e-learning courses and 13,000 video tutorials on topics such as resume writing, skills for retraining, and how to start a business, via social networking site LinkedIn’s online learning platform, Lynda.
Courses will be curated for strategic business development opportunities, including digital literacy for small business, online retail, digital marketing and business transformation.
It’s part of City of Newcastle’s $5.5 million COVID-19 Community and Economic Development Resilience Package, under which a raft of support measures aims to foster community connections in the wake of the pandemic.
The City has also expanded the libraries’ subscription to online tutoring program Studiosity.
For students in Years 3 to 12, Studiosity provides access to free one-to-one tutoring in mathematics, science and English 24/7, year-round, through the Newcastle Library App.
This is particularly useful for students who are currently home-schooling or engaging in online learning as a result of the coronavirus.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said with COVID-19 changing the way we live, work and play, resulting in more downtime at home for many, City of Newcastle had moved to fill the void with practical, accessible tools for personal and professional development.
“We know that the ability to learn and relearn is a critical skill for the 21st Century,” the Lord Mayor said.
“The benefit of these courses is the upskilling of the local workforce during a period of economic downturn, empowering people to learn and improving community wellbeing.”
Beyond formal education, there is also the opportunity to take up a new hobby, learn a language or research that project you’ve been meaning to start, with several reference and research electronic databases, such as Mango languages, Hobbies and Craft reference centre, Carters Price Guide to Antiques, Encyclopaedia Britannica, and many more at your fingertips.
The antidote to writer’s block or the value of grandma’s antique plate are just a few clicks away.
These resources are available to all Newcastle Libraries members.
You can become a member online to gain instant access at home via the free Newcastle Library App or the website, newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Library. It is free to join if you live or work in the Newcastle region.
For further support, you can phone 4974 5300 to speak with a library staff member between 9.30am and 5pm on weekdays, and 9.30am and 1.30pm on Saturdays.
$400,000 TO SUPPORT WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT
Organisations with projects that empower women and promote their wellbeing can now apply for a share of $400,000 from the NSW Government.
Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor today invited organisations across the state to apply for funding under the latest round of the Investing in Women grants.
“Making sure women from all ages and backgrounds have equal access to opportunities benefits the entire community,” Mrs Taylor said.
“From finding ways to improve women’s financial wellbeing and security to promoting health and wellness, we are looking for projects which can really change women’s lives and shape a better future.”
Since 2013, the Investing in Women funding program has provided more than $1.8 million to projects that support women from employment and training to leadership development.
The program is aligned with the NSW Women’s Strategy 2018-2022, which fosters:
- Economic opportunity and advancement;
- Health and wellbeing; and,
- Participation and empowerment.
Past projects include a coffee cart that provides valuable skills training opportunities for vulnerable Aboriginal women, a business leadership program and mental health first aid training for women in regional and remote NSW.
“These are just a few examples of successful projects which have helped women and their communities thrive,” Mrs Taylor said.
There are three funding tiers for projects depending on their stage of development.
Funding applications open at 9am (AEST) on Monday, 4 May 2020 and close at 11:59pm (AEST) on Sunday 31 May 2020.
For more information on the program and details on how to apply, visit: www.women.nsw.gov.au/commissioning/investing-in-women-funding-program
MEMORIALS TO GET FUNDING BOOST AFTER ANZAC DAY
NSW communities are being encouraged to apply for funding grants of up to $10,000 to restore and protect their war memorials.
Acting Minister for Veterans Geoff Lee said public commemorations at community war memorials didn’t happen on Anzac Day this year because of COVID-19 but it only highlighted their importance.
“A lot of people missed the special connection you get from attending your local war memorial with your community on Anzac Day,” said Mr Lee
“That just reinforces the need to make sure these precious monuments are protected not just for this generation but for many more to come.
“Our war memorials give us a place to reflect and pay our respects to those brave soldiers who fought for the freedom we enjoy today.”
The Community War Memorials Fund grants help protect, conserve and repair war memorials in NSW.
Funds can be requested for specialist heritage advice or physical conservation work on halls, honour rolls, avenues of trees and stone monuments.
One of the previous sites to benefit from the grants program was the Ronald Jack Cooper Memorial Gates at Eurongilly. They commemorate local resident Jack Cooper who was killed in action in 1941 when his plane went missing off the coast of Libya.
The gates were erected in 1955 and feature plaques with the names of members of the local community who served in the Second World War and Vietnam War.
Applications close on 27 July 2020.
For more information: www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/heritage/community-war-memorials-fund/
Head of VicForests is a science denier, role should be reviewed, say Greens
The Greens have condemned VicForests chief executive, Monique Dawson, for her comments towards Professor David Lindenmayer, one of the world’s most cited ecologists, following reports today of the proposed logging of forests in Victoria and NSW that were burnt in last summer’s devastating bushfires.
State Greens MP Ellen Sandell has called on Premier Daniel Andrews to immediately review the VicForests CEO’s position, saying her anti-science comments as a public office holder are unacceptable.
Greens Senator Janet Rice has written to Environment Minister Sussen Ley, urging the federal government to step in and prevent the state logging agencies from causing further damage to these bushfire-affected forest areas.
Senator Janet Rice, Greens federal spokesperson for Forests said:
“The head of VicForests is a science denier. Monique Dawson was quoted rejecting the work of an internationally regarded ecologist and her outrageous views should have no place in the Victorian public service.
“This summer’s fires burnt through an unprecedented 20% of our mainland forests, but our state and federal governments seem happy to decimate these already badly-damaged fire-affected areas.
“The science is clear that this ‘salvage logging’ activity will cause further disturbance to these ecosystems and would severely hamper the regeneration and recovery of these forests.
“I have written to Minister Ley to urge the federal government & its Expert Panel on bushfire recovery to stop VicForests and the NSW Forestry Corporation from causing further destruction.
Ellen Sandell MP, Victorian Greens spokesperson for environment said:
“Logging in burnt forests is like sending a recovery patient to war. With protection and restoration, our forests will recover, but not if they’re logged so soon after the summer’s devastating fires.
“VicForests’ science denial is yet another example of the agency’s total disregard for science, in the same week courts have stepped in to halt logging in 26 areas.
“The Government must immediately review the CEO’s position and rule out post-fire logging for the protection of our environment, our water catchments and our wildlife.”
Modelling predicts ‘pandemic price tag’ for young people: $35,000
Young people starting their first job following the COVID-19 crisis will earn on average $35,000 less than their peers over the next decade – a 6% pay cut, or essentially working over 6 months unpaid, modelling from the Australian Greens has predicted.
With young people already enduring the hardest hit from working in those sectors that have been shut down, and half a million casual workers under 24 excluded from the JobKeeper scheme, the figure highlights the importance of putting young people’s needs front and centre in recovery plans and to start supporting them now through JobKeeper.
This modelling was undertaken by the Greens using predictions made by researchers looking at employment ‘scarring’ as a result of job market shocks and more young people competing for a shrinking pool of jobs.
The research finds that in a hostile labour market, young people are more likely to accept lower paid or less suitable work, which then takes a long time to undo. The underpinning body of evidence from US studies assume a 3% rise in unemployment, far less than the increase from 5% to 10% foreshadowed – so young people could be even worse off than predicted.
“Imagine if today you got a 6% pay cut locked in for the next ten years of your life. That’s the reality for every young person looking for their first job after the pandemic,” Adam Bandt MP said.
“If you’re entering the workforce now, you’re not only battling stagnant wages, unaffordable housing and the climate crisis, you’re trying to get into a job market that’s collapsing around you.
“Young people will be hit the hardest when it comes to looking for a job. Unemployment will be through the roof and there will be even more crappy jobs that don’t offer enough hours of work or high enough wages.”
“Even if you do manage to get a job on the other side, it will come at a cost. Young people can put a price tag on this pandemic. It will cost you $34,442 over the next decade and there’s no refunds.
“When you’ve got bills piling up and rent to pay, it can be tough to turn down a lousy job that barely pays the bills, if only to keep a roof over your head. All too often one bad job leads to another, so it’s really tough to get the experience and confidence needed to get the job you deserve.
“Right now in Australia employers have all the power, so it’s tough to get the leg up to the job you really want, and it will take up to a decade to get your career back on track.
“This $35,000 over a decade isn’t just loose change that could go to rent, it’s a housing deposit that’s been taken away from you, money that could pay off your car, or go into your savings to get ready for a rainy day.
“We can turn this around. When we’re rebuilding our economy, we need to put young people front and centre. We need to make sure that there’s enough available and meaningful work available to make sure everyone has the job they deserve.
“That needs to start with making sure that all young people can access JobKeeper. By locking new casual workers out of JobKeeper, the Liberals have shown they don’t understand the realities of the modern workplace.
“By ignoring young people, Scott Morrison is setting up the next generation to fail. The government is asking young people to pay for an economic stimulus package they’re not even allowed to access.
“It’s never been more important to get politically active and join your union. With the Greens as your strong voice in parliament and the unions behind you, we can take back the workplace rights and opportunities that have been snatched away.”
Key points:
• A young worker entering the workforce in the COVID-19 downturn will have a mean 6% reduction in annual earnings each year for a decade.
• Across a decade, this represents the loss of 60% of a year’s annual income – or $34,442 when considering the average salary of a full time worker under 24 years old.
• As the underpinning body of evidence assumes a 3% rise in unemployment, far less than we are likely to experience, young people could be even worse off than predicted.
• This loss is compounded when considering the follow-on impacts on superannuation balance, a delayed move from renting to a mortgage, and a reduction in interest from savings.
Update on Coronavirus Measures
The National Cabinet met today to take further decisions to save lives, and to save livelihoods.
The Chief Medical Officer Professor Brendan Murphy provided an update on the measures underway, the latest data and medical advice in relation to COVID-19.
There are over 6,760 confirmed cases in Australia and sadly 92 people have died. There are now only around 1000 active cases in Australia, and over the past week, daily infection rates have been very low, especially in Western Australia, the Northern Territory, the ACT, Queensland and South Australia.
Initial actions and measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia have been largely successful at slowing the growth of cases domestically and ensuring the national health care system has the ability to cope with cases, and surge when required.
We need to continue to have the right controls in place to test more people, trace those who test positive and respond to local outbreaks when they occur. These are amongst the precedent conditions to enable Australia to relax baseline restrictions.
National Cabinet encouraged Australians to download the COVIDSafe app to ensure that we can protect Australians and reset baseline restrictions.
The ability to find and contain outbreaks quickly will mean governments can ease restrictions while still keeping Australians safe. National Cabinet thanked the more than 3.5 million Australians that have already downloaded the COVIDSafe app.
Treasury Secretary, Dr Steven Kennedy, provided National Cabinet with an economic update for both the domestic and international situation.
National Cabinet agreed to bring forward the review of the first phase of removing baseline restrictions on Friday 8 May 2020, including an assessment of achievement against precedent conditions.
National Cabinet agreed to meet again on Tuesday 5 May 2020.
Industry Code for Aged Care Sector
National Cabinet endorsed the draft ‘Code of Conduct on Pandemic Procedures’ for residential aged care. The sector-led Code will encourage providers to act compassionately while balancing the challenges of COVID-19, taking into account the wishes of individual residents.
This Code of Conduct will drive a more responsive and consistent approach to visitation and communication across residential aged care. It will also empower residents and their families to speak up and it will provide an agreed course of action to resolve complaints.
The Code has been developed by, and agreed with, peak bodies representing the majority of aged care providers and consumers, including:
- Council of the Ageing (COTA)
- Aged and Community Services Australia (ACSA)
- Leading Age Services Australia (LASA)
- The Aged Care Guild (The Guild)
- National Seniors Australia (NSA)
- Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN)
- Dementia Australia (DA)
The Code is available here. It is currently with individual providers and consumers for consultation until 7 May.
National Cabinet thanked the aged care sector for their cooperation in developing the Code and encouraged providers to adopt the Code once finalised to ensure consistency and transparency across Australia.
National Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to the AHPPC recommendations which prohibit entry to a residential aged care facility for anyone who has not been vaccinated against influenza after 1 May 2020. This is an important safeguard against possible influenza outbreaks in vulnerable groups.
National Cabinet also recognised the Commonwealth’s additional funding support package of $205 million for the aged care sector.
National Principles for Sport and Recreational Activities
National Cabinet agreed that sport and recreation will play a significant role as Australia emerges from the COVID-19 environment due to the associated health, economic, social and cultural benefits it brings.
National Cabinet also agreed that the resumption of sport and recreation activity at any level must not compromise the health of individuals or the community; must be based on objective health information to ensure potential transmission rates are conducive to the safe conduct of sport and recreation; and should only occur where activity-specific, stringent, public and personal health measures are observed, and meeting minimum standards.
National Cabinet considered and endorsed ‘National Principles for the Resumption of Sport and Recreation Activities’ developed by the AHPPC in consultation with sporting bodies across Australia (Attachment A).
The Principles will help provide a pathway for a staged return of community and professional sport, as well as recreational activities, without compromising the health of individuals or the community.
It was noted that evidence to date suggests that even with similar mitigation steps, outdoor activities are a lower risk setting for COVID-19 transmission.
The staged return will commence an initial phase of small group (<10) activities in a non-contact fashion, prior to moving on to a subsequent phase of large group (>10) activities including full contact training and competition in sport.
The initial phase accommodates, where possible, for the resumption of children’s outdoor sport with strict physical distancing measures for non-sporting attendees such as parents, and outdoor recreational activities including but not limited to outdoor-based personal training and boot camps, golf, fishing, bush-walking, and swimming.
The states and territories will be responsible for sport and recreation resumption decisions, both at the professional and community level and will determine progression through the phases, taking account of local epidemiology, risk mitigation strategies and public health capability.
National Cabinet agreed that the ‘Framework for Rebooting Sport in a COVID-19 Environment’ developed by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) provides a guide to the staged resumption of sport and recreation in Australia (Attachment B).
For high performance and professional sporting organisations, the regime underpinned in the Framework is considered a minimum baseline standard required to be met before the resumption of training and match play.
National Cabinet also endorsed the AHPPC’s proposal to form a COVID-19 Sports and Health Committee comprising the Commonwealth Deputy CMO, Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Medical Director, an infection control expert, representatives of Federal, State and Territory Departments of Health, Sport and Recreation and relevant sports medical officers from the National Sporting Organisations, to closely monitor and report on any COVID-19 related issues or manifestations in the sector during the resumption phase, as well as any further and specific decisions about the resumption of sport – for a minimum of three months from commencement.
Key metrics to relax restrictions
National Cabinet endorsed medical advice from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee which sets out key metrics to support decision making on the relaxation of restriction measures (Attachment C).
The AHPPC’s Pandemic Intelligence Plan, Precedent Condition report and the Australian National Disease Surveillance Plan also recommended public health and surveillance measures to achieve continued suppression of COVID-19.
Initial actions and measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia have been largely successful at slowing the growth of cases domestically and ensuring the national health care system has the ability to cope with cases, and surge when required.
For COVID-19 suppression strategies to be effective, Reff (the number of people a single case infects on average) needs to be less than 1.0. The Reff continues to be below 1.0 in all jurisdictions with sufficient local transmission.
In particular National Cabinet noted the significant progress against precedent conditions, ahead of any consideration of relaxation of baseline measures.
AHPPC advice is that of 15 precedent conditions needed to be in place to consider relaxing restrictions, Australia is currently on track to meet 11 conditions. Governments will expediate four conditions – surveillance (testing), state and territory surveillance plans and resources, use of COVIDSafe App and stocks of personal protective equipment – gowns and goggles. Further details of preconditions are in Attachment C.
Boarding Schools Arrangements
National Cabinet adopted the AHPPC statement on risk management for re-opening boarding schools and school-based residential colleges. The AHPPC has made a number of practical recommendations that these boarding schools and colleges should consider, including a reduction in the number of boarding students, staggered dining times and establishing procedures for quarantine. AHPPC advises that decisions around boarding arrangements should involve parents and ensure a clear understanding of any related issues, as well as risk management plans.
New COVID-19 Payment To Keep Senior Australians In Residential Aged Care Safe
Residential aged care providers will benefit from an additional COVID-19 specific support package totalling $205 million under targeted measures announced today by the Morrison Government.
It takes the total COVID-19 specific Federal Government funding for aged care to more than $850 million.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the latest injection of funds was aimed at ensuring aged care providers can offer reinforced levels of safety and care for those who need it most.
“Senior Australians are highly vulnerable to coronavirus and we are seeing the cost the pandemic is having on facilities around the country,” the Prime Minister said.
“This is about keeping those people in residential aged care, protected and safe.”
The announcement comes as National Cabinet assessed an aged care sector code of conduct for visitations to ensure residents can not only be kept safe but continue to receive the social and emotional support they need from their families at this time.
The payment – to all Commonwealth funded residential aged care providers – will be linked to the number of residents being cared for by each facility, and is aimed at covering the additional costs of caring for the health and wellbeing of residents during the pandemic.
The costs include additional staffing, training, supporting visitations and connections and the provision of personal protective equipment.
Facilities outside major metropolitan areas will receive a 50 per cent loading to cover the additional costs of providing care in these areas.
Providers will received around $900 per resident in major metropolitan areas and around $1350 per resident in all other areas.
Aged Care Minister Richard Colbeck said it was another measure to reinforce the sector and protect our loved ones.
“The health, wellbeing and safety of elderly residents is our highest priority – and this measure helps reassure family and friends that everything is being done to look after their loved ones during this most difficult time,” Minister Colbeck said.
The latest round of funding follows the $235 million retention bonus paid to residential and home care workers to strengthen the workforce during the pandemic and $101 million to support providers directly impacted by an outbreak.
Additionally, the Business Improvement Fund has been extended for another year with $48 million in support as required by providers.
“This payment will ensure providers continue to invest in COVID-19 preparedness to protect the people in their care,” Minister Colbeck said.
“We are seeing how devastating the impact of COVID-19 can be if there is an outbreak in an aged care facility.
“While Australia is doing well by international comparison, we must remain vigilant – particularly in residential aged care to protect some of our most vulnerable Australians.”
It takes the total COVID-19 specific Federal Government funding for aged care to more than $850 million.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the latest injection of funds was aimed at ensuring aged care providers can offer reinforced levels of safety and care for those who need it most.
“Senior Australians are highly vulnerable to coronavirus and we are seeing the cost the pandemic is having on facilities around the country,” the Prime Minister said.
“This is about keeping those people in residential aged care, protected and safe.”
The announcement comes as National Cabinet assessed an aged care sector code of conduct for visitations to ensure residents can not only be kept safe but continue to receive the social and emotional support they need from their families at this time.
The payment – to all Commonwealth funded residential aged care providers – will be linked to the number of residents being cared for by each facility, and is aimed at covering the additional costs of caring for the health and wellbeing of residents during the pandemic.
The costs include additional staffing, training, supporting visitations and connections and the provision of personal protective equipment.
Facilities outside major metropolitan areas will receive a 50 per cent loading to cover the additional costs of providing care in these areas.
Providers will received around $900 per resident in major metropolitan areas and around $1350 per resident in all other areas.
Aged Care Minister Richard Colbeck said it was another measure to reinforce the sector and protect our loved ones.
“The health, wellbeing and safety of elderly residents is our highest priority – and this measure helps reassure family and friends that everything is being done to look after their loved ones during this most difficult time,” Minister Colbeck said.
The latest round of funding follows the $235 million retention bonus paid to residential and home care workers to strengthen the workforce during the pandemic and $101 million to support providers directly impacted by an outbreak.
Additionally, the Business Improvement Fund has been extended for another year with $48 million in support as required by providers.
“This payment will ensure providers continue to invest in COVID-19 preparedness to protect the people in their care,” Minister Colbeck said.
“We are seeing how devastating the impact of COVID-19 can be if there is an outbreak in an aged care facility.
“While Australia is doing well by international comparison, we must remain vigilant – particularly in residential aged care to protect some of our most vulnerable Australians.”
Breakdown of latest Public Health Act charges and Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs)
Police have charged seven people under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) and issued 14 COVID-19-related Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) for offences within the past 24 hours.
Yesterday’s charges:
- About 12.20pm yesterday (Thursday 30 April 2020), police were called to a shopping centre on Gavenlock Road, Tuggerah, following reports a man verbally abused and spat on a woman. Before police arrived, security staff approached the man; however, he fled and boarded a train at Gosford Railway Station. Officers from Police Transport Command located the 34-year-old man and he was arrested and to Woy Woy Police Station. He was charged with seven offences including shoplifting, common assault, intimidate police officer in execution of duty and not comply noticed direction re spitting/coughing. He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Friday 1 May 2020).
- About 6.15pm yesterday, officers from Mt Druitt Police Area Command spoke to a group of four people on the ground level of a car park on Mount Street, Mt Druitt. Police will allege they could not provide a reasonable excuse for being at the location. Three of them were issued warnings and moved on from the area. Checks revealed a 22-year-old woman had been issued three $1000 PINs on previous occasions for breaching Ministerial Directions. She was issued a Future Court Attendance Notice for not comply with noticed direction (COVID-19). The woman is due to appear at Mt Druitt Local Court on Wednesday 2 September 2020.
- Just after midday yesterday, officers from Cumberland Police Area Command attended a unit on Lane Street, Wentworthville, to speak to a 49-year-old woman about medical treatment. Upon arrival, she allegedly became aggressive and yelled at officers. It’s further alleged she assaulted and spat at a constable. She was arrested and taken to Granville Police Station where she was charged with resist officer in execution of duty, assault officer in execution of duty and not comply noticed direction re spitting/coughing – COVID-19. The woman was refused bail to appear at Liverpool Local Court today.
- About 10.45am yesterday, officers from Inner West Police Area Command noticed a woman standing inside the front yard of an apartment block on Pyrmont Bridge Road, Camperdown. Checks revealed the 27-year-old Newtown woman did not live there and had previously been issued a warning. She could not provide a reasonable excuse as to why she was there and during a subsequent search, police located a small bag containing a substance believed to be methylamphetamine. The woman was arrested and taken to Newtown Police Station where she was charged with not comply with noticed direction (COVID-19), possess prohibited drug, and trespass. She was refused bail to appear at Central Local Court today.
- About 10.45am yesterday, officers from Kings Cross Police Area Command stopped and spoke with a 35-year-old man on Darlinghurst Road, Potts Point. It’s alleged he could not provide police with a reasonable excuse for being out of home and was issued a $1000 PIN after already being warned on two previous occasions. About 1.40pm the same day, police noticed the man on Bayswater Road, Potts Point, and spoke to him. He was arrested and taken to Kings Cross Police Station where he was charged with not comply with noticed direction re section 7/8/9 – COVID-19 and other unrelated offences including shoplifting and trespass. The Waterloo man was refused bail to appear at Central Local Court today.
- About 1.45pm yesterday, officers from Liverpool City Police Area Command stopped a Toyota Corolla on Sadlier Avenue, Heckenberg, for the purpose of a random breath test. Police spoke to the four occupants, before searching the car. During the search, police seized cannabis, methylamphetamine, and prescription medication. During a search of one of the occupants, a 42-year-old woman, police located methylamphetamine and heroin. She was arrested and taken to Liverpool Police Station where she was charged with not comply with noticed direction re section 7/8/9 – COVID-19 and 12 drug related offences. The Bonnyrigg woman was refused bail to appear at Liverpool Local Court today.
- About 8.30pm yesterday, officers from Central North Police District stopped a Holden Commodore on Waratah Street, Brewarrina. The driver, a 33-year-old man, underwent a roadside breath test and allegedly returned a positive result. He was arrested and taken to Brewarrina Police Station where a subsequent breath analysis allegedly returned a reading of 0.061. Further checks revealed the vehicle had not been registered since June 2019 and the man had been given a previous warning about Ministerial Directions. He was issued a Court Attendance Notice for drive with low range PCA, use unregistered registrable Class A motor vehicle, use uninsured motor vehicle and not comply with noticed direction re section 7/8/9 – COVID-19. He is due to appear at Brewarrina Local Court on Tuesday 21 July 2020.
Yesterday’s PINs include:
- About 2pm, officers from Inner West Police Area Command were patrolling Lyons Road, Camperdown, when they stopped and spoke to a 53-year-old man who was not able to provide police with a reasonable excuse for being out. The man had previously been given warnings on three separate occasions last month. He was issued a $1000 PIN.
- About 4.45pm, officers from Northern Beaches Police Area Command were called to Raglan Street, Manly. Police attended and spoke to an 18-year-old man and a 16-year-old boy. It’s alleged they could not provide a reasonable excuse for being away from home. The pair had been given a warning on Saturday 11 April 2020. They were each issued a $1000 PIN. The man was also issued a cannabis caution and the teen was given a caution under the Young Offenders Act.
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.