Energy businesses, workers and consumer groups are being encouraged to help shape the design of the new Energy Security Safeguard, to ensure it will drive down power prices and improve the reliability of the NSW grid.
Energy Minister Matt Kean today called on interested stakeholders to respond to the Energy Security Safeguard consultation paper, which is an important next step to implement the State’s Electricity Strategy to lower power prices and improve the reliability and sustainability of the electricity system.
“The Energy Security Safeguard will extend the highly successful Energy Savings Scheme to 2050, with an energy savings target increasing to 13 per cent by 2030, to ensure households and businesses can continue to save money on their bills by upgrading to energy efficient technology.”
Mr Kean said the Safeguard will now also drive the rollout of appliances and equipment that reduce demand during peak periods when the electricity system is under stress, for example during the recent bushfire season or prolonged heatwaves.
“The existing Energy Savings Scheme supports over 1600 jobs and has already helped projects that will deliver about $5.6 billion of bill savings. This is our chance to deliver even bigger savings for consumers and support small businesses and their employees doing it tough with new markets and opportunities.”
“The energy efficiency industry is a big driver of business and employment in NSW and lowers power prices for everyone by reducing demand on the grid. I look forward to working with tradies, small businesses and other stakeholders to implement the changes as soon as possible to support a strong and sustainable economic recovery from COVID-19,” Mr Kean said.
The Energy Security Target and Safeguard consultation paper can be viewed at https://energy.nsw.gov.au/government-and-regulation/consultation.
The NSW Government has also released a Draft Statutory Review Report on the Energy Savings Scheme, which can be viewed at https://energy.nsw.gov.au/government-and-regulation/consultation.
An online public consultation forum for the Energy Security Safeguard will take place from mid-May with written submissions due by Monday 22 June 2020.
Author: admin
COVID-19: $9M STIMULUS A WIN FOR JUSTICE AND JOBS IN REGIONAL NSW
A fast-tracked program of courts and corrections facility upgrades is about to pump $9 million through regional economies hit hard by COVID-19 restrictions.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Attorney General Mark Speakman said the package includes improvements to 63 regional courthouses, with upgrades to fire safety and security, as well as structural repairs and general maintenance.
“The NSW Government has prioritised projects that can begin immediately, to help communities rebuild after the impacts of COVID-19, bushfires and drought. These projects will focus on awarding construction work to small-to-medium sized businesses and prioritise local builders where possible,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Local tradies will begin working on courthouses across the state from Bega to Broken Hill and Wagga Wagga to Wilcannia to deliver the upgrades efficiently and effectively.
“Accelerating renovations is part of a huge recovery effort to kick start the economy, create jobs, support local businesses and help regional NSW get back on its feet.”
The courthouse projects are part of $10 billion in NSW Government support measures to underpin our state’s recovery from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The $9 million funding forms part of more than $100 million for regional stimulus announced last month.
Mr Speakman said most of the projects will begin this month and be completed this year.
“It makes sense to carry out renovations while courts are sitting less due to the COVID-19 pandemic, because fewer disruptions mean the work can be completed faster,” Mr Speakman said.
“These investments will also put courts in the best possible position to address the busy period ahead when normal sittings resume.”
More information on the $9 million regional court upgrade program can be found at: www.coronavirus.dcj.nsw.gov.au/services/courts-tribunals-and-jury-services
CREATIVE KIDS EXPANSION GOES DIGITAL
The NSW Government is helping Creative Kids providers go digital in response to the COVID-19 crisis, expanding access to the popular program for kids across the State.
From today eligible Creative Kids providers will be able to access up to $5,000 in digital adaptation grants to help them offer creative learning activities online thanks to a $1 million injection.
This includes purchasing equipment and internet services to help them transition online so they can provide lessons to children or young people who are at home and can’t attend workshops or classes in person.
The program’s eligible activities are also being expanded to include those which support the 2020 school curriculum, with Creative Kids providers able to supply creative supplies and equipment such as instruments, art and craft supplies and other materials to children or young people.
The changes to the program announced today by Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello include:
- $1 million in digital adaptation grants of up to $5,000 for Creative Kids providers to further support online delivery of Creative Kids programs
- A toolkit to help providers pivot to online delivery
- Extension of the use of Creative Kids vouchers for online programs and educational materials
- Improved Service NSW website to make it easier for parents to find an online provider
Mr Perrottet said $1 million in small business grants would help arts and cultural providers deliver programs remotely providing a vital economic boost for small businesses doing it tough and keeping kids connected to quality cultural and creative activities.
“Whether it’s school education or extra-curricular activities, we want our kids to be able to maximise every opportunity. Creative Kids has been incredibly popular, and these changes will help to ensure that continues,” Mr Perrottet said.
“At times like this, adapting your business can be the key to survival. Our digital adaptation grants will flow to more businesses and sole traders in the arts and creative industries, helping to keep people in jobs and businesses in business in a sector that has been hit hard by COVID-19.”
“They say William Shakespeare wrote King Lear in quarantine, and we want to give our own generation of budding creative geniuses every opportunity to keep honing the creative skills that will enrich our culture in the years ahead.”
Mr Dominello said the updated Service NSW Creative Kids webpage would list the eligible providers and help parents navigate the process.
“In a Covidian world we need to use technology to make life easier for people. That is why we are building a new online navigator that makes it simple and hassle free for parents to identify the right program for their children,” Mr Dominello said.
The Creative Kids program offers families an annual $100 voucher for every school aged child to contribute to registration, participation and tuition costs for performing arts, visual arts, coding, languages, literature, music and other creative and cultural activities.
Applications for the Creative Kids provider grants will open 6 May 2020. To be eligible, grant applicants must:
- Be a Creative Kids Provider
- The provider must be a small business (have fewer than 20 employees). This also includes non-for-profit organisations.
- Clearly demonstrate adaptation and expansion of Creative Kids activities to online delivery
- Describe how this support can maintain or increase voucher redemption during COVID-19
- Meet the objectives of the Creative Kids program.
Find out more information including details on how to apply at www.create.nsw.gov.au
Man charged following public place shooting – Raymond Terrace
A man has been charged following investigations into a public place shooting at Raymond Terrace last week.
About 11am on Saturday 2 May 2020, the occupants of a home on Benjamin Lee Drive, Raymond Terrace, located a .22 calibre bullet has penetrated the front door and lodged in an internal wall.
Police were called and an investigation was commenced.
About 10am today (Tuesday 5 May 2020), police from Port Stephens-Hunter PD searched a Mazda 323 in Dungog where they allegedly located a .22 calibre casing in the footwell.
The vehicle was seized and taken for further forensic examination.
About 4.10pm officers attended a home in Raymond Terrace where they arrested a 19-year-old man. He was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station where he was questioned.
Police will allege they found a firearm during a search of the man’s home.
He was then charged with fire firearm at dwelling house with disregard for public safety, and possess unauthorised firearm.
He was given conditional bail and will appear in Raymond Terrace Local Court on Monday 3 August 2020.
Breakdown of latest Public Health Act charges and Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs)
Police have charged four people under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) and issued four COVID-19-related Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) for offences within the past 24 hours.
Yesterday’s charges:
- Just after 2am yesterday (Tuesday 5 May 2020), officers from Nepean Police Area Command were called to Station and Queen Streets, St Marys, following reports of a brawl. Upon arrival, police separated a group of seven people and directed them to leave the area. Two men – aged 21 and 22 – allegedly failed to leave after being moved on. Checks revealed the younger man received a $1000 PIN on 10 April 2020 and the older man received two $1000 PINs on separate occasions last month. The St Clair men were both issued a Court Attendance Notice for not comply with noticed direction re section 7/8/9 – COVID-19. They are due to appear at Penrith Local Court on Monday 27 July 2020.
- About 4pm yesterday, officers from Blacktown Police Area Command were patrolling when they stopped and spoke to a 23-year-old man outside a shopping centre on Patrick Street, Blacktown. Checks revealed the man was in breach of his bail conditions and has interacted with police on six prior occasions for contravening Ministerial Directions. He was arrested and as police were escorting the man, it’s alleged he threw a package of cannabis. He was taken to Blacktown Police Station and charged with not comply with noticed direction re section 7/8/9 – COVID-19, breach of bail and possess prohibited drug. The Marayong man was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today (Wednesday 6 May 2020).
- About 11pm yesterday, officers from North Shore Police Area Command were called to a unit complex on Dorris Street, North Sydney, after reports of a disturbance. Police attended and found a 27-year-old man in his underwear in the complex’s underground carpark. Checks revealed he was breaching his bail conditions and had previously been dealt with for contravening Ministerial Directions. It’s alleged the man attended the location for an arranged meeting via a dating application, however, was asked to leave. He was issued a Court Attendance Notice for not comply with noticed direction re section 7/8/9 – COVID-19 and breach of bail. The Islington man is due to appear at the Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday 28 May 2020.
Yesterday’s PINs included:
- About 11.40pm yesterday, officers from Liverpool City Police Area Command observed a stationary vehicle on Maple Road, Casula, and spoke to the four male occupants. The vehicle was searched, and police allegedly found drug paraphernalia. Checks revealed three of the men – aged 20 and two aged 19 – had been given warnings on Sunday (3 May 2020) and were subsequently issued with $1000 PINs.
- About 12.30pm yesterday, officers from South Sydney Police Area Command were conducting patrols when they stopped and spoke to a 35-year-old Waterloo man drinking alcohol on Raglan Street, Waterloo. It’s alleged he could not provide a reasonable excuse for being at the location and had previously been given a warning. He was issued a $1000 PIN.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.
Government Bending Over Backwards To Deny Higher Ed Support
Australian Greens Education spokesperson Senator Mehreen Faruqi has labelled the government’s latest change to JobKeeper eligibility rules farcical and sinister as it bends over backwards to deny wage subsidy support to Australian universities.
In the latest twist, Sydney Uni has been denied access to the scheme despite having believed to have qualified due to a significant drop in revenue, and having paid staff additional money in anticipation of receiving government support.
Senator Faruqi said:
“The government is bending over backwards to deny universities access to the JobKeeper wage subsidy. This is farcical and sinister stuff.
“Universities have been dealing with huge uncertainties for months now. Constantly shifting the goalposts is not only enormously unfair to them in this crisis, but reveals the Liberals’ malice towards higher education.
“The clear intent to lock universities out of JobKeeper can only be explained by the Liberals’ ongoing hostility to higher education and their commitment to starve universities of funding.
“The government is fully aware that up to 30,000 university jobs are on the line, but they just don’t seem to care.
“In addition to JobKeeper, the government must back universities through a new package which would massively boost funding, save jobs and improve universities for staff and students,” she said.
Greens Back Social Housing As Stimulus
Australian Greens Housing spokesperson Senator Mehreen Faruqi has backed a call from a coalition of peak housing and homelessness groups to ramp up social housing construction to help solve the housing crisis and generate jobs during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Senator Faruqi said:
“The government should be investing now to make sure everyone has a roof over their head. Australia is in desperate need of more social housing. Filling this gap now by constructing new homes will also act as a much-needed economic stimulus.
“Immediate social housing construction is a vital part of building a better world on the other side of this pandemic. It will also create tens of thousands of jobs. Over the next decade, we must build 500,000 new public and community high-quality, climate-conscious houses that can become safe and secure homes for so many people in need.
“Long overdue maintenance and upgrading will make existing social housing safe and liveable for people on low incomes and benefit existing social housing tenants, while providing jobs.
“Relying on the market has utterly failed to address our housing crisis, leaving some of the most vulnerable people on the verge of homelessness or in chronic rental stress. It’s time for the Federal Government to lead from the front with big investment to build public and community housing.
“Every week now we see more people locked out of affordable housing. This is simply unsustainable and inhumane. Things have to change,” she said.
Greens on Visa Holders
The Australian government should develop and publicly release criteria for temporary visa holders to be allowed to return to Australia.
During the COVID-19 select committee hearing today it was revealed that Australian Border Force officials have no criteria for granting exemptions to the travel ban for ‘compelling and compassionate’ grounds.
“The decision making on this has been completely arbitrary, leaving hundreds of people stranded overseas, despite holding valid visas,” Greens Immigration spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.
“Many of these people have family, homes and jobs here, pay taxes here, and send their kids to school in Australia.”
“We need clear and consistent guidelines that allow people to return to Australia on a compassionate or compelling basis, and these need to be released publicly so people can understand the decision making process.”
“People with immediate family in Australia, or who face hardship and harm by being stuck overseas, should be allowed to return.”
Update on Coronavirus Measures
The National Cabinet met today to further discuss options for easing restrictions over the coming months, helping prepare Australians to go back to work in a COVID-19 safe environment and getting the economy back to a more sustainable level.
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 have been 6,849 confirmed cases in Australia and sadly 96 people have died. There are now only around 1,000 active cases in Australia, and over the past week, daily infection rates have remained low.
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 precedent conditions to enable Australia to relax baseline restrictions and enable Australians to live and work in a COVID-19 safe economy.
National Cabinet encouraged Australians to download the COVIDSafe app to ensure that we can protect Australians and reset baseline restrictions. Nearly 5 million Australians have already downloaded the COVIDSafe app. This is an enormous achievement, but more is needed.
National Cabinet welcomed New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern for a part of today’s meeting to discuss our countries’ approaches to combating the virus. We agreed to start work on a trans-Tasman COVID-19 safe travel zone, easing travel restrictions between Australia and New Zealand. This arrangement would be put in place once it is safe to do so, with necessary health, transport and other protocols to protect public health. Any arrangement would need to factor in state and territory movement restrictions. A travel zone would assist both countries’ economic recovery, help kick-start our tourism and transport sectors, enhance existing sporting links, and reunite families and friends.
National Cabinet agreed to meet again on Friday 8 May 2020.
Establishing a COVID-19 Safe Australia – returning to work safely and confidently
The Chair of the National COVID-19 Coordination Commission, Mr Neville Power, briefed National Cabinet on the importance of a proactive and consistent approach to supporting businesses and workers to safely return to work – drawing on the National COVID-19 Safe Workplace Principles that had been agreed by National Cabinet on 24 April 2020.
National Cabinet agreed that Safework Australia would be the single source of information, which will allow businesses to plan with confidence and consistency. A toolkit is being developed for businesses to use, to help them be work ready in a COVID-19 safe environment. National Cabinet encouraged businesses to be prepared for reopening, to protect their workers and protect their business.
Establishing a COVID-19 Safe Australia – removing baseline restrictions
National Cabinet agreed to establish a three step framework to gradually remove baseline restrictions to enable Australians to live in a COVID-19 safe economy. Details will be determined by National Cabinet on Friday 8 May 2020.
Individual states and territories will determine the timeframe for graduating between steps and individual restrictions to remove. This reflects the fact that states and territories are at different stages of the pandemic response, with 6 of 8 states and territories now recording multiple zero case days.
National Cabinet noted that the Northern Territory has announced that by 5 June 2020, it will be able to remove many restrictions, while maintaining social distancing, hygiene and travel restrictions.
It is National Cabinet’s aim to have a sustainable COVID-19 safe economy in July 2020. This will be subject to strong epidemiology results, testing, tracing and local surge health response capacity. National Cabinet noted that some health measures will need to be in place for a considerable period of time including social distancing, strong hygiene and international travel restrictions. Some jurisdictions may choose to maintain interstate travel restrictions.
Justice sector Preparedness
National Cabinet discussed the importance of making sure there is access to legal support for those Australians who need it during this time.
That’s why the Australian Government will provide an additional $63.3 million for the legal assistance sector:
- $49.8 million for additional frontline legal services, such as legal advice or representation, and with 40 per cent to be used for matters involving domestic violence; and
- $13.5 million for IT costs to support the sector’s transition to delivering assistance virtually and online
National Cabinet agreed that it is important to quickly finalise agreement of the National Legal Assistance Partnership to ensure continuity for services, such as Community Legal Centres. Under that Partnership agreement, the Australian Government will provide more than $2 billion over the next five years to help Australians with legal issues.
Given the importance of protecting victims of domestic violence, there was also a commitment from all Premiers and Chief Ministers that domestic violence orders will continue to be available and enforced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Managing COVID-19 in corrections facilities
National Cabinet agreed that jurisdictions will plan for and manage COVID-19 outbreaks in prisons in accordance with the Communicable Diseases Network Australia National Guidelines for the Prevention, Control and Public Health Management of COVID-19 Outbreaks in Correctional and Detention Facilities in Australia.
National Cabinet agreed that supply of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) to corrections facilities should be considered a priority in the context of the national supply of PPE, as additional supplies become available and if COVID-19 cases are confirmed in the sector.
The Australian Government will, in partnership with jurisdictions, develop ‘Safe Travel Plans’ for newly released Indigenous prisoners including access to self-isolation accommodation and secure transport to designated communities.
Gold Coast’s Largest Road Project Begins
Works have started on the $1 billion Pacific Motorway upgrade from Varsity Lakes to Tugun, the Gold Coast’s largest road project.
Concrete safety barriers have been put up, VMS boards installed and speeds reduced to make way for the mammoth jointly-funded project, which will see the M1 transformed into at least six lanes from Brisbane to Tugun.
It comes as another milestone is reached on the $218.5 million M1 upgrade between Mudgeeraba and Varsity Lakes with the new Stapley Drive bridge expected to open to traffic next week.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Government had fast-tracked the project to help bust congestion and create a jobs pipeline to help in the recovery from COVID-19.
“We’re getting moving as quickly as we can to get shovels in the ground and workers on site,” the Prime Minister said.
“Our $500 million investment to upgrade the M1 will boost jobs and get workers home sooner and safer.
“This isn’t just a project with significant long-term benefits, it’s going to be delivering benefits right now with more jobs to help local workers as Australia moves past the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the project was not only about tackling congestion in Australia’s sixth largest city, but also keeping Queenslanders in jobs.
“This project will support more than 830 jobs and we’re going to keep delivering jobs and infrastructure for the Gold Coast and the whole of Queensland,” Premier Palaszczuk said.
“We’re starting before the current section is complete because we want to see progress and jobs continue.
“Getting started on this project sooner rather than later means when we come out of COVID-19, Queensland’s economy can support as many jobs as possible.”
Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the project would be divided into three packages, with the section from Varsity Lakes to Burleigh the first to be delivered.
“Start of construction has been fast-tracked because we know the delivery of major infrastructure projects like the M1 is essential to supporting jobs and economic growth at this time,” Minister Tudge said.
“It’s rare to see a project of this size start construction within several weeks after contract award but we know it is vital to get this project up and running at a time when creating and maintaining jobs has never been more critical.
“This is just one of our major infrastructure projects that will be essential in the post-pandemic economic recovery.”
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said close to 80 per cent of businesses currently working on the first M1 upgrade between Mudgeeraba and Varsity Lakes were local, and that Gold Coasters would see that level of local engagement replicated on an upgrade five times the size, benefitting the city for years to come.
“The Queensland Government has secured $2.5 billion to build a better M1, and to create more than 2,000 jobs and plenty of work for dozens of local businesses,” Minister Bailey said.
“Getting shovels in the ground now means that once works wrap up on the Mudgeeraba to Varsity Lakes section in mid-2020, there won’t be a pause in much-needed jobs.
“Attacking coronavirus means going at it from all angles. That includes the economic front, where major construction projects like this are crucial to keeping Queenslanders employed and assisting businesses as much as possible.”
Federal Member for McPherson Karen Andrews said it was a win-win-win situation, particularly as the Gold Coast feels the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
“Getting this project started ahead of time is a win for jobs, a win for our economy and a win for Gold Coast drivers,” Minister Andrews said.
“By relieving the southern Gold Coast of the constant traffic bottlenecks, we can reduce travel times and increase freight efficiency.”
The project will feature the region’s first Diverging Diamond Interchange and more lanes for the 10-kilometre stretch between Varsity Lakes and Tugun and there will also be upgrades to the Burleigh Heads, Tallebudgera and Palm Beach exits.
It will also include building a new service road bridge over Tallebudgera Creek and connecting a new western service road (one lane each way) between Palm Beach (Exit 92) and Tallebudgera (Exit 89). The corridor south of Varsity Lakes will be preserved for a future rail extension.
The $1 billion M1 Pacific Motorway – Varsity Lakes to Tugun project is being jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments, with both governments contributing $500 million each.