Critical construction and maintenance work across NSW roads and transport networks is being ramped up to keep people in jobs during COVID-19, and protect the livelihoods of more than 130,000 people directly and indirectly employed by Transport for NSW.
Transport and Roads Minister Andrew Constance said transport infrastructure projects will also be key in rebuilding the State’s economy after the pandemic.
“The NSW Government is pushing ahead with delivering $57.5 billion worth of transport infrastructure across the next four years, so it’s essential to keep moving during a time like this,” Mr Constance said.
“Continuing work on critical transport infrastructure is great news for industry as thousands of jobs will be sustained in the coming months. This work will also provide significant economic benefits to suppliers, manufacturers and supporting sectors.”
Mr Constance said crews were already taking advantage of the reduced number of cars on our roads to fast-track projects.
“Earlier this month, the M5 East Motorway was completely closed to fast track resurfacing work in the usually busy tunnels,” Mr Constance said.
“This was a great result for drivers as the work usually would have been carried out across a number of weeks at night.
“Given the success of this work, we are now fast-tracking maintenance work in the Sydney Harbour Tunnel, which will be closed to traffic from tomorrow night until Monday morning.
“This is all part of our plan to keep people in jobs and the NSW economy moving.”
Transport is also playing a vital role in providing services for essential travel and keeping the supply chain moving as NSW navigates the evolving COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr Constance said the freight network has been incredibly busy in the past few weeks, delivering supplies and materials to hundreds of locations.
“People are relying on us to keep road and rail routes open so we can get food to supermarkets and important medical supplies to hospitals and medical centres across the state,” Mr Constance said.
“This has been a very tough time for the people of NSW and it is crucial we keep our transport network moving for those who need to carry out essential travel.
“The main priority is to ensure the health and safety of all customers and staff.
“We’ve deployed hundreds of extra cleaners across the network who have worked an extra 83,000 hours since the beginning of March,” Mr Constance said.
“Thousands of litres of hand sanitiser and thousands of packets of disinfectant wipes have been distributed to all stations, depots, work sites and offices.
“I also want to pay special tribute to our front line workers who are keeping services running for those who can’t work from home or need to access essential services,” Mr Constance said.
“We do not underestimate the importance of a safe public transport and road network at a time like this and we will continue to work with all levels of government to deliver just that.”
Author: admin
ANZAC DAY 2020: WE WILL REMEMBER THEM
NSW residents will be able to commemorate ANZAC Day from home this year with a broadcast of special services to honour our veterans and serving Defence personnel.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said with traditional marches and local memorial services cancelled this year, ANZAC Day has a renewed meaning.
“As our community works together to stop the spread of COVID-19, we draw inspiration from the brave heroes we commemorate on this day,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“One hundred and five years after they set foot on the Gallipoli shore, the ANZACs speak to us more resoundingly than ever. The legend forged more than a century ago guides us in this moment. It inspires us to dig in and look out for others, no matter the obstacles.
“The best way to honour our ANZACs is to echo them, and we will, for the ANZAC spirit lives in each of us. We will remember them.”
The day will begin with a 5:30am commemorative service broadcast from the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, followed by a NSW service at 10am.
The Premier, Governor Margaret Beazley, RSL NSW Acting President Ray James, a bugler and a vocalist will take part in the 30 minute service from the ANZAC Memorial in Hyde Park and the Cenotaph in Martin Place.
Acting Minister for Veterans Geoff Lee said community safety is our top priority.
“Social distancing and staying home is saving lives and so continuing that trend will keep our community and veterans safe,” Mr Lee said.
“Let’s all unite with that Anzac spirit as we pay our respects at home and remember those who bravely made the ultimate sacrifice for us.”
Acting President of RSL, NSW Ray James said despite the pandemic, ANZAC Day is forever embedded in the hearts and minds of Australians.
“Nothing can ever take away the importance of ANZAC Day and what it means to all of us as well as the eternal respect, thanks and admiration the Australian people have for those who protect us,” Mr James said.
The NSW Government is encouraging people to share videos reciting The Ode and post photos on social media using the tag #ANZACspirit.
The NSW service will be broadcast live on ABC TV and streamed on the ANZAC Memorial and RSL Facebook pages. The service will not be open to the public and the community is urged to continue following the latest health advice by commemorating at home.
Man charged after allegedly spitting at officer – Hunter region
A man has been charged after spitting at a police officer at a home in the Hunter region yesterday.
About 10.30am (Wednesday 22 April 2020), an officer from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended a home on Berkley Street, Stroud, to speak to the occupants about a domestic violence related incident.
Police spoke to a 29-year-old man at the home and were refused entry. As the senior constable walked away, he was allegedly spat on.
The man was arrested and during a search of the home, a 32-year-old woman was located inside.
He was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station and charged with contravene prohibition/restriction in AVO (Domestic), and assault officer in execution of duty.
The man was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Thursday 23 April 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 18 COVID-19 related Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) for offences within the past 24 hours.
Yesterday’s charges:
- About 6.20am yesterday (Wednesday 22 April 2020), a 41-year-old man boarded a bus at Brookvale and allegedly failed to pay the fare. The driver confronted the man who threatened to spit on him. The driver opened the doors, and the man got off. Officers from Northern Beaches Police Area Command were notified and attended a Brookvale home. After being arrested, the man threatened to spit on officers and during a subsequent struggle, he allegedly bit a constable’s wrist. The man was taken to Manly Police Station where it is alleged he repeatedly spat in the holding dock. He was charged with not comply noticed direction re spitting/coughing – COVID-19, resist or hinder police officer in the execution of duty, assault police officer in execution of duty cause actual bodily harm, destroy or damage property¸ stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm (personal), and breach of bail. An outstanding arrest warrant was also executed. The man was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today (Thursday 23 April 2020).
- Just before 8pm yesterday officers from St George Police Area Command were called to a home on Northcote Street, Sans Souci, after reports a person was trespassing. A 48-year-old man was found in the garage and arrested. He was taken to Kogarah Police Station and charged with contravene prohibition/restriction in AVO (domestic), not comply with noticed direction re S7/8/9 – COVID-19, and breach of bail. The man was refused bail to appear at Central Local Court today.
- About 8pm yesterday, officers from Inner West Police Area Command were called to Marrickville Road, Marrickville, after reports of mail theft. Police attended and spoke to a 29-year-old woman. Upon being searched, officers located bank documents and cards, methylamphetamine, and prescription medication. She was arrested and taken to Newtown Police Station where she was charged with goods in personal custody suspected being stolen, possess prohibited drug, and not comply with noticed direction re S7/8/9 – COVID-19. The woman was refused bail to appear at Central Local Court today.
The fourth individual charged has been addressed in a separate media release.
Yesterday’s PINs include:
- About 12pm, officers from Ryde Highway Patrol stopped a Holden Astra on Quay Street, Haymarket, after the vehicle allegedly crossed double white lines. Police spoke to the driver, a 20-year-old man, who stated he had driven from Strathfield to Vaucluse to drop another man to a friend’s house. During a search of his car, police found prescription medication and cash. He was issued a traffic infringement notice for not keep left of dividing line and a $1000 PIN for non-essential travel.
- Just after 9.30am, officers from the Police Transport Command spoke to a 67-year-old woman at Gosford Railway Station. She allegedly told police she had travelled from Newcastle with no reasonable excuse provided. Checks revealed she was issued a warning last Thursday (16 April 2020) and a PIN on Saturday (18 April 2020). She was subsequently issued a second $1000 PIN.
- About 3.10pm, police patrolling the Tea Gardens area stopped and spoke with a man sitting in the driver’s seat of a parked car. After speaking with the 52-year-old man, officers searched his vehicle; seizing 10kg of cannabis and a syringe containing methamphetamine. It’s alleged the man admitted the reason he was out of his home was to purchase drugs. He was arrested and taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station, where he was charged with supply cannabis, two counts of drug possession, and self-administer prohibited drug. He was also issued with a $1000 PIN for breaching the Public Health Act.
- About 3.40pm, officers from Police Transport Command saw a woman at Wollongong Railway Station. The officers recognised the woman as they had issued her a warning for breaching a ministerial direction the day prior. Officers again spoke to the 18-year-old woman, who indicated she was out to visit a friend. She was issued with a $1000 PIN.
- About 10.40pm, officers from the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command stopped a vehicle at Tregear, speaking with the 33-year-old male driver. The Bathurst man was questioned as to why he was away from his place of residence and could not provide a reasonable excuse. After checks revealed he had been given two prior warnings for breaching a ministerial direction, the man was issued with a $1000 PIN.
- About 10.30am, officers from Brisbane Water Highway Patrol stopped a Ford Ranger on the M1 motorway, Somersby, and spoke to the driver, a 48-year-old man. Checks revealed he was issued a Court Attendance Notice on Saturday 11 April 2020 for driving while suspended. The Mona Vale man was issued a $1000 PIN for non-essential travel and told not to drive the vehicle. About an hour later, police responded to reports of a man walking across the motorway. Officers attempted to speak to the man, however, he became abusive and was subsequently arrested. He was issued a traffic infringement for pedestrian not keep to far left or right side of road and taken to Woy Woy train station for alternative transport.
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.
Ruby Princess departs Port Kembla
The Ruby Princess has departed Port Kembla following the conclusion of the joint operation to facilitate the movement and repatriation of crew members to their home countries.
NSW Police Force has worked closely with Australian Border Force, Australian Federal Police, NSW Health, Aspen Medical, Princess Cruises and government officials from numerous overseas jurisdictions to ensure the safe movement and eventual return of the crew members to their countries of origin.
Officers from Marine Area Command, assisted by Transport for NSW, NSW Health and the Australian Defence Force coordinated the disembarking of 368 Filipino nationals from the Ruby Princess at Port Kembla today (Thursday 23 April 2020).
Eleven of those crew members, who tested positive to COVID-19, were taken to NSW Health-managed hotels to enter quarantine.
The remainder were taken to Sydney Airport ahead of their return to the Philippines tonight.
Over the last three days, a total of 542 crew members have been escorted from the ship to be repatriated to their home countries which include Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, Poland, Republic of Ireland, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Ukraine, United Kingdom and United States of America.
This included a total of 33 crew members who were taken to NSW Health-managed hotels to be cared for in isolation until they can be medically cleared.
Once these crew members have recovered – and subject to a medical clearance by NSW Health – they will be transported to Sydney Airport to fly back to their countries of origin.
Strict protocols are being maintained to ensure there is no health risk to the public.
The remaining crew have departed on board the Ruby Princess, which left Port Kembla about 4.30pm.
All agencies involved in the repatriation operation and the many agencies, departments, and companies who provided care and assistance to the crew in recent weeks wish them bon voyage.
S.A. International Student Package should shake the Morrison Govt into action
Australian Greens Senator and Education spokesperson Dr Mehreen Faruqi has welcomed the South Australian government’s commitment to support international students through a $13.8 million package. Senator Faruqi has characterised it as a wake-up call and a kick in the backside of the Morrison Government, which continues to deny international students any income support.
Senator Faruqi said:
“Good on South Australia for stepping up and supporting international students at this very difficult time. Without access to any federal income support, thousands of students are struggling to pay rent, buy food, and make ends meet.
“This should really be a wake-up call and a kick in the backside of the Morrison Government. Higher education is a federal responsibility. While it’s great that students in South Australia will have access to support, students in other states continue to struggle.
“Scott Morrison and his Minister should hang their heads in shame, and then do their jobs and provide support for the hundreds of thousands of students they have so far abandoned during the COVID-19 crisis,” she said.
Temporary Visa Holders
The Greens welcome moves by some state governments to support temporary visa holders, but they show how people have been abandoned by the federal government, Greens Immigration spokesperson Nick McKim says.
“Moves by the Tasmanian and South Australian governments to support some temporary visa holders are welcome, but it should be the federal government taking this action,” Senator McKim said.
“The federal government has the resources to help and direct responsibility for Australia’s visa system.”
“People who hold temporary visas need proper income support and access to Medicare, both of which are federal responsibilities.”
“The Tasmanian Premier is correct – many people need support and cannot simply go home at the moment.”
“It should not just be left to the states to help those who have been hurt by Scott Morrison’s callous indifference.”
“Moves by the Tasmanian and South Australian governments to support some temporary visa holders are welcome, but it should be the federal government taking this action,” Senator McKim said.
“The federal government has the resources to help and direct responsibility for Australia’s visa system.”
“People who hold temporary visas need proper income support and access to Medicare, both of which are federal responsibilities.”
“The Tasmanian Premier is correct – many people need support and cannot simply go home at the moment.”
“It should not just be left to the states to help those who have been hurt by Scott Morrison’s callous indifference.”
RBA Governor right about need for tax reform, but that doesn't mean tax cuts: Greens
The Australian Greens have joined RBA Governor Dr Lowe’s calls for tax reform, with Australian Greens Leader, Adam Bandt, saying that means removing unjustifiable tax breaks for polluters, shifting tax concessions towards research, development and innovation and boosting public sector investment.
In responding to Dr Lowe’s speech, Greens Leader Adam Bandt MP warned the Liberal Party against using it as an opportunity to further give tax breaks to their corporate backers, saying everyday Australians should be the chief beneficiaries of any reforms.
“We back the call for major tax reform, which must mean getting rid of unjustifiable tax breaks to the big polluters and instead offering incentives to research, development and innovation. To get our economy out of this crisis we need new thinking, not just tinkering around the edges,” Mr Bandt said.
“The pathway out of this crisis will be green growth, not blue cuts.”
“You have to accelerate out of a corner. The government is flagging an era of aggressive deregulation, but that will only prolong the pain and leave us poorly-equipped to deal with future economic shocks.”
“To get our economy back on track we need a Green New Deal, with people back in secure work and government investment to kickstart the economy. Slashing workers’ rights and the corporate tax rate won’t just fail to encourage investment, it will be another setback in the attempt to recover from this crisis.
“The government must immediately shelve its plan to cut the R&D tax concession and instead come back with a new plan to increase it.
“This is the perfect opportunity for a price on carbon that will encourage innovation, foster growth in new jobs and industries, and end the piecemeal approach to emissions reduction that we’ve seen over the past decade. It won’t just cause a spike in economic activity as companies avoid paying for pollution, it will create a truly 21st century industrial sector that is secure well into the future.
“Australia’s labour laws already breach international standards, our wages are stagnating, and job insecurity was increasing, our efforts should encourage people to come back into the workforce and give them the security they need to start spending again.
“Unemployment is expected to surge to 10-16%, and unsurprisingly young people will be hit the hardest. Recent data shows people under 20 have seen drops in employment of up to 9.9%, with wages plummeting by 12.7%.
“The Greens will block any attempts to drive through massive tax cuts and further strip away protections for workers and the environment. We hope the government will instead accept the Greens’ call for targeted measures to support R&D, help manufacturing and lift wages.”
COVID-19 Mutual Obligation Arrangements – Further Extensions of Suspension and Assistance to Job Seekers
The lifting of mutual obligations will continue until 22 May 2020 as a result of the impact of COVID-19.
During this time employment services remain open and available to support job seekers to prepare for and find available jobs.
The Government has a strong expectation that job seekers will continue to work positively with their employment service provider, and take advantage of all the support that is available.
To further assist job seekers to prepare for and move quickly back into work, the Morrison Government is also bringing forward the Employment Fund credit for the most job-ready job seekers to be available immediately, rather than after 13 weeks, which is currently the case.
This change will apply to job seekers who commence in jobactive from 4 May 2020.
The Employment Fund can be used by employment service providers to purchase work-related items including licences, equipment, training or qualifications to ensure workers are prepared and able to take up critical roles in the economy.
These arrangements by the Morrison Government continue to support Australians through the challenges presented by COVID-19 and will be continually reviewed.
Elective Surgery Restrictions Eased
The Australian Government in partnership with states and territories, peak surgical bodies, the AMA and the private hospital sector will be increasing the availability of elective surgery in a safe and carefully considered way which ensures the wellbeing of both patients and healthcare workers.
This is possible due to the strong collaboration across governments to build capacity and strengthen the health system to reduce the threat of COVID-19.
Through our containment measures we have successfully suppressed the virus: closing our borders, testing, tracing, and in particular, the social distancing and the isolation. These continue to be our strongest weapons against the coronavirus.
We have been boosting the capacity of the hospitals and in addition secured over 3000 new ventilators and we have now received 60 million masks into the national stockpile. From that, perhaps most importantly, we have secured an extra 100 million masks over the next six weeks to protect our vital health care workers in what has been an intensely competitive global environment.
Through testing we have had a rate of increase of less than 1 per cent per day for nine days straight now.
All these measures are helping to bring down the rate of transmission, flattening the curve and giving us the opportunity to relax some of our measures.
Restrictions on elective surgery have been a difficult but important part of ensuring the capacity across the health system to manage the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now, thanks to the efforts of all Australians – National Cabinet has agreed with the health advice that we are in a position to reintroduce some elective procedures.
We particularly acknowledge those patients who have had their elective surgery deferred and recognise the effect this has had on their lives and wellbeing.
The first phase of the reintroduction will occur on 27 April.
Our central aim is to increase the availability of elective surgery in a safe and equitable way, on a nationally consistent basis for public and private patients.
Reintroduction of elective surgery will be done using a staged and controlled process which balances the ongoing need for the capacity to treat COVID-19 patients, while allowing our hospitals to treat elective surgery patients.
The selection of patients to undergo elective surgery will ultimately be a clinical one, guided by the following principles, recommended by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) and endorsed by National Cabinet:
- Procedures representing low risk, high value care as determined by specialist societies
- Selection of patients who are at low risk of post-operative deterioration
- Children whose procedures have exceeded clinical wait times
- Assisted reproduction (IVF)
- Endoscopic procedures
- Screening programs
- Critical dental procedures.
This first stage of reinstating elective surgeries will require health administrators to monitor supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE), ICU and bed capacity, while preparing for the next phase.
On the advice of AHPPC, in addition to Category 1 elective surgeries, hospitals will initially recommence one in four closed operating lists, with a focus on Category 2 and some important Category 3.
In reintroducing elective surgery we acknowledge the safety of patients and healthcare workers is paramount. A thorough risk assessment of patients planned for elective surgery is essential, based on national guidelines.
There will be a national a study into asymptomatic carriage of COVID-19 in elective surgery patients to further inform testing policy.
Personal protective equipment is a critical element of staff safety and the use of PPE should be in accordance with national guidelines. The grade of PPE should be determined according to the national suspected case definitions.
The Australian, state and territory governments have put in place clear timeframes to monitor and review the situation as part of our commitment to protect patients, health care staff and consistent with AHPPC advice.
An overall review for additional support will be undertaken at two weeks and at four weeks based on:
- The number of positive cases, in both healthcare workers and patients, linked to increased activity
- PPE use and availability
- The volume of procedures and hospital/system capacity.