Australian Greens Senator for NSW and Education spokesperson Dr Mehreen Faruqi said the Greens would back 565,000 international students by today introducing amendments to make temporary visa holders eligible for the JobKeeper scheme.
Senator Faruqi said:
“Over the last two weeks, I have received hundreds of messages from international students who have lost their jobs and now face an incredibly uncertain future.
“The government has refused to listen to the thousands of international students who have been forced into poverty by this crisis, many of whom are now struggling to pay for food and rent.
“The Greens will move for temporary visa holders including international students to be made eligible for the JobKeeper wage subsidy today. We call on the Opposition and crossbench members to support this effort to ensure international students are not left destitute.
“We also continue to call for international student access to income support, including the Coronavirus Supplement, and Rent Assistance.
“Platitudes by the government are not going to help international students at this time of need. They need concrete help and financial support to get through this crisis.
“Many international students can no longer rely on family support from their home country, as the pandemic has shut down entire economies and ways of earning a living.
“In other countries like New Zealand and Canada, we’ve seen governments step up to support overseas students during the pandemic. There is no reason why Australia cannot do the same.
“For many years, Australia has benefited enormously from our international student population. Now, as they face an increasingly desperate situation, we must ensure they are supported and taken care of,” she said.
Author: admin
Government Must Extract Housing From The Too-Hard Basket
Australian Greens Senator for NSW and Housing spokesperson Dr Mehreen Faruqi has said that the National Cabinet has manifestly failed to provide any leadership or direction on national housing policy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Housing must be put back on the agenda for a national response.
Senator Faruqi said:
“After weeks of promising more information and direction, the National Cabinet has completely dropped the ball on housing. It must be put back on the agenda and dealt with urgently.
“It smacks of gross incompetence to put housing in the too-hard basket by dismissing it as a state or territory issue. Our response to COVID-19 requires a coordinated national effort.
“It’s revealing that while the National Cabinet has acted so quickly on commercial tenancies, vulnerable people who rent their homes have no clarity on whether their landlord will be allowed to increase their rent next month or evict them as soon as the pandemic is over.
“I urge the National Cabinet to support rental and mortgage holidays, an increase to rent assistance, and boost funding for crisis housing.
“Unemployment is increasing dramatically and the Coronavirus Supplement and JobKeeper payments are not due to land in bank accounts for weeks. People urgently need clarity and the assurance that they will have their home to live in during these trying times,” she said.
$130 Billion Jobkeeper Payment Passes The Parliament
Today marked one of the most important days in the Parliament’s history with the passage of legislation to support the Morrison Government’s $130 billion JobKeeper Payment.
This unprecedented level of financial support will save millions of jobs and keep families together, businesses in business and preserve the productive capacity of the Australian economy.
The $1,500 per fortnight JobKeeper payment is the equivalent of about 70 per cent of the median wage and represents about 100 per cent of the median wage in some of the most heavily affected sectors, such as retail, hospitality and tourism.
It will be available to full-time and part-time workers, sole traders and casuals who have been with their employer for 12 months or more. Importantly, it will apply to the many Australians working in the not for profit sector.
Combined with the Government’s previous actions, this totals $320 billion or 16.4 per cent of GDP in economic support to Australian businesses, households and individuals affected by the Coronavirus puts Australia in the best possible position to bounce back stronger than ever.
Eligible businesses can apply for the payment online and are able to register their interest via ato.gov.au
AAA Credit Rating Reaffirmed By S&P
Australia’s AAA credit rating has been reaffirmed by Standard & Poor’s (S&P) in an expression of confidence in the Morrison Government’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic and our record of prudent economic and fiscal management.
In its report, S&P notes that Australia’s “strong fiscal performance remains a credit strength” and that “while fiscal stimulus measures will soften the blow presented by the COVID-19 outbreak and weigh heavily on public finances in the immediate future, they won’t structurally weaken Australia’s fiscal position. This expected improvement is a key supporting factor of our ‘AAA’ rating.”
Today’s report confirms Australia as one of only 10 countries which has a AAA credit rating with all three major ratings agencies.
However S&P also recognised that “the COVID-19 outbreak has dealt Australia a severe economic and fiscal shock” and has put our AAA rating on a negative outlook which is defined as a one third probability of a downgrade over the next two years.
The Morrison Government has taken decisive action to protect Australians and the economy from the effects of the coronavirus, with Government support for the economy totalling $320 billion or 16.4 per cent of GDP.
This unprecedented level of support reflects the unprecedented moment that we find ourselves in.
S&P’s action today, in reaffirming our AAA rating, is a reminder of the importance of maintaining our commitment to medium term fiscal sustainability.
Our disciplined economic and budget management, which saw the Federal Budget return to balance for the first time in 11 years, meant the Budget as noted by S&P “was on track to achieve a surplus in fiscal 2021 before the COVID-19 outbreak”.
Our measures are temporary, targeted and proportionate to the challenge we face and will ensure Australia bounces back stronger on the other side, without undermining the structural integrity of the Budget which Australians have worked so hard to restore.
In its report, S&P notes that Australia’s “strong fiscal performance remains a credit strength” and that “while fiscal stimulus measures will soften the blow presented by the COVID-19 outbreak and weigh heavily on public finances in the immediate future, they won’t structurally weaken Australia’s fiscal position. This expected improvement is a key supporting factor of our ‘AAA’ rating.”
Today’s report confirms Australia as one of only 10 countries which has a AAA credit rating with all three major ratings agencies.
However S&P also recognised that “the COVID-19 outbreak has dealt Australia a severe economic and fiscal shock” and has put our AAA rating on a negative outlook which is defined as a one third probability of a downgrade over the next two years.
The Morrison Government has taken decisive action to protect Australians and the economy from the effects of the coronavirus, with Government support for the economy totalling $320 billion or 16.4 per cent of GDP.
This unprecedented level of support reflects the unprecedented moment that we find ourselves in.
S&P’s action today, in reaffirming our AAA rating, is a reminder of the importance of maintaining our commitment to medium term fiscal sustainability.
Our disciplined economic and budget management, which saw the Federal Budget return to balance for the first time in 11 years, meant the Budget as noted by S&P “was on track to achieve a surplus in fiscal 2021 before the COVID-19 outbreak”.
Our measures are temporary, targeted and proportionate to the challenge we face and will ensure Australia bounces back stronger on the other side, without undermining the structural integrity of the Budget which Australians have worked so hard to restore.
Securing the Essentials for Remote Communities
Ensuring a reliable supply of essential goods, groceries, pharmaceuticals and other critical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic is a high priority for the Australian Government.
The Australian Government is working in close collaboration with states and territories under the National Cabinet mechanism to coordinate responses in a range of sectors. Groceries and food security is one of the priority groups under this mechanism.
Today I will host a roundtable discussion with Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, the Hon Michael Gunner and representatives from the Arnhem Land Progress Association (ALPA), Islanders Board of Industry and Service (IBIS), Outback Stores, Coles, Woolworths and Metcash. This is part of my ongoing engagement with Ministers from all jurisdictions.
To support this work, the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) – has established a dedicated Food Security Working Group that is closely monitoring specific issues that are particular to regional and remote Australia.
Delivery of food and essential supplies is an exempt category from the travel restrictions to remote areas and so will continue as normal.
People can move within designated biosecurity areas, but if they leave and want to come back, they will need to isolate themselves for 14 days.
Travelling to other towns and cities could increase the chance of you and your family getting sick and so we are encouraging people to remain in their community.
The safest place for you and your family is in your own community.
There is no need for people in remote communities to stock-up or hoard supplies and we need the community’s help to resist the panic buying we’ve seen in urban areas.
I am aware of some community stores not receiving their full order and a limited number of stores having stock issues. This is something that all Australians are experiencing to some extent.
People can expect some pressure on stock levels for a couple of weeks, but we are doing everything we can to resolve those issues as they develop.
Communities can help:
- We need community support to make sure we don’t run out of supplies.
- Please don’t panic buy or stock up on groceries more than normal.
- Deliveries will continue and there will be enough groceries for everyone if we each only buy what we need.
METRO TUNNELLING TO CREATE THOUSANDS OF JOBS
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance today announced the start of the tender process to build almost 50km of new metro railway tunnels between Greater Parramatta and the Sydney CBD on the Sydney Metro West project.
The NSW Government has called for expressions of interest for the mega project’s first two major infrastructure packages – the delivery of twin tunnels between Westmead and The Bays.
“Now more than ever, infrastructure projects like Sydney Metro West support jobs, communities and the economy – Sydney Metro West will create more than 10,000 direct new jobs and 70,000 indirect jobs, with thousands of these jobs being generated by these new tunnelling contracts,” Mr Constance said.
“These contracts will require tunnellers, electricians, plumbers, carpenters, concrete workers, truck drivers, labourers and security guards.”
The first of four mega tunnel boring machines are expected to be in the ground before the end of 2022.
Expressions of interest have been called for the first two tunnelling contracts from Westmead to Sydney Olympic Park and from Sydney Olympic Park to The Bays.
“Sydney Metro West is a truly once-in-a-century city shaping project that will forever change how we get around Sydney,” Mr Constance said.
“Just as importantly, the construction of this mega project will create many thousands of new jobs and support families across Sydney.”
The Sydney Metro West project will deliver a new underground driverless metro railway from Westmead to the city, doubling the rail capacity of this corridor and cutting travel times to around 20 minutes between Parramatta and the city.
BOOST TO AERIAL CAPABILITY FOR FIRE AND RESCUE
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is now better equipped to respond to emergencies and calls for assistance from the community following the rollout of a fleet of new next generation response vehicles.
As part of a $28 million aerial replacement program funded by the NSW Government, fire stations like Parramatta and Hornsby will put to good use one of 13 new Bronto Skylift Ladder Platforms and the EGI Klubb Aerial Pumpers.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said the new vehicles would serve to improve emergency response in NSW at a time when it is needed most.
“FRNSW do an incredible job in responding to countless emergencies across NSW, which was on display to the community during the horrible bushfire season we experienced over the summer. It’s only fitting that the NSW Government continues to back our frontline emergency services workers through an investment in vehicles to improve emergency response,” Mr Elliott said.
“The communities in and around Parramatta and Hornsby will be the first to benefit from these state-of-the-art fire trucks, with the remaining vehicles to be deployed by the Commissioner over the next few months”.
“While the NSW Government is rightly focused on the COVID-19 pandemic and saving lives, it’s important we still work to ensure all our fire agencies have the equipment and resources they need ahead of the next fire season.”
FRNSW Commissioner Paul Baxter said the new vehicles would add to the already high emergency response capabilities of the organisation.
“Along with their compact boom design and realtime image capture ability, the Bronto Skylift will enable us to reach a working height of 45 metres, compared to our current 37 metre vehicles, making it the highest reaching vehicle of any fire service in Australia,” Commissioner Baxter said.
“Just like the Bronto Skylift, the new EGI Klubb Aerial Pumpers are equipped with rescue cages with breathable air and the ability to send realtime imagery. It is a more compact unit than our current design operating at an increased working height from 15 metres to 24 metres due to its unique articulating boom.
$100M SUPPORT FOR HEALTH WORKERS TO FIGHT COVID-19
NSW frontline healthcare workers will be provided with free accommodation to protect their loved ones as part of $100 million in extra measures to support frontline staff battling COVID-19.
The NSW Government is allocating almost $60 million to provide doctors, nurses, paramedics and other hospital and ambulance staff with the option of staying in out-of-home accommodation during the pandemic.
The package will also support medical research and vaccine trials to beat COVID-19, as well as commercialise research products and boost domestic supply chains.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said this funding would not only provide support for healthcare workers now but would also give them the resources to tackle COVID-19 head-on in the coming months.
“Nobody should go to work and worry that it will put their families at risk especially when they are working so hard to protect us. This funding is the least we can do to keep healthcare workers and their families safe,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Our health professionals are among the best in the world and we must do everything we can to help them not just now but also in the weeks and months ahead as we battle this virus.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said providing free accommodation to hospital staff was a crucial plank in the health support package.
“The last thing the brave men and women in our health system should have to worry about is that their jobs will result in their loved ones being exposed to this virus,” Mr Perrottet said.
“As was the case during the bushfires our health system will have all the resources it needs so our frontline health workers can save lives and look after themselves.”
Local health districts will work with staff to make sure accommodation is close to work or their families, depending on individual needs.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said no stone would be left unturned when it came to supporting the health system. Mr Hazzard said the vital health package will also include $25 million in funding for medical research and vaccine trials to help develop a cure to beat COVID-19 as well as $11 million to quickly get work from NSW’s world class universities and partner research institutions to market.
“Frontline health staff who have the community’s back now know that the community and the government have their back. This funding gives them options on accommodation when they’re doing battle with COVID-19,” Mr Hazzard said.
“Options to protect their family and to protect themselves are critical, and now they can choose what’s best in their own circumstances without worrying about a drain on their budget.”
The package also includes $10 million to work with NSW engineering, electrical and manufacturing businesses to urgently undertake pilot projects to produce ventilators and other critical medical equipment locally.
Key elements of the support package include:
- $58 million for health worker accommodation
- $25 million for medical research and vaccine trials
- $11 million for commercialisation of research products
- $10 million Funding to partner with industry to boost domestic supply chains.
The NSW Government has already committed $700 million extra funding for NSW Health as part of a $2.3 billion health boost and economic stimulus package announced on March 17.
This funding boost is helping double ICU capacity, preparing for additional COVID-19 testing, purchasing additional ventilators and medical equipment and establishing acute respiratory clinics.
Strike Force Bast underway to investigate actions surrounding Ruby Princess
The NSW Police Force investigation is underway to examine the circumstances surrounding the docking and disembarking of the Ruby Princess last month.
Earlier this week, NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller announced the commencement of a criminal investigation into the communications, actions, and other circumstances that led to the docking and disembarking of the vessel at Sydney Harbour on Thursday 19 March 2020.
A team of 30 detectives from across State Crime, Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics and Marine Area Commands have been seconded to Strike Force Bast, who will be assisted by intelligence analysts and other specialist officers.
The first investigations briefing was conducted this morning (Wednesday 8 April 2020), and taskings have since commenced.
Strike force investigators will interview high-priority witnesses in coming days, but they are still urging those with relevant information to contact Crime Stoppers as soon as possible.
Anyone who has information relevant to the investigation, including details of symptoms, illness, or medical advice during the voyage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
The community is reminded that their information is treated in strict confidence.
Breakdown of latest Public Health Act charges and Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs)
Police have charged one person with offences under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) and issued 15 COVID-19 related Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) since the last update.
Charges:
- About 8.40pm yesterday (Tuesday 7 April 2020), police from Tuggerah Lakes Police District were patrolling Yarramalong Rd, Wyong Creek, when they stopped the driver of a Hyundai for a random breath test, which returned a positive reading. The 27-year-old man was arrested and taken to Wyong Police Station, where a breath analysis returned a reading of 0.200. When asked about his reason for being out, it’s alleged the man was uncooperative and could not provide a reasonable excuse. While in custody, it’s further alleged the man urinated throughout the cell. He was charged with drive with high range PCA, destroy/damage property, and not comply with notice direction. The man is due to appear in Wyong Local Court on 29 April 2020.
PINs include:
- About 12pm yesterday (Tuesday 7 April 2020) officers attached to Mt Druitt Police Area Command were conducting a proactive patrol at a shopping mall in Mt Druitt when they located a man sitting at a picnic table. Police spoke with the 20-year-old man and established he had been warned on three separate occasions the day before (Monday 6 April 2020) after being sighted at the same location. He was issued with a $1000 PIN.
- During the same proactive patrol, at 12.20pm, officers spoke with a 37-year-old man in the vicinity of the shopping mall. He advised police he had left his home as he had to get out and see his friends. Officers issued him with a warning. About two hours later, at 2.30pm, the same male was seen sleeping on a bench nearby. He was issued with a $1000 PIN.
- About 2.15pm yesterday, officers from Lake Macquarie Police District attended a home at Edgeworth after receiving information a number of people were at the location in breach of a ministerial direction. On arrival, police spoke with two female residents of the property and two male visitors. Further inquiries established there had been previous calls to police for social gatherings at the location. The 25-year-old and 21-year-old men were each issued with a $1000 PIN.
- About 11.45am yesterday, officers from Inner West Police Area Command were conducting a proactive patrol when they observed two males sitting on a ledge. The men were not able to give a reasonable excuse for being there, and further inquiries established they had been given formal warnings for breaching a ministerial direction the previous evening. They were issued a move on direction and given a second warning. About 2.45pm, police were made aware of a group of four males congregating at a park nearby. Officers established two of the men (a 43-year-old man and a 58-year-old man) had been involved in the earlier interaction and they were issued with $1000 PINs. The remaining two men were given a warning and move on direction.
- About 8am yesterday, officers from Chifley Police District were patrolling the Bathurst township when they sighted a man walking along the footpath. Police spoke with the 41-year-old man, who gave several different reasons for being out of his home. He was issued with a $1000 PIN.
- About 8.45pm yesterday, officers from Newcastle City Police District stopped a vehicle on Russel Road, New Lambton, as part of inquiries of into an unrelated incident. Police spoke with the female driver and 27-year-old male passenger. Subsequent checks revealed the man had previous been given two warnings under the Public Health Act in the previous two days. He was issued a $1000 PIN after being unable to provide a reasonable excuse for being out, while the woman was given a warning, and both were directed to return home.
- Just after 6.30pm yesterday, officers from Traffic and Highway Patrol Command stopped a vehicle on Campbell Parade, Bondi, and spoke with the 30-year-old male driver, who advised he was going to visit a friend. Checks revealed the man’s vehicle was unregistered and didn’t have his licence on him. The Tamarama man was issued with Traffic Infringement Notices totalling $2172 for driving unregistered and uninsured and not carrying a licence, as well as a $1000 PIN under the Public Health Act.
- Police have issued three PINs after responding to a noise complaint in Forster last night. About 7.30pm, officers attached to Manning Great Lakes Police District attended a unit on South Street. As officers approached the door, the occupants were allegedly heard referring to “police” and the need for “social distancing.” Officers entered the unit and spoke with four people, one of whom resided at the address. The others, a 20-year-old woman and two men aged 29 and 25 were unable to provide a valid reason for not being home and were issued with $1000 fines.
- Three juveniles have been issued PINs after ignoring warnings to return to their homes. About 10.15pm on Monday (6 April 2020), officers attached to Wollongong Police District attended a unit on Carrington Street, Woonona, and spoke with four young people. One of them lived at the address, but the remaining three did not and had received warnings earlier that day regarding their failure to comply with COVID-19 restrictions. The three boys, aged 15, 16 and 17, have been issued with PINs for failing to be home without a reasonable excuse.
Since 17 March 2020, police have issued 11 Court Attendance Notices, and 136 PINs for breaches of the Public Health 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.