New targets for NSW public schools announced today as part of the School Success Model will ensure that improving student outcomes sits at the heart of the NSW education system.
The School Success Model replaces the Local School Local Decisions policy and will use targets to ensure shared responsibility for student success – from principals right through to senior executives at the Department of Education.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the success of every student is at the heart of what we do as an education system, and that responsibility needs to be shouldered by everyone.
“The School Success Model provides the transparency and support mechanisms for schools to successfully manage their record funding and make decisions that will benefit their students,” Ms Mitchell said.
Schools will be given individual targets benchmarked against similar schools for HSC, Student Growth, Phonics, Attendance, NAPLAN, Wellbeing, Aboriginal Education, and Pathways.
Schools that exceed their targets will provide a database of best practice – with the Department of Education to explore whether their teaching methods can be scaled across NSW.
Schools that fail to meet their targets will trigger intervention – with the Department providing additional support. This will range from looking at whether teaching practices and learning programs reflect evidence based best practice, to exploring whether a school’s unspent additional funding might be better used on providing extra staff in an area of educational need.
“Schools are receiving record funding, and many have used this funding to build truly incredible places to learn. These are the schools the system can learn from. These are the schools whose teaching practices can be scaled across similar schools who are not meeting their targets,” Ms Mitchell said.
Ms Mitchell said that schools are diverse and complex places, and these targets will reflect that complexity.
“From 2021 we will begin collecting data on the different components of the School Success Model, allowing us to work with schools to have individual targets in place from 2022,” Ms Mitchell said.
“While the Department will be held accountable for ensuring that schools across NSW meet their targets, they will also have their own targets based around reducing the administrative burden for principals and teachers.
“The School Success Model will drive systemic improvement; it will champion our best schools and help those who are struggling. At its heart lies an understanding that principals, directors, executives and the Secretary have a responsibility to deliver the very best education to each NSW public school student.”
NSW DIGITAL DRIVER LICENCE DOWNLOADS HIT 2 MILLION
NSW drivers have more than two million reasons to download a Digital Driver Licence (DDL), with the significant milestone achieved only a year since its launch.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the DDL is safe, secure and can be used as proof of age and ID at a range of venues and police roadside checks.
“Two million people (36 per cent of all driver licence holders) can’t be wrong. Drivers simply love the technology, with 95 per cent giving it the thumbs up,” Mr Dominello said.
“Most State borders have reopened and many people will be traveling and visiting venues during the festive season, so do yourself a favour and download the DDL.”
Customers have used the DDL to sign into venues more than 562,000 times.
In September, NSW Parliament passed legislation that expanded the use of the Digital Driver Licence, giving it the same legal status as a plastic driver licence card. The DDL is now accepted by Police in every Australian State and Territory.
Mr Dominello encouraged customers to download a DDL in advance of the NSW Government’s Dine and Discover program going live.
“To download a DDL you need to create a MyServiceNSW Account, which is also a requirement for Dine and Discover. So the sooner you create an account, the sooner you can reap the rewards,” Mr Dominello said.
The DDL is hosted securely on the new Service NSW app, locks with a PIN and can be accessed offline. It provides additional levels of security and protection against identity fraud, compared to the plastic driver licence.
To get a DDL, licence holders will need to create a MyServiceNSW Account at www.service.nsw.gov.au and download the Service NSW mobile app on their smartphone. The digital licence will always be opt-in only.
Licence holders are recommended to carry their plastic card as a backup when travelling interstate.
NSW POLICE GRADUATES IMPACTED BY PANDEMIC HONOURED WITH SPECIAL CEREMONY
NSW has welcomed 1,000 new police officers at a special ceremony paying tribute to the ‘Classes of 2020’, who joined the Police Force to protect our State during the catastrophic bushfire season and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The NSW Police Force Attestation Parade was held at the Sydney Cricket Ground today to officially welcome four classes of graduating officers in front of friends and family members.
The ceremony also recognised the work of the other emergency services during 2020, including NSW Health, Ambulance NSW, Rural Fire Service, State Emergency Service, Fire and Rescue NSW and the Australian Defence Force.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the NSW Police Force, alongside our other emergency services, has played a pivotal role in protecting our State.
“Every member of the NSW Police Force deserves our State’s greatest thanks after a year that saw Police play an unprecedented role in keeping our community safe,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“On behalf of the State, congratulations to our newest recruits and thank you to our police officers and emergency service workers for their incredible effort over 2020.”
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott welcomed the new recruits and said the NSW Government is committed to supporting them throughout their careers.
“Our Police cadets have faced exceptional challenges this year, but they have shown they can overcome difficult circumstances to complete their training, and they will now use the same resilience to push them forward in their new careers,” Mr Elliott said.
“Police put their lives on the line every day to protect our community and I thank and congratulate each and every one of these officers for choosing to join the Force, I wish them all a long and successful career.”
NSW Police Force Commissioner Mick Fuller APM said the ‘Classes of 2020’ attestation ceremony acknowledges the efforts of all serving officers over the course of this year.
“It has been a challenging year for NSW and Police have taken on an extraordinary role in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic threat, alongside the other critical issues we have faced this year,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“I am proud to be able to honour our newest recruits and all of the ‘Classes of 2020’ recruits in this official parade – an unprecedented and significant event.”
The NSW Government has committed $583 million to introduce 1500 extra Police over four years and recently announced a $60 million upgrade to Goulburn Police Academy.
Man stabbed – Cardiff
An investigation is underway following a stabbing in the Lake Macquarie area yesterday.
About 7.10pm (Sunday 6 December 2020), emergency services were called to a service station on Lowry Street near Main Road, Cardiff, after reports of a group of men fighting.
The group left the scene prior to police arrival.
A 23-year-old man suffering stab wounds to his face and back was located at a house nearby and was taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment in a stable condition.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District established a crime scene, which was examined by specialist forensic police.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident continue, however initial inquiries suggest the men are known to each other.
Hit reset with community-focused New Year’s events
Novocastrians will be able to ring in the New Year at a series of localised events designed to safely bring the community together to celebrate the end of 2020.
Family-friendly picnics in the park, pool parties, food trucks and food-focused market stalls will be on offer around the city on 31 December and 1 January.
Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the community events would provide a vibrant alternative to the usual Foreshore fireworks display and concert, which was put on hold this year due to COVID-19.
“In a year that’s been very different from what anyone would have expected, we’ve decided to do things a little differently when it comes to our New Year’s celebrations,” Cr Clausen said.
“After making the difficult decision to cancel our traditional fireworks event this year, we’ve been working on ways to bring the party to the people and allow Novocastrians to celebrate closer to home.
“To that end, we’re putting on seven localised events on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day that will provide festive opportunities for our community to reconnect, reflect, and refresh heading into 2021.
“You can pack a picnic blanket, bring a basket and stock up on your favourite goodies from local food providers before settling back with family and friends to enjoy a picnic in the park.
“Our swimming centres will also allow you to splash into 2021 at festive pool parties where you can make a day of it with water-based inflatables, roving entertainment and a selection of food trucks.”
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes Nelmes said the fireworks display planned for 2020 would be deferred until 2021 when festivities would return to the Newcastle Foreshore, subject to any public health orders in place at that time.
“2020 has been a year like no other, but what it has shown above all is our community’s ability to work together for the benefit of all,” Cr Nelmes said.
“The city deserves the chance to celebrate what we have achieved together this year and everything we’re looking forward to in 2021.
“I encourage Novocastrians to enjoy the New Year’s period in a COVID Safe way, whether they attend one of our events, support our local restaurants and bars, or gather with friends and family at home.”
The New Year’s program will include:
- Food Markets at Lambton Park and Dixon Park on New Year’s Eve (3pm to 8pm), including roving entertainment and children’s activities.
- Activations at Beresfield, Mayfield, Stockton and Wallsend pools on New Year’s Day (10am to 4pm), including inflatables, food trucks and roving entertainment.
- Food Markets at Richley Reserve on New Year’s Day (10am to 4pm), including roving entertainment, children’s activities and a ‘sensory zone’ for people with disabilities and their families.
Visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/NYE for more information.
Woman critical after hit by car; man charged – Newcastle
A driver has been charged after allegedly deliberately hitting a cyclist and assaulting emergency services personnel at Newcastle last night.
About 7pm (Saturday 5 December 2020), a 23-year-old woman was riding her bike on Heaton Street, Jesmond, when she was allegedly deliberately hit by a man driving a Subaru Forster.
The woman was dragged by the vehicle, before it stopped.
Members of the public provided assistance to the woman before emergency services arrived.
The driver, a 25-year-old man, exited the Subaru and allegedly tried to enter a NSW Ambulance vehicle, before assaulting a female paramedic. She sustained bruising, swelling and abrasions after being pushed to the ground.
The injured cyclist was taken to John Hunter Hospital where she remains in a critical condition.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District attended and arrested the driver.
As police were attempting to breath test him, it’s alleged he tried to bite the hands of a male senior constable, before kicking him. He was subsequently taken to hospital for mandatory testing.
The officer did not require medical treatment.
Upon release, the Jesmond man was taken to Waratah Police Station and charged with cause grievous bodily harm to person with intent, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, common assault, attempt to take and drive conveyance without consent of owner and assault police officer in execution of duty without actual bodily harm.
He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Bail Court today (Sunday 6 December 2020).
Review conducted after two people fly to Melbourne after arriving on international flight
Police have conducted a review after two German Nationals flew to Melbourne after arriving in Sydney on an International flight in contravention of Public Health (COVID-19 Air Transportation Quarantine) Order 2020.
The pair – a 53-year-old woman and a 15-year-old boy – arrived into Sydney International Airport about 9.45am yesterday (Saturday 5 December 2020) on a flight from Tokyo, Japan, and were screened by NSW Health.
After being cleared, all travellers were directed to board a bus to hotel quarantine before the pair advised police that they were booked on a flight to Melbourne.
Police made inquiries as to travel and exemptions, which subsequently allowed the pair to travel to Melbourne on a domestic flight under standard protocols for exempt travellers.
On arrival in Melbourne, Victoria Health advised NSW Health that the pair were not in possession of an approved exemption and had been escorted to hotel quarantine, where they remain.
The NSW Police Force has since conducted a review into the circumstances of the incident and identified police had incorrectly allowed the two travellers to proceed to Melbourne.
Police practices and systems at the airport have also been reviewed and strengthened as a result of this incident.
Since Sunday 29 March 2020, more than 100,000 people have entered the NSW hotel quarantine program, with more than 5500 currently in 17 police-managed hotels across Sydney.
Government Supports Hear For You
Young deaf and hearing-impaired Australians will benefit from a $300,000 investment to support their mental health and well-being announced today.
The Australian Government will fund Hear For You to deliver online mentoring, collaborate with mainstream youth mental health services providers, and produce a campaign to reduce stigma and encourage deaf and hearing impaired young people to seek help for mental health issues.
Announcing the funding during a visit to Hear For You’s headquarters at the Australian Hearing Hub in Sydney, Regional Health Minister – whose responsibilities include hearing services – Mark Coulton said Government is committed to ensuring Australians who are hard of hearing get the services they need.
“The Government is committed to improving the health of all Australians, particularly the most vulnerable among us,” Minister Coulton said.
“We understand that for Australians who are hard of hearing, their health needs are not defined purely by their hearing challenges and can – just like the rest of us – benefit from support for their mental wellbeing.
“Life’s not easy when you’re a teenager and if you’re deaf or hard of hearing, it can be even trickier.
“Hear For You delivers a modern service, tailored to support improved mental wellbeing for young Australians with hearing challenges, and I am pleased to announce our support for the work they do.”
Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said the Australian Government recognises the cumulative impact that COVID-19, bushfires, floods, and droughts had created for many Australians.
“This funding will address the additional mental health and communications challenges that deaf and hearing-impaired young people face, such as increased levels of social isolation, loneliness, anxiety, and depression,” Minister Hunt said.
“The Government is committed to supporting all young Australians with, or at risk of, poor mental health by improving access to early intervention services and preventative mental health support.”
This announcement follows $21.2 million invested in the recent Budget to deliver key initiatives from the Roadmap for Hearing Health and an additional $485 million for mental health services and supports.
For more information about Hear For You and their work, visit hearforyou.com.au.
Police allege woman posed as firefighter to fraudulently claim $190,000 – Lithgow
A Lithgow woman has been charged after allegedly posing as a volunteer firefighter to claim relief funds of more than $190,000.
Detectives from Chifley Police District initiated inquiries after multiple submissions were allegedly made between Friday 17 January 2020 and Saturday 20 June 2020, applying for the bushfire volunteer firefighter payment.
Police will allege a 49-year-old woman submitted 522 claims online and was paid for 34, for a total of more than $190,000.
Following inquiries, detectives executed a search warrant at a home on Calero Street, Lithgow, shortly after 9am on Wednesday (2 December 2020), and arrested the woman at the scene.
Several items – including clothing, electrical items and identification – were also seized.
The woman was taken to Lithgow Police Station where she has been charged with 34 counts of dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception, and four counts of dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception (attempted).
She was granted strict conditional bail to appear before Lithgow Local Court on Thursday 28 January 2021.
Under this scheme, each volunteer could claim up to $6000.
The woman is not – and never has been – a volunteer firefighter.
Strengthening Australia's immunisation program
The Australian Government is continuing to improve Australia’s world leading vaccination program through the Australian Immunisation Register Amendment (Reporting) Bill 2020, which enters parliament today.
This Bill supports and builds upon the longstanding action of the successive Governments to ensure that Australians have access to safe and effective vaccines and that we maintain world leading immunisation rates.
Currently, not all vaccine providers make a record in the Australian Immunisation Register (the AIR) when a vaccine is administered, which means that individuals or health professionals may not have access to vaccination history. This information could be vital in an emergency, when undertaking medical treatment and in managing an individual’s health and wellbeing.
The effect of the amendments in the Bill is to ensure all vaccination providers report vaccines given, including any COVID-19 vaccine, to the AIR.
These changes will ensure that every Australian can access their vaccine history through this safe and secure register and support the administration of COVID-19 vaccines and other lifesaving vaccines, including those against the flu and meningococcal.
While the Government strongly supports immunisation, it is not mandatory. Vaccination will remain voluntary and individuals will retain the fundamental choice to choose not to vaccinate.
The Australian Government is a strong supporter of immunisation in that it is a safe and effective way to prevent the spread of many diseases in the community that can cause hospitalisation, serious ongoing health conditions, or even death.
The Australian Government has acted decisively to secure production and supply agreements to secure early access to 134 million doses of a COVID-19 vaccine to Australians in 2021-21 and 2021-22 through an investment so far of $3.3 billion.
In addition to the significant investment in COVID-19 Vaccines, the Australian Government invests over $400 million each year though the National Immunisation Program (NIP) to protect Australians against 17 vaccine preventable diseases.
The NIP provides free vaccines to eligible people, including children, adolescents, the elderly, pregnant women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people against conditions such as pneumococcal, meningococcal, measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis, shingles, human papillomavirus (HPV) and influenza amongst others.
The need for the Australian Immunisation Register Amendment (Reporting) Bill 2020 arose from the need to provide more Australians with information about their immunisation history, to support the roll out of a COVID-19 vaccine and the ongoing administration of the NIP.
Australia continues to have a high level of vaccination reporting and the AIR data entered is sufficiently reliable for the administration of childhood immunisations due to a number of policy and program settings which encourage reporting.
For example, Australia’s immunisation coverage rates for children continue to be at a record high, compared to the rest of the world. As at September 2020: 94.90 per cent of all Australian children aged five years and 97.03 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged five years were fully vaccinated.
However, reporting of adolescent and other adult vaccines is lower and less reliable. For example, the reporting of vaccinations against Herpes Zoster and Pneumococcal for older Australians is around 40 per cent and reporting for seasonal influenza is around 50 per cent.
The AIR provides Australians with an Immunisation History Statement (IHS) which displays all immunisations that an individual has had that are recorded on the AIR. The IHS is can be viewed and printed via Medicare Online, myGov, the Express Plus Medicare mobile app, or My Health Record. Vaccination providers can print an IHS on behalf of their patient.
Public consultation on the proposed changes indicated a high level of community support for these improvements and it is pleasing to note that key stakeholders, including health peak bodies have indicated their public support.