The Greens will today launch their proposal for an economic stimulus package targeted at engaging the hundreds of thousands of artists and creatives who have lost their jobs during Covid-19, and the thousands more workers who have lost their jobs due to the flow on impact on hospitality and tourism.
The plan comprises three main elements including ‘Creating Australia’s Future’ which would see artists in residence in every school and library across the country, the ‘Billion Stories Fund’ to kick start our local screen industry prioritising Australian stories and children’s content, and ‘Australia Live’ which would inject funding into Australia’s festival, music and live performance sector.
Greens Spokesperson for the Arts Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said:
“The arts and entertainment industry was one of the first to be hit by social distancing restrictions, it has suffered enormously throughout the lockdown and will be one of the last to recover.
“Yet, it has also been an industry so integral to helping Australians get through this crisis. Despite the job losses, social isolation and mental health problems, this anti-arts government has failed to recognise helping the industry to survive helps us all.
“The arts and entertainment industry will be absolutely vital to our economic recovery. Not only are other industries like tourism, hospitality and accommodation all going to benefit from its revival, but the sector is primed for stimulus. The industry can go in early and hard and put money into the pockets of workers who are in great need of an income and are going to spend what they earn. Without action, we stand to lose a generation of artists.
“The Green’s Create Australia plan is jobs rich and a funding commitment of $2.3 billion makes up less than 1% of what the Government has already spent on the Covid-19 response ($320 billion).
“The Morrison Government has a golden opportunity to enhance Australia’s sovereignty and cultural identity. Artists in Residence throughout our schools and libraries will be of enormous educational benefit to students and entire communities.
“Our screen production is world class and with Hollywood all but shut down we should be seizing the opportunity to create more Australian shows and films than ever. The decision by the Federal Government to let broadcasters out of their local content requirements was a kick in the guts to an industry on its knees, the Arts Minister must make amends.
“There can be no denying our arts and entertainment industry has been there for us during times of crisis and even during COVID-19 when many artists don’t even have an income, they’ve still stepped up to keep creating and connecting with community. If we are going to restore our social fabric we need to bring people back together through live performance, when it’s safe to do so, and that is going to take funding support. But it will be worth it as the return on investment from this sector will be enormous and in more ways than one.”
BACKGROUND
Creating Australia’s Future – Artist in Residence Program
A $300million project that would see an Artist in Residence in every school and library in the country. This would enable young artists in particular, to engage their skills while helping to mentor Australia’s youth and students. This project is focused on job creation, community development and building an enhanced appreciation for creative industries. It could of course be used to create community art projects in local areas, whether that is street art, theatre or music productions and local exhibitions.
A Billion Stories Fund
A $1billion Australian content fund to kick start Australia’s screen industry (film, TV and documentary). Productions are job rich, from the creatives, script writers, IT, lighting and sound engineers, crews, costumes, trades people, marketing, logistics (including on location travel, hospitality etc). In particular, Australian stories and children’s content would be prioritised, vital for our cultural identity, education and local jobs.
Australia Live
A $1billion grant fund to inject money into Australia’s festival, music and live performance sector which needs cash flow to restart. Investing in and creating incentives for the planning and delivery of events, live music and performance projects for both metropolitan and regional communities. These projects are job rich and the economic kickback is instant in the communities they occur. Local tourism, hospitality and retail also benefit greatly, of course, along with local construction jobs for those projects that require infrastructure. This fund would also be able to fund small-medium infrastructure projects for the construction and upgrade of local community concert, exhibition and studio spaces. Infrastructure that is purpose built for the creative industries, rather than just sport or conference facilities.
Author: admin
Childcare Review: Minister Must Ensure Equity And Make Childcare Free For Good
Australian Greens Education spokesperson Senator Mehreen Faruqi has said the Education Minister must rule out the reintroduction of childcare fees in his current review of the COVID-19 childcare package.
Senator Faruqi said:
“Free and universal childcare has been a huge step forward for access to childcare. It should be made permanent.
“The Minister should be looking at how to ensure ongoing access to free childcare, and options for expanded public operation of childcare.
“The government has finally recognised childcare and early learning for what it is: an essential service that we all rely on and everyone can access, not only those who can afford to pay.
“Childcare cannot be seen as a way to turn a profit, but as a way to make our society more equitable.
“We are now at a really important turning point for early childhood education and care. Let’s not waste it. Free childcare should be here to stay,” she said.
Boost for Bushfire Recovery
Local economic recovery plans will help towns and regions hit by bushfires get back on their feet as part of a new $650 million package of support from the Morrison Government.
As part of the Regional Bushfire Recovery and Development Program, bushfire affected communities will share in $448.5 million from the Morrison Government to support the delivery of local recovery plans with priority given to the most severely impacted regions, drawing on local voices and local governments in close partnership and as part of cost-sharing arrangements with states.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the National Bushfire Recovery Agency (NBRA) would lead work to drive a strong economic recovery so the more than 18,600 families and businesses in bushfire-affected areas could get back on their feet.
“The same communities that were hurting most from the bushfires are hurting from the impacts of COVID-19. The impacts have been devastating,” the Prime Minister said.
“This funding injection comes as the damage from the bushfires has made itself clear in the weeks and months after they passed and regions have been finalising the sorts of projects they want to get underway to build back better.
“Every community is different and every community is at a different point in their recovery. That’s why the projects that these funds will support are not one-size-fits-all – they will reflect community needs.
“This is about locals leading the recovery with the NBRA and our state and local partners ensuring our support gets to where it’s needed most.”
“I urge local communities to work with their state governments and to provide the National Bushfire Recovery Agency with their priority projects as soon as possible.
The support will back local projects and recovery plans, in specific areas, as well as initiatives that benefit all bushfire-affected communities. The projects could include those that build community capability and wellbeing, including through workshops and events, projects that focus on the landscape and water, replacing produce and stock, supporting local jobs and building future resilience.
Minister for Emergency Management David Littleproud said I’ve always wanted a locally led recovery not a Canberra led recovery. This is the mechanism to deliver that and to build it back better.
“We’re working side-by-side with families, small businesses, primary producers and the tourism sector to deliver a well thought-out economic recovery as quickly as possible,” Minister Littleproud said.
“We know and have seen firsthand just how severe the impact from the bushfires and now COVID-19 has been. The past six months have been incredibly tough for so many Australians.
“To date, the efforts of every level of government have been focused on emergency relief, the restoration of basic services, clean-up operations and the immediate wellbeing needs of people in the most severely impacted communities.
“While we recognise not all communities are at the same point of recovery, some communities are starting to consider longer-term planning. We’re here to support them with opportunities to rebuild.”
Minister Littleproud said the Government’s assistance came on top of more than $1.33 billion dollars rolling into bushfire affected communities which includes around half a billion dollars of grants and loans that has already flowed to families and businesses, as well as $214.9 million in disaster recovery payments and $240 million in Community Recovery Packages.
“We’re also stepping in to help regenerate Australia’s wildlife and habitats, better prepare our telco network for future emergencies, boost mental health support and help our forestry industry salvage their products,” Minister Littleproud said.
“These bushfires affected Australia in many ways and we’ll be dealing with the aftermath for a long time to come, but communities should know that our government will be with them every step of the way.”
The new support also includes:
- Forestry Transport Assistance ($15 million): To assist the forestry industry with the increased costs of transporting burned salvaged logs over longer distances to surviving timber mills or storage sites in bushfire affected areas in Victoria and New South Wales.
- Community Wellbeing and Participation ($13.5 million) – backing Primary Health Networks with additional funding to provide critical, localised emotional and mental health support for bushfire affected individuals.
- Bushfire Recovery for Species and Landscapes ($149.7 million) – supporting efforts that go beyond the immediate devastation on species and natural assets through habitat regeneration, waterway and catchment restoration including erosion control, weed and pest management.
- Telecommunications Emergency Resilience ($27.1 million as well as $10 million from the mobile blackspots program) – strengthening telecommunications capabilities prior to future natural disasters, including the deployment of approximately 2000 satellite dishes to provide a link if other connections are damaged, plus batteries and solar panels, to rural fire depots and evacuation centres.
The $2 billion Bushfire Recovery Fund has been committed to programs and initiatives to support bushfire recovery in affected communities. This is in addition to those funds already available through existing disaster recovery measures.
- Over 16,700 applications for the $10,000 small business support grant have been approved – worth $167 million.
- More than 1300 applications for the $50,000 small business grant have been approved – worth $37 million.
- 1700 applications for the Primary Producer Grant have been approved to date, with a total of $106 million provided to primary producers to date.
To access support and to find further details, visit the National Bushfire Recovery Agency website at www.bushfirerecovery.gov.au
Breakdown of latest Public Health Act charges and Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs)
In the past 24 hours, three people have been issued with Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) COVID-19.
Yesterday’s PINs:
- Officers from Sydney City Police Area Command were patrolling Sydney’s CBD when they stopped a vehicle on George Street about 1am yesterday (Sunday 10 May 2020). Police spoke with the 19-year-old female driver and three passengers. The Greenacre woman told police the group had just wanted to get out of the house but could not provide a reason for being in the city. When checks revealed she had previously been warned for being out in a group and without a reasonable excuse, she was issued a $1000 PIN. Her passengers each received warnings.
- About 6.30pm, officers from Blacktown Police Area Command were patrolling Seven Hills, when they observed two men sitting and drinking on Boomerang Place. Police spoke with the men about breaching Ministerial Directions, with neither able to provide a reason for being there and stating to just give them a fine because they weren’t going to pay it. Checks revealed both men – aged 39 and 43 – had previously been warned for doing the same thing. They were each issued $1000 PINs.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or 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.
Shovel-ready infrastructure projects key to supporting local jobs in wake of COVID-19 pandemic
City of Newcastle is seeking support from State and Federal Governments for a dedicated Local Infrastructure Stimulus program, with funding for both large-scale infrastructure projects and a Local Government New Deal aimed at protecting jobs and delivering community infrastructure.
The move would bridge the gap between State and Federal Government COVID-19 stimulus packages and increase local employment by fast-tracking shovel-ready infrastructure projects.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said in times of crisis, local government was often the first to respond and rebuild at a grassroots level.
“As one of the single-largest employers in rural and regional communities, Councils like City of Newcastle are best placed to kickstart shovel-ready projects and get people back into the workforce,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Such a move, when supported by State and Federal stimulus, has the power to create legacy community infrastructure, sustain local services and employment and drive the local economy, as was the case during the early 1990s recession when the Federal Government formed the Local Government Capital Works Program.”
Priority projects previously endorsed by the NSW Government as key to significant job growth across Greater Newcastle include Coastal Management Planning and Erosion Management, particularly at Stockton Beach; flood mitigation works at Wallsend; the Greater Newcastle Light Rail Expansion; and affordable housing initiatives.
With a diverse workforce of more than 1,200 staff, City of Newcastle has been significantly impacted by Government-mandated closures and restrictions aimed at containing the spread of COVID-19 – particularly community and cultural facilities such as Newcastle Museum, City Gall, the Civic Theatre, the Stockton Holiday Park and Newcastle Art Gallery.
Ineligible to receive the $1,500-per-employee, per-fortnight JobKeeper subsidy, the City has opted-in to the Local Government (COVID-19) Splinter (Interim) Award, backed by the Office of Local Government NSW and United Services Union, to identify opportunities to retain and redeploy affected staff.
The Lord Mayor thanked staff for their commitment to serving the Newcastle community despite the disruption to day-to-day life.
“Staff have been exceptional in their effort to continue to deliver a high level of service for our community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Now more than ever, it is vital that the State and Federal Governments partner with local government to support shovel-ready projects that can grow our economy and support our workforce.”
NSW TO EASE RESTRICTIONS THIS WEEK
Premier Gladys Berejiklian today announced NSW will further ease COVID-19 restrictions across the State from Friday.
Ms Berejiklian said that after assessing the new framework from National Cabinet and discussing the NSW impacts with state Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant, it was safe for NSW to ease further restrictions as the community was vigilant with social distancing and hygiene.
“My firm position during the crisis has been to follow the health advice and do what’s best for NSW,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Our community has demonstrated that by working together we can achieve positive results.
“The changes will allow NSW to fire up the economy, while allowing more personal freedoms.
“We will continue to closely monitor COVID-19 rates, especially community transmissions, to guide us towards easing further restrictions.”
From Friday 15 May, the following will be allowed in NSW, in addition to measures already announced:
- Outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people
- Cafes and restaurants can seat 10 patrons at any one time
- Up to 5 visitors to a household at any one time
- Weddings up to 10 guests
- Indoor funerals up to 20 mourners, outdoor funerals up to 30
- Religious gatherings/places of worship up to 10 worshippers
- Use of outdoor equipment with caution
- Outdoor pools open with restrictions
It is too soon to allow for regional holidays and ease further restrictions but NSW will continue to work with business and communities during the path forward.
Dr Chant backed the move to cautiously lift the restrictions, and urged people to be vigilant.
“The chief health officers of the Commonwealth and States supported by experts have prepared advice on the way forward,” Dr Chant said.
“As we take this next step we need to continue to work together – governments, community, business and NGOs – with high rates of testing, social distancing and adherence to other public health measures like handwashing and staying at home if you show even slight symptoms.”
Ms Berejiklian thanked the community as the State embarked on this important step that would allow more businesses to open up and more people to stay in work.
“NSW can only do this following the hard work and sacrifice of our communities,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“It has allowed us to boost our intensive care capacity, ramp up our testing and enhance contact tracing so we can better manage any outbreaks.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the COVID-19 fight was far from over.
“Without a vaccine we need to be vigilant, especially when restrictions lift,” Mr Hazzard said.
“There will inevitably be more cases, so social distancing will become even more crucial.”
The NSW Government will consider steps two and three of the plan in due course.
Breakdown of latest Public Health Act charges and Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs)
In the past 24 hours, seven people have been dealt with under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) COVID-19, with a man charged and six others issued with Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs).
Yesterday’s charges:
• Yesterday (Saturday 9 May 2020), officers from Leichhardt Traffic and Highway patrol spoke to a man on three separate occasions after being seen standing on the roadway of City Road, Darlington, and washing windows. About 3.15pm, the 41-year-old man was arrested and taken to Newtown Police Station where he was charged with pedestrian stand on road to wash/offer to wash windscreen, not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19, and breach of bail. The Redfern man was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Bail Court today (Sunday 10 May 2020).
Yesterday’s PINs:
• Just after midnight, officers from Kings Cross Police Area Command were patrolling Woolloomooloo when three people were seen walking along McElhone Street. The trio walked away and ignored officers’ directions before being stopped on Dowling Street. They were unable to provide a reasonable excuse for being there and had each previously been warned. The two men, aged 35 and 36, and a 26-year-old woman were issued $1000 PINS. The younger man and woman were also issued criminal infringement notices for offensive language.
• About 3.30am, officers from Northern Beaches Police Area Command were patrolling Brookvale, when they saw two men, walking along Clearview Place, consuming alcohol. The men did not have a reasonable excuse for being away, telling officers they were going for a stroll. A 21-year-old man was issued a $1000 PIN after previously being warned last weekend.
Officers from Eastern Beaches Police Area Command with the assistance of the Public Order and Riot Squad (PORS) attended Nagle Park at Maroubra just before 10.30am, when a group of people returned after previously being moved on. The four men, consuming alcohol, were again moved on after initially refusing to leave. A 30-year-old man – who had previously been warned – was issued a $1000 PIN and was also infringed for offensive language. A second man, aged 31, was infringed for littering after throwing a beer bottle and offensive language.
• About 2pm, officers from Sydney City Police Area Command attended Macquarie Street and spoke with a group of people who were conducting an unauthorised protest. A 36-year-old women was arrested after refusing to provide her details. She was unable to provide a reasonable excuse for being there and was later 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.
Man charged after allegedly spitting on bus driver – Sydney CBD
A man has been infringed after allegedly spitting on a bus driver in Sydney’s CBD last month.
About 2pm on Friday 24 April 2020, a man, carrying a dog, boarded a NSW State Transit bus stopped on Carrington Street, Sydney.
When the bus driver, a 60-year-old man, told him that dogs were not permitted onboard, he verbally abused the driver and spat on him.
The man then left the bus and police were notified.
Officers from Sydney City Police Area Command commenced an investigation.
Following inquiries, a 19-year-old Baulkham Hills man was issued an infringement for not comply noticed direction re spitting/coughing – COVID-19 today (Sunday 10 May 2020.
Commissioner urges continued community compliance as legal actions decrease in line with COVID-19 curve
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller has echoed community praise ahead of the upcoming easing of restrictions and urged the NSW community to keep it up.
As NSW citizens, residents and businesses prepare for easing of restrictions under the Public Health Act this Friday (15 May 2020), Commissioner Fuller is reminding everyone that their actions and behaviour may impact the timings for the next stages.
“When Premier Berejiklian outlined the upcoming changes to COVID-19 restrictions in NSW, she included a very important message – our way forward depends on you,” the Commissioner said.
“The NSW Police Force was given special powers for the pandemic in the interest of public health and safety – powers that I delegated carefully and am overseeing personally.
“I’ve been overwhelming pleased with community compliance. With 187 charges laid and 1212 PINs issued out of eight million residents, I feel that the community understands the risks of this virus and the role we all must play in protecting each other.”
The average number of PINs issued per day throughout the month of April was 39, with a peak over the Easter long weekend. So far in May, the average number of PINs issued is nine.
In the last three days, police have issued a total of 14 PINs – three on Friday, seven on Saturday, and four on Sunday.
“Based on the 17,000 calls we have had to Crime Stoppers since 17 March, it is also clear that people want everyone to do their bit to stop the spread and soon see some form of normalcy return to life.
“Health experts have said that without a vaccine life can’t go back to normal, but if we continue to show high levels of adherence to the Ministerial Directions, we can continue to edge closer to normal life – and hopefully, sooner,” the Commissioner said.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or 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.
Police committed to protecting domestic violence victims during COVID-19
Police across the state have focussed on the plight of domestic violence victims during COVID-19 with a sharp increase in proactive policing strategies.
Their efforts are being reflected in first quarter 2020 statistics which highlight a substantial increase in compliance checks alongside a decrease in certain domestic violence (DV) offences.
Since commencement of the COVID-19 restrictions, NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller has been closely monitoring rates of domestic violence across the state.
“There is no doubt that the COVID-19 social distancing and self-isolation restrictions have presented inherent and very real risks to domestic violence victims and their families,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“As an organisation committed to protecting the most vulnerable in the community, we have ramped up police proactivity across the state, with ADVO compliance checks and ongoing monitoring of high risk and repeat DV offenders.”
Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) compliance checks have greatly increased in each month between January to April 2020 compared to last year, with an additional 3,684 checks completed in April 2020 compared to April 2019.
With a strong personal commitment to the protection of victims and children, when appointed Corporate Sponsor for Domestic and Family Violence in 2014, Commissioner Fuller led an increased focus of policing proactivity in response to DV offences.
This included the establishment of the Domestic Violence High Risk Offender Teams (DV HROT) across the state and an increased emphasis on the arrest and prosecution of offenders.
“The data we see today is heartening, but this is in no way the end of our efforts. We will continue to keep a close eye on the plight of those experiencing domestic violence and their loved ones,” he said.
DV-related assault incidents in NSW were comparably similar to that recorded in the same period last year, however incidents decreased from 2,408 in April 2019 to 2,194 in April this year.
As at Monday (4 May 2020), there were four domestic-related homicide incidents in NSW this year. This contrasts to the same time last year, in which 11 DV homicide incidents were recorded.
“Make no mistake, the fact that we have a single DV homicide incident indicates we have a long way to go, but I am relieved to see the figure has not increased during COVID-19 and has in fact dropped,” Commissioner Fuller said.
Legal action rates for Assault (DV), Assault (DV) involving Actual Bodily Harm and/or Grievous Bodily Harm, and Breach DV AVO were overall slightly higher compared to the same period previous year.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott, was pleased to see police activities to protect victims and their families appears to have been working over the first quarter of this year.
“A few weeks ago, we put any potential perpetrators of domestic violence offences on notice. The message to offenders was and remains loud and clear: if you abuse those you claim to love, police will be at your door ready to take action,” Mr Elliott said.
“I’m pleased to see police working closely together with other government agencies and the community in the best interests of victims and their families, and I thank the community for looking out for family, neighbours and friends.”
The Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research recently published ‘Monitoring changes in domestic violence in the wake of COVID-19 social isolation measures’ which highlights that preliminary data shows there is no upward trend in DV offences.
“COVID-19 restrictions remain in place and I continue to encourage people to come forward if you have any concerns that someone you know may be experiencing domestic violence.” Minister Elliott said.
The public are reminded that if you witness domestic or family violence, call the police – the information you provide might just save someone’s life. If your life of someone else’s life is in danger contact Triple Zero (000).
Further, there are multiple support services available if you, or someone you know, is experiencing domestic or family violence. These services include:
• 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) is a confidential information, counselling and support service;
• NSW Domestic Violence Line (1800 65 64 63) is a state-wide telephone crisis counselling and referral service for women;
• Men’s Referral Service (1300 766 491) provide telephone counselling, information and referrals for men;
• Link2Home (1800 152 152) can help refer women experiencing domestic violence to crisis accommodation; and
• Lifeline (13 11 14) is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.