FREE TAFE COURSES TO SUPPORT NSW IN PANDEMIC

A suite of 21 fee-free TAFE NSW short courses are available online to assist anyone across the State who wants to upskill during the COVID-19 pandemic, following an announcement from the NSW Government today.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the pandemic response has had a dramatic effect on communities and working life, but these select courses will assist job seekers and workers looking to diversify their skills during these times.
“The NSW Government understands that circumstances have changed for a lot of people and business owners, which means the way they work and how they conduct their business has also changed,” Mr Lee said.
“The TAFE NSW fee-free accredited courses will contribute to helping businesses stay in business and people stay in jobs. It’s vital we keep people employed and ensure we have the ability to rebound when things do improve.
“We also understand that many industries are in hibernation, so using this period to upskill for the future is time well spent.”
The 21 short courses include:

  • eMarketing for Small Business;
  • Engaging Customers Using Social Media;
  • Writing and Presentation Skills;
  • Computing Skills;
  • Team Leader Skill Set; and
  • Administration Skills for Team Leaders.

TAFE NSW Managing Director Steffen Faurby said the organisation is committed to ensuring people have access to first-class, customised training to meet their needs.
“For over 130 years, TAFE NSW has been preparing the State’s workforce for the jobs of tomorrow and it is no different during this time,” Mr Faurby said.
More information, including a full list of courses, is available here or by calling 131 601.

NEXT STAGE OF SNOWY 2.0 GETS GREEN LIGHT

More than 150 new jobs will be created and $55 million injected into regional NSW, as the NSW Government gives the go-ahead for construction of the Snowy Hydro Segment Factory – the next crucial stage of the Snowy 2.0 expansion.
Deputy Premier and Member for Monaro John Barilaro said the approval of the Snowy Hydro Segment Factory was fantastic news for the region, with construction of the concrete production facility to begin within weeks.
“The Snowy Hydro Scheme is part of the folklore of the Monaro and this approval means work can get underway on a critical part of the project’s infrastructure which will provide huge benefits and job opportunities for the area,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Around 150 jobs will be created as part of the new infrastructure with many of these being entry-level positions, with all training provided.
“These opportunities couldn’t come at a better time with many in our community facing unexpected unemployment due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the planning system has a key role to play in keeping the economy moving both now and in the months ahead.
“We’re working to get shovel-ready projects out the door, to create jobs and drive investment into our local economies during these extraordinary times,” Mr Stokes said.
“This project will unlock new industry investment in regional NSW, creating 30 jobs during construction and about 125 jobs once operational.”
Construction of the factory is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
The factory will manufacture more than 130,000 concrete tunnel segments for use during exploratory works and once approved, as part of the main works for Snowy 2.0.
For more information visit https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/project/14716

FUNDING TO COMBAT ISOLATION FOR SENIORS

NSW seniors at risk of social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic will be the focus of $600,000 in funding to keep our older community connected.
Acting Minister for Seniors Geoff Lee urged eligible organisations to apply for the grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000.
“While more seniors are staying at home to protect their health, we do not want to create an epidemic of loneliness in our community,” Mr Lee said.
“Our most vulnerable age groups are being advised to follow social distancing rules, so face to face catch-ups and normal daily routines have become difficult.”
Applications for the Combatting Social Isolation for Seniors During COVID-19 grants program are now open until April 26.
“We want to fund innovative ideas to help seniors keep in touch by utilising phone calls, online platforms or other methods of communication,” said Mr Lee.
“With so many seniors now missing their regular social activities, we want to encourage programs which foster inclusion and encourage positive social outcomes.”
Social inclusion is a key priority of the NSW Ageing Strategy and is part of the NSW Government’s key commitment to meet the needs of our ageing population.
For more information: www.dcj.nsw.gov.au/combatting-social-isolation-for-seniors
Seniors are urged to get the latest COVID-19 information at: www.health.nsw.gov.au

NEWCASTLE ELECTORATE OFFICE UPDATE

In line with advice from the Australian Government to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, my electorate office has ceased face-to-face interactions until restrictions are lifted.
Rest assured, myself and my staff are not going anywhere. If you need help, we’re here for you.
You can contact us on Sharon.Claydon.MP@aph.gov.au or you can call my office on (02) 4926 1555 between 10am to 4pm on weekdays, if you don’t have access to email.
This measure is necessary to protect the health of my staff, so that we can keep helping you through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thank you for your understanding and patience.

Statement regarding Ruby Princess berthing

The Ruby Princess will be berthing at the port of Port Kembla from today (Monday 6 April 2020) to allow for safer access for medical assessments, treatment, or emergency extractions of her crew.
It is believed the vessel may remain in place for up to 10 days, but the crew will not disembark unless in an emergency and approved by the NSW Police Commissioner.
She will also be refuelling and restocking provisions, as required for her home journey.
The berthing will be conducted under strict health and biosecurity guidelines and will not pose a risk to employees at the port or the broader community.
While no further information is available at this time, if and when it does, it will be issued either as a media release or official statement.

Building fire – Newcastle

A crime scene has been established after a fire at a vacant Newcastle hotel overnight.
About 5.30pm (Sunday 5 April 2020), emergency services were called to King Street, Newcastle, following reports of an explosion at an unoccupied licensed premises.
They arrived to find the building well alight; crews from Fire and Rescue NSW took several hours to extinguish the blaze.
More than 100 people from nearby buildings were evacuated as a precaution, two firefighters suffered minor injuries.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District have commenced investigations into the cause of the blaze.
Hunter Street remains closed between Auckland Street and Worth Place; local diversions are in place.

Breakdown of latest Public Health Act charges and Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs)

Police have issued another 15 COVID-19 related Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) since the last update.
These include:

  • About 1am yesterday (Sunday 5 April 2020) police from Blue Mountains Police Area Command were called to the old Queen Victoria Hospital at Wentworth Falls after two men were sighted on CCTV trespassing on the premises. Police spoke with a 35-year-old man and a 28-year-old man, who were both issued infringements for trespass and failing to comply with noticed direction.
  • On Sunday 22 March 2020 a 65-year-old woman returned to Sydney on a flight from Indonesia and was given a direction to self-isolate at home. About 3pm last Tuesday (1 April 2020) officers from Coffs/Clarence Police District received information the woman had entered a shopping centre at Grafton. Two hours later, at about 5pm, police located the woman in her car. She told officers she had been to seven separate retail stores that day, including the supermarket. The woman was directed to return home immediately and was issued with a $1000 PIN.
  • About 2.15am yesterday officers from South Coast Police District were conducting patrols of the North Nowra area when they located a vehicle parked near bushland. As police approached, four women were sighted in the vehicle, including three who were lying down in the backseat. The women told police they had been at a party but had been asked to leave. They were each issued with a $1000 PIN.
  • Just before 11am yesterday, a 32-year-old male and 31-year-old female were observed by officers from Mid North Coast Police District to have left their homes at South Kempsey without reasonable excuse. Police issued a warning to both individuals to return to their homes. Later in the day, about 1.45pm, police observed the male and the female in a vehicle nearby. When asked by police why they had not complied with direction, the male advised police they were ‘bored’. Both were issued with $1000 PINs.

The remaining infringements include:

  • 1 x Sydney City Police Area Command
  • 2 x Sutherland Shire Police Area Command
  • 1 x Port Stephens-Hunter Police District
  • 1 x Wollongong Police District
  • 1 x Oxley Police District

Further information is available on request.
Since Tuesday 17 March 2020, police have issued 98 PINs and 8 Court Attendance Notices (CANs) for breaches of the Public Health Act NSW (2010).
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.
 

Man charged following alleged aggravated break and enters – Raymond Terrace

A man has been charged following an alleged aggravated home invasion at a motel in Raymond Terrace.
About 12.30am today (Monday 6 April 2020), two men and a woman attended a hotel on the intersection of William and Port Stephens streets, Raymond Terrace, with one armed with a piece of wood.
Police will allege the trio entered a room and threatened a 23-year-old man before demanding his key card and cash and assaulting him.
The two men and woman continued to threaten the 23-year-old to open two other rooms.
A 26-year-old man and 28-year-old woman were in the third room when the door opened, and the trio allegedly demanded cash and assaulted both of them.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District arrived at the scene a short time later and attempted to stop a blue Mitsubishi Magna leaving a nearby shopping centre carpark.
The vehicle drove off at speed and a police pursuit was initiated; it was terminated a short time later due to safety concerns.
Following extensive inquiries, police attended a home on Cambridge Street, Raymond Terrace, and arrested an 18-year-old man about 7.30am.
He was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station and charged with two counts of special aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence with a weapon, armed aggravated break and enter with intent and larceny.
He was refused bail to face Raymond Terrace Local Court today (Monday 6 April 2020), where he was granted conditional bail to face the same court on Tuesday 9 June 2020.
Inquiries are continuing to locate the other man and woman.

NDIS Participants To Receive Priority Home Delivery From Leading Supermarkets

A new service to be launched tomorrow will see NDIS participants receive priority home delivery during the coronavirus pandemic from some of the country’s biggest supermarkets.
Following close collaboration between the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and leading supermarkets, the new Priority Home Delivery Service will ease the stress for over 340,000 NDIS participants who are unable to do their shopping in their usual way.
From tomorrow (Monday, 6 April), every NDIS participant will receive an individual code via SMS or email which will give them access to the priority delivery offer. Upon completing an online shopping order, participants will be prompted to enter their code when choosing the home delivery option.
Minister Robert said the service is another example of how the Government is collaborating with the private sector to develop whole-of-society efforts to help Australians in need and comes as the NDIA continues to implement its NDIS Pandemic Plan.
‘The Priority Home Delivery Service will help hundreds of thousands of NDIS participants across the country access everyday items through an option that removes personal health risks and great stress associated with going shopping in the current environment,’ Mr Robert said.
‘I thank those supermarkets for delivering this service as it will be a great help to hundreds of thousands of Australians and their families.
‘The Morrison Government is committed to ensure the well-being of Australians with disability are considered as the coronavirus pandemic unfolds. Our priority during this period is doing what we can to support the immediate needs of NDIS participants, including through enabling priority home delivery of groceries and other basic essentials.
‘The NDIS is one of the most important social and economic reforms in our country’s history, and is already significantly improving the lives of people with disability and their families. This is another example of how we are working to improve the level of support provided, with more choice and control for participants.’
For more information, including a list of participating supermarket retailers, please visit www.ndis.gov.au.
For more information on the Australian Government’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, visit www.australia.gov.au.

Supporting the Agriculture Workforce During COVID-19

The Federal Liberal and Nationals Government is making temporary changes to visa arrangements to help farmers access the workforce they need to secure Australia’s food and produce supply during COVID-19.
The changes allow those within the Pacific Labour Scheme, Seasonal Worker Program and working holiday makers to continue to work in agriculture and food processing until the coronavirus crisis has passed.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Government was protecting the health of Australians by supporting businesses, providing job opportunities and securing our food supply.
“We can’t afford to see fruit rotting on trees and vines and vegetables left unpicked. It is vital our farmers maximise their hard work and economic returns,” Minister McCormack said.
“We are acting to enable seasonal workers to extend their stay and remain lawfully in Australia until they are able to return to their home countries.
“The agriculture sector relies on an ongoing workforce and we are committed to providing the means for that to continue while ensuring strict health and safety measures are adhered to, including visa holders following self-isolation requirements when they move between regions.”
Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud said workforce requirements for agriculture change within and across states as different crops are ready for harvest.
“It is essential for our food security that workers can move to meet these seasonal labour needs,” Minister Littleproud said.
“At the same time it is critical we manage this labour force to support the on-going health of regional communities.
“We are working closely with State and Territory Governments and industry to ensure appropriate health controls are in place for the ongoing health and well-being of our regional communities.”
There are tough rules to ensure that COVID-19 is not transported to regional and rural communities that have thankfully not experienced the same level transmission.
Before moving to other parts of the country, working holiday makers will need to self-isolate for 14 days and register at the Australia.gov.au website. Those who do not comply will face having their visas cancelled.
The National Farmers Federation has developed best practice guidance for farmers regarding requirements for the living and working arrangements for farm workers (either domestic or migrant) during the covid-19 outbreak.
“We have asked the Chief Medical Officer to review these guidelines and it is critical that they are then considered by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee,” Minister Littleproud said.
“Sadly, there’s been a significant number of Australians who’ve lost their jobs due to the economic impacts of COVID-19.
“I know some farmers have seen strong interest from job ads and we are keeping market testing requirements in place to ensure recruitment of Australians first.
“We are well positioned with the decisions we’ve taken today to ensure that critical industries, such as agriculture, are well supported during this time and that Australia remains positioned to produce the food we need.”
Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alan Tudge said agriculture is an essential sector and it relies on temporary visa holders, many who arrive and depart Australia on a seasonal basis.
“These visa holders fill a critical workforce gap in this sector,” Minister Tudge said.
“That is why the Government is putting temporary measures in place to allow important work in the agriculture sector to continue.
“We are giving certainty to our agriculture workforce so they can get food from farms to our shops and ensure critical services continue.”
The conditions under the Seasonal Worker Programme and Pacific Labour Scheme visa arrangements will be carried over to the new visa arrangements, continuing the strong links between Pacific seasonal workers and their employers.
These changes complement and are in addition to additional measures for temporary visa holders announced by Minister Tudge.
Key Facts

  • Seasonal Worker Programme and Pacific Labour Scheme workers can extend their stay for up to 12 months to work for approved employers (ensuring pastoral care and accommodation needs of workers are met to minimise health risks to visa holders and the community).
  • Approved employers under the Seasonal Worker Programme and Pacific Labour Scheme will need to continue engaging with the Department of Education, Skills and Employment on labour market testing to ensure recruitment of Australians first.
  • Working Holiday Makers (WHMs) who work in agriculture or food processing will be exempt from the six month work limitation with the one employer and eligible for a further visa to keep working in these critical sectors if their current visa is due to expire in the next six months.
  • Conditions will be placed upon visa holders to self-isolate for 14 days before taking up employment in a different region (including termination of visas where there is non-compliance).
  • To support implementation of self-isolation arrangements for visa holders and avoid spread of COVID-19 the government is working with states and territories on enforcement and sanction mechanisms.
  • Employers will need to commit to providing safe accommodation for agricultural workers that complies with social distancing requirements.
  • Arrangement will also need to be in place for a declaration between employers and employees that all protocols necessary to ensure human health and accommodation requirements have been met.