To provide continued access to essential primary health services during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Australian Government is expanding Medicare-subsidised telehealth services for all Australians and providing extra incentives to general practitioners and other health practitioners.
These critical changes have been designed in partnership with key stakeholders in the sector including the Australian Medical Association, Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, Council of Presidents of Medical Colleges, National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, Royal Australasian College of Physicians, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Rural Doctors Association of Australia, Allied Health Professionals Australia, Australian Psychological Society, and the Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association.
We are making telehealth a key weapon in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Expanding the consultation services available by telehealth is the next critical stage in the Government’s response to COVID-19.
Services will include GP services and some consultation services provided by other medical specialists, nurse practitioners, mental health treatment, chronic disease management, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health assessments, services to people with eating disorders, pregnancy support counselling, services to patients in aged care facilities, children with autism, and after-hours consultations.
These changes represent the fourth stage of a series of primary care measures and will commence from 8am Monday 30 March.
Australia’s primary health workers are our frontline in leading the fight against this pandemic. Services via telehealth will limit unnecessary exposure of patients and health professionals to COVID-19, wherever treatment can be safely delivered by phone or videoconferencing.
This will take pressure off hospitals and emergency departments. Whole of population telehealth will allow people to access essential health services in their home and will support self-isolation and quarantine policies to reduce risk of exposure and spread of COVID-19. It will also help vulnerable doctors to continue to deliver services to their patients.
The Government will double the bulk billing incentive for GPs both for face-to-face and telehealth services during the course of the COVID-19 response.
Doubling the bulk billing incentive will facilitate sustainable support for providers, and ensure concession and other vulnerable patients who need services continue to be provided with free, timely and appropriate access.
Further changes will be introduced during the week that will allow GPs and other providers to apply their usual billing practices to telehealth consultations, while concessional and vulnerable patients will continue to receive services at no cost.
In addition, the Government will establish an incentive payment to ensure practices stay open to provide face-to-face services where they are essential for patients with conditions that can’t be treated through telehealth.
The Government will continue to work on a further expansion of non-GP specialist telehealth under stage 5 in collaboration with the profession.
Our number one priority is protecting and supporting Australians who are vulnerable to COVID-19.
We are ensuring there are no unintended barriers to services for vulnerable patients. At the same time, we need to support GPs to keep their doors open during these extremely difficult times. These initiatives will support both them and their patients.
Patients should talk to their regular doctors about their most appropriate course of care, whether it should be via telehealth or face-to-face.
The new arrangements will commence on Monday 30 March and will be in place until 30 September 2020, when they will be reviewed in light of the need to continue our battle against COVID-19.
Beaches, playgrounds and public areas closed
City of Newcastle reiterates the Prime Minister’s advice that people should not leave home other than for essential shopping, medical care, exercise or work/education that cannot be done remotely.
City of Newcastle has closed all beaches and outdoor public areas such as the ocean baths, skateparks, playgrounds and exercise equipment following the Federal Government’s overnight directive limiting public gatherings to two people. These closures include Crown Land reserves such as the Bogey Hole.
Beaches have red flags up with lifeguards on duty monitoring public safety. Police will be notified if people ignore the lifeguards’ advice to leave the beach.
Onsite signage is being effected today to advise the community that public spaces are closed to limit the spread of COVID-19.
While the government advice allows outdoor exercise to continue, City of Newcastle stresses the importance of ensuring boot camps are limited to two people and that no more than two people gather in public. This includes along popular pathways such as the Bathers Way. Further, people must comply with social distancing which requires 1.5m space between people.
City of Newcastle has closed public spaces including but not limited to:
- Beaches
- Ocean Baths including changerooms
- Playgrounds
- BBQs and shelters
- Fenced off-leash dog parks.
- Skateparks
- Exercise equipment.
NSW Police is the enforcement authority for Public Health Orders. Contact Crime stoppers on 1800 333 000.
For more information on the City’s response visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/covid-19
City provides community financial hardship support in response to COVID-19
City of Newcastle is providing financial hardship support for businesses and residents affected by the COVID-19 pandemic as part of a $5.5 million Community and Economic Resilience package.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said local businesses are facing supply chain issues and substantially reduced economic activity with the unemployment rate likely to continue to rise as COVID-19 continues to spread.
“We understand it is an extremely challenging time for many people in our community so it’s important City of Newcastle does everything possible to support our community’s resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The City will provide financial hardship support for residents and business owners to develop payment plans for their rates, with interest penalties waived until 30 June 2021.
“The next rates instalment is not due until 31 May, so people experiencing financial hardship have plenty of time to contact City of Newcastle to organise a payment plan.
“The payment plan options will be determined on an individual basis after consultation with a Debt Recovery officer. If you are already on a payment plan, you will have the interest waived for 12 months.”
Local businesses and residents will receive cash flow relief with a 50 per cent discount given on rent for all City-owned buildings and land for the June and September quarter.
“This will reduce financial pressure for dozens of local small businesses and community organisations,” Cr Nelmes said.
“In addition, the package focuses on stimulating the Newcastle economy through a ‘buy local’ commitment. Businesses within the Newcastle Local Government Area will be favoured with the usual local weighting assessment of 10 per cent increased wherever possible.”
“We will also fast track our invoice payment to provide improved cash-flow for businesses and to keep the economy ticking.
“City of Newcastle has implemented a range of flexible approaches to allow essential businesses and service providers to operate responsively to the city’s changing needs in line with the latest advice from the NSW Government and Federal Government. This includes flexible truck delivery times for supermarkets and extended operating hours for doctors’ surgeries.
“Due to the additional challenges posed by COVID-19, we have waived fees on library fees and have committed to hold the City’s hourly parking rate for 12 months.”
For further information on City of Newcastle’s response to COVID-19 please see newcastle.nsw.gov.au/COVID-19
Mall Car Park closed for structural assessments
City of Newcastle has temporarily closed the Mall Car Park on King Street to allow for a detailed structural engineering assessment on the 59-year-old building.
The Car Park is currently operating at less than 20 per cent capacity due to the escalating impact of COVID-19. We apologise to those people who were still intending to use the car park this week.
All permanent customers will be contacted by City of Newcastle to advise of the change.
Man points loaded speargun at police – Lake Macquarie
A man will face court today after allegedly pointing a loaded speargun towards police near Morisset yesterday.
Police will allege a 43-year-old man attempted to gain entry to a neighbouring property on Mooranga Road, Mirrabooka, about 8.40pm (Sunday 29 March 2020), and began yelling at the owner.
Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District arrived to find the man in the front yard of the property, when he allegedly pointed a loaded speargun towards police.
After a short struggle, the man was arrested and the speargun was seized.
The man was taken to Toronto Police Station where he was charged with affray, armed with intent to commit indictable offence, assault officer in execution of duty, and resist officer in execution of duty.
He was refused bail to appear at Toronto Local Court today (Monday 30 March 2020).
Sydney business and alleged repeat offender among latest Public Health Order infringements
A man will face court today after police allege he did not comply with self-isolation ministerial directions in Sydney on three separate occasions.
On Wednesday 18 March 2020, a 30-year-old man arrived at Sydney International Airport on a flight from Jordan, and was advised he would be required to self-isolate for a 14-day period.
On Saturday 20 March 2020, he was arrested by police attached to Fairfield City Police Area Command at Edensor Park for an outstanding warrant and granted court bail, which included a condition that he obey the directions of the Health Minister to self-isolate.
About 1.20am Saturday 28 March 2020, the man was stopped by the Eastern Beaches Proactive Crime Team in Banksia Street, Pagewood and issued with a $1000 Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN) for failing to comply with a direction under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW).
About 10pm the same evening, officers from Sydney City Police Area Command spoke to the man on Pitt Street in Sydney’s CBD. He was arrested and later charged for breach of bail and non-compliance with a ministerial direction under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW).
He was granted conditional bail to appear at the Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday 6 May 2020.
Due to the man’s failure to self-isolate at his home address at Edensor Park, a Public Health Order was also served upon him directing him to do so at a serviced apartment at Camperdown.
Yesterday (Sunday 29 March 2020), the man was taken to the Camperdown apartments where police will allege he again failed to comply and was arrested while attempting to leave the accommodation.
He was taken to Sydney City Police Station and charged with not comply with Public Health Order under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW). He was refused bail and will appear in Central Local Court today (Monday 30 March 2020).
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott, said some people are just not getting the severity of the situation.
“This repeat offender’s reckless and selfish behaviour could have dangerous consequences to the community at large at a time when the vast majority are united to protect lives,” Minister Elliott said.
“I commend police on their continued efforts to ensure those who breach self-isolation directions face the full force of the law. This includes an on-the-spot fine of $1000 for individuals, and a maximum $11000 fine and six months imprisonment where a Court Attendance Notice is issued.”
In a separate incident, three infringements were issued after police uncovered a restaurant operating on George Street in Sydney overnight.
Officers attached to Sydney City Police Area Command were conducting a patrol in the Sydney CBD when they observed about 8-10 males inside a Japanese restaurant playing poker and drinking alcohol.
As police entered the restaurant, a number of males fled the scene.
Officers spoke with the male business owner and issued him with a $5000 PIN for failing to comply with a ministerial direction under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW).
Two men were also issued with $1000 PINs.
Inquiries continue with further action expected to be taken regarding illegal gaming and licensing offences.
NSW Police Force Commissioner Mick Fuller said police will continue to do everything possible to protect the community from the spread of COVID-19.
“The actions police have taken so far indicate how serious we are in the fight to ensure the safety of the people of New South Wales,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“Officers will be doing everything in their power to ensure compliance – but we will not succeed in stopping the spread of this virus unless we have the community’s cooperation.”
NSW Police officers now have the additional power to issue Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) to anyone found to be in contravention of a ministerial direction under the Public Health Act.
PINs carry on-the-spot fines of $1000 for individuals and $5000 for businesses.
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.
Teen charged after allegedly coughing on council ranger – Waverton
A teenager has been charged after allegedly coughing on and attempting to spit at a council ranger in Sydney’s lower North Shore yesterday.
Just before 4pm (Sunday 29 March 2020), a council ranger attended a reserve on Balls Head Drive, Waverton, following reports of a group illegally camping at the location.
The ranger – a 54-year-old man – spoke to a family to inform them camping at the location was prohibited.
Police will allege a member of the family – a 15-year-old boy – verbally abused the ranger, before coughing directly at him and attempting to spit in his direction.
Officers from North Shore Police Area Command were notified and attended the reserve, before speaking with the boy.
Following inquiries, police returned to the reserve and arrested the boy about 8.30pm the same day.
He was taken to Chatswood Police Station and charged with common assault and stalk/intimidate intend fear physical harm.
The teen is due to appear at a children’s court on Tuesday 16 June 2020.
Man charged over alleged armed robbery – Elermore Vale
A man will appear at court today charged over an alleged armed robbery in Newcastle at the weekend.
About 4.30pm on Saturday (28 March 2020), a 17-year-old boy attended a unit on Smith Street, Elermore Vale, where he spoke with a 22-year-old man.
Police will allege the older man threatened the teenager with a firearm before the 17-year-old handed over cash and left the unit.
Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were alerted and commenced investigations.
About 7am today (Monday 30 March 2020), officers from Newcastle City PD, with assistance from police negotiators and the Tactical Operations Region Support (TORS) Group attended a unit on Smith Street, Elermore Vale, and spoke with a 22-year-old man.
The man peacefully surrendered to police and was arrested about 7.40am.
He was taken to Waratah Police Station where he was charged with robbery armed with an offensive weapon and possess a firearm in breach of a firearm prohibition order.
He was refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court today (Monday 30 March 2020).
Commissioner Fuller urges compliance as mandatory quarantine comes into effect
State Emergency Operations Controller, NSW Police Force Commissioner Mick Fuller, is urging community compliance after mandatory quarantine measures came into effect today.
From this morning (Sunday 29 March 2020), anyone entering Australia is subject to a ministerial direction requiring them to self-isolate immediately on arrival for 14 days.
NSW Police Force is working with a number of state and federal agencies including NSW Health, Australian Border Force (ABF), Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Defence Force (ADF), to ensure this direction is adhered to.
All arrivals over the coming days will be provided with comfortable accommodation and will be able to stay in touch with family and friends over the phone and internet.
NSW Police and Emergency Services Minister David Elliott said this was a vital step in reducing the spread of COVID-19.
“The data shows more than 60% of cases across the state are returned travellers,” Mr Elliott said.
“We need to ensure these individuals aren’t bringing COVID-19 home before we allow them to have close contact with other members of the community.
“This virus is incredibly virulent, and is continuing to spread, threatening our elderly and vulnerable members of the population.
“These measures are absolutely necessary to ensure we do our best to stop the spread.”
Commissioner Fuller said officers would be enforcing the quarantine period and would not hesitate to use the appropriate action against individuals who do not comply.
“Anyone who doesn’t comply will be breaking the law – it’s as simple as that. People need to take this seriously,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“This is an unprecedented operation and I would urge recent arrivals to help police in their efforts to protect the state by complying with these new restrictions.
“While most people in NSW are adhering to the government’s health directions, there is still a small minority of irresponsible individuals who continue to flout the rules and put others at risk.
“It’s because of them that need to have these types of restrictions in place.”
Commissioner Fuller said significant care was being taken to ensure those in quarantine remained comfortable for the duration of their self-isolation period.
“The NSW Police Force and our government partners have dedicated significant resources to ensure these individuals are provided with comfortable accommodation and are able to stay in touch with family and friends,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“All arrivals will be provided with comprehensive information regarding their obligations and what they are/aren’t allowed to do.
“I understand this is unprecedented, and that people would rather be at home. But we are dealing with an unprecedented situation, and we need to adapt accordingly.
“My priority has always been, and will continue to be, the safety of the community in NSW.”
Anyone found to be in contravention of a ministerial direction is subject to heavy penalties, which can include Personal Infringement Notices (PINs) of $1000 for individuals and $5000 for businesses.
Court Attendance Notices (CANs) can also be issued, which carry a maximum penalty of an $11,000 fine and/or jail time.
Increased funding vital for frontline domestic violence support services
The Greens welcome the announcement of additional funding for domestic violence counselling and referral services during this crisis, but warn more targeted funding is essential to create extra capacity.
“The scale of government assistance for frontline services supporting survivors of family and domestic violence does not meet the demand fuelled by self-isolation during the Covid-19 crisis,” said Greens Senate Leader and spokesperson on Women, Senator Larissa Waters.
“The extra funding for domestic violence counselling and referral is welcome, but more referrals to already stretched frontline services won’t create extra capacity. An additional $150 million to a referral and counselling phone line is inadequate when experts say housing (both crisis and long-term), legal support and policing is needed.
“Helping victims to understand their options and the services available to them is critical. But without extra funding for the already stretched services women are being sent to, more referrals just creates more unmet demand.
“It is utterly heartbreaking that google searches for domestic violence assistance are at a five-year peak and some services are already reporting an increase in demand.
“Experts have told the Government they urgently need additional funds for crisis accommodation, expanding Safe at Home programs and support for specialist staff to respond to increased demand.
“Governments must listen when these front line services say more funding will make a difference and invest to fix the domestic violence crisis,” she said.