Category: NSW News

Rugby League is ready to soar to new heights on the Northern Beaches with construction beginning today on the $33.1 million Manly Sea Eagles Centre of Excellence and Northern Grandstand at Brookvale Oval.
Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said the new 3000 seat grandstand and high performance Centre of Excellence will be the envy of other clubs.
“This project will create more than 300 jobs and provide a major boost to the construction industry on the Northern Beaches,” Mr Lee said.
“It’s one of the most iconic grounds in rugby league and this project will ensure the Northern Beaches community continues to love coming to Brookie Oval.”
ADCO Constructions will build the project and the Manly Sea Eagles aim to have it completed in time for the start of the 2022 NRL season.
Member for Wakehurst Brad Hazzard said the project is a win for the entire community.
“On the Beaches we love our sport and we love our Sea Eagles, and the Centre of Excellence will allow the club to expand its community programs and initiatives so that everyone benefits from the new facilities,” Mr Hazzard said.
Member for Manly James Griffin said the Sea Eagles Centre of Excellence will ensure future generations of young players have access to the best facilities.
“This is fantastic news for everyone on the Northern Beaches who is passionate about sport and our Sea Eagles,” Mr Griffin said.
“Our professionals will have access to the best facilities in the state and will also help our grassroots teams to dream big and aspire to play for a proud club like ours.”
Senator for New South Wales Andrew Bragg said this is yet again another great collaboration between the Morrison Government and the NSW Government to deliver for the people of the Northern Beaches.
“The Federal Government is tipping $12.5 million dollars towards this project from the Community Development Grant Funding stream further strengthening our commitment to a world class facility for the Northern Beaches,” Senator Bragg said.
Manly Sea Eagles Chairman Scott Penn said getting to this day has been a culmination of hard work from the Manly board and significant investment from the NSW Government and Federal Government.
“The Sea Eagles Centre of Excellence will be a world-class facility that will serve the community for decades to come,” Mr Penn said.
“It is one of several exciting developments that will transform Brookvale Oval into a world-class sporting venue and community facility and we thank the State and Federal governments for their generous support.”
The Sea Eagles Centre of Excellence will include high performance, training and administration facilities for the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles men’s and future women’s NRL teams, as well as pathway participants.
Dedicated and multipurpose community facilities will also allow the club to expand its community programs and initiatives.

Police have issued 20 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) following a number of alleged breaches of Ministerial Directions under the Public Health Act across the state at the weekend.
Officers from Richmond Police District were conducting duties at a sports ground at Ballina on Saturday, when they became concerned about the increasing crowd numbers.
Police observed that people were not being counted as they entered the ground and after it was estimated that more than 1000 were in attendance, event organisers were directed to reduce the crowd size.
Play was suspended for a short time while the crowd was reduced by half and appropriate control measures were established.
Officials for the club were subsequently advised a $5000 PIN would be issued for failing to adhere to venue operation laws.
About 12.45pm on Saturday, police from Operation Border Closure stopped a Hyundai SUV at the Tocumwal border checkpoint and spoke with the male driver.
The 26-year-old man told police he was returning to Queensland and was unaware he required a permit to transit through NSW. He was provided advice on applying for a permit before being refused entry and directed to return to Victoria.
About 7am the following day (Sunday 18 October), police were advised an SUV was seen driving on the Tocumwal Railway Bridge into NSW.
Following patrols, police stopped the Hyundai SUV on the Newell Highway at Finley and spoke to the same driver. He was escorted back to border and issued a $1000 PIN for failure to comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9 – COVID-19.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District were called to a home on Letchworth Parade, Balmoral, about 10.30pm on Saturday, following reports of a large party.
Police arrived to find more than 100 young people congregated and spoke with the resident – a 47-year-old woman – who said many of the guests were uninvited, but she had not asked them to leave.
As police attempted to disperse the crowd, they became hostile towards the officers and threw bottles, rocks, and other projectiles before damaging property, including fences, trees and street signs.
The crowd was eventually dispersed and investigations into the incident are continuing.
Officers have since issued the woman with a $1000 PIN.
About 1.25am (Sunday 18 October 2020), officers from Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command responded to reports of a loud party at a unit block on Hall Street, Bondi.
On arrival, police observed at least 35 people inside the unit before the group scattered and attempted to run from the area. In total, 17 people were spoken to, some of whom were found hiding in a stairwell, and were advised they would each receive a $1000 PIN.
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.
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 information via NSW Police social media pages.

Today the NSW Police Force Marine Area Command helped release another rehabilitated turtle to its natural environment.

A hotel in the state’s north-west has been issued with fines totalling $10,000 after breaching COVID restrictions.
Western Region Licensing Police allege the licensee of the hotel on Mitchell Street in Bourke breached the Public Health Orders on Friday 9 October and Saturday 10 October 2020, following a police operation in the town.
Officers from Central North Police District attended the hotel this morning (Friday 16 October 2020), and issued the hotel licensee with two infringement notices under the Public Health Act for “Fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to Section 7/8/9 – COVID-19 – Corporation”.
Each fine is worth $5000.
Central North Police District command, Superintendent Andrew Hurst, warned that officers would continue to ensure the Public Health Orders were being followed.
“It is the responsibility of everyone in this state to follow the rules and keep our community safe from the COVID virus,” Supt Hurst said.
“My officers will continue to monitor compliance within the command; anyone who needs information about the current Public Health Orders should visit the NSW Health website.”
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/latest-updates.aspx
Anyone with information about breaches of the COVID Public Health Orders 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 information via NSW Police social media pages.

Greens Leader, Adam Bandt, says the Liberal Party’s continued excuses for not having a National anti-corruption body have become utterly farcical.
“More leaked talking points, more excuses. The Liberals have spent thousands of words justifying why there’s still no Federal ICAC, when it would only take a vote in the House to implement the Greens bill that has already passed the Senate,” Bandt said.
“This has been an issue for going on a decade, and there has been legislation before parliament for several years. It has also been more than 18 months since this government announced they were fully committed to a national ICAC.
“We could have a Federal ICAC passed on Monday. The Greens’ bill has already passed the Senate and it’s right there, ready to go.
“The excuse that the government is ‘too busy’ is utterly ridiculous. They’ve found time to attack the environment, jack up fees for uni students and weaken donations laws in the most recent sittings.”
“The debacle in NSW is proof positive of why we need a Federal ICAC. Dodgy behaviour by politicians doesn’t stop at the ACT border.”
Greens Leader in the Senate and spokesperson on Democracy, Senator Larissa Waters, said:
“The reason we still don’t have a federal ICAC is because this government has so many skeletons in the closet,” Senator Waters said.
“This week the NSW ICAC once again proved how effective corruption watchdogs are for sniffing out political stink.
“The sideshow of scandals plaguing the Morrison government shows the corrupting influence dirty donations have on decision-making.
“It’s been pork barrelling on steroids with Sports Rorts 1, Sports Rorts 2, the Shine Energy saga, and too many Angus Taylor incidents to count – and those are just the scandals we know of!
“The Morrison Government isn’t ‘too busy’ to implement a federal corruption watchdog, they just want to keep their hands in the political cookie jar.”
While the Morrison government has been ‘too busy’ to implement a federal ICAC, they have managed to find the time to:
•    Change donations laws to allow political donations to be funnelled between state and federal branches, subverting stronger state donations laws (passed with Labor support).
•    Ram through EPBC laws to weaken environmental standards, checks and balances before even receiving the final report from the review that they initiated.
•    Legislating to massively increase the cost of university degrees

Groups of up to 100 people will be able to gather for Remembrance Day services across NSW after the approval of a one-off exemption from COVID-19 restrictions.
Acting Minister for Veterans Geoff Lee said Remembrance Day is a major event for both veterans and the broader community to pay their respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
“Australians have paused to reflect and pay tribute on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month since 1918, so this is welcome news for our veterans community,” said Mr Lee.
“While some of our larger commemorations won’t look the same as in past years, this exemption means smaller services can be held in all local communities across NSW.”
The one-off exemption to the Public Health Order increases the current restrictions from 20 people to 100 people, to gather at community war memorials, provided they adhere to social distancing measures and have a COVID-19 Safety Plan in place.
The exemption is in place for Remembrance Day Services held before 12 November.
RSL NSW Acting President Ray James OAM thanked the NSW Government for lifting the restrictions to ensure services could go ahead safely.
“With this year’s Anzac Day commemorations cancelled due to the pandemic, it is particularly meaningful for the veteran community to see Remembrance Day gatherings taking place,” said Mr James.
“Local Remembrance Day services have a significant role in regional and rural communities where the incidence of COVID-19 has been low in recent months.”
Planning for a NSW State Commemorative Service in Martin Place is currently underway.

Police will issue 14 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) for breaches of the Public Health Order following an unauthorised protest at Camperdown today.
Officers attached to Inner West Police Area Command attended the grounds of a university on City Road, Camperdown, about 11.30am (Wednesday 14 October 2020), after receiving information regarding planned protest activity.
About 1pm, a large group of people began protesting inside the grounds of the university, before moving out onto the surrounding streets.
Members of the group attempted to disrupt traffic on multiple occasions and were removed from the road by officers.
General duties police were assisted by specialist officers from the Public Order and Riot Squad, Central Metropolitan Region ODIN, Mounted Unit and the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command.
The crowd dispersed, with 14 people to be issued $1000 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) in relation to breaches of the Public Health Order.

Victims of intimate image abuse will have the same court protections as other sexual assault complainants while judicial officers will have greater powers to order images and recordings be destroyed, under legislation to be introduced in NSW Parliament today.
Attorney General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Mark Speakman said the proposed Criminal Procedure Act 1986 reforms acknowledge the seriousness of these types of offences and the distress and damage they inflict on victims’ lives.
“Coming to court can often involve extensive questioning about intimate details of a victim’s experience and the terrible hurt caused. These reforms are aimed at helping to reduce the trauma of that experience,” Mr Speakman said.
The proposed reforms mean victims can give evidence remotely and in a closed court, access a support person, have their identity protected from publication, and avoid cross-examination by an unrepresented accused personally.
“It is vital victims know if they report intimate image abuse that they will be appropriately supported in court, while also helping them regain privacy and dignity,” Mr Speakman said.
The proposed reforms also allow the court to order an offender to remove, retract, delete or destroy an intimate image when found guilty of threatening to distribute it without consent.
“What happens to intimate images can be a source of ongoing fear and trauma for many victims, and our Bill seeks to address that anxiety,” Mr Speakman said.
“It will give victims some sense of control and peace of mind that even when only a threat is made, that those images can no longer be accessed or disseminated in the future.”
Today’s Bill reinforces the Government’s commitment to addressing this vile form of intimate abuse and follows its implementation of the Crimes Amendment (Intimate Images) Act 2017.
“Unfortunately, the rapid advent of technology has facilitated a rise in this type of criminal behaviour, so it is crucial our justice response keeps pace,” Mr Speakman said.
Research by the e-Safety Commissioner indicates 11 per cent of Australian adults have experienced image-based abuse. According to the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, there were 296 charges for intimate image offences between July 2018 and June 2019, while 420 charges have been laid between July 2019 and June this year.
Further details of the Bill will be available on the NSW Parliament website this afternoon when it is second read in the Legislative Assembly.

The NSW Government will allocate a record $1.3 billion in 2021 to more than 2000 public schools across NSW – a $50 million increase on 2020.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced the Resource Allocation Model (RAM) funding today, which is provided on top of a school’s base allocation, and can be used for more teachers, literacy and numeracy programs, and teacher training.
“I want to ensure every child in NSW has the opportunity to be best they can be, no matter where they live or what their circumstances may be,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This funding will support the NSW Government’s education reforms including overhauling the NSW curriculum and making sure we have the most skilled teachers at the front of the classroom.”
The allocation of RAM funding recognises the needs of schools across NSW differ and takes into account the socio-economic profile of students, Aboriginal student numbers, students with disability and English language proficiency.
It is in addition to the schools’ base allocation funding which is more than $8.8 billion this year.
Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said the funding certainty allowed schools to plan for 2021.
“The allocations are part of a total of $10.1 billion in annual funding being delivered to public schools for 2021, supporting our students and improving their learning outcomes,” said Ms Mitchell.
“I want to see this funding improve outcomes for our students. Schools have enhanced financial tools that allow them to build this money into their school plans so that students receive more of the benefit.”
The NSW Government is working towards creating Australia’s best education system and providing students with world-class education no matter where they live.

A man has been issued an infringement notice over an alleged breach of the Public Health Act in the state’s south west.
Officers from Riverina Police District commenced inquiries after receiving information about a 22-year-old man who was not self-isolating after returning to Wagga Wagga from an address in Victoria last week.
Following inquiries, about 9.35am yesterday (Tuesday 13 October 2020), the man was located by police outside a home in Glenfield Park.
It’s alleged the man returned to his home in Ashmont, Wagga Wagga, on Monday 5 October 2020, and failed to self-isolate for 14 days as per the conditions of his permit.
The man was issued a $1000 PIN for failing to comply with noticed direction with COVID-19.
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.
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.