Fraud costs NSW pharmacist two years in jail

NSW pharmacist Felix Chan has been sentenced to two years imprisonment yesterday by the Queanbeyan District Court after pleading guilty to defrauding taxpayers of almost $290,000 by lodging false Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) claims.

Mr Chan was found to have made 99 false or misleading PBS claims between 1 January 2018 and 31 July 2020 for the supply of pharmaceutical benefits which were not provided to patients.

Appearing in court on 29 August 2022, Mr Chan pleaded guilty to three counts of offences resulting in a fraud value of $288,595. The pharmacist has since repaid the entire amount.

This outcome is a culmination of the strong collaboration between the Department of Health and Aged Care and the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP), after investigating information obtained using the department’s tip-off line.

In the past 12 months, the department has received a significant number of tip-offs of suspected non-compliance or fraud of Government health payments. It shows that Australians are willing call out those in the health care sector who try to defraud taxpayers. 

The Department of Health and Aged Care takes allegations of Medicare non-compliance by health care providers very seriously and all tip-offs are examined in accordance with the Department’s compliance assessment procedures.

The Department has a strong health provider compliance program that’s protects Australia’s health payments system through the prevention, identification and treatment of incorrect claiming and fraud by health care suppliers.

Any concerns can be referred to the Department’s tip-off form at www.health.gov.au/fraud-tip-offs and will be reviewed.

Premier’s Back to School NSW program a step closer

Eligible businesses can now register as an approved provider for the Premier’s Back to School NSW program, which will deliver families $150 worth of vouchers for each child enrolled to attend school in 2023.  

Premier Dominic Perrottet said a new school year is an expensive time for families, and this new program will help them pay for essential items.   

“The NSW Government is standing alongside families and providing a boost to household budgets by providing financial support to cover some of the costs of essential school supplies,” Mr Perrottet said. 

“Three $50 Premier’s Back to School NSW Vouchers are available for each child and can be spent on supplies at any registered business – from school uniforms and prescribed textbooks to general stationery and equipment, such as lunchboxes and drink bottles. 

“We are encouraging all businesses who stock school supplies to register as a provider as soon as possible, to ensure all families are able to take advantage of the program before the 2023 school year begins.” 

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said that the back to school period is exciting for families, but can also be stressful with school supplies adding up quickly.  

“No matter if your child goes to a public or non-government school, you will have access to the Premier’s Back to School NSW Vouchers,” Ms Mitchell said.  

“It’s just one of many cost of living measures the NSW Government is delivering to support families. These vouchers will help parents and carers in getting their students ready for the 2023 school year, so I urge businesses to register early so parents can start planning their back to school checklists.”  

“These vouchers will not only be good for families but as we’ve seen from past programs, businesses will benefit from the extra spending stimulated by the vouchers, which will be available to around 1.3 million school children.” 

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the registration process will be simple and available online.  

“Eligible businesses can register as providers through the Service NSW website from today or by speaking with a Business Concierge who can lead them through the process,” Mr Dominello said. 

“The vouchers will be redeemed using the same app many businesses already have on their devices, so approved providers simply need to ensure the Service NSW for Business app is updated to begin scanning. 

“This program is one of more than 70 ways the NSW Government is providing hip pocket relief to households.” 

All businesses who register as a provider, whether part of a national chain or a stand-alone small business, will be listed on the Service NSW website so they will be easy to find when families are looking to save on school supplies. 

The Premier’s Back to School NSW vouchers will be available for parents to download and use from December. Further details will be announced shortly.

For more information about the Premier’s Back to School NSW Vouchers and how to accept and redeem vouchers, visit www.service.nsw.gov.au/back-to-school-vouchers, call Service NSW on 13 77 88 or book a call with a Business Concierge. 

Information on how a business can register for the program is available at https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/register-a-business-for-back-to-school-vouchers

For more information about the NSW Government’s range of rebates and discounts, visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/savings-finder or make an appointment with a Savings Specialists via phone on 13 77 88 or visiting a Service NSW centre.

Landmark first home buyer reform now up and running

Thousands of first home buyers can now fast track their home ownership dreams after the Perrottet Government’s landmark legislation received royal assent.
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet said in a national first, buyers will now be able to choose between paying a smaller annual property tax or an upfront stamp duty on their first home.
 
“First home hopefuls will now be able to attend auctions and inspections this weekend across NSW knowing that the First Home Buyer Choice is on the table,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“As prospective buyers inspect homes this weekend, they can now choose to opt into the First Home Buyer Choice and receive a refund in January on the upfront stamp duty they pay for homes valued up to $1.5 million.
 
“From January 16, first home buyers who opt into the annual payment won’t have to pay any stamp duty at all.”
 
Treasurer Matt Kean said the new program signed into law today would help thousands of young people and families shave about two years off the time needed to save for a deposit.
 
“Young families can save thousands in the long run by opting for the annual payment, with Treasury estimating about two-thirds will choose this because of the financial benefit,” Mr Kean said.
 
“There’s no limit on the number of eligible first home buyers who can apply for the First Home Buyer Choice.”
 
First Home Buyer Choice details
 

  • Eligible first home buyers who sign a contract of purchase on or after 16 January 2023 will not have to pay stamp duty, provided they choose to pay the property tax before their purchase settles.
  • Eligible first home buyers who sign a contract of purchase between 11 November 2022 and 15 January 2023 will also be able to choose the property tax:
    • For this group, applications to choose the property tax can be made at any time between 16 January 2023 and 30 June 2023.
    • If settlement occurs on or before 15 January 2023, they will need to pay stamp duty, and then will be able to apply for a refund of the stamp duty from 16 January 2023.
    • If settlement occurs on or after 16 January 2023, and they have chosen property tax, they will not need to pay stamp duty.
  • These transitionary arrangements are necessary as time is needed to allow industry participants to update their electronic conveyancing systems to facilitate first home buyers opting into the new system.   

 
First Home Buyer Choice will be available for dwellings costing up to $1.5 million. For the purchase of vacant land intended for the construction of a first home, the price cap will be up to $800,000.
 
The NSW Government has estimated First Home Buyer Choice will cost $728.6 million over the next four years.
 
NSW Treasury analysis shows the breakeven period between upfront stamp duty and an annual property tax would be 36 years for an $800,000 apartment, 28 years for a $1 million townhouse, and 26 years for a $1.25 million house.
 
The same analysis shows that if a first home buyer purchased a $1 million house and sold it 10 years later, which is around the median holding period, the annual property payments over the 10 years would total $19,881 in present value terms compared with $40,090 in upfront stamp duty – a saving of $20,209.
 
The First Home Buyer Choice is a key component of the Government’s $2.8 billion Housing Package announced at the 2022-23 NSW Budget that aligns with the Housing 2041 vision.
 
For more information on the First Home Buyer Choice, go to https://www.nsw.gov.au/initiative/first-home-buyer-choice.
 
Eligible first home buyers can register their interest at: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/get-notified-about-first-home-buyer-choice.
 
An online calculator is available to assist first home buyers to assess their options. To view the calculator, go to https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/calculateyour-property-tax.

NSW teachers awarded six per cent pay rise

The NSW Government welcomes the decision by the Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) to put more money into the pockets of the state’s teachers.   
  
The IRC granted a six per cent increase in remuneration to teachers over 2022 and 2023.   
 
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell welcomed the pay deal for the state’s more than 90,000 teachers and urged the teacher unions to work constructively with the Government following this decision.
 
“Making sure our teachers receive the maximum increases they are eligible for has been a focus for me and the NSW Government,” Ms Mitchell said.  
 
“I hope the Teachers Federation will now begin working with us on improving outcomes for our students. 
 
“We are committed to a program of significant reform including new, streamlined curriculum and giving teachers back time to teach, and have guaranteed additional release time for all teachers to enable effective implementation of these reforms.” 
  
Under the pay deal secured in the IRC, over 2022 and 2023 teachers will receive:    
 

  • an additional 0.25 per cent increase from 1 July 2022 (back dated) on top of the 2.5 per cent increase received on 1 January 2022; and
  • a 3 per cent increase from 1 January 2023.

 
Teachers will also receive an additional one-off payment outside the Award, amounting to 0.25 per cent of their annual salary as at 30 June 2022. This will be paid as a lump sum once the award is finalised, and means teachers will effectively receive 3 per cent from July.  
 
Over the last 11 years, the NSW Government has streamlined the wages policy and locked in pay increases for teachers ensuring stability whilst reducing NSW’s budget deficit and responsibly managing the economy. Under this sensible approach, teachers have received an almost 30 per cent pay increase since 2011.  
  
Minister for Finance and Employee Relations Damien Tudehope said this was a fair deal for teachers in line with the Government’s new wages policy that provides for higher pay alongside productivity-enhancing reforms.    
 
“Our wages policy provides amongst the highest public sector wages growth in the country and I’m pleased we can deliver our teachers a pay rise well above the 2 per cent per annum increase recently made by the Victorian Government,” Mr Tudehope said. 
 
The NSW Wages Policy provides for a further 0.5 per cent increase in 2023-24 pending agreement on productivity enhancing reforms.
 
Teacher salaries in NSW have grown nearly 2.5 times faster than the OECD average over the past two decades.  
 
The NSW Government’s Quality Time Program is on track to deliver a 20 per cent reduction in workload and admin burden faced by teachers by the end of 2022, having already met our targets for principals and school admin staff. 

Remembrance Day: Lest We Forget

It was on this day 104 years ago when, after four years of conflict, the guns finally fell silent over the Western Front.

Over 324,000 Australians served in a bloody and brutal conflict, the battles of the Great War claimed the lives of almost 60,000 Australian soldiers and wounded more than 150,000 more.

Every year we pause to remember the more than 103,000 Australian men and women who have died serving our nation in various conflicts since 1885, including in more recent times Australians who have served in the Middle East.

The sacrifices made by those men and women, as well as the many more who have been wounded both physically and mentally, should never be forgotten.

Nor should the loss and grief experienced by their family and friends.

We must also remain committed to the duty we owe our veterans to ensure they continue to receive the ongoing support they need.

Today on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, we remember and reflect on the contributions made by those brave men and women.

Lest we forget.

ESCAPING VIOLENCE? WAIT 28 BUSINESS DAYS

Today in Estimates we learned that women are being forced to wait an average of 28 business days to access the Government’s $5,000 Escaping Violence Payment, the majority of which is as vouchers – an approach initiated by the Morrison government and retained by Labor.

Greens leader in the Senate and spokesperson for women, Senator Larissa Waters said:

“For too many women, economic insecurity is a significant barrier to escaping an abusive relationship. Many are forced to choose between staying in a violent home or escaping into poverty and homelessness.

“To learn that women are waiting 28 business days to receive the Government’s $5,000 Escaping Violence Payment is shocking. Victim-survivors do not have 28 business days to decide whether to leave an abusive relationship, they need immediate support to ensure their safety.

“The fact that these payments continue to be provided as predominantly vouchers ($3,500) is patronising and cruel, adding unnecessary anxiety for women already dealing with the stress of leaving a violent situation.

“While it is good to hear that the Department of Social Services are undertaking research to determine this model of payment, reporting isn’t due until June 2023. So that’s 28 business days for vouchers now, and at least a year before anything changes.”
 

GREENS CALL ON LABOR TO PREFERENCE GREENS AND PROGRESSIVE INDEPENDENTS ABOVE LIBERALS; URGE MAJOR PARTIES TO PUT FAR-RIGHT AND RELIGIOUS RIGHT LAST

The Victorian Greens have called on all parties running in the state election to put the far-right and religious right last in their preferences before early voting begins on Monday.

The Greens are also calling on Labor to preference the Greens and other progressive independents ahead of the Liberals this election.

The Greens are focused on pushing the next government to go further and faster on climate action, housing affordability and integrity.

With the Liberal party lurching further and further to the right, the Greens will preference Labor above the Liberals in every seat across the state.

The Greens say that due to the undemocratic voting system in the Upper House there is a very real chance that a far-right candidate could be elected to the next cross-bench.

The voting system allows micro-parties to game the system by paying tens of thousands of dollars to ‘preference whisperers’ who then coordinate group voting tickets.

Victoria’s last state election saw a number of candidates with very small primary votes elected to the upper house, at the expense of others who had received ten times as many votes.

The Greens say with a number of far-right and religious right parties registered for the upcoming November 26 election, there is a risk that one of them could get elected even if it is against the will of the overwhelming majority of voters.

This election the Greens will be putting One Nation, United Australia Party, Freedom Party, Family First and the DLP last.

Leader of the Victorian Greens, Samantha Ratnam MLC said: 

“Parties like One Nation, United Australia Party and Freedom Party are anathema to the vast majority of Victorians. 

“The Greens-initiated inquiry into the far right earlier this year exposed how their conspiracy-driven Trumpian politics is a danger to our political system.

“Family First and DLP are running on explicitly transphobic and homophobic campaigns and their politics of hate has no place in the Victorian Parliament. 

“The failure of Labor to reform the corrupt group voting ticket system means a party can get elected into parliament on as little as 0.5% of the vote.

“To keep these hateful parties out of our parliament they need to be put last on everyone else’s group voting tickets this year.

“The Greens will be recommending preferences to Labor ahead of the Liberals in every seat in Victoria. If Labor is serious about a progressive parliament, they must commit to preferencing the Greens and progressive independents ahead of the Liberals across the state.

“What the Liberals do is up to the Liberals. We have not met with them and there is no Greens-Liberal deal. We’ll direct preferences to Labor and progressive parties across the state, and we’re calling on Labor to do the same.”

NO PRIVATE SCHOOL FUNDING TRANSPARENCY? NO WORRIES!

The Department of Education has admitted during Estimates that they have no visibility on how public funding to private schools is being spent.

Under questioning from Greens Senator Penny Allman-Payne the Department conceded that they have “no line of sight” from the “cheques” they give to Independent and Catholic authorities in each state and territory to where and how that money is used.

The Department also acknowledged that even though recurrent funding to the private and public sector is determined by the Schooling Resource Standard, a needs-based model that takes into account loading for students with additional needs, funding is being distributed on entirely different models in each jurisdiction.

Greens spokesperson on schools, Senator Penny Allman-Payne said:

“Not only is the federal government giving private schools more than the Schooling Resource Standard requires, they don’t even know how that money is being spent.

‘We have elite private schools spending money on plunge pools for headmasters, but the Department of Education can’t tell us where all of those billions of dollars in private sector funding are going and whether they’re being used to support students who need it the most.

“We have public schools in crisis across the country, yet we’re giving private schools $70 billion over the next four years to do whatever they want with it.”


You can watch the full exchange here.

Humanitarian support to Myanmar and Bangladesh

As part of the Albanese Government’s commitment to supporting the humanitarian response in Myanmar and Bangladesh, Australia will provide $135 million in2022-23 to assist with the delivery of life-saving food, water and shelter through partner organisations.

The package of support will also deliver essential protection, education and health services for those most in need, including women, girls and people with disabilities.

Since the military coup in February 2021, the number of people in humanitarian need in Myanmar has surged from 1 million to an estimated 14.4 million.

Australia commends Bangladesh’s ongoing support to over 919,000 displaced Rohingya who rely on humanitarian assistance to survive. We also recognise the ongoing impact on communities hosting the Rohingya.

Australia’s humanitarian assistance will be delivered through the United Nations, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and non-government organisations.

All partner organisations have proven capacity to deliver neutral and independent humanitarian assistance and reach those most in need. They are carefully chosen to ensure that Australia’s assistance does not directly benefit or legitimise the military regime in Myanmar.

The package of support builds on $480 million provided since 2017 to people across Myanmar, and Rohingya refugees and host communities in Bangladesh.

Further information on development and humanitarian programs in Myanmar and Bangladesh can be found on the DFAT website.

Independent Review into the Afghan Locally Engaged Employee program

As part of the Albanese Government’s commitment to standing by those who helped Australia, today we announce Dr Vivienne Thom AM will lead an Independent Review into the Afghan Locally Engaged Employee (LEE) program.

Established in 2012, the program gives eligible Afghan LEE, who are at risk of harm due to their employment in support of Australia’s twenty-year mission in Afghanistan, priority under Australia’s Humanitarian Program. Since 2012, more than 2,300 Afghan LEE and their families have arrived in Australia.

We have been clear in opposition and in government that the Morrison Government failed to apply the instrument consistently and in accordance with its original intent.

The Senate Inquiry into Australia’s Engagement in Afghanistan confirmed this and recommended a review of the operation of the Afghan LEE program to ensure that programs of this nature are improved.

The Albanese Government is acting on this recommendation with Dr Thom’s review, which will examine how program decisions were made, including the application and appeals process, record keeping and departmental resourcing. It will also consider whether the legislative instrument that underpins this program remains fit for purpose.

Dr Thom AM has substantial experience leading public inquiries and is also leading the Afghanistan Inquiry Implementation Oversight Panel.

Dr Thom AM will report her findings to the Australian Government in early 2023.

The Australian Government is committed to supporting the Afghan community, with 16,500 additional places allocated for Afghan nationals under the Humanitarian Program. This builds on the 10,000 places already allocated for Afghan nationals under the Humanitarian Program, and will be delivered over the next four years in addition to the annual intake.

In total, the Government is committed to fulfilling its allocation of 31,500 resettlement places for Afghan nationals – comprising 26,500 places under the Humanitarian Program and 5,000 places under the Family stream of the Migration Program.

Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles said:

“Our current and former ADF personnel have been clear about the painful impact of leaving people behind in Afghanistan.

Dr Thom’s review is critical to ensuring our ADF personnel can have confidence that Australia will stand by those help us.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong said:

“We know that those attempting to leave Afghanistan face a very difficult set of circumstances, not least because border crossings out of the country are difficult and dangerous.

But Australia has a moral obligation to help those who helped us and we are focused on doing everything we can to assist those people whose safety is at risk.”

Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, the Hon Andrew Giles said:

“We have a duty to ensure that our humanitarian efforts focus on those whose safety is most at risk, especially those who may face harm due to their involvement in our mission in Afghanistan.

The Government remains resolute in our commitment to prioritise the grant of visas for Afghan Locally Engaged Employees and their immediate families.”