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National Cabinet

The National Cabinet met today to discuss Australia’s economic recovery, Australia’s COVID-19 health and aged care responses and the Victorian outbreak.
The Acting Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly, provided an update on the measures underway, the latest data and health advice in relation to COVID-19.
There have been over 24,000 confirmed cases in Australia and sadly 472 people have died.
The outbreak in Victoria has meant that there are now around 5,000 active cases in Australia. Daily infection rates have remained low in all states and territories, other than Victoria. At the national level testing remains high, with more than 5.5 million tests undertaken.
National Cabinet recommitted to providing as much support as necessary to Victoria during this very difficult time. The National Cabinet noted the advice from Professor Kelly that the epidemiological situation in Victoria had improved and the numbers of cases in Victoria has reduced from its peak.
National Cabinet again agreed the need to continue to have the right controls in place to test more people, trace those who test positive and contain local outbreaks when they occur. These are fundamental to reducing the spread of the virus.
Seven of Australia’s eight states and territories are successfully implementing the suppression strategy for COVID-19, with the goal of no community transmission, enabling Australians in those jurisdictions to live and work in a COVID-safe economy.
National Cabinet agreed to release a weekly set of data on the common operating picture of COVID-19 responses across states and territories.
National Cabinet discussed the updated economic outlook following the additional restrictions imposed in Victoria and the changes to the JobKeeper program announced in response to these restrictions.
The Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia, Philip Lowe, and the Treasury Secretary, Steven Kennedy, provided National Cabinet with an economic update. Both reiterated that the biggest economic challenge that faces Australia is jobs and unemployment.
The Governor outlined there is a need for a coordinated focus from all levels of government on three key areas:

  1. Income support programs which includes the substantial investments already made in JobKeeper and JobSeeker;
  2. Investments in our physical capital including infrastructure and human capital via skills and training; and
  3. Greater ease of doing business through lower and efficient taxes and less regulation

Combined with the health response, the Commonwealth economic and balance sheet measures now total more than $314 billion, and along with the response from the state and territories of $48 billion, significant economic support is flowing into the economy.
Given the economic challenges, the Governor called on state and territory governments to provide more fiscal support, with additional support of 2 per cent of GDP, or around $40 billion over two years, needed from states and territories to support economic growth. Mr Lowe outlined that this expenditure needs to be purposeful and achieve the maximum economic dividend, and not lead to permanent or structural increases in government expenditure.
National Cabinet also noted progress made on skills reform and that all states and territories have now signed the Heads of Agreement for the $1 billion Skills and JobTrainer Programme.
Aged Care Emergency Response Plan
National Cabinet endorsed the Commonwealth, State and Territory Plan to Boost Aged Care Preparedness for a Rapid Emergency Response to COVID-19 Plan.
Noting that there were existing protocols and arrangements between states and the Commonwealth that were effective and worked well in support of aged care preparedness, National Cabinet agreed that in the event of significant change in circumstances, particularly with respect to community transmission of COVID-19, either the relevant jurisdiction or the Commonwealth would be able to initiate the establishment of emergency response centres on a bilaterally agreed basis.
The Plan will strengthen the preparedness for responding to a rapid escalation of COVID-19 in the aged care sector. It includes a high-level series of actions for Commonwealth, state and territory Governments to strengthen aged care emergency response preparedness. These actions include:

  • Ongoing assessment of the preparedness of aged care providers to respond to outbreaks of COVID-19, including a risk profiling tool developed by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission to inform emergency response planning;
  • An audit of State and Territory Emergency Response Capabilities to support the establishment of a joint aged care emergency response;
  • Additional face to face infection control training.

The National Cabinet also endorsed a guide to assist in the establishment of an Aged Care Health Emergency Response Operations Centre should it be required in the future in other states and territories. These Operations Centres will supplement and boost capacity to respond to outbreaks of COVID-19 in residential aged care settings. They will be consistent and complementary to, and fully integrated with Commonwealth and state/territory public health and aged care emergency response arrangements. National Cabinet acknowledged that these arrangements are not currently required.
A time-limited AHPPC Aged Care Advisory Group will be established to support the national public health emergency response to COVID-19 in aged care. The Advisory Group will bring together expertise about the aged care sector, infection control, emergency preparedness and public health response.
The Commonwealth Government will provide $171 million in additional support to the Aged Care Sector to increase national preparedness and respond to the State of Disaster in Victoria which brings the Commonwealth’s Aged Care COVID-19 response to over $1 billion in support.
Support includes:

  • Victorian Aged Care Response Centre – $9.1 million to support a coordinated response between the Commonwealth and Victorian Government agencies to fight COVID-19 in Residential Aged Care.
  • Aged Care COVID-19 Preparedness – an additional $103.4 million to:
    • increase nation-wide workforce surge support for aged care providers experiencing a COVID-19 outbreak;
    • activate national emergency call centre surge capability to support communication efforts with residents’ families;
    • fund compressed training for new workers;
    • cover quarantine costs for interstate staff deployed for workforce surge; and
    • strengthen the capacity to support aged care residents and their families with the grief and trauma associated with a COVID-19 outbreak.
  • Supporting Aged Care Quality and Safety Monitoring for Aged Care Services – an additional $9 million to ensure quality care is maintained by supporting the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission to continue its critical work supporting aged care providers across the country to prepare for and respond to COVID-19 outbreaks
  • Aged Care Workforce – a further $50.6 million to be provided to extend funding for the second instalment of the aged care workforce retention payment, due to be paid in September 2020.

Mental Health
National Cabinet discussed the impact of the pandemic on key wellbeing and safety outcomes, including mental health, online safety and family and domestic violence, and noted the increase in contact with crisis helplines. National Cabinet agreed to continue to work together to monitor these areas and continue to track areas of concern and to share data.
Vaccine Strategy
National Cabinet welcomed the Commonwealth Government’s COVID-19 Vaccine and Treatment Strategic Approach and the in principle agreement in place between the Commonwealth and AstraZeneca for the supply of the Oxford COVID-19 vaccine for Australians, once safety and efficacy had been proven.
Further the Prime Minister updated National Cabinet on the advanced progress of further arrangements for research and development, vaccine supply and manufacturing including the Commonwealth and Queensland Government funded University of Queensland – CSL, molecular clamp vaccine.
Domestic Border Management
National Cabinet noted some recent changes by states and territories to make it easier for Australians to cross borders, subject to restrictions, and access essential services and activities.
National Cabinet noted discussions had commenced on an Agriculture Workers Code and agreed further work be undertaken by Agriculture Ministers so that a paper could be considered by National Cabinet at its next meeting. The Agriculture Workers Code, will provide for a nationally-consistent approach that would be enforced by relevant states and territories through their Public Health Orders and emergency management measures. It would apply to individuals with occupations deemed critical to ensure the continuity of the agricultural sector.
National Cabinet also agreed that the AHPPC develop a common understanding to define a hotspot and consider movement restrictions relating to a hotspot.
Pacific Labour Scheme and Seasonal Workers
National Cabinet agreed to resume the Seasonal Worker Programme (SWP) and Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS) to help with workforce shortages. The approach has been informed by the trial recruitment of Pacific workers in the Northern Territory to address labour shortages affecting mango farmers. States and territories will decide whether to access the arrangement.
Employing Australians remains a priority for all Governments. Employers can only recruit through the Pacific labour mobility programs if they can demonstrate they cannot find suitable Australian workers through labour market testing.
Protecting Australian and Pacific workers from COVID-19 is also a key priority. States and territories that would like to participate in the arrangement will ensure sufficient health and quarantine system capacity.
National Cabinet will meet again on 4 September 2020.

WESTERN AND SOUTH WEST SYDNEY TESTING BLITZ

Anyone who lives or works in Sydney’s West and South West and has even the mildest of COVID-19 symptoms is being urged to come forward for testing, as mystery COVID-19 cases continue to emerge in the region.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said COVID-19 is still circulating in the community, particularly in Sydney’s West and South West.
“This region is key to breaking the back of this wave of transmission and high testing rates in people with symptoms is crucial to stopping community transmission,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“NSW is on the right track with cases remaining low, however, I remain concerned that we are continuing to have cases diagnosed without a link to a known cluster.
“This is a call to anyone who lives in Sydney’s West and South West to come forward for testing with even the mildest of symptoms.
“If you run a local organisation, business, community centre, place of worship, radio station or newspaper in this area we want your help to communicate this message.”
Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said we need everyone to play their part to help clamp down on community transmission and prevent the risk of further clusters emerging.
“We are asking anyone who works, resides or has visited Sydney’s West and South-West recently to come forward for testing at even the slightest hint of symptoms,” Dr Chant said.
“A unique feature of this virus is just how mild the symptoms can be and this can present the biggest challenge when people don’t realise they may actually have the virus – I want the community to help us identify where these mystery cases are coming from.”
There are 302 locations for the public to get COVID-19 testing in NSW, with more opening every day. 90 are drive-throughs and 22 are pop-up clinics. To find your closest testing clinic go to https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/how-to-protect-yourself-and-others/clinics

COMMUTER CAR PARKS TO BE FAST TRACKED

The NSW Government is fast tracking the delivery of new commuter car parks for public transport customers as part of its $3 billion Infrastructure and Job Acceleration Fund.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said an Expression of Interest (EOI) had been launched for construction companies who are keen to be part of the program.
“The Commuter Car Park program is designed to make it easier for customers who need to drive part of their journey to access public transport hubs,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This investment will not only deliver benefits for thousands of commuters but will help generate jobs ensuring we have more tradies with tools in hand.”
“These new car parks will be a combination of multi-storey and single level facilities and we are now looking for contractors to help us deliver them. Interested parties should visit the eTenders website and register before September 4.”
Transport Minister Andrew Constance said around 8,000 car spaces will be available across all of the locations, with the final numbers confirmed following site investigations and early planning.
“Extra parking is now planned for a number of locations including, Edmondson Park, Leppington, Warwick Farm, West Ryde, Emu Plains, Schofields, Revesby, Riverwood, North Rocks, Engadine, Hornsby, Jannali, Wentworthville, Winston Hills, Casula, Tuggerah and Beverly Hills,” said Mr Constance.
“The new carparks will not only benefit the community by making it easier to catch public transport, but the projects will employ around 1,000 people per day across all of the sites in engineering, construction and administration roles.”
Following the EOI process, shortlisted companies will have the opportunity to tender to design and deliver projects across Greater Sydney including in West Ryde, Emu Plains, Schofields, Revesby, Riverwood, North Rocks, Beverley Hills, Engadine and Hornsby.
Since 2011 the NSW Government has delivered more than 10,000 commuter car spaces throughout Greater Sydney. Transport for NSW is already in delivery for a number of the additional commuter car parks, including at Leppington and Edmondson Park.

NEW SUICIDE PREVENTION COUNSELLORS TO HELP SAFEGUARD RURAL COMMUNITIES

15 full-time equivalent specialist counsellors will be deployed across rural NSW to help prevent suicide, with the first two counsellors starting in the Eurobodalla and Snowy Mountains regions.
NSW Mental Health Minister Bronnie Taylor said the relatively high rates of suicide in rural areas are devastating families and communities, and the $6.75 million investment will add another layer of help.
“Many factors can contribute to suicide, from domestic violence, to relationship issues or unemployment, to stress and hardship,” Mrs Taylor said.
“These specialist mental health counsellors are there on the ground to support people thinking of suicide or impacted by suicide, and I encourage communities across the state to lean on them for support.”
Director Mental Health Drug and Alcohol for Southern NSW Local Health District Damien Eggleton said he wants more people to ask for help when they need it.
“Our rural communities have proven beyond a doubt they’re resilient and fearless when faced with adversity, whether that be geographic isolation, searing drought or the impact of the current pandemic – but they don’t need to go it alone,” Mr Eggleton said.
“The support provided by these counsellors will complement the peer work and drought support provided by our Farm Gate Counsellors and Drought Counsellors.”
Rural counsellor Samara Byrne said she wants young people to know there are people you can turn to when feeling overwhelmed with life or feeling like a burden on others.
“We are here for you and here to listen if you are feeling distressed, anxious or a burden to loved ones. The service is easily accessible through the Mental Health Line; just ask for the Rural Counsellor.”
“Having moved from Sydney in 2016 to our beautiful farm in SNSW, I am so pleased to be able to do what I am most passionate about, supporting people’s wellbeing in Rural Australia and building on the natural local community resilience”.
Minister Taylor urges people in the bush to get help by contacting these rural counsellors.
“Support is available, all you need to do is pick up the phone and make an appointment by calling the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511.”
The 15 rural counselling positions are part of the Towards Zero Suicides; a $87 million investment over three years in new suicide prevention initiatives. A NSW Premier’s Priority, this is a whole-of-government commitment to transforming the way we identify and support anyone impacted by suicide.
If you, or someone you know, is thinking about suicide or experiencing a personal crisis or distress, please seek help immediately in a life-threatening situation by calling 000 or seek support though one of these services:

  • Lifeline 13 11 14
  • Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
  • NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511

NEW THINKING AND TECH TO JOIN BUSHFIRE FIGHT

Artificial intelligence paired with space-derived data could soon join the battle against bushfires in NSW and nationally, speeding up detection and response times to prevent a repeat of Australia’s recent catastrophic season.
Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Disaster Recovery John Barilaro said the NSW Government is working with the best minds in science from across the globe as part of the 2020 Bushfire Data Quest which will help predict future bushfire activity.
“There is no doubt the recent fires have left both a physical mark on our state’s landscape, and emotional one on its people,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Predicting the behaviour of bushfires is a hugely difficult problem, made more complicated by a myriad of factors such as fuel load, atmospheric conditions, soil moisture, and availability of water.
“Using data from satellites is a great advancement on the tools we have traditionally used with much of the task of planning on-the-ground bushfire response relying on the experience and instincts of fire-fighters – who are often volunteers.
“We are investigating further how we use the data from multiple satellites and local sensor networks to create algorithms that will help detect fires earlier, predict fire behaviour, and help emergency services respond more effectively to protect homes, people and nature.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said NSW was supporting Australia’s high-tech research, including in the fight against bushfires.
“The 2020 Bushfire Data Quest brings together a range of players in the innovation eco-system, including universities, research institutes, philanthropy and technology companies.
“It will tackle problems in new ways that can be difficult to replicate in traditional academic or industrial research settings,” Mr Ayres said.
“Teams of machine-learning specialists are working with bushfire researchers and leading data scientists, primed with information from multiple satellites and local sensor networks.
Data Quest Lead Dr Cormac Purcell welcomed support from the NSW Government for The Bushfire Data Quest.
“The Bushfire Data Quest, made possible by our challenge partner Minderoo Foundation, aims to do great science by connecting brilliant minds to big questions,” Dr Purcell said.
“By drawing on a wide range of experience, skills and viewpoints, the teams will naturally create better outcomes. We harness the best practices from the private, academic and non-profit sector to accelerate research for the benefit of all humanity.”
Support for the 2020 Bushfire Data Quest builds on the NSW Government’s $5 million Space Industry Development Strategy, maximising opportunities for NSW businesses to tap global demand for space technologies, currently estimated at $420 billion.

NEW “KOALA COUNTRY” NATIONAL PARK

Important koala habitat is to be protected for future generations with the creation of the new Guula Ngurra National Park in the NSW Southern Highlands.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the creation of this national park delivers on a commitment from the 2019 election and is an important step to securing the future of koalas in the wild.
“Koalas are an iconic Australian animal and national parks like this protect their habitat for future generations,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The Aboriginal traditional owners recommended we name this new national park ‘Guula Ngurra’ which translates to ‘Koala Country’ because of the importance of the habitat.
“The NSW Government has committed to a $44.7 million koala strategy, the largest financial commitment to protecting koalas in the state’s history, along with a range of other practical measures to ensure the preservation of koala populations.
“The government will also consider the recommendations of the recent parliamentary inquiry into koala populations and habitat in NSW, particularly given the destruction caused by the recent bushfires.”
The NSW Government is already implementing the plan we announced in May 2018 to protect koalas, including:

  • Creating over 24,000 hectares of new koala reserves and parks
  • Fixing priority road-kill hotspots across NSW
  • Delivering a network of koala hospitals
  • Developing a statewide koala habitat information base
  • Increasing wildlife care training for veterinarians and veterinary nurses
  • Relocating koalas to unoccupied koala habitat
  • Undertaking research to significantly reduce the incidence of chlamydia.

Environment Minister Matt Kean said increasing the national park estate by 200,000 hectares was one of his key priorities and this reservation, together with recent purchases, would see that goal exceeded.
“This new national park is home to a staggering 139 species, more than 20 of which are threatened, including the koala, glossy black cockatoo, flame robin and squirrel glider,” Mr Kean said.
“This special site conserves high quality koala habitat and sits alongside 15 kilometres of river frontage along the spectacular Wingecarribee River gorge and the Wollondilly River.
“I also want to thank the local community and the Aboriginal traditional elders for working with us to create this new national park, which is home to a number of important cultural heritage sites.”
The purchase was made possible due to a valuable contribution by the NSW Environmental Trust.
Located about 25 kilometres northwest of Bowral, the 3358 hectare Guula Ngurra National Park comprises what was 2148 hectare Tugalong Station, the 402 hectare Little Forest West property and an 808 hectare outlier of Bangadilly National Park.

$45 MILLION FOR SOUTHERN BORDER SMALL BUSINESSES

NSW small businesses will benefit from a new $45 million grant program designed to cushion the economic impacts of the southern border closure.
Businesses in 13 Local Government Areas along the NSW and Victorian border will be able to apply for $5,000 and $10,000 grants through Service NSW from Tuesday, 8 September.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the Southern Border Small Business Support Grant is designed to support small businesses doing it tough through the current border restrictions.
“Thank you again to the border communities for your patience during this very difficult time,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We know people in border communities like Albury-Wodonga, Yarrawonga-Mulwala and Echuca-Moama usually move between towns, with closures having a significant impact on day-to-day business.
“The NSW Government is investing in targeted relief to help ease the pressures and costs of keeping businesses open while borders remain closed.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said the $45 million grant program includes two tiers of targeted support.
“While we are in these unprecedented times, we are committed to keeping local jobs in local communities,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The first tier of $5,000 is for employing and non-employing small businesses, such as non-employing sole traders, that have suffered at least a 30 per cent decline in turnover as a result of the border closure.
“The second tier of $10,000 is for employing small businesses that have suffered at least a 75 per cent decline as a result of the closure.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the grants would help keep people in jobs and businesses in business while Victoria battles its second wave of COVID-19.
“Small businesses are the lifeblood of local communities, with many grocery stores and mechanics being independently owned,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The Grants can be used to pay for unavoidable expenses such as utilities, as well as to develop marketing and communication materials or to diversify their offerings to help businesses adapt to the new environment.”
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the grants would be available from Tuesday, 8 September for six weeks until Sunday, 18 October 2020 and small business owners could apply via the Service NSW website.
“The NSW Government has worked hard over the past four months to roll out the Small Business Support Grant and the Small Business Recovery Grant, with more than $593 million worth of grants paid out to-date across the two programs,” Mr Tudehope said.
“Businesses can also access support from a specialised Business Connect advisor, free of charge, to help navigate the challenges of COVID-19.”
Member for Albury Justin Clancy has welcomed the Southern Border Small Business Support Grant.
“This is a step in the right direction and acknowledges the impact on our border businesses in this challenging time,” Mr Clancy said.
Eligible LGAs:

  • Albury
  • Balranald
  • Berrigan
  • Bega Valley
  • Edward River
  • Federation
  • Greater Hume Shire
  • Hay
  • Murray River
  • Murrumbidgee
  • Snowy Monaro
  • Snowy Valleys
  • Wentworth

The Southern Border Small Business Support Grant can only be used for eligible expenses incurred following the introduction of the NSW and Victoria border permit scheme on 8 July 2020.
The Grant must only be used for expenses for which no other government support is available. For example, this grant cannot be used to pay wages for staff eligible for JobKeeper.
More information on the new grants is available at www.service.nsw.gov.au and information on Business Connect is available here.

Image released as police investigate alleged 2019 indecent assault at Newcastle

Police are appealing for public assistance as they investigate an alleged indecent assault in Newcastle last year.
On Saturday 23 November 2019, police have been told a 34-year-old woman was at a hotel with friends at the intersection of Watt and Scott Streets, Newcastle, when an unknown male approached her and touched her inappropriately.
The woman left shortly after and notified police.
Detectives from Newcastle City Police District commenced an investigation into the alleged incident.
As a part of their inquiries, investigators have released a CCTV image of a man that may be able to assist with their inquiries.
He’s described as being of Caucasian appearance with blond hair.
Newcastle City PD Crime Manager, Detective Chief Inspector Scott Parker, said on that weekend in November, tens of thousands of visitors were in town for a major sporting event.
“There were thousands of people here during the Newcastle 500 weekend, all visiting our popular pubs and clubs in the Newcastle CBD.
“We believe there are several people who may have been visiting the Newcastle area that weekend that can assist us with our investigation.
“Anyone who was at that venue on Saturday 23 November, please cast your mind back and see if you have any information which may assist Newcastle detectives,” Det Ch Insp Parker said.

Security guard fined; seven PINs issued since last COVID-19 update

Seven Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) have been issued since the last COVID update, including two to a security guard performing duties at quarantine hotels in Sydney who allegedly breached the Public Health Act by failing to adhere to self-isolation restrictions.
About 5pm on Thursday 20 August 2020, the guard, a man aged 22, underwent a COVID-19 test and was informed to go directly home and commence a 14-day self-isolation in accordance with current Ministerial Directions. It is believed the man instead travelled to a shopping centre on Burwood Road, where he allegedly attended a number of stores in a two-hour visit.
On Friday 21 August 2020, the man allegedly left home and attended a government services building on Elsie Street, Burwood.
The man underwent a secondary test at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital on the Friday and about 8am on Saturday 22 August, was informed he had returned a positive test result for COVID-19. He was transferred to a NSW Health COVID-19 quarantine facility where he will stay for the remainder of his quarantine period.
About 10pm yesterday (Sunday 23 August 2020), police issued the 22-year-old Campsie man with two PINs for not complying with Noticed Direction re: section 7/8/9 COVID-19.
Other examples include:
– About 1pm on Saturday (22 September 2020), police attended an Eden home and spoke to the resident, a 46-year-old man. Officers established the man had travelled to Victoria on a permit that he did not meet the requirements for. He was issued a $1000 PIN.
– About 10.30pm on (Saturday 22 August 2020), officers attached to Kings Cross Police Area Command attended a licensed premise on Darlinghurst Road, Potts Point. Officers observed multiple breaches of the Public Health Order, including an incorrect COVID-19 safety plan, no marshal, and mingling patrons with no physical distancing. The business was issued a $5,000 PIN for failing to comply with a noticed direction under the Public Health Act 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.
 

Clandestine lab dismantled as three charged with drug manufacture and supply – Northern NSW

Two men will reappear at court today over the alleged supply and manufacture of a commercial quantity of methylamphetamine in Northern NSW.
Strike Force Delisle was established in May 2020 by detectives from the Coffs/Clarence Police District’s Firearm and Drug Unit to investigate the manufacture and supply of prohibited drugs in the Coffs Coast and Hunter Valley regions.
Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives – assisted by Traffic and Highway Patrol – stopped a white Nissan utility on Waterfall Way at Ebor about 5pm on Friday 14 August 2020.
Police spoke with two men – aged 45 and 47 – before conducting a search of the vehicle, where they allegedly located methylamphetamine, ammunition and chemicals used in the manufacture of prohibited drugs.
The men were arrested and taken to Armidale Police Station.
The 45-year-old Murrurundi man was charged with manufacture a large commercial quantity of prohibited drugs, while the 47-year-old Billys Creek man was charged with manufacture and supply a large commercial quantity of prohibited drugs.
Both men were refused bail and appeared before Tamworth Local Court on Monday 17 August, where they were formally refused bail. They will next appear at Armidale Local Court today (Monday 24 August 2020).
At the same time, police executed a search warrant at a home at Murrurundi, where they located an inactive clandestine lab. A crime scene was established and underwent a forensic examination.
Following further inquiries, about 5pm on Saturday 15 August 2020, a 42-year-old Aberdeen man was arrested at Muswellbrook Police Station.
He was charged with manufacture a large commercial quantity of prohibited drugs and refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court on Sunday 16 August 2020, where he was formally refused bail to next appear at Muswellbrook Local Court on Monday 19 October 2020.
On Thursday 20 August 2020, strike force detectives – with assistance from the Coffs/Clarence Target Action Group, Northern and Western Region Operational Support Group officers and AFP officers – executed a search warrant at two properties at Billys Creek.
During the searches, police located and seized glassware used in the manufacture of prohibited drugs, a kilogram of dried cannabis and approximately 10 litres of chemicals believed to be either prohibited drugs or precursors used in their manufacture. The liquids have been sent for further forensic analysis.
Coffs/Clarence Police District Crime Manager, Detective Chief Inspector Guy Flaherty, said these arrests will disrupt the local supply network of methylamphetamine across several regions.
“We will be alleging this illegal activity not only affected the Coffs Coast area, their connections also stemmed into our Hunter Valley and New England regions.
“Through fantastic collaborative work and information sharing with our neighbouring police districts, we have been able to interrupt a cross-region drug network of both manufacture and supply.
“Strike Force Delisle remains ongoing with further investigation and arrests expected,” Det Ch Insp Flaherty said.