The Australian Government’s latest COVID-19 ad, launched today, delivers a blunt wake-up call to young people, that their actions can put the lives of their loved ones at risk.
The ‘How the virus spreads’ advertisement features a young man whose mother is in intensive care with COVID-19 after catching the virus from him. He was infected by his mate who was infected by a workmate. All three were young. None knew they were infected.
The ad clearly demonstrates how fast COVID-19 can spread, often without people knowing it, while showing the severity of the virus, and how it can touch family and loved ones.
The ad’s message is for everyone – COVID-19 is a highly infectious disease that can quickly spread through everyday interactions and individual behaviours. This is particularly salient for young Australians who are catching COVID-19 more than any other age group.
The 20-29 year age group is most likely to contract the virus, with young women more so than young men. And though symptoms are often mild, young people can still be seriously impacted. They are not immune.
Previously cases of COVID-19 have been reported across all age groups. However there is now a shift to younger populations.
Cumulatively, people in the 20–29 years age group have the highest rate of COVID-19 infection (77.0 cases per 100,000 population).
This is followed by the 30–39 years age group (59.8 cases per 100,000 population) and then 60–69 years (56.5 cases per 100,000 population)
The ad is a reminder to them – and the rest of the community – to keep doing the essential things – wash your hands, keep your physical distance, get tested, stay home if you’re sick, download the COVIDSafe app and, in areas of high community transmission or where physical distancing is difficult, wear a mask.
The ad will start running this week across TV and radio, digital, social and out of home.
To view the TVC click here.
Author: admin
Nation wide red-tape reduction to make doing business easier
Tradies including carpenters, joiners, bricklayers, builders, electricians and plumbers, as well as a raft of other licensed occupations such as teachers and property agents, could find it easier to do business across state and territory borders with a new agreement that will see Council on Federal Financial Relations (CFFR) develop a framework for occupational licences to be automatically recognised across jurisdictions.
Under red-tape reduction reforms agreed to by Commonwealth, state and territory treasurers, automatic recognition will allow individuals who hold an occupational licence in one Australian jurisdiction to undertake equivalent work in another jurisdiction under that licence.
CFFR will prioritise implementation of a uniform scheme to support widespread occupational mobility via automatic recognition, with ambition to take effect from 1 January 2021, subject to the passage of legislation in individual jurisdictions.
The current mutual recognition regime for licensed occupations across Australia is complex, costly, and imposes an excessive regulatory burden on businesses that operate across jurisdictions. Currently, there are over 800 different licences in manual trades alone, with around 20 per cent of workers in the economy required to be licensed.
Automatic recognition will help to address impediments to labour mobility across jurisdictions by allowing a person who is licensed or registered in one jurisdiction to be already considered registered in another in an equivalent occupation.
A uniform scheme will make it easier and less expensive for businesses, professionals and workers to move or operate within jurisdictions and across Australia, thereby creating jobs, increasing output, competition and innovation, and resulting in lower prices for consumers and businesses.
It is vital to ensuring Australians, including displaced workers, can take up new job opportunities wherever they arise as the economy recovers and restrictions on movement are eased from COVID-19.
CFFR will report back to National Cabinet in October 2020 on the progress in delivering a uniform scheme for automatic recognition of licensed occupations to take effect on 1 January 2021.
New Mental Health Clinics To Support Victorians During The COVID-19 Pandemic
The Australian Government will provide an additional $31.9 million to create 15 mental health clinics across Victoria and further enhance essential support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Australian Government recognises the ongoing Victorian restrictions needed to stop the spread of the virus are having a significant impact on the mental health of individuals and communities in Victoria.
$26.9 million of the new funding will establish 15 dedicated mental health clinics across Victoria, with nine clinics in Greater Melbourne and six in regional Victoria.
The clinics will be located at existing GP clinics, headspace centres or other community sites where people usually access general health care. A list of these locations will be announced within the coming weeks.
The clinics will support GPs by providing access to multidisciplinary teams of mental health workers, including psychologists, mental health nurses, social workers, and alcohol and drug workers.
The clinics will provide on-site mental health support, but may also arrange referrals to more intensive mental health care or social supports if needed. This could include referral into emergency care or into an in-patient facility in a private hospital.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said there had been a concerning rise in self-harm injuries presenting to hospital, and a spike in the use of services like Beyond Blue, Lifeline and Kids Helpline.
Data shows there has been a 33 per cent rise in children and young people in Victoria presenting to hospital with self-harm injuries over the past six weeks, compared to a year earlier. In the past 4 weeks, Victorian use was 90 per cent higher than the rest of the country for Beyond Blue, 22 per cent higher for Lifeline and five per cent higher for Kids Helpline.
Victorian demand for Medicare Benefit Schedule mental health services is also up six per cent on this time last year.
“While we’re fighting the spread of this virus in Victoria we also need to guard against the devastating mental health impacts it is having,” the Prime Minister said.
“That’s why I asked Dr Ruth Vine as our Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Mental Health, and our Mental Health Commissioner Christine Morgan, to look at what else we could do to support the mental health of Victorians in the face of the latest outbreak and the effect it is having.
“This package is about helping people access mental health support as early as possible and as conveniently as possible.
“To assist co-ordination on the ground in Victoria, Premier Andrews and I have agreed to establish a new Victorian Mental Health Taskforce to ensure the latest initiatives are implemented quickly.
“Our investment in these new mental health clinics and targeted digital and phone services builds on the more than $500 million we’ve invested since the start of this year in mental health services and support, including 10 extra Medicare-subsidised psychology therapy sessions, dedicated phone services and the National Mental Health and Wellbeing Pandemic Plan.”
Minister for Health, Greg Hunt, said: “The clinics will play a key role in supporting our emergency departments, hospitals and GPs by providing accessible mental health care.”
Dr Ruth Vine, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Mental Health, said: “It means when you feel you need to see someone quickly about your mental health, you don’t have to go straight to the emergency department. There will be places in your community you can go. There will be trained professionals ready to help you.”
The 15 clinics will also enable Commonwealth funded Primary Health Networks (PHNs) in Victoria to provide mental health support to older Victorians and those in the aged care system. Residents, their families and carers, will be able to access mental health workers, including psychologists, at these clinics either in person, or via telephone or digital services where needed. This is in addition to the $82.5 million the Australian Government has provided through PHNs for in-reach psychological services in residential aged care facilities.
The Government has already committed $19 million nationally in 2020-21 for PHNs to commission additional mental health nursing services or equivalent support for older people who are experiencing social isolation or loneliness as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Government also provided $10 million nationally over two years from 2019-20 to expand the Community Visitors Scheme to further support older Australians to stay connected during the COVID-19 pandemic, with telephone and digital contact provided where physical visits are not possible.
The dedicated mental health clinics will also provide a place to go for those with family and friends in the aged care system who are worried about their loved ones and require mental health support.
The PHNs based in Victoria will be tasked with the establishment of the new clinics, and will work closely with key GP clinics, the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHO) and designated headspace centres. The clinics will be funded for 12 months.
In addition to the clinics, $5 million in funding will be provided to enhance digital and phone services for specific groups that are experiencing significant challenges during the additional restrictions. This includes those living with an eating disorder where physical isolation at home can greatly exacerbate their mental illness. The funding will ensure services such as the Eating Disorders National Support line, 1800 ED HOPE, have the capacity to provide the specialist support needed. An additional $2 million will help evaluate the impact of this investment and target any emerging mental health needs.
Christine Morgan, CEO of the National Mental Health Commission said: “While the Government has substantially increased funding for national phone lines and online services to meet increased demand during the pandemic, we know that some groups within our population require more specialised online support. This initiative will provide that vital additional care.”
These new measures recognise that many people in areas impacted by the second wave of the pandemic will be facing escalating mental health challenges. They build on the recent additional mental health support provided – including 10 additional Medicare subsidised psychological therapy sessions for people subject to further restrictions; $12 million to bolster mental health support lines and headspace outreach; and the more than $500 million additional funding for mental health and suicide prevention announced since January, including Medicare subsidies for telehealth consultations.
Our Government has responded early and rapidly to address the mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. We continue to demonstrate our firm commitment to the mental health and wellbeing of all Australians, with estimated expenditure for mental health services and suicide prevention to be more than $5.2 billion in 2019-20.
NSW GOVERNMENT BACKS EXPORTERS TO GO GLOBAL
Small and medium-sized businesses and regional communities across the State are set to benefit from a coordinated NSW Government push to showcase local products and develop global export sales.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, Industry and Trade John Barilaro today launched the NSW Government’s $12 million Going Global Package which includes grants of up to $10,000 for eligible businesses through the Export Assistance Grant scheme.
“Helping home-grown businesses succeed in the global marketplace is more important than ever before and here in NSW we have some of the best produce in the world,” Mr Barilaro said.
“That is why the NSW Government is coordinating export assistance across a range of initiatives including market tailored workshops, business matching and exporter grants of up to $10,000.
“We are promoting NSW businesses globally, just like we promote our fantastic regional products state-wide through our Buy Regional campaign.
“Our Export Assistance Grants, together with intensive, direct assistance through the Going Global program will complement existing support and advice services to forge new business connections and sales offshore.”
The Going Global Package includes:
- A $1.8 million Going Global program which will provide export coaching, networking and in-market assistance for export-ready firms. The initiative includes 15 tailored programs covering nine markets and ten sectors.
- A $10 million Export Assistance Grant scheme reimbursing 50 per cent of eligible expenses up to a maximum of $10,000 per eligible business
- Connections to international consumers via the Buy Regional Goes Global initiative
- Online webinars to help businesses upskill
- Ongoing support through the NSW Government’s network of trade advisors in regional locations and Sydney, and its international trade and investment offices around the world
- Access to information on the Global NSW website
- Other support, tools and resources available online
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said trade would be vital to restoring growth after COVID-19, with exports making up 16 per cent of the State economy before the global pandemic.
“We know our exporters have faced big hurdles in recent months, especially in regional areas also affected by bushfires and drought,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Applications for the Going Global program can be submitted now, and the Export Assistance Grants application will be available soon. I urge small and medium-sized firms in regional areas and across NSW to apply.”
Graham Gilmore from Black Springs-based agribusiness TattyKeel, said exporting was a great way for regional businesses to stay competitive and build resilience, despite the challenges of COVID-19.
“We’re a family farm that’s changing the boundaries. We’re doing R&D and we’re actually creating a new product that’s got some pretty unique eating qualities,” Mr Gilmore said.
“Developing markets overseas is an important part of our plan to support that work.”
TattyKeel’s innovative new brand Margra Lamb is among the enterprises profiled in Buy Regional.
In addition to the initiatives announced today, export advisors remain available to assist business in regional locations throughout the State and, under the Global NSW strategy, the Government is expanding its network of trade and investment offices around the world from 11 to 21. The Buy Regional platform will continue to promote regional businesses and exporters.
More information is available at: global.nsw.gov.au/nsw-export-assistance-package
STUDENTS TAKE A SEAT AT THE TABLE
Students at NSW public schools have two new platforms to help shape their education system.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell today announced the first Minister’s Student Council, a group of students that will have a direct influence on education and school policy that affects students.
A new online Student Voice Hub has also launched, giving all NSW students a platform to share their views and creativity with the wider community.
Ms Mitchell said that the two new platforms are exciting and important tools for students, giving them greater capacity to provide feedback to government.
“Students are at the centre of everything we do in education and these platforms empower them to influence public policy,” Ms Mitchell said.
“The Student Council will be the peak forum for interaction between NSW public school students, the Department and myself.”
Ms Mitchell said students would decide the exact design of the council but it is expected that all secondary students will have the opportunity to provide input.
“Delegates will be elected from a range of secondary schools to form the council and will meet with decision-makers within the NSW schools system to develop policy,” Ms Mitchell said.
The council is reinforced by the new Student Voice Hub strengthening the ongoing engagement of students with the Department, each other and the wider community.
Ms Mitchell said the Student Voice Hub is a partnership in learning and listening that will play a key role in building a better education system as student perspectives, experiences and aspirations shape and enrich our schools and communities.
“The Student Voice Hub would also provide students opportunities to refine their writing and content creation skills along with pitching their stories and ideas,” Ms Mitchell said.
“As part of the submission process to the hub, students will have the opportunity to refine their ideas and articles.”
The first elected Minister’s Student Council will begin in 2021. Further information about being involved in the Council will be provided to school principals.
The Student Voice Hub is live at: https://education.nsw.gov.au/student-wellbeing/student-voices
NAMING SYDNEY’S THIRD CITY
The Western Sydney community will be given the chance to have their say on part of the naming of Sydney’s third city, which will be the beating heart of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.
The area to be named is more than 100 hectares of land that will become home to research, science and education facilities as part of the first stage of the Aerotropolis Core precinct. It is located north of Bringelly and needs a new name to reflect its new future.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the naming process to be carried out will find a unique name which will forever define Australia’s first 22nd Century City on the doorstep of the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport.
“Until now we have been referring to the area as the ‘Aerotropolis Core’, but with the city quickly moving from a vision to a reality now is the time for it to be given a real place name,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The area to be named is the parcel of land which will be the CBD of the Aerotropolis and we want its name to be as iconic as the existing major city centres of ‘Sydney’ and ‘Parramatta’.
“Whatever it is ultimately called after the naming process, this part of Greater Sydney’s third city will be a key driver of economic growth, jobs and opportunities across NSW and the nation for generations to come.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said as part of the naming process the community will be consulted and asked to nominate potential names for the new city.
“We want the community to help us come up with a list of names that reflect the area’s heritage, recognise people who have contributed to NSW or honour significant figures with ties to Western Sydney,” Mr Ayres said.
“A naming committee comprising of the Premier, myself, DPC Secretary Tim Reardon and Western Parkland City Authority Chair Jennifer Westacott will consider the options and make a final decision.”
To find out more and submit your suggestion go to: www.wcaa.sydney/nametheplac
NSW PAYS TRIBUTE ON THE 75th ANNIVERSARY OF VP DAY
Today marks 75 years since the end of the Second World War triggered euphoric celebrations across NSW and dancing through the streets of Sydney.
Acting Minister for Veterans Geoff Lee said the sacrifice of our great service men and women will never be forgotten as we remember this major moment in our history.
“Victory in the Pacific (VP Day) is the day NSW began celebrating the end of a long campaign to fight for the freedom we cherish today,” Mr Lee said.
“We are asking everyone in NSW to make a big effort to ensure this significant anniversary isn’t forgotten during the pandemic, whilst commemorating in a COVID-Safe way and abiding by the latest health advice to keep our community and veterans safe.
“We pause to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice paid by the men and women who served throughout the Pacific to defend our nation. On the home front, hundreds of thousands more provided essential services to support the war effort.”
Almost one million Australians served in the armed forces in the Second World War. More than 39,000 Australians gave their lives, more than 23,000 were wounded, and more than 30,000 were taken prisoner of war.
The NSW Government has compiled a digital catalogue of stories and videos of Second World War veterans and widows sharing their memories to ensure they are not forgotten.
“Everyone can share their stories, pictures and videos on social media for this special 75th anniversary tribute using the hashtag #VeteranStory75years,” Mr Lee said.
“NSW communities are also encouraged to jump online and use the digital catalogue to learn about our history and the legacy of our veterans and their families.”
The digital catalogue will be continually updated over the coming months at: www.warmemorialsregister.nsw.gov.au/75th-anniversary-stories
VP Day events: www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/commemoration/wwii-75th-anniversary/
TEN PROJECTS FAST-TRACKED IN TRANCHE FIVE
The transformation of an existing warehouse to a hand sanitiser factory in the Shoalhaven is part of the latest tranche of ten fast-tracked projects to be determined through the NSW Government’s Planning System Acceleration Program.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the projects in the fifth tranche of the program will deliver more than $3 billion in economic value and create opportunities for more than 2,700 jobs, if approved.
“The acceleration program is a key part of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan, so it is only fitting that the Shoalhaven Starches’ hand sanitiser factory proposal, which will help combat the virus, is being fast-tracked,” Mr Stokes said.
“To date we’ve already accelerated 80 projects over the last four months pumping more than $22 billion into the State’s economy, creating opportunities for more than 48,000 jobs and delivering more than 400 hectares of open space, parks and conservation lands.”
The latest tranche of projects includes a new school in Sydney’s South West, a multi-trades and digital technology hub at TAFE Meadowbank and a new road project linking WestConnex to Sydney’s Kingsford Smith Airport.
Also included is the creation of the new Aerotropolis State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP), which will unlock rezonings for five new employment and environmental precincts around the new Western Sydney Airport including the Aerotropolis Core, Badgerys Creek, Northern Gateway and Agribusiness and Wianamatta-South Creek.
“The Aerotropolis SEPP is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to lay the foundations for a brand-new State-shaping precinct, with the Aerotropolis set to support more than 200,000 jobs over 20 years in industries of the future,” Mr Stokes said.
This will be the second last tranche of fast-tracked projects under the current program, with details on a new recovery focused acceleration program to be released in the coming weeks.
“The planning system has been a key economic lever in our immediate response to the pandemic, delivering some remarkable results with 80 projects determined in the last 16 weeks,” Mr Stokes said.
“Our focus so far has been on fast-tracking shovel-ready projects that were already in the planning system. Now it is time to shift from urgent response to lasting reform by applying the same accelerated momentum to determine new projects with potential to create significant jobs, economic investment and wider public benefits.”
Decisions will be made on tranche five projects by 11 September 2020. For more information visit http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/fast-tracked-assessments.
MORE INDUSTRIES TO BENEFIT AS SMALL BUSINESS RECOVERY GRANT EXTENDED
The NSW Government has extended the deadline for applications to the $3,000 Small Business Recovery Grant and expanded the number of highly impacted industries able to apply.
The deadline for grant applications has been extended to 31 August 2020 with 18 additional highly impacted industries soon able to apply for the $3,000 Small Business Recovery Grant.
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the grants, funded from the $750 million Small Business Support Fund, would help small businesses highly impacted by COVID-19.
“We know small businesses have been doing it tough and these grants are designed to help them at a critical time,” Mr Tudehope said.
“By broadening the number of industries that can apply, we are giving more small businesses the opportunity to access the support they need to relaunch their operation, ensure their business is COVID-safe and welcome back customers and clients.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said more than 29,000 applications have already been received from small businesses and more than $71 million has been paid out since the grants opened on 1 July 2020.
“It’s important we continue to support the economic recovery and we know our support measures are playing a vital role in keeping people in jobs and businesses in business as we continue to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This grant follows the success of the Small Business Support Fund grant, which closed on 30 June 2020 with more than $500 million paid to more than 50,000 businesses helping owners pay for unavoidable expenses.”
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the Small Business Recovery Grant is part of the NSW Government’s more than $15 billion COVID-19 stimulus support measures.
“The Small Business Recovery Grant provides between $500 and $3,000 for expenses to get enterprises back to business, including for marketing and advertising expenses, fit-out changes and training staff on how to work safely under the current health conditions,” Mr Dominello said.
“These grants are a much-needed boost for small businesses who are dealing with unprecedented challenges as we all continue to adjust to the four-square-metre economy.”
Of the applicants who have already applied for the $3,000 grant:
- 25 per cent are from the food and beverage services industry
- 17 per cent are from the personal services industry.
Applicant’s common uses of the grant include:
- 19 per cent using it for marketing communications and advertising
- 18 per cent using it for cleaning products and services
- 14 per cent using it for business advice and continuity planning.
The Small Business Recovery Grant can only be used for expenses from 1 July and where no other Government support is available.
More information on the Small Business Recovery Grant is available here. Small business owners can contact Service NSW for more information about eligibility on 13 77 88.
AUSTRALIA POST SERVICE CUTS KICK IN IN NEWCASTLE
From today, Newcastle is being hit by the largest reduction to postal services in history, with deliveries reducing from five days a week to once every two business days.
Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon slammed the changes and accused the Government and Australia Post of “using the cover of the global pandemic and dodgy figures to slash services”.
“In March, the Government and Australia Post said the situation was dire, with letter volume dropping drastically during COVID. Since then, we’ve learnt has revealed that not only is this not true, but that on the day the request for the cuts was made, letter volumes were actually four per cent above trend.
“How on earth can Australians trust the Morrison Government with our postal services when they can’t even be trusted to tell the truth about their own figures?”
Ms Claydon said Federal Labor had tried to overturn the service cuts in the Federal Parliament.
“Labor has been gravely concerned that these cuts to services would slash jobs and slow down business activity at a time when our economy is already on its knees,” Ms Claydon said.
“Labor put up a number of disallowance motions to get the cuts overturned but every time the Morrison Government used their numbers to ram them through.
“Since then, the Government has capitulated to Labor’s demands to save postie’s jobs, but these damaging cuts to local services still stand.”
Ms Claydon said she was particularly concerned about older and vulnerable Novocastrians.
“We know that older people and those on lower incomes disproportionately rely on postal services,” Ms Claydon said.
“These changes rip services away from the people who need them most.”
Ms Claydon was also highly sceptical about the Government’s claim that the changes would be ‘temporary’.
“The Morrison Government is shielding its internal Australia Post review from Freedom of Information requests and refusing to release it to the Federal Parliament,” Ms Claydon said.
“The Federal Government has demonstrated just how determined it is to dodge scrutiny about what it’s really doing. Why should we trust a word they say when they try to pretend these cuts are only temporary?”
Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon slammed the changes and accused the Government and Australia Post of “using the cover of the global pandemic and dodgy figures to slash services”.
“In March, the Government and Australia Post said the situation was dire, with letter volume dropping drastically during COVID. Since then, we’ve learnt has revealed that not only is this not true, but that on the day the request for the cuts was made, letter volumes were actually four per cent above trend.
“How on earth can Australians trust the Morrison Government with our postal services when they can’t even be trusted to tell the truth about their own figures?”
Ms Claydon said Federal Labor had tried to overturn the service cuts in the Federal Parliament.
“Labor has been gravely concerned that these cuts to services would slash jobs and slow down business activity at a time when our economy is already on its knees,” Ms Claydon said.
“Labor put up a number of disallowance motions to get the cuts overturned but every time the Morrison Government used their numbers to ram them through.
“Since then, the Government has capitulated to Labor’s demands to save postie’s jobs, but these damaging cuts to local services still stand.”
Ms Claydon said she was particularly concerned about older and vulnerable Novocastrians.
“We know that older people and those on lower incomes disproportionately rely on postal services,” Ms Claydon said.
“These changes rip services away from the people who need them most.”
Ms Claydon was also highly sceptical about the Government’s claim that the changes would be ‘temporary’.
“The Morrison Government is shielding its internal Australia Post review from Freedom of Information requests and refusing to release it to the Federal Parliament,” Ms Claydon said.
“The Federal Government has demonstrated just how determined it is to dodge scrutiny about what it’s really doing. Why should we trust a word they say when they try to pretend these cuts are only temporary?”