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Breakdown of latest Public Health Act charges and Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs)

In the past 24 hours, two people have been issued with Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) COVID-19.
Yesterday’s PINs:

About 2.45pm yesterday (Thursday 14 May 2020), officers attached to Eastern Beaches Police Area Command were patrolling Maroubra, when they stopped and spoke to a man at the intersection of Anzac Parade and Maroubra Road, who was drinking a can of Jim Beam in an alcohol-free zone. The man had previously been issued with a PIN at the same location three days earlier. He was given another $1000 infringement.
About 10am yesterday, officers from Leichhardt Traffic and Highway Patrol spoke with a man on The Crescent, Annandale. When it was determined the 38-year-old had already been warned three times in relation to breaches of the Public Health Act, he was issued with a PIN.

Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction 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 crime via NSW Police social media pages.

NEWCASTLE GPS NEED SUPPORT, NOT CUTS, DURING COVID-19

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon has used the last day of the Parliamentary sitting to give a speech calling on the Morrison Government to rethink cuts to bulk billing incentives as doctors increasingly struggle with the pressures of COVID-19.
Ms Claydon told the Parliament that Newcastle was one of 14 areas nationally that were targeted by the Morrison Government to remove bulk billing incentive payments.
“It’s astonishing now to think that the Prime Minister started this year of 2020 with a fresh round of cuts to Medicare bulk-billing. The loss of that incentive payment is estimated to cost the Newcastle and Hunter region some $7 million,” Ms Claydon said.
“Doctors have already had to start making decisions about not bulk-billing those vulnerable people in our community. It’s already happened. And, indeed, I have lost GPs. I have had GPs’ surgery doors close.”
Ms Claydon warned that the pandemic was adding to the pressure for GPs.
“This is a time when our GPs are under even more pressure. Many of them are now reporting to me that they are doing a lot of unpaid work, calling people after hours who are trying to get advice and follow-up information around COVID-19 at the moment. Simultaneously, there’s been a reduction in the number of face-to-face visits to GPs.
“A doctor of many decades in my community, summed up the feelings of his colleagues when he wrote, ‘We feel that primary care doctors have been abandoned by the government and left to fend for themselves in the front line of this pandemic.’ – I don’t think I could have put it any better myself.”
Ms Claydon called on the Government to reverse the cuts immediately.
“At a time when this pandemic has really made abundantly clear the importance of strong, universal primary healthcare in this nation, it is astonishing that the government should even contemplate proceeding with this cruel scheme to cut bulk-billing incentive payments,” Ms Claydon said.
Ms Claydon said more than 3,000 Novocastrians had signed her petition against the Government’s bulk billing incentive cuts.

POLICE COVID-19 EFFORTS BOOSTED BY NEW CYBERCRIME OFFICERS

Additional police officers have been allocated to the Cybercrime Squad as COVID-19 restrictions see a rise in cybercrime reports.
Eight additional investigators have been added to the Cybercrime Squad following a noticeable increase in online scams, including vendors selling personal protective equipment for vastly elevated prices.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said these officers would join thousands of others across the state helping the community through the pandemic.
“We have more than 17,000 police officers in NSW, who have been working around the clock to protect the community, including enforcing COVID-19 restrictions, overseeing quarantine hotels and patrolling our roads,” Ms Berejiklian.
“NSW has some of the finest police officers in the world, and every one of them has had a role to play in the fight against this pandemic, adapting to a fast-changing and unprecedented environment, implementing new policies, procedures and legislation.
“The NSW Police Force has played, and continues to play an incredibly important role during the pandemic, and we are grateful for their efforts.”
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said the new positions are part of the NSW Government’s $583 million investment in 1,500 additional police over four years.
“The Premier, the Health Minister and I have been working in lock-step with the Police Commissioner over the past weeks and months and the work of our police can’t be faulted,” Mr Elliott said.
“NSW Police have laid 187 charges and issued more than 1,200 Penalty Infringement Notices for non-compliance with COVID-19 restrictions, and have responded to around 17,000 calls to Crime Stoppers. As we start to ease restrictions across the state, the police will once again step up to ensure our citizens are safe.”
“On behalf of the NSW Government, I thank our Police Force for their unwavering service and commitment.”

FREE COVID-19 WEBINARS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

Small businesses facing challenges amid COVID-19 can receive free advice on support options available from the NSW Government through a series of new webinars.
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the webinars would provide valuable information for businesses on the following topics:

$10,000 small business COVID-19 support grant
cash flow
tax concessions
workplace safety
commercial leases and procurement opportunities.

“We know small businesses are doing it tough and the information in these webinars will help business owners make decisions about the steps they should take to get through this challenging time,” Mr Tudehope said.
“We are featuring speakers from Business Connect, Service NSW, Revenue NSW, SafeWork NSW, Training Services NSW, NSW Small Business Commission, Procurement NSW and the Industry Capability Network (ICN).”
“The webinars will feature a live question and answer session with participants able to direct questions to the various Government representatives.”
The NSW Government has also rolled out a series of eight short videos focusing on individual small businesses from across the metropolitan area and regional NSW.
Each video provides insights from small business owners on how they have successfully diversified their operations amid the current challenges.
“I know small business owners are looking for advice on a number of issues including how to transfer to online operation, and these videos will give you tips on how you can.
To book in for today’s COVID-19 Small Business Support Information webinar, go to https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/covid-19-small-business-support-webinar-tickets-104388027400
To book in for the COVID-19 Small Business Procurement Opportunities webinar on Thursday 21 May, go to https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/covid-19-small-business-procurement-opportunities-tickets-104625361272?aff=ebdssbonlinesearch

Tenders called to build new Bathers Way leg

Contracts to build the latest stretch of Newcastle’s landmark Bathers Way Coastal Pathway and a drawcard skating facility at South Newcastle Beach will be open to tender from Tuesday.
Site preparation work and cliff stabilisation will soon begin, before separate contracts are awarded in July for the latest instalment of the Bathers Way’s signature broadened pathway and an adjoining skate park and bowl.

The $11.7 million project, which will begin in August and take around two years to complete, will re-activate South Newcastle Beach with a kiosk, new public amenities, landscaping, artwork, shade and seating, exercise equipment and viewing areas.
“Construction companies are now invited to bid for these two contracts to transform a long-dormant part of Newcastle’s coastline,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“By renewing the site’s infrastructure and building new facilities, we hope to revive South Newcastle Beach as a vibrant and attractive place to visit.
“Completed sections of the Bathers Way have prompted 50 per cent usage increases, with Merewether one of the busiest due to its additional facilities, and we expect to see similar impetus from this revitalisation project.
“Increased foot and wheel-based traffic will, in turn, increase surveillance and reduce anti-social behaviour in a wider boost for businesses in Newcastle East.”
Part of The Newcastle Beach Community Infrastructure Project, the upcoming works will better connect King Edward Park and Newcastle Surf Life Saving Club before the final Bathers Way sections, through the park and along Memorial Drive, are delivered.
The project is partially funded through the State Government’s Restart NSW Fund and has been guided by the Bathers Way Community Reference Group (CRG).

Community feedback in 2018 on the original concept plan, which had a skate bowl extending onto the beach, prompted modifications that garnered overwhelming support in further community engagement last year.
“It’s a fantastic area that will be activated by a myriad of user groups and individuals,” Bathers Way CRG’s Skate Community Representative John Bogaerts said. “The area has been dormant for some time so this upgrade will mean it meets the community’s needs and will complement the rest of the existing Bathers Way.”
While a separate tender and contract will be awarded for the skatepark construction in parallel to the main Bathers Way tender, the former will be novated under the latter when both are awarded.
In preparation, minor construction work will commence in June, including drainage, maintenance of the cliff face and preparations to extend the existing rock-catch fence.
Tender submissions can be made from Tuesday via https://www.tenderlink.com/newcastle/

City of Newcastle develops information toolkit to support community wellbeing

A free wellbeing toolkit designed to help people navigate financial, psychological and public health concerns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is now available to the community.
City of Newcastle has developed a COVID-19 Wellbeing Information Pack to support the community and local businesses through this challenging time.
The 34-page pack includes tips for boosting your immune system, like getting enough sleep and eating well; improving your mental health through mindfulness exercises; looking after your social wellbeing by staying connected with friends and family and more.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said COVID-19 had far-reaching impacts on almost every aspect of our lives, making access to resources like the Wellbeing Information Pack particularly important.
“Every one of us has been impacted by the coronavirus and we’re all doing the best we can to keep ourselves and our families safe and healthy,” the Lord Mayor said.
“City of Newcastle’s COVID-19 Wellbeing Information Pack contains useful resources to support the health of our community and connect people to the services they may need in this challenging time.
“We are living through history, so it’s OK to press pause and access the help you need to stay well – physically, mentally, socially and financially.”
The information pack links to support services such as Lifeline and Beyond Blue and references trusted news sources whilst providing tips to limit media exposure to reduce stress and anxiety.
There are also home workouts for adults and children to try, particularly for those working from home and home-schooling, while the Pack also includes financial resources and a directory of domestic and family violence support services.
The COVID-19 Wellbeing Information Pack is available via the City of Newcastle website and will be distributed across the city’s community and business networks. The City’s Emergency Services Relief Guide can also be accessed online.

Improving Hygiene in Schools

The Morrison Government will provide an additional $10 million to improve COVID-19 hygiene measures in non-government schools that plan to have 50 per cent of their students back in the classroom by June 1.
Minister for Education Dan Tehan said schools could use the extra funding for soap, hand sanitiser or extra cleaning.
“Our Government has taken a consistent position to follow the expert medical advice and the expert medical advice has been consistent that schools are safe for students and teachers with the right protocols in place,” Mr Tehan said.
“National Cabinet has recognised the importance of an education being delivered by a teacher in a classroom so as we continue to flatten the curve, all students and teachers are moving back to the classroom.
“This is excellent news for our children and their education and social wellbeing. It is particularly good news for vulnerable students because the evidence suggests they suffer most from being disconnected from school.
“Washing hands with soap and water or hand sanitiser is an important part of practicing good hygiene that helps slow the spread of the coronavirus.
“Supporting schools to adopt stronger hygiene protocols will help ensure the safety of teachers.
“The Australian Government has been working with industry to bolster domestic production of soap and hand sanitiser and ensuring supplies to essential services like schools.
“This includes working closely with states and territories, which are responsible for the provision of hand sanitiser and soap at public schools.”

Increased Aerial Support For Australia During Bushfire Season

Australia’s aerial firefighting capability has today received an annual $11 million boost to ensure additional aircraft are available for the 2020-21 and future bushfire seasons.
Minister for Emergency Management David Littleproud said the additional funding, bringing the annual Australian Government investment to $26 million, would increase aerial firefighting capacity across the country helping the States and Territories to prepare for summer.
“The $11 million boost to the national aerial firefighting fleet was announced in January by Prime Minister Scott Morrison, and comes on top of the $15 million we already deliver each year for aerial firefighting,” Minister Littleproud said.
“In previous fire seasons, these aircraft have been a comforting sight for people living in and around the bush.
“We recognise the vital role that aerial firefighting plays in protecting communities, and it’s their integration with the hard work of firefighters on the ground, along with a well-prepared community, that makes the difference.
“Most importantly, this investment by the Australian Government will save lives and property.”
The additional funding to the National Aerial Firefighting Centre will increase the length of existing lease arrangements and/or the number of contract opportunities available to aircraft owners/operators.
These aircraft, contracted on behalf of state and territory governments, are supplemented by additional state owned, and state contracted aircraft and other aircraft hired to meet peak demand across Australia.
The Australian Government is committed to working with states and territories to reduce the impacts of bushfires, and ensure the availability of resources to combat natural disasters.

Greens Back Global Call For Debt Forgiveness

The Australian Greens have joined an international delegation signing onto a letter calling for extensive debt forgiveness from international financial institutions, including the IMF and World Bank, for International Development Association countries. The letter was initiated by U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, and signatories include Jeremy Corbyn, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Yanis Varoufakis.
Senator Mehreen Faruqi and Adam Bandt MP are the sole Australian signatories to this unprecedented letter.
Senator Mehreen Faruqi, the Greens spokesperson for International Aid and Development, said:
“The shackles of debt have crippled poorer countries for far too long. I proudly join many other leaders across the world calling for extensive debt forgiveness from international financial institutions.
“Many of these countries simply do not have the public health systems, nor the wealth, required to survive a deadly pandemic. They will need all the resources they can hang onto in order to get through to the other side of this.
“The Australian government should be urging institutions including the World Bank and the IMF to cancel developing countries’ debt and help put them on a track to get through COVID-19 with minimal loss of life and living standards.
“Though this pandemic has been devastating, it has also forced us to think in different ways about how the world should work. Governments, including Australia’s, should seize this opportunity to reset their thinking about debt, obligation and global poverty.
“We should approach debt through the lenses of human rights and social justice, and with historical context never far from our minds. Let’s be frank: the cascading legacies of brutal colonialism have locked in the poverty and economic underdevelopment which mean that it is highly unlikely that the debt of many countries will ever be fully paid off. And with the impacts of climate change to be felt most acutely in the Global South, we cannot let developing countries’ debt hold them back any longer,” she said.
Adam Bandt MP, Leader of the Australian Greens, said:
“The Australian Greens are proud to be adding our voice to calls from over 300 politicians, including Bernie Sanders and Ilhan Omar, to cancel debt for the world’s poorest countries.
“The COVID-19 health and economic crisis is entrenching global income inequality. But right now we have the chance to transform our world to be fairer and more equal,” he said.

Greens introduce Level Playing Field Bill to correct sports rorts injustice

Today the Greens will introduce a bill to empower Sport Australia to fund the sports clubs whose applications they recommended under the Community Sport Infrastructure Grant Program, but were not funded by then-Minister McKenzie.
The Australian Sports Commission Amendment (Ensuring a Level Playing Field) Bill 2020 will correct the injustice of the Coalitions sports rorts scheme.
Senator Janet Rice, Greens spokesperson for Sport said:
“The sports rorts scandal isn’t over. While the Prime Minister is trying his best to duck and weave about his role in this saga, there are still hundreds of sports clubs around Australia who deserved funding but haven’t received a cent.
“The clubs that were recommended for funding by Sports Australia were robbed so that the Coalition could repurpose tax-payer money as a slush fund to buy elections. The Greens Level Playing Field Bill will correct this injustice for those community sports clubs.
“Many of the sports clubs have lost trust in government and felt utterly cheated by the Coalition’s corrupt process.
“This Bill won’t fix the Coalition’s failure of transparency or their active subversion of our democracy. But it will make a real difference to these clubs and communities.
“During the COVID-19 crisis, sports clubs are now in more need of support. Most of the projects are shovel-ready, and this Bill will benefit these community sports groups by providing much-needed investment stimulus in the face of the pandemic.”
“The Senate inquiry into the Administration of Sports Grants received answers yesterday that showed the Minister lacked independent authority to issue grants, instead ‘piggybacking’ on Sport Australia’s authority to do so. My Bill ensures that the Sports Minister would not have the power to direct the Commission on this new round of funding.
“As the Deputy Chair of the inquiry, I am eager to hear from Senator McKenzie. I urge her to accept the invitation to appear before the committee in a hearing next month.”