Federal Labor calls on the Morrison Government to do more for struggling small businesses in bushfire affected areas by offering a targeted program of wage assistance for employers.
Small businesses in fire devastated areas around the country are desperate for financial help right now. Concern is mounting that the Morrison Government’s small business package is not getting to businesses that need it most, nor having the desired result.
These small businesses in fire affected areas are facing a cash flow crisis – while shopfronts are still standing, many have lost their livelihoods due to the ongoing bushfires, and are facing continued economic uncertainty, severely impacting their ability to employ staff.
That is why the Government should consider extending eligibility and access to wage assistance programs for small businesses significantly directly and indirectly affected by the bushfire crisis.
Wage assistance was provided to North Queensland communities of up to 26 weeks at the NewStart rate by the previous Labor Federal Government when tropical Cyclone Yasi hit in 2011. Why has the Morrison Government not considered this response already?
In addition to targeted wage assistance, Labor also continues to call on the Morrison Government to set up a Prime Minister’s Business Taskforce, as was created after the 2011 Queensland floods and brought together 10 eminent business people to provide a direct line of ongoing advice to Government.
We also call on the Government to provide greater financial counselling for small businesses by increasing the number of financial counsellors available, while introducing a voucher scheme for accredited accountants to assist small businesses with accessing bushfire recovery commitments such as grants and loans, and revising their business plans.
Over the past few weeks, the cameras may have left and the fires may have abated, but communities still need assistance. It is imperative that businesses remain viable and local workers maintain their jobs.
Labor’s suggestion can be picked up and adopted by the Morrison Government now to mitigate the pain and suffering from the current emergency, and help rebuild resilient communities in areas facing a downturn as a result of the disaster.
Author: admin
Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Australia
The National Security Committee of Cabinet has agreed today to introduce new travel restrictions, update the travel advice and implement new screening measures as part of the Government’s coordinated measures to protect Australians from COVID-19.
The Australian Government’s highest priority remains the wellbeing and safety of Australians.
These actions are based on advice that the volume of reported COVID-19 cases in the Republic of Korea, and the scale of travel to Australia from the Republic of Korea, means that they present a high risk of further transmission of COVID-19 in Australia.
Therefore, screening measures alone would not be sufficient for the Republic of Korea.
For arrivals from Italy, we will implement enhanced health screening and temperature testing arrangements.
These measures are part of our ongoing strategy of containment and minimising risk to the Australian community as detailed in our pandemic preparedness plan.
As of 5 March 2020:
- Foreign nationals (excluding permanent residents of Australia) who are in the Republic of Korea on or after today will not be allowed to enter Australia for 14 days from the time they have left or transited through the Republic of Korea;
- Australian citizens and permanent residents will still be able to enter Australia, as will their immediate family members (spouses, legal guardians or dependants only). They will be required to self-isolate at home for 14 days from the day they left the Republic of Korea.
- The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will raise the level of the travel advisory for the Republic of Korea to ‘reconsider your need to travel’ (level 3 of 4) up from ‘exercise a high degree of caution’ (level 2).
- The level of the travel advice will also be raised to ‘do not travel’ to Daegu (level 4 of 4) because of the significant outbreak of COVID-19 there. People in the Republic of Korea should monitor their health closely and follow the advice of local authorities.
Travellers from the Republic of Korea constitute at this time a materially greater risk of COVID-19 importation than other countries outside of China and Iran.
We are grateful to the Government of the Republic of Korea for the transparent way it has dealt with this outbreak. It should be commended for its strong efforts in combatting COVID-19, including with its extensive testing regime.
The travel restrictions for the Republic of Korea will now be consistent with those in place for China and Iran.
The aim of these measures is to slow the importation of COVID-19 cases into Australia to enable preparatory measures to continue and to enable a public health response to the initial cases.
The current travel restrictions regarding mainland China and Iran continue to be successful in reducing the volume of travellers from those countries and will continue.
As part of the Australian Government’s preparedness response beyond the health system, today we have also activated the National Coordination Mechanism. The mechanism will coordinate activities across the Commonwealth, state and territory governments as well as industry to ensure a consistent national approach is taken to provide essential services across a range of critical sectors and supply chains.
While we are not immune as a country, we are as well prepared as anybody could possibly be.
The Australian Government continues to monitor and respond to the COVID-19 outbreak as it evolves.
We will work in close cooperation with state Government authorities and our international partners to coordinate our response and keep Australians safe.
City working collaboratively with Worimi community on Stockton cabin relocation
City of Newcastle is working with Worimi Land Council and local elders to develop a Plan of Management for Rawson Park Reserve in order to protect Aboriginal heritage, including an onsite meeting Wednesday with the Lord Mayor, senior staff, and the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the meeting with Worimi Land Council CEO Andrew Smith and local elder Len Anderson involved productive discussions on managing the site and its Indigenous heritage following recent emergency works to relocate cabins from the threat of erosion.
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“It’s very important that Andrew and Len gave their time to talk through the history of this site and how we can protect its cultural heritage,” Cr Nelmes said.
“It’s clear there is an amazing history going back a significant amount of time on this site that is important for not only local Indigenous people but for the whole community.
“We want to make sure that although Stockton is a natural disaster zone and emergency works have taken place, that they are only done in recognition of this being an Aboriginal place and that any artefacts found are protected and our cultural heritage is preserved.”
Andrew Smith Worimi Aboriginal Land Council CEO said a positive outcome could be reached on the site and that the Worimi Land Council would work in partnership with the City to preserve cultural history.
“I’m really thankful for City of Newcastle’s commitment to meet us here on site and to go over the issues we see in the abundance of occupational heritage and cultural evidence of artefacts. I think through their understanding and awareness of what this site represents, moving forward it’s a great outcome,” Mr Smith said.
“Our plan now is to salvage any artefacts, objects and items that have been exposed. In partnership with Council we will work towards lodging an Aboriginal Place Nomination which will allow a collaboration between Council and the Aboriginal community to develop a plan for this site that makes sure that we don’t compromise the world’s oldest living culture.”
Worimi elder Lennie Anderson was also determined to reach a positive outcome on the site.
“I feel that Council is endeavouring to walk forward with us and to come up with an amicable decision on what has been done here. We have to work out something that benefits the whole community.”
City of Newcastle has commenced work to secure a number of the relocated cabins for public safety reasons. The City will continue to work with the Department of Planning Industry and Environment and Worimi Land Council to tie down the remaining unsecured cabins before a medium to long term solution can be resolved.
LOCAL SCHOOLS LOCAL DECISIONS TO BE FINE TUNED
Local Schools Local Decisions will be improved with schools earning the autonomy to make decisions around the allocation of funds and learning programs by hitting a range of numeracy and literacy targets.
There will also be changes to alleviate the administrative burden for principals as a matter of priority. This will allow schools to focus on what they do best – educating children.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said there is room for improvement when it comes to our student’s performance across NSW.
“To ensure students receive the best education we must be able to enforce best teaching practice consistently across our schools,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Local Schools Local Decisions is a sound policy but we need to make sure it works as it was intended. Adjustments will make it easier for the NSW Government to provide support to schools that are underperforming.”
Schools will earn the autonomy to make funding, and educational decisions by hitting a range of targets, using criteria such as Bump It Up, HSC results and NAPLAN results.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the NSW Government is investing a record amount in education and the improvements to Local Schools Local Decisions will strike the right balance between autonomy, accountability and support for schools.
“Improving Local Schools Local Decisions is unashamedly about lifting performance in NSW through supporting evidence based best practice teaching and learning, Ms Mitchell said.
“It is fantastic that many schools have been able to excel under Local Schools Local Decisions, but other schools need more attention when it comes to improving outcomes. These changes to the policy will enable us to provide the support that these principals and teachers need.
“We want to help principals by removing unnecessary administration burdens and allowing them to spend more time leading their schools and supporting their students.”
The NSW Government will consult with education stakeholders on the reforms and will agree on targets with schools by the end of Term 4 2020. The changes will be implemented on Day one Term 1 2021.
$217 MILLION FUNDING BOOST FOR EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
Communities and first responders will benefit from increased mission critical communications coverage during emergencies, with a $217 million boost to expand the Government Radio Network (GRN), and build a Public Safety Network for Emergency Services Organisations.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello and Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said the investment will strengthen community safety and better protect first responders, by consolidating about 70 separate agency radio networks into one, allowing vital information to be shared more efficiently.
“The radio network played a critical role in protecting communities and supporting the Rural Fire Service, Police, Fire and Rescue, Ambulance and the State Emergency Service during the recent bushfires,” Mr Dominello said.
“During emergencies such as bushfires and floods, every second counts. We are making life easier for first responders by providing them with a first class communications infrastructure that will help keep people and places safe.”
Mr Elliott said first responders risk their lives to protect communities, and the funding will give them greater certainty and confidence when working on the frontline.
“In Northern NSW, the coverage will expand to Glen Innes, Inverell, Tenterfield and Ben Lomond and provide improved coverage for areas including Moree and Warialda,” Mr Elliott said.
“In Southern NSW, it is expanding across the Riverina to the Victorian border to provide greater coverage to the towns of Holbrook, Tarcutta, Gundagai and Albury.”
The funding will enable the NSW Telco Authority to accelerate the Critical Communications Enhancement Program to reach 96 per cent of populated areas.
This funding is in addition to the more than $401 million allocated to the upgrade of the GRN since 2016.
| Regions Currently Covered by GRN | Regions to Benefit from Funding |
| Sydney metro including Blue Mountains | Communities along the Hume Highway to the Victorian border areas around Holbrook, Tarcutta, Gundagai and Albury |
| Central Coast and Hunter | Communities along the New England Highway to the Queensland border including Glen Innes, Inverell, Tenterfield, Ben Lomond, Moree and Warialda |
| Illawarra | Griffith |
| South Coast | Wagga Wagga |
| Central West including Bathurst, Orange and Dubbo | North Coast |
CANCER RESEARCHER MARIA KAVALLARIS AM NAMED NSW PREMIER’S WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Internationally renowned scientist Professor Maria Kavallaris AM has been named the 2020 NSW Premier’s Woman of the Year – the top honour at the NSW Women of the Year awards.
Prof. Kavallaris accepted the award from Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor at the WOTY Awards ceremony in Sydney today.
“Maria is a remarkable achiever whose ground-breaking research has led to more effective therapies for aggressive childhood cancers,” Ms Berejiklian said.
A further six outstanding women from across NSW took out the top spot in their nominated category, ranging from community heroes to lifetime achievers.
“Congratulations to all the incredible women who have deservedly been recognised; their achievements are an inspiration to women who want to make a difference.” Ms Berejiklian said.
Mrs Taylor said this year’s awards program attracted an unprecedented number of nominations and more than 7,000 votes in the publicly decided categories.
“Be it science, industry, business or community; every part of NSW has benefited from the outstanding contributions made by women,” Mrs Taylor said.
“You can’t be what you can’t see; so please join me in celebrating these women and sharing their stories of success to help improve the lives of girls and young women across our state.”
2020 NSW Women of the Year Award winners are:
- Premier’s Award for Woman of the Year – Professor Maria Kavallaris AM
- Aboriginal Woman of the Year – Kirli Saunders
- Rex Airlines Regional Woman of the Year – Krystaal Hinds
- First State Super Lifetime Achievement Award – Christine Strachan
- Harvey Norman Young Woman of the Year – Hannah Beder
- Community Hero Award – Justine Lorenz
- NSW Business Woman of the Year – Anneke van den Broek
Strike Force Raptor North seize $12,000 cash and pistols; man charged
A man will appear in court today after Strike Force Raptor North investigators seized more than $12,000 cash and two firearms near Newcastle.
As part of ongoing targeting and disruption of the illicit activities of criminal networks, police from the Criminal Groups Squad’s Strike Force Raptor North executed a search warrant at a home in Belmont South just after 2am today (Thursday 5 March 2020).
During the search, officers seized two pistols, ammunition, electronic equipment and prohibited drugs believed to methylamphetamine.
Police also located $12,380 cash allegedly hidden inside a freezer.
A 38-year-old man allegedly fled from the home before being detained by officers, with assistance from the Dog Unit, a short distance away.
The man and a 23-year-old woman were arrested and taken to Belmont Police Station.
The man was charged with possess unregistered firearm (x2), possess unauthorised firearm (x2), possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority (x2), possess prohibited drug and deal with property proceeds of crime.
He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today.
The woman was released pending further inquiries.
Strike Force Raptor was established in 2009 and conducts proactive investigations and intelligence-based, high-impact policing operations to prevent and disrupt conflicts, and dismantle any network engaged in serious organised criminal activity.
Loaded firearms and drugs seized, two charged – Port Stephens-Hunter PD
Two people will appear in court today charged after prohibited firearms and drugs were seized during a vehicle stop in the state’s Hunter region.
About 2.15am yesterday (Thursday 5 March 2020), officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District stopped a holden viva sedan, believed to be unregistered, while patrolling on Louth Park Road, Louth Park.
After speaking with the driver, a 30-year-old man, officers conducted a search of the vehice.
During the search, officers located two pistols, a loaded rifle, a loaded shotgun, methylamphetamine, cannabis and prescription medication. These items were seized to undergo forensic examination.
The driver and a passenger, a 23-year-old woman, were both arrested at the scene and taken to Maitland Police Station.
The man was charged with possess unauthorised firearm, two counts of possess shortened firearm, possess three unregistered firearms, supply prohibited drug, possess ammunition without licence or permit, drive whilst suspended, drive unregistered and possess prescribed restricted substance.
The woman was charged with possess unauthorised pistol and possess ammunition without licence or permit.
Both were refused bail to appear in Maitland Local Court today (Friday 6 March 2020).
Inquiries are continuing.
Attorney-General should come clean on whether Commonwealth Integrity Commission would cover Sports Rorts
Attorney-General Christian Porter continues to avoid a clear answer on whether his long overdue proposal for a Commonwealth Integrity Commission would have enough teeth to cover the rorts scandals.
“Based on the Attorney’s comments to date, it seems like sports rorts would not have been covered, which shows how weak and ineffective it is likely to be – if it’s ever in fact established”, said Greens Senate Leader and spokesperson on democracy, Senator Larissa Waters.
Mr Porter also misled listeners this morning on Radio National about whether other states’ anti-corruption bodies had broad powers to investigate corruption that was not a criminal offence.
“The Attorney-General is designing an integrity commission with no teeth and trying to pass that off as normal. But in Senate Estimates today, I pointed out that six of the eight State or Territory integrity bodies have much broader powers to investigate the type of conduct we’ve seen with sport rorts.
“It’s misleading for Minister Porter to make out that his toothless version is the norm.
“I’ve asked the Department to advise the Minister that his comments were incorrect and will pursue that this afternoon.
“The Attorney-General needs to come clean and admit his Integrity Commission is too weak to address the key corruption scandals currently facing the government, or he has to admit that the conduct of the Prime Minister and former Minister Bridget McKenzie amount to an offence that warrants investigation.
“We could have a strong corruption watchdog legislated by Easter if the government brought on a vote in the House for the Greens’ National Integrity Commission.
“The Greens will keep this firmly on our agenda until we have an independent body established with the strength and resources to stop the scandals and restore the public’s trust,” she said.
Lack of sick leave a coronavirus ‘ticking time bomb’, stimulus payments needed: Greens
Greens Leader Adam Bandt MP and Greens Community Services spokesperson Rachel Siewert have called on the government to extend the Disaster Recovery Allowance to those affected by the coronavirus, especially those without sick leave.
The Greens have also called for any government stimulus to be targeted to support low-income Australians, support coronavirus resilience and be a more effective response to the threat of recession.
Leader of the Australian Greens, Adam Bandt MP said:
“The coronavirus has Australia’s economy running a high fever, and whenever our economy falters, people on low incomes always get hit the hardest.
“There are millions of workers without sick leave and unless the government financially supports those affected by coronavirus, they may be forced to come to work to earn money, which in turn could speed up the spread of the disease.
“People without sick leave should know that if they do what the government or the doctor says, they’ll be looked after financially.
“The government also need to be looking at a GFC-style payment to all Australians on low-incomes. This is the best way to build resilience in the community as the coronavirus spreads and will give the best bang for the buck in fighting recession, because the money will get spent on essentials. The government should also be raising Newstart by at least $95 in the May Budget.”
Australian Greens Community Services Spokesperson, Senator Rachel Siewert said:
“It’s people who are on the lowest incomes who are going to be hit the hardest by this virus, and lifting Newstart will not only put money in the pockets of those who are trying to survive, but it will significantly stimulate our economy.”
“Government needs to be making sure it has a hotline in place with Centrelink to ensure anyone who is in isolation can ring, register for these emergency payments, and ensure that if they can’t meet their mutual obligations that they won’t be penalised.”