A man has been charged with multiple offences after police pursuits ending near Singleton last night.
Just after 6pm (Friday 20 September 2019), officers attached to the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command were conducting stationary speed enforcement on Putty Road at Mellong, when they attempted to stop a Mitsubishi Outlander which was allegedly travelling at 125km/h in a 100km/h zone.
A pursuit was initiated when the Mitsubishi failed to stop, during which time it allegedly reached high speeds and crossed to the incorrect side of the road multiple times.
The pursuit was terminated due to safety concerns, before another pursuit was initiated on Putty Road at Howes Valley.
Road spikes were deployed on Broke Road near the intersection of Putty Road which caused the vehicle to leave the road and collide with a tree before coming to a stop.
The driver – a 34-year-old man – was arrested and taken to John Hunter Hospital under police guard for treatment to minor injuries.
The passenger – a 37-year-old woman – was also taken to John Hunter Hospital to be treated for minor injuries.
The man has been charged by virtue of two outstanding warrants, police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously (x2), exceed speed limit over 20km/h, drive whilst licence suspended, goods in custody, possess prohibited drug, and other traffic-related offences.
He was refused bail to appear via AVL at Newcastle Bail Court today (Saturday 21 September 2019).
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Police arrest driver who fled crash scene – Newcastle
Police have arrested a man following a crash in the state’s mid north coast last night.
Emergency services were called to the Pacific Highway near Tomago Road, Tomago about 11.50pm (Thursday 19 September 2019), after reports of a two-vehicle crash.
Police have been told that a Subaru Impreza and Toyota Camry were travelling in a south-bound direction, when the Toyota collided with the rear of the Subaru, causing the Subaru to lose control before coming to rest, overturned in a culvert.
The Toyota came to a stop a short distance from the Subaru, with the driver getting out and running in a southerly direction along the Hexham Bridge.
Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District and the Dog Unit arrived and located the driver of the Toyota, a 47-year-old man, hiding within the grounds of a nearby business.
He was arrested and taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment to minor injuries and mandatory testing.
With assistance from Fire and Rescue NSW and NSW Ambulance paramedics, the driver of the Subaru, a 59-year-old man, was extricated and taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment for hip and leg injuries.
Officers attached to the Crash Investigation Unit have established a crime scene and will conduct inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The 47-year-old is expected to be charged once he is released from hospital.
Man charged with almost $2-million worth of alleged fraud – Kurri Kurri
A man will face court next month after allegedly defrauding a Hunter Valley business of close to $2-million over a seven year period.
In August 2017, detectives from Hunter Valley Police District launched an investigation into several alleged fraudulent transactions at a licenced premises in Kurri Kurri between 2010 and 2017.
Following extensive inquiries, about 2.45pm yesterday (Thursday 19 September 2019), a 52-year-old man was arrested and taken to Dubbo Police Station.
Police will allege the man, who was an employee at the time, fraudulently obtained approximately $1.9-million.
He was charged with dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception. He was granted conditional bail to appear at Kurri Kurri Local Court on Tuesday 15 October 2019.
Budget back to balance for the first time since 2007-08
As a result of the Morrison Government’s economic plan and responsible budget management the Budget has returned to balance for the first time in 11 years.
The underlying cash balance in the Final Budget Outcome for the 2018-19 financial year is $13.8 billion better than estimated at the time of the 2018-19 Budget.
The deficit of $690 million represents 0.0 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP).
A growing economy with more jobs and stronger terms of trade than anticipated at the time of the 2018-19 Budget have driven total receipts $11.5 billion higher, with payments $6.6 billion lower than expected at the time of the 2018-19 Budget.
Employment growth far exceeded expectations at the time of delivering the 2018-19 Budget in May 2018.
With about 300,000 additional jobs created in 2018-19, employment grew by 2.6 per cent, well above the 1½ per cent growth forecast in the 2018-19 Budget.
More than eight out of ten jobs created in the last year were in full time employment with the proportion of those of working age in welfare now at its lowest level in 30 years.
More jobs drive increases in revenue as well as lower payments, with individual tax receipts up by $5.7 billion compared to the 2018-19 Budget forecast.
Our strong fiscal management has put the Budget on a sustainable trajectory, ensuring that we can guarantee the essential services that Australian’s rely on.
The 2018-19 Final Budget Outcome shows that we have kept spending as a share of GDP in 2018-19 at 24.6 per cent of GDP, below the long-run average of 24.7 per cent for the second consecutive year, while also providing record levels of investment in essential services like hospitals, schools and aged care.
In 2018-19, our total funding for Health reached a record $80.2 billion, $4.2 billion more than we provided in 2017-18 and around $19.0 billion more than was provided in 2012-13, before we came into Government. There is also record investment of around $20 billion in Australian schools, $1.7 billion more than we provided in 2017-18 and around $7.0 billion more than 2012-13. There is record investment in aged care $19.8 billion, $2.0 billion more than we provided in 2017-18 and increasing from $12.8 billion that was provided in 2012-13. Spending on the NDIS more than doubled in 2018-19 compared to the previous year, going from $4 billion in 2017-18 to $8.5 billion in 2018-19.
These outcomes demonstrate that the Government’s economic plan is working and confirm that the Budget will be back in the black and back on track for the 2019-20 year.
Importantly Australia has completed its 28th consecutive year of economic growth and maintained its AAA credit rating. With more than 1.4 million jobs having been created since the Coalition Government was first elected in 2013, today’s outcome reflects the record number of people in jobs and an economy which is benefiting from the free trade agreements (FTAs) negotiated by the Coalition over the last six years. Our FTAs combined with strong prices for our key commodities exports has seen the current account move into surplus for the first time since 1975.
Nominal GDP grew by 5.3 per cent in 2018-19, which was significantly stronger than the 2018-19 Budget forecast of 3 ¾ per cent. This was the result of stronger than-expected employment growth and higher-than-assumed prices for key commodities.
The Final Budget Outcome for 2018-19 further demonstrates that the Government’s economic plan is working to create more jobs, and to ensure Australia can continue to afford the essential services Australians rely on.
In the year ahead the economy will continue to be supported by the Government’s economic plan as outlined in the 2019-20 Budget, including the largest tax cuts in two decades, and our $100 billion pipeline of infrastructure investment.
The Final Budget Outcome 2018-19 can be found at www.budget.gov.au.
City delivers works in face of ongoing Stockton erosion
City of Newcastle will undertake multi-million dollar works at the northern end of the Mitchell Street seawall to protect it from future failure caused by ongoing coastal erosion.
The City has undertaken emergency works at Stockton Beach in response to unprecedented erosion impacts in recent weeks, including protecting sections of the coastline with one-tonne sandbags and closing beach access for public safety.
City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said the City was doing everything it was allowed to do under State Government legislation to protect property and public safety at Stockton.
“City of Newcastle is committed to protecting the Stockton coast and community, including emergency works like sandbagging, and working with the State Government to secure approval and support for a long-term solution for the area,” Mr Bath said.
“While I understand footage of the huge loss of sand immediately in front of Stockton Surf Life Saving Club, the adjacent car park and Lexie’s Café are difficult for the community to see, coastal engineers have confirmed the seawall built by the City in 2017 is working and these assets are safe for the long-term.
“The State Government endorsed the Newcastle Coastal Zone Management Plan in late 2018. This Plan only provides City of Newcastle with approval to undertake short to medium actions, but critically no long-term actions to counter coastal erosion,” he said.
Lord Mayor of Newcastle Cr Nuatali Nelmes said the City and the community want Stockton Beach to be a usable beach enjoyed by the public.
“City of Newcastle’s preferred option is to bring sand back to the coastline. However, this can only be done via the State Government’s Coastal Management Program process.
“We are working with Government agencies on the development of a Coastal Management Program which legislation dictates will come into effect from 31 December 2021. This Program will include a long-term solution to ongoing erosion at Stockton.
“Until then, are hands are tied in terms of what we can do, unless the State Government intervenes.
“The City’s priority right now however is keeping the community safe. We remind people to remain away from the top and bottom of the sand cliffs as they have potential to collapse without warning,” she said.
Meanwhile, due to south easterly swell and tide on the back of limited sand accretion, Stockton Beach has seen further coastal erosion south of the Mitchell Street seawall.
Cabins at the holiday park were vacated this week as a precautionary measure ahead of condition inspections by City of Newcastle Coastal Engineering specialists. The cabins have now been reopened.
City of Newcastle has spent more than $5 million since 2015 on managing erosion at Stockton, including the recent emergency works.
The City has undertaken emergency works at Stockton Beach in response to unprecedented erosion impacts in recent weeks, including protecting sections of the coastline with one-tonne sandbags and closing beach access for public safety.
City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said the City was doing everything it was allowed to do under State Government legislation to protect property and public safety at Stockton.“City of Newcastle is committed to protecting the Stockton coast and community, including emergency works like sandbagging, and working with the State Government to secure approval and support for a long-term solution for the area,” Mr Bath said.
“While I understand footage of the huge loss of sand immediately in front of Stockton Surf Life Saving Club, the adjacent car park and Lexie’s Café are difficult for the community to see, coastal engineers have confirmed the seawall built by the City in 2017 is working and these assets are safe for the long-term.
“The State Government endorsed the Newcastle Coastal Zone Management Plan in late 2018. This Plan only provides City of Newcastle with approval to undertake short to medium actions, but critically no long-term actions to counter coastal erosion,” he said.
Lord Mayor of Newcastle Cr Nuatali Nelmes said the City and the community want Stockton Beach to be a usable beach enjoyed by the public.
“City of Newcastle’s preferred option is to bring sand back to the coastline. However, this can only be done via the State Government’s Coastal Management Program process.
“We are working with Government agencies on the development of a Coastal Management Program which legislation dictates will come into effect from 31 December 2021. This Program will include a long-term solution to ongoing erosion at Stockton.
“Until then, are hands are tied in terms of what we can do, unless the State Government intervenes.
“The City’s priority right now however is keeping the community safe. We remind people to remain away from the top and bottom of the sand cliffs as they have potential to collapse without warning,” she said.
Meanwhile, due to south easterly swell and tide on the back of limited sand accretion, Stockton Beach has seen further coastal erosion south of the Mitchell Street seawall.
Cabins at the holiday park were vacated this week as a precautionary measure ahead of condition inspections by City of Newcastle Coastal Engineering specialists. The cabins have now been reopened.
City of Newcastle has spent more than $5 million since 2015 on managing erosion at Stockton, including the recent emergency works.
NEW FISH MARKETS A STEP CLOSER
Visitor numbers to the new Sydney Fish Market are set to more than double to over five million a year, cementing the markets as one of Australia’s leading tourist attractions, and also as a driver of job creation and reinvigoration of the Pyrmont area.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian, and Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes, today announced Government approval of a $750 million investment in the project.
“One in five international tourists to Sydney visit the existing Fish Markets and it’s the second-most visited attraction in Sydney behind the Opera House,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“In addition to the clear benefits for Pyrmont, the new market will be a boon for regional communities as a showcase for the very best seafood from along the NSW coast.”
The building was designed by Danish architects 3XN, in association with Sydney based BVN and Aspect Studios to meet the unique needs of market operations, and represents a substantial step beyond an indicative concept launched in 2016.
The building will have a 6-star green star rating, including advanced water efficiency to cut use of the precious resource by half, and solar electricity generation.
Mr Stokes said the project will include public promenades, a ferry wharf and more than 30,000 square metres of new public open space across the precinct for the community.
“Relocating the fish market to the head of Blackwattle Bay will improve pedestrian and cycling links and connect more of Glebe and Pyrmont to the water as part of the long-awaited revitalisation of the area,” Mr Stokes said.
Two State Significant Development Applications, one for the demolition of the existing wharves and site preparation, the other for main works including the construction of the new fish market facility, will soon be placed on public exhibition.
A two-stage procurement process for demolition and construction will also commence shortly. Subject to planning approval and award of a contract, early works will begin in late-2020 and the new Sydney Fish Market will open for operations in 2024.
Master-planning for the current fish market site will be subject to community consultation which will commence once the Greater Sydney Commission’s Pyrmont Planning Review is complete.
NSW CONTINUES TO LEAD THE WAY WITH THE LOWEST UNEMPLOYMENT RATE AMONG THE STATES
NSW has maintained the lowest unemployment rate among the states and added just under 17,000 jobs in the past month, according to the latest ABS data.
The State’s unemployment rate has dropped to 4.3 per cent, well below the national average of 5.3 per cent.
The State added 16,717 jobs in August while the participation rate remained unchanged from last month at 65.9 per cent, just below the record high of 66.2 per cent achieved in May this year.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres, said it is encouraging to see strong jobs growth across the State.
“The unemployment rate in NSW has been below or equal to the national average for 54 consecutive months,” he said.
“Our commitment to creating 250,000 jobs in four years is continuing to open up opportunities for workers across a wide range of industries and it’s great to see so many people able to find their place in a growing NSW workforce.
“The fact NSW has the lowest unemployment rate amongst the states shows NSW continues to lead the way as the jobs capital of the nation.”
CASH POLITICAL DONATIONS CAPPED IN NSW
Cash donations above $100 will be banned in NSW as the Government acts to restore the public’s confidence in the integrity of political donations.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian made the announcement on Wednesday, making NSW the first jurisdiction to cap cash donations made to political parties.
“I have been shocked by what has been uncovered at the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) over the last two weeks,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This Government has already introduced the strongest donations regime in the nation but it is clear that some will continue to defy the law.
“That is why I am taking strong action to further protect our political processes.
“This simple reform will mean an end to the poor accounting practices, untraceable donations and the anonymous cash that has the potential to mar our political system.
“Given the wide and easy availability of electronic funds transfer systems, there is no good reason for donations to hide behind the anonymity of cash.”
Currently, no single donor may exceed a cap of $6400 a year to a party or group, nor may a donor exceed a cap of $2900 a year to a member, candidate or third-party campaigner.
All political donations of $1000 or more must also be disclosed to the NSW Electoral Commission. These restrictions will remain in parallel with the new cash ban.
“This sends the strongest possible message that donation laws must not be flouted because the only legal donations will be traceable donations,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Legislation to enact the new restrictions will be introduced to Parliament by the end of the year.
Cash donations above $100 will be banned in NSW as the Government acts to restore the public’s confidence in the integrity of political donations.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian made the announcement on Wednesday, making NSW the first jurisdiction to cap cash donations made to political parties.
“I have been shocked by what has been uncovered at the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) over the last two weeks,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This Government has already introduced the strongest donations regime in the nation but it is clear that some will continue to defy the law.
“That is why I am taking strong action to further protect our political processes.
“This simple reform will mean an end to the poor accounting practices, untraceable donations and the anonymous cash that has the potential to mar our political system.
“Given the wide and easy availability of electronic funds transfer systems, there is no good reason for donations to hide behind the anonymity of cash.”
Currently, no single donor may exceed a cap of $6400 a year to a party or group, nor may a donor exceed a cap of $2900 a year to a member, candidate or third-party campaigner.
All political donations of $1000 or more must also be disclosed to the NSW Electoral Commission. These restrictions will remain in parallel with the new cash ban.
“This sends the strongest possible message that donation laws must not be flouted because the only legal donations will be traceable donations,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Legislation to enact the new restrictions will be introduced to Parliament by the end of the year.
Two charged in connection to murder of Danielle Easey
Homicide Squad detectives have charged two people over their alleged roles in the murder of Danielle Easey, after her body was discovered in a creek near Newcastle.
About 10.30am on Saturday 31 August 2019, police were called to Cockle Creek, near Wakefield Road, Killingworth, after members of the public saw an item wrapped in plastic floating in the water.
The plastic, containing a woman’s body, was removed from the water by officers.
The woman was formally identified as 29-year-old, Danielle Easey, who lived in Booragul with family, but had more recently been staying at multiple locations around the area.
A post mortem examination revealed Danielle had been seriously assaulted and stabbed.
Detectives from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad and Lake Macquarie Police District established Strike Force Furzer to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death.
Inquiries have revealed Danielle was murdered at a home at Narara on or around Saturday 17 August 2019, before being transported and dumped at Cockle Creek.
Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives arrested a 33-year-old man at an industrial premise at Cardiff just before 10am today (Thursday 19 September 2019).
About an hour later, a 32-year-old woman was arrested with assistance from Strike Force Raptor North at a home at Holmesville.
Detectives subsequently executed two crime scene warrants at the Cardiff industrial premise and a home at Narara, and a search warrant at the Holmesville home.
Specialist forensic police are continuing to examine the Cardiff and Narara properties.
Investigators seized a Mitsubishi Delica at Cardiff which has been forensically examined.
The man was taken to Belmont Police Station and charged with murder. He was refused bail to appear at Belmont Local Court today (Friday 20 September 2019).
The woman was taken to Toronto Police Station and charged with accessory after the fact to murder and dishonestly obtain financial advantage etc by deception. She was refused bail to appear at Toronto Local Court today (Friday 20 September 2019).
Police will allege in court that the woman has assisted the man by impersonating Danielle on one of her social media accounts after her death to gain access to money.
Rule Out Escalation of Involvement in US Operations Against Iran: Greens
The Greens call on the Morrison Government to categorically rule out any escalation of Australia’s involvement in US-led military operations in the Persian Gulf, said Leader of the Greens Senator Richard Di Natale.
“Morrison has already embroiled Australia in the increasing tensions between the United States and Iran by joining the US-led military operations in the Persian Gulf. As the Greens said at the time, it is folly to follow Donald Trump into yet another American misadventure in the Middle East”, said Senator Di Natale.
“It’s time for Australia to reconsider its security relationship with the United States and chart an independent, non-aligned foreign policy based on the best interests of Australia, the region and the world.”
Australian Greens spokesperson for Peace and Disarmament, Senator Jordon Steele-John said the escalating military and diplomatic crisis in the region was a crisis of Trump’s own making.
“Donald Trump now says the US is ‘locked and loaded’ and there are reports that the US is considering a physical strike or cyberattack on Iranian oil facilities or Revolutionary Guard assets. Australia should immediately withdraw any support for Washington’s dangerous strategy in the Middle East and urge a return to the Iranian nuclear deal”, he said.
“Morrison is not only endangering global peace and stability – he is putting our citizens at direct risk of retaliation. Three Australian citizens travelling in Iran have now been locked up as a direct result of Australia’s slavish devotion to the US,” Senator Steele-John said.