March 2020 – Page 14

COVID-19: Government must implement comprehensive action plan for disabled people

Australian Greens Disability spokesperson Senator Jordon Steele-John has called on the government to implement a comprehensive action plan to ensure that everyone in the community has access to the right information and the appropriate supports to get through the COVID-19 crisis.
“Many people across our communities, especially disabled people and others who are at risk, are feeling worried and uncertain about the impacts the COVID-19 crisis could have on them and the people they love,” Steele-John said.
“We need a better plan. Disabled people and their families, service providers and support workers have all been raising the alarm but the response has not been quick enough nor has it been accessible or inclusive.
“Disabled people who require daily support are worried that their services could simply be cut off if the crisis worsens.
“The government needs to urgently implement a comprehensive action plan that includes the following:

Ensure all COVID-19 test clinics are accessible and inclusive.
Ensure all hospitals have the accessibility equipment they need.
Create a dedicated advice hotline for disabled people and families.
Ensure all information about the crisis is shared in ways that are easy to understand and accessible for everyone (including the use of interpreters, Easy Read, and Language specific formats).
Give support workers priority access to personal protective equipment at no extra cost.
Increase the capacity of the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission so that the commission has the resources it needs to make sure service providers are meeting their support obligations and implementing effective safety procedures.
Fastrack the National Disability Data Asset and utilise existing data to ensure that supports, funding, and equipment are delivered to high-risk areas.
Provide targeted financial support to the disability sector to make sure that service providers and other support services can continue to support people through the crisis.
Develop standby capacity that will allow rapid recruitment and expansion of the disability workforce sector by drawing on students of allied health including Occupational Therapists, physiotherapists and social workers.
Provide financial resources to disability services so they can rapidly scale up their operations to support people during the closures of schools, day services and other programs.
Ensure children with disability and their families have access to information and services to support them through the crisis.
Increasing capacity to process Working with Children and Police checks so a new workforce can be mobilised quickly.

Coronavirus Measures Endorsed by the National Cabinet

A significant step-up to Australia’s national response to the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic has been endorsed by the National Cabinet, comprising the Prime Minister, State Premiers and Territory Chief Ministers.
Based on the advice of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC), the National Cabinet agreed that our core objective now is to slow the outbreak of COVID-19 in Australia by taking additional steps to reduce community transmission. We must ensure our health system can care for the most vulnerable, in particular the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.
To help stay ahead of the curve, the Australian Government has imposed a universal precautionary self-isolation requirement on all international arrivals, effective as at 11:59pm Sunday 15 March 2020.
This means that all people – whether they be citizens, residents or visitors – will be required to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival in Australia. Enhanced screening for arrivals will remain in place to identify anyone arriving sick or with symptoms of COVID-19.
Arrangements will be made for passengers transiting through Australia to the Pacific Island countries or transiting after arriving off of cruise ships. Limited exemptions will apply for flight crews, who will be expected to monitor their health and practice social distancing while they are in Australia.
The Australian Government has also banned cruise ships from foreign ports (including round trip international cruises originating in Australia) from arriving at Australian ports for an initial 30 days, effective as at 11:59pm Sunday 15 March 2020.
This restriction will help avoid the risk of a cruise ship arriving with a mass outbreak of the virus and putting significant pressure on our health system.
Arrangements will be made for certain cruise ships already in transit to enable Australian citizens and permanent residents to get off those ships.
The National Cabinet also endorsed the advice of the AHPPC to further introduce social distancing measures. This includes the requirement that non-essential, organised public gatherings of more than 500 people should not occur.
At this stage, these measures do not include schools, universities and workplaces, or prevent the operation of public transport. However, the principle of social distancing should still apply in these settings. For example, assemblies and lectures housing more than 500 students in schools and universities should be avoided.
Specifically the National Cabinet agreed that there is no requirement for schools to close at this time.
Further advice on these requirements is available at: https://www.health.gov.au/committees-and-groups/australian-health-protection-principal-committee-ahppc
The National Cabinet also activated the second stage of the Australian Health Sector Emergency Response Plan for Novel Coronavirus, which enables governments to undertake targeted action to the COVID-19 outbreak and ensures that resources are properly allocated where needed and the risks to vulnerable people in the community are mitigated.
These actions include changes to intensive care unit configurations, social isolation, fever clinics and restrictions on mass gatherings.
The National Cabinet will meet again this week to consider further advice from the AHPPC on events held indoors and in other closed spaced environments and further advice on actions to further protect aged care facilities.
All the actions we are putting in place are based on advice from Australia’s leading medical experts and are designed to protect Australia.
The National Cabinet continues to urge all Australians to play their role in reducing the spread of COVID-19 through personal social distancing and hygiene measures. Further information can be found at www.health.gov.au.

City’s cultural facilities’ response to COVID-19

In response to COVID-19, the Federal Government has introduced social distancing measures, which include limiting non-essential organised gatherings of 500 people or more.
Unsurprisingly, the Civic Theatre has been advised by promoters of all upcoming shows that they have been either cancelled or postponed.
Our ticketing service provider, Ticketek, will inform all customers affected by a show cancellation directly. Many show promoters are postponing rather than cancelling.
The Civic Theatre will provide regular updates on its website and by social media.
The Playhouse and Civic Café will continue to operate but have instituted the additional recommended social distancing measure of ensuring customers are seated 1.5 metres apart.
Whilst the Newcastle Art Gallery remains open, in order for the City to do all it can to limit the transmission of the virus in our communities, and to prioritise the wellbeing of members, staff, volunteers and visitors, all public programming at the Gallery has been suspended until further notice. This includes programs Art Cart and Last Fridays.
Newcastle Museum remains open but has suspended the Supernova and Mininova Gallery exhibition as well as the Bush Mechanics and Cultural Resurgence exhibitions.
Fort Scratchley is open, however its popular Tunnel Tours have been suspended to limit close contact in a confined space.
All City library branches are open, however programs and events have been suspended until further notice.
City of Newcastle is working in collaboration with government partners including NSW Health to ensure our city is prepared in the event of the further spread of COVID-19 to the region.
The City’s key objectives are to provide timely information about any changes to services or the operation of our facilities and to support the State and Federal Governments to manage the impact of the pandemic.
City of Newcastle will adjust operations to further protect public health and the health of our staff and volunteers.

Events and public gatherings

Cancellations

City of Newcastle will provide updates on major events, as they become available, on this page.

Events and programs at our facilities

We would like to reassure visitors that City of Newcastle is working in collaboration with government partners to ensure our City is prepared in the event of further spread of COVID-19 to the region.
We urge all visitors to follow the advice of government health authorities with regard to maintaining good hygiene practices. If you are feeling unwell the advice is to stay at home.
Please find information below about programming changes at our venues and facilities.

We will provide updates on events and public gatherings on this page. Find out more on how Council is responding.

$2.3 BILLION HEALTH BOOST AND ECONOMIC STIMULUS

The NSW Government today announced a major $2.3 billion health boost and economic stimulus package to protect the community and help protect jobs in the face of the COVID-19 outbreak over the next six months.
This package has two key components: $700 million in extra health funding and $1.6 billion in tax cuts to support jobs.
Key elements of the NSW COVID-19 package announced today include:
Health boost

$700 million extra funding for NSW Health. This will assist in doubling ICU capacity, preparing for additional COVID-19 testing, purchasing additional ventilators and medical equipment, establishing acute respiratory clinics and bringing forward elective surgeries to private hospitals;

Business support and jobs

$450 million for the waiver of payroll tax for businesses with payrolls of up to $10 million for three months (the rest of 2019-20). This means these businesses will save a quarter of their annual payroll tax bill in 2019-20.
$56 million to bring forward the next round of payroll tax cuts by raising the threshold limit to $1 million in 2020-21;
$80 million to waive a range of fees and charges for small businesses including bars, cafes, restaurants and tradies;
$250 million to employ additional cleaners of public infrastructure such as transport assets, schools and other public buildings;
More than $250 million to bring forward maintenance on public assets including social housing and crown land fencing;
$500 million to bring forward capital works and maintenance.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the NSW Government’s package bolstered the health system, cuts taxes for business that employed tens of thousands of people across the State, and would help secure jobs at a very challenging time.
“Our first priority is always the health of the people of this State and looking after their families and jobs,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This package works hand-in-hand with the recent moves by the Reserve Bank of Australia and the Federal Government. It will provide more resources to help slow the spread of this virus and boost treatment for those people in our community who need it most.
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the NSW package would help businesses struggling with a once-in-a-generation event.
“The Government stands ready to do whatever it takes to keep people safe and ensure our economy withstands this storm,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Today we are injecting $700 million into the health system and almost $1.6 billion to boost business. In simple terms, this money will help save the lives of loved ones and protect jobs.
“We are supporting business by lowering their costs through tax cuts and fee reductions, and working to boost jobs by funding ready-to-go capital work and maintenance projects as a priority.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the Government was doing whatever it took to support front line health workers, and urged people to follow important safety messages.
“Our health workers are doing an amazing job,” Mr Hazzard said.
“This extra funding backs the work of our doctors, nurses, allied health staff, ambulance officers and support staff in the fight to prevent the spread of and prepare for COVID-19.”

Covid-19: Grassroots netball suspended until May

From today, Netball NSW wishes to advise that it has adopted the following guidance with regard to all community netball competitions.
To assist with infection control and in the absence of a defined position on community sport from Government, it is the strong recommendation of Netball NSW that all community netball competitions in NSW should be suspended until Saturday 2nd May 2020. This, in our view, includes all activity: playing, training, grading, umpire training etc. – at all levels up to and including Metro League/ Regional League.
However, we note that some of these activities may be subject to a risk analysis on a case by case basis.
While this is obviously an unfortunate disruption to the netball season, Netball NSW believes that a blanket guidance such as this leaves all Associations, clubs, players, coaches, officials and administrators in the state in the same position while we watch developments around COVID-19.
It is important to note that the season is not being cancelled. At this time, the recommended action is seen as a socially responsible position for the netball community in NSW to take.
Netball NSW will continue to monitor the situation on a daily basis. A formal update will be provided on Wednesday 15 April, 2020 (the Wednesday after Easter). This update will include the latest information on competition start dates plus advice on recommencing training etc. If the situation is to change significantly, an update will be provided earlier.
The reason for the guidance applying at the level of Metro League/Regional League and below is purely based on the volume of people congregating at any given time. We note that some associations may consider certain activities could proceed (e.g. training in small groups) due to your own circumstances and where there is a reduced risk.
Specific program-by-program information follows:
State Titles
State Titles have not been cancelled at this stage.
A decision on Senior State Titles (6-8 June) will be made by Wednesday 15 April. Until that time the following key dates remain:
9 April (Thursday) – Senior State Titles entries close
14 April – Senior State Titles late entries close
A decision on Junior State Titles (4-6 July) will be made by Wednesday 13 May. Until that time the following key dates remain:
1 May (Friday) – Junior State Titles entries close
5 May – Junior State Titles late entries close ($500 late entry fee applies)
We understand the planning and commitment required in the lead-up to State Titles. However, given the length of time until these competitions commence it was felt that a decision to cancel at this stage was premature.
Premier League
Premier League is the only level of competition netball permitted to continue to train in the immediate term under this guidance (including Premier League umpires) due to the relatively low number of participants. At this stage, and subject to the update which will be provided on 15 April, the competition will be pushed back at least one week to commence on Wednesday 6 May 2020.
Metro League
The Metro League competition will not commence as scheduled and all training should now cease in line with this guidance. The Metro League competition structure and draw is currently being reviewed and all changes will be communicated at the earliest opportunity. Currently the competition will not commence prior to Monday 4 May, subject to the update which will be provided on 15 April.
Regional Leagues
Regional Leagues with finals pending (West / Central West) are advised to postpone finals until such time as Netball NSW recommends competitions re-commence. Regional Leagues yet to commence (including Hunter) are also advised to postpone their competitions until after 2 May, pending further advice.
Swifts & Giants Academies and Emerging Talent Squads
Due to the relatively low number of participants, the QBE Swifts Academy and the Giants Netball Academy will continue to train, as will the NSW Emerging Talent squads.
Competitions already underway
Netball NSW understands and is aware that there are a number of Association competitions that are currently in progress, such as midweek competitions which run all year round. Netball NSW advises that under this guidance, those competitions should be suspended until Saturday 2 May, pending further advice.
Netball NSW will be here to assist our members when we can confidently move forward with a resumption of all activities.
Please do not hesitate to contact the Netball NSW office if you would like clarification on this guidance, further advice or assistance.

Guns seized, man charged with 15 offences – Hunter region

A man will appear in court today after being charged with a range of traffic and firearm related offences following an investigation in the state’s Hunter region.
Police will allege about 6.40pm on Saturday 28 December 2019, a stolen Holden Rodeo utility was involved in a fail to stop crash on the New England Highway, Hexham, where it collided with the rear of another vehicle, before the male driver fled the scene on foot.
Upon a search of the Rodeo, police located ammunition inside the cabin and a rifle hidden under the tray.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District’s Target Action Group commenced an investigation into the incident.
Following inquiries, a man was arrested at a house on Goldingham Street, Tenambit, 7km east of Maitland, about 9.15am today (Wednesday 17 March 2020).
A Firearms Prohibition Order was executed and during the search, police seized a sawn-off shot gun which will undergo forensic examination.
The 33-year-old man was taken to Maitland Police Station where he was charged with;

Take and drive conveyance without consent of owner
Drive whilst disqualified
Two counts of negligent driving
Be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner.
Unlawfully possess thing resembles number plate
Use vehicle with unauthorised number plate
Not give particulars to other driver
Two counts of possess shortened firearm
Two counts of not keep firearm safely
Possess loaded firearm public place
Acquire ammunition subject to prohibition
Two counts of acquire prohibited firearm

He was refused bail to appear before Maitland Local Court today (Wednesday 17 March 2020).

Confirmed fatality – Mount Kuring Gai

A body has been found inside a truck that rolled and caught alight on the M1 at Mount Kuring Gai early this morning.
Emergency services were called to the southbound lanes of the M1, near the Church Street overpass, about 2.30am today (Tuesday 17 March 2020).
On arrival officers found a B-double that had crashed into the medium strip and rolled before catching on fire – burning a load of wool it was transporting.
A body, believed to be the driver, was found inside the Prime Mover – it is yet to be identified.
Officers from Kuring Gai Police Area Command have established a crime scene and a full investigation is now underway.
Traffic is being diverted around the crash site and motorists are being advised to avoid the area where possible.
Please refer to livetraffic.com for the latest traffic updates.

Delays expected on M1 following truck crash – Mount Kuring Gai

Investigations are underway following a truck crash on the M1 at Mount Kuring Gai early this morning.
Emergency services were called to the southbound lanes of the M1, near the Church Street overpass, about 2.30am today (Tuesday 17 March 2020), following reports of a truck crash.
On arrival officers found a B-double that had crashed into the medium strip and rolled before catching on fire – burning a load of wool it was transporting.
The male driver has not been accounted for.
Officers from Kuring Gai Police Area Command have established a crime scene and a full investigation is now underway.
Traffic is being diverted around the crash site and motorists are being advised to avoid the area where possible.
Please refer to livetraffic.com for the latest traffic updates.

Greens call for half a billion for creative industry on its knees

The Greens are backing the calls by the arts and creative industry for an urgent $500m rescue package to prevent collapse of the multi-billion dollar sector in the face of COVID-19.
Greens Spokesperson for the Arts, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said:
“Our creative and cultural industries are on the frontline of the COVID-19 fallout with events across the country cancelled and theatres, concerts and festivals effectively shutdown.
“Just this morning we have heard Bluesfest at Byron Bay has been cancelled, this is the loss of another huge festival for our live performing artists.
“As the PM prepares to announce a second stimulus package, this industry must be front and centre as one of the worst hit, with short, medium and long-term ramifications for the economy.
“It’s estimated the arts industry will lose more than half a billion dollars in ticket sales alone over the next three months. The industry needs an urgent rescue package with significant funding to get through the next 12 months.
“The Morrison Government needs to put up to $500m on the table now to stave off mass job losses and business insolvencies.
“The creative and cultural sector brings in about $111 billion a year in Australia and employs almost 600,000 people.
“The Prime Minister must also urgently clarify the regulations and timeframes for the ban on static gatherings of more than 500 people. Clarity is essential to provide legal certainty to event organisers and consumers.
“Many event organisers will be relying on insurance to cover outgoings already incurred which may not kick in if the legal threshold for a government ban hasn’t been met. They must be given certainty immediately.
“The arts industry has been savaged by the Federal Government – the entire department was cut late last year after years of funding cuts and cuts to the Australia Council which smaller community arts organisations have had to cop.
“Yet it was artists and performers and their crews who stepped up to support Australians during the bushfire crisis. It’s time the Government gave back to them.
“A roundtable tomorrow with Minister Fletcher is welcome but the PM needs to put some money on the table and clarify the ban urgently.”