Month: March 2020

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.

SPECIAL STATE POWERS TRIGGERED TO COMBAT COVID-19

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard has made an Order under Section 7 of the Public Health Act 2010 to force the immediate cancellation of public events with more than 500 people.
Mr Hazzard said under the planned changes, individuals who fail to comply could face up to six months in prison or a fine of up to $11,000 or both, plus additional penalties for each day the offence continues. Corporations face even harsher fines.
“I urge the community to do the right thing and obey the decisions and advice of the National and NSW Chief Medical Officers,” Mr Hazzard  said.
“But we will be tough if needed, to protect the wider community.”
Mr Hazzard said the Order ensures the new requirements of the National Cabinet are operational immediately after midnight 15 March, 2020.
The NSW Government COVID-19 “War Cabinet” met by teleconference yesterday to endorse the Chief Health Officer’s advice on keeping schools open.
NSW public schools will remain open but with enhanced safeguards including students not being required to attend assemblies and other measures to ensure a focus on increased physical separation.
All Chief Health Officers of Australia believe that school closures should not be recommended at this stage in the pandemic. This decision will remain under constant review to ensure the best outcome for children and young people.
As agreed by the National Cabinet all entrants to Australia, including returning residents and citizens, will be required to self-isolate for 14 days. NSW will continue to support the Commonwealth Government in implementing this requirement. If any individual fails to do so the NSW Chief Health Officer may issue an order to forcibly require compliance. Any enforcement required would be in consultation with NSW Police.
“The spread here has been slowed significantly by the Government’s actions on the advice of health experts, and we will use our legislative public health powers to best safeguard the community,” Mr Hazzard said.

NSW man charged in JCTT operation

A man from the NSW South Coast has been charged with terrorism offences following a NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) investigation.
The 21-year-old Sanctuary Point man was arrested on Saturday (14 March 2020), and charged with one count of acts done in preparation for, or planning, terrorist acts. This offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
The Sanctuary Point man is expected to face Nowra Local Court today (Monday 16 March 2020), and an application will be made to have the matter heard in a Sydney court at a later date.
It will be alleged in court that the man was attempting and planning to purchase or acquire military equipment, including firearms, and items capable of making improvised explosive devices.
The investigation began in February 2020 after NSW JCTT investigators became aware of a number of online posts containing an extreme political and anti-government ideology and began an investigation into potential criminal activity.
Investigators became concerned about the escalating criminal actions allegedly undertaken by the 21-year-old man in the past week and made the decision to execute search warrants on properties and vehicles in Sanctuary Point and the rural locality of Parma – both near the NSW South Coast town of Nowra – at the weekend.
A number of electronic devices, tactical equipment and three soft gel (paintball) firearms were seized at Sanctuary Point. Four registered firearms were seized at the Parma residence, which is the home of an associate of the 21-year-old man. Further inquiries are continuing into the links between the man facing court today and his online and real-world associates.
Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Counter Terrorism Scott Lee said NSW JCTT investigators targeted the criminal behaviour of those arrested.
“The decision to execute these warrants and charge a man was made to mitigate any immediate threat, ensure the ongoing safety of the community and prevent further planning or preparations that could have resulted in a terrorist attack in Australia,” he said.
“The investigation into this matter remains ongoing, but the speed with which it has progressed highlights the professionalism and dedication of the individuals and agencies involved in the JCTT, and their commitment to bringing people to account for their criminal actions.”
NSW Police Force Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Commander, Assistant Commissioner Mark Walton, said the primary concern of NSW JCTT officers was community safety.
“Our officers have acted swiftly in this case as the behaviour online was of significant concern. I want to reassure the community that there is no ongoing threat, and the NSW JCTT will continue to work together to identify and prosecute individuals involved in these activities,” he said.
“I would appeal to all members of the community to help us do this – if you see something online, report it. Be aware of the online activities of your children. There is no place for violent extremism in our community and we need to continue to unite in condemning this behaviour.”
The NSW JCTT is comprised of members from the Australian Federal Police, NSW Police Force, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and the NSW Crime Commission.
Anyone with information about extremist activity or possible threats to the community should come forward, no matter how small or insignificant you may think the information may be. The National Security Hotline is 1800 123 400.

Two men found deceased in the state's Hunter Region

A crime scene has been established following the death of two men in Kotara South this afternoon.
Shortly before 5pm (Saturday 14 March 2020), police were called to a residence on Blackbutt Parade following reports of a man armed with a firearm.
On arrival officers located the body of a man outside the home suffering a gunshot wound.
Further inquiries led police inside the home where they discovered the body of a second man, also suffering a gunshot wound.
Both men are believed to be aged in their early forties.
Detectives from Lake Macquarie Police District continue investigations on scene.

COVID-19: how is the Council responding

The safety of our communities, customers and employees is our top priority.

Our employees are monitoring developments relating to COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) daily and assessing any potential impact on city services and events.
We aim to maintain our current level of service to residents and businesses during this period.
We take advice on all public health matters from the state and federal health departments.
To date, NSW Health and the other advising authorities are clear in their message. As of today, there is no COVID-19 cluster in the Hunter, and therefore no reason to alter our service levels to the community.

Events and public gatherings

A state and federal government advisory has been issued regarding events and public gatherings of more than 500 people. Visit the NSW Health website for more information.

How we are responding

  • We are promoting the NSW Health site www.health.nsw.gov.au as the primary source of information and health updates.
  • The City is actively involved in the Local Emergency Management Committee’s response to Covid-19 which includes police, NSW Fire Brigades, SES, Health, Transport for NSW and neighbouring councils. This is allowing us to establish joint approaches and provide consistent advice.
  • A City of Newcastle COVID-19 Planning Team has been established. The Planning Team includes People and Culture (and WHS), Legal (Emergency Management and Risk) and Corporate Affairs (Communications and Community Engagement).
  • Activating our Emergency Management Action Plan (EMAP) for Newcastle. This Plan is aligned to State and National emergency plans and CN’s suite of Emergency Management Plans. The EMAP outlines strategies for CN in accordance with readiness and key actions which CN is committed to in accordance with relevant legislation, Acts and Regulations.

Preparedness – Key actions

  • The City has installed hand sanitisers at all front facing facilities, focusing particularly at the libraries, Children’s Education Centre, cultural facilities and venues.
  • We are reviewing increased cleaning regimes for our sites and appropriate signage needs.
  • We are working through flexible working options with City of Newcastle staff should this become necessary to continue delivering essential services.
  • We are liaising with other agencies including the Office of Local Government, neighbouring Councils, the University of Newcastle and Newcastle Airport, to ensure sharing of information and consistent messaging to our community.

We are continuing to develop our plans to cover a situation where COVID19 becomes widespread in Australia, and state and federal governments move to greater restrictions on activities within the Newcastle Government area.

Communicating to employees

City employees who have recently travelled to affected countries or have been in contact with someone who has coronavirus will be excluded from work and have been advised to self-isolate for 14 days.
All employees have been reminded to practice good hygiene by covering coughs and sneezes, washing their hands thoroughly with soap and water, and using alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
Public health information has been distributed at the City’s libraries and community children’s education centre.
City of Newcastle will continue to update you on the work we’re doing through our Local Emergency Management Plan prepared for COVID-19.
More information is available on the NSW Health website or the Federal Government Health website.

City working with key partners on COVID-19 response

City of Newcastle is working in collaboration with government partners including NSW Health to ensure our city is prepared in the event of further spread of COVID-19.
The City’s Local Emergency Management Plan for COVID-19 has the following key objectives:

  • maintain services to residents and businesses
  • provide timely information about any changes to services or the operation of our facilities
  • support the State and Federal governments to manage the impact of the pandemic
  • adjust our operations to further protect public health and the health of our staff

“Public health is the number one priority for City of Newcastle and all agencies working collaboratively on the COVID-19 response,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“We’re actively working within the Local Emergency Management Committee – with NSW Police, NSW Fire Brigades, SES, Health, Transport for NSW to ensure that our city is adequately equipped and prepared.
“The City is also liaising with partners including the Office of Local Government, neighbouring councils, the University of Newcastle, Port of Newcastle and the Newcastle Airport to ensure consistent information is shared with our community.
How we are responding:

  • The City of Newcastle COVID-19 Planning Team has activated an Emergency Management Action Plan (EMAP) aligned with state and national emergency plans.
  • Working with the Local Emergency Management Committee to establish joint approaches and provide consistent advice.
  • Notifying event organisers following the state and federal governments issuing an advisory today restricting non-essential gatherings of more than 500 people.
  • Each City of Newcastle service area is developing a detailed plan to support the EMAP should the spread of the virus prompt the state and federal governments to introduce greater restrictions on activities within our Local Government area.
  • Distributing hand-sanitising gel to front-facing facilities, focusing particularly on libraries, Children’s Education Centre, cultural facilities and venues and reviewing increased cleaning regimes for our sites.

The NSW Health website www.health.nsw.gov.au is the primary source of health information. The City is supporting the NSW Government in sharing information on its channels.

NSW TO LEAD THE NATION ON EMISSIONS REDUCTION

The NSW economy will see over $11.6 billion of private investment and 2,400 new jobs under Stage 1 of the NSW Government’s plan to reach net zero emissions by 2050.
Energy and Environment Minister Matt Kean said the plan, the first of its kind in Australia, is all about reducing the State’s emissions in ways that grow the economy.
“Where there are technologies that can reduce both our emissions and costs for households and businesses, we want to roll them out across the State. Where these technologies are not yet commercial, we want to invest in their development so they will be available in the decades to come,” Mr Kean said.
“Almost two-thirds of the private investment under the plan will go to regional and rural NSW, creating job opportunities and diversifying local economies that are doing it tough after the drought and devastating bushfire season.
“Global markets are rapidly changing in response to climate change, with many of the world’s biggest economies and companies committed to reach net zero emissions by 2050. NSW already leads the nation with its economic and investment plans and from today, NSW will lead the nation with its Net Zero Plan.
“Our actions are firmly grounded in science and economics, not ideology, to give our workers and businesses to best opportunity to thrive in a low-carbon world.”
Under the plan, household electricity prices will fall, regional businesses will have access to new technologies and markets, industry will be supported to modernise their plant and increase productivity and consumers will have more information to help them make financially and environmentally sustainable choices.
The plan is financially supported by the landmark $2 billion bilateral agreement between the Commonwealth and NSW Government announced in January 2020.
For more information about the Net Zero Plan Stage 1: 2020-2030 visit https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/climate-change/net-zero-plan

$4 MILLION COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE BOOST

Thirty-two community organisations in NSW have been awarded more than $4 million, to fund local projects that build or upgrade facilities across sport and recreation, arts and culture, disaster readiness and essential community infrastructure.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the NSW Government’s Infrastructure Grants program funds important projects across the state to support community organisations that work tirelessly to create resilient, healthy and connected communities.
“The projects we’re funding will boost equity, social inclusion and participation – making a real difference in people’s lives across NSW,” Mr Dominello said.
“Since 2015, the NSW Government has funded over 380 community projects worth $58 million under the Infrastructure Grants program.”
The program also targets projects that support drought-affected communities and youth, mental health and domestic violence services and, for the next round opening in March 2020, was expanded to accommodate bushfire impacted communities.
A significant number of grants in this round have been allocated to community organisations in bushfire impacted communities.
The grants are made possible by the Clubgrants Category 3 Fund which re-invests profits from registered clubs’ gaming machines into community infrastructure projects across three key areas:

  • Arts and Culture;
  • Disaster Readiness and Community Infrastructure; and
  • Sport and Recreation

A new round of applications for funding opens on 16 March 2020. Learn more at responsiblegambling.nsw.gov.au/funding-opportunities/infrastructure-grants.

CORONA RESPONSE MUST PROTECT CASUAL WORKERS

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon has called for greater protection for casual workers in the Newcastle-Hunter region as part of the coronavirus stimulus package.
Ms Claydon said local businesses and workers were particularly vulnerable to the flow-on impacts of coronavirus.
“Our region is heavily exposed to the economic shockwaves from corona, given the significance of our small business, tourism and hospitality sectors,” Ms Claydon said.
“Regretfully, these same industries are also heavily reliant on casual workers, who are enormously vulnerable and without sick pay if they get their shifts cut or have to go into isolation.”
Ms Claydon said that concerns about workers had been a key theme of feedback from local business and representative organisations.
“Local businesses are facing unprecedented challenges themselves, but the consistent message they’ve been giving me is they want to protect their workers,” Ms Claydon said.
“The Morrison Government is doing nothing to ensure that the many thousands of casual workers in our community get through this terrible time. The message is clearly ‘You’re on your own.’”
Ms Claydon said it was also a public health issue to contain the spread of the virus.
“The last thing we would want is sick workers continuing to go to work because they can’t afford to do otherwise,” Ms Claydon said.
“This isn’t just about protecting vulnerable workers – it’s about protecting our entire community.”
Ms Claydon said it the problem shouldn’t fall on the shoulders of business to fix.
“It’s great that some businesses have announced that they will continue to pay workers who have to go into isolation, but it’s neither fair nor reasonable to expect all businesses to do this.
“Successive Liberal Federal Governments have supported an increasingly casualised workforce. It’s now incumbent on the Morrison Government to step up and protect these workers and our communities.”

Greens to introduce law for 14 days coronavirus leave for all effected workers

Greens Leader Adam Bandt MP said that when parliament resumes, the Greens will introduce legislation to provide 14 days’ paid sick leave to all workers affected by the coronavirus. The ACTU has called for 2 weeks paid sick leave for workers affected by the virus.
The Fair Work Amendment (COVID 19) Bill will mean the 3.3 million workers currently without paid leave entitlements will be able to access paid sick leave if affected by the virus, and will also ensure workers with leave provisions are not forced to exhaust their sick leave balances if their company temporarily closes because of the virus.
The bill would cover workers diagnosed with COVID 19, those required to self-isolate or who are caring for a family member affected by the virus. Workers whose workplace temporarily closes because of the virus will also be covered.
“The Morrison government must not leave Australian workers to fend for themselves during this crisis,” Mr Bandt said.
“Workers should be able to follow government advice to self-isolate without losing their income or their job.
“If we don’t pass this bill, coronavirus could spread faster because workers without paid sick leave who are affected by the virus may feel pressured to come to work instead of staying home.
“The government should urgently make this change to the law and then use their stimulus package to help small and medium businesses meet the additional costs.”
“If the government won’t act, the Greens will, and we’ll dare them to vote on the floor of Parliament against supporting workers.”