Australia should look to the UK’s 80% wage subsidy as a model for getting workers through the COVID-19 crisis, Leader of the Australian Greens Adam Bandt said today, warning that the Morrison Government’s current approach was failing and that Parliament may need to be recalled to fix it.
This call comes following Scott Morrison’s refusal to back the Greens push in Parliament on Monday for a jobs and wages guarantee, and puts the Australian Greens in unison with a growing number of business and workers groups, including the Australian Council of Trade Unions.
The Greens have also written to the National Cabinet urging a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures as well as rent and mortgage holidays, after the NSW and Tasmanian Parliaments over the last 2 days passed Greens amendments to protect renters.
“Scott Morrison’s trickle-down stimulus is failing to keep people in work because he refused to make jobs and wages guarantees part of his multi-billion dollar support package,” said Mr Bandt.
“The Greens moved in Parliament on Monday for jobs and wages guarantees but it was voted down.
“It is time for Scott Morrison to admit he made a mistake and implement a UK-style jobs and wages guarantees to protect 80% of people’s income. If he needs to recall Parliament, perhaps online, then so be it.
“We can’t just accept that Australia’s workers just have to join the queue for Centrelink until this is all over. Every job that we lose now we need to rebuild in future, so it’s vital that we keep people on the books through this lockdown.”
“Scott Morrison’s offering is a weak approach that like so many other Liberal policies, heavily favours people on higher incomes, because low-paid workers are less likely to get government support. If a worker earns less than the tax free threshold of $18,000, the employer gets no financial benefit, so those workers won’t be kept on.
“Adopting the UK model would result in employers receiving five times more for the average working Australian than the government’s current policy, and they’ll get it now, not in five months’ time.
“The ACTU has rightly pointed to the UK’s model as a far superior scheme, and the Greens back them in all the way.
“We’re also deeply concerned about reports of half measures around keeping people in housing. As of this morning, we’ve heard from tens of thousands of people who fear they will be kicked onto the streets.
“We need rent and mortgage holidays and a ban on evictions right now to ensure that people can keep a roof over their heads.
“We’re in a pandemic, and this is not the time for half measures.”
Month: March 2020
Recognise and support animal care as an essential service: Greens
Australian Greens Senator and Animal Welfare spokesperson Dr Mehreen Faruqi has called on the Government to commit to recognising veterinary and animal care, rescue and protection services as essential services during the COVID-19 public health crisis. With vets and animal welfare organisations in urgent need of clarity from the Government about their ability to operate under future restrictions and lockdowns, the Government now must declare these services essential.
Senator Faruqi said:
“The community needs a guarantee that vets and animal care and protection services will continue to operate during any lockdown.
“Animals will continue to need attention, rescuing, rehabilitation and care, and many will need a safe place to be fed in and taken care of. They cannot be abandoned.
“Animal carers put their heart and soul into looking after our furry friends and should be given all the support they need to continue their animal welfare work.
“Animals must not be forgotten about during this public health crisis. We cannot permit a situation in which animals are put at risk of dying.
“In times of crisis, animals are especially vulnerable to being abandoned or neglected. Their welfare must not be ignored.
“The health benefits for humans of having safe and healthy animals in their lives are enormous. This is particularly true during distressing times, and for more vulnerable populations where social contact may already be limited.
“The government needs to recognise these services as essential and make it crystal clear that they are not going to be forced to close.”
Greens repeat call for targeted package for the arts industry
The Federal Government must not ignore the pleas of the arts, entertainment and creative industry in its next coronavirus stimulus package and must fund a targeted package for the sector, the Greens say.
Greens Spokesperson for the Arts Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said:
“The arts, entertainment and creative industry was one of the first sectors to be hit by the Government’s COVID-19 measures and public gathering restrictions.
“Artists, musicians, creatives and crews lost most, if not all, of their income overnight and together with organisations, unions and the Greens, have been pleading with the government for targeted support ever since.
“The Greens’ plan to save Creative Australia would inject $1billion, with half going towards to protecting the industry from collapse and half towards future proofing the arts. The Greens have also been calling for a restoration and increase to Australia Council funding to expand access for individuals and organisations to access grants, after years of government cuts.
“The UK has provided a £160m emergency response package to help cultural organisations, freelancers and individual artists survive the coronavirus crisis and to buoy the public during the lockdown. Germany is giving €50 billion to the cultural and creative sector and NZ and Canada have also announced targeted support.
“Other countries have clearly recognised the vital role arts and culture plays in our society, not just as a contributor to the economy ($112 billion pa in Australia) and as an integral part of other sectors such as tourism and hospitality, but to help everyone at times of crisis.
“These other countries have provided these funds in addition to wage and job guarantees which the Australian Government refuses to implement here.
“The PM needs to have a look at the rest of the world and consider his failings. The arts, entertainment and creative industry urgently needs a targeted package and the PM should fund one in the next stimulus, otherwise there won’t be an industry left on the other side of this crisis.”
Federal Update on Coronavirus Measures
Australian governments met today as the National Cabinet to take further action to slow the spread of coronavirus to save lives, and to save livelihoods.
We will be living with this virus for at least six months, so social distancing measures to slow this virus down must be sustainable for at least that long to protect Australian lives, to help Australia to keep functioning and to keep Australians in jobs.
National Cabinet noted the latest statistics and medical advice in relation to COVID-19.
There are more than 3,000 confirmed cases in Australia and sadly 13 people have died. Of the newly reported cases in the last week, the majority have been from New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria.
National Cabinet noted that the vast majority (around 85%) of cases in Australia remain overseas acquired or locally acquired contacts of a confirmed case.
Testing keeps Australians safe. Australia has one of the most rigorous coronavirus testing systems in the world with more than 180,000 tests completed – more than the USA, France or the UK, which have much larger populations. Australia’s per capita testing rate is amongst the highest in the world, now surpassing South Korea.
Intensive Care Units (ICU) will be critically important to protect the health of Australians. National Cabinet noted that Commonwealth, states and territories are working on increasing ICU and ventilator capacity – with surge capacity being prepared in the case of outbreaks.
National Cabinet received a comprehensive economic update from Treasury Secretary Dr Steven Kennedy. It noted the Commonwealth and states and territories have implemented major new economic support packages, but that even with these packages it is expected there will still be significant impacts on unemployment and economic activity.
National Cabinet thanked all Australians who are adhering to social distancing and self-isolation arrangements. Hygiene, social isolation and contact tracing are our most important measures to reduce the spread of the virus. We recognise this is a distressing time for Australians and we must stand together to ensure that we support each other.
We will continue to look at further measures as and where necessary to protect Australians. Any further measures to restrict activity may need to be flexible and calibrated to the extent of outbreaks by jurisdiction and the impact on the wellbeing of Australians and economics activity. Our goal is to start businesses and economic again after this health crisis has ended
National Cabinet will meet again on Sunday, 29 March 2020 and consider issues including responses to address. Commercial and residential tenancies and health supply arrangements
Returning Travellers
Substantial numbers of returned travellers and small community outbreaks associated with travellers continue to contribute most of the significant further growth in COVID-19 cases in Australia.
In order to help drive down this concerning number of imported cases, National Cabinet has agreed to take action to further restrict the movement of incoming travellers and to increase compliance checks on travellers who are already undertaking their mandatory self-isolation period at home. This is about reducing the spread of the virus in Australia and saving lives
National Cabinet agreed that:
- As soon as possible, but no later than 11:59pm Saturday 28 March 2020, all travellers arriving in Australia will be required to undertake their mandatory 14 day self-isolation at designated facilities (for example, a hotel).
- Travellers will be transported directly to designated facilities after appropriate immigration, customs and enhanced health checks.
- Designated facilities will be determined by the relevant state or territory government and will ordinarily be in the city of entry where the traveller has cleared immigration, but facilities in other areas may be used if required.
- These requirements will be implemented under state and territory legislation and will be enforced by state and territory governments, with the support of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Australian Border Force (ABF) where necessary.
- The Commonwealth will provide support through the ABF and ADF for these arrangements across Australia, and that states and territories would meet the costs and determine any contributions required for travellers arriving within their jurisdictions.
- Air and maritime crews will be required to continue to undertake the existing precautions they are following where they self-isolate in their accommodation if they enter Australia until their next work voyage.
- The Australian Defence Force will begin assisting state and territory governments to undertake quarantine compliance checks of those who are required to be in mandatory isolation after returning from overseas.
ADF assistance will be provided under the Defence Assistance to the Civil Community arrangements.
These new requirements will build on the existing support the Australian Defence Force is providing to the COVID-19 response, including:
- Assistance to the states and territories to support contact tracing efforts.
- Supporting industry with the production of surgical masks.
- Provision of planning and logistics support to Commonwealth, state and territory agencies.
- Provision of personnel to other agencies, including Services Australia.
- Supporting the NT Police with border control operations.
- Assisting states and territories to support the production of food hampers to supply to isolated civilians.
Statement on Schools by the National Cabinet
It is no longer business as usual for our schools, as we adapt to the impact of COVID-19.
We are now in a transition phase until the end of term as schools prepare for a new mode of operation following the school holidays.
For principals, teachers and support staff, the next few months will bring incredible challenges for our education system. We understand they need time to engage in the professional preparation and planning that is required to ensure that every child has access to education during this difficult time in a sustainable and effective manner for the rest of the 2020 school year.
Some states and territories have moved to pupil-free days already and each state and territory will come to their own transition arrangements with their workforce for the rest of this term.
While the medical advice remains that it is safe for children to go to school, to assist with the transition underway in our schools to the new mode of operation we ask that only children of workers for whom no suitable care arrangements are available at home to support their learning, physically attend school. This is vital to ensure that no parent should be forced to choose between their employment and the children’s education.
We understand the need for clear, nationally consistent health and safety advice so we have asked the AHPPC to develop guidelines about how staff in schools can protect themselves, manage social distance requirements and cater for those students who are at school. This will include guidelines for staff who work with vulnerable children, particularly those who have additional needs.
For education staff who identify as high risk, vulnerable or are caring for vulnerable family members, you will be supported to work from home.
We will continue to meet with education stakeholders and unions so that we can understand the education challenges for our communities and work constructively towards solutions. That will include the National Cabinet’s consideration of the measures needed for early childhood settings and TAFE.
Partnering with private hospitals
National Cabinet agreed to the importance of a strong and viable private hospital sector to bolster Australia’s response to COVID-19.
State and territory governments committed to urgently finalise arrangements with private hospitals under the COVID-19 National Partnership Agreement by 29 March 2020, to ensure sufficient and viable capacity exists within the private hospital sector both through the COVID-19 response and on an ongoing basis.
The private hospital system can play an important role in supporting the acute and intensive care needs of infected Australians together with other continuing urgent care needs. The capacity of the private system for non COVID cases and for overflow, particularly from ICU facilities, may be critical to Australia’s response.
$3.3 million Tyrrell Street Bridge opens in Wallsend
Construction is complete on the new $3.3 million Tyrrell Street Bridge, marking an important milestone in addressing flooding in Wallsend.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the finished project is part of a multi-million-dollar program of work underway in Wallsend with the City of Newcastle commencing a series of projects to improve public amenity and the suburb’s resilience to floods.
“The replacement of Tyrrell Street Bridge is an important piece of work in an ongoing process of flood mitigation and renewal in Wallsend.
“The Wallsend community has been hit hard during the past decade from flash flooding. This is why we prioritised this $3.3 million project in what is a long term, generational change project in Wallsend.
“This project saw the demolition of the former smaller and lower structure which was built in 1930. In its place is a 26.6-metre-long two-span, two-lane concrete plank road bridge, allowing more water to flow through Hunter Water’s drain during storm events.
“I thank the community for their patience and cooperation during the construction of the new bridge and am pleased the City is making progress in improving the suburbs resilience to flooding.”
Replacing Tyrrell Street Bridge forms part of the Ironbark Creek Flood Mitigation Plan, which proposes another two bridges at Boscawen Street and Nelson Street be replaced, increasing the flow capacity at the Cowper Street Bridge, and planning for how Hunter Water’s channel can be widened to allow better water flow during heavy rainfall.
Ward Four Councillor Jason Dunn said the project was also the starting point of a larger program of work to benefit residents, businesses, property owners and visitors to the suburb.
“A long-term vision for the renewal of the Wallsend local centre is starting to take place following the adoption of the Wallsend Local Centre Public Domain and Traffic Plan,” Cr Dunn said.
“The plan aims to increase safety for pedestrians, cyclists and traffic as well as improve amenity, accessibility and connectivity for the community.
“We’ll be having a conversation with the community about how the plan takes shape and what the ideal future for Wallsend looks like including heritage preservation, more seating and shade, greener streets and public access to technology like Wi-Fi.
“We’ll also be restoring aging infrastructure including roads, footpaths, lighting and drainage throughout the town centre.
“Wallsend’s flood mitigation project and public domain plan form one long term vision to allow the town centre to thrive as the population grows in our western suburb.”
BILLIONS IN TAX RELIEF FOR BUSINESS, $1 BILLION FUND FOR JOBS, AND HELP FOR THE VULNERABLE
The NSW Government today released the second stage of its economic package aimed at keeping people in jobs, helping businesses and supporting our most vulnerable in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Key elements of the NSW COVID-19 stage two package include:
Keeping people in jobs and helping businesses stay afloat
- The creation of a $1 billion Working for NSW fund to sustain business, create new jobs and retrain employees. The fund is already being put in to action with 1000 new staff for Service NSW announced this week to be funded by the program. The Working for NSW fund will comprise $750 million in new funding and $250 million announced last week for additional cleaning services.
- Deferral of payroll tax for business with payrolls over $10 million for six months (up to $4 billion deferred). Businesses with payrolls of $10 million or less received a three-month waiver on payroll tax in the first package. These businesses will now get an additional three month deferral as well.
- Deferral of gaming tax for clubs, pubs and hotels, and lotteries tax for six months, conditional on these funds being used to retain staff. This improves liquidity and helps these businesses stay afloat.
- Deferral of the parking space levy for six months.
- Deferral of rents for six months for commercial tenants with less than 20 employees in all Government-owned properties.
Helping our most vulnerable
- $34 million boost in funding to prevent homelessness.
- $30 million to boost the Energy Accounts Payments Assistance scheme.
- $10 million to support charities and $6 million additional funding for Lifeline’s operations in NSW.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the NSW Government’s package will support employment, provide relief for business and protect those most in need.
‘‘These are unprecedented times and if we are to emerge in the best shape possible we need to ensure businesses keep their heads above water and keep employees on the books,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Now is the time for all of us to work together, support each-other, show compassion and lend a hand wherever we can to those hurting.
“We will do whatever it takes to help businesses stay afloat so that they can hold onto as many jobs as possible as we get through this crisis. We will also be there to support those most vulnerable to ensure no one is left behind.”
NSW last week announced a $2.3 billion funding package which included a $700 million to boost health and $1.6 billion for tax cuts and job creation.
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the new measures were timely, targeted and temporary and had been “designed for maximum impact and immediate effect”.
“The NSW Government is leading from the front with a package which complements the stimulus measures delivered by the Commonwealth and RBA,” Mr Perrottet said.
“When you combine this announcement with last week’s stimulus package the NSW Government is ensuring billions are available to help business, support jobs, boost our health system and protect the vulnerable.
“Our expectation is that any relief provided by the NSW Government will be used to contribute to help businesses stay in business and people stay in jobs. It’s vital we keep people employed and ensure we have the ability to rebound when things improve.”
UPDATE ON CORONAVIRUS MEASURES
Australian governments met today as the National Cabinet to take further action to slow the spread of coronavirus to save lives, and to save livelihoods.
We will be living with this virus for at least six months, so social distancing measures to slow this virus down must be sustainable for at least that long to protect Australian lives, to help Australia to keep functioning and to keep Australians in jobs.
National Cabinet noted the latest statistics and medical advice in relation to COVID-19.
There are more than 3,000 confirmed cases in Australia and sadly 13 people have died. Of the newly reported cases in the last week, the majority have been from New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria.
National Cabinet noted that the vast majority (around 85%) of cases in Australia remain overseas acquired or locally acquired contacts of a confirmed case.
Testing keeps Australians safe. Australia has one of the most rigorous coronavirus testing systems in the world with more than 180,000 tests completed – more than the USA, France or the UK, which have much larger populations. Australia’s per capita testing rate is amongst the highest in the world, now surpassing South Korea.
Intensive Care Units (ICU) will be critically important to protect the health of Australians. National Cabinet noted that Commonwealth, states and territories are working on increasing ICU and ventilator capacity – with surge capacity being prepared in the case of outbreaks.
National Cabinet received a comprehensive economic update from Treasury Secretary Dr Steven Kennedy. It noted the Commonwealth and states and territories have implemented major new economic support packages, but that even with these packages it is expected there will still be significant impacts on unemployment and economic activity.
National Cabinet thanked all Australians who are adhering to social distancing and self-isolation arrangements. Hygiene, social isolation and contact tracing are our most important measures to reduce the spread of the virus. We recognise this is a distressing time for Australians and we must stand together to ensure that we support each other.
We will continue to look at further measures as and where necessary to protect Australians. Any further measures to restrict activity may need to be flexible and calibrated to the extent of outbreaks by jurisdiction and the impact on the wellbeing of Australians and economics activity. Our goal is to start businesses and economic again after this health crisis has ended
National Cabinet will meet again on Sunday, 29 March 2020 and consider issues including responses to address. Commercial and residential tenancies and health supply arrangements
Returning Travellers
Substantial numbers of returned travellers and small community outbreaks associated with travellers continue to contribute most of the significant further growth in COVID-19 cases in Australia.
In order to help drive down this concerning number of imported cases, National Cabinet has agreed to take action to further restrict the movement of incoming travellers and to increase compliance checks on travellers who are already undertaking their mandatory self-isolation period at home. This is about reducing the spread of the virus in Australia and saving lives
National Cabinet agreed that:
- As soon as possible, but no later than 11:59pm Saturday 28 March 2020, all travellers arriving in Australia will be required to undertake their mandatory 14 day self-isolation at designated facilities (for example, a hotel).
- Travellers will be transported directly to designated facilities after appropriate immigration, customs and enhanced health checks.
- Designated facilities will be determined by the relevant state or territory government and will ordinarily be in the city of entry where the traveller has cleared immigration, but facilities in other areas may be used if required.
- These requirements will be implemented under state and territory legislation and will be enforced by state and territory governments, with the support of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Australian Border Force (ABF) where necessary.
- The Commonwealth will provide support through the ABF and ADF for these arrangements across Australia, and that states and territories would meet the costs and determine any contributions required for travellers arriving within their jurisdictions.
- Air and maritime crews will be required to continue to undertake the existing precautions they are following where they self-isolate in their accommodation if they enter Australia until their next work voyage.
- The Australian Defence Force will begin assisting state and territory governments to undertake quarantine compliance checks of those who are required to be in mandatory isolation after returning from overseas.
ADF assistance will be provided under the Defence Assistance to the Civil Community arrangements.
These new requirements will build on the existing support the Australian Defence Force is providing to the COVID-19 response, including:
- Assistance to the states and territories to support contact tracing efforts.
- Supporting industry with the production of surgical masks.
- Provision of planning and logistics support to Commonwealth, state and territory agencies.
- Provision of personnel to other agencies, including Services Australia.
- Supporting the NT Police with border control operations.
- Assisting states and territories to support the production of food hampers to supply to isolated civilians.
Statement on Schools by the National Cabinet
It is no longer business as usual for our schools, as we adapt to the impact of COVID-19.
We are now in a transition phase until the end of term as schools prepare for a new mode of operation following the school holidays.
For principals, teachers and support staff, the next few months will bring incredible challenges for our education system. We understand they need time to engage in the professional preparation and planning that is required to ensure that every child has access to education during this difficult time in a sustainable and effective manner for the rest of the 2020 school year.
Some states and territories have moved to pupil-free days already and each state and territory will come to their own transition arrangements with their workforce for the rest of this term.
While the medical advice remains that it is safe for children to go to school, to assist with the transition underway in our schools to the new mode of operation we ask that only children of workers for whom no suitable care arrangements are available at home to support their learning, physically attend school. This is vital to ensure that no parent should be forced to choose between their employment and the children’s education.
We understand the need for clear, nationally consistent health and safety advice so we have asked the AHPPC to develop guidelines about how staff in schools can protect themselves, manage social distance requirements and cater for those students who are at school. This will include guidelines for staff who work with vulnerable children, particularly those who have additional needs.
For education staff who identify as high risk, vulnerable or are caring for vulnerable family members, you will be supported to work from home.
We will continue to meet with education stakeholders and unions so that we can understand the education challenges for our communities and work constructively towards solutions. That will include the National Cabinet’s consideration of the measures needed for early childhood settings and TAFE.
Partnering with private hospitals
National Cabinet agreed to the importance of a strong and viable private hospital sector to bolster Australia’s response to COVID-19.
State and territory governments committed to urgently finalise arrangements with private hospitals under the COVID-19 National Partnership Agreement by 29 March 2020, to ensure sufficient and viable capacity exists within the private hospital sector both through the COVID-19 response and on an ongoing basis.
The private hospital system can play an important role in supporting the acute and intensive care needs of infected Australians together with other continuing urgent care needs. The capacity of the private system for non COVID cases and for overflow, particularly from ICU facilities, may be critical to Australia’s response.
Images released as police continue to search for missing Hunter man and child
Hunter Valley police have released images of a vehicle they believe a missing man and child may be travelling in, as they continue to appeal for public assistance.
Police have been told 57-year-old Michael Lantry and four-year-old Conner Lantry were last seen boarding a bus on Wollombi Road, Millfield, headed for Cessnock about 8.30am on Tuesday 24 March 2020.
After the pair failed to return home that afternoon, relatives contacted police and inquiries commenced.
Following extensive inquiries, police believe the pair have left the Hunter Valley and have travelled interstate.
Police have released images of a vehicle which they believe the pair may be travelling in – a white Toyota Camry with QLD registration plates 444-YMX.
Family and police hold serious concerns for the welfare of the pair due to health conditions of the 57-year-old and the age of the child.
Michael is described as being of Caucasian appearance, between 170-175cm tall, with a thin build, blue eyes, grey hair and a beard. He was last seen wearing jeans, a grey jumper and joggers.
Conner is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 100cm tall, with a thin build, blonde hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a ‘Ben 10’ backpack.
Anyone with any information into their whereabouts is urged to contact Triple 000 immediately.
Man charged as part of ongoing investigations into toilet paper theft
Investigators have charged a man as their inquiries continue into a series of thefts and attempted thefts from supermarkets in Sydney’s south west last weekend.
Earlier this week, officers from Wetherill Park Region Enforcement Squad commenced an investigation following reports of thefts and attempted thefts of toilet paper from restricted storage areas at supermarkets at Auburn, Granville, Bass Hill and Lidcombe last Sunday (22 March 2020).
Local police attended the stores before officers from Wetherill Park Region Enforcement Squad (RES) commenced an investigation into the thefts.
Following extensive inquiries, which included an appeal to the community for information, investigators arrested a 30-year-old man during a vehicle stop on Vaughan Street, Lidcombe, just before 2pm yesterday (Friday 27 March 2020).
The Auburn man was taken to Auburn Police Station and charged with two counts of larceny, robbery in company, break and enter dwelling-house etc with intent and enter inclosed land not presc premises without lawful excuse.
Police will allege in court that the man, who is in company of another man, stole approximately 400 rolls of toilet paper from the Auburn and Granville stores, and attended the Bass Hill and Lidcombe stores with intent to steal.
He has been refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today (Saturday 28 March 2020) via video link.
Investigations are continuing and further arrests are expected.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott, praised the actions of the New South Police.
“At this time of crisis, it only takes one fool to cause a high level of unnecessary community anxiety. I congratulate the police on this arrest.”
Woman charged after spitting on officer during vehicle stop – Greenacre
A woman will face court today after allegedly repeatedly coughing and spitting on an officer during a vehicle stop in Sydney’s south west yesterday.
Just after 5pm (Friday 28 March 2020), Traffic and Highway Patrol officers were patrolling the Greenacre area, when they attempted to stop an Audi on Greenacre Road.
As police conducted a U-turn, the Audi allegedly accelerated away at speed, travelling at no less than 120km/h in a signposted 50km/h zone, before turning left on Waterloo Road.
The Audi was allegedly seen disobeying a red traffic signal at the intersection of Mimosa Road before crossing unbroken lines to overtake a vehicle and turn right into Macquarie Street.
After allegedly failing to stop at a stop sign, the Audi turned right into Roberts Road and stopped in heavy traffic.
An officer, who had been following the Audi, approached the vehicle and spoke to the driver. The driver, a 25-year-old woman, was placed under arrest; however, she refused to get out of the vehicle.
She was physically removed and handcuffed, claiming she was on her way to be tested for COVID-19 before resisting and repeatedly coughing in the officer’s face.
The woman was escorted to the police vehicle, and as the officer reached inside, she struck her head against the vehicle window and spat at the officer.
She continued to resist despite a warning from police and was physically restrained on the ground after again spitting in the officer’s face.
Further police attended to assist, and the woman was taken to Bankstown Police Station and charged with drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, motor vehicle exceed speed more than 45 km/h, drive motor vehicle during disqualification period, and assault officer in execution of duty.
She was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today (Saturday 28 March 2020).