Month: March 2020

National Cabinet Update

Australian governments continue to work together to slow the spread of coronavirus to save lives.
Every extra bit of time allows us to better prepare our health system and put measures in place to protect Australian lives.
The Prime Minister, state and territory Premiers and Chief Ministers continued their meeting on 25 March as the National Cabinet to discuss enhanced health measures to support our efforts to quickly test and contact trace coronavirus in our community.
Expansion of coronavirus testing criteria
Australian has one of the most rigorous coronavirus testing systems in the world. To further protect Australia, National Cabinet agreed to an Australian Health Principal Protection Committee (AHPPC) recommendation to expand the current coronavirus testing criteria to include testing people with fever or acute respiratory infection in:

  • all health workers
  • all aged/residential care workers
  • geographically localised areas where there is elevated risk of community transmission as defined by the local public health unit
  • where no community transmission is occurring, high risk settings where there are two or more plausibly-linked cases, for example:
    • aged and residential care
    • rural and remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
    • detention centres/correctional facilities
    • boarding schools
    • military bases (including Navy ships) that have live-in accommodation.

National Cabinet also agreed that testing will be expanded to include hospitalised patients with fever and acute respiratory symptoms of unknown cause, at the discretion of the treating clinician.
This is the minimum testing criteria. States and territories have the discretion to expand their own criteria for testing if they have capacity.
Temporary suspension of all semi-urgent elective surgery
National Cabinet endorsed the recommendation for states and territories to suspend all non-urgent elective surgery.
National Cabinet agreed to extend the deadline for the suspension of semi urgent Category 2 and 3 elective surgeries at private hospitals to 11.59pm on 1 April 2020.
National Cabinet agreed that states and territories will continue to work with private hospital groups to ensure they can support efforts to protect Australians against coronavirus.
The changes will allow greater transition for the community to the new arrangements and ensure the national supply of essential PPE – such as masks, gowns, gloves and goggles for the healthcare workforce.
Nationally consistent public directions on self-isolation for individuals
National Cabinet agreed to implement nationally consistent public health directions, at the state and territory level, on self-quarantine for individuals diagnosed with coronavirus.
Further measures
National Cabinet will consider the need for any further measures at their next meeting on Friday 27 March 2020.

Elective Surgery put on hold

The National Cabinet is acting on the advice of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee that from 11.59pm (local time) on 25 March 2020, all non urgent elective surgery will be temporarily suspended. Only Category 1 and some exceptional Category 2 surgery will continue until further notice.
This will apply in both the public and private health systems.
The Commonwealth’s Department of Health has ordered over 300 million additional masks with 30 million expected in the next two weeks, and one million surgical gowns are on order to build on Australia’s stockpile of medical protective equipment. Australian manufacturers have also been engaged to ramp up local equipment production.
By cancelling certain elective surgeries, the National Cabinet is acting to preserve resources including protective equipment to help prepare public and private health services to prepare for their role in the COVID-19 outbreak.
Every patient waiting for elective surgery is assessed by their treating medical professional as Category 1, 2 or 3 per the following definitions:

  • Category 1 – Needing treatment within 30 days. Has the potential to deteriorate quickly to the point where the patient’s situation may become an emergency
  • Category 2 – Needing treatment within 90 days. Their condition causes pain, dysfunction or disability. Unlikely to deteriorate quickly and unlikely to become an emergency
  • Category 3 – Needing treatment at some point in the next year. Their condition causes pain, dysfunction or disability. Unlikely to deteriorate quickly.

Decisions on the category of patients are at the discretion of their treating medical professional.
Australia’s health system will continue to ensure that any patient in need of urgent attention will receive treatment.
By taking these actions as well as the work to date to stop the spread of coronavirus, we can protect lives and we can save lives.

Council Customer Service moves to phone and online

City of Newcastle’s Customer Service Centre will temporarily suspend the operation of its shopfront at 12 Stewart Avenue.
City of Newcastle has installed prominent signage at 12 Stewart Avenue directing customers to instead access support via its contact centre on 4974 2000, or at its website www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au.
The number of visitors to the Customer Service Centre has fallen significantly during the past few days, with just six people visiting the centre on Tuesday.
The City is working to limit the spread of COVID-19 in partnership with the State and Federal Governments and has moved a number of front-facing services to an online offering only, including its libraries, Museum and Art Gallery.
The customer service counter in the City Administration Centre at 12 Stewart Avenue, Newcastle West, and Digital Print Services’ shopfront at 357 Hunter Street – in the Fred Ash Building – will temporarily close to the public from close of business today.
These precautionary measures align with the Public Health Orders issued by the Federal Government which have resulted in a number of temporary shutdowns of City facilities, such as cultural facilities. Services such as waste collection will continue as normal.
The City regrets the inconvenience to the public as we respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, and reiterates that we remain able to serve customers over the phone or online.
For further information on City of Newcastle’s response to COVID-19 please see newcastle.nsw.gov.au/COVID-19   

City to support Newcastle’s community and economic resilience with comprehensive COVID-19 plan

City of Newcastle has developed a comprehensive community and business support package designed to help locals through the unprecedented effects of COVID-19.
The package, which has been designed to maintain the organisation’s financial sustainability, is initially worth $5.5 million in the short term and includes interest free payment plans for rates, rent reductions on council-owned buildings, free online training packages, and a boost to the City’s infrastructure program to deliver an economic stimulus.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the package, which was adopted at last night’s Council meeting, delivers both financial and social support to ensure Newcastle remains resilient during this challenging time.
“We understand that every business is suffering enormously from the impacts of COVID-19 and will likely be affected for the foreseeable future,” the Lord Mayor said.
“It’s imperative, now more than ever, that we work together.
“Our resilience package has been informed by experts and seeks to focus on areas where local government has a clear strength and mandate.
“Many in in our community are facing unemployment and the elderly may become more isolated for the next few months as they minimise their risk of exposure to COVID-19.
“We will further promote City of Newcastle’s existing financial hardship policies and make it easier for rate payers to enter interest free payment arrangements.
“The City will also offer free access to digital training resources for all small business owners and their staff, as well as the broader community, to enable the upskilling and transformation of the workforce during the predicted time of slow economic activity.”
A City Taskforce, led by the City of Newcastle will be established to act as the local coordinating authority to oversee the future recovery phases of COVID-19 pandemic crisis.
The City will also assist not for profit organisations and will expand its e-library offering in a commitment to support community wellbeing and the most vulnerable and emerging at-risk groups.
Cr Nelmes said the package included enhancing City of Newcastle’s ‘buy local’ commitment.
“Businesses within the Newcastle Local Government Area will be favoured with a temporary change to the procurement policy which further enhances the assessment weighting for locals.
“We will also fast track our invoice payment to provide improved cash-flow for businesses and to keep the economy ticking.
“A 50 per cent discount will be given on rent for all City-owned buildings for the June quarter lifting the pressure for dozens of local businesses and community organisations.
“We are embracing community thinking. The City of Newcastle is a community that cares and looks after each other. We will continue to promote and facilitate equitable access to services and facilities.”
For further information on City of Newcastle’s response to COVID-19 please see newcastle.nsw.gov.au/COVID-19
Community and Economic Package Overview
Financial Hardship Support – $468,000
The City will provide financial hardship support for residents to develop payment plans for their rates. All fees and charges including interest penalties will be waived until 30 June 2021. It will also offer hardship support for owner occupier commercial ratepayers or commercial property owners who can demonstrate the reduction will be passed onto their tenants.
Procurement and Purchasing Support – $535,000
Our existing procurement policy includes a minimum local weighting assessment of 10 per cent. Where possible, this weighting will be increased for the next six months. Invoices from existing contracts with local suppliers will be processed within seven days as soon as approved.
Council support – $1,500,000
The City will give businesses and individuals flexibility on a range of Council fees and policies to ease pressures relating to COVID-19. This will allow essential businesses and service providers to operate responsively to the City’s changing needs in line with the latest advice from the NSW Government and Federal Government. Includes the waiving of library fees, returning booking fees and maintaining hourly parking rates at current levels.
Rent relief for City of Newcastle tenants – $732,000
Small businesses operating out of council owned buildings will receive a cash flow relief with the City offering a 50 per cent discount on rent for the next two quarters.
e-Library expansion – $100,000
Expansion of existing e-Library services including e-book and e-audio platforms, video story, movie and music streaming platforms, access to online newspapers and e-magazines.
Online learning – Studiosity and Lynda – $60,000
Promote existing online training programs, such as Lynda, as well as expanding our subscription to Studiosity, which provides one-on-one tutoring for school and tertiary students.
Community grant program – $800,000
The City will make financial and in-kind support available to mobilise the Newcastle community sector to respond to immediate community need, with a focus on the most vulnerable and emerging at risk groups. An Expression of Interest process will also be opened for Newcastle-based not-for-profits, non government organisations, community groups and organisations to receive funds to deliver essential local services and innovative solutions to COVID-19 created challenges.
City taskforce and industry responses – $500,000
A City Taskforce, led by the City of Newcastle will be established to act as the local coordinating authority to oversee the future recovery phases of COVID-19 pandemic crisis. The Taskforce will initially fund an Expression of Interest program to provide innovative support to targeted local industries.
Lean In Newy – $150,000
“Lean-In Newy” is a social action and economic incentive app that will engage and propel local behaviours, such as volunteering. The platform will enable social actions to be pushed out to our local community, with built-in economic incentives.
Local online training programs – $500,000
Council will support local small business owners and staff to undertake professional development training and accreditation.
Communications and marketing budget is $100,000

POLICE CRACKDOWN ON RECKLESS SOCIAL GATHERINGS

Police will have the power to issue $1,000 on-the-spot fines for individuals and $5,000 for corporations not complying with ministerial directions relating to COVID-19, as part of a state-wide crackdown on reckless behaviour to slow the spread of the virus.
Officers will also no longer require a warrant to arrest an individual breaching a public health order, after the NSW Government passed legislation to give Police greater powers to enforce orders under the Public Health Act 2010.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said the measures were tough but necessary to minimise the risk the pandemic poses to public safety.
“Despite the majority of people doing the right thing, we are still seeing reckless and irresponsible behaviour that endangers the lives of others, particularly to elderly and immunocompromised members of the community,” Mr Elliott said.
“The rules are clear and they apply to everyone. No one is above the law. If you decide to ignore a direction, you will be caught and you may find yourself slapped with a hefty fine.”
“Our message to the community is simple: be vigilant, be sensible, and stay up to date with the latest health advice.”
Police also have the option to charge anyone found failing to comply with a ministerial direction, which carries a maximum penalty of six months imprisonment and/or an $11,000 fine for an individual and $55,000 for a corporation.
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said the circumstances called for strong action – and police stand ready to respond.
“I’m encouraged that most members of the community are taking this issue seriously and adhering to government advice,” Mr Fuller said.
“However, disturbingly, our officers have already responded to dozens of reports of breaches of ministerial directions.”
Members of the public can report to Crime Stoppers if they hold concerns an individual or community is failing to comply with Public Health Orders. You can report online at www.nsw.crimestoppers.com.au or call 1800 333 000.

SUPERMARKETS AND PHARMACIES NOW ABLE TO OPERATE 24/7

Supermarkets and pharmacies will be able to operate around the clock in NSW to guarantee communities have access to essential goods at all times during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Changes to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 today enabled Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes to issue his first order to override normal planning controls restricting hours of operation.
“These orders cut red tape so we can move quickly and decisively to ensure the health, wellbeing and safety of our community during this time,” Mr Stokes said.
“The focus of our first order is giving people flexibility to visit their local supermarket, pharmacy or corner store at any time of day if those retail premises choose to operate for extended hours.
“This means the community will have access to food, medical supplies and essential household goods whenever they need it.
“Stores will also be able to dispose of their waste at any time of day, rather than during restricted hours, to dispose of the significant and sudden increase in stock.”
The order also provides greater flexibility for home-based businesses to operate at any time and expand their business as necessary.
“For those businesses operating out of home, we are facilitating more flexible operating hours and increasing the number of people working together from two to five, providing they can abide by the social distancing rules,” Mr Stokes said.
“This is important as more and more people work from home and need flexible working arrangements.”
Today’s move is on top of changes made last week to allow for 24/7 deliveries at supermarkets and pharmacies. The changes will be in place until the crisis is over. The order is available on NSW Planning’s website at: www.planning.nsw.gov.au/COVID19.

MORRISON GOVERNMENT MUST DUMP RECKLESS PLAN TO CLOSE LOCAL CENTRELINK OFFICES

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon has called on the Morrison Government to abandon its plans to close Newcastle and Mayfield Centrelink offices on the back chaotic scenes at Centrelink offices across the country.
“It’s been heartbreaking to see so many anxious people queueing outside local Centrelink offices this week, worrying about paying their rent and what’s going to happen to their family, but it also demonstrates the critical importance of the social safety net and adequate face-to-face services.
“The Government must immediately dump its reckless plan to shut down Newcastle and Mayfield Centrelink offices and replace them with a single office in a yet-to-be-disclosed location.”
Ms Claydon said Government neglect contributed to the chaos at Centrelink offices this week.
“This is a government that has spent six years attacking jobseekers and dismantling the social safety net. It’s no wonder they were woefully unprepared to step up to the task of helping all the people who lost their jobs in recent days.
“Any additional Centrelink staff are absolutely welcome, but it will take an enormous investment to remedy six years of Liberal attacks and savage cuts to Centrelink.”
Ms Claydon said she’d been inundated with support from Novocastrians to protect Mayfield and King Street Centrelink offices
“Ever since I launched the campaign to save our Centrelink offices at the end of last year, I’ve received thousands of emails, petition signatures and personal stories letting me know how damaging these closures would be.
“The government has demonstrated utter contempt for the tens of thousands of people that will be impacted including pensioners, jobseekers, families, people with disability and carers.”
“Mr Morrison needs to listen to the people of Newcastle and dump this terrible plan to shut down yet more precious public services.”
Ms Claydon said history demonstrated that once public services were axed, they rarely return.
“This plan will undoubtedly mean budget cuts, diminished services and reduced access for Novocastrians.
“The idea of closing Centrelink offices as demand soars due to the impact of COVID-19 is both cruel and foolish. Mr Morrison must dump this reckless plan today.”

NSW Police Force Commissioner reaffirms commitment to enforce COVID-19 Ministerial Directions

Commissioner Mick Fuller has reaffirmed the commitment of the NSW Police Force to use all powers available to officers to enforce all COVID-19-related ministerial directions.
A number of ministerial directions been announced to date, covering incoming travellers, diagnosed persons, mass gatherings and social distancing rules, and the closure of social gathering places.
The Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) provides NSW Police with the power to enforce these orders. It is an offence for a person to fail to comply with an order, and severe penalties apply.
Following the NSW Government’s recent amendment to the legislation, police will have the additional power to issue Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) to anyone found to be in contravention of a ministerial direction.
PINs carry on-the-spot fines of $1000 for individuals and $5000 for businesses.
This is in addition to the existing enforcement powers available to officers, which include issuing Court Attendance Notices with a maximum penalty of up to $11,000 and/or six months imprisonment for individuals.
Commissioner Fuller said the circumstances call for strong action – and police stand ready to respond.
“This health crisis is like nothing we have ever experienced, with more than 1000 cases now confirmed in NSW, and the numbers continuing to grow,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“I’m encouraged that most members of the community are taking this issue seriously and are adhering to the government advice.
“However, disturbingly, our officers have already responded to dozens of reports of breaches of ministerial directions from members of the community.
“This is astounding, and incredibly disappointing, as these people are putting themselves and the wider community at an unacceptable risk.
“The last thing we want to do is to have to use police powers to ensure compliance, but let me be clear – we have been using them and we will continue to do so.”
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said the measures were tough but necessary to minimise the risk the pandemic poses to public safety.
“Despite the majority of people doing the right thing, we are still seeing reckless and irresponsible behaviour that endangers the lives of others, particularly to elderly and immunocompromised members of the community,” Mr Elliott said.
“The rules are clear. No more than one person should occupy a two by two metre area, and public places such as the beach and retail outlets are no exception.
“Our message to the community is simple: be vigilant, be sensible, and stay up to date with the latest health advice.
“No one is above the law. If you decide to ignore a direction to self-isolate, you will be caught and you may find yourself slapped with a hefty fine.”
NSW Police Force last week launched operation Coronavirus to guide the organisation’s response, with highly specialised officers providing practical and logistical support to our 17,000-strong workforce.
The Police Operations Centre (POC), the command location for coordinating all police activities in response to major incidents, has been made operational.
Commissioner Fuller said in addition to responding to reports of non-compliance, police had put in place a number of proactive measures to help stop the spread of the virus.
“Our officers are conducting proactive patrols in every Police Area Command and Police District across the state, to add another layer of enforcement and ensure people in public places are sticking to the rules.
“These patrols also form part of our ongoing work with retailers, to ensure calm and fairness at the checkouts.
“I want to urge the people of NSW to stay safe and follow the official government advice.
“Now more than ever, we need to pull together and fight this virus as a community.”

Woman charged after alleged assault at Charlestown supermarket

A woman will face court today after allegedly assaulting two employees at a Lake Macquarie supermarket yesterday.
Shortly after 5pm (Tuesday 24 March 2020), police were called to a supermarket inside a shopping centre at Charlestown, following reports a customer was becoming aggressive towards staff members.
Officers were told the woman was banned from the store after a verbal altercation with staff at the weekend and was asked to leave as per the banning notice.
Police will allege in court that the 52-year-old woman verbally abused and threatened a 46-year-old male staff member before punching him in the chest and spitting in his face.
A 33-year-old male security guard intercepted the woman before she allegedly verbally abused and slapped him.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District arrived a short time later and arrested the woman.
She was taken to Belmont Police Station and charged with two counts of common assault and an outstanding arrest warrant.
She was refused bail to face Belmont Local Court today (Wednesday 25 March 2020).

Women seriously injured in crash – Lake Macquarie

Two women have sustained serious injuries following a two-vehicle crash in Lake Macquarie today.
About 10.25am (Wednesday 25 March 2020) emergency services were called to Ntaba Road, Jewels, after reports a Toyota Camry and a Toyota Avalon collided.
The drivers and sole occupants – aged 74 and 65 – were freed from the vehicles before being treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics at the scene.
They were transferred to John Hunter Hospital, the older woman in a critical condition and the other in a serious condition.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District established a crime scene, which will be examined by specialist police from the Crash Investigation Unit.
An investigation has commenced and anyone who may have information or dashcam footage of the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers or Lake Macquarie Police.