The Ruby Princess will be berthing at the port of Port Kembla from today (Monday 6 April 2020) to allow for safer access for medical assessments, treatment, or emergency extractions of her crew.
It is believed the vessel may remain in place for up to 10 days, but the crew will not disembark unless in an emergency and approved by the NSW Police Commissioner.
She will also be refuelling and restocking provisions, as required for her home journey.
The berthing will be conducted under strict health and biosecurity guidelines and will not pose a risk to employees at the port or the broader community.
While no further information is available at this time, if and when it does, it will be issued either as a media release or official statement.
Month: April 2020
Building fire – Newcastle
A crime scene has been established after a fire at a vacant Newcastle hotel overnight.
About 5.30pm (Sunday 5 April 2020), emergency services were called to King Street, Newcastle, following reports of an explosion at an unoccupied licensed premises.
They arrived to find the building well alight; crews from Fire and Rescue NSW took several hours to extinguish the blaze.
More than 100 people from nearby buildings were evacuated as a precaution, two firefighters suffered minor injuries.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District have commenced investigations into the cause of the blaze.
Hunter Street remains closed between Auckland Street and Worth Place; local diversions are in place.
Breakdown of latest Public Health Act charges and Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs)
Police have issued another 15 COVID-19 related Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) since the last update.
These include:
- About 1am yesterday (Sunday 5 April 2020) police from Blue Mountains Police Area Command were called to the old Queen Victoria Hospital at Wentworth Falls after two men were sighted on CCTV trespassing on the premises. Police spoke with a 35-year-old man and a 28-year-old man, who were both issued infringements for trespass and failing to comply with noticed direction.
- On Sunday 22 March 2020 a 65-year-old woman returned to Sydney on a flight from Indonesia and was given a direction to self-isolate at home. About 3pm last Tuesday (1 April 2020) officers from Coffs/Clarence Police District received information the woman had entered a shopping centre at Grafton. Two hours later, at about 5pm, police located the woman in her car. She told officers she had been to seven separate retail stores that day, including the supermarket. The woman was directed to return home immediately and was issued with a $1000 PIN.
- About 2.15am yesterday officers from South Coast Police District were conducting patrols of the North Nowra area when they located a vehicle parked near bushland. As police approached, four women were sighted in the vehicle, including three who were lying down in the backseat. The women told police they had been at a party but had been asked to leave. They were each issued with a $1000 PIN.
- Just before 11am yesterday, a 32-year-old male and 31-year-old female were observed by officers from Mid North Coast Police District to have left their homes at South Kempsey without reasonable excuse. Police issued a warning to both individuals to return to their homes. Later in the day, about 1.45pm, police observed the male and the female in a vehicle nearby. When asked by police why they had not complied with direction, the male advised police they were ‘bored’. Both were issued with $1000 PINs.
The remaining infringements include:
- 1 x Sydney City Police Area Command
- 2 x Sutherland Shire Police Area Command
- 1 x Port Stephens-Hunter Police District
- 1 x Wollongong Police District
- 1 x Oxley Police District
Further information is available on request.
Since Tuesday 17 March 2020, police have issued 98 PINs and 8 Court Attendance Notices (CANs) for breaches of the Public Health Act NSW (2010).
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.
Man charged following alleged aggravated break and enters – Raymond Terrace
A man has been charged following an alleged aggravated home invasion at a motel in Raymond Terrace.
About 12.30am today (Monday 6 April 2020), two men and a woman attended a hotel on the intersection of William and Port Stephens streets, Raymond Terrace, with one armed with a piece of wood.
Police will allege the trio entered a room and threatened a 23-year-old man before demanding his key card and cash and assaulting him.
The two men and woman continued to threaten the 23-year-old to open two other rooms.
A 26-year-old man and 28-year-old woman were in the third room when the door opened, and the trio allegedly demanded cash and assaulted both of them.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District arrived at the scene a short time later and attempted to stop a blue Mitsubishi Magna leaving a nearby shopping centre carpark.
The vehicle drove off at speed and a police pursuit was initiated; it was terminated a short time later due to safety concerns.
Following extensive inquiries, police attended a home on Cambridge Street, Raymond Terrace, and arrested an 18-year-old man about 7.30am.
He was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station and charged with two counts of special aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence with a weapon, armed aggravated break and enter with intent and larceny.
He was refused bail to face Raymond Terrace Local Court today (Monday 6 April 2020), where he was granted conditional bail to face the same court on Tuesday 9 June 2020.
Inquiries are continuing to locate the other man and woman.
NDIS Participants To Receive Priority Home Delivery From Leading Supermarkets
A new service to be launched tomorrow will see NDIS participants receive priority home delivery during the coronavirus pandemic from some of the country’s biggest supermarkets.
Following close collaboration between the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and leading supermarkets, the new Priority Home Delivery Service will ease the stress for over 340,000 NDIS participants who are unable to do their shopping in their usual way.
From tomorrow (Monday, 6 April), every NDIS participant will receive an individual code via SMS or email which will give them access to the priority delivery offer. Upon completing an online shopping order, participants will be prompted to enter their code when choosing the home delivery option.
Minister Robert said the service is another example of how the Government is collaborating with the private sector to develop whole-of-society efforts to help Australians in need and comes as the NDIA continues to implement its NDIS Pandemic Plan.
‘The Priority Home Delivery Service will help hundreds of thousands of NDIS participants across the country access everyday items through an option that removes personal health risks and great stress associated with going shopping in the current environment,’ Mr Robert said.
‘I thank those supermarkets for delivering this service as it will be a great help to hundreds of thousands of Australians and their families.
‘The Morrison Government is committed to ensure the well-being of Australians with disability are considered as the coronavirus pandemic unfolds. Our priority during this period is doing what we can to support the immediate needs of NDIS participants, including through enabling priority home delivery of groceries and other basic essentials.
‘The NDIS is one of the most important social and economic reforms in our country’s history, and is already significantly improving the lives of people with disability and their families. This is another example of how we are working to improve the level of support provided, with more choice and control for participants.’
For more information, including a list of participating supermarket retailers, please visit www.ndis.gov.au.
For more information on the Australian Government’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, visit www.australia.gov.au.
Following close collaboration between the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and leading supermarkets, the new Priority Home Delivery Service will ease the stress for over 340,000 NDIS participants who are unable to do their shopping in their usual way.
From tomorrow (Monday, 6 April), every NDIS participant will receive an individual code via SMS or email which will give them access to the priority delivery offer. Upon completing an online shopping order, participants will be prompted to enter their code when choosing the home delivery option.
Minister Robert said the service is another example of how the Government is collaborating with the private sector to develop whole-of-society efforts to help Australians in need and comes as the NDIA continues to implement its NDIS Pandemic Plan.
‘The Priority Home Delivery Service will help hundreds of thousands of NDIS participants across the country access everyday items through an option that removes personal health risks and great stress associated with going shopping in the current environment,’ Mr Robert said.
‘I thank those supermarkets for delivering this service as it will be a great help to hundreds of thousands of Australians and their families.
‘The Morrison Government is committed to ensure the well-being of Australians with disability are considered as the coronavirus pandemic unfolds. Our priority during this period is doing what we can to support the immediate needs of NDIS participants, including through enabling priority home delivery of groceries and other basic essentials.
‘The NDIS is one of the most important social and economic reforms in our country’s history, and is already significantly improving the lives of people with disability and their families. This is another example of how we are working to improve the level of support provided, with more choice and control for participants.’
For more information, including a list of participating supermarket retailers, please visit www.ndis.gov.au.
For more information on the Australian Government’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, visit www.australia.gov.au.
Supporting the Agriculture Workforce During COVID-19
The Federal Liberal and Nationals Government is making temporary changes to visa arrangements to help farmers access the workforce they need to secure Australia’s food and produce supply during COVID-19.
The changes allow those within the Pacific Labour Scheme, Seasonal Worker Program and working holiday makers to continue to work in agriculture and food processing until the coronavirus crisis has passed.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Government was protecting the health of Australians by supporting businesses, providing job opportunities and securing our food supply.
“We can’t afford to see fruit rotting on trees and vines and vegetables left unpicked. It is vital our farmers maximise their hard work and economic returns,” Minister McCormack said.
“We are acting to enable seasonal workers to extend their stay and remain lawfully in Australia until they are able to return to their home countries.
“The agriculture sector relies on an ongoing workforce and we are committed to providing the means for that to continue while ensuring strict health and safety measures are adhered to, including visa holders following self-isolation requirements when they move between regions.”
Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud said workforce requirements for agriculture change within and across states as different crops are ready for harvest.
“It is essential for our food security that workers can move to meet these seasonal labour needs,” Minister Littleproud said.
“At the same time it is critical we manage this labour force to support the on-going health of regional communities.
“We are working closely with State and Territory Governments and industry to ensure appropriate health controls are in place for the ongoing health and well-being of our regional communities.”
There are tough rules to ensure that COVID-19 is not transported to regional and rural communities that have thankfully not experienced the same level transmission.
Before moving to other parts of the country, working holiday makers will need to self-isolate for 14 days and register at the Australia.gov.au website. Those who do not comply will face having their visas cancelled.
The National Farmers Federation has developed best practice guidance for farmers regarding requirements for the living and working arrangements for farm workers (either domestic or migrant) during the covid-19 outbreak.
“We have asked the Chief Medical Officer to review these guidelines and it is critical that they are then considered by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee,” Minister Littleproud said.
“Sadly, there’s been a significant number of Australians who’ve lost their jobs due to the economic impacts of COVID-19.
“I know some farmers have seen strong interest from job ads and we are keeping market testing requirements in place to ensure recruitment of Australians first.
“We are well positioned with the decisions we’ve taken today to ensure that critical industries, such as agriculture, are well supported during this time and that Australia remains positioned to produce the food we need.”
Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alan Tudge said agriculture is an essential sector and it relies on temporary visa holders, many who arrive and depart Australia on a seasonal basis.
“These visa holders fill a critical workforce gap in this sector,” Minister Tudge said.
“That is why the Government is putting temporary measures in place to allow important work in the agriculture sector to continue.
“We are giving certainty to our agriculture workforce so they can get food from farms to our shops and ensure critical services continue.”
The conditions under the Seasonal Worker Programme and Pacific Labour Scheme visa arrangements will be carried over to the new visa arrangements, continuing the strong links between Pacific seasonal workers and their employers.
These changes complement and are in addition to additional measures for temporary visa holders announced by Minister Tudge.
Key Facts
- Seasonal Worker Programme and Pacific Labour Scheme workers can extend their stay for up to 12 months to work for approved employers (ensuring pastoral care and accommodation needs of workers are met to minimise health risks to visa holders and the community).
- Approved employers under the Seasonal Worker Programme and Pacific Labour Scheme will need to continue engaging with the Department of Education, Skills and Employment on labour market testing to ensure recruitment of Australians first.
- Working Holiday Makers (WHMs) who work in agriculture or food processing will be exempt from the six month work limitation with the one employer and eligible for a further visa to keep working in these critical sectors if their current visa is due to expire in the next six months.
- Conditions will be placed upon visa holders to self-isolate for 14 days before taking up employment in a different region (including termination of visas where there is non-compliance).
- To support implementation of self-isolation arrangements for visa holders and avoid spread of COVID-19 the government is working with states and territories on enforcement and sanction mechanisms.
- Employers will need to commit to providing safe accommodation for agricultural workers that complies with social distancing requirements.
- Arrangement will also need to be in place for a declaration between employers and employees that all protocols necessary to ensure human health and accommodation requirements have been met.
NSW Police Marine Area Command completes five cruise ship operation
The NSW Police Force Marine Area Command has concluded the largest maritime operation undertaken in Sydney Harbour to coordinate the crew movements and departure of five cruise ships.
‘Operation Nemesis’, planned and executed by the NSW Police Marine Area Command, worked closely with the NSW Ports Authority and the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line to coordinate the safe return of the ships to their home ports.
Following the departure of the Spectrum of the Seas and the Radiance of the Seas yesterday (Saturday 4 April 2020) afternoon, the three remaining Royal Caribbean ships were also anchored in the harbour during the course of Saturday evening and the early hours of this morning (Sunday 5 April 2020).
The Voyager of the Seas was the first of the final three vessels to leave NSW waters departing about 8pm (Saturday 4 April 2020) to return to an international port. It was followed by the Ovation of the Seas about midnight (Sunday 5 April 2020) and the Celebrity Solstice about 1.45am.
In total more than 1300 crew members, who were Foreign Nationals, were moved between the five ships in numerous tender operations, before the ships departed NSW waters to return to their home countries.
Five Australian crew members elected to remain on the ships and continue to international ports.
Man charged following stabbing – Fingal Bay
A man has been charged over an alleged stabbing in the state’s Hunter region today.
Just before 2.20am (Sunday 5 April 2020), emergency services were called to a house on Shoreline Drive, Fingal Bay, after reports of an assault.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District arrived to find a 27-year-old man suffering multiple stab wounds to his back.
He was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital where he remains in a stable condition following surgery.
A 28-year-old man was arrested at the scene and taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station.
A crime scene was established and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident commenced.
Following inquiries, the older man was charged with wound person intend to cause grievous bodily harm (DV) and affray.
Police will allege in court that the two men – who are known to each other – were fighting, before the younger man was stabbed in the lower back.
The man was refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court via AVL tomorrow (Monday 6 April 2020).
Police investigation launched into actions surrounding Ruby Princess
The NSW Police Force has commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the docking and disembarking of the Ruby Princess last month.
After being tasked by the NSW Premier to conduct initial investigations, NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller today (Sunday 5 April 2020) announced that a criminal investigation is now underway to fully examine the communications, actions, and other circumstances that led to the docking and disembarking of the vessel at Sydney Harbour on Thursday 19 March 2020.
The investigation is being led by the Homicide Squad’s Detective Chief Inspector Jason Dickinson, who is experienced in complex and protracted investigations, with oversight from the NSW Coroner.
It is expected the investigation will involve interviewing thousands of witnesses, including the Ruby Princess’ captain and doctors, the crew and passengers; and staff from various Commonwealth and NSW Government offices and agencies.
Commissioner Fuller said his initial assessment of the vessel’s pratique left questions about the transparency in conceptualising the health conditions of passengers and crew in relation to COVID-19.
“I’ve examined a number of phone calls between NSW Ambulance, NSW Port Authority and NSW Police that stemmed from the initial 17-minute Triple Zero call from the ship to NSW Ambulance on 18 March,” the Commissioner said.
“There appears to have been an exceptional amount of effort put in by Ports to determine the true nature of the conditions on board – and even delayed the vessels arrival until they were provided additional information.
“After reviewing the information at hand, the only way I can determine whether our national biosecurity laws or our state laws were broken is through a criminal investigation.”
The Commissioner added that investigators will examine the actions of everyone involved – whether from the cruise company or government agencies.
“This is a complex issue and we will need information from many witnesses to answer all the questions about how this ship ended up docking last month,” the Commissioner said.
“We are mindful that some of the key information we need will also come from passengers, so I urge those who were on-board to reach out to us – please contact Crime Stoppers as soon as possible.”
Anyone who was on-board the Ruby Princess and has information relevant to the investigation, including details of symptoms, illness, or medical advice during the journey is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.
Aspen Medical are continuing to assess the health of the crew on board the Ruby Princess and have developed a plan in conjunction with NSW Health, the NSW Police Force’s Marine Area Command, and Australian Border Force to manage their welfare until they can depart Australian waters.
Police have been advised that up to 200 of the 1040 crew members currently on board the vessel are displaying symptoms, while 16 crew members are confirmed to have returned positive results for COVID-19.
Breakdown of latest Public Health Act charges and Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs)
CHARGES:
– About 9am today (Sunday 4 April 2020), lifeguards at Bondi Beach approached police for assistance with a man who had ignored the council’s ‘beach closed’ signs. Officers from Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command spoke with a 21-year-old man and cautioned him for failing to comply with terms of notice erected by council. After the man allegedly refused to follow move-on directions, he was arrested, during which, he allegedly coughed at an officer, claiming to have COVID-19. He was taken to Waverley Police Station and charged with fail to comply with terms of notice erected by council, fail or refuse to comply with requirement of police officer, resist officer in execution of duty and intimidate police officer in execution of duty without actual bodily harm. He was refused bail to appear at Central Local Court tomorrow (Monday 6 April 2020). It has since been confirmed that the man does not have COVID-19.
– A 59-year-old man has been charged with trespassing and breaching the Public Health Act after officers from Northern Beaches Police Area Command were called to a Dee Why hotel about 8.30pm yesterday (Saturday 4 April 2020). The same man has already been issued with two PINs (Thursday 2 and Friday 3 April 2020) for similar breaches. He’s due to appear in Manly Local Court on Wednesday 3 June 2020.
– A man has been charged over allegedly breaching an Apprehensive Violence Order and not complying with the Public Health Act. Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were called to a home in East Maitland about 9.30am yesterday (Saturday 4 April 2020), responding to reports a woman was being assaulted. They arrested a 26-year-old man at the scene and took him to Maitland Police Station, where he was charged with contravene prohibition/restriction in AVO, possess prohibited drug, and not comply with direction under section 7. He’s been refused bail to appear in Newcastle Local Court today (Sunday 5 April 2020).
– A 37-year-old man claiming to have COVID-19 virus will appear in Nowra court today after allegedly assaulting and spitting at officers. Officers from South Coast Police District were attempting to arrest the man about 8.30am yesterday (Saturday 4 April 2020), when he allegedly punched an officer in the face. It’s alleged the man spat in the face of the injured senior constable, while claiming to have the COVID-19 virus. He’s been charged with assault police causing actual bodily harm, assault police, and intimidate police.
PINS:
A total of 18 new Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) have been issued in relation to alleged breaches of the Public Health Act:
– About 2.30pm on Friday 3 April 2020, officers from Murrumbidgee Police District were called to Benerembah Lane, Griffith, following reports of an intoxicated person. A 55-year-old man was spoken to and moved on from the area. At 4pm the same day, officers returned after the man was seen again in that location and could not provide a legitimate reason for being there. Police were also made aware that he had been warned to obey social distancing regulations on Tuesday 31 March 2020. The man was issued a penalty infringement notice (PIN).
– About 5pm Friday 3 April 2020, police attached to New England Police District attended a licensed premise in Tenterfield Street, Deepwater. They spoke to a 27-year-old man, who was sitting with a group of patrons drinking. He was issued with a PIN as he had been spoken to by police the previous day about social-distancing and issued with a warning.
– A 37-year-old Newtown man has been issued with a PIN after officers from Inner West PAC spoke with him twice on Friday night about breaching the Public Health Act. Police spoke with the man on Federation Road about 8.30pm on Friday 3 April 2020, where he was warned about associating with four other adults. About two hours later, the same man was stopped on King Street, Newtown, and was then issued with a PIN.
– About 8.30pm Friday 3 April 2020, officers from Bankstown Police Area Command noticed a car double parked in Restwell Street, Bankstown. Officers pulled over the car and spoke to the 20-year-old female driver and her 21-year-old female passenger. The pair were unable to provide a valid reason for driving around. The passenger provided incorrect identification information to the police and become argumentative. She was issued with a PIN. The driver was issued with an official move on direction.
– Just after 10.30pm on Friday 3 April 2020, officers from Liverpool City Police Area Command were patrolling San Cristobal Drive, Green Valley, when they saw three men – one aged 36 and two 18-year-olds – not obeying social distancing regulations. The men were spoken to and could not provide a legitimate reason for being there. Two of the men had allegedly exited a vehicle believed to have been stolen. All three were issued PINs. Investigations regarding the vehicle are continuing.
– At 1.15am Saturday 4 April 2020, officers from Bankstown Police Area Command pulled over a car after it had allegedly accelerated away after seeing police on Edgar Street, Bankstown. The 30-year-old driver was spoken to by police about his reason for driving. He was unable to provide a valid reason and changed his version several times and continued to be argumentative with police. He was issued with a PIN.
– A passenger in a car being driven by a food delivery driver has been issued with a PIN by officers from Quakers Hill Police Area Command. Police stopped the vehicle about midday yesterday (Saturday 4 April 2020) and spoke with two people in the car. The driver was employed delivering food; however, police allege the 33-year-old woman from Toongabbie, who was the front-seat passenger, was only there because she said she was bored being at home.
– A 38-year-old woman has been issued with a PIN after she was found drinking with six people in Jonson Street, Byron Bay, just before 6pm yesterday, in breach of the Public Health Act. Officers from Tweed/Byron Police District had issued a warning to the woman earlier in the day.
– Police investigating an alleged assault at a home in Goulburn last night have issued two men with PINs for breaching the Public Health Act. Officers from The Hume Police District were called to the home in Teece Place about 9.20pm (Saturday 4 April 2020), after a 34-year-old man sustained a cut above his eye. He was treated at Goulburn Hospital and released. Police later issued him and his 24-year-old friend with a PIN; inquiries are continuing into the alleged assault.
– A man has been issued with a PIN after being stopped at the Sydney Opera House about 10.15pm yesterday. Officers from Sydney City PAC had already issued the man last Wednesday (1 April 2020), with a warning about breaching the Public Health Act.
– Two people were given PINs and three people received cautions after gathering for a barbeque in the state’s north. Yesterday (Saturday 4 April 2020), about 11pm, officers attached to New England Police District responded to a noise complaint at a caravan park on Rouse Street, Tenterfield. Five people were in the bungalow; breaching ministerial orders related to the congregation of more than two people. A 23-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl were identified as people who had previously received cautions for not complying with ministerial directions and were fined $1000. The three others were issued with cautions.
– Just after midnight (Sunday 5 April 2020), officers from Sutherland Shire Police Area Command attended the Lilli Pilli Baths, in Lilli Pilli, following reports of a gathering of people not adhering to social distancing regulations. Police attended and spoke with four men – aged 22, 24, 19 and 19 – who were drinking and having a barbeque. Officers reminded them of their requirements under the Public Health Act and asked them to move on; however, the men became argumentative and refused to leave. All three men were issued infringement notices.