A unanimous Parliamentary report on the National Redress Scheme for survivors of child sexual abuse has recommended significant changes including advance payments for vulnerable survivors.
Deputy Chair of the Joint Select Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Committee Sharon Claydon said that the Morrison Government, having failed to deliver on so many key aspects of the National Redress Scheme to date, was well and truly on-notice.
“It’s appalling that two years after the scheme started, less than 1,500 payments have been made, despite the Royal Commission finding that 60,000 people may be eligible,” Ms Claydon said.
“Most shamefully, we learnt through the inquiry that 22 people have died waiting for their claims to be processed.”
Ms Claydon said the report recommended that the Government consider advance payments for survivors who are especially vulnerable, so that they don’t miss out on redress.
“Forcing survivors to wait a day longer than they need to for redress payments just adds further injustice to the trauma they’ve already experienced,” Ms Claydon said.
“The Government should be looking at the example of other jurisdictions like Scotland, which is making advance payments available to all applicants aged 68 and over or with a terminal illness.”
Ms Claydon said the report also emphasised the need to penalise organisations that were named during the Royal Commission or have been identified in a redress application, but fail to sign-up to the scheme by the June 30 deadline.
“Almost 550 applications are on hold because 284 non-government institutions have failed to join the scheme two years on. This is absolutely unforgivable,” she said.
“The Morrison Government must consider every means at its disposal to ensure these organisations sign up, including removing their charitable status and /or any other sources of public funding and concessions they receive, as well as naming and shaming recalcitrant organisations.”
The Committee also recommended that a full list of organisations that have not signed by the deadline of 30 June 2020, and those that have declined to join the scheme, be published on the National Redress Scheme website, including the written statement provided by the institution which details all financial benefits accrued by means of their charitable status and/or any other sources of public funding or concessions they received.
It would be then up to the Minister to convene a meeting of all jurisdictions to determine and advise what action would be taken.
Ms Claydon urged the Morrison Government to act on the report as a matter of utmost urgency.
“The Government has been kicking the redress can down the road for too long. This must stop now. No more excuses.
“Survivors have been waiting all their lives for redress, they shouldn’t have to wait any longer.”
Month: May 2020
MP URGES NOVOCASTRIANS TO DOWNLOAD COVIDSAFE APP
Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon has encouraged Novocastrians to download the Federal Government’s COVIDSafe app to help stem the spread of the virus and meet the criteria for restrictions to be eased.
Ms Claydon made the plea after the Government made the rollback of restrictions contingent on widespread uptake of the app.
“Too many people are hurting in our community right now as a result of the restrictions that have been needed to control the spread of COVID-19,” Ms Claydon said.
“If this app can help slow the spread of the virus even further, it means that many Novocastrians will be able to get back to work, to school, to volunteering and community life sooner rather than later.”
Ms Claydon said the app had capacity to improve Australia’s health response dramatically.
“I can understand that some people have misgivings, and I am disappointed that the government didn’t consult more widely on the design, but COVIDSafe could be an important part of the national health response to stem the spread of this diabolical virus,” Ms Claydon said.
“It has the potential to improve contact tracing out-of-sight, but if it’s really going to be a game changer it will need millions more Australians to sign up.”
Ms Claydon said she understood that people might have reservations given the Government’s track record of IT bungles.
“There’s no doubt the Government has made some serious blunders when it comes to IT, but when I weighed things up, I decided the health and wellbeing of our community must take priority,” Ms Claydon said.
“That the nation’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO), our doctors, nurses, midwives and allied health professionals stand united in their call for us to download the app, is reason enough for me to overcome my own hesitations following a litany of tech failures from this government.
“There are no guarantees that the government has got all of the design elements for COVIDSafe App right first-go, but given it has the potential to save lives and ease this enforced hibernation, I think we need to give it a go.”
Officer spat on as man resists arrest; two charged – Surry Hills
Two men have been charged after an affray in Surry Hills overnight – with one man allegedly resisting arrest and spitting on an officer.
About 9.30pm (Sunday 3 May 2020), police saw two men involved in a physical altercation on Flinders Street, near Short Street.
As the officers approached the two men, OC spray was deployed, and one man, aged 30, was arrested and taken to Surry Hills Police Station.
The second man fled and was pursued by other police and he allegedly resisted officers as they attempted to restrain him, causing one officer fell to the ground.
The 27-year-old was arrested and escorted to the police vehicle where he allegedly spat on a constable.
He was taken to Surry Hills Police Station where he allegedly spat on the constable a second time.
The older man, from Ultimo, was charged with affray and not comply with noticed direction re S7/8/9 – COVID-19.
The younger man, from Kingsgrove, was charged with affray, resist officer in execution of duty, two counts of assault officer in execution of duty, and not comply with noticed direction re S7/8/9 – COVID-19.
Both men were refused bail to appear at Central Local Court today (Monday 4 May 2020).
Teen charged after spitting on train guard – Canley Vale
A teenager will appear in court today charged with assault after allegedly spitting on a train guard in Canley Vale yesterday.
Around 6.45pm (Sunday 3 May 2020), a Sydney Trains guard was working on a south bound train when it stopped at Canley Vale Railway Station.
As the train was due to depart, a young male standing on the platform is alleged to have spat into the face of the 49-year-old train guard before running from the scene, over the train tracks and in the direction of Canley Vale Road.
Officers attached to Fairfield City Police Area Command attended and commenced an investigation into the incident.
Shortly after, police stopped and spoke to a teenage boy on Canley Vale road, near the intersection of Sackville Street.
The 16-year-old boy was arrested and taken to Fairfield Police Station where he was charged with common assault.
He was refused bail and is due to appear in a children’s court today (Monday 4 May 2020).
Breakdown of latest Public Health Act charges and Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs)
Police have charged five people under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) and issued four COVID-19-related Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) for offences within the past 24 hours.
Yesterday’s charges:
- About 9.30pm yesterday (Sunday 3 May 2020), police observed two men in a physical fight on Flinders Street, near Short Street, Darlinghurst. Members of the public attempted to intervene and as officers from Surry Hills Police Area Command approached the men, OC spray was deployed. A 30-year-old man was arrested and taken to Surry Hills Police Station. The second man allegedly ran from the scene and was pursued by police on foot. A short time later, the 27-year-old man was arrested and as he was being placed in the caged truck, it’s alleged he spat on a male constable. He was taken to Surry Hills Police Station where he allegedly spat on the constable again. The Kingsgrove man was charged with affray, resist officer in execution of duty, two counts of assault officer in execution of duty, and not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19. The 30-year-old Ultimo man was charged with affray and not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19. Both men were refused bail to appear at Central Local Court today (Monday 4 May 2020).
- About 4.30am yesterday, police were called to a home on George Street, Liverpool, following reports three people had arrived uninvited and were threatening a resident. A short time later, officers from Liverpool City Police Area Command stopped and spoke with two women – both aged 48 – and a 44-year-old man near the home. The trio, who were known to the occupant, were arrested and taken to Liverpool Police Station. They were each charged with stalk/intimidate, malicious damage, and fail to comply requirement public health order – COVID-19. They were granted conditional bail to appear at Liverpool Local Court on Tuesday 30 June 2020.
Yesterday’s PINs included:
- Just before 1am yesterday, officers attached to Sydney City Police Area Command stopped a Mitsubishi Lancer on George Street, Haymarket. Police will allege the driver, a 42-year-old Warwick Farm man, could not provide a reasonable excuse for being away from home. Checks revealed he had given a previous warning about breaching Ministerial Directions and was issued a $1000 PIN.
- About 10.15am yesterday, officers from Sutherland Shire Police Area Command spoke to two men – aged 35 and 45 – at a public toilet in Kirrawee. The pair allegedly told police they were at the location taking illicit drugs and were each issued a $1000 PIN.
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.
Former foster carer in court charged with 20 historic alleged child sex offences
A former foster carer has been charged with 20 child sex offences following an investigation into the alleged historical indecent and sexual assault of two young girls in the state’s Hunter region.
In September 2019, detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad commenced an investigation following reports two young girls were indecently and sexually assaulted by a man while they were in his care.
Following extensive investigations, detectives arrested a 65-year-old man at Raymond Terrace Police Station on Friday 6 March 2020.
He was charged with 20 offences including;
- indecent assault where victim under the age of 10 years (x3)
- incite aggravated indecency – victim under 16 years and under authority of offender (x5)
- aggravated indecent assault – victim under the age of 16 years (x6), and
- aggravated sexual intercourse person – victim between 10 and 14 years (x6)
Police will allege in court that the man indecently and sexually assaulted the girls – then aged from eight and 10 – on several occasions while they were in his care between 2002 and 2004.
The man was refused bail and appeared at Raymond Terrace Local Court on Friday 6 March 2020 and is next due to appear at the same court today (Monday 4 May 2020).
The Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad is comprised of detectives who are specially trained to investigate matters against children and adults, including sexual assault, serious physical abuse, and extreme cases of neglect.
Campaign to Combat Domestic Violence During COVID-19 Crisis
The Morrison Government is rolling out extra measures to ensure people experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence know where to get help during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Help is Here campaign will include advertising across television, digital, social media, radio, magazines and newspapers as well as in shopping centres, hospitals and GP surgeries.
Minister for Women, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, and Minister for Families and Social Services, Senator the Hon Anne Ruston, said the campaign had two clear messages that help is here and tough times do not excuse tougher times at home.
“For many weeks, Australians have been heeding the Government’s call to stay at home to control the spread of COVID-19. However, for many women and children, home is not a safe place to be,” Minister Payne said.
“We want all Australians to know, including those at risk of using violence, there is free and confidential help available at all hours, every day.
“Support and advice is also available for family and friends of those experiencing domestic violence and abuse.”
The new awareness campaign to promote the two national helplines – 1800RESPECT and MensLine Australia – is part of the Morrison Government’s $150 million Domestic Violence Support Package to help support services meet demand during these unprecedented times.
Minister Ruston said the new campaign directs women and men to 1800RESPECT and MensLine, where they could talk directly and confidentially with trained counsellors via online chat or phone.
“The campaign also delivers the strong message that violence and abuse are never acceptable, no matter the circumstances,” Minister Ruston said.
“Increased stresses at a time like this are known and understandable but they are not an excuse for causing physical or psychological harm.
“It is important that both women and men know they can access help online and by phone at any time of the day or night.”
Since the Coronavirus pandemic began more than 15 per cent of contacts for MensLine Australia have been COVID-19 specific while 1800RESPECT has seen an 11 per cent increase in people accessing support when compared with the same time last year.
1800RESPECT national partner manager Melonie Sheehan said the helpline typically received more approaches for help during natural disaster, when a high-profile case of domestic abuse was reported in the media or major events such as this pandemic.
“In particular, we have seen a shift in how and when people contact us,” Ms Sheehan said.
“More people are calling the service in the very late hours, closer to midnight and we have also seen an increase in people contacting us via webchat as this may be when and how people feel more comfortable or safer to seek support.”
On the Line chief executive Samantha Fredericks said between February and March the organisation’s MensLine service had seen a 34 per cent increase in callers who reported family violence concerns.
“We want men to understand they can reach out for help before a situation escalates,” Ms Fredericks said.
“Seeking support and advice for emotional health and relationship concerns now and at any time is so important.”
Further information is available at www.australia.gov.au/dvsupport
If you or someone you know is experiencing or at risk of domestic, family or sexual violence contact 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) 1800respect.org.au or MensLine Australia (1300 789 978) mensline.org.au
These national services are available and accessible to all people located in Australia, including Aboriginal and Torres Strat Islander people, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, including those on temporary visas, as well as people with disability.
COVID-19: Resumption of Elite and Community Sport
The National Cabinet has today endorsed measures for the resumption of sport and recreation activities across Australia.
A set of National Principles along with the Australian Institute of Sport’s, Framework for Rebooting Sport in a COVID-19 Environment, will be used to guide the staged return of activity as efforts to stop the spread of the virus continue.
Minister for Youth and Sport, Richard Colbeck, said the announcement signalled an important step as Australia, slowly and resolutely, emerges from the pandemic.
“The National Cabinet decisions map out a careful and sensible road ahead for the safe resumption of sports and recreation in Australia,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Both the National Principles and the Framework recognise the key role sport and recreation plays in the Australian community and the many health, economic, social and cultural benefits it provides.”
He said emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic would not be easy or fast – but planning for the future of sport and recreation would be a critical part of our national recovery.
“I fully support the National Cabinet’s firm resolution that the resumption of sport and recreation activity — at any level — must not compromise the health of individuals or the community,” Minister Colbeck said.
The National Principles make clear how sporting and recreational activities can only happen where stringent, public and personal health measures are observed and required standards met.
The Framework for Rebooting Sport in a COVID-19 Environment was developed by the AIS after extensive consultation with sports organisations.
It guides the staged resumption of sport and recreation at high performance, community, and individual levels.
The National Cabinet also agreed to establish a specialist COVID-19 Sports and Health Committee.
The committee will include relevant sports medicine and health experts from the AIS, sports, and governments to monitor and support the resumption process.
It will report to the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee
“I want to stress that the resumption process will at all times be subject to the current circumstances of jurisdictions and under the direction of relevant public health authorities,” Minister Colbeck said.
“We can expect some variation because of local factors including COVID-19 epidemiology, risk mitigation strategies, and public health capacities.
“Today’s endorsement by the National Cabinet of the resumption of sport and recreation in Australia is a great step forward.
“However, we must all continue to play our part to keep ourselves, our families, and our communities safe from spread of COVID-19.”
AIS Framework for rebooting sport (PDF)
Breakdown of latest Public Health Act charges and Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs)
Police have charged three people under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) and issued two COVID-19-related Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) for offences within the past 24 hours.
Yesterday’s CANs and PINs included:
- About 12.55am on Saturday (2 May 2020), officers from Lake Macquarie Police District were called to Motherwell Street, Edgeworth where they spoke to 15 and 16- year-old juveniles. The boys were arrested and taken to Toronto Police Station, where they were charged with 12 offences including property theft, trespass, assault police and not comply with noticed direction COVID-19. The teens were refused bail.
- About 1.20pm yesterday (Saturday 2 May 2020), officers from South Sydney Police Area Command were patrolling James Street Reserve, Redfern, when they noticed a man allegedly drinking alcohol in an alcohol-free zone. He could not provide police with a reasonable excuse for being at the location. Subsequent checks revealed the man had previously been issued two warnings and a $1000 PIN for breaching Ministerial Directions. The 63-year-old man was arrested and taken to Mascot Police Station and charged with not comply with noticed direction (COVID-19) and refused bail to appear before Parramatta Bail Court today (Sunday 3 May 2020).
- About 1am on Saturday (2 May 2020), police patrolling Old Canterbury Road, Dulwich Hill, noticed a vehicle driving erratically. Police stopped and spoke with the 37-year-old female driver who could not provide a reasonable excuse for being outside. A search of the woman’s vehicle revealed a small amount of illicit drugs. They were seized for examination and the woman was arrested and taken to Newtown Police Station where she was issued with a PIN for not complying with noticed direction (COVID-19).
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.
City of Newcastle makes thousands of online training courses available free to community
Thousands of courses are available to Novocastrians to upskill during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Newcastle Libraries members can access free of charge more than 8,000 e-learning courses and 13,000 video tutorials on topics such as resume writing, skills for retraining, and how to start a business, via social networking site LinkedIn’s online learning platform, Lynda.
Courses will be curated for strategic business development opportunities, including digital literacy for small business, online retail, digital marketing and business transformation.
It’s part of City of Newcastle’s $5.5 million COVID-19 Community and Economic Development Resilience Package, under which a raft of support measures aims to foster community connections in the wake of the pandemic.
The City has also expanded the libraries’ subscription to online tutoring program Studiosity.
For students in Years 3 to 12, Studiosity provides access to free one-to-one tutoring in mathematics, science and English 24/7, year-round, through the Newcastle Library App.
This is particularly useful for students who are currently home-schooling or engaging in online learning as a result of the coronavirus.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said with COVID-19 changing the way we live, work and play, resulting in more downtime at home for many, City of Newcastle had moved to fill the void with practical, accessible tools for personal and professional development.
“We know that the ability to learn and relearn is a critical skill for the 21st Century,” the Lord Mayor said.
“The benefit of these courses is the upskilling of the local workforce during a period of economic downturn, empowering people to learn and improving community wellbeing.”
Beyond formal education, there is also the opportunity to take up a new hobby, learn a language or research that project you’ve been meaning to start, with several reference and research electronic databases, such as Mango languages, Hobbies and Craft reference centre, Carters Price Guide to Antiques, Encyclopaedia Britannica, and many more at your fingertips.
The antidote to writer’s block or the value of grandma’s antique plate are just a few clicks away.
These resources are available to all Newcastle Libraries members.
You can become a member online to gain instant access at home via the free Newcastle Library App or the website, newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Library. It is free to join if you live or work in the Newcastle region.
For further support, you can phone 4974 5300 to speak with a library staff member between 9.30am and 5pm on weekdays, and 9.30am and 1.30pm on Saturdays.
Newcastle Libraries members can access free of charge more than 8,000 e-learning courses and 13,000 video tutorials on topics such as resume writing, skills for retraining, and how to start a business, via social networking site LinkedIn’s online learning platform, Lynda.
Courses will be curated for strategic business development opportunities, including digital literacy for small business, online retail, digital marketing and business transformation.
It’s part of City of Newcastle’s $5.5 million COVID-19 Community and Economic Development Resilience Package, under which a raft of support measures aims to foster community connections in the wake of the pandemic.
The City has also expanded the libraries’ subscription to online tutoring program Studiosity.
For students in Years 3 to 12, Studiosity provides access to free one-to-one tutoring in mathematics, science and English 24/7, year-round, through the Newcastle Library App.
This is particularly useful for students who are currently home-schooling or engaging in online learning as a result of the coronavirus.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said with COVID-19 changing the way we live, work and play, resulting in more downtime at home for many, City of Newcastle had moved to fill the void with practical, accessible tools for personal and professional development.
“We know that the ability to learn and relearn is a critical skill for the 21st Century,” the Lord Mayor said.
“The benefit of these courses is the upskilling of the local workforce during a period of economic downturn, empowering people to learn and improving community wellbeing.”
Beyond formal education, there is also the opportunity to take up a new hobby, learn a language or research that project you’ve been meaning to start, with several reference and research electronic databases, such as Mango languages, Hobbies and Craft reference centre, Carters Price Guide to Antiques, Encyclopaedia Britannica, and many more at your fingertips.
The antidote to writer’s block or the value of grandma’s antique plate are just a few clicks away.
These resources are available to all Newcastle Libraries members.
You can become a member online to gain instant access at home via the free Newcastle Library App or the website, newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Library. It is free to join if you live or work in the Newcastle region.
For further support, you can phone 4974 5300 to speak with a library staff member between 9.30am and 5pm on weekdays, and 9.30am and 1.30pm on Saturdays.