July 2020 – Page 18

Nation’s largest ever investment in cyber security

The Federal Government will make the nation’s largest ever investment in cyber security, with $1.35 billion over the next decade to enhance the cyber security capabilities and assistance provided to Australians through the Australian Signals Directorate and the Australian Cyber Security Centre.
This significant investment, known as the Cyber Enhanced Situational Awareness and Response (CESAR) package, will mean that we can identify more cyber threats, disrupt more foreign cybercriminals, build more partnerships with industry and government and protect more Australians.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said malicious cyber activity against Australia is increasing in frequency, scale and sophistication.
“The Federal Government’s top priority is protecting our nation’s economy, national security and sovereignty. Malicious cyber activity undermines that.”
“My Government’s record investment in our nation’s cyber security will help ensure we have the tools and capabilities we need to fight back and keep Australians safe,” the Prime Minister said.
The CESAR package has been designed to boost protection and cyber resilience for all Australians, from individuals and small businesses through to the providers of critical services, including through:

New capabilities to disrupt and defeat malicious cyber activity, providing greater capacity to take the fight to cybercriminals offshore and to neutralise and block emerging cyber threats to Australia, including:
- Over $31 million to enhance the ability of ASD to disrupt cybercrime offshore, taking the fight to foreign criminals that seek to target Australians, and providing assistance to federal, state and territory law enforcement agencies.
- Over $35 million to deliver a new cyber threat-sharing platform, enabling industry and government to share intelligence about malicious cyber activity, and block emerging threats in near real-time.
- Over $12 million towards new strategic mitigations and active disruption options, enabling ASD and Australia’s major telecommunications providers to prevent malicious cyber activity from ever reaching millions of Australians across the country by blocking known malicious websites and computer viruses at speed.
Enhancing our understanding of malicious cyber activity so that emerging cyber threats can be more rapidly identified and responded to, including:
- Over $118 million for ASD to expand its data science and intelligence capabilities, ensuring Australia remains at the forefront of the technological advancements in cyber security, including the identification of emerging cyber threats to Australia.
- Over $62 million to deliver a national situational awareness capability to better enable ASD to understand and respond to cyber threats on a national scale. This includes informing vulnerable sectors of the economy about threats most likely to impact them, coupled with tailored advice and assistance about how to mitigate cyber threats.
- Over $20 million to establish cutting-edge research laboratories to better understand threats to emerging technology, ensuring that ASD continues to provide timely and authoritative advice about the most secure approaches for organisations to adopt new technology.

To deliver these capabilities and initiatives, the package also includes a $470 million investment to expand our cyber security workforce, with the creation of over 500 new jobs within ASD. Australians who want an exciting career at ASD should go to asd.gov.au/careers.
The remaining details of the CESAR Package will be detailed in our 2020 Cyber Security Strategy, which will build on the strong foundations established by our $230 million 2016 Cyber Security Strategy and our $156 million 2019 cyber security election commitment.
The Minister for Defence, Senator Reynolds, said that this massive investment would have a real impact on the cyber security of all Australians.
“The package will put our nation on the front foot in combatting cyber threats and our investment in a cyber security workforce will help ensure we have the people we need to meet future cyber challenges,” Senator Reynolds said.
“For example, this package will enable ASD and Australia’s major telecommunications providers to prevent malicious cyber activity from reaching millions of Australians by blocking known malicious websites and computer viruses at speed,”
“This package is one part of our $15 billion investment in cyber and information warfare capabilities that will form part of Defence’s 2020 Force Structure Plan to address the rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape.”
Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton said the Australian Federal Police and other Home Affairs agencies are confronting increasingly brazen cyber criminals and other online threats.
“This investment will significantly strengthen our agencies’ ability to tackle these threats,” Minister Dutton said.

City of Newcastle makes sustainability a priority as United Nations goals drive local action

City of Newcastle has joined forces with six other leading Hunter organisations to champion the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to create a better, more sustainable future for all.
The SDGs are a universal call to action to end poverty, fight inequality, protect the planet and ensure peace and prosperity for future generations. There are 17 Goals addressing global challenges, from clean energy and climate action to human rights advocacy and gender equality.
The City has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Compass Housing, CIFAL – University of Newcastle, Kumalie, Port of Newcastle, Hunter Water and Port Waratah Coal Services to grow and improve the implementation of the SDGs within the Hunter Region.
^{Representatives of the Hunter Region SDG Memorandum of Understanding signatories meet via Zoom.}
In addition, City of Newcastle has joined the Hunter Region SDG Taskforce, launched in May. As a key member, the City will host a webinar as part of a monthly program on Goal 15 (Life on Land) to coincide with Biodiversity Month in September.
Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Declan Clausen said City of Newcastle was committed to achieving each Goal by 2030, underpinned by their integration in the City’s Annual Reporting in 2019 and Community Strategic Plan in 2018, and welcomed the opportunity for further collaboration across the region.
“City of Newcastle is already leading the local government sector on climate action, making great strides in the field over the past five years and becoming the first NSW Council to become powered by 100% renewable energy,” Cr Clausen said.
“Our 2025 Climate Action Plan, currently in development, will set our goals and priorities for the next five years to build on these achievements.
“Signing the MOU and gaining a seat at the table on the Hunter Region SDG Taskforce continues our transformation into a more sustainable city and fosters a strong, collaborative approach to implementing the Sustainable Development Goals locally.”
In another coup, City of Newcastle has become the 11^th city in the Oceania and Asia-Pacific Region to join the 2020 SDGs Cities Challenge.
Facilitated by Melbourne University’s Connected Cities Lab, the 2020 SDGs Cities Challenge is a 10-month action research project designed to support participating cities in working towards implementing the targets and indicators. Expertise is provided by local government, academia and business, including the Business Council for Sustainable Development Australia and the Banksia Foundation, to identify the best approach for cities to deliver on the SDGs.
City of Newcastle joins Davao City (Philippines), Alor Gajah Municipal Council (Malaysia), City of Dehradun (India), Port Vila (Vanuatu), City of Honiara (Solomon Islands), City of Melbourne, City of Warrnambool, City of Whitehorse, University of Melbourne Student Precinct, and City of Woollahra in participating in the Challenge.

STAY COVID-19 SAFE AS RESTRICTIONS EASED

As NSW today relaxes more COVID-19 restrictions, new rules will be put in place to prevent Melbourne residents living in virus hotspots from travelling across the border.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the NSW Government will impose strict penalties on Melbourne residents in outbreak areas who seek to enter NSW in defiance of the NSW public health orders. These orders will incorporate the same restrictions as those being put in place in Victoria.
Individuals who fail to comply with the new rules could face up to six months in prison or a fine of up to $11,000 or both.
“Victorians living in virus hotspots have to take the Victorian and NSW health orders seriously and should be very aware that NSW will impose penalties if they seek to leave hotspot suburbs to enter NSW,” Mr Hazzard said.
The NSW Order will prevent travel from Melbourne hotspots to NSW unless it is a NSW resident returning home or in very special circumstances, such as to obtain urgent medical care or for compassionate reasons.
Anybody who has been in a hotspot in the past 14 days, including NSW residents, will be subject to a stay at home direction for two weeks.
There will also be restrictions on visiting residential aged care facilities or a health service.
Meanwhile, restrictions on entertainment venues, weddings, community sport and other gatherings will be eased in NSW from today but strict physical distancing measures remain in place.
Mr Hazzard said businesses should ensure they have a COVID Safety Plan outlining exactly how they will maintain a safe environment for their staff and customers.
“Until we have a vaccine, everyone has a role to play keeping the community safe, whether that is mum and dad at their kid’s soccer match or your local café operator,” Mr Hazzard said.
“The NSW Government has always said with the easing of restrictions comes risk, so I urge everyone to maintain physical distancing, get tested if you feel unwell and stay home if sick.”
The following COVID-19 restrictions have been eased from today:

The number of people allowed inside indoor venues will be determined by the ‘one person per 4 square metre’ rule, with no upper limit. This includes function centres.
Kids’ and adult community sport can recommence.
Cultural and sporting events at large stadiums, racecourses and motor racing tracks will be allowed up to 25 per cent of their normal seated capacity to a maximum of 10,000. These events must be ticketed and seated and follow strict guidelines.
Alcohol can still be served to seated patrons only, including at conference and function venues.
Cinemas, theatres and concert halls can reopen subject to the one person per 4 square metre rule.

The rules on gathering remain the same: 20 guests inside the home and 20 for gatherings in a public place.
NSW Health has finalised checklists to allow businesses affected by the easing of restrictions to be prepared for operation. These checklists provide guidance for businesses to develop a COVID safety plan. You can find the checklist here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/covid-safe-businesses
All venues must adhere to their business specific COVID Safety Plan consistent with NSW Health guidelines.
Health orders are being prepared today and will become enforceable at midnight tonight to be concurrent with the Victorian health orders.

FIRST DRIVE THROUGH NEW M5 TUNNELS

Drivers in south-west Sydney will soon benefit from major travel time savings with the New M5 tunnels between Beverly Hills and St Peters almost complete.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Transport Andrew Constance today travelled underground in the nine kilometre tunnels for the first time to inspect progress on the $4.3 billion project.
“It’s really exciting to see the hard work is almost finished on this crucial nine kilometres of motorway. Once open, the New M5 tunnels will double the capacity of this corridor, which carries around 100,000 vehicles every day and is one of the most congested parts of Sydney’s traffic network,” Ms Berejikilian said.
“The motorway will cut up to half an hour off journeys between Liverpool and the southern suburbs of Sydney. This will mean tens of thousands of drivers can have a safe, reliable and efficient option to spend less time in their car and more time doing what they love.
“Drivers will be able to travel from Beverly Hills to a new interchange at St Peters in around 10 minutes, with new connections to Alexandria and Mascot.”
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said drivers on the existing motorway will also benefit.
“We’re going to see huge travel time savings on the M5 East too, with trips cut in half and travel speeds expected to double during peak time, improving journeys to the airport and Port Botany,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“This congestion-busting project forms part of the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government’s record $100 billion pipeline helping Australians reach their destinations sooner and safer.”
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said the finishing touches are being applied to the tunnels with the mechanical and electrical fit-out nearing completion.
“There are currently 1,000 tradespeople working to complete the project, with more than 18,000 workers involved over the project’s lifespan,” Mr Constance said.
“The fit-out is almost finished with line marking work underway and the installation of 33,000 wall panels more than 90 per cent complete.
“We’re also in the final stages of system testing which marks the home stretch ahead of these tunnels officially opening.”
The New M5 Tunnel will open with two lanes in each direction but has capacity to upgrade to three lanes, and include connections to future projects including the M4-M5 Link Tunnel, M6 Stage 1 and Sydney Gateway to the airport and Port Botany.
WestConnex is being delivered in four major stages, including the New M4 (now open), the New M5 tunnels, and the M4-M5 Link Tunnel and Rozelle Interchange, opening in 2023.
When complete, WestConnex will provide drivers with a 33km road network, bypassing up to 52 sets of traffic lights.

NSW Police Force continues to enforce the COVID-19 Ministerial Directions

The NSW Police Force will continue to assist in the enforcement of all COVID-19-related ministerial directions through high-visibility policing operations.
A number of ministerial directions remain in place, covering returned overseas travellers, diagnosed persons, mass gatherings and movement, spitting and coughing, residential aged care facilities and the recent announcement of restrictions for affected persons from interstate COVID hotspots.
The Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) provides 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, which include a maximum penalty of up to $11,000 and/or six months imprisonment for individuals.
As part of the NSW Police Force’s commitment to assisting NSW Health reduce the risk of community spread, police officers across the state will be conducting proactive, high-visibility activity.
This includes providing a presence at Sydney Airport and regional airports, as required, to assist NSW Health staff, who are screening passengers arriving from Victoria.
Travellers who are departing from or arriving at airports in NSW are urged to adhere to the directions of airline staff, airport security, and NSW Health practitioners/officers.
Officers from Police Transport Command will also provide assistance to NSW Health at Central Railway Station for the arrival of XPT services from Melbourne.
In addition, Police Districts with borders to Victoria will be supported by Traffic and Highway Patrol to conduct high-visibility patrols and random vehicle stops.
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction.

Explosive detonators, cash seized; man charged – Hunter region

A man has been charged after prohibited drugs and explosive devices were located at a home in the Hunter region yesterday.
Officers attached to the Hunter Valley Police District Proactive Crime Team conducted a Firearms Prohibition Order (FPO) search at a home on Fifth Street, Weston, about 10.30am (Wednesday 1 July 2020).
During the search, police located and seized an amount of methylamphetamine, cannabis, more than $10,000 cash, drug paraphernalia, and explosive detonators.
Police arrested a 36-year-old man at the scene and he was taken to Cessnock Police Station.
He was charged with seven offences including:

Possess prohibited drug (x4)
Possess, supply or make explosive for unlawful purpose
Goods in custody suspected being stolen (x2)

He was refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court today (Thursday 2 July 2020).
Specialist police were called to the station to safely destroy the explosive materials.

Two teenagers charged over alleged aggravated robbery – Newcastle

Two teenagers have been charged following an alleged aggravated robbery in Newcastle yesterday.
About 7.20pm (Wednesday 1 July 2020), a 31-year-old man parked his vehicle near the intersection of Merewether and Hunter Streets, Newcastle, when he was approached by two juveniles.
The pair – a teenage boy and a girl – allegedly threatened the man with a knife, demanding his car keys and phone before attempting to open the vehicle. They were unsuccessful and fled east along Hunter Street.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District attended and commenced inquiries.
A short time later, a 14-year-old boy and 16-year-old girl were arrested after being stopped by officers on Darby Street, Cooks Hill.
During a search, police allegedly located a knife, the man’s car keys and cannabis.
Both were taken to Newcastle Police Station and charged with robbery in company and custody of knife in public place.
The girl was also charged with possess prohibited drug.
Both were refused bail to appear at a children’s court today (Thursday 2 July 2020).

Man charged following siege incident – Newcastle

A man has been charged following a siege at Newcastle earlier today.
About 9.20am (Thursday 2 July 2020), officers from Newcastle City Police District were called to Warkworth Street, Maryland, following reports of a domestic dispute.
Upon arrival, police were confronted by a man, allegedly armed with a knife, while two women and two children also remained inside the home.
A perimeter was established and during negotiations, the man allegedly armed himself with an air pellet gun and fired several rounds at police, with two officers – a sergeant and constable – hit. Both suffered minor injuries and did not require further treatment.
Specialist police units – including Negotiators, Tactical Operations Regional Support and Police Rescue – were deployed a short time later.
Negotiators spoke to the 30-year-old man for a short time before he surrendered to police about 11.15am and was arrested.
He was taken to Newcastle Police Station and charged with common assault (DV), destroy or damage property (DV), discharge firearm with intent to resist arrest, fire firearm manner likely injure persons/property, use unauthorised prohibited firearm, not keep firearm safely-prohibited firearm, armed with intent commit indictable offence, assault police officer in execution of duty cause actual bodily harm, and assault police officer in execution of duty without actual bodily harm.
The man was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court tomorrow (Friday 3 July 2020).

Strike Force Trawler detectives charge man over alleged online grooming – Singleton

Strike Force Trawler detectives have charged a man from the Hunter Valley following an investigation into the alleged online grooming of a child.
In May, detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crime Squad’s Child Exploitation Internet Unit (CEIU) began engaging online with a man from Kurri Kurri.
Police will allege in court that the man believed he was speaking with a 14-year-old girl and engaged in conversations about sexually-explicit acts he wished to perform with the child and sent her explicit material.
About 9.40am (Wednesday 1 July 2020), following extensive inquiries, strike force investigators arrested a 47-year-old man at a caravan park in Singleton.
The man was taken to Singleton Police Station and charged with use carriage service to solicit child abuse material and use carriage service to groom child under 16 years for sex.
He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today.

Woman charged with drug offences – Raymond Terrace

A woman will face court later this month charged with several drug offences in Raymond Terrace.
About 1am today (Wednesday 1 July 2020), officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were conducting patrols of Raymond Terrace when they approached a white Toyota Yaris on Cook Street.
Police spoke with occupants of the vehicle, including the front seat passenger – a 25-year-old woman – before conducting a vehicle search.
During the search police allegedly located and seized amphetamines, several prescription medications, drug paraphernalia and mobile phones.
The woman was arrested and taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station.
She has been charged with two counts of possess prohibited drug, three counts of goods in custody and one count of supply prohibited drug.
She was granted strict conditional bail to appear at Raymond Terrace Local Court on Monday 27 July 2020.