July 2020 – Page 8

JobKeeper Payment And Income Support Extended

The Morrison Government will deliver more support for households and businesses to help Australians through the COVID-19 pandemic and bolster our economic recovery.
The JobKeeper Payment will be extended by six months to 28 March 2021 and the temporary Coronavirus Supplement for those on income support will be extended until 31 December 2020.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the extra assistance would continue supporting hundreds of thousands of Australians who are without work, and offer businesses and their workers a lifeline to not only get through this crisis, but recover on the other side.
“We will have Australian’s backs as we face the ongoing impacts of COVID-19,” the Prime Minister said.
“There is no silver bullet and this is about delivering the support Australians need and the policies our economy requires to reopen, recover and create jobs.
“These supports are a lifeline but our JobMaker plan is also setting Australia up for our country’s recovery. We’re delivering the initiatives and reforms that will help grow our economy and create the jobs we need for the years ahead.”
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the extension of support recognised Australia’s economic recovery was still in its early stages and a number of businesses and individuals remained significantly affected by the global COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Government’s focus remains on reopening the economy where it is safe to do so, but the extension of these measures recognises that some parts of the economy will continue to be affected and need continued support,” the Treasurer said.
“Sadly, as a result of this global health pandemic, businesses will close and people will lose their jobs, but that is why we have extended the Coronavirus Supplement and announced a new skills package to help people transition from welfare to work.
“It is also why we are extending the JobKeeper Payment beyond September to help keep businesses in business and Australians in jobs as our economy reopens.”
Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston said the extension of the Coronavirus supplement would support many Australians who may have found themselves out of work, through no fault of their own.
“The Government has acted decisively to support hundreds of thousands of Australians, many who are receiving income support for the first time,” Minister Ruston said.
“We are extending the Coronavirus Supplement and enhanced eligibility criteria for a further three months to cushion against the economic impact of the pandemic.
“We are also increasing the income free area for JobSeeker Payment and Youth Allowance (other) to $300 a fortnight to encourage and support recipients to take up job opportunities as businesses reopen.”

JOBKEEPER PAYMENT

The JobKeeper Payment has been instrumental in supporting job retention, maintaining employment links and business cash flow, as well as providing income support to eligible employees.
This extension will provide further support to significantly impacted businesses so more Australians can retain their jobs and continue to earn an income.
The JobKeeper Payment is currently due to finish on 27 September 2020, but will now remain available for eligible employers until 28 March 2021.
As the economy reopens the payment will be tapered in the December and March quarters to encourage businesses to adjust to the new environment, supporting a gradual transition to economic recovery, while ensuring those businesses who most need support continue to receive it. A two-tiered payment will also be introduced from 28 September, to better align the payment with the incomes of employees before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Employees who were employed for less than 20 hours a week on average in the four weekly pay periods ending before 1 March 2020 will receive the lower payment rate.
JobKeeper Payment rates from 28 September 2020 to 28 March 2021:

Date	Full rate per fortnight	Less than 20hrs worked per fortnight rate
28 September 2020 to 3 January 2021	$1,200	$750
4 January 2021 to 28 March 2021	$1,000	$650

From 28 September 2020, businesses, and not-for-profits will be required to reassess their eligibility by reference to their actual June and September quarter turnovers to demonstrate that they have suffered an ongoing significant decline in turnover. Organisations will need to demonstrate that they have experienced the relevant decline in turnover in both of those quarters to be eligible for the JobKeeper Payment in the December quarter.
Employers will need to again reassess their eligibility for the JobKeeper Payment for the March quarter. Employers will need to demonstrate that they have met the relevant decline in actual turnover in each of the previous three quarters ending on 31 December 2020 to remain eligible for the JobKeeper Payment in the March quarter 2021.
If they do not meet the turnover test in the extension period this does not affect their eligibility prior to 28 September 2020. The continuation of JobKeeper for these businesses will help support the economic recovery and provide them with sufficient time to adjust.
The JobKeeper Payment will continue to remain open to new participants that meet the eligibility requirements.
Also, as the Review recommended, an independent evaluation will be conducted at the conclusion of the program.
The new arrangements for the JobKeeper Payment are expected to cost an additional $16.6 billion.

COVID-19 SUPPLEMENT

The Government will extend the payment period of the temporary Coronavirus Supplement for those on income support from 25 September 2020 to 31 December 2020 to continue to provide elevated assistance while the economy is still in its early stages of recovery.
As the economy reopens, the Coronavirus Supplement will be extended at the rate of $250 per fortnight. The extended Coronavirus Supplement reflects the gradually improving economic and labour market conditions and is designed to ensure there are appropriate incentives for all payment recipients to seek out employment or study opportunities.
Both existing and new income support recipients will continue to be paid the Coronavirus Supplement.
The Government will also ensure income support is appropriately targeted as the economy recovers by reintroducing a range of means testing arrangements.
From 25 September 2020, the assets test and the Liquid Assets Waiting Period will be reintroduced and the JobSeeker Payment partner income test will increase from 25 cents for every dollar of partner income earned over $996 per fortnight to 27 cents for every dollar of partner income earned over $1,165 per fortnight.
The Government will also improve incentives to work by increasing the income free area for JobSeeker Payment and Youth Allowance (Other) from $106 per fortnight to $300 per fortnight and will simplify the taper rate from a dual taper of 50 cents and 60 cents to a single taper of 60 cents. This will mean recipients are more easily able to calculate the value of every dollar they earn.
These changes will mean individuals will be able to earn up to $300 per fortnight without foregoing any JobSeeker payment or affecting their eligibility for the Coronavirus Supplement.
The expanded criteria for JobSeeker Payment and Youth Allowance (Other) will continue to provide payment access for permanent employees who are stood down or lose their employment, sole traders, and the self-employed until 31 December 2020.
Reduced waiting times, including the Ordinary Waiting Period, Newly Arrived Resident’s Waiting Period (NARWP) and the Seasonal Work Preclusion Period, will continue to be waived until 31 December 2020.
The new arrangements for the Coronavirus Supplement are expected to cost an additional $3.8 billion.
Further details are available at treasury.gov.au

88 NEW SCHOOL CROSSING SUPERVISORS TO KEEP KIDS SAFE

The safety of NSW’s youngest road users will be strengthened with the NSW Government set to appoint 88 new school crossing supervisors at 80 schools across the state.
Minister for Roads Andrew Constance and Minister for Regional Roads Paul Toole said it was part of the Government’s fast-tracked $18.5 million plan to appoint 300 new school crossing supervisors within three years.
“We have seen an increase in traffic around schools in the past few months as many parents choose to drive their children to and from school,” Mr Constance said.
“The safety of students remains a key priority with many returning to the classroom today.
“Over the coming months these new school crossing supervisors will join more than 1200 others across the state helping to keep primary school students safe,” Mr Constance said.
Mr Constance said the new crossing supervisors will work at schools from Greenacre to Gunnedah including at several new locations.
“The NSW Government is committed to keeping our kids safe whether it’s in the city or the bush,” Mr Toole said.
“The next round of supervisor recruitment will open soon and I strongly encourage dedicated people interested in serving their community to keep an eye out for the job ads.”
Mr Toole said school crossing supervisors are part of a suite of measures designed to ensure road safety around schools including reduced speed limits in school zones, high visibility safety treatments like signs, ‘dragon teeth’ road markings and flashing lights.
“As kids return to school, motorists need to remember to watch their speed and slow down when entering an active school zone, or when you see bus lights flash. This means children are nearby – and those who don’t obey the rules are putting lives at risk.”
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said road safety at our schools is a joint effort for all road users.
“Motorists always need to be aware when driving near schools particularly during pick up and drop off,” Minister Mitchell said.
“Extra crossing supervisors are an important addition at school crossings helping keep some of our youngest learners safe on their way to and from school.”
Road users can download the Speed Adviser app which alerts drivers when they enter an active school zone.

UPGRADES TO BLUE MOUNTAINS LINE NOW COMPLETE

Upgrades to the Blue Mountains Line in preparation for the arrival of the New Intercity Fleet are now complete.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the upgrades were another step towards welcoming the first new train since the last of the V-Sets was introduced 30 years ago.
“The Blue Mountains Line between Springwood and Lithgow has now been upgraded to a more consistent standard to match the rest of the electrified network, meaning the new trains can now run all the way to Lithgow,” Mr Constance said.
“Work included upgrades along the rail corridor from west of Springwood Station to Lithgow Station, including minor modifications to the Ten Tunnels Deviation, between Newnes Junction Station and Zig Zag Station.
“These upgrades will pave the way for the new fleet to provide better connections to places and opportunities for employment, education, business and enjoyment.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the new trains were expected to start testing as far as Katoomba over the next few months, and all the way to Lithgow soon after.
“Customers can expect more spacious seating, mobile device charging ports, modern heating and air conditioning and dedicated spaces for wheelchairs, luggage, prams and bicycles,” Mr Toole said.
“NSW TrainLink Customer Service Guards will also be walking through the train to provide customer service and assistance with boarding and alighting.”
The new fleet will be introduced progressively starting with the Central Coast and Newcastle Line later this year, followed by the Blue Mountains Line and the South Coast Line. The project, including the construction of the new maintenance facility at Kangy Angy, has helped to create about 1600 local jobs.

2020 A RECORD YEAR FOR BUILDING SCHOOLS

The NSW government has built a record-equalling 42 new and upgraded schools this year, and is poised to break the record in Term 3.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said more than $1.3 billion has been invested in the record breaking 2020 building program benefitting thousands of students and providing thousands of construction jobs.
“Even during the challenge of the pandemic, NSW has kept building,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“On Day 1 of Term 3 we are opening five new and upgraded schools which will benefit up to 3,000 students.”
In 2019, the NSW Government opened 42 new and upgraded schools with more than $1 billion invested.
Today’s announcement was made during a visit to Ku-ring-gai High School to open a multi-million-dollar upgrade, including 15 new classrooms and a new multipurpose hall.
Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said she was thrilled the next phase of school building is well underway with planners, architects and builders to be engaged by the end of 2020 on more than 130 projects representing a total project value of $1.2 billion.
“We will continue our record $6.7 billion investment in school infrastructure to support our students and ensure they have access to high quality education facilities,” Ms Mitchell said.
“The scale of school building in NSW is unprecedented and will ensure our growing communities have quality schools to learn in.”
The fast-tracking of planning approvals through the NSW Government’s Planning System Acceleration Program also means construction has started or will begin soon on eight school projects.
“We will support jobs across the state today as we look to recover from COVID-19, and at the same time secure the future prosperity of NSW by enhancing schools for our students and teachers,” Ms Mitchell said.
Schools opening on Day 1, Term 3 2020 include:

Jordan Springs Public School (new)
Karabar High School (upgrade)
Ku-ring-gai High School (upgrade)
Speers Point Public School (upgrade)
Yass High School (upgrade)

RECORD RECRUITMENT DRIVE FOR NEW APPRENTICES

Sydney Trains is looking to hire a record number of new apprentices, with 90 positions on offer.
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance joined Sydney Trains Acting Chief Executive Suzanne Holden and two current apprentices at Petersham Training College today to officially launch the recruitment drive.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted life for thousands of people across NSW. This apprenticeship program is an opportunity for people who may have been affected to take up an apprenticeship and develop life-long skills in the rail industry,” Mr Constance said.
“Sydney Trains maintains a huge network covering more than 1,500 kilometres and a variety of skills are required to keep the network moving. I really want to encourage anyone interested in learning and developing their trade skills to apply.”
Sydney Trains apprenticeships will be available across seven disciplines – Telecommunications, Signal Fitting, Signal Electrical, Substations, Rail Traction, Plant Mechanic and High Voltage Cables, with all apprentices receiving nationally recognised trade qualifications.
“We are proud to offer an industry leading apprenticeship program, with women accounting for almost a quarter of our total apprentices,” Ms Holden said,
“The Sydney Trains network is the largest passenger rail network in the country and there’s plenty of work to do. Apprentices will learn the skills so they can help maintain infrastructure like our overhead wires, escalators, bridges and tunnels, signaling system and the fleet.”
There are more than 200 apprentices currently working across Sydney Trains, with 60 joining the rail agency earlier this year. Previous apprenticeship intakes have included people who have chosen a career change from jobs and professions like teaching, or returning to the workforce for the first time after parenthood.
Applications can be made through the I Work for NSW website and close on 2 August 2020.

NSW residents urged not to travel into Victoria as re-entry restrictions tighten

The NSW Police Force is reminding anyone wishing to cross the border into NSW from Victoria that they must reapply for permits as new restrictions will apply from tonight.
The amendment to the Public Health (COVID-19 Border Control) Order 2020, under section 7 of the Public Health Act 2010, directs that from 12.01am(Wednesday 22 July 2020), entry into NSW from Victoria will be further limited and a new criteria for exemption permits will apply.
All permits approved under the previous order will expire at that time and anyone eligible to travel into NSW will need to reapply for a new permit on the Service NSW website. This is expected to go live from 4pm today (Tuesday 21 July 2020).
New permits for residents in border zones only allow for travel within the ’border zone’ in which they reside for work or education – if they can’t work or learn from home – and to obtain medical care, supplies or health services.
If a border resident travels beyond the designated border zone, they will be required to self-isolate for 14 days after they return to NSW.
The amendment also provides police and health officials with powers to request the cancellation of a permit for a person who is not a resident of NSW and poses an unacceptable health risk, and direct them to leave NSW.
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller reiterated that the state is at a critical stage of the pandemic and urged the community to work with police to minimise the risk of community spread.
“Our greatest chance to reduce the spread of COVID-19 is for everyone to follow the advice of health officials, and comply with the Public Health Orders,” the Commissioner said.
“We currently have numerous police operations underway across NSW to enforce the Orders, and while we have the continued support of the vast majority of the community, now is not the time for complacency.
“In this current environment, I am reluctant to honour warnings for anyone who knowingly and deliberately breaches Ministerial Directions.
“We must condemn any behaviour that jeopardises the health and safety of our community.”
NSW Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said this was a critical time for NSW to protect the health and safety of citizens.
“Everybody needs to think long and hard about what is at risk here in NSW,” Mr Elliott said.
“This is a matter of life and death and I implore the community to work with police and follow the letter of the law when it comes to Public Health Orders to ensure we can control the spread of COVID-19.”
Operation Border Closure Commander, Assistant Commissioner Scott Whyte, urged the community to avoid travel, where possible, as delays are expected at entry points, particularly in the first 24 hours.
“Our operation, which is continuing to be supported by Australian Defence Force personnel, covers some 34 crossings, stretching the entire length of the border,” Assistant Commissioner Whyte said.
“While we are maintaining a significant operational presence, we anticipate significant delays at the major checkpoints (Albury/Wodonga, Moama/Echuca and Buronga/Mildura), especially during peak times.
“Those who are eligible and need to cross the border are urged to be patient and be ready to produce the exemption, as well as other relevant documents and identification information as they approach staff at the checkpoint.
“If you can delay your travel – even just by a few hours – we strongly encourage you to do so.”
More information about the restrictions is available at: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/what-you-can-and-cant-do-under-rules/border-restrictions.
The Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) provides police with the power to enforce Public Helath 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.
The standard penalty will be a $1000 fine by way of a Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN).
It is an offence to provide false information when applying for exemptions, with a maximum penalty of up to $22,000 and/or two years imprisonment for individuals.
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.

Environment in crisis and stronger laws with a cop on the beat needed, report to government shows

The Prime Minister must drop his plans to green light major developments and new mines at the expense of the environment, after the devastating assessment of Australia’s environmental trajectory in the just-released interim report into Australia’s federal environment laws, the Greens say.
Greens Spokesperson for the Environment Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said:
“Our environment is in crisis and our native wildlife is facing extinction. Unless we change business-as-usual our environment is destined for more destruction. Our wildlife, our beaches, our forests will be gone.
“It’s clearer than ever that we need stronger protections, not weaker laws if we are to save our environment.
”The independent review has declared that Australia’s ‘current environmental trajectory is unsustainable’. The report identifies land-clearing, habitat loss and climate change are destroying our environment and killing our wildlife.
“The outlook is worse than grim. The PM must immediately drop his plans to make approvals for big developers, land clearing and new mines easier – that’s the last thing our environment needs right now.
“Our environment is on a path of destruction, we need National Environmental Standards that reverse this and put a stop to further destruction from big development, land-clearing and mines.
“The Report recommends a ‘strong, independent cop on the beat’ to enforce these rules to save our environment and wildlife.
“It is disappointing Minister Ley has already rejected the recommendation of an independent cop on the beat, signalling her intent to carry on as always, allowing our environment to be destroyed for the profits of their political donors.
“Environmental standards will be worthless if there is no one there to enforce them. This report shows the government can’t be trusted.
“The Report also makes it clear the impacts of projects on climate change must be considered in environmental impact assessments. The Greens have a bill currently before the Parliament for a ‘Climate Trigger’ which would do just that and it should be supported.”

Supporting Small Business To Adapt, Grow And Create Jobs

The Morrison Government will help businesses as they move into the recovery phase of the coronavirus crisis by extending the Coronavirus SME Guarantee Scheme which supports small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) to get access to the funding they need to adapt and innovate during the coronavirus crisis.
Under the existing Scheme, the Government is providing an unprecedented level of support to SMEs in partnership with 44 approved lenders by guaranteeing 50 per cent of new unsecured loans to SMEs. The Scheme has already seen more than 15,600 businesses accept loans worth $1.5 billion.
The next phase of the Coronavirus SME Guarantee Scheme will help businesses move out of hibernation, successfully adapt to the new COVID-safe economy and invest for the future.
Key changes to the Scheme include:

Extending the purpose of loans able to be provided beyond working capital, such that a wider range of investment can be funded;
Permitting secured lending (excluding commercial or residential property);
Increasing the maximum loan size to $1 million (from $250,000) per borrower;
Increasing the maximum loan term to five years (from three years); and
Allowing lenders the discretion to offer a repayment holiday period.

The extended terms of the Scheme will enable lenders to continue supporting Australian small businesses when they need it most. The expanded Scheme will shift from providing access to working capital to helping businesses stay afloat during the crisis to now also enabling them to access more affordable and longer term credit so that they can invest for their future.
The initial phase of the Scheme remains available for new loans issued by eligible lenders until 30 September 2020. The second phase of the Scheme will start on 1 October 2020 and will be available until 30 June 2021.
The Morrison Government will continue to support small businesses as they seek to rebuild, adapt and create jobs on the other side of the coronavirus crisis.

City implements COVID-19 food safety inspections

City of Newcastle has introduced a program to conduct COVID-19 safety inspections on food businesses in Newcastle.
The City’s Environmental Health officers will educate local businesses about COVID-19 Safety Plans and will also now undertake proactive compliance inspections of local cafes, restaurants and food courts.
The trial program aims to provide a positive impact to both food businesses and the community through improved COVID-19 safety compliance reducing the risk of virus transmission.
The program has been developed in response to requests for the City to support local food businesses to implement safety plans and will also respond to compliance complaints.
Food businesses must prepare and implement an effective COVID-19 Safety Plan in accordance with the NSW Public Health Order.
For further information on COVID-19 support including access to a food safety checklist, visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/

Stage set for reopening of Civic Theatre

The Civic Theatre will serve up a much-needed dose of laughs to lift our spirits when the Newcastle landmark reopens its doors to the public from the 27th of July.
The 90-year-old iconic Theatre will begin welcoming audiences back with a staged reopening to allow for small scale shows and ensure COVID-19 safety measures.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the reopening of the Civic Theatre would help activate the city’s night-time economy in the wake of COVID-19 restrictions.
“COVID-19 has brought Newcastle’s vibrant live performance industry to a standstill, with restrictions and shut-downs proving devastating for the livelihoods of many performing artists,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Reopening the Civic Theatre is a positive step in our city’s journey towards recovery, allowing us to support our local performing arts community.”
Audience numbers will be capped to comply with social distancing requirements and manage the flow of patrons through the venue, with an initial limit of 150 people in the Civic Theatre and 50 in the Playhouse. Later this year it plans to increase the audience capacity to an allowable 500 under the current Public Health Order.
Civic Theatre Manager Leonie Wallace said the performance spaces would be reactivated with an intimate comedy event on 1 August, which will give audiences a whole new perspective on the venue.
“With restrictions around capacity and social distancing in place, we’ve decided to take the opportunity to show the Civic Theatre in a new light,” Ms Wallace said.
“The audience will enter via the loading dock to enjoy an intimate comedy club experience, being held in conjunction with Big Dog Comedy, with both the performers and audience together on the Civic Theatre stage!
“This will provide a unique ambience to welcome back anyone looking for a night out with a twist.”
Tickets for the show are now on sale, giving Novocastrians their first chance to experience the Civic Theatre’s new in-house ticketing system.
The Civic Theatre box office is now the authorised seller for all tickets to the Civic Theatre, the Playhouse and City Hall Concert Hall.
Tickets are still sold through the Civic Theatre website and the new system provides an enhanced online customer experience with lower transaction fees.