A man has been charged after police allegedly located a kilogram of cocaine in his pants during an arrest in the Hunter region yesterday.
On Saturday (5 September 2020), officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were called to a home at East Maitland following reports of a domestic-related incident.
Upon arrival, police spoke with a 30-year-old woman.
During a subsequent search of the home, police allegedly located and seized cannabis, methylamphetamine, steroids, cocaine, and more than $20,000 cash.
As part of further inquiries, about 12.30pm yesterday (Wednesday 9 September 2020) officers from the Northern Region Domestic Violence High-Risk Offender team and the Port Stephens-Hunter Proactive Crime Team attended an industrial shed on Giggins Road, Heatherbrae, when a man jumped out a side window and attempted to evade police.
The 31-year-old man was arrested a short time later when police noticed a large package hidden inside the man’s shorts.
The package was removed and found to contain 1kg of cocaine. It was seized for forensic examination.
A crime scene was established and a search warrant was executed at the industrial property, where police located and seized motorcycles, a car, methylamphetamine, cash, mobile phones and knuckle dusters.
The man was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station and charged with five offences including supply large commercial quantity prohibited drug, possess prohibited drug, attempt stalk/intimidate intend fear of harm (domestic) and deal with proceeds of crime.
He was refused bail to appear at Maitland Local Court today (Thursday 10 September 2020).
Investigations are continuing and further charges are expected to be laid.
Month: September 2020
Australian Greens build anti-racism strategy to combat rising alt-right hate
Leader of the Australian Greens, Adam Bandt, has today announced a portfolio redistribution that will see Lidia Thorpe and Mehreen Faruqi take on a new anti-racism strategy intended to counter Australia’s growing tide of far right nationalism and tackle systemic racism.
The move comes as Lidia Thorpe attends her first Greens Party Room meeting as a Senator this Wednesday and ahead of a fuller redistribution of portfolios by Adam Bandt on Thursday.
Victoria’s first Aboriginal Senator, Lidia Thorpe, will have the First Nations and Justice portfolios, focusing on breaking down the entrenched disadvantage that Aboriginal people face.
Senator Mehreen Faruqi will lead a newly created Anti-Racism portfolio, aimed at sharpening the fight against a toxic surge of the anti-immigrant fringe.
Leader of the Australian Greens, Adam Bandt said that the last two years have seen the far right emboldened in Australian politics, growing from a handful of anti-immigrant politicians to a well-organised, far-right coalition.
“These new portfolios recognise the scale of the challenge that compassionate politics has today,” Mr Bandt said.
“These new portfolios will sharpen the Greens’ fight for justice and put anti-racist work at the core of everything we do.”
“It’s no longer enough to just preach acceptance of diversity. We need to actively prevent hate speech through education, take action against media that uncritically promotes hate, improve standards in our parliament, and dismantle the racist structures that fail to deliver First Nations peoples justice.
“Lidia Thorpe and Mehreen Faruqi will help lead the way as the Greens fight for justice, take on racism and tackle the far-right.”
Senator Lidia Thorpe said despite the rising tide of racism, public support for systemic change is stronger than ever.
“Right now, we stand at a crossroads, as a nation and as a global community. People from all backgrounds are coming together, united by the conviction that no one’s identity or background should limit their potential, safety or their life expectancy,” Senator Thorpe said.
“Across the world, the Black Lives Matter movement has empowered the community to demand justice for First Nations people and people of colour.
“Australia’s continued failures towards First Nations people aren’t just the result of a few bad policy decisions. They’re systemic issues that have become entrenched through decades of inaction.
“If we’re to right these wrongs we need to fix the system. That means ending deaths in custody and the mass incarceration of First Nations peoples, righting the wrongs of the past and moving forward through Treaty, and reversing the entrenched economic inequality that this pandemic has highlighted.
“It’s time to address the systemic racism that cuts lives short and leaves Aboriginal people falling behind. A just Nation means justice for all, including First Nations people.”
Senator Mehreen Faruqi said that anti-racist advocacy and activism was more important than ever.
“Australia hasn’t yet grappled with being the country that raised the Christchurch killer,” Senator Faruqi said.
“We’re going to take the fight to the far-right and their cheerleaders in Parliament and the media to build a proactively anti-racist movement.
“For our country to become anti-racist at its core, we need strong hate speech laws, resources for quashing the far-right, a national anti-racism campaign and diversity in public life.
“The institutions that are meant to protect us haven’t just failed – they’ve become captive to the hate they’re meant to fight. Any nation where police officers feel comfortable with flashing white supremacist hand gestures is not one where people of colour can feel safe.
“Politicians who ignore or encourage the rise of the far-right do so at their own peril. I’m proud of the Greens record of anti-racist work alongside communities of colour.
“Australia’s colonial history and ongoing occupation has to be recognised and addressed head on. I’m looking forward to working with Lidia to do just that.”
The portfolio redistribution has also seen Senator Janet Rice take up the Multiculturalism Portfolio, highlighting how building a diverse and compassionate society is the responsibility of all of us, not just people of colour.
Greens announce new party room lineup to push for Green New Deal and compassionate pandemic recovery
Leader of the Australian Greens, Adam Bandt MP has announced the lineup of his new Greens team, following Lidia Thorpe’s first Party Room Meeting as a Senator.
The reshuffle is the most significant since Adam Bandt MP was elected leader, reflecting new talent within Party Room and the rapidly shifting political context in the age of COVID-19.
Senator Lidia Thorpe now holds the First Nations, Justice and Sports portfolios, while the meeting also confirmed the creation of a new Anti-Racism portfolio to be held by Senator Mehreen Faruqi.
Senator Nick McKim holds the newly created Economic Justice portfolio, which will lead the charge against the critical levels of economic inequality laid bare by the coronavirus induced recession. Senator McKim will also take on the Treasury and Finance portfolios.
Peter Whish-Wilson is now Agriculture & Rural Affairs spokesperson, with his first-hand experience of being a grower in the climate crisis to provide valuable insight for the party’s pitch to those living outside the major cities.
Senator Rachel Siewert will take charge of the Health portfolio, formerly held by Richard Di Natale, in recognition of the inextricable link between community and health services.
Finally, Senator Janet Rice will lead on Foreign Affairs and Multiculturalism.
“This is the team we need to take on the unprecedented challenge created by the coronavirus crisis,” Adam Bandt MP said.
“With the Liberals avoiding discussion of anything other than COVID, and Labor siding with the Liberals on tax cuts and the climate crisis, this refreshed Greens team will bring in new perspectives and ideas, while also acknowledging the incredible work being done by all our MPs.
“If it wasn’t clear before the pandemic, it’s undeniable now. Business as usual has failed, leading to soaring economic inequality, a rapidly heating planet and a jobs crisis that has created Depression era-dole queues.
“We need to urgently implement a Green New Deal and this is the team to do it.”
The reshuffle is the most significant since Adam Bandt MP was elected leader, reflecting new talent within Party Room and the rapidly shifting political context in the age of COVID-19.
Senator Lidia Thorpe now holds the First Nations, Justice and Sports portfolios, while the meeting also confirmed the creation of a new Anti-Racism portfolio to be held by Senator Mehreen Faruqi.
Senator Nick McKim holds the newly created Economic Justice portfolio, which will lead the charge against the critical levels of economic inequality laid bare by the coronavirus induced recession. Senator McKim will also take on the Treasury and Finance portfolios.
Peter Whish-Wilson is now Agriculture & Rural Affairs spokesperson, with his first-hand experience of being a grower in the climate crisis to provide valuable insight for the party’s pitch to those living outside the major cities.
Senator Rachel Siewert will take charge of the Health portfolio, formerly held by Richard Di Natale, in recognition of the inextricable link between community and health services.
Finally, Senator Janet Rice will lead on Foreign Affairs and Multiculturalism.
“This is the team we need to take on the unprecedented challenge created by the coronavirus crisis,” Adam Bandt MP said.
“With the Liberals avoiding discussion of anything other than COVID, and Labor siding with the Liberals on tax cuts and the climate crisis, this refreshed Greens team will bring in new perspectives and ideas, while also acknowledging the incredible work being done by all our MPs.
“If it wasn’t clear before the pandemic, it’s undeniable now. Business as usual has failed, leading to soaring economic inequality, a rapidly heating planet and a jobs crisis that has created Depression era-dole queues.
“We need to urgently implement a Green New Deal and this is the team to do it.”
Health and medical research priorities to benefit all Australians
A national consultation process will guide the third set of the Morrison Government’s ground-breaking Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Australian Medical Research and Innovation Priorities for 2020–2022.
This consultation process will ensure the MRFF continues to target national health priorities for better health outcomes.
Determining future health priorities is about taking into account the burden of disease in Australians and the need to enhance the translation of research into clinical practice.
Australia’s health and medical researchers are world class and we continue to drive investment in ways that deliver the practical benefits of medical research and innovation to all Australians.
The landmark $20 billion MRFF is supercharging this growth in Australia’s cutting-edge health and medical research.
It is leading to new cures and treatments across Australia—saving lives and improving lives. The Australian public, organisations with expertise in health and medical research and innovation, consumer representatives, clinicians and health services managers are invited to contribute to the consultation.
Online consultation will begin today, 9 September with submissions to be considered by the Australian Medical Research Advisory Board.
There will also be targeted webinars and virtual roundtables on specific issues and themes to inform this third set of MRFF priorities.
Information about consultation activities will be provided on the MRFF website.
Interested stakeholders can receive the latest information, by subscribing to the MRFF newsletter (www.health.gov.au/using-our-websites/subscriptions/subscribe-to-mrff-newsletter).
The MRFF was established as an endowment fund to provide a sustainable source of funding for vital medical research and is the single largest boost in health and medical research funding in Australia’s history.
Additional Commonwealth Support To Protect Healthcare Workers From COVID-19
The Australian Government is implementing three new measures to help provide increased protection to help reduce the number of healthcare workers being infected with COVID-19.
Today, three new measures will be introduced to help all states and territories learn from what has occurred in Victoria and new information from around the world.
Firstly, a new partnership has been established between the Infection Control Expert Group (ICEG) and the National COVID-19 Evidence Taskforce led by the Living Guidelines Consortium.
With so much evidence emerging so quickly, this partnership will bring together Australia’s leading infection control practitioners, many of whom are frontline clinicians, with other senior healthcare workers, to review the latest evidence on infection prevention and control during COVID-19.
The partnership will contribute to national infection control guidance by providing consensus guidelines on specific infection control issues that have emerged during COVID-19.
Secondly, the AHPPC has endorsed an expansion of national surveillance of healthcare worker infection to ensure we have a better understanding of COVID-19 among healthcare workers at the state and territory level.
This will provide more information on the type of healthcare workers who are becoming infected and enable state and territory governments to target their investigations and interventions based on national-level data.
Thirdly, the Australian Government has funded a new network of epidemiologists – or “disease detectives”. These ‘COVID-NET’ epidemiologists will be available on request by state and territory public health units to assist investigating healthcare worker outbreaks. They will also gather and analyse data on healthcare worker infection at a national level.
We are committed to assisting the states and territories to understand where workplace controls designed to protect healthcare workers have can further strengthened. It is important healthcare facilities to continue to review their controls and strengthen these to ensure workers are better protected.
The Australian Government continues to support hospitals in their efforts to protect their workers from COVID-19.
This includes the provision of vital personal protective equipment, drawn from the National Medical Stockpile.
Since March, over 73 million masks have been dispatched from the National Medical Stockpile to support healthcare workers, aged care workers, States and Territories and to support the disability sector.
Our healthcare workers are doing an outstanding job of bravely caring for the health and wellbeing of Australians who have either contracted – or are suspected to have contracted –COVID-19.
They are at the frontline of our fight against COVID-19 and deserve the greatest possible protection from contracting the virus themselves.
The Australian Government is committed to assisting state and territory governments to ensure healthcare workers receive the protection they deserve.
Community and stakeholders to help shape City’s integrated transport network
City of Newcastle is renewing its parking and cycling plans in response to the many changes that are currently occurring as part of the unprecedented development happening across the city and changing travel patterns resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recent community engagement on cycling in Newcastle heard from almost 2,500 people, highlighting a continued strong interest in the development of infrastructure to support a safe, accessible and connected cycling network in the City.
City of Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor, Cr Declan Clausen, said the refreshed plans will respond to the ongoing transformation of the city and the potential Newcastle has to continue the shift to active transport, including walking and cycling.
“Our community’s vision is for Newcastle to have safe transport networks and services that are well connected and convenient, and where walking, cycling and public transport are viable options for the majority of our trips.
“Research consistently shows that walking, cycling and public transport are better for the environment, better for our physical and mental health, and better for revitalising our local centres.
“We have a track record of delivering quality transport infrastructure, including new cycleway that connecting missing links within the City, the operation of the popular Park and Ride shuttle service from Hunter Stadium prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the delivery of improved parking as part of our local centre upgrades across the City.
“Newcastle has some great facilities, but we know there is more that needs to be done to make riding and walking our preferred transport choice. We want walking, cycling and public transport to be viable options when planning trips, particularly the short trips we take which are close to home,” Cr Clausen said.
City of Newcastle Director Governance, David Clarke said the updated plans would be grounded in community consultation and include a joint focus on both cycling infrastructure and parking.
“Early engagement with key stakeholders will commence this week.
“We know that parking is a key component of the transport picture and is also an important part of our streetscapes.
“Properly planned and implemented parking arrangements help us achieve the aspiration for more active transport as well as contribute to the revitalisation of both our city centre and local suburban centres.” Mr Clarke said.
The City’s existing cycling and parking plans were created more than five years ago. Since that time there have been substantial changes beyond the City’s control, including the removal of inner-city parking and changes to the region’s public transport system.
Through its updated plans, the City of Newcastle will prioritise the delivery of quality transport infrastructure within its area of responsibility, while continuing to advocate for the best possible integrated transport outcomes, recognising that a number of actions are outside the City’s control.
Draft plans are intended to be publicly exhibited during November.
COVID-SAFE GUIDELINES ISSUED TO SCHOOLS AHEAD OF HSC EXAMS
Schools across NSW have received guidelines to support planning for the Higher School Certificate (HSC) written exams that start on 20 October.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said students need to be reassured that everything is being done to make sure they can sit their HSC without disruption.
“HSC trials were held without major incident and we are now working with schools to implement guidelines and procedures that reduce the risk of a COVID-19 disruption for our HSC students,” Ms Mitchell said.
“We are continuing to prioritise health advice as we support schools in planning for and operating the HSC exams. The safety of students and staff involved remains our priority.
“A COVID-safe plan is about minimising disruption to students if there is a confirmed case at their school.”
The guidelines, developed in consultation with NSW Health, have been issued to principals by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), who are responsible for the HSC.
NESA Chief Executive Officer Paul Martin said that he recognised preparing for the HSC exams during this pandemic is challenging.
“The aim of these guidelines is to provide as much clarity to schools and reassurance to students as possible, in line with health advice as we approach exams,” Mr Martin said.
In their planning, schools have been asked to consider:
- Prioritising a section of the school for rapid cleaning as well as having an alternative venue on standby.
- Developing exam day protocols including health screening, in line with sector or school policies and protocols.
- Recruiting additional exam supervisors.
Ms Mitchell said the Department has issued guidelines to Principals today asking them to limit student numbers to 75 students per exam room, limit HSC student interaction with the rest of the school and prioritise cleaning for exam venues.
“Each school’s contingency plans will be unique, school principals will be supported by their local directors and the department to develop and implement their individual plans.
“Schools have done an outstanding job in supporting their HSC students this year and the Class of 2020 have worked exceptionally hard under these circumstances.”
Sector guidance will be issued to schools to support implementation of NESA guidelines.
LOCALLY MADE LIFESAVING VENTILATORS
The first locally built ventilators in NSW are set to roll off the production line in the coming months following a manufacturing call to arms by the NSW Government.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian issued a call to arms five months ago appealing to businesses to pivot into producing critical medical supplies in the fight against COVID-19.
“Global supply chains were disrupted and our local universities and manufacturers stepped in and joined forces to develop prototype ventilators,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Two ventilators are on track to receive regulatory approval within weeks and, if needed, can be produced for hospitals here and potentially overseas, saving lives and boosting jobs.”
Mr Hazzard said The Ventilator Innovation Project was part of the NSW Government’s $800 million investment to help increase services and equipment to combat COVID-19.
“Having access to a ventilator can be the difference between life and death for severe COVID cases and, sadly, we know the effects of shortages overseas,” Mr Hazzard said.
“In some of the worst-hit nations, health staff were forced to choose who got access to a ventilator; so we need a reliable local supply chain to safeguard NSW patients.”
Mr Ayres said the pandemic had inspired a wave of innovation and rapid development across the globe, and local manufacturers and universities had risen to the challenge.
“One thing history has shown us is that crises stimulate innovation and this pandemic has provided an environment for launching and testing new ideas,” Mr Ayres said.
“We congratulate the successful teams behind the CoVida ventilator, led by the University of Sydney, with clinicians at Westmead and Royal North Shore Hospitals, and Ventasys, developed by AmpControl with clinicians at the John Hunter Hospital.”
COVID-19 update: Two people, one venue, issued PINs
Three Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) have been issued since the last COVID-19 update.
- Officers from Orana Mid-Western Police District yesterday (Tuesday 8 September 2020) issued the licensee of a hotel on Montefiores Street, Wellington, with a $1000 PIN after receiving prior warnings for breaches including overcrowding, patrons not being seated and not practising physical distancing.
- Two people have been issued PINs following an altercation at a hotel in Albury. The man and woman were with family members at the hotel on Dean Street yesterday (Tuesday 8 September 2020), when police were called about an altercation between the group. Checks revealed the pair, from Victoria, had a permit to be in NSW; however, the permit stated they should minimise contact with others for two weeks. Both were issued a $1000 PIN.
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.
City’s new flagship arts festival unveiled
With a theme of illumination and a tantalising “We Are New” tagline, City of Newcastle has revealed the first details of its flagship arts festival – New Annual.
To be held from 12-21 February 2021, the inaugural event will celebrate the depth of talent in Newcastle’s thriving cultural and arts sector.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said New Annual would become a dynamic addition to Newcastle’s social calendar.
“Supporting and delivering cultural and community programs, events and live music is key to progressing our vision of Newcastle as a smart, liveable and sustainable global city,” Cr Nelmes said.
“A strong arts community feeds into a healthy economy, helps to revitalise and activate public spaces, creates vibrant night life, and spurs growth in cultural tourism.
“It is also a vehicle through which we can tell our city’s story, share our histories and understand our identity.
“The name ‘New Annual’ itself represents our commitment to the city and its broader audience – that we will offer both surprise and continuity through this hallmark annual cultural event, with a uniquely Newcastle character that can be embraced by locals and visitors alike.”
New Annual’s 10-day program will include dance, live music, art displays, exhibitions, presentations, talks, and activation events.
Designed with the flexibility to operate as a COVID Safe event depending on Public Health Orders, it will be held at a variety of locations with the ability to help keep crowd numbers dispersed, utilising City of Newcastle facilities, public spaces, private venues, community hubs and performance spaces.
Cr Nelmes said New Annual will also allow City of Newcastle to continue its support for some of those worst affected by the global pandemic.
“The arts and cultural sectors were among the earliest and hardest hit by the COVID-19 crisis,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Organisations such as Live Performance Australia, Music NSW and the National Association for the Visual Arts have valued the income loss for artists and entertainers across the country in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
“Planning for this event has allowed us to keep important funds and support flowing into the sector by engaging more than 40 local artists for the event so far, and this number will continue to grow as the festival approaches.
“We’ve also been fortunate to secure support for the event from the NSW Government, with two grants from the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet.
“I look forward to revealing more details about the New Annual at the official program launch next month.”