A disqualified driver has been charged after allegedly attempting to travel across the NSW/Victorian border with a passenger hiding in the car boot.
About 8.45am yesterday (Saturday 5 September 2020), police stopped a Mitsubishi Magna at a checkpoint on the Hume Highway, Albury.
The driver, a 34-year-old man, produced a valid permit but was unable to produce identification, and further checks revealed he was disqualified from driving.
He was arrested and a search of the vehicle was conducted.
During the search, police found a 41-year-old woman hiding in the boot of the Mitsubishi. She was unable to produce a permit and directed to return to Victoria.
The woman left in the Mitsubishi and allegedly travelled through a red light.
She was issued with two Traffic Infringement Notices for not stop at stop line at red light, passenger not occupy seat with seatbelt and a $1000 Penalty Infringement Notice for fail to comply requirement public health order – COVID-19.
The West Wodonga man was taken to Albury Police Station and charged with not comply with noticed direction re section 7/8/9 -COVID-19, driver motor vehicle during disqualified period, and drive with passenger in/on part of vehicle no seatbelt.
He was refused bail and appeared at Wagga Wagga Bail Court today (Sunday 6 September 2020) where he was formally refused bail to reappear at Albury Local Court tomorrow (Monday 7 September 2020).
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.
Month: September 2020
Further six charged following protests across NSW
A further six people have been charged following yesterday’s unauthorised protest activity in Sydney and Byron Bay.
High-visibility policing operations were launched in response to protests yesterday (Saturday 5 September 2020), to ensure the safety of participants, as well as the community and local businesses.
At Sydney Olympic Park, general duties from Auburn Police Area Command, assisted by specialist resources, were deployed the ensure peaceful and lawful demonstrations.
Two men – aged 45 and 34 – were arrested at a park at Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush.
The older man was charged with assault officer in execution of duty assault officer in execution of duty, resist officer in execution of duty and not comply with noticed direction.
The younger man was charged with fail to comply with direction and not comply with noticed direction.
They were both granted conditional bail to appear at Burwood Local Court on Thursday 24 September 2020.
In Byron Bay, four men have been charged following yesterday’s protests at parks on Jonsons Street and Bay Street.
A 34-year-old man was charged with assault officer in execution of duty and resist officer in execution of duty.
He was granted conditional bail will appear at Byron Bay Local Court on Monday 21 September 2020
A 36-year-old man was charged with resist or hinder police officer in the execution of duty, wilfully obstruct officer in execution of duty and resist officer in execution of duty.
A 21-year-old man was charged with wilfully obstruct officer in execution of duty and resist officer in execution of duty.
A 42-year-old man was charged with resist officer in execution of duty.
They were granted conditional bail will appear at Byron Bay Local Court on Monday 28 September 2020
In total, police charged nine people and issued 81 Penalty Infringement Notices of $1000 were issued for alleged breaches of the current NSW Public Health Orders.
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.
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.
National Cabinet Report
The National Cabinet met today to discuss Australia’s COVID-19 response, the Victorian outbreak, easing restrictions, helping Australians prepare to go back to work in a COVID-safe environment, border restrictions and getting the economy moving again.
The Acting Chief Medical Officer, Paul Kelly, provided an update on the measures underway, the latest data and medical advice in relation to COVID-19.
There have been more than 26,000 confirmed cases in Australia and sadly 737 people have died.
Following Victoria’s second wave, there are now around 2,500 active cases in Australia. Daily infection rates have remained low in all states and territories, other than Victoria. Testing remains high in most states and territories, with more than 6.5 million tests undertaken in Australia.
National Cabinet has agreed to a suppression strategy for COVID-19 with the goal of no community transmission. Seven of Australia’s eight states and territories are successfully suppressing COVID-19, enabling most Australians in those jurisdictions to live and work in a COVID-safe economy. However, National Cabinet noted that there had been some relaxation in community attitudes towards social distancing. National Cabinet recommitted to providing all necessary support to Victoria during this very difficult time.
National Cabinet noted the release of the June quarter National Accounts highlighted the devastating impact on the Australian economy of the COVID-19 global recession. While efforts by the Commonwealth and state and territory governments have helped to cushion the blow, many challenges remain on the road to recovery.
National Cabinet will meet again on 18 September 2020.
Roadmap for Recovery
National Cabinet agreed on the need to work together cooperatively for the benefit of all Australians and as a Federation of the Commonwealth, states and territories. We need to continue to protect people’s health but we also need to find the road back from the economic crisis that COVID-19 has generated.
The Commonwealth, New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory agreed in-principle to develop a new plan for Australia to reopen by Christmas, including the use of the hotspot concept for travel between jurisdictions. This plan will build on the three-step plan released in May 2020, with work continuing through the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) and the National Coordination Mechanism. Further components of the plan will be submitted for review at the next meeting.
National Cabinet noted the COVID-19 hotspots definition, proposed by the Commonwealth Acting Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly, and based on analysis of locally acquired cases in Australia in recent months. The paper presented to National Cabinet, provides quantitative and qualitative metrics to determine COVID-19 hotspots for the purpose of the provision of Commonwealth support. Decisions would be based on a threshold of:
- The Commonwealth trigger for consideration of a COVID-19 hotspot in a metropolitan area is the rolling 3 day average (average over 3 days) is 10 locally acquired cases per day. This equates to over 30 cases in 3 consecutive days.
- The Commonwealth trigger for consideration of a COVID-19 hotspot in a rural or regional area is the rolling 3 day average (average over 3 days) is 3 locally acquired cases per day. This equates to 9 cases over 3 consecutive days.
Once the trigger has been activated, further analyses would be performed by the Commonwealth to assist a discussion between the Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer and the state/territory Chief Health Officer.
The Commonwealth will work with seven states and territories to refine the definition of COVID-19 hotspots. Officials have been asked to continue the development of the final definition and protocols for its application.
In addition, bilateral and multilateral arrangements between the Commonwealth, states and territories will continue to be developed to better support border arrangements between states and territories as part of the revised plan. National Cabinet noted that Western Australia has specific circumstances which mean that it will not subscribe to the reopening plan and timetable, but it will continue to participate in discussions on its development.
The Commonwealth hotspots definition would also be used as a starting point for any future COVIDSafe travel arrangements encompassing New Zealand and those states and territories applying the hotspots definition.
Agriculture Workers’ Code
NSW, Victoria, South Australia, Northern Territory and the ACT agreed to adopt the National Agricultural Workers’ Code. Victoria, South Australia and NSW will begin immediately to work together to put the code in place. Western Australia, Queensland and Tasmania will consider the Code as part of their border restriction arrangements.
The Code delivers consistent approaches to facilitate the movement of critical agricultural industry workers across domestic borders where border restrictions are in place. The Code is important in mitigating animal health, welfare and biosecurity risks.
The Code is a risk-based approach. Permits or an equivalent approval, with appropriate conditions, will be applied to reduce the risk of COVID-19 being transmitted to regional areas.
Regular update on international arrivals and cap
National Cabinet conducted its fortnightly review of international air arrival passenger caps and agreed to boost the capacity for international arrivals where possible, supporting more Australians to come home from overseas. National Cabinet noted that NSW has been undertaking much of the heavy lifting in terms of quarantine of international arrivals.
All states and territories, where possible, agreed to work with the Commonwealth to increase the number of international flights to their jurisdiction to enable more Australians to return home.
National Cabinet agreed the Commonwealth will work with airlines to identify opportunities to boost arrivals into cities with available quarantine capacity.
Energy National Cabinet Reform Committee
Leaders agreed to the tasking for the Energy National Cabinet Reform Committee. The Committee will progress critical reform of the energy system as a key component of Australia’s economic recovery. It will work to ensure an affordable and reliable energy system to support job creation and economic growth for the long-term benefit of customers.
The Committee’s work program will focus on developing:
- Immediate measures to ensure reliability and security of the electricity grid ahead of the 2020-21 summer;
- The redesign, by mid-2021, of the National Electricity Market to take effect after 2025; and
- A package of reforms, by July 2021, to unlock new gas supply, improve competition in the market and better regulate pipelines.
These reforms will ensure the market serves consumers by promoting efficient investment, operation and use of energy services, and by delivering secure and reliable energy at least-cost.
Council on Federal Financial Relations
National Cabinet noted that the Council on Federal Financial Relations (CFFR) has reduced 82 existing National Partnerships and Project Agreements into five new sector Federation Funding Agreements, covering Health, Education and Skills, Environment, Infrastructure, and Affordable Housing Community Services and Other. National Cabinet thanked CFFR for its work and noted further work is underway to safeguard the proliferation of future small agreements and reporting burdens.
Briefing on high risk weather season
National Cabinet was briefed by the Bureau of Meteorology on the national outlook for the high risk weather season (Spring-Summer 2020-21), in particular the likelihood of La Niña and what that means for the risk of natural disasters occurring.
National Cabinet agreed that Emergency Management Australia would convene Commonwealth, state and territory authorities to ensure a seamless arrangement for the movement of emergency personnel between states and territories in a COVIDSafe and timely manner.
Mental Health and social supports
National Cabinet noted the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and committed to provide increased support as needed.
NEW RULES TO ALLOW GREATER MOVEMENT FOR AGRICULTURE WORKERS
The NSW Government will work with the Commonwealth to allow greater movement of agriculture workers between States.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said while it’s disappointing a number of States did not sign on to the framework proposed at National Cabinet today, NSW will look to implement the principles of the new Agricultural Workers’ Code.
“Notwithstanding that National Cabinet could not reach a consensus on this issue, NSW will work towards new rules to allow movement of agriculture workers to benefit our regional communities,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“I thank the Deputy Premier and the NSW Minister for Agriculture for their work and their advocacy on this issue.
“Subject to the health advice, we want to be able to provide more certainty for farmers and agriculture workers in NSW. We’re expecting a bumper harvest in many parts of the State this year and I don’t want our farmers and agriculture workers to lose that opportunity.”
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said NSW will continue to work towards ensuring our State’s agriculture sector has the workforce it needs to keep powering ahead in the midst of improving seasonal conditions.
“NSW is an agriculture production powerhouse and this needs to continue to help the economy recover after COVID-19, and bring many communities and farmers back from the brink after years of drought,” Mr Barilaro said.
“These measures will make sure that we seize the opportunity to convert a potentially huge harvest into dollars for our farmers.”
The NSW Government will work with the Commonwealth, Victoria and South Australia on the implementation of the principles of the new code including:
- Ensuring the agriculture industry, ancillary services and activities is not unnecessarily impeded by border arrangements for the movement of workers.
- Applying health and safety practices in the agriculture industry, services and activities as appropriate to minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmission and support responsiveness where transmission occurs.
- Allowing movement across borders will provide for animal health and welfare and biosecurity to be maintained.
14 arrested, 81 Penalty Infringement Notices issued during unauthorised protest activity across the state
A police operation has now concluded following unauthorised protest activity in Sydney and Byron Bay today.
About 11am, (Saturday 5 September 2020), 19 Penalty Infringement Notices of $1000 were issued by officers from Sydney City Police Area Command during an unauthorised gathering at Hyde Park on Elizabeth Street.
During the operation, three people – two men and a woman were arrested.
A 54-year old man was arrested and taken to Day Street Police Station and charged with not comply with noticed direction, assault officer in the execution of duty and resist officer in the execution of duty.
In a separate incident, a 44-year-old man allegedly resisted a senior constable after failing to comply with a move-on direction.
He was also taken to Day Street Police Station and charged with not comply with noticed direction and resist officer in the execution of duty.
A 56-year-old woman was also arrested and charged with not comply with police direction.
All three people granted conditional bail to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday 21 October 2020.
A 16-year-old boy was issued with a youth caution for not complying with Public Health Orders.
About 2pm (Saturday 5 September 2020) 57 Penalty Infringement Notices of $1000 were issued at an unauthorised protest at Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush.
Two men were arrested and taken to Auburn Police Station where charges are expected to be laid later today.
Meanwhile, nine people have been arrested at parks on Jonsons Street and Bay Street, Byron Bay, during an unauthorised protest in Byron Bay earlier today.
Seven males and two females were taken to Byron Bay Police Station where charges are expected to be laid later today.
Among those arrested was a 34-year old man police will allege assaulted a senior constable.
Five Penalty Infringement Notices of $1000 were issued for alleged breaches of the current NSW Public Health Orders.
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.
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.
Officer charged – Northern Region
A police officer will face court next month following an investigation into an alleged neglect of duty.
In March 2020, an investigation was launched by Northern Region’s Professional Standards into the alleged mishandling of a report of a domestic violence-related incident.
Following extensive inquiries, investigators issued a Court Attendance Notice for neglect of duty to a 38-year-old female senior constable just after 3pm yesterday (Friday 4 September 2020).
The officer, who is attached to a command in the Northern Region, is due to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 15 October 2020.
The officer’s duty status is currently under review.
Man charged over alleged attempt to bribe police at NSW/Victoria border
A man has been charged over allegedly attempting to bribe a police officer at the NSW/Victoria border yesterday.
Just before 2pm (Friday 4 September 2020), a vehicle was stopped by NSW Police at the Barmah Bridge checkpoint.
Officers spoke with the driver, a 66-year-old man, and requested his border permit to enter NSW.
Police will allege in court that the man could not provide a valid permit and instead offered an envelope with $1000 to the officer.
The Victorian man was arrested and taken to Deniliquin Police Station, where he was charged with give/offer bribe to member of NSW Police.
He was granted strict conditional bail and is due to appear before Moama Local Court on Wednesday 4 November 2020.
Nine PINs issued over movements of vessel through NSW waters
Nine Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) have been issued after crew members and passengers on board a vessel travelling along the NSW coast from Victoria disembarked onto NSW soil, contrary to current Public Health Orders.
On Tuesday 25 August 2020, NSW Police Force’s Marine Area Command launched an investigation into the movements of a vessel, which was travelling from Victoria to the Gold Coast, while it was in NSW waters.
Inquiries revealed three occasions in which individuals had disembarked the vessel in contravention of the Public Health Order – at Eden on Wednesday 12 August, Port Stephens on Sunday 16 August and Yamba on Friday 21 August 2020.
As a result, officers from Tweed Heads Water Police, with the assistance of Queensland Police, spoke with the six individuals concerned today (Friday 4 September 2020) and advised them they would be issued with PINs as follows:
- A 64-year-old man, the skipper of the vessel, was issued with three $1000 PINs for failing to comply with the Public Health (COVID-19 Maritime Quarantine) Order at Eden, Port Stephens and Yamba;
- A 61-year-old man, the owner of the vessel, was issued with two $1000 PINs for failing to comply with the Public Health (COVID-19 Maritime Quarantine) Order at Eden and Yamba;
- A 51-year-old woman, a passenger of the vessel, was issued with one $1000 PIN for failing to comply with the Public Health (COVID-19 Maritime Quarantine) Order at Eden;
- A 20-year-old woman, a passenger of the vessel, was issued with one $1000 PIN for failing to comply with the Public Health (COVID-19 Maritime Quarantine) Order at Eden;
- An 18-year-old woman, a passenger of the vessel, was issued with one $1000 PIN for failing to comply with the Public Health (COVID-19 Maritime Quarantine) Order at Eden;
- A 40-year-old woman, a crew member of the vessel, was issued with one $1000 PIN for failing to comply with the Public Health (COVID-19 Maritime Quarantine) Order at Eden.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related Public Health Order is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
Trillions of litres of water missing from Murray-Darling on LNP's watch
Today’s report showing two trillion litres of water is missing from the Murray-Darling Basin shows the Liberal-National Government has mismanaged the River and set it on a trajectory to a slow trickle and ultimately death, the Greens say.
Greens Water Spokesperson and Senator for South Australia Sarah Hanson-Young said:
“The report by the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists today is devastating.
“Two trillion litres of water is missing. Why? Because of theft, corruption, corporate greed, floodplain harvesting, mismanagement and lack of action on climate change.
“The Liberal-National Party has overseen seven years of mismanagement of Australia’s biggest river system.
“Environmental water is necessary for the survival of the River and should be the priority of all governments, not helping out upstream corporate irrigators.
“As a South Australian I’m very angry that once again we have another report showing the River is being ripped off.
“The Murray-Darling Basin has suffered on the watch of the National Party for far too long while River communities and small family farms are left high and dry.
“Their mess needs cleaning up and we need a Royal Commission to get to the bottom of what’s gone so badly wrong.”
Sensational Gov Backdown Sends Uni Bill To Inquiry
Australian Greens Education spokesperson Senator Mehreen Faruqi has said that the Liberals have sensationally backed down and sent their university fee hikes and funding cuts legislation to a Senate inquiry.
This followed a Greens motion on Tuesday which showed Labor, Greens and crossbench support for an inquiry.
Senator Faruqi said:
“This is a sensational backdown from the government. The Liberals had every intention of pushing this legislation through before the budget.
“Not only did the Liberals gag debate in the House to ram the bill through, they voted against my inquiry referral motion just two days ago. They’ve now been dragged to the table, kicking and screaming.
“It’s critical that the Senate hear from universities and everyone who is impacted by this dud legislation.
“An inquiry will help take this rotten bill apart so we can block it once and for all in October,” she said.