October 2020 – Page 12

HIA New Home Sales Data Continues To Demonstrate Homebuilder’s Phenomenal Success

Today’s Housing Industry Association (HIA) New Home Sales Report for September 2020 again demonstrates how HomeBuilder is providing the stimulus the construction industry needs that is protecting tradies’ jobs.
The HIA’s data shows that in the four months since HomeBuilder was announced, new home sales have risen 49.8 per cent compared to the four months to June 2020.
Also following HomeBuilder’s announcement, new home sales have been higher in each month than any month in the past two years.

This phenomenal result shows HomeBuilder is delivering on its promise to protect the jobs of Australia’s tradies by providing the stimulus the construction industry needs as we get to the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic.
HIA Chief Economist Tim Reardon said today;
“HomeBuilder has been successful in providing consumer confidence for those customers that had delayed a major investment decision earlier in the year.”
“The program has also brought buyers into the market that would otherwise not been able to purchase their first home for a number of years.”
“This increase in sales will support the construction of detached homes in the wake of the COVID recession and pull the rest of the economy forward into 2021.”
Today’s data adds to the growing number of leading indicators that show that HomeBuilder is delivering the support the residential construction industry needs. Recent data shows;

In August 2020, the number of loans for the construction of new dwellings rose to its highest level in over a decade, up by 22.9 per cent for the month and 34 per cent through the year.

HomeBuilder has seen first home buyers flood into the housing market. First home buyer loans rose dramatically in August to be 17.7 per cent higher for the month, up 37.3 per cent through the year – the highest level since October 2009.

ABS Building Approvals data for August 2020 shows private sector house approvals are at their highest level since February 2019, with over 9,000 approvals recorded.

Across the board the construction industry is saying that HomeBuilder is delivering for Australia’s tradies and home buyers, which is driving stimulus in the economy at a time its needed most.
The Morrison Government is committed to doing all we can to help Australians get into a home of their own as part of our Economic Recovery Plan for Australia.

Caring For Mental And Physical Health During The Pandemic

The Morrison Government recognises it is a very challenging time for many Australians, with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on daily life and work having taken a considerable toll on the mental health of individuals and communities.
This is especially so in Victoria, which has endured the worst of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and is subject to further restrictions.
Nationally, since 16 March, there has been a 15% increase in the number of Medicare-subsidised mental health services delivered, with 7.4 million services provided and $819 million paid in benefits.
In Victoria, between September and October, the number of Medicare-funded mental health items has increased by 31% compared to the same period last year. In addition, the use of Beyond Blue’s Support line was 77% higher in Victoria than in the rest of the country, while Victorian use of Lifeline was 16% higher and Kids Helpline 24% higher than the rest of the country. Victorian state data also shows a 33% increase in child and youth contacts in community mental health services for eating disorders.
This data is of significant concern.
We encourage all Australians, and especially Victorians, to continue to stay on top of their mental and physical health and wellbeing wherever possible throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
It is okay not to feel okay. Help is available.
Through unprecedented investment in mental and physical health to support Australians during the pandemic and the restrictions used to contain it, the Morrison Government is ensuring essential supports are available whenever and wherever needed.
We have committed $2.4 billion to provide all Australians with access to telehealth, invested $5 million to fast track electronic prescribing, and provided $25 million to support home delivery of medicines. These services are ensuring everyone can look after their health from home, even if they are subject to movement restrictions.
The Government is also continuing to prioritise mental health and suicide prevention services, with record investment in mental health estimated to be $5.7 billion in 2020–21 alone.
We have made an additional 10 Medicare-subsidised individual psychological therapy sessions available each calendar year through a $100.8 million investment in the 2020–21 Federal Budget. If you or your loved ones are concerned about your mental health, you can get in touch with your local GP to discuss access to these items or other Medicare supported mental health options available to you.
The Government has also provided more than $500 million extra funding to rapidly scale up other vital mental health services to help Australians deal with lockdowns, the challenges of isolation, fear for loved ones, and concerns about employment.
This has included funding for the Beyond Blue’s Coronavirus Wellbeing Support Service, Lifeline, SANE, headspace and Kids Helpline, among other vital services. Information about these and many other free or low cost services is also available on the national mental health digital portal, Head to Health, at www.headtohealth.gov.au.
In addition to these nationally available supports, the Government is continuing to invest in specific extra services to support Victorians during this time and ensure everyone has access to essential care.
We provided $26.9 million to establish dedicated HeadtoHelp mental health clinics at 15 locations across Greater Melbourne and regional Victoria. These clinics are making mental health services more accessible in local communities. They are providing care delivered by multidisciplinary teams of mental health professionals, including GPs, mental health nurses, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers and other health workers. You can contact your local HeadtoHelp clinic on (1800595212) or online at www.headtohelp.org.au.
Lifeline, Kids Helpline, Beyond Blue and headspace have also received additional funds to ensure they have the capacity to respond to the much greater demand for services in Victoria.
We encourage everyone to make use of the many services available, but also to connect with others to seek and provide support. Even if we are required to stay physically distant, staying socially connected is a vital part of looking after our mental health and wellbeing. We can all play a part in keeping each other safe and well.
Anyone worried about their mental health, loneliness, finances, family, or other circumstances can contact the Beyond Blue Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service for free advice and counselling on 1800 512 348 or online. Immediate advice and support is also available through Lifeline (13 11 14) or Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800).

Business benefits from City’s million-dollar event and project funding

Thirty-one events, activations and initiatives to re-energise Newcastle and boost the COVID disrupted local economy, have received a $1.1 million cash injection from City of Newcastle’s Events Sponsorship and Special Business Rate programs.
Festivals of comedy, sailing and beer, spectacular park lighting, and virtual tours to entice people to explore the city’s history and creative culture, have received well needed financial support aimed at stimulating the local economy.
Fifteen projects that promote, beautify and develop the City Centre and Darby Street have shared in a pool more than $930,000 under the Special Business Program, while a further 16 events and activations have received $177,000 from the Event Sponsorship Program.
City of Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the funding will help activate public spaces and strengthen the city’s reputation as a destination for tourism, business and events.
“Not only will businesses stand to reap substantial economic gains from the unique and engaging events and activities funded, the projects will breathe life into the city centre and encourage people to spend locally.”
“These funding programs are more important than ever in the wake of COVID-19 and its unprecedented economic and social impacts on our community.
“COVID-19 has caused major disruption to the city’s vibrant event calendar, so it’s heartening to see this financial boost go towards reinvigorating COVID-safe sporting, cultural and entertainment events that will attract visitors to Newcastle.”
After a cancelled 2020 event due to COVID-19 restrictions, Newcastle’s Sailfest will be back for a special regatta on the harbour and celebration of all things sailing in April next year.
“Newcastle Harbour provides a perfect stage for people on the Foreshore to see everything from Olympic-class boats in action through to model yacht racing,” Newcastle Yacht Club CEO Paul O’Rourke said.
“We are grateful to receive financial support that enables us to continue this event in 2021.  Sailfest brings together people from all walks of life to celebrate the sport of sailing and enjoy the beauty of our harbour.”
Festive cheer will sweep the city centre in December with a life-size Christmas tree maze set to pop up in Civic Park and Santa flying in from the North Pole for a week of free family photos.
“Local businesses will be hoping for a strong Christmas trade to see off what has been a tough year for the retail and hospitality sectors.  By providing fun, playful and free family activities in the City Centre we’re expecting a positive flow on effect to our unique hospitality and retail traders while also providing jobs for people working in the events and entertainment sector,” Enigma Newcastle Managing Director Peter Chapman said.
SPECIAL BUSINESS RATE FUNDED PROJECTS
Live Spots – City-wide initiative to establish live music ‘spots’, creating ambiance and passer-by entertainment for business precincts; creating income and promotion opportunities for local musicians.
Creative Newcastle - An ambitious project to bolster Newcastle’s arts, business and night-time economy sector, through digital development, data collation, promotion and events.
City Lights for Social Change - Permanent lighting array for Civic Park creating a spectacular lightscape to attract people to walk from and through Hunter and King Street, Civic Park to Darby Street.
Discover Newcastle Mobile Adventures - A digital app-based treasure hunt game designed to bring families, tourists, school and social groups into the city centre and promote foot traffic to different landmarks and highlights of the city’s business precinct.
Made In Newcastle - A city-wide undertaking in collaboration with local businesses, regional tourism, and Newcastle’s vibrant arts community to run a series of events over many months in 2020 – 2021.
Newcastle Food Month - month-long project promoting what makes Newcastle and the surrounding precincts a gastronomic playground.
Archaeology Alive Walking Tour - showcasing archaeological excavations undertaken in the Newcastle and Darby Street SBR area, and delivered through the City of Newcastle App.
UP&UP Street Art Workshops – Create Your Space - will activate Wheeler Place with interactive street art workshops and live painting exhibitions during the New Annual Festival in February 2021.
Christmas in the City - will activate spaces in the City Centre and Darby St, attracting people to the areas prior to Christmas and encourage people to spend at local businesses
The Little Green - is a celebration of nature, music, giving and community in the form of a space-making installation in the Hunter Street Mall area.
Newcastle Food Month Marketing Campaign – HUNTERhunter in collaboration with the Newcastle Food Month, will undertake a 3-month multi-faceted digital and traditional media campaign to promote the Newcastle Food Month Festival.
Chalk the Walk, Newcastle - 3D artwork trail in key City Centre and Darby Street outdoor locations.
“Created in Newcastle” by The Real Film Festival 2020 - will deliver new ways of reconnecting film, arts and culture across city precinct businesses to strengthen the Newcastle business sector.
Open House Newcastle - is an immersive installation, to be located at the old Newcastle Station, inviting the community to walk through spaces entirely created by, and using local retailer products.
Makers & Traders Newcastle - “Project 360” will use virtual tours and podcasts to enable visitors and locals to experience Newcastle’s creative offering; encouraging bookings, sales and connection through an integrated checkout.  A beautifully designed Treasure Map will make the navigation of creative opportunities and experiences easier for visitors and locals alike.
EVENT SPONSORSHIP RECIPIENTS
Surfing the Spectrum – will provide autistic children and their families support to come to the beach and participate in 30 minute surfing lessons.
Australian Walking & Cycling Conference – exploring the potential for walking and cycling to not only provide for transport and recreation, but as solutions to the challenges of liveability, health, community building, economic development and sustainability.
Bloody Long Walk – 35km walk through Newcastle finishing at Newcastle Beach, raising money for the MTIO Foundation.
Celebration of Cricket – two major junior cricket carnivals attracting participants from around NSW, in support of junior sport and visitation for participants and their families to Newcastle.
King of Concrete – Australia’s premier skateboarding bowl competition at Bar Beach Skate Park.
Sailfest – The second annual SailFest Newcastle Regatta will incorporate the prestigious TP52 Gold Cup, iconic ‘Cock of the Harbour’ race and historic Newcastle Harbour Regatta, offshore yacht racing and inshore activities such as Olympic Class dinghy and keelboat racing, along with TrySailing events for junior sailors and families.
Newcastle Comedy Festival – 2 week non-stop comedy celebration featuring international stars, homegrown legends and next-big-things across 22 shows utilising a range of local venues.
Junior Theatre Australia – week-long festival including student workshops, professional development, celebrity performances, pilot workshops, award ceremonies and performances of new theatrical works.
Newcastle Show – a centre ring show of livestock parades, show jumping and attractions such as fireworks, agriculture pavilion with displays and judging, exhibition centre; show bag and sideshow alley with carnival rides, games and shopping.
Girls Day Out – Multisport participation event focused on building the interest and participation of girls in a variety of sports, particularly those traditionally dominated by male participants.
Australian Water Polo League – support for the Hunter Hurricanes home games at Lambton Pool and a unique event at Queens Wharf allowing water polo to be played in Newcastle Harbour.
Newcastle Jets Women – support for the Newcastle Jets W-League campaign, with their home matches played from No 2 Sportsground for the upcoming season.
T20 Bash - short form cricket competition held across multiple venues around the City; hosting visiting teams to compete against local clubs over the summer.
New Run – Newcastle’s premier running festival, now in its 15th year, offers runners a marathon, half marathon, 10km, 5km, and 2km events along Newcastle’s coastal and harbour shorelines.
Newcastle Beer Fest – celebration of independent craft beer, featuring 35 brewers from across Australia, hosted at Foreshore Park and including a range of entertainment offerings in the salute to beer.
By Hook and by Cook - Newcastle will be the place to catch, buy, eat, cook and enjoy seafood as part of an inclusive and collaborative event to celebrate and highlight the Newcastle seafood industry.

MORE COURT PROTECTIONS FOR ‘REVENGE PORN’ VICTIMS

Victims of intimate image abuse will have the same court protections as other sexual assault complainants while judicial officers will have greater powers to order images and recordings be destroyed, under legislation to be introduced in NSW Parliament today.
Attorney General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Mark Speakman said the proposed Criminal Procedure Act 1986 reforms acknowledge the seriousness of these types of offences and the distress and damage they inflict on victims’ lives.
“Coming to court can often involve extensive questioning about intimate details of a victim’s experience and the terrible hurt caused. These reforms are aimed at helping to reduce the trauma of that experience,” Mr Speakman said.
The proposed reforms mean victims can give evidence remotely and in a closed court, access a support person, have their identity protected from publication, and avoid cross-examination by an unrepresented accused personally.
“It is vital victims know if they report intimate image abuse that they will be appropriately supported in court, while also helping them regain privacy and dignity,” Mr Speakman said.
The proposed reforms also allow the court to order an offender to remove, retract, delete or destroy an intimate image when found guilty of threatening to distribute it without consent.
“What happens to intimate images can be a source of ongoing fear and trauma for many victims, and our Bill seeks to address that anxiety,” Mr Speakman said.
“It will give victims some sense of control and peace of mind that even when only a threat is made, that those images can no longer be accessed or disseminated in the future.”
Today’s Bill reinforces the Government’s commitment to addressing this vile form of intimate abuse and follows its implementation of the Crimes Amendment (Intimate Images) Act 2017.
“Unfortunately, the rapid advent of technology has facilitated a rise in this type of criminal behaviour, so it is crucial our justice response keeps pace,” Mr Speakman said.
Research by the e-Safety Commissioner indicates 11 per cent of Australian adults have experienced image-based abuse. According to the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, there were 296 charges for intimate image offences between July 2018 and June 2019, while 420 charges have been laid between July 2019 and June this year.
Further details of the Bill will be available on the NSW Parliament website this afternoon when it is second read in the Legislative Assembly.

RECORD FUNDING FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN 2021

The NSW Government will allocate a record $1.3 billion in 2021 to more than 2000 public schools across NSW – a $50 million increase on 2020.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced the Resource Allocation Model (RAM) funding today, which is provided on top of a school’s base allocation, and can be used for more teachers, literacy and numeracy programs, and teacher training.
“I want to ensure every child in NSW has the opportunity to be best they can be, no matter where they live or what their circumstances may be,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This funding will support the NSW Government’s education reforms including overhauling the NSW curriculum and making sure we have the most skilled teachers at the front of the classroom.”
The allocation of RAM funding recognises the needs of schools across NSW differ and takes into account the socio-economic profile of students, Aboriginal student numbers, students with disability and English language proficiency.
It is in addition to the schools’ base allocation funding which is more than $8.8 billion this year.
Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said the funding certainty allowed schools to plan for 2021.
“The allocations are part of a total of $10.1 billion in annual funding being delivered to public schools for 2021, supporting our students and improving their learning outcomes,” said Ms Mitchell.
“I want to see this funding improve outcomes for our students. Schools have enhanced financial tools that allow them to build this money into their school plans so that students receive more of the benefit.”
The NSW Government is working towards creating Australia’s best education system and providing students with world-class education no matter where they live.

Man charged with murder over suspicious death of New Zealand firefighter in the Hunter

A man has been charged with murder following the suspicious death of 43-year-old New Zealand man, Ian Pullen, two years ago in the Hunter region.
Just after 5.30am on Saturday 29 September 2018, emergency services were called to Carrington Street, Glenridding, after a man’s body was located on the side of the road.
The man was later identified as 43-year-old New Zealand firefighter, Ian Pullen, who had arrived in the Hunter region to assist with bushfire efforts.
Detectives from Hunter Valley Police District established Strike Force Awabakil to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mr Pullen’s death.
Following extensive inquiries and numerous public appeals, a 29-year-old man was arrested at Newcastle Police Station about 10am today (Wednesday 14 October 2020).
He was charged with murder, dangerous driving occasioning death and fail to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing death.
He was remanded in custody to appear at Newcastle Local Court later today (Wednesday 14 October 2020).
Investigations under Strike Force Awabakil are ongoing.

COVID-19 update: PIN issued in state's south

A man has been issued an infringement notice over an alleged breach of the Public Health Act in the state’s south west.
Officers from Riverina Police District commenced inquiries after receiving information about a 22-year-old man who was not self-isolating after returning to Wagga Wagga from an address in Victoria last week.
Following inquiries, about 9.35am yesterday (Tuesday 13 October 2020), the man was located by police outside a home in Glenfield Park.
It’s alleged the man returned to his home in Ashmont, Wagga Wagga, on Monday 5 October 2020, and failed to self-isolate for 14 days as per the conditions of his permit.
The man was issued a $1000 PIN for failing to comply with noticed direction with COVID-19.
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.

Government must meet the deadline for implementation of Aged Care Royal Commission special report recommendations and fund them in the budget

The Greens say that the Government has no excuse not to urgently act on the recommendations of the Aged care and COVID-19: a special report.
Let’s face it, these recommendations are really the bare minimum of what the Government should have already done when this pandemic started, extra support for the workforce, infection prevention and control training, mental health support for residents and of course a national coordinating body.
It’s shambolic that we have no national coordinating body to address the COVID crisis in aged care, Greens spokesperson on Ageing Senator Rachel Siewert said.
The buck stops with the Commonwealth on Aged Care and so far they have failed dismally.
We knew about the need for infectious control prevention and accreditation after Newmarch.
Given that the Royal Commissioners have made the unusual step of releasing a special report so close to when the final report is due indicates how serious the failures of the system to deal with COVID are.
A commitment to fund these recommendations adequately must be included in next week’s budget.
The funding that the Government has announced today is not enough and there needs to be more in the budget.

Greens: Government defies Senate and fails to provide information on legal advice on robodebt

The Minister for Government Services Stuart Robert has failed to comply with Senate resolutions that he provide documents relating to robodebt legal advice.
“The Minister’s claims of public interest immunity in regards to the Centrelink Income Compliance Program legal advice and an Executive Minute are not acceptable”, Senator Rachel Siewert said.
Given the significant and ongoing harm this program has inflicted on people in our community, the public most certainly have a right to know what has happened with this program. Clearly the Government knows what approach it took to obtaining legal advice and should let the community know about this.
The Government cannot just keep hiding behind claims of public interest immunity.
It is quite obviously in the public interest for the Commonwealth Government to be transparent about the legal advice in relation to the Income Compliance Program.
The requested information is vital evidence for the inquiry into the Centrelink Compliance Program as it goes to the legal foundation of the program and how it has operated.
I do not accept this obfuscation and attempt to hide behind public interest immunity when it’s clear that the public have a right to know.
The Committee will continue to pursue this matter.

All in this together? Budget entrenches poverty

It is unconscionable that the Government did not include a permanent increase to Jobseeker in the budget.
If we can fund billions of dollars worth of tax cuts for the wealthy we can ensure that no one in this country is living in poverty.
Budgets are about the choices we make. This is a budget that ignores people trying to survive without work when we know that there will be far more people without work than there are jobs available for a long time into the future.
Everybody knows that the Jobseeker payment is too low, even the Government does because they brought in the coronavirus supplement.
This budget is based on very big assumptions that there will be a vaccine by next year and that the expenditure on Jobseeker will be half by the next budget.
While disabled people can make use of the extra $500 in this budget it does not make up for the fact they did not receive the coronavirus supplement and the extra costs they had to wear. Disabled people feel abandoned by this Government, they are extremely anxious about both the health risks of this pandemic and their ability to get their medication and pay rent. $500 is not enough.
“Refocusing” existing employment services programs will make savings of $1.4 billion over four years and includes a transition to a new digital employment services platform. The Government is investing further in on-line and digital services before the digital trials have been evaluated. This process is likely to increase the digital divide.
For a start anyone who has spoken to or at least listened to someone on Jobseeker would know that it is very difficult for people to actually afford internet services and smartphones.
The money for aged care is an insult to older Australians, their families and the workforce. It’s not enough.
Where is the proper funding for a workforce strategy? The sector needs at least $3.5 billion to fix the workforce.
Where is a pay increase for our aged care workers who are caring for our mothers, fathers and grandparents?
Piecemeal funding announcements won’t fix the aged care sector and this budget once again fails older Australians and their families
While more home care places are welcomed, the $1.6bn for an additional 23,000 home care places still leaves a significant portion of the 100,000 Australians on the waiting list on that list.
There is no further funding to the royal commission COVID recommendations, despite the Government accepting all the recommendations.
The Government is now describing the Cashless Debit Card funding as “ongoing funding” rather than funding for trial sites. Clearly the Government wants make this card permanent.
This is yet another attempt to stealthily entrench this racist and punitive card that it is not accepted by the community or has any evidence that it is achieving its purported outcomes.
Of course they won’t tell us how much this social experiment is costing. What we do know is that it is costing people their dignity and quality of life.
Another budget and another failure to recognise the impact that climate change is having on our health.
Inaction on climate change is having a devastating effect on people’s health. Climate change is affecting our health through an increase in infectious disease transmission during extreme weather events and heatwaves, worsening air pollution, higher mortality rates from heat stress, and increased incidence of mental illness.
This budget fails so many in our community, the Government should look after the well being of everyone not just their wealthy mates.