Month: December 2020

Man critically injured after allegedly falling from moving car; man charged – Mayfield

A man has been charged with dangerous driving after another man was seriously injured in Newcastle last week.
Shortly before 8pm on Tuesday 22 December 2020, three men left a home on Scholey Street, Mayfield, and got into a BMW sedan.
Police have been told the 18-year-old driver and a 20-year-old passenger got into a verbal argument before the older man exited the vehicle and returned inside.
The BMW left the scene before returning a short time later, where police will allege the 20-year-old climbed onto the bonnet of the moving vehicle before the vehicle turned onto Valencia Street and he fell to the roadway.
Police will further allege the driver did not stop to render assistance and continued along Valencia Street.
Passers-by contacted emergency services a short time later.
The man was taken to John Hunter Hospital where he remains in a critical condition.
Officers from the Hunter Crash Investigation Unit attended and commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Following extensive inquiries, an 18-year-old man attended Cessnock Police Station about 3pm on Monday (28 December 2020) where he was arrested and charged with four offences including dangerous and negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm and fail to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing grievous bodily harm.
The Kearsley man was granted conditional bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 25 February 2021.
Investigations are ongoing.

STATEMENT FROM GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN AND BRAD HAZZARD 30 DECEMBER 2020

Given the current situation on the Northern Beaches and increasing concern about transmission of COVID-19 in other parts of Greater Sydney (which includes Wollongong) new restrictions will be in place on New Year’s Eve.
This decision has been made taking into account updated health advice from Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant.
For New Year’s Eve in Greater Sydney (including Wollongong, Central Coast and Blue Mountains) the following will apply;

  • Household gatherings will be limited to 5 visitors (including children).
  • The limit for outdoor gatherings will be reduced from 50 to 30.

Restrictions for the northern zone of the Northern Beaches remain the same but for the southern zone of the Northern Beaches the following will now apply;

  • Household gatherings will be limited to 5 visitors from within your zone (including children).

These changes come into effect from midnight tonight (Wednesday 30 December) and will be in place until further notice.
People are encouraged to limit non-essential gatherings over the New Year period where possible to further minimise the risk of transmission in the community.
We thank the community for their patience.
Our priority is always to keep the community safe.
We are watching the emerging situation closely and will update the community accordingly should any further changes be required.

BUSINESSES REMINDED TO DOWNLOAD NSW GOVERNMENT SERVICE NSW QR CODE

Hospitality businesses and hairdressers are being reminded to download and use the NSW Government’s Service NSW QR code for registrations, or risk serious penalties, with the new rules taking effect from 1 January, 2021.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the Government’s Service NSW QR code system is fast, free, accurate and private.
“The consequences of non-compliance and complacency when it comes to electronic record keeping are serious – it puts people’s health at risk and destroys jobs,” Mr Dominello said.
“The feedback we’ve received from contact tracers is that the Service NSW QR code is the most effective system in assisting NSW Health to protect the community.
“Our QR code also prevents the use of fake names as a customer’s personal details are automatically captured via the Service NSW app when they scan their smartphone over the QR code.
“We must be vigilant and cannot rest on our laurels. Businesses are already required to have electronic registrations and this move will strengthen our resilience further.
“Non-compliance is easy to detect and won’t be tolerated. Pursuant to the Public Health Orders you either have the Service NSW QR code or you don’t. There will be no ifs or buts. Penalties include $5,000 on-the-spot fines, followed by a week’s closure and month’s closure if problems continue.
“About 50,000 NSW Government QR codes are being used by businesses and more than 2 millioncustomers having scanned one of our QR codes, with 94 per cent giving it the thumbs up.”
Mr Dominello encouraged customers to download the Service NSW app prior to the new rules taking effect on 1 January, 2021.
“It only takes minutes to do and seconds for businesses to check, which helps keep people safe and the economy open,” Mr Dominello said.
Businesses are also required to ensure that they have sighted the customers’ green tick prior to entry to comply with the orders.
Personal information obtained by businesses will be held securely by the Government and only used by NSW Health in the event of an outbreak. It will be destroyed after 28 days.
Customers without a smartphone will be able to register at businesses via other digital devices, such as an electronic form on a tablet.
The Government will consider expanding the mandate to other industries later in the new year and will keep the community informed.

ARRANGEMENTS FOR NEW YEAR’S EVE AND UPDATED RESTRICTIONS

The NSW Government has today outlined arrangements for a COVID-Safe New Year’s Eve fireworks and updated its advice on COVID-Safe restrictions for the Northern Beaches and Greater Sydney.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said today’s decision was necessary based on the latest health advice and the evolving Northern Beaches cluster.
“My strong message to everyone in Greater Sydney this year is to watch the fireworks on TV,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We are also asking for a little more time from residents to help us stamp out this outbreak, especially if they live on the Northern Beaches.”
The following arrangements will be introduced from midnight tonight (Monday, December 28):

For New Year’s Eve Celebrations:

  • The CBD frontline worker fireworks vantage point offering is cancelled. Frontline workers will be offered another opportunity in 2021.
  • Hospitality venues will remain open but must adhere to the one person per four square metres rule.
  • Council events may continue but they must be controlled and seated with no mingling, and record keeping requirements must be strictly adhered to.
  • A short, seven minute fireworks display will continue at midnight.

Unless you have a New Year’s Eve Pass through Service NSW, you will not be able to enter designated zones around Circular Quay, North Sydney and the City.

For the Northern Beaches peninsula zone (North of Narrabeen Bridge, and east of the Baha’i Temple), the following rules apply until January 9:

  • The health situation remains volatile and the current restrictions will remain in place to supress community transmission.
  • However, indoor and outdoor gatherings will be allowed for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day but will be restricted to five visitors in total from within your zone (and includes at homes).
  • Current arrangements allowing five people to gather outdoors (not at homes) for exercise and recreation, from within the same zone, continues.
  • No restaurants, cafes, pubs or clubs (except for takeaway) will be permitted to open, including for New Year’s Eve.

 

For the remainder (southern zone) of the Northern Beaches, the following rules apply until January 2:

  • The health situation remains volatile and the current restrictions will remain in place to supress community transmission.
  • However, indoor and outdoor gatherings will be allowed for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day but will be restricted to 10 visitors in total from within your zone (and includes at homes).
  • Current arrangements allowing 10 people to gather outdoors (not at homes) for exercise and recreation, from within the same zone, continues.
  • No restaurants, cafes, pubs or clubs (except for takeaway) will be permitted to open, including for New Year’s Eve.

 

For Greater Sydney, Central Coast and Wollongong the following rules apply:

  • Gatherings in the home remain at 10 visitors in total (including children).
  • Outside gatherings (such as picnics) will be restricted to 50 people in total (down from 100).

For regional NSW there is no change to current arrangements.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the efforts of residents, particularly those in the Northern Beaches, are paying off.
“This hasn’t been an easy Christmas period, but our contact tracers have been able to get on top of this outbreak and the number of new cases remains low,” Mr Hazzard said.
People with confirmed bookings in the CBD for the NYE fireworks should contact their respective restaurants and bars for further information now that venues will need to adhere to the one person per four square metre rule.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the NSW Government recognised that many businesses around Circular Quay relied on NYE customers as one of the biggest nights of the year.
“New Year’s Eve is the chance for Sydney and NSW to shine on the world stage. Despite being a smaller celebration to normal, this New Year’s demonstrates NSW will bring in 2021 with confidence,” said Mr Ayres.
Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said NSW Health has worked hard to make COVID-Safe celebrations possible but it is important that the community continues to follow COVID-Safe practices, stay at home if unwell and get tested, wear a mask and follow good hand hygiene and physical distancing.
“Everyone needs to continue to be alert to the ongoing risk of transmission and to keep practising physical distancing and good hand hygiene, and most importantly to get tested and isolate if they feel unwell,” Dr Chant said.
More information in relation to New Year’s Eve will be available later today on www.nsw.gov.au

Nine further PINs issued over Pyrmont wedding reception

Police have issued a total of 21 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) over a wedding reception that breached a Public Health Order in Sydney at the weekend after nine further PINs were issued overnight.
Officers from Sydney City Police Area Command were called to a venue on Pirrama Road, Pyrmont, about 5pm on Sunday (27 December 2020), after receiving information from Crime Stoppers in relation to possible breaches of a Public Health Order.
After speaking with staff and attendees, police recorded contact details for more than a dozen guests, who are Northern Beaches residents.
Police issued 12 PINs on Monday (28 December 2020) to attendees who are Northern Beaches residents.
Following further inquiries, another nine guests were identified as Northern Beaches residents and were spoken to by police before $1000 PINs were issued either in person or by post.
These include three men – aged 31, 41 and 75 – and two women – aged 42 and 71 – from Narraweena, a 32-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman from Collaroy Plateau, and a 36-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman from Frenchs Forest.
Inquiries are continuing.
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.

PBS listings bring greater hope in fight against multiple myeloma and severe psoriasis

The first day of the new year will bring with it new hope for Australians fighting one of the most common blood cancers, thanks to a critical new medicines listing on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
From 1 January 2021, Darzalex® (daratumumab) will be listed for the first time in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone, as a second-line treatment for patients with multiple myeloma – a cancer of the plasma cells.
Around 1,165 patients will benefit from access to this treatment, which might otherwise cost up to $160,000 a year. Patients could now pay as little as $41.30 per script, or $6.60 with a concession card.
Darzalex® mobilises the patient’s own immune system to fight the disease.
This treatment will bring improved clinical outcomes and quality of life for those affected by this disease.
In 2020, it is estimated more than 2,300 new cases of multiple myeloma will be diagnosed in Australia.
About 18,000 people in Australia are living with this serious condition at any one time.
Also from 1 January 2021, Australians living with severe chronic psoriasis will benefit from the first time listing of Otezla® (apremilast) on the PBS.
Around 5,000 patients with severe chronic psoriasis might pay more than $7,500 a year for treatment without this listing.
Around 1.6 million Australians live with some form of psoriasis—a long-term inflammatory skin condition. People who suffer with the most severe and chronic forms of the disease also have an increased risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
The source of inflammation in psoriasis is thought to be caused by an enzyme, PDE4. Otezla® works to reduce the PDE4 activity and the subsequent inflammation.
Both Tagrisso® and Otezla® have been recommended by the independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC).
Since 2013, the Australian Government has approved over 2,500 new or amended listings on the PBS.
This represents an average of around 30 listings or amendments per month – or one each day – at an overall investment by the Government of close to $12 billion.
Changes to PBS co‑payment and safety net thresholds come into effect on 1 January each year. The changes are calculated in accordance with the National Health Act 1953 and are indexed based on the Consumer Price Index.
The PBS co‑payment for concession card‑holders will remain capped at $6.60 per script in 2021. The safety net threshold for concession card‑holders will also remain at $316.80 per year. When a concession card-holder reaches the Safety Net threshold, they will be eligible for a Safety Net Card and receive PBS medicines free of charge for the rest of 2021.
The maximum co‑payment for general patients will be $41.30 per PBS script in 2021.
The Government’s commitment to ensuring that Australians can access affordable medicines, when they need them, remains rock solid.

Rebuilding and reforming in a year like no other

The Morrison Government has this year passed major pieces of legislation to cushion the blow of the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping Australians in jobs, businesses in business and sparking a faster-than-anticipated economic recovery.
Despite 2020’s challenges, the Government has also successfully delivered on its promises to cut red tape and improve Australia’s economic competitiveness, with reforms to the tax system, insolvency, financial services and foreign investment.
In total, the Government passed more than 40 pieces of legislation in 2020 from the Treasury Portfolio, including:
JobKeeper
A key feature of the Government’s Economic Recovery Plan is the temporary JobKeeper Payment which has been an economic lifeline to millions of Australians, helping to keep businesses in business and Australians in jobs.
Announced in March, legislated in April and extended in September, the JobKeeper Payment provided a critical economic lifeline for Australian businesses and their employees at the height of the pandemic.
The first phase of JobKeeper supported more than 3.6 million workers and around 1 million businesses, with payments totalling nearly $70 billion in the six months to the end of September.
RBA analysis released in November indicated that JobKeeper has saved at least 700,000 jobs.
Cash Flow Boost
The Government’s economic response also provided direct cash flow support to small and medium businesses and not-for-profit entities to keep operating, pay their bills and retain staff.
The Boosting Cash Flow for Employers measure was announced and legislated in March, with the first payments beginning in April.
In total, this measure is expected to provide around 800,000 small business and not-for-profit entities with support totalling around $35.5 billion.
The cash flow boost has offered vital support to businesses and not-for-profit entities weathering the COVID-19 crisis, ensuring they recover strongly and continue to grow.
JobMaker Hiring Credit
Unveiled in October’s Federal Budget, the $4 billion JobMaker Hiring Credit is helping younger Australians, hit particularly hard by the pandemic, get back to work.
Parliament passed legislation in November, securing fixed payments of $200 per week for an eligible employee aged 16 to 29 years and $100 per week for an eligible employee aged 30 to 35 years, paid quarterly in arrears by the Australian Taxation Office.
The JobMaker Hiring Credit is expected to support around 450,000 positions for young Australians.
Tax Relief
Following the Federal Budget in October, the Government secured the passage of legislation through Parliament to deliver tax cuts for more than 11 million Australians, backdated to 1 July this year.
By bringing forward Stage two of the Personal Income Tax Plan and providing the additional low and middle income tax offset, hard working Australians will have more money in their pockets at a time when they need it most.
The legislation also recognises the importance of businesses in the economic recovery, by allowing those with a turnover of up to $5 billion to immediately deduct the full cost of eligible depreciable assets as long as they are first used or installed by 30 June 2022.
Insolvency Reforms
In order to help businesses dealing with the economic impact of COVID-19, the Government successfully passed legislation to enact the most important changes to Australia’s insolvency framework in 30 years.
The reforms introduce a new, simplified debt restructuring process, drawing on key features of the Chapter 11 bankruptcy model in the United States. They will apply to incorporated businesses with liabilities of less than $1 million – covering around 76 per cent of businesses subject to insolvencies today, 98 per cent of whom who have less than 20 employees.
The measures take effect on 1 January 2021, reducing costs, cutting red tape and ultimately helping more small businesses to recover from the COVID-19 crisis.
Foreign Investment Framework
In December, the Government passed legislation giving effect to the most significant reforms to the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 in nearly 50 years.
This ensures Australia’s foreign investment framework keeps pace with emerging risks and global developments, including similar changes to foreign investment regimes in comparable countries.
Responding to the Hayne Royal Commission
The Government continues to bolster protections for consumers and small businesses as part of its response to the Hayne Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry.
In December, Parliament passed legislation addressing 20 recommendations, strengthening unsolicited selling (anti-hawking) provisions and preventing pressure selling, introducing a deferred sales model for add-on insurance products and making the handling and settlement of insurance claims a ‘financial service’.
These changes are complemented by providing further clarity regarding the role of the regulators and enhancing the requirements of financial institutions reporting breaches of the law which will ensure significant misconduct is reported and investigated sooner.
The Government’s legislative agenda in 2021 will continue to create jobs, rebuild our economy and secure Australia’s future.

PINs issued following Pyrmont wedding reception

Police have issued nine Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) and will issue another three following a wedding reception that breached a Public Health Order in Sydney yesterday.
Officers from Sydney City Police Area Command were called to a venue on Pirrama Road, Pyrmont, about 5pm (Sunday 27 December 2020), after receiving information from Crime Stoppers in relation to possible breaches of a Public Health Order.
After speaking with staff and attendees, police recorded contact details for more than a dozen guests, who are Northern Beaches residents.
Following further inquiries and consultation with NSW Health, $1000 PINs for not comply with noticed direction s7/8/9-COVID-19 have now been issued to the following people;
– a man and woman, both aged 43, from Allambie Heights
– a 33-year-old woman from Narraweena
– a 27-year-old man from Frenches Forest, and
– three women – aged 19, 22 and 28 – and two men – aged 23 and 63 – all from Beacon Hill.
A further three PINs are expected to be issued to a 34-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman, both from Frenchs Forest, and a 26-year-old man from Beacon Hill.
Inquiries are continuing.
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 with information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of COVID-19-related ministerial directions is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.

15 PINs issued since Christmas Eve; North Bondi partygoers fined

Police have issued 15 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) since Christmas Eve, including to 11 people at a house party at North Bondi on Saturday that breached the Public Health Order.
Just before 11pm (Saturday 26 December 2020), officers from Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command attended a home on Blair Street after receiving multiple noise complaints.
Police located at least 40 people at the party, with most running from the home when officers arrived.
Officers spoke with 11 people, including two residents and nine visitors, who remained at the property.
Two women – aged 24 and 26 – and nine men – aged 26, 28, 30, 31, 32, 34, and three aged 24 – were subsequently issued $1000 PINs for not comply with noticed direction s7/8/9-COVID-19.
The residents were also issued a 28-day noise abatement direction, while the visitors were directed to leave the area.
Inquiries are continuing to identify other partygoers who were in attendance.
In addition, a further two people and two businesses have been issued PINs since Christmas Eve.
• About 7.40pm on Wednesday (23 December 2020), officers from Inner West Police Area Command attended a restaurant on King Street, Newtown, following reports of potential breaches of public health orders. On arrival, police noted a crowd on the footpath outside the restaurant and a large number of people inside. After speaking with the 45-year-old male owner, who stated he did not have a COVID Safe plan, officers determined there were 27 more people than allowed for the space. The owner was given an opportunity to reduce the number of people within the restaurant, however, the capacity was still exceeded. Following further inquiries, the following day the owner was issued a $5000 PIN for fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9 COVID-19 -Corporation. A COVID Safe plan has since been submitted.
• As part of proactive patrols, officers from Campbelltown City Police Area Command conducted a business inspection of a restaurant on Tindall Street, Campbelltown, about 7.45pm on Thursday (24 December 2020). Police spoke to the manager about the business’ COVID Safe plan and determined they had exceeded their capacity by at least 15 people. During the conversation, staff continued to seat more customers inside the restaurant and police issued a direction for no more people to enter the venue. Further inquiries revealed the restaurant had been given a formal warning earlier in the month for exceeding capacity by more than 65 people. Police subsequently issued a $5000 PIN for fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9 COVID-19 -Corporation
• About 11.15am today (Friday 25 December 2020), officers from Hawkesbury Police Area Command received information a Northern Beaches resident attended a home at Bligh Park in breach of the Public Health Order. Following inquiries, police attended the home on Porpoise Crescent and spoke to the 32-year-old Collaroy woman who confirmed she had travelled to Bligh Park in her car on Christmas Eve (Thursday 24 December 2020). She was directed to return to Collaroy and issued a $1000 PIN for fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9 COVID-19.
• A man has been issued with a PIN after a crowd of people gathered in Centennial Park on Friday night, in breach of the current NSW Health Directions (COVID-19). Officers attached to Eastern Beaches Police Area Command were called to Parkes Drive in Centennial Parklands about 8pm (Friday 25 December 2020), due to concerns of a large gathering. As police approached, the group immediately began dispersing; however, a 22-year-old man – who police allege had been moved on from the Bronte gathering earlier in the day – was issued with a PIN for failing to comply with a Public Health Order (COVID-19). When a 25-year-old man failed to comply with a move-on direction he was issued with an infringement notice.
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 with information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of COVID-19-related ministerial directions is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.

Contracts signed for rollout of COVID-19 vaccine

Contracts have been signed with companies to partner with the Australian Government to safely distribute COVID-19 vaccines to all Australians from March next year.
The contracts cover three vital aspects of the vaccine rollout:

  • Distribution and logistics— industry leading providers DHL and Linfox will undertake COVID-19 vaccine distribution.
  • Data—Accenture will provide tracking of vaccine doses as well as enabling overall program implementation monitoring.

In addition, PwC will be the Department of Health’s Program Delivery Partner for the vaccine rollout.
Finalisation of these contracts confirms Australia is on track to achieve a well-ordered, efficient and safe rollout of COVID-19 vaccine. Subject to approvals, the first vaccinations will be provided to health workers and aged care residents from March.
DHL and Linfox will work with the Department of Health to design and operate a national distribution network. They will support vaccination for all, including people in rural, remote and very remote areas and others who are hard to reach.
They will also be required to track and report the temperature of the vaccine at all times. The required temperature could be 2 to 8 degrees (standard cold chain temperatures) to as low as minus 70, which is needed for the Pfizer vaccine.
Purpose built dry ice containers will be supplied for moving the Pfizer vaccine around Australia, as part of the Government’s global distribution deal with Pfizer.
As well as transporting the vaccines from the point of acceptance from manufacturers to vaccination administration sites, the logistics partners will be responsible for transport and management of vaccination supplies such as needles, syringes, and personal protective equipment.
Data partner Accenture will design, develop, and implement a software solution to enable “point in time” visibility of COVID-19 vaccine doses across the delivery chain.
This will include receipt of the vaccine by health services, vaccination of patients, and subsequent monitoring for adverse reactions.
Vaccines will be a critical part of Australia’s ongoing response to COVID-19 and the Australia Government has secured over 117 million doses to cover the Australian population several times over.
Vaccines will complement the other vital health measures including social distancing, good hand hygiene, high testing rates and Australians mandatory hotel quarantine regime for international travellers.
Our advice remains that Australia remains on track for first vaccinations in March, and completion of whole of population in 2021.
Australia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic remains the envy of the world.