Police have issued 12 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs), and issued more than 50 warnings for breaches of the Public Health Act.
Police issued fines to 11 people, with one man receiving PINs on successive days.
Details of the PINS issued include,
• Just before 4.30pm on Tuesday (5 January 2020), officers attached to Police Transport Command (PTC) approached a man without a face covering at Blacktown Train Station. The man told police he didn’t have a mask and had no intention of getting one. The man was issued a $200 Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN). About 9.45am yesterday (Wednesday 6 January 2021), PTC officers approached the man, who was again at Blacktown Train Station and not wearing a mask. He allegedly swore at police and said he does not wear masks. He was issued a second $200 PIN and given a move-on direction.
• Officers from Cumberland Police Area Command were called to a shopping centre at Merrylands about 9.30am following reports a man was verbally abusing security and staff. On arrival, police were told the 60-year-old man had been asked to put a mask on, which he refused to do, and became aggressive before security directed him to leave. As he was being escorted from the centre, the man struggled with a security officer before they both fell to the ground. While no injuries were reported, the man requested to be taken to Auburn Hospital, where he again refused to wear a face mask. He was issued a $200 PIN.
• Just before 9.30am, a 68-year-old man allegedly entered a hardware store at Blacktown without a face mask. A security guard and a police officer approached the man and directed him to wear a mask; however, he refused. He also refused to show police identification. He was arrested and taken to Blacktown Police Station so police could conduct further inquiries. The man was subsequently issued a $200 PIN.
• About 10.20am, officers from PTC spoke with a 45-year-old man who was drinking alcohol on a train near Panania. The man was escorted from the train and checks revealed the man had previously been warned about not wearing a face mask while on public transport. He was subsequently issued a $200 PIN and an infringement for drinking alcohol on public transport.
• Police were conducting proactive patrols at a shopping centre at Bass Hill about 2.45pm when they approached a 38-year-old man in a supermarket who was not wearing a face mask. The man told police he had been at the gym and left his mask in the car. While speaking with police, another man approached and gave him a face mask, but police allege the man refused to put it on. He was subsequently issued a $200 PIN.
• About 3.25pm, officers from PTC approached a 54-year-old man, who was not wearing a face mask, at Glenfield Train Station. The man told officers that a mask won’t work because he has a beard. He was subsequently issued a $200 PIN.
• Officers from PTC approached a 44-year-old man as he alighted from a train at Glenfield Train Station about 5.30pm, after noticing he was not wearing a face mask. The man told officers he didn’t have a mask despite knowing he needed to wear one. He was subsequently issued a $200 PIN.
• PTC officers approached a 38-year-old woman who was smoking while waiting on a platform at Campbelltown Train Station about 6.30pm. She was advised that it was an offence to smoke in the area and also an offence not to wear a face mask. After checks revealed the woman did not have a valid Opal card, she was issued a $200 PIN and two further infringements for smoking and fare evasion.
• Just after 9.30pm, officers from PTC approached an 18-year-old woman who was not wearing a face mask on the concourse at Glenfield Train Station. The woman ignored police and continued to walk away but had to stop to wait on the platform. She told officers that she didn’t have a mask and just wanted to catch the train. Police subsequently issued her with a $200 PIN.
• Officers from PTC were patrolling a train near Mt Druitt about 3.20pm, when they spoke to a 50-year-old man who was not wearing a face mask. After the man stated he left his mask at home and did not have a valid ticket, he was issued a $200 PIN and an infringement for fare evasion.
• About 10pm, officers attached to PTC were conducting patrols on trains travelling on the Airport and South Line when they approached a 24-year-old man who was not wearing a mask. When asked why, the man stated he didn’t need to wear one. He was issued a $200 PIN.
Police also issued more than 50 warnings across Greater Sydney to people not wearing masks yesterday.
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. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
Month: January 2021
Police allegedly assaulted, intimidated during COVID-19 compliance check
Two people have been charged after police were allegedly assaulted during a COVID-19 compliance check in Sydney’s west.
About midnight (Thursday 7 January 2021), officers from Auburn Police Area Command attended a home on Amy Street, Regents Park, to conduct a compliance check on a 39-year-old man.
On arrival, it’s alleged the man verbally abused police before threatening them.
Additional police attended and the man was arrested after allegedly resisting five officers.
During the incident, a 20-year-old woman, known to the man, allegedly hindered police and assaulted a male senior constable.
They were both arrested and taken to Auburn Police Station where the man was charged with intimidate police officer in execution of duty without actual bodily harm and resist of hinder police officer in the execution of duty.
The woman was charged with two counts of assault police officer in execution of duty without actual bodily harm.
They have both been refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today (Thursday 7 January 2021).
Wanted Parramatta pair located and charged – Raymond Terrace
Police have located and charged a man and woman wanted on outstanding warrants in the Hunter Region yesterday.
Following a public appeal for assistance and extensive inquiries into the location of the woman who escaped from Corrective Services NSW custody last month, and a wanted man, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were alerted to the possible location of the pair about 4.45pm yesterday (Wednesday 6 January 2021).
With assistance from the Proactive Crime Team, police attended a home on Richardson Road, Raymond Terrace, where they arrested a 27-year-old woman and 31-year-old man allegedly hiding in a bedroom.
Police located a knife and two sets of car keys allegedly within the man’s backpack.
The man and woman were taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station where they were charged with various offences.
The woman was charged with shoplifting, drive conveyance taken without consent of owner, use class A vehicle with unauthorised number plate affixed, drive unlicensed, and goods in personal custody suspected being stolen (motor vehicle).
The man was charged with shoplifting, drive conveyance taken without consent of owner, use class A vehicle with unauthorised number plate affixed, two counts of drive motor vehicle during disqualification period, possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit, and goods in personal custody suspected being stolen (motor vehicle).
They were both refused bail to appear in Newcastle Local Court today (Thursday 7 January 2021).
Police will allege the woman, a female inmate, escaped from Westmead Hospital at around 10.40am, Wednesday 9 December 2020, with the man – who was wanted on an outstanding warrant for drug and property related offences.
Police will further allege the pair committed various stealing offences, including two cars and alcohol from a bottle shop.
MORRISON’S $210 NEW YEAR’S PAY CUT FOR HOSPITALITY WORKERS
Scott Morrison wants this New Year’s Day to be the last that Australian workers are guaranteed penalty rates and pay loadings.
Under Mr Morrison’s nasty industrial relations changes a typical hospitality worker could be hit with a $210 New Year’s Day pay cut.
This Government has already cut the penalty rates of hospitality workers. Now it wants to abolish them altogether.
These workers, like all workers, deserve extra compensation for working on a public holiday.
But under Mr Morrison’s scheme to scrap the Better Off Overall Test a part-time level two hospitality worker aged over 21 could see their hourly New Year’s Day rate slashed from $46.85 this year to $20.82 next year, according to the Fair Work Commission’s pay calculator.
So instead of earning $375 for working 9am to 5pm they would earn just $166.
These sorts of cuts could occur across the Australian economy. No private sector worker would be safe from Mr Morrison’s pay cut.
This pay cut is Scott Morrison’s thanks to the workers who got us through the pandemic.
The cleaners, the retail workers, the truck drivers, the childcare workers and the aged care staff – they have put themselves at risk to get Australia through this crisis. But they could all lose take-home pay under Mr Morrison’s scheme.
If you abolish something called the Better Off Overall Test, guess what will happen. Workers will be worse off.
Scott Morrison’s earlier penalty rate cuts for retail, fast food, pharmacy and hospitality workers failed to deliver a single extra job. But now they want us to believe that cutting more penalty rates, cutting overtime, cutting shift loading, cutting allowances will create jobs?
Pay cuts are bad for workers and bad for the economy. For Australia to recover from the recession we need people with the money and confidence to spend.
The Government says the economy is doing well enough that businesses no longer need JobKeeper. But then they say the economy is doing so badly they need to cut the pay of workers. They can’t have it both ways.
Australian workers know they cannot trust a Liberal Government with their wages and conditions.
SCOTT MORRISON’S NEW YEAR CUTS TO HIT MILLIONS OF AUSTRALIANS
Scott Morrison is bringing in the new year by cutting crucial financial support to millions of Australians, who stand to lose up to $300 per fortnight.
From today, the economic support payments once lauded by Scott Morrison as crucial lifelines will be slashed, cutting support from the economy, small businesses and local communities and ripping hundreds of dollars from the pockets of some of Australia’s most vulnerable.
- From 1 January, Scott Morrison is slashing the rate of the JobSeeker coronavirus supplement by $100 per fortnight, hurting over two million Australians.
- From 4 January, Scott Morrison is slashing the rate of JobKeeper by $200 per fortnight for those on the top rate, and $100 per fortnight for those on the lower rate.
These cuts to support come at a time of heightened uncertainty, new COVID-19 outbreaks and when Australia is already in the grip of a jobs crisis.
At a time when 2.2 million Australians are looking for work or more work and 90,000 more are expected to join unemployment queues by March, according to the Government’s own forecasts, now is not the right time to be cutting crucial support.
After the end of March, unemployment payments are scheduled to go all the way back down to the old Newstart rate of $40 a day.
Business, economists, experts and those who work on the front line with people who have lost their jobs are all calling for a permanent increase to the base rate of unemployment payments.
In a country like Australia, people should not have to live in poverty.
The new year should be a time of optimism and hope but Scott Morrison is choosing to deliver a financial blow to millions of Australians.
Instead of a plan to create jobs, boost wages and tackle underemployment or outlining a permanent increase to JobSeeker, the Morrison Government is focused on cutting vital support, cutting workers’ pay and cutting superannuation.
Dive into 2021 with City’s Summer School Holiday program
Say farewell to 2020, and dive into 2021 with the City of Newcastle’s Summer School Holiday program.
Designed for families to have fun together, the program features activities that children of all ages can enjoy at the City’s signature attractions including Blackbutt Reserve, Newcastle Museum, Newcastle Art Gallery, Newcastle Library, Civic Theatre, Fort Scratchley, parks, pools, beaches and more.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said 2021 was time for families to reset and start the year with some fun together these school holidays, by celebrating everything that makes Newcastle unique.
“Families don’t need to travel far to enjoy the wonders of their own backyard and celebrate everything that makes Newcastle so unique, this school holiday period,” Cr Nelmes said.
“With a range of free and bookable options at our cultural facilities, there’s no limit to the amount of fun families can have this summer in Newcastle.
“Whether it’s cooling off at one of the City’s local pools or iconic beaches, or escaping the heat to join in fun events and activities at our cultural facilities, families are spoilt for choice for ways to enjoy summer in our beautiful city.
“Kids and teens will relish the opportunity to channel their inner rockstar at Newcastle Art Gallery in response to works of art on display in the summer exhibition WE CAN BE HEROES: a backstage pass.
“Over at Newcastle Museum, discover where art meets science in a unique Cyanotype workshop exploring the world’s first photographic process.
“Get hands on with Newcastle Libraries and enjoy the vast range of activities and workshops on offer, from digital displays to virtual reality demonstrations and beyond, or cool off in air-conditioned comfort at Civic Cinema whilst enjoying movies for all ages on the big screen.
“There are also plenty of open-air options to get the kids off screens and devices and out into the fresh air. Explore Blackbutt Reserve and feed the friendly critters or enjoy a picnic with a view and get a historical fix at Fort Scratchley.”
Visit City’s Summer School Holidays page for a full list of activities and facility opening times.
There’s always so much to see and do in Newcastle – stay in the know by visiting What’s On in Newcastle.
Designed for families to have fun together, the program features activities that children of all ages can enjoy at the City’s signature attractions including Blackbutt Reserve, Newcastle Museum, Newcastle Art Gallery, Newcastle Library, Civic Theatre, Fort Scratchley, parks, pools, beaches and more.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said 2021 was time for families to reset and start the year with some fun together these school holidays, by celebrating everything that makes Newcastle unique.
“Families don’t need to travel far to enjoy the wonders of their own backyard and celebrate everything that makes Newcastle so unique, this school holiday period,” Cr Nelmes said.
“With a range of free and bookable options at our cultural facilities, there’s no limit to the amount of fun families can have this summer in Newcastle.
“Whether it’s cooling off at one of the City’s local pools or iconic beaches, or escaping the heat to join in fun events and activities at our cultural facilities, families are spoilt for choice for ways to enjoy summer in our beautiful city.
“Kids and teens will relish the opportunity to channel their inner rockstar at Newcastle Art Gallery in response to works of art on display in the summer exhibition WE CAN BE HEROES: a backstage pass.
“Over at Newcastle Museum, discover where art meets science in a unique Cyanotype workshop exploring the world’s first photographic process.
“Get hands on with Newcastle Libraries and enjoy the vast range of activities and workshops on offer, from digital displays to virtual reality demonstrations and beyond, or cool off in air-conditioned comfort at Civic Cinema whilst enjoying movies for all ages on the big screen.
“There are also plenty of open-air options to get the kids off screens and devices and out into the fresh air. Explore Blackbutt Reserve and feed the friendly critters or enjoy a picnic with a view and get a historical fix at Fort Scratchley.”
Visit City’s Summer School Holidays page for a full list of activities and facility opening times.
There’s always so much to see and do in Newcastle – stay in the know by visiting What’s On in Newcastle.
Drugs and cash seized; man charged – Port Stephens
A man will face court today charged with drug and property offences in the Hunter region.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were conducting patrols of Oyster Cove following reports of a grey utility undertaking dangerous driving behaviour in the area.
Police were driving along Oyster Cove Road when they located a grey Holden ute stopped on the side of the road with two men changing a tyre on the vehicle.
Officers stopped and spoke with two men – aged 20 and 25.
Following further inquiries, police conducted a search of the vehicle where they located methylamphetamine and more than $2,000 in cash – some of the notes were melted together.
The 20-year-old was arrested and taken to Nelson Bay Police Station.
He was charged with supply indictable quantity prohibited drug and deal with the proceeds of crime, as well as a breach of bail offence.
The Lemon Tree Passage man was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Tuesday 5 January 2021).
Latest breaches of Public Health Orders
Police have taken legal action against eight people, including a man who allegedly attempted to leave hotel quarantine without satisfying the requirements under the Public Health Act.
Just after 8am yesterday (Tuesday 5 January 2021), police performing hotel quarantine duties at a hotel on Elizabeth Street, Sydney, were called to assist with a guest attempting to leave his room.
Officers were told the 43-year-old man, who arrived in Sydney from Los Angeles on Wednesday 23 December 2020, had refused COVID testing during his quarantine period and was therefore required to complete a further 10 days in hotel quarantine.
It’s alleged the man challenged police in the hallway and questioned police powers under the Public Health Act before the officers physically escorted back to his room.
Additional security officers were allocated to the floor to ensure the man complied with the quarantine order.
Following further inquiries, the Queensland man was charged with not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19.
He has been refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today (Wednesday 6 January 2021).
In a separate incident overnight, a man has been issued a $1,000 Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN) following a gathering at a home in Guildford.
About 10.45pm (Tuesday 5 January 2021), officers attached to Cumberland Police Area Command attended a home on Clement Street and discovered a house party with between 30 and 40 guests in attendance.
Police were told the group had earlier been playing loud drums in the backyard.
The homeowner, a 23-year-old man, was issued a $1,000 PIN for not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19. Inquiries are continuing.
Meanwhile, six people have also been fined for allegedly not wearing masks across Greater Sydney up until 5pm yesterday (Tuesday 5 January 2021).
– Officers from Police Transport Command (PTC) spoke with a 27-year-old man who was not wearing a face mask about 7.15am, as part of patrols on a Western Line train. The man stated he was in a hurry and didn’t have a face mask. He was issued a $200 Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN).
– About 1pm, PTC officers spoke to a 24-year-old man who was not wearing a mask on a Southern Line train. He told police he had some at home but forgot. He was issued a $200 PIN. The man was again spoken to by police at 2.20pm at Sydenham Railway Station, where he was given a warning and told to get a mask before boarding another train.
– PTC officers were patrolling Campsie Railway Station about 4.30pm, when they approached a 20-year-old man who was not wearing a mask. The man said he had taken it off while on the train before questioning police powers. He was issued a $200 PIN.
– A 23-year-old man was approached by PTC officers at Sydney Railway Station about 2.40pm, after he was observed riding a scooter on the platform after getting off a train. Despite being told not to ride on the platform, the man – who was not wearing a face mask – continued to ride the scooter. The man eventually stopped and put a mask over his face. Inquiries revealed he didn’t have an opal card and while being moved on from the area, the man removed his face covering. He was subsequently issued a $200 PIN as well as infringements for travelling without a valid ticket and riding the scooter on the platform.
– About 4.30pm, officers attached to PTC approached a 27-year-old woman who was not wearing a face mask at Campsie Railway Station. The woman became aggressive with police and was subsequently issued a $200 PIN.
Police also issued 29 warnings across Greater Sydney to people not wearing masks yesterday.
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. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
One charged and two fined for not wearing masks in public across Sydney
Police have charged one person and fined two others who allegedly breached a Public Heath Order by not wearing a mask in public areas yesterday.
About 9.30am (Monday 4 January 2021), officers from Burwood Police Area Command stopped a man on The Boulevarde, Strathfield, after they allegedly saw him steal an energy drink from a nearby grocery store.
Police spoke to the man, who had taken off his mask, and told him he was under arrest for shoplifting.
During this time, the man allegedly refused to properly wear his mask and became aggressive with officers.
He allegedly verbally threatened police before being arrested and taken to Burwood Police Station, where he was charged with shoplifting, resist officer in execution of duty, two counts of intimidate police officer in execution of duty, and not wear fitted face covering in retail/business premises.
He was refused bail and is due to appear in Parramatta Local Court today (Tuesday 5 January 2020).
Two people were issued Penalty Infringement Notices for allegedly not wearing masks across Sydney up until 5pm yesterday (Monday 4 January 2021):
- About 12.20pm, officers from Police Transport Command (PTC) stopped a 35-year-old man who was allegedly not wearing a mask at Seven Hills Railway Station. Officers attempted to issue the man a warning a number of times however he allegedly swore at police and told them to fine him. The man was issued a $200 PIN.
- About 3pm, officers saw a 39-year-old man allegedly not wearing a mask at a shopping centre on Church Street, Parramatta. The man had allegedly been warned about not wearing a mask earlier in the day. He was issued a PIN.
Police also issued more than 25 official warnings across Greater Sydney to people not wearing masks yesterday.
City praised for drought response efforts
City of Newcastle’s water saving action has gained attention, with Hunter Water reporting an impressive 20% reduction in consumption during recent Level 1 and 2 Water Restrictions*, saving in excess of 80 megalitres of precious water and an estimated $220,000.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle is committed to long-term water efficiency initiatives and maintaining the momentum beyond the impressive results to-date.
“City staff acted quickly and worked collaboratively with Hunter Water and key stakeholders to reduce water consumption across the city, as soon as water restrictions were announced,” said Cr Nelmes.
“Initiatives included minimising irrigation practices at sporting fields, parks and Blackbutt Reserve, installing new rainwater tanks, using surface water catchment ponds at Summerhill Waste Management Centre, and auditing water use at inland pools.
“In addition, the City implemented efficiency strategies such as temporarily ceasing the water intensive annual planting regime at King Edward Park, and installing smart water meters at key sites across the city that track water usage in real time and help identify leaks.
“The City is currently installing new sand pipe infrastructure near Summerhill to access dam and non-potable water for washing down trucks and dust suppression. We will continue to use leak detection measures, improve irrigation practices, use nozzles, limit travelling irrigators, avoid daytime watering where possible, and increase staff awareness of water usage to change behaviours.
“Now that Smart Water Choices have replaced Level 1 Water Restrictions, City of Newcastle will continue to work with Hunter Water to ensure we are leading the way and using water as efficiently as possible, whilst continuing to provide amenity at key sites across the Local Government Area.
“This is an impressive result, but we must not be complacent. Collectively we need to continue to be mindful of our water consumption behaviours on an ongoing basis, particularly over this peak Summer water-usage period.
“We encourage Novocastrians to adopt simple everyday water saving behaviours that they demonstrated during Level 1 Water Restrictions.”
Hunter Water’s Executive Manager Customer Strategy & Retail, Victor Prasad, acknowledged the excellent water saving efforts of City of Newcastle.
“City of Newcastle has achieved a fantastic result and I applaud their ongoing commitment to saving our most precious resource,” said Mr Prasad.
“Hunter Water is grateful to all Councils across our area of operations for working closely with us during the period of water restrictions to drive down water use and encourage everyone to love water.
“We will build on these results to save even more drinking water by exploring opportunities for recycled water schemes to irrigate public open spaces and playing fields.”
*Hunter Water’s Level 1 and 2 Water Restrictions were in effect between September 2019 to 1 October 2020.