The Greens have strongly condemned the lifting of the temporary pause on new income support recipients going on to the Cashless Debit Card program, put in place in response to COVID-19.
“The Government has spent billions pushing this punitive scheme, and millions on flawed evaluations trying to prove that the card works and to justify their punitive approach.
“They have been unable to provide ANY compelling evidence that the card has had a positive outcome or achieved any of its supposed aims.
“From April 1, not only will millions be condemned to poverty, those in the so-called trial sites who are new to income support will be put on income management.
“Managing money is not the problem, it’s the $44 a day people are trying to survive on!
“The Government say they will implement a “staggered approach” to ensure income support recipients who are new to the Cashless Debit Card program can get the support they need during their transition.
“I’m frankly staggered they are even trying this on, this card makes life harder for people.
“While we are having a national conversation about violence against women, I am deeply concerned that this card may keep people in violent situations and the low rate of income supports severely limits the options for women and children leaving violent homes.
“This Government is flogging a dead horse. Give it up. The card doesn’t work. This cruel social experiment needs to end.”
Month: March 2021
Multi-language radio ads to promote Indigenous health checks
A major push to improve the health of the Indigenous community has been launched this week by the Australian Government, with a focus on increasing annual health checks.
Backed by a new radio advertising campaign delivered in five Aboriginal languages: Kriol, Yolngu Matha, Warlpiri, Arrente and Burarra, the Government is encouraging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to see their GP and have a 715 health check.
The health check, listed as item 715 on the Medicare Benefits Schedule, is tailored specifically to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of all ages. It is free and available every nine to twelve months.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt said the health checks are an opportunity for early intervention, prevention and chronic disease management for all age groups.
“In-person 715 health checks decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic and the new radio advertising campaign, along with the availability of the 715 health check via telehealth, will help to increase awareness and uptake,” Minister Hunt said.
“The three-month radio advertising campaign is part of our ‘Your Health is in Your Hands’ communications project, delivered in partnership with Aboriginal-owned company 33 creative, who have created print, audio and online content to promote the health checks.”
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Ken Wyatt, said the Government was committed to increasing the rates of the 715 health check by 10 per cent, as part of the Long Term National Health Plan.
“These health checks provide important information for both Indigenous people and health professionals, ensuring they can have their physical, psychological and social health comprehensively assessed,” Minister Wyatt said.
“While rates have been trending upwards in most locations and age groups, increasing from 11 per cent in 2010-11 to 29 per cent in 2017-18, we encourage all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to visit your local GP and have your health checked.”
Collectively, it is estimated that there are approximately 13,000 speakers of the five Aboriginal languages which will be aired across the Northern Territory and Western Australia.
The English language ads will be launched in the urban areas of Sydney, Melbourne and Hobart as well as nationally in remote and very remote areas of Australia.
The campaign began on 21 March 2021 and will run for three months.
Taking new medical devices from discovery to manufacture
From today, Australia’s best and brightest researches can apply for the fourth and final round of the $45 million BioMedTech Horizons (BMTH) program, which has been successful in bringing cutting edge medical devices to market.
The Australian Government, through the BMTH program, offers $3.2 million in partnership projects to help get innovative new medical devices to the next steps of starting human trials and early stage manufacturing.
The funding is available for up to four well-developed projects that can be completed within a year, and will see devices take the final steps towards commercialisation.
The BMTH program has already achieved great results, with recent funding recipient WearOptimo announcing a deal to manufacture its next generation Microwearable™ sensor health technology.
The wearable device gives patients, and their doctors, early warning of heart attacks, heat stroke and other life-threatening events. The device will be manufactured in Brisbane and distributed worldwide.
The Government supported WearOptimo’s research through the BMTH program, to develop the Microwearable technology itself and then its application in monitoring dehydration and cardiac health.
Our researchers are world-class innovators and we are committed to ensuring their research can lead to new treatments, drugs and devices which address our biggest health challenges.
The BMTH program is improving health outcomes for Australians, while also bolstering the biomedical and medical technology sector, boosting employment and growing business.
The Government funds the program through the $20 billion Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF). The MRFF is a long-term, sustainable investment in Australian health and medical research helping to improve lives, build the economy and contribute to the sustainability of the health system.
MTPConnect, a not-for-profit organisation driving innovation, collaboration and commercialisation in the medical technology, biotechnology and pharmaceutical sector, delivers the BMTH program.
Details on how to apply for funding under the program are available at www.mtpconnect.org.au
King Edward Park recommended for Heritage Register
With its spectacular ocean views, importance to Newcastle’s traditional custodians the Awabakal people, penal and defence history and timeless appeal for picnics and recreation, King Edward Park holds enormous significance to Newcastle.
Its heritage value is set to be highlighted, with Councillors endorsing a nomination to list Newcastle Recreation Reserve on the NSW State Heritage Register (SHR). The decision whether to apply heritage listing to the site will be made by the NSW Government’s Special Minister for State, Don Harwin.
The Reserve includes King Edward Park, Obelisk Park and tennis courts, Arcadia Park, Shepherds Hill Defence Reserve Military Installations, the Bogey Hole baths and the cliffside above South Newcastle Beach.
It excludes the King Edward Headland Reserve (the former Newcastle Bowling Club site), which is owned by the local Aboriginal community through the Awabakal Local Aboriginal Land Council following a successful claim in 2018 under the 1983 Aboriginal Land Rights Act.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the heritage listing of Newcastle Recreation Reserve, which is being considered by the Heritage Council of NSW, recognises the significance of the area.
“Newcastle Recreation Reserve is a site of considerable cultural, historic and heritage significance to the people of NSW,” Cr Nelmes said.
“The Reserve includes sites of known cultural significance to the Awabakal people, and was the scene of important early interactions with Europeans.
“It was declared a recreation reserve in 1863 and is a rare example in NSW of a comparatively undeveloped inner-city landscape.
“King Edward Park’s Victorian rotunda is an iconic local landmark, while countless Novocastrians have admired the bright annual flower displays that fill the sunken garden with a rainbow of colour each spring.
“The Reserve also possesses coastal native grasslands, including Themeda grass, which is an endangered ecological community threatened by coastal development and weed invasion.
“Listing the Newcastle Recreation Reserve on the State Heritage Register would support City of Newcastle’s commitment under the 2030 Community Strategic Plan and Heritage Strategy 2020-2030 to celebrate, protect and promote our city’s unique built and cultural heritage.”
Cr Nelmes said a listing on the State Heritage Register would put City of Newcastle in a stronger position to obtain funding for heritage projects at the site and also acknowledged that the Minister responsible for heritage determined not to list the Newcastle Recreation Reserve on the State Heritage Register in 2020.
“Regardless of its inclusion on the State Heritage Register, any future development of the Headland Reserve will need to be consistent with the City’s zoning and planning controls. Any future development application will need to address and respond to both onsite heritage and the heritage values of adjoining parcels,” Cr Nelmes said
“Ultimately this matter will be resolved by recommendation of the Heritage Council to the Minister for determination.”
Awabakal Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO Rob Russell welcomed City of Newcastle’s decision to support the nomination in its current format, which excludes the King Edward Headland Reserve from the potential heritage listing.
“The central purpose of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act of 1983 is to provide Aboriginal people with economic independence, to alleviate disadvantage and to compensate for past injustices,” Mr Russell said.
“That is why land grants such as the former Newcastle Bowling Club site are so important and so valuable.
“Heritage listing of this land would have a negative impact on the Awabakal Land Council’s capacity to achieve any financial reward to share with the community from the granting of this land claim, it would disincentivise proposals for any future development.
“The former Newcastle Bowling Club site provides tenuous evidence of significance or heritage value – decades of use as a bowling club have disturbed and destroyed any remnant of Aboriginal cultural heritage.
“However, future development of the site will ultimately allow us to return Aboriginal culture to King Edward Park as part of any operational facility. To take Aboriginal culture back to this great location and realise its potential for contemporary Aboriginal people and all Novocastrians.”
Statement on Jill Gaynor employment termination appeal
Today, as a consequence of a negotiated outcome, the NSW Court of Appeal upheld part of City of Newcastle’s (CN) appeal regarding the termination of Jill Gaynor’s employment.
The appeal was upheld in relation to an important aspect of what CN argued was a significant error in the District Court’s decision last year. In short, the Court today confirmed CN had a lawful right to terminate Ms Gaynor’s employment and reduced the damages payable to her. Further, error was also acknowledged with respect to the judge of the District Court who heard this matter in that he failed to have regard to CN’s evidence which gave rise to CN’s right to terminate Ms Gaynor’s employment.
CN took the view in 2018, following an extensive independent review, that Ms Gaynor’s conduct in managing Business Improvement Associations (BIAs) was not to the standard required, and made the decision to terminate her employment accordingly.
This decision to terminate Ms Gaynor’s employment was, in part, as a consequence of Ms Gaynor, between 2015 and 2018, approving the release of significant amounts of Special Business Rate funding to Newcastle Now despite the absence of a Business Plan at any time during the 3 years.
Financial statements provided by Newcastle Now for the period 2015/16 to 2017/18 reveal that the BIA spent $1,384,488.95 on wages and a further $287,799.70 on administration, representing 56% of its total income. Such expenditure was never the purpose of the Special Purpose Levy.
CN sets a high standard for its senior staff, especially in ensuring public money is administered appropriately and as required by law. Today’s outcome in the Court of Appeal confirmed CN’s right to bring Ms Gaynor’s employment to an end prior to the completion of her senior staff contract term.
CN takes very seriously its obligations to ratepayers with respect to accounting for levied funds and their divestment. Compliance with the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW) was at the very core of CN’s concern with the District Court decision, and the reason it pursued this matter to the Court of Appeal.
Following the termination of Ms Gaynor’s employment and, in light of the above, CN has taken significant steps to ensure its processes regarding the expenditure of ratepayer funds are transparent and accountable. CN looks forward to the continued successful management of its new BIA structure and notes the many fruitful projects already delivered across the Local Government Area, as well as the Hamilton BIA being awarded the 2021 Community Group of the Year.
COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS TO EASE BUT COMPLIANCE MUST INCREASE
A number of COVID-19 restrictions across NSW will be eased as the State continues to move forward in a COVID-Safe way.
From 12.01am Monday, 29 March, the following will apply:
- No caps on weddings and funerals;
- No restrictions on singing including in places of worship;
- No restriction on dancing including at weddings and in pubs and nightclubs;
- No cap on visitors in the home (if there are more than 100 people there must be a COVID-19 Safety plan and electronic recording of visitor details);
- 200 people allowed for personal outdoor public gatherings;
- All venues to move to the one person per 2sqm rule (venues will be allowed at least 25 people before the 2sqm rule applies);
- 100 per cent seated capacity at entertainment venues including stadiums and theatres, and;
- Mask use including on public transport will move from ‘mandatory’ to ‘strongly recommended’.
Businesses and other organisations must continue to ensure they keep accurate records of all attendances, including through QR Codes, to enable fast contact tracing in the event of any community transmission.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the easing of restrictions is a significant step forward as NSW continues its COVID-19 recovery.
“With no community transmission and our quarantine and frontline workers now receiving their second vaccinations, the timing is right to further ease restrictions across the State,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“As we do this, it is important we don’t let our guard down and continue to check in at venues, keep our social distance and get tested if we have even the mildest of symptoms.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the further lifting of restrictions would help support businesses and jobs across the state.
“Today we take another big stride in the right direction, easing restrictions is important in helping businesses return to normal, it’s like a jab of confidence for the economy,” Mr Perrottet said.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the further easing of restrictions was possible due to the support and sacrifices of the people of NSW.
“The initial focus of our vaccination program on frontline quarantine, border and healthcare workers has also given us greater confidence as it reduces the risk of COVID being introduced into the community from an overseas source,” Mr Hazzard said.
Dr Chant said it is critical everyone continues to practise COVID-safe behaviours, including using QR codes, staying home if unwell and getting tested.
“I also urge everyone to get vaccinated as soon as they are eligible and able to do so. It will not only protect you, your family and loved ones, but will keep the whole community safe,” Dr Chant said.
For the latest information and COVID-19 testing sites please visit:
www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19
GREEN LIGHT FOR WESTERN SYDNEY STARTUP HUB
A slice of Western Sydney’s rich history will be sensitively restored and adapted to support jobs of the future with the plan to create a Startup Hub in the historic Parramatta North Heritage Core being approved.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the Sydney Central City Planning Panel’s approval of the Western Sydney Startup Hub proposal was a significant milestone for the project.
“We can activate part of this prized heritage precinct in a way that will not only respect and conserve its past but ensure its viable future as the heart of startup business and innovation in Western Sydney,” Mr Ayres said.
The approval will allow for three heritage buildings, which form part of the circa 1876 Hospital Spinal Range Building and circa 1892 Kitchen Block, to be adapted to create unique spaces for emerging entrepreneurs and local community use.
These spaces include 1,500sqm of affordable co-working space, a café, and a shared event space. Sensitive upgrades to the surrounding public area will also be undertaken.
“The Government is putting innovation at the centre of its COVID-19 Recovery Plan and the Western Sydney Startup Hub will have a key role in giving emerging businesses the opportunity to be involved in that recovery,” Mr Ayres said.
“We are giving them the space to turn their ideas into commercial realities that will lead to more investment and jobs in the region.
“We will employ best-practice conservation methods to sensitively reinstate the national heritage-listed buildings for their future use.”
Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee said this is going to be a transformational project for Parramatta.
“We cannot wait to start welcoming startups, scaleups, businesses and the local community to the Western Sydney Startup Hub by the end of this year. It will be a transformative place and puts the Central City on the startup and innovation ecosystem map.”
The project complements the broader Westmead Health and Innovation District, including the recently announced Innovation Quarter development, which will deliver over 1,000 jobs and 28,000sqm of health, research, education, and commercial space.
NEW KINDERGARTEN TO YEAR 2 ENGLISH AND MATHS CURRICULUM RELEASED
Teachers, parents and the broader community are being asked to help shape the new English and Maths syllabuses for Kindergarten to Year 2.
The release of the new curriculum for feedback is the first major milestone in the NSW Government’s ambitious curriculum reform, which will see a renewed focus on the core subjects of English, Maths and Science.
The new syllabus will start to rollout next year.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the new evidence-based curriculum would deliver on the government’s goals of decluttering and raising standards to equip students for the jobs of the future.
“The new curriculum prioritises the basics and will ensure students develop strong foundations in Maths and English,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Thank you to the 45 expert Kindergarten to Year 2 teachers who have already met with the NSW Education Standards Authority to review and provide feedback on the new curriculum content.
“The curriculum is more explicit in the direction of what Kindergarten to Year 2 students need to be taught and does not leave room for interpretation.
“We are now calling on all NSW teachers, parents and the broader community to provide their feedback on the draft Kindergarten to Year 2 curriculum.”
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said literacy and numeracy skills are critical to unlocking young people’s potential while at school, improving their academic outcomes and enhancing their life choices.
“The evidence speaks for itself, and we need all teachers following the evidence, teaching essential knowledge in evidence-based sequences,” Ms Mitchell said.
“We have prioritised essential content and provided clear examples to teachers to reduce ambiguity.
“Teachers are the drivers of student outcomes. By reducing the clutter and confusion for teachers, it allows them to focus on their students.
“Our approach to these reforms is evidence-driven and focused on student success. The feedback we have had from teachers so far is very positive and confirms we are moving in the right direction.”
Visit the NESA website to read the consultation materials and have your say: educationstandards.nsw.edu.au
Public consultation closes on 30 April 2021.
DISABILITY ROYAL COMMISSION CONFIRMS MORE TIME IS NEEDED TO FULFIL TERMS OF REFERENCE
The Disability Royal Commission confirmed yesterday in Senate Estimates that the Morrison government has yet to formally respond to their request for a 17 month extension, acknowledging they need more time to enable them to fulfil the Terms of Reference.
Australian Greens Disability Rights spokesperson Senator Jordon Steele-John said it was clear that the COVID-19 pandemic and the lack of privacy protection for witnesses had had a significant impact on the ability of the Royal Commission to effectively do its job.
“This is not a question of budget constraints, it is simply a question of having enough time to properly do their job,” Steele-John said.
“Our Royal Commission has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Public hearings were stopped for 6 months, as was outreach and engagement into the community. When public hearings resumed they were, and still are, closed to the general public.
“Important community engagement in WA, SA, NT and Tasmania hasn’t resumed and in remote and regional parts of Australia, it never even began.
“Representatives of the Royal Commission confirmed last night that the Commission has a desire to go to all states and territories, including remote and regional areas of Northern and Central Australia ‘subject to COVID-19’.
“The Royal Commission also acknowledged that an extension ‘certainly would allow us to have more hearings, do more engagement, receive more submissions, undertake more private sessions and ultimately means that we would fulfil our terms of reference’.
“It’s now been six months since the Royal Commission requested a 17 month extension and the Morrison government still have not even provided a formal response. They must grant an extension now!”
Australian Government should follow allies and impose targeted sanctions on Chinese officials responsible for cultural genocide
Following the announcement by the EU, UK, US and Canada of targeted sanctions against Chinese officials responsible for gross human rights abuses in Xinjiang province, the Australian Greens have called on the Australian Government to take urgent action.
Senator Janet Rice, Australian Greens Foreign Affairs spokesperson, said:
“The Chinese Government is committing cultural genocide against the Uighur people. Xinjiang is under mass surveillance and more than one million people have been captured and put in internment camps.
“The Australian Greens echo Marise Payne in welcoming the measures announced by our allies overnight, and share the deep concern for the mass internment of Uighur people in Xinjiang province by the Chinese Government.
“It’s time that the Australian Government turned concern into action. The Australian Government should join countries around the world and impose targeted sanctions, such as travel bans, against senior Chinese Government officials and any other entities credibly alleged to be involved with or responsible for these human rights abuses.
“If the Chinese Government’s denial that genocide is occurring is to have any credibility then they must immediately allow access for international and UN observers.”