The Australian Government is opening a new round to invest more than $23 million to support our nation’s peak health groups and advisory bodies.
These groups play a major role in improving the health and wellbeing of all Australians and as we continue navigating the COVID-19 environment, the advice of Australia’s peak health groups and advisory bodies remains critical.
Their impartial advice, expertise and experience means the Government can implement reforms that boost the health and wellbeing of all Australians now and into the future.
Since 2016, the Health Peak and Advisory Bodies program has contributed to building a better health care system for the nation.
This new grant opportunity supports a wide range of health organisations consult and share information with their members, the wider health sector, the community and the Government. It also helps them to provide sector knowledge, expertise and education and training to health practitioners, improving the quality of health services.
The Government will look favourably at health peak and advisory bodies that have a national presence, and nation-wide membership. In particular, we are looking for applications with demonstrated expertise, and who are able to contribute to the national health agenda and priorities set out in Australia’s National Preventive Health Strategy.
Applications opened on 27 April 2021, with funding available to eligible national peak bodies over three years from July 2022.
For more information on the grants and to apply, visit www.grants.gov.au
Month: April 2021
Port Arthur 25-Year Anniversary
25 years today. Yet it still seems like only yesterday our hearts were shattered on that terrible Sunday.
28 April 1996. Port Arthur.
35 innocent people taken from us. 23 more wounded in that heinous and cowardly act.
To call to mind the names of those who died is heart-breaking.
Victims as young as 3 and as old as 72.
Among them “a lovely, devoted couple”.
“The happiest girls in the world”.
An “adored Nanna”.
A “humble man” who “simply wanted to serve.”
And a woman who “brought joy and warmth to all who knew her.”
Today we remember and send our love to all those who still bear the scars of that terrible day. The families and friends of those who died; the injured, the survivors, the first responders and all those who witnessed and were impacted by the unspeakable horror of that day.
We remember the incredible bravery and selflessness as well – the family members who sought to shield and protect others.
We pay tribute to the strength, resilience and courage of the local Tasmanian community and to all those who could never forget but still found a way to heal.
We look to the light that was found from the darkness of that day. Light like the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, which Walter Mikac named for his two daughters he lost that day, and which is dedicated to keeping children safe from violence and bullying.
We also give thanks for the courageous response to this terrible event by former Prime Minister John Howard and former Deputy Prime Minister, the late Tim Fischer, supported by then Leader of the Opposition Kim Beazley, who put in place some of the strongest gun laws in the world today, that have served to keep Australians safe.
May Walter, and all the families of the victims taken from us that day, be comforted and renewed on this day.
Flights from India now paused as Australia sends emergency medical supplies
The Morrison Government has agreed a number of new measures to protect Australians from the increased risk of the COVID-19 outbreak in India, while also providing significant new support to assist the Indian Government in their humanitarian response.
We recognise the challenging COVID-19 crisis that India is currently battling and we stand ready to provide more support to our friends in India and Indian Australians during this difficult time.
On advice from the Chief Medical Officer, India has been determined to be a high-risk country for the purposes of travel arrangements.
Australia will implement a temporary pause on direct passenger flights between India and Australia for two weeks, with consideration of further flights to be made by 15 May 2021.
Passengers on all future flights will be required to have both a negative COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test result and a negative Rapid Antigen test result prior to taking off.
Once flights restart, the Government will prioritise the return of vulnerable Australians. Already almost 20,000 registered Australians have returned from India since the pandemic began.
Restrictions have been placed on outbound travel exemptions to high-risk countries to strictly essential travel only (national interest, medical exemption and COVID-19 purposes).
For indirect flights through Dubai (United Arab Emirates), Singapore and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), the Government is aware that flights to and from these transit points and India have been paused by respective governments.
As a close friend and comprehensive strategic partner, Australia stands with India as it battles a surge in COVID-19 cases.
Following consultation with the Indian Government, Australia will provide emergency medical supplies.
The initial package of support includes rapid deployment of 500 non-invasive ventilators, with capacity to deploy up to a total of 3,000 ventilators.
Our Government is also supplying a significant package of personal protective equipment (PPE), including one million surgical masks, 500,000 P2/N95 masks, 100,000 surgical gowns, 100,000 goggles, 100,000 pairs of gloves and 20,000 face shields.
The Government has agreed to commence procurement of 100 oxygen concentrators, along with tanks and consumables.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will manage the movement of PPE and equipment over the next week.
Our Government is standing with Australians in India and we recognise the difficulties they face. The Hardship Program and Consular Support continues to be available to Australians in India.
The current restrictions will be under regular review, as we look to find a solution for those seeking to return to Australia.
Going, going, almost gone – book your half-price holiday now
Australian aviation is once again booming thanks to more than $3.8 billion of industry support invested by the Federal Government since the COVID-19 pandemic began, with the tourism industry’s bounce-back well underway.
Last month, the Australian Government announced a $1.2 billion tourism support package which included 800,000 half-price airfares, helping a record number of Australians enjoy a holiday at home this year.
More than 600,000 of those half-price flights have been snapped up in just three weeks, with Australians flocking to local tourist destinations across the country.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development said planes in the air meant jobs on the ground.
“Australians are taking trips in large numbers with airlines reporting sales dwarfing previous records – our aviation industry is in a remarkable position compared to where it was just one year ago,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“The proof is there in the sky today, as we see Qantas, Virgin, Rex and so many other smaller airlines flying proudly, carrying Australians to their dream holidays.
“The benefit isn’t just for those Australians embarking on their holiday at home, it’s also a win for jobs in our aviation industry, local small businesses who are now doing a roaring trade and for our tourism operators who have come back to life as a result of these half-price flights.”
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan said the Federal Government was making the right investments at the right time to help Australia’s economic recovery.
“More than seventy-five per cent of our half-priced tickets have been sold and the rest will go like hot cakes,” Mr Tehan said.
“My message to Australians is take advantage of this opportunity to book a cheap holiday through your travel agent and when you’re on holiday spend on a tourist activity and a night out to support tourism jobs and business.
“For every dollar spent on a flight ten more will be spent on the ground and from speaking to so many people in the tourism industry, I know this program has made a difference.
“The tourism industry is central to our National Economic Recovery Plan and, as we have done right throughout the pandemic, we will continue to make the necessary investments to support jobs across Australia.”
As we have done with every measure introduced throughout the pandemic, the Federal Government will continue to review this program, including routes and ticket numbers.
Last month, the Australian Government announced a $1.2 billion tourism support package which included 800,000 half-price airfares, helping a record number of Australians enjoy a holiday at home this year.
More than 600,000 of those half-price flights have been snapped up in just three weeks, with Australians flocking to local tourist destinations across the country.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development said planes in the air meant jobs on the ground.
“Australians are taking trips in large numbers with airlines reporting sales dwarfing previous records – our aviation industry is in a remarkable position compared to where it was just one year ago,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“The proof is there in the sky today, as we see Qantas, Virgin, Rex and so many other smaller airlines flying proudly, carrying Australians to their dream holidays.
“The benefit isn’t just for those Australians embarking on their holiday at home, it’s also a win for jobs in our aviation industry, local small businesses who are now doing a roaring trade and for our tourism operators who have come back to life as a result of these half-price flights.”
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan said the Federal Government was making the right investments at the right time to help Australia’s economic recovery.
“More than seventy-five per cent of our half-priced tickets have been sold and the rest will go like hot cakes,” Mr Tehan said.
“My message to Australians is take advantage of this opportunity to book a cheap holiday through your travel agent and when you’re on holiday spend on a tourist activity and a night out to support tourism jobs and business.
“For every dollar spent on a flight ten more will be spent on the ground and from speaking to so many people in the tourism industry, I know this program has made a difference.
“The tourism industry is central to our National Economic Recovery Plan and, as we have done right throughout the pandemic, we will continue to make the necessary investments to support jobs across Australia.”
As we have done with every measure introduced throughout the pandemic, the Federal Government will continue to review this program, including routes and ticket numbers.
Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 27 April 2021
Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 27 April 2021. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.
Lord Mayoral Minutes
Bob Palmer Oval – Tuxford Park, Shortland
A Lord Mayoral Minute to re-name Tuxford Oval Number 1 as the Bob Palmer Oval to recognise Mr Robert ‘Bob’ Palmer’s incredible contribution to Shortland, the Shortland Devils RLFC and to Rugby League, was unanimously supported. On 12 December 2020, Mr Palmer was tragically killed in his beloved suburb of Shortland leading to expressions of grief from the local community. The Lord Mayoral Minute notes that the Shortland Devils Rugby League Football Club Committtee, Club Members, the local Shortland community, and Bob’s family have requested that Tuxford Oval Number 1 at Tuxford Park be renamed to honor Bob’s lifelong commitment to the Shortland Community, and to the Shortland Devils RLFC. The City will work with the Shortland Devils RLFC, Mr Palmer’s family and the community to officially dedicate the Bob Palmer Oval, through the installation of a memorial to Mr Palmer and appropriate naming signage.
Housing Affordability crisis in Newcastle
A Lord Mayoral Minute about the housing affordability crisis was supported by Councillors. The Lord Mayoral Minute notes that City of Newcastle continues to advocate to the State and Federal Government to provide adequate funding to address housing affordability in Newcastle.
The Lord Mayoral Minute recognises that dedicated, long-term social and affordable housing and advocates have declared that Newcastle is on the brink of a humanitarian crisis, with the end of JobSeeker and JobKeeper, the rent-rise moratorium coming to an end and a sharp increase in the value of property creating a ‘perfect storm’ for the rise of homelessness. It also acknowledged the current housing crisis, and commits to continuing to do all possible from local government to address housing affordability across Newcastle, noting that the supply of new social and affordable housing stock is the responsibility of the State Government, with the support of the Federal Government.
Ordinary Business
Code of Meeting Practice – Procedures for Councillors attending Council and Committee of Council Meetings remotely
Councillors noted legislative temporary amendments which allow for Councillors to attend meetings remotely in certain circumstances until 31 December 2021 and to adopt procedures to manage the practical application of the amendments.
Domestic violence and violence against women and children
Councillors received an update of the actions undertaken by the City of Newcastle in response to Domestic Violence and Coercive Control against women and children.
Councillors voted to continue to support domestic violence support groups Got Your Back Sista and Nova for Women and Children as City of Newcastle’s nominated corporate charities for a further three years until 2024.
Public exhibition of draft Community Infrastructure Incentive Policy
Councillors resolved to publicly exhibit the draft Community Infrastructure Incentives Policy for 28 days, prior to final consideration by Council.
Adoption of the Community Grants and Sponsorship Policy
Councillors voted to adopt the Community Grants and Sponsorship Policies following public exhibition.
Proposed road closure – Crown Street laneway, Stockton
Councillors endorsed the closure of the section of Crown Street laneway road reserve, Stockton, adjacent to Lot 5 Section B DP 6865, and sell the land to the adjoining property owner.
In addition, Councillors voted to authorise the Chief Executive Officer or his delegate to execute all relevant documentation.
Executive Monthly Performance Report
Councillors received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for March 2021, which reports on City of Newcastle’s monthly performance.
Tender report – Stage 3A Wallsend Local Centre – Intersection of Kokera and Cowper streets – Contract 2021/362t
Councillors voted to accept City of Newcastle’s recommended tenderer for the construction of Stage 3A Wallsend Local Centre following a competitive tender process, consisting of the widening and realignment of Ironbark Creek and the installation of a culvert bypass at Cowper Street, in accordance with Contract No. 2021/362T.
Tender report – Summerhill Waste Management Centre – Provision of Environmental Services – Contract 2021/293t
Councillors voted to accept City of Newcastle’s recommended tenderer following a competitive tender process for the provision of environmental monitoring, reporting and other services related to environmental compliance at the Summerhill Waste Management Centre in accordance with Contract No. 2021/293T.
Due to the estimated total value of the contract exceeding $1 million, the Chief Executive Officer’s delegation required a resolution of Council to accept the tender.
Notices of Motion
Waste Reduction and Green Caffeen Program
A Notice of Motion recognising the commitment of the City of Newcastle to ensuring that all Council managed enterprises, activities and events on Council land eliminate the use of disposable and single-use plastic items, was supported by Councillors.
Councillors also noted the City of Newcastle’s diverse portfolio of waste reduction programs and campaigns, including partnerships with a range of stakeholders to raise community awareness of this issue.
Councillors supported a Notice of Motion to join the Hunter Joint Organisation’s partnership with Green Caffeen to reduce the litter and waste stream associated with disposable coffee cups.
Modernising shark bite risk mitigation
Councillors supported a Notice of Motion in favour of the modernisation of shark bite risk mitigation including the removal of shark nets in favour of increased drone surveillance, SMART drumlines, and trials of additional non-lethal measures.
Councillors also endorsed the response to the NSW Shark Management Strategy.
City of Newcastle Vaccine Hubs
A Notice of Motion acknowledging Australia’s slow progress in vaccinating the population against COVID19 and noting calls from public health experts for vaccine hubs to be established to expedite vaccination and deliver herd immunity was supported.
Councillors also noted the negative public health and economic consequences of a prolonged vaccination rollout, and the long history of Council supporting community vaccination programs, including at City of Newcastle venues such as City Hall.
Councillors welcomed making City of Newcastle venues available to support the expedited delivery of community vaccination in Newcastle.
New environmental management contract to support Summerhill Waste Management Centre
City of Newcastle Councillors awarded a tender for specialist services at Summerhill Waste Management Centre which will allow staff to quickly identify and respond to environmental risks onsite.
The service will add further specialist skills to complement the existing on site expertise, to deliver extensive environmental monitoring and reporting programs to lead Summerhill into a more environmentally sustainable future.
In addition, the City, together with the specialist services of the awarded tenderer, will invest in developing a long-term electronic data management approach to housing environmental data captured at Summerhill to improve efficiencies and aim to improve transparency following a robust monitoring and data review. This will ultimately provide for ease of public access to information.
The contract value is estimated at around $750,000 per annum, over three years. This includes the investment in a new data approach, and access to a significant number of specialists from various environmental disciplines.
City of Newcastle Waste Services Manager Troy Uren said Summerhill Waste Management Centre had an important role to play in championing environmental sustainability as the second largest and most regionally significant waste management facility in NSW.
“With Newcastle’s population predicted to grow by 21% to more than 200,000 by 2041, and the Hunter flagged as one of the State’s fastest growing areas, we need to sustainably manage the imminent increase in waste output,” Mr Uren said.
“The City has identified the need to engage external environmental expertise to use the latest technology at Summerhill, ensuring it continues to operate sustainably as a regional facility.
“Our aim is to ensure we continue to get the little things right, which then ensures we can deliver the other benefits the community expect, such as our new Organics Processing Facility, and a proposed Material Recovery Facility to process recyclables locally.
“Summerhill’s strategic location and landfill capacity means it is ideally located and placed to offer benefit to the region as other facilities reach capacity over the next decade or so.”
Following a competitive tender process, the recommended tenderer was awarded by the Council at tonight’s Ordinary Council Meeting.
The recommended tenderer achieved the highest ranking via the assessment process and has been evaluated as providing the best value for money tender considering all price and non-price factors relevant to the proposed contract, and a demonstrated ability to provide similar services across a range of industries.
NEW BULLYING AND HARASSMENT PROTECTIONS
The NSW Government will develop a new safety net for political staff following a review of policies ordered by Premier Gladys Berejiklian.
Former Sex Discrimination Commissioner Professor Pru Goward has delivered her report to the Premier.
Ms Berejiklian said she welcomed the findings of the Goward Review into Policies and Procedures in Ministerial Offices regarding bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct and will be accepting the recommendations made.
“I would like to thank Pru Goward for this comprehensive and forthright report,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“It’s very important to me that we stress test everything that exists in and around NSW Ministerial Offices to make sure that we have in place good policies and culture.
“I am keen to adopt all the recommendations and there will be an opportunity for consultation in the next phase of this process. If we’re serious about making change, we have to do it properly and this will involve engagement with NSW Parliament and any survivors.
“I want to have a clear conscience that I’ve done everything I can to make sure that our workplace is supportive, respectful, and fair and that staff are always comfortable in coming forward in a safe setting.”
The review found shortcomings currently exist within the system, and 13 recommendations have been made including:
- The establishment of an independent process for those unwilling to have their complaint handled within a Ministerial Office;
- The establishment of clear and transparent processes to be followed where complaints are made, including where the complaint may constitute criminal conduct;
- Development of a best practice Respectful Workplace Policy, including investigative and reporting procedures to address bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct in Ministerial Offices to enhance the safety and security of staff;
- An increased focus on training for staff and Chiefs regarding their obligations;
- An anonymous survey to be conducted of all Ministers and their staff to establish a baseline for the subsequent impact of the new policies and procedures.
- That the independent structure report regularly to the Premier on emerging trends and proposals to improve the respectful workplace policy.
Full report can be found here: www.dpc.nsw.gov.au/gowardreview
SPEND IT – NEW BUDGETING RULES FOR SCHOOLS
New rules introduced this week for NSW public school principals will mean they must spend all of their record education funding on the students it is intended for.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the move is being supported by additional training and tools to simplify school budgeting so that every dollar allocated is being invested in the current cohort of students.
“We know there are some principals who need more support to effectively spend the funding they are receiving on the students it is intended for,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Our schools are required to plan and spend each year’s budget allocation within that calendar year using new tools and a simplified budgeting system.
The school funding model is student focused, schools receive amounts depending on their student cohort.
“Public schools in NSW are better funded than at any point in history. It is imperative that this money is actually spent on the current student cohort. Gonski funding is there to lift student outcomes – it’s not there to be saved for a rainy day,” Ms Mitchell said.
“The NSW Government’s commitment to record funding in schools has always been student focused. Every dollar allocated must be spent on providing the support and services to the students it was intended for, within that year.”
The Carry Forward Policy was developed in consultation with school stakeholders over a 12-month period and is part of a renewed focus on school success to ensure the necessary supports are in place to drive student outcomes.
The policy will apply to the annual State and Federal budget allocations but does not affect funds from local school and community sources.
“We have fought hard to achieve a needs based, sector blind funding model and we must ensure the necessary system-wide tools are in place to deliver this investment to support the current student cohort.”
In 2021, NSW public schools will receive $10.1 billion to invest in students. Currently $1.49 billion remains unspent from previous years. The changes introduced through this policy will no longer allow schools to rollover funding year to year.
“Principals will no longer be able to rollover funds across years, and measures will be put in place to provide additional support to invest the funding in current students. This may take the form of guidance on teaching practice and learning programs, or extra staff and resources in areas of need,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Introducing this policy also provides our schools with clarity to spend the balances that they have accumulated from past budgets. Schools will be supported to spend these balances evenly over the next four years in alignment with school Strategic Improvement Plans.
“Under the new School Success Model introduced this year, a range of individual targets have been set for schools to meet.
“Schools that have ‘underspends’ who are not meeting targets will receive instruction on how to spend their unspent funding to lift their results.”
NSW TOURISM GETS A $6.5 MILLION BOOST
The New South Wales visitor economy will get a boost through two new industry support and marketing programs.
Applications are open for the $5.5 million Business Events Industry Support package and $1 million Tourism Industry Marketing Support package through the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW and Sydney’s business events bidding specialists BESydney.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said these targeted programs would support the businesses and communities hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’re helping the event owners, businesses, local tourism organisations, regional councils and industry groups that need it most by stimulating activity now and creating a pipeline of events and visitors into the future.
“The business events industry is a powerhouse of the NSW visitor economy because it attracts high yield visitors who stay multiple nights, and these events engage many industry partners from accommodation and catering to staging, AV and other event delivery services.
“The Tourism Industry Marketing Support package offers dollar-for-dollar support to communities that are ready to drive demand that translates to bookings and confidence, for businesses,” Mr Ayres said.
The programs are part of the NSW Government’s Tourism Support Package and include:
- $4 million Kickstart 2021 Sydney Business Events Fund (administered by BESydney in conjunction with Destination NSW): Up to $45,000 for one-day events and up to $90,000 for two-day events in Greater Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong, matched dollar-for-dollar by event organisers
- $1.5 million for Regional Conferencing to include an additional round of the Regional Business Event Development Fund: Up to $15,000 for events with up to 150 delegates, and up to $30,000 for events with more than 150 delegates
- $1 million Tourism Industry Marketing Support package – grants program: Destination NSW will match dollar-for-dollar between $10,000 and $50,000 for operators to deliver marketing activities to promote visitor experiences, attractions, tours and accommodation
“The NSW Government is committed to supporting businesses engaged in the visitor economy, so they have confidence and hope for the future,” Mr Ayres said.
Both marketing programs include digital, social media, print and video media placements, and are supported by publicity and partnership activity to amplify the message and convert interest to bookings.
To apply for the Business Events Industry Support package grants and for more information including eligibility criteria and the LGAs relevant to each fund, visit www.meetinsydney.com.au for the Greater Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong program and www.meetinnsw.com.au for business events elsewhere in regional NSW.
To apply for the Tourism Industry Marketing Support package and for more information including eligibility criteria, visit www.destinationnsw.com.au/news-and-media/tourism-recovery.
Campaign assets are available to download: www.media.destinationnsw.com.au
To apply for the Tourism Industry Marketing Support package and for more information including eligibility criteria, visit www.destinationnsw.com.au/news-and-media/tourism-recovery.
FEE–FREE TRAINING FOR WOMEN IN TRADES
The NSW Government has announced it will support 3,000 training places for women in trades to help boost female representation in construction, manufacturing, engineering, transport and logistics.
The fee-free Built For Women training program will target women aged 16 to 24, female jobseekers, women at risk of unemployment and women in receipt of Commonwealth benefits.
Women currently represent 8.9 per cent of all current learners in trades and just 2.1 per cent of all learners studying a trade in the building and construction industry.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the program would help boost numbers of women working on building sites.
“The Built For Women program is about attracting women to rewarding careers in trades industries that are experiencing skills shortages,” Mr Lee said.
“There has never been a better time to reskill or up-skill and take advantage of the employment opportunities arising from the NSW Government’s record $107 billion infrastructure investment, which is creating hundreds of jobs.”
“Growing housing developments, new road and infrastructure upgrades as well as the new Western Sydney airport are creating skills demands in manufacturing, engineering and transport and logistics, providing an opportunity for women to increase their skills and participation in the industry.”
There are 154 full-qualifications and 408 part-qualifications available in construction under JobTrainer.
Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said the Built For Women program would help close the gender gap present in the trades industry.
“The NSW Government is committed to increasing the number of women working in non-traditional trades,” Mrs Taylor said.
“Whether you’re a female school leaver looking to pursue a career as an engineer or a woman looking to retrain as a construction worker – now is the perfect time to train and get started in the industry.”
For more information visit education.nsw.gov.au/skills-nsw/built-for-women or call 13 28 11.