Fully vaccinated Australians will not require an exemption to depart Australia from 1 November 2021.
With millions of Australians now fully vaccinated, and more joining them each and every day, the Morrison Government can safely welcome fully vaccinated Australian citizens and permanent residents across Australia’s international border in increasing numbers.
Minister for Home Affairs Karen Andrews said the Morrison Government was committed to easing restrictions for fully vaccinated Australians, in line with soaring vaccination rates and the National Plan to transition Australia’s COVID-19 response.
“Our first priority is Australian citizens and permanent residents and today we are delivering on that by removing restrictions on fully-vaccinated Australians travelling out of Australia. The easing of these restrictions is possible thanks to our impressive national vaccination rates, and I thank all those who have done the right thing and rolled up their sleeve,” Minister Andrews said.
“I look forward to further easing restrictions over coming weeks and months as more and more Australians become fully vaccinated. Before the end of the year, we anticipate welcoming fully vaccinated skilled workers and international students.
“Our system of border exemptions has kept Australia free from widespread COVID transmission for more than 18 months, but as Australia’s vaccination rate continues to climb, and the end of the year approaches, the Morrison Government stands ready to once more welcome a significant number of fully vaccinated people across Australia’s international border.”
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said increases in COVID-19 vaccination meant changes to the Human Biosecurity Determination on outbound international travel could now safely be made. These changes have been made on medical advice regarding the protection provided by COVID-19 vaccination for travelling Australians.
“Australian citizens and permanent residents who want to travel overseas, will need to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated with a TGA approved or recognised vaccine, with the second dose occurring at least seven days prior to travel. These changes will also facilitate travel by children under 12 years of age,” Minister Hunt said.
“We want Australians to be able to reunite with their loved ones, whether it’s for births, weddings or just to visit family. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect our community against COVID-19 and I’d like to thank every single Australian who has come forward and received a COVID-19 vaccine, which has helped us get to this point.”
People who do not meet these eligibility requirements will continue to require a travel exemption to travel overseas, and will be subject to current passenger caps and quarantine arrangements (managed by states and territories) when returning to Australia.
More information can be found on the Department of Home Affairs website. Travellers should also familiarise themselves with state and territory quarantine arrangements.
New changes to the Human Biosecurity Determinations also clarify the arrangements for incoming international travel by creating clear exemptions for medical evacuation flights and people who are ‘persistent shedders’ of the COVID-19 virus.
They also simplify the pre-flight testing requirements to be three days (rather than 72 hours) and ensure that decisions on exemptions to testing are taken on the basis of recent medical advice.
The Australian Government is committed to protecting all Australians from COVID-19, and balancing the desire of international visitors to come to Australia.
Appropriate steps to mitigate the risk of existing or emerging strains of COVID-19 must be a part of our plan to reopen Australia to the world.
More information on pre-departure testing and requirements for masks during the flight is available on the Department of Health website.
Month: October 2021
Nominate now for inaugural Meg Purser Scholarship
Applications are being invited for a new scholarship established to honour the memory of Newcastle businesswoman Meg Purser.
Undergraduate students completing the second year of their Communications degree at the University of Newcastle can apply for the $5000 scholarship, with the inaugural recipient to be named in April next year.
Meg Purser was a successful communications professional who is remembered for her charitable and behind-the-scenes work for organisations such as the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, Hunter Breast Screen and Got Your Back Sista.
She invested considerable time in mentoring young people and worked tirelessly to make a positive contribution to the city until her passing in January this year following an 18-month battle with breast cancer.
City of Newcastle established the scholarship with the blessing of Meg’s father Bob, to honour the significant contribution Meg made to the corporate communications community and recognise her passion for the many local community organisations and charities she supported.
The scholarship provides key financial support for high performing Communications students who share Meg’s values and community-focused qualities. A new recipient will be selected each year, with the initial agreement funding the scholarship for the next three years.
Applications will close on 28 February 2022. Visit the University of Newcastle website for more details.
City of Newcastle offers several other scholarships through the University of Newcastle, including the Lord Mayor’s Scholarship and the Lord Mayor’s Scholarship for Women, which aim to support students studying an undergraduate degree who are experiencing financial hardship.
First seats installed at new SFS
The new Sydney Football Stadium (SFS) has passed a major milestone, with the installation of the first seats bringing the stadium to life.
Minister for Sport Natalie Ward said the new stadium has been designed for fans to have the best game day experience possible.
“The highly-anticipated new SFS is really starting to come to life before our eyes and it’s so exciting to start to see what fans will experience when they fill the stands,” Mrs Ward said.
“Sports lovers are in for a real treat, with all 42,500 seats designed to be as close as possible to the field of play with amazing views.
“Around 900 seats have just been installed, completing three bays in the middle tier of the southern stand, with all seats expected to be in by the middle of next year.”
The seat design has been created by award-winning Indigenous artist Tony Albert, with the theme “Two Worlds Colliding – Water and Land” telling a story about place and country, while providing a nod to the contest of two competing teams.
“This state-of the-art stadium will be a world-class drawcard for visitors far and wide, providing a boost to the economy and building on Sydney’s strong entertainment and sporting culture,” Mrs Ward said.
The new SFS will include an open concourse with views of the field from a range of food and beverage outlets, and more amenities to minimise wait times.
“The recently-announced adjacent village precinct will also deliver new open spaces, plus a children’s play area and new cafe and restaurant,” Mrs Ward said.
”Around 1,100 workers are on site every day, with another 600 jobs to be created when the stadium is open.
“To further boost the local economy, about $300 million worth of contracts have been awarded to NSW-based suppliers and contractors, including steel manufacturing for the roof elements and a turf farm in western Sydney for the pitch.”
Caring for country in Western Sydney
Native plants and animals in Western Sydney are set to thrive with more than $1 million invested as an early action of the Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney, and Minister for Trade and Industry Stuart Ayres said the funding would be provided to Deerubbin, Tharawal and Gandangara Local Aboriginal Land Councils (LALCs) to support cultural conservation efforts.
“There is more than 60,000 years of continuous Aboriginal connection to the land of Western Sydney, so it’s vital we draw on this deep knowledge to protect the area’s unique native plants and animals,” Mr Ayres said.
“Our conservation plan and partnership with the Local Aboriginal Land Councils will ensure the ancient woodlands of the Cumberland Plain thrive for many generations to come.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the city’s west is home to a large and diverse Aboriginal community rich in history and culture and this grant would enable cultural conservation to build a legacy for the future.
“This funding will support these communities to care for Country in a way that recognises their strong connection, knowledge and custodianship to the land,” Mr Stokes said.
“There is an abundance of native animals and plants in Western Sydney, which is why the conservation plan and our partnership with the Local Aboriginal Land Councils are so important.”
The $1 million grant program – funded by the NSW Government – is being delivered in partnership with the NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) as an early action of the Cumberland Plain Conversation Plan.
NSWALC Councillor for the Sydney/Newcastle Region Abie Wright said the grant funding would support the LALCs to deliver early cultural and conservation outcomes on their lands.
“LALC lands in Western Sydney often have land-use legacies that require expensive assessment and investment to prepare for future sustainable conservation management,” Cr Wright said.
“I’m heartened by the Government’s investment to support the LALCs with their conservation endeavours and amplify capacity and leadership in local cultural management projects.”
The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment is currently developing a 10-year strategy in partnership with Western Sydney’s Aboriginal community under the Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan.
For more information visit: www.planning.nsw.gov.au/CPCPgrant
Woman saved from burning home – Kurri Kurri
A woman and her dog have been saved from a burning home in the Hunter Valley.
About 1.20pm yesterday (Tuesday 26 October 2021), a 28-year-old man was walking along Alexandra Street, Kurri Kurri, when he heard a smoke alarm emitting from a nearby home and observed smoke coming from the back door of the property.
With assistance from a nearby council worker, the pair ran inside to assist a 58-year-old female resident and her dog from the home which was quickly becoming engulfed in flames.
The passer-by contacted emergency services, with crews from Fire and Rescue NSW attending a short time later, extinguishing the blaze.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District attended and commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the fire.
Hunter Valley Police District Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Matt Zimmer, would like to thank the members of the public who ran in to save the occupant of the home before the blaze took hold.
“It’s the heroic actions of these two men which saved this woman and her dog’s life yesterday, and on behalf of all the emergency services involved, we would like to thank this pair. Both of these men will be considered for bravery recognition for their actions,” Det Insp Matt Zimmer said.
The circumstances surrounding the cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
Detectives appeal for vehicle of interest in Stockton shooting murder
Strike force detectives have released an image of a similar vehicle of interest as they continue to investigate the shooting death of a woman in Stockton earlier this year.
Just after 8pm on Wednesday 9 June 2021, emergency services were called to a home on Queen Street, Stockton, following reports of a shooting.
A 61-year-old woman answered her front door before she was shot; she died at the scene and was later identified as Stacey Klimovitch.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District established Strike Force Backhouse to investigate the circumstances surrounding Stacey’s murder.
As investigations continue, strike force detectives have released an image of a similar vehicle which they believe was used in the commission of the offence.
It’s believed to be a dark coloured 2013 to 2017 Holden Commodore VF SSV V8 sedan.
Strike force detectives believe the vehicle is linked to persons involved in the shooting, either directly or through a third party.
Investigators are appealing to anyone who may have noticed a vehicle matching this description in and around the area at the time of the homicide to contact Newcastle Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Anyone who may have information which could assist Strike Force Backhouse investigators is urged to come forward.
Greens move 'No More Coal' bill to turn fraudulent 2050 deal into climate action
Leader of the Australian Greens Adam Bandt MP has labelled the deal between the Nationals and Liberal Party as a ‘fraudulent’ deal that does nothing to stop the climate crisis, bakes in 2030 targets that endanger our kids and puts more coal and gas into the system.
To put genuine action to the Liberal, Labor and National target, Mr Bandt will today introduce a bill that will prohibit new thermal coal projects, phase out thermal coal exports completely by 2030 and support our rapid medium-term transition to a thriving renewable economy.
Australia is the world’s third biggest exporter of fossil fuel pollution after Russia and Saudi Arabia.
Australian coal exports are primarily sold to Japan, China, and South Korea. All three countries have pledged net zero, leaving Australia economically exposed when they phase coal out of their electricity system.
Government Agency ABARES found that climate damage is already costing each Australian farmer $30,000 in lost income at the current level of 1.1 degrees of warming. Australia’s current emissions reduction targets are associated by the independent Climate Council with 3–4 degrees warming.
Greens Leader Adam Bandt MP said:
“In the middle of a climate crisis, Liberal and Labor want more coal. They’re throwing petrol on the fire.
“Liberal, Nationals and Labor all now back more coal and gas, and a 2050 delay instead of 2030 action.
“This whole 2050 fiasco was an attempt to distract from the real action we urgently need by 2030, which includes phasing out coal.
“Australia’s targets are consistent with 3–4 degrees of warming, which means turbocharged droughts and fires, global insecurity due to rising sea levels, and proliferating serious threats from disease.
“If we want our kids and grandkids to survive the next century, without fear of mass global insecurity, droughts, fires and water wars, we urgently need to lead the global transition away from coal.
“Coal is the next asbestos and it is time we regulated it as such. It is toxic and dangerous. We need to stop exporting coal.
“Either we plan the transformation out of coal – on our own terms – or we let other countries make the decision for us, without warning.
“Australia has every opportunity to be a renewable energy superpower, exporting clean, cheap renewable energy instead of coal. But we have to act now.
“We are the only party with the courage not to lie to the Australian people about the future of coal. The only party with the courage to release a roadmap that embraces a renewable energy future and creates tens of thousands of new jobs so that no worker or community is left behind.”
COVID Check In Data Bill in the House of Representatives
Greens Leader Adam Bandt has introduced the Privacy (COVID Check-in Data) Bill 2021 into the House of Representatives today.
The bill addresses growing privacy concerns about the use of Covid check-in data by police, which may dissuade people from using check-in apps. It places a clear ban on check-in data being used by Commonwealth, State or Territory authorities for law enforcement purposes, ending the different rules that apply in different states and territories. Some jurisdictions have already banned the use of check-in data for law enforcement and this bill would make the ban nationwide.
Mr Bandt has previously written to the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition requesting their urgent support for the passage of the bill. A copy of the letter is attached.
Greens Leader Adam Bandt MP said:
“People won’t cop the police snooping on their check-in data. If we don’t close these loopholes, one of our key COVID protections could degrade.”
“Going to the pub or a cafe shouldn’t mean telling the police where you are or have been.”
“Check-in data should be used for contact tracing and nothing else.”
“The national opening-up plan is built on vaccines and continued contact tracing, so if people don’t use the check-in apps the plan falls over.”
“Police will always collect any information they can get and that is what has been happening. We need a nationally consistent approach and a clear rule that check-in data is only used for contact tracing, because that’s how we support our public health system.”
“As restrictions ease and people again move across States and Territories more freely, it is important to have a nationally consistent approach so that people feel comfortable scanning in wherever they are.”
“Parliament needs to fix this problem before the end of the year. I call on the PM and Leader of the Opposition to get on board.”
Greens scrutiny reveals fossil fuel consultant modelled net zero plan
Today in senate estimates, interrogation by Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young revealed that fossil fuel industry go-to modeller Brian Fisher was contracted to oversee and verify the cabinet modelling for net zero.
Fisher, the former head of ABARE, and managing director of BAEconomics, developed controversial modelling that was used by Minister Taylor to bludgeon Bill Shorten’s climate policy at the 2019 election. He has now been rewarded with $100,000 in contracts by Taylor’s Department.
Full details of Fisher’s net zero 2050 plan have not yet been revealed, however elements leaked to The Australian show gas, resources and agricultural exports will continue to grow and even exceed current levels by 2050.
Renew Economy has documented Fisher’s previous commissioned modelling for the fossil fuel industry, investigation by the ombudsman and claims by various media outlets of misleading reporting.
Leader of the Australian Greens Adam Bandt MP said:
“Climate denial is at the heart of the government’s modelling used to win over the Nationals on net zero.
“Burning more gas in a net zero world, as this modelling ‘predicts’, shows the 2050 deal is a fraud.
“Just when we thought this government couldn’t get any more disgraceful, they stoop lower.
“Employing a known friend of the fossil fuel industry to model net zero while expanding gas exports proves this government has no interest in curbing the climate crisis.”
Methane gas rises to the top of Glasgow agenda
US President Joe Biden’s push for a 2030 Global Methane Pledge further puts Australia’s climate policies at odds with the rest of the world at Glasgow.
Methane emissions are a potent greenhouse gas, assessed by the IEA as 28 times more potent than CO2. With the focus of Glasgow being on 2030 and actions this decade, cutting methane gas use is set to be at the top of the agenda.
In Australia, reports suggest that the National Party have demanded the government not sign the Biden pledge at Glasgow as part of their negotiations on the fraudulent mid-century net-zero target.
Liberals and Labor continue to back a so-called ‘gas-led recovery’, voting together to give public money to gas corporations to open up Northern Territory gas fields, which together hold the equivalent of 70 years worth of Australia’s complete national emissions from all sectors.
Greens Leader Adam Bandt MP said:
“Gas is as dirty as coal. Joe Biden knows that and it’s why he’s bringing together a global alliance to rapidly reduce gas use.
“At Glasgow a major global alliance will form to pledge to cut gas use by at least 30% this decade.
“Meanwhile, Liberal and Labor want more coal and gas, funded with public money.
“Joe Biden understands that gas is cooking the planet and knows that this is the critical decade to act.
“Australia’s last dash for gas will be looked back upon as both climate denialism and economic self-sabotage. In a climate crisis, Liberal and Labor are using public money to build gas mines and export terminals.
“As the world turns its back on gas, for the good of the planet, Australia will find itself with expensive stranded assets that the public footed the bill for.
“Labor and the Liberals are acting in the interest of their gas corporation donors and doing long-term damage to our country, its reputation and its economy.”