Month: March 2022

An additional $551.7 million will be provided to support flood affected communities across New South Wales as part of the next round of Commonwealth and New South Wales Government funding.

This funding builds on the initial $434.7 million in joint funding announced last week, to provide support for families, communities and businesses to recover from the devastating floods, totaling almost $1 billion in support across New South Wales.

This additional funding will provide support to small businesses, primary producers, councils, households, and families hard hit by the devastating floods.

The new funding provides $285.2 million for the new Temporary Housing Support package, which will support those on the Northern Rivers who cannot live in their homes while they’re being repaired or have lost their home entirely. It’s estimated that this could assist up to 25,000 households, and includes;

• Immediate hotel accommodation, to provide accommodation for four nights, with flexibility to increase while people make interim arrangements.
• Grants towards initial rental costs, from $6,000 for an individual up to $18,000 for a six person household
• Utilising Mobile Motor Homes and Recreation Camps for medium term accommodation
• Extending the Temporary Dwelling Program, which allows people to stay on their land in a caravan or demountable, for example.

There are also supports for 45 Local Government Areas to help with the removal of flood and storm related damage, debris and green waste.

Grants of up to $75,000 for primary producers and up to $50,000 for small businesses and not for profit organisations devastated by flooding will also be extended to the additional 28 disaster declared LGAs, delivered by the Rural Assistance Authority and Service NSW.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said this support package would help families, communities and businesses as they continue their recovery.

“We will continue to stand side by side with those affected by these devastating floods, from the initial emergency response, to the clean-up and as they look to the future,” the Prime Minister said.

“Supporting the immediate housing needs is a further critical area of support. There are many more steps ahead of us to restore these devastated communities that experienced the equivalent of an inland tsunami.

“This next phase of funding is in addition to the Commonwealth’s Disaster Relief Payment of $1,000 and the 13-week income replacement for employees and small businesses, which has so far provided $310 million in support to more than 268,000 recipients.”

Premier Dominic Perrottet said it was vital the thousands of people who had been displaced were able to get started with their recovery.

“This support package will help those impacted by the floods to get back on their feet as quickly as possible,” Premier Perrottet said.

“Rebuilding won’t be a quick process and that is why we are using a flexible approach to provide people with the help they need now and into the future so communities can rebuild their homes and businesses as quickly as possible.”

Since 22 February, 45 LGAs have been declared as disaster areas and are eligible for support through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience Bridget McKenzie said this was the next phase of support offered by the Commonwealth and New South Wales Governments.

“Working together we are able to respond to the needs of the community as recovery starts, and I am continuing to work with my state counterparts to get the right support delivered to our communities,” Minister McKenzie said.

NSW Deputy Premier Paul Toole said all available resources will be allocated to help communities that were already reeling from consecutive disasters.

“This flooding emergency has impacted thousands of people but we are working around the clock to make sure support is available for everyone who needs it,” Deputy Premier Toole said.

“We know the recovery will be long but we have the backs of the regional communities and we will be with them every step of the way in the weeks, months and years ahead.”

Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said there were now numerous support options being delivered, including the locally-based Recovery Centres.

“As flood waters recede, we are setting up these one-stop shops for our flood-affected communities to register for clean-up services, financial assistance, insurance and legal support, business support and mental health services,” Minister Cooke said.

“The Recovery Centres will stay open for as long as necessary as will the Customer Care specialists which are available on 13 77 88.”

The new package includes;

• $285 million Temporary Housing Support package
• $75,000 primary producers and the $50,000 small business and not-for-profit grants extended to all disaster declared LGAs
• $1 million grants to additional 28 impacted councils to assist with their immediate social, built, economic and environmental needs.
• $90 million to assist with the clean-up and removal of flood and storm related damage, debris and green waste for the additional 28 disaster declared LGAs

The size and capability of the Australian Defence Force will be significantly increased by the Morrison Government to keep Australians safe in an increasingly uncertain global environment.

Under the plan, the number of ADF personnel will increase by around 30 per cent by 2040, taking the total permanent ADF to almost 80,000 personnel. 

Overall, Defence’s total permanent workforce will increase to over 101,000 by 2040 – an increase of 18,500 over baseline growth already agreed in the 2020 Force Structure Plan.

The estimated cost of this expansion is at least $38 billion over the period to 2040, which is a significant investment in ensuring our ADF has the right people and skills to keep our nation safe.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said there was never a more important time to invest in increasing the size of the Australian Defence Force.

“The first priority of my Government is keep Australians safe and to do that we need a bigger ADF with more soldiers, sailors and airmen and women to operate the cutting-edge capabilities we’re getting to protect Australia,” the Prime Minister said.

“Our world is becoming increasingly uncertain so it’s important we take steps now to protect our people and our national interest over the coming decades.

“You can’t flick a switch to increase your army, navy and air force overnight, growing the type of people and skills we need to face the threats of the future takes time, so we must start now so critical skills can be taught and experience gained.

“ADF personnel will be increased in every state and territory with a particular focus on capabilities associated with our trilateral security partnership between Australia, United Kingdom and United States (AUKUS), as well as air, sea, land, space and cyber.”

Labor’s defence spending as a share of GDP dropped to 1.56 per cent in the 2012-13 Budget – the lowest level of funding since 1938. In their last three years in Government, Labor cut Defence spending by 10.5 per cent in real terms. Our Government has increased investment in defence to more than two per cent of GDP.

Minister for Defence, the Hon Peter Dutton MP, said under the 2020 Force Structure Plan workforce growth was critical to deliver and operate the capabilities Defence needs to secure Australia’s strategic environment, protect Australia’s interests, and build a credible military force.

“Defence operates with a highly integrated workforce spanning the Australian Defence Force, civilians and industry providers, with each bringing specialised skills and expertise,” Minister Dutton said.

“This growth in workforce and expertise will enable us to deliver our nuclear powered submarines, ships, aircraft and advanced weapons. It will mean we can build warfighting capabilities in the domains of space, and information and cyber.

“It will also build the resilience we need in critical areas and enable our people to increase intelligence, information and communications capacity.

“Defence industry will also be fundamental to supporting Defence’s capability delivery and workforce growth to deliver current and enhanced technologies, systems and equipment.”

The Government remains committed to developing a strong, sustainable and secure Australian defence industry and supports leading edge national innovation. Through initiatives such as the Defence Industry Skilling and STEM Strategy, Defence continues to help industry equip itself with the skilled workforce it requires to support the Australian Defence Force.

The expanded defence workforce will span all states and territories, cities and regional areas with a majority of the growth expected to occur in QLD, NSW, SA and WA.

Australia will provide significant additional military assistance and emergency humanitarian support to help the people of Ukraine following the brutal invasion by Russia.

Australia stands in solidarity with our friends and partners in supporting Ukraine and condemning Russia utterly for its unprovoked and unjustified attack on its neighbour.

Australia will provide around $70 million in lethal military assistance to support the defence of Ukraine, including missiles and weapons. We will also provide a range of non-lethal military equipment and medical supplies in response to a specific request from the Ukrainian Government.

Our contributions will complement actions taken by partners such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, the European Union and other European nations – each of which we welcome. We will work with and through our closest partners and allies to supplement the already substantial support from the international community.

Australia will also commit immediate humanitarian assistance of an initial $35 million to help meet the urgent needs of the Ukrainian people. This assistance will deliver lifesaving services and supplies, including the provision of shelter, food, medical care and water.

Our lethal and non-lethal military assistance, along with our humanitarian funding, are in addition to the significant sanctions we have already imposed on Russia.

With the situation now seriously deteriorating after Russia’s invasion, current indications are that at least 160,000 people have been displaced inside Ukraine and around half a million people have fled to neighbouring countries. Numbers of displaced people will rise sharply as the security situation deteriorates further.

The cost of Russia’s aggression is being borne by innocent Ukrainians. This is a challenge the international community will meet, and Australia stands ready to provide further humanitarian assistance to support the people of Ukraine, including those fleeing to neighbouring countries.

Russia’s action

Whilst relentless rains, storms and floods hammer vast regions of NSW and Queensland, homeowners, businesses, commercial and rural property owners are being warned to prepare for the hidden danger of asbestos that lurks in one in three Australian homes and in rural and commercial property structures.

Countless numbers of homes, businesses and rural properties have been destroyed or damaged leaving thousands homeless, waiting for floodwaters to subside before commencing the heartbreaking task of cleaning up, and in many cases rebuilding after homes and businesses have been completely destroyed.

Cherie Barber, Ambassador for the National Asbestos Awareness campaign is urging impacted property owners, residents and volunteers to be wary of potential dangers posed by damaged asbestos-containing materials found in homes, buildings, structures and flood debris that may have washed onto their properties.

“When homes and other buildings containing asbestos are damaged or destroyed during floods, wind and storms, asbestos-containing materials can become eroded, disturbed, broken or friable causing a health risk to homeowners, property owners, property managers and the community if these materials aren’t managed correctly and disposed of safely,” Ms Barber said.

“Before commencing the clean-up, to protect themselves, their families and communities; property owners must visit www.asbestosawareness.com.au to learn how to identify and manage asbestos safely.

“They should also contact their local Council or Emergency Services for important information about asbestos and if asbestos needs to be removed, please only use professional licenced asbestos removalists because it’s not worth the risk,” she said.

Asbestos was used in the manufacture of more than 3000 building and decorator products that can still be found in any brick, weatherboard, clad or fibro home built or renovated prior to 1990. It was used everywhere and may be in many forms including flat or corrugated sheets (fibro) used for walls, ceilings, roofing or in products such as pipes, electrical conduit, eaves, wall and floor tiles and other structures including garages and garden sheds.

In many coastal regions hit hard by the current flood disaster, often original ‘weekenders or shacks’ were constructed from flat and corrugated (fibro) sheeting including external and internal walls and ceilings, while in rural and regional areas, homes; fences, storage sheds, chook sheds, out houses and stock sheds may have been constructed from asbestos-containing materials.

Asbestos was also commonly used in the construction of commercial and non-residential properties such as shops or public buildings prior to December 2003.

Bret Baker, President of the Asbestos & Hazmat Removal Contractors Association of NSW (AHRCA) and a Civil and Environmental Engineer with more than 25 years experienced in asbestos removal and demolition warned property owners of the serious hazards after floodwaters subside including asbestos.

“It’s important that property owners and volunteers do not walk on corrugated asbestos roofs or enter any buildings until authorised to do so by Council or Emergency Services,” Mr Baker said.

“Erosion, heavy rains, winds and tree branches may have caused additional damage to already aged asbestos roofs as well as the walls of the structure. While homes, commercial properties and other structures (sheds, garages and stock sheds etc.) may be structurally unsound and vulnerable to collapse.

“Other potential hazards property owners need to avoid include damaged asbestos-containing materials, sharp edges, protruding nails and broken materials including glass and timber that could be found in building rubble, damaged structures and flood debris,” said Mr Baker.

“When it comes to managing asbestos, the first rule is, if you think a building material, product or debris may contain asbestos, treat it as if it is asbestos and take all the necessary precautions in line with regulations,” he said.

“When storms and floods hit, whole buildings and even stockpiled asbestos-containing materials (particularly flat or corrugated sheeting commonly known as fibro) can be picked up by floodwaters and moved from one location to another.

“So, even if your home was built after 1990, it is likely that during floods, miscellaneous debris and rubbish including asbestos-containing materials from elsewhere can end up on your property and pose a risk.

“Should you find displaced structures and debris containing asbestos on your property, it’s vital that these materials are managed safely and in line with regulations,” Mr Baker said.

Homeowners, commercial and rural property owners and managers should visit www.asbestosawareness.com.au for information on how to identify asbestos-containing building materials and decorator products and find out what they need to know to manage asbestos safely following storms and floods.

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is reassuring flood-impacted communities in Queensland and New South Wales that support is available. The ATO recognises the situation is evolving, with many areas continuing to face challenging conditions while others are in different stages of recovery.

Assistant Commissioner Andrew Watson said that people still dealing with the immediate impacts of the floods should not worry about tax and focus on current concerns. Those who are able, can contact the ATO or their tax professional if they are struggling to meet their tax obligations.

“We want to assure the community that support is available if and when you need it. We understand the lasting impacts disasters like this can have for affected communities. We are committed to assisting people to get back on track,” Mr Watson said.

The ATO is also providing support for small business and individual taxpayers in affected local government areas (LGAs) in Queensland and New South Wales who need to lodge business activity statements and instalment notices with an original due date of 28 February 2022 or 21 March 2022.

“There is no need for taxpayers impacted by floods in these local government areas to call and request a deferral for business activity statements that are now due,” Mr Watson said.

These taxpayers can lodge relevant returns up until 28 March 2022 and do not need to request a lodgment deferral if they are able to lodge by that date. If unable to lodge by 28 March 2022, taxpayers or their tax professional can apply for a deferral, which will be granted on a case-by-case basis.

The ATO also has a range of practical options available to support those who have been affected by the floods, like the support we offered during the 2019/20 bushfires and COVID-19. Depending on individual circumstances, the ATO will develop a tailored plan for you and your small business.

“We know your tax affairs may be the last thing on your mind, but we’re here to help with tailored support when the time is right, whether you’re an individual or small business owner. The payment due date of these lodgments will not change however we will take an empathic approach to your situation,” Mr Watson said.

If your records have been damaged or destroyed during a disaster or incident, the ATO can re-issue copies of income tax returns, activity statements and notice of assessments. If you have lost your tax file number, we can use another method to verify who you are and help you access your tax information.

If your tax circumstances have changed because of floods, you can change your GST reporting cycle to monthly reporting and payment and vary your PAYG instalments.

The ATO recognises that not all taxpayers in flood affected LGAs have been directly impacted. These taxpayers should contact the ATO or their tax professional to discuss their circumstances if they need additional support.

The ATO is also supporting tax professionals in affected areas. Tax professionals that have been affected by the floods can contact the ATO when ready for tailored support through our supported lodgment program.

For more information visit ato.gov.au/NaturalDisasters or phone the ATO’s dedicated Emergency support line on 1800 806 218.

THE RELENTLESS DELUGE that has flooded towns and cities in Queensland and New South Wales is one of the most extreme disasters in Australian history, and the devastation is wide ranging.

New Climate Council report ‘A Supercharged Climate: Rain bombs, flash flooding and destruction’ comes as the Prime Minister declares a national emergency, and outlines the sheer intensity and magnitude of the devastating rainfall and storms that caused widespread flooding and destruction along Australia’s east coast.

Key Findings: 

• Within three days, the Brisbane River below Wivenhoe received 1,450 billion litres of water – the equivalent of three Sydney Harbours’ worth. 
• 80 percent of Brisbane’s annual rainfall fell in the city over three days, which is more rain than typically falls in London over an entire year. 
• Insured losses are currently on track to reach $2 billion. The estimated current cost of insurance claims related to the Feb/March 2022 Queensland and New South Wales flooding disaster is $1.45 billion (as of 8 March 2022).
• The recovery time for communities and emergency services between events is shrinking. In the 10 years preceding this disaster, the NSW coast suffered five severe rainfall events with daily totals exceeding 400 millimeters.
• The NSW State Emergency Service conducted a record 932 rescues within 24 hours (28 Feb – 1 March 2022). 
• Climate change is intensifying extreme rainfall. The frequency of these events is likely to almost double with each degree of further global warming.

Professor Will Steffen, Climate Councillor, climate change expert and ANU Emeritus Professor said: 

“Climate change is playing out in real time here in Australia. We are dealing with a climate system on steroids.”

“For many communities dealing with flood emergencies, this is the latest in a long line of climate-fuelled extreme weather events they have faced recently. Unless we act now and join the rest of the world to reduce emissions this decade, such disasters will only get worse.” 

The Greens have called on Scott Morrison to join the US and UK who have overnight announced they will be boycotting Russian oil imports. 

Over the last decade Russia has exported over $4.3 billion worth of crude oil to Australia, with $86 million last financial year, approximately 1% of Australia’s crude oil imports.

The Greens were the first to call for a Russian oil boycott on the 27th of February.

Greens leader, Adam Bandt MP said:

“Putin’s Russia is a petrostate, with 40% of its revenue coming from oil and gas. Australia should stop buying Russian oil.

“With a humanitarian catastrophe unfolding before our eyes, the last thing Australia should be doing is fuelling Putin’s war machine. 

Greens Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Senator Janet Rice said: 

“Boycotting Russian oil is a small but practical way that Australia can help, and  ensures that  Australia isn’t doing business with a dictator who invades his neighbours.”

“The Greens are demanding an immediate ban on imports of Putin’s oil.”

The statement below was agreed to by ministers of sport or their equivalent after a joint meeting of nations, listed below.

Russia’s unprovoked and unjustifiable war of choice against Ukraine, enabled by the Belarusian government, is abhorrent and a flagrant breach of its international obligations. Respect for human rights and peaceful relations between nations form the foundation of international sport.

We, as a collective of like-minded nations, affirm our support for international sport organisations’ position that:

• Russia and Belarus should not be permitted to host, bid for or be awarded any international sporting events.
• Individual athletes selected by Russia and Belarus, administrators and teams representing the Russian or Belarusian state should be banned from competing in other countries, including those representing bodies, cities or brands that are effectively representing Russia or Belarus, such as major football clubs.
• Wherever possible, appropriate actions should be taken to limit sponsorship and other financial support from entities with links to the Russian or Belarusian states.

We call on all international sport federations to endorse these principles, and applaud all those that have done so already. We also welcome the International Paralympic Committee’s decision to prevent Russia’s and Belarus’ athletes from competing in the 2022 Winter Paralympics in Beijing. These restrictions should be in place until cooperation under the fundamental principles of international law has become possible again.

We encourage all international sport organisations and all relevant legal bodies not to sanction athletes, coaches or officials who decide unilaterally to terminate their contracts with Russian, Belarusian or Ukrainian clubs, as well as not to pursue or to sanction sport organisers which decide to ban athletes or teams selected by Russia or Belarus.

Furthermore, we encourage the international sport community to continue to show its solidarity with the people of Ukraine, including through supporting the continuation of Ukrainian sport where possible.

Signed by the following Ministers:

Australia	Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck, Minister for Sport
Austria	Vice-Chancellor Werner Kogler, Minister of Arts and Culture, Civil Service and Sport
Belgium	Valérie Glatigny, Minister for Higher Education, Adult Education, Scientific Research, University Hospitals, Youth Welfare, Houses of Justice, Youth, Sport and the Promotion of Brussels of the French-Speaking Community.This signature commits the French-speaking Community, the Flemish Community and the German-speaking Community of Belgium.
Canada	The Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Sport
Croatia	Dr Nikolina Brnjac, Minister of Tourism and Sport
Cyprus	Prodromos Prodromou, Minister of Education, Culture, Sport and Youth Office
Czech Republic	Petr Gazdík, Minister for Education, Youth and Sports
Denmark	Ane Halsboe-Jørgensen, Minister for Culture
Estonia	Tiit Terik, Minister of Culture
Finland	Antti Kurvinen, Minister of Science and Culture
France	Roxana Maracineanu, Minister of Sport
Germany	Mahmut Özdemir MP, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community
Greece	Lefteris Avgenakis, Deputy Minister for Sports
Hungary	Dr István Kovács, Deputy State Secretary for International and European Union Affairs
Iceland	Ásmundur Einar Daðason, Minister of Education and Children
Ireland	Jack Chambers TD, Minister of State for Sport and the Gaeltacht
Italy	Valentina Vezzali, Secretary of State for Sport
Japan	H.E. SUEMATSU Shinsuke, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
Republic of Korea	HWANG Hee, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism
Latvia	Anita Muižniece, Minister for Education and Science
Liechtenstein	H.E. Dominique Hasler, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Education and Sport
Lithuania	Dr Jurgita Šiugždinienė, Minister of Education, Science and Sport
Luxembourg	Georges Engel, Minister of Sport
Malta	Dr Clifton Grima, Minister for Education and Sport
Netherlands	Conny Helder, Minister for Long-term Care and Sport
New Zealand	Hon Grant Robertson, Minister for Sport and Recreation
Norway	Anette Trettebergstuen, Minister of Culture and Equality
Poland	Kamil Bortniczuk, Minister of Sport and Tourism
Portugal	Dr Tiago Brandão Rodrigues, Minister of Education (responsible for Youth and Sport)
Romania	Carol-Eduard Novak, Minister of Sports
Slovakia	Ivan Husar, State Secretary for Sport
Slovenia	Dr Simona Kustec, Minister of Education, Science and Sport
Spain	Miquel Octavi Iceta i Llorens, Minister of Culture and Sport
Sweden	Anders Ygeman, Minister for Integration and Migration
Switzerland	Viola Amherd, Head of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport
United Kingdom	The Rt Hon Nadine Dorries MP, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
United States of America	Jennifer Hall Godfrey, Senior Official for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs