Month: October 2023

Simple steps for small businesses to stay cyber secure

The NSW Government is marking Cyber Security Awareness Month and Small Business Month this October with a new resource for small businesses to help them prevent identity theft and data breaches.

There is a growing need for businesses to better understand their risks online and to be proactive against scams, email attacks, and malicious software.

ID Support NSW has developed a webpage containing information and tips on how to stay cyber secure, as well as free interactive learning modules and printable checklists to help businesses regardless of their size or budget.

ID Support NSW also runs a free fortnightly webinar where business owners can learn directly from experts on how to keep customers’ personal information safe.

Digital technology gives small businesses a unique opportunity to expand their reach, communicate with customers, track trends and allocate resources. However, if not managed appropriately, it can also open the door to cyber criminals and allow them to access private and personal information.

According to an Australian Cyber Security Centre survey released in 2020, 62 per cent of small businesses across Australia have experienced a cyber security incident.

Almost half of those surveyed also rated their cyber security understanding as ‘average’ or ‘below average’ and had poor cyber security practices.

Cyber security incidents are often costly to business owners and challenging to recover from. In the national Annual Cyber Threat Report, it was found that more than $98 million was lost because of business email compromise in 2021/2022 and customers took 34 hours on average to recover their identity. 

For more information on how small businesses can stay cyber secure visit small business.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“For small businesses, even a minor cyber security incident can have devastating impacts. It might even prove to be something a business can’t recover from, so taking steps to learn how to keep information secure is important.”

“ID Support NSW is making it easier for small businesses to find the information and resources that might make the difference in preventing a cyber security incident.”

“In this highly digital world, keeping clients’ personal information secure is incredibly important to businesses. It makes sense that small businesses would want to arm themselves with information to stay cyber secure, and ID Support NSW has done the work to make it easier to find the right resources in one place.” 

Minister for Small Business Stephen Kamper said:

“The theme of this Small Business Month is ‘My Small Business,’ with events tailored to help small business owners and operators learn new skills and strategies to improve their business.”

“In an ever-evolving landscape, cybercrime is constantly changing and becoming more intelligent, making it imperative for businesses to stay vigilant and informed about new scams to safeguard their operations.”

“I encourage all businesses to ensure they understand cyber security and make it a priority to utilise the resources on ID Support NSW so they are set up for success.”

Zig Zag Railway back on track with $3.6 million restoration

The Blue Mountains’ historic Zig Zag Railway is now back on track thanks to a $3.6 million restoration of its locomotive workshop.

The official grand reopening is today thanks to local councils choo-choo-choosing to work together collaboratively with Crown lands and the Zig Zag Railway co-op.

The workshop restoration, funded by the NSW Government through Crown Lands, has included replacement of major structural components, new cladding for walls and roof, installation of stormwater drainage, and fire safety upgrades.

The complex project has been chugging along through a range of challenges, requiring teams to work through difficult logistic and access issues given the workshop’s location alongside the main Sydney train line.

Passenger services have resumed at the Zig Zag Railway to the delight of locals and visitors, but reinstatement of the workshop was key to the railway’s continued operations and maintenance of its locomotives and carriages.

The railway has been moving for 154-years and first opened on 18 October 1869 as part of the Main Western rail line serving mountain runs until 1910 when a track deviation was installed.

The not-for-profit Zig Zag Railway Co-op resurrected the heritage-listed railway in 1975 but was stalled by severe bushfire damage in 2013 and 2019 and storm damage.

The fires and storms damaged the locomotive workshop, trains, passenger and accommodation carriages, rail lines, about 3,500 sleepers, electrical equipment and the railway’s office including decades of records.

Zig Zag Railway and its dedicated volunteers restored the railway and rebuilt its safety management system, network rules, procedures and rail policies to get accreditation to resume passenger services by the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“The NSW Government contributed over $5.9 million through Crown Lands and the Department of Regional NSW, which includes $3.6 million to help restore the locomotive workshop, as well as additional funding to construct a car park, pedestrian crossing and amenities block to support the fantastic work of the railway’s volunteers.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said: 

“I was lucky to attend the re-opening of the Zig Zag railway in May this year and it was great to see this iconic tourist attraction welcome back families and rail enthusiasts alike after several setbacks including bushfires, floods and storm damage.

“The restoration and opening of its locomotive workshops today will ensure this much-loved historic railway will be able to showcase Australia’s steam train era to a new generation of young trainspotters.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Heritage Trish Doyle said:

“It’s great to see the Zig Zag railway’s workshop back on track, keeping its trains and carriages running so this restoration project was critical to its continued operations.”

“This tourism icon attracts up to 80,000 visitors each year so having it back in full operation will boost tourism, business and jobs in the Blue Mountains and Lithgow regions.”

Zig Zag Railway CEO Daniel Zolfel said:

“Rebuilding of the workshop has been a special project not only for Zig Zag Railway but the people who delivered the work. Without this team we absolutely wouldn’t have been able to undergo such a large scale and intricate project.”

“Having the workshop back to its former glory will allow Zig Zag to maintain its rolling stock including steam locomotives, diesel locomotives and carriages and give it the ability to recommission additional locomotives and carriages in its fleet.”

Appeal to locate teenager missing from Rutherford

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a boy missing from Hunter region.

Beau Hartill-Law, aged 12, was last seen at an oval on Alexandra Avenue, Rutherford, about 4pm on Friday (20 October 2023).

When he could not be located or contacted, officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were notified and commenced inquiries to locate him.

Police hold concerns of his welfare due to his age.

Beau is described as being of Caucasian appearance, of a slim build, about 150cm-155cm tall, with red/ginger coloured hair and blue eyes.

He was last seen wearing a whit t-shirt, brown shorts and black shoes.

Anyone who has seen Beau or has information of his whereabouts is urged to call police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Man charged over sexual touching – Lake Macquarie PD

A man will face court for sexual touching and resisting arrest, causing injuries to a police officer and serious damage to a police car.

On Thursday 19 October 2023, detectives from Lake Macquarie Police District commenced an investigation into an incident where a 23-year-old woman was allegedly sexually touched by an anonymous man in Redhead area on the same day.

Following extensive inquiries, detectives identified and located the 31-year-old man on Flowers Drive, Catherine Hill Bay about 3.40pm on Friday 20 October 2023.

It is alleged the man rammed a police vehicle, causing a significant damage to the rear of an unmarked police car and injuring a female Senior Constable.

The man then attempted to car jack another vehicle before being arrested where he resisted arrest.

He was taken to Belmont police station where he was charged with two counts of sexually touch another person without consent, common assault, predatory driving, use etc offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention, and assault with intent to take/drive motor vehicle.

He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Saturday 21 October 2023).

Fabulous local students chosen to feature at this year’s Schools Spectacular

Eight students from the Hunter / Central Coast are among only 149 students statewide chosen to perform as featured artists and dancers at the Schools Spectacular’s 40th anniversary show, ‘Fabulous’.

The students went through a rigorous audition process before being chosen from more than 900 nominations to be part of the largest performing arts event in the southern hemisphere.

They are:

  • Hunter School of the Performing Arts: Shanaya Buddingh and Willem Szabo (Dance), Jorden Leggett (Instrumental), Georgia Dully and Symphony Riley (Vocal)
  • Rutherford Technology High School: Josie McIntosh (Dance)
  • Terrigal High School: Maddi Johnson and Sydney Mickle (Dance)

Executive producer Richard Spiewak said the Schools Spectacular was one of the most anticipated events on the public school calendar.

“To be chosen to perform at this world-class event is not only testament to their talent, but also an opportunity for students to nurture their love for performing while working alongside some of the finest talents in the entertainment industry,” Mr Spiewak said.

“The featured artists are some of our brightest stars and, alongside all this year’s performers, they will put on a spectacular show that highlights the incredible talent within our public schools.

“We’ve already seen a sneak peek of their talent during the recent rehearsals, and I can guarantee that this year’s show is going to be fabulous.”

This year’s featured artists range in age from 11 to 18 years and will join more than 5,000 performers drawn from public schools across the state for this year’s live performances at Qudos Bank Arena on 24 and 25 November 2023.

The world’s largest annual variety show will also include an 80-piece symphony orchestra, a stage band, 2,600-voice choir, 2,300 dancers, the D’Arts Ensemble for students with disability, the Aboriginal Dance Ensemble, featured dancers and specialist performers – all under the guidance of more than 600 teachers.

Rehearsals for Schools Spectacular began during the school holidays, where 57 featured artists from schools across the state came together for the first time in Sydney to prepare for the November shows.

They included singers, dancers, musicians and co-hosts who spent the first week of the school holidays immersed in intensive rehearsals at the Department of Education’s Arts Unit in Lewisham.

During the week-long rehearsals, students practiced their songs and segments, engaged in one-on-one vocal workshops, underwent styling and costume fittings, and participated in wellbeing sessions. 

The theme this year is ‘Fabulous’ and celebrates a show that has wowed its audiences for 40 years since its first performance to celebrate the opening of the Entertainment Centre in Darling Harbour in 1983.

The Schools Spectacular is proudly supported by sponsors and supporters: Telstra, NSW Teachers Federation, School Bytes, RØDE, Smartsalary, Teachers Health, Colmed Group, Steinway Australia, Sony Australia and Event Partners: Qudos Bank Arena, Seven Network and Ticketek.

Tickets for the 2023 Schools Spectacular are on sale now through Ticketek.

Fatal motorcycle crash – Hunter Valley

A man has died after a single-vehicle motorcycle crash near Hunter Valley.

About 11am on Tuesday (17 October 2023), emergency services were called to Bylong Valley Way, Kerrabee, following reports of a single-vehicle crash.

The rider, a 69-year-old man – was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics at the scene before being airlifted to Royal North Shore Hospital in a critical condition.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District established a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the crash.

On Wednesday (18 October 2023) the man died as a result of his injuries.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

FIRST TRANCHE OF FAMILY LAW REFORMS PASS THE SENATE

The Greens were pleased to support changes to the Family Law Act in the Senate today that will put children’s welfare first in family law matters. Overturning regressive Howard era changes to the family court system was long-overdue.

Women’s safety sector and legal advocates have long called for a child-safety focussed court and we are happy these reforms are moving closer to that goal.

Greens leader in the Senate and spokesperson on women Senator Larissa Waters said:

“Since the Howard government re-wrote Australia’s family laws in 2006, we have seen the presumption of shared care weaponised, instead of the best interests of kids coming first.

“We were pleased to pass amendments to the Family Law Act today, that are based on expert advice, instead of the political grandstanding that has traumatised victim-survivors, put children at risk, and provided a platform for hate and misinformation.

“Gendered violence is at the core of many cases in the family law system, and we know children frequently bear the brunt of violent relationships and protracted legal matters. “While these reforms are welcome, without more funding to courts and frontline family and domestic violence services, delays, unequal representation and lack of support will continue to put women and children at risk.

“The Greens will continue to call for comprehensive FDV education and trauma-informed training for the judiciary, legal practitioners, ICLs and family report writers, the police, and all others associated with the court process.

“We also maintain our calls for full funding for frontline FDV support services including legal services and Legal Aid. “If the Attorney General wants these reforms to work, his government needs to stump up the funding for them to do so.”

YES AND NO VOTERS AGREE ON SOMETHING: TRUTH IN ADVERTISING

Exit polling conducted on Saturday 14 October confirmed that both Yes and No voters overwhelmingly support the introduction of truth in political advertising laws, before the next election.

The Greens have long championed the need for truth in political advertising, and want to see a commitment from Labor to put a stop to the toxic misinformation and disinformation campaigns, like those we witnessed in the leadup to the Voice referendum.

Greens leader in the Senate and spokesperson on democracy Senator Larissa Waters said:

“Misinformation and disinformation is a huge problem for our democracy.This was particularly clear during the Voice referendum campaign. 

“Polling released today shows that an overwhelming majority – 87% – of Australians support truth in political advertising laws to stop taxpayers’ money from being spent on lies.

“The Greens have long championed the need for truth in political advertising, and agree with the 72% of Australian who are concerned about lies and misinformation that circulated on social media during the referendum campaign.

“Australia has one of the strongest electoral systems in the world. Yet, in its testimony to the JSCEM inquiry, the AEC reported a significant increase in online disinformation, including claims relating to voter fraud, which were mostly imported arguments from the US.

“Elected members have a clear responsibility to strengthen public trust in democracy, but we also don’t want to see laws that impact freedom of speech. We strongly support exploring legislative responses to address this issue and want to work with the government to make sure we get the balance right.

“Regardless of any law reform, the AEC must be adequately funded for public education and engagement to counter the Trumpian tactics of Dutton and Co. who continue to conduct inaccurate culture war attacks on Australian democracy.”
 

JOBS FOR THE BOYS CONTINUE UNDER LABOR

Greens leader in the Senate and spokesperson on democracy Senator Larissa Waters said:

“Reports today that a senior staffer and ex-Labor Senator has been gifted a role as Australia’s next senior trade and investment commissioner and consul-general in San Francisco, stink, to put it bluntly.

“The Australian people voted for an end to this kind of ‘jobs for the boys’ nonsense. They expect better from the Albanese Government.

“Minister Farrell’s decision to install an ex-Labor colleague and senior staffer in a plum industry role, instead of the woman selected through a rigorous recruitment process, simply doesn’t pass the pub test.

“The Greens have long called for an enforceable Code of Conduct for all politicians and senior staff, to put an end to the revolving door that sees so many of them gifted highly-paid, senior roles in industry moments of leaving parliamentary offices.”

Industrial manslaughter law to be introduced in NSW

The Minns Government will introduce an industrial manslaughter offence in NSW.

The new laws will ensure the most serious work health and safety breaches carry a severe penalty, sending a clear message that those who place a worker’s life at risk will be held to account in the event of a workplace death.

Despite years of campaigning by the families of those killed at work, NSW is the last mainland state without an industrial manslaughter offence or legislation in parliament.

In February 2023, the former government, with other states and territories, agreed to amend model work health and safety laws to allow for jurisdictions to introduce industrial manslaughter.

Industrial manslaughter allows a corporation to be held liable for the death of a person caused by that corporation’s employees within the scope of their work. Manslaughter is the unlawful killing of a human being.

SafeWork will begin an extensive consultation process which will include work health and safety experts, business groups, unions, legal stakeholders and families of people who have been killed at work.

The NSW Government will formally begin the consultation process in coming weeks and intends to introduce a bill to parliament in the first half of next year.

Workers in NSW deserve the right to feel safe at work and these laws are designed to make the state’s workplaces safer.

Minister for Work Health and Safety, Sophie Cotsis said:

“I hope these laws act as such a strong deterrent that no one ever needs to be prosecuted. We must prevent fatal injuries in the workplace.”

“These penalties acknowledge the significant pain and suffering of families and loved ones of workers who have died in preventable workplace incidents.”