January 2024 – Page 13

Labor’s Worsening Primary Care Crisis Confirmed

The Albanese Labor Government is overseeing a serious crisis in Australia’s primary healthcare system, which is making it harder and more expensive to see a doctor.

The report released by Cleanbill today has confirmed a trend that has been evident for months – Bulk billing is collapsing under Labor, after being at record highs under the former Coalition Government.

Cleanbill’s report states that there has been a “catastrophic” reduction of 11% in the number of bulk billing options available across the country and that over 1.2 million Australians avoided attending a GP over the last financial year due to cost concerns.

This study follows the RACGP’s Health of the Nation report released late last year, which showed that the number of GPs who bulk bill all their patients has halved in just one year, while the cost of seeing a GP has increased by $11 on average.

The Shadow Minister for Health, Senator the Hon Anne Ruston said that the Albanese Government is overseeing the collapse of bulk billing at a time when Australians are struggling to pay the bills, let alone cough up for an unexpected GP appointment.

“Since Labor came into government, bulkbilling rates have dropped consecutively every single month, with the latest quarterly data showing rates have plummeted to the lowest levels in over a decade.

“This Government was elected with a promise to ‘strengthen Medicare’, yet all of the data is steamrolling in the opposite direction.

“This is a seriously concerning trend that Australians just cannot afford. Not only is it pushing up out-of-pocket expenses for families, but we also know that a weakened primary care system only increases the pressure on our over-burdened hospitals.

At a time when we are seeing historic ramping across the country, the Albanese Labor Government must urgently address this primary care crisis to reduce avoidable interactions with our hospitals and support Australians with the rising costs of healthcare.

Without urgent action from the Government to address this collapse in bulkbilling, Australians’ access to critical healthcare will be increasingly at risk.

NCC Code of Conduct investigation

In accordance with the Council resolution of 12 December 2023 (below), City of Newcastle (CN) sought advice on the proactive release of the outcome letter and investigation report prepared by the external Conduct Reviewer, in accordance with the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act).

As required under the GIPA Act, CN consulted with third parties whose information was captured in the documents prepared by the external Conduct Reviewer.

The outcome letter was prepared by the independent Conduct Reviewer and is a summary of the independent Code of Conduct review and its findings. The outcome letter was made available to Councillors at the Council meeting held on 12 December 2023.

Third party consultation is now complete and a full copy of the outcome letter is available.

The investigation report is the full report prepared by the external Conduct Reviewer. Consultation on the investigation report continues, in accordance with the GIPA Act. As noted in the Council resolution, the Procedure does not provide for Councillors to receive a copy of the investigation report where the finding is there is no breach of the Code of Conduct.

CN is currently working through its legal obligations in relation to the investigation report, having regard to the Code of Conduct, the Procedure and the GIPA Act. This will take some time as it is important CN complies with its legal obligations. A further update will be provided in due course as to whether the investigation report is able to be proactively released under the GIPA Act, but this is not expected to be till late January 2024 at the earliest.

22 December 2023

As required under the GIPA Act, CN consulted with third parties whose information was captured in the documents prepared by the external Conduct Reviewer.

A redacted copy of the outcome letter is available. The redacted sections of the outcome letter are currently the subject of consultation with a third party. Once the consultation is completed, CN will be able to determine whether it can release the information, in accordance with the GIPA Act.

Statement attributable to David Clarke, Executive Director Corporate Services

In accordance with Council’s resolution of 12 December 2023, City of Newcastle sought advice on the proactive release of the outcome letter and investigation report prepared by the independent, external Conduct Reviewer into alleged Code of Conduct breaches by City of Newcastle’s Chief Executive Officer.

City of Newcastle is governed by strict requirements under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act) when considering the proactive release of documents which contain the information of third parties.

City of Newcastle has undertaken consultation on the outcome letter, which was prepared by the external Conduct Reviewer and is a summary of the independent Code of Conduct review and its findings. The outcome letter was made available to Councillors at the Council meeting held on 12 December 2023″.

A redacted copy of the outcome letter is available on City of Newcastle’s website at [link]. The redacted sections of the outcome letter are currently the subject of consultation with a third party. Once the consultation is completed, CN will be able to determine whether it can release the information, in accordance with the GIPA Act.

The investigation report is the full report prepared by the external Conduct Reviewer. Consultation on the investigation report continues, in accordance with the GIPA Act.

The investigation report is not able to be considered for release until the GIPA Act requirements have been finalised. A further update will be provided in due course.

14 December 2023

An independent investigation has been undertaken into alleged Code of Conduct breaches by City of Newcastle’s (CN) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) following a resolution of Council on 25 July 2023 and a letter from the Minister for Local Government.

In accordance with CN’s Procedure for Administration of the Code of Conduct, the matter was referred to an external Conduct Reviewer, independent of CN, for assessment and investigation.

The investigation found no evidence that the CEO incentivised the author to write the articles, nor did he reveal to the author confidential information, which was contained in the letters to the Newcastle Herald.

There is no evidence that the CEO directly contributed to the letters and the investigation found both allegations were not substantiated.

The Conduct Reviewer has referred allegations of how confidential electoral roll details about Council staff and their friends and family came into the possession of journalists to the appropriate external agencies to determine the next steps.

The procedure does not provide for the Conduct Reviewer to take action or make a referral in relation to the Code of Conduct for Members of the Legislative Assembly.

Now the matter is finalised, CN will advise the Minister for Local Government and relevant external agencies of the outcome of the investigation.

The investigation report remains confidential, and the procedure does not provide for Councillors to receive a copy of the investigation report where the finding is there is no breach of the Code of Conduct.

CN will proactively consider and seek advice to determine whether the outcome letter and investigation report issued by the Conduct Reviewer, in part or full, can be released publicly in accordance with the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009.

The full Procedure for Administration of the Code of Conduct is available on the CN website.

The Resolution to Ordinary Council Meeting 12 December 2023 regarding the outcome of this matter is also available.

Newcastle Museum offers chance to explore Indigenous stories of the stars

Newcastle Museum is preparing to transport budding astronomers to the farthest reaches of the universe this month as part of its summer of space exploration.

Using a 4K projection system and surround sound technology, Starr’s Planetarium will take participants on an immersive, 360-degree journey through the solar system, with a presentation designed to unlock the secrets of Indigenous Australian astronomy.

The inflatable mobile planetarium is just one of the space-themed activities on offer at the Museum during the school holidays to complement its blockbuster summer exhibition, Australia in Space.

The Museum’s series of popular free science shows kicked off today with a fun and educational exploration of the mysteries of space, while a free coding workshop on Thursday will teach participants to create a computer game inspired by the International Space Station.

The planetarium will touch down at the Museum with a number of ticketed sessions on 18 and 19 January, while Fizzics Education will allow participants to discover the science required to reach the moon in an engaging, free presentation on 23 January.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen and City of Newcastle's Director Museum Archive Libraries and Learning Julie Baird at the Australia in Space exhibition

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the exhibition and activities will excite audiences of all ages, with an emphasis on school-age children.

“Developed by the Questacon National Science and Technology Centre, Australia in Space offers hands-on displays inspired by stories of Australian innovators making it safer to live and work in orbit, and using space technologies to improve life on Earth,” Cr Clausen said.

“To complement the exhibition, we’re offering a range of free science shows and workshops, as well as the low-cost Starr’s Planetarium experience, which will deliver an insightful and inspiring insight into how Indigenous cultures describe constellations that are fundamental to their daily lives.

“I’d encourage our visitors to make a day or weekend trip to explore Australia in Space as well as Newcastle Museum’s other exhibitions, activities and collections.”

Tickets for Australia in Space cost $15 for adults, $10 for concession card holders, and $7.50 for children between five and 14, with children under five admitted for free. A family pass (two adults and two children) is $40.

Visitors with a disability or low-sensory needs who want to experience Australia in Space before the Museum opens to the public can also take part in one of the dedicated low-sensory sessions, with the next one being held from 9am to 10am tomorrow (10 January).

Entry to Starr’s Planetarium costs $10 per person, with tickets on sale from 15 January and bookings essential.

More disaster assistance rolls out for SEQ

The Australian and Queensland Governments have announced new support measures to boost disaster recovery and resilience operations in South East Queensland.
The exceptional circumstances assistance is jointly funded through Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and comes in the wake of some of the worst storms SEQ has ever experienced.
Additional grants for small businesses, farmers and non-profit organisations also activated for SEQ.

The Albanese and Miles Governments are delivering further disaster assistance to help South East Queensland recover from recent severe storms.

Today’s announcement will support local clean-up efforts, invest in specialised recovery staff and provide grants to primary producers, small business owners and non-profit organisations:

A $20 million Clean-Up Program will assist in response to both the South East Queensland storms and ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper. Gold Coast, Scenic Rim, Logan and Far North Queensland Councils, and state agencies will be supported as they continue their work clearing debris from community assets, parks, national parks, beaches and waterways.
Grants of up to $75,000 have been activated for affected primary producers, and up to $50,000 for affected small business owners and non-profit organisations in impacted parts of South East Queensland.
Local Recovery and Resilience Grants of $1 million, announced last Thursday, will be jointly funded by Commonwealth and State, and provided to the City of Gold Coast, Logan City Council and Scenic Rim Regional Council to go towards local recovery initiatives and disaster relief.
In recognition of its resourcing constraints, Scenic Rim Council will also receive a small amount of direct funding to engage a project manager and other skilled workers to design, coordinate and manage extraordinary recovery efforts.

A range of previously announced financial assistance for impacted residents, businesses and councils remains available as well, including Personal Hardship Assistance grants and Disaster Assistance Loans.

Residents in need of disaster support can call the Queensland Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“Our Government is here for Queensland in this critical time of need. We are committed to helping Queensland communities recover from the devastating impacts of extreme weather events.

“This support will deliver the expertise and the resources to keep the job going and ensure recovery efforts are seen through.

“We know it’s been a terrible start to the year for many Queenslanders, but we will continue to work with the Miles Government to make sure the South East rebounds stronger than before.”

Queensland Premier Steven Miles said:

“The resilience shown by impacted communities has been remarkable, but we know targeted disaster assistance is required to keep recovery moving at speed.

“Queenslanders are bred tough, but when we’re faced with testing times we need to band together and support each other, doing whatever it takes to help.

“I want to acknowledge the incredible will of our frontline services, councils and residents, and this exceptional circumstances package we’re announcing today will help them continue doing the vital work our state needs right now.”

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt said:

“The road to recovery will be challenging, but we are standing with Councils to give them certainty of funding so they can keep full focus on their clean-up efforts.

“The $20 million Clean-Up Program is accessible to our hardest-hit local governments, while the $1 million grants for Gold Coast, Logan and Scenic Rim can be put towards not only recovery but greater overall resilience.

“We are also opening up new grants for affected farmers, small business owners and non-profit organisations to help get them back on their feet.”

minister responsible for the Queensland Reconstruction Authority Nikki Boyd said:

“The recovery efforts in the South East and Far North will be enormous and we are with those communities every step of the way.

“This assistance recognises the extraordinary support that’s needed.

“I also want to remind disaster impacted Queenslanders of the various other financial measures available – anyone needing help should phone our Community Recovery Hotline, 1800 173 349.”

More information:

Clean-up Program – $20 million

Available to impacted councils and state agencies in response to both the South East Queensland storms and ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
Funding for extraordinary clean-up activities and damage assessments of community and recreational assets, parks, waterways and beaches, and national parks.

Local Resilience and Recovery Grants – $3 million

Confirmed Commonwealth-State funding (announced on Thursday) will deliver $1 million to each of the three councils hardest hit by the SEQ storms: Gold Coast, Logan and Scenic Rim.
Grants to undertake locally-led recovery initiatives, build greater community resilience, and reduce the impacts of future severe weather events.

Assistance Grants for small business:

Grants of up to $50,000 are available for directly-impacted small businesses to hire or purchase equipment and materials, clean up, remove debris, replace or repair damaged infrastructure and stock, and other costs associated with the recovery process.

Assistance Grants for farmers and primary producers:

Primary producers who have suffered direct damage can apply for grants of up to $75,000.
Grants will assist with short-term recovery needs including pasture rehabilitation, fodder, replacing livestock, and repairs to infrastructure and equipment.

Assistance Grants for non-profit organisations:

Grants of up to $50,000 are available for directly-impacted non-profit organisations to hire or purchase equipment and materials, clean up, remove debris, repair or replace damaged infrastructure or goods and other costs associated with the recovery process.

Further information on DRFA exceptional circumstances measures can be found at Queensland Reconstruction Authority.

Perkins Street stairs open to public

City of Newcastle has completed restoration works on the heritage sandstone retaining wall and stairs linking Church Street and Perkins Street, Newcastle.

The original stairs are estimated to have been built over a century ago and are located within the Newcastle City Centre Heritage Conservation Area.

Movement was identified in the structure and the stairs were closed to the public, while an appropriate design solution was investigated.

Rectification works on the heritage steps began in March this year and was completed and opened to the public, prior to Christmas.

The project included anchoring the structure to the existing bedrock, replacing the stairs, and updating stormwater drainage.

Maintaining the sites heritage and original features played a key role in the design.

The original stone treads were removed and replaced with a reinforced concrete flight of steps, that replicates the original stairs.

Recovered stones from the works have been repurposed as two public seats. One at the top of the wall looking down Perkins Street toward the harbour and the other forming a winter seat at the bottom of the wall.

Remaining stones have also been stockpiled at the base of the wall with plans currently underway to create a remnant stone garden in the two garden areas either side of the footpath at the walls base.

The rusted handrail and balustrade have also been replaced with a similar detailed handrail which reuses the recovered top rail from the original stairs.

License to chill: Jetskiers reminded to ride safe in 2024

In the first state-wide compliance blitz of the new year, Operation Stay Afloat, NSW Maritime officers have stressed to jetskiers a good time should be a safe time for everyone on the water.

As part of the safety and educational campaign aimed at driving home the importance of responsible riding on the state’s waterways, NSW Maritime crews conducted more than 2000 vessel safety checks.

While 87% of boat and jetski operators were found to be complying with all license and safety requirements, NSW Maritime issued 186 official warnings and 81 penalty notices.

31.4% were issued for not wearing or carrying a lifejacket, 27.7% were for unlicenced drivers or unregistered vessels and 11.2% were for speeding.

It follows a year where jetski-related offences were on the rise. There were a total of 1560 jetski offences recorded in NSW during 2023, up 53% on the previous year’s 1023 jetski infringements. Speeding made up almost 30% of offences recorded.

More jetskiiers are found to be non-compliant in Sydney waters compared to other parts of NSW, with the George’s River, Botany Bay and Port Hacking taking the top spots for illegal activity leading to infringements.

The popularity of jetskis and personal watercraft has soared over the last 4 years, with over 90,000 licenced riders in NSW, an increase of over 35% since 2020.

The largest jump in jetski licences has been among Generation Z, those born between 1995 and 2010. There are more than 23,000 licenced riders aged between 13 and 28 in NSW, an increase of 22% on this time last year.

The top 5 Local Government Areas for newly issued licences are Canterbury-Bankstown, Sutherland Shire, Central Coast, Lake Macquarie and the Northern Beaches.

A spate of serious injuries involving personal watercraft, including jetskis, has authorities on high alert a week into the new year. Locations of particular concern to authorities are Brighton Beach and Georges River in Sydney.

For more information on jetski safety, check out the Personal Watercraft (PWC) Handbook.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:

“Jetskis are a lot of fun, but they’ve got to be used responsibly.

“The best way to enjoy a day out on a jetski is to plan your adventure, pack essentials like water, food and sunscreen, wear a lifejacket and stick to the rules.

“It’s great to see a new generation enjoying our beautiful waterways, but inexperience means they need to be extra vigilant when it comes to safety.

“Dangerous driving can be deadly, so ski carefully and look out for yourself and others.”

Member for East Hills Kylie Wilkinson said:

“The George’s River is South-West Sydney’s very own water wonderland where locals from Picnic Point to Bankstown come to cool off and create fun memories with the whole family. Everyone has a role to play in making it a safe place for boaters, swimmers and jetskiers alike.

“We’re lucky to live on the banks of one of NSW’s most beautiful and accessible inland waterways, the George’s River. Compliance blitzs like these keep our waterways safe. It’s important that everyone knows the rules, behaves sensibly and is looking out for each other so people can keep making happy memories here for generations to come.”

Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park said:

“Speeding and unsafe riding on a jetski is a recipe for disaster on our waterways.

“Jetskis are overrepresented in serious injury incidents, if you have an accident on one, it’s highly likely you’ll suffer a serious injury.”

“They are fast and they don’t offer much protection. Use common-sense if you jump on one.

“We want our Illawarra and South Coast communities to feel safe and relaxed when using all of our beautiful waterways, including Lake Illawarra. If jetski riders are making others uncomfortable, Maritime will take action.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

“A fun day on the water shouldn’t turn into a tragedy.

“It’s great we’re seeing locals enjoy our Hunter waterways on jetskis, including young people. But we need them to look after themselves, and each other. Safety and compliance are the priorities.

“When you take out a jetski, just like anything on the water, follow the rules so everyone can relax and enjoy themselves.”

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said:

“The Central Coast’s beautiful waterways are one of the things that make the Coast such a wonderful place to live. While we are out and about on the water this summer, it’s important to remember that our beaches and waterways are there for everyone to enjoy.

“I am always thrilled to see people get out and enjoy the water in new ways and encourage everyone to get out and enjoy our stunning maritime landscapes. However please remember, safety always comes first. Be mindful of those around you in the water, making sure that everyone can stay cool and safe on our beautiful waterways this summer.”

Jetski Club member Wahib Gereige said:

“Spending a day out on your jetski with friends is what summer’s all about. Ruining it for others by being reckless or irresponsible, isn’t.

“There is a stigma about jetski riders which is giving us all a bad reputation. Rules and regulations are there for a reason, respect them and everyone can have a great time out on the water.”

2024 New Year’s resolutions for Chris Minns

Leader of the NSW Opposition Mark Speakman has called on Premier Chris Minns to put the people of NSW first in 2024 and make some New Year’s resolutions to fix his Government’s many failures.

“There is a long list of New Year’s resolutions Chris Minns should make, and it should start with removing his two of his embattled Ministers from their critical portfolios,” Mr Speakman said.

“Jo Haylen’s ‘jobs for Labor mates’ scandal continues to distract from the important task of delivering on our state’s transport needs. Yasmin Catley has failed to comprehend the most basic elements of her job as Police Minister.”

“Chris Minns should also resolve to address the ongoing cost-of-living crisis with better support for families and households. He should immediately adopt the Coalition’s energy relief plan which would see every household in NSW eligible for $250 off their bills.”

“Chris Minns went to the election saying he would ‘roll over’ important cost-of-living programs including Active Kids, Creative Kids and back-to-school vouchers. Instead, he viciously cut these programs leaving many families worse off in the middle of Labor’s cost-of-living crisis.”

Chris Minns’ New Year’s resolutions list, for starters:

Remove embattled Ministers Jo Haylen and Yasmin Catley.
Restore cost-of-living support for families and households.
Come clean on impact of union wage deals.
Reverse heartless cuts to palliative care.
Involve local communities in addressing housing supply.
Outline new infrastructure plans to match new housing proposals.
Reverse attacks on community clubs.
Reverse parking charges for hospital staff.
Address the state’s rising road toll.

The NSW Opposition will continue to hold the Minns Labor Government to account in 2024, put families and households before unions and deliver the vision and drive that NSW deserves.

Missing man located – Newcastle

A man reported missing from Newcastle has been located.

The 31-year-old was last seen at a licensed venue on Wharf Road, around 5.30pm yesterday (Sunday 7 January 2024).

Officers from Newcastle City were notified and commenced inquiries to find him.

Following extensive inquiries the man was located safe at Waratah today (Monday 8 January 2024).

Police would like to thank the public and the media for their assistance.

Missing woman located – Port Stephens/Hunter PD

A woman reported missing from Newcastle has been located.

The 35-year-old was last seen in Newcastle about 5.30pm Saturday (6 January 2024).

Officers from Port Stephens/Hunter Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Following extensive inquiries, the woman was located safe at Stroud yesterday (Sunday 7 January 2024).

Police would like to thank the public and the media for their assistance.

Missing man located- Raymond Terrace

A man reported missing from Newcastle has been located.

The 25-year-old was last seen at Raymond Terrace about 2.30pm Saturday (6 January 2024).

Officers from Newcastle City were notified and commenced inquiries to find him.

Following extensive inquiries the man was located safe at Thornton today (Monday 8 January 2024).

Police would like to thank the public and the media for their assistance.