Queensland Border

Link to apply for Border Pass here (valid until 1am Saturday 8 August)

Link to apply for exemption here

What are the changes from 1.00am Saturday 8 August?

Hotspots

All of Victoria, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory are now COVID-19 hotspots. COVID-19 hotspots are updated regularly here.

Border residents

A border zone resident is someone who lives in a community on the Queensland New South Wales border. See the map here (PDF). This includes both sides of the border – people who live in Queensland but work or go to school in their neighbouring border town, or people who live in New South Wales but come to work or school in their neighbouring border town in Queensland. Border zone residents can cross the border for any purpose.

Queensland border zone residents cannot travel outside the border zone in New South Wales and New South Wales border zone residents cannot travel outside the border zone in either Queensland or New South Wales.

Travel by air

You can only enter Queensland from a hotspot if you travel by air. You cannot travel by road through a hotspot.

The only people allowed to enter Queensland by road are:

• truck drivers
• workers related to the transport of freight and logistics
• people performing essential activities
• border zone residents.

Children and mandatory quarantine

Everyone, including children, must quarantine in government arranged accommodation. You will need to quarantine with your child in the accommodation, at your expense. If you have other children that you are caring for, they will need to quarantine with you unless you can make other arrangements for them to be cared for.

You will have to apply for an exemption from the Chief Health Officer in order to send your child to Queensland from a hotspot by themselves. This is to ensure that no one under the age of 18 is unaccompanied in government arranged quarantine.

Essential Activity

Changes have been made to who is classed as providing an essential activity.

Link to Essential Activities

Flying out of Melbourne Tullamarine airport

If you have had a layover at Melbourne Tullamarine airport you will be required to quarantine for 14 days in government arranged accommodation at your own expense when you arrive. If you completed your quarantine in Melbourne Tullamarine airport you will be required to complete another 14 days quarantine upon arrival into Queensland.

If you have had a layover at an airport located in other hotspots, you will be able to enter Queensland without quarantining as long as you didn’t leave the airport.

Overview

To slow the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) the Queensland Government is tightening its border restrictions.

Anyone can enter Queensland unless they have been in a COVID-19 hotspot in the last 14 days.

The tightening of restrictions means people who have been in a COVID-19 hotspot within the last 14 days will no longer be able to quarantine in Queensland and will be turned away at our border. This applies to everyone who has been in a COVID-19 hotspot in the past 14 days, except people needed in Queensland for essential activities. Queensland residents who have been in a COVID-19 hotspot can return home but will be required to quarantine in government provided accommodation at their expense.

COVID-19 hotspots are updated regularly here. Currently all of Victoria, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory are COVID-19 hotspots.

You must complete a Queensland Border Declaration Pass before you come to Queensland. This will include agreeing to get tested for COVID-19 if you develop any symptoms within 14 days of arriving in Queensland.

You will have to quarantine when you enter Queensland if you:

• have been overseas in last 14 days
• have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19 in the last 14 days
• have been in a COVID-19 hotspot in the last 14 days (and you are allowed to enter)
• have COVID-19 or have had COVID-19 in the last 14 days
• have had COVID-19 symptoms in the last 14 days
• are a Queensland border zone resident who travelled outside the border zone in New South Wales
• are a New South Wales border zone resident who travelled outside the border zone in either New South Wales or Queensland.

You are only allowed to enter Queensland if you have been in a hotspot in the last 14 days, if:

• your usual residence is in Queensland or you are moving to Queensland
• you are a border zone resident
• you need to comply with an order to attend a Court or Tribunal or to give effect to orders of the Court or Tribunal
• you have to fulfil a legal obligation relating to shared parenting or child contact
• you have to assist with or participate in a State or Commonwealth law enforcement investigation or other action at the request or direction of a State or Commonwealth department or law enforcement agency
• you need to come to Queensland to complete an essential activity
• you arrive into Queensland by air and you transfer directly to another flight to leave Queensland and don’t leave the airport or quarantine until your flight out of Queensland
• you were in a COVID-19 hotspot for the sole purpose of transiting through an airport and didn’t leave the airport, excluding Melbourne Tullamarine airport
• you are a student at a higher education institution or boarding school and are entering Queensland for study, parents and guardians are allowed to accompany students who are minors
• you are entering to receive essential medical care, or to provide support to a person receiving essential medical care.

You will have to provide evidence of the above when entering Queensland.

You will be required to complete 14 days mandatory quarantine in government arranged accommodation at your own expense unless exceptional circumstances apply.

You do not have to quarantine if you are arriving from a COVID-19 hotspot if you:

• need to come to Queensland to complete an essential activity
• arrive into Queensland by air and you transfer directly to another flight to leave Queensland or quarantine until your flight out of Queensland
• were in a COVID-19 hotspot for the sole purpose of transiting through an airport, excluding Melbourne Tullamarine airport
• can provide evidence that you completed mandatory hotel quarantine in a COVID-19 hotspot and immediately transited to Queensland, unless you flew out of Melbourne Tullamarine airport
• are a border zone resident and have not been in a hotspot in the last 14 days.

If you are exempt from quarantine, you will need to keep and retain records of close contacts whilst you are in Queensland for two weeks after you arrive in Queensland. Strengthened enforcement will be present at Queensland borders, including screening of Queensland Border Declaration Passes and identification. There are also increased penalties for providing false or misleading information. If you breach any of the requirements under the Borders Direction, you may be subject to enforcement, including an on the spot fine of $1334, a court-imposed penalty of up to $13,345 or 6 months imprisonment.

If you provide false, misleading or incorrect information on a Border Declaration it is an offence punishable by a fine of $4,004, a court-imposed penalty of up to $13,345 or 6 months imprisonment.

The official public health direction is available here.

What this means for you

• You will need to obtain a Queensland Border Declaration Pass to cross the border even if you are a returning Queenslander. Applications can be done at the border, however you may face delays
• You will need to provide satisfactory evidence of identity such as a driver’s license or Medicare card
• You will need to commit to get tested for COVID-19 if you develop symptoms within 14 days of entering Queensland.

COVID-International Travel Restrictions

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed Australia and the world around us. Globally, there has been more than 12 million confirmed cases, resulting in half a million deaths.

Here in Australia, our border closures have helped to limit the spread of COVID-19.

I do appreciate that the Morrison Government’s international border closures do have consequences – both social and economic – as families are separated from each other, and businesses that rely on the movement of people struggle to operate.

The Morrison Government has been clear that they will always follow the medical advice in relation to our international borders.

The current border restrictions mean that Australians cannot travel overseas, and only Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family can fly into the country. The Australian Border Force Commissioner is responsible for providing exemptions to these rules; however, exemptions are only being granted for the most exceptional of circumstances.

Labor has always sought to be constructive and supportive of the Government as it manages this health and economic crisis.

We will continue to hold the Morrison Government to account to ensure that it is making the best decisions to protect the health of Australians and the health of the Australian economy, based on the best possible evidence.

You can find out more about the Morrison Government’s border restrictions at: https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/

The Minister for Home Affairs is responsible for managing Australia’s borders. You can contact the Minister by post, email or phone:

The Hon Peter Dutton MP

Minister for Home Affairs

PO Box 6022
House of Representatives
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600

Tel: 02 6277 7860

Email: peter.dutton.mp@aph.gov.au

NSW – Rules & Restrictions

For more information visit the NSW Covid Updates Page here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/what-you-can-and-cant-do-under-rules#upcoming-changes

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – JobKeeper Payment

JOBKEEPER PAYMENT FOR EMPLOYEES

Under the JobKeeper Payment, businesses impacted by the Coronavirus will be able to access a wage
subsidy from the Government to continue paying their employees.

Affected employers will be able to claim a fortnightly payment of $1,500 per eligible employee from 30 March 2020, for a maximum of 6 months.

Eligible employees will receive a minimum of $1,500 per fortnight, before tax.

It will be up to the employer if they want to pay superannuation on any additional wage paid because of JobKeeper Payments.

Eligible employees include Australian citizens, the holder of a permanent visa, a Protected Special Category
Visa Holder, a non-protected Special Category Visa Holder who has been residing continually in Australia for
10 years or more, or a Special Category (Subclass 444) Visa Holder.

Full time and part time employees, including stood down employees, would be eligible for the JobKeeper
Payment. Where a casual employee has been with their employer for at least the previous 12 months they
will also be eligible for the Payment.

Employees will be able to receive this payment in a number of different ways:

• If you ordinarily receive $1,500 or more in income per fortnight before tax, you will continue to
receive your regular income according to the prevailing workplace arrangements. The JobKeeper Payments will subsidise part or all of your income.
• If you ordinarily receive less than $1,500 in income per fortnight before tax, your employer must pay
you, at a minimum, $1,500 per fortnight, before tax.
• If you have been stood down, your employer must pay you, at a minimum, $1,500 per fortnight,
before tax.
• If you were employed on 1 March 2020, subsequently ceased employment and then were re-engaged
by the same eligible employer, you will receive, at a minimum, $1,500 per fortnight, before tax.

For more information or to register for the JobKeeper Payment visit here:  https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/jobkeeper

Three-Step Plan

For each of the major areas of restrictions a three key step plan has been designed:

• Step 1 will focus on carefully reopening the economy, and giving Australians opportunities to return to work and social activities, including gatherings of up to 10 people, up to 5 visitors in the family home and some local and regional travel
• Step 2 builds on this with gatherings of up to 20, and more businesses reopening, including gyms, beauty services and entertainment venues like galleries and cinemas.
• Step 3 will see a transition to COVID safe ways of living and working, with gatherings of up to 100 people permitted. Arrangements under step 3 will be the ‘new normal’ while the virus remains a threat. International travel and mass gatherings over 100 people will remain restricted.

Under the three-step plan, states and territories continue to make decisions to their individual circumstances and local conditions.

Jurisdictions may ease restrictions at a different pace. Individuals and business should look to local authorities for the most up to date information, or visit  www.australia.gov.au to be linked to state and territory resources.

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – Support for Child Care

SUPPORT FOR CHILD CARE

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – Centrelink Assistance

MAKING A CLAIM – CENTRELINK AND MYGOV

I know that many locals are having a lot of trouble getting through on the phone. We’re calling on the Government to fix this urgently.

**The Centrelink contact number is 132 850 and call centre hours have been extended from 8am to 8pm Monday-Friday, and 9am to 5pm on weekends.**

The easiest way to register for the JobSeeker allowance is to go online to www.my.gov.au, log in to your myGov account, and register an intent to claim. It takes two clicks to lodge, provided you already have a myGov account.

You will then be contacted by a Centrelink worker either by phone or email to ask for any additional information they may require to progress your claim.

Currently all claims through this process can be backdated to Monday 23 March, or when you first experienced the loss of income

If you lodge an intent to claim, your payments will now be backdated to your lodgement date.

Anyone with a current email address and mobile number can register for myGov.

INCOME SUPPORT

The Government is temporarily expanding eligibility to income support payments and establishing a new, time-limited Coronavirus supplement to be paid at a rate of $550 per fortnight. This supplement will be paid to both existing and new recipients of the eligible payment categories. These changes will apply for the next six months.

Waiting periods and the assets test will also be waived.

Eligibility:

The income support payment categories eligible to receive the Coronavirus supplement are:

• Jobseeker Payment (and all payments progressively transitioning to JobSeeker Payment; those currently receiving Partner Allowance, Widow Allowance, Sickness Allowance and Wife Pension)
• Youth Allowance Jobseeker
• Parenting Payment (Partnered and Single)
• Farm Household Allowance
• Special Benefit recipients
• Youth Allowance, Austudy or ABSTUDY

Anyone who is eligible for the Coronavirus supplement will receive the full rate of the supplement of $550 per fortnight.

Jobseeker Payment and Youth Allowance Jobseeker criteria will provide payment access for permanent employees who are stood down or lose their employment. Sole traders, the self-employed, casual workers, and contract workers who meet the income tests as a result of the economic downturn due to the Coronavirus may also be eligible. This could also include a person required to care for someone who is affected by the Coronavirus.

To claim online, people who do not already deal with Services Australia will need to set up their myGov account, call to verify their identity, and get a link to their Centrelink online account.

In the case of sole traders and the self-employed, applicants will make a declaration that their business has been suspended or had turnover reduced significantly.

For more information visit treasury.gov.au/coronavirus

Businesses can visit business.gov.au to find out more

For more information on how to access payments visit www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/

For more information on eligibility and payments visit the Department of Social Services here: www.dss.gov.au/about-the-department/coronavirus-covid-19-information-and-support

SUPPORT PAYMENTS

These payments will provide assistance to lower income Australians, including pensioners, other social security and veteran income support recipients and eligible concession card holders.

The Government is providing two separate $750 payments to social security, veteran and other income support recipients and eligible concession card holders.

These payments will support households to manage the economic impact of the Coronavirus.

• The first payment (announced on 12 March 2020) will be available to people who are eligible payment recipients and concession card holders at any time from 12 March 2020 to 13 April 2020 inclusive.

• The second payment will be available to people who are eligible payment recipients and concession
card holders on 10 July 2020.

A person can be eligible to receive both a first and second support payment. However, they can only
receive one $750 payment in each round of payments, even if they qualify in each round of the payments in
multiple ways.

Eligibility for the first payment

To be eligible for the first payment, you must be residing in Australia and be receiving one of the following
payments, or hold one of the following concession cards, at any time from 12 March 2020 to 13 April 2020,
inclusive:
• Age Pension
• Disability Support Pension
• Carer Payment
• Parenting Payment
• Wife Pension
• Widow B Pension
• ABSTUDY (Living Allowance)
• Austudy
• Bereavement Allowance
• Newstart Allowance
• JobSeeker Payment
• Youth Allowance
• Partner Allowance
• Sickness Allowance
• Special Benefit
• Widow Allowance
• Family Tax Benefit, including Double Orphan
Pension
• Carer Allowance
• Pensioner Concession Card (PCC) holders
• Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders
• Veteran Service Pension; Veteran Income
Support Supplement; Veteran Compensation
payments, including lump sum payments;
War Widow(er) Pension; and Veteran
Payment.
• DVA PCC holders; DVA Education Scheme
recipients; Disability Pensioners at the
temporary special rate; DVA Income support
pensioners at $0 rate.
• Veteran Gold Card holders
• Farm Household Allowance

Eligibility for the second payment

To be eligible for the second payment, you must be residing in Australia and be receiving one of the payments or holding one of the concession cards that were eligible for the first payment, except for those who are receiving an income support payment that is eligible to receive the Coronavirus supplement.

Income support recipients that are eligible to receive the Coronavirus supplement are:
• JobSeeker Payment (and payments progressively transitioning into JobSeeker Payment)
• Youth Allowance Jobseeker
• Parenting Payment (Partnered and Single)
• Farm Household Allowance
• Special Benefit

For more information visit treasury.gov.au/coronavirus

Businesses can visit business.gov.au to find out more

For more information on how to access payments visit www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/

OTHER 

The temporary waiving of the Liquid Assets Waiting Period and Newly Arrived Migrants Waiting Period for working age payments; and

A further reduction of the deeming rates to 0.25 per cent as the lower rate and 2.25 per cent as the upper rate – from May.

Those who are eligible to receive the Coronavirus supplement; have had their income or hours significantly reduced or are a sole trader are eligible to withdraw from their superannuation up to $10,000 in 2019-20 and $10,000 in 2020-21.

For more information visit treasury.gov.au/coronavirus

Businesses can visit business.gov.au to find out more

For more information on how to access payments visit www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/

FAQ’s

What’s the easiest way for me to register for JobSeeker allowance?

Go online to www.my.gov.au, log in to your myGov account, and register an intent to claim. It takes two clicks to lodge, provided you already have a myGov account.You will then be contacted by a Centrelink worker either by phone or email to ask for any additional information they may require to progress your claim.
Currently all claims through this process can be backdated to Monday 23 March, or when you first experienced the loss of income. If you registered your intent to claim by Sunday 29 March, and complete your full
claim by 19 April, Centrelink will backpay your claim from 23 March. There is a current glitch in the confirmation screen which says your claim will be backdated to the date of lodgement. Both the Minister and Services Australia’s
General Manager have made statements that it will be backdated to 23 March. They
are fixing the confirmation screen but it may confuse people in the meantime.

What if the myGov website isn’t working?

Capacity on the myGov website has been increased substantially this week however there are still a lot of complaints that people can’t get through. Expect delays, but do keep trying. You can try calling Centrelink on 132 850 but the phone lines also have significant delays on them. It is not advised to visit a Centrelink service centre at this time, as the queues are very long and it’s not safe to be out if it can be avoided.

What if I don’t have a myGov account?

Anyone with a current email address and mobile number can register for myGov.
Once you’re registered, you will need to link at least one service to access the intent to claim home screen.
We recommend linking ATO or Medicare as the primary service first, as, for most
people, a CRN from Centrelink is required to link the online Centrelink service.
CRNs can only be obtained over the phone or in person, which will cause additional delays.
ATO or Medicare are simpler to link, and the intent to claim button should then appear on the home screen when logged on to myGov.

*Do I need a CRN to access JobSeeker allowance?

You can now lodge an intent to claim online without a CRN.
A member of Centrelink will then contact you by email or phone to get any further information they need to process your claim. This will include an identity check over the phone to obtain a CRN if you don’t have one.
But if you’ve lodged an intent to claim earlier, your payments will be backdated to Monday 23 March.

How do I know if I’ve got a CRN or not?

It is the customer reference number at the top of any correspondence you’ve received from Centrelink. If you don’t know it, and you think you need it, please call Centrelink on 132 850. But remember, you no longer need a CRN to lodge an intent to claim online.

What happens after I lodge the intent to claim?

The government has reported that hundreds of thousands of these forms have been lodged so far. We don’t know how long it will take them to get through them, but all claims may be backdated to March 23, or when you first experienced the loss of income. Once you have lodged the intent to claim, Centrelink will give you a call over the
coming days. This call will be from an unknown number, so keep your phone close and have your identity documents ready. If you have security concerns when you’re speaking to the operator, they can give
you a number to call back on which will be answered immediately and you can continue to progress your claim.
When your application is complete, you’ll be notified of its status through the myGov messages portal.

How can I speak to someone over the phone?
Centrelink phone hours have been extended to 8am – 8pm weekdays, and 9am-5pm on weekends, all local times. The general phone number for JobSeekers is 132 850.
People are experiencing long wait times on the phone, so if you can use online services, it is recommended.

How do I report my income during this time?

We know Centrelink services are currently overwhelmed with new applicants, and that might cause delays to those accessing their regular services, including income reporting. There are different phone numbers for each service, so make sure you are calling the correct one and use online services where you can. If you are unable to get through, keep trying, and keep a note of all your attempts to do so. If you would normally have reported on Wednesday 25 March, Thursday 26 March or Friday 27 March, you don’t need to have reported to get your payment. Centrelink
will pay you automatically. The government has now extended this to include Monday 30 March to Friday 3
April.

Do I need a separation certificate to prove I’m unemployed?

Centrelink have indicated that they are now flexible with this requirement. At this stage, they require evidence that you have been terminated or stood down which could be a text message or email from your employer, or a declaration from yourself. From April 27, they will waive it altogether.

I already started processing a claim last week before these changes came in. Should I continue with it?

Yes. If you’ve lodged a full claim instead of the intention to claim, Centrelink will still
pay your claim from 23 March (or earlier if you claimed earlier). You must have lodged your full claim by 29 March to be eligible for the backpay.

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – Travel Advice

TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

From 25 March 2020 Australians are banned from travelling overseas.

COVID-19 (Coronavirus​) and the Australian border

From 9pm AEDT 20 March 2020, only Australian citizens, residents and immediate family members can travel to Australia.

There is a complete travel ban for non-residents and non-citizens coming to Australia.

All travellers to Australia are required  to self-isolate, either at home or in a hotel, for 14 days. This applies to all travellers, including Australian citizens. For details see the Australian Border Force website.

Contact your airline, travel agent or insurance company to discuss your travel plans and options for cancelling or postponing current bookings, or to arrange commercial flights back to Australia.

All cruise ships which have sailed from a foreign port have been banned from entering Australian ports for 30 days.

The Foreign Minister decided on 17 March to offer voluntary departures globally for all dependants of staff at our overseas posts, staff at high risk due to underlying health conditions and staff the head of mission considers non-essential for ongoing operations.

For more information see our Coronavirus (COVID-19) – information for Australian travellers page.

For urgent consular assistance contact:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 from within Australia
• +61 421 269 080 from SMS

For non-urgent inquiries, email smartraveller@dfat.gov.au

The Australian Government has announced:

• all travellers to Australia will be required to self-isolate for 14 days
• a ban on cruise liners from foreign ports arriving at Australian ports for 30 days.
• Australians are banned from travelling overseas

Australian citizens and permanent residents will still be able to enter, as will their immediate family members (spouses, legal guardians or dependants only). They will be required to self-isolate at home for 14 days from the day they left China, Iran, the Republic of Korea or Italy.

Information on travel restrictions, visa’s, self isolation and more can be found online through the Smart Traveller website and  Department of Home Affairs 

COVID-19 (Coronavirus​) and State Borders

Tasmania, the Northern Territory, Western Australia, Queensland and South Australia  have announced border closures.

Anyone entering is to self-isolate for 14 days.

Exemption for border communities:

Who is exempt from the requirement to enter quarantine for 14 days

Those living outside the state who provide critical services to Queensland:

• National/state security
• Essential health services
• Emergency services
• Transport of goods or freight including food
• Critical maintenance/repair to critical infrastructure in Queensland
• Mining/energy/agribusiness who have a plan to manage COVID-19 transmission among employees.

Queensland also allows a general compassionate grounds exemption as well as specific exemptions for those who live outside Queensland who:

• Are carers/relatives of dependent people in Queensland
• Need to obtain essential medical treatment including visiting terminally ill relatives in Queensland
• Are interstate boarding school students where school is closed
• Are required to comply with the law to travel to Queensland (for example, Family Court, parole/bail conditions).

Additional exemptions:

• People who live outside Queensland but near the border who ordinarily work or study in Queensland to travel for that purpose, or travel interstate to obtain essential goods and services
• FIFO workers in commercial construction, fishing, mining, energy or agribusiness industries.

To support these restrictions, from midnight tonight, Wednesday 25 March, the following roads will be closed:

• Nerang-Murwillumbah Road at Springbrook
• Tomewin Mountain Road at Currumbin Valley
• Kent Street at intersection with Toolan Street at Coolangatta
• Dixon Street roundabout with no access to Queensland from Charles Street to Florence Street at Coolangatta
• Dixon Street at intersection with Bay Street at Coolangatta
• Miles Street at Coolangatta opposite Len Peak Oval.

More information can be found online here: https://mypolice.qld.gov.au/news/2020/03/25/border-restrictions/

Coronavirus- Virgin Airlines

I have called on the Morrison Liberal-National government to guarantee that Australia’s two major airlines will survive, to protect local jobs, services and ongoing access to regular and affordable flights to other parts of the country.

We know our local tourism industry has already suffered a series of blows, beginning with the bushfires late last year. We have also seen the Coronavirus (COVID-19) have an impact on our international visitors as far back as January this year. Then we had the added impact of travel restrictions affecting domestic tourism.

Australia needs a two-airline system to ensure that access is given to regional areas like ours on the North Coast.

Whilst Labor welcomes the Government’s announcement that it will cover an initial eight weeks of flights on a number of critical metropolitan routes, regional routes, like to those to Ballina and Gold Coast, will still miss out. Our local economy has already suffered a series of blows as a result of Coronavirus, and we cannot afford a further hit by losing Virgin Australia.

It is so important for our local economy with so many local jobs at risk; local pilots, flight attendants, clerical staff and those who work in Ballina and Gold Coast airport terminals.

There are also thousands of jobs at risk in our local tourism sector who rely on Virgin and a robust two-airline system to service our communities. It’s not only the direct jobs created by Virgin – our local tourism industry depends on the flights that Virgin provides and the tourism jobs it sustains.

If Virgin is allowed to fail then thousands of locals, from Tweed Heads to Ballina will pay the price, and it will slow the recovery of our local economy once the Coronavirus outbreak passes.

The Prime Minister must provide direct support to Virgin, through extending or guaranteeing lines of credit and taking an equity stake.

The Morrison Government has provided direct support to some regional airlines, including the majority foreign-owned Regional Express, with a $100 million package to address the cash flow crisis.

I want to make sure our regional aviation sector is here in the long-term to help support local jobs. Without any support we know locals will also see an increase in fares. That is a guarantee. We know that fares are very much attached to the possibility of people coming on holidays here on the North Coast.

Scott Morrison and his Liberal-National government need to guarantee Australia’s two major airlines will survive to protect local jobs, as well as services and ongoing access to regular and affordable flights to other parts of the country.

Our local communities and regional areas depend on a strong domestic aviation industry with two major airlines, supported by budget partners and strong regional networks to keep airfares affordable and ensure regular access.

Scott Morrison and his Government must urgently extend a lifeline to Virgin Australia to support jobs and livelihoods of locals across the North Coast.

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – NSW State Border 

Coming into the holiday period presents a unique and special danger for the North Coast, as we are a prized holiday location.

Please be assured that I support in the strongest terms NSW Labor Leader Jodi Mckay’s call to the Berejiklian Liberal-National Government to shut our border with Queensland.

I’ve also publicly called on Premier Gladys Berejiklian to close our border to Queensland given the unprecedent risk to lives Coronavirus presents.

Please also see my Facebook post: www.facebook.com/JustineElliotMP/photos/a.397346543685975/2810813642339241/?type=3&theater

I’ve also written to the NSW Premier requesting that she urgently close the NSW border.

To make your voice heard please email the NSW Premier your concerns on
admin@premier.nsw.gov.au
and also: willoughby@parliament.nsw.gov.au

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – Tenancy Advice

It is clear the Coronavirus will hit a lot of Australian families hard.

For people who lose their job or lose hours at work it will make it much harder to pay the mortgage or pay the rent.

Our home is our castle. In the next few months it is going to be our fortress.

Housing is now on the frontline of Australian healthcare.

More and more Australians are being told to stay at home. You can’t stay at home if you don’t have one. You can’t stay at home if you’ve been evicted because you’ve lost your job and can’t pay the rent.

Labor has welcomed the National Cabinet’s decision to suspend the commencement of eviction proceedings over the next six months for tenants in financial distress due to the impact of Coronavirus.

We have consistently said that no one should lose their home, whether they own it or rent it, because of the virus. This will help.

We await the full details of how the states and territories will roll this out.

There is still more to do. It is important that the Government also consider measures to ensure that the electricity, the gas and the phone are not disconnected for people financially impacted by the Coronavirus.

It is also important that landlords and homeowners are protected. They rely on that rent to be able to put food on the table, pay the bills, pay the mortgage.

The Prime Minister has announced that evictions will be put on hold for 6 months by the states and territories.

Landlords and renters are encouraged to talk about short term agreements.

If you are experiencing any issues with your rental please contact your local Tenants’ Advice and Advocacy Service:

Northern Rivers Tenants Advice and Advocacy Service (NORTAAS) Phone (02) 6621 1022 or 1800 649 135 Website: northernriversclc.org.au

There are also a range of factsheets available on the tenants union website: https://www.tenants.org.au/tu

Priority Assistance for Shopping

To ensure vulnerable customers in our community have access to delivery services at this time, some supermarkets will be providing a Priority Assistance service with dedicated delivery windows. Eligible customers include seniors, people with a disability and those with compromised immunity or who are required to self isolate.

• WOOLWORTHS has started a Priority Assistance service with dedicated delivery windows for those who are elderly, disabled, immunocompromised or required to self-isolate. Sign up here: https://www.woolworths.com.au/s…/discover/priorityassistance or call customer care on  Tel: 1800 000 610
• Coles Online Priority Service (COPS) – Coles home delivery

  The Coles Online Priority Service provides a home delivery service for eligible customers who can’t always get to a store to buy everyday groceries. Currently, access to COPS is restricted to:

  – existing Coles Online and flybuys customers who are aged over 70 and had previously registered their date of birth;

  – People over 65 years of age with a My Aged Care number or NDIS number participants with a NDIS issued access code;

  – Indigenous Australians over the age of 50 with a My Aged Care number or NDIS number;

  – NDIS participants with a NDIS issued access code;

  – Members of Coles Online registered charities (e.g. cancer organisations and Cystic Fybrosis Australia) and

  – Certain aged care, disability care and other businesses that support vulnerable communities.

  Eligible customers can access the service by visiting www.shop.coles.com.au, creating a Coles Online account and entering their My Aged Care number, unique NDIS code or code provided by a Coles Online registered charity. Most eligible customers should be able to begin shopping immediately however our systems may take up to 24 hours to update during periods of high traffic.

  Customers who are unable to place an order online can call Coles Customer Care on 1800 061 562.

• Tweed Byron Community Transport : For local assistance getting to shops or essential services or appointments you may also like to contact Tweed Byron Community Transport on Tel: 1300 875 895 or online www.community-transport.org.au/

Special opening hours have been introduced at Coles and Woolworths to help older Australians, and people with disabilities, get access to the supplies they need.

To purchase groceries during this hour you will be asked to present your Australian Government (Centrelink) issued Pensioner Concession Card or Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, or Health Care Card or your state Government issued ‘Seniors Cards’ or ‘Companion card’.

See the times below:

Woolworths: 07:00am to 08:00am each day.

Coles: 07:00am to 08:00am on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Other supermarkets may also have special arrangements for older people. Please contact your local supermarket directly for more information.

Many of our local smaller shopping centres & businesses are also offering services to assist those in our community who require assistance.

See the following list (not comprehensive):

IGA Tweed Valley will home deliver. Contact them on 0266 724 288 or via email on tweedvalley@youriga.com.au

IGA Mullumbimby will home deliver. Contact them via email homedelivery@madjack.com.au or put your order in online via https://www.dinoshome.com.au

IGA Lennox Head – Local delivery is available for our self isolating ,elderly community, and anyone who lives in Lennox Head, Skennars Head. They kindly ask for the purchase to be above $50. Contact them on 0266 877 594 or via email : lhiga@thelennox.com.au

Note: Ballina Council has set up a hotline for residents to link them with up assistance for shopping, deliveries & transport Tel:  1300 864 444

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – Health Information

***Coronavirus (COVID-19) Health Information Hotline: 1800 020 080 ***

Call this line if you are seeking information on coronavirus (COVID-19). The line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The World Health Organization has announced that COVID-19 is a pandemic.

For fact sheets that outline the funding measures available to help combat coronavirus (COVID-19) please visit health.gov/resources

Public gatherings, excluding household members, have been reduced to a maximum of two people.

Everyone should stay home unless you are: shopping for essentials, receiving medical care, exercising or travelling to work or education.

People aged over 70, aged over 60 with pre-existing conditions, or Indigenous people aged over 50 should stay home wherever possible for their own protection.

Pubs, licensed clubs and hotels (excluding accommodation), gyms, skateparks, indoor sporting venues, cinemas, beauty salons, play centres and outside playgrounds, places of worship and other public places must be closed. There are restrictions on attendance at weddings, funerals and outdoor fitness classes. Supermarkets and pharmacies remain open.

Isolated remote community hubs are not included in these restrictions.

Additional and New Restrictions are now in place including the following:

• cancellation of ANZAC day ceremonies
• restrictions on visitors to aged care facilities

-Important Coronavirus information from the Department of Health-

Official advice is to follow these simple steps to help slow the spread of the virus and to reduce the risk of infection:

Wash your hands with soap and water before and after eating, and also after using the toilet

Avoid physical contact with others when possible

Cough into your elbow or into a clean tissue, then throw the tissue in the bin

Seek medical attention if you’re feeling sick. Be aware that most people currently experiencing cold and flu symptoms won’t have COVID-19

For more information and tips to help improve your safety and wellbeing, visit the Department of Health website

Information can also be found at NSW Health

***Coronavirus (COVID-19) Health Information Hotline: 1800 020 080 ***

Call this line if you are seeking information on Coronavirus (COVID-19).  The line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

It is important that everyone practice good hygiene:

• covering your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue
• disposing of tissues properly
• washing your hands often with soap and water, including before and after eating and after going to the toilet
• using alcohol-based hand sanitisers
• cleaning and disinfecting surfaces
• if you are sick, avoiding contact with others and staying more than 1.5 metres away from people
• cleaning and sanitising frequently used objects such as mobiles, keys and wallets

Read more about protective measures against coronavirus on the World Health Organization website.

Speciality COVID-19/Flu Clinics  

COVID-19/flu clinics are established at:

• Lismore Base Hospital (open from 10am to 6pm seven days a week)
• The Tweed Hospital (open from 10am to 6pm seven days a week)
• Byron Bay Hospital (open 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday)

The purpose of these clinics is for people who have respiratory symptoms or fever and who are at risk of COVID-19, for example because they were in contact with a COVID-19 case, or have returned from overseas in the 14 days before onset of symptoms.

People do not need to call ahead to attend these clinics, but if attending an Emergency Department outside these hours, or attending your GP, please phone ahead.

Self-isolation (self-quarantine)

You must self-isolate if any of the following applies to you:

• you have COVID-19
• you have been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19
• you arrived in Australia after midnight on 15 March 2020

If you do not need to self-isolate, you should still protect yourself and others.

How to self-isolate

Self-isolation lasts for 14 days

You must stay at home to prevent the possible spread of the virus to other people.

See specific advice for self-isolation when:

• you are sick (English, Simplified Chinese, Farsi and Korean)
• you are not sick (English, Simplified Chinese, Italian, Farsi and Korean)

Staying home means you:

• do not go to public places such as work, school, shopping centres, childcare or university
• ask someone to get food and other necessities for you and leave them at your front door
• do not let visitors in — only people who usually live with you should be in your home
• do not need to wear a mask in your home, but do wear one if you have to go out (for example to seek medical attention)
• should stay in touch by phone and online with your family and friends

Going outside

If you live in a private house, it is safe for you to go into your garden or courtyard. If you live in an apartment or are staying in a hotel, it is also safe for you to go into the garden but you should wear a surgical mask to minimise risk to others. You should also move quickly through common areas.

Social distancing

One way to slow the spread of viruses is social distancing. There are practical things you can do, to protect those more susceptible to the virus.

Households

• Practice good hand and cough/sneeze hygiene
• Avoid handshaking and other physical greetings
• Regularly clean shared high-touch surfaces, such as tables, kitchen benches and doorknobs
• Increase the amount of fresh air by opening windows or adjusting air conditioning
• Buy more goods and services online so you limit visits to the shop
• Consider what travel and outings are necessary, both individual and family, and go to open places such as parks

Aged and Residential Care

Older people are more at risk of both contracting COVID-19, and having a serious illness as a result. Managers, staff, family, friends and residents need to work together to protect our most vulnerable community members.

In order to protect older people, new restrictions on visits to aged care facilities apply.

Before planning a visit to a residential aged care facility it may be advisable to contact the service provider and have a chat about the visiting arrangements that are now in place to help curb the spread of coronavirus.

Visitors who have returned from overseas or been in contact with someone confirmed to have COVID-19 in the last 14 days will not be able to visit a residential aged care facility.

Nor will anyone with a fever, symptoms of a respiratory illness, or who has not been vaccinated against influenza, be able to visit.

From 1 May, you must have your influenza vaccination in order to visit an aged care facility.

Visits should be short, and conducted in the resident’s room, outside, or in a specific designated area (not a communal space).

For more information about the new restrictions on visits to aged care facilities apply please visit the resources link on the Health.gov website

For additional information on Aged and residential care restrictions, bulk billed tele-health services, respiratory clinics, symptoms and additional advice please  visit the website health.gov

TeleHealth

Temporary Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) and Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) items will allow doctors, nurses, midwives and mental health professionals to deliver services via telehealth, provided those services are bulk billed.

The new MBS items will allow people to access essential health services in their home while they undergo self-isolation or quarantine, and reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 for vulnerable people in the community.

This is a temporary six-month measure. Should the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) recommend an extension, it will be considered by the Government.

Telehealth services will be available to:

• people isolating themselves at home on the advice of a medical practitioner or in accordance with home isolation guidance issued by the AHPPC;
• people who meet the testing guidelines for COVID-19;
• people aged over 70;
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged over 50;
• people with chronic health conditions or who are immunocompromised; and
• parents with new babies and people who are pregnant.

People in isolation or quarantine for COVID-19 can see any eligible health provider through new telehealth items.  Patients in vulnerable groups can additionally see a health provider via telehealth for a non-COVID-19 matter if they have seen that provider, or another provider within the same practice, face-to-face at least once in the previous 12 months. Additional guides to these services for providers are available via MBS Online.

All services provided using the new MBS items must be bulk billed. The services will be available until 30 September 2020.

Home Medicines Service

In addition a temporary program has been set up so that vulnerable people, and those in home isolation, will be able to order their PBS and RPBS prescriptions remotely and have these items delivered to their homes to reduce their potential exposure to COVID-19.

The Home Medicines Service is a temporary program, which aims to support and protect the most vulnerable members of our community from potential exposure to novel coronavirus (COVID-19) by providing a fee per delivery payable to Australian pharmacies for the home delivery of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS) medications thereby removing the need for a patient to visit a Pharmacy.

Eligibility

This temporary measure will protect the most vulnerable members of our community and is available to Patients holding a Medicare or Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Card and are:

• Isolating themselves at home on the advice of a medical practitioner, for confirmed COVID-19 cases; or
• Meeting the current national triage protocol criteria for suspected COVID-19 infection after consultation with either the national COVID-19 hotline, state COVID-19 hotlines, a registered medical or nursing practitioner or COVID-19 trained health clinic triage staff; or
• Aged over 70; or
• Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and are aged over 50; or
• People with chronic health conditions or who are immunocompromised; or
• Parents with new babies or people who are pregnant.

Deliveries claimed through the Home Medicines Service Program cannot be made to individual patients more than once per month.

In the case where there are existing contracts in place for the delivery of medicines to residential aged care facilities, Home Medicines Service deliveries cannot be made to residents of residential aged care facilities.  Otherwise, this service is available to all patients meeting the above eligibility criteria.

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – Mortgage Relief

In response to the coronavirus outbreak, Australia’s big banks will be allowing home loan customers to defer their home loan repayments for up to six months. Other banks will be able to pause mortgage payments and offer other assistance-for the most up-to-date information always check with your lender directly.

Commonwealth Bank:

For further information visit: www.commbank.com.au/latest/coronavirus/faqs

• You will be able to defer home loan repayments for up to six months
• Interest will be capitalised
• Interest and charges will be added to your loan balance
• Your loan balance will be recalculated at the end of the support period
• Your loan term will be extended so repayments stay the same as they were before you started the deferral

Westpac:

If you are experiencing Financial Hardship please complete this form. If you need to defer your Home Loan repayments please complete this form. If you are a Business customer and need help please go here.

For further details on Westpac’s small business support measures and on how to apply, visit https://www.westpac.com.au/business-banking/small-business-relief/

Business General enquiries 132 142

Personal General enquiries 132 032

• You will be able to defer repayments for three months
• A three-month extension is available after review
• This option is for people who have lost their job or income as a result of coronavirus
• Deferred interest will be capitalised, so your repayments will increase for the remainder of your loan term

NAB:

If you’re experiencing personal or small business customer financial hardship, please contact NAB

• Personal – 1300 683 106 (Monday to Friday 8am-8pm AEST/AEDT; Saturday 9am-1pm AEST/AEDT)

• Business – 1300 769 650 (Monday to Friday 8am-6pm AEST/AEDT)

NAB customers can submit a request for support online with our specialist team. Alternatively, you can contact NAB on 13 22 65 for support.

• You will be able to defer your repayments for up to six months
• There will be a three-month checkpoint with the bank
• You are eligible if you are a home loan customer affected by coronavirus
• This applies for owner-occupiers, investors or those on a principal and interest or interest only repayment schedule
• You will still be able to redraw during the repayment pause

ANZ:

If your or your business has been affected by the financial impacts of COVID-19, please visit ANZ online at www.anz.com.au/promo/covid-19/

For Business support go to : www.anz.com.au/business/enquiry/

To apply for financial hardship go to www.anz/hardship/

Or, contact customer support for Home Owners on 13 25 99

Customer support for Business: 1800 413 950

• You may be able to put your repayments on hold for six months
• Interest will be capitalised
• The bank will check in with you after three months

It’s impossible to list every lender and their policy, the list below contains a significant number of Australian lenders outside the Big Four. For the most up-to-date information always check with your lender directly.

• UBank. Any UBank customer struggling to make repayments should call the customer support team on 1300 155 426.
• St.George, Bank of Melbourne and BankSA. These lenders are part of the Westpac group and have announced similar coronavirus support packages, including up to six months of repayment relief and lower fixed rates for new customers.
• Aussie. The mortgage broker and lender is offering support for its customers, but the specifics vary depending on whether Aussie is your broker, or your lender. Loan deferment is an option if you have an Aussie home loan. Read Aussie’s full support plan here.
• Bendigo and Adelaide Bank. Borrowers can now apply for up to six months of loan relief. The bank is also waiving fees normally charged on debt consolidation and loan restructuring. Read the full policy here.
• Tic:Toc. As Tic:Toc is funded by Bendigo and Adelaide Bank its customers are covered by that bank’s policies listed above. Read Tic:Toc’s statement here.
• Macquarie Bank. From 20 March all Macquarie loan customers (including home, car and personal) can “immediately defer their repayments” for six months. You can change your repayment structure via the Macquarie Banking app or call its mortgage support line on 1300 363 330. Read the full policy here.
• Bankwest. For now Bankwest is offering three month repayment deferrals for small business customers with home loans. The bank is also offering new, lower fixed rate products. Find more information here.
• AMP. AMP’s banking helpline is 13 30 30 and the company is publishing regular financial insights related to COVID-19 here.
• Suncorp. According to a Suncorp statement all customers have “an opportunity to defer scheduled loan repayments (including interest only) on a case-by-case basis”. Customers needing help can call 13 11 55.
• HSBC. Defer your payments for up to six months. New fixed rate loans will be as low as 2.25%.
• IMB. At the moment IMB has its usual hardship policies in place, which include the possibility of restructuring your loan or deferring payments temporarily.
• ME Bank. ME has set up a COVID-19 information page and urges affected customers to get in touch.
• ING. You can apply for financial hardship or call ING’s support team on 1300 349 166.
• Virgin Money. Customers can defer repayments or switch to interest-only repayments. Learn more here.
• Bank Australia. The lender will waive certain fees and offer a repayment deferral for three months, with the possibility of extending a further three months on review. Learn more here.
• Heritage Bank. Fees on restructuring loans are waived, borrowers can pause repayments for up to six months. New, lower fixed rate loans. The bank will also waive default, arrears and dishonour fees.

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – Aged Care

There is no doubt these are extraordinary times. Information, guidance and advice are changing rapidly, sometimes on a daily basis.

Before planning a visit to a residential aged care facility it may be advisable to contact the service provider and have a chat about the visiting arrangements that are now in place to help curb the spread of coronavirus.

• If you are concerned, call your GP or the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080 for advice. The line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

• You can also call the Older Persons Advocacy Network on 1800 237 981 from 8am – 8pm Monday to Friday to discuss your concerns about COVID-19.

• ABC News and ABC News Radio provides information, coverage and resources which you may find relevant.

• If you have online access, up to date information and advice is available at the Department of Health www.health.gov.au

FAQ’s

Why is this virus so dangerous for older people?

The risk of serious illness from COVID-19 increases with age. The highest rate of fatalities is among older people, particularly those with other serious health conditions or a weakened immune system. There is currently no cure or vaccine for COVID-19, or immunity in the community.

For people living with dementia or some form of cognitive impairment, the ability to follow instruction or to alert others about potential symptoms may be a challenge. This is especially so where there is a limited capacity to communicate verbally or express pain and discomfort. In this situation, observation by someone who knows the person with dementia may assist in identifying changes in their health.

To protect older Australians and those with compromised immune systems we all need to work together to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
I have a relative in a residential aged care facility, can I visit them?

It is important to keep up-to-date with and follow Australian Government advice. For the latest advice and information, go to www.health.gov.au

The Australian Government has put restrictions in place to protect residents and workers in residential aged care facilities.
The following people will not be permitted entry to residential aged care facilities:
• People who have returned from overseas in the last 14 days
• People who have been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the last 14 days
• People with fever or symptoms of acute respiratory infection (e.g. cough, sore throat, runny nose, shortness of breath)
• People who have not been vaccinated against influenza (after 1 May 2020)
• Children aged 16 years and under (exemptions can be assessed on a case-by-case basis, for example, where the resident is in palliative care).

Care providers understand the difficulty that these new arrangements will pose for families and should manage cases compassionately, especially when it relates to end-of-life situations, palliative care and dementia units.

How will my visit be different?

The new restrictions in place to protect your loved ones in care will likely mean changes in the way you go about your visit. These include:
• Limiting visits to a short duration
• Limiting visits to a maximum of two immediate social supports (family members, close friends) or professional service or advocacy at one time
• Conducting visits in a resident’s room, outdoors, or in a specific area designated by the aged care facility, rather than communal areas where the risk of transmission to residents is greater
• Undergo a health screening ahead of a visit.
In addition to this, visitors will be encouraged to practise social distancing, including maintaining a distance of 1.5 metres.

Should I continue to visit older friends and relatives?

If you don’t absolutely have to go to support a resident in care, please don’t.
It’s best to keep in touch via phone and video calls, send postcards, photos or artwork, or film short videos to share. This will limit your exposure to COVID-19 and your chances of accidentally spreading it to the other older people in your life.

If you regularly visit someone living with a cognitive impairment, considering other ways of maintaining social contact will help reassure individuals who may feel anxious about possible changes to their day to day life. You can also contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.

What else can I do to protect my loved one in aged care?

Even if you are feeling well, it is important to take steps to prevent the spread of this virus. Good hygiene and taking care when interacting with other people is the best defence for you and your family against COVID-19:
• Covering your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue
• Disposing of tissues immediately they are used, into a dedicated waste bin and washing your hands
• Washing your hands often with soap and water, including before and after eating and after going to the toilet, and when you have been out to shops or other places
• Using alcohol-based hand sanitisers, where available
• Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces you have touched
• Where possible, stay 1.5 metres away from others as part of social distancing
• If you are sick, avoiding contact with others.

If you start to feel unwell, phone the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080 or your GP who will be able to provide you with further advice. Older people aged 70+ (or 50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) or people with chronic conditions are able to seek medical support from their GPs through bulk-billed telehealth (videolink), and telephone services.

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – Mental Health Support

Coronavirus Mental Health Support

If you, or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 000, visit your nearest hospital emergency or contact a crisis service.

If you are feeling overwhelmed or anxious about the COVID-19 pandemic, or are having difficulty managing self-isolation or quarantine, Lifeline is available for mental health support.

Phone: 13 11 14 (24 hours / 7 days)

Text: 0477 13 11 14 (6pm – midnight AEDT, 7 nights)

Chat online: https://www.lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat (7pm – midnight, 7 nights)

The COVID-19 outbreak may generate a range of impacts on community and individual mental health and wellbeing.

This may include preoccupation with specific details related to COVID-19 in addition to increased anxiety, stress or worry within individual families and communities.

The impact of COVID-19 on mental health and wellbeing may also extend to those who experience quarantine or self-isolation.

To support the community during this period the Life in Mind team at Everymind has worked with the suicide prevention and mental health sectors, and in collaboration with the National Mental Health Commission to provide a comprehensive list of resources below to support those affected:

• Life In Mind: Life in Mind is a national gateway connecting Australian suicide prevention services to each other and the community. More information here: https://www.lifeinmindaustralia.com.au/
• Australian Government Department of Health: Coronavirus (COVID-19) health alert including information and support. More information here; https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/
• Australian Psychological Society:  Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for Australians. The APS has prepared a guide for Australians, outlining some useful strategies which can help both adults and children cope with the stress or anxiety experienced as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.More information here: https://www.psychology.org.au/COVID-19-Australians
• Beyond Blue
  Looking after your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak. Beyond Blue is working around the clock to build a dedicated COVID-19 Mental Health Support Service. This is in response to the growing demand for mental health support as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. More information here: www.beyondblue.org.au
• Beyond Blue
  Heads Up: Work and your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak. For general information about looking after yourself during the coronavirus outbreak. more information here: www.headsup.org.au
• Beyond Blue
  Online forum – Coping during the Coronavirus outbreak-Forum membership is open to anyone residing in Australia.More information here: www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/
• Black Dog Institute
  Coronavirus: Resources for anxiety, stress & wellbeing.Feelings of anxiety are common in the uncertainty of COVID-19. Black Dog Institute’s tools and resources can be accessed by anyone, anywhere to help deal with this stress. More information here: https://blackdoginstitute.org.au/COVID-19
• Butterfly Foundation
  COVID-19: Tips and advice for people with an eating disorder. They have put together some advice and useful tips to help with managing eating disorders and general well-being during this significant period of uncertainty. More information here: https://thebutterflyfoundation.org.au/covid-19
• Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health
  Resources, information and support for looking after your mental health during times of adversity. More information here: https://www.crrmh.com.au/covid-19-coronavirus-information/
• Emerging Minds
  Talking to children about natural disasters, traumatic events, or worries about the future. This video introduces ways for parents and carers to manage media coverage of traumatic events, and talk to their children about their worries and fears. More information here: https://vimeo.com/394049129
• eSafety
  COVID-19: keeping schools and learning safe online. As schools around Australia face the prospect of closures and the move towards online learning, it’s important to factor in the online safety of staff, students and the wider school community. eSafety has pulled together our top tips and resources to help school leaders with this mission. While our advice is directed at classroom teachers, parents or carers initiating home schooling activities may also find some of the information relevant and useful. More information here: https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/blog/covid-19-keeping-schools-and-learning-safe-online
• Head to Health
  COVID-19 support. Head to Health is committed to providing Australians with trusted information and digital supports to help support everyone’s mental health and wellbeing during this pandemic. More information here: https://headtohealth.gov.au/covid-19-support/covid-19
• Headspace
  Support for young people – How to cope with stress related to Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). More information here: https://headspace.org.au/young-people/how-to-cope-with-stress-related-to-covid-19/
• Kids Helpline
  Kids Helpline webpage aimed at teens and young adults, providing information and support on COVID-19.Kids Helpline is Australia’s only free, private and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. More information here: https://kidshelpline.com.au/coronavirus
• Lifeline
  Mental health and wellbeing during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Mental health and wellbeing tips and strategies to continue looking after ourselves and each other during these difficult times. More information here: https://www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/topics/mental-health-and-wellbeing-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak
• MindSpot
  Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Staying mentally and physically well. This website provides information about, and links to 1) Information about COVID-19, 2) Preparation, 3) Maintaining Mental and Physical Wellbeing. More information here: https://mindspot.org.au/coronavirus
• LGBTI ORGANISATIONS AND POLICY: COVID-19
  This is a central place for LGBTI organisations (the full members of the National LGBTI Health Alliance) that are working to support LGBTI people throughout the changing COVID-19 environment.More information here: https://lgbtihealth.org.au/resources/lgbti-and-health-sector-support-covid-19/
• NSW Mental Health Commission
  The NSW Mental Health Commission recognises that people are feeling worried, stressed and anxious in relation to the coronavirus (COVID-19). There are many sources of information available, which can also add to a sense of confusion on how to respond. While information will develop to keep pace with the progress of COVID-19, we have gathered the following advice and information for you from our partners.More information here: https://nswmentalhealthcommission.com.au/mental-health-and-the-coronavirus

Managing your mental health at home – Information about working from home during COVID-19

It may start as a bit of a novelty, but working from home for long periods of time can start to affect your mental health. Just as it is important to look after your physical health during the changing circumstances around COVID-19, it’s important to keep on top of how you are feeling.

For more information visit www.blackdoginstitute

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – Health Information

The Home Medicines Service is a temporary program, which aims to support and protect the most vulnerable members of our community from potential exposure to novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Vulnerable people, and those in home isolation, will be able to order their PBS and RPBS prescriptions remotely and have these items delivered to their homes to reduce their potential exposure to COVID-19.

This temporary measure will protect the most vulnerable members of our community and is available to Patients holding a Medicare or Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Card and are:

• Isolating themselves at home on the advice of a medical practitioner, for confirmed COVID-19 cases; or
• Meeting the current national triage protocol criteria for suspected COVID-19 infection after consultation with either the national COVID-19 hotline, state COVID-19 hotlines, a registered medical or nursing practitioner or COVID-19 trained health clinic triage staff; or
• Aged over 70; or
• Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and are aged over 50; or
• People with chronic health conditions or who are immunocompromised; or
• Parents with new babies or people who are pregnant.

Deliveries claimed through the Home Medicines Service Program cannot be made to individual patients more than once per month.

In the case where there are existing contracts in place for the delivery of medicines to residential aged care facilities, Home Medicines Service deliveries cannot be made to residents of residential aged care facilities.  Otherwise, this service is available to all patients meeting the above eligibility criteria.

For more information on theHome Medicines Service Program go online here: https://www.ppaonline.com.au/programs/covid-19-home-medicine-service

For more information regarding Australia Post Policies please view here: https://auspost.com.au/terms-conditions/pharmacy-home-deliveries

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – Federal & State Business Assistance

The information below may be of assistance to you. Our priority is to help locals who urgently require assistance and support.

I know that many locals are having a lot of trouble getting through on the phone. We’re calling on the Government to fix this urgently.

For information and support for local businesses,  go to: www.business.gov.au/

**Businesses impacted by Coronavirus can also phone the business hotline on 13 28 46**

The hotline is available 7 days a week  7.00 am to 11.00 pm AEST.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE FOR BUSINESS:

Businesses impacted by COVID-19 can phone the ATO Emergency Support Infoline on 1800 806 218 for help tailored to your circumstances. Or alternatively phone the business hotline on 13 28 46 or email them on www.business.gov.au/Email-us

There have been a number of recently announced measures to support  business. The following is a summary  to help keep you informed:

FEDERAL ASSISTANCE FOR BUSINESS:

Instant asset write off: Instant write off threshold for assets between $30,000 to $150,000 for businesses with an aggregated annual turnover of less than $500 million. The Government is increasing the instant asset write-off threshold from $30,000 to $150,000 and expanding access to include businesses with aggregated annual turnover of less than $500 million (up from $50 million) until 30 June 2020. More information can be found here: treasury.gov.au/coronavirus

Cash flow assistance:  The Boosting Cash Flow for Employers measure was announced on 12 March 2020. The Government is providing up to $100,000 to eligible small and medium-sized businesses, and not-for-profits (NFPs) that employ people, with a minimum payment of $20,000. These payments will help businesses and NFPs with their cash flow so they can keep operating, pay their rent, electricity and other bills and retain staff. Small and medium-sized business entities with aggregated annual turnover under $50 million and that employ workers are eligible. NFPs, including charities, with aggregated annual turnover under $50 million and that employ workers will now also be eligible. More information can be found here: treasury.gov.au/coronavirus

Supporting apprentices and trainees: The Government is supporting small business to retain their apprentices and trainees. Eligible employers can apply for a wage subsidy of 50 per cent of the apprentice’s or trainee’s wage for 9 months from 1 January 2020 to 30 September 2020. Where a small business is not able to retain an apprentice, the subsidy will be available to a new employer that employs that apprentice. Employers will be reimbursed up to a maximum of $21,000 per eligible apprentice or trainee ($7,000 per quarter).More information can be found here: treasury.gov.au/coronavirus

Short-term incentive for business investment: The Government is introducing a time-limited 15 month investment incentive (through to 30 June 2021) to support business investment and economic growth over the short term, by accelerating depreciation deductions. Businesses with a turnover of less than $500 million will be able to deduct 50 per cent of the cost of an eligible asset on installation, with existing depreciation rules applying to the balance of the asset’s cost.More information can be found here: treasury.gov.au/coronavirus

Loan guarantee for small to medium business: Under the Coronavirus SME Guarantee Scheme, the Government will provide a guarantee of 50 per cent to SME lenders to support new short-term unsecured loans to SMEs. The Scheme will guarantee up to $40 billion of new lending.More information can be found here: treasury.gov.au/coronavirus

Assistance for severely affected regions: Support for regions that are heavily reliant on industries such as tourism, agriculture and education. This includes the development of recovery plans and administrative relief for certain tax obligations.
More information here: treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/sectors-and-regions

Early release of superannuation :Those who are eligible to receive the Coronavirus supplement; have had their income or hours significantly reduced or are a sole trader are eligible to withdraw from their superannuation up to $10,000 in 2019-20 and $10,000 in 2020-21.The Government is allowing individuals affected by the Coronavirus to access up to $10,000 of their superannuation in 2019-20 and a further $10,000 in 2020-21. Individuals will not need to pay tax on amounts released and the money they withdraw will not affect Centrelink or Veterans’ Affairs payments. More information can be found here: treasury.gov.au/coronavirus

Temporarily reduce superannuation minimum drawdown rates: Retirees will have their minimum drawdown rates reduced so they aren’t necessarily forced to sell assets in a depressed market. The Government is temporarily reducing superannuation minimum drawdown requirements for account-based pensions and similar products by 50 per cent for 2019-20 and 2020-21. This measure will benefit retirees with account-based pensions and similar products by reducing the need to sell investment assets to fund minimum drawdown requirements.More information can be found here: treasury.gov.au/coronavirus

NSW STATE GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE FOR BUSINESS:

Payroll tax relief
Waiver of payroll tax for businesses with payrolls of up to $10 million for 3 months and bringing forward next round of pay roll cuts.
revenue.nsw.gov.au/taxes-duties-levies-royalties/payroll-tax

Relief from government fees
Waiving a range of fees and charges for small businesses including bars, cafes, restaurants and tradies.

Bringing forward scheduled public works
The NSW Government is looking to bring forward more than $250 million of public works to keep work going for contractors and their employees. More details to follow.
Potential contractors or tenderers should register with:
ICN Gateway
TenderLink

Advice from Small Business Commissioner
The NSW Small Business Commissioner has some FAQs relating to employer obligations and leave, business advice and dispute resolution.
smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au/get-help/covid-19-coronavirus-information-small-business-owners

Australian Banking Association

Loan repayment deferrals
The ABA have advised that small business will be able to get a relief from all loan repayments over the next 6 months. If you experience financial difficulty the ABA have the appropriate contact details for all member banks.
ausbanking.org.au/campaigns/financial-hardship/

Commonwealth Bank:

For further information visit: www.commbank.com.au/latest/coronavirus/faqs

Westpac:

If you are experiencing Financial Hardship please complete this form. If you need to defer your Home Loan repayments please complete this form. If you are a Business customer and need help please go here.

For further details on Westpac’s small business support measures and on how to apply, visit https://www.westpac.com.au/business-banking/small-business-relief/

Business General enquiries 132 142

Personal General enquiries 132 032

NAB:

If you’re experiencing personal or small business customer financial hardship, please contact NAB

• Personal – 1300 683 106 (Monday to Friday 8am-8pm AEST/AEDT; Saturday 9am-1pm AEST/AEDT)

• Business – 1300 769 650 (Monday to Friday 8am-6pm AEST/AEDT)

NAB customers can submit a request for support online with our specialist team. Alternatively, you can contact NAB on 13 22 65 for support.

ANZ:

If your or your business has been affected by the financial impacts of COVID-19, please visit ANZ online at www.anz.com.au/promo/covid-19/

For Business support go to : www.anz.com.au/business/enquiry/

To apply for financial hardship go to www.anz/hardship/

Or, contact customer support for Home Owners on 13 25 99

Customer support for Business: 1800 413 950

–

More information can be found on the website for Small Business 

More informational can also be found at Business.gov

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – Arts and Entertainment

The arts are the lifeblood of our nation. At a time of crisis, like the one we are currently facing, Australian stories have never been more important in promoting a sense of solidarity and togetherness.

Labor is acutely aware of the devastating impact the coronavirus crisis has had, and continues to have, on the arts and entertainment sector in Australia. Whether it is visual artists who cannot hold exhibitions, musicians who have had their gigs cancelled, lighting technicians and theatre ushers being stood down – there is no part of the arts sector that is unaffected. We know many of you are doing it really tough.

We know that the JobKeeper wage subsidy scheme does not meet the needs of everyone in the arts sector. In Parliament, Labor moved an amendment to expand the coverage of the scheme so more workers in the arts and entertainment sector could benefit, and also called on the government to implement a specific relief package for the sector:

That this House:

calls on the Government to recognise that the Australian arts and entertainment sector needs a specific, tailored, fiscal response package to ensure its ongoing viability, given the structure of the JobKeeper payment has been designed in a way that leaves many workers in the sector ineligible.

The government voted against all Labor’s amendments, and this one failed 29 votes to 24.

For more than 100 days, Labor has called for an emergency relief funding package from the government. On June 25, the government finally produced a $250 million package of measures. Many businesses in the arts and entertainment sector will benefit from this package, and Labor accordingly has welcomed its announcement.

However Labor is concerned that nothing in this package will deliver direct relief to arts and entertainment workers themselves, and this is a missed opportunity for the government to extend JobKeeper to more workers in the arts and entertainment sector. We are also concerned that the majority of funds in this package go toward loans – meaning businesses and organisations who currently have no income are being encouraged to take on more debt.

Labor’s commitment to the arts and entertainment sector is undimmed, and where there are gaps in this relief package, we will continue to pressure the government to do better.

We know that the road to recovery will be a complex and long one for this sector, and many organisations are struggling to see a way back at all. Labor understands this, and will do all we can to support you.

The current crisis comes on top of years of public funding cuts which meant the sector was in a vulnerable state even before additional pressures were felt. This is a result of systemic neglect by the current government of the arts and entertainment sector, which Labor has long campaigned against.

This is a rapidly evolving situation, and Labor will maintain constant contact with the sector to ensure we are responding to your needs as they evolve.

Increase the JobSeeker Payment (Newstart)

Labor believes the Government needs to permanently increase the base rate of JobSeeker Payment (the current name of unemployment benefits).

When the Government introduced the Coronavirus Supplement in April, it was an admission that the base rate of JobSeeker Payment was too low.

Almost two million Australians are on now on the JobSeeker Payment.

Many people are worried about how they will afford essentials, cover rent and pay bills when the Coronavirus supplement ceases in September – when the Government plans to return the payment to its old base rate.

The base rate of JobSeeker is so low that it presents a barrier to finding employment. Many on the payment are unable to afford internet bills or transport costs, which are essential to people looking for work, or attending job interviews.

It also forces people to make impossible choices: between paying for food or paying the rent; between buying clothes for their children or paying for gas and electricity.

Experts have warned that returning JobSeeker to the old base rate – or ‘snapback’ – would place millions of Australians at risk of falling into poverty.

Others say that a snapback of JobSeeker could wreak havoc on the Australian economy.

Labor is calling on the Government not to go all the way back down to the old base rate of JobSeeker Payment in September – and I will keep up the pressure for a permanent increase. In a country like Australia, people should not have to live in poverty.

Labor has sought the Government’s support for a permanent increase to the JobSeeker base rate in the Senate, but the Nationals and the Liberals opposed it. Despite the economic benefits an increase in the base rate would deliver to the communities that need it the most.

With the number of Australians relying on unemployment benefits doubling since the start of the year, this issue is more important than ever.

Interim Report Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC)

There is good reason to be concerned about the future of environmental protection in Australia under the re-elected Morrison Government.

Australia is currently experiencing a jobs crisis and environmental crisis, and the Morrison Government is failing on both counts.

There was an extinction crisis underway even before the summer’s bushfires. Because of those fires, over one billion animals have died and more than 12 million hectares of land have burned, with devastating impacts on our natural environment and Australian species.

Australia needs strong laws to protect our environment and properly manage the assessment and approval of major projects.

But the Morrison Liberal National Government is fundamentally anti-science, can’t manage their own processes, and has failed to protect even our most iconic animals like the koala and platypus, let alone our less charismatic, but just as important, threatened species, which are in a disturbing decline.

As an Opposition, it is our job to hold the Morrison Government to account for its abject failures in this area. And if we want the opportunity to protect Australia’s environment, Labor must win the next election.

That means the responsibility lies with every person of good will who wants to see a change of government, to collectively work to ensure that Labor wins the next election.

Labor has engaged strongly with the Samuel Review since its inception. When the interim report was released, we said we would consider it carefully and in detail. We called on the Morrison Government to do the same. It is disappointing the government began cherry-picking the interim report’s recommendations on the same day it was publicly released.

Scott Morrison and his colleagues want to use the Samuel Review to try to pit jobs against environmental protection. We must not accept this. Labor stands for securing jobs now and creating new, well-paid, secure jobs in the future and strong environmental protection.

Governments must be able to walk and chew gum at the same time.

But the Liberals and Nationals have failed Australians on environmental protection and on promoting jobs. In the past seven years, they have failed to protect the environment, and massively blown-out delays in environmental decision-making.

The Liberals like to talk about so-called “green tape” but the real problem has been Liberal Party blue tape: delays and poor decision-making caused by Liberal and National cuts and mismanagement. Since they were elected to government the Liberals and Nationals have:

1. Cuts the environment department by 40%, smashing its capacity to make good quality, timely decisions;
2. Got project approval decisions wrong in some way, an astonishing 79% of the time according to the Auditor General;

3. Presided over a 510% blow out in major project approval delays between 2014 and 2018-19;

4. Overseen an approvals process where 95% of all Morrison Government key decisions on major projects were late in 2018-19, by on average almost 4 months. Just 5% were on time. This is during a period where the government has assessed tens of billions in projects. The year after Labor lost office, 60% of key decision approvals were made on time, and the average delay for late approvals was only 19 days;
5. Had little or no idea whether the environmental conditions they impose in key decisions were even being met, despite these conditions being vital to keeping our communities safe and our environment protected.

Australia’s environment laws have not materially changed in the last seven years. So, it is crystal clear that this drop in environmental and job outcomes is down to Liberal National cuts, mismanagement and poor performance.

Scott Morrison is a double whammy for the environment and jobs. He claims to be a JobMaker, but in truth, he’s a JobDelayer.

We need action now, and most of all we need a Labor Government

Australia must have strong environmental protections, we must have an efficient and effective administration of those protections and we must have secure, well-paid jobs, now and in the future. But Labor can achieve this only from government.

Unlike the Greens political party and the Liberals and Nationals, Labor takes seriously our responsibility for protecting the environment and supporting Australian jobs.

We believe that Australia can’t afford another lost decade of inaction on environmental and job outcomes. We have all seen that happen before, when, shamefully, the Greens party sided with the Liberals and Nationals to vote down Australia’s best chance at lasting climate action in Labor’s Emissions Trading Scheme, in 2009.

The Morrison Government must be held to account for the mess they have made in environmental management, and we must fight, as best as we can from Opposition, for improvements in our nation’s environmental laws and policies.

We also need to ensure that Australians who are looking for work during the first recession in three decades are not subject to unnecessary delays in jobs and investment because of the Morrison Government’s cuts and mismanagement.

Given we are not in government, and potentially two years away from an election, Labor wants to see the Morrison Government implement laws, programs and institutional arrangements that:

• More effectively conserve biodiversity and protect the environment, to address the extinction crisis and preserve nature for future generations;
• Reduce the unnecessary delays in decision-making, so that appropriate projects can go ahead sooner, because unnecessarily delayed decisions, like the 510% blow-out in delays under the Liberals and Nationals, cause delays to investment and jobs;
• Ensure high-quality decision-making, so that decisions are made lawfully and well (unlike the 79% of decisions the Morrison Government currently get wrong in some way), with science at the centre, and while respecting First Nations peoples’ authority and knowledge.

Our policy

Labor will continue to develop policies for announcement prior to the next federal election, due in 2022.

Labor’s strong environmental and economic legacy cannot be built upon from Opposition. If you have not already done so, I ask that you join the fight against the Morrison Government, by engaging your family, your neighbours and your community about the urgent need for a change in government, to help Labor win the next election.

Your voice counts, and nowhere is it more important than in the public battle against the Morrison Government’s disastrous management of Australia’s environmental and jobs crises.

Labor MPs and Senators will continue to stand up for our environment. In addition to writing to me, I encourage you to also directly contact the Minister. She can be contacted at:

The Hon Sussan Ley MP
PO Box 6022
House of Representatives
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600

or,

minister.ley@environment.gov.au.

5G

The Australian Government regulates public exposure to electromagnetic emissions (EME) from communications equipment such as mobile towers, including 5G deployments. Exposure to EME is an important health issue and a highly technical area. For this reason, governments appropriately rely on the advice of their scientific and technical regulators.

The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) is the expert body on the health effects from EME produced by communications equipment. Once ARPANSA set EME limits through a safety standard, these safeguards are then incorporated by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) into transmitter licence conditions that apply to mobile and other operators that use the radiofrequency spectrum. The limits are set well below the level at which adverse health effects may occur, and cover the operating frequencies used by 5G technology.

Before building new mobile phone base stations, mobile phone companies must generally consult with the community and produce an EME report. It should also be noted that while the ACMA is responsible for managing spectrum, it is not an expert body on the health effects of EME.

If you have questions about the adequacy of EME limits in relation to 5G, I recommend you contact ARPANSA on 1800 022 333. ARPANSA do offer opportunities for members of the public to speak directly with their scientists. Further information about 5G can be found on the ARPANSA website through this link.

Labor is also aware of claims circulating over digital platforms that purport a link between 5G, coronavirus and the human immune system. We categorically reject this linkage and note it has no basis in fact.

We urge community members concerned about EME to act responsibly and not forward misinformation of this nature, as that could interfere with the Government’s response to COVID-19 as well as create unnecessary anxiety.

ABC Funding Cuts

Labor is concerned that successive cuts to the ABC by the Liberal-National Government are undermining this trusted institution.

This Government ignored the ABC’s warning that the latest cut of $83.7 million will make it difficult for the ABC to meet its Charter requirements and audience expectations.

As the ABC Five Year Plan reveals, Scott Morrison’s cuts are forcing the ABC to choose between quality and quantity – by scaling back its workforce, Australian content and radio news.

Australia is in recession and the media is in crisis yet up to 250 ABC staff now face the sack including 70 staff in the News division. These losses will further undermine the Public’s Right To Know and the strength of our democracy.

Our creative industries are struggling, yet the ABC has been forced to reduce its commissioning budget by $5 million per year. These cuts will have a devastating impact on the small businesses in our screen production sector and mean fewer Australian stories will be told.

ABC workers and services are essential. From emergency broadcasting during the bushfires to trusted education and information during COVID-19, the need for this trusted national platform is greater now than ever.

Scott Morrison is cutting the ABC despite the fact that:

• climate change means there will be increasing need for life saving emergency broadcasting by the ABC;
• public interest journalism is in decline, news outlets are closing and the ACCC found that the ABC is not resourced to fully compensate for the decline in local reporting;
• misinformation and disinformation is on the rise and Australians need trusted sources of information like the ABC;
• Australia’s creative industries are reeling from COVID-19 restrictions and need investment and support from the ABC; and
• Australia should be ‘stepping up’ in the Pacific yet ABC international broadcasting and regional connections are underutilised.

Since 2013, and in breach of an election promise not to, the Liberals have cut general ABC funding as well as reduced funding for local news gathering, including in regional Australia.

The recent report by Per Capita estimates that the cumulative funding cuts to the ABC under the Coalition Government, over the three triennial funding periods from 2013-2022 will be over $783 million.

This estimate matches that figure calculated by Alexander Wake, RMIT and Michael Ward, University of Sydney in their April 2019 article for The Conversation.

Scott Morrison has refused to reverse the latest cuts of $83.7 million, which were first announced back in 2018 as Government attacks on the ABC led to shocking allegations of political interference and the departure of the former Chair and Managing Director.

Labor has called on the Government to reverse these cuts and will continue to hold the Liberals and Nationals to account for seven years of attacks on the ABC.

The ABC is a trusted public service that has been invested in and built up by generations of Australians and dedicated ABC staff.

The ABC needs stable and adequate funding and now is no time to cut the ABC.

When Scott Morrison cuts the ABC, it is Australians who miss out.

Migration Amendment (Prohibiting Items in Immigration Detention Facilities) Bill 2020

The Migration Amendment (Prohibiting Items in Immigration Detention Facilities) Bill 2020 was introduced into the House of Representatives on Thursday 14 May 2020.

This Bill was first introduced into the Parliament in 2017, however, the Government never attempted to pass the Bill, nor bring it on for debate in the Senate. At the time, Labor raised concerns about the proposed amendments included in Bill.

Labor successfully referred this new legislation to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee, for proper scrutiny, and the Committee released its report into the Bill on 5 August 2020. The Committee’s report into the legislation can be found here.

Labor Senators raised a number of concerns in the report. Importantly, they recognised that detention centres are now holding different types of detainees.

However, Labor Senators were of the view that the Morrison Government has not provided sufficient evidence that detention centres are becoming more dangerous, nor have they tried to change their own management of the centres before reaching for legislative change.

Labor Senators were concerned that a range of submissions and witnesses said that the current Bill is a disproportionate response and the blanket ban of items – like mobile phones – on all detainees regardless of their needs, vulnerabilities, or risk profile was not warranted.

The positive benefits of mobile phones to detainees and their welfare are lost in the generalised accusations of misuse. It was the view of Labor Senators that the current legal frameworks permit the confiscation of a mobile phone from a detainee if there is a reasonable cause.

Detainees use mobile phones to maintain close contact with friends and family and to communicate with legal advisers. This Bill seeks to remove that right without reasonable cause.

It was the view of Labor Senators that the Morrison Government either withdraw the Bill, or significantly amend the Bill to address these concerns and ensure that the Bill is focused on the specific risks and does not impose broad sweeping measures that punish detainees.

Australia’s onshore immigration detention, including alternative places of detention such as the Mantra Preston and Kangaroo Point, are places of administrative detention – not punitive detention or correctional facilities.

This Government has a track record of introducing legislation that is never debated. Labor’s Senators have outlined their concerns with the legislation, and called on the Government to address the weaknesses in the Bill. Labor will await the Government’s response.

Biloela Family

The case of Priya, Nades and their two Australian-born daughters, Kopika and Tharunicaa has a long and growing history.

Labor – including the Shadow Minister for Home Affairs, Kristina Keneally – has long advocated for this family.

We are particularity concerned about the family’s ongoing immigration detention, spanning nearly two years. Two children have now spent a significant amount of their lives living in detention, all while the Minister for Home Affairs, Peter Dutton had been claiming that he “got all children out of detention here in Australia” – a claim that is simply untrue.

Recently we have seen media reports that made reference to the health of Priya, including her relocation to Perth due to poor medical facilities on Christmas Island. Priya was subsequently flown back to Christmas Island without notice and under guard by the Australian Border Force.

Nades, Priya and their two children built a life in Biloela in regional Queensland. They have worked hard, paid taxes, contributed to their community and have been supported by their friends and neighbours, even after callously being moved to Christmas Island. These children were born here, the family has contributed to the town of Biloela and their community want them to remain in Australia.

Even their local LNP Federal Member, Ken O’Dowd, Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce and broadcaster Alan Jones believe that Minister Dutton and the Government have made the wrong decision in detaining this family.

As has always been the case, Minister Dutton could bring this whole process to an end by using his discretion under the Migration Act and allow the family to return home to Biloela.

He is simply choosing not to, and the Prime Minister has refused to intervene, allowing this cruel and inhumane saga to continue at considerable cost to the taxpayer.

Labor has advocated for the family and urged the Government at every step along the way to end this ongoing trauma for a family who have contributed to Australia. Scott Morrison says “if you have a go, you get a go”; so why won’t his Government give this family a go?

The integrity of Australia’s immigration system is an important matter, but we can also show compassion and support for those families and children that are in our care.

Christmas Island

The Prime Minister claims that the re-opening of Christmas Island detention centre  is needed because of ‘pressure’ on Australia’s detention centre network.

This is the third time this Liberal-National Government has decided to reopen the Christmas Island detention centre – costing taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars in the process. Scott Morrison spent $185 million reopening the facility in February 2019, and then decided to close it months later without it being used.

Meanwhile, Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton has determined that it is a good use of taxpayers’ money to spend $50 million to hold a family of four on Christmas Island – even though that family is wanted back home in Queensland by the local Biloela community, and even their own LNP Federal Member of Parliament.

Now, Scott Morrison wants to reopen the Christmas Island detention centre again, to cover up his own Minister’s incompetence.

This is just another example of Peter Dutton‘s waste and mismanagement, and Scott Morrison’s attempt to avoid scrutiny.

The Morrison Government needs to explain how moving people facing deportation to Christmas Island is going to make it easier for the Government to be able to deport them.

The Government has stated ‘the cohort being transferred consists of those who have been convicted of violent crimes involving assault, sexual offences, drugs and other violent offences’.

Scott Morrison must guarantee that low risk detainees – such as asylum seekers, refugees or visa overstayers – will not be transferred to Christmas Island. This would be an even bigger cost to the taxpayer.

I encourage you to write to Scott Morrison directly to share your views on this important matter.

The Hon Scott Morrison MP
Prime Minister
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600

https://www.pm.gov.au/contact-your-pm

Prosecution of Witness K and Bernard Collaery

Regarding the prosecution of a former Australian intelligence officer, “Witness K”, and his legal representative, Bernard Collaery, for breaches of the Intelligence Services Act.

Witness K has stated that he intends to plead guilty to breaching the Intelligence Services Act. Mr Collaery, on the other hand, will face trial in the ACT Supreme Court.

On 26 June 2020, the ACT Supreme Court reportedly determined that at least part of Mr Collaery’s trial will be conducted in closed court. Like you, we await further details about that decision and what it could mean for Mr Collaery and the conduct of his trial.

We also understand from media reports that Mr Collaery will be appealing against that decision.

Mr Collaery, like any other Australian, has a right to a fair trial. Labor will continue to follow these proceedings very closely to ensure that Mr Collaery is not denied that fundamental right.

Labor strongly supports the principle of open justice, which dictates that judicial processes should be conducted in public unless the presiding magistrate or judge determines that there are compelling reasons to close the court.

For reasons that still remain unclear, the Attorney-General personally authorised the prosecution of Witness K and Mr Collaery. After the decision by the ACT Supreme Court on 26 June, it is more important than ever that Mr Porter provide a detailed explanation as to why these prosecutions are in the public interest.

The Attorney-General’s unexplained decision to prosecute Witness K and Mr Collaery is part of a broader shift towards more secrecy and less accountability in government. That shift began with the election of the Abbott Government seven years ago and has escalated under Prime Minister Morrison.

One of the most dramatic illustrations of the Morrison Government’s love of secrecy, and its aversion to accountability and scrutiny, were the extraordinary police raids on the home of News Limited journalist, Annika Smethurst, and the ABC headquarters.

Concerns around the Morrison Government’s attitude towards these matters are currently being examined by the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security in its Inquiry into the impact of the exercise of law enforcement and intelligence powers on the freedom of the press. I encourage you to follow the progress of that inquiry here.

Sheep Live Export-Al Kuwait

Many people have expressed their concerns about the sheep export vessel the Al Kuwait, and the live-animal export regulator’s decision to grant an exemption which allows the exporter to travel during the northern summer months.

While Labor holds concerns for the welfare of the sheep, we respect the decision of the live-animal export regulator to grant the exemption.

The regulator granted the exemption on the basis that the exporter complies to several conditions designed to ensure animal welfare standards are maintained.

It appears the regulator performed its functions in a proper manner having regard to the surrounding circumstances, including animal welfare, trade partnerships and the extenuating circumstances created by COVID-19.

In saying this, Labor maintains animal welfare would be more adequately protected by an independent statutory regulator.

Labor will continue to advocate for a science-based approach to animal welfare, which clearly indicates the moratorium on the northern summer trade is both measured and necessary.

I encourage you to continue your engagement by writing to the Minister for Agriculture, Hon David Littleproud, on this issue at Minister.Littleproud@agriculture.gov.au.

Changes to Australia Post Regulations

The Morrison Government has decided to amend Australia Post regulations to scale back services, slash jobs and cut wages.

These regulations halve the frequency of postie delivery rounds, leaving the jobs of up to one in four posties in limbo and many other indirect jobs at risk.

Regional communities like ours across the North Coast already wait longer than those in the cities for their mail, and changes recently announced by this Liberal-National  government will push those wait times out even further.

These changes will affect those who reply on Australia Post the most. Our most vulnerable, including pensioners and seniors, the disabled and infirm and those who do not use cyberspace, or the internet, will be the most disadvantaged by these changes.

People in our regional and rural communities still rely on the postal service more than many other types of services.  Australia Post service standards are fundamental and for the benefit of all Australians.

Under the Morrison government’s plan, mail delivery across the North Coast will blow out from as few as 3 business days to 7 full days. And across Australia, any areas that currently receive daily postal deliveries will be cut back to every second day.

Across the North Coast:

• The regulations will slash the frequency of postie delivery rounds by half; and
• Mail delivery time-frames will blow out from 3 business days to 7 full days

These changes will leave the jobs of up to one in four posties in limbo and put many other indirect jobs at risk.

There was no consultation by Government on these regulations before they were announced, and no opportunity to examine the merits and impacts of alternative approaches.

This is disrespectful to the workers of Australia Post who have done so much for the country, and a breach of faith with the community.

If Scott Morrison and Australia Post wanted to make the case for change, they should have fronted up and given an honest account of their plans rather than using COVID-19 as an excuse to cut services and cut jobs by stealth.

The Prime Minister’s actions are not good enough, and that is why Labor will seek to disallow these regulations.

 Our objective is simple: to protect jobs and provide a service that meets the needs of consumers, business and the community at large.

We would like to see Australia Post and its unions working together to support the growing demand for parcels and support jobs in regional communities – not cutting jobs.

Labor will also move to establish a Senate Inquiry to provide the community with a voice and deliver the scrutiny this important issue deserves.

Hong Kong

Labor is deeply concerned by the Chinese government’s implementation of national security legislation in Hong Kong.  The legislation undermines the One Country, Two Systems arrangement to which Beijing is committed under the UN-registered Sino-British Joint Declaration.

These new laws will diminish Hong Kong’s rights and freedoms, and will see the crime of “subversion” punished with life imprisonment.

Since this legislation emerged, Labor has been calling on the Morrison Government to act with compassion and provide pathways to support the people of Hong Kong, including the approximately 17,000 people in Australia from Hong Kong who hold a temporary visa.

Labor has welcomed the government’s decision to extend temporary visa holders from Hong Kong in Australia by five years, and to provide a pathway to permanent residency.

However, there would still be many people – in Australia and Hong Kong – who would be either be ineligible for the pathways proposed or concerned about the inability to reunite with family members. For example, there is no capacity for family reunion for the 100,000 people from Hong Kong who have settled in Australia, many of whom would still have family members in Hong Kong.

And no clarity has been provided about how Hong Kong citizens applying for visas would, or could, be allowed into Australia given the current pandemic and border restrictions.

Labor believes that helping the people of Hong Kong is the right thing to do and that no Hongkonger should be involuntarily deported. The government must provide clarity to people of Hong Kong and their families of this support.

Following passage of the legislation which effectively ended Hong Kong’s independent legal status, Labor called for the urgent review of Australia’s extradition treaty with Hong Kong. We now welcome the Government’s decision to suspend this treaty.

Labor supports the right of people everywhere to engage in non-violent protest. The people of Hong Kong have shown immense courage in working to uphold Hong Kong’s freedoms.

Labor is a longstanding and consistent advocate for human rights and civil liberties, including the right to freedom of peaceful assembly.

Religious Discrimination Bill

Due to the current public health and economic circumstances, the Government’s proposal to introduce a Religious Discrimination Bill has been delayed. However,  Labor  continues to listen closely and carefully to the community on this matters.

Labor recognises that everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion and strongly supports a person’s right to manifest their religion or beliefs. As a principle, we believe that religious belief, just like gender, sexuality and race, is an aspect of a person’s identity that deserves protection in Australian law.

One of the great things about being Australian is that we have the freedom to live our lives as we want to live them. We have a diverse society that makes us richer as a nation, in all senses of the word. But fundamentally it is our shared values that unite us and make us strong. Among those values are compassion, fairness and respect for each other.

As with the original exposure draft of the Government’s Religious Discrimination Bill, Labor was not consulted about the second exposure draft before it was released on 10 December 2019.

As you may be aware, many religious and non-religious individuals and organisations criticised the Government’s original exposure draft. The first exposure draft was very complex and included provisions that operated differently to existing anti-discrimination laws. For example, it was suggested that some provisions of the first exposure draft would have actually eroded existing anti-discrimination protections in both federal and state law – despite assurances from the Attorney-General that the bill would do no such thing.

The erosion of existing anti-discrimination protections is an area of concern for Labor. We do not believe that the extension of the federal anti-discrimination framework to ensure that Australians are not discriminated against because of their religious beliefs should remove protections from discrimination that already exist in the law for other Australians, including protections that currently ensure Australians enjoy equal access to healthcare.

It is important to note that the Government has yet to finalise its proposed religious discrimination laws.  The Government made substantial changes between its first and second exposure drafts. And, to be clear, the second exposure draft is not a bill before Parliament – any Religious Discrimination Bill introduced by the Government may look very different.

Once the Government has introduced legislation into the Parliament, and once Labor has a further opportunity to analyse the proposed new laws and to consult with the Australian community, Labor will determine its position on the Government’s specific proposal.

Coal Seam Gas

I continue to stand with our community in opposing the National Party’s agenda for harmful coal seam gas mining in our region.

I do not support coal seam gas (CSG) mining and exploration on the North Coast.

Julian Assange

Mr Assange’s arrest and the extradition proceedings are matters currently being considered within the British justice system. While it would be inappropriate to comment on the merits of those proceedings while they are underway, Labor has called on the UK Government to ensure that all proper legal process and procedural fairness is afforded to Mr Assange in those proceedings.

Mr Assange, like any Australian citizen facing legal difficulties overseas, is entitled to consular assistance provided through Australia’s overseas missions.

Under both Australian and UK law, a person cannot be extradited if they may face the death penalty unless an undertaking is given in advance that this will not occur.  In addition, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed in evidence to Senate Estimates on 5 March 2020 that none of the charges faced by Mr Assange in the US carry the death penalty.

Labor nevertheless expects that should these charges change, the Australian Government would ask the UK Government to seek, in accordance with its laws, a guarantee from the United States that the death penalty would not be imposed on Mr Assange, in advance of any extradition request being granted.

Labor has also been very concerned about reports that Mr Assange’s health has been deteriorating while he has been in prison. The Shadow Attorney-General and Shadow Foreign Minister wrote to the Australian Government requesting that Australia press the UK Government to ensure Mr Assange receives appropriate medical care.  This is even more important now because of the threat of COVID-19, which is particularly dangerous in institutions with large populations such as prisons.

I understand that Mr Assange has withdrawn consent for his personal information to be provided to Australian officials. While this affects the capacity for Australian officials to monitor his situation and advocate for him, assistance will continue to be offered to Mr Assange through the Australian High Commission in London.

We have been advised that the Australian Government continues to closely monitor Mr Assange’s health, and that officers of the Australian High Commission in London have continued to write to Mr Assange, to liaise with his legal team, and have visited him in prison.

National Integrity Commission

Labor stands for integrity and transparency in government, and we have no tolerance for corruption.

That is why Labor committed to establishing a powerful, transparent and independent National Integrity Commission almost two-and-a-half years ago.  We maintain that commitment.

In December 2018, the Morrison Government was dragged, kicking and screaming, to announce in that it would move to establish a “Commonwealth Integrity Commission”. This was after it spent almost a year rejecting calls from Labor and the crossbench for such a body and a mere two weeks after Scott Morrison dismissed it as a “fringe issue”.

However, as is so often the case, Scott Morrison was being slippery when he announced his “Commonwealth Integrity Commission”. When you look behind the marketing slogans, the proposal by Mr Morrison is a sham. It is no wonder that integrity experts have described it as the “kind of integrity commission that you would have when you don’t want to have an integrity commission”.

And despite promising to produce legislation to establish a “Commonwealth Integrity Commission” by the end of last year, and claiming that it has been working on the legislation since January 2018, the Morrison Government has yet to produce a bill.

Whether it’s the sports rorts scandal or the fiasco of Minister Angus Taylor using forged documents, the ever-growing list of scandals surrounding the Morrison Government demonstrates the urgent need for a National Integrity Commission – and why Mr Morrison and his colleagues continue to show such little interest in establishing one.

The Morrison Government has said, in light of the current public health crisis, the establishment of a National Integrity Commission is not a priority. But with tens of billions of taxpayers’ money being spent in response to the current unprecedented public health and economic crisis, the potential for corruption is greater than ever.

The COVID-19 pandemic is not a reason to delay the establishment of a National Integrity Commission. For the Morrison Government, it is simply an excuse.

Labor will continue to fight for the establishment of a powerful National Integrity Commission – one that has all the independence, powers and resources of a standing royal commission into corruption in the federal sphere.

Thank you for writing to me about this important issue.

Modified Monash Model – Murwillumbah

Recent changes under the Modified Monash Model have seen Murwillumbah reclassified from a regional to a metropolitan area.

Murwillumbah, which is a regional town of 9,000 people, is now classified in the same category as Australia’s major cities including Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

Murwillumbah is not a major city, and my local community have rightly raised their concerns with me about this bizzare reclassification.

This reclassification will have severe implications for Murwillumbah including:
• the reduction of incentives for medical professionals including rural Bulk Billing Incentives, Workforce Incentive Programs and,
• the Bonded Medical Program.

The reclassification to metropolitan also means medical practices in Murwillumbah will only be available to General Pathway registrars and no longer to Rural Pathway registrars.

This means that young doctors who choose the Rural Pathway can no longer train in medical practices located in Murwillumbah.

Incentives that attracted—and maintained—medical practitioners to our area have now been completely removed.

Make no mistake: this decision will mean less bulk billing and fewer doctors in Murwillumbah.

This classification change will make it extremely difficult to attract new GPs to Murwillumbah as there are now no available regional or rural incentive payments for medical practitioners in this community.

GPs are an integral part of rural and regional communities like Murwillumbah and their skills reflect the specific needs of their community.

I have written to the Minister for Health to urgently request that the government revise this classification.

In this case it’s clear that the reclassification of Murwillumbah from regional to metropolitan is an unfair and damaging decision.

I believe that this decision must be revisited, as the complex health needs of the people of Murwillumbah and surrounding areas require incentives to get GPs to the town.

The real concern is that the number of GPs will significantly decline due to the new classification.

Medical specialists are often located too far away for locals to access and this often increases the workload of local GP’s.

The fact is that the workload of GPs in Murwillumbah is vastly different from that in other regional and rural areas.

That is why we need to have incentives in place to attract health professionals to this area.

It really is a case, I think, of the government ignoring the local issues and the local concerns that have been put to the minister.

Murwillumbah needs more GPs, and the fact is, no incentives means fewer doctors.

Tweed Centrelink Closures

The Liberal-National Government plans to close three local Centrelink Service Centres. The Tweed Heads South Centrelink Service Centre, the Tweed Heads South Centrelink Call Centre and the Tweed Heads Centrelink Administrative Office which are all set to relocate to a yet to be determined location.

The Morrison Government intends to consolidate the Centrelink Service Centre currently located on Blundell Blvd, Tweed Heads South, the Centrelink Call Centre currently located on Enterprise Ave, Tweed Heads South and the Centrelink Administrative Office currently located on Wharf Street, Tweed Heads.

I have written to the Minister for Human Services Stuart Robert, on behalf of our community, to seek his urgent commitment that there will be no redundancies or cuts to current staff numbers at any centre, and no further decline in the delivery of frontline services to our local community.

The Centrelink Service Centre, based at Blundell Blvd in Tweed Heads South, provides essential services that our community relies on and it is imperative that these services remain easily accessible by our community.

Pensioners and seniors, veterans, people with disability, families, carers, locals seeking work and students all rely on the essential frontline services that our local Centrelink provides.

The fact is, the National Party’s lies, cuts and chaos are hurting our community.

The letter to the Minister for Human Services reads:

Dear Minister,

I write on behalf of my community concerning the Morrison Government’s plans to close three local Centrelink Service Centres.

I understand that the Morrison Government intends to consolidate the Centrelink Service Centre currently located on Blundell Blvd, Tweed Heads South, the Centrelink Call Centre currently located on Enterprise Ave, Tweed Heads South, and the Centrelink Administrative (Zone) Office located on Wharf St, Tweed Heads into one centre at a yet to be determined location.

I write to seek your commitment that there will be:

1. no redundancies or cuts to current staff numbers at any of the three centres;
2. no adverse impacts on frontline customer contact;
3. no adverse impacts on claim or payment processing times; and
4. no further decline in the delivery of services to our local community.

I also seek confirmation that:

1. any new Service Centre will be located only in the postcodes of either 2485 or 2486;
2. the new Service Centre will not be located on state significant land;
3. the location of the consolidated Centrelink Centre will be easily accessible and close to public transport; and
4. that any land sales or rental agreements entered into by the Commonwealth will undergo a full and transparent tender process.

 The Centrelink Service Centre, based at Blundell Blvd in Tweed Heads South, provides essential frontline services that our community relies on and it is imperative that these services remain easily accessible by our community.

I understand that during the course of 2015-16 the Tweed Heads South Centrelink Service Centre received approximately 20,000 face to face customer contacts per quarter. Currently there are not enough staff to meet customer demand whether as a walk in or trying to phone the call centre, which is concerning for my community.

Pensioners and seniors, veterans, people with disability, families, carers, locals seeking work and students all rely on the essential services that the Tweed Heads South Service Centre provides.

I look forward to your prompt reply to these important matters.

Justine Elliot MP

SCOTT MORRISON ABOLISHES THE ARTS DEPARTMENT

The Liberal-National Party attacks on Australia’s arts sector appear set to worsen following Scott Morrison’s appalling decision to abolish the department responsible for arts policy and funding.

Under Morrison’s public sector restructure, federal arts policy will be subsumed by the new Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications – leaving no department with arts in the title. It’s hard to see this as anything other than a downgrade to arts policy.

Australia’s artists, actors, filmmakers, writers, musicians and broader creative community has every right to be concerned by this decision – apparently made without any consultation with the sector.

And it’s not just the people who make their living from our creative industries who should be worried.

It’s every member of the public who enjoys seeing Australian stories on the screen or stage, enjoys reading Australian stories on the page, or enjoys hearing live or recorded Australian music.

But this is not just about Australian culture and identity. Our cultural and creative industries contribute upwards of $100 billion to the economy a year – and deserve to be supported by our federal politicians.

Given the Liberal-National Party’s shocking record of cutting arts funding, this move is a terrible sign of what’s to come.

Morrison must explain how rolling arts policy into the department responsible for roads and railways can possibly be a good thing. And he must reveal how many arts employees will be culled in this merger.

Even the outgoing head of the soon-to-be-former Department of Communications and the Arts, Mike Mrdak, says he and his team were not consulted about this shocking and short-sighted change.

The government of Australia should back Australian culture. This lot doesn’t.

Stop Paid Parking

I have launched a community petition calling on Geoff Provest to honour his election commitment and stop paid parking at the new Tweed Valley Hospital.

Since the recent reports in the Tweed Daily News that Geoff Provest and the Nationals lied about free parking at the new Tweed Valley Hospital, I have been contacted by many locals who are upset at yet another broken election promise.

Locals are rightly outraged by Geoff Provest’s blatant lie about free parking.

Geoff Provest has to honour his promises and meet his promised details on the new hospital.

Prior to the state election Geoff Provest gave a commitment that there would be free parking with no time limits for patients, visitors and staff by saying:

“It’s not going to be paid parking there, I have not heard of any adjacent land being offered or sold, we are going to have free parking here and we’re not closing the old hospital down.” [“Parking will be free at hospital,” Tweed Daily News, 9 February 2019]. 

 That commitment was also confirmed in writing to a local constituent by Geoff’s office who replied:

“Further to your inquiry, there is no specific media release stating that parking will be free at the new hospital, but this commitment was given in media interviews by both the Deputy Premier and the Minister for Health during visits to the Tweed. Geoff has also been quoted confirming that parking will be free.”

[Email correspondence from Office of Geoff Provest MP, 27 February 2019]

In a desperate act to hold his seat, Geoff Provest promised locals free parking with no time limits for patients, visitors and staff at the new hospital.

This is a complete betrayal of locals. Geoff Provest and the Nationals have once again lied to us, this time about free parking at the hospital.

Our community deserves so much better than this.

Geoff Provest and the Nationals have again failed our community and this petition is an opportunity for locals to hold them to account.  I encourage locals to sign the petition either online or in print to send a strong message to Geoff Provest and the Nationals.

The petition reads:

Geoff Provest and the Nationals lied to us about free parking at the new Tweed Valley Hospital

Before the election Geoff Provest promised there would be free parking at the hospital.

Now the Nationals are set to betray locals and impose paid parking at the new Tweed Valley Hospital.

Please sign my petition and send a strong message to Geoff Provest and the Nationals:

Stop Paid Parking at the Tweed Valley Hospital!

Link to petition: https://www.justineelliot.com.au/stoppaidparking/

Aurora Australis

Many in our community have contacted me about the future of the Aurora Australis.

There are  a growing number of voices advocating for the Australis to remain in Australia.

The recent bushfires were devastating to many communities across Australia.  They also demonstrated the significant gaps in our capacity to support and rescue communities when our roads are cut and supply chains severely disrupted.

In January this year, Senator Carol Brown wrote to the Prime Minister on behalf of the Federal Parliamentary Labor Party outlining a number of suggestions regarding the future of the vessel, including that the Government could consider purchasing the vessel for use in developing and maintaining Australia’s emergency response capability.

Disappointingly, the Government has not responded with anything concrete.

Many other organisations and individuals have joined the campaign to keep the Aurora Australis available to assist Australian communities in need, train maritime rescue personnel, or operate as an experience centre that tells the story of Australia’s history in the Antarctic.

Make it Australian-Local content rules for Australian television.

Labor is committed to supporting Australian stories being created and told by Australian creatives and crew in Australian screen productions across all platforms.

Labor has a long-term commitment to a well-supported and funded Australian screen industry. We support settings that create jobs for our talented creative workforce and enable small to medium sized businesses to produce diverse and quality Australian content that local and international audiences love to watch.

Labor understands the growth of our Australian screen production sector has been underpinned by decades of government support, including through local content requirements, to foster both a skilled production industry and a sense of Australian identity, character and cultural diversity.

Labor is aware that the settings that support Australian and children’s screen content need to be modernised to ensure we continue to see Australian stories on our screens, including commercial and subscription TV, as well as newer services like Netflix.

For seven years, the Liberal-National Government has stalled and delayed the modernisation of the policy and regulatory framework for Australian content. They first announced a Review of Australian and Children’s Screen Content back in 2017 yet still haven’t provided certainty to industry or citizens and consumers.

We are aware that the independent screen industry is facing a number of challenges at the moment, including the shutdown of a number of productions in Australia caused by COVID-19. It is important that discussions about support for the industry take this context into account.

Labor is concerned that the Government’s decision to  suspend the sub-quotas for Australian drama, children’s and documentary content for 2020 under the cover of COVID-19, has thrown a struggling industry into further disarray. Labor will hold the Government to account for this decision, which must be treated as a temporary measure only.

The ACMA/Screen Australia Supporting Australian Stories On Our Screens options paper sets out a number of different ways forward for local content rules and government support for the industry. Labor is consulting with the screen industry and stakeholders as we formulate our response but our commitment to the creation of Australian stories is certain, and any future decisions will be guided by this.

Mandatory Pregnancy Warning

Many have contacted me regarding mandatory pregnancy warning labels on alcoholic beverages.

Like the Ministerial Forum on Food Regulation (made up of all governments around Australia and New Zealand), Labor is committed to mandatory pregnancy warning labels to ensure Australians are aware of the risks of drinking alcohol during pregnancy.

The specific proposal to which you refer was recommended by Food Standards Australia New Zealand. It will now be considered by the Ministerial Forum.

Labor respects the independence of the regulator and looks forward to a final decision by the Forum.

As you may be aware, the Federal Opposition does not have any members on the Forum. You may wish to contact the relevant Commonwealth Ministers who do sit on the forum: The Minister for Agriculture The Hon. David Littleproud MP, and Senator The Hon. Richard Colbeck, who serves as Chair.

Press Freedom

Labor strongly welcomes the decision by Australian Federal Police to not proceed with charges against journalist Annika Smethurst.

The criminal investigation into Ms Smethurst should never have happened and the raid on Ms Smethurst’s home should never have happened. That raid, and the separate raid on the ABC Headquarters in June last year, put a spotlight on the Morrison Government’s contempt for press freedom, its contempt for the public’s right to know and its contempt for scrutiny and any notion of accountability.

It has now been over two years since the Government asked the AFP to investigate the unauthorised disclosure of information to Annika Smethurst.

But rather than focusing on the source of the leak, the AFP launched an extraordinary criminal investigation into Annika Smethurst.

For almost a year now, ever since the raid on her home, Ms Smethurst has had the threat of criminal charges hanging over her head.

This raid came with the personal blessing of the Prime Minister who shrugged off the extraordinary assault on press freedom by saying ‘It never troubles me that our laws are being upheld.’ The High Court has since unanimously made clear that our laws were not being upheld – the warrant authorising the raid was unlawful.

While Ms Smethurst is now free of the threat of prosecution, two other journalists still face the very real threat that they will face criminal charges for just doing their jobs.

The Attorney-General should now bring this entire sorry saga to an end by announcing today that he will not consent to any prosecution of the ABC’s Sam Clarke and Dan Oakes.

Unlike the Morrison Government, Labor believes in freedom of the press and the public’s right to know.

For several years now Labor has been voicing concerns about the undermining of press freedom by this Coalition Government and we came out in support of the Australia’s Right to Know campaign as soon as it launched.

Labor believes journalists should never face the prospect of being charged, or even jailed, just for doing their jobs.

Law enforcement agencies should never be raiding journalists just because they are embarrassing the Government.

The Morrison Government can no longer hide behind these legal proceedings, and must now commit to reform of the law that properly protects freedom of the press that addresses the concerns of the Australia’s Right to Know coalition

A strong and independent media is vital to holding governments to account and to informing the Australian public. Labor will continue to fight to defend and to strengthen press freedom and the public’s right to know.

My sincere sympathies are with those whose families and communities have been impacted. It is a tragedy that so many lives and properties have been lost.

This is a national emergency that needs a national response. We have been calling for a national approach to this bushfire emergency since November. We welcome the recent utilisation of the Defence Forces and the announcements of a new Bushfire Recovery Agency, but it shouldn’t have taken this long for the Government to take action.

We have seen unprecedented scenes as drought, unseasonably high temperatures and high winds have combined to wreak havoc on bushland and nearby communities. It is of extreme concern that bushfires of this severity are occurring so early in the year and is more evidence of the need for the Morrison Government to take serious action on climate change.

The Federal Opposition is deeply grateful for the efforts of fire and emergency services personnel and the many volunteers who have assisted in fighting these bushfires. We also commend the residents of affected regions for their cooperation with bushfire authorities.

If you and your family have been impacted by the bushfires and need more information on the emergency assistance available, information on disaster assistance is available at www.disasterassist.gov.au or the below contacts.

Queensland:

Those affected can apply for the Emergency Hardship Assistance grant through the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 or www.communityrecovery.qld.gov.au.

New South Wales:

For information on personal hardship and distress – contact the Disaster Welfare Assistance Line on 1800 018 444 or visit and www.emergency.nsw.gov.au

Applications for a concessional loan, grant or freight subsidy – contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or www.raa.nsw.gov.au

South Australia:

For information of Disaster recovery assistance visit www.sa.gov.au/topics/emergencies-and-safety/recovery/assistance

Victoria:

For information of Disaster recovery assistance visit www.emergency.vic.gov.au/relief/

Tasmania:

For information on Emergency Assistance Grants and Recovery and Restoration Grants visit www.alert.tas.gov.au/resources/Pages/DisasterAssistance.aspx

If you would like to make a donation to assist communities affected by bushfires, below are some of the organisations accepting donations to provide much needed support.

Disaster Relief:

• Red Cross – redcross.org.au
• Victorian Bushfire Appeal – vic.gov.au/bushfireappeal
• SA Bushfire Appeal – sa.gov.au/topics/emergencies-and-safety/recovery/donating
• Foodbank – foodbank.org.au
• St Vincent de Paul NSW Bushfire Appeal – donate.vinnies.org.au/appeals-nsw/vinnies-nsw-bushfire-appeal-nsw

Volunteer Fire Services:

• NSW Rural Fire Service – rfs.nsw.gov.au
• Victorian Country Fire Authority – cfa.vic.gov.au
• SA Country Fire Service – cfsfoundation.org.au
• Tasmania Fire Service – fire.tas.gov.au
• Queensland Rural Fire Service – ruralfire.qld.gov.au
• Western Australia Fire and Emergency Services – dfes.wa.gov.au/contactus/pages/donations.aspx
• ACT Emergency Services Agency – esa.act.gov.au
• NT Fire and Rescue Service – pfes.nt.gov.au

Animal Rescue:

• Port Macquarie Koala Hospital – gofundme.com/f/help-thirsty-koalas-devastated-by-recent-fires
• RSPCA NSW Bushfire Appeal – rspcansw.org.au/bushfire-appeal
• NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service – wires.org.au/donate/emergency-fund
• Wildlife Victoria Bushfire Appeal – wildlifevictoria.org.au

There have been reports of some dodgy scammers trying to take advantage of people’s generosity. If you are aware of any you can report them to the Bushfire Scam Hotline on 1300 795 995.

Uluru Statement from the Heart

It has been over a year since the historic gathering at Uluru and the release of the Statement from the Heart, and over a year since the Referendum Council released its final report into constitutional recognition of the First Australians.

Labor has made clear our view – we cannot call on First Nations people to give us their views on what form of constitutional recognition they want, and then reject those calls.

Yet that is exactly what Liberal Prime Ministers have done.

In the last year, both Turnbull and Morrison have rejected the calls for a Voice to Parliament, repeatedly claiming it will become a third chamber, and that any referendum will not get the support of the Australian People.

Labor has pushed for a Joint Parliamentary Committee to do further work on this issue, in the hope that there can be a return to bipartisanship.

Labor is proud that Senator Patrick Dodson, the father of reconciliation was the co-chair of that committee, continuing to work with patience and respect with First Nations people and the Parliament.

The Joint Select Committee Relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 2018, released its report at the end of November, calling for bipartisan recognition of the need for a Voice. The Final Report is available at: https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Former_Committees/Constitutional_Recognition_2018/ConstRecognition/Final_Report

More than a year after the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the Final Report of the Referendum Council, the overwhelming evidence to the Committee was that First Nation’s peoples want a Voice, and a more meaningful say in the issues that impact their lives.They have have reiterated their desire for a more meaningful say in the issues that affect their lives. They continue to call for a Voice to Parliament.  And they continue to call for a Makaratta Commission to oversee a process of truth telling and agreement making.

Labor has heard those calls and has committed to deliver.

It is clear that the Government’s handling of the Uluru Statement has set the nation back on the long overdue work of recognition of First Nations people.

Labor’s position is clear: we will work with the Government, but we will not wait for them. First Nations people have waited 250 years to be recognised for who they are, the First People of this country, and for recognition as sovereign peoples whose land was taken by force.

That is why, while the Government remains opposed to the call from Uluru, a Labor Government will legislate the Voice to Parliament as a first step towards constitutional entrenchment. Achieving this goal is the priority task for constitutional change should Labor be elected to office.

Labor is also committed to doing what we can to right the wrongs to the past, and ensure those wrongs are never repeated.

That is why we have committed to a compensations scheme for the Stolen Generations in Commonwealth jurisdictions, as well as the establishment of a Healing Fund. We will also convene a National Summit on First Nations Children, to address the extremely high rates of child removal.

We continue to commit ourselves to working with First Nation’s people every step of the way.

Royal Commission into veteran suicide

Labor has announced  it will support a Royal Commission into veteran suicide.

Official figures released show a disturbingly high rate of suicide among current and ex-service men and women – with more than 400 deaths since 2001.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare research indicated that suicide rates for current and former Defence personnel compared to the rest of the Australian population are higher than ever.

Australia can no longer tolerate this senseless loss of life.

This is nothing less than a crisis and as a nation, we need to do all we can to tackle this.

Labor believes the best way to do this is through a thorough and comprehensive Royal Commission.

We are calling on the Morrison Government to do the right thing by our ex-service men and women, and establish a Royal Commission into veteran suicide as soon as possible.

This will help to shine a light on the issue, investigate why so many of our veterans are taking their own lives, and determine what measures are needed to stop these tragic deaths.

The terms of reference should include serving men and women, their transition from active service back to civilian life, and their ongoing circumstances.

The men and women who serve our country deserve our gratitude and respect, and we owe it to them to have a comprehensive examination of how we can reduce, and hopefully eliminate, these tragic numbers.

Their deaths are heartbreaking and cause immeasurable loss and grief for their loved ones left behind, their local communities, and indeed the nation.

We know many veterans and veterans’ families have been calling for this for some time now – they want to prevent future suicides and other families from suffering in the way they have.

And we have listened to courageous advocates like Julie-Ann Finney, whose son David took his own life in February this year after a battle with PTSD.

Labor Members of Parliament have met with Ms Finney and she has made a strong case for a Royal Commission.

We want this to be a bipartisan effort – we want to work with the Government, the Parliament and the veteran community and do all we can to address the scourge of veteran suicide.

NDIS

In government Labor legislated for the NDIS, successfully launched the scheme, and set out a ten-year funding plan to secure its long-term future.

Labor created the NDIS because we understood that the current system of disability support is completely broken.

Across the country, the NDIS is now transforming the lives of people with disability.

For the first time, people with disability have their needs met in a way that supports them to live with choice and dignity.

When fully rolled out, the NDIS will provide support to more than 460,000 people with disability.

NBN

Staying connected is vital for everyone across the North Coast, but time and time again bungled NBN installations are costing North Coast businesses.

As well as the financial impact of an unreliable internet connection, businesses, families and individuals often have to spend time dealing with issues that should be a simple fix – time that would be much better spent focusing on other things.

In 2016-17, there were almost 20,000 complaints about NBN faults in New South Wales to the Telecommunications Ombudsman, while more than 8000 complaints were made about connections.

Overall, there was a 43% rise in complaints about the NBN from 2015-16.

Having more uptime, less downtime, and greater accountability is an important step towards delivering a better NBN for all Australians.

Locals have a right to access fast speeds and services. But the Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison government have delivered a second-rate NBN that is both $20 billion over budget and four years behind schedule.

I encourage all locals who experience frustrations in dealing with the NBN, including connection drop outs, slow speeds or simply no access at all, to contact my office for assistance

Only Labor understands that real high-speed broadband is essential for jobs, for small businesses, world-class education and health care.

Climate Change

Labor is the only party of government that is committed to real action on climate change.

Strong climate action is needed, not only to protect the prosperity of future generations of Australians and to meet our international obligations under the Paris climate change Accords, but also to deliver prosperity today by modernising our economy and adapting to inevitable climate impacts.

After the disappointing result of the 2019 election, it is natural and necessary that Labor review all our policies taken to the 2019 election, but this review will not change the values that motivate and underpin our commitment to real climate action.

Labor’s approach to climate change policy will continue to be guided by the best science available, and be underpinned by Labor values of equity and fairness. Our approach will focus on the development of policies that will not only cut pollution, but ensure we maximise the jobs and economic opportunities of modernising our economy.

In contrast, the Liberal and National parties have paid nothing more than lip service to real climate action. Their approach to climate change is best demonstrated not by their rhetoric, but by their actions, including a commitment to provide taxpayer support for coal fired power.

As a result, it is no surprise that Australian emissions are now projected to be essentially the same in 2020 as they were in 2000, and Australia ranked last out of 61 countries, behind Russia, Saudi Arabia and Donald Trump’s USA in terms of climate policy at the latest Paris agreement summit.

While the result of the 2019 election was disappointing for those seeking serious action on climate change, Labor will not walk away from the crucial task of tackling climate change and delivering a prosperous and sustainable Australia to future generation.

Policing

As a former frontline police officer I will always advocate for more police for our region.