For my responses on current policy issues please see below.

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) - JobKeeper Payment

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

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) - Centrelink Assistance

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) - Mandatory Quarantine

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – Mandatory Quarantine

Australia’s borders are closed. Only Australian citizens, residents and immediate family members can travel to Australia.

Read more in the Prime Minister’s statement.

Visit the Department of Home Affairs website for:

exemptions to travel restrictions
visa holders
visa conditions

Citizens and permanent residents returning to Australia

If you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you and your immediate family members can return to Australia.

You must self-isolate for 14 days from the day you return.

Changes from 11.59pm Saturday 28 March

From 11:59pm on Saturday 28 March 2020, all travellers arriving in Australia via air or seaports must undergo 14 days of isolation in the city of their arrival.

At overseas airports, Australian Border Force liaison officers will work with airlines to identify travellers who should not board flights.

The Australian Government will provide accommodation for the quarantine period.

If your final destination is in a different state or territory, you must still complete your quarantine in the state or territory you arrived in, before returning home.

States and territories will enforce these requirements with support from the Australian Government. This includes the Australian Defence Force and the Australian Border Force, if needed.

In-flight

If you are on an international flight and show signs of an infectious disease:

the airline must report you to biosecurity officers
biosecurity officers will assess you before you get off the plane
you may be isolated or referred to a hospital

If you are unwell on a flight, you will be identified and referred for assessment when you arrive at your destination.

Air and maritime crews

Air and maritime crews must continue to undertake the existing precautions. This means self-isolating in your accommodation when you enter Australia.

Cruise ships

On 15 March, the Government announced a temporary ban on the entry of cruise ships that have left a foreign port. Australian cruise ships that are currently in progress are permitted to dock in Australia.

For more information about cruise ships, visit the Department of Home Affairs website.

Travel from Australia

There is a ban on all overseas travel, with few exceptions.

To find out more, go to Smartraveller’s coronavirus (COVID-10) information.

Stay informed

Whether you’re travelling in Australia or overseas, make sure you know the facts about COVID-19.

Keep informed through our COVID-19 news and media.

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) - Travel Advice

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – Travel Advice

TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

From 25 March 2020 Australians are banned from travelling overseas.

On 24 March 2020, the Prime Minister announced a ‘do not travel’ ban on Australians travelling overseas under the Biosecurity Act 2015.

This is an increase from the ‘do-not-travel’ warning and is effective from 25 March 2020.

This will help avoid travellers returning to Australia with coronavirus and the risks of spreading coronavirus to other countries.

Exemptions, which will be managed by the Australian Border Force, will apply to a range of categories of travellers, including;

for citizens who normally live overseas;
where travel is essential or necessary;
where travel is in our national interest, and
on compassionate and humanitarian grounds.

This prohibition is aligned with the Government’s decision to raise the Smartraveller Travel Advice to Level 4 – Do Not Travel 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/

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) - Tenancy Advice

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.

For more information from the Department of Fair Trade visit here: https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/

COVID-19 (Coronavirus ) - State Borders

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – State Borders

***The QLD/NSW Border is now closed***

If you require an exemption pass you can apply for one online here: www.qld.gov.au/border

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:

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

Additional exemptions:

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

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

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) - Priority Assistance for Shopping

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 is introducing a Coles Online Priority Service (COPS), with more information to be posted at this link as it becomes available: https://shop.coles.com.au/…/co…/priority-service-information or call Coles customer care Tel: 1800 455 400 or, text customer care 0429 989 656
ALDI

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

IGA Supa Byron Bay will home deliver. Contact them on 0266 807 455

Tweed Fruit Exchange home deliver across the Tweed Shire. Contact them via 02 6672 1155 or order online: https://tweedfruitexchange.com.au/

Farm Fresh (based at Cudgen) home deliver across the Tweed Shire. Contact them via phone 02 66 741 183, order online : https://farmfreshdelivery.com.au/product-category/products/ or email: Matenmatts@Gmail.Com

Various Restaurants and cafes are offering home delivery across Byron Bay. Visit Byron Shire online here: https://byronshireonline.wixsite.com/thelist

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) - Health Information

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
The Tweed Hospital.

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.

The clinics are open from 10am to 6pm seven days a week at this stage. 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.

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

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

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.

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) - Mental Health Support

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) - Pharmacy Information

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.

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) - Business Assistance: Federal & State

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) - Essential Services

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – Essential Services

**Australians should stay at home, unless shopping for essentials, receiving medical care, exercising or travelling to work or education.**

Public gatherings, excluding household members, have been reduced to a maximum of two people. Check State and Territory websites for further enforcement information.
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.
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. More information to come this week.
If you are in self-isolation because you are confirmed or suspected to have Coronavirus (COVID-19), or have been in close contact with a confirmed case, use this form to help us track the spread of the virus. Read more.
A safety net package of $1.1 billion has been announced by the Prime Minister to expand mental health and telehealth services, increase domestic violence services and provide more emergency food relief. Read more.
Stay informed. Download the official government “Coronavirus Australia” app in the Apple App Store or Google Play, or join our WhatsApp channel on iOS or Android.
All travellers returning home from overseas will be quarantined in a hotel or designated facility for 14 days. Read more.
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. Please check your State and Territory websites for full details.

Stay at home – You must stay at home unless you are going to:

work (where you can’t work remotely)
school or an educational institution
shop for food and essentials
get medical care or supplies
exercise

You may only leave home with a reasonable excuse, including to:

avoid injury or illness or escape a risk of harm
deal with emergencies or on compassionate grounds
access childcare
provide care or assistance (including personal care) to a vulnerable person or to provide emergency assistance
attend a wedding or funeral (subject to 5 and 10 person limits)
move to a new place of residence, or between your different places of residence
donate blood
undertake legal obligations
access social services, employment services, services provided to victims (including as victims of crime), domestic violence services, and mental health services
continue existing arrangements for access to, and contact between, parents and children for children who do not live in the same household as their parents or one of their parents
go to a place of worship or to provide pastoral care if you are a priest, minister of religion or member of a religious order.

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

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

The following facilities and services will remain open:

Supermarkets
petrol stations
pharmacies
convenience stores
freight and logistics
home delivery

More information about NSW Public health Orders can be found online here: https://preview.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/public-health-orders

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) - Mortgage Relief

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:

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.

Zali Steggall Climate Change Bill

Labor welcomes any constructive effort to progress climate action and looks forward to continuing to engage with Zali Steggall about her Bill.

Labor supports any opportunity to debate the need for action on climate change in the Parliament.

For Zali Steggall’s Bill to be considered, Scott Morrison would need to allow a full debate in the Parliament.

When Labor moved a motion to declare a Climate Emergency last October, Scott Morrison wouldn’t allow the question to be debated at all.

Scott Morrison and his divided government have never taken action on climate change seriously.

The latest official government emissions data confirms Australia will not meet our Kyoto commitment to cut emissions by 5 per cent by 2020.

In fact, emissions reduction will amount to little more than a rounding error of 0.3 per cent, putting the lie to the Prime Minister’s claim that we are meeting and beating our international commitments.

The government’s own data suggests emissions will come down during the next 10 years by only less than 5 per cent.

At that rate, it will take Australia 230 years to reach net zero emissions, rather than the 30 years scientists tell us is necessary.

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

The core principles that underpin climate action remain unshakeable Labor commitments.

Labor will be in the position to do something about climate change at the next election – and we will.

To get real action on climate change, Australia needs a new Government.

Modified Monash Model - Murwillumbah

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.

Australia’s Involvement in the Gulf

Australia has a long history of supporting international efforts to aid peace and security in the Middle East.

This includes the commitment last year of Australian Defence Force personnel and assets to the multi-national maritime security assistance mission in the Straits of Hormuz.

Recent events in the Middle East have heightened tensions in the region.

The safety and security of Australian personnel deployed in the region is of upmost importance.

The Government must clarify the implications of recent events for Australia’s commitments in the Middle East and the safety of our personnel deployed in the region.

Scott Morrison and Linda Reynolds must confirm that our personnel are safe and that there has been no change to their mission.

Labor is concerned at the potential for escalation in the region and we call on all sides to show restraint.

The Government needs to provide assurances that our personnel continue to play their critical role in the region and that force posture and protection arrangements reflect the prevailing environment.

The Government should also be seeking an update from Washington on US strategy in the region and the impact of recent developments on the fight against ISIL.

Arts Funding Cuts

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.

Religious Discrimination Bill

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.

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

Despite this, Labor will once again take the time to consult widely throughout the Australian community while we carefully consider the new exposure draft.

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 has already made substantial changes between its first and second exposure drafts. And, to be clear, the new exposure draft is not a bill before Parliament – any Religious Discrimination Bill which the Government ultimately brings forward 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.

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.

Petition to Stop Paid Parking at New Tweed Valley Hospital

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/

Bushfires

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.

Centrelink Closures

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:

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

I also seek confirmation that:

any new Service Centre will be located only in the postcodes of either 2485 or 2486;
the new Service Centre will not be located on state significant land;
the location of the consolidated Centrelink Centre will be easily accessible and close to public transport; and
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

Right to Know - AFP raids and Press Freedom

Right to Know campaign

Labor believes a strong and independent media is vital to holding governments – and opposition parties – to account. Labor congratulates the Right to Know Coalition for their historic, united campaign against the Morrison Government’s assault on media freedom and the public’s right to know.

Labor will continue to stand with journalists and the Right to Know Coalition to fight to defend and to strengthen press freedom.

All Australians, as well as friends in democracies around the world, were shocked earlier this year to see Australian Federal Police raiding the offices of media organisations and the home of a respected political journalist.

The Prime Minister dismissed widespread public concerns about these raids with a wave of the hand and a glib one-liner saying, “it never troubles me that our laws are being upheld.”

This is typical from a Prime Minister who is loose with the truth and repeatedly avoids answering even the simplest questions that seek to hold him accountable to the Australian people.

“Accountability” is a so-called “bubble issue” according to Scott Morrison.

What we are seeing with this third term Liberal Government is an ever-growing culture of cover-up and denial. Led by Scott Morrison, this Government:

refuses to answer questions from journalists or members of the public;
ignores its legal obligations to provide information to journalists or members of the public under freedom of information laws; and
uses the criminal law to intimidate people who embarrass them, including journalists and whistleblowers.

This arrogant Government believes no one is above the law except them.

Scott Morrison and his senior ministers treat “press freedom” as if it were an inconvenience rather than as an essential pillar of our democracy.

When a parliamentary committee recently asked the Peter Dutton’s Department of Home Affairs to provide basic information on how many covert warrants had been obtained to investigate journalists, the Department refused.

When asked about the raids by a journalist, the Communications Minister even threatened to end the interview.

And such is their contempt for the public’s right to know, the Morrison Government refuses to even appoint a standalone Freedom of Information Commissioner.

Labor stands side by side with the Right to Know Coalition and calls on the Morrison Government to:

rule out the prosecution of Dan Oakes, Sam Clark and Annika Smethurst
better protect journalists whose only “crime” is doing their jobs
fully comply with its obligations under freedom of information laws
protect whistleblowers.

More information about this campaign is available at www.yourrighttoknow.com.au

Statement from the Heart

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.

Sports Supplements

Labor understands that many Australians use sports supplements, and that their production makes an important economic contribution.

Labor also respects the independence and expertise of the Therapeutic Goods Administration, which helps to ensure that the therapies Australians use are safe and effective.

For these reasons, Labor will monitor the TGA’s process on sports supplements closely.

Labor understands that the consultation phase opened on 22 October and will close on 3 December. If you have not already done so, I encourage you to make a formal submission to the TGA via https://www.tga.gov.au/consultation/consultation-proposed-clarification-certain-sports-supplements-are-therapeutic-goods.

Labor hopes that the TGA will consider feedback from all interested Australians when making its final decision.

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 both 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 and other sources.

Once ARPANSA set an EME safety limit, 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 ACMA is the regulator responsible for managing the radiofrequency spectrum, but the ACMA is not an expert body on the health effects of human exposure to EME.

Before building new mobile phone base stations, mobile phone companies must generally:

Consult with communities (the Communications Alliance industry code C564:2011 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment)

Produce an environmental EME report—the reports are published at the Radio Frequency National Site Archive.

If you have questions or concerns about the adequacy of the ARPANSA limits, in minimising potential human health effects, including in relation to 5G, I recommend that you contact ARPANSA on 1800 022 333. ARPANSA do offer opportunities for members of the public to speak directly with their scientists.

More information from ARPSANA can also be found here.

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.

Live Exports

Labor wants to end the cruelty in the live sheep export industry.

Despite many chances, the live sheep trade has been unable to demonstrate it is capable of meeting reasonable animal welfare standards.

The Liberal National Government has chosen to ignore the advice of both the Australian Veterinary Association and RSPCA. They say live sheep cannot be transported to the Middle East during the northern summer period without suffering extreme heat stress.

This is why Labor’ policy is to put a halt to the summer trade and phase-out the rest of the trade as quickly as is possible.

The Morrison Government has given the green light to the re-commencement live sheep exports in some of the hottest northern hemisphere summer months. The unfortunate decision runs against the Government’s own expert advice.

And now they plan to spend $2.2 million of taxpayers’ money on a research project in an attempt to work around the scientific conclusions of its own reviews of the live sheep trade.

The Government has gone from ignoring the science to fighting the science.

After investing in five costly reports including one by an Independent Heat Stress Risk Assessment Technical Reference Panel, the Government wants industry to invent a dehumidification machine to beat the wet bulb test which the experts say is the right measure of animal welfare.

The $2.2 million should be used to help sheep farmers make the transition to domestic processing and higher value product markets. That’s more jobs in Australia.

Policing

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

Policing

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

• 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.

Justine Elliot MP

For my responses on current policy issues please see below.

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – JobKeeper Payment

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – Centrelink Assistance

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – Mandatory Quarantine

Citizens and permanent residents returning to Australia

Changes from 11.59pm Saturday 28 March

In-flight

Air and maritime crews

Cruise ships

Travel from Australia

Stay informed

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – Travel Advice

COVID-19 (Coronavirus​) and the Australian border

COVID-19 (Coronavirus​) and State Borders

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – Tenancy Advice

COVID-19 (Coronavirus​) – State Borders

Priority Assistance for Shopping

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – Health Information

Speciality COVID-19/Flu Clinics

Self-isolation (self-quarantine)

How to self-isolate

Going outside

Social distancing

Households

Aged and Residential Care

TeleHealth

Home Medicines Service

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – Mental Health Support

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – Health Information

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

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – Essential Services

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – Mortgage Relief

Zali Steggall Climate Change Bill

Modified Monash Model – Murwillumbah

SCOTT MORRISON ABOLISHES THE ARTS DEPARTMENT

Religious Discrimination Bill

Stop Paid Parking

Tweed Centrelink Closures

Right to Know campaign

Uluru Statement from the Heart

Royal Commission into veteran suicide

Sports Supplements

5G

NDIS

NBN

Climate Change

Live Exports

Policing

Policing

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COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and the Australian border

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and State Borders

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – State Borders