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NSW TO RUN HOME QUARANTINE PILOT PROGRAM
The NSW and Commonwealth Governments will launch a home quarantine pilot in Greater Sydney later this month, as NSW transitions towards opening up international borders.
The pilot, to be operated and monitored by NSW Health and NSW Police, will trial a seven day home quarantine program for around 175 people.
Participants in the pilot will have had both doses of a TGA-accredited COVID-19 vaccine.
The participants will be selected by NSW Health, based on a risk assessment framework, and may include some NSW residents, some non-Australian residents and some Qantas air crew.
The isolation period will be reduced from 14 to seven days.
The pilot program is being run in partnership with the Commonwealth Government and findings will inform future quarantine programs.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the pilot would help secure Australia’s safe reopening plan.
“This is the next step in our plan to safely reopen, and to stay safely open,” Mr Morrison said.
“NSW has carried the lion’s share of quarantining returning Australians and will be leading the way with this trial that could set the standard for the next phases of the way we live with COVID-19.
“This could mean more families and friends being able to reunite more quickly, more business being able to be done here, and more workers for key industries being able to fill critical jobs.”
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the home quarantine program was critical to bringing more Australians home while keeping the community safe.
“NSW has quarantined over 245,000 travellers throughout this pandemic, by far the most of any jurisdiction in the country and this pilot will lay the foundations for us to reunite even more families and friends who are fully vaccinated,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Hotel quarantine has been an important line of defence throughout this pandemic but as we move towards our vaccination targets, we have to look at new ways of doing things.”
“The safety of the community remains our number one priority and the rules around this home quarantine pilot will be strictly enforced.”
NSW will utilise a mobile phone app based on that already in use in South Australia. The app uses geolocation and face recognition technology to monitor isolation compliance. The app will also provide people with a testing schedule and symptom checker.
Privacy will be protected through the same mechanisms as the current Service NSW check-in regulations.
Random in-person police checks will also be conducted, and the existing penalties for individuals who breach conditions of their isolation still apply.
The Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer has discussed the pilot’s arrangements with the NSW Chief Health Officer and supports the shortened quarantine period proposed for this pilot and for the proposed cohort of fully vaccinated travellers, vaccinated with a TGA approved vaccine.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said improving vaccination rates meant a home quarantine trial was now a viable option.
“As more people around the world and here in NSW get vaccinated, we can start to consider things that make lives easier, like home quarantine,” Mr Ayres said.
“NSW looks forward to reopening and to accepting a greater number of international arrivals. Now is the ideal time to pilot a home quarantine solution as we transition towards opening up.”
The pilot will run from later this month and operate for four weeks.
COVID SUPPORT PAYMENTS EXPANDED FOR WORKERS AND VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES
The NSW Government has announced an additional $287.5 million in COVID-19 financial support to assist workers and vulnerable communities in metropolitan, regional and rural NSW.
The additional funding will see the COVID-19 emergency hardship payments, test and isolate support payments and community empowerment grants expanded across all of NSW.
The additional $287.5 million funding commitment includes:
The emergency hardship, one-off payment of $400 administered by the Red Cross which has been expanded to temporary visa/no visa holders in NSW who are facing severe financial hardship and are not eligible for other government income
The test and isolate payment of $320 which has now been expanded state-wide. It is available for eligible workers aged 17 and over, who have symptoms of COVID-19, to get tested and isolate until a negative result is returned. The payment is available to NSW workers who do not have sick, carer's or pandemic leave
Community supports grants which have been expanded across NSW to help organisations deliver emergency food relief, promote vaccination and testing services, and provide culturally appropriate support and care to diverse communities.
For details of all support available to individuals and businesses, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/2021-covid-19-support-package.
The new $287.5 million funding commitment is in addition to the NSW Government’s existing commitment of $7.7 billion in COVID-19 support measures.
Meanwhile, the NSW Government has confirmed that Parliament will resume on 12 October when the State has achieved higher vaccination rates.
During COVID-19 restrictions, the NSW Parliament has conducted eight Budget Estimates hearings and three Public Accountability Committee Hearings, and there are currently 24 inquiries open. The NSW Government will make up the lost sitting days.
NEW DIGITAL PLATFORM TO SUPPORT REOPENING OF THE INTERNATIONAL BORDER
The Commonwealth Government has taken the next step in preparation for reopening Australia to international travel at scale, with the appointment of Accenture to deliver the Digital Passenger Declaration (DPD).
The DPD will replace the physical incoming passenger card and the COVID-19 Australian Travel Declaration web form, capturing essential information including passengers’ vaccination status up to 72 hours prior to boarding.
Passengers coming into Australia will be able to complete the DPD on their mobile device or computer.
Minister for Home Affairs Karen Andrews said all Australians looked forward to once more welcoming international travellers across the border, and that the Government was taking proactive steps to ensure the safe reopening of the border at scale when supported by health advice.
“The DPD will support the safe re-opening of Australia’s international borders, by providing digitally-verified COVID-19 vaccination details,” Ms Andrews said.
“This will help us to welcome home increasing numbers of Australians, and welcome the tourists, travellers, international students, skilled workers, and overseas friends and family we’ve all been missing during the pandemic.”
Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business and Minister responsible for data and digital policy Stuart Robert said that, following the implementation of the DPD, the Government would consider how the same technology could be reused to deliver a suite of digital upgrades to other government services.
“The overarching digitisation program could include visas, import permits, personnel identity cards, licenses, registrations, and other documents, making previously cumbersome processes easier, safer and more transparent,” Mr Robert said.
The DPD will now move into a testing phase before being deployed, at scale, throughout major Australian airports.
SEVEN BUSINESS EVENTS SECURED FOR SYDNEY AND ICC TO REOPEN FOR IN PERSON EVENTS
Business Events Sydney had its most successful month since the start of the pandemic, with seven meetings won for Sydney during August.
Set to attract more than 5,000 delegates and generate around $14 million for the NSW economy through to 2024, the successful bids include six global events and one national event across business, environment, science, technology, and health.
The latest wins take BESydney’s bid win tally to 18, with 92 events in total secured through to 2029, representing a combined expenditure estimated at $480 million.
“We’re getting ready to welcome back our visitors and give first time and repeat business travellers even more incentive to choose Sydney,” Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said.
BESydney CEO Lyn Lewis-Smith said the wins were a clear signal of confidence that the world’s beloved Sydney would return as a leading choice for global business events.
“We know that people are craving human connections and sharing knowledge, ideas, and to drive business in-person. We are building our city and industry back to exceed expectations when it comes to creating lasting memories, outcomes and impact,” Ms Lewis-Smith said.
Meanwhile, the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) is preparing to welcome in person events back to the venue from mid-October.
Conferences and exhibitions at ICC Sydney can return at one person per four square metres and entertainment events can return at 75 per cent of their fixed seating capacity.
ICC Sydney CEO Geoff Donaghy said ICC Sydney had updated its EventSafe Operating Guide, integrating NSW Government health regulations and parent group ASM Global’s rigorous Venue Shield program, and capacity charts.
“We have over 90 events in the diary from October through to Christmas and we’re contacting our customers to ensure they are able to proceed with a fully vaccinated workforce, event attendees, suppliers and contractors – everyone that will need to enter the venue,” Mr Donaghy said.
COMMONWEALTH LAUNCHES NEXT PHASE OF COVID-19 VACCINATION COMMUNICATIONS CAMPAIGN
The next phase of the Commonwealth Government’s COVID-19 vaccination communications campaign launched on 12 September, reminding people that the first thing they need to do is get vaccinated.
With the arrival of millions more vaccines, easier access through an expanded network of GPs and pharmacists, and opening up the program to everyone aged over 12, the campaign kicked off a major ramp up of the vaccination program.
The First Things First campaign encourages Australians to get vaccinated so they can start enjoying the things they are missing, or to keep enjoying the things they love.
The campaign has two key target audiences:
Those who have been living in areas of lockdown and are looking forward to our first tastes of freedom again
Those who are already enjoying the things we love - to get vaccinated - to keep them without the risk of lockdowns.
It mobilises all Australians to make the decision to get vaccinated and particularly speaks to a younger age group.
The latest research shows the continuing positive trend in attitudes to being vaccinated, with 81 per cent of people saying they will be or intend to be vaccinated.
This campaign targets those who are still unsure to be vaccinated, as it will enable them to do things they enjoy, such as being with family, attending weddings, going to concerts and travelling.
First Things First campaign assets can be viewed at Australia.gov.au.
For information about getting vaccinated in NSW, go to https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/health-and-wellbeing/covid-19-vaccination-nsw
AUSTRALIA COUNCIL INVESTS IN PERFORMING ARTS TOURS ACROSS AUSTRALIA FROM 2022 ONWARDS
Australian audiences can look forward to a raft of exciting performing arts touring to local areas once live performance resumes through Commonwealth Government investment of almost $3 million.
The funding will be delivered through Playing Australia to support performing arts to tour nationally, including to audiences in regional and remote areas, with tours scheduled from 2022.
A theatre adaptation of the children’s picture book Guess How Much I Love You, and an adaption of Jane Eyre with music from multi-ARIA Award winner Sarah McLeod are among the diverse range of arts experiences supported.
Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher said the Playing Australia program was helping more Australians enjoy the performing arts, especially those who live in regional and remote communities.
“These grants deliver on our commitment to make arts and culture accessible to all Australians. Touring by our performing arts companies contributes to the vibrancy of communities across the country as well as generating economic activity in regional centres and towns,” Mr Fletcher said.
Australia Council Executive Director of Arts Investment Alice Nash said: “Touring is key to ensuring a diverse and thriving sector, for artists and their audiences, and this will be particularly important following the disruption of COVID-19.”
The latest investment through Playing Australia will support nine projects expected to tour parts of NSW, and 13 projects in total. Read more about Playing Australia online.
Image: CDP Theatre Producers
AUSTRALIA COUNCIL INVESTS IN PERFORMING ARTS TOURS ACROSS AUSTRALIA FROM 2022 ONWARDS
The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) has denied authorisation for Qantas and Japan Airlines to coordinate flights between Australia and Japan, under the terms of a joint business agreement.
The ACCC found that the agreement would likely lead to reduced competition as international travel resumes, to the detriment of passengers travelling between Australia and Japan.
“The ACCC can only authorise an agreement between competitors if it is satisfied the public benefits would outweigh the harm to competition. The alliance did not pass this test,” ACCC Chair Rod Sims said.
“Airlines have been severely impacted by the pandemic and this has been a very difficult period for them. But preserving competition between airlines is the key to the long-term recovery of the aviation and tourism sectors, once international travel restrictions are eased.”
In the year before the pandemic, Qantas and Japan Airlines together flew about 85 per cent of passengers travelling between Australia and Japan. They were each other’s closest competitors on the largest route, Sydney-Tokyo.
The ACCC concluded that granting the authorisation would not only remove competition between Qantas and Japan Airlines, it would make it very difficult for other airlines to operate on routes between Australia and Japan.
Qantas and Japan Airlines expressed their disappointment at the ACCC’s decision to block the airlines’ plans to form a joint business that would have boosted the recovery of tourism when international borders reopen.
Qantas Domestic and International CEO Andrew David said: “A closer partnership between Qantas and Japan Airlines would have meant more routes, better flight connections and more benefits to frequent flyers. None of these benefits will be realised following the ACCC’s decision.”
More information, including the ACCC’s final determination, is available on the ACCC’s public register on its website.
NEW ERA FOR PACIFIC AUSTRALIA LABOUR MOBILITY
The Commonwealth Government has announced the first stage of reforms to Australia's labour mobility programs – the Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS) and the Seasonal Worker Program (SWP) – making the programs easier to access, protect worker welfare, and better meet the workforce needs of regional Australia.
The PLS and SWP are valued highly by Australian businesses as well as partner countries. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pacific and Timorese workers have been the lifeblood of many regional businesses, ensuring meat could be processed and crops could be harvested.
The centrepiece of the reforms is a single streamlined application process for both the PLS and SWP offering more flexibility and less red tape. Eligible approved employers will also have their status recognised for both programs.
The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) website has been established for employers to apply to join the PLS and SWP through a single application.
These changes will deliver immediate improvements, including expanded access to Pacific workers for new and existing employers. A new PALM Scheme Advisory Group will continue to ensure all stakeholders are benefiting from the programs.
It is the first phase of reforms to the PLS and SWP, with further measures to address portability and red tape to be announced later this year.
Since the PLS and SWP recommenced in September last year, more than 10,600 Pacific and Timorese workers have arrived from participating countries.
The changes will support the Australian Government's commitment to bring an additional 12,500 workers to Australia by March next year, with 27,000 workers already in the work-ready pool.
Further information about these reforms, including the consultation summary report, can be found at PALM Scheme online.
HISTORIC BLUE MOUNTAINS TUNNEL A STEP CLOSER
Plans to build Australia’s longest road tunnel between Blackheath and Little Hartley are powering ahead, with a major contract awarded for the environmental assessment.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said AECOM Australia had been selected in a competitive tender process to work on the proposed 11-kilometre tunnel, a central component of the Great Western Highway upgrade between Katoomba and Lithgow.
“This project will transform journeys between the Central West and the East Coast, delivering a safe and more efficient journey for locals, truckies and tourists,” Mr Barilaro said.
“AECOM Australia are industry leaders in their field and bring extensive, demonstrated experience in the environmental assessment of roads and tunnels, having worked on major infrastructure projects, including NorthConnex and the M6 Stage 1.
“They have also demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of the unique and sensitive Blue Mountains environment and will be working to develop rigorous measures to avoid and mitigate impacts from the tunnel work.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the tunnel would be a game-changer for all motorists driving between Western NSW and Sydney.
“This critical work will focus on continuing the detailed environmental investigations to confirm the feasibility of a tunnel in this location, and will provide the basis for the Environmental Impact Statement, due for extensive community consultation next year,” Mr Toole said.
“We’re confident that the assessment will show the feasibility of this ambitious project and that we can build an Australian first right here in the Blue Mountains.”
The $4.5 billion duplication of the Great Western Highway between Katoomba and Lithgow is funded jointly by the Australian and NSW Governments. Construction work is scheduled to start in late 2022, with the tunnel slated to begin construction in 2024.
TOURISM AUSTRALIA RELAUNCHES AUSSIE SPECIALIST PROGRAM AND PARTNERS WITH THE WIGGLES
Tourism Australia has relaunched the award-winning Aussie Specialist Program and made it easier for travel sellers around the world to gain the skills they need to better promote and sell Australia.
The Aussie Specialist Program, which is run in conjunction with State and Territory Tourism Organisations, has been given a new look and feel in its 32nd year, and the new program has greater personalisation, faster qualifying times and shorter more interactive training modules.
Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison said the investment came after many frontline travel sellers turned to the Aussie Specialist Program over the past 18 months to learn and position themselves as champions for Australian travel once borders re-opened.
“Australia remains one of the most desirable travel destinations in the world and the Aussie Specialist Program helps to ensure we will be in the best possible position to convert travel demand into bookings as soon as borders re-open,” Ms Harrison said.
“We now have more than 26,000 qualified Aussie Specialists worldwide and hope the new program will allow more agents to complete their learning so they too can best sell Australian tourism experiences.”
The Aussie Specialist Program is available in nine languages and is promoted jointly by Tourism Australia and all eight state and territory tourism partners including Destination NSW.
Destination NSW supports the delivery of the program through:
- Featuring products and destinations in domestic and international newsletters
- Training front line sellers in dedicated NSW webinars
- Updating NSW content for core and specialised modules on the ASP platform
- Training ASP trainers in all markets on NSW destinations and products
- Familiarisations for ASP agents
Meanwhile, The Wiggles and Tourism Australia have partnered to inspire families from across Australia to Holiday Here This Year.
A new book has been released as part of the partnership – The Great Australian Wiggly Road Trip! – which follows The Wiggles as they travel across each state and territory, spotting Aussie animals in some of Australia’s most iconic destinations.
A dedicated hub will inspire parents to plan and book their next Aussie holiday and includes content to engage even the youngest of travellers, with a range of kid-friendly travel activities. The Wiggles have also been welcomed into Tourism Australia’s Friends Of Australia program.
NSW FAST CHARGING NETWORK TO BE NUMBER ONE IN THE NATION
Drivers across the state will have access to the best fast-charging network in the nation under the NSW Government’s Electric Vehicle Charging Masterplan.
The Masterplan is an interactive online resource for EV charging providers and planners to explore the potential of the network and invest in its expansion.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the interactive Masterplan was about making NSW the best place in the nation to buy and drive an electric vehicle.
“The Masterplan highlights our plans to boost our existing charging network by over 300 per cent – providing more EV charging stations than all the other Australian states and territories combined,” Mr Constance said.
“The NSW Government will co-fund new ultra-fast charging stations by providing about 1,000 charging bays along key travel routes across the state and unlocking around $160 million in private investment.
“The ultra-fast chargers will allow vehicles to charge to optimal range in under 10 minutes or about the time it takes to have a cup of coffee – future proofing the state and signaling to the market that NSW is ready to receive more EV models.”
CALL OUT FOR BLUE PLAQUE NOMINATIONS TO CELEBRATE OUR STATE’S HERITAGE
Communities across the state can nominate heritage places linked to notable personalities and events for recognition as part of the NSW Blue Plaques Program.
Local Members of Parliament (MPs) or Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs) will invite their communities to provide suggestions on sites which represent a significant story, person or event. The MPs and MLCs will then nominate these sites to Heritage NSW for a Blue Plaque.
Minister responsible for Heritage Don Harwin said there were hidden gems across NSW with stories that deserve to be told.
“Behind every plaque is a story. We want everyone to be involved in making suggestions to their local MP or MLC so we can recognise the people and places in history that matter most to local communities,” Mr Harwin said.
MPs and MLCs have until 31 October 2021 to submit their nominations to Heritage NSW for consideration.
For more information on the NSW Blue Plaques Program, visit Heritage NSW.
‘GET READY’ FOR BUSH FIRE SEASON
Communities are being urged to ‘Get Ready’ for the upcoming bush fire season, with the NSW Government and NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) reminding people to prepare their homes and ensure their bush fire plan is up to date. Emergency Services Minister David Elliott said now was not the time to be complacent, with significant grass growth across the state after a wetter-than-average winter. “It is important that everyone takes the time to prepare their properties. The RFS does incredible work not only protecting our communities in times of emergency, but also providing tools and advice to assist people with preparation.” Mr Elliott said. The top four tips to getting ready for bushfire season are: discuss what to do if a bushfire threatens your home, prepare your home and get it ready for bushfire season, know the bushfire alert levels and keep all the bushfire information numbers, websites and the Fires Near Me app handy. Find out more about creating a fireproof Bush Fire Survival Plan online.
TAMWORTH MONOPOLY APPROVED TO PASS 'GO'
The official Tamworth MONOPOLY game was approved to pass ‘GO’ after receiving final design approval from Hasbro. The board has been developed by Tamworth Regional Council with Winning Moves, manufacturers of Monopoly under license from Hasbro. Tamworth region Mayor, Col Murray said it was exciting to see all familiar places on the famous board game. “It’s an incredible honour for the region to have its very own version of the world’s most popular board game. There are so many great things we have on offer across our region and this board game really showcases that.” The game includes a custom golden guitar player piece which was made specially for the Tamworth edition and unique ‘Community Chest’ and ‘Chance’ playing cards, making the entire game a truly Tamworth experience. The game also includes an acknowledgement to the traditional owners of the land, the Gomeroi people. The game is on pre-sale online, arriving in time for Christmas and the 50th anniversary of the Tamworth Country Music Festival in late January 2022. Visit Tamworth Regional Council for information.
COUNCIL CREDIT CARD MANAGEMENT UNDER THE MICROSCOPE
The NSW Government has released new guidelines to strengthen the management of credit cards and expenditure by local councils across the state. Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said the new guidelines were part of the NSW Government’s commitment to improve financial management, transparency and accountability in the sector. “Local communities rightfully expect their council to be responsible when it comes to spending their hard-earned ratepayer dollars so these new guidelines will not only help manage their credits card expenditure more efficiently but also give ratepayers confidence about how their money is being spent," Mrs Hancock said. In addition, from June next year, all 128 local councils in NSW will be required to appoint an Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee to review their financial management, statutory compliance and fraud and corruption controls. The Auditor-General recommended that the Office of Local Government develop sector-wide guidelines following a performance audit into credit card use and management at six councils last year. The Guideline on the Use and Management of Credit Cards can be accessed on the Office of Local Government website.
