Infrastructure Projects Being Fast Tracked To Help With COVID-19 Recovery

The Federal government is busy today and yesterday announcing various infrastructure projects that have been fast-tracked as part of the Commonwealth’s JobMaker plan to help the economy as it recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Friday the Prime Minister visited Cooma’s Polo Flat where the Snowy 2.0 project will have concrete segments made. Construction is underway on the facility to make the segments.

Photo of Angus Taylor, Jim Molan, Fiona Kotvojs and Scott Morrison at Polo Flat near Cooma — Cooma, Australia – 19 June 2020: From left – Angus Taylor, Jim Molan, Fiona Kotvoys and Scott Morrison at Polo Flat near Cooma. (Photo by Rob Keating). Photo by Rob Keating – https://photos.keatingmedia.com.au

The Commonwealth and Northern Territory Governments will support infrastructure construction jobs across the NT by jointly investing an additional $53 million to deliver shovel-ready infrastructure projects and urgent road safety upgrades.

The Commonwealth and Queensland Governments will support infrastructure construction jobs across Queensland by jointly investing an additional $415 million to deliver shovel-ready infrastructure projects and urgent road safety upgrades.

The Commonwealth and ACT Governments will support construction jobs across the Canberra region by jointly investing an additional $35 million to deliver shovel-ready infrastructure projects and urgent road safety upgrades.

The Morrison and McGowan Governments will support construction jobs across Western Australia by jointly investing an additional $223 million to deliver shovel-ready infrastructure projects and urgent road safety upgrades.

Also part of the infrastructure is a visit by the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure, NSW Premier and NSW Minister for Transport to the NorthConnex tunnel.

The 3-billion dollar project is close to completion. Below is a video showing an end-to-end drive-through.

</p> <p>Prime Minister Scott Morrison said NorthConnex has already been a game-changer for Sydney with construction powering ahead and creating 8,700 jobs.</p> <p>“We are so close to finishing NorthConnex and just today we’ve got around 400 workers across 11 sites.”</p> <p>“It means across Sydney we’ll be getting you home sooner and safer.”</p> <p>“It also shows our ongoing successful partnership in creating jobs with the New South Wales Government.”</p> <p>New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian said NorthConnex, once complete, would save up to 15 minutes’ travel time and allow drivers to avoid 21 sets of traffic lights along Pennant Hills Road.</p> <p>“Today’s drive-through is another indication of how close we are getting to opening this key piece of infrastructure and helping to alleviate the traffic problems Pennant Hills Road has been experiencing for decades,” the Premier said.</p> <p>“NorthConnex will return local streets to local communities by taking up to 5,000 trucks per day off Pennant Hills Road, easing congestion, improving safety and local air quality, and reducing traffic noise.”</p> <p>Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said this project has created hundreds of jobs throughout its construction.</p> <p>“Our $100 billion 10-year infrastructure pipeline is delivering projects that make a real difference to everyday lives,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.</p> <p>“This project is one of many which is moving people safely and more efficiently across Sydney, while creating job opportunities for local workers.”</p> <p>Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said NorthConnex had been a jobs bonanza for the people of NSW.</p> <p>“The benefits of NorthConnex are endless, people travelling from the north will save up to 15 minutes getting into the city,” Mr Tudge. </p> <p>“It also means you can drive from Newcastle to Melbourne without a single set of traffic lights, which is great news for the people of the Central Coast.”</p> <p>NSW Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said NorthConnex would be an asset Australians could take pride in.</p> <p>“We’re installing Australian-first innovative lighting designs, including backlit silhouettes of native birds, trees and starry skies, to keep drivers alert in the country’s longest road tunnel,” Mr Constance said.</p> <p>“This is a really exciting milestone for a really exciting project.”</p> <p>The Commonwealth Government has committed $412.3 million towards NorthConnex on top of the NSW Government’s commitment of $577.3m, including the use of Hornsby Quarry for spoil management. The remainder of the funding for the project has been met by the private sector.</p> </div><footer class="entry-footer"><p class="entry-meta"><span class="entry-categories">Filed Under: <a href="http://keatingmedia.com.au/category/government/media-release/" rel="category tag">Media Release</a></span> </p></footer></article><article class="post-3962 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-media-release entry override" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/CreativeWork"><header class="entry-header"><h2 class="entry-title" itemprop="headline"><a href="http://keatingmedia.com.au/government/media-release/government-is-supporting-students-through-the-effects-of-coronavirus/" rel="bookmark">Government is Supporting students through the effects of Coronavirus</a></h2> <p class="entry-meta"><time class="entry-time" itemprop="datePublished" datetime="2020-03-24T15:11:17+10:00">March 24, 2020</time> by <span class="entry-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person"><a href="http://keatingmedia.com.au/author/rpjk1966/" class="entry-author-link" itemprop="url" rel="author"><span class="entry-author-name" itemprop="name">Rob Keating</span></a></span> </p></header><div class="entry-content" itemprop="text"> <p>Below is the text from a media release issued by Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://photos.keatingmedia.com.au/Parliament-House-Doorstop-Interviews/10-September-2019-Anne-Ruston/"><img src="http://keatingmedia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Anne-Ruston-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3963" srcset="http://keatingmedia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Anne-Ruston-1024x683.jpg 1024w, http://keatingmedia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Anne-Ruston-300x200.jpg 300w, http://keatingmedia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Anne-Ruston-768x512.jpg 768w, http://keatingmedia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Anne-Ruston.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption>Senator Anne Ruston. Photo by Rob Keating – http://keatingmedia.com.au)</figcaption></figure> <p>The Morrison Government is expanding the eligibility criteria for the fortnightly $550 Coronavirus supplement to Australians receiving student support payments.</p> <p>Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston said the changes would benefit about 235,000 students who receive Youth Allowance (Student), AUSTUDY and ABSTUDY (Living Allowance).</p> <p>“The Government has made this decision in recognition that many full-time students also supplement their income through part-time and casual work which may not be available over coming months,” Minister Ruston said.</p> <p>“We are absolutely committed to helping all Australians get through the Coronavirus pandemic so we can all bounce back stronger than ever.</p> <p>“Under this change we will be able to provide more support to rural and regional students who are living away from home for their study as well as mature age students who are also supporting a family.”</p> <p>The Government also passed legislation giving Minister Ruston the power to change welfare settings via legislative instrument to provide additional support when needed.</p> <p>“This new power, which ceases at the end of 2020, will allow the Government to act with flexibility in the unprecedented and rapidly changing circumstances,” Minister Ruston said.</p> <p>“It will allow us to alter settings associated with payment rates, means testing arrangements and eligibility criteria in a measured and timely way.”</p> <p>As long as someone has applied for the payment by 13 April they will also be eligible for the $750 stimulus payment announced on 12 March, which will give them extra relief until the fortnightly $550 Coronavirus supplement will begin to flow.</p> <p>For more information go to <a href="https://www.dss.gov.au/about-the-department/coronavirus-information-and-support" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dss.gov.au/about-the-department/coronavirus-information-and-support</a></p> </div><footer class="entry-footer"><p class="entry-meta"><span class="entry-categories">Filed Under: <a href="http://keatingmedia.com.au/category/government/media-release/" rel="category tag">Media Release</a></span> </p></footer></article><article class="post-3919 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-media-release entry override" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/CreativeWork"><header class="entry-header"><h2 class="entry-title" itemprop="headline"><a href="http://keatingmedia.com.au/government/media-release/telco-industry-roundtable-on-covid-19/" rel="bookmark">Telco industry roundtable on COVID-19</a></h2> <p class="entry-meta"><time class="entry-time" itemprop="datePublished" datetime="2020-03-16T19:39:03+10:00">March 16, 2020</time> by <span class="entry-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person"><a href="http://keatingmedia.com.au/author/rpjk1966/" class="entry-author-link" itemprop="url" rel="author"><span class="entry-author-name" itemprop="name">Rob Keating</span></a></span> </p></header><div class="entry-content" itemprop="text"> <p>Below is the text from a media release from Paul Fletcher, Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts which includes tips for working at home.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://photos.keatingmedia.com.au/Parliament-House-Events/2019-Post-Budget-Address-by-Treasurer-Josh-Frydenberg/i-FC4NLdD"><img src="http://keatingmedia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Paul-Fletcher-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3920" srcset="http://keatingmedia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Paul-Fletcher-1024x683.jpg 1024w, http://keatingmedia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Paul-Fletcher-300x200.jpg 300w, http://keatingmedia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Paul-Fletcher-768x512.jpg 768w, http://keatingmedia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Paul-Fletcher.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption>Canberra, Australia: 3 April 2019 – Paul Fletcher at the Post-Budget Address. (Photo by Rob Keating – http://insidecanberra.com)</figcaption></figure> <p>The Morrison Government today convened a virtual roundtable with representatives from Australia’s major telecommunications companies to discuss COVID-19 preparations, planning and continuity measures in place to support telecommunications services.</p> <p><br>Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, spoke with representatives from all major network operators at the roundtable, including senior executives of NBN Co, Optus, Telstra, Vodafone, TPG and Vocus.</p> <p>“Our telcos are quickly responding to the evolving challenges of COVID-19 and have in place business continuity plans to continue to deliver vital telecommunications services,” Minister Fletcher said.</p> <p>Minister Fletcher was pleased by the very strong positive response received from industry participants to his request that the telecommunications sector work collaboratively to support Australians in changing patterns of working and living over this next period to minimise the public health risk posed by the COVID-19 virus.<br><br>The Minister commended the industry for their work on business continuity and supporting their staff and customers. The roundtable agreed to establish a special working group comprised of the major telcos, and led by NBN Co, to share relevant information and discuss emerging engineering, security or operational issues in relation to COVID-19.</p> <p>The roundtable also agreed there is a requirement for protocols to guide interactions that technicians have with customers who are self-isolating, including guidance on personal protective equipment. The Government will engage with the telecommunications sector to provide clarity. </p> <p>Major companies across the telecommunications sector are planning for changes in data usage and traffic resulting from people working or studying from home. NBN Co is optimising its network with expectations that day-time network traffic will rise significantly – drawing on international experience, for example in Italy, which has reported a 26 per cent increase in fixed line peak hour network traffic as more people work from home. NBN Co has experience in managing periods of exceptionally high traffic, particularly during school holidays.</p> <p>“NBN Co and other industry participants are expecting a change in traffic patterns, with higher traffic levels during the day and increased activity in the suburbs as compared to business districts. All of these factors are being taken into consideration with retail service providers in provisioning the network,” Minister Fletcher said.</p> <p>“The National Broadband Network rollout is 94 per cent complete, and from this week is expected to surpass 11 million homes and businesses able to connect, providing Australians across the country with high speed, reliable broadband.</p> <p>“Today’s roundtable revealed thorough preparation across the telecommunications industry. The Government will continue to engage closely with the telecommunications sector as circumstances evolve.”<br><br></p> <p><strong>Media contact:</strong></p> <p>Brad Hatch | 0448 162 679 | <a href="mailto:Brad.Hatch@communications.gov.au">Brad.Hatch@communications.gov.au</a></p> <p>Rebecca Papillo | 0439 892 771 | <a href="mailto:Rebecca.Papillo@communications.gov.au">Rebecca.Papillo@communications.gov.au</a></p> <p><strong>Background:</strong></p> <p><strong>Tips for working from home:</strong></p> <p>·       Talk to your retail service provider about how your broadband needs may change, including a greater reliance on upload speeds, and what the appropriate plan is to meet those needs.</p> <p>·       Make sure your workspace has good Wi-Fi connectivity. Do an online speed test in your work area and then another test next to your modem or with your laptop connected directly to your modem. A significant difference in speeds may mean your workspace is not getting a good Wi-Fi signal. If you are concerned about your Wi-Fi coverage or the performance of your modem, seek advice from your internet retailer on possible upgrade options.</p> <p>·       If you experience trouble connecting to your office from home, try navigating to a third-party site like Google. If you can do this, the problem may be with your company’s systems, not your internet connection. Contact your company’s IT services for assistance.</p> <p>More advice is available at: <a href="http://www.nbn.com.au/workingfromhome" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">www.nbn.com.au/workingfromhome</a></p> <p><strong>NBN continuity preparations:</strong></p> <p>·       NBN Co is seeing the aggregate network traffic following normal patterns, but showing a modest increase of around 6 per cent throughout the day and at peak times.</p> <p>·       The most useful data sources are NBN Co’s counterparts in countries where more people are working from home. Telecom Italia has been sharing data with NBN Co on what they are observing during the busy hour traffic period, which is an approximate 26 per cent increase. </p> <p>·       As the situation develops, NBN Co also expects busy hour traffic to increase significantly and potentially up to 40 per cent, in-line with the experience of other countries.</p> </div><footer class="entry-footer"><p class="entry-meta"><span class="entry-categories">Filed Under: <a href="http://keatingmedia.com.au/category/government/media-release/" rel="category tag">Media Release</a></span> </p></footer></article><article class="post-3914 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-media-release entry override" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/CreativeWork"><header class="entry-header"><h2 class="entry-title" itemprop="headline"><a href="http://keatingmedia.com.au/government/media-release/our-food-security-among-the-worlds-best/" rel="bookmark">Our food security among the world’s best</a></h2> <p class="entry-meta"><time class="entry-time" itemprop="datePublished" datetime="2020-03-16T18:53:59+10:00">March 16, 2020</time> by <span class="entry-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person"><a href="http://keatingmedia.com.au/author/rpjk1966/" class="entry-author-link" itemprop="url" rel="author"><span class="entry-author-name" itemprop="name">Rob Keating</span></a></span> </p></header><div class="entry-content" itemprop="text"> <h4>Below is the text from a media release from David Littleproud.</h4> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://photos.keatingmedia.com.au/Australian-Federal-Politics/The-Nationals-Leadership-vote-outcome/i-CMJfP8J"><img src="http://keatingmedia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/David-Littleproud-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3915" srcset="http://keatingmedia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/David-Littleproud-1024x683.jpg 1024w, http://keatingmedia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/David-Littleproud-300x200.jpg 300w, http://keatingmedia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/David-Littleproud-768x512.jpg 768w, http://keatingmedia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/David-Littleproud.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption>Canberra, Australia – 4 February 2020: David Littleproud adresses the media after being elected as the deputy leader. Photo by Rob Keating – http://keatingmedia.com.au)</figcaption></figure> <p>The Minister for Agriculture, David Littleproud has moved to reassure Australians that the nation’s food security is amongst the safest in the world. </p> <p>People shouldn’t panic, we have an abundant supply of top quality fresh food produced from all parts of the country that ensures that there will be plenty of food on the table, Minister Littleproud said.  </p> <p>“Australia is in the fortunate position of producing enough food for 75 million people with a population of only 25 million, making us one of the food bowls of the world.</p> <p>“We can take great comfort from the fact that this lucky country produces enough food to guarantee we will continue to enjoy the best produced products anywhere in the world.</p> <p>“There is a reliable supply from the farm paddocks to the dining room plates, of fresh nutritious food, for our good health and wellbeing.   </p> <p>“And the Federal Government is already preparing options to minimise the impacts should supply chains be interrupted from labour right through to transport.</p> <p>“We’ll make sure that the labour supply for agriculture is looked after if it becomes an issue. The federal government is prepared to act with possible visa changes if they are required.</p> <p>“Our food security is the best in the world and the Federal Government will take the necessary steps to make sure it stays that way.”   </p> </div><footer class="entry-footer"><p class="entry-meta"><span class="entry-categories">Filed Under: <a href="http://keatingmedia.com.au/category/government/media-release/" rel="category tag">Media Release</a></span> </p></footer></article><article class="post-3902 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-media-release entry override" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/CreativeWork"><header class="entry-header"><h2 class="entry-title" itemprop="headline"><a href="http://keatingmedia.com.au/government/media-release/understanding-and-preventing-veteran-suicide/" rel="bookmark">Understanding and preventing veteran suicide</a></h2> <p class="entry-meta"><time class="entry-time" itemprop="datePublished" datetime="2020-03-16T16:19:11+10:00">March 16, 2020</time> by <span class="entry-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person"><a href="http://keatingmedia.com.au/author/rpjk1966/" class="entry-author-link" itemprop="url" rel="author"><span class="entry-author-name" itemprop="name">Rob Keating</span></a></span> </p></header><div class="entry-content" itemprop="text"> <p>Below is the text from a media release from Darren Chester, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel </p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="http://keatingmedia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Darren-Chester-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3903" srcset="http://keatingmedia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Darren-Chester-1024x683.jpg 1024w, http://keatingmedia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Darren-Chester-300x200.jpg 300w, http://keatingmedia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Darren-Chester-768x512.jpg 768w, http://keatingmedia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Darren-Chester.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption>Darren Chester, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel</figcaption></figure> <p>ALL governments are committed to ensuring we are doing all we can to prevent suicide among our serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel following the recent Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting.</p> <p>Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester said the agreement by state and territory leaders to support the establishment of a permanent and independent National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention to inquire into all suspected veteran and ADF suicides is a significant step forward in tackling this serious and complex national issue.</p> <p>“The mental health and wellbeing of our current and former ADF members is an issue of national and enduring importance, and only by working together can we make meaningful change,” Mr Chester said.    </p> <p>“Leaders at the COAG meeting have asked the Council of Attorneys-General to finalise arrangements, in consultation with chief coroners, to ensure we are doing all we can to understand and prevent suicide in the serving and ex-serving population.</p> <p>“I thank the members of COAG for giving this issue the attention it deserves and committing to delivering for our ADF members, veterans and their families.”</p> <p>The National Commissioner will have the enduring powers and resources, formalised by terms of reference, to investigate suicides and related issues as they arise in the future, and also to review past cases, supported by the ability to conduct public hearings, receive submissions, and include families in the process should they wish.  Importantly, these are ongoing powers not restricted to a one-off inquiry as would be the case with a royal commission.</p> <p>For any current or former ADF member who may be struggling with their mental health, help is available. Open Arms – Veterans and Families Counselling provides support and counselling to current ADF members, veterans and their families and can be contacted 24/7 on 1800 011 046.</p> </div><footer class="entry-footer"><p class="entry-meta"><span class="entry-categories">Filed Under: <a href="http://keatingmedia.com.au/category/government/media-release/" rel="category tag">Media Release</a></span> </p></footer></article><article class="post-3896 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-media-release entry override" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/CreativeWork"><header class="entry-header"><h2 class="entry-title" itemprop="headline"><a href="http://keatingmedia.com.au/government/media-release/covid-19-prevention-guidelines-issued-to-aged-care-providers/" rel="bookmark">COVID-19 prevention guidelines issued to Aged Care providers</a></h2> <p class="entry-meta"><time class="entry-time" itemprop="datePublished" datetime="2020-03-16T12:55:48+10:00">March 16, 2020</time> by <span class="entry-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person"><a href="http://keatingmedia.com.au/author/rpjk1966/" class="entry-author-link" itemprop="url" rel="author"><span class="entry-author-name" itemprop="name">Rob Keating</span></a></span> </p></header><div class="entry-content" itemprop="text"> <p>Below is the text from a media release from <strong>Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck</strong>, Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians and Minister for Youth and Sport</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://photos.keatingmedia.com.au/Australian-Federal-Politics/Swearing-in/28-August-2018-Prime-Minister-Scott-Morrison-Ministry/i-nt8BKWT"><img src="http://keatingmedia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Prime-Minister-Scott-Morrison-and-Richard-Colbeck-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3897" srcset="http://keatingmedia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Prime-Minister-Scott-Morrison-and-Richard-Colbeck-1024x683.jpg 1024w, http://keatingmedia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Prime-Minister-Scott-Morrison-and-Richard-Colbeck-300x200.jpg 300w, http://keatingmedia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Prime-Minister-Scott-Morrison-and-Richard-Colbeck-768x512.jpg 768w, http://keatingmedia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Prime-Minister-Scott-Morrison-and-Richard-Colbeck.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption>Canberra, Australia – 28 August 2018: Prime Minister Scott Morrison with Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck. (Photo by Rob Keating)</figcaption></figure> <p><br>Residential aged care providers will be encouraged to limit visits from today under national guidelines aimed at the prevention and control of coronavirus.</p> <p>Aged Care Minister Richard Colbeck said the advice from the Communicable Disease Network of Australia issued to aged care facilities around Australia outlines the precautionary measures for residents, staff and their families as the Federal Government continues to implement strategies to contain the virus.</p> <p>It includes the recommendation that family and friends limit visits to residential care centres, particularly for residents already suffering from chronic illness. <br><br></p> <p>“Given the risks to older Australians from COVID 19, particularly those with chronic disease and other frailties, we now recommend that residential aged care providers restrict visitor access,” Minister Colbeck said.</p> <p><br>“Our plan is to slow the spread, to save lives.”</p> <p><br>Minister Colbeck said he was aware of the emotional burden restrictions would have on families of residents in palliative care.</p> <p>“We know that visitations are important and we will ensure that this is respected,” he said.</p> <p>“The restrictions will be handled professionally and sensitively.</p> <p>“All residential aged care facilities are required to have an infection control plan which can be activated in the circumstance of an infectious outbreak like Norovirus or influenza.</p> <p>“Access restrictions are a normal part of those plans.”</p> <p>The Health Department will continue to work with aged care peak bodies to finalise more detailed guidance developed by the Communicable Diseases Network (CDN) regarding visitor access, the management of non-compliant residents and physical distancing.</p> <p>It follows the release of AHPPC recommendations for wider distancing measures.</p> <p>Minister Colbeck said the measures are of most importance for people over 60, particularly those with chronic illness. </p> <p>“COVID-19 can be much more serious, even fatal, for people who are more vulnerable,” he said.</p> <p>The Minister said two forums and a webinar with specialist clinical infection control experts focused on primary care, aged care and in-home care had so far successfully outlined how providers could play their part of helping keep senior Australians safe. </p> <p>“These discussions provided invaluable feedback from both sectors,” Minister Colbeck said.<br><br></p> <p>The Chief Medical Officer has also written to the aged care sector with advice about preparedness to support aged care recipients.</p> <p>It’s hoped the implementation of the guidelines will reinforce the Australian Government’s comprehensive $2.4 billion health package which includes allocations to fund a new Medicare telehealth service, a dedicated COVID-19 national hotline, bulk-billed pathology tests within aged care facilities and infection control training for residential and in home aged care workers.</p> <p>“Communication with the sector – and with each other – will remain key during this season of uncertainty,” Minister Colbeck said.</p> <p>“We continue to encourage residents, staff and their families to practice good hygiene, act on advice as it becomes available and importantly, understand this situation will improve.” </p> <p>Additional advice will be provided following further considerations by the CDN.</p> <p>Fact sheets are available at the Department of Health’s <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/resources/collections/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-resources" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">website</a> and will be updated as new information becomes available.</p> <p>A 24-hour Coronavirus Health Information Line, run by healthdirect, has also been set up for public enquiries at 1800 020 080.</p> </div><footer class="entry-footer"><p class="entry-meta"><span class="entry-categories">Filed Under: <a href="http://keatingmedia.com.au/category/government/media-release/" rel="category tag">Media Release</a></span> </p></footer></article><article class="post-3891 post type-post status-publish format-standard category-media-release entry override" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/CreativeWork"><header class="entry-header"><h2 class="entry-title" itemprop="headline"><a href="http://keatingmedia.com.au/government/media-release/coronavirus-measures-endorsed-by-the-national-cabinet/" rel="bookmark">Coronavirus Measures Endorsed by the National Cabinet</a></h2> <p class="entry-meta"><time class="entry-time" itemprop="datePublished" datetime="2020-03-16T12:33:26+10:00">March 16, 2020</time> by <span class="entry-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person"><a href="http://keatingmedia.com.au/author/rpjk1966/" class="entry-author-link" itemprop="url" rel="author"><span class="entry-author-name" itemprop="name">Rob Keating</span></a></span> </p></header><div class="entry-content" itemprop="text"> <p>Below is the text from a media release from Prime Minister Scott Morrison which was issued on 16 March 2020.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://photos.keatingmedia.com.au/Parliament-House-Press-Conferences/Economic-Stimulus-Package-12-March-2029/i-gTLxVsq/A"><img src="http://keatingmedia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Prime-Minister-Scott-Morrison-12-March-PC-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3892" srcset="http://keatingmedia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Prime-Minister-Scott-Morrison-12-March-PC-1024x683.jpg 1024w, http://keatingmedia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Prime-Minister-Scott-Morrison-12-March-PC-300x200.jpg 300w, http://keatingmedia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Prime-Minister-Scott-Morrison-12-March-PC-768x512.jpg 768w, http://keatingmedia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Prime-Minister-Scott-Morrison-12-March-PC.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption>Canberra, Australia – 12 March 2020: Prime Minister Scott Morrison outlines the $17.6 billion economic plan. The Prime Minister said, “A cash flow boost for employers, this is small and medium sized employers and making sure that they can get grants for up to $25,000, and that will support some 690,000 businesses across Australia. Wage assistance for apprentices and trainees, 117,000 apprentices who are out there on the tools today will be getting the support of that payment to their employers to keep them in their apprenticeship, and that that support will run over a period of nine months.” Photo by Rob Keating – http://keatingmedia.com.au)</figcaption></figure> <p>A significant step-up to Australia’s national response to the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic has been endorsed by the National Cabinet, comprising the Prime Minister, State Premiers and Territory Chief Ministers.</p> <p>Based on the advice of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC), the National Cabinet agreed that our core objective now is to slow the outbreak of COVID-19 in Australia by taking additional steps to reduce community transmission. We must ensure our health system can care for the most vulnerable, in particular the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.</p> <p>To help stay ahead of the curve, the Australian Government has imposed a universal precautionary self-isolation requirement on all international arrivals, effective as at 11:59pm Sunday 15 March 2020.</p> <p>This means that all people – whether they be citizens, residents or visitors – will be required to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival in Australia. Enhanced screening for arrivals will remain in place to identify anyone arriving sick or with symptoms of COVID-19.</p> <p>Arrangements will be made for passengers transiting through Australia to the Pacific Island countries or transiting after arriving off of cruise ships. Limited exemptions will apply for flight crews, who will be expected to monitor their health and practice social distancing while they are in Australia.</p> <p>The Australian Government has also banned cruise ships from foreign ports (including round trip international cruises originating in Australia) from arriving at Australian ports for an initial 30 days, effective as at 11:59pm Sunday 15 March 2020.</p> <p>This restriction will help avoid the risk of a cruise ship arriving with a mass outbreak of the virus and putting significant pressure on our health system.</p> <p>Arrangements will be made for certain cruise ships already in transit to enable Australian citizens and permanent residents to get off those ships.</p> <p>The National Cabinet also endorsed the advice of the AHPPC to further introduce social distancing measures. This includes the requirement that non-essential, organised public gatherings of more than 500 people should not occur.</p> <p>At this stage, these measures do not include schools, universities and workplaces, or prevent the operation of public transport. However, the principle of social distancing should still apply in these settings. For example, assemblies and lectures housing more than 500 students in schools and universities should be avoided.</p> <p>Specifically the National Cabinet agreed that there is no requirement for schools to close at this time.</p> <p>Further advice on these requirements is available at: <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/committees-and-groups/australian-health-protection-principal-committee-ahppc" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.health.gov.au/committees-and-groups/australian-health-protection-principal-committee-ahppc</a></p> <p>The National Cabinet also activated the second stage of the Australian Health Sector Emergency Response Plan for Novel Coronavirus, which enables governments to undertake targeted action to the COVID-19 outbreak and ensures that resources are properly allocated where needed and the risks to vulnerable people in the community are mitigated.</p> <p>These actions include changes to intensive care unit configurations, social isolation, fever clinics and restrictions on mass gatherings. </p> <p>The National Cabinet will meet again this week to consider further advice from the AHPPC on events held indoors and in other closed spaced environments and further advice on  actions to further protect aged care facilities.</p> <p>All the actions we are putting in place are based on advice from Australia’s leading medical experts and are designed to protect Australia.  </p> <p><br>The National Cabinet continues to urge all Australians to play their role in reducing the spread of COVID-19 through personal social distancing and hygiene measures.  Further information can be found at <a href="http://www.health.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">www.health.gov.au.</a></p> </div><footer class="entry-footer"><p class="entry-meta"><span class="entry-categories">Filed Under: <a href="http://keatingmedia.com.au/category/government/media-release/" rel="category tag">Media Release</a></span> </p></footer></article><article class="post-3877 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-media-release entry override" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/CreativeWork"><header class="entry-header"><h2 class="entry-title" itemprop="headline"><a href="http://keatingmedia.com.au/government/media-release/government-announces-a-2-4-billion-health-plan-to-fight-covid-19/" rel="bookmark">Government announces a $2.4 Billion Health Plan to Fight Covid-19</a></h2> <p class="entry-meta"><time class="entry-time" itemprop="datePublished" datetime="2020-03-11T20:40:11+10:00">March 11, 2020</time> by <span class="entry-author" itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person"><a href="http://keatingmedia.com.au/author/rpjk1966/" class="entry-author-link" itemprop="url" rel="author"><span class="entry-author-name" itemprop="name">Rob Keating</span></a></span> </p></header><div class="entry-content" itemprop="text"> <p><strong>In a joint media release from the Prime Minister, Minster for Health Greg Hunt and Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Richard Colbeck they announced the following.</strong></p> <p>The Australian Government has unveiled a comprehensive $2.4 billion health package to protect all Australians, including vulnerable groups such as the elderly, those with chronic conditions and Indigenous communities, from the coronavirus (COVID-19).</p> <p>The package provides unprecedented support across primary care, aged care, hospitals, research and the national medical stockpile.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://photos.keatingmedia.com.au/Parliament-House-Press-Conferences/Coronavirus-press-conference-5-March-2020/i-bkWM823/A"><img src="http://keatingmedia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Coronavirus-press-conference-5-March-2020-17-1024x682.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3843" srcset="http://keatingmedia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Coronavirus-press-conference-5-March-2020-17-1024x682.jpg 1024w, http://keatingmedia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Coronavirus-press-conference-5-March-2020-17-300x200.jpg 300w, http://keatingmedia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Coronavirus-press-conference-5-March-2020-17-768x512.jpg 768w, http://keatingmedia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Coronavirus-press-conference-5-March-2020-17.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption>Canberra, Australia – 5 March 2020: Prime Minister Morrison during the press conference. Photo by Chen Chu – http://keatingmedia.com.au)</figcaption></figure> <p>Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Government was ensuring Australia’s health system was well-prepared and had the resources it needed to fight coronavirus and protect the community.</p> <p>“Australia isn’t immune but with this $2.4 billion boost we’re as well prepared as any country in the world,” the Prime Minister said.</p> <p>“This package is about preventing and treating coronavirus in the coming weeks.</p> <p>“Our medical experts have been preparing for an event like this for years and this is the next step up in Australia’s plan.</p> <p>“Our Government alongside the country’s leading medical experts is working around the clock to ensure we have the right tools, information and resources to keep Australians safe.”</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://photos.keatingmedia.com.au/Parliament-House-Press-Conferences/Coronavirus-press-conference-5-March-2020/i-2DSDR9W/A"><img src="http://keatingmedia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Coronavirus-press-conference-5-March-2020-25-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3844" srcset="http://keatingmedia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Coronavirus-press-conference-5-March-2020-25-1024x683.jpg 1024w, http://keatingmedia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Coronavirus-press-conference-5-March-2020-25-300x200.jpg 300w, http://keatingmedia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Coronavirus-press-conference-5-March-2020-25-768x512.jpg 768w, http://keatingmedia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Coronavirus-press-conference-5-March-2020-25.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption>Canberra, Australia – 5 March 2020: Minister for Health Greg Hunt said, “So I’d respectfully characterise that very differently. Photo by Rob Keating – http://keatingmedia.com.au)</figcaption></figure> <p>Minister for Health Greg Hunt said the Government was boosting the capacity of the health system to effectively assess, diagnose and treat people with COVID-19 in a way that minimises spread of the disease in the community.</p> <p>“We are ensuring people can access essential care in a way that reduces their potential exposure to infection. This includes support for telehealth, primary care and medical supplies,” Minister Hunt said.</p> <p><strong>Primary care</strong></p> <p>$100 million will fund a new Medicare service for people in home isolation or quarantine, as a result coronavirus, to receive health consultations via the phone or video such as FaceTime or Skype. </p> <p>The telehealth service will help contain the spread of the virus and it will be bulk-billed at no cost to patients and will be available from Friday 13 March. </p> <p>These telehealth consultation services will be provided by doctors, both GPs and specialists, nurses and mental health allied health workers and will also be available under Medicare for people aged over 70, people with chronic diseases, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged over 50, people who are immunocompromised, pregnant people and new parents with babies.</p> <p>These people are at greater risk from the virus and treatment home will minimise their risk of exposure.  This will be available to these groups for non-coronavirus consultations as a general health measure.</p> <p>The Government will provide $25 million to fund home medicines services which will enable patients to have their PBS prescriptions filled online or remotely, and have the medicines delivered to their home.</p> <p>This service will be available for people in home isolation and for vulnerable patient groups. </p> <p>All pharmacies with e-prescribing will be eligible to participate in the home medicines services and patients will continue to retain choice in their preferred community pharmacy.</p> <p>To support GPs and pharmacies, the Government will fast track the rollout of electronic prescribing across Australia with funding of $5 million.</p> <p>Patients will have access to services via the GP, telehealth, the national hotline, state hotlines, dedicated respiratory clinics and hospitals.</p> <p>The national triage phone line will therefore be expanded with an additional $50.7 million in funding, operating 24/7 to provide advice to patients.</p> <p>The free-call hotline will advise people on the best course of action depending on their symptoms and risks. Medical staff will direct people to the nearest hospital or respiratory clinic, or advise them to stay home and self-monitor, or contact their GP.</p> <p>People who are not severely ill with COVID-19 – 80 per cent of people will have a mild illness – will be directed to GPs or a network of well-resourced GP-led respiratory clinics.</p> <p>The Government is investing $206.7 million for up to 100 dedicated respiratory clinics.  The Primary Health Networks will co-ordinate with the AMA, RACGP and states and territories to identify areas of need.  The clinics will be a one-stop-shop for people who are concerned they may have the virus, to be tested and isolated from other patients. </p> <p>People living and working in remote locations, in particular Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, will benefit from increased capacity to prevent outbreaks, including the tools to proactively screen visitors and fly-in, fly-out workers, additional support to evacuate early cases if required, and mobile respiratory clinics to quickly respond to outbreaks where there is no hospital or available health service. $58.7 million will be provided to support these functions.</p> <p>The Government will establish dedicated Medicare funded and bulk billed pathology test for COVID-19.  This is expected to cost $170.2 million and patients will also receive both the COVID-19 and flu test.  Funding will also be provided for pathology testing to be conducted in aged care facilities.</p> <p><strong>Aged care</strong></p> <p>Senior Australians will be protected through a major funding boost of $101.2 million to educate and train aged care workers in infection control, and enable aged care providers to hire extra nurses and aged care workers for both residential and home care.</p> <p>Additional aged care staff will be available for deployment to facilities as needed, where an urgent health response is required and to provide extra support for staff and training.</p> <p>The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission will receive additional funding to work with providers on improving infection control.</p> <p><strong>Hospitals</strong></p> <p>The Government has already announced $500 million in funding for the states and territories for COVID-19. The Commonwealth will pay for half of all additional costs incurred by states and territories in diagnosing and treating patients with COVID-19, or suspected of having the disease, and efforts to minimise the spread of the disease. This will be provided on a 50-50 basis for state health COVID-19 activities both within and outside hospitals.</p> <p>The funding, beginning with an initial upfront payment of $100 million from the Commonwealth, is over and above ongoing public hospitals funding to the states and territories under the National Health Reform Agreement. The funding will be uncapped and demand driven.</p> <p><strong>Research</strong></p> <p>The Government will allocate $30 million from the Medical Research Future Fund for vaccine, anti-viral and respiratory medicine research. This will enable Australian researchers to be at the forefront of the drive to develop both treatments and a vaccine.</p> <p><strong>National Support for Ongoing Response</strong></p> <p>Ensuring Australia has sufficient medicines, face masks and other personal protective equipment is crucial to the COVID-19 response. Funding of $1.1 billion will ensure patients and critical health care staff have face masks, and other protective equipment such as surgical gowns, goggles and hand sanitiser for health professionals.</p> <p>This funding will also be used to purchase antibiotics and antivirals for the National Medical Stockpile, so that patients who experience secondary infection as a result of COVID-19 can be treated quickly, and health effects minimised.</p> <p>The Government will also invest $30 million in infection control training and programs for health and aged care workers.</p> <p><strong>Communication</strong></p> <p>$30 million will deliver a new national communications campaign – across all media – to provide people with practical advice on how they can play their part in containing the virus and staying healthy.</p> <p>The campaign will keep the health and aged care industry informed, including providing up to date clinical guidance, triaging and caring for patients, development of an app and advice to workers in looking after their own safety.</p> <p>The information will be based on the most up to date medical advice and will be targeted at the entire community as well as high risk groups and in up to 20 languages.</p> </div><footer class="entry-footer"><p class="entry-meta"><span class="entry-categories">Filed Under: <a href="http://keatingmedia.com.au/category/government/media-release/" rel="category tag">Media Release</a></span> </p></footer></article><img src="http://keatingmedia.com.au/wp-content/themes/dynamik-gen/images/content-filler.png" class="dynamik-content-filler-img" alt=""></main></div></div><footer class="site-footer" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/WPFooter"><div class="wrap"><p>Copyright © 2021 · <a href="http://cobaltapps.com/downloads/dynamik-website-builder/">Dynamik Website Builder</a> on <a href="http://www.studiopress.com/">Genesis Framework</a> · <a href="http://wordpress.org/">WordPress</a> · <a href="http://keatingmedia.com.au/wp-login.php">Log in</a></p></div></footer></div><script type='text/javascript' src='http://keatingmedia.com.au/wp-includes/js/hoverIntent.min.js?ver=1.8.1'></script> <script type='text/javascript' src='http://keatingmedia.com.au/wp-content/themes/genesis/lib/js/menu/superfish.js?ver=1.7.5'></script> <script type='text/javascript' src='http://keatingmedia.com.au/wp-content/themes/genesis/lib/js/menu/superfish.args.js?ver=2.5.3'></script> <script type='text/javascript' src='http://keatingmedia.com.au/wp-content/themes/dynamik-gen/lib/js/dynamik-responsive.js?ver=1.9.7'></script> <script type='text/javascript' src='http://keatingmedia.com.au/wp-includes/js/wp-embed.min.js?ver=5.3.2'></script> <script type='text/javascript' src='http://keatingmedia.com.au/wp-content/plugins/a10-imaio/util/js/common.js?ver=5.3.2'></script> </body></html>