NSW Police cracking down on non-compliance with public health order in Northern Rivers region

Echo Net Daily, 19 July 2021: 

Tweed-Byron police fined a 25-year-old Main Arm man $1,000 for breaching state public health orders over the weekend.

Byron Inspector Matt Kehoe said the man hosted a ‘large party’ at his property in defiance of orders limiting household guests in the region to five while concerns over Covid 19 outbreaks in Greater Sydney continued.

Inspector Kehoe said police were continuing to enforce compliance throughout the region and to engage with health authorities.

Police investigating Sydneysider’s illegal Tweed Shire visit

A 46-year-old Sydney woman was self-isolating in the Tweed Shire for fourteen days after breaching stay-at-home orders to visit, Inspector Kehoe said.

She was now complying with public health orders and police were still investigating the matter, the inspector said.

Officers also charged a 48-year-old Tweed Shire man $200 for refusing to wear a mask when visiting the Tweed Heads Police Station over the weekend.

Inspector Kehoe said police stations were under the same rules as businesses and other workplaces, in that anyone entering the buildings had to wear masks unless officially exempted and had to register via QR codes at point of entry.

He said the accused man refused to comply with the orders but didn’t have exemption.

Op-shop volunteers encouraged to report abuse

The police reports on public health order compliance in the region came after volunteers at an Anglicare op shop in Byron Bay said they were shutting shop doors due to abuse from customers who didn’t want to wear masks.

The story had attracted hundreds of comments in local social media forums by Monday morning and Inspector Kehoe said he encouraged the volunteers to report the incidents to police.

‘I understand some elderly ladies received some abuse and that’s very disappointing,’ he told The Echo.....

Read the full article here.

Yesterday afternoon UK hard right 'media personality' Katie Hopkins was deported from Australia via Sydney International Airport for breaching the NSW Public Health Order.

Latest Newspoll has Federal Coalition neck and neck on the primary vote and Labor 6 points ahead on two-party preferred polling, as survey respondents mark PM Scott Morrison down following his mismanagement of the national pandemic response

 

The Australian

The Conversation, 18 July 2021:

Support for Scott Morrison and the government have slumped in Newspoll, in a major backlash against the botched vaccine rollout.

Labor has surged to a two-party lead of 53-47%, compared with 51-49% in the previous poll in late June.

The Australian reports the latest result is the worse for the Coalition this term, and if replicated at an election would deliver the government a clear loss.

Satisfaction with Morrison’s handling of the pandemic – which now sees lockdowns in the nation’s two largest states – plunged nine points in the last three weeks to 52%.

As the brought-forward Pfizer supplies start to arrive, confidence in the government’s management of the rollout is negative for the first time, with only 40% believing it being handled satisfactorily.

Morrison’s net approval in Newspoll – plus 6 – is at its lowest since the bushfire crisis, with an eight point overall shift. Anthony Albanese’s position worsened a little – he is on net minus 8. Despite a small drop, Morrison retains a solid lead over Albanese as better PM – 51-33%

Both Labor and the Coalition are polling 39% on primary votes – a two point fall for the Coalition and an equal rise for Labor.

The poll saw an 18 point drop in satisfaction with the handling of COVID since April.

Satisfaction with the government’s handling of the rollout was 53% in April and 50% in late June - in this poll 40% are satisfied with the handling and 57% are not…...

Sometimes it feels like New South Wales and the rest of Australia is on a COVID-19 negative feedback loop

These days when I wake I am tempted not to immediately look at the bedside clock to check the time but instead to inspect the flashing date on its digital face to confirm which year I’m starting the day in.

And it’s because of little snippets of fact like these…...

In January 2020 the global COVID-19 pandemic quietly entered Australia and the state of New South Wales. However it wasn’t until February 2020 that it became obvious that the virus had firmly established itself here.

That month NSW had an unemployment rate of 4.9% (in original terms) representing est. 215,100 people with no paid employment – an increase of 10,100 on January’s unemployment numbers. 

By July 2020 the unemployment rate had risen to 7.1% when the number of individuals without a job had grown to 222,900. By which time 3,567 NSW residents had contracted COVID-19 and 51 of those people had died.

In June 2021 the highly infectious Delta variant of COVID-19 was confirmed as having entered Australia and New South Wales.

That month NSW had an unemployment rate of 5.0% representing est. 218,900 people without paid employment and, the state cumulative COVID-19 case total had reached 5,637 and 56 people had died of the infection.

So New South Wales ended the month which saw the beginning of the Delta Variant Outbreak with a higher unemployment rate and more unemployed people than it had at the end of the month when the original COVID-19 outbreak began to make itself felt. 

As yet there is no ABS Labour Force data compiled for July 2021, but sadly the growing  infection numbers are available on a daily basis - as of 18 July 2021 the NSW total of cumulative COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began was 6,753 people infected and 60 of that number dead from this viral disease.

I keep looking for the healthy communities and strong economies Prime Minister Scott Morrison has been boasting about since February 2021. Because, right this minute, it feels as though Australia has been catapulted back to the start of this long climb out of a pandemic and, the new 16 June 2021 starting point began with a national cumulative total of 30,291 COVID-19 cases and 910 deaths. 

Nationally the country may have ended June 2021 with a unemployment rate 0.7% lower (in original terms) than the rate in February 2020, but it is such a meagre step forward - given the east coast of mainland Australia is currently fighting a widening Delta variant viral outbreak which threatens to increase the number of people who are out of work for months to come.

Australia not as tolerant of British far right nutters since global COVID-19 pandemic entered its second year

 

IMAGE: ABC News, 18 July 2021

The Guardian, 18 July 2021:

British far-right figure Katie Hopkins has been dumped as a cast member of Seven’s Big Brother VIP and will leave the country after breaching her contract, Guardian Australia can reveal.

Hopkins, 46, broadcast a live video from what she claimed was a Sydney hotel room on Saturday morning, describing Covid-19 lockdowns as “the greatest hoax in human history” while joking about elaborate plans to breach quarantine rules.

On Saturday home affairs minister, Karen Andrews, ordered an urgent review of whether Hopkins has breached her visa conditions by publicly flouting quarantine rules.

But the review has been superseded by a decision to terminate her contract, Guardian Australia understands.

Talent contracts have an out-clause: don’t bring the network into disrepute.

It is also a requirement of any overseas personality to comply with visa conditions.

Seven confirmed the decision on Sunday afternoon.

“Seven Network and Endemol Shine Australia confirm that Katie Hopkins is not part of Big Brother VIP,” the network said. “Seven and Endemol Shine strongly condemn her irresponsible and reckless comments in hotel quarantine.”

Hopkins was contracted to Shine rather than Seven.

Last year, Hopkins had her Twitter account with 1.1m followers permanently suspended for violating the platform’s “hateful conduct” policy.

Hopkins, who was repeatedly retweeted by former US president Donald Trump, was removed to “keep Twitter safe”, according to the social media platform.

Hopkins previously compared migrants to cockroaches and claimed the photograph of a dead Syrian boy lying on a beach that sparked a wave of compassion across Europe was staged, as well as stating that people with dementia should not “block” hospital beds…..

UPDATE

Sounds like Ms. Hopkins is on her way back to the U.K. as I write.....

NSW Police, News, Monday, 19 July 2021 04:21:23 PM:

Police attached to the hotel quarantine operation were notified of an alleged breach of the Public Health Order (Covid-19 Air Transportation Quarantine) at a hotel on Sussex Street, Sydney, about 8.45pm on Friday (16 July 2021).

Following inquiries, a 46-year-old woman was issued a $1000 Penalty Infringement Notice for not wear face covering yesterday (Sunday 18 July 2021).

NSW Police assisted Australian Border Force with the transfer of the woman to Sydney International Airport this afternoon (Monday 19 July 2021), following the cancellation of her visa, departing to the United Kingdom.

If the Morrison Coalition Government remains stubbornly opposed to a domestic price on carbon, then Australia can expect to lose more of its share of the world market in goods and services, along with further diminishing its global reputation.

The European Union (EU) is a political, economic and trade bloc acting on behalf of 27 Northern Hemisphere nations.

Annual two-way trade between the EU and Australia is valued at est. Aus$106.1 billion and Australia’s exports to the EU at Aus$33.4 billion or est. 10% of the total value of Australia’s annual export sales.

If the Morrison Coalition Government remains stubbornly opposed to a domestic price on carbon, - as well as continuing to enact half-hearted climate change mitigation policies - then Australia can expect to lose more of its share of the world market in goods and services, along with further diminishing its global reputation.

On 14 July 2021 the European Commission issued this 5 page media release explaining in detail the following proposal put to its member nations…..

European Green Deal Commission Proposes Transformation of EU Economy and Society to Meet Climate Ambitions by clarencegirl on Scribd

https://www.scribd.com/document/515965182/European-Green-Deal-Commission-Proposes-Transformation-of-EU-Economy-and-Society-to-Meet-Climate-Ambitions

In the face of growing community transmission NSW Police urge cooperation and compliance after concerning breaches of COVID-19 Public Health Orders

Words fail me......

NSW Police Public Site, News, 15-17 July 2051:

Police urge cooperation and compliance after concerning breaches of Public Health Orders

Police have issued more than 200 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) for breaches of the Public Health Act in the past 24 hours as high-visibility operations continue across NSW.

Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys, State Emergency Operations Controller, said the cooperation and support of the community – in the form of compliance – was key to the police operation.

“While the vast majority of the community is doing the right thing, it is concerning that three weeks into these restrictions, we are seeing an increase in non-compliance,” Deputy Commissioner Worboys said.

“Police attended more than 960 COVID-related jobs yesterday, with about 600 of those coming from reports to Crime Stoppers.

“In total, police detected almost 400 people breaching the Public Health Orders, resulting in about 220 legal actions, ranging from fines through to criminal charges.

“These numbers are concerning, as the more people do the wrong thing, the more chance there is of the virus spreading,” Deputy Commissioner Worboys said.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott reminded people of the serious risk that this Delta variant of COVID-19 poses to the entire state.

“We are dealing with an increased risk of transmission of the virus within the Greater Sydney and surrounding areas, and now is not the time to lose our resolve,” Mr Elliott said.

“I want to remind people in the broader state of NSW not to be complacent, this Delta variant highly transmissible, so please abide by the rules no matter where you are in the state.”

An incident of note in Greater Sydney includes:

• About 1.30am yesterday, officers from Riverstone Police Area Command stopped a 22-year-old Blacktown woman and a 39-year-old Mt Druitt man at Dean Park, who were found to be out in breach of the Public Health Orders. They were each issued a $1000 PIN before being directed home. The pair were stopped at Quakers Hill about 7.30pm, again in breach of the stay home orders. Checks revealed the earlier interaction with police and legal action. Following further inquiries, it was established that the pair did not return home as directed, instead had travelled on public transport to at least nine different suburbs – from Richmond in the west through to Sydney CBD – throughout the day. Their activities included visiting a fast food restaurant and a hotel, where they spent time with two other people. They have been charged with not comply with noticed direction re: Section 7/8/9 – COVID-19 and are due to appear in court next month.

An incident of note in Regional NSW includes:

• Officers from South Coast Police District attended a short-term rental property at Catalina, near Batemans Bay, about 3.15pm, after receiving information that Sydneysiders were staying there. Police were told the eight people – aged between 18 and 19 – had travelled from their homes at Balgowlah Heights, Bellevue Hill, Bondi, Dover Heights, and Edgecliff to the stay at the property before they were due to return to university. Inquiries established they were in breach of the Public Health Orders and were each issued with a $1000 PIN before being directed to return home via the most direct route.

Deputy Commissioner Mick Willing, Regional NSW Field Operations, thanked the South Coast community for their assistance in enforcing the public health orders.

“This case really shows that Sydneysiders have nowhere to hide in regional areas at the moment,” Deputy Commissioner Willing said.

“If you live in Greater Sydney and are thinking of travelling in contravention of the public health order, you should be aware that if police don’t pull you over proactively, the community will let us know you’re there.

“Regional people are actively working with police to protect themselves and their loved ones, which is so important given the incredibly contagious nature of the Delta strain.”

In total, 203 PINs were issued yesterday, with 93 of those $200 infringements for failing to wear a fitted face covering.

A further 19 people were charged with failing to comply with Public Health Orders; the majority of those charges were associated with other criminal offences.

Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages. [my yellow highlighting]

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Three removalists who allegedly had knowledge they were COVID positive before travelling from metropolitan Sydney to regional NSW are among the latest people to breach the Public Health Order in the past 24 hours.

Just after 2.30pm yesterday (Friday 16 July 2021), officers from Central West Police District attended Speedy Street, Molong, and spoke with four men – aged 21, 49 and two aged 27 – after receiving information they had travelled there from West Hoxton.

Police established the men, who were working as removalists, had travelled from West Hoxton to Figtree, before travelling to Molong, stopping in regional areas including South Bowenfels and Orange along the way.

It will be alleged three of the men travelled to Molong after being notified they had tested positive to COVID-19.

Police escorted all the men and their vehicles back to Greater Sydney where they have been instructed to isolate for 14-days.

The younger three men were issued Court Attendance Notices for not comply with noticed direction re section 7/8/9 – COVID-19.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott was troubled by this significant breach of the Public Health Orders.

“This thoughtless act has now placed our regional communities in NSW at the greatest risk so far with this pandemic,” Mr Elliott said.

“We know that the delta variant is highly transmissible, and it is unfathomable to think that, with all the public information and health warnings, people could so blatantly ignore the health orders.”

State Emergency Operations Controller, Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys, said police will be increasing their response to ensure public safety is the number one priority.

“Currently, we are seeing millions of people right across this state doing the right thing being let down by a small minority who continue to be irresponsible and put themselves and their communities at risk,” Deputy Commissioner Worboys said.

“Today’s strengthening of the health orders means that people will have to change the way that they behave.

“The greater restrictions will see police ramping up our response across all of greater Sydney and regional areas to ensure people comply with the health orders and that public safety is the number one priority,” he said.

In total, police have issued 162 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) and charged 18 people for breaches of the Public Health Act in the past 24 hours.

Police attended more than 1,000 COVID-related jobs yesterday, with about 630 of those coming from reports to Crime Stoppers.

Incidents of note in Greater Sydney includes:

• A 25-year-old man who worked in an aged care facility in south-western Sydney and had been informed that he had tested positive to COVID-19 and was directed to stay-at-home. About 10.30pm (Friday 16 July 2021), officers from the North West Region Operations Support Group discovered the man had left his Mr Druitt home and travelled by car to Blacktown to buy dumbbell weights. The man has since been issued a $1000 PIN for failing to comply with noticed direction – individual.

Other incidents of note in regional NSW includes:

• Just before 11am (Friday 16 July 2021), officers attached to Tenterfield Traffic and Highway Patrol were conducting patrols when they stopped a Mitsubishi Lancer on the New England Highway, south of Guyra, and spoke to the driver, a 20-year-old man, and his male passenger. Inquiries revealed they were from Knawal and Charmhaven on the Central Coast and they were each issued $1000 PINs. Inquiries are continuing.

• About 6.20pm (Friday 16 July 2021), officers attached to Tuggerah Lakes Police District observed a grey Audi sedan travelling at speed on the Pacific Highway, Doyalson. Police stopped the car on Scenic Drive and spoke to the driver, a 27-year-old man, and a male passenger, also aged 27. Following inquiries, both men were issued a $1000 PIN for not complying with current health orders as they do not reside in the same household and did not have a reasonable excuse to leave their homes.

• At 12.40am today (Saturday 17 July 2021), police spoke to a man who was asleep in the rear of a white Volkswagen Tiguan on Booner Street, Hawks Nest. The 60-year-old man said he travelled from his Turramurra home to the area for some peace and quiet. After being reminded of the current stay-at-home order, he was issued a $1000 PIN before being directed to return home via the most direct route. [my yellow highlighting]

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Michael West Media, 15 July 2021:

A NSW Police Force spokesperson said:

“Officers from Monaro Police District have issued a Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN) for failing to comply with direction under the Public Health Act after an alleged breach by a 20-year-old woman.

“It’s alleged the woman travelled from regional NSW to Sydney then to the ACT, before returning to her home in regional NSW last Friday (9 July 2021).

“She was very helpful and apologetic with police. She has since been issued with the $1000 PIN.”

She received the smallest possible penalty for breaching public health orders. The maximum penalty is “imprisonment for 6 months and/or a penalty of up to $11,000.......

The ACT police force, NSW police force and John Barilaro himself have all refused to comment on whether or not John Barilaro or an associate was in contact with the police regarding the matter. 

NOTE:

(John) Giovanni Domenic Barilaro is the NSW Deputy Premier and National Party MLA for Monaro.

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The Daily Telegraph, 16 July 2021:

Outspoken former boxer Anthony Mundine has copped a $1000 fine for breaking Covid rules, while police investigate a second potential breach.

The high-profile Sydney resident was handed the fine after flying to Ballina on July 7, despite the citywide lockdown.

“Officers from Richmond Police District issued a 46-year-old man with a $1000 Penalty Infringement Notice after inquiries revealed he travelled from metropolitan Sydney to Ballina without a reasonable excuse on Wednesday 7 July 2021,” NSW Police said in a statement.

Police are also investigating a second alleged breach after Mundine went to Yamba, in northern NSW.

On July 14 officers launched an inquiry following reports Mundine visited a licenced premises in the regional town, police said.

Travel outside of Sydney, where Mr Mundine lives, is banned under the strict lockdown measures unless people have an exemption…..

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Cartoon of the Week

@CathyWilcox1