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.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

Meme of the Week

 

via @bubblytest

Thought of the Week

 

#fightmisogyny

State of Play COVID-19 Pandemic: NSW Delta Variant Outbreak reached Day 31 today Friday, 16 July 2021 and as yet there is no end in sight

 

NSW Health, COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics,16 July 2021:

NSW recorded 97 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.

Of these locally acquired cases, 63 are linked to a known case or cluster – 49 are household contacts and 14 are close contacts – and the source of infection for 34 cases remains under investigation.

Forty-six cases were in isolation throughout their infectious period and 17 cases were in isolation for part of their infectious period. Twenty-nine cases were infectious in the community, and the isolation status of five cases remains under investigation.

One new overseas-acquired case was recorded in the same period. The total number of cases in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic is now 6,527.

There have been 1,026 locally acquired cases reported since 16 June 2021, when the first case in the Bondi cluster was reported. 

There are currently 75 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 18 people in intensive care, five of whom require ventilation.

There were 77,587 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with the previous day’s total of 58,299.

NSW Health administered a record 22,568 COVID-19 vaccines in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, including 7,392 at the vaccination centre at Sydney Olympic Park.

The total number of vaccines administered in NSW is now 2,907,677 with 1,135,164 doses administered by NSW Health to 8pm last night and 1,772,513 administered by the GP network and other providers to 11.59pm on Wednesday 14 July…..

Of the 97 locally acquired cases reported to 8pm last night, 67 are from South Western Sydney Local Health District (LHD), 14 are from South Eastern Sydney LHD, nine are from Western Sydney LHD, five are from Sydney LHD, one is from Northern Sydney LHD and one is from Nepean Blue Mountains LHD…… [my yellow highlighting]

As of 8pm 15 July 2021 – Day 30 of the Delta variant outbreak - only est. 35.57% of the total NSW resident population have received one or more doses of COVID-19 vaccine.

Because of the highly infectious nature of the Delta variant and the fact that the majority of COVID-19 cases sequenced in the week leading up to 3 July 2021 were identified as the Alpha (B.1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351), Gamma (P.1) and Delta/Kappa (B.1.617) variants, it is extremely important that every person within NSW state boundaries obey all public health orders.

UPDATE

NSW Health, media release, excerpt, 17 July 2021:

NSW recorded 111 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.

Of these locally acquired cases, 59 are linked to a known case or cluster – 47 are household contacts and 12 are close contacts – and the source of infection for 52 cases remains under investigation.

Sixty-nine cases were in isolation throughout their infectious period and ten cases were in isolation for part of their infectious period. Twenty-nine cases were infectious in the community, and the isolation status of three cases remains under investigation.

Six new overseas-acquired cases were recorded in the same period. The total number of cases in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic is now 6,644.

Sadly, a man in his late-80s from south-eastern Sydney died yesterday. NSW Health extends its sincere sympathies to his family.

There have been 1,137 locally acquired cases reported since 16 June 2021, when the first case in the Bondi cluster was reported.

There are currently 75 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 18 people in intensive care, six of whom require ventilation.

There were a record 81,970 COVID-19 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with the previous day's total of 77,587…… [my yellow highlighting]

Restrictions to further limit the spread of the COVID-19 Delta strain, effective from 11:59pm Saturday 17 July 2021, can be found here:

https://www.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/restrictions-to-further-limit-spread-of-covid-19-delta-strain

Banyam Baigham, the Sleeping Lizard, returned to the Widjabul Wia-bal Traditional Custodians

An excellent example of natural justice for the Widjabul Wia-bal Traditional Custodians and genuine recognition of their connection to country and culture by Lismore City Council. Well-written and empathetic journalism by Eve Jeffrey.

Echo NetDaily, 14 July 2021:

Everybody (almost) hands up! Councillors Vanessa Ekins, Darlene Cook, Elly Bird, Eddie Lloyd, Nancy Casson, Adam Guise and Neil Marks, vote to hand back the Sleeping Lizard to the local mob. Councillor Bill Moorhouse voted against the motion.

In an emotional and historic vote, Lismore City Council last night passed a motion to hand back Banyam Baigham – Sleeping Lizard, known as the North Lismore Plateau, to the Traditional Custodians.

Lismore Mayor, Councillor Vanessa Ekins, spoke at length about the significance of handing back the Council owned land.

Representatives from the local mob including Uncle Mick Ryan, Aunty Marie Delbridge, Aunty Thelma James and Mindy Woods, and North Lismore Plateau Protection Association Inc. spokesperson Dot Moller, took the opportunity to speak in favour of the motion during public access.

The authority and standing to speak for Country

Uncle Mick Ryan said he had both the authority and standing to speak for that country.

‘At the outset, I say to you all that tonight is an historic moment. Grasping this monumental opportunity is a real positive action, more than just empty words.

‘This is a very big step by our community for justice and reconciliation. For all of us, Aboriginal and non-indigenous alike.

‘Not supporting this hand back will just be a continuation of all the injustices people have suffered through massacre, dispossession, stealing of their children in the 200 years of the discriminatory policies enacted by colonial, state and Commonwealth governments.

‘What happens tonight will reflect not only on the Council but the wider community.

‘I believe it will not only be a tragedy but an opportunity lost. There is no question the land to be handed back has been identified as containing some of the most significant and sacred sites within the Bundjalung nation.

‘My responsibility as a senior elder of the Bundjalung nation is toward the protection of ancestral lands and all the animals, plants and people who dwell within.

‘Let’s commence this process of reconciliation and recognition in a meaningful way to right the great injustice, for Council to listen carefully to what I have said and did a proper thing.

‘We Aboriginal people have a strong tradition embedded in our culture of sharing and caring and welcoming.

‘Go beyond the personal politics and point-scoring.

‘All of you see the demand for supporting this historic occasion and supporting the hand back of our sacred land to the rightful landowners,’ said Mr Ryan.

A deep affinity with particular areas of land

Also speaking for the Bundjalung was Mindy Woods who said that Traditional Custodians have a deep affinity with particular areas of land. ‘Much of our sense of identity is derived from it,’ she said.

‘One area is not exchangeable for another, unlike those of Western land systems. We recognize the cultural, spiritual and historical significance of Banyam North Lismore Plateau.

‘This land is steeped in our history, our culture, our spirituality, and our very existence. This is your history.

‘We support and hope to celebrate the motion that custodianship of Council-owned land on North Lismore Plateau be returned to the Widjabul Wia-bal clan group.

For you, our Councillors, this is a significant decision, but a small and vital step to a long journey towards genuine recognition, reconciliation, protection and celebration of our history,’ she said.

‘We extend our thanks and extend our hand to join you on this journey.’

The Sleeping Lizard

Cr Ekins, who moved a motion that Council hand back Council-owned land on the North Lismore Plateau to the Traditional Owners, was very passionate in her address to the chamber, imploring all councillors to vote in favour of the motion.

‘This is a pretty important decision that we’re making to heal Country.

‘We’ve been talking about the North Lismore Plateau and development on it for 20 years. We’ve spent many years in consultation with the Aboriginal community about the significance of that land. And we know that the site is really significant to the Aboriginal community. It’s Sleeping Lizard Hill, it’s well documented and known to us.

‘We need to hand back Council-owned land to the Traditional Custodians. It’s a really small but significant gesture. And it links Lismore with the National Native Title process that’s going on around us everywhere.

‘A Native Title claim was lodged in 2013, and what that claim has done for the Widjabul Wia-bal Custodians, it has recognized that there is connection for Widjabul Wia-bal people to the North Lismore plateau, going back time immemorial.

Cr Ekins outlined the distant and recent history of the land and concluded that the best use for that land is that it be handed it back to the care and control of the Widjabul Wia-bal Traditional Custodians. ‘It’s a pretty easy decision tonight Councilors, we just decide to hand it back.

‘We can’t use this land. We haven’t used it for 40 years, and we’re unlikely to use it for another decade, but it’s really important to the Widjabul Wia-bal Traditonal Custodians. They can protect it and manage it.’

Just hand it back

‘I’m just asking you to make the decision tonight. Just to hand it back,’ said Cr Ekins.

The motion was passed with votes in favour from Crs Ekins, Lloyd, Bird Marks, Cook, Casson and Guise with only Cr Bill Moorhouse voting against.