NSW blazes merge to become 'mega fire'

7/12/2019

(See translation in Arabic section)

Sydney - M E Times Int'l: Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons says “we are expecting not only the hot temperatures, but it’s going to be particularly dry” with humidity in single digits forecasted over the weekend. “We are down to 96 fires now and 48 of those are not contained. We’ve still got 2000 people out in the field, and more than 100 aircraft being deployed”.

A firestorm has rained down on firefighters battling to protect homes threatened by out-of-control fire on the outskirts of Sydney. Huge walls of flames surrounded firefighters on all sides at Green Wattle Creek near the Warragamba Dam. As temperatures heated up and winds flared, three firefighters sustained minor burns to their neck and arms. More than 100 fires continue to burn across the state.

Smoke from fires near Warragamba Dam have blanketed Sydney, creating hazardous air levels in 14 areas across the city. Sydney's south-west is struggling with the worst air quality, with other regions across Sydney reaching three-times the level deemed hazardous. Authorities said the conditions were the equivalent to smoking 34 cigarettes a day in some parts of the city. The New South Wales Environment Department warned "many days and weeks of poor air quality" were still to come.

More anti-terror police to start patrolling Australian airports

Canberra: The prime minister is defending the timeline for a rollout of 135 specialised AFP officers at the nation's airports, as part of a boost to counter-terror operations. Specialist police armed with heavy rifles will begin patrols at Brisbane and Canberra airports in the coming weeks, as the government expands its counter-terror strategy. The federal government will roll out increased counter-terrorism measures over the next 18 months. Scott Morrison told reporters on Friday the government needs to ensure they get this "absolutely right" and "the training is in place and it's rolled out around the country". At least 130 extra police and protective service officers will be deployed, as well as dog squads used to detect firearms and explosives. The changes are part of a $107 million package to strengthen aviation security, which was announced in the most recent budget.

Many threats to our values: Home Affairs

Canberra: Foreign interference, mistrust in government and globalisation are undermining Australia, says the government department overseeing national security.

The Home Affairs Department also says fake news and the use of social media platforms to recruit wannabe terrorists were eroding Australia's social cohesion.

In a lengthy submission to a parliamentary inquiry on nationhood, the department lays out other threats facing Australia and its shared values.

These values include the rule of law, parliamentary sovereignty, separation of powers and a publicly accountable government.

It also says Australian citizenship is a common bond that unites all Australians.

"The Australian community expects that aspiring citizens demonstrate their allegiance to Australia," the submission says.

Lifetime refugee visa ban not on PM agenda

Canberra: Scott Morrison has no immediate plans to pursue laws banning refugees travelling from New Zealand to Australia.

The proposed laws are seen as a major hurdle in accepting New Zealand's offer to resettle refugees in offshore detention.

The government has long argued it will only consider the offer once it can block the refugees from entering Australia.

It now appears to have the necessary support from opposition and cross bench parties, however, the prime minister does not consider the legislation a priority.

"Right now that is not a matter that we're currently progressing," Mr Morrison told reporters.

Updated export laws to beef up farm sector

Canberra: More Australian products will be given the tick of approval for export under a Morrison government proposal to grow agricultural exports to $100 billion by 2030.

Cabinet minister David Littleproud said the draft laws would cut red tape, allow the agriculture sector to keep up with technology, and provide more safeguards for live animals being sent overseas.

"For Australian farmers, reliable access to overseas markets means increased profitability and certainty for further investments in their products," he told parliament on Wednesday when introducing the bill.

Going Global: Putting NSW on the World Stage

Sydney: Thousands of new jobs will be created across industries of the future including advanced manufacturing, agribusiness and space, as NSW launches the nation’s most ambitious international investment strategy.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian today launched Global NSW – a strategy to unlock international investment into NSW to keep our State as the nation’s economic powerhouse.

“As Premier, I have worked hard to bring international investment into NSW, helping to secure 17 MOUs into our Western Sydney Aerotropolis,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“This international investment will translate to high quality local jobs.

“Our new strategy takes this work to the next level. This is about expanding our key markets around the world and ensuring we take advantage of the incredible economic opportunities on our doorstep.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Trade John Barilaro said under the strategy the number of trade and investment offices located overseas will grow from 11 to 21.

To view the Global NSW Strategy please visit: global.nsw.gov.au

Biggest public service shake-up in decades to claim senior scalps

Canberra: The prime minister has announced a major change to the public sector, with the number of government departments set to cut from 18 to 14. Scott Morrison announced on Thursday four new combined departments have been created to ensure “services Australians rely on are delivered more efficiently and more effectively”. The new department of Education, Skills and Employment will be created with Mr Morrison describing it as “having a continuity from the day you walk into a school to the day you walk into a job and beyond”. The New department of Agriculture, Water and Environment will be led by Secretary Andrew Metcalfe. “The new structures will drive greater collaboration, and will ensure important policy challenges in which different parts of the public service are working on can work effectively together," the prime minister said. Mr Morrison also said there will be no change to ministerial portfolios because he is “very pleased, very pleased, with the performance of all my ministers”.

New intelligence taskforce led by ASIO to combat foreign interference

Canberra: Australia's security agencies will join forces on a new $90 million taskforce, designed to counter the threat of foreign interference. The role of Australian Security Intelligence Operation will expand for the first time and classified information on foreign interference will be shared with the Australian Federal Police. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said "the task force, to counter foreign interference, is about identifying it, disrupting and prosecuting". The government said the creation of the multi-million dollar taskforce is not related to recent claims of Chinese interference.

Building a Better Future for Young People

Sydney: Work is underway on an innovative 73-unit housing complex in the heart of Sydney that will deliver improved support for young people leaving out-of-home care.

Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said Foyer Central in Chippendale is a state-of-the-art development that will help tackle youth homelessness by providing stable accommodation and wrap around services.

“Foyer Central will provide safe, affordable housing for young people combined with services that focus on work, study and development,” Mr Ward said.

“This new property is more than just a roof over a young person’s head. It gives them a solid foundation for life by providing the support they need to thrive.”

Foyer Central will support young people aged between 18 and 22 and aims to reduce the number of young people experiencing homelessness, increase completion of education qualifications and increase employment in the young adult population.

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the project is an example of innovative Social Impact Investments the NSW Government is making to improve life for vulnerable people.

Lambie backs govt to repeal medevac bill

Canberra: Crossbench Senator Jacqui Lambie has broken down in tears while announcing her support to repeal the contentious medevac bill. The Tasmanian Senator told the Senate her decision to vote with the government was "a matter of conscience". "I get that this vote will disappoint many, I get that, but this is a matter of conscience," she said. "I can't let the boats start back up and I can't let refugees die, whether it's sinking into the ocean or waiting for a doctor."

Keneally says govt struck a 'secret deal' with Lambie to pass medevac bill  “What is this secret deal? A deal between the Morrison government and Senator Lambie to drive a stake through the heart of medevac and they are keeping it a secret to this parliament and from the Australian public,” she said.

GDP expansion worst since 2008 due to 'anemic' consumer confidence

Sydney: Chief Market Strategist at InvestSMART Evan Lucas says GDP expansion is the lowest it has been since 2008 at 0.1 per cent which is “anemic” and shows “the confidence of the average consumer is incredibly low”. Mr Lucas told press the reason economic growth fell short of expectations in the three months to September was because people were “saving” their government tax relief. The market strategist said Australia did however see “the biggest jump up in savings since the first quarter of 2017, with the ratio jumping to 4.8 per cent”.