PM: Aust condemns terror attacks in France-“Our thoughts are with all the people of France..."

30/10/2020

Canberra - M E Times Int'l: THE Prime Minister of Australia has condemned the terror attacks in France.

“Australia utterly condemns the heinous terrorist attacks that have been undertaken on innocent people in France,” he said.

“These multiple attacks are despicable. They're disgraceful. Not only are they an attack on the individuals and their families, but they are an attack on liberty. When we think of France, we think of liberty and we stand with the people of France.”

Mr Morrison said he exchanged messages with French President Emmanuel Macron who replied with the words 'We will win'.

“We stand with France in that declaration. Free peoples all around the world will stand together to defend freedom, to defend our liberties and to stand against the evil terror that seeks to assault that.

“While this year has had many other challenges with COVID-19, none less so than in France. It is an awful reminder of the evil that continues to lurk and seeks to strike against the innocent.

So our prayers are for the victims and their families.

“Our thoughts are with all the people of France, wherever they are, our true and great friend. And we stand with President Macron and the Government of France as they do all in their power to stamp out this terrible evil that has struck their country.”

Labor extends sympathies to families of French attacks

Canberra: Labor has condemned the terrorist attack at a church in Nice and extended its deepest condolences to the families of the victims.

Federal Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese and Senator Penny Wong, Labor’s Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, called the attack on “an assault on our common humanity”.

“An attack on any religion is an attack on all religions,” they said.

We stand with France and all her people, in defence of the country’s founding values - liberty, equality and fraternity. These values will not falter.

“We stand united against terrorism and those who wish spread fear and sow division.”

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian 'disappointed' by Queensland border closure, child tests positive for coronavirus

Sydney: NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian says she is "disappointed" that Queensland's borders will not be open to everyone from the state.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk today said 32 local government areas in the Greater Sydney region would remain closed to Queensland.

However, residents from regional NSW will be allowed to enter the state from the November 3.

Ms Palaszczuk made the announcement after meeting with health experts today, one day before Queensland's state election.

Ms Berejiklian said before the announcement that "there's no reason why NSW residents shouldn't be allowed in every part of Australia, frankly".

"I'm disappointed."

Ms Palaszczuk said she was following the advice of chief health officer Jeannette Young.

Sydney ‘link’ road set to open to public

Sydney: NorthConnex will open to traffic this weekend with the final tests and safety checks being completed on the $3 billion Sydney mega project that is expected to change the way drivers travel across the city.

Sydney drivers will be able to bypass 21 sets of traffic lights between the M1 and M2 motorways, completing the long-awaited ‘missing link’ in the National Highway network.

The twin nine kilometre tunnels between the M1 at Wahroonga and M2 at West Pennant Hills will provide smoother and faster journeys along Pennant Hills Road and bypass 40 sets of traffic lights if using the Pacific Highway as a route to the CBD.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that NorthConnex had delivered thousands of jobs to support hard-working families, and now motorists would benefit for generations to come.

NorthConnex tolls are $7.99 for cars and $23.97 for heavy vehicles. Toll Relief will apply.

NSW welcomes 264 new firefighting graduates

Sydney: NSW has welcomed 264 new firefighters across the state with the latest recruits graduating from the Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Emergency Services Academy.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott and FRNSW Commissioner Paul Baxter welcomed the new recruits, who include a former professional rally car co-driver, a martial arts instructor, a former dairy farm manager, youth worker and teachers.

Mr Elliott congratulated the recruits for embarking on a rewarding career that will ultimately put them on the frontline when it comes to protecting their communities.

This month, the NSW Government announced a $192 million investment in response to the independent NSW Bushfire Inquiry, including $36m for a new first responder mental health programs that will support all emergency services, as well as new tankers and personal protective clothing.

FRNSW Commissioner Paul Baxter said the graduates trained with passion and dedication to become part of the FRNSW family.

Greater care for those affected by suicides

Sydney: The NSW Government is investing $4.54 million in post-suicide care to provide a range of practical and psychological services to NSW residents bereaved or impacted by suicide.

Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said services will range from one-to-one counselling and family therapy, to supporting grieving loved ones to liaise with police, the coroners and media.

“It is estimated that up to 135 people can be impacted by a single suicide,” Mrs Taylor said.

$4.2 million will be invested in StandBy Support After Suicide to expand its footprint and services.

In partnership with Jesuits Social Services, Roses in the Ocean and University of New England, StandBy will focus on reaching bereaved families and friends, first responders and witnesses.

$367,000 will also be invested in Postvention Australia to host information webinars, create a bereavement pack and service directory, and run a bereavement care course for professionals.

TWU slams NSW Govt reliance on toll roads

Sydney: THE Transport Workers Union says the NSW Government’s deal on toll roads with Trans urban has left a debt for future generations.

Richard Olsen is state secretary of the Transport Workers’ Union of NSW.

“Transport workers have to take a stand because the debt left to our children and grandchildren by the 40-year deal created between the NSW Government and the toll road Operator Trans urban, also trading as Linkt, is a rort,” he said.

His comment follows the immediate opening of the NorthConnex link road in Sydney.

“Transport workers and the people of NSW had no say in the deal. The toll road monopoly in NSW has allowed toll road bully Trans urban to rort transport workers through tolls and administration fees,” Mr Olsen said.

“Now the toll road prices increase every quarter and heavy vehicle users face government discrimination, forced to use the NorthConnex toll road or face fines.”