Category: NSW News

Supermarkets and pharmacies will be able to operate around the clock in NSW to guarantee communities have access to essential goods at all times during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Changes to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 today enabled Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes to issue his first order to override normal planning controls restricting hours of operation.
“These orders cut red tape so we can move quickly and decisively to ensure the health, wellbeing and safety of our community during this time,” Mr Stokes said.
“The focus of our first order is giving people flexibility to visit their local supermarket, pharmacy or corner store at any time of day if those retail premises choose to operate for extended hours.
“This means the community will have access to food, medical supplies and essential household goods whenever they need it.
“Stores will also be able to dispose of their waste at any time of day, rather than during restricted hours, to dispose of the significant and sudden increase in stock.”
The order also provides greater flexibility for home-based businesses to operate at any time and expand their business as necessary.
“For those businesses operating out of home, we are facilitating more flexible operating hours and increasing the number of people working together from two to five, providing they can abide by the social distancing rules,” Mr Stokes said.
“This is important as more and more people work from home and need flexible working arrangements.”
Today’s move is on top of changes made last week to allow for 24/7 deliveries at supermarkets and pharmacies. The changes will be in place until the crisis is over. The order is available on NSW Planning’s website at: www.planning.nsw.gov.au/COVID19.

Commissioner Mick Fuller has reaffirmed the commitment of the NSW Police Force to use all powers available to officers to enforce all COVID-19-related ministerial directions.
A number of ministerial directions been announced to date, covering incoming travellers, diagnosed persons, mass gatherings and social distancing rules, and the closure of social gathering places.
The Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) provides NSW Police with the power to enforce these orders. It is an offence for a person to fail to comply with an order, and severe penalties apply.
Following the NSW Government’s recent amendment to the legislation, police will have the additional power to issue Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) to anyone found to be in contravention of a ministerial direction.
PINs carry on-the-spot fines of $1000 for individuals and $5000 for businesses.
This is in addition to the existing enforcement powers available to officers, which include issuing Court Attendance Notices with a maximum penalty of up to $11,000 and/or six months imprisonment for individuals.
Commissioner Fuller said the circumstances call for strong action – and police stand ready to respond.
“This health crisis is like nothing we have ever experienced, with more than 1000 cases now confirmed in NSW, and the numbers continuing to grow,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“I’m encouraged that most members of the community are taking this issue seriously and are adhering to the government advice.
“However, disturbingly, our officers have already responded to dozens of reports of breaches of ministerial directions from members of the community.
“This is astounding, and incredibly disappointing, as these people are putting themselves and the wider community at an unacceptable risk.
“The last thing we want to do is to have to use police powers to ensure compliance, but let me be clear – we have been using them and we will continue to do so.”
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said the measures were tough but necessary to minimise the risk the pandemic poses to public safety.
“Despite the majority of people doing the right thing, we are still seeing reckless and irresponsible behaviour that endangers the lives of others, particularly to elderly and immunocompromised members of the community,” Mr Elliott said.
“The rules are clear. No more than one person should occupy a two by two metre area, and public places such as the beach and retail outlets are no exception.
“Our message to the community is simple: be vigilant, be sensible, and stay up to date with the latest health advice.
“No one is above the law. If you decide to ignore a direction to self-isolate, you will be caught and you may find yourself slapped with a hefty fine.”
NSW Police Force last week launched operation Coronavirus to guide the organisation’s response, with highly specialised officers providing practical and logistical support to our 17,000-strong workforce.
The Police Operations Centre (POC), the command location for coordinating all police activities in response to major incidents, has been made operational.
Commissioner Fuller said in addition to responding to reports of non-compliance, police had put in place a number of proactive measures to help stop the spread of the virus.
“Our officers are conducting proactive patrols in every Police Area Command and Police District across the state, to add another layer of enforcement and ensure people in public places are sticking to the rules.
“These patrols also form part of our ongoing work with retailers, to ensure calm and fairness at the checkouts.
“I want to urge the people of NSW to stay safe and follow the official government advice.
“Now more than ever, we need to pull together and fight this virus as a community.”

A man has been charged after allegedly deliberately coughing on an NSW Police Force employee while pretending to be infected with COVID-19 at Coffs Harbour.
About 2.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 24 March 2020), police will allege a man entered Coffs Harbour Police Station and approached a 71-year-old female general station officer.
Police will allege in court that the man deliberately coughed on the woman and claimed he had COVID-19, while a friend filmed the incident.
While inquiries were being made regarding the man’s claims, the police station was closed, and the necessary isolation protocols were put in place.
Upon further inquiries, it was revealed the man did not have the virus.
Officers from Coffs/Clarence Police District arrested a 21-year-old man at the station, where he was charged with stalk/intimidate intend fear physical harm, and resist or hinder police officer in the execution of duty.
The Coffs Harbour man was granted strict conditional bail and is due to appear in Coffs Harbour Local Court on Wednesday 6 May 2020.

Police are urging the community to remain vigilant and ensure they comply with orders and directions aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19.
Following the Commonwealth Government’s announcement that it is a requirement for all entrants to Australia, including returning travellers, to self-isolate for 14 days, NSW Health and the NSW Police Force are working together to ensure risks to the community are minimised.
The community has been very responsive to public health information and the government’s recent direction to self-isolate and the vast majority of people have done the right thing and complied with the Public Health Order.
The Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) provides NSW Police with the power to enforce public health orders. It is an offence for a person to fail to comply with an order.
As part of the NSW Police Force’s commitment to the safety of the NSW community, Crime Stoppers now has a reporting option to take information from the public about anyone not complying with Public Health Orders.
You can report online to: www.nsw.crimestoppers.com.au
If you are unable to report online, you can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Your information will be treated confidentially.
The public is reminded to utilise this service responsibly and not to abuse it. The time of emergency services is valuable and is best directed toward legitimate reports.
As always, for urgent or life-threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000).
To report a crime, contact the Police Assistance Line on 131444.
For any inquiries related to COVID-19, please call the Coronavirus Health National Information Line on 1800 020 080.
Please call Health Direct on 1800 022 222 if you require health information and advice.

The NSW Government has taken significant new steps to increase restrictions across the state – triggering the next level of enforcement necessary to fight COVID-19.
Following the decisions made by National Cabinet, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian confirmed the shutdown to protect NSW citizens.
“I understand many in the community are worried, and these changes will affect everyday lives, and may be upsetting,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“But these decisions will make us all safer, they are taken with the health of all citizens in mind, and they must be taken now.
“If you have the capacity to work from home, you should do so.”
In line with health advice, from midday today, the following non-essential activities and businesses will be temporarily shut down:

• Pubs, registered clubs
• Gyms, indoor sporting venues
• Cinemas, entertainment venues, casinos, and night clubs
• Restaurants and cafes will be restricted to takeaway and/or home delivery
• Religious gatherings, places of worship (excluding small weddings and funerals that comply with the 4m2 rule, which can proceed).

It is important to note essential gatherings at places such as hospitals, workplaces, constructions sites and for public transport are exempt and will continue.
As confirmed last night by the Prime Minister schools will remain open, based on health advice, which has not changed.
But from tomorrow, in NSW, for practical reasons, parents are encouraged to keep their children at home.
“Because nearly 30 per cent of children are already being kept out of school, for practical reasons NSW is encouraging parents to keep their children at home,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This will ensure there is only one unit of work, whether the student is at home or at school.
“No child will be turned away from school.”

The NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) has charged a second man with a terrorism offence following the execution of further search warrants over the past five days on NSW’s South Coast.
The 23-year-old Batemans Bay man was arrested outside Nowra Police Station last Sunday (15 March 2020), after hunting knives and survivalist equipment were found in the car he was driving.
The man was detained under specified time provisions of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) as members of the JCTT conducted enquiries into his links to a 21-year-old Sanctuary Point man, who was charged with a terrorism offence that day (Sunday 15 March 2020).
The Batemans Bay man was charged with one count of acts done in preparation for, or planning, terrorist acts, last night (Friday 20 March 2020). This offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
He was also charged with two counts of possessing a prohibited firearm, contrary to Section 7(1) of the Prohibited Firearms Act 1996 (Cth).
Police will allege in court that the 23-year-old man was involved in early-stage planning and preparation for a terrorist act.
It will further be alleged he was working with the Sanctuary Point man to acquire military equipment, including firearms and other items capable of making improvised explosive devices.
During a search of the man’s Catalina home, police seized electronic items, hunting knives, survivalist equipment and a replica firearm.
An initial forensic examination of the electronic items uncovered a large quantity of extreme right-wing and anti-government material.
Further search warrants on properties at Sanctuary Point, Falls Creek and Tapitallee – all located near Nowra – between Thursday (19 March 2020) and today (Saturday 21 March 2020), resulted in the seizure of items that could be used in the construction of an improvised explosive device, electronic devices and other material which will be subjected to further examination.
These locations were of interest to JCTT investigators due to possible links to both men charged as part of this investigation.
The 23-year-old man is expected to face Nowra Local Court later today.
Investigations by the NSW JCTT remain ongoing.
The NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team is comprised of the Australian Federal Police, NSW Police Force, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and NSW Crime Commission.
Anyone with information about extremist activity or possible threats to the community should come forward, no matter how small or insignificant you may think the information may be.

Supermarkets across the State are now able to receive deliveries 24 hours a day to restock their shelves under new rules introduced by the NSW Government.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the Government had moved to override local council rules that restrict some stores from restocking their shelves and operating their loading docks outside regular business hours.
“We need to make sure these products can move from factories to shelves as quickly as possible,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We are moving quickly so truck drivers can make deliveries to supermarkets around the clock.
“It is important that people now stop unnecessary panic buying.”
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the State Environmental Planning Policy Amendment (COVID-19 Response) 2020 makes clear that truck deliveries are able to supply shops and retailers with essential goods at all times to support communities.
“Councils and retailers have been working well together to allow greater flexibility in delivery hours, and this change gives everyone the certainty we need to ensure these deliveries can continue,” Mr Stokes said.
“The SEPP makes clear that truck deliveries are able to supply shops and retailers with essential goods at all times.”
The new rules apply immediately and will be kept in place until the crisis is over.

Experts from across the NSW Government have been brought together under one roof to lead the State’s coordinated, emergency response to the evolving COVID-19 situation.
Starting this week, experts from more than 20 critical agencies including Police, Education and Transport will join NSW Health in the purpose-built operations centre at the Rural Fire Services headquarters in Homebush.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) would allow all arms of government to respond quickly to COVID-19.
“Having all of our experts across many government agencies under the one roof will allow us to respond quickly to this emerging health crisis in a coordinated way,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said this was another proactive step from the NSW Government to slow the spread of COVID-19
“Embedding Health operations teams with other critical agencies will ensure clear, up-to-date information and communication to action decisions to protect the wider community,” Minister Hazzard said.
The SEOC will be led by Deputy Police Commissioner, Gary Worboys, who said this will be a central hub where experts can monitor the situation in real time and coordinate response efforts.
“The SEOC will be operating 24/7, with the team accessing the advanced technology at RFS headquarters, including live information, intelligence sharing, digital mapping, as well as public information and media broadcasting resources so we can quickly get critical information to the public,” Mr Worboys said.
“COVID-19 is affecting so many parts of our state, from transport to education and business, and it is critical for the SEOC to bring everyone together to share information, develop effective plans and take immediate action.”

A man has been charged for the alleged assault of staff and shoppers at a supermarket in the state’s north yesterday.
About 3.30pm (Tuesday 17 March 2020), police received reports a man assaulted multiple people at a supermarket in a shopping centre on Uralba Street, Lismore.
It is alleged, after becoming agitated when he was unable to find items he wanted to buy, the man pushed his trolley into two women, believed to be aged in their 70s, knocking one to the ground.
He then allegedly pinned a 45-year-old female store attendant against the shelving and punched her in the face and chest.
The store manager and a security guard approached the man and were also allegedly assaulted, before the man was removed from the premises.
The 45-year-old woman sustained bruising and swelling to her left jaw, bruising and swelling to her left forearm, a small laceration to her left forearm, stiffness to her neck, bruising to her chest but declined medical assistance.
The two older women left the store without leaving their details and it’s unknown if they were injured.
Following a public appeal, a 63-year-old man was arrested by officers from Richmond Police District on Nimbin Road, North Lismore and taken to Lismore Police Station.
He was charged with affray, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and common assault.
The man was refused bail and will appear at Lismore Local Court tomorrow (Thursday 19 March 2020).

The NSW Government today announced a major $2.3 billion health boost and economic stimulus package to protect the community and help protect jobs in the face of the COVID-19 outbreak over the next six months.
This package has two key components: $700 million in extra health funding and $1.6 billion in tax cuts to support jobs.
Key elements of the NSW COVID-19 package announced today include:
Health boost

• $700 million extra funding for NSW Health. This will assist in doubling ICU capacity, preparing for additional COVID-19 testing, purchasing additional ventilators and medical equipment, establishing acute respiratory clinics and bringing forward elective surgeries to private hospitals;

Business support and jobs

• $450 million for the waiver of payroll tax for businesses with payrolls of up to $10 million for three months (the rest of 2019-20). This means these businesses will save a quarter of their annual payroll tax bill in 2019-20.
• $56 million to bring forward the next round of payroll tax cuts by raising the threshold limit to $1 million in 2020-21;
• $80 million to waive a range of fees and charges for small businesses including bars, cafes, restaurants and tradies;
• $250 million to employ additional cleaners of public infrastructure such as transport assets, schools and other public buildings;
• More than $250 million to bring forward maintenance on public assets including social housing and crown land fencing;
• $500 million to bring forward capital works and maintenance.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the NSW Government’s package bolstered the health system, cuts taxes for business that employed tens of thousands of people across the State, and would help secure jobs at a very challenging time.
“Our first priority is always the health of the people of this State and looking after their families and jobs,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This package works hand-in-hand with the recent moves by the Reserve Bank of Australia and the Federal Government. It will provide more resources to help slow the spread of this virus and boost treatment for those people in our community who need it most.
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the NSW package would help businesses struggling with a once-in-a-generation event.
“The Government stands ready to do whatever it takes to keep people safe and ensure our economy withstands this storm,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Today we are injecting $700 million into the health system and almost $1.6 billion to boost business. In simple terms, this money will help save the lives of loved ones and protect jobs.
“We are supporting business by lowering their costs through tax cuts and fee reductions, and working to boost jobs by funding ready-to-go capital work and maintenance projects as a priority.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the Government was doing whatever it took to support front line health workers, and urged people to follow important safety messages.
“Our health workers are doing an amazing job,” Mr Hazzard said.
“This extra funding backs the work of our doctors, nurses, allied health staff, ambulance officers and support staff in the fight to prevent the spread of and prepare for COVID-19.”