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The NSW Government has welcomed new support measures announced by the Federal Government for Early Childhood Education services impacted by stay at home orders in Greater Sydney.
The Federal Government will waive gap-fees on days that parents and carers choose to keep their children at home.
Families receive a Commonwealth Child Care Subsidy (CCS) based on their needs. The gap-fee is the amount families need to pay to make up the difference between their subsidy and the cost of the service.
NSW Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell welcomed the additional support and said it would bring relief to families and services during this difficult time.
“Early childhood services play a critical role in the education of our children and supporting families. They remain open for families across NSW who need their services, so it is imperative they are supported,” Ms Mitchell said.
“From Monday, more than 216,000 families will be eligible to benefit from the waiver, easing some of the pressure and making life easier over the next few weeks.
“For families, waiving the gap-fee will support them financially and remove any pressure they might feel to unenroll their children from their local service.
“Services rely on enrollments to access Commonwealth funding, so keeping children enrolled ensures funding for services continues, maintaining a reliable income during lockdown.”
Outside School Hours Care services will also benefit from the assistance.
“The NSW Government has been working with the sector to find avenues of support during the lockdown and I am pleased we are seeing results for such an important sector. It’s a win for families, providers and educators.”
The NSW Government is continuing to support young families through its $150 million free preschool program.

Eligible commercial tenants and landlords will receive greater support and certainty during the current restrictions with the NSW Government acting quickly to implement the Retail and Other Commercial Leases (COVID-19) Regulation 2021 as part of the $5.1 billion COVID-19 economic support package.
Commercial and retail landlords will be required to attempt mediation before taking certain actions, such as recovering a security bond, locking out or eviction against a tenant impacted by the Public Health Orders.
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said this would provide certainty for businesses and landlords in this challenging time.
“One of the biggest issues right now for so many small businesses right across NSW is rent. This package says to landlords and tenants before you take any action, sit down, talk to each other and come to an agreement on what the next few weeks looks like,” Mr Tudehope said.
“It could be a payment plan, a reduction in rent, or an agreement not to take any action until restrictions end, but we all need to work together to ensure small businesses get through this lockdown and continue to create jobs, deliver vital services for local communities and power our economy forward.”
A $2 million boost to the NSW Small Business Commission will support additional staff to meet the demand for mediations and assist retail and commercial tenants and landlords.
“During the health pandemic we have seen applications for mediation increase with 2,600 applications received and approximately 90 per cent of the underlying issues resolved before or during formal mediation. The Commission is ensuring a cost-effective, timely and independent process for landlords and businesses to seek assistance on a way forward,” Mr Tudehope said.
As part of the $5.1 billion COVID-19 economic support package, commercial and retail landlords will also be eligible for payments of up to 100 per cent of their land tax owed in 2021, when they provide their tenants with at least that amount in rent reductions from July 13.
“Whether it’s direct grants, financial assistance to keep staff, payroll tax relief, or support for our vulnerable communities, our first priority is the health and safety of our local communities,” Mr Tudehope said.
“This package will help small businesses and landlords to work together to get through this challenging time.”
The Retail and Other Commercial Leases (COVID-19) Regulation 2021 can be found here: Retail and Other Commercial Leases (COVID-19) Regulation 2021 (nsw.gov.au)
For more information on mediation support and the Small Business Commission visit: https://www.smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au/
For more information on the $5.1 billion support package visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19

A vision to make NSW the leading cyber security state in the Asia Pacific region is a step closer with the NSW Government’s Jobs Plus Program committing to support the development of Macquarie Telecom’s Sovereign Cyber Security Centre of Excellence.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the Centre of Excellence, to be located within the Macquarie Park Innovation District, would create immediate jobs and deliver on significant opportunities to grow NSW’s workforce of cybersecurity experts into the future.
“The planning, build and deployment of cyber security infrastructure for the Centre will create more than 1,200 immediate indirect jobs and an initial 31 highly skilled specialist roles to run and operate the centre by 2024,” Mr Ayres said.
“Through Investment NSW, the Jobs Plus Program will support Macquarie Telecom Group with infrastructure rebates and payroll tax relief, delivering immediate job opportunities as well as many opportunities to attract further investment in the industries of the future.”
Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said the project would also enable the government to expand upon its Strategy to establish world-class cyber security infrastructure and capabilities in NSW.
“In May we launched the NSW Cyber Security Strategy and committed to partnering with industry to cultivate a thriving cyber sector by creating jobs, educating students and building infrastructure,” Mr Dominello said.
“This project will create valuable long-term jobs in the digital and cyber security sector and deliver sovereign data centres in NSW, supporting our ambition of making NSW the cybersecurity capital of the Southern Hemisphere.”
Macquarie Telecom Group CEO David Tudehope said that “this is an investment in developing long term jobs of the future as well as building sovereign security skills and capabilities in NSW. This new infrastructure will further enhance our offering to government and major corporate clients to protect against cyber threats and keep their data safe.”
The Jobs Plus Program, delivered through Investment NSW, provides eligible companies with support, including payroll tax relief, streamlined planning approval and subsidised training programs, along with the provision of free or subsidised government spaces and accommodation.
Australian businesses that employ 20 or more staff and international companies with at least 80 employees looking to create a minimum of 30 jobs before June 2024 are eligible to apply for Jobs Plus. To check your eligibility and find out more, visit https://mybusiness.service.nsw.gov.au/jobs-plus-program.

Not-for-profit and commercial performing arts organisations, as well as live music venues can now apply for funding to keep the lights on and staff and performers in jobs thanks to the NSW Government’s $75 million stimulus package.
The funding forms part of the up to $5.1 billion package announced yesterday to keep businesses in business and people in jobs during the greater Sydney lockdown.
Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said the funding will provide an immediate cash injection and future certainty for those organisations reliant on box office sales.
“The NSW Government is providing a remarkable shot in the arm to the performing arts and live music sector. We understand the critical role the performing arts and live music sectors play in stimulating the economy and creating jobs,” Mr Harwin said.
“As we work our way through the latest outbreak in NSW we want to ensure these organisations can survive the lockdown, and are ready to thrive once it is safe for restrictions to be lifted.”
President of Live Performance Australia Richard Evans welcomed the NSW Government’s package saying it would provide a much-needed financial boost at a time when the sector needed it the most.
“Today’s announcement is incredibly welcome and timely news. Across the State, sold out performances have had to be cancelled, this funding will allow organisations to continue paying staff and performers, and plan ahead for the coming months,” Mr Evans said.
The latest $75 million support package is in addition to the $50 million Rescue and Restart funding announced in 2020.
Funding will be available to NSW commercial and not-for-profit performing arts organisations, as well as live music venues impacted by the cancellation of shows.
For information on how to apply, please visit www.create.nsw.gov.au.

The NSW Government has announced new support for renters and landlords impacted by the COVID-19 lockdown, including up to $210 million in grants to eligible landlords.
Residential tenants will have greater protection with a targeted eviction moratorium, which will be implemented through legislative changes.
Residential landlords who decrease rent for impacted tenants can apply for a grant of up to $1,500 or land tax reductions depending on their circumstances. The land tax relief will be equal to the value of rent reductions provided by landlords to financially distressed tenants, up to 100 per cent of the 2021 land tax year liability;
Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson said the short-term tenancy and landlords support package will provide renters and landlords with immediate assistance during the COVID-19 lockdown.
“We know a lot of people are currently experiencing hardship and the NSW Government is here to stand with renters and landlords while we work together to get through the latest COVID-19 outbreak,” Mr Anderson said.
“Our number one priority is the health and safety of our communities and this package will provide support for both tenants and landlords, ensuring renters continue to have a roof over their heads while maintaining rental incomes for landlords.
“We are putting in place measures to prevent tenants financially impacted by COVID-19 restrictions from being evicted, creating stability while the State and Federal support measures roll out.”
Mr Anderson said the new package will, for the first time, provide a rental subsidy grant of up to $1,500 for landlords who offer rent reductions to COVID-19 impacted tenants.
“We have always urged renters and landlords impacted by COVID-19 to negotiate and now, thanks to the NSW Government, we expect these negotiations will be easier with landlords to be reimbursed up to $1,500 per tenancy when they reduce a tenant’s rent,” Mr Anderson said.
“These measures hinge on landlords and tenants working together through this challenging period and we encourage both parties to enter negotiations in good faith.
“The impacts of this virus are widespread and this assistance package from the NSW Government will create an extra layer of certainty and give people one less thing to worry about.”
For more information visit: https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/
The rental assistance package is just one part of the NSW Government’s commitment to supporting our communities through COVID-19.
For more information on NSW Government support visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-1

Given the ongoing number of infectious cases in the community, the current lockdown will be extended for at least another two weeks until 11:59pm on Friday, 30 July.
We are constantly reviewing the health advice and will continue to update the community if any changes are required.
This means the restrictions currently in place across Greater Sydney including the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour will remain in place until this time.
In these areas, online learning for students will also continue for an additional two weeks.
We understand this is a difficult time for the community and appreciate their ongoing patience.
It is vital people continue to come forward for testing to help us find any COVID-19 cases in the community.
Restrictions in regional NSW remain unchanged.
For the latest information visit www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19

Eligible workers across the first seven local government areas in New South Wales to go into lockdown will be able to apply for the Federal Government’s increased COVID-19 Disaster Payments from tomorrow, Thursday July 15, enabling payments to be made from Friday, July 16.
Residents in Bayside, City of Sydney, Canada Bay, Inner West, Randwick, Waverley and Woollahra will be able to apply for the recurring COVID-19 Disaster Payment tomorrow, while the wider Greater Sydney region under lockdown and right across NSW can make an application from Sunday July 18, enabling payments to be made from Monday, July 19.
This means that the increased payment of $600 a week for those who have lost more than 20 hours of work, and $375 a week for those who have lost between eight hours or one day and 20 hours of work, will start to arrive a day earlier than anticipated.
This is welcome news for the many across Sydney going through these challenging times.
Payments will start to be paid the day after application.
Payments will then be reoccurring on the Thursday for Bayside, City of Sydney, Canada Bay, Inner West, Randwick, Waverley and Woollahra, and Sunday/Monday for the remainder of NSW for subsequent weeks.
The simplest way to claim is online at www.my.gov.au.
To claim online, you need a Centrelink Customer Reference Number and a myGov account that is linked to your Centrelink online account. If you don’t have these, the Services Australia website (www.servicesaustralia.gov.au) is the best place to set these up.
If you aren’t able to use online services, you can call Services Australia on 180 22 66 (Monday – Friday between 8am and 5pm) for help with claiming. This weekend, to assist with claims, the phone lines will be open from 9am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday.

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.