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NSW commercial tenants significantly impacted by COVID-19 will have greater protection from evictions with the State Government set to enact the National Cabinet Code of Conduct as part of a $440 million land tax relief package.
The measures will apply to commercial leases where the tenant is in financial distress due to COVID-19, including but not limited to shops, cafes, gyms, hairdressers, restaurants, offices, warehouses and industrial sites.
The land tax relief is expected to be divided approximately 50-50 with around $220 million going to the commercial sector and a further $220 million expected to benefit the residential sector.
Commercial landlords will be offered the land tax concession if they pass the savings on to tenants through a rent reduction.
Eligible landlords will be able to apply for a land tax concession of up to 25 per cent of their 2020 (calendar year) land tax liability on relevant properties. A further land tax deferral for any outstanding amounts for a three-month period will also be offered to landlords who claim the land tax concession.
The Government will give effect to the Code of Conduct, which will operate for a temporary period during the pandemic, and include the following key measures:

• Landlords must negotiate rent relief agreements with tenants in financial distress due to COVID-19 by applying the leasing principles in the Code;
• A ban on the termination of a lease for non-payment of rent;
• A freeze in rent increases.
• To facilitate these changes, and deliver increased mediation and advisory services to commercial parties, the NSW Small Business Commission will be bolstered with extra staff and an injection of $10 million from the $1 billion Working for NSW Fund.

The policy will apply to business tenants with a turnover of less than $50 million that experience a 30 per cent (or more) reduction in revenue as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, in line with the Prime Minister’s announcement on 7 April.
This will include any business with annual turnover of less than $50 million who is eligible for the Commonwealth’s JobKeeper program.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet welcomed the initiatives, saying they would help businesses stay afloat and provide greater surety for tenants and landlords.
“This provides a way forward for tenants and landlords so they can reach an agreement during this difficult period and includes an incentive in the form of a land tax reduction.” Mr Perrottet said.
“I thank the many landlords who are already supporting their tenants through this period and the banks for showing flexibility with deferring loan repayments – we are all in this together and need to work together.”
Finance and Small Business Minister Damien Tudehope said the package demonstrated the need for a united effort to endure the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Breathing room on rent is one of the most frequently raised issues by businesses, and we want to ensure we protect retailers and offer landlords an incentive to do so. We also want to ensure retail tenants have more time and options,” Mr Tudehope said.
“For any small business rent is one of the biggest fixed costs, easing this burden will help operators survive and keep people employed.”
Mr Perrottet said it was important that both landlords and tenants understood that the policy only applied to those businesses significantly impacted by COVID-19.
“If your circumstances have not significantly changed you need to fulfil the terms of your existing agreement.” Mr Perrottet said.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison released the National Cabinet Mandatory Code Of Conduct – SME Leasing Principles During COVID-19 on Tuesday, 7 April.
The NSW Government will seek to give legal effect to the code as soon as possible.

Residential tenants and landlords facing financial hardship due to COVID-19 will receive increased support and greater certainty from the NSW Government’s new temporary rental support measures announced today.
The six-month support package includes a moratorium on applications for forced evictions due to rental arrears for those financially disadvantaged by COVID-19, and new requirements for landlords and tenants to enter into negotiations over rental payments in good faith.
Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation Kevin Anderson said an interim 60-day moratorium on finalising existing matters, or making new applications to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) for forced evictions over rent arrears related to COVID-19, sends a clear message that the process is not optional.
“We know many people are worried about meeting their financial commitments at the moment. That is why we need more stability for tenants and landlords while the new Commonwealth income support payments are rolled-out, and landlords talk to their bank about mortgage relief,” Mr Anderson said.
Where a household is struggling to make rental payments and has suffered a loss of income equal to or greater than 25 per cent due to COVID-19, there is a new obligation to enter into negotiations with their landlord or managing agent, prior to seeking a forced end to the tenancy.
Tenants will be protected from eviction until NCAT is satisfied that negotiations have concluded. Any unpaid rent will accrue as arrears during this period.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the Government was allocating around $440 million towards rent relief in the form of land tax waivers or rebates – with the expectation that this would be split approximately evenly between business and residential landlords.
Mr Perrottet said residential landlords would be eligible for a land tax waiver or rebate of up to 25 per cent if they passed the saving on to tenants in financial distress.
“This is effectively a $220 million commitment in the residential sector from the NSW Government to help encourage both landlords and tenants to reach agreement on rent reductions during this difficult time,” Mr Perrottet said.
“It’s also important that tenants suffering financial distress as a result of COVID-19 will not be blacklisted for the accrual of rental arrears during this time.”
Mr Anderson said it was important that both landlords and tenants continued to honour existing agreements to the extent possible.
“No reasonable person wants to end a tenancy right now, which is why we are supporting renters and landlords to negotiate new temporary terms, so tenants keep a roof over their head, and landlords aren’t left without rental income for the next six-months.
“For some people this may be a daunting experience, so to boost available support we’ve announced a one-off $2.5 million boost to tenancy advocacy and advice services across the state.”
Tenants and landlords will also have access to assistance from Fair Trading and access to the NCAT to resolve matters after the end of the 60-day period:

• NSW Fair Trading’s dispute resolution service will be available to assist if the parties are unable to re-negotiate and agree on new rental arrangements, backed by Fair Trading’s existing legal powers;
• NCAT will be available to make appropriate orders in light of the current circumstances where the parties are unwilling or unable to reach an agreement and action is taken to seek an eviction;
• Action is also being taken to ensure that evictions for reasons not related to rent arrears are also stayed to minimise avoidable housing disruption and movement. The usual periods of required notice under the Residential Tenancies Act will be increased from the minimum of 30 days up to 90 days for terminations due to fixed or periodic leases ending, or other agreement breaches.
• Landlords will however continue to be able to seek to recover premises due to their own genuine hardship. Tenants will also continue to be able to apply to the Tribunal to terminate a fixed-term tenancy on the basis of hardship.
• Tenants will be protected from being added to tenancy databases (or ‘blacklists’) for breaches of agreements resulting from COVID-19 impacts.

“I encourage landlords and tenants to approach this new process with an open mind and an empathetic ear. It is important to learn about each other’s current position in order to better support each other during these extraordinary times,” Mr Anderson said.
Tenants, landlords and agents can find up to date information and resources at nsw.gov.au.

Doctors can prescribe medicines via email or fax from April 17, making it more convenient for patients to access medications from their pharmacists during the COVID-19 crisis.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said under the NSW Government changes announced today GPs and nurse practitioners will be able to send a digital image of the prescription.
“These changes are designed to make accessing your medications easier and safer, particularly for those in the community with chronic conditions,” Mr Hazzard said.
“It ensures people with compromised immune systems will not need to go to the doctor’s surgery in person and can get their script entirely through a telehealth appointment.”
Only allowing scripts to be sent by email or fax rather than via text to a pharmacist, will stop potential prescription forgery and diversion to the criminal supply chain.
The regulation amendment follows other recent changes including the strengthening of laws against people who spit or cough on health workers, including pharmacy staff.
President of the Pharmacy Guild of NSW, David Heffernan, said the new $5,000 fines send a clear message that frontline healthcare workers should be treated with respect.
“Community pharmacists and their staff are working tirelessly to put patients’ needs first, often under stressful conditions and we will be here until the end,” Mr Heffernan said.
NSW Health is also addressing the availability of prescription and over-the-counter medicines by introducing limits to ensure equitable access. Pharmacists are also able to dispense certain medications without a prescription and can stay open 24/7.
Families can also take advantage of an initiative announced earlier this year, enabling pharmacists to administer flu vaccines to anyone over 10 years of age.
Advice to pharmacists is available at Advice for community pharmacies on COVID-19.

Bushfire-affected landholders will now have access to their share of up to $209 million to help cover the cost of rebuilding boundary fences, after Deputy Premier John Barilaro today launched the NSW Government’s ‘Supporting our Neighbours’ project.
Mr Barilaro said the project, funded through the Government’s $2.3 billion COVID-19 stimulus package, would not only help farmers recover, but would provide a much-needed shot in the arm for regional economies at a critical time.
“Under this package, we will provide up to $5,000 per kilometre for the purchase of materials to rebuild existing fences adjoining public lands damaged by the summer fires, which will go a long way to helping farmers cover the cost,” Mr Barilaro said.
“This is a great opportunity for all landholders to engage the services of their local contractors at a time when supporting local businesses has never been more vital.
“This is about helping bushfire-affected communities get back on their feet and so we are doing everything we can to make sure that happens.”
Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall said the funding would be delivered through a one-off grant, which would also be issued retrospectively to help cover the costs already incurred by landholders.
“We know this has been a major issue for fire-affected farmers and we’ve listened to those concerns,” Mr Marshall said.
“We will have dedicated boundary fence coordinators working with farmers to identify their needs and negotiate with the public land managers to ensure money gets into farmers’ pockets as soon as possible.
“We’re encouraging landholders to use this opportunity to upgrade their fencing bordering public lands and use fire resilient materials wherever possible. Landholders who have already started rebuilding can still receive a backdated payment.”
For more information about the program visit www.lls.nsw.gov.au. Eligible landholders can apply for the program online at the LLS website, by expressing their interest for a callback service via one of the 11 regional LLS Facebook pages or by calling 1300 778 080.

Healthcare workers will now have access to free parking at public hospital car parks, as the NSW Government works to ease the burden on our hospital workers during this health crisis.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the NSW Government is doing everything it can to reduce the stress on our health staff who are working around the clock during this pandemic.
“Our healthcare workers are on the frontline of our battle with COVID-19 and we need to do whatever we can to support them during this difficult time,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We hope this new measure makes life a little easier for our doctors, nurses and other hospital staff who are working hard to keep us all safe.”
Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said the new measures would take effect across NSW from today, April 10, 2020.
“This means all rostered on staff from doctors, nurses and allied health staff to our other frontline heroes – the cleaners and security staff who make sure our hospitals run smoothly – can park for free at public hospital car parks,” said Mr Hazzard.
“It is critical that our frontline workers are able to access their place of work as easily as possible and we are taking these measures to ensure that is the case.”
The NSW Government is working with local councils to see how they can support hospital staff during this period, whether that be by removing timed parking around hospitals or exercising discretion with parking fines.
“I would like to commend local councils who are already assisting by improving car parking for staff around our hospitals,” Mr Hazzard said.
Health Services Union Secretary Gerard Hayes said these changes will go a long way to ensure our health workers are well supported during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is a stressful time for our hospital staff, who are doing vital work to keep the community safe, and these measures announced by the NSW Government will ensure they are supported during this health crisis,” Mr Hayes said.
The Ministry of Health is negotiating with private car park operators at NSW public hospitals to ensure staff are able to access these car parks at no cost to their employee.
The NSW Government previously announced a $2.3 billion stimulus package in relation to COVID-19, including $700 million for NSW Health to significantly increase capacity in NSW public hospitals, particularly within ICUs.
In addition, the NSW Government has also announced $100 million to support the response to COVID-19 including free accommodation for NSW public hospital healthcare workers.

Police have charged four people under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) and issued 58 COVID-19 related Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) since the last update.
Charges:

• About 6.45pm on Saturday (11 April 2020), officers from Police Transport Command spoke to a 21-year-old Penrith man on Eddy Avenue, Haymarket, who had no reasonable excuse to be in the area. Checks revealed he had been warned on two occasions in the last week. He was issued a $1000 PIN and moved on. About 8.30pm, officers from Sydney City Police Area Command attended a hotel on George Street, Sydney, following reports of a domestic violence incident. Police spoke with the 21-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl, with checks revealing the previous incident and that man was not to be at the location. He was taken to Day Street Police Station, where his PIN was rescinded, and he was charged with not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19. He was granted bail at court yesterday and is next due to appear at Penrith Local Court on Wednesday 3 June 2020.

• Officers from Traffic and Highway Patrol Command were stopped at traffic lights at the intersection of Mona Vale and Telegraph Roads, St Ives, when they observed a Corolla travel at speed through the intersection as the lights turned from yellow to red. Police activated their lights and followed the vehicle before it pulled over on Cowan Street, where they spoke to the 25-year-old male driver. Checks revealed the man was disqualified from driving and had previously been charged for driving during the disqualification period, and the car he was driving was listed as stolen. A subsequent roadside drug test allegedly returned a positive result and after being arrested and taken to Hornsby Police Station, a secondary test returned a positive result for methylamphetamine, cocaine and cannabis. The Greenacre man was charged with not stop at stop line at yellow light, exceed speed more than 20km/h-estimated, drive motor vehicle during disqualification period, take and drive conveyance without consent of owner, drive vehicle, illicit drug present in blood and not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19. He has been refused bail to appear at Parramatta Bail Court today (Monday 13 April 2020).

• Officers from Surry Hills Police Area Command were patrolling Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills, about 3pm (Sunday 12 April 2020), when they located a man asleep on the footpath. Checks revealed the 49-year-old man was in breach of his bail and during a subsequent search, police located six alprazolam tablets, which were not prescribed to him. The Bankstown man, who had previously been warned under the Public Health Act told police he was out visiting friends. He was taken to Surry Hills Police Station, where he was charged with possess prohibited drug and not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19. He has been refused bail to appear at Parramatta Bail Court today (Monday 13 April 2020).

• About 3.45pm (Sunday 12 April 2020), officers from Blue Mountains Police Area Command had arrested a man during a police operation outside a home on the Great Western Highway, Mt Victoria, when another man arrived at the property and started filming on his phone. The man moved very close to the officers – well inside social distancing requirements – before trying to go inside the home. Police directed the man to move away and film from the footpath, but he stated he was a sovereign citizen and it was illegal to give him directions. After an officer attempted to physically move the man away, he allegedly resisted and wrestled with the officer until he was eventually arrested. The 55-year-old man was taken to resist or hinder police officer in the execution of duty, refuse/fail to comply with direction under Part 14, and not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19. He has been refused bail to appear at Parramatta Bail Court today (Monday 13 April 2020).

PINs of note include:

• Just before 10pm on Saturday (11 April 2020), officers from Parramatta Police Area Command attended a serviced apartment complex on Church Street, Parramatta, following reports of noise complaints from hotel staff. Police found six people inside the apartment, who allegedly told officers they were there to drink alcohol. Four people – including two men, aged 32 and 37, and two women, aged 25 and 29 – were each issued $1000 PINs.

• In a separate incident, officers returned to the Parramatta serviced apartment complex, following further noise complaints, about 12.30am (Sunday 12 April 2020). On arrival, police found seven people inside one of the apartments, when the hotel only had knowledge of two people. Police found smoke pipes inside and will allege the smoke alarms had been removed. A 25-year-old woman had also attended as an adult entertainer. Four people – including two men, aged 19 and 22, and two women, aged 20 and 30 – were each issued $1000 PINs.

• About 2.30am (Sunday 12 April 2020), officers from the Traffic and Highway Patrol detected an Audi A6 allegedly speeding on Parramatta Road, Homebush West. When the car allegedly failed to stop, a pursuit commenced. After a short time, the vehicle stopped on Loftus Crescent, Homebush, before allegedly reversing and ramming the marked police vehicle. The Audi allegedly rammed the police car for a second time, causing damage, before driving away. Police followed the vehicle for a short time before terminating the pursuit. A short time later, the Audi crashed into the back of a Toyota Camry at the intersection of Plaza and Parramatta roads. The passenger of the Camry suffered head and facial injuries; all other occupants of the vehicles received minor injuries. The Audi driver, a 22-year-old man, was arrested and taken to hospital for mandatory testing. He was then taken to Auburn Police Station, where he was charged with a number of offences, including: police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously, motor vehicle exceed speed of 20km/h, dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, negligent driving , cause bodily harm by misconduct, owner not disclose identity of driver/passenger, and not give particulars to police. He was also issued $1000 PIN. He was granted conditional bail to appear at Burwood Local Court on Thursday 4 June 2020.

• Officers from South Coast Highway Patrol stopped a vehicle on the Princess Highway, Lake Tabourie, about 5pm on Saturday (11 April 2020), for the purpose of a random breath test. The driver, a 38-year-old woman from Ulladulla, allegedly told police she travelled to Batemans Bay on Thursday (9 April 2020) for the Easter break. She was issued a $1000 PIN for non-essential travel.

• About 2.30pm (Sunday 12 April 2020), officers from St George Police Area Command attended a unit on Gertrude Street, Wolli Creek, following a noise complaint. On arrival, police spoke to the occupant, a 31-year-old woman, who allegedly claimed she was “having a party with friends.” Four people – including three men, aged 22, 31 and 34, and a 32-year-old woman – were all issued $1000 PINs.

• About 8.50pm (Sunday 12 April 2020), officers from Blacktown Police Area Command were patrolling on Campbell Street, Blacktown when they noticed two men leaving a carpark. The men, aged 20 and 22, told police they had met with friends and that they had previously been warned by police in relation to social gatherings. They were both issued a $1000 PIN.

• A 48-year-old Canley Vale man has been issued with a $1000 PIN by officers from Leichhardt Police Area Command for failing to comply with a Public Health Order after he attempted to get on a fully marked police motorcycle parked at the intersection of Glebe Point Road and the Great Western Highway, about 8.20am last Friday (10 April 2020).

• A 23-year-old Wodonga man has been issued with a $1000 PIN after officers from the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command stopped a motorcycle at Glenroy, north west of Albury, on Saturday (11 April 2020). The man, who was riding an unregistered and uninsured motorcycle, admitted to travelling across the border from his home in Victoria to visit friends in New South Wales.

• About 9.30pm on Saturday (11 April 2020), officers from Port Stephens-Hunter District were conducting proactive patrols and spoke to two men – aged 19 and 25 – in the carpark of a sports field at Thornton. Inquiries revealed the men had attended the location to smoke cannabis, which was found in their possession. The younger man was also found to be carrying a box knife. The pair were issued with $1000 PINS and cannabis cautions, while the younger man was also issued an infringement for custody of a knife.

• Officers from Sydney City Police Area Command were called to Liverpool Street, Sydney CBD, about 9pm on Saturday (11 April 2020), following reports of a public disturbance. Police spoke to an 18-year-old man who was allegedly harassing members of the public and told police he had been drinking with friends in Chatswood. He was issued a $1000 PIN.

• About 9pm on Saturday (11 April 2020), officers from Chifley Police District attended a camp site in the Newnes State Forest, about 15km from Lithgow, after reports of a group of people camping. They group was moved on, as they did not live together and or have a reasonable excuse for being away from home. Four men – aged 18, 19, 32 and 48 – were issued with $1000 PINs.

• About 8.30am (Sunday 12 April), a 22-year-old man and 21-year-old woman were each issued a $1000 PIN after allegedly breaking into the vacant Queen Victoria Hospital, at Wentworth Falls. Officers from Chifley Police District are continuing to investigate.

• Just before midday on Saturday (11 April 2020), officers from Lake Macquarie Police District stopped an 18-year-old man, who was walking with three friends, on Grenache Street, Bonnells Bay. He had previously received a warning from police last Thursday (9 April 2020), and was subsequently issued a $1000 PIN. The other males were moved on from the area.

• Officers from Oxley Police District stopped a Mazda 3 on Robert Street, South Tamworth, just before 10pm last Wednesday (8 April 2020), for the purpose of a random breath test. The driver, a 17-year-old girl, returned a negative result. The passengers – two men, aged 21 and 30 – had previously been issued warnings under the Public Health Act. They were both subsequently issued $1000 PINs.

• About 2.45pm last Thursday (9 April 2020), officers from Richmond Police District were patrolling when the observed two occupants in a Nissan X-Trail at the end of Burns Point Ferry Road, West Ballina, drinking alcohol. The 38-year-old man and 61-year-old woman, both from Byron Bay, were issued a $1000 PIN for non-essential travel.

• Officers from Coffs/Clarence Police District stopped a vehicle on Bent Street, Yamba, about 8.20pm (Sunday 12 April 2020). When speaking to the driver, a 35-year-old man, police will allege he changed his story for travelling several times and was subsequently issued a $1000 PIN.

• About 3.10am (Sunday 12 April 2020), officers from South Sydney Police Area Command stopped a Ford Utility at the intersection of Wilson Street and the Princes Highway at Newtown, after the car allegedly drove through a red light. Officers issued the male driver and female passenger – both aged 20 – with $1000 PINs after they admitted they wanted to get away from their family for the night. The driver was also issued with a traffic infringement.

• About 11.50pm on Saturday (11 April 2020), officers from Camden Police Area Command were conducting proactive patrols on Main Street, Mt Annan, when they attempted to speak with the occupants of a vehicle parked outside a shopping centre. When police approached the vehicle, the car was driven from the scene before stopping at a nearby service station. The driver, a 24-year-old woman, and her passenger, a 21-year-old woman, were issued with $1000 PINs for failing to comply with a Public Health Order. The driver was also issued with a traffic infringement after checks confirmed her licence is currently disqualified.

Since 17 March 2020, police have issued 57 Court Attendance Notices, and 464 PINs for breaches of the Public Health Act.
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.
 

Police have charged five people under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) and issued 111 COVID-19 related Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) since the last update.
Charges:

• Just after midnight (Saturday 11 April 2020), officers from Tuggerah Lakes Police District were patrolling Crangan Bay, when they stopped a vehicle on Kanangra Road. Police spoke with the 18-year-old male driver and an 18-year-old male passenger, who advised they had been out fishing at Gwandalan. Checks revealed the driver was unlicensed, and the vehicle had been grounded with a red defect label on 11 March, which had since been peeled off the windscreen. The driver was taken to Wyong Police Station and charged with never licensed person drive vehicle on road, use vehicle in contravention of major defect notice, deface or remove defective vehicle label when not authorised, and fail to comply requirement public health order – COVID-19. He was granted bail and is due to appear at Wyong Local Court on Monday 22 June 2020. His passenger received a warning under the Public Health Act.

• Officers from Traffic and Highway Patrol Command stopped a vehicle on the M2 at Carlingford about 12.25am (Saturday 11 April 2020), and spoke with the 23-year-old female driver and a male passenger. When asked to provide her licence, the woman stated she had lost her handbag before provided a false name. Officers observed the woman’s handbag sitting on the centre console, and checks revealed she was disqualified from driving. During a search of the vehicle and handbag, police located items of clothing believed to be stolen, cannabis and ice. The woman also underwent a roadside drug test, which returned a positive result. She was taken to The Hills Police Station and charged with drive whilst disqualified, driver state false name or home address, two counts of possess prohibited drug, goods in custody, and not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19. She was refused bail and is next due to appear at Parramatta Local Court on Wednesday (15 April 2020).

• About 4.40am (Saturday 11 April 2020), officers from Lake Macquarie Police District attended a commercial property on Freemans Drive, Cooranbong, and located a 29-year-old man allegedly stealing pavers. Checks revealed the man was unlicensed, his vehicle was not registered, and the trailer had an unknown registration plate affixed. During a search of the vehicle, police located prescription drugs and a folding knife. The man, who claimed he was unaware of COVID-19 restrictions, was unable to provide a reasonable excuse for leaving his home. He was taken to Toronto Police Station and charged with larceny, trespassing, possess prescribed restricted substance, custody of knife in public place, drive while licence cancelled, use unregistered registrable Class A motor vehicle on road, use class A vehicle displaying misleading etc number-plate, and not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19. He was granted strict conditional bail and is due to appear at Toronto Local Court on Tuesday 2 June 2020.

• About 12.15pm (Saturday 11 April 2020), officers from Sydney City Police Area responded to reports a food delivery rider’s bicycle had been stolen from George Street, Sydney. Police tracked the bike on CCTV and officers from Police Transport Command stopped a 14-year-old boy with the bike at Central Railway Station a short time later. During the arrest, the boy allegedly resisted and assaulted the officer. No injuries were reported. The boy, who did not have a reasonable excuse to be away from his Colyton home, was taken to Day Street Police Station. He was charged with steal from person, assault police, resist or hinder police officer in the execution of duty and not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19. The boy has been refused bail to appear at Parramatta Children’s Court today (Sunday 12 April 2020).

• Officers from Blue Mountains Police Area Command attended a home on Leichhardt Street, Katoomba, about 4.30pm (Saturday 11 April 2020), following reports a man had been assaulted while stopping an unknown woman from stealing items from his car. Police arrived and arrested a 32-year-old woman, who was allegedly in possession of the man’s dash cam and mouthguard. The man had suffered scratches to his face but did not require treatment. The woman was taken to Katoomba Police Station and charged with trespass, enter vehicle without consent of owner, larceny, common assault, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19. She has been refused bail to appear at Parramatta Bail Court today (Sunday 12 April 2020).

PINs include:

• A $5000 PIN will be issued to a 47-year-old woman by officers from Police Transport Command at Newcastle last night. About 9pm (Saturday 11 April 2020), the woman was wandering across Hunter Street, and reportedly mooning the light rail. Concerned for her welfare, police requested assistance from NSW Ambulance paramedics, who arrived a short time later. While they were attempting to load her onto the gurney, the woman spat at a female paramedic on two occasions. The woman was taken to hospital for assessment but will later be issued with the PIN.

• Police from Kuring Gai Police Area Command issued PINs to four people after they were seen travelling in a car along the Pacific Highway at Turramurra about 4am on Saturday 4 April 2020. Officers spoke to the group at a service station and they admitted to attending a party with friends at Waterloo and were travelling back to the Central Coast. Following inquiries, the 45-year-old man and three women aged 40, 34 and 39 were each issued $1000 PINs.

• A 43-year-old woman and a 58-year-old man from Mascot have been issued with a PIN by officers attached to Blue Mountains PAC for failing to comply with a Public Health Order after they were found at Narrow Neck Road, Katoomba, about 11.15am on Wednesday (8 April 2020).

• At 1.45pm on Thursday 9 April 2020, officers attached to South Coast Police District were patrolling Surf Beach, when they stopped a man and woman on Cook Street. Police were not provided a reasonable reason for them to be out of the home and searched them, with police allegedly locating cannabis on the 38-year-old woman. She was issued a Field Court Attendance Notice to appear at Batemans Bay Local Court on Monday 13 July 2020. Both the woman and man, aged 42, had been warned on Thursday 2 April 2020 by Batemans Bay police in relation to the Public Health Act. They were issued PINs for fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7 – COVID 19.

• About 9.30pm (Thursday 9 April 2020), officers from Liverpool City Police Area Command observed a 46-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman standing outside a vehicle on Lyell Place, Cartwright. Police spoke with the pair and the four occupants of the vehicle – three men, aged 25, 41, and 43, and a 36-year-old woman. The group claimed to be “chilling out’”. Following a search of the group and the vehicle, police seized heroin, ice, and drug paraphernalia. The 41-year-old man and the 46-year-old man were issued Court Attendance Notices for drug offences, and all six were issued with $1000 PINs before being moved on.

• Two men, both aged 32, from Homebush and Rhodes, have been issued with PINs by officers attached to Blue Mountains Police Area Command for failing to comply with a Public Health Order after they were found at Echo Point Road at Katoomba about 9.50pm on Thursday (9 April 2020).

• About 11.10pm (Thursday 9 April 2020), police stopped a vehicle on Lake Road, Port Macquarie, and spoke with the occupants – a 23-year-old man and two women, aged 17 and 20. After providing the details of her twin sister, the 20-year-old woman attempted to leave the scene and a brief struggle ensued. She was detained and all the occupants were issued a warning under the Public Health Act. The 20-year-old woman was taken home by police but refused to enter the home, instead walking away and giving the officers an obscene hand gesture and stating she was going to a friend’s house and to leave the fine in the mailbox. She was subsequently issued with a $1000 PIN.

• About 7.30pm on Thursday 2 April 2020, officers from Inner West Police Area Command stopped and spoke with a 45-year-old Glebe man after a group was seen congregating on King Street at Newtown. The man was issued a move-on direction. On Friday (10 April 2020), officers saw the man twice congregating with a group. The man ignored police directions to move-on and was subsequently arrested and taken to Newtown Police Station where he issued a PIN for failing to comply with a public health order.

• Police from Mid North Coast Police District spoke with two men, both aged 32, on Crescent Head Road at Crescent Head just before midnight on Friday (10 April 2020). The men told police they had been catching up with friends. They were subsequently issued PINs for not comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9 – COVID 19.

• In the early hours of Friday (10 April 2020), officers from Coffs/Clarence Police District attended a home on Bligh Street, South Grafton, following reports of a loud party. On arrival, the attendees scattered and after reminding the occupants of the requirements under the Public Health Act, police issued a noise abatement direction. About 8.30am, police spoke to three men – two of which are the occupants of the Bligh Street home – who were drinking together on the corner of Bligh and Cambridge Streets. The men, aged 18, 25 and 27, were reminded they were breaching the Ministerial Directions, and after the older man began swearing and 25-year-old man refused to go home, they were issued with a $500 fine for offensive language and a $1100 fine for continuing intoxication in a public place respectively. All three men were issued with $1000 PINs and sent home.

• About 3.30am (Friday 10 April 2020), officers from South Coast Police District were called to a hotel on Kinghorne Street, Nowra, following reports of a disturbance between a group of people, which had spilled out into the car park. On arrival, police spoke with four men – aged 20, 21, and two aged 23, and a 21-year-old woman – who denied there had been a fight. Checks revealed one of the men had booked the room under the guise of ‘work’ but had invited the other four people over to drink. All five people were issued $1000 PINs.

• About 3.40am (Friday 10 April 2020), officers from Blue Mountains Police Area Command responded to reports of a single vehicle crash on the Great Western Highway, Warrimoo. Police were told the vehicle had veered off the road, mounted a concrete barrier and drove into the scrub, flipping onto its side. Neither the 22-year-old male driver or the 20-year-old female passenger were injured during the crash. After speaking with the pair, police established that they had taken a drive from their south-west Sydney homes to see the Three Sisters at Katoomba. The pair were issued with $1000 PINs.

• On Friday 10 April 2020, officers attached to Monaro Police District were patrolling the Kosciuszko National Park Thredbo when they were alerted to two men driving a black Holden Astra who were seeking accommodation. The same men are believed to have been spoken to by police twice the day before (Thursday 9 April 2020) on the Snowy Mountains Highway, Pine Valley, and advised to drive direct to Melbourne, as they indicated they were flying out of Australia to their home country, Taiwan. The 37-year-old driver was issued traffic infringement notice for fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9 – COVID-19.

• A 15-year-old girl was issued a PIN by officers from Kuring Gai PAC for failing to comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9 – COVID 19, after she was caught in a vehicle with a man not related to her about 1.30pm on Friday (10 April 2020) at Wahroonga. The girl was unable to provide police with a reasonable excuse for being out of her home.

• About 3pm (Friday 10 April 2020), officers from Richmond Police District were patrolling Lennox Head, when they observed a vehicle parked at Lake Ainsworth. After speaking with the occupants – a man and woman, both aged 29 – it was established they were sightseeing in the area after travelling some 120km from their home at Parkwood, Queensland. The pair was issued with $1000 infringements and directed to go home.

• Officers from Police Transport Command were patrolling Central Railway Station about 3.30pm on Friday (10 April 2020), when they noticed a man dancing on Eddy Avenue. The 53-year-old Lalor Park man provided various reasons for being in the area, however, none of them were reasonable under the Public Health Act, and he was issued a warning and move-on direction. When police located the man at the same location about 6.30pm, he said he didn’t want to go home. He was issued with a $1000 PIN and directed to go home.

• About 7pm (Friday 10 April 2020), officers from Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command were called to an apartment block on Glenview Street, Paddington, following reports of an unknown man in the common laundry area. While police were speaking with the 47-year-old man, he dropped a syringe. During a search of the man, police located the drug ‘ice’ and a health care card in someone else’s name. He was issued with a Court Attendance Notice for goods in custody and possess prohibited drug. The Waterloo man was also issued a $1000 PIN and moved on.

• About 7.25pm (Friday 10 April 2020), officers from Fairfield City Police Area Command located a group of men in a park on St Johns Road, Canley Heights. After speaking with the five men – aged 19, 21 and three aged 20, police identified they did not have a reasonable excuse for being out. Following further inquiries, each of the men was issued with a $1000 PIN and given a move-on direction.

• Just before 8pm on Friday (10 April 2020), officers attached to Central North Police District stopped a Holden Rodeo utility on Nyngan-Mundaroo Road, 13km north of Nyngan, for a random breath test which returned a negative result. Upon speaking with the driver and two occupants – aged 52, 23 and 13 – police established their reason for travel was considered non-essential and issued them all with a warning to return to their home address in Griffith. About 2.10pm yesterday (Saturday 11 April 2020), the same vehicle was located at a truck stop on the Mitchell Highway at North Bourke. The same three males were with the vehicle and had set up a swag on the side of the road. As the trio ignored Ministerial Directions, the two adults were issued $1000 PINs.

• About 8.20pm (Friday 10 April 2020), officers from Lake Macquarie Police District attended Rocky Point Road, Eraring, following reports of issues relating to social distancing of anglers. Police spoke with up to 30 people at the location, many of which left the area a short time later. One man, aged 34, was identified as residing at Punchbowl and was advised his travel to the area was in contravention of the Ministerial Direction in relation to essential travel. The man argued with officers and insisted he would keep fishing and not return home. He was subsequently issued with $1000 PIN.

• Officers from Fairfield City Police Area Command attended a home on Polding Street, Fairfield Heights, about 8.45pm (Friday 10 April 2020), following reports of a physical altercation. On arrival, police were told there was no disturbance, but identified a 19-year-old woman at the premises was in breach of COVID-19 directions. She was subsequently issued a $1000 PIN and sent home.

• Officers from Liverpool City Police Area Command were patrolling at Prestons, when they stopped a vehicle on Lyn Parade just before 9pm (Friday 10 April 2020). Police spoke with the occupants – three men, aged 34, 35 and 39, and a 39-year-old woman – who were unable to provide a reasonable excuse for their travels together. Police then searched the group and after they sighted the drug ‘ice’ in the 34-year-old man’s underwear, he allegedly ran from the officers and consumed the drugs. He was detained a short time later and assessed by NSW Ambulance paramedics. Police also located cash on the man, which is believed to have been illegally obtained. Checks also revealed he had previously been issued with an official warning under the Public Health Act, so he will be issued with a Court Attendance Notice for breach of Ministerial Direction, resist officer in the execution of duty, and goods in custody. The other three people will be issued with $1000 PINs.

• About 9pm on Friday (10 April 2020), officers attached to Murray River Police District attended a home on Tallow Street, Moulamein, and issued a 36-year-old woman with an infringement after earlier speaking to her about as driving complaint and warning her about being outside her home without a reasonable excuse at Carne Street.

• A 40-year-old woman was issued a PIN for breaching the Ministerial directions after officers attached to Newcastle City Police District observed her acting suspiciously on Hugh Street in Merewether about 9.15pm on Friday (10 April 2020). The woman could not provide a lawful excuse for why she was out and issued the infringement for fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9- COVID-19.

• A 25-year-old Auburn woman and a 21-year-old Guildford man has been issued with a PIN by officers attached to Blue Mountains PAC for failing to comply with a Public Health Order after she was found at Hawkesbury Lookout about 9.25pm on Friday (10 April 2020), without reasonable excuse.

• Officers attached to Parramatta Police Area Command stopped a vehicle on Church Street, North Parramatta, about 10pm on Friday (10 April 2020) for a random breath test and spoke to the 23-year-old driver. The man was out of home without a reasonable excuse and the car was searched, with police allegedly locating cannabis. The man was cautioned and also issued a PIN for fail to comply with requirement of public health – COVID-19.

• Three men, one 24-year-old and two aged 20, were issued PINs for fail to comply with noticed direction when they were stopped by officers attached to Murray River Police District on Hovell Street, South Albury about 11pm (Friday 10 April 2020).

• Police from Coffs/Clarence Police District stopped a vehicle on the Macleay Valley Way at Bellimbopinni about 11pm on Friday (10 April 2020). Officers spoke to the driver, a 55-year-old man, and established he didn’t have a reasonable excuse to have left the house. The man told officers he was going to visit family and wasn’t deterred by the ministerial directions. He was issued a PIN for not comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9 – COVID 19.

• Police from Lake Macquarie Police District issued a PIN to a 24-year-old man after he was caught drinking at a relative’s house in Toronto about 11.30pm on Friday (10 April 2020). The man was located inside a small room with his brother consuming alcohol. He was issued a PIN for not comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9 – COVID 19.

• About 12.50am on Saturday 11 April 2020, police from Central West Police District stopped a Holden Astra on Callaghan Street in Parkes after the vehicle was seen making a u-turn and driving away from the police car. Officers spoke with the driver, a 34-year-old man, who admitted he had been visiting friends. He was issued a PIN for failing to comply with a noticed direction.

• A man and woman, both aged 18 from Pitt Town, have been issued with a PIN by officers attached to Blue Mountains Police Area Command for failing to comply with a Public Health Order after they were found at Hawkesbury Heights Lookout, about 1am yesterday (Saturday 11 April 2020).

• A 16-year-old boy from Tomerong, a 17-year-old boy from Nowra, a 25-year-old man from South Nowra, a 17-year-old boy from Cambewarra, an 18-year-old man from Sanctuary Point, has been issued with a $1000 PIN after being pulled over on the Princes Highway at Falls Creek, just after 1am yesterday (Saturday 11 April 2020) by officers from Traffic and Highway Patrol Command. Police allege all five had disregarded the Ministerial Direction by going camping together.

• A 29-year-old Kogarah man from has been issued with a PIN by officers attached to Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command for failing to comply with a Public Health Order after he was found on Gap Road at Watsons Bay about 1.50am yesterday (Saturday 11 April 2020).

• A 23-year-old Killara woman from has been issued with a PIN by officers attached to Eastern Suburbs PAC for failing to comply with a Public Health Order after she was stopped by police on St Marks Road at Darling Point, about 2.15am yesterday (Saturday 11 April 2020). The woman failed a roadside breath test and was arrested and taken to Waverley police Station where she returned a BAS of 0.070. She was issued with a Field Court Attendance Notice to appear before Downing Centre Local Court on Friday 19 June 2020.

• A 25-year-old man was stopped and searched by police around 2.40am yesterday (Saturday 11 April 2020) on Tink Avenue, Dubbo. The man was allegedly found to be in possession of a knife, housebreaking implements and suspected stolen items. He could also not provide police with a reasonable excuse for breaching the current Ministerial directions and issued a PIN for fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9 – COVID-19 – Individual. The man was also charged with goods in personal custody suspected being stolen, Possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit, Possess housebreaking implements, and Custody of knife in public place. He was refused bail to appear at Dubbo Local Court on Tuesday 14 April 2020.

• Officers from Liverpool Police Area Command spoke with a 38-year-old man about 2.45pm yesterday (Saturday 11 April 2020). The man told police he was going to his mothers’ place to get cigarettes and claims he was unaware of the public health restrictions. Following inquiries, police determined the man had already been given a warning and a subsequent infringement two weeks prior. He was issued another PIN for failing to comply with a noticed direction.

• A 34-year-old man from Cronulla has been issued with a PIN by police from Blue Mountains Police Area Command for failing to comply with a Public Health Order after he was found at Hawkesbury Heights Lookout about 2.55am yesterday (Saturday 11 April 2020). He allegedly told police he was unable to sleep and had driven to the lookout.

• A 17-year-old woman, an 18-year-old man and a 19-year-old man, all from St Clair, an 18-year-old woman from Colyton and a 16-year-old boy from Ropes Crossing have been issued with PINs by officers attached to Blue Mountains for failing to comply with a Public Health Order after they were found at Hawkesbury Heights Lookout about shortly before 6am yesterday (Saturday 11 April 2020). Police allege they said they wanted to see the sunrise.

• About 7.45am (Saturday 11 April 2020), a woman was stopped at Albion Street, Surry Hills, and was issued a fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9 – COVID-19. She could not give a reasonable excuse for being out of her home in Toongabbie and had been issued her first and final warnings the day before (Friday 10 April 2020) when she was spoken to by police in Glebe and Surry Hills while riding her bicycle.

• A 31-year-old man from Mt Pritchard has been issued with a PIN by Liverpool City PAC for failing to comply with a Public Health Order after he was found on Holt Street, Ashcroft, shortly before 8am yesterday (Saturday 11 April 2020). Police seized drug paraphernalia during a search of the man. A 30-year-old man with him was issued with a warning.

• Officers from Coffs/Clarence Police District attended the remote village of Sandon yesterday (Saturday 11 April 2020), following reports holidaymakers had made their way to the area for Easter. Police spoke with a 53-year-old man and his 51-year-old wife, who said they had been in the area for more than two weeks. Following inquiries, officers established they had only arrived two days prior. The couple was issued with $1000 PINs and directed to return to the Lennox Head property. Another couple and their two children were also spoken to at another home and given warnings before being directed to return to their Petersham home.

• About 7.50am yesterday (Saturday 11 April 2020), officers attached to St George Police Area Command attended a golf club in Wolli Creek after reports of a person acting aggressively. After failing to comply with the move on direction, the 46-year-old man was issued a $1000 PIN for fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9 – COVID-19.

• Officers from Kings Cross Police Area Command issued a PIN to a 42-year-old Eastwood man after he was observed congregating with a group on Darlinghurst Road at Potts Point about 10.30am yesterday (Saturday 11 April 2020). Officers spoke with the man and directed he move on as he was in breach of the public health orders. About an hour later the man was again spotted by police loitering on Springfield Avenue. Police again spoke to the man and issued him a PIN.

• A 32-year-old Lithgow man from has been issued with a PIN by Bankstown PAC for failing to comply with a Public Health Order after he was found at a hotel in Villawood, about 11.15am yesterday (Saturday 11 April 2020). The man had received a warning the day before but continued to associate with a group of men at the location.

• Just before midday (Saturday 11 April 2020), officers from Tweed/Byron Police District responded to the concern for welfare of a woman slumped over a steering wheel of a vehicle parked on Johnson Street, Byron Bay. Police assisted the 45-year-old woman from the car, during which, they located ice and drug paraphernalia. During a subsequent search of her handbag, officers located cards under the names of various people, $1850 cash, drug ledgers and a knife. Inquiries revealed the Tabulum woman had also recently travelled to Queensland. She was taken to Byron Bay Police Station and charged with possess prohibited drug, goods in personal custody suspected being stolen, and possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit. She was issued with a $1000 PIN before being granted conditional bail to appear at Byron Bay Local Court on Monday 15 June 2020.

• About 12.35pm (Saturday 11 April 2020), officers attached to New England Police District spoke with a 24-year-old man inside his vehicle on Brogan Street and Bailey Crescent at Armidale, who did not have a reasonable excuse to be away from his residence in North Tamworth. He was issued a PIN for fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9 – COVID-19.

• Bankstown Police Area Command officers have issued two men with PINs, and warned another two, after four men were seen sitting in a car eating pizza in Edgar Street, Condell Park, about 1.45pm yesterday (Saturday 11 April 2020). The men, aged 22 and 26, both from Milperra were issued with PINS for failing to comply with a Public Health Order. The older man was also issued with a PIN for offensive language.

• A 25-year-old Darlinghurst woman from has been issued with a PIN by officers attached to Brisbane Water PD for failing to comply with a Public Health Order after she was found on Copacabana Beach about 1.50pm yesterday (Saturday 11 April 2020). Police allege she said she was watching her boyfriend who was surfing.

• A man was issued a fine after failing to comply with social distancing laws in Broadmeadow yesterday (Saturday 11 April 2020). Officers attached to Newcastle Police District spoke with the 24-year-old on Brown Road who could not provide a lawful excuse for travel between Newcastle and Nelson Bay. He was issued a PIN for fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9 – COVID-19 – Individual.

• Officers attached to New England Police District gave a warning to a woman driving on the New England Highway, Tenterfield, about 2.40pm yesterday (Saturday 11 April 2020). She was advised by police to return home to Goonellebah, and not visit friends in Armidale. Around 3.25pm, the 47-year-old woman was stopped again issued a PIN for fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9- COVID-19.

• About 3pm (Saturday 11 April 2020), officers attached to New England Police District, spoke with a 34-year-old woman for breaching the Public Health Act. The woman was first spoken to by police at 1.30am on Wednesday 1 April 2020 on Adelaide Street, Moree, for a random breath test where she was issued an infringement for driving from Coonamble to Moree without a reasonable excuse. On Friday 10 April 2020, officers again observed her red Mazda 6 Sedan travelling on Jones Street, Moree. The woman could not provide a reasonable excuse for driving, resulting in officers attended a home on Birrawee Place in Moree to issue a second PIN for fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9- COVID-19

• Officers from Eastern Beaches Police Area Command observed four people sitting at a park bench at Maroubra Junction about 3.30pm (Saturday 11 April 2020). Checks revealed each member of the group – three men aged 33, 45 and 55, and a 32-year-old woman – had previously been warned about Ministerial Directions. The group was advised they would each receive a $1000 PIN and moved on from the area.

• About 2.15pm (Saturday 11 April 2020), patrolling officers from Brisbane Water Police District gave a move on direction to a man and woman sitting on a bench at Avoca Beach. A short time later, police returned and noticed the pair still sitting in the same spot, giving a second direction to leave the area. The woman began to walk off, before the man verbally abused the officers. Checks revealed the 18-year-old man was from Willoughby and could not provide a reasonable excuse for travelling to Avoca Beach. He was issued with a $1000 PIN and instructed to return home.

• Officers from Tweed/Byron Police District attended a holiday apartment on Lawson Street, Byron Bay, about 2.30pm (Saturday 11 April 2020), after reports of parties being held at the location. Police spoke with a 33-year-old man, who told them he booked the room to self-isolate but had invited people over to visit. The other two people – a 34-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman – had travelled from Clunes for the gathering. All three were issued $1000 PINs, while inquiries are continuing into the accommodation provider.

• Just before 4pm (Saturday 11 April 2020), officers from South Sydney Police Area Command stopped and spoke to a 46-year-old man on Lee Street, Chippendale. After the man told police he was out to meet a mate, officers conducted checks, which revealed the man had previously been warned under the Public Health Act, he was issued a $1000 PIN and moved on.

• Officers attached to Mid North Coast Police District stopped a white Subaru Liberty vehicle on Bosun Lane, Port Macquarie, about 3.50pm (Saturday 11 April 2020) and spoke to the driver, a 26-year-old man, and two passengers, a 23-year-old man and 19-year-old woman who could not provide a reasonable excuse for being out of the house. The 26-year-old and 19-year-old had been given warnings the night prior (Friday 10 April 2020) for breaching COVID-19 restrictions. They were both issued a PIN for not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19. The 23-year-old passenger was issued a warning. Police also conducted a vehicle search where they located methylamphetamine allegedly inside a handbag in the boot of the car. The 19-year-old woman was issued a Future Court Attendance Notice for possess prohibited drug to appear at Port Macquarie Local Court on Wednesday 8 July 2020. The 26-year-old man was also issued an infringement for not provide drivers licence and disobey one-way direction.

• About 4pm (Saturday 11 April 2020), officers from Mid North Coast Police District stopped a vehicle on Bosun Lane, Port Macquarie, and spoke with the 26-year-old male driver and 19-year-old female passenger. Checks revealed the pair had been stopped the day before and warned about Ministerial Directions after they said they were out “killing time”. During a search of the vehicle, police seized ice. The woman was issued a Court Attendance Notice for possess prohibited drug before the pair received $1000 PINs.

• Officers from Tweed/Byron Police District stopped a vehicle on Burringbar St, Mullumbimby, about 4pm, and spoke to the four occupants – a 16-year-old boy, two 17-year-old girls, and the 18-year-old male driver. The P-plate driver returned a positive roadside breath test and received a fine for special-range drink driving. During a search of the vehicle, police located cannabis and issued cannabis cautions to the man and one of the 17-year-old girls. The group were not able to provide a reasonable excuse for being out, and checks revealed three of the four had previously been given warnings for the same. They were issued $1000 PINs, while the 17-year-old girl was given a warning under the Public Health Act.

• Just after 5pm (Saturday 11 April 2020), officers from South Coast Police District stopped a vehicle on Monaro Street, Merimbula, and spoke with the 22-year-old male driver. The man told police he had been helping a friend cut firewood – which was confirmed – except it had been delivered to Bega North. The man then provided several other versions, none of which were deemed as reasonable under the Public Health Act. He was issued with a $1000 PIN and directed to return to his Bega home.

• About 6pm (Saturday 11 April 2020), officers from Riverina Police District were patrolling at Junee, when they stopped a vehicle on Harold Street. On speaking with the occupants – two men, aged 23 and 37, and a 32-year-old woman – police could smell cannabis and commenced searches of the group and the vehicle. During the searches, police seized ice, cannabis, a total of $4455 cash, a diary containing a drug price list, and four knives. The woman was issued a Court Attendance Notice for custody of knife in public place, deal with property proceeds of crime, two counts of possess prohibited drug, and supply prohibited drug. She is due to appear at Junee Local Court on Friday 10 July 2020. The older man will be issued with a Court Attendance Notice for goods in custody and custody of knife in public place. All three were issued with $1000 PINs and moved-on.

• Just after 7pm (Saturday 11 April 2020), police attached to Operation Coronavirus were made aware of people staying at a hotel on Jamieson Street, Sydney, for the purpose of a party. Officers observed two men and a woman leaving the hotel, with one of the men and the woman returning a short time later. They were spoken to by police before the man was told not to invite people over and was allowed to return to his room, while the woman was given a move-on direction. Shortly after, the other man returned and was subject to a search with police locating ice in his sock. The 33-year-old man was issued a $1000 PIN under the Public Health Act and a Court Attendance Notice for drug possession. He is due to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday 13 May 2020.

• About 7.30pm (Saturday 11 April 2020), officers from Coffs/Clarence Police District conducting proactive checks stopped at a house on Bent Street, South Grafton. A 30-year-old man was spoken to, who stated he was at the house visiting friends. He became verbally abusive when police notified him that he was in breach of Ministerial Directions and was subsequently issued a $1000 PIN.

• Officers from Sydney City Police Area Command were called to Liverpool Street, Sydney, about 9.10pm (Saturday 11 April 2020), after reports of an intoxicated man acting aggressively. Police spoke to an 18-year-old man, who stated he had been drinking with friends in Chatswood and travelled to Sydney to continue. He was issued a $1000 PIN for failing to comply with noticed direction (COVID-19).

• About 10pm (Saturday 11 April 2020), officers from South Coast Police District stopped to assist a man who was standing on the roadway on the Princes Highway near Shore Street, Moruya. When asked if he was okay, the 40-year-old man began acting aggressively toward the officers and swearing at police before a wrestle ensued. The man was arrested a short time later and taken to Batemans Bay Police Station. He was issued with a $1000 PIN before being charged with resist officer in execution of duty and use offensive language in/near public place/school. He is due to appear at Batemans Bay Local Court on Friday 26 June 2020.

Since 17 March 2020, police have issued 53 Court Attendance Notices, and 406 PINs for breaches of the Public Health Act.
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.