Category: NSW News

The first batch of 100 million Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) will be distributed to NSW essential public workers and vulnerable communities from this week to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the NSW Government will receive 50 million tests from mid-January to February, with a further 50 million tests being sourced for delivery from February and into March.
“We are ensuring essential workers in our public workforce and vulnerable communities have access to free kits in this first round,” Mr Perrottet said.
“These tests, all approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, will help them to quickly ascertain if they need to self-isolate and ensure support and health advice is provided to those who need it.”
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade, Stuart Ayres said the Government’s procurement teams have worked hard to secure tests that meet the TGA’s robust standards.
“The NSW community has one of the highest vaccination rates in the world, which is why we’re able to confidently shift to this new phase of test and isolate.”
“The procurement of these additional rapid antigen tests will support the NSW public sector workforce, support our return to school plan and provide support to those most in need.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the boost to NSW’s RAT supply will help alleviate the pressure on the NSW Health system – as well as provide protection for our most vulnerable.
“Most people should now use a RAT to confirm if they are positive for COVID-19. This allows PCRs to be used when medically required for clinical care, as well as drastically reducing the queues for PCR testing,” Mr Hazzard said.
“While this is an important step in our management of COVID-19, I urgently remind everyone that vaccination and boosters are the best way to keep hospitalisations down and loved ones safe.”
NSW Health and the Department of Communities and Justice will jointly lead distribution of the RATs, with logistical support from NGOs and Primary Health Networks.
Vulnerable populations will be prioritised, including:

• Aboriginal communities
• people receiving aged care services in the home
• people with a disability in supported independent living accommodation
• refugees
• social housing tenants, rough sleepers and women’s refuges
• vulnerable families and children and young people in residential and out-of-home care

Critical government settings have also been prioritised to ensure continuity of essential public services, including return to school, health and transport.
Planning is underway for the rollout of additional tranches of Rapid Antigen Tests in the coming months
More than 42,000 tests are already on their way to 44 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services and NGOs supporting rough sleepers and refugees for distribution from tomorrow.
The NSW Government has allocated $250 million to procure the first tranche of 50.1 million RATs.
For more information on rapid antigen testing, please go to:

• Rapid antigen self-tests for community (COVID-19)
• Rapid antigen testing information for businesses

Applications for land tax relief will be extended until 28 February to give eligible commercial and residential landowners more time to access the program.
Minister for Finance Damien Tudehope said the land tax relief was designed to make it easier for landowners who supported their tenants during a challenging year.
“Extending the deadline for landowners to access land tax relief will give people more time to get the necessary documents together and access any help they may need to complete an application,” Mr Tudehope said.
“Many renters, commercial and residential, had a financially tough 2021 with reduced turnover or work hours due to the COVID-19 restrictions.
“We heard from landowners that they wanted to help their tenants, but they also have bills to pay. Providing land tax relief enabled them to work with their tenants to offer rent reductions and to alleviate some of the cost-burden during restrictions.
“In response, the NSW Government is helping commercial or residential landowners who have reduced their tenants’ rent, between 1 July 2021 and 31 December 2021.”
NSW landowners may be eligible to receive a reduction of up to 100 per cent of their land tax payable for the 2021 land tax year if they provided a reduction in rent to a tenant between 1 July 2021 and 31 December 2021.
This package follows a similar program run for the 2020 land tax year, which saw more than 17,400 applications received and $218.8 million of relief provided.
Minister for Small Business and Fair Trading Eleni Petinos said the Government was always committed to assisting those in need.
“We know this program has previously helped to keep businesses in business, people in jobs, and roofs over heads,” Ms Petinos said.
“That’s why we are extending this package to ensure landlords can continue to provide relief to small businesses and residents while we get through this challenging period.”
To be eligible for land tax relief, a landowner must be leasing to a commercial tenant who has a turnover up to $50 million and has been deemed eligible for NSW Government COVID-19 support grants or a residential tenant who has lost 25 per cent or more of household income due to COVID-19.
The landowner must have reduced rent for the affected tenant for any period between 1 July 2021 and 31 December 2021, without any requirement for it to be paid back.
Landlords can also access the Commercial Landlord Hardship Fund, which provides small commercial or retail landlords with a monthly grant up to the value of any rental relief provided, to a maximum of $3,000 per month per property. To be eligible, a landlord cannot claim land tax relief for rent reductions provided to tenants between 1 July 2021 and 31 December 2021. Applications for the Commercial Landlord Hardship Fund close 31 March 2022.
Applications for Land Tax Relief can be submitted at https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-covid-19-land-tax-relief
For more information on rent relief visit: COVID-19 assistance for commercial and residential landlords | Service NSW.

The NSW Government will adopt nationally consistent principles for the definition of a close contact and isolation periods for COVID positive cases, and remove mandatory PCR testing requirements for international arrivals.
Following yesterday’s National Cabinet the NSW Government will immediately implement the below arrangements for COVID cases and contacts:

These contact and isolation arrangements apply to all people, regardless of vaccination status. NSW Health is developing guidelines to allow social contacts to assess their risk.
Effective immediately testing requirements for international travellers will also be revised. All fully vaccinated international travellers and flight crew arriving in NSW will be required to undertake a Rapid Antigen Test on days one and six after arrival.
Symptomatic arrivals will be required to get a PCR as soon as possible and isolate until negative result is received. If the PCR test is positive, the arrival must treat themselves as a positive case.
Under existing arrangements, all international travellers and flight crew are also required to produce a negative pre-departure test, within three days of boarding their flight. Unvaccinated arrivals will continue to be quarantined (capped at 210 per week) and require PCR testing.
Guidelines will be developed recommending international arrivals not attend at an aged care, health care, disability care or correctional facility for 7 days after arrival.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said this approach to dealing with COVID would provide certainty for people as we continue to chart a course out of the pandemic.
“Across the country we have done an incredible job in getting vaccinated to protect people and our health systems. High vaccination rates mean we can adapt our response to deal with the new challenges that come our way,” Mr Perrottet said.
“These changes will ensure our health system continues to work for people who need it most. We need everyone to keep playing their part and to only come forward to get tested if they have a medical need or are directed to do so.
“NSW has one of the highest vaccination rates in the world and it is vital we maintain that advantage and people book in for their booster shots as soon as they can to protect themselves, their families and the community.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said it was important our health system was reserved for people who needed it.
“Our frontline health workers have done an amazing job over the past two years and their efforts have helped keep countless people safe and we can’t thank them enough,” Mr Hazzard said.
“As we learn to live with COVID, people must make sure they only seek testing if they are feeling unwell, or are otherwise advised to get tested.”

Five state-of-the-art NSW Ambulance aircraft are set to take to the skies across the state, providing even better care for rural and regional areas.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the new fleet would provide a major boost to NSW Ambulance’s fixed wing operations, improving patient transport speeds and reaching even more areas of the state.
“These aircraft are like hospitals in the sky, and they can get to some of the most remote regions of the state and land at both commercial airports and smaller runways,” Mr Toole said.
Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the brand new fleet of Beechcraft King Air 350C planes would be operated and maintained by Pel-Air under a 10-year contract.
“This new fleet will be an absolute gamechanger, offering the technology, comfort and fuel efficiency never before seen in a NSW Ambulance aircraft,” Mrs Taylor said.
NSW Ambulance Commissioner Dr Dominic Morgan said the medical fit-out on-board was tailored to the clinician’s needs and could pick up more than 6000 patients every year.
“Our flight nurses, doctors and pilots are among the best in the country and they helped in the design of what is essentially their office. Their expertise and some of the best planes available means it is a perfect fit for everyone, especially our patients”, Dr Morgan said.
The aircraft will begin operation on 1 January 2022, and will replace the current fleet operated out of the Mascot airbase by the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS)
Executive Director of Aeromedical Operations Dr Sarah Coombes said NSW Ambulance was proud of what it had achieved together with RFDS.
“For 19 years, the RFDS has been there working with NSW Ambulance to provide the best for the community of NSW. We thank them for their remarkable and ongoing contribution to health in this state,” Dr Coombes said.
The NSW Government has invested more than $9 billion in NSW Ambulance since 2011, including $1.4 billion in the 2021/22 budget.

The NSW Government is taking precautionary steps to maintain its safe and measured approach as we continue to learn to live with COVID.
The following adjustments to the NSW Government’s pandemic settings will come into effect:
From 12.01am Friday, 24 December:

• Masks will be compulsory in all indoor non-residential settings, including for hospitality staff and in offices, unless eating or drinking.

From 12.01am Monday, 27 December 2021:

• QR code check-ins will be compulsory, including for hospitality and retail; and

• Hospitality venues, including pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafes will move to 1 person per 2 sqm rule indoors, with no density limit for outdoor settings.

All settings will remain in place until Wednesday, 27 January 2022.
Extending QR check-in requirements will remind people that if they receive a notification they should be tested if they feel unwell. They should also get tested if they are directed by NSW Health or if they have symptoms.
Further to these measures, the Government is asking people to reduce mingling where they can including when eating and drinking, work from home where possible and hold events outside.
The NSW Government will continue to monitor these settings.
The NSW Government will also procure Rapid-Antigen Test kits and make them available for free to people across the State, to give additional options to people and allow those who need to get a PCR test to do so.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said these measures would help take the pressure off our health system and keep the community safe until more people could get their booster shots.
“We said we would tailor our settings as the situation evolved and these steps will help take the pressure of our health system, so the people who need care can access it,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Our frontline health workers have done an enormous job keeping us safe over the past two years and we can’t thank them enough.
“Vaccination remains the key to keeping people safe and out of hospital. It is vital people continue to roll up their sleeves to get vaccinated and receive their boosters.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard thanked people for continuing to come forward in large numbers to get tested and urged everyone to follow the restrictions.
“We thank people for coming out in large numbers to get tested but we need to make sure that tests are available for people who really need it,” Mr Hazzard said.
“If you don’t have any symptoms, please don’t get a test just for the sake of it. The best thing people can do is follow the rules outlined today. The health and safety of the community continues to be the highest priority.
“I want to again thank NSW Health for the work they are doing in response to the pandemic.”

A man has been arrested by the NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) as part of an investigation into suspected terrorism offences.
Earlier this month, the NSW JCTT commenced an investigation into the online activities of a man, who was reportedly expressing extremist views in conversations across a number of platforms and sharing pro-Islamic State material.
Following extensive inquiries, a 34-year-old man was arrested by the Tactical Operations Unit at Caringbah just before 8am today (Friday 24 December 2021).
He was taken to Sutherland Police Station, where he will be charged.
A short time later, NSW JCTT investigators executed a search warrant at a nearby home, where searches are continuing.
There is no ongoing threat to the community relating to this investigation.

Premier Dominic Perrottet and Deputy Premier Paul Toole have announced a new Cabinet team to focus on delivering the NSW Government’s vision for the state.
It combines a wealth of experience with fresh energy at a critical time, leading NSW out of the pandemic and toward a stronger future.
“Our new Ministry harnesses experience, while allowing for renewal and injecting fresh energy into the team,” Mr Perrottet said.
“It’s a team with purpose, carefully shaped to deliver on our vision. My expectation is that every Minister will work hard to improve the lives of people across our state at a critical time in the history of our state.”
There are nine first-time Ministers in the new-look Cabinet which includes the three new portfolios of Minister for Cities, Minister for Homes and Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology.
“Four of our new Ministers are women and we hope they will help inspire our next generation of leaders,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We’ve spelt out our vision and the new portfolios demonstrate our commitment to deliver more opportunity for home ownership, our Six Cities strategy, and great jobs through cutting edge research, innovation and local manufacturing.”
The Government’s priority remains reopening and kick starting the economy in a safe and measured way while delivering its record infrastructure program.
Deputy Premier Paul Toole said the past three years have been some of the most challenging in our State’s history, with the team’s focus now on recovery and strengthening our resilience.
“We’ve gone through the darkest of days, but we are focused on building stronger regional communities – stronger for their services, their jobs and the opportunities we’re unlocking for this generation and the next,” Mr Toole said.
“Regional health has been a big focus of our Government since day one – and as a registered nurse from the bush, Bronnie Taylor will ensure regional communities get the investment in hospitals and health services and the quality of care they deserve.
“The new Emergency Services and Resilience portfolio combines our response and recovery efforts to ensure NSW can bounce back and lead our state to a better future.”

NEW SOUTH WALES CABINET MINISTERS

The Honourable Dominic Francis Perrottet MP Premier

The Honourable Paul Lawrence Toole MP Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional New South Wales, Minister for Police

The Honourable Stuart Laurence Ayres MP Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade, Minister for Tourism and Sport, Minister for Western Sydney

The Honourable Bronwyn Taylor MLC Minister for Women, Minister for Regional Health, Minister for Mental Health

The Honourable Matthew John Kean MP Treasurer, Minister for Energy

The Honourable Damien Francis Tudehope MLC Minister for Finance, Minister for Employee Relations, Vice-President of the Executive Council, Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council 

The Honourable Alister Andrew Henskens SC MP Minister for Skills and Training, Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology, Leader of the House in the Legislative Assembly

The Honourable Bradley Ronald Hazzard MP Minister for Health

The Honourable Sarah Mitchell MLC Minister for Education and Early Learning

The Honourable Mark Raymond Speakman SC MP Attorney General

The Honourable Robert Gordon Stokes MP Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for Cities, Minister for Active Transport

The Honourable Victor Michael Dominello MP Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government

The Honourable Anthony John Roberts MP Minister for Planning, Minister for Homes 

The Honourable David Andrew Elliott MP Minister for Transport, Minister for Veterans

The Honourable Natalie Peta Ward MLC Minister for Metropolitan Roads, Minister for Women’s Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence

The Honourable Kevin John Anderson MP Minister for Lands and Water, Minister for Hospitality and Racing

The Honourable Dr Geoffrey Lee MP Minister for Corrections

The Honourable Natasha Maclaren-Jones MLC Minister for Families and Communities, Minister for Disability Services

The Honourable Samuel Farraway MLC Minister for Regional Transport and Roads

The Honourable Stephanie Anne Cooke MP Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience

The Honourable Eleni Marie Petinos MP Minister for Small Business, Minister for Fair Trading 

The Honourable James Henry Griffin MP Minister for Environment and Heritage

The Honourable Mark Joseph Coure MP Minister for Multiculturalism, Minister for Seniors

The Honourable Dugald William Saunders MP Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Western New South Wales

The Honourable Benjamin Cameron Franklin MLC Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Regional Youth

The Honourable Wendy Margaret Tuckerman MP Minister for Local Government

Successful business founder, Bridget Sakr, will ask the Strathfield community to make her their representative in the NSW Parliament at the upcoming state by-election.
A working mother, Bridget spent years in the corporate sector and then was building up her finance business when a family tragedy reshaped her life and focus.
“I was going through the most unimaginable time in my life when this community wrapped its arms around me, opened its heart to me and came to my aid,” Ms Sakr said.
“I would like to repay their love, kindness and generosity by fighting for to build a better community for every one of them.”
“I will campaign for safer and less congested roads, educational opportunity, policies to improve home ownership in our community, and more accessible grief support, trauma and mental health care for the multicultural community that calls Strathfield home.”
Premier Dominic Perrottet said Ms Sakr is a determined and successful businesswoman whose perspective and drive would be an asset to the parliament.
“Bridget is a strong-willed woman who has had success in business and is determined to make a difference for the Strathfield electorate,” Mr Perrottet said.
“She is a resilient and extraordinary person with a genuine determination to give back to a community who supported her through her time of need.
“As a candidate, she embodies all of the values we want in our elected leaders, particularly her commitment to giving voice to those who struggle to be heard.”
Ms Sakr said she will be a strong advocate for the Strathfield community and local businesses, to ensure that they get the services and infrastructure that is needed to recover and ultimately prosper.
“I grew a successful business from scratch, so I understand the challenges that small businesses are facing; and I will be a vocal advocate for support that local businesses need to help them recover.”
“There are still people and businesses doing it tough, and they need a stable and experienced government that can deliver jobs and opportunities. By voting for me, the community will get a tenacious and passionate representative in the Perrottet Government working to build a better future for the community.”
Ms Sakr has spent more than three decades working in the financial services sector, and is the co-founder of Granite Home Loans.
Ms Sakr has a Bachelor of Arts (Economics) from University of Sydney and a Graduate Certificate in Humans Resource Management from UTS.
She is a former executive at Genworth Financial, former ambassador for The Risk Board, and was an executive consultant to the Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia.
Ms Sakr founded heartFELT, an online grief support platform, following the death of her 11-year-old daughter Veronique in February 2020.
Together with Daniel and Leila Abdallah, whose three children were also killed in the Oatlands tragedy, she co-launched ‘I 4Give Day’.
The annual event is designed to promote a national dialogue about the benefits of forgiveness.

• The construction of a new Flight Training Centre with aircraft simulators in NSW.
• Plans for expansion of the Qantas Loyalty team in Mascot.
• A commitment from Qantas to deliver improved Indigenous and diversity employment outcomes in its NSW workforce over the next five years.

The NSW Government’s booster program continues to ramp up with NSW Health already delivering more than 120,000 vaccine booster doses to help keep people safe and increase levels of immunity to COVID-19.
On Friday, NSW Health clinics delivered the highest daily total since the rollout of the program, up from 2000 doses two weeks ago, in support of the Federal Government’s vaccine program.
People are eligible for a booster 5 months after a second dose and NSW Health can accommodate people about to travel who might need a slightly earlier appointment.
The number of people eligible to receive a booster will increase steadily in 2022, with around 40 per cent of the NSW population to be eligible at the end of January, 64 per cent in February, 87 per cent in March, and 91 per cent by April 2022.
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet thanked people for coming forward to get their booster shots and urged every eligible person to book in as soon as possible.
“As we navigate our way out of the pandemic, we remain focused on saving lives and protecting livelihoods and getting your booster shot will offer you protection against COVID,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Our frontline health workers have been incredible over the past two years and their dedication is greatly appreciated. It’s time for us to step up again and get a booster to protect ourselves, the community and those who have done so much to keep us safe.”
Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said NSW Health will also be keeping its COVID testing centres open during the holiday months, so people can get a test when they need it.
“The best thing you can do to protect yourself is to get vaccinated and get a booster if you are eligible,” Mr Hazzard said.
“We need everyone to continue to do their bit and follow the rules, so if you have even the slightest of symptoms get tested and stay at home.”
Those eligible for a booster dose can book in at a NSW Health vaccination clinic through the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder. You can also book in to receive a booster dose at a participating pharmacy and your local GP.