Category: NSW News

New public health advice sets out how NSW will continue to tackle COVID-19 as the state begins to reopen when it reaches the 70 per cent double dose vaccination target.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said while high vaccination rates were the key factor in the roadmap to recovery, COVID-19 will continue to circulate in the community.
“NSW is leading the nation in so many ways with its pandemic response but particularly in its vaccination efforts. I urge those who are yet to get vaccinated to do so quickly to protect yourself, your loved ones and the community,” Mr Hazzard said.
“We are closing-in on the 70 per cent double dose mark and when we achieve it there will be significant changes to our public health advice and the key difference will be how that advice is applied to people who are vaccinated and to those who are not.
“Vaccination will provide greater freedoms as our society opens up and it reduces the risk of you spreading the virus to someone vulnerable, which could cost them their life.
“Despite the ongoing challenges that will continue to be posed by COVID-19, we have the opportunity to lead the world which is why it is vital everyone is vaccinated and follows the updated public health advice that will be in place from 11 October.”
Some of the key public health advice for the general community will be:

• Everyone, vaccinated and not vaccinated, is urged to get tested if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 and immediately self-isolate until a negative result is received.
• Whether you are vaccinated or not vaccinated, if you test positive for COVID-19 you must self-isolate for 14 days.
• Close contacts in the community will include household members of positive cases and close social contacts of positive cases, such as partners and friends, who you spent time in close proximity with, even if fully vaccinated. Anyone may also be assessed as a being a close contact following a risk assessment, including at workplaces, high-risk settings, such as healthcare and aged care, and other specific settings such as schools and child care centres, or where an outbreak has been identified.
• If you are a close contact of a positive case and vaccinated, you must get tested and self-isolate for seven days. On day six after exposure, you must get tested again. If a negative result is received and you are well, you can end isolation after day seven. For the following seven days you must work from home where practicable, not attend hospitality settings, and not attend a high-risk settings even if it is your place of work.
• If you are a close contact of a positive case and not vaccinated you must get tested and immediately self-isolate for 14 days. On day 12, you should get tested again. If a negative result is received, you can end isolation after day 14.
• The Service NSW QR code check-in system will remain in place in the general community. This system will be used to notify people who were in the same venue as a positive case. People will be asked to monitor for symptoms and get tested if they become unwell. Other settings, including schools, workplaces and high-risk settings, such as healthcare and aged care, will have specific risk assessment approaches.
• People aged 16 years and over will only be allowed entry into some venues or settings if fully vaccinated, along with people with exemptions. In some venues, children under 16 will have to be accompanied by a fully vaccinated member of their household to enter. This includes hospitality venues, non-critical retail stores, personal services, sporting, recreation and entertainment facilities and events. Critical retail such as supermarkets and pharmacies will still be accessible to those not fully vaccinated. There are several options to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or exemption.

Some of the key public health advice for the business community will be:

• If a staff member tests positive, whether they are vaccinated or not vaccinated, they must self-isolate for 14 days and follow the advice from NSW Health. Businesses will refer to their COVID-19 Safety Plan and risk assessment approach for further instructions on notifying other staff.
• Businesses must inform NSW Health if three or more employees test positive for COVID-19 in a seven-day period.
• NSW Health guidelines will enable businesses to assess workplace risk if a COVID-19 case is identified and confirm actions to be taken.
• Businesses can reduce the risk of closure or staff going into isolation by implementing rigorous COVID-19 Safety Plans. Other proactive steps businesses can take include ensuring staff are vaccinated and implementing regular onsite testing programs for workers.

With respect to vaccination compliance and obligations:

• Businesses will be responsible for taking reasonable measures to stop unvaccinated people entering premises. For example, having prominent signs stating requirements, Service NSW QR codes, staff checking vaccination status upon entry and only accepting valid forms of evidence of vaccination.
• Authorised officers will monitor businesses re-opening, particularly those that have vaccination requirements, for example hospitality, retail, gyms, and personal services (e.g. hair, beauty).
• Penalties may apply for individuals and businesses who don’t comply. On the spot fines of $1,000 may apply to individuals for not complying, or for using fraudulent evidence of vaccination or check-in. On the spot fines of $5,000 may apply to businesses for not complying with the Public Health Order vaccination requirements. Further penalties may apply for significant breaches.

NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said it is important to note that the new advice may be updated by NSW Health as case numbers and evidence changes.
“We will continue to do what we have done throughout this pandemic, which is to regularly update our advice, informed by experience, feedback, and emerging evidence. It is only in partnership that we can reopen in a safe way.”
Visit nsw.gov.au for the latest information.

Charitable not-for-profit organisations facing financial impacts from COVID-19 restrictions can now apply for the NSW Government’s support package which has been boosted to $330 million.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the COVID-19 JobSaver Payment expansion and extension would support eligible registered charities working in the social services and animal welfare sectors.
“These organisations have been working tirelessly throughout the pandemic to support our most vulnerable people and this package will provide them with financial support,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We’ve reduced the turnover reduction threshold for registered charities in the social services and animal welfare sectors from 30 per cent to 15 per cent so that organisations can get acess to the support they need to continue delivering important services.”
The Government’s total commitment to the expansion of JobSaver for this sector now amounts to $280 million, after JobSaver was extended in line with restrictions being extended. A $50 million Social Sector Support Fund is also available to assist not-for-profits in continuing to support our communities through the impacts of the pandemic.
The Fund will provide grants to eligible not-for-profits and a Workforce Surge Payment to support social sector organisations to respond to COVID-19 outbreaks, for example where staff have had to isolate.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Alister Henskens said not-for-profits play a pivotal role in the social services sector, delivering support to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.
“This targeted and multilayered support package will ease financial pressures for not-for-profits so that they can focus on continuity of their services,” Mr Henskens said.
“Our Government is working hard to support the social services sector during this challenging time and this financial package is another example of ways we’re assisting non-government organisations across NSW.”
Details on how to register for the Social Sector Support Fund are available online. For more information about JobSaver eligibility criteria for registered charities, visit the Service NSW website https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/jobsaver-payment.

The NSW Government has today released the first ever NSW Trade Statement, a bold plan to transform the State’s exports and trading performance on the world stage, create jobs and support economic recovery.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, Industry and Trade, John Barilaro said the NSW Trade Statement puts trade at the top of the agenda giving a clear direction on future support for NSW business, creating more and better jobs for NSW.
“Today marks a significant step forward for our State, with the NSW Trade Statement outlining a vision that will ensure economic growth and prosperity into the future,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Despite the challenges of the past few years and COVID-19 changing global trade patterns, the demand for NSW products and services continues to grow.
“Exports make up 15 per cent of the NSW economy, worth $96 billion, and we are setting ourselves an ambitious target to double that to $200 billion by 2031.
“As we move forward with our roadmap to freedom, there has never been a more important time to advance our industries and give NSW businesses the support and connections they need to succeed beyond our borders, boost jobs and establish our State as the nation’s premier exporting hub.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the NSW economy was the nation’s engine room, with exports today supporting one in five jobs in Australia.
“The NSW Trade Statement responds to challenges identified for our State and also details how we’ll double exports in the next ten years, with the first milestone anticipated to be reaching $130 billion in exports by 2024,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Work is already well underway in delivering the actions set out in the NSW Trade Statement, including the appointment of six global Commissioners to facilitate new export growth opportunities and open doors for NSW businesses overseas.
“We’re also increasing our NSW overseas trade presence from 21 to 55 specialists in more than 21 high potential locations, to give businesses access to the local connections and networks for success.”
Co-chair of the Trade and Industry Advisory Committee (TIAC) Margaret Jack AM said the NSW Trade Statement will help boost NSW’s economy following the impacts of COVID-19.
“Our world is experiencing rapid economic, social and geopolitical changes and to thrive in a COVID-19 resilient world, we must understand and adapt to the key challenges and opportunities that exporting has to offer,” Ms Jack said.
The NSW Trade Statement outlines strategies to expand NSW exports including:

1. increasing the number of exporting businesses from NSW, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs);
2. exporting a more diverse range of goods, services and technologies, reflecting the true breadth and depth of NSW’s world leading capabilities;
3. not only growing exports in established markets, but also increasing the number of overseas markets that we export to; and
4. building new pathways like ecommerce for how we export to reach a global customer base of billions of consumers.

Mr Barilaro said the NSW Trade Statement gives clear direction on how government will assist exporters to harness new global market opportunities.
“This is an ambitious challenge, but NSW has never settled for ordinary,” Mr Barilaro said.
“From our north to our south, east to west, I want everyone to maximise their potential and this NSW Trade Statement is our guide to get there.”
To view the NSW Trade Statement, please visit: https://investment.nsw.gov.au/nswtradestatement.

Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock today announced the release of a new interactive map that allows the community to see the progress coastal councils are making with their Coastal Management Programs (CMPs).
Mrs Hancock said the innovative tool makes it easier for people to see what work is underway to help manage their local coastlines.
“Now our coastal communities can jump online and easily see progress on their council’s CMP, as well as how many grants their council has received through the NSW Government’s Coastal and Estuary Program,” Mrs Hancock said.
“In addition to links to the relevant local council’s website for more information, the new map has clickable colour-coded icons to reflect which stage in the process the CMP is up to.
“It’s a valuable asset that is going to help facilitate local communities to engage even more with councils and their efforts to protect and preserve their precious coastline.”
Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment and Member for North Shore Felicity Wilson said the NSW Government is committed to working with local councils to assist with planning and managing the state’s coastlines and estuaries.
“This new interactive map is another example of how the NSW Government is supporting councils and their communities to protect their local environment,” Ms Wilson said.
“Grants under the Coastal and Estuary Program help councils plan for the future and protect these unique natural assets, which are brimming with native flora and fauna, and are also popular places for recreation.”
Coastal councils can apply at any time during the 2021–22 financial year for funding towards planning and studies to help develop their CMP.
View the map at www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/water/coasts/coastal-management/programs/coastal-management-program-progress.

I have had to make an extremely difficult decision overnight, but one which I feel obliged to do because of the love and respect that I have for the people of New South Wales and the high regard which I have for the office of Premier.
I was advised late yesterday afternoon the Independent Commission Against Corruption would today release a public statement in which it will state it is investigating allegations made about me concerning matters relating to the former member for Wagga Wagga.
As it will be clear from the ICAC statement, the issues which it is investigating are historic matters that have already been the subject of numerous attacks on me by political opponents during the last 12 months.
Many of the matters were the subject of questions I was asked by the opposition while appearing before an estimates committee hearing earlier this year. I want to be very clear, in all the decisions I have ever made as a Minister or as Premier for New South Wales, my first consideration has always been the well-being and welfare of the people of this state.
I state categorically, I have always acted with the highest level of integrity. History will demonstrate that I have always executed my duties with the highest degree of integrity for the benefit of the people of NSW who I have had the privilege to serve.
As the leader of the New South Wales Government, I have expected the highest of standards of myself and my colleagues. I have made it clear on numerous occasions that if any of my ministers were the subject of allegations being investigated by an integrity agency or law-enforcement, then he or she should stand aside during the course of the investigation until their name was cleared. The reason for my stance was not to have made any presumptions as to their conduct, but rather to maintain the integrity of the public office which was held whilst an investigation was completed.
That same standard must apply to me as Premier.
However, standing aside is not an option for me as the Premier of New South Wales. The people of New South Wales need certainty as to who their leader is during these challenging times of the pandemic. I cannot predict how long it will take the ICAC to complete this investigation, let alone deliver a report, in circumstances where I was first called to give evidence at a public hearing nearly 12 months ago. Therefore, it pains me to announce that I have no option but to resign the office of Premier. My resignation will take effect as soon as the New South Wales liberal party can elect a new Parliamentary leader.
In order to allow the new leader and government a fresh start, I will also resign from the New South Wales Parliament once I have consulted the electoral commission on appropriate timing for a by-election given the COVID restrictions.
My resignation as Premier could not happen at a worse time, but the timing is completely outside of my control as the ICAC has chosen to take this action during the most challenging weeks of the most challenging times in the history of NSW.
That is the ICAC’s prerogative. Resigning at this time is against every instinct in my being and something which I do not want to do, I love my job, and serving the community, but I have been given no option following the statement issued.
To continue as Premier would disrupt the State Government during a time when our entire attention should be focused on the challenges confronting New South Wales. I do not want to be a distraction from what should be the focus of the state government during this pandemic, which is the well-being of our citizens.
Notwithstanding the challenges of the last few years and few months in particular, I have never felt stronger, nor more confident in my leadership. I have absolutely no regrets during my time in public life. At times we all stumble, pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and start again stronger and wiser than before. I have done this many times, as we all have.
My only regret will be not to be able to finish the job to ensure the people of New South Wales transition to living freely with COVID.
However, I am extremely confident that whoever succeeds me will be more than capable of continuing this job. Please give them your trust and confidence. We will come through this period stronger, more resilient, and appreciating what really matters in life.
I feel strong, energised and optimistic about the future of this great state.
I want to thank the thousands of our frontline heroes who have kept us safe and kept us going during the darkest days in our state history. I owe you a debt of gratitude.
Nothing that we can say or do will be able to demonstrate the significance of what you have done.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Liberal Party to whom I owe my career, the people of the electorate of Willoughby who have elected me five times to be their member of Parliament, my Parliamentary colleagues for their support and hard work, my outstanding and loyal staff past and present, and all the professional public servants with whom I have worked.
I also want to thank my family and friends who have provided me with unconditional support and understanding when I have not been as present due to my responsibilities. Most importantly I want to thank you, the people of New South Wales. When the chips were down in the past years, in particular during the drought, bushfires and then COVID, we stood alongside each other. We have grieved and supported each other during these tragedies. I hope you know that you will remain foremost in my thoughts.
The courage that you display in your lives every day has inspired me every step of the way. The courage and the support you have shown me has humbled me and made me a better leader and a better person. Serving you has been the greatest privilege of my life. Please know that every day I gave it my all and worked as hard as I could to create a better future for our state and its people.
I truly believe that New South Wales is a place where every person, irrespective of their background and circumstances has the opportunity to be their best, to make a difference.
So as I address you for the final time as your Premier, please stay the course and stay safe. We will be shortly out of this lockdown and be able to get on with our lives. NSW and its people will come out of this lockdown stronger, and together we will build a future full of optimism and hope.
Finally, thank you again for giving me the honour of being your Premier

A NSW Police Force civilian employee has been charged following an investigation into an alleged incident of false representation.
In August 2021, officers from The Hills Police Area Command commenced an investigation after reports a 30-year-old woman had purported to be a man and child – to a woman known to her.
Following inquiries, the woman was issued a Court Attendance Notice today (Thursday 30 September 2021) for false representation resulting in a police investigation.
She is due to appear before Parramatta Local Court on Wednesday 10 November 2021.
Her employment status is under review.

An officer has been charged over an alleged domestic-related incident.
Officers from Campbelltown City Police Area Command commenced an investigation yesterday (Friday 1 October 2021), after reports a 27-year-old woman was allegedly harassing a 33-year-old man – who was known to her – via phone.
Following inquiries, the woman was arrested at a home in Bardia later the same day and taken to Campbelltown Police Station.
The woman – who is attached to the South West Metropolitan Region – was charged with use carriage service to menace/harass/offend.
She was granted conditional bail to appear before Campbelltown Local Court on Tuesday 5 October 2021.
The officer is currently suspended without pay.

New South Wales is leading the nation’s charge towards a low-emissions energy system after the NSW Government approved stage one of a $1.8 billion transmission line that would link NSW and South Australia’s energy networks for the first time.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said stage one planning approval had been granted for the NSW Western Section of Energy Connect, a 900-kilometre transmission line that would run from Wagga Wagga to Robertstown in SA, with a spur line to Victoria.
“Today’s approval is a major step towards facilitating the delivery of what would be the largest energy transmission project undertaken in Australia in more than 30 years,” Mr Stokes said.
“The first stage will run from the Buronga substation to the Victorian border and create 600 construction jobs and inject $418 million into our regional economy.
“To get to a low-emissions energy system our nation needs robust and reliable transmission infrastructure and that’s why we declared Energy Connect Critical State Significant Infrastructure in 2019 because it will be a fundamental part of Australia’s energy future.”
Minister for Energy and Environment Matt Kean said the project will accelerate progress under the NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap and help us achieve a 50 per cent reduction in emissions by 2030.
“The Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap is our plan to replace our ageing electricity infrastructure and secure NSW’s future as a clean energy superpower,” Mr Kean said.
“This approval will help to unlock transmission constraints in southern NSW and help to open up the South-West Renewable Energy Zone.
“The South-West Renewable Energy Zone will drive jobs and investment into regional NSW, and help to provide our households and businesses with some of the cheapest, cleanest electricity anywhere in the world.”
Energy Connect is being delivered by Transgrid and will be built in two stages, with the majority to be located in NSW.
Stage one will now be referred to the Federal Government for approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, before construction is expected to begin next year.
Stage two will involve the development of the 540-kilometre eastern section between Buronga and Wagga Wagga and will be subject to a separate development application. The overall project is expected to be operational by 2024.
For more information visit: https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/project/25821.

More people facing hardship across NSW will have access to free legal support thanks to $95 million in additional Commonwealth legal assistance funding over four years.
Attorney General and Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Mark Speakman said the record investment will support our hardworking legal assistance sector meet the unprecedented service demand from the COVID-19 health and economic crisis.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has put significant pressure on vulnerable people throughout NSW and highlighted the critical need for access to free legal services,” Mr Speakman said.
“I’m very thankful for the contribution of our dedicated legal assistance providers in delivering much-needed support for disadvantaged people, when so many are doing it tough.
“I encourage providers to apply for funding to support victim-survivors of domestic and sexual violence, people in need of mental health services, and other disadvantaged groups grappling with financial stress that’s often intensified by COVID-19.”
Free legal assistance services are available for socially and economically disadvantaged people facing a range of issues, including job losses, debt problems, housing insecurity, family law matters and people in need of support when they are the victim of violence.
The new funding includes:

• $39.3 million for Legal Aid NSW, community legal centres and other service providers to assist vulnerable women, with a focus on victims of domestic and family violence;
• $16 million to support people with mental health conditions access the justice system;
• $12.2 million to assist workers experiencing sexual harassment or discrimination;
• $23.5 million for Legal Aid NSW to extend Family Advocacy and Support Services (FASS), including new court locations, and increased mental health supports; and
• $2.4 million for providers to expand Domestic Violence Units (DVU) with dedicated mental health support and increased outreach to women in regional or remote areas.

This record investment in the legal assistance sector is part of the National Legal Assistance Partnership Agreement 2020-25 (NLAP).
Commonwealth Attorney-General Michaelia Cash said the funding would assist vulnerable Australians facing disadvantage to access vital legal services.
“The Morrison Government is committed to supporting legal assistance services to ensure vulnerable Australians continue to have access to justice,” Ms Cash said.
“Across Australia, we are working with states and territories through the NLAP to continually invest in these important services. We will provide more than $2.3 billion over 5 years for legal assistance services across Australia under the NLAP.”
Legal Aid NSW CEO Brendan Thomas said demand for DVU advice had more than doubled during the first wave of the pandemic in 2020, and that while the unit usually fields around 1,000 calls annually, there’d been more than 6,000 calls in the 12 months to March 2021.
“Lockdowns are about staying home to be protected from COVID-19. But for the women we work with, home is not always a safe place, a fact that may have been exacerbated due to mandatory lockdowns and other necessary health restrictions,” Mr Thomas said.
“Our DVU is critical in helping victim-survivors seek protection orders, navigate the family law system, access support and safe housing, and seek financial counselling.”
For confidential advice, support and referrals, contact: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), The NSW Domestic Violence Line (1800 65 64 63) or Men’s Referral Service (1300 766 491).

Schools will begin their staggered return to face to face learning on Monday 18 October, one week earlier than initially planned, thanks to the heroic vaccination efforts of NSW.
Students will now return to face-to-face learning with NSW Health approved COVID-safe settings on the following dates:

• From 18 October – Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 12
• From  25 October – Year 2, 6 and 11
• From 1 November – Year 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the return to school plan was always linked to the vaccination rates of the community, and thanks to faster vaccination rates than expected, students will be able to return to the classroom sooner.
“We have been clear that a return to school should begin once the state passed 70 per cent fully vaccinated, and thanks to the incredible efforts from the people of NSW, we will reach that milestone sooner than expected,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Managing a return in a school system the size of NSW’s is not a small task. Keeping the staged approach, but moving it all one week earlier, allows schools to shift their plans forward and still provides time for staff and eligible students to get vaccinated.”
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said an additional week of quality face-to-face learning for students is worth having and can be achieved in a safe and sensible way.
“It’s fantastic that we will meet vaccination targets in NSW earlier than originally anticipated. This has allowed us to shift the plan forward for all schools across impacted areas,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Bringing the return forward allows schools to keep their plans for a staggered return, and provides time for staff to get their second dose. From 18 October, all staff that need to be on site must be fully vaccinated.
“I know there remain some concerns in the community around a return to school, but students, staff and parents should feel confident that this approach allows enough time to make schools as COVID safe as possible.”
The final date for staff to receive two doses of the COVID vaccine remains 8 November, unless staff have a medical exemption.
Families who cannot keep their children at home for any reason have always been able to send their children to school, and that continues to be the case.
Schools will begin communicating their COVID-safe plans to families from next week.
The public health advice for parents to keep their children home from early childhood education and care services where possible will also be lifted from 18 October 2021.
Areas of Regional NSW where stay at home orders have already been lifted will continue learning face-to-face from Day 1, Term 4.