Category: NSW News

The largest professional learning program in Australia for assistant principals and head teachers will begin next year to build leadership excellence and help lift student outcomes across public schools.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said research shows that middle leaders – assistant principals and head teachers – play a crucial role in leading excellence in teaching practices and in student outcomes.
“Our new 18-month professional learning program will help middle leaders strengthen their leadership skills, develop their practice and expand their influence and impact in their classrooms and beyond,” Ms Mitchell said.
“The program is the first time a comprehensive development program for middle school leaders has been implemented across an entire public school system in Australia.
“We’ve developed this in partnership with academic experts from the University of Wollongong and the University of Newcastle. The program will be world-class and ground-breaking in the impact it will have in our schools.”
Applications for the first cohort of the MLDP are now open, with the first seminar to be held in February 2022. Up to 200 middle leaders will be part of the first program and over time it will be offered to up to 500 middle leaders per intake.
Participants in the program will take part in a series of leadership conferences and online sessions, covering six learning modules, and will work in teams with the support of experienced principals and deputy principals. Middle leaders who complete the program can receive recognition of prior learning for further tertiary study.
“We have more than 10,000 assistant principals and head teachers across our system, leading learning in classrooms and leading their staff. This program will help them grow as leaders and help lift student achievement across NSW public schools,” Ms Mitchell said.

Religious discrimination will be outlawed in NSW, Attorney General Mark Speakman announced today.
“NSW is a proudly multicultural and multi-faith society. We’re pleased to be taking this critical step to protect people of faith and of no faith from discrimination and to support freedom of religion,” Mr Speakman said.
“By making discrimination on the grounds of religion unlawful, we’re ensuring that our laws reflect modern community values.”
The NSW Government will introduce a bill in Parliament to amend the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW), adding religion to existing protected grounds of disability, sex, race, age, marital or domestic status, homosexuality, transgender status and carer’s responsibilities. These reforms will see NSW join other states and territories in making religious discrimination unlawful.
Minister for Multiculturalism Natalie Ward said the reforms will support those facing religious discrimination to access remedies and support through Anti-Discrimination NSW.
“Religious discrimination is unacceptable in our community and the NSW Government is committed to stopping this behaviour,” Mrs Ward said.
“We have a harmonious multi-faith community in NSW which is grounded in respect. It deserves recognition and protection to thrive.”
In June 2021, the Commonwealth Government announced its intention to introduce a Religious Discrimination Bill to protect against discrimination based on religious belief or activity in key areas of public life into Federal Parliament by the end of this year.
The NSW Government plans to await the passage of the Commonwealth Bill through Parliament before finalising the detail of NSW reforms, to enable it to consider the interaction of Commonwealth law with NSW reforms and to avoid constitutional inconsistency.
This announcement responds to the central recommendation of a NSW Parliamentary Inquiry, which found that there was a strong need to protect people from discrimination on the grounds of religious beliefs and activities.
The reform also responds to a recommendation of the Expert Panel Report: Religious Freedom Review (the “Ruddock review”) that NSW should amend its anti-discrimination law to protect against discrimination on religious grounds.

A new child protection taskforce will work to prevent vulnerable children slipping through the cracks, by better coordinating services and support throughout the lockdown and beyond.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Alister Henskens said the Child Wellbeing Taskforce would bring together NSW Government agencies and non-government sector leaders, to develop a plan for the transition out of lockdown.
“When it comes to protecting children, everybody has a role to play, and this Taskforce will ensure a coordinated effort to improve services and support for those most vulnerable,” Mr Henskens said.
“We’ve worked hard throughout the lockdown to ensure continuity of services and support for at-risk children, but we also recognise that this difficult time may have adversely affected some children and young people.
“The Taskforce will develop a plan for the road ahead that focuses on the wellbeing of children and young people as we transition out of lockdown.”
The Child Wellbeing Taskforce will include representatives from the Department of Communities and Justice, Department of Education and sector peak organisations.
The initial focus will be promoting awareness of child abuse and neglect to all frontline workers, improving access to digital devices and internet for at-risk families and enhancing support for young people exiting out-of-home care.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said teachers play an important role in the child protection system.
“As frontline workers, it’s important teachers know what to look out for and how to respond when they see something that is not right,” Ms Mitchell said.
“The NSW Government is taking a holistic approach to supporting children during this difficult time, mental health and wellbeing support is also front and centre for students.
“The new Taskforce will help a range of front-line staff, including teachers, identify those at-risk and connect them to support.”
Association of Children’s Welfare Agencies (ACWA) CEO Steve Kinmond said ACWA was pleased to support the NSW Government’s establishment of the taskforce.
“We have no doubt that only a strong partnership between government agencies and the non-government sector will deliver the best outcomes for vulnerable children and families,” Mr Kinmond said.
“In order to enhance the educational opportunities for vulnerable children, we need educators, community service agencies and other key stakeholders, to work in lockstep with each other, in providing all children the with best education possible, both during COVID and beyond.”
The Child Wellbeing Taskforce will meet for the first time next week.

Projects which shine a light on the important service of our veterans will be boosted by the Anzac Community Grants Program, which is now open for applications.
Minister for Veterans Natalie Ward said the program’s opening coincides with History Week, and would promote awareness of our veterans’ vital contribution.
“We’re looking to support projects which enrich communities and heighten understanding of our veterans’ efforts both past and present,” Mrs Ward said.
“Around 1,200 veterans transition into NSW communities from the Defence Force every year and we remain committed to supporting them after service.
“This is an opportunity to get projects off the ground, at a grassroots level across many communities.”
Applications are open to individuals and not-for-profit organisations, including local government authorities, ex-service organisations, non-Government organisations and educational institutions.
Grants cover four categories: local community historical research and education; preservation or display of war memorabilia; public commemorative events, arts and culture; and support to members of the NSW veteran community.
Last year more than 40 projects were selected, including a replica battlefield trench, a digital image gallery of 600 photos, and woodwork to preserve a living memorial.
The North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club received a grant to assist veterans in becoming qualified lifesavers through the Bronze Medallion course.
“This encourages veterans to socialise and engage with their local communities, while recognising their defence force skills,” Club Life Member and Trustee Mark Cotter said.
Grants of up to $2,000 per organisation are available and applications close on Remembrance Day, 11 November 2021. For more information: veterans.nsw.gov.au/commemoration/anzac-community-grants-program.

Starting today school, early childhood, TAFE NSW, Vocational Education and Training (VET) and university staff can access the Qudos vaccination hub in Homebush for Astra Zeneca vaccinations.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Education Sarah Mitchell said tens of thousands of vaccinations have been reserved exclusively for education staff, with vaccinations one of the best lines of defence against the virus.
“The Qudos hub is complimented by 35 walk-in clinics in western NSW, and countless more clinics, GPs and pharmacies across regional NSW who are taking bookings,” Ms Mitchell said.
“As we prepare for a staged return to school from 25 October, and holding HSC exams from 9 November, vaccinating all staff is essential to increase safety and minimise disruption.
“I’m pleased to see that large numbers of the teaching workforce have already come forward to be vaccinated. Vaccinating staff, along with stringent school restrictions including mask wearing, will help make schools as safe as possible when students return.”
From 8 November 2021, all NSW school and preschool staff will be required to have received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine.
“The Qudos hub and walk-in hubs across NSW provide an opportunity for any staff member 18 years and above to quickly start or finish their vaccination journey,” Ms Mitchell said.
“With more supply entering the system I am hopeful we can create even more opportunities for staff and students to be vaccinated.”
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the safety of the state’s students, apprentices and trainees, as well as teachers and support staff is at the heart of the education vaccination blitz.
“We know that skills training will play an important role in helping our industries and economy re-open and recover from COVID-19, which is why the NSW Government is prioritising vaccinations for those working in this sector,” Mr Lee said.
“By getting vaccinated, you are ensuring apprentices can get back to learning the tools of their trade, students can get back into classrooms and teachers can get back to teaching face-to-face as soon as possible.”
The Department of Education will continue to work with NSW Health to prioritise vaccinations for all staff across NSW, as well as HSC students over the coming weeks.
For more information about the COVID-19 Vaccination Program in NSW please go to nsw.gov.au/covid-19
BOOKING DETAILS
Qudos Bank Arena Vaccination Centre, Sydney Olympic Park
7am – 9pm, from Monday 6 September – Sunday 12 September
Bookings available here or via HealthDirect: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/
Parking is free in P1, Sydney Olympic Park
Walk-in locations and booking details for education staff in regional areas are available at the following link:
https://wnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/covid-19-information/covid-19-vaccination

The NSW Government is appealing for drivers in regional NSW to take extra care this Rural Road Safety Month, as a confronting new video is released, showing the tragic impacts of a horror crash near Dubbo.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said he hoped the video would remind everyone to take road safety seriously – and that the decisions people make behind the wheel can have fatal consequences.
“The video shows the aftermath of a seven vehicle crash at road works on the Newell Highway, north of Dubbo in January 2018, where two young people – 21-year-old Reagan Skinner and 19 year old Hannah Ferguson, tragically lost their lives,” Mr Toole said.
“It also includes interviews with workers who witnessed the crash and a NSW Police Officer who was one of the first responders. Their stories drive home how one moment can change the lives of so many in an instant.”
So far this year, 184 people have died on NSW roads – 127 of those on country roads.
“This is why the NSW Government is investing $640 million over four years as part of the Saving Lives on Country Roads Initiative, to upgrade roads throughout regional NSW,” Mr Toole said.
“So far we’ve delivered 183 projects in 2020/21 and work is currently underway on 132 new and continuing road safety infrastructure projects right across the state, including $47.6 million on the New England Highway between Willow Tree and Uralla and $37.5 million on the Olympic Highway.
“This includes safety measures such as installing wide centre lines, life-saving flexible barriers, rumble strips and other safety devices to help prevent run-off-road and head-on crashes on country roads.
“Although COVID-19 means we are seeing fewer people on the roads, now is not the time to be complacent. It’s my hope that this video will remind all road users to think about how their driving behaviour can help keep everyone on the road safe.
“Before you get behind the wheel, stop and think about what you can do to make sure you arrive at your destination safely – slow down, make sure you’re well rested and never drive if affected by drugs or alcohol.”
Rural Road Safety Month is an initiative of the Australian Road Safety Foundation. More information can be found at: https://arsf.com.au/rrsw-home/

A Super Sunday vaccination blitz has been organised for this Sunday for all police, fire and emergency services personnel who live or work in LGAs of concern.
Eligible workers can log in and book a priority Pfizer vaccination appointment for tomorrow (Sunday 5 September 2021).
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said police and emergency workers have been in the frontline of the COVID battle for more than 20 months and eligible workers need to come forward.
“While there has been a very high take-up of vaccination by workers in these services, there are still some in the LGAs of concern who need to be vaccinated and I’d strongly urge anyone eligible to log on and book your place for Super Sunday,” Mr Elliott said.
“This is your opportunity to get your vaccination and ensure you, your family, your work colleagues and your clients are protected.”
Only police, fire, and emergency service workers who live or work in the LGAs of concern are eligible. Tomorrow’s Super Sunday is also open to healthcare, hospital and aged-care workers. Workers from all agencies must be 16 years or above.
Emergency services workers and volunteers from organisations including the NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW SES, Fire and Rescue NSW, Marine Rescue NSW, Surf Life Saving NSW, and VRA Rescue NSW are encouraged to come forward for vaccination.
The LGAs are: Bayside, Blacktown, Burwood, Camden, Campbelltown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Georges River, Liverpool, Parramatta, Penrith, Strathfield, Randwick suburb (2031).
Proof of occupation (ID card or letter from employer) is required at the appointment to demonstrate eligibility.
Participating vaccination hubs are located at Sydney Olympic Park, Bankstown, Macquarie Fields, and Prairiewood; booking links can be found on the webpage: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/health-and-wellbeing/covid-19-vaccination-nsw/emergency-services-super-sunday

The NSW Police Force has been bolstered by the addition of 250 new officers this year, representing the third allocation of the NSW Government’s commitment to invest in 1,500 new police over four years.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said 115 of the police positions will join commands in regional and metropolitan areas, while other positions will be allocated to specialist commands.
“The Raptor Squad will benefit from 20 additional officers to target organised crime, while the Criminal Groups Squad and Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad will both benefit from 10 extra positions,” Mr Elliott said.
“These new officers are part of a $583 million investment by the NSW Government, to add 1500 additional police over four years.”
“The additional positions will make a real difference to the NSW Police Force and give them a greater ability to keep our State safe, especially during a time when police have been relied on so heavily,” Mr Elliott said.
NSW Police Force Commissioner Mick Fuller APM said the additional police positions put the organisation in a solid position to adapt and respond to new and emerging crime issues.
“A modern police force must be resilient, adaptable and responsive. We have clearly demonstrated that capability over the past 20 months as we responded to the threat of COVID-19,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“Despite stay-at-home orders and other gathering limitations, criminal enterprise has not ceased. These additional resources will be the boost we need to respond to whatever threats we may face in the future.”
Field Operations Commands set to receive extra positions for 2021-22 are:

• Northern Region – 18 (including one Child Protection Register officer and three positions for the Region Enforcement Squad)
• Southern Region – 18 (including four Child Protection Register officers and two officers for the Region Enforcement Squad)
• Western Region – 13 (including four Child Protection Register officers and two officers for the Region DV High Risk Offender Team)
• Central Metropolitan Region – 14 (comprising nine Child Protection Register officers and five officers for the Region DV High Risk Offender Team)
• North West Metropolitan Region – 36 (10 Child Protection Register officers and three officers for the Region Operations Support Group)
• South West Metropolitan Region – 16 (including four Child Protection Register officers and six officers for the Region Enforcement Squad)

Additional positions allocated to Police Area Commands and Police Districts include,

• Barrier PD (four additional positions),
• Camden PAC (seven additional positions)
• Coffs/Clarence PD (three additional positions)
• Lake Macquarie PD (two additional positions)
• Quakers Hill PAC (seven additional positions)
• South Coast PD (six additional positions), and
• The Hills PAC (nine additional positions).

The remaining allocations will be distributed to other specialist commands across the Force. Allocations are determined based on resource requirements and how best to prevent, disrupt and respond to emerging crime issues.

For the latest COVID-19 advice & information please visit www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19

COVID-19 ECONOMIC SUPPORT MEASURES EXTENDED

• The NSW Government has announced an additional $3.9 billion in funding, including $1.5 billion from the Commonwealth, as part of its COVID-19 economic support package providing ongoing assistance to businesses and individuals affected by current lockdown restrictions across the State.
• This additional funding will extend the successful JobSaver program and Micro-business Grant and continue rent relief incentives.
• Additional relief for businesses will also be provided with further reductions in payroll tax as well as allowing eligible businesses to defer their payroll tax payments, due from July 2021 through to December 2021, until the 14 January 2022 with 12-month interest free repayment plans to be available.
• The NSW Government has now committed $7.7 billion in COVID-19 support measures, with a further $3.4 billion from the Commonwealth, bringing the total assistance for businesses and individuals to more than $11 billion.

• For more information on the 2021 COVID-19 Support Package visit: www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/2021-covid-19-support-package.
• Support for individuals impacted by the current COVID-19 restrictions and stay-at-home orders is also available through Services Australia. For more information visit: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/covid19.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE EXTENDED FOR TENANTS AND LANDLORDS

• The NSW Government has announced an increase to the Residential Tenancy Support Package to up to $4,500 per tenancy and an extension to the eviction moratorium until 11 November 2021, giving increased security to residential tenants impacted by COVID-19.
• The Residential Tenancy Support Package will now provide payments of up to $4,500 per tenancy as long as landlords reduce rent for their tenants by at least that much and have not claimed land tax relief. This is a further $1,500 increase and comes as part of our commitment to supporting people who have taken a hit due to COVID-19.
• Applications for the increased rebate will open shortly. Landlords who have already claimed the rebate can offer further rent reductions and apply for an additional rebate up to $4,500.
• Alternately, a landlord who has yet to apply for the rebate can do so in a single application. For more information on the package or to apply go to Residential tenancy support package | NSW Fair Trading.

MORE FREE TAFE COURSES ANNOUNCED

• The NSW Government has announced additional fee-free TAFE NSW lockdown learning courses after more than 10,000 NSW residents enrolled to study in less than a month.
• Recently added fee-free short courses include:

• Statement of Attainment in Start your Career in Hairdressing/Barbering
• Statement of Attainment in Start your Career in Beauty
• Statement of Attainment in Drones in Agriculture
• Statement of Attainment in Create and Design Spreadsheets
• Statement of Attainment in Food Safety Supervision

• For the full list of courses and to view the eligibility criteria, visit www.tafensw.edu.au/fee-free-short-courses or call 131 601.

TARGETED COVID-19 SUPPORT FOR ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIES

• Quick response grants of up to $10,000 are available for Aboriginal community organisations and groups to meet the immediate health and wellbeing needs of Aboriginal people across the state as part of Aboriginal Affairs NSW’s COVID-19 response strategy.
• Aboriginal communities are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, and these grants will enable Aboriginal services to support people already impacted by COVID-19 as well as taking preventative steps such as encouraging vaccination.
• Applications for the COVID-19 Aboriginal Community Response Program are now open via www.aboriginalaffairs.nsw.gov.au/grants/covid-19-aboriginal-community-response-grants-program.

COMMENCEMENT OF BUSH FIRE DANGER PERIOD FOR COASTAL NSW

• This week saw the commencement of the Bush Fire Danger Period for Coastal NSW, including 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs). This brings the total number of LGAs currently experiencing heightened bush fire risk to 27 across NSW.
• LGAs entering their Bush Fire Danger Period this week are: Muswellbrook, Singleton, Mid-Coast, Port Macqurie-Hastings, Clarence Valley, Ballina, Byron, Tweed, Nambucca, Kempsey, Bellingen, Coffs Harbour, Lismore, Richmond Valley, Kyogle, Gunnedah, Liverpool Plains, Upper Hunter, Bega Valley, Eurobodalla and Shoalhaven.
• They join the LGAs who commenced their Bush Fire Danger Period on 1 August: Armidale, Walcha, Uralla, Glen Innes Severn, Inverell and Tenterfield.
• Remaining areas of NSW are scheduled to commence their Bush Fire Danger Period on 1 October 2021.
• As communities enter their Bush Fire Danger Period that they now have additional responsibilities, and must obtain the required approvals before lighting any fires and ensure they have adequate firefighting resources on hand.
• Those who fail to notify firefighters and neighbours face fines of up to $5500 and/or 12 months’ jail while escaped burns attract penalties of up to $110,000 and/or five years’ prison.

LOCK IN THE PERFECT LOCKDOWN GIFT ON THE NSW GOVERNMENT’S BUY REGIONAL WEBSITE 

• With stay-at-home orders currently in place across NSW, shoppers are encouraged to jump online and support regional businesses without leaving their home by checking out the myriad of gifts available on the NSW Government’s Buy Regional website.
• Buy Regional is a win-win for Sydney siders who can score a special present for their dad or a father figure this Father’s Day while supporting regional businesses at the same time.
• To register your regional business or to lock in the perfect lockdown gift, head to www.nsw.gov.au/buyregional.

OPERA HOUSE SAILS TO LIGHT UP IN VIRTUAL TRIBUTE TO OLYMPIANS AND PARALYMPIANS

• In recognition of the amazing efforts of our 486 Olympians and 179 Paralympians in Tokyo, the Sydney Opera House sails will light up with the faces of each Australian athlete this Sunday, with the projection livestreamed so everyone can pay tribute from home.
• Due to COVID-19 restrictions, it will not be possible to watch the event in person, people can only watch on the livestream from home.
• To watch the illumination, head to nsw.gov.au/Olympics at 6.30pm this Sunday, 5 September 2021.

SECOND ROUND OF $100 MILLION NSW SPORTS INFRASTRUCTURE FUND OPENS

• The State’s sports infrastructure boom is set for a further boost, with the opening of the latest round of a $100 million funding program by the NSW Government.
• The Fund will provide grants from $100,000 up to $1 million to eligible sport and recreation organisations and councils. Eligible projects include lighting, amenity buildings, clubrooms, change rooms and grandstands.
• Round 2 is the final round of the program and sporting organisations and councils are urged to apply. The grant application and assessment process will be overseen by an independent probity advisor. Applications are open and will close on 8 October 2021. For more details, see: www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants.

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR 2022 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS

• The search is on for the most outstanding and influential women in NSW, with nominations now open for the 2022 NSW Women of the Year Awards.
• Categories include the Woman of Excellence, Aboriginal Woman of the Year, Aware Super NSW Community Hero of the Year, Young Woman of the Year and Regional Woman of the Year.
• The One to Watch, which recognises girls aged seven to 17 who supported others through acts of courage, strength, determination or kindness, is in its second year.
• Nominations close on Friday 17 September and can be submitted here: https://facs.smartygrants.com.au/WOTYA2022.

SLOW DOWN IN SCHOOL ZONES ACROSS NSW

• Drivers are reminded to slow down and take extra care in school zones across NSW, with schools remaining open for families who need it.
• At the end of July, the number of people caught speeding in school zones reached more than 150 per cent above the pre-lockdown average. While there has been some improvement, there are still far too many drivers doing the wrong thing now.
• To help keep children safe, the NSW Government has made sure every school has at least one set of flashing lights, with additional sets also installed outside many schools with multiple busy entrances.
• The NSW Government is also investing an extra $18.5 million to provide 300 new School Crossing Supervisors – with 275 already on the ground, including 65 in regional NSW – offering more protection for children and improved visibility of crossings for motorists.
• Higher fines and demerit points also apply to certain driving and parking offences committed within school zones.

The Berejiklian Government today announced an additional $3.9 billion in funding, including $1.5 billion from the Commonwealth, as part of its COVID-19 economic support package providing ongoing assistance to businesses and individuals affected by current lockdown restrictions across the State.
This additional funding will extend the successful JobSaver program and Micro-business Grant and continue rent relief incentives.
Additional relief for businesses will also be provided with further reductions in payroll tax as well as allowing eligible businesses to defer their payroll tax payments, due from July 2021 through to December 2021, until the 14 January 2022 with 12-month interest free repayment plans to be available.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said this further $3.9 billion in ongoing support would be vital to help keep businesses in business and people in jobs.
“We are giving businesses, employees and families across the State certainty they can access the financial help needed to get them through,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We know business and communities are doing it tough and this ongoing support will not only help get them through the depths of the pandemic but will also provide them with a springboard to bounce back once restrictions ease.
“We will continue to stand by businesses and individuals and provide the support needed. We will also be there on the other side as we emerge from lockdown and head towards recovery.”
The NSW Government has now committed $7.7 billion in COVID-19 support measures, with a further $3.4 billion from the Commonwealth, bringing the total assistance for businesses and individuals to more than $11 billion.
The NSW Government’s additional $3.9 billion funding commitment will provide:
Extension of JobSaver from 28 August

• Eligible businesses with a turnover between $75,000 to $250 million that continue to experience a minimum 30 per cent decline in turnover due to the Public Health Order will be eligible for payments of up to 40 per cent of their pre-COVID weekly NSW payroll;
• Eligible businesses in the hospitality, tourism and recreation sectors with a turnover of more than $250 million and up to $1 billion that continue to experience the requisite decline in turnover due to the Public Health Order will be eligible to receive payments of 40 per cent of their pre-COVID weekly NSW payroll, up to $500,000 per week;

• Eligible Not-for-Profit (NFP) organisations in the social support and animal welfare sectors with a turnover between $75,000 and $250 million that show a minimum 15 per cent decline in turnover will be eligible for payments of up to 40 per cent of their pre-COVID weekly NSW payroll. Eligible NFPs will be able to apply from later in September to access backdated payments.

Extension of the COVID-19 Micro-business Grant from 28 August

• Eligible businesses with a turnover of more than $30,000 and less than $75,000 that continue to experience a minimum 30 per cent decline in turnover due to the Public Health Order will be eligible for a fortnightly payment of $1,500.

Extension of payroll tax deferrals and waivers

• Businesses eligible for a 2021 COVID-19 Business Grant or JobSaver with payrolls $10 million or less will be eligible for a 50 per cent reduction (waiver) in their 2021-22 payroll tax, up from 25 per cent.

• All businesses will also be able to further defer payroll tax payments due from July 2021 through to December 2021. The payments will now not be due until 14 January 2022, and 12-month interest free repayment plans will become available.

Extension of support for commercial, retail, and residential landlords

• Eligible commercial and retail landlords that provide rental waivers to COVID[1]19 impacted tenants and have not claimed land tax relief, will be eligible for a monthly grant of up to $3,000; and

• Eligible residential landlords can choose between applying for land tax relief or a further payment of $1,500, taking total assistance to a maximum of $4,500 per tenancy if they agree to reduce the rent for COVID-19 impacted tenants by at least $4,500.

Minister for Digital and Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the Government will continue to prioritise the fast payment of funds to businesses.
“We’ve put on close to 500 assessors in recent weeks and refined the application process. As a result, the number of applications older than 14 days is less than one per cent,” Mr Dominello said.
“We’re continuing to tailor our financial assistance to meet the needs across NSW and working around the clock to process applications and get money into accounts as quickly as possible. To date, we’ve approved more than 300,000 business grant and seen $3.3 billion out the door.”
A new hardship panel will also assess businesses that do not qualify for COVID-19 grants, on a case-by-case basis.
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the extension of these measures would be a major boost for small businesses throughout NSW.
“Businesses are experiencing one of the toughest periods right now and as restrictions continue, we’ve heard loud and clear that businesses across the state need this ongoing support and more to get them through to the other side of this,” Mr Tudehope said.
“The extension of JobSaver and Microbusiness payments announced today combined with more payroll tax relief will give thousands of businesses the extra assistance they need as we move forward to focus on opening the doors and turning the lights on once restrictions ease.
“We simply cannot and will not turn away from small businesses in NSW – they need our support and the NSW Government is standing by them.”
For more information on the 2021 COVID-19 Support Package visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/2021-covid-19-support-package.
Support for individuals impacted by the current COVID-19 restrictions and stay-at-home orders is also available through Services Australia. For more information visit: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/covid19.