Category: NSW News

NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller has confirmed he has made a formal request to the federal government for Australian Defence Force (ADF) assistance with the ongoing COVID-19 compliance operation.
The NSW Police Force is significantly expanding its enforcement activities in Sydney over the coming days and has requested 300 ADF personnel to boost its operational footprint.
Commissioner Fuller said the NSW Police Force and the ADF had forged a close relationship throughout the pandemic.
“The assistance of the ADF has been essential over the past 18 months – particularly during last year’s border operation, the ongoing hotel quarantine operation and the assistance provided with logistics support in the Police Operations Centre,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“With an increase in enforcement activity over the coming week, I have now made a formal request to the Prime Minister for ADF personnel to assist with that operation.
“I would like to thank the Prime Minister for his ongoing support.”
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott welcomed the request for assistance.
“There is a longstanding and highly-professional relationship between the NSW Police Force and the ADF,” Mr Elliott said.
“As I have said previously, support from the Army will add another line of defence to the NSW Government’s crackdown on COVID-19 compliance.
“The Army’s unique skills and training have combined many times with those of our police officers to serve the people of NSW in times of crisis, such as the floods and severe bushfires we’ve experienced in recent years.
“This will be a functional, effective and dynamic team to fight this pandemic.”

Given low vaccination rates, the current stay at home orders will remain in place for another four weeks (until Saturday, 28 August at 12.01am) across Greater Sydney including the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour.
This extra time will allow NSW residents to significantly increase the uptake of vaccines in areas most affected by the current outbreak and across the state.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said higher vaccination rates and following the health orders are the only way to guarantee the further easing of restrictions.
“Though the Pfizer supply is insufficient there is plenty of AstraZeneca, and updated federal health advice recommends anyone aged 18 and over in Greater Sydney should access the jab,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“If you are unvaccinated, please organise a jab as soon as you possibly can, especially if you live in an LGA of concern.”
Other restriction changes are as follows:
From midnight tonight (28 July):

• In line with exercise rules, Greater Sydney residents including the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour must limit their shopping to within their Local Government Area (LGA) or, if outside their LGA, within 10km from home, unless the item is not available locally.

 

• Given localised case numbers, the Parramatta, Campbelltown and Georges River LGAs will join the five existing LGAs of concern which are subject to an Authorised Workers Order. Only authorised workers in these eight LGAs may leave their LGA for work.

The five previously announced LGAs of concern are Canterbury-Bankstown, Fairfield, Liverpool, Blacktown and Cumberland.
From 12.01am, Saturday, 31 July:

• Construction in non-occupied settings outside of the LGAs of concern (with no residents on-site) will re-open as planned, subject to a one person per 4sqm rule. These low-risk construction sites must have COVID safe plans in place, compliance will be strictly enforced. Construction cannot resume in the eight LGAs of concern, nor will construction workers be allowed to leave these areas.

 

• Trades people, including cleaners who are able to work with zero contact with residents will also be allowed to resume (no more than two people inside and five outside). If contactless arrangements are not possible, work cannot go ahead. This work will not be allowed in the eight LGAs of concern, nor will workers be allowed to leave these areas.

 

• A singles bubble will also be introduced, allowing people who live alone to nominate one designated family member or friend to visit for companionship. Restrictions will apply for people in the LGAs of concern.

Changes to surveillance testing (enforceable from Saturday, 31 July):

• All authorised workers from Canterbury-Bankstown LGA must get tested once every three days in order to leave their LGA for work.
• People who live in the Fairfield and Cumberland LGAs but work outside these areas as health or aged care workers (including support services for health or aged care, such as cleaners, cooks and security providers) must be tested once every three days in order to be allowed to go to work outside their LGA.
• These surveillance testing requirements will be enforceable from Saturday, 31 July. However, relevant workers will have from today to get their first test.

Year 12 students are also set to return to face-to-face learning on Monday, 16 August, with the Government finalising plans for the resumption of in-class study under strict COVID protocols.
The NSW Government is also working with industry and the Department of Education to introduce Rapid Antigen Testing to mitigate against outbreaks in workplaces and schools.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said restrictions in regional NSW will remain unchanged.
“The lockdown in Greater Sydney and every measure and precaution we implement is not only for the residents of Sydney but to protect regional NSW and to prevent the virus reaching our regional communities,” Mr Barilaro said.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet welcomed the Commonwealth Government’s commitment to provide additional support for those hardest hit during this pandemic.
“Working with our federal counterparts we are providing extra support to ensure the businesses and people who have been hit hardest by this pandemic get the financial assistance they need to get through this crisis and back on the path to recovery,” Mr Perrottet said.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said though the stay-at-home restrictions are difficult for the community this is a critical time if we are to suppress the outbreak.
“The vast majority of the community has been absolutely fantastic to date and have followed the public health advice. Though we are easing some restrictions today we need people to redouble their efforts as we continue to battle the Delta variant in the coming weeks,” Mr Hazzard said.
“We need people to stay at home unless absolutely necessary to leave and the best reason for most people to leave home right now is to get vaccinated. In doing so, you are taking a vital step to protect yourself, your loved ones and the community.”
For the latest information visit www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19

Construction will resume in Greater Sydney including the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour this week with new COVID protocols to be introduced to keep workers and worksites safe.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro today outlined the roadmap forward and said the NSW Government had worked closely with industry to plan this reopening, creating the construction COVID-19 safety plan, and he commends the industry’s ongoing commitment to tackling the virus.
“Construction will resume on Saturday, 31 July, with safety measures such as controls on movements between sites, reduced contact between workers within sites, improved tracing capability and a focus on encouraging workers to get vaccinated,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Works in occupied premises including residential homes can also resume from this Saturday where there is zero contact between workers and residents. There will be a limit of up to two workers for indoor services and five workers for outdoor services, and works will only be possible where it is feasible for residents to vacate the area. If contactless arrangements are not possible, work cannot go ahead.
“Unfortunately, construction will not resume in the eight LGAs of concern – Fairfield, Blacktown, Cumberland, Campbelltown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Liverpool, Parramatta and Georges River Local Government Areas.
“However, businesses in those LGAs which are part of the construction supply chain will be permitted to operate. Construction supply chain workers will be added to the authorised workers list and will be allowed to leave their local area for work, subject to meeting COVID-19 surveillance testing requirements. This includes workers engaged in manufacturing of construction materials, plant and components.
“I can also announce that as part of our plan to reopen construction, worksites will be able to operate on Sundays and public holidays for the remainder of the year, up until Christmas, to make up for any time lost.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the construction industry was vital to the State’s economy and reopening the industry safely was crucial to keeping hundreds of thousands of people in jobs.
“Getting workers back on the tools as soon as possible has always been our priority, but we need to ensure it is done as safely as possible to protect both workers and the community,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The construction COVID-19 safety plan builds on the COVID safe measures already in place at many worksites, but we’re now applying that consistently right across the sector.
“We have worked with the industry over the past two weeks to get the right outcome and I would like to thank the sector for their constructive engagement. I would also like to acknowledge the willingness of the industry to take the lead in trials in the application of Rapid Antigen Testing and local vaccination services at sites, consistent with guidance from NSW Health.”
A defined list of preparatory works may commence on worksites from tomorrow to enable sites to reopen safely, with limited workforces on site to ensure COVID safe measures are in place, that equipment and plant can be restarted safely and that all utilities are in order.

The joint NSW Government and Commonwealth JobSaver program will be significantly boosted to give greater support to businesses and individuals impacted by the extended lockdown.
JobSaver payments will now be available to businesses with an annual turnover of between $75,000 and $250 million, up from $50 million, which have experienced a revenue decline of 30 per cent or more.
The maximum weekly payment has also been substantially increased, with employing businesses that maintain their employee headcount now able receive between $1,500 and $100,000 per week, up from $10,000, with payments based on 40 per cent of their weekly NSW payroll.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the additional support would help deliver businesses and individuals the financial assistance needed during the necessary extension of the lockdown.
“We know these restrictions are tough but necessary to get the current situation under control and that is why we are coming to the table to help businesses and individuals with more financial support,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We don’t want people to have to worry about how they are going to keep the lights on or reopen their businesses when restrictions ease, which is why we are investing billions to give people that piece of mind.”
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said this latest round of assistance continued to build on the NSW Government’s COVID-19 support measures, with billions now committed, including the $4.1 billion announced earlier this month.
“We know that keeping workers in jobs is critical, which is why we’ve fought hard to secure additional support to help businesses hold onto their staff,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We appreciate how difficult it is for businesses right now, and we are also prioritising getting money out the door and into pockets as fast as possible.”
Applications for JobSaver opened on Monday with more than 14,000 applications already received and almost $28 million approved for payment so far. Payments are expected to start hitting bank accounts from 31 July.
Businesses can expect to receive funds in their accounts within five to ten business days from their approval date, and the arrangements announced today will be backdated, so businesses that have already received a first payment on previous settings will be topped up when their next payment is made.
JobSaver payments are available from week four of the lockdown. Non-employing business remain eligible for a maximum of $1,000 per week.
Businesses have also received much needed support from the 2021 COVID-19 Business Grant to cover the first three weeks of lockdown, with more than $118 million paid to businesses so far from more than 56,000 applications received.
For more information on COVID-19 support available, 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.

A man has appeared in court today charged as part on ongoing inquiries by Strike Force Seasoned into an alleged assault.
Strike Force Seasoned was established by the Central Metropolitan Region in response to an unauthorised protest in Sydney’s CBD on Saturday 24 July 2021.
Investigations commenced after a senior journalist, covering the protest, was allegedly assaulted and had his mobile phone stolen at Victoria Park, Broadway.
Following inquiries, strike force investigators arrested a 54-year-old man at a home on Brighton Street, Petersham, just before 7pm yesterday (Monday 26 July 2021).
A search warrant was executed at the home with officers seizing relevant clothing, a mobile phone, and cannabis.
The man was taken to Newtown Police Station and charged with affray, two counts of common assault, possess prohibited drug, steal from person and not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19
He was refused bail to appear at Newtown Local Court today (Tuesday 27 July 2021), where he was formally refused bail to reappear at the same court on Tuesday 17 August 2021.
As investigations continue, police have released vision of two men who may be able to assist with inquiries.
Both men are described as being of solid build.
One man is depicted with facial hair, and is shown wearing dark pants, a grey hooded jumper, with a dark puffer vest, black sneakers and a black cap. He was wearing a black satchel bag.
The second man is shown wearing black tracksuit pants, black sneakers, a grey and black hoodie with a light-coloured cap, with his face covered.
Investigators are following up every report, with 58 people charged and 135 PINS have been issued.
Anyone with information on the identity of the two men, or with vision of the weekend’s protest activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers through the online portal or by contacting 1800 333 000. Every single report will be investigated.
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any public health order or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community by contacting 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.

Hundreds of people will be supported to secure or maintain housing in the private rental market as part of a $12.5 million NSW Government support package.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said $10 million would support 990 private rental assistance packages, with a focus on individuals and families escaping domestic violence and young people aged 16-24 years old.
“There’s a lot of people doing it tough right now and it’s important that our strong social safety net is there to support the people who need it most,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This package also includes $2.5 million to deliver food relief to those most in need, with Foodbank and OzHarvest engaged to provide support.”
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Alister Henskens said rent assistance packages like Rent Choice Start Safely and Rent Choice Youth supported close to 18,000 households to secure or maintain housing in 2020-21.
“These support packages provide people with a roof over their head and the support they need to live independently,” Mr Henskens said.
“This additional funding will secure housing for hundreds of people and give them a strong foundation to improve their health and general wellbeing.”
Attorney General and Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Mark Speakman said the investments made during the pandemic were supporting women and their children across NSW to escape abuse.
“No person deserves to live in fear of violence. Rent Choice Start Safely ensures victim-survivors have the confidence to flee abuse without the fear of financial insecurity or not being able to afford a place to live,” Mr Speakman said.
“It is helping put a stop to domestic violence by providing a pathway for victim-survivors  to escape, have a safe place for them and their children to sleep, and access other wrap-around supports so they can  begin the journey of recovery.”
More information about housing and homelessness support is available online.

Small businesses affected by the current COVID-19 lockdown and restrictions are encouraged to seek free-of-charge advice from the NSW Government’s business advisory service Business Connect.
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said Business Connect had advisors across the state who were ready to help businesses navigate the current situation.
“We know many small businesses across NSW and particularly in the Sydney metropolitan area are doing it tough at the moment,” Mr Tudehope said.
“While some businesses have had to shut their doors to comply with the Public Health Orders, others are experiencing reduced foot traffic and challenges with cashflow, paying rent and wages.
“But Government support is available, including Business Connect. All of the advisors have previously owned small businesses and they can advise business owners on ways to make it through this health pandemic and plan for the future. All advice provided is free of charge if it relates to COVID-19.”
Mr Tudehope said Business Connect had helped more than 40,000 businesses since the program started in 2017 and the service had more than 60 free-of-charge webinars available for small businesses coming up, through to September 2021.
“There are new webinar topics addressing issues being faced by business owners during this difficult period, including dealing with disputes, starting your own online store, cash flow essentials and building a more resilient business,” Mr Tudehope said.
“The webinars are a great way for all small business owners to upskill and learn from experts, with other key day-to-day topics, from cyber security to social media marketing.”
In addition to helping small businesses, Business Connect can also assist medium enterprises and in some circumstances, social enterprises and not-for-profit organisations, if eligible.
Mr Tudehope said other Government support measures that could benefit small businesses through the current COVID-19 lockdown include:

• The 2021 COVID-19 Business Grant is available to eligible NSW businesses that have a turnover between $75,000 and $50 million (inclusive), and a total Australian wages bill of $10 million or less. They can claim grants between $7,500 and $15,000 to cover the first three weeks of restrictions. Businesses can apply now by visiting service.nsw.gov.au;
• The JobSaver scheme, to be delivered together with the Commonwealth, will provide cash flow support to help eligible businesses retain staff. This will be up to 40 per cent of weekly payroll with a payment of between $1,500 to a maximum of $10,000 per week, provided staffing levels are maintained at the level as of 13 July 2021. Eligible non-employing businesses will receive $1,000 per week;
• The Micro Business COVID-19 Support Grant is available for eligible businesses with a turnover of more than $30,000 and less than $75,000 that experience a decline in turnover of 30 per cent or more. Eligible businesses will receive $1,500, tax-free, per fortnight of restrictions;
• Land tax relief equal to the value of rent reductions provided by commercial, retail and residential landlords to financially distressed tenants, up to 100 per cent of the 2021 land tax year liability;
• Residential landlords who decrease rent for impacted tenants can apply for a grant of up to $1,500 or land tax relief depending on their circumstances.
• Introduction of legislative amendments to ensure a short-term eviction moratorium for rental arrears where a residential tenant suffers loss of income of 25 per cent due to COVID-19 and meets a range of criteria;
• No recovery of security bonds, or lockouts or evictions of impacted retail and commercial tenants prior to mediation.

For more on Business Connect visit www.nsw.gov.au/businessconnect
For more information on the support measures for businesses visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/covid-19-help-businesses

High school students across the State will kick-start their future tech careers, thanks to new virtual TAFE courses on offer for students to study as part of the HSC.
Cyber Security, Big Data, Cloud Computing, and Game Design are just some of the 20 new courses students can study from next year under the Schools Launchpad program.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the NSW Government is committed to future-proofing the State’s workforce and meeting skills shortages in the technology sector.
“These cutting-edge courses are already garnering strong interest from students right across the State,” Mr Lee said.
“In the virtual Game Design course, students will learn to create concepts, design 2D and 3D digital animations, and write code using industry-standard game engines.
“We know there is a huge demand in NSW for tech talent, the role of Game Designer alone is set to grow by 25 per cent in the next five years.”
The courses have come at the right time, with the Computer System Design and Related Services sector in NSW forecast to grow by 10,300 jobs over the next three years.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said the courses were providing high school students with more options in in-demand industries as thousands of students begin to select their HSC subjects.
“The Launchpad is part of the NSW Government’s Curriculum Reform in schools, which is building strong foundations for primary students and creating job opportunities for our senior students,” Ms Mitchell said.
“These students will graduate high school with not only their HSC but a qualification they can translate straight into paid employment as soon as they finish Year 12.”
Managing Director of Microsoft Australia Steven Worrall said the courses provide students with the skills the industry demands.
“These virtual TAFE courses will help students develop the skills required to thrive in the digital age, an age where technology will underpin every industry and where tech talent is in huge demand.”
Students who complete the virtual courses will graduate with a nationally recognised VET qualification that forms part of their HSC and contributes to an ATAR.
Expressions of Interest are now open for all Schools Launchpad courses. Students can express their interest via their school Career Counsellors.
For more information, visit www.tafensw.edu.au/launchpad.

The NSW Government is continuing to support victims of the devastating 2019-20 bushfires, announcing $2.5 million to fund another six months of council rate relief for those who lost their main properties.
Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Disaster Recovery John Barilaro said the NSW Government is committed to continuing to help our local communities recover from the devastating bushfires.
“I am pleased to announce council rate relief has been extended for a further six months for people whose main property was significantly damaged or destroyed by bushfires, if it has not yet been rebuilt or changed ownership,” Mr Barilaro said.
“This financial support for property owners is in addition to the NSW Government footing the bill for the initial bushfire clean-up with more than 3,600 properties cleared across the state.”
Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said the extension comes after more than $5.4 million in council rate relief has already been provided to over 3,300 property owners to reduce the financial burden on bushfire victims as they rebuild their lives.
“In February 2020, the NSW Government announced it was funding six months of council rate relief for owners of homes, farms and businesses whose properties suffered damage beyond repair in the bushfires,” Mrs Hancock said.
“Then in June last year, we announced a further six months of rate relief for eligible property owners to ensure they can direct more of their finances towards rebuilding.”
Member for Bega Andrew Constance said funding has been paid directly to 34 local councils which means eligible ratepayers don’t have to pay anything and it does not cost local government anything to support these property owners.
“Our north and south coasts suffered terribly during the 2019-20 bushfires and I am pleased to say that these areas have received significant council rate relief,” Mr Constance said.
“As the local member of two of the hardest hit regions, I know that the additional support will be welcomed across our region and will further assist in taking pressure off residents as they rebuild their lives.
Mrs Hancock said the additional rate relief will cover the second half of the 2020-21 rates period, recognising that some owners are still in the process of recovering and rebuilding their properties.
“We’re encouraged by the positive feedback and response we’ve had to helping NSW property owners affected by the 2019-20 bushfires, so much so that we’re considering an additional six months of relief.”

A successful mental health program that supports young people living with severe and complex mental illnesses will receive an extra $11 million from the NSW Government.
Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the Youth Community Living Supports Services (YCLSS) program will be funded for another five years to give more 16-24 year-olds a sense of confidence and independence.
“This program provides comprehensive wrap-around care to young people living with complex mental illness and aims to reduce their future risk of chronic disability, frequent hospital stays or long-term care,” Mrs Taylor said.
“It’s an impressive collaboration between our local health districts, which provide clinical care, and NGO partners, which provide practical and social support.”
Many of the young people supported by YCLSS have been diagnosed with a complex mental illness, as well as dealing with homelessness or drug or alcohol addictions, and limited education and work opportunities.
“We want more young people to be excited and hopeful for their future,” Mrs Taylor said.
“This program provides much-needed daily life support to its participants, such as helping them to access other support services, follow their clinical treatment plan, find work or study opportunities, access safe housing, and develop a healthy daily routine.”
In the three years to June 2019, YCLSS provided 110,000 hours of support to 360 young people, with significant number of these (15 per cent) of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background.
On average, each young person received 306 hours of direct support and many of these reported a boost in self-confidence and self-efficacy.
Wellways Australia has been engaged to deliver the program in the Hunter New England, Nepean Blue Mountains, Northern NSW, South Western Sydney and Western Sydney Local Health Districts to 2024.
Since 2015, YCLSS has been allocated almost $25 million by NSW Government. It forms part of the NSW Government response to Living Well: A Strategic Plan for Mental Health in NSW 2014-2024.