Category: NSW News

During the current lockdown pets are more important than ever, and from 25 August the NSW Government’s new laws will to put an end to blanket bans on animals in strata.
The changes follow a detailed review of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 (the Act) and extensive public consultation, focusing on the keeping of animals in strata schemes.
Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson said the new laws reflect broad community sentiment from the review, and demonstrate a balanced approach for both residents and owners corporations in keeping furry friends in strata.
“A lot has changed since the Act commenced in 2015, including a huge shift to apartment living as more and more people in NSW are choosing to buy and rent in higher density areas,” Mr Anderson said.
“On top of that, research tells us that Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world, with 61 per cent of households including a pet in their family, and 91 per cent of households owning a pet at some point in their lives.
“Following extensive feedback from the community we have implemented fair and sensible regulations that prevent schemes from introducing blanket bans on keeping pets in apartments, while ensuring owners corporations can refuse pets where they unreasonably impact other residents.”
From 25 August 2021, the new regulations will prescribe a limited list of specific grounds where an owners corporation can refuse a lot owner from keeping an animal in a strata scheme or take steps to remove an existing animal from the scheme. These circumstances include repeated damage of the common property, menacing behavior, persistent noise and odour.
Owners corporations will also be able to set reasonable conditions through their own by-laws on how pets are kept in their scheme, for example whether they have to be supervised on common property or enter and exit through a dedicated entrance or lift.
“As a dog owner myself I understand how important pets are for families in this state, and their companionship cannot be understated, particularly during the current pandemic,” Mr Anderson said
“Living in strata is becoming more popular and while we don’t want strata residents deprived of the benefits of owning a pet it’s also important the amenity of neighbours and others in the building isn’t impacted. Our new laws have been designed to strike the right balance for everyone living in strata communities, putting an end to blanket bans on pets while giving owners corporations clear guidance on how they can set rules to ensure other owners aren’t impacted.”
NSW Fair Trading will be offering support, advice and mediation services for residents and owners corporations who are unsure about the new rules and how they apply within their scheme. Unresolved disputes can also be escalated to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal where appropriate.
For more information around the new laws, visit: https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-property/strata-and-community-living/strata-schemes/by-laws-in-your-strata-scheme

The NSW Government has announced an additional 3000 training places for people across NSW to skill up at home during lockdown.
An extra 60 short courses are now on offer to study for free including business skills, mental health, marketing, finance and IT skillsets.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the courses are an expansion of the 10 free skillsets recently announced by TAFE NSW.
“We know there is great demand for training at the moment, which is why we have added additional free courses and more training places so people can come out of lockdown with skills they can take with them into the workplace,” Mr Lee said.
“The free courses are available to anyone across the State who is unable to work due to public health orders.”
“We have specifically targeted those LGA’s and suburbs in lockdown and are working with local communities and industry to understand what skills are in demand and where shortages exist.”
“There has never been a more crucial time to upskill or reskill through the pandemic and the NSW Government is here to support the people of NSW every step of the way.”
“This isn’t just about upskilling though. In these difficult times, the opportunities provided by these courses can have a hugely beneficial impact on the well- being of participants.”
Training will be funded through the JobTrainer program, which has already seen more than 120,000 people in NSW skill up since it was announced in October last year.
For more information and to see full eligibility, please visit: https://bit.ly/37DYSvq

Police have issued thirty-one Penalty Infringement Notices following a gathering in Sydney’s west yesterday.
Just before 7.30pm (Sunday 22 August 2021), officers from Blacktown Police Area Command attended a premises on Fourth Avenue, Blacktown, after Crime Stopper reports of a gathering in breach of the Public Health Orders.
Police arrived and located a group of approximately 60 adults and children inside the building, participating in a sermon.
Additional police attended to assist and the details of those at the location were obtained, before the group were dispersed and directed to return home.
Further inquiries revealed there was no QR code present at the entry to the building and those in attendance were from various other LGAs including Canterbury-Bankstown, Fairfield and Liverpool.
Thirty adults were issued $1000 Penalty Infringement Notices for fail to comply with noticed direction re s7/8/9 – COVID-19.
The organisation has been issued a $5000 PIN for fail to comply with noticed direction – Corporation.
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: on 1800 333 000 or via https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.

The NSW Police Commissioner has confirmed that truck stops and roadhouses will be reopened to support the trucking and freight industry conduct its business during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Commissioner has advocated for a solution which strikes a balance between road safety, delivery of essential goods, as well as enforcement of the Public Health Orders to limit the spread of the delta strain of COVID-19.
Commissioner Fuller acknowledged NSW Health for working closely with police to ensure this common-sense approach will be reflected in the Public Health Orders to ensure the state’s transportation workers are able to conduct their work safely.
“As the state is coping with lockdown measures to limit the spread of COVID-19, the delivery of essential goods is more important than ever,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“Our essential transportation workers need to have the access to truck stop facilities to ensure that they can revive and refresh to ensure that they can manage their fatigue as they perform these vital delivery and freight services.
“Each day during this pandemic, we are encountering new and emerging issues and I thank NSW Health for working so swiftly with us to resolve this very important issue,” he said.
From 2pm today (Sunday 22 August 2021), roadside trucking services such as dedicated services stations and roadhouses will be open to ensure that trucking workers have the amenities they need to conduct their operations safely and efficiently. This will include dining, showers and toilet amenities. These services and facilities will not be open to the public.
Roadhouses will be required to develop COVID-safe plans to ensure that business operations can comply with Public Health Order restrictions to limit the spread of the virus. This will include:

• QR check ins
• Ensuring adequate spacing and cleaning, particularly in dining facilities
• Hand hygiene facilities
• Enforcing mask wearing requirements; and any other strategies to minimise the risk of the virus spreading.

Dining areas will not be available to the public and will need to be partitioned off to ensure that the facility is clearly marked as only available for truck and transportation workers.
***The definition of a truck and transportations worker is in accordance with the National Freight Movement Protocol and Code – a freight worker who drives a heavy vehicle over 4.5GVM, rail crew, or workers who support the supply chain of a heavy vehicle or train. ***
Anyone with information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of COVID-19-related ministerial directions is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

In response to the evolving Delta outbreak, NSW will extend the current lockdown in Greater Sydney until the end of September, and introduce new rules targeting the local government areas of concern, where the vast majority of new cases are emerging.
NSW Health and Police have worked together to develop a set of additional COVID controls for the state to reduce transmission and ensure compliance.
Additional rules for the LGAs of concern:
From 12.01am Monday, 23 August the following additional rules will apply for residents and businesses in the LGAs of concern:

• Curfews will be introduced from 9pm to 5am (except for authorised workers, emergencies or medical care) to help reduce the movement of young people;
• Outdoor exercise is limited to one hour per day;
• The following retail premises must close except for click and collect: garden centres and plant nurseries, office supplies, hardware and building supplies, landscaping material supplies, rural supplies, and pet supplies (tradespeople are allowed to shop in-store where relevant); and
• All exams and other education or professional development related activities will move online, not including the HSC. The government will provide further information on its educati­­on plan in due course.

The following new restrictions around workplaces and authorised workers from the LGAs of concern will be introduced:

• Childcare workers and disability support workers who live or work in the LGAs of concern must have their first vaccination dose by 30 August;
• Authorised workers who work outside their LGA of concern are only permitted to work if rapid antigen testing is implemented at their work-site or they have had their first vaccination dose by 30 August.
• From Saturday, 28 August, authorised workers from the LGAs of concern  are required to carry a permit from Service NSW declaring that they are an authorised worker and cannot work from home; and
• From Saturday, 28 August, anyone entering an LGA of concern for the purposes of work must carry a worker permit issued by Service NSW.

From 12.01am Monday, 23 August, workers from the Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland and Fairfield LGAs will no longer have to have been tested for COVID-19 in the previous 72 hours to work outside their LGA.
Special powers will also be given to the NSW Police Force in­­cluding:

• Power for the Commissioner of Police to lockdo­­wn apartment blocks while health assesses the COVID risk;
• Power for the Commissioner of Police to declare a residential premise a COVID-risk premise and require all people to present to police during compliance checks;
• Powers to allow police to direct a person who has been issued with an infringement notice to return to their place of residence; and
• If a person from outside an LGA of concern is found to be in an LGA of concern without a reasonable excuse, they will be fined $1000 and required to isolate at home for 14 days.

Additional measures for Greater Sydney (including regional NSW until 28 August)
From 12.01am Monday, 23 August, the following additional rule will also be introduced for Greater Sydney (including regional NSW until 28 August):

• Mask wearing will be mandatory when outside your home, except when exercising.

There have been a number of cases in Early Childhood Education and Care Services, so parents and carers across the state are strongly encouraged to keep their children at home, unless they need to be at those services.
For the latest information visit www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19

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

NEW PROTECTIONS AND COMPLIANCE RULES TO CARRY NSW THROUGH TO VACCINATION TARGETS

• In response to the evolving Delta outbreak, NSW will extend the current lockdown in Greater Sydney until the end of September, and introduce new rules targeting the local government areas of concern, where the vast majority of new cases are emerging.
• Additional rules for the LGAs of concern:
• From 12.01am Monday, 23 August the following additional rules will apply for residents and businesses in the LGAs of concern:

• Curfews will be introduced from 9pm to 5am (except for work, emergencies or medical care) to help reduce the movement of young people;
• Outdoor exercise is limited to one hour per day;
• The following retail premises must close except for click and collect: garden centres and plant nurseries, office supplies, hardware and building supplies, landscaping material supplies, rural supplies, and pet supplies (tradespeople are allowed to shop in-store where relevant); and
• All exams and other education or professional development related activities will move online, not including the HSC. The government will provide further information on its education plan in due course.

• The following new restrictions around workplaces and authorised workers from the LGAs of concern will be introduced:

• Childcare workers and disability support workers who live or work in the LGAs of concern must have their first vaccination dose by 30 August;
• Authorised workers who work outside their LGA of concern are only permitted to work if rapid antigen testing is implemented at their work-site or they have had their first vaccination dose by 30 August.
• From Saturday, 28 August, authorised workers from the LGAs of concern are required to carry a permit from Service NSW declaring that they are an authorised worker and cannot work from home; and
• From Saturday, 28 August, anyone entering an LGA of concern for the purposes of work must carry a worker permit issued by Service NSW.

• From 12.01am Monday, 23 August, workers from the Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland and Fairfield LGAs will no longer have to have been tested for COVID-19 in the previous 72 hours to work outside their LGA.
• Special powers will also be given to the NSW Police Force including:

• Power for the Commissioner of Police to lockdown apartment blocks while health assesses the COVID risk;
• Power for the Commissioner of Police to declare a residential premise a COVID-risk premise and require all people to present to police during compliance checks;
• Powers to allow police to direct a person who has been issued with an infringement notice to return to their place of residence; and
• If a person from outside an LGA of concern is found to be in an LGA of concern without a reasonable excuse, they will be fined $1000 and required to isolate at home for 14 days.

• Additional measures for Greater Sydney (including regional NSW until 28 August)

• From 12.01am Monday, 23 August, the following additional rule will also be introduced for Greater Sydney (including regional NSW until 28 August):
  • Mask wearing will be mandatory when outside your home, except when exercising.

• There have been a number of cases in Early Childhood Education and Care Services, so parents and carers across the state are strongly encouraged to keep their children at home, unless they need to be at those services.

• For the latest information visit www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19.

INCREASED SUPPORT FOR LEARNING FROM HOME

• Learning from home has become easier for parents and teachers of primary school students, with the introduction of guided learning packs in NSW public schools and additional training for teachers.
• The guided learning packages are specifically designed for K–6 students and have been developed by a team of curriculum experts and designers to ensure they are easy to navigate for students, parents and carers.
• They include a full week of learning activities with stage-specific video content which includes teacher guidance, open-ended activities and wellbeing checks.
• All subjects within the K-6 curriculum are addressed on a weekly basis and each day begins with a student wellbeing activity, as well as a brain break during the day and additional activities for students who finish the work early.
• The packs are not mandatory but provide a way for teachers to supplement what is already working for them.
• The Department of Education is also running new learning from home professional development courses designed using insights from last year and the current learning from home period.
• The Learning from Home Hub is also constantly being updated with great materials for students, teachers and parents with over 2 million visits last month.

NSW GOVERNMENT EXTENDS FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR TENANTS AND LANDLORDS

• The NSW Government has announced it will provide increased security for tenants and financial support for landlords by extending the Residential Tenancy Support package.
• The Residential Tenancy Support package will now be paid for a second month and eligible landlords can now apply for up to $3,000 to cover the two months from 14 July 2021, assuming they have reduced rent for their tenant by at least that much.
• Landlords who have already applied can make an additional application and those who are yet to apply will be able to make one application for the total amount of rent waived, up to $1,500 a month.
• Landlords will also have the option to apply for the COVID-19 land tax benefit instead of applying for the Residential Tenancy Support Payment, which is an offset of the land tax liability equal to the rent reduction granted.
• Eligible COVID-19 impacted residential tenants who cannot meet their residential rent payments will be protected from eviction during the moratorium period commencing from 14 July and finishing at the end of 11 September 2021.
• For more information on the package or to apply go to Residential tenancy support package | NSW Fair Trading.

EXTRA COVID TESTING SITES TO SUPPORT FREIGHT

• Two additional freight-friendly pop-up testing sites are opening along key regional freight routes to support the industry and keep drivers COVID-Safe.
• The pop-up sites opening in Yass on Friday and in Ballina on Monday were in addition to the six sites already set up across the state to make it easier for heavy vehicle drivers to get tested.
• The new sites, which will be supported by onsite pathology staff 24 hours a day, seven days a week, will make it easier for heavy vehicle drivers to get tested and get back on the road.
• To find out more, visit: www.transport.nsw.gov.au/operations/freight-hub/transport-for-nsw-response-to-covid-19-for-freight-industry.

URGENT ASYLUM SEEKER FUNDING BOOST OPENS

• Specialist organisations supporting asylum seekers and temporary visa holders who need emergency support can now apply for a share of a $5.5 million funding boost from the NSW Government, in response to the current COVID-19 outbreak.
• This funding will be available to NGOs who deliver immediate support to temporary visa holders, particularly asylum seekers, who are among the most vulnerable members of the community.
• The total funding package to support asylum seekers and temporary visa holders in response to the current outbreak is now $6.25 million, including $5.5 million for this program and $750,000 initially allocated for emergency relief.

• Eligible NGOs can apply for the latest grant through: www.multicultural.nsw.gov.au/grants.

NEW ACTION PLAN OUTLINES BOLD VISION FOR HIGHER EDUCATION SECTOR

• On Thursday, the NSW Government released its first NSW Higher Education Strategy Action Plan to drive stronger and more effective partnerships between Government and the higher education sector.
• The plan addresses how the NSW Government will support collaborations with universities and the VET sector, and develop agile and future-focused education models that puts industry, university and TAFE in the same classroom.
• Key actions outlined in the plan include:

• Simplify procurement arrangements between the NSW Government, universities and VET training providers.
• Incentivise and encourage partnerships between universities and the VET sector through a ‘Collaboration and Innovation Fund’

• Support new education models including the Aerotropolis Multiversity, and the Institutes of Applied Technology.
• Increase participation of underrepresented regions and groups in higher education.
• Support and fund the reskilling and upskilling of displaced workers.
• Enhance experience of international students through a new integrated digital platform and promotion of global contributions of higher education providers beyond their educational offerings.

• The Action Plan is now available online and will be updated each year.

TARGETED EMERGENCY SUPPORT FOR ARTISTS AND ARTS AND CULTURAL ORGANISATIONS

• Individual artists and small to medium arts and cultural organisations impacted by COVID-19 restrictions will soon be able to apply for COVID Development Grants to support the development of new work.
• The NSW Government is providing emergency targeted support through grants of up to $5,000 for individuals and groups, and up to $10,000 for small to medium organisations to alleviate the disruption the pandemic has caused for the cultural and creative sectors.”
• Up to $300,000 in small development grants will be delivered through Create NSW.
• Funding is available for the creation, development and presentation of new works, employment of artists and arts and culture workers, skills development and training, marketing, fundraising and promotional costs, workshops and other public programs, and to purchase equipment or digital resources to deliver new programs and projects.
• Applications for the COVID Development Grants are now open on the Create NSW website at www.create.nsw.gov.au.

HOSPITALITY AND SOCIAL MEDIA SKILLS BOOST FOR NSW VISITOR ECONOMY

• The NSW Government has partnered with Restaurant & Catering Australia and Facebook to deliver a suite of free, new skills development and training programs designed for individuals and businesses engaged in the State’s visitor economy.
• The programs, delivered by Destination NSW, will be offered to individuals and businesses wishing to upgrade their customer service skills and enhance their social media capability.
• The hospitality training modules and registrations for the social media webinars both commence in mid-August. The programs, part of Destination NSW’s NSW First industry development program, involve:

• 1,400 micro credentials available to tourism and hospitality staff across three modules: Managing customer expectations in terms of COVID-safe practices, emotional awareness in customer service, and an introduction to customer service (delivered in partnership with Restaurant and Catering Australia.)
• Five webinars about Facebook and Instagram for Tourism to help optimise a business’s Facebook presence; engage audiences on social media; create Instagram stories; capture social content on a smartphone; and inspire action on Instagram.

• For more information and to register for either program, go to www.destinationnsw.com.au/NSWFirst.

DATE SET FOR 2022 SENIORS FESTIVAL

• The date has been set for next year’s NSW Seniors Festival, with activities planned over 10 fun-filled days from 25 March to 3 April 2022.
• Events being planned include the free Premier’s Gala Concerts and the NSW Seniors Festival Expo at the International Convention Centre in Darling Harbour, along with the NSW Seniors Festival Comedy Show.
• Seniors can also get involved in local events with the NSW Seniors Festival Grants Program supporting a range of activities across the state.
• Like this year, the 2022 NSW Seniors Festival is currently planned to be a mix of face-to-face and online entertainment and activities.
• The Premier’s Gala Concerts are scheduled to be held on 30 and 31 March 2022 at the Aware Super Theatre, ICC Sydney alongside the NSW Seniors Festival Expo.
• Information about ticket release dates will be announced on the NSW Seniors Festival website at www.seniorsfestival.nsw.gov.au in the new year.

Traffic and Highway Police have today established three static checkpoints in the Lake Macquarie and Central Coast areas to discourage and stop motorists leaving Greater Sydney as part of COVID-compliance operations in Northern NSW.
Three high-visibility checkpoint locations were set up on the M1 and Wyee Road at Morisset, and on the Pacific Highway at Lake Munmorah, to interact with drivers on the main entry points to the Hunter region and Northern NSW.
From this morning’s operation:

• 2220 random breath tests conducted
• 17 PINs issued relating to the Public Health Order
• 18 vehicles turned around at checkpoints
• 31 Traffic Infringement Notices issued

Officers will continue mobile and static operations as part of Operation Stay at Home and Operation Boundary Response to ensure drivers are complying with current Stay at Home Orders in place.

The NSW Government has today released its first NSW Higher Education Strategy Action Plan to drive stronger and more effective partnerships between Government and the higher education sector.
Increasing post-school options for lifelong learning, improving participation in higher education and strengthening research partnerships are just some of the priorities the Action Plan addresses.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the Action Plan focuses on specific and measurable initiatives the NSW Government is doing to support the Higher Education Strategy released earlier this year.
“At the heart of this is a plan to elevate our higher education sector and ensure training and research remains cutting-edge for years to come,” Mr Lee said.
“The plan addresses how the NSW Government will support collaborations with universities and the VET sector, and develop agile and future-focused education models that puts industry, university and TAFE in the same classroom.”
“Across NSW, our agencies are working hard to harness the impact of our world-class tertiary education sector to deliver social, economic and environmental outcomes for NSW.”
Convener for the NSW Vice-Chancellors’ Committee, Professor Barney Glover AO said.
“The Action Plan builds on the wide range of partnerships, investment and collaborations already underway across universities and higher education providers.”
“I commend the NSW Government’s proactive approach in launching a landmark Higher Education Strategy Action Plan that works across government and with the sector to deliver on the Strategy’s vision.”
Key actions outlined in the plan include:
 

• Simplify procurement arrangements between the NSW Government, universities and VET training providers
• Incentivise and encourage partnerships between universities and the VET sector through a ‘Collaboration and Innovation Fund’
• Support new education models including the Aerotropolis Multiversity, and the Institutes of Applied Technology
• Increase participation of underrepresented regions and groups in higher education
• Support and fund the reskilling and upskilling of displaced workers
• Enhance experience of international students through a new integrated digital platform and promotion of global contributions of higher education providers beyond their educational offerings.

 

Two additional freight-friendly pop-up testing sites are opening along key regional freight routes to support the industry and keep drivers COVIDSafe.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said a pop-up site opening in Yass tomorrow and in Ballina on Monday were in addition to the six sites already set up across the state to make it easier for heavy vehicle drivers to get tested.
“The freight industry has stepped up during the challenging Delta outbreak and the NSW Government is doing all we can to keep freight moving and help drivers meet increased mandatory testing requirements across multiple jurisdictions,” Mr Toole said.
“Having seen unprecedented demand on our existing freight testing sites over the past few months, we’re rolling out the additional two sites on parts of the network where we see a high volume of interstate freight movements.
“The new sites, which will be supported by onsite pathology staff 24 hours a day, seven days a week, will make it easier for heavy vehicle drivers to get tested and get back on the road.
“We will continue working closely with industry to investigate more options for sites across the state that maximise accessibility for heavy vehicle drivers on their journeys and around key freight hubs.”
The NSW Government is continuing to work with the freight industry to ensure the safe movement and supply of goods to communities, and to support freight workers making those journeys.
To find out more, visit:
https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/operations/freight-hub/transport-for-nsw-response-to-covid-19-for-freight-industry

Learning from home has become easier for parents and teachers of primary school students, with the introduction of guided learning packs in NSW public schools and additional training for teachers.
The guided learning packages are specifically designed for K–6 students and have been developed by a team of curriculum experts and designers to ensure they are easy to navigate for students, parents and carers.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the packs were helping teachers to keep their students engaged and connected.
“The packs are easy to use and cover all the essentials for teachers and students,” Ms Mitchell said.
“They include a full week of learning activities with stage-specific video content which includes teacher guidance, open-ended activities and wellbeing checks.
“All subjects within the K-6 curriculum are addressed on a weekly basis and each day begins with a student wellbeing activity, as well as a brain break during the day and additional activities for students who finish the work early.”
The packs are not mandatory but provide a great way for teachers to supplement what is already working for them.
Ms Mitchell said the department was also running new learning from home professional development courses designed using insights from last year and the current learning from home period.
“Teachers are committed to providing the best possible learning from home experience for their students, and thousands of teachers have engaged with the available professional development resources and webinars,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Teachers have told us that the support has been incredibly useful, helping to guide their students while learning from home and providing additional support for parents and carers navigating online systems.
“I know that learning from home can be challenging, and I’m incredibly proud of the work our principals, teachers, school staff and the department are doing to make this period as instructive, engaging, and supportive as possible.”
The Learning from Home Hub is also constantly being updated with great materials for students, teachers and parents with over 2 million visits last month.