Category: NSW News

The NSW Police Force has welcomed 182 police recruits after they were sworn-in as probationary constables at a private attestation ceremony, held in compliance with COVID-19 restrictions, in Goulburn today.
The new probationary constables have been assigned to police area commands and police districts across the state.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott congratulated the recruits who are starting their new careers in times of unprecedented challenges
“Congratulations to the men and women of class 348, who graduate today and will join the NSW Police Force when it most needs versatile, adaptable officers,” Mr Elliott said.
“The career path you embark on today will test your courage, your resilience and your decision-making.
“You are joining a police family of more than 17,000; a modern, well-equipped force focused on driving down crime rates and protecting the community.
“The NSW Government will be there, too, to support you and ensure you have world-class training, and the technology and resources you need to best serve the people of NSW,” Mr Elliott said.
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller welcomed the new probationary constables acknowledging they’re commencing a challenging career at a challenging time.
“The pandemic is impacting many aspects of our lives but as police, we have taken an oath – a promise – to protect and serve the people of this state while exercising the highest level of integrity,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“Despite the challenges ahead, our newest recruits can expect a rewarding career and will have the camaraderie and guidance of their new policing family every step of the way.
“I hope these officers are as proud to join the NSW Police Force as I am to swear them in. I’m looking forward to seeing them out on the beat.”
Class 348 includes 121 men and 61 women. Twenty-three recruits were born overseas in countries including Canada, China, Columbia, Fiji, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Iran, Iraq, New Zealand, South Africa, South Korea, Syria, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and Vietnam.
Many are from backgrounds where English is a second language Assyrian, Arabic, Dari, Greek, Hindi, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, and Urdu.
Six recruits are indigenous, with two recruits joining through the Indigenous Police Recruitment Our Way Delivery (IPROWD) program.

Applications are now open for eligible commercial and residential landowners who provide rental reductions to tenants in financial distress due to COVID-19 to claim land tax relief or a tenancy support payment as part of a suite of measures introduced by the NSW Government to help reduce the stress and financial burden of COVID-19 restrictions.
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the land tax relief and tenancy support payments are designed to make it easier for landowners to support their tenants during this challenging time.
“Many renters, commercial and residential, are doing it tough right now, with reduced turnover or work hours due to the COVID-19 restrictions,” Mr Tudehope said.
“We’ve heard from landowners that they would like to help their tenants, but they also have bills to pay. Providing financial relief will enable them to work with their tenants to offer rent reductions and to alleviate some of the cost-burden during restrictions.
“This new package follows a similar land tax relief program which ran from May 2020 to May 2021, which saw more than 17,200 applications received and $186 million of relief provided to date.
“This land tax relief program is demand driven; there is no limit to the number of landowners that can receive support from the Government.”
Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation Kevin Anderson said residential landlords can choose between applying for land tax relief or a payment of up to $1,500 per tenancy  if they agree to reduce the rent for COVID-19 impacted tenants from 14 July 2021 to 31 December 2021.
“During times like these we need solutions that work for everyone and the NSW Government is committed to supporting tenants and landlords as they get back on their feet, giving people one less thing to worry about,” Mr Anderson said.
“This $1,500 payment means landlords will be less likely to face missing mortgage repayments. Extra protections for residential tenants means they won’t have to worry about being evicted at this time due to circumstances outside of their control.”
Extra staff have been engaged to assist with the high volume of applications.
Eligible NSW landowners may receive a reduction of up to 100 per cent of their land tax liability for 2021. Residential landowners can receive the land tax relief or, may elect to claim a payment of up to $1,500 per tenancy agreement if they provided a reduction in rent from 14 July 2021 to 31 December 2021, to a residential tenant who has lost 25 per cent or more of household income due to COVID-19.
To be eligible for land tax relief, landowners must be leasing to a commercial tenant who has an annual turnover up to $50 million and is eligible for either the 2021 COVID-19 Business Grant, JobSaver or the COVID-19 Micro-business Grant, or leasing to a residential tenant who has lost 25 per cent or more of household income due to COVID-19.
The landowner must have reduced rent for the affected tenant by at least the amount being claimed for any period between 1 July 2021 and 31 December 2021. Both commercial and residential landowners cannot require their tenants to repay the reduced rent they claim through the rebates.
Applications for land tax relief can be submitted at: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-covid-19-land-tax-relief
Applications for residential tenancy support can be made at: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-residential-tenancy-support-payment

Small businesses will have additional support from business advisory service Business Connect with 20 new advisors providing free advice and a range of new resources, as the NSW Government ramps up its support for COVID-19 impacted businesses.
An additional $3.5 million has been allocated to Business Connect to meet the demand from small businesses impacted by the pandemic.
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said some of the new advisors were expected to be on board as early as mid-August.
“The funding will go towards a range of support measures including new advisors, more hours for existing part-time advisors and more events and resources,” Mr Tudehope said.
Mr Tudehope said Business Connect had advisors across NSW and all advice related to COVID-19 is free of charge.
“Small businesses affected by the current COVID-19 lockdown and restrictions can seek independent advice from Business Connect and business owners can access a range of webinars and online resources,” Mr Tudehope said.
“The right advice at the right time can be the difference between success and failure for mum-and-dad businesses and entrepreneurs. If we keep businesses in business, we keep people in jobs.
“Business Connect advisors and resources can help you to develop a recovery plan, consider your options, manage change and cashflow and market your business to reach new customers.”
Many of the advisors have run their own businesses in industries dramatically impacted by COVID-19 including retail, hospitality, tourism and the arts and creative industries. Multicultural advisors and translation services are available for businesses from non-English speaking backgrounds.
For more information on the support measures for businesses visit: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/covid-19-help-businesses. For more on Business Connect visit: www.nsw.gov.au/businessconnect

Checking into venues and managing your check in history will become easier thanks to a new COVID-19 check-in card and suite of updates to the Service NSW app.
Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said customers would soon be able to register for a COVID-19 check-in card which they could present to supermarkets and other essential retail businesses to scan as a faster and safer way to complete the self-service webform check-in or paper sign-in currently used by customers without a smartphone.
“We want to make sure the COVID-Safe check-in as safe and as accessible as possible, which is why we’re introducing the COVID-19 check-in card,” Mr Dominello said.
“The days of seeking out somewhere to manually sign in with pen and paper should be an absolute last resort.”
Customers can download and print their COVID-19 check-in card or have a plastic card mailed to them. Their contact details will be securely stored within the QR code, which will prepopulate the webform when scanned by the business.
Mr Dominello said that in response to customer demand Service NSW was also rolling out two further enhancements to the Service NSW app.
The first allowing customers to review their check out history and add check out times and the second to make it easier for customers to sign into the ServiceNSW app wearing a mask.
“It is critical our contact tracers have the most accurate information possible so they can act quickly to contact casual and close contacts, which is why we’re making it possible for customers to review their check-in history and enter the correct check out time after the fact,” he said
“Customers will also be able to opt to extend their login-period for the Service NSW app to up to 4 hours, making it faster and easier to check-in without having to reenter a PIN or to remove their facemask to activate Face ID each time.”
The additional features will be available inside the Service NSW app from mid-August.
Customers will be able to register for their COVID-19 check-in card via the Service NSW website or by calling 13 77 88 from 13 August and can opt to receive it via email to print at home, or via postal mail.
 

Police are calling for compliance with the Public Health Orders to reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19 after issuing more than 450 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) for breaches in the past 24 hours.
High-visibility operations are continuing across NSW to target compliance with restrictions under the Public Health Act, including stay-at-home and self-isolation orders, wearing of face masks, and use of QR codes, as well as conducting proactive patrols and responding to reports to Crime Stoppers.
Police attended 1888 COVID-related jobs yesterday (Saturday 7 August 2021), with about 1100 of those being reports to Crime Stoppers.
In total, 454 PINs were issued yesterday, with 115 of those $500 infringements for failing to wear a fitted face covering.
Officers from Central Metropolitan Region issued 183 PINs, while officers in the South West and North West Metropolitan Regions issued 97 and 74 respectively.
Of note, the highest number of PINs were issued in Eastern Beaches Police Area Command, where 61 PINs were issued, including ten which were issued to attendees and residents at a party at Randwick.
Across Regional NSW, Northern Region officers issued 67 PINs, Southern Region officers issued 27, and Western Region issued six.
A further 33 people were charged with failing to comply with Public Health Orders. All of those charges were associated with other criminal offences.
Officers across NSW will continue to conduct high-visibility operations to support the community in ensuring compliance with the Public Health Orders.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact 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.

A dedicated freight-friendly COVID-19 testing site is opening in Wetherill Park tomorrow, making it easier for heavy vehicle drivers to get tested in the Greater Sydney area.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the Sydney pop-up site was in addition to the five sites already open along key freight routes across the state to keep freight moving and freight workers COVIDSafe.
“The NSW Government has been working closely with the freight industry, which is doing a phenomenal job to keep essential goods moving into our communities through this pandemic,” Mr Toole said.
“We know that heavy vehicles are not able to easily access the large majority of the current community testing locations, and these pop-up sites make it easier for our truckies to get tested and get back on the road.
“With increased mandatory testing requirements in place for freight workers across multiple jurisdictions, we have seen unprecedented demand on our freight testing sites, so opening Sydney’s first site tomorrow will be very welcome news.”
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the Sydney-based site will provide operators with more choice as they carry out their essential work.
“The new Wetherill Park site will allow truck drivers safe and efficient access to COVID-19 tests which will help them remain safe as they move across the state,” Mr Constance said.
“This facility is a welcome addition to our already existing freight COVID-19 testing sites at key transport routes, as it will help support the freight industry comply with testing requirements.”
The site at 250 Victoria Street is open from 7am Saturday, 7 August and will be supported by pathology staff 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
To find out more, visit:
https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/operations/freight-hub/transport-for-nsw-response-to-covid-19-for-freight-industry

A record number of new apprentices and trainees are being hired to work on vital road and transport infrastructure, helping to keep jobs and money in the regions.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said applications were now open for a record 76 placements as part of the Transport for NSW Apprentice and Trainee Program.
“As we roll out our record $71.5 billion transport regional infrastructure program, we’re committed to engaging locals to continue learning in their local community and set them up for work at the end of their training, helping keep jobs in the regions,” Mr Toole said.
“Since the program launched in 2015, nearly 90 per cent of roles have gone to those living in regional areas, helping communities bounce back from drought, bushfires, flooding and the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This program provides great employment opportunities for job seekers or people who are looking to change careers, while at the same time developing skills and knowledge within regional communities to support future infrastructure needs.
“Many apprentices and trainees go on to secure permanent employment at Transport for NSW, with 80 per cent of participants whose programs ended in 2020 and 2021 appointed to roles after or during their program.”
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said Transport was committed to developing a diverse workforce, with women accounting for 40 per cent and Aboriginal people accounting for 24 per cent of apprentices and trainees.
“This program is about giving people the chance to work in the public service, as well as improving Aboriginal and female representation across the transport sector,” Mr Constance said.
“The program opens up opportunities across six disciplines, including civil construction, business administration, bridge carpentry, heavy diesel mechanical, electrical, and a new program for project management.
“I’ve seen first-hand how this program has changed lives by building a skills legacy to meet future needs within the local community.
“As we continue to invest in road and infrastructure projects, it is important we have people on the ground who have the skills in maintenance and operational delivery.”
Applications for the Apprentice and Traineeship are open from today to midnight 22 August 2021. For more information or to apply visit Apprentice and Trainee Programs | Transport for NSW

Households across NSW who need help paying their energy bills will be able to access up to $1,600 per year in financial support during the current COVID lockdown.
Energy Minister Matt Kean said the NSW Government is increasing the caps under the Energy Accounts Payments Assistance (EAPA) scheme to ease some of the cost-of-living pressures borne by households during this COVID Delta strain outbreak.
“The current COVID outbreak has put an increased strain on some household budgets, with more of us staying at home during these winter months,” Mr Kean said.
“In this difficult time, we want make sure households in NSW not only keep the lights on but keep their families safe, warm and comfortable. That is why NSW energy customers facing hardship will be able to access up to $1,600 per year in bill support.”
“Don’t hesitate if you need bill support, log onto the Service NSW website and register for an energy voucher assessment.”
The EAPA assessment threshold has been temporarily increased from $300 to $400 per assessment, meaning the annual maximum limit of vouchers per household has increased from $1,200 to $1,600. The duration of the increased limits will be reviewed on an ongoing basis in light of lockdown circumstances.
EAPA representatives can also help customers to contact their energy retailers to get customers onto hardship plans, further protecting customers during this difficult time.
Residential energy customers can easily apply for EAPA vouchers directly through Service NSW to schedule an assessment without having to leave their house.
The NSW Government also offers six other rebates to help with energy bills. Residents looking to save on their energy bills are encouraged to visit the Energy Saver website found HERE.

About 140,000 more customers from Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains who have a plastic NSW photo card ID can now access a digital version through the Service NSW app, thanks to the trial of the technology being expanded this week.
Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said the expansion to 60 more postcodes follows a successful trial of the Digital Photo Card in the Penrith and Blacktown areas, which has seen 6560 people participate, with 98 per cent giving the technology the thumbs up.
“Close to 20 per cent of photo card holders live in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains so it makes sense to expand the trial to this region,” Mr Dominello said.
“Plastic photo card holders in the trial areas will be able to use their mobile device with businesses who check ID, such as pharmacies, liquor stores and major retailers. The technology is safe, contactless and easy to use, making life easier for customers during the pandemic.
“Eligible existing photo card holders can opt-in for the digital version from the Service NSW app, or when a customer is issued with a new Photo Card or updates their details, they can simply refresh the app to update their digital card, without having to wait for a plastic card to arrive in the post.
“This builds on existing successful digital products made available via the Service NSW app, including checking in safely to venues and the Digital Driver Licence, which has been downloaded by about 3.3 million licence holders, representing almost 59 per cent of drivers.”
The trial will further test the functionality and effectiveness of the Digital Photo Card ahead of the state-wide rollout.
The Digital Photo Card will also remain available offline if the card holder remains logged into the Service NSW app. It is hosted securely on the Service NSW app, which is locked with a PIN.
The full list of postcodes on the extended trial is here: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/nsw-digital-photo-card/participating-postcodes-and-suburbs

NSW has recorded the highest number of apprentices and trainees in training of any state or territory in Australia with a 15 per cent increase in commencements in 2020 despite the COVID pandemic.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said recently released data from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) shows NSW represents 30 per cent of the national total of commencements for apprenticeships and traineeships in 2020.
“The NCVER report shows NSW has the highest number of apprentices and trainees in training of any state or territory in Australia with an increase in commencements of 15 per cent compared to 10.6 per cent nationally during 2020,” Mr Lee said.
“This is a fantastic result, particularly considering the impacts of drought, bushfires and COVID-19 that have affected NSW in the last year.
“The Federal and NSW Government funded JobTrainer skills package and the Commonwealth Government’s Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements initiative, both announced in the second half of last year, are doing their job in bolstering apprenticeship and traineeship approvals in the last quarter of 2020 and into 2021.
“The impressive numbers are also a testament to NSW employers for keeping their young apprentices on board during COVID-19, and to our Training Providers for finding new and innovative ways to maintain training.”
The Apprentice Employment Network Executive Officer Jason Sultana said the increase in numbers was a reflection of just how important VET industries were to the State’s prosperity and economic recovery.
“Government initiatives to bolster apprenticeships has given employers the confidence to invest in the next generation of young workers,” Mr Sultana said.
“Investing in skilling tradespeople is also an investment in the State’s future and it’s great to see the Government backing our apprentices and training organisations.”
Key findings of the NCVER report include:

• Apprenticeship and traineeship commencement numbers show an increase of 15 per cent for NSW compared to 10.6 per cent nationally during 2020 with the NSW total of 50,345 representing 30 per cent of the national total.
• Apprentices and trainees currently in training in NSW in 2020 show an increase of 13.6 per cent compared to 2019.
• NSW has more than 93,880 apprentices and trainees in training, representing 32 per cent of Australia’s total of 297,920.