Category: NSW News

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.

Police have received more than 5,500 reports from members of the public as they continue to investigate yesterday’s protest under Strike Force Seasoned.
A high-visibility policing operation was launched about 12pm yesterday, (Saturday 24 July 2021), to ensure the safety of all protest participants, as well as the wider community and local businesses.
General duties officers from across the Central Metropolitan Region were assisted by specialist police from the Public Order and Riot Squad (PORS), ODIN, Police Transport Command, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command and the Mounted and Dog Unit.
During the operation, 63 people were arrested.
Thirty-five people – aged between 18 and 69 – were charged with various offences, including assault police officer in execution of duty, resist officer in execution of duty, wilfully obstruct officer in execution of duty and not comply with noticed direction re 7/8/9 – COVID-19.
Of these, 20 were refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today (Sunday 25 July 2021).
Fifteen were granted conditional bail to appear at Downing Centre and Newtown Local Courts at a later date.
Additionally, strike force investigators arrested and charged two men – aged 33 and 36 – overnight. They remain before the courts.
At least 90 Penalty Infringement Notices were also issued for breaches of the public health orders.
Strike Force Seasoned has been established by the Central Metropolitan Region to continue to identify and prosecute protest participants.
Over 5,500 reports have been made to Crime Stoppers and so far, investigators have identified over 200 people.
Investigators are following up every report and have issued two court attendance notice and PINS to 16 people today.

The NSW Government today announced a new date for the Local Government elections has been set for Saturday 4 December 2021.
Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said the decision, after extensive consultation with and advice from the NSW Electoral Commission and NSW Health, has been made in response to the COVID-19 situation.
“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and current Public Health Orders impacting Greater Sydney, we have made the difficult decision to postpone the Local Government elections until later this year,” Mrs Hancock said.
“We have taken this step to postpone the election to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our communities, voters, polling staff and candidates.”
The NSW Government has worked with the Electoral Commission and NSW Health to implement a comprehensive plan to allow voters to cast their ballot safely in person, by post or online.
iVote (electronic voting) will also be available for the first time in the local council elections and the NSW Government has implemented changes to pre-poll to ensure that voters have 13 days to cast their ballot, reducing congestion on polling day.
The NSW Government has made available a total of $57 million for the elections in 2021, including $37 million to deliver them in a COVID safe way.
In this election, 5.2 million voters will cast their ballots as around 5,000 candidates vie for 1,200 councillor positions across 125 local councils.
Nominations will open on Monday 25 October 2021 and close on Wednesday 3 November 2021.
Prospective candidates can find more information at the Office of Local Government website at www.olg.nsw.gov.au.

A high-visibility policing operation was launched in response to unauthorised protest activity in Sydney’s CBD about 12pm today (Saturday 24 July 2021), to ensure the safety of participants, as well as the community and local businesses.
Officers from across Central Metropolitan Region, assisted by specialist resources, were deployed.
So far during the operation, a number of people have been arrested.
As attendees disperse, movement out of the city will be facilitated down George Street.
Trains continue to operate and for those at the northern end, access is via Wynyard and Circular Quay Railway Stations.
For those at the southern end, access will be via Central and Redfern with limited access at Town Hall Railway Station.
St James and Museum Railway Stations are closed.
The NSW Police Force recognises and supports the rights of individuals and groups to exercise their rights of free speech and peaceful assembly, however, today’s protest is in breach of the current COVID-19 Public Health Orders.
The priority for NSW Police is always the safety of the wider community.
Two men have been charged with allegedly striking a police horse following unauthorised protest activity in Sydney’s CBD yesterday.
A high-visibility policing operation was launched about 12pm yesterday, (Saturday 24 July 2021), to ensure the safety of all protest participants, as well as the wider community and local businesses.
During the operation, officers were assaulted, and police horses were struck and pushed.
Following the protest, Strike Force Seasoned was established by the Central Metropolitan Region to investigate persons who committed offences associated with the unauthorised protest and breach of Public Health Orders.
As a result of inquiries, investigators from Strike Force Seasoned attended a unit on Marlborough Street, Surry Hills, about 11.20pm (Saturday 24 July 2021), and arrested a 33-year-old man.
He was taken to Kings Cross Police Station and charged with affray, join or continue in unlawful assembly, commit an act of cruelty upon an animal, and not comply with noticed direction re 7/8/9 – COVID-19.
Another man, aged 36, was arrested at a house in Kalang Road, Edensor Park. He was taken to Fairfield Police Station and charged with assault officer in execution of duty, commit an act of cruelty upon an animal, not comply with noticed direction re 7/8/9 – COVID-19.
Both men were refused bail and will appear today at Parramatta Local Court.
Officers attached to the Strike Force have been working throughout the night to identify those involved in the protest and further arrests are expected to be made.
Police would like to thank the community who continue to work with police and abide by the public health orders.
Police have established Strike Force Seasoned following a police operation in response to unauthorised protest activity in Sydney’s CDB today.
A high-visibility policing operation was launched about 12pm (Saturday 24 July 2021) to ensure the safety of all protest participants, as well as the wider community and local businesses.
General duties officers from across the Central Metropolitan Region were assisted by specialist police from the Public Order and Riot Squad (PORS), ODIN, Police Transport Command, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command and the Mounted and Dog Unit.
During the operation, 57 people were arrested and are currently in the process of being charged.
At least 90 Penalty Infringement Notices were also issued for breaches of the public health orders.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said he shared the community’s outrage at the actions of those present at this afternoon’s protest.
“These individuals are on notice, as they have also risked the safety of our frontline officers,” Minister Elliot said.
“They should know that a police strike force has been established and will forensically investigate all CCTV and social media footage collected over the course of the afternoon’s protest.
“Police will not hesitate to bring more charges.
“It will only take one person with COVID-19 to turn to today’s event into a super-spreader, so decent-minded Australians have every right to feel infuriated at such selfish behaviour.”
Deputy Commissioner Mal Lanyon, Metropolitan Field Operations, said the work of Strike Force Seasoned, which will comprise of at least 22 detectives, starts now.
“Our officers have already started to identify attendees and will continue for as long as required to identify and prosecute all those who broke the law today.
“I want to thank the more than 350 police who were part of today’s response. They did not go to work to be assaulted or have projectiles thrown at them – the actions of the individuals involved in those offences was a disgrace.
“I also want to thank the majority of the community who continue to work with police and abide by the public health orders.
“They are in place for a reason and police will continue to enforce them – our officers will not tolerate those who think the law does not apply to them.”
Anyone with information or vision of today’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.

TWO NEW VACCINATION CENTRES OPEN

• Two new NSW Health vaccination centres have opened their doors, boosting the NSW Government’s contribution to the Federal Government’s vaccine rollout.
• The growing number of NSW Health sites complements the GP Network, which has and will continue to deliver the majority of COVID-19 vaccines across NSW.
• The mass vaccination centre in Belmont, Lake Macquarie, which has been transformed from an old Bunnings Warehouse into a vaccine centre in six weeks, began administering jabs this morning.
• The centre will have capacity to administer up to 20,000 Pfizer vaccinations each week and will employ around 100 nurses, 25 pharmacists/pharmacy technicians, and around 200 other support staff.
• The new vaccination clinic on Pitt Street in the Sydney CBD also began administering vaccines this morning, and has capacity to administer up to 7,000 Pfizer vaccinations each week.
• Mass vaccination centres at Macquarie Fields in Sydney’s south-west and Wollongong are set to open in the coming weeks.
• To check your eligibility and book an appointment use the  vaccine eligibility checker: https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility.

ACCELERATED 2021 COVID-19 BUSINESS SUPPORT GRANT OPEN

• Eligible NSW businesses, sole traders and not-for-profit organisations can apply for up to $15,000 from the first of the NSW Government’s economic support packages: The 2021 COVID-19 Business Support Grant.
• The 2021 COVID-19 Business Support Grant is available to NSW businesses that have a turnover of more than $75,000 and up to $50 million, and have a total annual wages bill of below $10 million.
• Businesses can expect to start receiving funds from the Business Support Grant from the end of July.
• Eligible businesses for the 2021 COVID-19 Business Support Grant will receive:
  • $15,000 for a decline in turnover of 70 per cent, or more;
  • $10,500 for a decline in turnover of 50 per cent, or more;
  • $7,500 for a decline in turnover of 30 per cent, or more.
• For more information on the 2021 COVID-19 Business Support Grants visit: www.nsw.gov.au.
• Support for individuals impacted by the current COVID-19 restrictions and stay-at-home orders is available through Services Australia. For more information visit: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/covid19.

PAYROLL TAX REDUCTIONS AND DEFERRALS TO SUPPORT BUSINESSES

• NSW businesses are set to benefit from further payroll tax relief to help ease the financial burden of COVID-19 lockdowns.
• Targeted support was being made available through Revenue NSW, with payroll tax deferrals already available for all businesses and a 25 per cent reduction on the 2021 22 payroll tax reconciliation for eligible businesses.
• All NSW businesses who have a payroll tax liability have the option of deferring lodgement and payment of their 2020/21 annual reconciliation until 7 October 2021.
• Customers required to lodge monthly returns will also have the option of deferring their returns due in August and September until 7 October 2021.
• In addition, all payroll tax customers that defer their payments are eligible for an interest free payment plan of up to 12 months.
• Businesses with wages between $1.2 million and $10 million that have experienced a 30 per cent decline in turnover will get a 25 per cent reduction of their 2021/22 payroll tax.
• For more information about payroll tax reductions and deferrals, customers should visit the website www.revenue.nsw.gov.au or contact the team at Revenue NSW on 1300 139 815 or payrolltax@revenue.nsw.gov.au.

REGISTER YOUR CARDS TO STAY COVID SAFE

• People using NSW’s public transport network are being encouraged to register their credit and debit card details in the Opal Travel app or transportnsw.info website, to help NSW Health’s contact-tracing efforts during the current COVID-19 outbreak.
• Customers who register their contactless cards will also be able to review their own trips on public transport.
• Transport for NSW uses Opal data to provide NSW Health with only the names and contact details of customers who are classed as close contacts on public transport services, and does not pass on credit or debit card details.
• More information: https://transportnsw.info/news/2021/stay-covid-safe-register-your-payment-card-to-help-contact-tracing.

$1 MILLION FOR COMMUNITY EDUCATION RESOURCES  

• The NSW Government has announced a $1 million investment to help not-for-profit community education providers upgrade crucial infrastructure and training equipment.
• Around 30 Adult and Community Education (ACE) colleges across NSW have received crucial funding from the NSW Government in recognition of the services they deliver to disadvantaged students, communities and regions.
• The funding will allow 30 ACE colleges to expand their online delivery by providing IT equipment, laptops and software as well as upgrading industry‐specific plant and equipment for specialist vocational training.

NSW GOVERNMENT FUTURE OF GAS STATEMENT DELIVERS CLARITY ON PELS AND LAND USE

The NSW Government has released its Future of Gas Statement, outlining plans for the gas industry in NSW, while ruling out gas production under the majority of Petroleum Exploration Licences (zombie PELs), with the exception of those which support the future of the Narrabri Gas Project.

• Gas plays a key role in supporting access to affordable energy and business growth within NSW and the Future of Gas Statement gives industry bodies, regional communities and farmers greater certainty around jobs, economic prosperity and land use.
• For more information, visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/gas-statement.

NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR NSW BUSINESSES AND RESEARCHERS 

• The NSW Government has announced new seed funding opportunities, while calling on businesses and research institutions to strengthen the state’s entrepreneurship capability, as part of the third Innovation Districts COVID-19 R&D Challenge.
• The challenge would see an additional $500,000 in seed funding invested in research and development solutions that address the long-term strategic challenges of the pandemic.
• Eligible businesses must be at least 75 per cent Australian owned, based in NSW, have fewer than 200 employees, have operated for at least 12 months, with at least $75,000 in sales revenue, and have a product or service in development that could strengthen the state’s entrepreneurship capability.
• To submit an expression of interest, businesses must contact their local challenge partner. The list of Innovation District Partners and more information on the challenges can be found at www.business.nsw.gov.au.

WELLBEING CAMPAIGN ENCOURAGES HSC STUDENTS TO ASK FOR HELP

• HSC students and their families will have 24-hour access to support from Australia’s leading mental health service for young people in the lead up to exams.
• In addition to the wellbeing programs being run at schools, the government has extended a partnership with ReachOut on the Stay Healthy HSC Hub providing advice for HSC students for staying healthy while preparing for their exams.
• The wellbeing campaign includes a one-stop-shop for students with advice, resources and information available on the Stay Healthy HSC hub.

The NSW Government is redoubling its efforts to deliver world-leading customer service, with a recruitment drive underway to hire more than 200 digital specialists.
Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said the NSW Government boasts one of the largest digital workforces in the country, and this additional investment would ensure the continued delivery of a world-class customer experience.
“NSW is the most digitally advanced jurisdiction in Australia and we’re committed to becoming world leaders in service delivery. By recruiting additional engineers, designers, and frontline support staff, we’re fulfilling our promise of putting the customer at the centre of everything we do,” Mr Dominello said.
“We’ve seen through the pandemic with QR Codes, Dine & Discover Vouchers and the delivery of business grants, how important a world-leading digital product is for the people of NSW. This recruitment will ensure that we continue working towards making life safer and easier for the people.”
The roles being recruited include 135 Product/Software/Data/Salesforce engineers and 70 Content/Service/Product designers.
Service NSW is already at work on the digitisation of vocational licences and other transactions, including moving towards an integrated ‘tell us once’ model of government that securely shares details across different government agencies and departments with consent.
“In order for us to compete for tech talent with the private sector, we need to demonstrate to graduates that the NSW public service is a dynamic, fast paced and rewarding place to work,” Mr Dominello said.
“You need to look no further than Service NSW to find a public sector organisation that defies the stereotypical view of ‘working in Government’. Through organisations like Service NSW, the NSW Government is offering tech graduates the opportunity to work on a huge pipeline of transformational, customer-facing digital products and services.”
Prospective applicants can learn more at www.service.nsw.gov.au