Category: NSW News

As the state marks three million COVID-19 tests since January, the NSW Government is calling on the community to continue to work together to fight the deadly virus.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said reaching three million tests was a major milestone in the State’s fight against COVID-19.
“I want to thank everyone in NSW who has come forward to be tested – three million COVID-19 tests is an incredible result,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“As we ease restrictions, it is critical that we maintain our high rates of testing which has been central to our success in limiting the spread of the virus and keeping NSW open.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard warned that while recent easing of restrictions is very welcome, it comes with risks and it is critical everyone keeps getting tested.
“This is a stealthy virus and if we give it an inch, it will take a mile and undo a lot of good work,” Mr Hazzard said.
“The community response to COVID-19 has been fantastic and I thank the people of NSW for their efforts and sacrifices during the past nine months, which have put us in a position where we have been able to ease restrictions.
“We hope to be able to continue to ease restrictions in the weeks and months ahead, but this depends on us being successful in minimising community transmission.”
As at 8pm on 26 October 2020, 3,000,641 COVID-19 tests had been performed on 2,247,101 people in NSW. Of those people tested, 63.7 per cent had a single test and 36.3 per cent had more than one test, with 1.16 per cent having more than five tests.
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said it was critical that people continue to come forward for testing and practice COVID-safe behaviours when out and about and catching up with family and friends.
“When we have high numbers of people continuing to get tested, that allows us to detect cases in the community earlier and prevent onward transmission,” Dr Chant said.
“Get tested at the first sign of even the mildest of symptoms, wash your hands regularly, physically distance and wear a mask when using public transport and in places where you can’t physically distance.
“We have been able to get the recent clusters under control with the support of the community, but their emergence shows that the risk of a resurgence of cases in NSW remains very real.”
Restrictions eased recently by the NSW Government include:

• 30 people can now gather outdoors in public spaces (previously the rule was 20 people). It remains a maximum of 20 people in households;
• There can be 30 customers per booking, and 30 customers per table, at hospitality venues (previously the rule was a maximum of 10 customers);
• Corporate functions of up to 300 people can now be held at any appropriate premises, including at restaurants, subject to a COVID safety plan (previously it was just function centres);

• Religious gatherings/places of worship (excluding weddings and funerals) can have up to 300 people, subject to a COVID-19 safety plan; and

• Gyms are now only required to have a COVID-19 safety marshal if there are more than 20 people in the gym at one time.

Additionally, from 1 December 2020, the number of people who can attend weddings will be increased to 300 people subject to the four square metre rule indoors and two square metre rule outdoors. This will allow people to make plans and book venues knowing the capacity ahead of time.
There are more than 300 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW. To find your nearest clinic visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/how-to-protect-yourself-and-others/clinics or contact your GP. Most people receive their results within 24 hours.

Short-term rental accommodation hosts, guests, letting agents and online booking platform operators will soon be subject to strict new laws with a mandatory Code of Conduct for the industry to begin in December.
Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation Kevin Anderson said the new Code, which was released today, includes clear guidance and obligations for hosts and guests centred on minimum standards of good behaviour.
Also included are formal avenues for complaints and dispute resolution and the ability for NSW Fair Trading to ban problematic hosts or anti-social guests from booking short-term rentals for five years.
“The popularity of short-term rentals has exploded in recent years and is now a $30 billion a year industry,” Mr Anderson said.
“While the sector has gone from strength to strength, what has been missing is a clear set of rules to protect the rights of both hosts, guests and neighbours and which put mutual respect front and centre.
“The NSW Government is introducing these laws as part of our broad reform of the sector. Together, they will ensure the minority of participants who are giving the sector a bad name are removed and the short-term rental sector is improved for hosts, guests and communities.”
Mr Anderson said a key feature of the new laws was the establishment of an exclusion register, which will introduce a ‘two strikes and you’re out’ policy for unruly guests.
“We have all heard the horror stories of hosts doing the wrong thing or the house guests from hell behaving disgracefully in holiday rentals,” Mr Anderson said.
“If you are going to carry on like that in someone else’s house or neighbourhood, be warned – under these new rules you will be banned, and for a very long time.
“The standards are enforceable, with powers available to NSW Fair Trading Commissioner to take disciplinary action, including penalties and exclusion from the industry for repeat offenders.”
All participants, including booking platforms, will be required to comply with the Code and with directions and requests from the Commissioner.
The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment is also developing a government-run premises register and state environmental planning policy for short-term rental accommodation which will round out the reforms to this sector and launch in 2021.
The Code of Conduct, which can be viewed here, will come into force on 18 December 2020.
For additional information, please visit the Fair Trading website.

Support for drought and bushfire impacted regional communities across NSW is continuing through our public schools, with the NSW Government announcing the extension of the Drought Entitlement Maintenance Program to 2023 to keep teachers in rural schools.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro and Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell announced the extension of the program today, continuing the Government’s commitment to supporting regional communities hardest hit by drought and bushfires by locking in staffing numbers at local schools.
Mr Barilaro said regional communities need support from governments now more than ever, despite conditions improving across the state and this announcement reaffirms the NSW Government’s commitment to boosting jobs in the regions.
“Regional communities have done it tough over the last few years and we know how important our schools are when it comes to keeping life in country towns. That is why the NSW Nationals are committed to providing stability for our students by supporting schools to keep their staff, regardless of fluctuations in enrolments,” Mr Barilaro said.
“This program will support our regional kids, keep families local, provide crucial jobs in country towns and keep our regional communities strong. Every additional teaching job means an extra family in town, shopping at local stores and injecting money into local economies.”
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the Entitlement Maintenance Program began in 2018, in acknowledgement of the fact that enrolments in schools might have fluctuated due to the relentless nature of the drought, posing the risk of decreasing staff numbers.
“I know how crucial it has been to provide students and families with stability throughout some of the toughest years our state has ever seen,” Ms Mitchell said.
“With drought, bushfires, floods and a global pandemic, kids need consistent support from principals, teachers and school staff who they know and trust.”
Ms Mitchell added that the schools currently involved in the Entitlement Maintenance Program will automatically have their staffing numbers extended; meaning schools won’t have to reapply for these positions.
“268 schools in regional and remote parts of NSW will benefit from the extension of this program, which is a great thing for our country kids,” Ms Mitchell said.

Regional businesses that can increase employment by expanding production lines or relocate operations to regional NSW from interstate or overseas will have access to support grants of up to $10 million under a new program designed to create more jobs across the state.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the $100 million Regional Job Creation Fund will provide businesses with the money they need to fast track expansion plans, to create jobs and stimulate the local economy.
“NSW businesses have demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of drought, bushfires and COVID-19 and this unprecedented funding program will help them thrive instead of just survive,” Mr Barilaro said.
“I have set an ambitious target for the Regional Job Creation Fund to create at least 5,000 new direct jobs across regional NSW in the next three years by providing businesses with the equipment, infrastructure and capacity they need to create new opportunities and attract new customers.
“Regional NSW is the engine room of our state and this program will deliver immediate economic stimulus as businesses leverage new opportunities by providing work for tradies and suppliers.
“Regional NSW’s abundance of natural resources, its pool of skilled labour and the NSW Government’s record infrastructure spend is providing businesses and industry with everything they need to succeed.”
Mr Barilaro said the Regional Job Creation Fund will provide grants between $100,000 and up to $10 million to undertake projects that create jobs, including those that;

• Replace, upgrade or adapt existing plant or equipment, including technology or energy efficiency upgrades
• Enable existing regional NSW businesses to establish an additional production line
• Relocate a business from interstate or internationally to regional NSW, or onshore an activity currently being undertaken overseas to regional NSW
• Develop new tourism experiences and attractions to create new demand in a region.

Applications are now open and will close on Friday 14 May 2021 or when program funding is fully allocated.
For information about eligibility criteria and program guidelines, go to www.investregionalnsw.com/RJCFund

The NSW Government today announced TAFE NSW has partnered with key health industry players to deliver a virtual reality point-of-care blood testing pilot.
TAFE NSW joined with NSW Health Pathology, CognitiveVR, and global leader in in vitro diagnostic solutions, Werfen, to develop the innovative training solution.
Healthcare workers will use a virtual reality (VR) headset to perform hands-on blood testing and equipment maintenance in a safe, virtual environment.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the NSW Government is setting a new standard of excellence in the use of emerging technologies in training.
“I’m pleased to announce TAFE NSW has teamed up with Werfen, NSW Health Pathology and CognitiveVR to develop a world-first training simulation to expand and increase acute care PoCT capability,” Mr Lee said.
“Importantly, the PoCT VR pilot aims to provide medical professionals with greater access to practical training and ensure workers have the critical diagnostic testing skills they need to provide the right care for our citizens during this challenging time.
“This demonstrates how TAFE NSW is working with industry leaders to develop high-tech, immersive training solutions to address real-world challenges.”
Minister for Health and Medical Research Brad Hazzard said it would overcome limitations such as travel time, social distancing or the availability of blood testing devices.
“The simulation aims to provide healthcare professionals across the state, including in regional and remote areas, with greater access to hands-on training scenarios, ultimately increasing the quality of care while also reducing time away from clinical care.”
General Manager of Werfen Australia and New Zealand Sally Hickman said the immersive technology pilot aims to determine if VR training methodology can deliver a user experience that is equal to, or better than, face-to-face on-site training.
“Designed specifically for the Werfen GEM Premier 5000 whole blood testing system, the VR solution seeks to provide a more tactile approach to training to improve muscle memory and reinforce processes,” Ms Hickman said.

The people of NSW will this season be protected from bushfires by the single largest aerial fleet of any fire agency in Australia.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott and NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) Commissioner Rob Rogers AFSM unveiled the full firefighting fleet of the NSW RFS aircraft at RAAF Base at Richmond today, the largest aviation investment by any State in the nation.
From the impressive Large Air Tanker (LAT) Marie Bashir, helicopters and Citation ‘Birddog’ aircraft, the range of equipment and capabilities were put on show as firefighters were winched and water bombers tested during a training exercise.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said NSW is leading the way in tackling fires both from the air and on the ground.
“The NSW Government has invested $26.3 million to provide the LAT ‘Marie Bashir’ and Citation ‘Birddog’ aircraft that will undertake line scanning operations.  Last season, the LAT proved its value time and time again,” Mr Elliott said.
“We’ve also unveiled two new Bell 412 Helicopters, an investment of $6.3 million that will further enhance capability across the state.
“No matter what Mother Nature throws at us; we have the ability to respond. If we experience a wet summer, these aircraft can assist rescuing people in floodwaters, or they can transport our crews to fast moving grass fires this bush fire season.
“NSW RFS and Australian Defence Force aircraft successfully rescued 51 people from imminent danger last bushfire season. These new aircraft will double this capability, and along with the two BK117 helicopters, enhance our rapid aerial and remote area firefighting operations.”
NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) Rob Rogers said that the RFS is committed to ensuring our firefighters have the tools they need year round to help protect lives and property.
“These impressive aircraft are just part of the fleet, with more than 100 call-when-needed and contracted aircraft, that have and will continue to support firefighting operations across NSW this bush fire season,” Commissioner Rogers said.
“Many of these aircraft have proved themselves already this season and the support from the sky will continue to be invaluable.”
“I also take this time to thank our volunteers who time and time again give so much to protect the people and property of NSW.”
The fleet of NSW RFS aircraft will be based at various locations including RAAF Base Richmond and Bankstown Airport and will deployed across the State and interstate as needed.
This follows the NSW Government’s recent announcement of $192.2 million over five years to commence implementation of key recommendations arising from the Independent NSW Bushfire Inquiry, including $5.4 million to enhance the existing RFS aerial fleet, training facilities and to trial night time aerial firefighting.

The new Sydney Fish Market has hit a major milestone with a contract awarded to begin construction, creating jobs for NSW now and into the future.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the award of a contract on the pivotal $750 million project demonstrates the NSW Government’s commitment to stimulating the economy while providing infrastructure for the local community and visitors alike.
“The new Sydney Fish Market, is set to become a world-class cultural icon for Sydney, creating jobs for the economy, boosting tourism and showcasing Sydney’s beautiful Blackwattle Bay,” Mr Ayres said.
“After careful consideration and a competitive process Multiplex has been appointed to start construction on the fish markets, with work to start early next year.
“Fast-tracking our infrastructure projects is vital in stimulating our State’s economic recovery in these challenging times.”
“More than 700 jobs will be created during construction, with a further 700 jobs to be supported upon completion in 2024, providing a much-needed boost to the local economy.
“Once complete, the new Sydney Fish Market will play a vital role in attracting local and international visitors to bolster tourism in Sydney and stimulate the local economy.”
David Ghannoum, Regional Managing Director Multiplex said the new Sydney Fish Market is set to become one of Australia’s best tourist destinations.
“We are excited to have been awarded the tender and to work with the NSW Government on this game-changing project,” Mr Ghannoum said.
“With its award-winning design, the modernised Sydney Fish Market will retain an authentic marine and seafood market experience and strengthen its position as one of Australia’s leading tourist destinations.”
Greg Dyer, CEO of Sydney Fish Market said the new Sydney Fish Market will transform the area, returning the foreshore to the public, opening more public space, and improving pedestrian and cycling links.
“The new market will be world class. Representing the very best traditions of the present market but utilising stunning design and architecture to house our operations – fishers, wholesalers, retailers and restaurants – in what will be an amazing experience for local, interstate and overseas visitors”
The Sydney Fish Market redevelopment is one of many projects fast tracked through Government’s new Planning System Acceleration Program, introduced to keep people in jobs and the economy moving in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Multiplex will begin work in early 2021, after the completion of early works and site preparation, and the entire project is on track to be completed in 2024.
The current Sydney Fish Market site will remain fully operational while the new site is being built.
For more information, visit insw.com/blackwattlebay

New data has revealed the NSW Government spent more than $40 billion on goods, services and construction in 2019/20, with nearly half this amount going to small and medium businesses, reiterating its support for the business community.
Figures collated from NSW Government agencies revealed $19.1 billion was spent with small and medium businesses – from food catering to technical consulting and construction work – an increase of more than $3 billion from the previous year.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said small and medium businesses continued to be a key focus for the success of NSW.
“Small and medium business owners are the backbone of the NSW economy, and we’re committed to supporting these businesses to grow and employ more people,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Of the $19.1 billion spent with small and medium businesses, $16.6 billion went to more than 51,000 small and medium businesses located in NSW.
“This is more than just a big number – every time we engage a small or medium business, we support jobs, families and local communities.”
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said it was important for small businesses to be front of mind when departments were considering which suppliers to engage.
“There is no doubt that small businesses have been doing it tough, first with drought, bushfires, floods and now COVID-19.
“Almost half of the money spent by the government on goods, services and construction was with small and medium sized businesses demonstrating their importance to the NSW economy.”
NSW Government agencies are responsible for conducting their own procurements in line with the NSW Procurement Policy Framework to ensure suppliers are sourced with consideration for value for money, fair and open competition, economic development, social outcomes and sustainability.
Businesses can register and search for opportunities to supply to the NSW Government at: https://suppliers.buy.nsw.gov.au/

Young people experiencing homelessness will benefit from more accommodation options and support services to help them break the cycle of homelessness, thanks to a $6.1 million NSW Government investment announced today.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said the package of support would help put young people on a pathway to housing independence.
“Secure housing is an important foundation for young people to live a happy and healthy life, and to realise their full potential,” Mr Ward said.
“With a safe place to call home, and support tailored to their individual needs, young people can live independently, study, train, work and pursue the things they love.”
The new funding will provide additional accommodation options for young people experiencing homelessness, including more medium-term housing options with appropriate support and supervision.
The NSW Government will continue to work closely with the sector to build on our responses for young people, informed by the recent evaluation of the Homelessness Youth Assistance Program.
Yfoundations CEO Pam Barker said the hidden nature of youth homelessness was becoming more visible through the pressures of the pandemic.
“Young people find themselves on the streets, without a permanent roof over their head, often through no fault of their own. Now more than ever, we need a pathway out of homelessness for our most vulnerable children and young people,” Ms Barker said.
“We welcome this desperately needed support from the NSW Government, and we will continue to work to keep seeing our youth homelessness services protect the increasing numbers of vulnerable young people.
The investment builds on the work the NSW Government has done during the pandemic to support young people at risk of homelessness. More than 360 people have been helped into housing through our Rent Choice Youth program since April.
Anyone who is homeless or at risk of homelessness can contact Link2home on 1800 152 152. Services and support are available 24-7, every day of the year.

NSW has strengthened its position as Australia’s number one destination for sports and live entertainment as Venues NSW supercharges the state’s major sports and entertainment venues.
NSW Parliament has passed legislation to enable Venues NSW to be the single entity managing sport and entertainment venues in order to attract blockbuster events and drive economic activity across the State.
Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said the merging of the Sydney Cricket & Sports Ground Trust (SCGT) and Venues NSW will ensure taxpayers receive maximum bang for their buck.
“The NSW Government has delivered a reform that will deliver enormous benefits for the state,” Mr Lee said.
“Now we have one organisation which can take control of hosting the most exciting and in-demand events which will bring major economic windfalls for NSW.
“We have invested in world-class venues and facilities which are the envy of the world and Venues NSW will ensure we get maximum returns.”
Incoming Venues NSW Chairman Tony Shepherd AO said the stage is set to make NSW unbeatable in attracting major events.
“Venues NSW now has an asset base which is the envy of other states around the country, giving NSW tremendous firepower to attract the biggest and the best sporting and entertainment events,” Mr Shepherd said.
“We can also capitalise on the experience and history of the SCG Trust which forms an intricate part of this clever and dynamic merger.”
The new entity will also focus on affordability and access to sports venues in NSW, to ensure NSW communities make the most of their government’s substantial investment.
All Venues NSW and SCGT contracts, agreements and membership entitlements with sporting codes, clubs, partners and members will continue to be honoured and preserved by the merged entity.