Category: NSW News

Greens Leader, Adam Bandt, says the Liberal Party’s continued excuses for not having a National anti-corruption body have become utterly farcical.
“More leaked talking points, more excuses. The Liberals have spent thousands of words justifying why there’s still no Federal ICAC, when it would only take a vote in the House to implement the Greens bill that has already passed the Senate,” Bandt said.
“This has been an issue for going on a decade, and there has been legislation before parliament for several years. It has also been more than 18 months since this government announced they were fully committed to a national ICAC.
“We could have a Federal ICAC passed on Monday. The Greens’ bill has already passed the Senate and it’s right there, ready to go.
“The excuse that the government is ‘too busy’ is utterly ridiculous. They’ve found time to attack the environment, jack up fees for uni students and weaken donations laws in the most recent sittings.”
“The debacle in NSW is proof positive of why we need a Federal ICAC. Dodgy behaviour by politicians doesn’t stop at the ACT border.”
Greens Leader in the Senate and spokesperson on Democracy, Senator Larissa Waters, said:
“The reason we still don’t have a federal ICAC is because this government has so many skeletons in the closet,” Senator Waters said.
“This week the NSW ICAC once again proved how effective corruption watchdogs are for sniffing out political stink.
“The sideshow of scandals plaguing the Morrison government shows the corrupting influence dirty donations have on decision-making.
“It’s been pork barrelling on steroids with Sports Rorts 1, Sports Rorts 2, the Shine Energy saga, and too many Angus Taylor incidents to count – and those are just the scandals we know of!
“The Morrison Government isn’t ‘too busy’ to implement a federal corruption watchdog, they just want to keep their hands in the political cookie jar.”
While the Morrison government has been ‘too busy’ to implement a federal ICAC, they have managed to find the time to:
•    Change donations laws to allow political donations to be funnelled between state and federal branches, subverting stronger state donations laws (passed with Labor support).
•    Ram through EPBC laws to weaken environmental standards, checks and balances before even receiving the final report from the review that they initiated.
•    Legislating to massively increase the cost of university degrees

Groups of up to 100 people will be able to gather for Remembrance Day services across NSW after the approval of a one-off exemption from COVID-19 restrictions.
Acting Minister for Veterans Geoff Lee said Remembrance Day is a major event for both veterans and the broader community to pay their respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
“Australians have paused to reflect and pay tribute on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month since 1918, so this is welcome news for our veterans community,” said Mr Lee.
“While some of our larger commemorations won’t look the same as in past years, this exemption means smaller services can be held in all local communities across NSW.”
The one-off exemption to the Public Health Order increases the current restrictions from 20 people to 100 people, to gather at community war memorials, provided they adhere to social distancing measures and have a COVID-19 Safety Plan in place.
The exemption is in place for Remembrance Day Services held before 12 November.
RSL NSW Acting President Ray James OAM thanked the NSW Government for lifting the restrictions to ensure services could go ahead safely.
“With this year’s Anzac Day commemorations cancelled due to the pandemic, it is particularly meaningful for the veteran community to see Remembrance Day gatherings taking place,” said Mr James.
“Local Remembrance Day services have a significant role in regional and rural communities where the incidence of COVID-19 has been low in recent months.”
Planning for a NSW State Commemorative Service in Martin Place is currently underway.

Police will issue 14 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) for breaches of the Public Health Order following an unauthorised protest at Camperdown today.
Officers attached to Inner West Police Area Command attended the grounds of a university on City Road, Camperdown, about 11.30am (Wednesday 14 October 2020), after receiving information regarding planned protest activity.
About 1pm, a large group of people began protesting inside the grounds of the university, before moving out onto the surrounding streets.
Members of the group attempted to disrupt traffic on multiple occasions and were removed from the road by officers.
General duties police were assisted by specialist officers from the Public Order and Riot Squad, Central Metropolitan Region ODIN, Mounted Unit and the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command.
The crowd dispersed, with 14 people to be issued $1000 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) in relation to breaches of the Public Health Order.

Victims of intimate image abuse will have the same court protections as other sexual assault complainants while judicial officers will have greater powers to order images and recordings be destroyed, under legislation to be introduced in NSW Parliament today.
Attorney General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Mark Speakman said the proposed Criminal Procedure Act 1986 reforms acknowledge the seriousness of these types of offences and the distress and damage they inflict on victims’ lives.
“Coming to court can often involve extensive questioning about intimate details of a victim’s experience and the terrible hurt caused. These reforms are aimed at helping to reduce the trauma of that experience,” Mr Speakman said.
The proposed reforms mean victims can give evidence remotely and in a closed court, access a support person, have their identity protected from publication, and avoid cross-examination by an unrepresented accused personally.
“It is vital victims know if they report intimate image abuse that they will be appropriately supported in court, while also helping them regain privacy and dignity,” Mr Speakman said.
The proposed reforms also allow the court to order an offender to remove, retract, delete or destroy an intimate image when found guilty of threatening to distribute it without consent.
“What happens to intimate images can be a source of ongoing fear and trauma for many victims, and our Bill seeks to address that anxiety,” Mr Speakman said.
“It will give victims some sense of control and peace of mind that even when only a threat is made, that those images can no longer be accessed or disseminated in the future.”
Today’s Bill reinforces the Government’s commitment to addressing this vile form of intimate abuse and follows its implementation of the Crimes Amendment (Intimate Images) Act 2017.
“Unfortunately, the rapid advent of technology has facilitated a rise in this type of criminal behaviour, so it is crucial our justice response keeps pace,” Mr Speakman said.
Research by the e-Safety Commissioner indicates 11 per cent of Australian adults have experienced image-based abuse. According to the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, there were 296 charges for intimate image offences between July 2018 and June 2019, while 420 charges have been laid between July 2019 and June this year.
Further details of the Bill will be available on the NSW Parliament website this afternoon when it is second read in the Legislative Assembly.

The NSW Government will allocate a record $1.3 billion in 2021 to more than 2000 public schools across NSW – a $50 million increase on 2020.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced the Resource Allocation Model (RAM) funding today, which is provided on top of a school’s base allocation, and can be used for more teachers, literacy and numeracy programs, and teacher training.
“I want to ensure every child in NSW has the opportunity to be best they can be, no matter where they live or what their circumstances may be,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This funding will support the NSW Government’s education reforms including overhauling the NSW curriculum and making sure we have the most skilled teachers at the front of the classroom.”
The allocation of RAM funding recognises the needs of schools across NSW differ and takes into account the socio-economic profile of students, Aboriginal student numbers, students with disability and English language proficiency.
It is in addition to the schools’ base allocation funding which is more than $8.8 billion this year.
Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said the funding certainty allowed schools to plan for 2021.
“The allocations are part of a total of $10.1 billion in annual funding being delivered to public schools for 2021, supporting our students and improving their learning outcomes,” said Ms Mitchell.
“I want to see this funding improve outcomes for our students. Schools have enhanced financial tools that allow them to build this money into their school plans so that students receive more of the benefit.”
The NSW Government is working towards creating Australia’s best education system and providing students with world-class education no matter where they live.

A man has been issued an infringement notice over an alleged breach of the Public Health Act in the state’s south west.
Officers from Riverina Police District commenced inquiries after receiving information about a 22-year-old man who was not self-isolating after returning to Wagga Wagga from an address in Victoria last week.
Following inquiries, about 9.35am yesterday (Tuesday 13 October 2020), the man was located by police outside a home in Glenfield Park.
It’s alleged the man returned to his home in Ashmont, Wagga Wagga, on Monday 5 October 2020, and failed to self-isolate for 14 days as per the conditions of his permit.
The man was issued a $1000 PIN for failing to comply with noticed direction with COVID-19.
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.
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.

Restrictions for outdoor dining and outdoor music performances will be eased, under relaxed COVID-19 safety rules.

1. From this Friday, 16 October restrictions at hospitality venues will be eased to allow one patron for every two square metres in outdoor areas (previously this was one person per four square metres).

Businesses wishing to take advantage of the relaxed restrictions must use electronic methods, like QR codes, to record and keep contact details.

2. Under changes effective immediately, 500 people will be able to attend outdoor seated music performances and rehearsals, subject to the four square metre rule and people being seated (previously 20 people were permitted).

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the community and businesses are doing a great job of working together to keep COVID-19 at bay, which meant the rules could now be relaxed.
“In NSW, we are focused on keeping the virus under control but also ensuring our economy keeps going and these changes will allow hospitality venues to increase their capacity in a COVID-Safe way,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This is also a big boost for our music industry with more people in NSW able to enjoy music in the outdoors over the summer.
“Our aim is to provide as many opportunities as we can for businesses and organisations to succeed – but for that strategy to be successful we need everyone to follow their COVID-19 Safety Plan.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said relaxing the rules to one patron per two square metres in outdoor areas will provide a big boost to hospitality businesses.
“Cafés, restaurants, pubs and clubs can now open up to more people as we enter summer and this will help drive recovery and keep people in jobs,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This is an important change and increasing capacity for patrons was something raised by many stakeholders at the recent Summer Summit.”
Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said easing the rules would breathe more life into hospitality venues after a rocky year of closures and limited re-openings, giving the community more opportunities to dine out.
“This is another step toward as normal a life as possible in a COVID-19 world, and will draw more people to our hospitality venues to catch up with family and friends, particularly in outdoor spaces as summer approaches,” Mr Hazzard said.
“In doing so we increase our risk, so it’s important everyone continues to practise physical distancing and good hand hygiene, and to get tested if unwell and stay home until a negative result is obtained.”
NSW Health Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said hospitality venues will still be required to have a COVID-19 Safety Plan.
“Hospitality venues will also need to use electronic methods to capture and keep contact records of their patrons, if they wish to take advantage of the new eased restrictions,” Dr Chant said.
Organisers of outdoor music performances or rehearsals are required to have a COVID-19 Safety Plan, which must cover:

• Wellbeing of the audience
• Physical distancing requirements for audience
• Hygiene and cleaning requirements
• Record keeping of all attendees.

Facilitator, Roundtable of Vocal, Instrumental and Music Education Organisations (RIVMEO), Stephen O’Doherty, said the easing of restrictions will make a big difference to thousands of musicians for whom making music for the enjoyment of others is a central part of their life.
“The checklist provided by Health will be of great assistance to groups in planning outdoor performances and rehearsals. It is a helpful and sensible way to phase in the return of group music,” Mr O’Doherty said.
You can find more information on the COVID-19 Safety plan for outdoor music performances here.

Police have issued one business and 16 individuals with Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) and charged one person at the weekend following a number of alleged breaches of Ministerial Directions under the Public Health Act.
Just after 2.30pm on Saturday (10 October 2020), officers from Kings Cross Police Area Command attended a restaurant at Macleay Street, Potts Point, to conduct a business inspection.
It was established that the restaurant was using an outdated COVID Safety Plan and was not up to date with the current requirements under the Public Health Act.
Further, the manager was unable to locate a copy of the venue’s liquor licence, as required under Liquor Regulation 2018.
Following further inquiries, the manager was issued a $5000 PIN.
Just before 12.30am last Friday (9 October 2020) officers attached to Operation Border Closure stopped a Nissan Patrol at the checkpoint on Murray Valley Way, Euston.
Police spoke with the 53-year-old female driver, who indicated she did not have identification or a permit because her purse had been stolen. She verbally provided details to be checked, which revealed that there was no driver’s licence recorded for that identity, and entry into NSW had been refused four days prior.
While speaking with the woman, officers noticed a handbag on the back seat of the vehicle, which was then established to belong to her. It contained identification in a different name – the woman’s true identity.
During a search of the woman’s belongings, police also located and seized heroin and further checks revealed the woman’s licence was suspended until 2021.
The woman was issued a Court Attendance Notice for drive whilst disqualified and possess prohibited drug and is due to appear in court at a later date.
She was also issued with a $1000 PIN for fail to comply notice/direction in relation to section 7/8/9 COVID-19 and a second $1000 PIN for fail to provide/give false information on request COVID-19 Border Control.
Officers from Operation Border Closure also stopped a Hyundai Getz about 10pm on Friday at the checkpoint on Murray Valley Way, Euston, and spoke with the 26-year-old male driver.
The man said he had travelled from South Australia and was not aware he required a permit.
Subsequent checks revealed the man had attempted to enter NSW at the Tooleybuc checkpoint just after 8pm, was refused entry and advised entry was only permitted via the Sturt Highway at the Mildura checkpoint.
Police issued the man with a $1000 PIN and refused entry into NSW.
About 1am on Saturday (10 October 2020), officers attached to Operation Border Closure stopped a Holden Commodore at the Barham checkpoint and spoke with the 50-year-old female driver, who was unable to produce a permit to enter NSW.
During a subsequent search of the vehicle, police located a 60-year-old woman in the boot of the car.
Both women were issued with $1000 PINs for fail to comply notice/direction in relation to section 7/8/9 COVID-19.
The older woman was also charged with a breach of bail and issued a Traffic Infringement Notice for travel in/on boot of motor vehicle.
She is next due to appear at Deniliquin Local Court on Tuesday 3 November 2020.
Further, as previously reported, a 19-year-old woman was charged, and 11 people were issued PINs following an unauthorised protest in Sydney CBD on Saturday.
The woman is due to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday 3 November 2020.
Police are reminding the community that restrictions still apply for travel from Victoria into NSW, and exempt residents must use specific routes to be granted entry at the southern border.
Under a new exemptions issued by the NSW Government on Friday, returning NSW residents and residents of Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, and the ACT and Northern Territory may enter NSW at one designated checkpoint without a permit and only if they meet certain criteria.
These residents will only be granted entry at the George Caffey Bridge on the Sturt Highway at Mildura.
In addition, they must not have been in Victoria in the previous 14 days, other than travelling on the Sturt Highway for the purpose of getting to or from NSW and South Australia.
More information about restrictions at the border can be found at: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/what-you-can-and-cant-do-under-rules/border-restrictions
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.
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 information via NSW Police social media pages.

One of Australia’s oldest public schools will undergo a $53 million makeover that will almost double student capacity and create hundreds of jobs.
The expansion of the Fort Street Public School in Millers Point is the latest to be approved as part of the NSW Government’s Planning System Acceleration Program.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the development at Upper Fort Street in Millers Point will boost the school’s capacity from 220 students to 391 students, create 229 construction jobs and 20 new operational jobs.
“Fort Street was established as one of Australia’s first public schools in 1849. Its expansion and redevelopment will provide better teaching and learning facilities for students and teachers, as well as providing new and improved open space,” Mr Stokes said.
“The project includes the refurbishment of important heritage buildings such as the Fort Street Public School itself, the Bureau of Meteorology (Met) Building, and the Messenger’s Cottage.”
“It will also provide new open spaces for students to enjoy, including a new amphitheatre and central plaza as well as new roof gardens on top of the new southern buildings and the existing Met Building.”
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said the expansion of Fort Street Public School is critical to ensuring long-term primary school demand is met in Sydney.
“The NSW Government is responding to the need for additional public education infrastructure by investing $6.7 billion over four years to deliver new schools and upgrade existing schools,” Ms Mitchell said.
“This represents the biggest investment in school building in the history of NSW.”
This is the latest project to be approved as part of the NSW Government’s Planning System Acceleration Program. To date, the program has created opportunities for more than 50,000 direction jobs and more than $25 billion of economic investment.