Category: NSW News

The NSW Government will quadruple the size of its central cyber security team in a landmark expansion of the State’s cyber defences.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the investment of $60 million over three years would be used to create an army of cyber experts, broadening the scope of Cyber Security NSW to incorporate small agencies and councils.
“The $60 million is not only a four-fold increase in spending on cyber security but allows Cyber Security NSW to quadruple the size of its team in the battle against cyber-crime,” Mr Dominello said.
“Cyber Security NSW will train the next generation of cyber security experts and ensure there is a cross-government coordinated response, including advance threat intelligence sharing, cyber security training and capability development.
“This will further ensure NSW has world-class cyber security infrastructure to protect the government services of the future.”
Cyber Security NSW plays a whole-of-government role to strengthen government cyber capability in government agencies, collaborating with emergency management, law enforcement, the private sector and other jurisdictions.
“It is important to increase capability across the whole of the State,” Acting Chief Cyber Security Officer Executive Director Charlotte Wood said.
“Councils provide us all with important online services and we must ensure the capability of councils is increasing at the same time as NSW Government’s capability is increasing.”
In July the Cyber Security Vulnerability Management Centre, operated by Cyber Security NSW, began operations in Bathurst.
It provides the NSW Government with an increased awareness of vulnerabilities in internet-facing services and assets and is critical to early identification and remediation of known vulnerabilities.
This investment into Cyber Security NSW is the first instalment of the record $240 million cyber security funding announced in June.

NSW domestic and family violence services experiencing increased demand as a result of COVID-19 can now apply for a share of $9 million in Federal Government funding.
Attorney General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Mark Speakman said the COVID-19 Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Grant program aimed to ensure more victim-survivors can access the support and services they need at this crucial time.
“Many of our dedicated services have moved quickly to innovate and adapt their supports during the pandemic – when women and children may have struggled to access help,” Mr Speakman said.
“I strongly encourage organisations to apply for this funding, whether it be to launch a new program or expand or adapt an existing one to ensure victim-survivors can access support.”
The program offers one-off grants between $20,000 and $150,000 to eligible services.
Mr Speakman said a Australian Institute of Criminology report released last month revealed an increase in domestic violence during the pandemic, with many victims reporting it was the first time their partner had been violent towards them.
“Victim-survivors often contact frontline services before they make the decision to go to the police, which is why it’s so important these organisations have the necessary capacity to deliver appropriate supports to those most in need,” Mr Speakman said.
Federal Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston said the additional support secured with this funding will help ensure people can live their life free from violence and abuse.
“The funding is part of the Federal Government’s $150 million investment to boost domestic violence supports and services during COVID-19 – from counselling and helpline provisions to behaviour change programs and emergency accommodation,” Ms Ruston said.
“We’ve been working closely with the States and Territories to deliver this funding to dedicated services on the frontline who work tirelessly to support vulnerable victim-survivors across the country.”
Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said the investment was a timely response, which would ensure more women and children will be able to access vital supports.
“A safe home is something many of us take for granted. Boosting domestic violence support is crucial for protecting women and children across the state when they need it most,” Mrs Taylor said.
Interim Domestic Violence NSW CEO Delia Donovan said the funding boost was welcomed by the organisation – NSW’s peak body for specialist domestic violence services.
“Never has the need been greater, than in this current pandemic, to ensure women and their children experiencing domestic and family violence can access critical support and services,” Ms Donovan said.
“Over the past few months, services have reported an escalation in the numbers of women seeking help and a significant increase in the complexity of cases, all whilst having to quickly adapt service delivery to COVID-19 conditions.
“This funding will provide a range of specialist services with the flexibility to respond to the particular and nuanced needs of their communities with localised place-based solutions.”
Today’s announcement follows the $21 million investment in frontline domestic violence support services delivered by the Federal and NSW Governments in May.
Grant applications will open today and close at 5pm (AEST) on Wednesday, 23 September 2020. To apply, complete the online application form via the SmartyGrants portal, at https://www.women.nsw.gov.au/commissioning/DFVCovid19Funding.

Netball NSW is delighted to announce the appointment of Matt Miller to the organisation’s Board of Directors.
An Appointed Director as of August 2020, Miller has had a decorated career for over four decades working with State Governments in New South Wales and Queensland, as well as at Federal level.
Most recently Miller worked as CEO of the Australian Sports Commission between 2009 and 2011, before heading up the NSW Office of Sport from 2014 to 2019.
Netball NSW President Louise Sullivan said Miller’s track record spoke for itself as she welcomed him to the organisation.
“Matt has decades of experience in Government including time spent in senior leadership roles in sport at national and state agencies,” she said.
“His broad knowledge and deep understanding of sport at all levels will be a fantastic asset for the Netball NSW Board.
“In particular his insight into the sporting system from community to elite will help shape the strategic vision and direction of netball in this state.”
Miller said he was honoured to be joining an organisation with such a rich history of success and pioneering for women in sport.
“This role is an exciting opportunity for me to use my capabilities, experience and energy to make a significant contribution to Netball NSW and the netball community,” he said.
“The game is by far the leader for women and young girls in sport across Australia and now I think the time is right for netball to take the next step and reach even more people.
“The NSW netball community came together at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to make sure the game survived, while the elite athletes of the NSW Swifts and GIANTS Netball are making their season work in Queensland.
“With such passion and work ethic at both grassroots and elite levels I can’t wait to get started.”
Netball NSW would like to acknowledge Andrew McMaster who has stepped down from the Board but remains involved as Chair of the Audit & Risk Sub-Committee.
“We thank him for his service to the sport, and particularly his strong guidance through the COVID-19 financial impacts and advocacy,” Sullivan added.

Five Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) have been issued since the last COVID-19 update, including to motorists attempting entry into NSW at multiple checkpoints without valid permits.
At 5.30pm on Thursday 20 August 2020, two men travelling in a Skoda from Ballarat, Victoria, attempted to re-enter NSW via the Spirit of Progress Bridge on the Hume Highway, Albury, without a valid permit.
They were advised to enter NSW via air and isolate for 14 days; however, the men were again refused entry later the same night at the Wodonga Place-NSW/VIC border checkpoint.
On Saturday 22 August 2020, police were alerted that both men had entered NSW and were residing at their homes on the state’s Central Coast.
At 4pm Monday 24 August 2020, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended the home of one of the men, aged 69, in Raymond Terrace, issuing him with a PIN for fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9 – COVID 19. At 9.30am yesterday (Tuesday 25 August 2020), officers attached to Newcastle City Police District attended the home of the second man, aged 68, in Newcastle East, and issued the same PIN.
Also, on Monday, about 11.40pm, police stopped a 49-year-old man driving a blue Ford Falcon near the border closure located on the Riverina Highway and Murray Street, Lake Hume Village. The man did not have a permit to enter NSW and following inquiries, it was revealed police had spoken to the man, and refused him entry into the state at another border closure earlier in the night. The man was issued with an $1000 PIN for fail to comply with requirement of the Public Health Act.
Other incidents where PINs were issued include:
About 1.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 25 August 2020), a 53-year-old man from Victoria was issued an infringement after failing to self-isolate at a hotel in Sydney. He was granted a Critical Services Permit to travel from Melbourne to Sydney where he was directed to self-isolate; he’s also been issued with an infringement for failing to comply with direction COVID-19.
At 2.40pm yesterday, police spoke to a 46-year-old man driving a Toyota Camry sedan, on Rand Road, Balldale, and allege he had made a false declaration when applying for a permit to enter NSW. He was issued a $1000 PIN for attempting to cross border with a permit that did not meet the purpose for his travel.
A separate media release was distributed yesterday regarding a PIN issued to a licensee of a premise in Keen Street, Lismore, after failing to comply with the noticed direction.
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.

The NSW Police Force conducts regular audits and reviews of hotels used in the hotel quarantine operation to ensure a high standard of delivery for all travellers required to quarantine at hotels for the minimum 14-day period as instructed by NSW Health.
Hotels that do not meet the expectations are rotated out of the hotels roster. On Tuesday 25 August 2020, NSW Police ascertained that one such hotel did not meet the expectations required as part of the quarantine program and a decision was made to relocate all 366 guests to another, more suitable accommodation.
The relocation operation commenced this afternoon and is expected take around 12 hours to complete.
The health, safety and comfort of all quarantined travellers remains a top priority for NSW Police.
The NSW Police Force continues to work closely with NSW Health to ensure hotel quarantine operations comply with the highest standards, including having robust infection control measures in place at all quarantine facilities, with support from the NSW Clinical Excellence Commission.
Health staff are present in hotels managed by NSW Police and additionally health hotel quarantine was established early in NSW and is managed by NSW Health (for people with COVID-19, suspected COVID-19 or those with a clinical condition which makes being in a police hotel inappropriate).
Regular audits are undertaken of infection control practices and police officers, security guards and other staff on site are guided in the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by clinical staff at the hotels. These measures have been guided by the NSW Clinical Excellence Commission, based on national and international best practice.
Since the operation began on Sunday 29 March 2020, police have been operating up to 20 hotels, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
In total, more than 50,000 people have entered mandatory quarantine in NSW Police-managed hotels, with 4185 people currently in 16 hotels across Sydney.
It has been an incredibly successful operation, which has dramatically reduced the transmission of COVID-19 throughout the community.

The NSW Government has released the independent NSW Bushfire Inquiry, which examined the causes, preparation and response to the devastating 2019-20 bushfires.
All 76 recommendations will be accepted in principle, with further work to be done on specific timelines to give communities assurance that changes will be made to keep them safe.
Any issues not covered in the report that are still relevant to the protection of property and life will also be further examined.
Resilience NSW, led by Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons, has been tasked with coordinating and overseeing the implementation of the Inquiry’s recommendations as the Government finalises its approach.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian thanked former NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Dave Owens and Professor Mary O’Kane AC for their hard work on this Report.
“The NSW Government has worked in lock-step with the RFS and Resilience NSW to ensure the State is as prepared as it can be to face the next fire season, but the learnings from this Inquiry will help us further improve our preparedness and response,” said Ms Berejiklian.
“The NSW Government has already delivered more than $45 million in additional funding, announced in May, to fast-track hazard reduction and deliver upgrades to our firefighting capability.
“This was a terrible bushfire season and we will look at all the steps we can take, especially in relation to helping people protect their property.”
The findings of the Report show that there is an opportunity to strengthen governance and responsibility, which we are in the process of addressing.
The Report also acknowledges the significant contribution of both climate change and the vast expanse of the State’s bushland towards these devastating fires.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said all 76 recommendations in the Inquiry are based on the harsh lessons learnt from the catastrophic bushfires of last summer.
“Last bushfire season was unlike anything we have ever dealt with before and we need a Government response to match,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Things like strategic hazard reduction and better land management no matter the tenure are essential when it comes to keeping our communities safe.”
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said NSW is more prepared than ever before for the 2020-21 fire season.
“We have already begun implementing the Inquiry’s recommendation to replace and retrofit the fleet, with 120 new trucks and 70 refurbished trucks to be rolled out before the end of the financial year,” Mr Elliott said.
“I would like to thank all our emergency personnel and volunteers who made us all proud over this relentless bushfire season.”
A link to the Report can be found here: dpc.nsw.gov.au/nsw-bushfire-inquiry

Western Sydney has a new police station, with Wentworthville Police Station officially opened today by Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott, Commissioner of Police Mick Fuller and Member for Seven Hills Mark Taylor.
Mr Elliott said the new $2.1 million facility is the fifth police station to be opened by the NSW Government since the 2019 March election.
“From Taree to Sanctuary Point, the NSW Government continues to deliver on its election commitment to invest in police station infrastructure to support the vital work of our police men and women,” Mr Elliott said.
The Government has previously announced 76 extra police positions for the North West Metropolitan Region as part of its more than $583 million investment to deliver 1,500 new police over four years.
Commissioner Mick Fuller said the new station provides the local community with greater access to policing services in the area.
“This is an investment into the crime fighting capabilities in Sydney’s north west.  It gives the police in this command the support they need to drive down crime and keep the community safe,” Commissioner Fuller said.
Superintendent Julie Boon, Commander of Parramatta Police Area Command said the station is accessible to the community and allows for an expanded policing response to local area issues.
“Wentworthville Police Station now has an accessible front counter to better service the needs of the community and is fitted with the most advanced security,” she said.
Mr Taylor said how pleased he was to have the station in the heart of his community.
“The new police station at Wentworthville will increase and improve the access our community has, to both justice and safety, locally,” Mr Taylor said.

A Victorian man has been charged after he allegedly unlawfully crossed the NSW/Victoria border and led police on a 200km pursuit in an attempt to drive to the Australian Capital Territory.
Officers from Operation Border Closure were conducting permit checks at a checkpoint on the Hume Highway, South Albury, when they stopped a Mazda MX5 about 11.40am yesterday (Monday 24 August 2020), and spoke with the 51-year-old male driver.
The Warrnambool man said he did not have a permit but wanted to drive to Canberra.
After checks revealed he had previously made unsuccessful attempts to cross the border without a permit, police refused his entry and he was directed to return to Victoria with a police escort.
While officers from Traffic and Highway Patrol Command were escorting the vehicle to the East Street off-ramp, it’s alleged the vehicle took off from police at speed onto the Hume Highway on-ramp.
Another police officer was conducting speed enforcement duties on the Borella Road on ramp and detected the vehicle’s speed at 172km/h in the 110km/h zone.
A police pursuit was initiated, and road spikes were deployed a short time later, which successfully deflated one tyre, however, the man continued to drive at speed with one wheel on its rims.
Police pursued the vehicle for about 200km until the vehicle ran out of fuel and stopped near Jugiong.
The man was subsequently arrested and taken to Gundagai Police Station, where he was charged with drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, police pursuit-not stop-drive at speed, exceed speed more than 45km/h, and not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19.
He has been refused bail to appear at Gundagai Local Court today (Tuesday 25 August 2020).
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.

Two Lismore venues have been issued $5,000 fines following non-compliance with COVID-19 Public Health Orders.
About 11.45pm on Friday 21 August 2020, police were called to a hotel on Keen Street, Lismore, following reports a 20-year-old woman had been glassed.
The woman was taken to Lismore Base Hospital for treatment, while a 27-year-old woman was arrested and taken to Lismore Police Station.
She was charged with reckless wounding and granted conditional bail to appear at Lismore Local Court on Monday 21 September 2020.
As a result of their investigation, licencing officers from Richmond Police District commenced inquiries into potential breaches of the NSW Liquor Act (2007) and potential breaches of the current COVID-19 Public Health Orders.
Police will allege staff failed to eject a highly intoxicated person from the premises, while other patrons were not seated and were mingling between groups with no physical distancing on Friday 21 August 2020.
As a result of these breaches, the 67-year-old male licensee was issued with two Penalty Infringement Notices yesterday (Monday 24 August 2020) for the offences of:
– Licensee permit intoxication on licensed premises – $1,100
– Not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID 19 – Corporation – $5,000
Richmond PD licencing police also attended a second licensed premises on Keen Street on Saturday 22 August 2020 as part of ongoing business inspections in relation to COVID-19 Public Health Orders.
Police will allege patrons were not signing into the venue, whilst also standing and mingling between groups with no physical distancing being observed. The venue also had an expired COVID-19 Safety Management Plan, and had previously received a warning from police for not having a plan in place.
Following further inquiries, the 60-year-old male licensee was issued with a $5,000 Penalty Infringement Notice for failing to comply with the noticed direction today (Tuesday 25 August 2020).
Licencing police will continue to enforce compliance checks at licensed premises and other venues across the state, to ensure the Public Health Orders are being adhered to.
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.
 

Anyone who lives or works in Sydney’s West and South West and has even the mildest of COVID-19 symptoms is being urged to come forward for testing, as mystery COVID-19 cases continue to emerge in the region.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said COVID-19 is still circulating in the community, particularly in Sydney’s West and South West.
“This region is key to breaking the back of this wave of transmission and high testing rates in people with symptoms is crucial to stopping community transmission,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“NSW is on the right track with cases remaining low, however, I remain concerned that we are continuing to have cases diagnosed without a link to a known cluster.
“This is a call to anyone who lives in Sydney’s West and South West to come forward for testing with even the mildest of symptoms.
“If you run a local organisation, business, community centre, place of worship, radio station or newspaper in this area we want your help to communicate this message.”
Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said we need everyone to play their part to help clamp down on community transmission and prevent the risk of further clusters emerging.
“We are asking anyone who works, resides or has visited Sydney’s West and South-West recently to come forward for testing at even the slightest hint of symptoms,” Dr Chant said.
“A unique feature of this virus is just how mild the symptoms can be and this can present the biggest challenge when people don’t realise they may actually have the virus – I want the community to help us identify where these mystery cases are coming from.”
There are 302 locations for the public to get COVID-19 testing in NSW, with more opening every day. 90 are drive-throughs and 22 are pop-up clinics. To find your closest testing clinic go to https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/how-to-protect-yourself-and-others/clinics