Category: NSW News

Police will address the media after nine people were arrested following an investigation into an IED detonation that injured a woman in Sydney’s inner west earlier this year.
On Monday 8 June 2020, a woman was inside her home on Robert Street, Canterbury, when she noticed a fire on the front balcony about 11.20pm.
The woman walked outside to investigate and when she tried to extinguish the fire, an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated.
The 55-year-old woman was treated at the scene, before being taken to Concord Hospital for treatment of burns to her face, hands, chest and legs.
A 19-year-old man who was also home at the time was uninjured.
Detectives from Burwood Police Area Command established Strike Force Shalimah to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Following extensive inquiries, strike force investigators, with assistance from Auburn, Fairfield and Campsie Police Area Commands and Central Metropolitan Region ODIN, attended homes across Sydney from about 7am today (Thursday 13 August 2020), and arrested eight males, aged between 17 and 20.
They were taken to Mascot, Bankstown, Burwood and Fairfield Police Stations.
Search warrants were executed at three homes in Zetland, Concord and Fairfield, where officers seized clothing, phones and other items relevant to the investigation.
Just before 9am, an 18-year-old man was arrested after attending Mascot Police Station
Inquiries continue.
Anyone with information that can assist Strike Force Shalimah investigators are urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or 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.

Police have charged a man in Sydney’s CBD after he allegedly spat at multiple officers yesterday.
About 6.30pm (Wednesday 12 August 2020), officers from Sydney City Police Area Command were called to a hotel on George Street, Sydney, after reports of an altercation.
Police stopped a man at Railway Square, at the intersection of George and Lee Streets and the 32-year-old was arrested after he refused to provide details and attempted to walk away.
His identity was established, and he was issued a move-on direction.
After failing to comply, the man was arrested and taken to Day Street Police Station where he allegedly repeatedly spat at multiple officer’s while being held in custody.
The man was charged with use offensive language in/near public place/school, refuse/fail to comply with direction under Part 14, and not comply noticed direction re spitting/coughing – COVID-19.
The man was refused bail to appear at Central Local Court today (Thursday 13 August 2020).
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 Government has approved the development of the State’s first hydrogen gas facility at Horsley Park, paving the way for more clean energy, more jobs and an $18 million boost to the local economy.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the project will be the largest renewable gas trial in the country and could provide green gas to power Sydney’s homes and businesses in as little as five years if the trial is rolled out.
“The $18 million Western Sydney Green Gas Project will be a prototype for future green hydrogen projects,” Mr Stokes said.
“Hydrogen can revolutionise the fuel and gas industry, creating opportunities for low emissions technologies and jobs.”
The project will operate as a trial over five years to demonstrate the commercial feasibility of power-to-gas technology.
Energy Minister Matt Kean said the flagship project, delivered by Jemena and partially funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, will inform the State’s transition to an economically and environmentally sustainable energy supply into the future.
“This will help to position NSW as a nation-leader in green gas supply and storage projects as we transition to a low carbon gas network,” Mr Kean said.
“It will also help us reach our ambitious aspiration of injecting 10 per cent hydrogen into our gas network by 2030.”
The project involves converting tap water and grid electricity from renewable sources into hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas is then injected into the gas distribution network to supply homes, power buses and generate electricity.
Construction will commence in the next 3 months, with the facility due to be completed by early next year.
The Western Sydney Green Gas project is the latest to be determined through the NSW Government’s Planning System Acceleration Program that is keeping people in jobs and the economy moving during the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, the program has created opportunities for 41,000 new jobs, injected $18.2 million into the NSW economy and delivered 400 hectares of open space, parks and land for environmental conservation.

The Shoalhaven will benefit from a pipeline of Defence-related activity including up to 48 new jobs servicing the Royal Australian Navy’s fleet of MH-60R maritime helicopters.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres, Member for the South Coast, Shelley Hancock and Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward today visited defence industry sites and businesses in the region, including Sikorsky’s purpose-built helicopter facility in Nowra.
The Lockheed Martin Australia company has been awarded a $276 million five-year contract to maintain the Navy’s 24 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, based with the Fleet Air Arm at HMAS Albatross.
The contract includes, repairs, depot level maintenance and logistics support for the Navy’s next-generation helicopters, equipped for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, logistics, personnel transport and medical evacuation. It will also create opportunities to re-skill some workers from the civil aerospace sector affected by the COVID-19 downturn.
“It’s fantastic to see how important Defence projects can benefit local communities, providing employment, training and other opportunities while also playing a vital role in sustaining Australia’s Defence capability,” Mr Ayres said.
“NSW has a highly skilled labour market, a deep and complex industrial base, world class research institutions and a geographically significant position on the Australian east coast and is well positioned for future Defence investment,” Mr Ayres said.
The new employees will join 140 already working at the site, including three apprentices from the recent Shoalhaven STEMship Program – a NSW Government funded initiative designed to support defence industry workforce development.
Mr Ward said the region’s growing Defence capability was an asset for NSW and Australia.
“I’m proud of the great effort and commitment our local workforce has shown helping secure key defence contracts. They’re doing a great job providing security to their families and communities, and the nation as a whole,” Mr Ward said.
Mrs Hancock said the NSW Government was committed to ensuring the region continued to grow its defence industry.
“The NSW Government is working with Defence prime contractors, to grow key defence industry regions and precincts, create skilled jobs and generate economic growth as the State economy recovers from COVID-19,” Mrs Hancock said.
“Projects like the $276 million Sikorsky sustainment contract will create skilled employment opportunities in the Shoalhaven region for local people, together with an opportunity for local SMEs to enter the global supply chain.”
Mr Ayres Mr Ward and Mrs Hancock also visited nearby Mellori Solutions to open its new Electronic Warfare Testing and Evaluation Laboratory, and toured co-located Global Defence Solutions (GDS) headquarters to inspect its deployable force infrastructure platforms, due for export to the New Zealand Defence Force.
The STEMship Program was launched at GDS-Mellori in 2019 and the companies currently employ 29 workers, with potential to create an additional 20 local jobs over the next two years.

A new, state-of-the-art hospital on the Central Coast is one step closer to completion with the six-storey clinical services building reaching its highest point.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the $200 million Wyong Hospital redevelopment would provide first-class healthcare services to the Central Coast.
“The $200 million Wyong Hospital Redevelopment will not only significantly increase health service capacity for the local community, it is also boosting employment for the region,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This redevelopment has created more than 800 construction jobs, with more than 650 of these workers living locally.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the redeveloped hospital would have 60 additional inpatient beds.
“The NSW Government is continuing to invest in public hospitals across the state, with more than 30 per cent of the almost $2.7 billion allocated for health capital works in 2019-2020 going to regional and rural areas,” Mr Hazzard said.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said between 2016 and 2041 an additional 95,250 people are expected to call the Central Coast home.
“This $200 million transformation of Wyong Hospital will cater for our community’s health care needs now and into the future. It builds on the hundreds of millions of dollars the NSW Government is investing in roads, schools and community infrastructure across the Coast,” Mr Crouch said.
The new clinical services building will include:

• A new emergency department;
• A new intensive care unit;
• A new psychiatric emergency care centre;
• A new ambulatory paediatric unit;
• A new and expanded medical imaging department;
• A new and 28-bed medical assessment unit; and
• Additional 60 inpatient beds with future expansion space.

The redevelopment also includes a refurbishment of the existing hospital to provide more operating theatre capacity, an expanded medical day unit and an expanded transit lounge.
The new building will be complete in mid-to-late 2021 and the refurbishment will be finished in early 2022.

Police charged a man in Northern NSW and fined a woman in the Central West yesterday over alleged non-compliance with COVID-19 Public Health Orders.
Just before midday yesterday (Monday 10 August 2020), officers from Tweed/Byron Police District were called to a hotel on Wharf Street, Tweed Heads, after reports a man was refusing to leave.
Police were told the man was refused entry after he refused to sign-in or provide identification to comply with COVID-19 requirements but entered the establishment regardless, before allegedly intimidating and threatening the manager.
On arrival, police located the 38-year-old man – and his associates – in the carpark and requested their details, before the man became aggressive and abusive towards the officers.
A second man, aged 29, also became aggressive and was swearing at police, while the rest of the group walked away.
After the older man again refused to provide details and continued to act in an aggressive manner, he was arrested, and while he was being placed in a caged truck, the younger man was continuing to swear at police.
The younger man was issued an infringement for offensive language and given a move-on direction, while the older man was taken to Tweed Heads Police Station.
He was charged with intimidate police officer in execution of duty without actual bodily harm, stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm, excluded person fail to leave premises when required, use offensive language in/near public place/school and not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19.
The Banora Point man was refused bail to appear at Tweed Heads Local Court today (Tuesday 11 August 2020).
In a separate and unrelated incident, officers from Central West Police District became aware of reports a woman at Lake Cargelligo, who had recently entered NSW from Victoria, was failing to comply with the conditions of her entry permit on Sunday evening (9 August 2020).
An investigation commenced and officers spoke with the 34-year-old woman yesterday morning (Monday 10 August 2020), and directed her to comply with the conditions of her permit, which includes self-isolation at an address at Murrin Bridge.
Following further inquiries, police attended the designated address at Murrin Bridge again this morning (Tuesday 11 August 2020), and spoke with the woman before she was issued with a $1000 Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN) for breaching the Public Health Order on Sunday.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.
 

A licensee has been charged after allegedly failing to implement a COVID-19 Safety Plan, despite being warned and the business previously being issued with a $5000 Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN).
About 11.40am last Friday (7 August 2020) officers from Richmond Police District attended a licensed premise on the Bruxner Highway, west of Casino, to conduct a COVID-19 compliance check.
They spoke to the licensee, a 65-year-old man, who informed them he did not have a COVID-19 Safety Plan, as he was going to complete one the day before but his printer wasn’t working.
The premises was issued with a $5000 PIN for fail to comply with noticed direction, and the licensee was provided with further advice as to how to comply with the current health restrictions.
About 10.45am yesterday (Tuesday 11 August 2020) officers again attended the premises to ensure the correct practices had been put in place, however, when they arrived, the licensee was still unable to produce a COVID-19 Safety Plan.
This morning (Wednesday 12 August 2020) police returned to the premises and issued the man with a Court Attendance Notice for not comply with noticed direction.
He is due to appear at Casino Local Court on Thursday 8 October 2020.
In a separate incident, the licensee of a hotel at Tuncurry was issued with a $1000 PIN following an investigation into alleged breaches of COVID-19 Public Health Orders over the weekend.
On Saturday 8 August 2020, officers from Manning Great Lakes Police District were conducting proactive patrols when they attended the premises on Manning Street and identified a number of potential breaches.
Of note, a 21^st birthday gathering was underway, which inquiries revealed had been booked for 10 people, however, numerous others were in attendance.
Further, social distancing was not being adhered to, in particular in the pub’s gaming area.
Following further inquiries, the licensee was issued with a $1000 PIN for fail to comply with noticed direction yesterday (11 August 2020).
Investigations remain underway into the planned birthday party.
Three PINs were also issued to individuals in separate incidents yesterday (Tuesday 11 August 2020):

• A 23-year-old man was issued a $1000 PIN by officers from Murray River Police District after attempting to enter NSW for the third time without a valid permit.
• A 65-year-old man was issued a $1000 PIN by officers from Barrier Police District after continuing through the Buronga border checkpoint despite being denied entry due to not having a valid permit.
• A 58-year-old man was issued a $1000 PIN by officers from Murray River Police District after entering NSW without a valid permit. The man was stopped on the Hume Highway at Woomargama for the purposes of a Random Breath Test yesterday (Tuesday 11 August 2020). When spoken to by officers, he produced a Victorian licence and an invalid NSW border entry permit. He was issued a $1000 PIN, directed to leave NSW and escorted back to the Victorian border.

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.

Police have taken legal action against 17 people and one business for non-compliance with COVID-19 Public Health Orders across the weekend.
In total, six people were charged and 11 were issued $1000 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs), while a Sydney CBD business received a $5000 PIN as part of ongoing operations in response to the pandemic.
The charges include:
Officers from South Sydney Police Area Command were alerted about 6pm on Friday (7 August 2020), after a man absconded from his room in a hotel on Jackson Drive, Mascot. Police began searching for the man and tracked him to Central Railway Station where he had caught a train north. He was tracked to Newcastle Railway Station where he was arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station about 3am on Saturday (8 August 2020). The 31-year-old man, from Thurgoona, has been charged with not comply with noticed direction re section 7/8/9 – COVID-19 and fail to comply requirement public health order – COVID-19. He was refused bail and appeared at Newcastle Bail Court on Saturday where he was formally refused bail and is next due to appear at Central Local Court on Wednesday (12 August 2020).
About 2.30pm on Saturday (8 August 2020), officers stopped a vehicle on Wood Street, Gol Gol, and spoke with the 26-year-old female driver and two passengers – a 28-year-old woman and 35-year-old man.
In a subsequent search of the car, police seized more than $64,000 cash and 62g of a crystallised substance believed to be prohibited drugs. All three occupants were arrested and taken to Dareton Police Station, where the younger woman was charged with two counts of deal with property proceeds of crime.
The older woman was charged with deal with property proceeds of crime and not comply with noticed direction. Police will allege in court that the older woman hid in the boot of the vehicle to avoid detection by NSW Police Force and Australia Defence Force officers at the George Caffey Bridge checkpoint earlier that day. Both women were granted conditional bail to appear at Wentworth Local Court on Tuesday 6 October 2020. The man was charged with deal with property proceeds of crime. He appeared at Dubbo Bail Court on Sunday (9 August 2020), where he was formally refused bail to appear at Broken Hill Local Court today (Monday 10 August 2020).
Officers from Surry Hills Police Area Command were conducting proactive patrols, when they stopped to speak with a woman who was acting suspiciously on Mary Street just before 7pm on Saturday (8 August 2020). It’s alleged the woman was aggressive toward the officers then attempted to walk away. When the officers attempted to stop her from leaving, she allegedly resisted before being arrested. During a subsequent search of the woman’s handbag, police located and seized methylamphetamine, $500 cash, and tramadol and diazepam, which were not prescribed to her. Checks revealed the woman is a Victorian resident and had been granted a transit permit in July to travel directly to Queensland.
She was taken to Surry Hills Police Station and charged with resist or hinder police officer in the execution of duty, possess prohibited drug, two counts of possess prescribed restricted substance, supply prohibited drug, and not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19. She was refused bail and appeared at Parramatta Bail Court, where she was granted conditional bail to next appear at Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday (13 August 2020).
Just after midnight yesterday (Sunday 9 August 2020), officers from Coffs/Clarence Highway Patrol stopped an unregistered Toyota Kluger outside a hotel on the Pacific Highway, Coffs Harbour, and spoke to the driver – a 29-year-old woman. The driver produced a Victorian driver’s licence and while speaking to her, a 32-year-old man – known to the woman – approached the vehicle. Checks revealed the couple entered NSW on Monday 27 July 2020 on a transit permit, before staying at Port Macquarie on Sunday 2 August 2020. The pair were arrested and taken to Coffs Harbour Police Station where they were both charged with not comply with noticed direction section 7/8/9 – COVID-19. They were refused bail and appeared at Port Macquarie Bail Court yesterday where they were granted conditional bail to appear at Coffs Harbour Local Court today (Monday 10 August 2020).
Officers from Tweed/Byron Police District attended a home on Cecil Street, Nimbin, on Friday (7 August 2020, and spoke to a 31-year-old woman who arrived in NSW from Victoria on Saturday 1 August 2020. The woman was advised to travel direction from Albury to her Nimbin address. Checks revealed the woman had visited a friend in Maitland, stopped at Nabiac and Gosford for mechanical repairs and picked up a patient who had been discharged from Lismore Base Hospital. Following further inquiries, the woman was served a Court Attendance Notice for not comply with noticed direction section 7/8/9 – COVID-19 yesterday (Sunday 9 August 2020). She is due to appear in Lismore Local Court on Monday 21 September 2020.
The PINs include:
While transiting in Sydney, the man was taken to a quarantine hotel at Chippendale before being directed to travel directly to Sydney Airport to board his international flight on Saturday (8 August 2020). It was established the man had attended a nearby building and spoke to a friend before travelling to the airport. Police were informed and attended Sydney Airport, where the man’s connecting flight had been cancelled and he was returned back to the hotel. He was subsequently issued a $1000 infringement for breaching the Public Health Order.
Just before 7pm on Saturday (8 August 2020), officers from Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command attended a North Bondi apartment in response to noise complaints. On arrival, police requested to speak with the resident – noting loud music and noise emanating from the residence. The 30-year-old man subsequently told police he had planned a surprise party for a friend and too many guests turned up – a total of 30. He was issued a $1000 PIN and the party concluded.
After receiving information in relation to a person travelling into NSW under false pretences, police from Operation Border Closure attended a hotel at Albury, about 7pm on Saturday, and spoke with a 32-year-old woman from Melbourne and her partner, who is a NSW resident. It was established that the woman had entered NSW on a carer’s permit but neither she nor he had children with them at the hotel. Further, the woman had been in the Greater Melbourne area in recent days and therefore made a false declaration at check-in to the hotel and was not self-isolating as per permit requirements. The woman was issued a $1000 PIN and directed to return to Victoria.
About 9.30pm on Saturday, police attached to Operation Border Closure stopped a Mercedes Benz while working a checkpoint on Wodonga Place, South Albury. After speaking with the 23-year-old male driver and the 21-year-old female passenger, it was established that neither had a permit to enter NSW, and checks revealed they had attempted to cross the border at the Hume Highway about 30 minutes earlier. Police again explained the processes required for entering NSW, including permits and quarantining. The pair were subsequently issued $1000 PINs and refused entry to NSW.
About 12.50am yesterday (Sunday 9 August 2020), police stopped a vehicle on Wodonga Place, South Albury, and spoke with the 37-year-old male driver. Checks revealed the man was in breach of his permit, which stated he must self-isolate for a period of 14 days. Further inquiries revealed the man had already been turned away by police at two border checkpoints earlier in the evening. He was issued with a $1000 PIN for failing to adhere to border permit requirements.
Just before midday yesterday, police stopped a vehicle on the Newell Highway at Tocumwal and spoke with two men in the vehicle – aged 35 and 58 – who stated they had travelled across the border to pick up a car from Shepparton. The men were in possession of permits which stipulated they were only able to travel into Cobram to obtain essential goods and services. They were both issued $1000 PINs for failing to adhere to conditions of a border exemption permit.
About 9.30pm yesterday, police attached to Operation Border Closure approached a Pantech truck at the Wodonga Place checkpoint and spoke to the driver and passenger – both men aged 63 – who advised they were delivering furniture. After officers advised the men that they had been briefed about two men in a Pantech truck attempting to cross the border without permits twice that afternoon, the men provided other reasons but neither had valid permits. Both men were advised they would each be issued with $1000 PINs before being refused entry and turned around.
About 11pm on Saturday (8 August 2020), licensing police from Sydney City Police Area Command issued the owner of a licensed premises on O’Connell Street, Sydney, with a $5000 PIN for failing to comply with a ministerial direction for alleged breaches on Sunday 2 August 2020. The venue was previously issued a warning.
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 Government has launched a new online tool that will make it easier for people to search the latest liquor licence information alongside demographic, alcohol-related crime and health data for every suburb and Local Government Area in the State.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said LiveData is a game changer for governments, industry and the community.
“LiveData brings together multiple data categories from a range of government sources in one centralised, easy-to-use portal, giving everyone easy access to the latest data on liquor-related information in their local area,” Mr Dominello said.
“This will improve transparency around liquor licence applications and empower communities to respond to local challenges.”
Mr Dominello said the tool has the same data which the NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority considers when it assesses applications for new liquor licences.
“This interactive tool gives stakeholders a bird’s-eye view of liquor licences so they can make more informed decisions,” Mr Dominello said.
“This will make it simpler and quicker for residents and other stakeholders to understand local alcohol-related trends if they wish to make a submission on a liquor licence application.
“The information will also help applicants develop a plan of management that provides a safe environment for patrons and addresses any concerns raised by the local community.”
LiveData can be accessed at https://livedata.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/

The NSW Police Force has launched an expansion of the multi-agency hotel quarantine operation to now include NSW residents returning from Victoria, following an amendment to COVID-19 Public Health Orders which came into effect at 12.01am today (Friday 7 August 2020).
NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard issued an amendment to the Public Health (COVID-19 Air Transportation Quarantine) Order 2020 under section 7 of the Public Health Act 2010, which now directs NSW residents returning from Victoria must go directly to a quarantine facility run by either NSW Police Force or NSW Health.
Further, amendments to the Public Health (COVID-19 Border Control) Order 2020 mean NSW residents returning from Victoria, unless they live within the NSW border regions, will only be allowed to re-enter NSW through Sydney Airport.
Following a NSW Police Force request, a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) has been issued, which prohibits passengers from Victoria without a valid permit or exemption from landing at any regional NSW airport.

The police operation along the NSW/Victorian border is continuing, and the existing operation facilitating the mandatory hotel quarantine of all returned international travellers also remains ongoing.

Since that quarantine operation commenced on Sunday 29 March 2020, more than 36,000 people have completed the mandatory 14-day quarantine period in Sydney hotels.
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said there was no doubt the hotel quarantine operation had been one of the state’s most effective tools in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
“The professional management of this operation has dramatically reduced the risk of COVID-19 spread within the community, and our officers will continue to do everything in their power to ensure that record is maintained going forward,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“From today, NSW residents returning from Victoria will now also be required to enter either a NSW Police- or NSW Health-managed hotel.
“Our officers have been working hard over the past few days to facilitate the expansion of this operation, and I want to assure the community of NSW these additional measures are now well and truly in place.
“Make no mistake – mandatory hotel quarantine has undoubtedly saved many lives, particularly among our vulnerable community members, and will continue to do so as we navigate this public health threat.”
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said the expansion of the mandatory hotel quarantine operation was critical to our ongoing response to this pandemic.
“This is a timely and responsive measure to limit the spread of COVID-19 in NSW,” Minister Elliott said.
“As a government we have taken a cautious and balanced approach to managing this health crisis and the state’s economy, and to date we have had some success – but we are still in the midst of the pandemic.
“It is critical that we continue to protect the health of our citizens as we face the continued threat of this health crisis.”
Operation Border Closure Commander, Assistant Commissioner Leanne McCusker, said the police footprint at Sydney Airport had been boosted to ensure the integrity of the operation continued to be maintained.
“In conjunction with the Australian Defence Force, Australian Federal Police, NSW Health and the Australian Border Force, we have put in place strict infection control measures which have ensured no community transmission from returned travellers has occurred to date,” Assistant Commissioner McCusker said.
“All travellers are assessed by NSW Health on arrival at Sydney Airport and those displaying symptoms of COVID-19 are escorted to a hotel managed by NSW Health, while the remainder are escorted to hotels managed by the NSW Police Force.
“These procedures are now well established and have served the community of NSW well, by dramatically reducing the community spread of COVID-19 within the state and keeping infection levels low.”
The Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) provides police with the power to enforce Public Health Orders. It is an offence for a person to fail to comply with an order, and severe penalties apply, which include a maximum penalty of up to $11,000 and/or six months imprisonment for individuals.
The standard penalty is a $1000 fine by way of a Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN).

It is an offence to provide police false information in relation to whether a person is authorised to enter NSW. The standard penalty for this offence is a $4000 fine way of a PIN.

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 use the online Crime Stoppers reporting tool at 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.