Category: NSW News

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.
 

The NSW government will build smart technology into infrastructure and buildings to create jobs, cut traffic and commute times, slash water bills, reduce crime and boost the economy.
The Australian-first Smart Places Strategy and Smart Infrastructure Policy will see sensors and technology built into cities. Examples of potential benefits include:

• Smart traffic signaling, real time route planning and sensors on parking spots reducing commute times up to 20 per cent;
• Smart meters and real time alerts allowing residents to reduce water waste and use by up to 30 per cent;
• Advanced digital models to reduce construction costs and improve planning; and
• Real-time air quality sensors providing health providers with localised information, helping reduce hospital admissions.

Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the strategies would improve quality of life and boost the COVID-19 recovery.
“Whether it’s easing cost of living pressure for households, busting congestion or improving health outcomes for communities, technology is the new weapon in our arsenal,” Mr Dominello said.
“Data and precision modelling is just as important as bricks and mortar. Information is power and technology should be embedded in every major infrastructure project.
“Similar strategies have worked effectively in other global centres including Dublin, Barcelona and Boston. We cannot be spectators on the sidelines – we must lead in this arena.”
The strategies build on the State Government’s commitment to making NSW a digital capital. Other examples include the launch of one of the world’s largest Spatial Digital Twin, and a record $240 million investment in cyber security.
Both strategies can be viewed at www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/smartplaces.

Eighteen NSW production companies hard-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic will be given a lifeline as the NSW Government today announced the recipients of more than $1.7 million in funding through Screen NSW’s new Slate Development Fund.
Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said the NSW Government is committed to protecting the livelihood of the screen sector during these unprecedented times.
“Support for our local screen industry is more important than ever. I’m thrilled to be able to announce this much-needed funding so NSW production companies can deliver on a wide range of new works representing Australia’s diverse stories, at a time when we need it the most,” Mr Harwin said.
“From projects that create opportunities for filmmakers in regional NSW, to the adaptation of a powerful story set in a women’s refuge centre, to stories that support our communities in western Sydney, the diversity and strength of projects supported will further boost the reputation of NSW as the leading State for screen creatives.
“I’m excited to reveal the high quality of the project submissions has resulted in more funding provided to the initiative enabling 18 production companies to deliver 66 projects. At the crux, it will generate employment for so many creatives in the screen sector whose future was, up until now, uncertain.” said Mr Harwin.
The Slate Development Fund is part of the NSW Government’s suite of funding measures developed to support the NSW small to medium arts and screen sector impacted by COVID-19.
Production companies will each develop a slate of three or more projects to be produced and/or post-produced in NSW across TV Drama, Factual, Features, Documentary and Online.
The projects span a range of subjects and genres including thrillers, play and novel adaptations, comedy, art and documentary series with many projects set to support filmmaking opportunities in regional NSW and western Sydney communities.
The overwhelming strength of the projects demonstrated by a large number of applicants has resulted in funding of over $1.7 million delivered, which is an increase from the $700,000 originally committed for this initiative.
A full list of the Slate Development Fund recipients is available here.

A range of Scouts, Girl Guides, and PCYC facilities located on Crown land will get a boost with the NSW Government providing $3 million assistance from its COVID-19 stimulus program.
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said the funding would provide a win-win for Scout and Girl Guide groups and PCYC clubs, as well as local communities by supporting maintenance upgrades and generating work for local economies.
“The NSW Government’s COVID-19 stimulus program is about supporting jobs and economic activity in communities that have been battling as a result of the pandemic’s impacts on local communities,” Mrs Pavey said.
“This has included disruptions to community organisations like the Scouts and Girl Guides that have been unable to meet face-to-face or do their normal fundraising activities.
“It has also had a major impact on PCYC which rely on income from its network of youth centers across the state to generate more than half of its annual revenue.
Mrs Pavey said the stimulus fund will support $3 million in priority maintenance and improvements on Scout, Girl Guide and PCYC facilities located on Crown land in NSW to ease the financial pressure while strengthening their infrastructure for the future.
“At the same time the stimulus will support tradespeople and building materials suppliers with spending and work for local economies,” Mrs Pavey said.
“Scouts and Girl Guides offer fun, friendship and adventure for young people and we want to empower them with safe places to grow and develop while contributing to communities.
“PCYC clubs are also great places for young people of all ages and backgrounds to make friends through sport and recreation and develop skills, character and leadership that can help them reach their full potential, so it’s fantastic to support them.”
“We are absolutely delighted with the NSW Government support which will assist a number of communities through projects to improve our Scout facilities,” Scouts NSW Chief Commissioner Neville Tomkins said.
Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT Chief Executive Officer Helen White said good facilities are fundamental to indoor and outdoor guiding.
“The funding will allow us to continue offering quality activities, adventures and dynamic educational programs as we transition back to safe, in-person activities.”
“This stimulus funding is going to have a lasting impact. It means we can prioritise a range of repairs and upgrades – from roof refurbs to internal work to enhance facilities. This will benefit thousands of young people across NSW,” PCYC CEO Dominic Teakle said.

Support has been extended for bushfire-impacted small businesses across NSW with grant applications now remaining open until 15 December through the Small Business Assistance Program.
Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Disaster Recovery John Barilaro said communities recovering from the recent bushfires will have more time to apply for the hugely successful small business grants without the stress of missing out.
“Last season’s bushfires were unprecedented and the support offered by the NSW Government needed to match,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The $10,000 and $50,000 small business grants have resulted in around $240 million being paid out to small businesses, putting money directly into the pockets of those enterprises most in need across the state.
“Initially the grants program was expected to close mid-year, however the assistance will remain open until the end of the year and can be accessed via Service NSW.”
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said it was important that small businesses were supported, particularly given the compounded effects of bushfires and now COVID.
“In addition to the small business grants, the concessional loans program for small businesses will also be extended,” Mr Tudehope said.
“The NSW Government is here to support regional NSW on the long-term recovery journey and we encourage bushfire impacted small businesses who have not yet accessed this support to please call Service NSW on 13 77 88.”
The below financial aid programs have been extended and will take applications until 15 December 2020:

• $10,000 Small Business Bushfire Support Grants
• Small Business Bushfire Recovery Grants of up to $50,000 for businesses directly impacted by bushfire
• Bushfire Recovery Loan of up to $500,000

A teenager has been charged after allegedly spitting on police, and two people have been issued with Penalty Infringement Notices for alleged breaches of COVID-19 Public Health Orders in the past 24 hours.
In the first incident, about 2.30pm yesterday (Thursday 6 August 2020), police spoke with a 15-year-old girl at a shopping centre in Blacktown and ascertained she was in breach of her bail conditions.
As police arrested the girl, it is alleged she assaulted police by kicking and punching, as well as spitting in the face of an officer.
She was taken to Blacktown Police Station and charged with two counts of assault police in execution of duty, resist officer in execution of duty, and not comply noticed direction re spitting/coughing – COVID-19.
The teen was refused bail and is due to appear before a children’s court today (Friday 7 August 2020).
Meanwhile, on Saturday (1 August 2020), a 31-year-old woman was stopped at a border checkpoint in Albury and presented a permit allowing her entry to NSW, under the provision that she was to self-isolate for 14 days at a Nimbin address.
Subsequent checks revealed the woman was not staying at the address, and following inquiries, police found her yesterday (Thursday 6 August 2020) in a vehicle at Nabiac. She was issued with a $1000 PIN for not complying with a noticed direction and instructed to return to Victoria.
In an unrelated incident, just before 1pm yesterday (Thursday 6 August 2020), police were conducting a walk-through at a licensed premise in Albury, when they spoke with a 50-year-old woman who was playing a gaming machine.
The woman produced a Victorian licence and a permit allowing cross-border travel for work purposes only.
She was issued with a $1000 PIN and removed from the club, to return to Victoria.
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.

A Victorian man who allegedly attempted to enter NSW using an invalid permit last night has been charged after police also located a knife, cash and drug paraphernalia in his vehicle.
Officers from Operation Border Closure were conducting permit checks at a checkpoint on Wodonga Place, South Albury, when they stopped a Holden Captiva about 6pm (Tuesday 4 August 2020).
Police spoke with the 36-year-old male driver who produced a permit but was unable to provide any documentation or evidence relating to the essential work he would be conducting in NSW.
When questioned further, the man allegedly became aggressive towards police and refused to cooperate.
It’s alleged the man wound his window up and attempted to drive off before officers were able to stop the vehicle, but the man refused to get out or comply with police directions.
After further officers came to assist, the man opened the driver’s door and was arrested.
During a subsequent search of the man and his vehicle, police located a knife, $1600 cash and a bag containing items consistent with the supply of illicit drugs.
He was taken to Albury Police Station, where he was charged with not complying with noticed direction – COVID 19, goods in custody and having custody of a knife in a public place.
The Rutherglen man was granted strict conditional bail and returned to Victoria. He is due to appear at Albury Local Court on Monday 21 September 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.

Child Abuse and Sex Crime Squad detectives have charged a man over the alleged sexual assault of young girl he met on social media in the state’s north.
Last month, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad commenced an investigation following reports a 12-year-old girl had been sexually assaulted earlier this year by a man she met on social media.
Following extensive inquiries, investigators executed a search warrant at a home at Cardiff about 8.40am yesterday (Tuesday 4 August 2020).
During the search, officers seized mobile phones and other electronic devices.
A 19-year-old man was arrested and taken to Toronto Police Station, where he was charged with intentionally sexually touch child (between 10 and 16 years), five counts of have sexual intercourse with child (between 10 and 14 years), produce child abuse material and disseminate child abuse material.
Police will allege in court that the man used social media to communicate with the girl, before sexually assaulting her at a park at West Wallsend in April this year.
It will be further alleged the man shared recordings of the incident on social media.
He was refused bail to appear at Toronto Local Court today (Wednesday 5 August 2020).
Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent John Kerlatec, said the incident is a timely reminder for parents and carers to speak with young people about potential dangers online.
“While social media apps allow us to be better connected with people we know, they also provide opportunity for people we don’t know to connect with us – and this includes strangers talking to our children,” Det Supt Kerlatec said.
“For young people, any online platform that allows them to be in contact with people they do not know – and have only met in the online environment – can put them at risk.
“We know that sexual predators may use the online environment to target children, so it is imperative that all young people know what to do if they are exposed to explicit or inappropriate conversations.
“It is common for young people to feel uncomfortable reporting these types of conversations, so I urge parents and carers to make sure they’re assured that they don’t need to be embarrassed or upset.
“From a police perspective our priority is protecting children from any type of harm, and we will track down anyone who uses the internet to groom and/or procure children for sex.
“Finally, I want to remind everyone to be careful about providing personal details on social media, especially to someone they only know online, and take extreme caution if making plans to meet up – consider whether you really know who it is you are meeting,” Det Supt Kerlatec said.
More information can be accessed via the eSafety website: https://www.esafety.gov.au/