Category: NSW News

The south-western Sydney community is a step closer to having a new world-class $1.3 billion Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital, with the search now on for a site to build the hospital.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the NSW Government is calling for proposals from landowners of suitable sites in the East Hills and Bankstown region.
“The NSW Government is taking another step on our key election promise to deliver a $1.3 billion state-of-the-art Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital,” Mr Hazzard said.
“We’re launching a thorough selection process to secure a hospital site that is best placed to provide future health services to the south-western Sydney community.”
A Clinical Services Plan is currently being finalised, detailing the new hospital’s services and examining the use of new technologies including virtual care solutions.
The new Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital will provide:

• Expanded emergency services
• Intensive care
• Surgery and interventional procedures
• Women’s and Children’s Health
• Rehabilitation
• Aged health
• Mental health
• Cancer services
• Ambulatory care services
• Community Health Services.

State Member for East Hills Wendy Lindsay said: “Clinicians, staff and the broader community all have a vital role to play in planning the new hospital.
“The community’s input will help shape the future of healthcare in our region, so the new hospital will respond to the locals’ healthcare needs right into the future, and be an enormous asset to our local community,” Ms Lindsay said.
A Request for Information (RFI) will run from 17 July to 28 August 2020, inviting landowners who own potentially suitable sites for the new hospital to nominate their land for consideration.
The emergency department at the existing Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital is currently undergoing a $25 million upgrade which will improve services until the new hospital is built.
The NSW Government has invested $10 billion to deliver more than 130 new and enhanced health facilities statewide since 2011, including the $740 million Liverpool Health and Academic Precinct and the $632 million Campbelltown Hospital Stage 2 Redevelopment.
The NSW Government is also investing $10.1 billion more over the next four years, including more than $900 million for rural and regional areas in 2019-20.
To suggest a site or learn more about the project visit: hinfra.health.nsw.gov.au/newbankstownhospital

The CSIRO will have up to 450 of the science agency’s staff and researchers based at a new state of the art facility in the heart of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the current CSIRO plan is to relocate many of its Sydney-based staff into a purpose-built facility that would support collaboration and the delivery of cutting-edge science.
The Aerotropolis will be a new focal point for Australian innovation, research and productivity, which is why it is the perfect home for Australia’s national science agency,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“CSIRO is a national icon and would set the tone for the Aerotropolis as an innovation hub which will drive the creation of more than 200,000 jobs across the Western Parkland City.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the successful conclusion of negotiations will pave the way for construction on CSIRO’s facility in the Aerotropolis Core to start in mid-2023 and be complete by 2026.
“The addition of CSIRO to the Aerotropolis would confirm the precinct as the future epicentre for science, research, innovation and industry collaboration in the Asia-Pacific,” Mr Ayres said.
CSIRO Chief Executive Dr Larry Marshall said the agency’s presence at Aerotropolis would support collaboration and put science and technology right at the heart of this new smart and liveable city.
“The more we can put science in the hands of real people to solve real problems, the better our future will be, so the collaboration and connectedness of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis is an immense opportunity for CSIRO and the future we are shaping for Australia,” Dr Marshall said.
“The Aerotropolis reflects the new generation of CSIRO, agile and diverse, while building on a great 100 year legacy of innovation through collaboration. Sydney is where CSIRO invented fast WiFi and where we will invent the next innovations for our future prosperity and sustainability.”
The plan is for a CSIRO facility of up to 18,000m2 with collaborative workshops and meeting spaces alongside state-of-the-art facilities and laboratories.
The proposed CSIRO facility will benefit from the $11 billion Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport rail which will service the greater Western Sydney region, in time for the opening of Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport in 2026.

The NSW Government will investigate a wider roll-out of virtual healthcare services following the successful expansion of the NSW virtual health system during COVID-19.
The success complements the NSW Government’s record spend on health, with more than $26 billion invested in the NSW health care system over the past 12 months.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said NSW patients and clinicians have embraced virtual healthcare, with a 700 per cent increase in the use of virtual health services over the four months from February to May 2020, compared with the same period last year.
“The social distancing requirements that became a necessity with COVID-19 led to a rapid ramp-up of NSW Health’s virtual care system – with more than 82,000 outpatient appointments delivered via videoconference over four months,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Virtual healthcare has proven to be particularly effective for follow up and secondary appointments, after a patient’s initial diagnosis at a face-to-face consultation.
“Traditionally, less than a quarter of a per cent of all outpatient services are delivered via videoconference in NSW. However, by May 2020 this had risen to four per cent.
“This rapid expansion allowed patients to be cared for in their own homes without the inconvenience of travelling outside their home.
“Virtual health technology is proving to be a game-changer for both patients and clinicians – and that’s why the NSW Government will continue to invest in the technology which provides easy to access, hospital in the home style care.
“We are already nation leaders with our record health infrastructure program and now we want to lead the country in virtual health technology”.
A recent survey of patients treated by the new RPAvirtual model in Sydney Local Health District found:

• 89 per cent said the technologies used by RPAvirtual improved their access to care and treatment;
• 80 per cent felt confident at home knowing their symptoms were monitored daily; and
• 72 per cent said the wearable monitoring devices they were provided were easy to use.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said virtual health had proven to be particularly useful in rural, remote and regional areas of NSW, where residents have been able to access a wider range of services without travelling long distances.
“Patients have said while initial face to face contact with their treating clinician is important, follow up appointments by telehealth are well received,” Mr Hazzard said.
“It means patients in regional and rural areas don’t have the stress of travelling long distances to hospital and have better access to specialists.”
Hunter New England and Western NSW Local Health Districts have been early adopters of virtual healthcare, which has been further expanded over recent months.
It is a Premier’s Priority to reduce preventive visits to hospital by five per cent by 2023 and virtual health is an important element in achieving this goal.
The NSW Government has invested $75 million over two years to support virtual health services

A licensed premises in Jindabyne has become the first venue in NSW to be shut down for a period of time following serious concerns and breaches of public health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Between Tuesday 5 May 2020 and Saturday 11 July 2020, police issued a premises in Jindabyne with three formal and several informal warnings relating to intoxication levels and public health and safety issues, including large groups of people failing to social distance.
About 7.30pm on Saturday 11 July 2020, officers from Monaro Police District attended the premises and forced closure of the venue.
The premises remained closed for a 72-hour period and has since been spoken to by police regarding their COVID-19 safety plan.
Following extensive inquiries, the venue was issued with a $5000 fine earlier today (Tuesday 14 July 2020), for failing to comply with requirements of a Public Health Order – COVID-19.
The maximum penalty for contravening a Public Health Order is a fine of up to $11,000 and/or six months imprisonment.
The standard penalty is a fine by way of an on-the-spot Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN) – $1000 for individuals and $5000 for businesses.
Monaro Police District Commander, Superintendent Paul Condon, said police will continue to work with businesses in relation to their COVID-19 safety plans and provide advice and guidance.
“The safety of the Snowy Mountains community is paramount, and we will continue to take action against those businesses that choose to ignore ministerial directions,” Supt Condon said.
“When we launched Operation Snow Safe last month, we made it clear to the community that this season will not be business as usual.
“We have been working closely with our partner agencies and local businesses to make sure everyone is on the same page when it comes to the health and safety of our community.”
Investigations are continuing in relation to other offences under the Liquor Act.
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.

New rules will be introduced to pubs across NSW that will limit group bookings to a maximum of 10 people and cap the number of customers inside a venue to 300 people following a concerning rise in COVID-19 cases.
Tough new compliance measures will also see dedicated Hygiene Marshalls patrol venues to keep customers safe and ensure the mandatory implementation of a COVID-Safe plan.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the new measures, agreed to by the NSW Australian Hotels Association, will come into force at 12:01am Friday, 17 July.
“We are at a crucial stage of the pandemic in NSW – we want venues strictly implementing their COVID-Safe plans and customers abiding by the rules of the venue they are in,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“It is critical people remember when they are at a venue they remain seated. This reduces the risk of transmission.”
Under the new measures, pubs across NSW will be required to implement the following:

• The number of people per booking or table will be reduced from 20 people to 10;
• A cap of 300 people in a venue at any one time;
• Compulsory COVID-Safe registration through Service NSW;
• A dedicated COVID Safe Hygiene Marshall in distinctive clothing must oversee social distancing, cleaning and hygiene at the venue;
  • Large hotels with a capacity of greater than 250 people are to have a COVID Safe Hygiene Marshall on duty whenever the hotel is open.
  • Smaller hotels with a capacity of less than 250 are to have a COVID Safe Hygiene Marshall employed in peak periods (lunch 12pm to 3pm and dinner 5pm to 9pm).
• Paper sign-in will still be permitted, but hotels must create a digital record of patron names and phone numbers (excel or word) to be submitted within 24 hours;
• Ensure all patrons provide their name and contact details accurately; and
• Encouraged to strongly promote QR code sign-in.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said venues enforcing COVID-Safe plans is a crucial element in reducing the chance of an outbreak and keeping the community safe.
“These new measures will reduce the number of people in venues at any one time and ensure customers’ details are recorded accurately so they are immediately available to contact tracers should there be an outbreak at a venue,” Mr Hazzard said.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said these new rules will be enforced with random and covert inspections and that strict penalties will apply to any venues that breach them.
“These new measures strike the right balance in protecting the health and safety of the people of NSW and ensuring venues remain operational,” Mr Dominello said.
“There will be random inspections and there will be zero tolerance for non-compliance.”
AHA NSW CEO John Whelan said the NSW Government had worked closely with industry to develop these new requirements which help keep the community safe.
“We all know how important it is for our venues to stay COVID-Safe – we are in constant contact with our members and will ensure they understand how vital it is they comply with these new measures.”
Any business found in breach of the public health orders will be held to account and could face a penalty of up to $55,000 and a further $27,500 penalty may apply for each day an offence continues. On the spot fines can also be issued.
Liquor and Gaming NSW also have the power to enforce the following penalties:

• FIRST OFFENCE: $5,500 fine or relevant penalty for breach of the Public Health Order.
• SECOND OFFENCE: Business will be closed for one week.

• THIRD OFFENCE (repeated and willful non-compliance): Shutdown for up to one month.

The NSW Police Force is continuing to conduct Public Health Order compliance checks state-wide in an ongoing effort to protect the health and safety of the community, with approximately 300 home visits being conducted in the past 24 hours alone.
On Tuesday 7 July 2020, the NSW government introduced requirements under a Public Health Order for those returning to NSW from Victoria to self-isolate for a period of 14 days.
With a significant number of checks already undertaken and more planned as part of the ongoing operation, Operation Corona Virus Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Tony Cooke, said the aim of the checks was to protect the people of NSW.
“Over the past few months, we have seen the overwhelming success quarantine measures have had in reducing the spread of COVID-19 in NSW,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Cooke said.
“In order to prevent a significant increase of cases in our state, we need to remain vigilant and ensure those returning from Victoria are self-isolating as required.
“Police will continue to do their part by enforcing all ministerial directions, but we are also appealing to people to remain patient and continue to work with us in the way they have so far throughout the pandemic.
“Our combined efforts are the best chance we have at stopping further spread,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Cooke said.
Police are also conducting regular foot patrols of licensed venues to ensure compliance with ministerial directions, as well as regular licensing requirements.
With several venues currently under investigation, Acting Assistant Commissioner Cooke issued a timely reminder to all businesses about their responsibilities.
“Let me be clear, we are taking all breaches of ministerial directions extremely seriously. Those who disregard the safety and health of the people of NSW will be held to account,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Cooke said.
The maximum penalty for contravening a Public Health Order is a fine of up to $11,000 and/or six months imprisonment.
The standard penalty will be a fine by way of an on-the-spot Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN) – $1000 for individuals and $5000 for businesses.
Information on current Public Health Orders can be found at www.health.nsw.gov.au
Anyone with information about potential breaches of ministerial directions is urged to contact Crime Stoppers using the online 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 begin to charge returning international travellers for their hotel quarantine accommodation from 12:01am Saturday, 18 July.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the NSW Government’s decision to introduce mandatory hotel quarantine for returning overseas travellers had been instrumental in reducing the spread of COVID-19 not only in NSW, but also across Australia.
“NSW is the gateway to Australia, with more than 35,000 Australians citizens and permanent residents returning from overseas processed through our hotel quarantine system since 29 March 2020,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The NSW taxpayers have footed much of the bill so far, with more than $65 million spent on quarantine accommodation to house international travellers returning to Australia.
“Australian residents have been given plenty of time to return home – and we feel it is only fair that they cover some of the costs of their hotel accommodation.”
The Minister responsible for hotel quarantine in NSW Stuart Ayres said the state’s robust hotel quarantine system had been an effective tool at reducing the spread of COVID-19.
“Over the past few weeks, the majority of new COVID-19 cases in NSW have come from overseas travellers in hotel quarantine,” Mr Ayres said.
“Housing large numbers of international travellers returning to Australia posed a major logistical challenge, however it’s one that has been successfully managed.
“NSW Police, NSW Health officials and the accommodation industry will continue to work together to provide the nation’s leading hotel quarantine system.”
Fees and payment

• Travellers will be charged $3,000 for one adult, additional occupants can be added as follows:
  • Additional adults: $1000 each
  • Additional children: $500 each
  • Child under 3: no additional cost
• Eg. Family of 2 adults and 2 children over the age of 3 would pay $5000.
• Eg. Family of 2 adults and 4 children over the age of 3 would pay $6000.
• The hotel quarantine fee includes accommodation and daily meals.
• At the end of quarantine, travellers will receive an invoice to pay within 30 days.

• Hardship arrangements will be available.
• Travellers who purchased their flights before 11:59pm 12 July AEST will be excluded from quarantine charges. Conditions apply and evidence will need to be supplied. These travellers will still be required to quarantine in government arranged accommodation.
• The NSW Government will continue to fund security, transport and logistics.

No additional application will be required, all international travellers will automatically be directed into hotel quarantine per the current process.

Police are reminding businesses and the wider community to abide by their responsibilities under the current Public Health Order legislation, after a licensed premises was forced to close in the Snowy Mountains and a number of other potential breaches were identified over the weekend.
The Jindabyne premises was forced to close on Saturday (11 July 2020) after failing to comply with its obligations on several separate occasions.
Officers from Monaro Police District attended the premises multiple times between Tuesday 5 May 2020 and Saturday, issuing three formal warnings relating to intoxication levels and public health and safety issues.
On Saturday evening, officers again attended the premises and forced closure under Section 22 of the Liquor Act, due to further breaches.
The premises will remain closed for a 72-hour period and further infringement action is likely.
In addition, several licensed premises in Sydney remain under investigation for not complying with ministerial directions, and police have not ruled out further enforcement action.
Officers from South West Metropolitan Region are also investigating the actions of the hotel at the centre of the outbreak in Casula, and whether that premises was acting in accordance with its responsibilities under COVID-19 legislation.
With COVID-19 infections increasing daily in Victoria and now in NSW, the Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said he couldn’t fathom the actions of some businesses and individuals still failing to comply with the Public Health Orders.
“I am flabbergasted to see people flouting the rules at this critical time,” Minister Elliott said.
“The recent images we have seen of mass gathering and social distancing rules being blatantly ignored are disturbing. I want to commend the Police Force, who are diligently investigating any person or business that has broken these laws.
“The message remains clear, businesses and individuals will be fined and held to account for irresponsible and illegal behaviour that puts the whole community at risk,” Mr Elliott said.
Operation Corona Virus Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Tony Cooke, said the apparent disregard for the Public Health Orders by a small section of the community was disappointing – particularly at a time when the threat had never been greater.
“As we’ve seen in recent months, one of the biggest allies of COVID-19 is complacency within the community,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Cooke said.
“Police will continue to enforce all ministerial directions in order to protect our health and wellbeing, but we do rely on community support and compliance.
“I would again appeal to those who think the rules don’t apply to them to change their attitude.
“We have worked hard as a community to get where we are, and we need to continue to work together to ensure we avoid another outbreak.”
The maximum penalty for contravening a Public Health Order is a fine of up to $11,000 and/or six months imprisonment.
The standard penalty will be a fine by way of an on-the-spot Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN) – $1000 for individuals and $5000 for businesses.
Information on current Public Health Orders can be found at www.health.nsw.gov.au.
Anyone with information about potential breaches of ministerial directions is urged to contact Crime Stoppers using the online 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.

A man has been fined after failing to follow self-isolation ministerial directions in the state’s south west.
At 2.30pm on Wednesday 8 July 2020, a 24-year-old man was stopped by police on the Newell Highway at Tocumwal, as part of border enforcement patrols.
The man was issued a direction under the Public Health Act to self-quarantine for a period of 14 days and was provided with information before being allowed to leave.
Officers from Murrumbidgee Police District attended the man’s home in Leeton at 12pm and again at 4pm on Thursday 9 July 2020, and found the man was not home as directed in the orders.
Police attended the home again at 5.30pm and provided the man with a formal warning in relation to self-isolation.
About 8pm on Friday 10 July 2020, police attended the man’s home and again found he was not home.
About 4.20pm yesterday (Sunday 12 July 2020), police attended the man’s home and issued him with a $1000 Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN) for failing to comply with a direction under Section 7 of the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW).
Since Operation Border Closure started at midnight on Wednesday 8 July 2020, police have facilitated the movement of tens of thousands of vehicles crossing the border from Victoria into NSW.
To date, more than 300 people have been issued with directions to self-isolate as they enter NSW.
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.

Households across NSW have collectively saved more than $3 billion since July 2017 thanks to up to 70 cost of living rebates and savings from the NSW Government.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian encouraged families to call Service NSW to check their eligibility and start accessing savings.
“COVID-19 has put families across NSW under enormous stress and the NSW Government wants to make life easier for them by providing a range of hip pocket savings,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Service NSW is a one-stop shop that helps take the hassle out of finding savings by putting all the relevant information under the one roof.
“Whether it’s finding a better energy deal, applying for a $100 Active Kids or Creative Kids voucher, or accessing drought support, Service NSW can check your eligibility for programs and then do the heavy lifting behind the scenes to access the savings.”
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said appointments can take place over the phone during COVID-19.
“Do yourself a favour – make an appointment with a cost of living specialist so you can receive personalised advice,” Mr Dominello said.
“Booking an appointment is simple and easy and you could walk away with money in your pocket. The average saving per customer is $570.”
Examples of savings available and new data includes:

• Energy Switch – 13,475 switches initiated, with the average customer saving $433.
• Creative Kids – 586,000 vouchers downloaded.
• FuelCheck – 1,075,417 app downloads. Drivers who use the app regularly could save up to $500 a year.

Further information is available at https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/cost-living