Category: NSW News

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

A new Sydney Metro station, more public space and a new office tower are one step closer for North Sydney residents and workers, with the NSW Government today giving the green light to build the Victoria Cross over station development.
The project includes construction of a 42-storey commercial office tower, a new community hub, a pedestrian link from the station plaza to Denison Street and almost 1,300 square metres of new public open space.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes and Minister for Transport Andrew Constance today inspected Victoria Cross Metro Station’s underground railway site, including the largest rail cavern in Australia at 265 metres long, 25 metres wide and 20 metres high.
A $476 million contract was awarded to Lendlease in 2018 to deliver Sydney Metro’s Victoria Cross Station and the landmark building above it.
With more than 357,000 tonnes of crushed rock removed, excavation of the Metro and service tunnels is now complete, and the cavern and these tunnels are being lined with concrete.
Mr Stokes said the project will combine world-class public transport infrastructure with a connected community hub in the heart of the North Sydney CBD.
“The integrated station development at the new Victoria Cross Metro Station will double the available public open space near the tower and create a continuous ‘civic green spine’ along Miller Street, with landscaped terraces, outdoor dining, casual seating areas and pedestrian paths,” Mr Stokes said.
“North Sydney is already a strong commercial hub for Greater Sydney and this project will provide a much-needed boost, injecting $315 million into the economy and creating between 400-600 construction jobs to deliver the over station development.”
Mr Constance said the integrated development will provide better connectivity for a growing part of the city.
“This tower will provide space for more than 4,000 office workers on top of a world-class public transport system, which is not only transforming our city’s public transport network, it’s transforming the areas around it,” Mr Constance said.
“This project is a great example of the NSW Government’s commitment to ensure our communities have access to great public transport infrastructure regardless of where they live, work or play.”
With tunnelling complete and remaining excavation underway, station fit-out works on the Victoria Cross Metro Station are scheduled to commence in early 2021, with the tower expected to be completed by mid-2024.
The Victoria Cross Metro over station development is one of 19 projects included in Tranche 3 of the NSW Government’s Planning System Acceleration Program that is fast-tracking planning assessments to keep people in jobs and the economy moving during the COVID-19 crisis. To date, the program has created opportunities for more than 25,000 jobs and injected more than $13 billion worth of investment into the NSW economy.
For more information visit: https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/project/11051

NSW businesses must follow the State Government’s COVID safety warnings and public health orders or risk a penalty of up to $55,000.
More than 117,500 COVID safety plans have been downloaded in less than a month but businesses also need to register to provide customers with confidence.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said there are 10,500 registered COVID Safe businesses across NSW but she would like to see this number increase.
“Thanks to the hard work of the community, thousands of businesses and have been able to reopen their doors and welcome back customers,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“While communities embrace the easing of restrictions and we kick start the economy, safety must come first and businesses cannot be complacent.
“Whether it’s a café, construction business, cinema or sports club, all organisations must ensure the safety of staff and customers. There are no more excuses.”
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said help and assistance is available for businesses.
“Downloading an industry specific safety plan and registering as COVID Safe is simple and can be done online. Service NSW can help with any questions,” Mr Dominello said.
“Customers are encouraged to give feedback to businesses. Our focus in June was on educating industry; while our focus in July will be on compliance.”
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 or an on the spot fine of $5000.
Breach of orders made under the Public Health Act 2010 is a criminal offence and attracts heavy penalties. In the case of any business, the maximum penalty is $55,000 and a further $27,500 penalty may apply for each day the offence continues.
To download a safety plan visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/covid-safe-businesses

The NSW Police Force will launch a large-scale operation to enforce the closure of the NSW/Victorian border tonight.
The Public Health (COVID-19 NSW and Victorian Border) Order 2020, under section 7 of the Public Health Act 2010, will be issued later today (Tuesday 7 July 2020). It will direct that from midnight (Wednesday 8 July 2020), no one can enter NSW from Victoria, unless they can fulfil specific exemption criteria.
At present, the border is closed to those from Victorian ‘hotspot’ postcodes, with the entire greater Melbourne area now deemed a hotspot.
As the scope widens and the border closes entirely, NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller has appointed Assistant Commissioner Scott Whyte as Operation Commander, to lead approximately 650 police officers in support of local police.
The high-visibility operation will include General Duties officers from across NSW, as well as Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, and other specialist units, such as the Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit.
Police will also be assisted by the Australian Defence Force – with 350 personnel to be deployed from Thursday (9 July 2020).
Assistance will also be provided by other government agencies; including Transport For NSW, and NSW National Parks as required.
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said that as always, safety remains the top priority.
“The aim of this operation is to keep NSW safe – the broader NSW community, as well as NSW Police officers and operation support personnel,” the Commissioner said.
“I know this closure will inconvenience many on both sides of the border, but the dangers and flow-on effects that accompany a second wave of COVID-19 are not something we want to see for our state.
“We have engaged with Local Members of Parliament and the Mayors of Albury and Wodonga to ensure local communities understand how the Public Health Orders impact on them and so we can work together to minimise disruptions to everyday lives.
“We anticipate the first 72 hours will be challenging, so we ask the community to be patient and work with us. Importantly, if you don’t need to cross the border, don’t,” Commissioner Fuller said.
There are 54 border crossings within five Police Districts across two Police Regions (Southern and Western), which will require both static and mobile policing strategies.
Of the 54 crossings, 34 have been prioritised into three categories (A, B, C) depending on the traffic flow, location and characteristics, while the remining 20 crossings are tracks and trails.
The six category ‘A’ locations – which are the main crossings – are:
Wodonga Place, South Albury
Hume Hwy, South Albury
Cobb Hwy, Moama
Newell Hwy, Tocumwal
Sturt Hwy, Buronga
Princes Hwy, Tambillica
Police will also continue to assist NSW Health at Sydney Airport and regional airports with the screening of passengers arriving from Victoria, who have exemptions under the Public Health Act.
Travellers who are departing from or arriving at airports in NSW are urged to adhere to the directions of airline staff, airport security, and NSW Health practitioners/officers.
The Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) provides police with the power to enforce Public Helath 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 will be a $1000 fine by way of a Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN).
Anyone wishing to travel into NSW will need to apply for an exemption online via Service NSW.
It is an offence to provide false information when applying for exemptions. A substainal fine applies.
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.