Category: NSW News

Exemptions for those wishing to cross the border from Victoria to NSW are now available online via the Service NSW website.
The Public Health (COVID-19 NSW and Victorian Border) Order 2020 states that from 12.01am tomorrow (Wednesday 8 July 2020), no one can enter NSW from Victoria, unless they can meet exemption criteria.
Fines apply to those who breach Public Health Orders, or who falsify information when applying for exemptions.
A large-scale police operation will be in place to ensure compliance with the Public Health Order, with officers assisted by personnel from the Australian Defence Force, and other government agencies.
As those with exemptions begin to pass through checkpoints, police are asking people to come prepared and ready to produce relevant documents and identification information; such as drivers’ licences, and medical certificates. Those without exemptions will be turned back.
It is anticipated that the first 72 hours will be challenging while the process is in its infancy. Police are asking those who don’t need to cross the border to avoid doing so.
For more information about exemptions or to apply for a permit, please visit: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-covid-19-nsw-border-entry-permit

A man has been charged after allegedly attempting to cross the NSW/Victoria border near Corowa earlier today.
About 11am (Wednesday 8 July 2020), a Mitsubishi Outlander bearing Victorian number plates attempted to drive into NSW on Carlyle Road, Wahgunyah.
Police spoke with the driver, who allegedly declared his intention to cross into NSW despite not having a valid exemption.
Police allege the man was given several opportunities to comply with police directions, which he refused.
The man’s wife and three children complied with police direction and returned to Victoria.
The 34-year-old Barnawartha man was arrested and taken to Albury Police Station, where he was charged with not comply with noticed direction – COVID-19.
He was refused bail and is due to appear in Albury Local Court tomorrow (Thursday 9 July 2020).
The public is reminded it is an offence to enter NSW from Victoria without a valid exemption.
Since midnight (Wednesday 8 July 2020), more than 50,000 vehicles have crossed the border from Victoria into NSW.

Commuters travelling on buses and light rail will save on their off-peak trips for the first time with Opal fare changes coming into effect today.
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said a 50 per cent discount is now available for off-peak trips on buses, trains, light rail and metro.
“For customers who can travel outside of peak hours there are really significant savings to be had. These changes are about helping to reduce crowding during the busiest times of day to ensure everyone can physically distance and stay safe during COVID-19,” Mr Constance said.
The new peak travel times are:

• 6:30am–10am on Sydney Trains, Sydney Metro, light rail and bus (currently 7am-9am)
• 6am-10am on Intercity Trains (currently 6am-8am)
• 3pm-7pm on Sydney Trains, Intercity Trains, Sydney Metro, light rail and bus (currently 4pm-6:30pm)

The 50 per cent off-peak discount will remain for three months, before a permanent 30 per cent discount for off-peak travel comes into effect. This will be a first on bus and light rail services and in line with existing off-peak fares for train and metro.
A new $8.05 ($4 concession) discounted all day travel cap has been introduced on Saturdays and Sundays to help spread weekend public transport loads, particularly on ferries.
Peak fares have increased for bus and light rail journeys between 0-3 kilometres. All other fares will either remain at current levels or reduce by the off-peak discount.
Existing Opal benefits remain the same, including:

• The $2 transfer discount,
• The weekday cap of $16.10 ($8 concession),
• $50 weekly travel caps ($25 concession),
• Half price trips after eight journeys in a week,
• $2.50 unlimited travel for Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal card holders.

 

Adult one way fares		Peak		Off-peak		Saving per trip from peak to off peak
Journey	Mode	Current price	New price	Current price	New price
Penrith to Circular Quay	Train	$6.89	$6.89	$4.82	$3.44	$3.45
Central Station to Lisarow	Train	$8.86	$8.86	$6.20	$4.43	$4.43
Wollongong to Central	Train	$8.86	$8.86	$6.20	$4.43	$4.43
Rouse Hill to Chatswood	Metro	$5.15	$5.15	$3.60	$2.57	$2.58
Lidcombe to Padstow	Bus	$4.80	$4.80	$4.80	$2.40	$2.40
Broadway to Central	Bus	$2.24	$3.20	$2.24	$1.60	$1.60
Central to Star City Casino	Light Rail	$2.24	$3.20	$2.24	$1.60	$1.60
Rydalmere Wharf to Circular Quay	Ferry	$7.65	$7.65	$7.65	$7.65	$0.00

 

	Fare band	Peak travel		Off-peak travel
		Previous Adult fares	Adult fares from 6 July	Current Adult fares	Adult fares from 6 July
Train and Metro
0-10 km		$3.61	$3.61	$2.52	$1.80
10-20 km		$4.48	$4.48	$3.13	$2.24
20-35 km		$5.15	$5.15	$3.60	$2.57
35-65 km		$6.89	$6.89	$4.82	$3.44
65+ km		$8.86	$8.86	$6.20	$4.43
Bus
0-3 km		$2.24	$3.20	$2.24	$1.60
3-8 km		$3.73	$3.73	$3.73	$1.86
8+ km		$4.80	$4.80	$4.80	$2.40
Light rail
0-3 km		$2.24	$3.20	$2.24	$1.60
3-8 km		$3.73	$3.73	$3.73	$1.86
8+ km		$4.80	$4.80	$4.80	$2.40
Ferries
0-9 km		$6.12	$6.12	$6.12	$6.12
9+ km		$7.65	$7.65	$7.65	$7.65

Farmers, small businesses and regional communities recovering from the worst bushfire season in living memory will benefit from close to $5 million in Commonwealth funding for NSW’s legal assistance services.
Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Disaster Recovery John Barilaro said free legal support is playing an important role in how well people, businesses and communities recover from disasters.
“Bushfires have devastated the homes, businesses and livelihoods of so many people across our regions and now anyone facing legal problems as a result will have access to more free legal support than ever before,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Almost $3 million in funding will be directed to legal assistance services for individuals navigating insurance claims, tenancy issues, financial hardship, social security entitlements and other legal problems caused by the bushfires.
“A further $2 million will be invested in legal services for small businesses and primary producers. This will allow Legal Aid NSW to launch a new grants program, enabling private lawyers to access grants of aid to deliver free legal services to local businesses impacted by bushfires.”
Attorney General Mark Speakman said the funding will boost the capacity of Legal Aid, Community Legal Centres and the Aboriginal Legal Service to support individuals in bushfire affected areas across the State.
“This is great news for anyone whose livelihood has been torn apart by the bushfires.  More pro bono solicitors and more legal assistance will be available for farmers and small businesses seeking assistance and advice on the financial issues they face, including credit, banking and debt,” Mr Speakman said.
“From the South Coast, to the Snowy Valley, to the Southern Highlands and to the North and Mid-North Coasts – anyone facing legal problems as a result of the bushfires will have access to more free legal support than ever before.”
Today’s $4.9 million Bushfire Funding Agreement is part of the Australian Government’s $2 billion response to the 2019-20 Bushfire Disaster over two years.
The Agreement will deliver the following legal assistance supports:
Individuals

• Boost Legal Aid’s Disaster Response Legal Service to provide advice and referrals on issues including insurance claims, financial hardship, accommodation and CentreLink entitlements.
• Additional staff at five generalist Community Legal Centres (CLCs) in bushfire affected communities and three specialist CLCs delivering services to bushfire affected individuals.
• Increase the capacity of the Aboriginal Legal Service to provide its services to individuals in bushfire affected communities.

Businesses and primary producers

• Establish and promote a new grants policy for private practitioners to deliver legal services to small business and primary producers for bushfire related issues.
• Extend Justice Connect’s pro bono platform to link small business and primary producers with pro bono services.
• Support the Financial Rights Legal Centre to continue offering its services specialising in areas including consumer credit, banking, debt recovery and insurance to small business and primary producers.

A woman has been issued a Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN) after attempting to flee a hotel in breach of her mandatory hotel quarantine order at the weekend.
About 10pm on Saturday (4 July 2020), police were advised by a security contractor that a female quarantine guest had fled a hotel on Pitt Street, Sydney, in contravention of the Public Health (COVID-19 Air Transportation Quarantine) Order.
Officers were told a guard had confronted the 39-year-old woman as she approached a fire exit and following a short struggle, she ran through the exit and was chased on foot before disappearing from sight.
The guard returned to the hotel and reported the incident to his supervisor, who alerted police inside the hotel.
A police search was initiated, and the woman was located at Circular Quay about 10.45pm and returned to the hotel, before being taken to hospital for assessment.
The Potts Point woman was released from hospital a short time later and transferred to a hotel managed by NSW Health.
She was subsequently issued a $1000 PIN for not comply with noticed direction under the Public Health Act.
As part of inquiries into the incident, police attended the woman’s room and noted the sprinkler systems had been significantly damaged.
Inquiries into the damage are underway and legal action is expected to be taken.
The NSW Police Force is currently managing 19 hotels across Sydney CBD with 5,761 people in mandatory quarantine, while NSW Health has an additional 597 people in six hotels.
Since Sunday 29 March 2020, 33,956 people have entered into mandatory quarantine hotels in NSW, and this is the only PIN issued for a breach of the Public Health (COVID-19 Air Transportation Quarantine) Order.

The NSW Police Force-led multi-agency operation to facilitate the mandatory quarantining of returned travellers to NSW is ongoing.
The NSW Minister for Health Brad Hazzard issued the Public Health (COVID-19 Air Transportation Quarantine) Order 2020 under section 7 of the Public Health Act 2010, which directs any person arriving by aircraft into NSW from a country other than Australia must go directly to a quarantine facility.
Since the order commenced on Sunday 29 March 2020, 32,036 people have entered into mandatory quarantine in NSW. There have been no breaches of the quarantine order.
In an average 24-hour period, there are about 500 NSW Police officers rostered to maintain overall responsibility of 22 hotel footprints. They are supported by a further 150 ADF personnel.
The operation is also assisted by private security contractors.
All travellers are assessed by NSW Health on arrival at Sydney International 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.
As at 8am today (Friday 3 July 2020), there are 4972 people in quarantine across 18 Sydney hotels being managed by the NSW Police Force.
There are a further 493 people in four hotels being managed by NSW Health.
Any person who becomes symptomatic while in a police-managed quarantine hotel is transferred to a NSW Health-managed hotel.
The professional management of this process has dramatically reduced the risk of COVID-19 spread within hotels, including to staff and other guests, and to-date has ensured no transmission has occurred.
Further, the cooperation of the hospitality industry – particularly staff members within the hotels – throughout the operation has been exceptional.

As NSW today relaxes more COVID-19 restrictions, new rules will be put in place to prevent Melbourne residents living in virus hotspots from travelling across the border.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the NSW Government will impose strict penalties on Melbourne residents in outbreak areas who seek to enter NSW in defiance of the NSW public health orders. These orders will incorporate the same restrictions as those being put in place in Victoria.
Individuals who fail to comply with the new rules could face up to six months in prison or a fine of up to $11,000 or both.
“Victorians living in virus hotspots have to take the Victorian and NSW health orders seriously and should be very aware that NSW will impose penalties if they seek to leave hotspot suburbs to enter NSW,” Mr Hazzard said.
The NSW Order will prevent travel from Melbourne hotspots to NSW unless it is a NSW resident returning home or in very special circumstances, such as to obtain urgent medical care or for compassionate reasons.
Anybody who has been in a hotspot in the past 14 days, including NSW residents, will be subject to a stay at home direction for two weeks.
There will also be restrictions on visiting residential aged care facilities or a health service.
Meanwhile, restrictions on entertainment venues, weddings, community sport and other gatherings will be eased in NSW from today but strict physical distancing measures remain in place.
Mr Hazzard said businesses should ensure they have a COVID Safety Plan outlining exactly how they will maintain a safe environment for their staff and customers.
“Until we have a vaccine, everyone has a role to play keeping the community safe, whether that is mum and dad at their kid’s soccer match or your local café operator,” Mr Hazzard said.
“The NSW Government has always said with the easing of restrictions comes risk, so I urge everyone to maintain physical distancing, get tested if you feel unwell and stay home if sick.”
The following COVID-19 restrictions have been eased from today:

• The number of people allowed inside indoor venues will be determined by the ‘one person per 4 square metre’ rule, with no upper limit. This includes function centres.
• Kids’ and adult community sport can recommence.
• Cultural and sporting events at large stadiums, racecourses and motor racing tracks will be allowed up to 25 per cent of their normal seated capacity to a maximum of 10,000. These events must be ticketed and seated and follow strict guidelines.
• Alcohol can still be served to seated patrons only, including at conference and function venues.
• Cinemas, theatres and concert halls can reopen subject to the one person per 4 square metre rule.

The rules on gathering remain the same: 20 guests inside the home and 20 for gatherings in a public place.
NSW Health has finalised checklists to allow businesses affected by the easing of restrictions to be prepared for operation. These checklists provide guidance for businesses to develop a COVID safety plan. You can find the checklist here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/covid-safe-businesses
All venues must adhere to their business specific COVID Safety Plan consistent with NSW Health guidelines.
Health orders are being prepared today and will become enforceable at midnight tonight to be concurrent with the Victorian health orders.

Drivers in south-west Sydney will soon benefit from major travel time savings with the New M5 tunnels between Beverly Hills and St Peters almost complete.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Transport Andrew Constance today travelled underground in the nine kilometre tunnels for the first time to inspect progress on the $4.3 billion project.
“It’s really exciting to see the hard work is almost finished on this crucial nine kilometres of motorway. Once open, the New M5 tunnels will double the capacity of this corridor, which carries around 100,000 vehicles every day and is one of the most congested parts of Sydney’s traffic network,” Ms Berejikilian said.
“The motorway will cut up to half an hour off journeys between Liverpool and the southern suburbs of Sydney. This will mean tens of thousands of drivers can have a safe, reliable and efficient option to spend less time in their car and more time doing what they love.
“Drivers will be able to travel from Beverly Hills to a new interchange at St Peters in around 10 minutes, with new connections to Alexandria and Mascot.”
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said drivers on the existing motorway will also benefit.
“We’re going to see huge travel time savings on the M5 East too, with trips cut in half and travel speeds expected to double during peak time, improving journeys to the airport and Port Botany,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“This congestion-busting project forms part of the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government’s record $100 billion pipeline helping Australians reach their destinations sooner and safer.”
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said the finishing touches are being applied to the tunnels with the mechanical and electrical fit-out nearing completion.
“There are currently 1,000 tradespeople working to complete the project, with more than 18,000 workers involved over the project’s lifespan,” Mr Constance said.
“The fit-out is almost finished with line marking work underway and the installation of 33,000 wall panels more than 90 per cent complete.
“We’re also in the final stages of system testing which marks the home stretch ahead of these tunnels officially opening.”
The New M5 Tunnel will open with two lanes in each direction but has capacity to upgrade to three lanes, and include connections to future projects including the M4-M5 Link Tunnel, M6 Stage 1 and Sydney Gateway to the airport and Port Botany.
WestConnex is being delivered in four major stages, including the New M4 (now open), the New M5 tunnels, and the M4-M5 Link Tunnel and Rozelle Interchange, opening in 2023.
When complete, WestConnex will provide drivers with a 33km road network, bypassing up to 52 sets of traffic lights.

The NSW Police Force will continue to assist in the enforcement of all COVID-19-related ministerial directions through high-visibility policing operations.
A number of ministerial directions remain in place, covering returned overseas travellers, diagnosed persons, mass gatherings and movement, spitting and coughing, residential aged care facilities and the recent announcement of restrictions for affected persons from interstate COVID hotspots.
The Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) provides police with the power to enforce these 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.
As part of the NSW Police Force’s commitment to assisting NSW Health reduce the risk of community spread, police officers across the state will be conducting proactive, high-visibility activity.
This includes providing a presence at Sydney Airport and regional airports, as required, to assist NSW Health staff, who are screening passengers arriving from Victoria.
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.
Officers from Police Transport Command will also provide assistance to NSW Health at Central Railway Station for the arrival of XPT services from Melbourne.
In addition, Police Districts with borders to Victoria will be supported by Traffic and Highway Patrol to conduct high-visibility patrols and random vehicle stops.
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction.

The NSW Government has announced the development of a comprehensive, sector-wide cyber security strategy and is calling for industry submissions to help shape its final outcome.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said it was important to include industry experts and business in the development process to ensure the government continued to encourage growth within the State’s cyber security industry.
“The 2020 NSW Cyber Security Strategy will ensure the NSW Government continues to provide secure, trusted and resilient services in an ever-changing and developing environment,” Mr Dominello said.
“The new strategy will be delivered through an integrated approach to prevent and respond to cyber security threats and safeguard our information, assets, services, businesses and citizens.”
Mr Dominello said in a post COVID-19 environment it is important the NSW Government maximises the State’s existing capabilities and develops the local cyber security industry into a globally competitive, innovative ecosystem that drives economic growth.
“The 2020 NSW Cyber Security Strategy will address the cyber workforce and skills gaps that are vital in attracting business investment and creating innovation jobs,” Mr Dominello said.
“It will support innovation and growth of the NSW cyber industry and cement NSW as the leading state for cyber security in the Asia-Pacific region.
“Cyber security will be a vital part of the technology community at Tech Central which will be a home for tech giants, new and innovative start-ups and leading talent all in one place.”
In June, the NSW Government announced a record $240 million cyber security investment, as well as the establishment of a Cyber Security Vulnerability Management Centre in Bathurst, operated by Cyber Security NSW.
The 2020 NSW Cyber Security Strategy will replace the existing NSW Cyber Security Strategy and the NSW Cyber Industry Development Strategy, combining both into one overarching cyber security strategy and further information in relation to how to be involved will be released shortly.
Industry partners and cyber security experts can express an interest in providing a submission to the 2020 Cyber Security Strategy by emailing cyberstrategynsw@customerservice.nsw.gov.au