Category: NSW News

A man has been issued a $1000 Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN) by police conducting inquiries into the circumstances surrounding a group not complying with Ministerial Directions in Sydney’s west.
Officers from Nepean Police Area Command initiated an investigation after photos and videos were shared on social media concerning an incident at a home in Penrith on Saturday 25 April 2020.
Following inquiries, police issued PINs to five women – aged in their late teens to early 20s – for failing to comply with a Ministerial Direction on Thursday 30 April 2020.
A 22-year-old man, who was filmed in the videos, was spoken to by police at the time.
Following information received and further inquiries, the man was issued a $1000 PIN for non-essential travel via email about 2pm today (Wednesday 13 May 2020).

Strict measures to ensure juror safety underpin today’s decision by the Chief Judge of the District Court to resume jury trials at selected locations from from Monday, 15 June.
Attorney General Mark Speakman said restrictions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic had necessarily delayed jury trials as the justice system adapted to the social distancing we need to beat the coronavirus.
“Jury service is one of the most important rights and responsibilities that we have as members of the community and is central to ensuring fair trials. I encourage all potential jurors to answer their summonses so they can play their part,” Mr Speakman said.
“Justice Derek Price’s decision to resume some jury trials marks a welcome return towards normality in the District Court, which has worked with NSW Health and the Sheriff of NSW Tracey Hall to implement measures to keep jurors safe.”
Ms Hall said her office will today resume posting summonses to potential jurors who should be confident their health will be safeguarded.
“A fact sheet for potential jurors will accompany the summons, detailing what steps my officers and the District Court will take to ensure approproiate hygiene and social distancing,” Ms Hall said.
“On arrival at court, jurors may have their temperature taken and will be asked a series of screening questions to reduce the risk that people with cold or flu like symptoms will be present in court. Jurors will also have space to spread out in the courtroom and elsewhere to keep an appropriate distance.
“Ample provision of hand sanitiser, readily available wash stations, increased commercial cleaning and individualised meals will also help prevent contamination. Selection of jurors and appearance of other parties in the case will be by audio visual link and a strict cap will be applied to the numbers of people permitted in the courtroom.”
For the time being and subject to advice from NSW Health, jury trials will only be held at the Sydney Downing Centre complex and Parramatta and Newcastle courthouses.

The NSW Government today announced a further $310 million in emergency drought relief in recognition of the on-going drought conditions in regional NSW and to uphold a commitment to helping farmers make it out of the worst drought in living memory.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said renewing current support measures will provide drought affected communities across regional NSW with the certainty they need to make important stock and business decisions.
“I’m all too aware that some of our hardest hit communities feel like they have been forgotten due to the bushfires and COVID-19, and that rain in recent months may have left some people in the city with the impression that the drought is over,” Mr Barilaro said.
“My message to farmers and regional communities still battling this drought is that you are not alone.
“That is why we are continuing financial relief for farmers in drought by waiving onerous fees and charges and expanding measures to turbo-charge recovery.
“This fight is not over and many farmers will be feeling the financial and emotional impact of this drought for years to come.
“We have seen good rainfall across the state in recent months but we need to make sure the dollars continue to flow to keep our farmers and regional communities going.”
Extended support for drought affected comunities and farmers includes;

• $116 million to continue the Drought Transport subsidy
• $99 million to continue waiving of Local Land Services rates, bee site permits, Western Lands lease rent, wild dog fence rates and provide assistance for vehicle registration costs for eligible primary producers
• $28.5 million to continue existing water licence fee waivers for stock, domestic, general and high security water users
• Continuation of health and wellbeing programs, including the Farmgate Counsellors program, Aboriginal wellbeing services and Royal Flying Doctors Far West Drought Support programs.

Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall said the Drought Transport Subsidy would be extended, to help farmers reduce the cost of transporting fodder, stock, fertiliser, water and other farm inputs.
“We are reducing the cost of doing business to help farmers and their stock endure as we head towards recovery,” Mr Marshall said.
“While the focus lately has rightly been on dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, the devastation of drought has not been forgotten and our farmers will continue to be supported by our government.”
Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said as a regionally based Minister she is acutely aware of the toll the drought, bushfires and COVID-19 has had on rural communities.
“Every community is unique and the challenges faced across the state can be very different, which is why continuing our diverse mental health programs is critical,” Mrs Taylor said.
“We’ve had great success with measures like the Farmgate Counsellors program, and it is fantastic that this boost to drought assistance has a continued focus on mental health.
“As part of these extended programs, people will continue to receive the help and support they need to address significant health issues such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, panic attacks, suicide prevention, trauma and grief.”
Primary producers and small businesses already receiving support payments, subsidies, waivers and fee relief from the Emergency Drought Relief Package do not have to reapply.
This funding brings the NSW Government’s total drought support and water security commitment to close to $4 billion.
For a full list of drought support measures, go to: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/droughthub and www.nsw.gov.au/drought-in-nsw.

In the past 24 hours, three people have been issued with Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) COVID-19.
Yesterday’s PINs:

• Officers from Sydney City Police Area Command were patrolling Sydney’s CBD when they stopped a vehicle on George Street about 1am yesterday (Sunday 10 May 2020). Police spoke with the 19-year-old female driver and three passengers. The Greenacre woman told police the group had just wanted to get out of the house but could not provide a reason for being in the city. When checks revealed she had previously been warned for being out in a group and without a reasonable excuse, she was issued a $1000 PIN. Her passengers each received warnings.

• About 6.30pm, officers from Blacktown Police Area Command were patrolling Seven Hills, when they observed two men sitting and drinking on Boomerang Place. Police spoke with the men about breaching Ministerial Directions, with neither able to provide a reason for being there and stating to just give them a fine because they weren’t going to pay it. Checks revealed both men – aged 39 and 43 – had previously been warned for doing the same thing. They were each issued $1000 PINs.

Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian today announced NSW will further ease COVID-19 restrictions across the State from Friday.
Ms Berejiklian said that after assessing the new framework from National Cabinet and discussing the NSW impacts with state Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant, it was safe for NSW to ease further restrictions as the community was vigilant with social distancing and hygiene.
“My firm position during the crisis has been to follow the health advice and do what’s best for NSW,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Our community has demonstrated that by working together we can achieve positive results.
“The changes will allow NSW to fire up the economy, while allowing more personal freedoms.
“We will continue to closely monitor COVID-19 rates, especially community transmissions, to guide us towards easing further restrictions.”
From Friday 15 May, the following will be allowed in NSW, in addition to measures already announced:

• Outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people
• Cafes and restaurants can seat 10 patrons at any one time
• Up to 5 visitors to a household at any one time
• Weddings up to 10 guests
• Indoor funerals up to 20 mourners, outdoor funerals up to 30
• Religious gatherings/places of worship up to 10 worshippers
• Use of outdoor equipment with caution
• Outdoor pools open with restrictions

It is too soon to allow for regional holidays and ease further restrictions but NSW will continue to work with business and communities during the path forward.
Dr Chant backed the move to cautiously lift the restrictions, and urged people to be vigilant.
“The chief health officers of the Commonwealth and States supported by experts have prepared advice on the way forward,” Dr Chant said.
“As we take this next step we need to continue to work together – governments, community, business and NGOs – with high rates of testing, social distancing and adherence to other public health measures like handwashing and staying at home if you show even slight symptoms.”
Ms Berejiklian thanked the community as the State embarked on this important step that would allow more businesses to open up and more people to stay in work.
“NSW can only do this following the hard work and sacrifice of our communities,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“It has allowed us to boost our intensive care capacity, ramp up our testing and enhance contact tracing so we can better manage any outbreaks.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the COVID-19 fight was far from over.
“Without a vaccine we need to be vigilant, especially when restrictions lift,” Mr Hazzard said.
“There will inevitably be more cases, so social distancing will become even more crucial.”
The NSW Government will consider steps two and three of the plan in due course.

In the past 24 hours, seven people have been dealt with under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) COVID-19, with a man charged and six others issued with Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs).
Yesterday’s charges:
• Yesterday (Saturday 9 May 2020), officers from Leichhardt Traffic and Highway patrol spoke to a man on three separate occasions after being seen standing on the roadway of City Road, Darlington, and washing windows. About 3.15pm, the 41-year-old man was arrested and taken to Newtown Police Station where he was charged with pedestrian stand on road to wash/offer to wash windscreen, not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19, and breach of bail. The Redfern man was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Bail Court today (Sunday 10 May 2020).
Yesterday’s PINs:
• Just after midnight, officers from Kings Cross Police Area Command were patrolling Woolloomooloo when three people were seen walking along McElhone Street. The trio walked away and ignored officers’ directions before being stopped on Dowling Street. They were unable to provide a reasonable excuse for being there and had each previously been warned. The two men, aged 35 and 36, and a 26-year-old woman were issued $1000 PINS. The younger man and woman were also issued criminal infringement notices for offensive language.
• About 3.30am, officers from Northern Beaches Police Area Command were patrolling Brookvale, when they saw two men, walking along Clearview Place, consuming alcohol. The men did not have a reasonable excuse for being away, telling officers they were going for a stroll. A 21-year-old man was issued a $1000 PIN after previously being warned last weekend.
Officers from Eastern Beaches Police Area Command with the assistance of the Public Order and Riot Squad (PORS) attended Nagle Park at Maroubra just before 10.30am, when a group of people returned after previously being moved on. The four men, consuming alcohol, were again moved on after initially refusing to leave. A 30-year-old man – who had previously been warned – was issued a $1000 PIN and was also infringed for offensive language. A second man, aged 31, was infringed for littering after throwing a beer bottle and offensive language.
• About 2pm, officers from Sydney City Police Area Command attended Macquarie Street and spoke with a group of people who were conducting an unauthorised protest. A 36-year-old women was arrested after refusing to provide her details. She was unable to provide a reasonable excuse for being there and was later issued a $1000 PIN.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

A man has been infringed after allegedly spitting on a bus driver in Sydney’s CBD last month.
About 2pm on Friday 24 April 2020, a man, carrying a dog, boarded a NSW State Transit bus stopped on Carrington Street, Sydney.
When the bus driver, a 60-year-old man, told him that dogs were not permitted onboard, he verbally abused the driver and spat on him.
The man then left the bus and police were notified.
Officers from Sydney City Police Area Command commenced an investigation.
Following inquiries, a 19-year-old Baulkham Hills man was issued an infringement for not comply noticed direction re spitting/coughing – COVID-19 today (Sunday 10 May 2020.

NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller has echoed community praise ahead of the upcoming easing of restrictions and urged the NSW community to keep it up.
As NSW citizens, residents and businesses prepare for easing of restrictions under the Public Health Act this Friday (15 May 2020), Commissioner Fuller is reminding everyone that their actions and behaviour may impact the timings for the next stages.
“When Premier Berejiklian outlined the upcoming changes to COVID-19 restrictions in NSW, she included a very important message – our way forward depends on you,” the Commissioner said.
“The NSW Police Force was given special powers for the pandemic in the interest of public health and safety – powers that I delegated carefully and am overseeing personally.
“I’ve been overwhelming pleased with community compliance. With 187 charges laid and 1212 PINs issued out of eight million residents, I feel that the community understands the risks of this virus and the role we all must play in protecting each other.”
The average number of PINs issued per day throughout the month of April was 39, with a peak over the Easter long weekend. So far in May, the average number of PINs issued is nine.
In the last three days, police have issued a total of 14 PINs – three on Friday, seven on Saturday, and four on Sunday.
“Based on the 17,000 calls we have had to Crime Stoppers since 17 March, it is also clear that people want everyone to do their bit to stop the spread and soon see some form of normalcy return to life.
“Health experts have said that without a vaccine life can’t go back to normal, but if we continue to show high levels of adherence to the Ministerial Directions, we can continue to edge closer to normal life – and hopefully, sooner,” the Commissioner said.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

Police across the state have focussed on the plight of domestic violence victims during COVID-19 with a sharp increase in proactive policing strategies.
Their efforts are being reflected in first quarter 2020 statistics which highlight a substantial increase in compliance checks alongside a decrease in certain domestic violence (DV) offences.
Since commencement of the COVID-19 restrictions, NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller has been closely monitoring rates of domestic violence across the state.
“There is no doubt that the COVID-19 social distancing and self-isolation restrictions have presented inherent and very real risks to domestic violence victims and their families,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“As an organisation committed to protecting the most vulnerable in the community, we have ramped up police proactivity across the state, with ADVO compliance checks and ongoing monitoring of high risk and repeat DV offenders.”
Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) compliance checks have greatly increased in each month between January to April 2020 compared to last year, with an additional 3,684 checks completed in April 2020 compared to April 2019.
With a strong personal commitment to the protection of victims and children, when appointed Corporate Sponsor for Domestic and Family Violence in 2014, Commissioner Fuller led an increased focus of policing proactivity in response to DV offences.
This included the establishment of the Domestic Violence High Risk Offender Teams (DV HROT) across the state and an increased emphasis on the arrest and prosecution of offenders.
“The data we see today is heartening, but this is in no way the end of our efforts. We will continue to keep a close eye on the plight of those experiencing domestic violence and their loved ones,” he said.
DV-related assault incidents in NSW were comparably similar to that recorded in the same period last year, however incidents decreased from 2,408 in April 2019 to 2,194 in April this year.
As at Monday (4 May 2020), there were four domestic-related homicide incidents in NSW this year. This contrasts to the same time last year, in which 11 DV homicide incidents were recorded.
“Make no mistake, the fact that we have a single DV homicide incident indicates we have a long way to go, but I am relieved to see the figure has not increased during COVID-19 and has in fact dropped,” Commissioner Fuller said.
Legal action rates for Assault (DV), Assault (DV) involving Actual Bodily Harm and/or Grievous Bodily Harm, and Breach DV AVO were overall slightly higher compared to the same period previous year.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott, was pleased to see police activities to protect victims and their families appears to have been working over the first quarter of this year.
“A few weeks ago, we put any potential perpetrators of domestic violence offences on notice. The message to offenders was and remains loud and clear: if you abuse those you claim to love, police will be at your door ready to take action,” Mr Elliott said.
“I’m pleased to see police working closely together with other government agencies and the community in the best interests of victims and their families, and I thank the community for looking out for family, neighbours and friends.”
The Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research recently published ‘Monitoring changes in domestic violence in the wake of COVID-19 social isolation measures’ which highlights that preliminary data shows there is no upward trend in DV offences.
“COVID-19 restrictions remain in place and I continue to encourage people to come forward if you have any concerns that someone you know may be experiencing domestic violence.” Minister Elliott said.
The public are reminded that if you witness domestic or family violence, call the police – the information you provide might just save someone’s life. If your life of someone else’s life is in danger contact Triple Zero (000).
Further, there are multiple support services available if you, or someone you know, is experiencing domestic or family violence. These services include:
• 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) is a confidential information, counselling and support service;
• NSW Domestic Violence Line (1800 65 64 63) is a state-wide telephone crisis counselling and referral service for women;
• Men’s Referral Service (1300 766 491) provide telephone counselling, information and referrals for men;
• Link2Home (1800 152 152) can help refer women experiencing domestic violence to crisis accommodation; and
• Lifeline (13 11 14) is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.

In the past 24 hours, seven people have been issued with Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) after breaching the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) COVID-19.
Yesterday’s PINs:
• About 1.30pm yesterday (Friday 8 May 2020), officers from Brisbane Water Police District attended Burns Park, Gosford, where a group of five people were consuming alcohol, contrary to the alcohol-free zone. After speaking with the group, three women, aged 28, 40 and 44, were issued a $1000 PIN after they had each been previously warned.
• About 6.45pm, Traffic and Highway Patrol officers stopped a Subaru on Carrington Road, Castle Hill, after it was alleged to have committed a number of traffic offences. The driver, an 18-year-old man was spoken to and was unable to provide a reasonable excuse for being away from home. He was issued traffic infringements for exceed speed limit more than 10 km/h, not give sufficient right change of direction signal, not display P-plates, and use mobile phone while driving. The Castle Hill man was also issued a $1000 PIN after previously being warned.
• About 8pm, officers from Sydney City Police Area Command were patrolling George Street, when they spoke to a man regarding some unrelated outstanding matters. The 33-year-old was arrested and told officers he was out to ‘breath’. He was taken to Day Street Police Station and charged with larceny and trespass. He will appear at Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday 19 July 2020. The Surry Hills man was also issued a $1000 PIN after previously being warned.
• Officers from Eastern Beaches Police Area Command were called to the intersection of Maroubra Road and Anzac Parade, Maroubra just after 8pm, after reports a woman had verbally abused a 27-year-old man and damaged his home. The 42-year-old woman was arrested and taken to Maroubra Police Station. She was charged with common assault and malicious damage and will appear at Waverley Local Court on Monday 27 July 2020. The Maroubra woman was also issued a $1000 PIN after previously being warned.
• About 9pm, officers from Sydney City Police Area Command were patrolling Pirrama Park, Pyrmont when they stopped and spoke to four teenagers. The group were unable to provide police with a reasonable excuse for being out. A 17-year-old boy was issued a $1000 PIN after previously being warned. All were given a move on direction to return home.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.