Category: NSW News

Landlords providing rent relief for eligible tenants in financial distress due to COVID-19 can now apply for land tax concessions online.
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the land tax concessions were part of a wide range of support measures designed to help those in need and to support jobs and business.
“Eligible landlords will be able to apply for a land tax concession of up to 25 per cent of their 2020 land tax liability on relevant properties so long as they pass on the full savings in the form of a rent reduction to their tenants,” Mr Tudehope said.
“The land tax concession is expected to be divided approximately 50-50 with around $220 million going to the commercial sector and a further $220 million expected to benefit the residential sector.”
Once approved, a concession will be applied to any unpaid 2020 land tax notices, and refunds will be issued for payments already made this year. Those refunds are expected to take up to five days to process once determined.
Landlords can find out more about eligibility and apply for a tax concession online  and are encouraged to complete their applications before 31 October 2020.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the NSW Government was committed to supporting people, communities and businesses during COVID-19.
“We are doing everything we can to keep people in jobs and businesses in business,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Small businesses severely impacted by COVID-19 restrictions may be eligible for the NSW Government’s $10,000 Small Business Support Fund grant and those with a payroll of $10 million or less can get a 25 per cent payroll waiver for 2019-20.”
To find out more about how the NSW Government is working to bolster our health resources, protect jobs and businesses visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/support

Volunteers are being empowered to provide welfare checks, deliver supplies and offer essential transport to vulnerable people through a new online platform linking community members with charities, NGOs and councils in need of support.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward encouraged volunteers and organisations to register on the new Emergency Support Volunteering website to help support people impacted by COVID-19.
“In times of crisis, we rally around each other and do everything we can to support those who are struggling. We saw it during the bushfire emergency and we are seeing it again now,” Mr Ward said.
“The pandemic is placing a significant strain on volunteer-driven organisations who support vulnerable members of our community, and many require more people to help meet demand.
“This platform allows you to register your details online and an organisation in your local area will get in touch and offer volunteering opportunities when they arise.”
The NSW Government has partnered with the Centre for Volunteering to develop the platform which is also operating in Victoria and Western Australia.
Centre for Volunteering CEO Gemma Rygate said the platform prioritises the safety and wellbeing of participants and is designed to offer informal voluntary opportunities that consider physical distancing restrictions.
“There are many ways you can safely volunteer during the current pandemic, including by making welfare check phone calls from the comfort of your home, or by delivering groceries to those unable to do their own shopping,” Ms Rygate said.
“This new platform is a link for spontaneous volunteers and organisations, and has capacity to be used beyond COVID-19 as a means of connecting willing participants with organisations in need of support during an emergency.”
For more information, and to register, visit https://emergency.volunteer.org.au/.

Energy businesses, workers and consumer groups are being encouraged to help shape the design of the new Energy Security Safeguard, to ensure it will drive down power prices and improve the reliability of the NSW grid.
Energy Minister Matt Kean today called on interested stakeholders to respond to the Energy Security Safeguard consultation paper, which is an important next step to implement the State’s Electricity Strategy to lower power prices and improve the reliability and sustainability of the electricity system.
“The Energy Security Safeguard will extend the highly successful Energy Savings Scheme to 2050, with an energy savings target increasing to 13 per cent by 2030, to ensure households and businesses can continue to save money on their bills by upgrading to energy efficient technology.”
Mr Kean said the Safeguard will now also drive the rollout of appliances and equipment that reduce demand during peak periods when the electricity system is under stress, for example during the recent bushfire season or prolonged heatwaves.
“The existing Energy Savings Scheme supports over 1600 jobs and has already helped projects that will deliver about $5.6 billion of bill savings. This is our chance to deliver even bigger savings for consumers and support small businesses and their employees doing it tough with new markets and opportunities.”
“The energy efficiency industry is a big driver of business and employment in NSW and lowers power prices for everyone by reducing demand on the grid. I look forward to working with tradies, small businesses and other stakeholders to implement the changes as soon as possible to support a strong and sustainable economic recovery from COVID-19,” Mr Kean said.
The Energy Security Target and Safeguard consultation paper can be viewed at https://energy.nsw.gov.au/government-and-regulation/consultation.
The NSW Government has also released a Draft Statutory Review Report on the Energy Savings Scheme, which can be viewed at https://energy.nsw.gov.au/government-and-regulation/consultation.
An online public consultation forum for the Energy Security Safeguard will take place from mid-May with written submissions due by Monday 22 June 2020.

A fast-tracked program of courts and corrections facility upgrades is about to pump $9 million through regional economies hit hard by COVID-19 restrictions.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Attorney General Mark Speakman said the package includes improvements to 63 regional courthouses, with upgrades to fire safety and security, as well as structural repairs and general maintenance.
“The NSW Government has prioritised projects that can begin immediately, to help communities rebuild after the impacts of COVID-19, bushfires and drought. These projects will focus on awarding construction work to small-to-medium sized businesses and prioritise local builders where possible,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Local tradies will begin working on courthouses across the state from Bega to Broken Hill and Wagga Wagga to Wilcannia to deliver the upgrades efficiently and effectively.
“Accelerating renovations is part of a huge recovery effort to kick start the economy, create jobs, support local businesses and help regional NSW get back on its feet.”
The courthouse projects are part of $10 billion in NSW Government support measures to underpin our state’s recovery from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The $9 million funding forms part of more than $100 million for regional stimulus announced last month.
Mr Speakman said most of the projects will begin this month and be completed this year.
“It makes sense to carry out renovations while courts are sitting less due to the COVID-19 pandemic, because fewer disruptions mean the work can be completed faster,” Mr Speakman said.
“These investments will also put courts in the best possible position to address the busy period ahead when normal sittings resume.”
More information on the $9 million regional court upgrade program can be found at: www.coronavirus.dcj.nsw.gov.au/services/courts-tribunals-and-jury-services

The NSW Government is helping Creative Kids providers go digital in response to the COVID-19 crisis, expanding access to the popular program for kids across the State.
From today eligible Creative Kids providers will be able to access up to $5,000 in digital adaptation grants to help them offer creative learning activities online thanks to a $1 million injection.
This includes purchasing equipment and internet services to help them transition online so they can provide lessons to children or young people who are at home and can’t attend workshops or classes in person.
The program’s eligible activities are also being expanded to include those which support the 2020 school curriculum, with Creative Kids providers able to supply creative supplies and equipment such as instruments, art and craft supplies and other materials to children or young people.
The changes to the program announced today by Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello include:

• $1 million in digital adaptation grants of up to $5,000 for Creative Kids providers  to further support online delivery of Creative Kids programs
• A toolkit to help providers pivot to online delivery
• Extension of the use of Creative Kids vouchers for online programs and educational materials
• Improved Service NSW website to make it easier for parents to find an online provider

Mr Perrottet said $1 million in small business grants would help arts and cultural providers deliver programs remotely providing a vital economic boost for small businesses doing it tough and keeping kids connected to quality cultural and creative activities.
“Whether it’s school education or extra-curricular activities, we want our kids to be able to maximise every opportunity. Creative Kids has been incredibly popular, and these changes will help to ensure that continues,” Mr Perrottet said.
“At times like this, adapting your business can be the key to survival. Our digital adaptation grants will flow to more businesses and sole traders in the arts and creative industries, helping to keep people in jobs and businesses in business in a sector that has been hit hard by COVID-19.”
“They say William Shakespeare wrote King Lear in quarantine, and we want to give our own generation of budding creative geniuses every opportunity to keep honing the creative skills that will enrich our culture in the years ahead.”
Mr Dominello said the updated Service NSW Creative Kids webpage would list the eligible providers and help parents navigate the process.
“In a Covidian world we need to use technology to make life easier for people. That is why we are building a new online navigator that makes it simple and hassle free for parents to identify the right program for their children,” Mr Dominello said.
The Creative Kids program offers families an annual $100 voucher for every school aged child to contribute to registration, participation and tuition costs for performing arts, visual arts, coding, languages, literature, music and other creative and cultural activities.
Applications for the Creative Kids provider grants will open 6 May 2020. To be eligible, grant applicants must:

• Be a Creative Kids Provider
• The provider must be a small business (have fewer than 20 employees). This also includes non-for-profit organisations.
• Clearly demonstrate adaptation and expansion of Creative Kids activities to online delivery
• Describe how this support can maintain or increase voucher redemption during COVID-19
• Meet the objectives of the Creative Kids program.

Find out more information including details on how to apply at www.create.nsw.gov.au

Police have charged four people under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) and issued four COVID-19-related Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) for offences within the past 24 hours.
Yesterday’s charges:

• Just after 2am yesterday (Tuesday 5 May 2020), officers from Nepean Police Area Command were called to Station and Queen Streets, St Marys, following reports of a brawl. Upon arrival, police separated a group of seven people and directed them to leave the area. Two men – aged 21 and 22 – allegedly failed to leave after being moved on. Checks revealed the younger man received a $1000 PIN on 10 April 2020 and the older man received two $1000 PINs on separate occasions last month. The St Clair men were both issued a Court Attendance Notice for not comply with noticed direction re section 7/8/9 – COVID-19. They are due to appear at Penrith Local Court on Monday 27 July 2020.

• About 4pm yesterday, officers from Blacktown Police Area Command were patrolling when they stopped and spoke to a 23-year-old man outside a shopping centre on Patrick Street, Blacktown. Checks revealed the man was in breach of his bail conditions and has interacted with police on six prior occasions for contravening Ministerial Directions. He was arrested and as police were escorting the man, it’s alleged he threw a package of cannabis. He was taken to Blacktown Police Station and charged with not comply with noticed direction re section 7/8/9 – COVID-19, breach of bail and possess prohibited drug. The Marayong man was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today (Wednesday 6 May 2020).

• About 11pm yesterday, officers from North Shore Police Area Command were called to a unit complex on Dorris Street, North Sydney, after reports of a disturbance. Police attended and found a 27-year-old man in his underwear in the complex’s underground carpark. Checks revealed he was breaching his bail conditions and had previously been dealt with for contravening Ministerial Directions. It’s alleged the man attended the location for an arranged meeting via a dating application, however, was asked to leave. He was issued a Court Attendance Notice for not comply with noticed direction re section 7/8/9 – COVID-19 and breach of bail. The Islington man is due to appear at the Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday 28 May 2020.

Yesterday’s PINs included:

• About 11.40pm yesterday, officers from Liverpool City Police Area Command observed a stationary vehicle on Maple Road, Casula, and spoke to the four male occupants. The vehicle was searched, and police allegedly found drug paraphernalia. Checks revealed three of the men – aged 20 and two aged 19 – had been given warnings on Sunday (3 May 2020) and were subsequently issued with $1000 PINs.

• About 12.30pm yesterday, officers from South Sydney Police Area Command were conducting patrols when they stopped and spoke to a 35-year-old Waterloo man drinking alcohol on Raglan Street, Waterloo. It’s alleged he could not provide a reasonable excuse for being at the location and had previously been given a warning. He was 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.

The NSW Government is partnering with local universities and manufacturers to produce ventilators as part of its COVID-19 response, with two prototypes already underway.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said pre-production is expected to take around six weeks and if a shelf-ready model complies with the necessary regulatory requirements, full production can begin.
“We know with the easing of restrictions there could be a rise in COVID-19 infections and if a second wave hits, we want our hospitals to have all the equipment they need,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Pleasingly, five groups came forward to produce ventilator prototypes after our callout to industry, with two of those now selected for pre-production.
“If those models are confirmed to align with Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) requirements full production can commence, if our hospitals require more ventilators.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the NSW Government is doing all it can to combat global shortages of vital medical equipment to ensure NSW has the back-up it needs.
“Every country around the world is facing disrupted medical supply chains but we need ventilators – they can be the difference between life and death,” Mr Hazzard said.
“COVID-19 infects cells in the lungs causing oxygen levels to drop and a ventilator is a crucial piece of equipment that helps critically ill patients to breathe.
“To have local manufacturers who are able to supply much-needed equipment to support frontline health workers – in this case a consortium led by the University of Sydney and another by Newcastle-based AmpControl – is absolutely invaluable.”
The NSW Government invested an extra $800 million to support NSW Health during the COVID-19 crisis, with $10 million to encourage NSW businesses to urgently undertake pilot projects to produce ventilators and other critical medical equipment.
Minister for Jobs, Investment and Tourism Stuart Ayres said the universities and industry groups involved will produce 10 units of each ventilator for further testing.
“Should these models (CoVida and Anemoi) be successful in completing the pre-production phase, they could not only benefit patients here but overseas, saving lives as well as creating jobs,” Mr Ayres said.
“This ventilator program is a great example for others to follow. It shows how NSW manufacturers are adapting and upskilling to bolster the economy and employment.”

Real-time tracking and faster processing of local development applications is a step closer, thanks to nearly $10 million in funding from the NSW Government.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the NSW Government is investing $9.7 million to enhance its ePlanning platform and ensure all councils can get online from 1 July 2020 onwards.
“ePlanning is an online platform that allows homeowners and businesses to lodge their development applications online and track them in real-time,” Mr Dominello said.
“We already have 37 councils successfully using the platform to process development applications (DAs) and this funding will deliver important upgrades to enhance and ensure the system can keep up with the increase in demand once all 128 councils are on board by July next year.”
The funding will deliver essential upgrades to the platform, including:

• expanding the digital services to improve integration between councils, state agencies and the Department;
• developing and implementing a service to allow applicants to lodge planning proposals in addition to DAs and process payments online;
• allowing the Land and Environment Court access to the system to assess and determine applications before the court;
• providing guidance, training and technical support to councils to get them on the system;
• developing comprehensive reporting and analytics to track progress; and
• upgrading the system to support increased demand.

Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said ePlanning will play an important role in helping councils keep the economy moving and construction workers in jobs during COVID-19.
“ePlanning is already helping councils slash processing times by up to 50 per cent and its roll out will help new projects get through the system faster,” Mr Stokes said.
“This investment shows the Government is serious about encouraging investment in NSW.”
Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said ePlanning is a great tool for councils and the community.
“Homeowners can lodge applications safely from home, neighbours can see in real-time what development is proposed in their areas and councils will have up-to-date data to plan, track and improve their assessment processes,” Mrs Hancock said.
On 1 July 2020 all Councils across Sydney, Newcastle, the Central Coast and Illawarra will be required to start accepting and processing DAs, complying development certificates and post-consent certificates via the NSW Planning Portal.
It will be mandatory for all greater metropolitan councils to process all applications via ePlanning by the end of 2020.
The remaining councils must process all applications through the NSW Planning Portal by 1 July 2021.

Police have charged a woman under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) and issued seven COVID-19-related Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) for offences within the past 24 hours.
Yesterday’s charges:

• About 2.15pm yesterday (Monday 4 May 2020), officers from South Sydney Police Area Command were patrolling around Redfern when they spoke to a 35-year-old woman in a reserve on James Street. She was told she was in contravention of the alcohol-free zone to leave and checks revealed the woman had been given a warning on three separate occasions last month and issued a $1000 PIN on Sunday 26 April 2020. She was subsequently arrested and taken to Mascot Police Station where she was charged with not comply with noticed direction re section 7/8/9 – COVID-19. The Redfern woman was granted conditional bail to appear at the Downing Centre Local Court on Monday 20 July 2020.

Yesterday’s PINs included:

• About 2.50am yesterday, officers from Sutherland Shire Police Area Command stopped a Holden Barina on Glencoe Street, Sutherland, after it allegedly failed to obey a traffic sign. The driver, a 48-year-old Balmain East man, could not provide a reasonable excuse for being away from home. Checks revealed he was given a warning on Monday 20 April 2020. He was issued a $1000 PIN and a traffic infringement for disobey no right turn sign – motor vehicle.

• About 10.45pm yesterday, officers from Blacktown Police Area Command were called to a car park on Colo Lane, Blacktown, following reports of a group of people gathering. The group were told to leave the area. A short time later, police spoke with one of the men on Flushcombe Road who had been given a move on direction from the area. He allegedly refused to provide officers with his personal details. He was identified as a 25-year-old Baulkham Hills man and issued a $1000 PIN.

• About 8pm yesterday, officers from South Sydney Police Area Command spoke to three occupants in a stationary Holden Commodore on Morehead Street, Redfern. One of the trio, a 50-year-old man, allegedly told police he was at the location to sell a Holden Astra to a 33-year-old man. Checks revealed the younger man had not had a driver’s licence since 2013. Police searched the Commodore and allegedly found cannabis. The 33-year-old man was given a warning on Tuesday 14 April 2020 and subsequently issued a $1000 PIN. The older man and a 39-year-old woman were given warnings. Inquiries are continuing.

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

The NSW Government is inviting community feedback on the second stage of its 24-hour economy liquor law reforms, which propose a host of changes to kick start Sydney’s night time economy post COVID-19 and beyond.
The draft Liquor Amendment (24-hour Economy) Bill 2020 aims to create a vibrant and safe 24-hour economy, with risk-based liquor laws that support business.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello and Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the proposals follow on from the Government’s response to NSW Parliament’s Joint Select Committee on Sydney’s night time economy.
“The proposals will help boost the state’s night time economy by removing outdated laws, simplifying licensing processes and creating a new incentives and sanctions system that rewards licence holders with a clear record,” Mr Dominello said.
“We want pubs, bars and hotels to hit the ground running on the other side, but we are mindful of how rules such as social distancing may need to be accommodated.”
Mr Ayres said the hospitality sector is a significant employer and lifeblood for many communities, but has been dealt a devastating blow and brought to its knees due to COVID-19.
“COVID-19 has hit the hospitality industry hard and fast. We recognise the importance of streamlining the previously complicated legislation to make it easier for industry to get back on their feet as social distancing restrictions ease,” Mr Ayres said.
“There is now clearly a light at the end of the tunnel for our hospitality sector and this will give them hope for the future.”
Key proposals include:

• A new incentives and sanctions system with ongoing fee discounts for licensed venues that maintain a clear record;
• Removal of outdated live music restrictions;
• Allow small bars to offer more family friendly services to customers, by permitting minors in certain circumstances;
• Reducing red tape by aligning liquor licensing and planning processes; and
• Enhancing same day alcohol delivery regulations.

Feedback must be submitted by 14 June by visiting https://www.customerservice.nsw.gov.au/consultations/laws-to-help-grow-a-24-hour-economy
A Bill is expected to be introduced to Parliament in the second half of 2020.