Category: NSW News

The Board and Management of Netball NSW have been continuing to closely monitor developments with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic since our Memo entitled “Netball NSW Covid-19 Response” issued on 16 March 2020. We can now provide a further status update to our NSW netball community.
Netball NSW has continued our scenario planning to prepare for what the 2020 season might look like subject to the status of the public health advice by certain milestones. Everyone would appreciate that there is still a lot we do not know about how Australia may be impacted by this pandemic moving forward, and how all tiers of Government may need to respond.
Netball NSW considers it important that we provide ongoing guidance to our Membership on our current thinking at this review date so that all of our Clubs and Associations can continue their own planning and preparation for a potential deferred season in 2020.
The current NSW Public Health (COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement) Order 2020 (Public Health Order) is presently in force until Monday, 29 June 2020. Netball NSW confirms that the suspension of all netball activities must therefore continue until at least that date, unless the NSW Government decides to lift the Public Health Order earlier.
Netball NSW will continue to strictly follow the Government advice so that we will only get back out on court when it is deemed safe to do so.
This Memo therefore outlines Netball NSW’s scenario for a re-start of netball activities from July 2020 and our current planning around each level of competition commencing from that time. This guidance will be further reviewed and confirmed by no later than 1 June 2020 subject to the existing Government advice available.
Club Netball and Suncorp NetSetGO
Starting dates of Association’s Club Netball competitions and NetSetGO programs are at the discretion of individual Associations. Noting that under the current Public Health Order there can be no training sessions until 30 June, Netball NSW would recommend that competitions start on approximately Saturday 18 July.
This date coincides with the end of mid-year school holidays and was also the date which many Associations nominated as their preferred start date to get an abbreviated season underway in our recent survey.
Origin Premier League
Premier League is now due to commence with Round 1 on Wednesday 29 July, with a pre-season warm-up round to be held the week prior. This will allow for an appropriate period of training in the lead-up to Round 1. As the pinnacle Netball Competition in NSW we are working towards completing a full season of the Premier League competition and details around the fixture continue to be worked through.
Communication in relation to the fixture for 2020 will be circulated to Premier League Licensees by the end of April.
DOOLEYS Metro League
The Metro League competition will commence with Round 1 being held in the week starting Monday 27 July. This will allow for an appropriate period of training in the lead-up to Round 1. The competition will include nine rounds (all teams playing each other once) with a shortened finals series. Only Grand Finals (between first and second on the ladder of the respective divisions following minor rounds) will be played from Monday 28 September.
BING LEE Regional Leagues
Dates of the various Regional League competitions are at the discretion of the region and Netball NSW Regional Managers will work with the Associations on re-scheduling and the format of the competitions.
Some competitions will be able to proceed as planned, with some changes to the format (ie Far North Coast, Northern Inland) whereas others will need to be re-scheduled. Further information will be provided to the affected Associations by 1 June.
The Regional State Cup is now due to be held on the weekend of 17-18 October 2020.  A review of the venue is currently taking place and an update will be provided by 1 June.
HART Junior & Senior State Titles
After considering a range of scenarios, following are the updated plans for State Titles: Both Junior and Senior State Titles (with the exception of Opens) will now be held on the October long weekend – Saturday 3rd to Monday 5th October. This aligns with the feedback received in the recent survey where the vast majority of Associations believed the last weekend in September was the appropriate finish of a delayed winter Club season.
Netball NSW are currently working through the logistics due to the change in dates, and working closely with host Associations and local councils on the challenges these new dates present at the various locations.
Discussions with these stakeholders are ongoing and as a result we are yet to determine the final allocation of venues. Once a final allocation is known it will be communicated to all Associations as soon as possible.
We understand that these revised dates will cause varying challenges for Associations and participants, including but not limited to, accommodation, tent allocations, umpires and officials availability, player workload, school holidays, HSC preparation etc. We will endeavour to work with Associations where we can to alleviate some of the challenges. However, in these unprecedented times we are doing all that we can to ensure State Titles are played and acknowledge that individuals will need to make their own decisions around their priorities and what is right for them.
Seniors

• Entries for Senior State Titles have now closed.
• We thank all Associations that worked with us, getting their entries in for the Senior State Titles, as this has helped significantly to work through the logistics and venue allocation.
• Provisional grading will be issued on 1 June providing Associations the knowledge of where they will be allocated in 2020. Standard appeal opportunities will be in place.
• A two-week window period where all entries can be confirmed, withdrawn or modified as required will be advised at a time closer to the event. However, if you have entered a team in the Senior State Titles, but now with the change of dates are confident that you are unable to attend please advise at your earliest opportunity.

Juniors

• Entries for Junior State Titles close on Tuesday 5 May. Teams should be entered using the standard three-step Competition entry process. Please refer to the Netball NSW website (State Titles page) for details.
• Provisional grading will be issued on 1 June providing Associations the knowledge of where they will be allocated in 2020. Standard appeal opportunities will be in place.
• A two-week window period where all entries can be confirmed, withdrawn or modified as required will be advised at a time closer to the event.

Hart Open State Titles, Bing Lee Masters State Titles and Social Masters
The Senior State Titles Opens Division will now be included to run concurrently with Masters State Titles and Social Masters on the scheduled Masters dates of 17-18 October 2020. As with the Senior and Junior State Titles, due to the change in format for 2020 a review of the host venue is currently taking place and an update will be provided by 1 June.
Competitions already underway
Competitions which were already underway and were suspended due to the restrictions imposed can re-commence at the Association’s discretion from Tuesday 30 June 2020.
Scheduling should however provide adequate time for players to prepare for the various levels of netball they will participate in, to limit the possibility of injury. This was an important consideration in planning for the Premier and Metro league seasons starting approximately one month following the end of the Public Health Order.
Performance and Pathway Programs
Performance and Pathways Programs including the QBE Swifts Academy, GIANTS Academy, Emerging Talent, Regional Emerging Talent and Regional Academy of Sport Programs are continuing to focus on supporting the long-term individual development of identified athletes.
Programs have been adapted to adjust to the unprecedented circumstances and will continue to adapt to ensure an optimum balance of development, load management and recovery when competition resumes.
Walking Netball and Fast5
Walking Netball Competitions (Social or Traditional), Walking Netball Exercise Classes and Fast5 Netball Competition start dates are at the discretion of individual Associations hosting programs and/or Netball NSW depending on who is running the program. Noting that under the current Public Health Order there can be no sessions until 30 June. Netball NSW is considering a Term 3 start for these programs. Further information will be communicated to all Associations hosting programs by 1 June.
Financial Position and Future Viability
The financial model behind the entire netball ecosystem in NSW is the contributions received from community players which flow up from Clubs to Associations, to Netball NSW and ultimately in part to Netball Australia. Without the flow of at least a portion of those funds in 2020, it will not be possible for Netball NSW to financially withstand the impact of COVID-19 without substantial government support.
It is important to repeat here that the single focus of Netball NSW over the course of the COVID-19 crisis is that no-one gets left behind. It is critical that the structures, competitions, pathways and opportunities which have been part of netball in NSW for generations are in place and available for the current and future generations when the COVID-19 dust settles.
In the last month the Netball NSW Board has overseen a budget re-calibration which has stripped over $10 million worth of expenditure from our $18 million budget for 2020 based on current estimates. We moved quickly and decisively, including the incredibly difficult situation regarding the standing down of staff – made before the Federal Government’s JobKeeper announcement. We hope to now be beneficiaries of JobKeeper, but it will not solve all of our financial problems.
Netball NSW are in regular contact with the NSW Government advocating a position for netball across New South Wales at all levels, and sport more broadly. This included a meeting between the Netball NSW President, CEO and the Minister for Sport last week. A key part of our discussions centre on the NSW Government’s Active Kids Vouchers (AKV). As we have stated previously, it has been confirmed by the NSW Government that the $100 AKV money used by a parent to partially offset registration fees cannot, under any circumstances, be returned as cash.
Netball NSW, along with all other State Sporting Organisations, are urging the NSW Government to confirm that the AKV money, which can’t be refunded, can be retained within the sport in which it was redeemed. We are hopeful this will be confirmed very soon. If it is, it will create a quasi ‘Government assistance package’ for our sport in the event that no netball is possible in 2020 and a full refund of registration fees is required.
If that situation was to eventuate, we would work closely with all Associations (and Associations would be asked to work with Clubs) to agree an appropriate split of the available amount to meet our goal of no-one being left behind. It is also a key reason for our current request for financial information from Associations, which we have asked to be returned by 21 April 2020.
Registration and Refunds
Consistent with our position that Netball NSW remains hopeful of having netball played in the second half of the year it remains the Board’s view that it would be premature for refunds of registration fees to be processed at this time.
This is a position consistent with other netball state bodies across Australia and the vast majority of other winter sports at present, as we all try to work towards the best possible season in the circumstances.
We are currently modelling a number of scenarios including worst case (ie, no season and full refunds), just like many Associations would be. However, in such a fast-moving environment, where Government advice and restrictions could change at any time, we remain of the view that holding our position on registration refunds for the immediate term, and until greater clarity is available, is appropriate.
Any refund process will be complex and difficult, so we want to ensure that if it is ultimately required we do it once, we do it properly and we do it in a way which means we safeguard the entire netball ecosystem to the best of our ability. We know not everyone will agree with this position at present but we believe that it remains the best current course of action for netball in NSW as a whole.
Netball NSW Annual General Meeting
As outlined in the Memo dated 18 March, the Netball NSW Annual General Meeting has been re-scheduled to Sunday 24 May 2020. Full details regarding the AGM, Council Meeting and Extraordinary Council Meeting will be provided in a separate communication from the Company Secretary in due course.
Review Date
Given the current unpredictable nature of the world we are living in Netball NSW will continue to keep all stakeholders as informed as possible over coming weeks should there be significant changes to any of the matters mentioned above. There will also be a formal update, similar to this one, provided by no later than Monday 1 June 2020.
Netball NSW and all of us in our netball community will need to be responsive to the continual changes to the government advice around risks to public health, and should it later become apparent that a July date may not be feasible, adjust and reassess at that time.
Once again, we thank you for your ongoing patience and understanding and wish you the very best of health.

Up to 200,000 licence holders operating across the trades and construction sectors will not have to pay up to $50 million worth of licence fees, thanks to the NSW Government.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello and Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the licence fee waivers were a crucial part of the NSW Government’s first economic stimulus package.
“These fee waivers will deliver much-needed relief for small businesses, at a time when cash flow is crucial,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Up to 200,000 licence holders will benefit from this fee relief package over the next 12 months. It is the least we can do to support these businesses and their staff through this challenging time.”
The measures will deliver close to $50 million worth of fee waivers to tradies for 12 months.
Mr Dominello said the measures would help businesses during one of the hardest economic challenges in our lifetime.
“These measures put business and workers first so they can continue to be the lifeblood for their communities across the State,” Mr Dominello said.
“We’re going to help them withstand this storm, so they can hit the ground running later.”
Mr Tudehope said the NSW Government was focused on keeping businesses in business and as many people as possible in jobs.
“Our number one priority is the health and safety of the community, but this is a dual challenge and we need to do everything we can to ensure the NSW economy emerges with a strong beating heart,” Mr Tudehope said.
“Whether it’s a local café, restaurant, indoor sporting venue, gym or club, we want to ensure they have every chance to continue to support our communities. While it seems a long way off now this will pass and we don’t want any road blocks for people.”
Today’s announcement follows the first set of fee waivers which have started to come into effect, including $19.5 million in state-based fee relief for industries. It gives eligible businesses in the entertainment and hospitality sectors access to a 12-month waiver on liquor licences and certain SafeWork NSW and NSW Fair Trading fees and charges.
To date, the NSW Government has provided more than $8 billion in response to COVID-19 to support the NSW healthcare system and keep people in jobs.
For more information visit www.nsw.gov.au.

The NSW Government has outlined its plan to reform developer levies and contributions to unlock new housing supply, deliver vital community infrastructure and boost investment in NSW.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes today announced he had appointed Productivity Commissioner Peter Achterstraat to undertake a review of the current contributions and provide recommendations for a new system by the end of the year.
“The number one issue I hear from industry is that we need a more transparent and certain contributions system where everyone is clear about who pays for what,” Mr Stokes said.
“Contributions reform has been stuck in the too-hard basket for too long, but we are committed to working with industry to deliver true change.
“Our pathway forward includes a mix of quick wins and longer-term reforms, which will ensure NSW remains the economic powerhouse of Australia.
Mr Stokes said $70 million will also be invested to co-fund vital new community infrastructure in the high-growth areas of North West Sydney where thousands of new houses are being built.
“Our population is growing, and we need to make sure that where we’re unlocking housing supply, we’re also facilitating the delivery of vital community infrastructure so people are moving in to connected and vibrant communities,” Mr Stokes said.
“I also want to work with councils to help them spend money they already have to stimulate their local economy, create more jobs and great public spaces.”
A series of more immediate changes will also be released today for public comment, including measures to require councils to publish how much they have collected in developer levies and where they have been spent, new guidelines related to the State’s Special Infrastructure Contributions, options to simplify and shorten the process for reviewing s7.11 local contributions plans, and proposed changes to s7.12 levies and voluntary planning agreements.
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet welcomed the appointment of Mr Achterstraat, and said the overhaul of the system would help boost the NSW economy at a critical time.
“We are facing unprecedented health and economic challenges at the moment, and we need to ensure we best position NSW to rebound,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This is a great opportunity to undertake reform which will help boost investment and create jobs and enhance prosperity for the State.”
In November, Premier Gladys Berejiklian outlined four key areas for reform to the NSW planning system in 2020, including fixing the uncertainty of developer contributions to drive investment in NSW.

A man will appear in court tomorrow after allegedly spitting on two NSW Ambulance paramedics on the state’s Manning-Great Lakes area earlier this week.
About 2pm on Monday 13 April 2020, paramedics were called to a home on Macintosh Street, Forster, due to a man suffering injuries to his ribs.
On arrival paramedics were met by a 53-year-old man who appeared well affected by alcohol and complaining of pain to his ribs.
The man required further treatment and was placed in the ambulance to be transported to hospital.
On the way it’s alleged the man twice spat on the two male paramedics. He was assisted out of the ambulance by waiting security staff at Manning Base Hospital where he was treated and later released.
The incident was reported to officers at Manning Great Lakes Police District and an investigation commenced.
Today (Tuesday 14 April 2020), police attended an address in Forster where they arrested the 53-year-old man. He was taken to Forster Police Station where he was charged with two counts of common assault (spitting).
He was refused bail and will appear via video link at Port Macquarie Local Court tomorrow (Wednesday 15 April 2020).

A woman has been charged after she allegedly spat in the face of her treating doctor at Hornsby earlier this week.
On Monday 13 April 2020, a 35-year-old woman was admitted to a hospital in Hornsby where she was seeking treatment for a large laceration to her arm.
The treating emergency physician commenced treatment to her wound when she allegedly spat in his face and became aggressive.
The doctor called for assistance and the woman was treated before being released.
The incident was reported to officers at Kuring Gai Police Area Command and inquiries commenced.
About 7pm yesterday (Tuesday 14 April 2020), officers attended a home in Hornsby where they arrested the woman.
She was taken to Hornsby Police Station where she was charged with common assault.
She was given strict conditional bail and will appear in Hornsby Local Court on Wednesday 1 July 2020.

More than 1000 charity care packages have been loaded onto the Ruby Princess at Port Kembla today.
The Mission to Seafarers Port Kembla organised the care packages – containing food, soft drinks, toiletries and other items such as make-up – to be given to those on-board.
The packages have been donated from community members across the Illawarra and packed by the charity.
The NSW Police Force and the Port Authority of NSW, coordinated the delivery about 1pm today (Tuesday 14 April 2020).

Police have charged six people under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) and issued 55 COVID-19 related Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) since the last update.
Charges:

• About 8.30am yesterday (Monday 13 April 2020), officers from Mid North Coast Traffic & Highway Patrol Command observed a Mitsubishi ute travelling in excess of the speed limit at Greenhill. Officers attempted to pull the car over however it allegedly failed to stop and police initiated a pursuit. The pursuit came to a stop a short time later after police deployed road spikes. The man was arrested and subjected to a roadside breath test, which returned a negative result, and a roadside drug test, which allegedly returned a positive indication to methamphetamine. Further inquiries also revealed the 32-year-old man had already been issued with three PINs for breaching a ministerial direction. He has been charged with police pursuit/not stop/drive dangerously, drive while disqualified and not comply with noticed direction. He was refused bail to appear at Port Macquarie Local Court today (Tuesday 14 April 2020).
• Just before 3pm yesterday, officers from Police Transport Command were patrolling Hurstville Railway Station when they saw a man on the upper level of a train consuming alcohol. Police spoke with the 22-year-old and during the interaction, he got into a struggle with the officers. He was arrested and taken to Sutherland Police Station, where he was charged with resist or hinder police officer in the execution of duty, drink alcohol on bus, ferry, train or in public area, travel without valid ticket, and not comply with noticed direction. He was granted strict conditional bail to appear at Waverley Local Court on Wednesday 13 May 2020.
• About 10.15am yesterday, police were patrolling Canley Heights when they observed a man, who was known to them, allegedly driving a vehicle despite not holding a licence. Police spoke with the 40-year-old man, who was subsequently arrested and taken to Fairfield Police Station, where he was charged with never licensed person drive vehicle on road, use offensive language in/near public place/school, and not comply with noticed direction. He was also charged with recklessly cause grievous bodily harm in relation to an alleged assault on Wednesday 4 March 2020. He was refused bail to appear at Liverpool Local Court today.
• Just after midnight yesterday, police were called to Port Kembla Railway Station after security officers observed a man walking on the tracks. On arrival, police spoke with a 43-year-old man, and further inquiries revealed he was in breach of his bail conditions. He was taken to Lake Illawarra Police Station where he was charged with go onto or remain on running lines, not comply with noticed direction and breach of bail. He was refused bail to appear at Wollongong Local Court today.
• About 12.40am yesterday, officers from Mid North Coast Traffic & Highway Patrol were conducting patrols of South Kempsey when they stopped a vehicle for the purposes of an RBT. Police spoke with the driver and two passengers, who could not give a valid reason for being out of their homes at Port Macquarie. Further inquiries also revealed one of the passengers, a 20-year-old woman, had been warned twice previously for failing to comply with a ministerial direction. When police spoke to the woman about this, it’s alleged she attempted to flee, before making several threats towards officers. She was taken to Kempsey Police Station where she was charged with assault police officer in execution of duty, intimidate police officer in execution of duty and not comply with noticed direction. She was granted strict conditional bail to appear at Kempsey Local Court on Monday 22 June 2020.
• Yesterday, police attended an address at Canley Vale in relation to an investigation into a number of alleged vehicle thefts. A 14-year-old teenager was arrested and taken to Fairfield Police Station, where he was charged with three counts of recklessly deal with proceeds of crime, be carried in conveyance without consent of owner, dishonestly obtain property by deception and not comply with noticed direction. He was refused bail to appear at a Children’s Court today.

PINs include:

• Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District issued infringement notices to a 72-year-old man and 46-year-old woman, both from Sydney. About 5pm yesterday (Monday 13 April 2020), the pair were stopped at Dora Creek and informed police they intended to fish. They were told that fishing was not a valid reason to travel to a regional area, and were asked to move on. Officers interacted with the pair again 15-minutes later at Rocky Point Road, Eraring, and both were issued a $1000 PIN.
• About 4.40pm yesterday, officers from Richmond Police District observed four people drinking in a park at Cullen Street, Nimbin. Inquiries revealed a 27-year-old man in the group had travelled from Casino. When asked, the man told police he travelled to Nimbin because he was bored. The man also told officers that he was aware of the current ministerial direction, but that he did not believe in Coronavirus. He was issued a $1000 PIN.
• About 12.50pm yesterday, officers from Richmond Police district spoke to two men at Lake Ainsworth, Lennox Head, and warned them they were in breach of the Public Health Order. Fifteen minutes later the pair, aged 22 and 25, were spoken to again at the Pat Morton Lookout, Lennox Head, and they were both issued with a $1000 PIN.
• About 2.10pm yesterday officers from Richmond Police District spoke to a man in a hire car at a boat ramp on Riverside Drive, West Ballina. The 32-year-old failed to provide a reasonable excuse for being there and was issued a $1000 PIN. He was also served with an outstanding Firearms Prohibition Order and Weapons Prohibition Order.
• About 4.10pm yesterday, officers from Richmond Police district detected two vans with South Australian number plates at Sharpes Beach carpark, Skennars Head. A 56-year-old woman and 54-year-old man were issued move on directions, but around an hour later police returned and the pair had not moved. They were both issued a $1000 PIN.
• Just after 11.30am yesterday, officers from Fairfield City Police Area Command were patrolling near Fairfield Railway Station when they saw two men, aged 54 and 40, sitting in the nearby park. Both men could not provide a reasonable excuse for being out of their homes and were issued PINs. The 54-year-old man had also been issued a PIN on Saturday 4 April 2020.
• About 8.20am yesterday, officers from Riverina Police District stopped a car on Rosedale Road, near the Hume Highway, at Mount Adrah, and spoke with the 51-year-old male driver. The man told police he was driving back to Victoria after visiting family members nearby. He was issued a $1000 PIN.
• About 10am yesterday, officers from Fairfield City Police Area Command attended a home in Canley Vale and spoke with a 43-year-old man, who did not reside at the location. It’s alleged the man had attended the property to purchase drugs. He was issued a PIN for failing to comply with noticed direction and investigations are continuing.
• About 12.20pm yesterday, Albury police spoke with two men – aged 35 and 24 – outside a house on Eastern Circuit, East Albury. Both men stated they were at the location to inquire about a loan. When questioned about the loan, the men could not provide further information and officers explained it was not a valid reason to be out in public as they were not at a financial institution. A search of the vehicle was conducted, and police allegedly located cannabis and a knife. The older man was charged with custody of knife in public place and possess prohibited drug. Both men were issued $1000 PINs for being out of home without a reasonable excuse.
• About 9am yesterday, officers from Oxley Police District stopped a vehicle on Henry Street, Werris Creek, and spoke with the 41-year-old male driver. Checks revealed the man had been warned under the Public Health Act last week and was breaching his bail. Despite the previous warnings the man told police he thought he’d be alright this time. He was issued a Court Attendance Notice for variation application notice after breach and a $1000 PIN for breach of COVID-19 direction.
• About 9pm yesterday, officers from Central North Police District stopped a vehicle on Mitchell Street, Bourke, and spoke with the occupants – two women aged 21 and 25, and a 25-year-old man. The younger woman, who had previously received warnings under the Public Health Act, could not provide a reasonable excuse for being out again and was issued a $1000 PIN. The older woman and man were issued warnings.
• About 5.40pm, officers from Wollongong Police Transport Command, were patrolling Stuart Park, Wollongong. Police saw two men having a BBQ and drinking alcohol in the park. Checks by police were conducted that showed one of the men was given a warning the previous day for failing to comply with the Public Health Order at Central Railway Station. The 30-year-old man was issued a PIN, while the other man was given a warning.
• About 8.15am on Sunday (12 April 2020), officers from Mid North Coast Police District issued a warning to a 23-year-old woman after she was located hanging out with friends by the Macleay River at River Street, West Kempsey, and not following social distancing regulations. About 5pm the same day, the woman was found again by the same river with friends and was issued a $1000 PIN for failing to comply with noticed direction.
• Officers from Traffic and Highway Patrol Command stopped a vehicle on Duri Road, West Tamworth, just after 2pm on Sunday, and spoke to the five occupants. The group told police they were hanging out and going for a drive. Subsequent checks revealed three of the five had been warned for doing the same thing on previous occasions. Police issued $1000 PINs to three men, aged 19, 21 and 24, while the other two individuals were given warnings under the Public Health Act.
• About 11.15pm on Sunday, officers from Parramatta Police Area Command stopped and spoke to a 23-year-old man at Bondi Beach car park. The man told police he had been to buy McDonalds at Mascot and wanted to get out a bit. The man later claimed that he was there to exercise despite the time of the night and the fact that he was wearing thongs. The man was subsequently issued a $1000 PIN.
• About 2.45pm on Saturday (11 April 2020), officers from Riverina Police District were patrolling the Ashmont area when they stopped and spoke with a 29-year-old man on Mumford Street. During a search of the man, police located and seized prohibited drugs. The man told officers he was dropping off some fast food to a friend but had instead allegedly purchased drugs. He was issued a PIN and investigations 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.

In a NSW first, patients can opt-in to receive their COVID-19 pathology results via text message.
NSW Health Pathology’s secure automated SMS solution will see the average notification period for results halved, plus ease the pressure on busy hospital and laboratory staff.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said more than 142,000 people had been tested and cleared, making it one of the highest testing rates in the world, and helping to stop the spread of the virus.
“We are able to test 5,000 patients per day, and while testing for COVID-19 only takes 6 to 8 hours from arrival of the sample at one of our specialist labs, the sheer volume has meant we haven’t been able to get results to patients quickly,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Using our new statewide SMS notification solution, patients who register will receive an automated SMS test result within six hours of the completion of the laboratory test.”
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the new service puts the patient first, reducing anxiety as quickly as possible and making life easier for them.
“Testing clinics are receiving thousands of calls from patients enquiring about their test results, which also puts increasing pressure on the health system,” Mr Dominello said
“By opting in to receive a text, patients can be informed of a negative result faster.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said both patients and medical professionals would benefit.
“This text indicating a negative result gives patients peace of mind and allows clinicians to dedicate more time to assisting patients who test positive,” Mr Hazzard said.
A statewide roll-out of this service in the coming weeks follows a successful pilot in the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health Districts and Wollongong, Shellharbour and Shoalhaven Fever Clinics.
The SMS notification system will integrate with existing statewide security and other support infrastructure to ensure patient privacy and data integrity is maintained.
The service is only available to patients who are tested at a NSW public hospital or Fever Clinic. It is not available for patients tested by private pathology providers, however they can still access their result through their GP and in some instances My Health Record. Patients who test positive for the virus will still have their results reported immediately to their referring doctor and public health unit.
The initiative was developed in collaboration with Amazon Web Services, Deloitte Australia and Microsoft.
An enhanced Service NSW app is also being built that will provide customers with real-time updates on COVID-19 and more personalised health and non-health advice.
For the latest information on COVID-19 visit www.nsw.gov.au

NSW commercial tenants significantly impacted by COVID-19 will have greater protection from evictions with the State Government set to enact the National Cabinet Code of Conduct as part of a $440 million land tax relief package.
The measures will apply to commercial leases where the tenant is in financial distress due to COVID-19, including but not limited to shops, cafes, gyms, hairdressers, restaurants, offices, warehouses and industrial sites.
The land tax relief 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.
Commercial landlords will be offered the land tax concession if they pass the savings on to tenants through a rent reduction.
Eligible landlords will be able to apply for a land tax concession of up to 25 per cent of their 2020 (calendar year) land tax liability on relevant properties. A further land tax deferral for any outstanding amounts for a three-month period will also be offered to landlords who claim the land tax concession.
The Government will give effect to the Code of Conduct, which will operate for a temporary period during the pandemic, and include the following key measures:

• Landlords must negotiate rent relief agreements with tenants in financial distress due to COVID-19 by applying the leasing principles in the Code;
• A ban on the termination of a lease for non-payment of rent;
• A freeze in rent increases.
• To facilitate these changes, and deliver increased mediation and advisory services to commercial parties, the NSW Small Business Commission will be bolstered with extra staff and an injection of $10 million from the $1 billion Working for NSW Fund.

The policy will apply to business tenants with a turnover of less than $50 million that experience a 30 per cent (or more) reduction in revenue as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, in line with the Prime Minister’s announcement on 7 April.
This will include any business with annual turnover of less than $50 million who is eligible for the Commonwealth’s JobKeeper program.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet welcomed the initiatives, saying they would help businesses stay afloat and provide greater surety for tenants and landlords.
“This provides a way forward for tenants and landlords so they can reach an agreement during this difficult period and includes an incentive in the form of a land tax reduction.” Mr Perrottet said.
“I thank the many landlords who are already supporting their tenants through this period and the banks for showing flexibility with deferring loan repayments – we are all in this together and need to work together.”
Finance and Small Business Minister Damien Tudehope said the package demonstrated the need for a united effort to endure the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Breathing room on rent is one of the most frequently raised issues by businesses, and we want to ensure we protect retailers and offer landlords an incentive to do so. We also want to ensure retail tenants have more time and options,” Mr Tudehope said.
“For any small business rent is one of the biggest fixed costs, easing this burden will help operators survive and keep people employed.”
Mr Perrottet said it was important that both landlords and tenants understood that the policy only applied to those businesses significantly impacted by COVID-19.
“If your circumstances have not significantly changed you need to fulfil the terms of your existing agreement.” Mr Perrottet said.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison released the National Cabinet Mandatory Code Of Conduct – SME Leasing Principles During COVID-19 on Tuesday, 7 April.
The NSW Government will seek to give legal effect to the code as soon as possible.

Residential tenants and landlords facing financial hardship due to COVID-19 will receive increased support and greater certainty from the NSW Government’s new temporary rental support measures announced today.
The six-month support package includes a moratorium on applications for forced evictions due to rental arrears for those financially disadvantaged by COVID-19, and new requirements for landlords and tenants to enter into negotiations over rental payments in good faith.
Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation Kevin Anderson said an interim 60-day moratorium on finalising existing matters, or making new applications to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) for forced evictions over rent arrears related to COVID-19, sends a clear message that the process is not optional.
“We know many people are worried about meeting their financial commitments at the moment. That is why we need more stability for tenants and landlords while the new Commonwealth income support payments are rolled-out, and landlords talk to their bank about mortgage relief,” Mr Anderson said.
Where a household is struggling to make rental payments and has suffered a loss of income equal to or greater than 25 per cent due to COVID-19, there is a new obligation to enter into negotiations with their landlord or managing agent, prior to seeking a forced end to the tenancy.
Tenants will be protected from eviction until NCAT is satisfied that negotiations have concluded. Any unpaid rent will accrue as arrears during this period.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the Government was allocating around $440 million towards rent relief in the form of land tax waivers or rebates – with the expectation that this would be split approximately evenly between business and residential landlords.
Mr Perrottet said residential landlords would be eligible for a land tax waiver or rebate of up to 25 per cent if they passed the saving on to tenants in financial distress.
“This is effectively a $220 million commitment in the residential sector from the NSW Government to help encourage both landlords and tenants to reach agreement on rent reductions during this difficult time,” Mr Perrottet said.
“It’s also important that tenants suffering financial distress as a result of COVID-19 will not be blacklisted for the accrual of rental arrears during this time.”
Mr Anderson said it was important that both landlords and tenants continued to honour existing agreements to the extent possible.
“No reasonable person wants to end a tenancy right now, which is why we are supporting renters and landlords to negotiate new temporary terms, so tenants keep a roof over their head, and landlords aren’t left without rental income for the next six-months.
“For some people this may be a daunting experience, so to boost available support we’ve announced a one-off $2.5 million boost to tenancy advocacy and advice services across the state.”
Tenants and landlords will also have access to assistance from Fair Trading and access to the NCAT to resolve matters after the end of the 60-day period:

• NSW Fair Trading’s dispute resolution service will be available to assist if the parties are unable to re-negotiate and agree on new rental arrangements, backed by Fair Trading’s existing legal powers;
• NCAT will be available to make appropriate orders in light of the current circumstances where the parties are unwilling or unable to reach an agreement and action is taken to seek an eviction;
• Action is also being taken to ensure that evictions for reasons not related to rent arrears are also stayed to minimise avoidable housing disruption and movement. The usual periods of required notice under the Residential Tenancies Act will be increased from the minimum of 30 days up to 90 days for terminations due to fixed or periodic leases ending, or other agreement breaches.
• Landlords will however continue to be able to seek to recover premises due to their own genuine hardship. Tenants will also continue to be able to apply to the Tribunal to terminate a fixed-term tenancy on the basis of hardship.
• Tenants will be protected from being added to tenancy databases (or ‘blacklists’) for breaches of agreements resulting from COVID-19 impacts.

“I encourage landlords and tenants to approach this new process with an open mind and an empathetic ear. It is important to learn about each other’s current position in order to better support each other during these extraordinary times,” Mr Anderson said.
Tenants, landlords and agents can find up to date information and resources at nsw.gov.au.