Category: NSW News

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard has issued directions to stop the spread of COVID-19, which kills people.
You must stay at home unless you have a reasonable excuse for leaving.
Shopping for food, travel to work or school, medical treatment or exercise are all reasonable excuses.
Exercise is important for physical and mental health. The list of exercise types is endless and it is not possible to list them all; and some forms of exercise are more active than others.
The important thing is that people comply with the two person rule when doing exercise, or that they only exercise with their household.
As I keep saying, a good rule of thumb is that if you are questioning whether you should be doing something, it is best to give it a miss.
Treat every situation like YOU have the virus.
DO THAT.
SAVE LIVES.

A joint operation has been conducted with Australian Border Force to facilitate a medical assessment on the Ruby Princess.
The Marine Area Command provided an escort for NSW Health and an independent medical team to board the ship earlier today (Thursday 2 April 2020).
No police officers boarded the vessel.
Additionally, the NSW Police Force is assisting with a number of medical evacuations and transfers of Australian crew members from several cruise ships anchored off Sydney.
During today’s joint operation, a 66-year-old crew member was transported from the vessel requiring medical care.
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller will provide an update on the evolving operation regarding the management of cruise ships tomorrow morning (Friday 3 April 2020).

A total of 13 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) were issued yesterday in relation to alleged breaches of the Public Health Act:
INDIVIDUALS
– Just after midnight (Wednesday 1 April 2020), police were patrolling Artarmon when they saw two men standing together on the Princes Highway. It’s alleged that as officers approached, one of the men ran – but was chased and eventually stopped by police. Both men gave varying accounts about why they were out, however neither satisfied the requirements stipulated by the Public Health Order. The men – aged 19 and 24 – were searched, issued with infringement notices and moved on.
– About 1.30am yesterday (Wednesday 1 April 2020), officers attached to New England Police District stopped a vehicle on Adelaide Street, Moree, for the purposes of a roadside breath test. The driver, a 34-year-old woman, was unable to provide a reasonable excuse for leaving her home in Coonamble and was issued with a penalty infringement notice.
– About 1.30am yesterday (Wednesday 1 April 2020), police stopped a car in Coonamble containing five people and gave them a verbal warning about social distancing, public gatherings and non-essential travel. It will be alleged that at 8.45am the same morning, one of the occupants of the vehicle – a 21-year-old woman – was spotted by officers walking around Coonamble without a legitimate excuse. She was issued with an infringement notice.
– Yesterday about 3.15am (Wednesday 1 April 2020) officers from Orana Mid-Western Police District fined a 23-year-old man for not comply with noticed direction (Section 7/8/9 – COVID-19). The man was given a warning by police the previous evening, before being caught leaving his home a second time without a reasonable excuse.
– About 9.15am on Friday 20 March 2020, a 28-year-old man arrived in Australia from New Zealand, with two travel companions and was informed of his obligations to enter a 14-day self-isolation period in his home due to COVID-19. About 10.30am yesterday (Wednesday 1 April 2020), officers attached to Riverina Police District attended the man’s registered address in Gundagai to conduct a welfare and compliance check. The man was not home and was later stopped by police driving his vehicle on Sheridan Street. For failing to self-quarantine, the man was issued with a Penalty Infringement Notice.
– About 4pm (Wednesday 1 April 2020), police saw two men sitting together at Caseys Beach Reserve, Batehaven, drinking alcohol. When officers spoke with the pair, it’s alleged they became abusive and claimed they were exercising. One of the men, aged 41, was charged with an unrelated offence and issued an infringement notice in relation to breaching a Public Health Order. The other 44-year-old man was issued an infringement notice, searched and moved on from the area.
– Just before 6pm (Wednesday 1 April 2020), police attended a single vehicle crash on Union Road, Lavington. The car’s only occupant – a 51-year-old man – was not injured, but allegedly told police he had left his home in order to visit his drug dealer. The man was arrested and taken to hospital for blood and urine testing. Checks revealed he was disqualified from driving. He was issued with a Future Court Attendance Notice for driving whilst disqualified (2nd+ offence) and given an infringement notice for contravening a Public Health Order.
– A man and a woman were fined yesterday (Wednesday 1 April 2020), after police patrolling Scott Street, Muswellbrook, spotted the pair sitting in a car. Following inquiries, officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District found neither the 32-year-old woman or the 27-year-old man had a reasonable excuse not to be at home.
– Yesterday, a 21-year-old man ignored two warnings to be fined $1000 for failing to comply with Ministerial directions under the Public Health Act. Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District found the man for the third time that day (Wednesday 1 April 2020), on Market St eating a kebab on a bench.
BUSINESSES
– Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District attended a remedial massage business on Harrison Street, Cardiff, about 4pm yesterday (Wednesday 1 April 2020), following information it was continuing to operate. Police observed several customers enter and leave the premises. The operator, a 57-year-old woman, was spoken to and issued a $5,000 PIN for failing to comply with noticed direction (Section 7/8/9 – COVID-19).
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.

Police have fined a man after he was allegedly caught speeding in a Lamborghini to a COVID-19 clinic in Sydney’s west.

About 6.55pm on Monday 30 March 2020, an officer from the Motorcycle Response Group detected the car allegedly travelling up to 160 km/h in a 90km/h zone on the M4 motorway at Lidcombe.

When the 35-year-old driver was stopped, he allegedly told the officer he was on his way to Westmead Hospital to get tested for COVID-19.

The officer, who followed appropriate protocols, issued a traffic infringement notice to the man and suspended his licence.

The man then continued to the clinic to be tested before undergoing mandatory self-isolation.

Commander of Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy, has reminded motorists to drive safely on the roads in all circumstances.

“Drivers shouldn’t break the road rules under any circumstances,” Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.

“Speeding endangers the life of motorists as well as pedestrians.”

“If you think you may have symptoms of COVID-19 and want to seek help from a doctor or hospital, call ahead of time to book an appointment, or visit a NSW Health COVID-19/Flu assessment clinic should you become unwell.”

“If you are experiencing a medical emergency, contact triple 000,” Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.

Police have issued three penalty infringement notices and given several warnings in relation to the new restrictions under the Public Health Order issued at midnight on Monday (30 March 2020).
With updated state-wide figures now at hand, police can confirm three individuals were yesterday issued with an infringement notice for ‘Not comply with noticed direction (Section 7/8/9 – COVID-19)’
– About 10.30am yesterday (Tuesday 31 March 2020), a 39-year-old man was stopped after being seen washing car windscreens at the intersection of Woodville Road and the Hume Highway, Chester Hill. Police will allege the man indicated he had no intention of complying with the Public Health Order, stating “It’s just a virus, it’s not that bad”. He was also issued with a move along direction and an infringement notice for ‘Pedestrians not to cause a traffic hazard or obstruction/Pedestrian stand on road to wash or offer to wash windscreen’.
– About 2.30pm yesterday, police from Bankstown Police Area Command saw four people drinking alcohol outside of a closed hotel on Bankstown City Plaza. Although three people from the group left upon speaking with police, it’s alleged a 57-year-old man became abusive and refused their directions to leave. He was also searched, given an infringement notice for offensive language and moved on.
– Just before 6.30pm last night, police patrolling Parkes saw numerous people gathering outside a residence. Officers identified that one person in the group, a 26-year-old man, was not a family member. It’s alleged that failed to heed several warnings and requests by police to leave the area. He eventually left after being issued a move along direction.
NSW Police Commissioner Michael Fuller said police will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of the wider community.
“I have said time and time again that one of the most important powers police have is the power of discretion.
“Additional powers have been introduced with good reason and I encourage my officers to use them in the spirit in which they were intended – to keep the people of NSW safe throughout this crisis.
“I’d encourage people to continue to do the right thing without the need for police involvement and the use of these new powers.
“A good rule of thumb is that if you are questioning whether you should be doing something, it is best to give it a miss,” Commissioner Fuller said.

A woman has been charged after allegedly coughing on people in the Snowy Mountains earlier today.
About 9.20am (Wednesday 1 April 2020) a woman was walking south along Sharp Street, Cooma, when she allegedly stepped in front of another woman and intentionally coughed in her direction.
The woman allegedly continued to cough at members of the public as she walked past them, including a woman with a young child.
The matters were reported to police and an investigation commenced by officers from Monaro Police District.
A short time later, police located the 41-year-old Jerrabomberra woman at the intersection of Sharp Street and Bombala Street, Cooma.
It’s alleged that the woman did not have a valid reason for being at the location and was contravening a Public Health Order.
She was arrested and taken to Cooma Police Station, where she was charged with two counts of stalk intimidate intend to cause fear physical harm and not comply with notice/direction under the Public Health Act.
The woman was refused bail and is due to face Wollongong Local Court via AVL tomorrow (Thursday 2 April 2020).

The NSW Police Force has been joined by the Australian Defence Force to conduct Public Health Order checks at homes and businesses across the state.
Operations are being led by police, supported by the ADF, to ensure adherence to all self-isolation requirements set out by the NSW Government under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW).

NSW pharmacists now have extra powers enabling them to dispense medicines without a prescription and can now stay open 24/7, as the State fights COVID-19.
Minister for Health and Medical Research Brad Hazzard said a special authority has been granted to community pharmacists to assist people who can’t access their GP.
“This new authority comes at a crucial time for NSW, when we are looking at keeping our entire medical ecosystem free of red tape,” Mr Hazzard said.
“It gives our trusted community pharmacists the ability to dispense when people are not able to contact their GP to arrange a prescription at a time when we want everyone to stay home as much as possible.”
Pharmacies are also now able to operate 24 hours a day.  The NSW Government is also addressing the over-supply of prescription and over-the-counter medicines and recently introduced new limits to ensure equitable access.
For example, salbutamol (such as Ventolin brand) inhalers must now only be supplied (when over-the-counter by the pharmacist) as a single pack for a medically diagnosed lung condition.
“The NSW Government recognises the role of community pharmacists as frontline health workers supporting the community,” Mr Hazzard said.
“I want to remind the community to not panic buy, not abuse staff, and be respectful of people who hold a very special place on the frontline of our fight to keep the community safe and well.”
Families can also take advantage of an initiative announced earlier this year, enabling pharmacists to administer flu vaccines to anyone over 10 years.
Advice to pharmacists is available at:
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/covid-19-pharmacy.aspx

Police and domestic violence frontline services remain at the ready to support victims and their families as the state continues to respond to the coronavirus threat.
Attorney General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Mark Speakman said survivors could be confident that support services and the NSW Police Force are prepared and ready to respond if they need help.
“As citizens cooperate with social distancing directions, self-isolation and quarantine, there is an associated risk that domestic and family violence will increase,” Mr Speakman said.
“Victims have a right to live a life free from violence every single day. When it’s safe to do so, I urge them to contact our hard working frontline services for support.”
Minister for Police David Elliott said police had ramped up their efforts to combat violence in the home, including more proactive operations to enforce protection orders.
“I’m putting perpetrators on notice. It’s only a matter of time before police come knocking on your door if you continue to abuse those you claim to love,” Minister Elliott said.
“Police are not only on the beat ensuring the public complies with public health orders, they’re also conducting thousands of Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) compliance checks to keep victims safe.”
NSW Police Force Domestic Violence Corporate Spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Mark Jones, said police will continue monitoring rates of domestic violence across the state.
“Specially trained police will continue targeting high-risk and repeat offenders to ensure that all orders are strictly followed and complied with and offenders are arrested if violence is detected,” Assistant Commissioner Jones said.
“Police are also able to vary existing interim or final ADVOs without needing to first go to court, if we know that violence is escalating, so that victims are immediately protected.
“NSW Police are working together with government agencies, including NSW Health, to ensure there is no increased health risk to the community.
“As always, if you witness domestic or family violence, call the police – the information you provide might just save someone’s life,” Assistant Commissioner Jones said.
The NSW Government continues to adapt as the COVID-19 emergency evolves, which includes various justice, housing and policing responses to combat domestic violence.
In the Local Court, the Chief Magistrate has made the following changes:

• Increased use of audio visual link technology;
• Restricting physical attendance at court, where legally represented;
• Streamlining bail processes, localised to certain metro and regional local courts;
• Defended hearings where the accused is in custody, adjourned for eight weeks; and
• Police providing court dates of three months from issuing Field Court Attendance Notices.

The Government also last week passed amendments in Parliament to enable Provisional ADVOs to remain in place for up to six months, if the court cannot consider them earlier. This coincides with reforms that extend the default duration of ADVOs made by a court from one year to two years.
Domestic violence survivors and their families make up a significant proportion of those who are, or at risk of, homelessness. The State’s housing response includes the following additional government support:

• $14.3 million investment to increase the supply and flexibility of temporary accommodation across NSW,  including accommodation suitable for self-isolation;
• $20 million commitment to accelerate pathways for existing clients and priority social housing applicants to secure stable housing in the private rental market – including more than 350 Rent Choice Start Safely packages dedicated to women and children escaping domestic and family violence; and
• Financial support covering the costs of additional staffing for homelessness providers, such as casual workers or overtime.

“Further changes may be necessary as the COVID-19 crisis continues, but if you, or someone you know, is experiencing domestic or family violence, multiple services are available to provide immediate support,” Mr Speakman said.
Available 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 statewide 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.

If you are in danger or in an emergency, always contact Triple Zero (000).  

The Morrison Government will provide a historic wage subsidy to around 6 million workers who will receive a flat payment of $1,500 per fortnight through their employer, before tax.
The $130 billion JobKeeper payment will help keep Australians in jobs as tackle the significant economic impact from the coronavirus.
The payment will be open to eligible businesses that receive a significant financial hit caused by the coronavirus.
The payment will provide the equivalent of around 70 per cent of the national median wage.
For workers in the accommodation, hospitality and retail sectors it will equate to a full median replacement wage.
The payment will ensure eligible employers and employees stay connected while some businesses move into hibernation.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the JobKeeper payment would bring the Government’s total economic support for the economy to $320 billion or 16.4 per cent of GDP.
“We will give millions of eligible businesses and their workers a lifeline to not only get through this crisis, but bounce back together on the other side,” the Prime Minister said.
“This is about keeping the connection between the employer and the employee and keeping people in their jobs even though the business they work for may go into hibernation and close down for six months.
“When the economy comes back, these businesses will be able to start again and their workforce will be ready to go because they will remain attached to the business through our JobKeeper payment.”
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the country was about to go through one of the toughest times in its history.
“Businesses will close and people will lose their jobs. That is why we have doubled the welfare safety net,” the Treasurer said.
“However, today we are going even further. Australians know that their government has their back.
“That is why we are delivering an historic $130 billion JobKeeper payment to support businesses and to help Australians in a job.
“This will keep Australian workers connected with their employer and provide hope and more certainty during these difficult and challenging times.”
JobKeeper Payment
The JobKeeper Payment is a subsidy to businesses, which will keep more Australians in jobs through the course of the coronavirus outbreak.
The payment will be paid to employers, for up to six months, for each eligible employee that was on their books on 1 March 2020 and is retained or continues to be engaged by that employer.
Where a business has stood down employees since 1 March, the payment will help them maintain connection with their employees.
Employers will receive a payment of $1,500 per fortnight per eligible employee. Every eligible employee must receive at least $1,500 per fortnight from this business, before tax.
The program will commence today, 30 March 2020, with the first payments to be received by eligible businesses in the first week of May as monthly arrears from the Australian Taxation Office. Eligible businesses can begin distributing the JobKeeper payment immediately and will be reimbursed from the first week of May.
The Government will provide updates on further business cashflow support in coming days.
Eligible employers will be those with annual turnover of less than $1 billion who self-assess that have a reduction in revenue of 30 per cent or more, since 1 March 2020 over a minimum one-month period.
Employers with an annual turnover of $1 billion or more would be required to demonstrate a reduction in revenue of 50 per cent or more to be eligible. Businesses subject to the Major Bank Levy will not be eligible.
Eligible employers include businesses structured through companies, partnerships, trusts and sole traders. Not for profit entities, including charities, will also be eligible.
Full time and part time employees, including stood down employees, would be eligible to receive the JobKeeper Payment. Where a casual employee has been with their employer for at least the previous 12 months they will also be eligible for the Payment. An employee will only be eligible to receive this payment from one employer.
Eligible employees include Australian residents, New Zealand citizens in Australia who hold a subclass 444 special category visa, and migrants who are eligible for JobSeeker Payment or Youth Allowance (Other).
Self-employed individuals are also eligible to receive the JobKeeper Payment.
Eligible businesses can apply for the payment online and are able to register their interest via ato.gov.au
Income support partner pay income test
Over the next six months the Government is temporarily expanding access to income support payments and establishing a Coronavirus Supplement of $550 per fortnight.
JobSeeker Payment is subject to a partner income test, and today the Government is temporarily relaxing the partner income test to ensure that an eligible person can receive the JobSeeker Payment, and associated Coronavirus Supplement, providing their partner earns less than $3,068 per fortnight, around $79,762 per annum.
The personal income test for individuals on JobSeeker Payment will still apply.
Every arm of government and industry is working to keep Australians in jobs and businesses in business, and to build a bridge to recovery on the other side.
The Government will continue to do what it takes to ensure that Australia bounces back stronger.