Category: NSW News

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.

A man has been charged after allegedly headbutting and spitting on a police officer who was assisting to enforce a beach closure in Sydney’s east yesterday.
About 11.20am yesterday (Monday 30 March 2020), a man and a woman attended Maroubra Beach, which had been closed by Randwick City Council.
Lifeguards notified the pair that the beach was closed and reminded them of the government’s social distancing guidelines.
It is alleged the man and woman then verbally abused the lifeguards, who contacted police.
A short time later, officers attached to Eastern Beaches Police Area Command stopped a 29-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman on Mons Avenue, Maroubra.
As police attempted to arrest the man, he allegedly headbutted and spat on a female sergeant, causing a laceration to her lip and swelling to her head.
Additional police attended and following a short struggle, the pair were arrested and taken to Maroubra Police Station.
The man was charged with assault police occasioning actual bodily harm, resist arrest, offensive behaviour and fail to comply with terms of notice erected by council.
He faced Central Local Court yesterday where he was refused bail to re-appear at the same court today (Tuesday 31 March 2020).
The woman was issued with a Criminal Infringement Notice for offensive behaviour and fail to comply with terms of notice erected by council.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott, said police are in the frontline in the fight against COVID-19 and deserve respect.
“I’ve had a gutful of people abusing, harassing and assaulting our hardworking police officers who put their own safety on the line every day to protect the very people who attack them,” Minister Elliott said.
“If you choose to ignore a direction from police – one that is in place to save lives – then you can expect to be issued with a hefty fine or jail time.”
NSW Police Force Commissioner Mick Fuller said this type of behaviour won’t deter police, who will continue to do their best to keep the community safe.
“Our officers are committed to community safety and will continue to enforce all ministerial directions aimed to stop the spread of COVID-19,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“If you choose not to comply with directions put in place to protect the community against this virus, you can expect to face the full force of the law.”
NSW Police officers have the additional power to issue Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) to anyone found to be in contravention of a ministerial direction under the Public Health Act.
PINs carry on-the-spot fines of $1000 for individuals and $5000 for businesses.

A man will face court today after police allege he did not comply with self-isolation ministerial directions in Sydney on three separate occasions.
On Wednesday 18 March 2020, a 30-year-old man arrived at Sydney International Airport on a flight from Jordan, and was advised he would be required to self-isolate for a 14-day period.
On Saturday 20 March 2020, he was arrested by police attached to Fairfield City Police Area Command at Edensor Park for an outstanding warrant and granted court bail, which included a condition that he obey the directions of the Health Minister to self-isolate.
About 1.20am Saturday 28 March 2020, the man was stopped by the Eastern Beaches Proactive Crime Team in Banksia Street, Pagewood and issued with a $1000 Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN) for failing to comply with a direction under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW).
About 10pm the same evening, officers from Sydney City Police Area Command spoke to the man on Pitt Street in Sydney’s CBD. He was arrested and later charged for breach of bail and non-compliance with a ministerial direction under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW).
He was granted conditional bail to appear at the Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday 6 May 2020.
Due to the man’s failure to self-isolate at his home address at Edensor Park, a Public Health Order was also served upon him directing him to do so at a serviced apartment at Camperdown.
Yesterday (Sunday 29 March 2020), the man was taken to the Camperdown apartments where police will allege he again failed to comply and was arrested while attempting to leave the accommodation.
He was taken to Sydney City Police Station and charged with not comply with Public Health Order under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW). He was refused bail and will appear in Central Local Court today (Monday 30 March 2020).
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott, said some people are just not getting the severity of the situation.
“This repeat offender’s reckless and selfish behaviour could have dangerous consequences to the community at large at a time when the vast majority are united to protect lives,” Minister Elliott said.
“I commend police on their continued efforts to ensure those who breach self-isolation directions face the full force of the law. This includes an on-the-spot fine of $1000 for individuals, and a maximum $11000 fine and six months imprisonment where a Court Attendance Notice is issued.”
In a separate incident, three infringements were issued after police uncovered a restaurant operating on George Street in Sydney overnight.
Officers attached to Sydney City Police Area Command were conducting a patrol in the Sydney CBD when they observed about 8-10 males inside a Japanese restaurant playing poker and drinking alcohol.
As police entered the restaurant, a number of males fled the scene.
Officers spoke with the male business owner and issued him with a $5000 PIN for failing to comply with a ministerial direction under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW).
Two men were also issued with $1000 PINs.
Inquiries continue with further action expected to be taken regarding illegal gaming and licensing offences.
NSW Police Force Commissioner Mick Fuller said police will continue to do everything possible to protect the community from the spread of COVID-19.
“The actions police have taken so far indicate how serious we are in the fight to ensure the safety of the people of New South Wales,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“Officers will be doing everything in their power to ensure compliance – but we will not succeed in stopping the spread of this virus unless we have the community’s cooperation.”
NSW Police officers now have the additional power to issue Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) to anyone found to be in contravention of a ministerial direction under the Public Health Act.
PINs carry on-the-spot fines of $1000 for individuals and $5000 for businesses.
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.

A teenager has been charged after allegedly coughing on and attempting to spit at a council ranger in Sydney’s lower North Shore yesterday.
Just before 4pm (Sunday 29 March 2020), a council ranger attended a reserve on Balls Head Drive, Waverton, following reports of a group illegally camping at the location.
The ranger – a 54-year-old man – spoke to a family to inform them camping at the location was prohibited.
Police will allege a member of the family – a 15-year-old boy – verbally abused the ranger, before coughing directly at him and attempting to spit in his direction.
Officers from North Shore Police Area Command were notified and attended the reserve, before speaking with the boy.
Following inquiries, police returned to the reserve and arrested the boy about 8.30pm the same day.
He was taken to Chatswood Police Station and charged with common assault and stalk/intimidate intend fear physical harm.
The teen is due to appear at a children’s court on Tuesday 16 June 2020.
 

State Emergency Operations Controller, NSW Police Force Commissioner Mick Fuller, is urging community compliance after mandatory quarantine measures came into effect today.
From this morning (Sunday 29 March 2020), anyone entering Australia is subject to a ministerial direction requiring them to self-isolate immediately on arrival for 14 days.
NSW Police Force is working with a number of state and federal agencies including NSW Health, Australian Border Force (ABF), Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Defence Force (ADF), to ensure this direction is adhered to.
All arrivals over the coming days will be provided with comfortable accommodation and will be able to stay in touch with family and friends over the phone and internet.
NSW Police and Emergency Services Minister David Elliott said this was a vital step in reducing the spread of COVID-19.
“The data shows more than 60% of cases across the state are returned travellers,” Mr Elliott said.
“We need to ensure these individuals aren’t bringing COVID-19 home before we allow them to have close contact with other members of the community.
“This virus is incredibly virulent, and is continuing to spread, threatening our elderly and vulnerable members of the population.
“These measures are absolutely necessary to ensure we do our best to stop the spread.”
Commissioner Fuller said officers would be enforcing the quarantine period and would not hesitate to use the appropriate action against individuals who do not comply.
“Anyone who doesn’t comply will be breaking the law – it’s as simple as that. People need to take this seriously,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“This is an unprecedented operation and I would urge recent arrivals to help police in their efforts to protect the state by complying with these new restrictions.
“While most people in NSW are adhering to the government’s health directions, there is still a small minority of irresponsible individuals who continue to flout the rules and put others at risk.
“It’s because of them that need to have these types of restrictions in place.”
Commissioner Fuller said significant care was being taken to ensure those in quarantine remained comfortable for the duration of their self-isolation period.
“The NSW Police Force and our government partners have dedicated significant resources to ensure these individuals are provided with comfortable accommodation and are able to stay in touch with family and friends,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“All arrivals will be provided with comprehensive information regarding their obligations and what they are/aren’t allowed to do.
“I understand this is unprecedented, and that people would rather be at home. But we are dealing with an unprecedented situation, and we need to adapt accordingly.
“My priority has always been, and will continue to be, the safety of the community in NSW.”
Anyone found to be in contravention of a ministerial direction is subject to heavy penalties, which can include Personal Infringement Notices (PINs) of $1000 for individuals and $5000 for businesses.
Court Attendance Notices (CANs) can also be issued, which carry a maximum penalty of an $11,000 fine and/or jail time.

A man and woman have been fined after failing to follow self-isolation ministerial directions in the state’s west today.
On Tuesday (24 March 2020), a 22-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman, arrived at Sydney International Airport on a flight from Thailand. They were advised they would be required to quarantine for a 14-day period under a Public Health Order at a Hillvue address.
Officers attached to Oxley Police District received information the pair had travelled from Hillvue to Boggabri on Friday 27 March 2020, where they came into contact with another person.
Today (Saturday 28 March 2020), police spoke to the couple at a Hillvue address. They have each been issued with a $1000 PIN for failing to comply with a direction under Section 7 of the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW).
NSW Police officers have the additional power to issue Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) to anyone found to be in contravention of a ministerial direction under the Public Health Act.
PINs carry on-the-spot fines of $1000 for individuals and $5000 for businesses.
 

The NSW Government today released the second stage of its economic package aimed at keeping people in jobs, helping businesses and supporting our most vulnerable in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Key elements of the NSW COVID-19 stage two package include:
Keeping people in jobs and helping businesses stay afloat

• The creation of a $1 billion Working for NSW fund to sustain business, create new jobs and retrain employees. The fund is already being put in to action with 1000 new staff for Service NSW announced this week to be funded by the program. The Working for NSW fund will comprise $750 million in new funding and $250 million announced last week for additional cleaning services.
• Deferral of payroll tax for business with payrolls over $10 million for six months (up to $4 billion deferred). Businesses with payrolls of $10 million or less received a three-month waiver on payroll tax in the first package. These businesses will now get an additional three month deferral as well.
• Deferral of gaming tax for clubs, pubs and hotels, and lotteries tax for six months, conditional on these funds being used to retain staff. This improves liquidity and helps these businesses stay afloat.
• Deferral of the parking space levy for six months.
• Deferral of rents for six months for commercial tenants with less than 20 employees in all Government-owned properties.

Helping our most vulnerable

• $34 million boost in funding to prevent homelessness.
• $30 million to boost the Energy Accounts Payments Assistance scheme.
• $10 million to support charities and $6 million additional funding for Lifeline’s operations in NSW.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the NSW Government’s package will support employment, provide relief for business and protect those most in need.
‘‘These are unprecedented times and if we are to emerge in the best shape possible we need to ensure businesses keep their heads above water and keep employees on the books,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Now is the time for all of us to work together, support each-other, show compassion and lend a hand wherever we can to those hurting.
“We will do whatever it takes to help businesses stay afloat so that they can hold onto as many jobs as possible as we get through this crisis. We will also be there to support those most vulnerable to ensure no one is left behind.”
NSW last week announced a $2.3 billion funding package which included a $700 million to boost health and $1.6 billion for tax cuts and job creation.
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the new measures were timely, targeted and temporary and had been “designed for maximum impact and immediate effect”.
“The NSW Government is leading from the front with a package which complements the stimulus measures delivered by the Commonwealth and RBA,” Mr Perrottet said.
“When you combine this announcement with last week’s stimulus package the NSW Government is ensuring billions are available to help business, support jobs, boost our health system and protect the vulnerable.
“Our expectation is that any relief provided by the NSW Government will be used to contribute to help businesses stay in business and people stay in jobs. It’s vital we keep people employed and ensure we have the ability to rebound when things improve.”

Australian governments met today as the National Cabinet to take further action to slow the spread of coronavirus to save lives, and to save livelihoods.
We will be living with this virus for at least six months, so social distancing measures to slow this virus down must be sustainable for at least that long to protect Australian lives, to help Australia to keep functioning and to keep Australians in jobs.
National Cabinet noted the latest statistics and medical advice in relation to COVID-19.
There are more than 3,000 confirmed cases in Australia and sadly 13 people have died. Of the newly reported cases in the last week, the majority have been from New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria.
National Cabinet noted that the vast majority (around 85%) of cases in Australia remain overseas acquired or locally acquired contacts of a confirmed case.
Testing keeps Australians safe. Australia has one of the most rigorous coronavirus testing systems in the world with more than 180,000 tests completed – more than the USA, France or the UK, which have much larger populations. Australia’s per capita testing rate is amongst the highest in the world, now surpassing South Korea.
Intensive Care Units (ICU) will be critically important to protect the health of Australians. National Cabinet noted that Commonwealth, states and territories are working on increasing ICU and ventilator capacity – with surge capacity being prepared in the case of outbreaks.
National Cabinet received a comprehensive economic update from Treasury Secretary Dr Steven Kennedy. It noted the Commonwealth and states and territories have implemented major new economic support packages, but that even with these packages it is expected there will still be significant impacts on unemployment and economic activity.
National Cabinet thanked all Australians who are adhering to social distancing and self-isolation arrangements. Hygiene, social isolation and contact tracing are our most important measures to reduce the spread of the virus. We recognise this is a distressing time for Australians and we must stand together to ensure that we support each other.
We will continue to look at further measures as and where necessary to protect Australians. Any further measures to restrict activity may need to be flexible and calibrated to the extent of outbreaks by jurisdiction and the impact on the wellbeing of Australians and economics activity. Our goal is to start businesses and economic again after this health crisis has ended
National Cabinet will meet again on Sunday, 29 March 2020 and consider issues including responses to address. Commercial and residential tenancies and health supply arrangements
Returning Travellers
Substantial numbers of returned travellers and small community outbreaks associated with travellers continue to contribute most of the significant further growth in COVID-19 cases in Australia.
In order to help drive down this concerning number of imported cases, National Cabinet has agreed to take action to further restrict the movement of incoming travellers and to increase compliance checks on travellers who are already undertaking their mandatory self-isolation period at home. This is about reducing the spread of the virus in Australia and saving lives
National Cabinet agreed that:

• As soon as possible, but no later than 11:59pm Saturday 28 March 2020, all travellers arriving in Australia will be required to undertake their mandatory 14 day self-isolation at designated facilities (for example, a hotel).
  • Travellers will be transported directly to designated facilities after appropriate immigration, customs and enhanced health checks.
  • Designated facilities will be determined by the relevant state or territory government and will ordinarily be in the city of entry where the traveller has cleared immigration, but facilities in other areas may be used if required.
  • These requirements will be implemented under state and territory legislation and will be enforced by state and territory governments, with the support of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Australian Border Force (ABF) where necessary.
  • The Commonwealth will provide support through the ABF and ADF for these arrangements across Australia, and that states and territories would meet the costs and determine any contributions required for travellers arriving within their jurisdictions.
  • Air and maritime crews will be required to continue to undertake the existing precautions they are following where they self-isolate in their accommodation if they enter Australia until their next work voyage.

• The Australian Defence Force will begin assisting state and territory governments to undertake quarantine compliance checks of those who are required to be in mandatory isolation after returning from overseas.

ADF assistance will be provided under the Defence Assistance to the Civil Community arrangements.
These new requirements will build on the existing support the Australian Defence Force is providing to the COVID-19 response, including:

• Assistance to the states and territories to support contact tracing efforts.
• Supporting industry with the production of surgical masks.
• Provision of planning and logistics support to Commonwealth, state and territory agencies.
• Provision of personnel to other agencies, including Services Australia.
• Supporting the NT Police with border control operations.
• Assisting states and territories to support the production of food hampers to supply to isolated civilians.

Statement on Schools by the National Cabinet
It is no longer business as usual for our schools, as we adapt to the impact of COVID-19.
We are now in a transition phase until the end of term as schools prepare for a new mode of operation following the school holidays.
For principals, teachers and support staff, the next few months will bring incredible challenges for our education system. We understand they need time to engage in the professional preparation and planning that is required to ensure that every child has access to education during this difficult time in a sustainable and effective manner for the rest of the 2020 school year.
Some states and territories have moved to pupil-free days already and each state and territory will come to their own transition arrangements with their workforce for the rest of this term.
While the medical advice remains that it is safe for children to go to school, to assist with the transition underway in our schools to the new mode of operation we ask that only children of workers for whom no suitable care arrangements are available at home to support their learning, physically attend school. This is vital to ensure that no parent should be forced to choose between their employment and the children’s education.
We understand the need for clear, nationally consistent health and safety advice so we have asked the AHPPC to develop guidelines about how staff in schools can protect themselves, manage social distance requirements and cater for those students who are at school. This will include guidelines for staff who work with vulnerable children, particularly those who have additional needs.
For education staff who identify as high risk, vulnerable or are caring for vulnerable family members, you will be supported to work from home.
We will continue to meet with education stakeholders and unions so that we can understand the education challenges for our communities and work constructively towards solutions. That will include the National Cabinet’s consideration of the measures needed for early childhood settings and TAFE.
Partnering with private hospitals
National Cabinet agreed to the importance of a strong and viable private hospital sector to bolster Australia’s response to COVID-19.
State and territory governments committed to urgently finalise arrangements with private hospitals under the COVID-19 National Partnership Agreement by 29 March 2020, to ensure sufficient and viable capacity exists within the private hospital sector both through the COVID-19 response and on an ongoing basis.
The private hospital system can play an important role in supporting the acute and intensive care needs of infected Australians together with other continuing urgent care needs. The capacity of the private system for non COVID cases and for overflow, particularly from ICU facilities, may be critical to Australia’s response.