Category: NSW News

The NSW Government is providing more than $420 million in financial relief this year to help keep businesses in business and people in jobs by reducing insurance premiums for businesses hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and maintaining current premium levels.
The NSW Government has requested that workers insurance premiums remain unchanged in another move to cushion the impacts of COVID-19 and stimulate the economy.
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet today confirmed premium rates for the Nominal Insurer, which protects more than 325,000 businesses and their 3.2 million workers, will remain unchanged from 30 June 2020, saving businesses across the State more than $325 million.
“The Government has deferred or waived a number of taxes, fees, and levies and I have asked icare to do the same despite the scheme being heavily impacted by market volatility associated with coronavirus,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This is another example of our ongoing support for NSW businesses as they deal with the impacts of COVID-19 with icare contacting around 3,000 customers to assist in premium adjustments, payment deferrals and offer advice.
“Employers across the State should have confidence the NSW Government is considering all options available to keep people in jobs and businesses in business.”
icare has already reduced premiums by $52 million for more than 10,000 businesses who have adjusted their estimated wages as a result of challenges related to COVID-19.
In addition, icare has paused more than $43 million in premiums for 2,000 customers facing financial hardship.
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said there was no doubt businesses had been hit hard during this challenging time.
“We’re taking action to ensure a higher insurance premium is one less thing businesses have to worry about,” Mr Tudehope said.
“The NSW Government is doing what it can to support our businesses – we have already cut payroll tax, waived licencing fees and provided grants to pay for unavoidable expenses.”
icare NSW CEO John Nagle said despite economic pressures on the workers compensation scheme, premiums would be maintained at 1.4 per cent of average base wages.
“We are working hard to keep premiums as low as possible for NSW businesses and despite the recent volatile economic conditions which have impacted our investment returns and our funding ratio, we are able to absorb the initial impacts and rebalance the funding gradually in coming years as the economy recovers,” Mr Nagle said.
“We are doing everything we can to support our customers in their recovery during this difficult time.
“We recognise there is still ongoing change for many businesses across the State and customers are encouraged to get in contact to discuss their individual needs.”
Customers can contact icare on 13 44 22 to discuss their individual business circumstances. Further details on COVID-19 measures and impacts are available on the icare website.
In 2015, the NSW Government undertook the biggest transformation of the workers compensation scheme in 30 years improving outcomes for injured motorists and workers and icare continues to drive change to provide excellent care and support.

Domestic violence victim-survivors will have more vital help available during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the NSW and Federal Governments today investing more than $21 million to boost frontline services and other supports.
The investment comprises $12.8 million from the NSW Government and $8.8 million from the Commonwealth Government.
NSW Attorney General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Mark Speakman said the pandemic has potentially increased the risk of abuse in already violent homes.
“Strict health orders in recent weeks have told people to stay home to help slow the spread of COVID-19. But domestic violence victims don’t have a safe home to begin with, so more have sought assistance and are presenting with more complex needs,” Mr Speakman said.
“Today’s package responds to a range of issues raised with the Government to help protect women and children and ultimately to save lives.”
Federal Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston said the Australian Government moved quickly to commit $150 million to support states and territories and ensure services had the capacity to manage the fallout of the pandemic.
“Programs that provide safer housing, emergency accommodation, counselling, crisis support, helpline support, behaviour change programs and interventions, as well as responding to challenges in rural and remote locations are the priority,” Minister Ruston said.
“We are working closely with all states and territories to identify funding priorities and to find the best way forward to improve support for those at-risk of violence.”
NSW Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said every person has the right to live a life free from violence and these funds will benefit all victims seeking support.
“This investment will help highly vulnerable people right across NSW, particularly Aboriginal, multicultural and regional and remote women, who face extra barriers when they take the courageous step of reporting their abuse,” Mrs Taylor said.
Helen Silvia, Chairperson of Domestic Violence NSW (DVNSW) the state’s peak body for specialist domestic violence services, welcomed the Government’s funding and said it would help support victim-survivors during the pandemic and recovery period.
“Our members have reported increased complexity working with women experiencing domestic violence, while our workforce and services are also facing more pressures due to COVID-19, so these funds will certainly help to alleviate that,” Ms Silvia said.
Today’s announcement will deliver the following additional supports:
Frontline support services

• Funding for frontline specialist domestic violence services to respond to increasing demand and complexity of cases;
• A boost for the 24/7 NSW Domestic Violence Line that provides crisis counselling and support referrals;
• Increasing staff at Legal Aid’s NSW Domestic Violence hotline, while bolstering legal information available online;
• More service capacity at the State’s Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Services; and
• Resources for targeted responses to especially vulnerable groups like Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, people with disability, multicultural communities, LGBTIQ communities and women living in rural and remote areas.

Escaping violent homes

• Access to more funding for the State’s 84 women’s refuges for additional staff, more training, and basic supports like food vouchers or safe phones for victims;
• Funding to allow companion animals to be accommodated in women’s refuges or animal shelters so women can leave violent homes without worrying their pet will be harmed; and
• A six-month ‘pop-up’ safe house in the Manly area to give highly vulnerable women and their children temporary and emergency accommodation.

Staying safe at home

• More duress alarm devices for victims to access if they’re remaining in their home as part of the Staying Home Leaving Violence (SHLV) program;
• Improved access to services for SHLV clients; and
• Temporary accommodation for perpetrators if they’re removed from a property by police and have nowhere else to stay (or based on protection orders) so that victims can remain safely at home.

Holding perpetrators to account

• A boost in funding for men’s behaviour change programs to respond to heightened demand while adjusting their service delivery to work remotely, if required;
• More support for No To Violence to expand their training and support for frontline staff who deliver perpetrator programs across NSW; and
• Funding for an app that helps perpetrators understand and therefore comply with Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVOs).

Raising awareness

• Extension of Toolbox Talks – a program that educates and empowers thousands of workers in the construction and mining industries to identify and report abuse; and
• A digital campaign to support victims and encourage the community to report domestic violence.

Thousands of passengers are set to benefit from a new Customer Management Team to help keep people safe on the Sydney Trains network.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance today joined Transport Secretary Rodd Staples and Sydney Trains Chief Customer Officer Suzanne Holden at the new Rail Operations Centre to launch the latest initiative as part of the NSW Government’s COVIDSafe Transport Plan.
“This dedicated team of 80 people will be the ‘eyes and ears’ of the Sydney Trains network. Every day teams will monitor 11,000 CCTV cameras and utilise new real time app technology to monitor patronage numbers and help facilitate physical distancing across the rail network,” Mr Constance said.
“We are trying to save lives. We are trying to avoid an outbreak, the likes of which we have seen overseas where social distancing was not maintained on large public transport systems.”
Transport Secretary Rodd Staples said this is the latest in a raft of measures.
“Last week we launched the ‘No Dot, No Spot’ campaign to help customers physically distance and there has been an extra 132,000 hours of cleaning since March, with regular deep cleans and hand sanitiser units being rolled at 163 staffed stations,” Mr Staples said.
“Our customers trust us to keep them safe, and that’s something we do not take lightly,” Ms Holden said.
“I could not be more proud to lead a team of people who have spent long hours innovating and finding solutions to transport problems we have never experienced in our lifetimes. New features we have created for loading data technology and this new pilot program is setting the standard for the rest of the country.”

A multimedia campaign launched today will target hate and xenophobia including online abuse and in the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Attorney General Mark Speakman said there were alarming reports the pandemic is fuelling racist abuse towards some members of the community.
“Stopping the spread of COVID-19 has required every member of the community to make enormous sacrifices. But the challenges we’ve faced are never an excuse for racism, scapegoating or scaremongering,” Mr Speakman said.
“We need to work together to combat abusive and violent behaviour that discriminates against cultural or religious groups as well as other sections of our community.”
The Stop Public Threats campaign will help victim-survivors and the community understand their legal rights, and ensure that threats of violence are reported to police for investigation.
Acting Minister for Multiculturalism Geoff Lee said the campaign is a valuable resource for diverse communities across NSW.
“Racial abuse and racial vilification in all their ugly forms are never acceptable and go against everything we stand for in NSW. No member of our community should ever feel attacked due to their cultural or religious background,” Mr Lee said.
“This campaign will empower diverse communities with information about how to respond to and report racially motivated incidents.”
The campaign includes a podcast, website, videos, posters and social media materials for legal professionals and the community to send a clear message that physical and verbal abuse is completely unacceptable.
It builds on the NSW Government’s introduction of tough penalties of up to three years’ imprisonment for anyone that publicly incites violence against someone on the grounds of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, intersex or HIV/AIDS status.
Minister for Counter Terrorism Anthony Roberts said the campaign reinforces the need to stand firm against any form of racism or discrimination.
“Our response to the pandemic and the worst bushfire season on record in NSW earlier this year demonstrates our community’s incredible resilience,” Mr Roberts said.
“There is a small number of individuals with extreme and violent views who want to divide us. We need to reject this behaviour and protect the rights of all NSW residents.”
Keep NSW Safe – a coalition of over 30 religious and cultural groups and high-profile individuals – successfully advocated for the NSW Government to make incitement to violence a crime.
Its spokesperson and the CEO of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies Vic Alhadeff welcomed the campaign and said it was an excellent opportunity to educate the community.
“One of the critical issues we see is that a lot of people do not understand their legal rights, so this will address misconceptions and encourage people to come forward and report crimes,” Mr Alhadeff said.
To report public threats of violence call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.  In an emergency always contact Triple Zero (000). For more information on the “Stop Public Threats” campaign go to: stoppublicthreats.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/.

Beauty and nail salon operators can begin treatments from June 1 under strict COVID-safe guidelines.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said this is another important step in easing restrictions while maintaining public safety.
“Whilst this is positive news, the key is introducing practices to protect the safety of both customers and beauticians,” Ms Berejiklian.
“It is vital staff and clients of beauty and nail salons abide by the one person per 4 square metres rule with no more than 10 clients at any one time.”
NSW Health has compiled a checklist for the industry. Businesses must develop a safety plan that addresses how to minimise risk from COVID-19.
Safety plans will include measures such as:

• One person per 4 square metres including both staff and clients, up to a maximum of 10 clients at any one time;
• Exclusion of staff and clients who are unwell, even if they have only mild symptoms;
• Records of attendance on the business premises for all staff, clients and contractors;
• Cleaning requirements;
• Removal of books, magazines and iPads from waiting areas to reduce the potential for infection of clients;
• Seating in waiting areas that complies with physical distancing;
• Ensure good hand hygiene facilities are available, including at venue entry and exit, and promote excellent hand hygiene by staff;
• Clearly displayed conditions of entry on their entrance, website and social media platforms;
• Designating a staff member whose responsibilities include ensuring staff and clients have appropriate physical distancing and that the venue does not exceed the maximum capacity limit and;
• Measures to maximise distancing between staff where safe and practical, including assigning staff to specific work stations that are at least 1.5 metres apart and minimising any interaction between these stations;
• Encourage download of the COVID-safe app.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said clients must not attend salons if they are unwell even with the mildest of symptoms.
“NSW has worked hard to flatten the curve but as restrictions ease we need to ensure the good work continues to keep our community safe,” Mr Hazzard said.
“The elderly and people with underlying health issues should be particularly cautious when and if visiting salons.”
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said it was important beauty therapists and nail salons follow their safety plan, as these are environments where close contact will happen.
“All businesses must have a COVID-19 safety plan and take precautions to protect the health of their staff and their clients,” Dr Chant said.
Businesses covered include beauty, nail, waxing and tanning salons. Once beauty salons are open, any services that normally and legally take place in a beauty salon will be able to be undertaken. Any existing rules and regulations will continue to apply.

Hundreds of additional transport staff are being deployed across the network to assist customers as more people return to work and students are back in the classroom full time.
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said hundreds of Transport Officers, Security Officers and Marshalling Officers will be out from tomorrow to help customers physical distance and stay safe on the network.
“This week we announced the COVIDSafe Transport Plan and rolled out green physical distancing dots across the entire network to show customers the safest places to sit and stand,” Mr Constance said.
“These Marshalling Response and Support Teams will monitor physical distancing, assist with crowd management and provide extra guidance to customers to help them move through stations and interchanges safely.
“This could mean forming lines at bus stops or limiting the amount of people who can enter onto a platform.
Mr Constance said customers will see these teams out and about across all modes of transport from tomorrow’s morning peak.
“Initially, 20 teams will be rolled out at key interchanges and transport hubs across Sydney and other busy centres including at Newcastle, Wollongong and the Blue Mountains.
“We are using data to identify key interchanges where these teams will be deployed, including Wynyard, Blacktown, Hurstville and Chatswood.”
Transport for NSW Chief Operations Officer Howard Collins said these new teams bolster efforts in providing a safe and clean public transport system, especially with students returning to school full time.
“Transport has a vital role to play in getting students back to school and we want to assure parents and carers we are working hard to support this return,” Mr Collins said.
“Most importantly, no school student will be turned away from any public transport, even if this means physical distancing won’t always be possible.
“Cleaning has been ramped up across the metro and regional networks, with more than 700 extra cleaners hired since March.
“These cleaning efforts will now include new real-time cleaners across the public transport network.”
“Customers are already seeing Sanitisation and Hygiene Agile Response Cleaners (SHARC) boarding buses at Bondi Junction and Parramatta to clean high touch areas, including Opal Card readers and stop buttons, in preparation for the next service.
“I am pleased to announce this initiative will also be rolled out at Wollongong Station from next week, with SHARC teams to be rolled out regionally, including Newcastle and Lismore, in the coming weeks,” Mr Collins said.
Mr Constance reminded road users to remain vigilant saying we expect to see significant increased activity around schools from tomorrow.
“As we are asking everyone to consider their travel options, including driving, this is not the time to get complacent about road safety,” Mr Constance said.
“We want to remind everyone 40 km/h school zones are active on every NSW school day.
“We are doing everything we practically can to keep everyone safe but we also need them to play their part.
“Our frontline transport staff have been doing an amazing job during this unprecedented time and we urge you to keep giving them your respect and understanding.”

The NSW Government has announced a $50 million Rescue and Restart package for NSW arts and cultural organisations to ensure the sector continues to make an important contribution to the NSW economy during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian today said this funding was the largest dedicated arts and cultural support package of any jurisdiction in Australia.
“This Rescue and Restart package will ensure the survival of some of the most significant arts and cultural organisations across NSW,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The NSW arts and cultural sector is an important contributor to the NSW economy as well as for our community’s well-being. We know that the arts is a place of refuge and a source of inspiration in these challenging times.”
The Rescue and Restart package will be delivered in two stages:
 

• Funding available now to enable NSW not-for-profit arts and cultural organisations to hibernate temporarily.
• Funding available in the coming months to enable NSW not-for-profit arts and cultural organisations to restart operations after the COVID-19 pandemic.

 
Funding will be available to NSW not-for-profit arts and cultural organisations assessed as being in financial distress across the State on a case by case basis.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the arts sector supports 118,000 jobs across NSW and contributes $16.4 billion directly and indirectly to the NSW Gross State Product.
“This funding is critical to keep more businesses in business and people in jobs as the as the NSW economy begins its recovery,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The Rescue and Restart package is intended to assist NSW arts and cultural organisations to hibernate, so they are in a strong position to restart operations when health guidelines permit.”
For more information, visit the Create NSW website

Animal lovers will soon be able to visit iconic Taronga Zoo again with the NSW Government announcing plans to reopen to the public from Monday, 1 June.
Environment Minister Matt Kean said families, animal lovers and dedicated zoo staff would be thrilled by the news, but also urged visitors to use common-sense to ensure community safety in the face of COVID-19.
“This is great news and I am sure zoos and wildlife parks right across the State will be excited to be putting out the welcome mat in coming weeks,” Mr Kean said.
“Because Taronga is predominantly outdoors, with a large amount of open space, they have the ability to ensure social distancing for visitors and staff, while still allowing everyone to enjoy the animals.”
Strict safety requirements will need to be adhered to for the re-opening, including ensuring clear physical distancing measures, adequate hand sanitiser available for staff and customers, and enhanced cleaning and disinfection.
Visitor numbers will be limited as zoos will have to comply with the 4 square metre rule per person.
Other zoos, aquariums and wildlife parks across NSW will also be able to re-open from June 1, providing they develop a COVID-19 safety plan that addresses measures in the NSW Health check-list.
Customer Service Minister Victor Dominello said the Government would be working to ensure the zoos had adequate plans in place and did everything possible to stop the spread of COVID-19.
“Zoos and wildlife parks are very experienced at managing people, and they will need to ensure patrons are aware of their responsibilities and what they need to do to have a fun and safe day,” Mr Dominello said.
“We need to slowly, surely and safely look to open NSW up again.”
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the imminent reopening was another step back from the COVID-19 lockdown.
“We are working with health authorities to allow industries to get back up and running again as we know that will help keep business in business and people in jobs,” Mr Perrottet said.
“It is vital that every step we take along the road to reopening is done with safety as a priority. Zoos and wildlife parks are well placed to be able to meet safety standards and not only provide a great day out for families but jobs for hundreds of staff.”
Mr Perrottet said the NSW Government would work with Taronga to ensure they opened safely and urged people planning a day out to check online or by phone before they visited any parks to make sure they could visit or if tickets needed to be pre-purchased.
“With the June long weekend and school holidays not far away we want to ensure they take appropriate measures to make this a success. For example, that might be only doing online tickets to control visitor numbers on busy days,” Mr Perrottet said.
Cameron Kerr, CEO, Taronga Conservation Society Australia said “Taronga Zoo is a place where guests can foster meaningful connections with wildlife and enjoy time in nature, which we know is so important for our physical and mental health.
“We are excited to be able to welcome visitors again and continue to provide that safe place for them to escape to.”
It also follows the easing of a range of restrictions including allowing cafes, pubs, clubs and restaurants to have up to 50 customers, subject to a one person per four square metre rule, and with strict social distancing guidelines from 1 June.
In a further boost to regional zoos and wildlife parks, it was announced last week that travel restrictions will also be eased from 1 June, allowing NSW residents to take a holiday anywhere in the state.
Information on health guidelines for businesses can be found at SafeWork NSW

NSW will lead Australia to economic recovery, with the NSW Government today announcing another 24 priority projects, including a new retail centre, industrial precincts, three new schools and the relocated Sydney Fish Markets, that could inject more than $5.37 billion into the State’d economy.
The second tranche of projects released today will have their planning assessments fast-tracked and finalised through the Planning System Acceleration Program, which is boosting the State’s economy and creating opportunities for thousands of new jobs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Program includes 11 rezonings that will unlock major commercial, industrial and residential development across the State to propel NSW’s economic rebound, with a determination to be made on every project in the tranche within four weeks.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the second batch of projects could provide more than 15,000 jobs, more than 3,600 new homes and enhance NSW’s status as this country’s economic powerhouse.
“NSW is streets – and roads and homes and hospitals and schools – ahead of every other State in providing new jobs, economic growth, infrastructure and services for our people,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This health crisis only sharpens our focus and energy as we bring forward the NSW Government’s unprecedented infrastructure spend and create an environment where private and government investment combine to help us rebound from the pandemic together.”
The second tranche of shovel-ready projects includes eight suggested by the private sector, including a specialised retail centre at Eastern Creek, a waste recycling facility in Girraween, new public open space in St Peters and an expansion of the Cumberland State Forest.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said projects such as the $2.6 billion Mamre Road industrial precinct, including new environmental lands and open space, will transform NSW.
“The Mamre Road project alone creates opportunities for more than 5,250 jobs and it will happen sooner because the NSW Government has re-allocated planning resources to assess these projects faster,” Mr Stokes said.
“Our first tranche of 24 projects delivered more than 10,000 jobs and $7.7 billion in economic benefit to our State but it’s important to recognise these are just the projects we’ve prioritised.
“During the same period we also approved  – through our normal process – 42 projects worth $2.4 billion, creating opportunities for more than 4,600 jobs and 399 new homes.
“We’re creating great places to live, work and play while also showing the world that NSW is ready to not only recover but thrive,” Mr Stokes said.
To be considered for a fast-tracked assessment through the Planning System Acceleration Program, a development application (DA) or rezoning must already be in the system, deliver a public benefit, demonstrate an ability to create jobs during construction and once complete, be able to commence construction within six months (for a State Significant Development application or State Significant Infrastructure application) or allow a DA to be lodged within six months (for a rezoning).
Decisions will be made on the projects by 18 June 2020. For more information visit: www.planning.nsw.gov.au/fast-tracked-assessments

The NSW Government will allow pubs, clubs, cafes and restaurants to have up to 50 customers, subject to a one person per four square metre rule, and with strict social distancing guidelines from 1 June.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the move was about safely bringing back thousands of jobs.
“This decision has been made with expert health advice and both businesses and patrons will be subject to strict rules and guidelines,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“All customers must be seated and no bookings of more than 10 allowed, in addition to many other conditions which must be met.”
Deputy Premier John Barilaro, Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Customer Service Minister Victor Dominello are heading up the Government’s roadmap for reopening the economy and have worked extensively with both the AHA and ClubsNSW.
“This is a game-changer right now, as we continue to deal with the aftermath of the devastating bushfires, continued drought and COVID-19, it’s important for people to find a way to enjoy themselves and take a break from the daily pressures they are facing,” Mr Barilaro said.
“A morale boost and the additional economic stimulus provided by pubs and clubs is what our communities need and I look forward to enjoying a beer in the bush with locals very soon.”
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the Government was moving to swiftly and safely get businesses back in business and people back to work.
“There are about 280,000 people employed in this sector of the economy and allowing venues to safely cater for more customers will provide another boost to business and jobs,” Mr Perrottet said.
“NSW is opening back up for business, and as we ease restrictions everybody needs to follow the health and safety guidelines, to ensure we make it a success and can continue.”
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello, who is responsible for liquor and gaming regulation, said the NSW Government had liaised exhaustively with both AHA and ClubsNSW to deliver this plan.
“This has been really considered and thought out to make sure we have the best regulatory settings in place,” Mr Dominello said.
All venues must ensure social distancing and will need to develop a COVID Safety Plan consistent with NSW Health guidelines
The AHA and ClubsNSW have confirmed their members will comply with all conditions stipulated by NSW Health.
Patrons have been advised to check with the venue before attending to ensure they will be able to attend.